Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of pallidocortical motor network in Parkinson’s disease through complex network analysis

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been demonstrated by numerous clinical trials to be an advanced therapy for selected patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), while its maximal therapeutic effect is capped by the inadequate understanding of the precise neuronal mechanisms underlying PD. Recordings from multichannel electrodes placed in subcortical and cortical regions of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical (BGTC) motor network during DBS surgical procedures can provide rich physiologic information from accessible network nodes. However, most investigations focus on presumed spatio-spectral points of interest, neither fully utilizing the richness of spatial, spectral and temporal aspects of the multivariate signals nor making discoveries in the context of all possible candidates. In addition, aggregated network-level information has been missed out. Approach. We use complex network analysis to characterize functional network characteristics of the pallidocortical subcircuit of the BGTC motor network in PD at rest and with movement. The network matrix was constructed using distinct frequency bands at each anatomic recording site as virtual nodes and spectral connectivity (through phase–amplitude coupling and coherence) as network edges. Main results. We confirm the critical roles of beta bands and provide additional evidence on their differential functional roles in the pallidocortical motor network. Moreover, significant changes (p < 0.05) in network functional segregation and integration between rest and movement conditions are revealed for the first time. More importantly, movement-dependent modulation of these network metrics are significantly correlated with hemibody unified PD rating scales (UPDRS), providing network-level perspectives of the pallidocortical motor network pertaining to PD symptoms (p < 0.05). Significance. Findings in the present study provide network-level understanding of neuronal mechanisms in the pallidocortical motor network underlying PD. It is also highly plausible that the demonstrated approach can be applied in other important subcircuits towards a comprehensive understanding of the BGTC motor network.
Declines in Pneumonia and Meningitis Hospitalizations in Children Under 5 Years of Age After Introduction of 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Zambia, 2010–2016

Abstract Background Pneumococcus is a leading cause of pneumonia and meningitis. Zambia introduced a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) in July 2013 using a 3-dose primary series at ages 6, 10, and 14 weeks with no booster. We evaluated the impact of PCV10 on meningitis and pneumonia hospitalizations. Methods Using hospitalization data from first-level care hospitals, available at the Ministry of Health, and from the largest pediatric referral hospital in Lusaka, we identified children aged <5 years who were hospitalized with pneumonia or meningitis from January 2010–December 2016. We used time-series analyses to measure the effect of PCV10 on monthly case counts by outcome and age group (<1 year, 1–4 years), accounting for seasonality. We defined the pre- and post-PCV10 periods as January 2010–June 2013 and July 2014–December 2016, respectively. Results At first-level care hospitals, pneumonia and meningitis hospitalizations among children aged <5 years accounted for 108 884 and 1742 admissions in the 42 months pre-PCV10, respectively, and 44 715 and 646 admissions in the 30 months post-PCV10, respectively. Pneumonia hospitalizations declined by 37.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.4–50.3%) and 28.8% (95% CI 17.7–38.7%) among children aged <1 year and 1–4 years, respectively, while meningitis hospitalizations declined by 72.1% (95% CI 63.2–79.0%) and 61.6% (95% CI 50.4–70.8%), respectively, in these age groups. In contrast, at the referral hospital, pneumonia hospitalizations remained stable and a smaller but significant decline in meningitis was observed among children aged 1–4 years (39.3%, 95% CI 16.2–57.5%). Conclusions PCV10 introduction was associated with declines in meningitis and pneumonia hospitalizations in Zambia, especially in first-level care hospitals.
Ligand-Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Surface: DFT Insights into the Electronic Properties of Biofunctionalization

With the increasing power of computation systems, theoretical calculations provide a means for quick determination of material properties, laying out a research plan, and lowering material development costs. One of the most common is Density Functional Theory (DFT), which allows us to simulate the structure of chemical molecules or crystals and their interaction. In developing a new generation of biosensors, understanding the nature of functional linkers, antibodies, and ligands become essential. In this study, we used DFT to model a bulk boron-doped diamond slab, modified by a functional linker and a surrogate proteins ligand. DTF calculations enable the prediction of electronic transport properties in an electrochemical sensor setup, composed of a boron-doped diamond electrode functionalized by 4-amino benzoic acids and a target surrogated protein-ligand for influenza. Electron conduction pathways and other signatures associated with the detection and measurement of the target analyte are revealed.
Optimum waist circumference‐height indices for evaluating adult adiposity: An analytic review

Phenotyping adults for excess adiposity and related health risks usually include three body size measurements: height, weight and waist circumference (WC). Height and weight are now widely used as components of the body shape measure, body mass index (BMI, weight/height2), with the height power referred to as the scaling factor, α. At present, WC is usually not adjusted for height or is expressed as WC/height in which α = 1. Although other α values have been proposed, a critical review of these shape measures is lacking. Here, we examine classical pathways by which the scaling exponent for height used in BMI was developed and then apply this strategy to identify the optimum WC index characteristic of adult shape. Our analyses explored anthropometric, body composition and clinically‐relevant data from US and Korean National Health and Nutrition Surveys. Our findings provide further support for the WC index of WC/height0.5 as having the strongest associations with adiposity while having the weakest correlations with height across non‐Hispanic white and black, Mexican American and Korean men and women. The WC index, defined as WC/height0.5, when combined with BMI, can play an important role when phenotyping adults for excess adiposity and associated health risks in research and clinical settings.
[Reconstruction of the Aortic Arch with an Autologous Pericardial Patch in Aortic Coarctation and Interruption].

BACKGROUNDS Direct anastomosis such as end-to-end anastomosis or extended aortic arch anastomosis are the most commonly used technique to repair aortic coarctation or interrupted aortic arch. Direct anastomosis of the aorta sometimes results in restenosis and/or bronchial compression. To avoid these complications, we have used the technique of the aortic reconstruction using an 0.6% glutaraldehyde-fixed autologous pericardium. PATIENTS AND METHODS The procedure was performed in 6 patients;4 with aortic coarctation and 2 with aortic interruption. Prognosis, aortic diameter, and the aortic shape measurement on 3-dimensional computed tomography( 3D-CT) were examined postoperatively. RESULTS There were no early or late deaths. There was no case of recurrent aortic arch obstruction and/or bronchial compression, The postoperative A/T ratio was 0.48±0.04 on 3D-CT. CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction of the aortic arch with a 0.6% glutaraldehyde-fixed autologous pericardium in an aortic coarctation and interruption showed excellent early and midterm outcomes. There were no complications such as bronchial compression or recoarctation. We believe that this technique leads to a higher success for reconstructing the arch to a near to normal morphology and avoiding the so-called Gothic arch, which has been reported to be associated with late complications of hypertension.
Trading company for privacy: A study of patients’ experiences

Ethical considerations The study was conducted according to the principles of Declaration of Helsinki, and was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Objective To describe patients’ experiences of staying in multiple- and single-bed rooms. Patients and methods This qualitative study employed a descriptive and exploratory approach, and systematic text condensation was used to analyze the material. Data were collected in a hospital trust in Norway. A total of 39 in-depth interviews were performed with patients discharged from the medical, surgical, and maternity departments. Results Patients had ambiguous views on whether multiple-bed rooms or single-bed rooms were to be preferred. Main results include how patients cherished “the importance of others” but at the same time valued “the importance of privacy. ” Being hospitalized in multiple-bed rooms was for many patients a very positive experience in terms of social interaction. Patients in single-bed rooms reported being more dependent on nurses to maintain social contact and obtain safety. Conclusion This research provides new knowledge on how the need for privacy can be in contradiction with the need for socializing with other patients. When hospitalized, the physical structure of a hospital impacts with whom patients interact and to what extent they depend on the nursing staff to have their social needs met.
Sea Turtle Population Genomic Discovery: Global and Locus-Specific Signatures of Polymorphism, Selection, and Adaptive Potential

Abstract In the era of genomics, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have become a preferred molecular marker to study signatures of selection and population structure and to enable improved population monitoring and conservation of vulnerable populations. We apply a SNP calling pipeline to assess population differentiation, visualize linkage disequilibrium, and identify loci with sex-specific genotypes of 45 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) sampled from the southeastern coast of the United States, including 42 individuals experimentally confirmed for gonadal sex. By performing reference-based SNP calling in independent runs of Stacks, 3,901–6,998 SNPs and up to 30 potentially sex-specific genotypes were identified. Up to 68 pairs of loci were found to be in complete linkage disequilibrium, potentially indicating regions of natural selection and adaptive evolution. This study provides a valuable SNP diagnostic workflow and a large body of new biomarkers for guiding targeted studies of sea turtle genome evolution and for managing legally protected nonmodel iconic species that have high economic and ecological importance but limited genomic resources.
Psychopathy-associated personality traits influence crime-scene behavior in male homicide offenders

Abstract Purpose: We investigated whether psychopathy-associated personality traits and behavioral styles affect the manner in which homicides are committed or the motives underlying them. Materials and methods: Using three nationwide registries and an in-house homicide database based on court verdicts, we identified all cases of homicide in Sweden during the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 72 male offenders who had undergone assessment using the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised (PCL-R), the manner of homicide was categorized as instrumental or expressive, and the motive as belonging to one of five categories: (1) intimate-partner or family-related homicide; (2) homicide occurring during altercations, (3) robberies or burglaries, or (4) criminal conflicts; or (5) sexual homicide. Results and conclusions: Offenders who had committed homicide in an instrumental manner or with a sexual motive had higher scores on PCL-R factor 1 than offenders displaying an expressive manner or other motives, suggesting that partially adaptive personality traits influence the crime-scene behavior of the former type of offenders more than maladaptive behavioral styles.
STAT3 phosphorylation mediates the stimulatory effects of interferon alpha on B cell differentiation and activation in SLE.

OBJECTIVE Type I IFNs play a well-known role in the pathogenesis of SLE, through activation of CD4 T and antigen-presenting cells. Here, we investigated the effects of IFN alpha (IFNα) on SLE B cell activation and differentiation. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and purified total or naïve B cells were obtained from healthy controls and SLE patients. The effects of IFNα on B cell differentiation were studied by flow cytometry. The role of STAT3 in B cell responses to IFNα was studied using pharmacological inhibitors and PBMCs from STAT3-deficient individuals. RESULTS Incubation of normal PBMCs with IFNα induces a B cell differentiation pattern as observed spontaneously in SLE PBMCs. IFNα displays direct stimulatory effects on purified naïve B cells from healthy individuals, as evidenced by a significant induction of cell surface CD38 and CD95 in the presence of the cytokine. In purified naïve B cells, IFNα also induces STAT3 phosphorylation. IFNα-induced naïve B cell differentiation in total PBMCs is significantly inhibited in the presence of STAT3 inhibitors, or in PBMCs from individuals with STAT3 loss of function mutations. Spontaneous levels of STAT3, but not STAT1, phosphorylation are significantly higher in total B cells from SLE patients compared with controls. Pharmacological STAT3 inhibition in SLE PBMCs inhibits naïve B cell activation and differentiation. CONCLUSION IFNα displays direct stimulatory effects on B cell differentiation and activation in SLE. STAT3 phosphorylation mediates the effects of IFNα stimulation in naïve B cells, an observation that opens new therapeutic perspectives in SLE.
A very low diffusion Fricke gel dosimeter with functionalised xylenol orange-PVA (XOPVA)

A gel dosimeter has been developed utilising a recently reported system for reducing Fe3+ diffusion in a Fricke gel dosimeter which chelates xylenol orange to the gelling agent poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Formulations were investigated using both gelatin and PVA as the gelling agent, along with the inclusion of glyoxal. The resulting gel had an optical density dose response of 0.0031 Gy−1, an auto-oxidation rate of 0.000 23 h−1, and a diffusion rate of 0.132 mm2 h−1 which is a significant improvement over previously reported gelatin based Fricke gel dosimeters. The gel was also shown to be energy and dose-rate independent and could be reused after irradiation. Thus, this gel dosimeter has the potential to provide a safe and practical solution to three dimensional radiation dosimetry in the medical environment.
Comparing outcomes between valve-sparing root replacement and the Bentall procedure in proximal aortic aneurysms: systematic review and meta-analysis.

In aortic root aneurysms, the challenge of a valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) procedure is to ensure durable aortic valve function without reintervention. Although the Bentall procedure defers the durability of valve function to the prosthesis, short- and long-term complications tend to be higher. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of VSRR and Bentall procedures in patients with aortic root aneurysms. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed regarding the outcomes of the Bentall procedure compared with those of VSRR from the inception of the 2 procedures until July 2018. Studies with short- and long-term comparative data were included. An initial search yielded 9517 titles. Thirty-four studies were finally included for meta-analysis (all retrospective, non-randomized), comprising 7313 patients (2944 valve-sparing and 4369 Bentall procedures) with no evidence of publication bias. Operative mortality was found to be significantly lower in the VSRR group [odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.70; P < 0.001] despite overall higher cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times. The 5-year survival rate was also more favourable in the VSRR group (OR 1.93 95% CI 1.15-3.23; P < 0.05). Significantly lower rates of cerebral thromboembolism (OR 0.668, 95% CI 0.477-0.935; P = 0.019) and heart block (OR 0.386, 95% CI 0.195-0.767; P = 0.007) were also found after VSRR. There was no significant difference in rates of reoperation between the groups at long-term follow-up (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.75-2.33; P = 0.336). Meta-regression of patient and operative covariates yielded no influence on the main outcomes (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that VSRR is an appropriate and potentially better treatment option for a root aneurysm when the aortic valve is repairable.
Investigation of biomarkers of hepatic and renal toxicity in the Han Wistar rat

The aim of this project was to identify urinary markers of hepatic and renal toxicity in the male Hanover-Wistar rat; acute and chronic injury models were developed by administration of CCl4. Nephrotoxicity was induced by administration of HCBD. In an acute dose study, CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity occurred above 2.0 mL/kg CCl4. To avoid kidney injury, 2.0 mL/kg CCl4 was chosen as the optimal dose. 1H NMR revealed many changes to the urinary metabolome following CCl4-induced liver injury including an increase in the resonances of taurine, creatine and formate and a decrease in hippurate and creatinine. Protein and gene expression markers were investigated in a HCBD-model of nephrotoxicity. Urinary α-GST, KIM-1 and albumin were the most sensitive biomarkers of proximal tubular injury. These markers could be used to detect unwanted kidney injury in future CCl4 hepatic studies. In a time course study, maximal liver injury from CCl4 was reached 24-48 hours post-dosing. Urinary metabolites followed the same trend and levels increased during the first 18-24 hours post-dosing. After 24 hours, there was a tendency for metabolites to return to control levels. A chronic model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis was developed by dosing animals 3 times a week for 6 weeks to investigate the potential for reversibility and changes in urinary metabolites. After 6 weeks of CCl4-administration there was development of fibrous structures in the liver parenchyma followed by slight regeneration during the recovery period. Urinary metabolites that best reflected the development of fibrosis were creatinine, citrate and succinate. Taurine and hippurate may be useful for showing regenerative changes. In this project, we developed a good rat model of fibrosis which showed potential to reverse. 1H NMR analysis allowed characterisation of urinary metabolite changes in acute and chronic studies. Some of these metabolites have potential to be urinary markers for hepatic fibrosis.
CRISPR/dual-FRET molecular beacon for sensitive live-cell imaging of non-repetitive genomic loci

Abstract Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genomic imaging systems predominantly rely on fluorescent protein reporters, which lack the optical properties essential for sensitive dynamic imaging. Here, we modified the CRISPR single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to carry two distinct molecular beacons (MBs) that can undergo fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and demonstrated that the resulting system, CRISPR/dual-FRET MB, enables dynamic imaging of non-repetitive genomic loci with only three unique sgRNAs.
Sexual Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicenter, National-Level Study.

BACKGROUND The impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on sexual health is a leading concern among patients. Most studies focus on sexual dysfunction rather than patient-perceived sexual quality of life (SQoL). We aimed to assess SQoL in IBD patients compared with healthy controls. METHODS This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study of IBD patients (n = 575 with Crohn's disease and n = 294 with ulcerative colitis), compared with healthy controls (n = 398), that used an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. This multimodal questionnaire included sociodemographic data and 4 validated instruments: Short IBD Questionnaire, Social Desirability Scale, Sexual QoL Questionnaire-Male/Female, Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS Inflammatory bowel disease patients reported lower SQoL (men: 77.29 vs 83.83; P < 0.001; women: 70.40 vs 81.63; P < 0.001) compared with controls. Among IBD patients, SQoL was positively correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and negatively correlated with depression symptoms. Perianal disease was associated with lower HRQoL and higher incidence of depression, but only impacted SQoL in men. In linear regression analysis for men, SQoL was associated with age, marital status, and depression (β, -2.101; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.505 to -1.696; P < 0.001). In women, SQoL was associated with depression (β, -1.973; 95% CI, -2.313 to -1.632; P < 0.001) only. CONCLUSIONS Patients with IBD had impaired SQoL compared with healthy controls. Age, widow status, and depression were independent predictors of SQoL in men with IBD, whereas in women depression was the only independent predictor. Emotional and self-esteem issues were the main concerns reported by IBD patients regarding sexual health.
Safety and Effectiveness of the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device With Shield Technology for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Midterm Results From a Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND The safety and efficacy of the first generation of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Inc) have been proven in large case series. Ischemic events are one of the most common complications following treatment of aneurysms with flow diverters. The new PED Flex with Shield technology (PED Shield; Medtronic Inc) was introduced to minimize the rate of complications. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcomes of patients harboring aneurysms treated with the PED Shield. METHODS This was an observational, prospective, single-arm multicenter study of patients treated with the PED Shield. The primary safety endpoint was the absence of major neurological complications and death. The secondary effectiveness endpoint was angiographic occlusion at 6 and 12 mo. Technical complications were also reported. RESULTS Between November 2017 and December 2018, 151 patients from 7 centers with 182 aneurysms were enrolled. The mean aneurysm size was 7.0 mm; 27 (14.8%) aneurysms were large, and 7 (3.8%) were giant. In 141 of 151 patients (93.4%), the primary endpoint was reached. The overall rate of periprocedural complications was 7.3%. Of the aneurysms, 79.7% met the study's secondary endpoint of complete occlusion at 6 mo and 85.3% at 12 mo. CONCLUSION The PED Shield is a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms. The results regarding total occlusion and ischemic complications did not differ from those obtained in case series using previous versions of the PED. Long-term follow-up and comparative studies are required to provide stronger conclusions regarding the reduced thrombogenicity of this device.