Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Ultrasonography for Vascular Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer

The prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer is poor with a five-year survival rate of 8%–9%. Curative resection is indispensable procedure for achieving a higher survival rate. Surgical resectability of pancreatic cancer can be determined by evaluating vascular invasion, especially in the major arteries (superior mesenteric, celiac, and common hepatic arteries) and the veins (superior mesenteric and portal veins). Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is the standard method for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, there are reports that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has some advantages for detecting vascular invasion. In 2006, a systematic review comparing EUS and CECT for pancreatic cancer demonstrated that EUS is the superior technique for tumor detection, tumor staging, and nodal staging, but it has not been concluded which of these is superior in evaluating resectability. On the other hand, a meta-analysis showed that the sensitivity to diagnosing vascular invasion was higher in EUS (86%) than in CECT (58%), which was confirmed by a systematic review (EUS 72% and CT 63%). In a meta-analysis study, however, there was no significant difference between the sensitivity (CECT 71% vs. magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] 67%) and the specificity (CECT 92% vs. MRI 94%) for vascular invasion. Although CECT has better inter-observer agreement, accuracy, and skill, it is now believed that EUS is superior to CECT when evaluating vascular invasion and resectability in pancreatic cancer. In the current issue, Fujii et al. studied the diagnostic ability of EUS for major vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer, and evaluated the relationship between EUS findings and pathological distance. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EUS diagnosis for vascular invasion were 89%, 92%, and 91% in the veins and 83%, 94%, and 93% in the arteries, respectively. The values showed narrow improvement from previous studies, despite the development of EUS. In accordance with the relationship between tumors and major vessels, Fujii et al. classified the EUS findings into four types: type 1, clear invasion, encasement of a vessel by a tumor; type 2, a tumor that makes contact with a vessel, with loss of the hyperechoic vessel layer; type 3, a tumor that makes contact with a vessel, without loss of the hyperechoic vessel layer; type 4, clear non-invasion, with space between a tumor and a vessel. The vascular invasion defined by Fujii et al. is far simpler than in previous studies. According to Buchs et al., the findings of vascular invasion in EUS are as follows: (1) loss of the hyperechoic vessel wall/tumor interface; (2) direct visualization of tumor within the vessel lumen; (3) vascular encasement or Received: July 20, 2019 Revised: July 30, 2019 Accepted: July 30, 2019 Correspondence: Seong-Hun Kim Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Chonbuk National University Medical School, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju 54907, Korea Tel: +82-63-250-2295, Fax: 82-63-254-1609, E-mail: shkimgi@jbnu.ac. kr ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7592-8060
Prebiotic amino acids bind to and stabilize prebiotic fatty acid membranes

Significance How did the first cells on Earth arise? In a minimal cell, a membrane separates proteins and RNA from the surrounding aqueous environment. Cell-like membranes spontaneously assemble from simple prebiotic surfactants called fatty acids. However, fatty acid membranes are unstable in solutions containing salts that were likely present in environments of the early Earth. We find that amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, bind to fatty acid membranes and stabilize them against salts. Moreover, enhanced stabilization persists after dilution as would occur when a dehydrated pool refills with water—a likely setting for the emergence of cells. In addition to explaining how the first membranes were stabilized, our findings answer how key components of the first cells colocalized. The membranes of the first protocells on the early Earth were likely self-assembled from fatty acids. A major challenge in understanding how protocells could have arisen and withstood changes in their environment is that fatty acid membranes are unstable in solutions containing high concentrations of salt (such as would have been prevalent in early oceans) or divalent cations (which would have been required for RNA catalysis). To test whether the inclusion of amino acids addresses this problem, we coupled direct techniques of cryoelectron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy with techniques of NMR spectroscopy, centrifuge filtration assays, and turbidity measurements. We find that a set of unmodified, prebiotic amino acids binds to prebiotic fatty acid membranes and that a subset stabilizes membranes in the presence of salt and Mg2+. Furthermore, we find that final concentrations of the amino acids need not be high to cause these effects; membrane stabilization persists after dilution as would have occurred during the rehydration of dried or partially dried pools. In addition to providing a means to stabilize protocell membranes, our results address the challenge of explaining how proteins could have become colocalized with membranes. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and our results are consistent with a positive feedback loop in which amino acids bound to self-assembled fatty acid membranes, resulting in membrane stabilization and leading to more binding in turn. High local concentrations of molecular building blocks at the surface of fatty acid membranes may have aided the eventual formation of proteins.
Resilience Following Child Maltreatment: Definitional Considerations and Developmental Variations

Resilience following childhood maltreatment has received substantial empirical attention, with the number of studies on this construct growing exponentially in the past decade. While there is ample interest, inconsistencies remain about how to conceptualize and assess resilience. Further, there is a lack of consensus on how developmental stage influences resilience and how protective factors affect its expression. The current systematic review uses a developmental lens to synthesize findings on resilience following child maltreatment. Specifically, this article consolidates the body of empirical literature in a developmentally oriented review, with the intention of inclusively assessing three key areas—the conceptualization of resilience, assessment of resilience, and factors associated with resilience in maltreatment research. A total of 67 peer-reviewed, quantitative empirical articles that examined child maltreatment and resilience were included in this review. Results indicate that some inconsistencies in the literature may be addressed by utilizing a developmental lens and considering the individual’s life stage when selecting a definition of resilience and associated measurement tool. The findings also support developmental variations in factors associated with resilience, with different individual, relational, and community protective factors emerging based on life stage. Implications for practice, policy, and research are incorporated throughout this review.
Genetic parameters for clutch and broodiness traits in turkeys (Meleagris Gallopavo) and their relationship with body weight and egg production

The objective of this study was to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters for clutch and broodiness (BR) traits in turkeys and their relationship with body weight and egg production. Data on dam line hens was available and included: body weight at 18 wk of age (BW18), body weight at lighting (BWL, 29 to 33 wk), age at first egg (AFE), egg number (EN), rate of lay (RL), clutch length (CL), maximum clutch length (MCL), pause length (PL), maximum PL (MPL) and BR. BR was defined as the average number of consecutive pause days between clutches that was higher than the average PL per hen. Heritability estimates for BW18 and BWL were 0.50 and 0.53, respectively. The heritability for egg production, clutch, and pause traits varied from low (MPL = 0.15; BR = 0.15) to moderate (AFE = 0.22; EN = 0.28; RL = 0.29; CL = 0.21; MCL = 0.27; PL = 0.25). Genetic correlations were negative between body weight traits and EN (rg (BW18, EN) = −0.27; rg(BWL, EN) = −0.33) and CL (rg(BW18, CL) = −0.40; rg(BWL, CL) = −0.33). BR was negatively genetically correlated with EN (rg(BR, EN) = −0.85) and CL (rg(BR, CL) = −0.30), and positively genetically correlated with PL (rg(BR, PL) = 0.93) and AFE (rg(BR, AFE) = 0.21). EN had a positive (0.73) and a negative (−0.84) genetic correlation with CL and PL, respectively. Overall, the results of this study confirmed the negative (unfavorable) correlations between egg production and body weight. Despite unfavorable genetic and phenotypic correlations between egg production traits and those relating to BR, the inclusion of BR in a selection program through incorporation of clutch length traits and pause length traits is feasible. Integration of either clutch length traits or pause length traits in a selection index is likely to increase egg number while decreasing broodiness.
Cannabinoids and inflammation: Implications for People Living with HIV.

: Thanks to the success of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) have life expectancies which approach that of persons in the general population. However, despite the ability of ART to suppress viral replication, PLWH have high levels of chronic systemic inflammation which drives the development of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and non-AIDS associated malignancies. Historically, cannabis has played an important role in alleviating many symptoms experienced by persons with advanced HIV infection in the pre-ART era and continues to be used by many PLWH in the ART era, though for different reasons. Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the phytocannabinoids which have received most attention for their medicinal properties. Due to their ability to suppress lymphocyte proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production, there is interest in examining their therapeutic potential as immunomodulators. CB2 receptor activation has been shown in vitro to reduce CD4 T-cell infection by CXCR4-tropic HIV and to reduce HIV replication. Studies involving SIV-infected macaques have shown that Δ-THC can reduce morbidity and mortality and has favourable effects on the gut mucosal immunity. Furthermore, ΔTHC administration was associated with reduced lymph node fibrosis and diminished levels of SIV proviral DNA in spleens of rhesus macaques compared with placebo-treated macaques. In humans, cannabis use does not induce a reduction in peripheral CD4 T-cell count or loss of HIV virological control in cross-sectional studies. Rather, cannabis use in ART-treated PLWH was associated with decreased levels of T-cell activation, inflammatory monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion, all of which are related to HIV disease progression and co-morbidities. Randomized clinical trials should provide further insights into the ability of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medicines to attenuate HIV-associated inflammation. In turn, these findings may provide a novel means to reduce morbidity and mortality in PLWH as adjunctive agents to ART.
Preserved Calretinin Interneurons in an App Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Disrupt Hippocampal Inhibition via Upregulated P2Y1 Purinoreceptors

Abstract To understand the pathogenesis of specific neuronal circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we investigated the fate of three subclasses of “modulatory interneurons” in hippocampal CA1 using the AppNL-F/NL-F knock-in mouse model of AD. Cholecystokinin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons were aberrantly hyperactive preceding the presence of the typical AD hallmarks: neuroinflammation and amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation. These interneurons showed an age-dependent vulnerability to Aβ penetration and a reduction in density and coexpression of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA synthesis enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), suggesting a loss in their inhibitory function. However, calretinin (CR) interneurons—specialized to govern only inhibition, showed resilience to Aβ accumulation, preservation of structure, and displayed synaptic hyperinhibition, despite the lack of inhibitory control of CA1 excitatory pyramidal cells from midstages of the disease. This aberrant inhibitory homeostasis observed in CA1 CR cells and pyramidal cells was “normalized” by blocking P2Y1 purinoreceptors, which were “upregulated” and strongly expressed in CR cells and astrocytes in AppNL-F/NL-F mice in the later stages of AD. In summary, AD-associated cell-type selective destruction of inhibitory interneurons and disrupted inhibitory homeostasis rectified by modulation of the upregulated purinoreceptor system may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to normalize selective dysfunctional synaptic homeostasis during pathogenesis of AD.
Beyond contingency awareness: the role of influence awareness in resisting conditioned attitudes

ABSTRACT Evaluative conditioning procedures change people’s evaluations of stimuli that are paired with pleasant or unpleasant items. To test whether influence awareness allows people to resist such persuasive attempts, we conducted three experiments. In the first two experiments featuring low levels of influence awareness (N1 = 96, N2 = 93) we manipulated the degree of control people have in expressing their attitudes, by providing participants in one condition with the option to “pass” rather than respond, when they felt influenced in their evaluations of conditioned stimuli. In the third experiment (N3 = 240) we manipulated the level of influence awareness by using a warning instruction similar to the one found in prior controllability studies, while giving everyone the option to pass the evaluation when they felt influenced. All studies found that participants often failed to use the skip option to exert control over conditioned preferences. In some cases, this may be because participants failed to notice the pairings, but in most cases because participants lacked awareness that the pairings could influence them. Even when explicitly warned that the pairings could influence them, participants seemed to believe that they were not vulnerable to such effects.
Genome‐wide meta‐analysis of SNP and antihypertensive medication interactions on left ventricular traits in African Americans

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy affects up to 43% of African Americans (AAs). Antihypertensive treatment reduces LV mass (LVM). However, interindividual variation in LV traits in response to antihypertensive treatments exists. We hypothesized that genetic variants may modify the association of antihypertensive treatment class with LV traits measured by echocardiography.
Oral Features of Systemic Sclerosis: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the orofacial parameters of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its related systemic features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A descriptive case-control study was performed from November/2015 to October/2016. Ninety-three individuals were included and divided into SSc Group (n=50) and healthy controls (C, n=43). RESULTS SSc individuals were mostly women (43/50, 86%), with a mean age of 46 years (± 11.6 years). Telangiectasia (42/50, 84%) and reduced mouth opening (35/50, 70%) were the most frequent orofacial findings. The periodontitis frequency was much higher in SSc individuals than in healthy controls (90.7% x 48,83%; p<0.001). In addition, SSc individuals presented a distinctive pattern of periodontitis, with low probing pocket depth (2 ± 0.65 mm x 2 ± 0,24; p <0.001), higher gingival recession (4 ± 2,13 x 0,14 ± 0,22; p <0.001), higher periodontal attachment loss (6 ±1,34 mm x 2 ± 0,43, p <0.001) and lower gingival bleeding index values (7.05 ± 7.25 x 21,57 ± 15,66; p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Orofacial manifestations were common in SSc and included a unique pattern of periodontal manifestation, characterized by lower gingival bleeding index, higher periodontal attachment loss and low probing depth.
Cyclodextrins Can Entrap Zearalenone-14-Glucoside: Interaction of the Masked Mycotoxin with Cyclodextrins and Cyclodextrin Bead Polymer

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a Fusarium-derived xenoestrogenic mycotoxin. In plants, zearalenone-14-O-β-d-glucoside (Z14G) is the major conjugated metabolite of ZEN, and is a masked mycotoxin. Masked mycotoxins are plant-modified derivatives, which are not routinely screened in food and feed samples. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides built up from D-glucopyranose units. CDs can form stable host–guest type complexes with lipophilic molecules (e.g., with some mycotoxins). In this study, the interaction of Z14G with native and chemically modified β- and γ-CDs was examined employing fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Furthermore, the removal of Z14G from aqueous solution by insoluble β-CD bead polymer (BBP) was also tested. Our results demonstrate that Z14G forms the most stable complexes with γ-CDs under acidic and neutral conditions (K ≈ 103 L/mol). Among the CDs tested, randomly methylated γ-CD induced the highest increase in the fluorescence of Z14G (7.1-fold) and formed the most stable complexes with the mycotoxin (K = 2 × 103 L/mol). Furthermore, BBP considerably reduced the Z14G content of aqueous solution. Based on these observations, CD technology seems a promising tool to improve the fluorescence analytical detection of Z14G and to discover new mycotoxin binders which can also remove masked mycotoxins (e.g., Z14G).
Evaluating Household Transmission of Invasive Group A Streptococcus Disease in the United States Using Population-Based Surveillance Data, 2013-2016.

Using population-based surveillance data, we quantified secondary invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease risk among household contacts. Disease risk in the 30 days post-exposure to an index case-patient was highest among individuals aged ≥65 years (4,122 cases/100,000 person-years) versus the annual background incidence of 4.0 cases/100,000 population of all ages.
Primer on machine learning: utilization of large data set analyses to individualize pain management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pain researchers and clinicians increasingly encounter machine learning algorithms in both research methods and clinical practice. This review provides a summary of key machine learning principles, as well as applications to both structured and unstructured datasets. RECENT FINDINGS Aside from increasing use in the analysis of electronic health record data, machine and deep learning algorithms are now key tools in the analyses of neuroimaging and facial expression recognition data used in pain research. SUMMARY In the coming years, machine learning is likely to become a key component of evidence-based medicine, yet will require additional skills and perspectives for its successful and ethical use in research and clinical settings.
Detection of Reg3γ by Immunohistochemistry in Cerulein-Induced Model of Acute Pancreatic Injury in Mice and Rats.

OBJECTIVE In a continuation of previous work, Reg3γ protein was further evaluated as a biomarker of pancreatic injury using immunohistochemistry in an additional species. METHODS Mice and rats were treated with intraperitoneal cerulein injections, creating acute pancreatic injury. Mice received 2, 4, or 6 doses, and rats received 1, 2, or 3 doses of cerulein creating low, medium, and high treatment groups. Control animals were dosed with phosphate-buffered saline at corresponding volumes and intervals. Groups of 6 animals were killed 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after final treatments. Reg3γ immunohistochemical staining and image analysis were performed on pancreatic tissue obtained 6, 24, or 48 hours after control or cerulein treatment. Staining was quantified using image analysis software to calculate area of positivity as a percentage of total tissue area. RESULTS Percent positivity of Reg3γ in both species rose by 6 hours, peaked by 24 hours across all 3 cerulein doses, and dropped significantly by 48 hours. In high-dose rats with accompanying gene expression data, Reg3γ gene expression corresponded temporally with quantitative staining data. CONCLUSIONS Reg3γ staining quantified through image analysis showed a time- and dose-response in cerulein-treated mice and rats.
Age-differences in functional asymmetry during memory retrieval revisited: no evidence for contralateral over-activation or compensation

Brain asymmetry is inherent to cognitive processing and seems to reflect processing efficiency. Lower frontal asymmetry is often observed in older adults during memory retrieval, yet it is unclear whether lower asymmetry implies an age-related increase in contralateral recruitment, whether less asymmetry reflects compensation, is limited to frontal regions, or predicts neurocognitive stability or decline. We assessed age-differences in asymmetry across the entire cerebral cortex, using fMRI data from 89 young and 76 older adults during associative retrieval, and surface-based methods that allowed direct homotopic comparison of activity between hemispheres. An extensive left-asymmetric network facilitated retrieval in both young and older adults, whereas diverse frontal and parietal regions exhibited lower asymmetry in older adults. However, lower asymmetry was not associated with age-related increases in contralateral recruitment, but primarily reflected either less deactivation in contralateral regions reliably signalling retrieval failure in the young, or lower recruitment of the dominant hemisphere. Lower asymmetry neither predicted current memory performance, nor the extent of memory change across the preceding ∼8 years in older adults. Together, these findings are inconsistent with a compensation account for lower asymmetry during retrieval and aging, suggesting that patterns indicative of decline may drive lower asymmetry in older brains.
Effect of Pushen capsule for treating vascular mild cognitive impairment: a pilot observational study

Objective Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be beneficial for vascular dementia (VaD). We evaluated the efficacy of Pushen capsule, a compound containing several TCM components, for treating vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI). Methods Seventy outpatients with VaMCI were randomized to Pushen capsule or control treatment with Ginkgo biloba. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Subjective Memory Loss Rating Scale scores; and lipid, lipoprotein, and haemorheological parameters were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 12 of treatment. Results MMSE score at week 12 was significantly higher in the treatment group compared with baseline (t = −2.352) but was not significantly different from week 12 in the control group. The MoCA score at week 12 was higher than that at baseline for both the treatment and control groups (t = −2.619 and −2.582, respectively), as was the “delayed recall” item score. Subjective memory loss score and the cognitive function “forgetting acquaintance's name” were significantly higher in the treatment group at week 12 than at baseline (t = −2.621 and χ2 = 4.419, respectively). Lipid, lipoprotein, and haemorheological parameters were significantly different after treatment in both groups. Conclusion The benefits of Pushen capsule on cognitive function in VaMCI were comparable with that of Ginkgo biloba.