Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual-Task Paradigm Reveals Variation in Left Hemisphere Involvement in Verbal Processing Across the Menstrual Cycle in Normally Cycling Women

Cognitive performance and cerebral hemispheric function are known to vary with fluctuating levels of estradiol and progesterone across the menstrual cycle in naturally cycling females. However, the literature is mixed with regard to how each hemisphere may be affected by elevated ovarian hormones. To better understand this, the current study employed a dual-task paradigm to examine potential shifts in hemispheric involvement for a verbal problem-solving task across the menstrual cycle in 30 right-handed, normally cycling young adult females (18–21 years old). To our knowledge, no study to date has utilized dual-task procedures to directly investigate the potential shifts in hemispheric function across the menstrual cycle. Specifically, participants were tested during both menses and their estimated midluteal phase where they engaged in repetitive unilateral finger-tapping while concurrently solving anagrams silently or aloud. Analysis of finger-tapping interference during the dual-task conditions revealed that solving anagrams silently was lateralized to the left hemisphere while solving anagrams aloud yielded a pattern of more bilateral hemispheric involvement, both of which were consistent across both menses and midluteal phases. Analysis of cognitive performance, however, revealed that silent anagrams performance while tapping with the right, but not left, hand significantly increased during the midluteal phase. Consistent with a number of other studies using different methodological approaches, the current dual-task findings suggest that when ovarian hormone levels are putatively elevated, there is enhanced recruitment of left hemisphere resources while performing a lateralized verbal task.
Association between metabolic syndrome and knee structural change on MRI.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with knee cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesion (BML) change. METHODS Longitudinal data on 435 participants from a population-based cohort study were analysed. Blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were collected. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. MRI of the right knee was performed to measure cartilage volume and BML. Radiographic knee OA was assessed by X-ray and graded using the Altman atlas for osteophytes and joint space narrowing. RESULTS Thirty-two percent of participants had MetS and 60% had radiographic knee OA. In multivariable analysis, the following were independently associated with medial tibial cartilage volume loss: MetS, β = -0.30%; central obesity, β = -0.26%; and low HDL, β = -0.25% per annum. MetS, hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL were also associated with higher risk of BML size increase in the medial compartment (MetS: relative risk 1.72, 95% CI 1.22, 2.43; hypertriglyceridaemia: relative risk 1.43, 95% CI 1.01, 2.02; low HDL: relative risk 1.67, 95% CI 1.18, 2.36). After further adjustment for central obesity or BMI, MetS and low HDL remained statistically significant for medial tibial cartilage volume loss and BML size increase. The number of components of MetS correlated with greater cartilage volume loss and BML size increase (both P for trend <0.05). There were no statistically significant associations in the lateral compartment. CONCLUSION MetS and low HDL are associated with medial compartment cartilage volume loss and BML size increase, suggesting that targeting these factors has the potential to prevent or slow knee structural change.
Language assessment of monolingual and multilingual children using non-word and sentence repetition tasks

ABSTRACT The number of children speaking more than one language as well as the number of languages spoken in Ireland has increased significantly posing a problem for timely identification of children with language disorder. The current study aims to profile performance of monolingual and multilingual children on language processing tasks: non-word repetition (NWR) and sentence repetition (SR). We used: (1) Crosslinguistic (CL) and English Language-Specific (LS) NWR and (2) SR in English, Polish and Russian. Children’s socioeconomic status, language emergence, the age of exposure (AoE) to English and the percentage of English spoken at home were recorded. The study included 88 children age 5–8 attending a school in a disadvantaged area. CL and LS NWR yielded similar distribution of scores for monolinguals and multilinguals. The tasks identified small number of children who performed significantly lower than the mean while there were no significant differences between the groups. In English SR, monolinguals significantly outperformed multilinguals. Comparison of SR in English and Polish/Russian indicated that some children showed balanced performance in both of their languages while others showed marked differences performing better in either Polish/Russian or English depending on their AoE to English and percentage of English spoken at home. The pilot study suggests that CL-NWR is a promising screening tool for identifying monolingual and multilingual children with language disorder while SR provides more detailed information on children’s language performance relative to their language exposure. SR task is recommended to be used only if comparable tasks are available in all of children’s languages.
Cutaneous and subcutaneous metastasis of appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs: 20 cases

Abstract Background Metastasis of appendicular osteosarcoma is most common to the lungs and is generally considered a terminal event in dogs. Behavior and prognosis associated with cutaneous or subcutaneous metastases (CSM) is poorly defined. Objective Describe the population and gather prognostic information regarding appendicular osteosarcoma with CSM in dogs. Animals Twenty dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma and CSM. Methods Retrospective case series. Medical records were searched to identify dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma that developed CSM. Demographic data, order of metastatic events, and CSM clinical features were evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were constructed and log‐rank tests were used to compare survival between groups of dogs. Results In 19 dogs (95%), CSM was an incidental finding. Seventeen dogs (85%) developed pulmonary metastasis, and 1 dog (5%) developed bone metastasis. No other metastatic sites were detected before euthanasia. The median CSM‐free interval and CSM survival time were 160 days (range: 0‐542 days) and 55 days (range: 5‐336 days), respectively. The median CSM survival time was significantly longer for dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy (94 days) or chemotherapy only (64 days) than for dogs that did not receive these treatments (11 days) (P = .002 and P = .03, respectively). No other factors were associated with survival after diagnosis of CSM. Conclusion and Clinical Importance The skin or subcutaneous tissue can be the first osteosarcoma metastatic site detected. After CSM diagnosis, the prognosis is grave with median survival <2 months. Although this finding could have been biased by case selection, treatment with surgery and chemotherapy may improve outcome.
Factors associated with delayed presentation at the emergency department in patients with acute ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT Background and aims: Pre-hospital delay is a crucial factor that determines the eligibility for intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to evaluate the time to presentation at the emergency department (ED) and the factors that affect this time. Patients and methods: We prospectively studied 682 patients who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke (43.3% men, age 79.9 ± 6.6 years). Results: The median time to presentation at the ED was 2.1 h (range 0.15 to 168 h); 68.8% of the patients arrived within 4.5 h and 56.5% arrived within 3 h from the onset of symptoms. Independent predictors of presentation within 4.5 h were the use of emergency medical services (EMS) for transportation to the hospital (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.38–4.94, p = .003), family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD)(OR 4.0 0,95%CI 1.61–12.23, p = .006) and the absence of history of smoking (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.13–5.42, p = .021). Independent predictors of presentation within 3 h were the use of EMS for transportation to the hospital (OR 6.24, 95% CI 2.52–16.63, p = .0001), family history of CVD (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.14–9.43, p = .03), and a moderately severe stroke at admission (OR vs. minor stroke 0.38, 95% CI 0.16–0.87, p = .02). Conclusions: A considerable proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke arrives at the ED after the 4.5-h threshold for performing intravenous thrombolysis. Non-smokers, patients with a family history of CVD, with moderately severe stroke and those who use the EMS are more likely to arrive on time.
High Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) Expression Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via ERK/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway

Background In present study, we explored the function of the metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) gene in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Material/Methods qRT-PCR was used to detect the MALAT1 mRNA expression level in cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues of 115 NSCLC patients and in cell lines. MALAT1-mimic, MALAT1-inhibitor, and corresponding negative controls (NC) were utilized to transfect the H460 cells. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of H460 cells were evaluated by MTT method and Transwell assay. Expression levels of proteins in the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway were assessed by Western blot analysis. Results MALAT1 mRNA was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines compared to that in adjacent tissues and normal human bronchial cell line (BEAS-2B), respectively. Overexpression of MALAT1 significantly strengthened the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of H460 cells. In comparison with the NC group, expression levels of CXCL5 and p-JNK proteins were elevated, while p-MAPK and p-ERK proteins were decreased in the MALAT1-mimic group. MALAT1 targets the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) fragment of the CXCL5 gene and inhibits its translation. Disturbance of the CXCL5 gene can reduce the protein expression of MAPK, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK, and inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MALAT1-mimic cells. Conclusions High MALAT1 expression promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer via the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.
Epidemiology of achondroplasia: A population‐based study in Europe

Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disorder resulting in short‐limb skeletal dysplasia. We present the largest European population‐based epidemiological study to date using data provided by the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) network. All cases of achondroplasia notified to 28 EUROCAT registries (1991–2015) were included in the study. Prevalence, birth outcomes, prenatal diagnosis, associated anomalies, and the impact of paternal and maternal age on de novo achondroplasia were presented. The study population consisted of 434 achondroplasia cases with a prevalence of 3.72 per 100,000 births (95%CIs: 3.14–4.39). There were 350 live births, 82 terminations of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis, and two fetal deaths. The prenatal detection rate was significantly higher in recent years (71% in 2011–2015 vs. 36% in 1991–1995). Major associated congenital anomalies were present in 10% of cases. About 20% of cases were familial. After adjusting for maternal age, fathers >34 years had a significantly higher risk of having infants with de novo achondroplasia than younger fathers. Prevalence was stable over time, but regional differences were observed. All pregnancy outcomes were included in the prevalence estimate with 80.6% being live born. The study confirmed the increased risk for older fathers of having infants with de novo achondroplasia.
Novel SCA19/22‐associated KCND3 mutations disrupt human KV4.3 protein biosynthesis and channel gating

Mutations in the human voltage‐gated K+ channel subunit KV4.3‐encoding KCND3 gene have been associated with the autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia types 19 and 22 (SCA19/22). The precise pathophysiology underlying the dominant inheritance pattern of SCA19/22 remains elusive. Using cerebellar ataxia‐specific targeted next‐generation sequencing technology, we identified two novel KCND3 mutations, c.950 G>A (p.C317Y) and c.1123 C>T (p.P375S) from a cohort with inherited cerebellar ataxias in Taiwan. The patients manifested notable phenotypic heterogeneity that includes cognitive impairment. We employed in vitro heterologous expression systems to inspect the biophysical and biochemical properties of human KV4.3 harboring the two novel mutations, as well as two previously reported but uncharacterized disease‐related mutations, c.1013 T>A (p.V338E) and c.1130 C>T (p.T377M). Electrophysiological analyses revealed that all of these SCA19/22‐associated KV4.3 mutant channels manifested loss‐of‐function phenotypes. Protein chemistry and immunofluorescence analyses further demonstrated that these mutants displayed enhanced protein degradation and defective membrane trafficking. By coexpressing KV4.3 wild‐type with the disease‐related mutants, we provided direct evidence showing that the mutants instigated anomalous protein biosynthesis and channel gating of KV4.3. We propose that the dominant inheritance pattern of SCA19/22 may be explained by the dominant‐negative effects of the mutants on protein biosynthesis and voltage‐dependent gating of KV4.3 wild‐type channel.
Functional and radiological outcomes of multiple dorsal carpometacarpal fracture dislocations treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients with multiple dorsal carpometacarpal (CMC) joint fracture dislocations treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated 14 patients (12 males, 2 females; mean age 35.1 years; range, 22 to 64 years) between January 2013 and December 2017. Our main outcome measurements were the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, loss of grip strength, limitation of range of motion (ROM), and Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis classification identified with radiographs and computed tomography images. RESULTS The mean QuickDASH scores at seventh week and third month were 73.57 (range, 65-90) and 29.11 (range, 25-42.5), respectively. The mean QuickDASH score at seventh, ninth, and 12th month, and final follow-up was 4.64 (range, 0-30) and the QuickDASH score at these follow-up points was not 0 for only three patients. The mean loss of grip strength was 32.14% and two patients (14.29%) had limitation of ROM in third proximal interphalangeal joint at final follow-up. Four patients had grade I, nine patients had grade II, and one patient had grade III osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification at final follow-up. CONCLUSION Although functional results demonstrated that multiple CMC joint fracture dislocations can be treated with ORIF, the high rate of osteoarthritis is a disadvantage.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Ex-Prisoners of War Affected by Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 25 Years After Captivity.

BACKGROUND War captivity is one of the most difficult human experiences and can cause long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as one of the frequent consequences of war trauma, is often associated with the psychiatric and/or somatic comorbidity. Therefore, PTSD results in impaired Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study aimed to investigate the HRQoL in the Croatian Homeland War ex-POWs affected by PTSD, regarding the intensity of PTSD symptoms, sociodemographic characteristics and somatic comorbidity, and to identify predictors of poor HRQoL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study sample consisted of two groups (45 participants each) based on whether they were POWs or not (control group). All study participants were diagnosed with PTSD according to the ICD-10 criteria and had combat experience as active participants in defence of the Republic of Croatia during the Homeland War. The subjects were evaluated using the sociodemographic questionnaire, PTSD self-report checklist (PCL-5) and Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey questionnaire. The data on participants' physical diseases were collected from medical anamnesis and medical records in the last five years. RESULTS In relation to ex-POWs, the control group had significantly smaller number of retirees, more unemployed persons, smaller number of married subjects, and higher number of divorced persons. Low socioeconomic status and intensity of PTSD symptoms has been confirmed as a significant predictor of impaired HRQoL in both subject groups. The most commonly PTSD associated physical diseases were musculosceletal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases. Endocrine and metabolic diseases were more frequent in the ex-POWs' group. CONCLUSIONS PTSD was associated with the HRQoL, whether the veterans were ex-POWs or not. The hypothesis that exposure of ex-POWs to the trauma of captivity experience impaired HRQoL to a greater extent, compared to the non-detained veterans, was not confirmed. Low socioeconomic status has proved to be the most significant predictor of poorer HRQoL.
Mutational landscape of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia at diagnosis and relapse

Despite the high probability of cure of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), mechanisms of relapse are still largely unclear. Mutational profiling at diagnosis and/or relapse may help to identify APL patients needing frequent molecular monitoring and early treatment intervention. Using an NGS approach including a 31 myeloid gene‐panel, we tested BM samples of 44 APLs at the time of diagnosis, and of 31 at relapse. Mutations in PML and RARA genes were studied using a customized‐NGS‐RNA panel. Patients relapsing after ATRA‐chemotherapy rarely had additional mutations (P = .009). In patients relapsing after ATRA/ATO, the PML gene was a preferential mutation target. We then evaluated the predictive value of mutations at APL diagnosis. A median of two mutations was detectable in 9/11 patients who later relapsed, vs one mutation in 21/33 patients who remained in CCR (P = .0032). This corresponded to a significantly lower risk of relapse in patients with one or less mutations (HR 0.046; 95% CI 0.011‐0.197; P < .0001). NGS‐analysis at the time of APL diagnosis may inform treatment decisions, including alternative treatments for cases with an unfavorable mutation profile.
Prevalence, mortality and healthcare utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with Hepatitis C in Haemodialysis units

Hepatitis C (HCV) is more common among patients with end‐stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis compared to the general population. Thus, we aimed to assess trends in prevalence, health resource utilization and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with HCV on haemodialysis. This is a retrospective study of outpatient and inpatient claims for Medicare beneficiaries receiving haemodialysis (2005‐2016). A total of 291 663 subjects on haemodialysis were included (67.3 ± 15.2 years, 55% male, 55% white, 49% age‐based eligibility). The prevalence of HCV in subjects on haemodialysis was stable and was significantly higher (mean 4.2% in 2005‐2016, P = 0.50 for the trend) than in subjects not on haemodialysis (<1%). In multivariate analysis, liver cirrhosis (odds ratio = 3.4 (95% CI = 3.3‐3.6)) was an independent predictor of 1‐year mortality among haemodialysis patients. Mean total inpatient payments in dialysis patients with HCV remained stable during 2005 ($73 803) through 2016 ($72 133) (trend P = 0.54) while mean total outpatient payment decreased from 2005 ($53 497) to 2016 ($35 439; trend P = 0.0013). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, gender, race and location, both HCV and cirrhosis remained significant contributors to greater spending [HCV: inpatient +22.1% (+19.2%‐25%), HCV: outpatient +18.4% (+14.6%‐22.2%), cirrhosis: inpatient +59.7% (+56.9%‐62.6%), cirrhosis: outpatient +9.4% (+6.2%‐12.6%)]. In conclusion, HCV‐infected Medicare patients receiving haemodialysis incur greater resource utilization; mortality is higher in patients with cirrhosis only. Although HCV prevalence in Medicare haemodialysis recipients is higher than in patients without haemodialysis, these rates are lower than reported, suggesting potential under‐screening for HCV in this high‐risk population.
Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test: a novel rapid diagnostic tool to study the burden of tuberculosis from a tertiary care hospital

Despite efforts to limit the morbidity and mortality from tuberculosis (TB), it continues to be an important cause of death. There is an urgent need for a diagnostic test that accurately and quickly diagnoses TB, especially if it is also a near-point-of-care test. The GeneXpert polymerase chain reaction test (known in India as CBNAAT [cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test] and is capable of diagnosing TB and rifampicin resistance within 2 h) is a promising tool. The duration of our study was two years and was carried out in the DOTS centre of a tertiary care hospital in India. A total of 5449 samples were processed using CBNAAT. Of the total samples tested, 2068 were extra-pulmonary. The following information was collected: number of extra-pulmonary samples processed; number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis)-positive samples; patterns of rifampicin sensitivity; number of people living with HIV (PLHIV); and number of children. Of the samples, 62.1% were from suspected pulmonary TB patients. Out of the total samples tested using CBNAAT, 21.8% were positive for M. tuberculosis. Rifampicin resistance was seen in 9.2%, 8.5% and 10.3% of the total, pulmonary and extra-pulmonary samples, respectively, in M. tuberculosis-positive samples. Overall, 36.9% samples were from the paediatric population and 5.7% belonged to PLHIV. Rifampicin resistance was seen in 8.8% and 8.3% of the M. tuberculosis-positive paediatric and PLHIV samples, respectively.
Antimicrobial efficacy of cordless sonic or ultrasonic devices on Enterococcus faecalis-infected root canals.

AIM The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate and residual antimicrobial activity of cordless sonic or ultrasonic devices on Enterococcus faecalis (E faecalis)-infected teeth. METHODS A total of 140 single-rooted extracted teeth with E faecalis were grouped as follows (N = 15): conventional syringe irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite activated by ultrasonic device (group 1) or cordless ultrasonic device (group 2), EndoActivator (group 3) or without activation (group 4), conventional syringe irrigation with sterile bi-distilled water and ultrasonic device (group 5), EndoUltra (group 6), EndoActivator (group 7), or without activation (group 8). The remaining 20 teeth were used for positive and negative controls. Colony-forming units (CFU) and turbidity were recorded from bacteriological samples taken before and after irrigation and after 24 hours of re-incubation. Data were statistically analyzed using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunn's multiple comparison tests (P < .05). RESULTS Groups 1 and 2 showed higher antimicrobial efficacy than groups 3 and 4 (P < .05). No bacteria reduction was found in groups 5-8 (P > .05). After 24 hours, regrowth of bacteria was not significantly different for all groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound produced lower CFU and turbidity after treatment and after re-incubation of 24 hours than sonic or no activation.