Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dimensions of artefacts caused by cochlear and auditory brainstem implants in magnetic resonance imaging

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of MRI artefacts due to the magnet of selected auditory implants. Study design: Artefacts of the Synchrony cochlear implant at 1.5 T as well as at 3 T MRI devices were examined in cadavers and compared to the artefacts in MRI scans at 1.5 T of 17 patients implanted with CI (n = 12) and auditory brainstem implants (ABI) (n = 5). Results: None of the scanned implants showed any failure after MRI. After removal of the magnet, only a portion of the images in the direct neighbourhood of the implant, especially in the temporal and parietal lobe, contained artefacts. More anatomical substructures were visible without artefacts using the MedEl Synchrony device. Conclusion: Artefacts can be markedly reduced by rotating, self-aligning magnet. Removal of the magnet also results in reduction of artefacts.
Prevalence of new variants of Chlamydia trachomatis escaping detection by the Aptima Combo 2 assay, England, June to August 2019

We identified two new Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) variants escaping Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) assay detection, in clinical specimens of two patients. One had a C1514T mutation the other a G1523A mutation, both within the AC2 23S rRNA target region. The prevalence of such variants among persons tested for CT in England was estimated to be fewer than 0.003%.
Perivascular Adipose Tissue Contributes to the Modulation of Vascular Tone in vivo

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) reduces vascular tone in isolated arteries in vitro, however there are no studies of PVAT effects on vascular tone in vivo. In vitro adipocyte β3-adrenoceptors play a role in PVAT function via secretion of the vasodilator adiponectin. Objective: We have investigated the effects of PVAT on vessel diameter in vivo, and the contributions of β3-adrenoceptors and adiponectin. Method: In anaesthetised rats, sections of the intact mesenteric bed were visualised and the diameter of arteries was recorded. Arteries were stimulated with electrical field stimulation (EFS), noradrenaline (NA), arginine-vasopressin (AVP), and acetylcholine (Ach). Results: We report that in vivo, stimulation of PVAT with EFS, NA, and AVP evokes a local anti-constrictive effect on the artery, whilst PVAT exerts a pro-contractile effect on arteries subjected to Ach. The anti-constrictive effect of PVAT stimulated with EFS and NA was significantly reduced using β3-adrenoceptor inhibition, and activation of β3-adrenoceptors potentiated the anti-constrictive effect of vessels stimulated with EFS, NA, and AVP. The β3-adrenoceptor agonist had no effect on mesenteric arteries with PVAT removed. A blocking peptide for adiponectin receptor 1 polyclonal antibody reduced the PVAT anti-constrictive effect in arteries stimulated with EFS and NA, indicating that adiponectin may be the anti-constrictive factor released upon β3-adrenoceptor activation. Conclusions: These results clearly demonstrate that PVAT plays a paracrine role in regulating local vascular tone in vivo, and therefore may contribute to the modulation of blood pressure. This effect is mediated via adipocyte β3-adrenoceptors, which may trigger release of the vasodilator adiponectin.
Evaluating the Open and Engaged Components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in an Online Self-Guided Website: Results from a Pilot Trial

Online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is promising for treating a range of psychological problems. Component research can further clarify which components are needed for optimal outcomes in what contexts. Online platforms provide a highly controlled format for such research. In this pilot trial, 55 adults were randomized to: ACT-Open (i.e., acceptance, defusion components), ACT-Engaged (i.e., values, committed action), or ACT-Combined (i.e., acceptance, defusion, values, committed action). Each condition was 12 sessions over 6 weeks, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and 4-week follow-up. ACT-Open, ACT-Engaged, and ACT-Combined all significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment on mental health, psychosocial functioning, and components of psychological flexibility. Compared to ACT-Combined, ACT-Open improved less on psychosocial functioning at post-treatment, and ACT-Engaged worsened on functioning at follow-up. The platform was acceptable with high satisfaction ratings. Results support the feasibility of conducting online ACT component research, which will be tested in a fully powered non-inferiority trial.
Modeling the cardiometabolic benefits of sleep in older women: Exploring the 24-hour day.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Activities throughout the day, including sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LIPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are independently associated with cardiometabolic health. Few studies have examined interrelationships between sleep and 24-hour activity and associations with cardiometabolic risk. The objective of this study is to understand how replacing time in SB, LIPA, or MVPA with sleep impacts cardiometabolic risk. METHODS Women's Health Initiative OPACH Study participants (N=3329; mean age=78.5±6) wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers 24 hours/7 days. Adjusted linear regression estimated the relationship between sleep duration and cardiometabolic markers. Separately for shorter (<8 hours) and longer (≥8 hours) sleepers, isotemporal substitution models estimated the cross-sectional associations with cardiometabolic markers with reallocating time in daytime activities to or from sleep. RESULTS Longer sleep duration was associated with higher insulin, HOMA-IR, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (all p <0.05). The associations between sleep duration and C-reactive protein, waist circumference, and BMI were U-shaped (both p <0.05). For shorter sleepers, reallocating 33 minutes of MVPA to sleep was associated with higher values of insulin, HOMA-IR, glucose, triglycerides, waist circumference, and BMI (0.7%-11.5%). Replacing 91 minutes of SB time with sleep was associated with lower waist circumference and BMI (-1.3%, -1.8%). For long sleepers, shifting 91 minutes of sleep to SB was associated with higher waist circumference and BMI (1.3%, 1.4%). CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first isotemporal analyses to include objectively measured sleep duration. Results illuminate possible cardiometabolic risks and benefits of reallocating time to or from sleep.
Effect of D-ring C-3’ methylation of strigolactone analogs on their transcription regulating activity in rice

ABSTRACT Strigolactones (SLs) are a well-known class of plant hormones, which are involved in a number of developmental and adaptation processes and mediate different interspecific interactions. In spite of the growing knowledge on SL biosynthesis and signal transduction, effects of structural modifications on the activity and efficiency of SLs and their analogs remain largely elusive. SLs are characterized by the presence of a lactone ring (D-ring) that is connected by an enol ether bridge to a second moiety. In this study, we investigated the effect of additional D-ring methylation of SL analogs on their transcription regulating activity. For this purpose, we compared the SL analogs MP13 and AR8, which differ only by the presence of a methyl group at the C-3ʹ atom in the latter. Transcription regulating activity was determined by quantitative real-time PCR measurement of transcript levels of SL-dependent, feed-back regulated genes in treated wild type and ccd7 mutant rice seedlings. Results obtained indicate that C-3ʹ methylation reduces the transcription regulating activity, as shown by the more pronounced suppression of the SL biosynthesis genes DWARF27 (D27) and CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASES (CCD7 and CCD8) and higher induction of the SL signaling repressor gene DWARF53 (D53) in MP13 treated seedlings. These results are consistent with a recent study on the biological activities of MP13 and AR8.
Risk of progression of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features to a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the risk of developing a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) after an initial diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) who were evaluated at Columbia University Irving Medical Center from 2009 to 2017. We divided patients with idiopathic ILD into two groups: those who met IPAF criteria and those who did not meet IPAF criteria at initial ILD diagnosis. We examined the association between IPAF and diagnosis of ARD during the follow-up period using a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model. RESULTS Of the 697 patients with ILD who were screened, 174 met inclusion criteria (50 met IPAF criteria and 124 did not). During a median follow-up period of 5.2 years, 16% (8/50) of subjects with IPAF were diagnosed with an ARD compared with 1.6% (2/124) of subjects without IPAF (P = 0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, smoking status and use of immunosuppressive therapy, the odds of progressing to an ARD were 14 times higher in subjects with IPAF than in those without IPAF (odds ratio 14.18, 95% CI 1.44-138.95, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION The presence of IPAF confers an increased risk of developing an ARD. Patients with IPAF should therefore be followed closely for the development of an ARD.
Association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing with Total Healthcare Costs and Utilization in Older Men: the Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men (MrOS Sleep) Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine the associations of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) with subsequent healthcare costs and utilization including inpatient and post-acute care facility stays among community-dwelling older men. METHODS Participants were 1316 men (mean age 76.1 [SD=5.7] years) in the Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men (MrOS sleep) study (from December 2003 to March 2005), who were enrolled in a Medicare Fee-For-Service plan. Primary SDB measures including apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were collected using in-home level 2 polysomnography. Incident healthcare costs and utilization were determined from claims data in the subsequent 3-year period post MrOS sleep visit. RESULTS 529 (40.2%) men had ≥1 hospitalization in the 3-year period. Compared to those without sleep apnea (AHI <5/hour), men with moderate to severe sleep apnea (AHI ≥15/hour) had a higher odds of all-cause hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] adjusted for age and site 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.90). This association was slightly attenuated after further adjustment for traditional prognostic factors including education, body mass index, comorbid medical conditions, and health status (OR=1.36; 95% CI 1.01-1.83). Similar associations were observed for ODI. However, measures of SDB were not related to subsequent healthcare costs (total or outpatient) or odds of post-acute skilled nursing facility stay. CONCLUSIONS Older men with SDB have an increased risk of hospitalization, not entirely explained by the greater prevalence of comorbid conditions, but not higher subsequent total healthcare costs. These findings indicate a need to evaluate the impact of SDB treatment on subsequent healthcare utilization.
Tuberculosis in the wild boar: Frequentist and Bayesian estimations of diagnostic test parameters when Mycobacterium bovis is present in wild boars but at low prevalence

The Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) is increasingly considered as a relevant actor in the epidemiology of animal tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, monitoring TB in this species is key when establishing comprehensive control schemes for this disease still present in Europe. No data are available on direct and indirect TB diagnostic methods in wild boars in epidemiological contexts where TB is endemic in cattle and detected in wild boars at low prevalence. We aimed to estimate and compare sensitivity and specificity values for bacterial culture, PCR and three commercial ELISAs, i.e. the TB ELISA-VK (using the bPPD antigen), INgezim TB Porcine and IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test (both using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens), under field conditions in France. We used frequentist methods, with bacteriology as the gold standard, and a Bayesian formulation of the latent class analysis (LCA), without using a gold standard. Submandibular lymph nodes and sera from 495 wild boars hunter-harvested in three endemic areas (Aquitaine region, Côte d’Or region, and Corsica region) were collected between 2014 and 2016. Only eight individuals were positive for M. bovis by bacteriology (1.61%; CI95% 0.70–3.51%). The LCA method provided high specificities (99.2%; CI95% 98.2–99.8% for INgezim TB Porcine and 99.7%; CI95% 98.8–100% for IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test) and sensitivities (78.5%; CI95% 65.1–88.8% for INgezim TB Porcine and 83.9%; CI95% 58.9–97.2% for IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test) for both ELISAs using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens. Bacterial culture showed limited sensitivity (42.8%; CI95% 19.0–70.6%), estimated as the probability of a positive result in an animal exposed to M. bovis. PCR and ELISA using the bPPD antigens demonstrated high specificities, and sensitivities intermediates between culture and the ELISAs using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens. These results suggest that ELISA tests using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens are useful to detect and monitor TB exposure of wild boar populations in field conditions in France.
Discrepant Responding across Measures of College Students’ Sexual Victimization Experiences: Conceptual Replication and Extension

Sexual violence victimization affects approximately 1 in 5 college women and 1 in 6 college men; however, rates of sexual victimization vary widely, in part due to measurement issues. The present study is the first to compare the Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Victimization (SES-SFV) to a measure of sexual victimization designed to capture gender differences, the Post-Refusal Sexual Persistence Scale-Victimization (PRSPS-V). Prior research has compared the perpetration versions of these questionnaires and found large discrepancies. College students (N = 673: 367 women, 298 men, 8 gender minority) were surveyed. The SES-SFV identified 260 cases of sexual victimization whereas the PRSPS-V identified 330 cases; this discrepancy was largest for men. While percent agreement between the two measures ranged from 79.9–92.0%, kappa estimates indicated that agreement was in the weak to moderate range. Kappa estimates tended to be poorer for men than women. These results highlight poor precision in the measurement of sexual violence victimization, even when using well-established measures. The PRSPS-V identified more cases and may be less gender biased. We discuss how differences in questionnaire structure, item structure, and operationalization of consent may account for discordance between the SES-SFV and PRSPS-V even when controlling for item content.
l‐Homoarginine supplementation prevents diabetic kidney damage

l‐homoarginine is an endogenous, non‐proteinogenic amino acid that has emerged as a new player in health and disease. Specifically, low l‐homoarginine levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and reduced kidney function. However, the role of l‐homoarginine in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is not known. Experiments were conducted in 6‐week‐old Ins2Akita mice supplemented with l‐homoarginine via drinking water or mini osmotic pump for 12 weeks. Both plasma and kidney l‐homoarginine levels were significantly reduced in diabetic mice compared to nondiabetic controls. Untreated Ins2Akita mice showed significant increases in urinary albumin excretion, histological changes, glomerular macrophage recruitment, the inflammatory cytokine KC‐GRO/CXCL1, and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) excretion as an indicator of oxidative stress, along with a significant reduction in kidney nitrate + nitrite levels compared to control mice at 18 weeks of age. In contrast, l‐homoarginine supplementation for 12 weeks in Ins2Akita mice, via either drinking water or mini osmotic pump, significantly reduced albuminuria, renal histological changes, glomerular macrophage recruitment, KC‐GRO/CXCL1 levels, urinary TBARS excretion, and largely restored kidney nitrate + nitrite levels. These data demonstrate that l‐homoarginine supplementation attenuates specific features of DN in mice and could be a potential new therapeutic tool for treating diabetic patients.
Structural mapping of oligomeric intermediates in an amyloid assembly pathway

Transient oligomers are commonly formed in the early stages of amyloid assembly. Determining the structure(s) of these species and defining their role(s) in assembly is key to devising new routes to control disease. Here, using a combination of chemical kinetics, NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical methods, we identify and structurally characterize the oligomers required for amyloid assembly of the protein ΔN6, a truncation variant of human β2-microglobulin (β2m) found in amyloid deposits in the joints of patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis. The results reveal an assembly pathway which is initiated by the formation of head-to-head non-toxic dimers and hexamers en route to amyloid fibrils. Comparison with inhibitory dimers shows that precise subunit organization determines amyloid assembly, while dynamics in the C-terminal strand hint to the initiation of cross-β structure formation. The results provide a detailed structural view of early amyloid assembly involving structured species that are not cytotoxic.
Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated with Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity in Women with Fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE Pain hypersensitivity has been described as one of the most disabling symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Here we analyzed the relationship between an anti-inflammatory diet profile and the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of tender point sites and other fibromyalgia-related symptoms in patients with FMS. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 95 women diagnosed with FMS and 98 menopause-status matched controls. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was calculated by conducting a 24-hour diet recall interview. The PPTs of tender point sites and self-reported global pain levels were evaluated by algometry and the visual analog scale, respectively. Disease severity, fatigue, sleep anxiety, and central sensitization were also evaluated. RESULTS Linear regression analysis revealed that the PPTs of tender point sites including the occiput (β = 0.234, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.016-0.452, P = 0.036), trapezius (β = 0.299, 95% CI = 0.083-0.515, P = 0.007), zygapophyseal joint (β = 0.291, 95% CI = 0.022-0.559, P = 0.035), second rib (β = 0.204, 95% CI = 0.060-0.348, P = 0.006), gluteus (β = 0.591, 95% CI = 0.110-1.072, P = 0.017), greater trochanter (β = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.016-0.742, P = 0.041), and knee (β = 0.482, 95% CI = 0.117-0.850, P = 0.011) were associated with DII score after adjustments for the age, menopausal status, and global energy levels reported by the patients with FMS. No significant differences were found for the cases or controls between the DII score and the remaining clinical symptoms. Analyses of covariance showed that the PPTs of the aforementioned tender point sites were also significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the DII score quartiles in patients with FMS, but no significant differences were found between these quartiles and the other clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS A pro-inflammatory diet was associated with pain hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.
Emotion dysregulation in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To characterize emotion regulation strategies in patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and to explore whether these strategies are associated with clinical symptoms. METHODS In this cross-sectional multicenter study, a total of 94 polysomnography-confirmed iRBD patients (mean age, 67.6 years; men, 56%) and 50 healthy controls (mean age, 65.4 years; men, 48%) completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Korean version of the RBD questionnaire-Hong Kong (RBDQ-KR), the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), the second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K). RESULTS The iRBD group had lower CERQ adaptive scores than the control group, whereas the CERQ maladaptive scores were not significantly different between the groups. Among the CERQ adaptive subscales, the scores for positive refocusing, refocusing on planning, and positive reappraisal were significantly lower in the iRBD group than in the control group. Higher CERQ adaptive scores were correlated with lower scores on RBDQ-KR factor 1 (dream-related) and the BDI-II and higher MoCA-K scores but were not correlated with RBDQ-KR factor 2 (behavioral manifestation) or BDHI scores. Among the dream content-related items of RBDQ-KR factor 1, the CERQ adaptive score was associated only with frequent nightmares. No correlation was found between CERQ maladaptive scores and any variable except for a positive correlation with BDI-II scores. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence of emotion regulation deficits in iRBD patients. Furthermore, these results were linked to dream-related factors, especially nightmares, along with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.
Reply to letter to the editor: hypoglycemia and treatment with opioids

Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Addictovigilance Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Pharmacovigilance Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Pharmacovigilance Center, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Pharmacovigilance Center, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France; UFR Santé, INSERM UMR 1075, COMETE-MOBILITES 'Vieillissement, Pathologie, Santé', Normandie University, UNICAEN, Caen, France; EA4650, Signalisation, électrophysiologie et imagerie des lésions d’ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie University, UNICAEN, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; General Practice Department, Normandie University, UNICAEN, Caen, France
Epigenomic profiling discovers trans-lineage SOX2 partnerships driving tumor heterogeneity in lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Molecular characterization of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), one of the major subtypes of lung cancer, has not sufficiently improved its non-stratified treatment strategies over decades. Accumulating evidence suggests that lineage-specific transcriptional regulators control differentiation states during cancer evolution, and underlie their distinct biological behaviors. In this study, by investigating the super-enhancer landscape of LUSC, we identified a previously undescribed 'neural' subtype defined by Sox2 and a neural lineage factor Brn2, as well as the classical LUSC subtype defined by Sox2 and its classical squamous partner p63. Robust protein-protein interaction and genomic co-occupancy of Sox2 and Brn2, in place for p63 in the classical LUSC, indicated their transcriptional cooperation imparting this unique lineage state in the 'neural' LUSC. Forced expression of p63 downregulated Brn2 in the 'neural' LUSC cells and invoked the classical LUSC lineage with more squamous/epithelial features, which were accompanied by increased activities of ErbB/Akt and MAPK-ERK pathways suggesting differential dependency. Collectively, our data demonstrate heterogeneous cell lineage states of LUSC featured by Sox2 cooperation with Brn2 or p63, for which distinct therapeutic approaches may be warranted.