Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Grandmothers’ Presence on the Provision of Multidisciplinary Perinatal Support for Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Psychosocial Problems

Background Pregnant and postpartum women with psychosocial problems are prone to face limited or absent perinatal functional support from biological grandmothers due to familial dysfunction. The study aimed to investigate whether the involvement and presence of biological maternal grandmothers providing practical support for their pre/postnatal daughters (ie, pregnant women) during the perinatal period may influence the number of support services provided by multidisciplinary agencies, including child consultation centers and municipal offices. Participants and methods This is a retrospective cohort study based on the medical records of all pregnant women with psychosocial problems that visited, gave birth, and received intervention from the hospital-based child protection unit at the Chiba University Hospital between February 2018 to March 2019. The primary outcome was to identify whether there was a difference in the number of multidisciplinary agencies providing perinatal support between pregnant women with and without the presence of functional support from biological maternal grandmothers during the perinatal period. Results We identified 114 pregnant and postpartum women with psychosocial problems. Seventy-six of these participants (66.7%) had functional support from their biological maternal grandmothers during the perinatal period, and 38 participants (33.3%) did not. The number of agencies involved with participants who lacked functional support was significantly higher than participants with functional support (t(55.14) = 2.98, p < 0.01). This finding was consistent among pregnant and postpartum primipara participants (n = 70) (t(68) = 3.87, p < 0.001), but not multipara (n = 44). Conclusion The findings indicate that the presence and functional support of biological maternal grandmothers influence the support that is needed from multidisciplinary perinatal support systems by pregnant and postpartum women with psychosocial problems. Primipara mothers without support from their own mothers may need greater multidisciplinary support.
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: An overview

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics with a chronic course. With its multifaceted range of symptoms, GTS lies at the crossroads of neurology and psychiatry. This review article provides an outline of GTS, encompassing its extended clinical phenomenology, pathophysiology, and treatment options. Tics are the most common hyperkinetic manifestations in childhood, and the majority of patients present with comorbid behavioral conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and affective symptoms. Most patients report that their tics are preceded by sensory experiences (premonitory urges), i.e., unpleasant sensations characterized by pressure, tension, tightness, pain, itch, or vague inner discomfort. Tics can be temporarily suppressed and delayed for seconds to minutes, at the expense of mounting inner tension until the subjective feeling becomes unbearable, and the tic must be released. A better understanding of the mechanisms at the root of tic production can pave the way to the development of more effective treatment interventions for patients with GTS in order to improve their health-related quality of life (QOL). Specific instruments for measuring health-related QOL based on standardized assessments allow to appraise the impact of both tics and behavioral comorbidities and tailor treatment strategies to individual patients.
Radicular lingual groove: A contributory factor in periodontal pathology

Radicular gingival groove is a developmental anomaly most commonly occurring in the maxillary anterior teeth that acts as a hidden trap in the tooth which accumulates plaque and periodontal pathogens, leading to the formation of periodontal pocket with or without pulpal involvement. The diagnosis of these grooves in terms of radiographic images is very difficult to predict and can only be appreciated as per patient's chief complaint along with clinical examination of periodontal pocket depth with probing and endodontic treatment of tooth if pulpal involvement is present.
Therapeutic Effect of Bifidobacterium Administration on Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in Lewis Rats

Beneficial effects of probiotics on gut microbiota homeostasis and inflammatory immune responses suggested the investigation of their potential clinical efficacy in experimental models of autoimmune diseases. Indeed, administration of two bifidobacteria and lactobacilli probiotic strains prevented disease manifestations in the Lewis rat model of Myasthenia Gravis (EAMG). Here, we demonstrate the clinical efficacy of therapeutic administration of vital bifidobacteria (i.e., from EAMG onset). The mechanisms involved in immunomodulation were investigated with ex vivo and in vitro experiments. Improvement of EAMG symptoms was associated to decreased anti-rat AChR antibody levels, and differential expression of TGFβ and FoxP3 immunoregulatory transcripts in draining lymph nodes and spleen of treated-EAMG rats. Exposure of rat bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to bifidobacteria or lactobacilli strains upregulated toll-like receptor 2 mRNA expression, a key molecule involved in bacterium recognition via lipotheicoic acid. Live imaging experiments of AChR-specific effector T cells, co-cultured with BMDCs pre-exposed to bifidobacteria, demonstrated increased percentages of motile effector T cells, suggesting a hindered formation of TCR-peptide-MHC complex. Composition of gut microbiota was studied by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and α and β diversity were determined in probiotic treated EAMG rats, with altered ratios between Tenericutes and Verrucomicrobia (phylum level), and Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae (family level). Moreover, the relative abundance of Akkermansia genus was found increased compared to healthy and probiotic treated EAMG rats. In conclusion, our findings confirms that the administration of vital bifidobacteria at EAMG onset has beneficial effects on disease progression; this study further supports preclinical research in human MG to evaluate probiotic efficacy as supplementary therapy in MG.
Psychotria microphylla Induces Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Alterations in Giant African Land Snail Achatina achatina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Psychotria microphylla is an ichthyotoxic botanical used to stupefy fish prior to harvesting in aquatic systems. The current study investigated the effect of P. microphylla leaf extract on the oxidative stress and biochemical parameters of the giant African land snail, Achatina achatina. Adult A. achatina were administered 0.35, 0.45 and 0.55 mg l–1 leaf extract of P. microphylla and sampling was done after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h durations. Oxidative stress was evident by the significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO). Maximum LPO values of 36.13% and 63.69% were observed in A. achatina administered 0.55 mg l–1 of the leaf extract at 24 h and 96 h respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) significantly decreased, whereas the values of glutathione reductase (GR) increased significantly compared to the control. Extract-induced toxicity was evident by the significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity relative to the control. The current findings indicate the potential toxicity of P. microphylla and suggest that it could be used for control of terrestrial snail pests.
Anodal High-definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Posterior Parietal Cortex Modulates Approximate Mental Arithmetic

Abstract The representation and processing of numerosity is a crucial cognitive capacity. Converging evidence points to the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) as primary “number” region. However, the exact role of the left and right PPC for different types of numerical and arithmetic tasks remains controversial. In this study, we used high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to further investigate the causal involvement of the PPC during approximative, nonsymbolic mental arithmetic. Eighteen healthy participants received three sessions of anodal HD-tDCS at 1-week intervals in counterbalanced order: left PPC, right PPC, and sham stimulation. Results showed an improved performance during online parietal HD-tDCS (vs. sham) for subtraction problems. Specifically, the general tendency to underestimate the results of subtraction problems (i.e., the “operational momentum effect”) was reduced during online parietal HD-tDCS. There was no difference between left and right stimulation. This study thus provides new evidence for a causal involvement of the left and right PPC for approximate nonsymbolic arithmetic and advances the promising use of noninvasive brain stimulation in increasing cognitive functions.
A Mini-Review of Adverse Lung Transplant Outcomes Associated With Respiratory Viruses

Due to their overall immunocompromised state, lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are at increased risk for the development of viral respiratory infections compared to the general population. Such respiratory infections often lead to poor transplant outcomes. We performed a systematic review of the last 30 years of medical literature to summarize the impact of specific respiratory viruses on LTRs. After screening 2,150 articles for potential inclusion, 39 manuscripts were chosen for final review. We found evidence for an association of respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus, and influenza viruses with increased morbidity following transplant. Through the literature search, we also documented associations of RSV and adenovirus infections with increased mortality among LTRs. We posit that the medical literature supports aggressive surveillance for respiratory viruses among this population.
Kinetics of Fluorescein in Tear Film After Eye Drop Instillation in Beagle Dogs: Does Size Really Matter?

The study aimed to determine the impact of drop size on tear film pharmacokinetics and assess important physiological parameters associated with ocular drug delivery in dogs. Two separate experiments were conducted in eight healthy Beagle dogs: (i) Instillation of one drop (35 μl) or two drops (70 μl) of 1% fluorescein solution in each eye followed by tear collections with capillary tubes from 0 to 180 min; (ii) Instillation of 10 to 100 μl of 0.1% fluorescein in each eye followed by external photography with blue excitation filter (to capture periocular spillage of fluorescein) and tear collections from 1 to 20 min (to capture tear turnover rate; TTR). Fluorescein concentrations were measured in tear samples with a fluorophotometer. The TTR was estimated based upon non-linear mixed-effects analysis of fluorescein decay curves. Tear film pharmacokinetics were not superior with instillation of two drops vs. one drop based on tear film concentrations, residual tear fluorescence, and area under the fluorescein-time curves (P ≥ 0.163). Reflex TTR varied from 20.2 to 30.5%/min and did not differ significantly (P = 0.935) among volumes instilled (10–100 μl). The volumetric capacity of the canine palpebral fissure (31.3 ± 8.9 μl) was positively correlated with the palpebral fissure length (P = 0.023). Excess solution was spilled over the periocular skin in a volume-dependent manner, predominantly in the lower eyelid, medial canthus and lateral canthus. In sum, a single drop is sufficient for topical administration in dogs. Any excess is lost predominantly by spillage over the periocular skin as well as accelerated nasolacrimal drainage.
Expression and Function of the Endocannabinoid Modulating Enzymes Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine-Specific Phospholipase D in Endometrial Carcinoma

Background: The concentrations of three N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), anandamide (AEA), N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and N-palmitylethanolamide (PEA) are increased in the endometria of women with endometrial cancer (EC). It is widely accepted that plasma levels of these three NAEs are regulated by the actions of the rate-limiting enzymes N-acylphoshatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which are synthesizing and degradative, respectively. The expression and activity of these enzymes have not previously been studied in EC. Methods: FAAH activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and transcript and protein expression for FAAH and NAPE-PLD in EC tissues were measured using enzyme, quantitative RT-PCR, and histomorphometry (of immunoreactive tissue sections), respectively. Samples were from 6 post-menopausal women with atrophic endometria (controls) and 34 women with histologically diagnosed EC. Concentrations of the three NAEs also measured in plasma and tissues were correlated with lymphocytic FAAH activity and the NAPE-PLD and FAAH transcript and protein levels. Results: Peripheral lymphocyte FAAH activity was unaffected in women with EC compared to controls. The FAAH transcript expression level was significantly (p < 0.0001) 75% lower in EC whilst NAPE-PLD levels were not significantly (p = 0.798) increased. In line with the transcript data, a significant (p < 0.0001) tumor type-dependent 70–90% decrease in FAAH protein and significant 4- to 14-fold increase in NAPE-PLD protein (p < 0.0001) was observed in the malignant tissue with more advanced disease having lower FAAH and higher NAPE-PLD expression than less advanced disease. Correlation analyses also confirmed that tissue NAE concentrations were inversely related to FAAH expression and directly correlated to NAPE-PLD expression and the NAPE-PLD/FAAH ratio. Conclusion: These data support our previous observation of tissue levels of AEA, OEA, and PEA and a role for NAE metabolism in the pathogenesis of EC.
Early psychological intervention following recent trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating disorder which has a significant impact on the lives of sufferers. A number of early psychological interventions have been developed to try to prevent chronic difficulties. Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the current evidence for the effectiveness of multiple session early psychological interventions aimed at preventing or treating traumatic stress symptoms beginning within three months of trauma exposure. Methods: Randomized controlled trials of early multiple session psychological interventions aimed at preventing or reducing traumatic stress symptoms of individuals exposed to a traumatic event, fulfiling trauma criteria for an ICD or DSM diagnosis of PTSD were identified through a search of the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group Clinical Trials Registers database, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and PILOTS. Two authors independently extracted study details and data and completed risk of bias assessments. Analyses were undertaken using Review Manager software. Quality of findings were rated according to ‘Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation’ (GRADE) and appraised for clinical importance. Results: Sixty-one studies evaluating a variety of interventions were identified. For individuals exposed to a trauma who were not pre-screened for traumatic stress symptoms there were no clinically important differences between any intervention and usual care. For individuals reporting traumatic stress symptoms we found clinically important evidence of benefits for trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-T), cognitive therapy without exposure and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Differences were greatest for those diagnosed with acute stress disorder (ASD) and PTSD. Conclusions: There is evidence for the effectiveness of several early psychological interventions for individuals with traumatic stress symptoms following trauma exposure, especially for those meeting the diagnostic threshold for ASD or PTSD. Evidence is strongest for trauma-focused CBT. HIGHLIGHTS • We found no clinically important evidence for the benefit of early intervention offered to all individuals exposed to a traumatic event, regardless of symptomatology. • There was evidence of a clinically important effect for trauma-focused CBT (CBT-T), brief EMDR and cognitive therapy without exposure. • Evidence was strongest for CBT-T.
Assessing the application of latent class and latent profile analysis for evaluating the construct validity of complex posttraumatic stress disorder: cautions and limitations

ABSTRACT Background: The diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has been suggested for inclusion in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), with support for its construct validity coming from studies employing Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). Objective: The current study aimed to critically evaluate the application of the techniques LCA and LPA as applied in previous studies to substantiate the construct validity of CPTSD. Method: Both LCA and LPA were applied systematically in one sample (n = 245), replicating the setup of previous studies as closely as possible. The interpretation of classes was augmented with the use of graphical visualization. Results: The LCA and LPA analyses indicated divergent results in the same dataset. LCA and LPA partially supported the existence of classes of patients endorsing different PTSD and CPTSD symptom patterns. However, further inspection of the results with scatterplots did not support a clear distinction between PTSD and CPTSD, but rather suggested that there is much greater variability in clinical presentations amongst adult PTSD patients than can be fully accounted for by either PTSD or CPTSD. Discussion: We argue that LCA and LPA may not be sufficient methods to decide on the construct validity of CPTSD, as different subgroups of patients are identified, depending on the statistical exact method used and the interpretation of the fit of different models. Additional methods, including graphical inspection should be employed in future studies. HIGHLIGHTS • The necessity of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as a separate diagnosis is under debate. • We evaluated the contribution of latent modelling techniques to this debate. • Results indicated that these techniques are insufficient for settling this debate.
Current Understanding of Nasal Epithelial Cell Mis-Differentiation

Abstract The functional role of the respiratory epithelium is to generate a physical barrier. In addition, the epithelium supports the innate and acquired immune system through various cytokines and chemokines. However, epithelial cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases, some of which are mediated by increased permeability of the mucosal membrane or disturbed mucociliary transport. In addition, it has been shown that epithelial cells are involved in the development of inflammatory respiratory diseases. The following review article focuses on the aspects of epithelial mis-differentiation, in particular with respect to nasal mucosal barrier function, epithelial immunogenicity, nasal epithelial–mesenchymal transition and nasal microbiome.
Targeting Approaches of Nanomedicines in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy, which is commonly associated with high incidence and mortality among adult patients. The standard induction regimen for AML has been substantially unchanged over the past 40 years, for which novel nanomedicines have represented a promising strategy in AML therapies. Despite developments of multiple nanoparticles formulated with drugs or genes, less there is not much information available about approaches in AML is available. This review presents an overview of nanomedicines currently being evaluated in AML. First, it briefly summarized conventional chemotherapies in use. Second, nanomedicines presently ongoing in clinical trials or preclinical researches were classified and described, with illustrative examples from recent literatures. Finally, limitations and potential safety issues concerns in clinical translation of AML treatment were discussed as well.
Therapeutic Challenges And Advances In The Management Of Systemic Sclerosis-Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (SSc-PAH)

Abstract Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder with multi-organ involvement. SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the SSc population. With advances in our understanding of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) diagnosis and treatment, outcomes for all PAH patients have significantly improved. While SSc-PAH patients have also benefited from these advances, significant challenges remain. Diagnosis of PAH is a challenging endeavor in SSc patients who often have many co-existing pulmonary and cardiac comorbidities. Given the significantly elevated prevalence and lifetime risk of PAH in the SSc population, screening for SSc-PAH is a critically useful strategy. Treatment with pulmonary arterial (PA) vasodilators has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the survival and quality of life of PAH patients. While therapy with PA vasodilators is beneficial in SSc-PAH patients, therapy effects appear to be attenuated when compared to responses in patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH). This review attempts to chronicle and summarize the advances in our understanding of the optimal screening strategies to identify PAH in patients with SSc. The article also reviews the advances in the therapeutic and risk stratification strategies for SSc-PAH patients.
Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Introduction Central retinal artery occlusion is an ophthalmic emergency which typically causes acute, painless visual loss. Several conservative treatment options are practiced with little benefit. Thrombolysis as a therapeutic option has gathered interest as well as controversy. This paper aims at reviewing the relevant literature to assess the efficacy and safety of intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute central retinal artery occlusion. Methods A review of the literature was conducted. Keywords included “intra-arterial thrombolysis” or “intra-arterial fibrinolysis” in combination with “central retinal artery occlusion” or “CRAO”. A Cochrane Database search was performed for randomised control trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses using the same keywords. Results Twenty-eight studies were identified which included case reports, case series, case-control studies and 1 randomised control trial: the European Assessment Group for Lysis in the Eye Study. Improvement in vision was measured using different methods and at different time points. The findings of these studies generally favour an effect towards intra-arterial thrombolysis however there are many limitations. Additionally, the European Assessment Group for Lysis in the Eye Study showed lack of effect in intra-arterial thrombolysis vs conservative measures. Conclusion Current evidence is not sufficient to recommend intra-arterial thrombolysis due to the variability of visual improvement within retrospective studies, heterogeneity in treatment regimens between studies and adverse effects. Intra-arterial thrombolysis may have a role in patients presenting early, particularly if they have monocular vision, after discussion of the risks and benefits. Further high-quality trials assessing the clinical efficacy of intra-arterial thrombolysis may shed more light on this topic.