Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subchronic and low dose of tributyltin exposure leads to reduced ovarian reserve, reduced uterine gland number, and other reproductive irregularities in female mice.

Tributyltin chloride (TBT) is an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) associated with reproductive complications. Studies have shown that TBT targets the reproductive tract, impairing ovarian folliculogenesis and uterine morphophysiology. In this investigation, we assessed whether subchronic and low dose of TBT exposure results in abnormal ovarian follicular reserve and other irregularities in female mice. TBT was administered to female mice (500ng/kg/day for 12 days via gavage), and reproductive tract morphophysiology was assessed. We further assessed reproductive tract inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). Improper functioning of the reproductive tract in TBT mice was observed. Specifically, irregular estrous cyclicity and abnormal ovarian morphology coupled with reduction in primordial and primary follicle numbers was observed, suggesting ovarian reserve depletion. In addition, improper follicular development and a reduction in antral follicles, corpora lutea, and total healthy ovarian follicles together with an increase in cystic follicles was apparent. Evidence of uterine atrophy, reduction in endometrial gland number, and inflammation and OS were seen in TBT miceFurther, strong negative correlations were observed between testosterone levels and primordial, primary, and total healthy ovarian follicles. Thus, these data suggest that the subchronic and low dose of TBT exposure impaired ovarian follicular reserve, uterine gland number, and other reproductive features in female mice.
Positive autofeedback regulation of Ptf1a transcription generates the levels of PTF1A required to generate itch circuit neurons

In this study, Mona et al. set out to investigate the role of Ptf1a in specifying a subset of dorsal spinal cord inhibitory neurons in mice in vivo. The authors used CRISPR to target multiple noncoding sequences with putative cis-regulatory activity controlling Ptf1a and demonstrate a requirement for positive transcriptional autoregulatory feedback to attain the levels of PTF1A necessary for generating correctly balanced neuronal circuits.
A survey study of attitudes toward, and preferences for, e-therapy interventions for eating disorder psychopathology.

OBJECTIVE E-therapy shows promise as a solution to the barriers that stand in the way of people receiving eating disorder (ED) treatment. Despite the potential for e-therapy to reduce the well-known treatment gap, little is known about public views and perspectives on this mode of intervention delivery. This study explored attitudes toward, and preferences for, e-therapy among individuals spanning the spectrum of eating pathology. METHOD Survey data assessing e-therapy attitudes and preferences were analyzed from 713 participants recruited from the public. Participants were categorized into one of five subgroups based on the type of self-reported ED symptoms and severity/risk level, ranging from high risk to a probable threshold or subthreshold ED. RESULTS Attitudes toward e-therapies appeared to be relatively positive; participants largely supported health care insurance coverage of costs for e-therapies, and were optimistic about the wide-ranging benefits of e-therapy. Although three-quarters of participants expressed a preference for face-to-face therapy, a significant percentage of participants (∼50%) reported an intention to use an e-therapy program for current or future eating problems, with intention ratings highest (70%) among those with probable bulimia nervosa (BN). Variables associated with an e-therapy preference were not currently receiving psychotherapy, more positive e-therapy attitudes, and greater stigma associated with professional help-seeking. Variables associated with e-therapy intentions were more positive e-therapy attitudes and a probable BN classification. CONCLUSIONS Present findings have important implications for increasing online intervention acceptance, engagement, and help-seeking among those at different stages of illness.
Participant Retention in Follow-Up Studies of Acute Respiratory Failure Survivors

BACKGROUND: With an increasing number of follow-up studies of acute respiratory failure survivors, there is need for a better understanding of participant retention and its reporting in this field of research. Hence, our objective was to synthesize participant retention data and associated reporting for this field. METHODS: Two screeners independently searched for acute respiratory failure survivorship studies within a published scoping review to evaluate subject outcomes after hospital discharge in critical illness survivors. RESULTS: There were 21 acute respiratory failure studies (n = 4,342 survivors) over 47 follow-up time points. Six-month follow-up (range: 2–60 months) was the most frequently reported time point, in 81% of studies. Only 1 study (5%) reported accounting for loss to follow-up in sample-size calculation. Retention rates could not be calculated for 5 (24%) studies. In 16 studies reporting on retention across all time points, retention ranged from 32% to 100%. Pooled retention rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 85%, 89%, 82%, and 88%, respectively. Retention rates did not significantly differ by publication year, participant mean age, or when comparing earlier (3 months) versus each later follow-up time point (6, 12, or 24 months). CONCLUSIONS: Participant retention was generally high but varied greatly across individual studies and time points, with 24% of studies reporting inadequate data to calculate retention rate. High participant retention is possible, but resources for optimizing retention may help studies retain participants. Improved reporting guidelines with greater adherence would be beneficial.
Incentive spirometry to prevent acute chest syndrome in adults with sickle cell disease; a randomized controlled trial

Novena campus was lower in February 2020 and March 2020 as compared to the preceding 12 months. A mean of 1270 PRBC units/month in 2019 was transfused, as compared to 1063 PRBC units/month (16% decrease) in February and March 2020. There was also a reduction in FFP from 245 to 193 units/month (21.2% decrease) and platelet products from 197 to 166 units/month (15.7% decrease). While Tan Tock Seng Hospital still admits non COVID-19 patients, the postponing of elective surgeries and lower bed occupancy rates during February and March 2020 has resulted in decreased demand for blood products. This was also observed from March 2003 to May 2003 during the height of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, where Tan Tock Seng Hospital was then the designated public hospital in Singapore to manage only patients with suspected and confirmed SARS. The blood transfusion requirements during that period showed a 66.5% decline from a mean 941 monthly red cell units transfused in 2002, to 315 monthly red cell units transfused, and a corresponding decline in mean monthly usage of FFP and platelet transfusions from 500 units FFP and 289 platelet products in 2002, to 211 units FFP (57.8% decrease) and 155 platelet products (46.3% decrease). The challenges faced by blood banks during an infectious pandemic are securing and protecting the blood supply. While the demand for blood and blood products may decrease during a pandemic due to postponement of elective surgeries, measures such as physical distancing and a complete lockdown of cities, provinces or countries in an attempt to curb the spread of infection may result in a larger decline in blood supply and an overall shortage of blood products. This was observed in April 2003 to July 2003 in Beijing, China during the SARS outbreak where it was necessary to import blood and blood products from other Chinese provinces to ensure availability for clinical use in patients. Hospitals should have in place an emergency blood management plan in preparedness planning for sustainability and safety of blood supply. In summary, most patients with mild COVID-19 infection do not require blood transfusions. A subset of critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 infection in the ICU, especially those with overt gastrointestinal bleeding, requires mostly PRBC transfusion, with lesser requirements for FFP and platelet products.
Oral Supplementation of Sodium Butyrate Attenuates the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Sodium butyrate (SoB) supplementation has been suggested to attenuate the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we determined the therapeutic potential of SoB on NAFLD progression and molecular mechanism involved. Eight-week old C57BL/6J mice were pair-fed a fat-, fructose- and cholesterol-rich diet (FFC) or control diet (C). After 8 weeks, some mice received 0.6g SoB/kg bw in their respective diets (C+SoB; FFC+SoB) or were maintained on C or FFC for the next 5 weeks of feeding. Liver damage, markers of glucose metabolism, inflammation, intestinal barrier function and melatonin metabolism were determined. FFC-fed mice progressed from simple steatosis to early non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, along with significantly higher TNFα and IL-6 protein levels in the liver and impaired glucose tolerance. In FFC+SoB-fed mice, disease was limited to steatosis associated with protection against the induction of Tlr4 mRNA and iNOS protein levels in livers. SoB supplementation had no effect on FFC-induced loss of tight junction proteins in the small intestine but was associated with protection against alterations in melatonin synthesis and receptor expression in the small intestine and livers of FFC-fed animals. Our results suggest that the oral supplementation of SoB may attenuate the progression of simple steatosis to steatohepatitis.
The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: A review of the current evidence

A novel coronavirus (nCoV) spillover event, with its epicenter in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, has emerged as a public health emergency of international concern. This began as an outbreak in December 2019, and till February 28, 2020, there have been 83,704 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally, with 2,859 deaths, resulting in an overall case fatality rate of 3.41 per cent (95% confidence interval 3.29-3.54%). By this time (February 28, 2020) 58 countries or territories and one international conveyance (Diamond Princess Cruise Ship) were affected. As a part of the global response to manage and contain the pandemic, major emphasis was placed on generating research intelligence to guide evidence-based responses to contain the virus, which was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), owing to its genetic similarities with the SARS virus. This review summarizes the emerging evidence which can help guide the public health response, particularly in India. Key areas have been identified in which research needs to be conducted to generate critical intelligence for advising prevention and control efforts. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has once again exposed the weaknesses of global health systems preparedness, ability to respond to an infectious threat, the rapidity of transmission of infections across international borders and the ineffectiveness of knee-jerk policy responses to emerging/re-emerging infectious disease threats. The review concludes with the key learning points from the ongoing efforts to prevent and contain COVID-19 and identifies the need to invest in health systems, community-led response mechanisms and the need for preparedness and global health security.
Machine‐Learning prediction of comorbid substance use disorders in ADHD youth using Swedish registry data

Background Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a high risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). Early identification of at-risk youth would help allocate scarce resources for prevention programs. Methods Psychiatric and somatic diagnoses, family history of these disorders, measures of socioeconomic distress and information about birth complications were obtained from the national registers in Sweden for 19,787 children with ADHD born between 1989-1993. We trained 1) cross-sectional machine learning models using data available by age 17 to predict SUD diagnosis between ages 18-19; and 2) a longitudinal model to predict new diagnoses at each age. Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.73 and 0.71 for the random forest and multilayer perceptron cross-sectional models. A prior diagnosis of SUD was the most important predictor, accounting for 25% of correct predictions. However, after excluding this predictor, our model still significantly predicted the first-time diagnosis of SUD during age 18-19 with an AUC of 0.67. The average of the AUCs from longitudinal models predicting new diagnoses one, two, five and ten years in the future was 0.63. Conclusions Significant predictions of at-risk co-morbid SUDs in individuals with ADHD can be achieved using population registry data, even many years prior to the first diagnosis. Longitudinal models can potentially monitor their risks over time. More work is needed to create prediction models based on electronic health records or linked population-registers that are sufficiently accurate for use in the clinic.
Oral isotretinoin combined with topical clobetasol 0.05% and tacrolimus 0.1% for the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with no promising treatment. Objective To evaluate the additive efficacy of oral isotretinoin to topical treatments. Methods Between November 2017 and August 2018, FFA patients were randomly assigned to receive either isotretinoin (20 mg/d) plus topical treatments (clobetasol 0.05% and tacrolimus 0.1%) or monotherapy with topical treatments. Treatments’ efficacy was evaluated through Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Severity Index (FFASI) after two and 6 months. Results From 38 participants, 28 patients completed the study. Facial papules improved after 6 months (p value < .001) in the isotretinoin group. Moreover, frontotemporal hairline (p values for frontal < .001; R lateral: 0.03; L Lateral: 0.02), total scalp margins, total additional features’ scores, and total combined (p value < .001 for all) improved more in the isotretinoin group than in the control group. Frontal band improved in the treatment group (p value: .02). Frontal margin (p value: .01), R lateral (p value: .01), total scalp (p value < .01), and combined total scores (p value: .01) worsened in the control group. Isotretinoin-related side-effects included lip dryness, telogen effluvium, and malaise. Limitations Small sample size and lost to follow-up. Conclusion Isotretinoin combined with topical treatments is more effective than monotherapy with clobetasol and tacrolimus for FFA. Clinical Trial Code (IRCT.ir) IRCT2017091736173N1. Graphical Abstract
Ultralow Schottky barriers in h-BN encapsulated monolayer WSe2 tunnel field-effect transistors.

To explore the potential of field-effect transistors(FETs) based on monolayers of the two-dimensional semiconducting channel(SC) for spintronics, the two most important issues are to ensure the formation of variable low resistive tunnel ferromagnetic contacts(FC), and to preserve intrinsic properties of the SC during fabrication. Large Schottky barriers lead to the formation of high resistive contacts and methods adopted to control the barriers often alter the intrinsic properties of the SC. This work aims at addressing both issues in fully encapsulated monolayer WSe2 FETs by using bi-layer h-BN as a tunnel barrier at the FC/SC interface. We investigate the electrical transport in monolayer WSe2 FETs with current-in-plane geometry that yields hole mobilities ≈ 38.3 cm2V-1s-1 at 240 K and On/Off ratios of the order of 107, limited by the contact regions. We have achieved ultralow effective Schottky barrier (≈ 5.34 meV) with encapsulated tunneling device as opposed to a non-encapsulated device in which the barrier heights are considerably higher. These observations provide an insight into the electrical behavior of the FC/h-BN/SC/h-BN heterostructures and such control over the barrier heights opens up the possibilities for monolayer WSe2-based spintronic devices.
Diagnostic Value of FDG-PET/CT for the Identification of Extranodal Extension in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aim: We evaluated the diagnostic value of functional imaging with [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the identification of extranodal extension (ENE) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patients and Methods: In this study, 94 patients with HNSCC who underwent FDG-PET/CT were enrolled. We recorded the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), compared the results with pathologic findings, and evaluated the diagnostic performance of using a SUVmax cut-off value for ENE. Results: Of the 566 dissected levels examined, 53 (9.4%) exhibited ENE. The mean SUVmax of LN with and without ENE were 6.67 and 1.64, respectively (p<0.001). A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis for SUVmax showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.913. A SUVmax cut-off of 3.0 achieved diagnostic performance for identifying ENE with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 81.1%, 94.3% and 93.1%, respectively. Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT findings using a SUVmax cut-off of 3.0 provides appropriate diagnostic value in identifying ENE.
Associations between growth from birth to 18 years, intelligence, and schooling in a Brazilian cohort

ABSTRACT Background Growth faltering in the first 1000 d is associated with lower human capital among adults. The existence of a second window of opportunity for nutritional interventions during adolescence has been postulated. Objectives We aimed to verify the associations between growth from birth to 18 y and intelligence and schooling in a cohort. Methods A total of 5249 hospital-born infants in Pelotas, Brazil, were enrolled during 1993. Follow-up visits to random subsamples took place at 6, 12, and 48 mo and to the full cohort at 11, 15, and 18 y. Weight and length/height were collected in all visits. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale was applied at age 18 y, and primary school completion was recorded. Conditional length/height and conditional BMI were calculated and expressed as z scores according to the WHO Growth Standards. These express the difference between observed and expected size at a given age based on a regression that includes earlier anthropometric measures. Analyses were adjusted for income, parental education, maternal skin color and smoking, and breastfeeding duration. Results In the adjusted analyses, participants with conditional length ≥1 z score at 1 y had mean intelligence quotient (IQ) scores at 18 y 4.50 points (95% CI: 1.08, 7.92) higher than those with conditional length ≤−1 at 1 y. For height-for-age at 4 y, this difference was equal to 3.70 (95% CI: 0.49, 6.90) IQ points. There were no associations between conditional height at 11, 15, or 18 y and IQ. For the same previously mentioned comparison, the prevalence ratio for less than primary schooling was 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.80) for conditional height at 1 y. There were no consistent associations with conditional BMI. Conclusions Our findings show that adolescent growth is not associated with intelligence and schooling, and are consistent with the literature on the associations between intelligence and schooling and early linear growth.
Cholesterol Homeostasis Modulates Platinum Sensitivity in Human Ovarian Cancer

Despite initial chemotherapy response, ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, due to frequent relapse and onset of drug resistance. To date, there is no affordable diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for early detection of the disease. However, it has been recently shown that high grade serous ovarian cancers show peculiar oxidative metabolism, which is in turn responsible for inflammatory response and drug resistance. The molecular chaperone TRAP1 plays pivotal roles in such metabolic adaptations, due to the involvement in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration. Here, we show that platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells also show reduced cholesterol biosynthesis, and mostly rely on the uptake of exogenous cholesterol for their needs. Expression of FDPS and OSC, enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis, are decreased both in drug-resistant cells and upon TRAP1 silencing, whereas the expression of LDL receptor, the main mediator of extracellular cholesterol uptake, is increased. Strikingly, treatment with statins to inhibit cholesterol synthesis reduces cisplatin-induced apoptosis, whereas silencing of LIPG, an enzyme involved in lipid metabolism, or withdrawal of lipids from the culture medium, increases sensitivity to the drug. These results suggest caveats for the use of statins in ovarian cancer patients and highlights the importance of lipid metabolism in ovarian cancer treatment.
A Smartphone App (mDASHNa-CC) to Support Healthy Diet and Hypertension Control for Chinese Canadian Seniors: Protocol for Design, Usability and Feasibility Testing

Background This proposed study aims to translate the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension with Sodium (Na) Reduction for Chinese Canadians (DASHNa-CC), a classroom-based, antihypertensive, dietary educational intervention, to an innovative smartphone app (mDASHNa-CC). This study will enable Chinese Canadian seniors to access antihypertensive dietary interventions anytime, regardless of where they are. It is hypothesized that senior Chinese Canadians will be satisfied with their experiences using the mDASHNa-CC app and that the use of this app could lead to a decrease in their blood pressure and improvement in their health-related quality of life. Objective The goal of this study is to design and test the usability and feasibility of a smartphone-based dietary educational app to support a healthy diet and hypertension control for Chinese Canadian seniors. Methods A mixed-method two-phase design will be used. The study will be conducted in a Chinese immigrant community in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Chinese Canadian seniors, who are at least 65 years old, self-identified as Chinese, living in Canada, and with elevated blood pressure, will be recruited. In Phase I, we will design and test the usability of the app using a user-centered approach. In Phase II, we will test the feasibility of the app, including implementation (primary outcomes of accrual and attrition rates, technical issues, acceptability of the app, and adherence to the intervention) and preliminary effectiveness (secondary outcomes of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, health-related quality of life, and health service utilization), using a pilot, two-group, randomized controlled trial with a sample size of 60 participants in a Chinese Canadian community. Results The study is supported by the Startup Research Grant from Nipissing University, Canada. The research ethics application is under review by a university research ethics review board. Conclusions The study results will make several contributions to the existing literature, including illustrating the rigorous design and testing of smartphone app technology for hypertension self-management in the community, exploring an approach to incorporating traditional medicine into chronic illness management in minority communities and promoting equal access to current technology among minority immigrant senior groups. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03988894; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03988894 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/15545