Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LncRNAs in HCV Infection and HCV-Related Liver Disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts with poor coding capacity that may interact with proteins, DNA, or other RNAs to perform structural and regulatory functions. The lncRNA transcriptome changes significantly in most diseases, including cancer and viral infections. In this review, we summarize the functional implications of lncRNA-deregulation after infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV leads to chronic infection in many patients that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Most lncRNAs deregulated in infected cells that have been described function to potentiate or block the antiviral response and, therefore, they have a great impact on HCV viral replication. In addition, several lncRNAs upregulated by the infection contribute to viral release. Finally, many lncRNAs have been described as deregulated in HCV-related HCC that function to enhance cell survival, proliferation, and tumor progression by different mechanisms. Interestingly, some HCV-related HCC lncRNAs can be detected in bodily fluids, and there is great hope that they could be used as biomarkers to predict cancer initiation, progression, tumor burden, response to treatment, resistance to therapy, or tumor recurrence. Finally, there is high confidence that lncRNAs could also be used to improve the suboptimal long-term outcomes of current HCC treatment options.
Lipidomics and RNA sequencing reveal a novel subpopulation of nanovesicle within extracellular matrix biomaterials

Matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBVs) are a novel subclass of extracellular vesicles. Biomaterials composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) provide both mechanical support and a reservoir of constructive signaling molecules that promote functional tissue repair. Recently, matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBVs) have been reported as an integral component of ECM bioscaffolds. Although liquid-phase extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been the subject of intense investigation, their similarity to MBV is limited to size and shape. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)–based lipidomics and redox lipidomics were used to conduct a detailed comparison of liquid-phase EV and MBV phospholipids. Combined with comprehensive RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the intravesicular cargo, we show that MBVs are a distinct and unique subpopulation of EV and a distinguishing feature of ECM-based biomaterials. The results begin to identify the differential biologic activities mediated by EV that are secreted by tissue-resident cells and deposited within the ECM.
Thymosin β4 Identified by Transcriptomic Analysis from HF Anagen to Telogen Promotes Proliferation of SHF-DPCs in Albas Cashmere Goat

Increasing cashmere yield is one of the important goals of cashmere goat breeding. To achieve this goal, we screened the key genes that can improve cashmere performance. In this study, we used the RNA raw datasets of the skin and dermal papilla cells of secondary hair follicle (SHF-DPCs) samples of hair follicle (HF) anagen and telogen of Albas cashmere goats and identified a set of significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To explore potential associations between gene sets and SHF growth features and to identify candidate genes, we detected functional enrichment and constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Through comprehensive analysis, we selected Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), Rho GTPase activating protein 6 (ARHGAP6), ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 15, (ADAMTS15), Chordin (CHRD), and SPARC (Osteonectin), cwcv and kazal-like domains proteoglycan 1 (SPOCK1) as candidate genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for these genes revealed Tβ4 and ARHGAP6 have a close association with the growth and development of SHF-DPCs. However, the expression of Tβ4 in the anagen was higher than that in the telogen, so we finally chose Tβ4 as the ultimate research object. Overexpressing Tβ4 promoted and silencing Tβ4 inhibited the proliferation of SHF-DPCs. These findings suggest that Tβ4 can promote the growth and development of SHF-DPCs and indicate that this molecule may be a valuable target for increasing cashmere production.
Mycoplasma genitalium Detection in Urogenital Specimens from Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Men and Women by Use of the cobas TV/MG Test

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infections are a growing concern within the field of sexually transmitted infections. However, diagnostic assays for M. genitalium have been limited in the United States. As most infections are asymptomatic, individuals can unknowingly pass the infection on, and the prevalence is likely to be underestimated. Diagnosis of M. genitalium infection is recommended using a nucleic acid test. This multicenter study assessed the performance of the cobas Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)/MG assay (cobas) for the detection of M. genitalium, using 22,150 urogenital specimens from both symptomatic and asymptomatic men and women collected at geographically diverse sites across the United States. ABSTRACT Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infections are a growing concern within the field of sexually transmitted infections. However, diagnostic assays for M. genitalium have been limited in the United States. As most infections are asymptomatic, individuals can unknowingly pass the infection on, and the prevalence is likely to be underestimated. Diagnosis of M. genitalium infection is recommended using a nucleic acid test. This multicenter study assessed the performance of the cobas Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)/MG assay (cobas) for the detection of M. genitalium, using 22,150 urogenital specimens from both symptomatic and asymptomatic men and women collected at geographically diverse sites across the United States. The performance was compared to a reference standard of three laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). The specificity of the cobas assay for M. genitalium ranged from 96.0% to 99.8% across symptomatic and asymptomatic men and women. The sensitivities in female vaginal swabs and urine samples were 96.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.5 to 99.1%) and 86.4% (95% CI, 75.5 to 93.0%), respectively. The sensitivities in male urine and meatal swab samples were 100% (95% CI, 94.0 to 100%) and 85.0% (95% CI, 73.9 to 91.9%), respectively. This study demonstrated that the cobas assay was highly sensitive and specific in all relevant clinical samples for the detection of M. genitalium.
Effect of piezocision corticotomy on en-masse retraction: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES To compare the amount of en-masse retraction with or without piezocision corticotomy, to assess the type of tooth movement, to evaluate root integrity after retraction, and to record reported pain levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized, controlled clinical trial included 26 orthodontic patients requiring premolar extraction. The patients were divided into two groups: (1) an extraction with piezocision corticotomy group (PCG) and (2) an extraction-only group, which served as the control group (CG). Cone-beam computed tomography images were acquired before and 4 months after the initiation of en-masse retraction utilizing miniscrews. The following variables were assessed: the amount of en-masse retraction, incisor inclination, incisor and canine root resorption, and patient-reported pain. RESULTS Twelve and 11 participants completed the entire study in the PCG and CG, respectively. The amount of en-masse retraction was significantly greater in the PCG compared to the CG (mean = 4.8 ± 0.57 mm vs 2.4 ± 0.33 mm, respectively [P < .001]). There was also significantly less tipping and root resorption of incisors in the PCG (P < .05). The reported pain was significantly higher on the first day in the PCG compared to the CG (P < .001); however, it became similar between the groups after 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS Piezocision corticotomy enhanced the amount of en-masse retraction two times more with less root resorption. However, future studies are required to assess the long-term effects of this technique.
Analysis of quantitative and qualitative measures of attachment in patients with fibromyalgia: The influence on nursing care

ABSTRACT Attachment has been associated to fibromyalgia; however, this relationship has not been studied from the perspective of nursing care. In this study, in which 146 women with fibromyalgia participated, higher scores for anxiety and depression were found among those with fearful attachment. Additionally, attachment, as a quantitative measure, has also been associated to the functional limitation of the patients. Therefore, we propose the inclusion of attachment in the care of patients with fibromyalgia.
The Education of Multiple Family Members and the Life Course Pathways to Cognitive Impairment.

OBJECTIVES This paper asks how the educational attainments of multiple family members, including parents and offspring, are associated with the cognitive health of older adults in the United States. METHODS We use panel data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (2000-2012) to examine how the education of an individual, their parent(s), and their offspring are associated with the prevalence of moderate/severe cognitive impairment and the onset of cognitive impairment among older adults using logistic regression and discrete-time event history analysis, respectively. RESULTS We found that when combined, only the education of the individual is inversely associated with cognitive impairment at baseline. However, both the educational attainments of an individual and their offspring are negatively associated with the risk of becoming cognitively impaired, among individuals who were not already cognitively impaired. Conversely, parental education was not predictive of being cognitively impaired or the onset of impairment. Furthermore, we found that respondent gender did not moderate the relationship between a family member's education and respondent cognitive health. DISCUSSION This study adds to current research by asking how resources from earlier and subsequent generations matter for older adults' cognitive health. Although we found little evidence that parental education matters at this life stage, results suggest that offspring education has a salient positive effect on later-lifer cognitive health. This finding underscores an overlooked source of health disparities - offspring resources - and highlights how a family perspective remains a powerful tool for understanding health inequalities in later life.
Role and Frequency of Asthma Risk Factors in Triggering the Asthmatic Attack: A Cross-Sectional Study from Pakistan

Background: There is a growing interest in the attempts, made to understand what the asthma risk factors are and their frequency in triggering asthma attacks. Methods: Retrospective study was conducted. Community and hospital based cross-sectional study was performed between February 2015 and June 2015 in Bahawalpur region. 341 patients were approached using systemic sampling technique while only 209 patients were willing to participate in the study. Survey questionnaire consisted of three parts including, demographic information, triggering risk factors, and use of precautionary measures. Summarization of data was accomplished by descriptive statistics. Complete analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Out of 209, 109 (52.1%) were males and 100 (47.9%) were females with the overall average mean age ± SD of 22.29 ± 13.49 years. Dust factor being the leading cause that triggers the asthmatic attack in 93.3% (195) patients followed by pollution 80.3% (168), seasonal factors 64.6% (135), smoking 49.7% (104), cold air 34% (71), occupational chemicals 18.6% (39), pet animals 16.3% (34), stress 9.5% (20), cockroaches 8.1% (17) and the least affecting factor was medicine use affecting 2.9% (6). Furthermore only 46 (22%) patients used precautionary measures and confirmed its effectiveness in preventing the asthmatic attack when they were exposed to the risk factors. Out of 192 who were prescribed with the inhaler only 59.3% patient can use inhaler effectively and 88.5% keep it with them while traveling to prevent the worsening of asthmatic attack. Conclusion: Asthma is not a lethal disease but can prove fatal by slackness. Evasion of risk factor is the prime act in asthma care. The use of the precautionary measures was proved to be of immense significance in preventing asthma. The use of inhalers was also prescribed but many patients were unable to use them appropriately leading to their therapeutic failure. Key words: Asthma, Risk factor, Triggering factors, Pakistan.
Are Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Increased Risk for Covid-19 Infection?

Abstract Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC], the main inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] in humans, are chronic, immune-inflammatory diseases, the pathogenesis of which suggests a complex interaction between environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. These disabling conditions affect millions of individuals and, together with the drugs used to treat them, can put patients at risk of developing complications and other conditions. This is particularly relevant today, as coronavirus disease [Covid-19] has rapidly spread from China to countries where IBD are more prevalent, and there is convincing evidence that Covid-19-mediated morbidity and mortality are higher in subjects with comorbidities. The primary objectives of this Viewpoint are to provide a focused overview of the factors and mechanisms by which the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] infects cells and to illustrate the link between such determinants and intestinal inflammation. We also provide clues about the reasons why the overall IBD population might have no increased risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlight the potential of cytokine blockers, used to treat IBD patients, to prevent Covid-driven pneumonia.
Evaluation of nutritional status in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background: Kidneys perform the important function of excreting nitrogenous waste products and regulating the volume and composition of body fluids. Malnutrition is common phenomenon in maintenance dialysis patients and risk factor for poor quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. An association of low albumin levels with increased mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients has been hypothesized. Present study aims to go through nutritional status of CKD patients in our institute and their relation to disease or dialysis outcome. Methods: Study is conducted on 100 CKD patients on haemodialysis admitted in various medical wards of the Mc Gann hospital attached to Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga, Karnataka, India. From August 1st, 2016 to April 30 th , 2017 detailed history was taken in all the patients and a thorough physical examination was done. Dietary history was taken and blood is collected for analysis of Hb, blood urea, SR electrolyte, serum calcium, phosphorus, serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine and CRP. BMI is calculated in all patients. Results: There were 60 males and 40 females. Average age is 46±3.6 years. Most of these patients belong to the age group of 41-50 years (37%). According to WHO BMI classification 55% had BMI between 18.5 to 24.9. 17% less than 18.5. 13% more than 30BMI. Blood urea, serum creatinine was elevated as expected. Mean Hb is 8.21±2.57 gm/dl. Serum albumin is lower mean being 2.66±1.86 gm/dl. CRP elevated 16.5±2.36. low calcium is also seen. Conclusions: The malnutrition in CKD is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of uremic malnutrition and the improvements made in nutritional support, the nutritional condition of CKD and ESRD patients remains a significant cause for concern. Multimodal therapeutic strategies should be considered. Present study showed elevated prevalence of malnutrition in HD subjects. The nutritional status in patients on HD needs more attention. The role of nutrition in the management of CKD is important and needs to be further researched and newer guidelines are need of the hour.
Iranian Parents’ Knowledge and Satisfaction Experiences Regarding Their Children IEP Process and Communication with School Staff

The purpose of this study was to examine Iranian parents’ level of knowledge with the IEP process and their satisfaction experiences regarding their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and communication with school staff. Data were collected in four regions of Iran, Isfahan, using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Among the 124 parents contacted, 52 filled in the questionnaire and 26 parents were agreed for face-to-face interview. This work consisted of two main themes related to the parental knowledge and satisfaction experiences with IEP process. The result revealed that the majority of parents believed that they had fully understanding regarding their children IEP process. It should be mentioned, most of parent of children 10-13, 11-14 and 12-15 years old reported had higher amount of knowledge with the IEP process compared to the parents of 7-10 and 8-11 years old. In addition, it was revealed that the majority of parents had high to moderate level of satisfaction, while the minority of parents stated the low level of satisfaction of IEP process and their communication with school staff. However, low level of satisfaction was observed for parents of children 11-14 and 12-15 years old.
Amelioration of adjuvant-induced arthritis by exposure to low dose gamma radiation and resveratrol administration in rats

Abstract Purpose: Low dose radiation has been reported as an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis via multiple dose exposures. The present study was designed to increase the therapeutic efficacy of low dose radiation with the minimum exposure level in arthritic rats by concurrent administration of resveratrol (RSV) as an adjunctive therapy with anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and methods: Rats were rendered arthritic by sub-plantar injection of Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) and exposed to low dose radiation at a total exposure level of 0.5 Gy (2 × 0.25). During the exposure course, RSV (50 mg/kg) was orally administered once daily for two weeks. Diclofenac (3 mg/kg) was administered as a standard anti-inflammatory drug. Paw volume was measured every 4 days. After 28 days of induction, rats were sacrificed and serum was collected for estimation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx). Furthermore, paws were dissected for histopathological examinations and immuno-histochemical estimation of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) expression. Results: Administration of RSV during the low dose radiation exposure course produced a significant decrease in the paw swelling and a potentiated inhibition in the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, TBARs, and NOx. The dual treatment strategy alleviated the histopathological damage to a greater extent than that produced by each treatment. Moreover, a pronounced suppression of NF-κB p65 expression in the synovial tissue was observed in the combination group. The combination treatment showed a nearly similar potency to that observed in the diclofenac treated group. Conclusion: Administration of RSV augmented the modulatory activity of low dose radiation with minimum exposure level on the disease progression.
Soy Metabolism by Gut Microbiota from Patients with Precancerous Intestinal Lesions

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) requires the presence of a variety of factors predisposing a tumorigenic milieu. Excluding familial clustering and hereditary CRC syndromes, the development of sporadic CRC from precancerous lesions is influenced by tissue inflammation, modulation of intestinal immunity, hormones, dietary habits and gut microbiota composition. As concerning the last two aspects, the intestinal presence of equol, the most biologically active metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein and the presence of a genetic determinant of gut microbiota able to metabolize daidzein, seem to lower the CRC risk. It has been hypothesized that the anaerobic microorganisms of the Bacteroides genus play a role in equol production. Aim: To evaluate the presence of (i) anaerobic gut microbiota and (ii) the urinary levels of soy isoflavones (daidzein, genistein and equol) in patients with and without precancerous lesions, challenged with a daidzein-rich soy extract. Methods: Consecutive subjects undergoing colonoscopy participated to the study. Feces were collected from all patients one week before colonoscopy for gut microbiota studies. After the endoscopy examination and the histological evaluation, 40 subjects, 20 with sporadic colorectal adenomas (SCA/P group) and 20 without proliferative lesions (control group) were enrolled for the study. Urine levels of soy isoflavones daidzein, genistein and their metabolite equol, were determined by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis and gut microbiota analysis was performed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) procedure. Results: Seventeen different bacterial species were identified in the fecal samples of the forty subjects participating to the study. Ten bacterial species resulted anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, all belonging to the Bacteroides genus. A significant difference of bacteria species was evidenced in the fecal samples of the two groups of subjects. Particularly important was the evidence of Parabacteroides distasonis, Clostridium clostridioforme and Pediococcus pentasaceus only in control fecal samples, such as the presence of Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella melaningenica only in SCA/P fecal samples. Concerning the soy isoflavones levels, no statistically significant differences were revealed in the genistein and daidzein urinary levels between the two groups of subjects. On the contrary, urinary equol levels were undetectable in ten SCA/P subjects and in two controls; moreover, when present, the levels of urinary equol were significantly lower in SCA/P subjects compared to controls (0.24 ± 0.27 mg/24 hrs vs. 21.25 ± 4.3 mg/24 hrs, respectively, p = 1.12 × 10−6). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of anaerobic Bacteroides in the colon, and the production of equol from soy, could determine a milieu able to contrast the development of colonic mucosa proliferative lesions.