Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do patients with multiple sclerosis benefit from semi-immersive virtual reality? A randomized clinical trial on cognitive and motor outcomes

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of autoimmune originate. A large proportion of patient present with cognitive deficits that negatively affect their quality of life, thus, a proper cognitive rehabilitation is mandatory. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of semi-immersive virtual reality training (sVRT) on neuropsychological and motor recovery individuals suffering from MS. We enrolled 60 MS patients, randomized into either the control group (CG: 30) undergoing a conventional cognitive training, or the experimental group (EG: 30), which performed sVRT. Cognitive and motor outcomes were investigated through clinical and neuropsychological scales before (T0) and at the end (T1) of each different training. Only in the EG, we observed a significant improvement in cognitive parameters and motor scores. Our data demonstrate that VR cognitive training could potentiate MS patients’ rehabilitation outcome, with positive results on both motor and cognitive performance.
Menopause and the risk of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged Chinese women

Objective This study explored the relationship between menopause and metabolic syndrome (MetS), stroke, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and hypertension. Study design This cross-sectional study surveyed 440 women in Yuci, China in 2012. Main outcome measures MetS, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke, and behavioral and demographic variables. Results The prevalence of MetS in this study was 40.28% to 49.66% (p=0.065) among pre- and post-menopausal women, respectively, after adjusting for age. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was higher among post- than pre-menopausal women. Health screenings for women in China should consider the increased risk for metabolic disorders during the postmenopausal stage of life.
Children with cerebral palsy: Family and parent demographic characteristics and family strengths in Greece and Italy

The study focuses on families raising a child with cerebral palsy to investigate family strengths and their association with family and parent demographic characteristics in Greece and Italy. Participants were 120 parents raising a biological child with cerebral palsy. Data collection used a self-report questionnaire and the Family Strengths Inventory. According to the findings, families share a high sense of family strengths, which is mainly represented in the high sense of ‘pride’ and ‘accord’. In addition, demographic characteristics seem to be important predictors of well-being and strengthen parents and families raising a child with cerebral palsy.
Serum Total 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Patients With Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: A Case-Control Study in a Low-Risk Southern European Population.

Background Recent data have shown an inverse association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and incidence of several cancers, including cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). In addition, lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels have been associated with thicker or higher stage melanomas and worse survival in observational studies. Materials and Methods Ninety-nine patients diagnosed with primary CMM and 97 matched healthy controls entered the study. Demographic characteristics, risk factors for CMM, and clinical and histological characteristics were recorded for patients with primary CMM. Total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of melanoma patients measured by fully automated chemiluminescent vitamin D total immunoassay (Elecsys vitamin D total, Roche) at the time of diagnosis were compared with those of healthy controls. In addition, we tested the association of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at melanoma diagnosis with known risk and prognostic factors for CMM. Results Of the melanoma patients, 49 (49.49%) had deficient serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL), 23 (23.23%) had insufficient levels (21-29 ng/mL), and 27 (27.27%) had adequate levels (>30 ng/mL). The median serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly lower in melanoma patients (20.62 ng/mL) compared with healthy controls (24.71 ng/mL), but statistical significance was not reached (chi-square test, P = 0.051) No statistically significant association was found between serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and demographic characteristics; risk factors for CMM; prognostic factors, such as Breslow thickness and ulceration; as well as clinical characteristics, such as melanoma stage, clinical type, and location. Conclusions Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were found in our Greek cohort of melanoma patients compared with healthy controls, without reaching, however, statistical significance; these levels were not statistically associated with established risk and prognostic factors for CMM.
Fractures in women with eating disorders-Incidence, predictive factors, and the impact of disease remission: Cohort study with background population controls.

OBJECTIVE Malnutrition and low weight in eating disorders (EDs) are associated with increased fracture risk compared to the general population. In a cohort study, we aimed to determine fracture rates compared to age and gender matched controls (ratio 5:1), assess the impact of disease remission on fracture risk, and establish predictive factors for fractures. METHOD Of note, 803 ED patients referred to specialized ED treatment between 1994 and 2004 were included. In 2016, data on fractures were obtained through the Danish National Registry of Patients. RESULTS Fracture risk was increased in anorexia nervosa (AN; IRR 2.2 [CI 99%: 1.6-3.0]) but not in bulimia nervosa (BN; IRR 1.3, ns) or other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED; IRR 1.8, ns). IRR in the AN group were increased for vertebral fractures (IRR 3.8 [CI 99%: 1.4-10.3]), upper arm (IRR 3.0 (CI 99% 1.6-5.5) and hip (IRR 6.6 [CI 99%: 2.6-18.0]). Disease remission in AN is associated to lower fracture risk compared to active disease, but higher fracture risk compared to controls (IRR 1.7 [CI 99%: 1.1-2.7]). In regression analysis, age at debut of disease, nadir BMI and duration of disease before referral to treatment, independently predicted fracture. DISCUSSION We confirm increased fracture risk in AN, and show significant differences in fracture risk between patients in disease remission and patients with active disease. Furthermore, we show that age at debut of disease and duration of disease before referral to treatment is positively correlated to fracture risk, whereas nadir BMI is negatively correlated to fracture risk.
Caregivers of Older Persons in Jamaica: Characteristics, Burden, and Associated Factors

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine and characterize caregiver burden among caregivers of community-dwelling older persons in Jamaica. Method: A nationally representative cross-sectional study was done among persons providing noninstitutional care for a single person (≥60 years). The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and a structured questionnaire were administered to 180 caregivers from four geographic health regions. Results: The ZBI scores ranged from 0 to 56 (median = 15). Independently associated factors were relationship to care recipient and age. Children/grandchildren had higher caregiver burden scores than formally employed caregivers (odds ratio = 2.9: 95% confidence interval: [1.02, 8.34]). Compared with caregivers 35 to 44 years, those aged 45 to 65 were almost 5 times more likely to report higher caregiver burden scores. Conclusion: Caregiver burden as identified by the ZBI was low. Age (45–65 years) and being the child/grandchild of the care recipient were independently associated with greater caregiver burden. Interventions to address caregiver burden must embrace strategies that recognize that these factors.
Geographic Access to Stroke Care Services in Rural Communities in Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT: Background: Optimal stroke care requires access to resources such as neuroimaging, acute revascularization, rehabilitation, and stroke prevention services, which may not be available in rural areas. We aimed to determine geographic access to stroke care for residents of rural communities in the province of Ontario, Canada. Methods: We used the Ontario Road Network File database linked with the 2016 Ontario Acute Stroke Care Resource Inventory to estimate the proportion of people in rural communities, defined as those with a population size <10,000, who were within 30, 60, and 240 minutes of travel time by car from stroke care services, including brain imaging, thrombolysis treatment centers, stroke units, stroke prevention clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and endovascular treatment centers. Results: Of the 1,496,262 people residing in rural communities, the majority resided within 60 minutes of driving time to a center with computed tomography (85%), thrombolysis (81%), a stroke unit (68%), a stroke prevention clinic (74%), or inpatient rehabilitation (77.0%), but a much lower proportion (32%) were within 60 minutes of driving time to a center capable of providing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Conclusions: Most rural Ontario residents have appropriate geographic access to stroke services, with the exception of EVT. This information may be useful for jurisdictions seeking to optimize the regional organization of stroke care services.
CircRNA CDR1as knockdown inhibits progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer by regulating miR‐219a‐5p/SOX5 axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the development of human cancers by regulating multiple cell processes. CircRNA antisense to the cerebellar degeneration‐related protein 1 transcript (circCDR1as) expression is dysregulated in many cancers, including non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanism by which circCDR1as mediates the development of NSCLC remains unknown.
Dimensionality-Controlled Surface Passivation for Enhancing Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells via Triethylenetetramine Vapour.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved unprecedented progress in terms of enhancement of power conversion efficiency (PCE). Nevertheless device stability is still an obstacle to commercialisation of this emerging photovoltaic technology. Though strategies such as compositional management and ligand engineering have been reported to tackle this critical issue, these methods often have drawbacks such as compromised device performance. Herein, we propose an approach combining material dimensionality control and interfacial passivation by a post-device treatment via triethylenetetramine (TETA) vapour to enhance both efficiency and stability of Cs0.05FA0. 79MA0.16PbI2. 5Br0.5 based PSCs. Results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) show formation of low dimensional perovskites at the interface between perovskite film and hole transporting layer after the TETA vapour treatment. Measurements of energy level alignment and electrochemical properties by ultraviolet photoelectron spectrometer (UPS) and impedance spectra (IS) confirm reduced density of trap states and improved interfacial charge transport. Consequently, TETA-based treatment significantly enhances both efficiency (from 17.07% to 18.03%) and stability (PCE retention from 73.4% to 88.9%) of the PSCs under >65% relative humidity for 1000 h compared to the controlled device without TETA treatment. Furthermore, the TETA vapour also shows an advantageous effect of dramatically improving performance of PSCs devices which initially had poor performance (from 6.8% to 10.5%) through surface defects passivation.
Circadian regulator CLOCK recruits immune suppressive microglia into the GBM tumor microenvironment.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor containing a subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs). Pan-cancer analyses have revealed that stemness of cancer cells correlates positively with immunosuppressive pathways in many solid tumors, including GBM, prompting us to conduct a gain-of-function screen of epigenetic regulators that may influence GSC self-renewal and tumor immunity. The circadian regulator CLOCK emerged as a top hit in enhancing stem cell self-renewal, which was amplified in about 5% of human GBM cases. CLOCK and its heterodimeric partner BMAL1 enhanced GSC self-renewal and triggered pro-tumor immunity via transcriptional up-regulation of OLFML3, a novel chemokine recruiting immune-suppressive microglia into the tumor microenvironment. In GBM models, CLOCK or OLFML3 depletion reduced intratumoral microglia density and extended overall survival. We conclude that the CLOCK:BMAL1 complex contributes to key GBM hallmarks of GSC maintenance and immunosuppression and, together with its downstream target OLFML3, represents new therapeutic targets for this disease.
A polygenic and phenotypic risk prediction for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome evaluated by Phenome-wide association studies

Purpose As many as 75% of patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are estimated to be unidentified in clinical practice. Utilizing polygenic risk prediction, we aim to identify the phenome-wide comorbidity patterns characteristic of PCOS to improve accurate diagnosis and preventive treatment. Methods and Findings Leveraging the electronic health records (EHRs) of 124,852 individuals, we developed a PCOS risk prediction algorithm by combining polygenic risk scores (PRS) with PCOS component phenotypes into a polygenic and phenotypic risk score (PPRS). We evaluated its predictive capability across different ancestries and perform a PRS-based phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to assess the phenomic expression of the heightened risk of PCOS. The integrated polygenic prediction improved the average performance (pseudo-R2) for PCOS detection by 0.228 (61.5-fold), 0.224 (58.8-fold), 0.211 (57.0-fold) over the null model across European, African, and multi-ancestry participants respectively. The subsequent PRS-powered PheWAS identified a high level of shared biology between PCOS and a range of metabolic and endocrine outcomes, especially with obesity and diabetes: ‘morbid obesity’, ‘type 2 diabetes’, ‘hypercholesterolemia’, ‘disorders of lipid metabolism’, ‘hypertension’ and ‘sleep apnea’ reaching phenome-wide significance. Conclusions Our study has expanded the methodological utility of PRS in patient stratification and risk prediction, especially in a multifactorial condition like PCOS, across different genetic origins. By utilizing the individual genome-phenome data available from the EHR, our approach also demonstrates that polygenic prediction by PRS can provide valuable opportunities to discover the pleiotropic phenomic network associated with PCOS pathogenesis.
Evidence in support of chromosomal sex influencing plasma based metabolome vs APOE genotype influencing brain metabolome profile in humanized APOE male and female mice

Late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with four well-established risk factors: age, APOE4 genotype, female chromosomal sex, and maternal history of AD. Each risk factor impacts multiple systems, making LOAD a complex systems biology challenge. To investigate interactions between LOAD risk factors, we performed multiple scale analyses, including metabolomics, transcriptomics, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and beta-amyloid assessment, in 16 months old male and female mice with humanized human APOE3 (hAPOE3) or APOE4 (hAPOE4) genes. Metabolomic analyses indicated a sex difference in plasma profile whereas APOE genotype determined brain metabolic profile. Consistent with the brain metabolome, gene and pathway-based RNA-Seq analyses of the hippocampus indicated increased expression of fatty acid/lipid metabolism related genes and pathways in both hAPOE4 males and females. Further, female transcription of fatty acid and amino acids pathways were significantly different from males. MRI based imaging analyses indicated that in multiple white matter tracts, hAPOE4 males and females exhibited lower fractional anisotropy than their hAPOE3 counterparts, suggesting a lower level of white matter integrity in hAPOE4 mice. Consistent with the brain metabolomic and transcriptomic profile of hAPOE4 carriers, beta-amyloid generation was detectable in 16-month-old male and female brains. These data provide therapeutic targets based on chromosomal sex and APOE genotype. Collectively, these data provide a framework for developing precision medicine interventions during the prodromal phase of LOAD, when the potential to reverse, prevent and delay LOAD progression is greatest.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of the lectin receptor‐like kinase LORE regulates plant immunity

Plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) perceive pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to activate immune responses. Medium‐chain 3‐hydroxy fatty acids (mc‐3‐OH‐FAs), which are widely present in Gram‐negative bacteria, were recently shown to be novel PAMPs in Arabidopsis thaliana. The Arabidopsis PRR LIPOOLIGOSACCHARIDE‐SPECIFIC REDUCED ELICITATION (LORE) is a G‐type lectin receptor‐like kinase that recognizes mc‐3‐OH‐FAs and subsequently mounts an immune response; however, the mechanisms underlying LORE activation and downstream signaling are unexplored. Here, we report that one of the mc‐3‐OH‐FAs, 3‐OH‐C10:0, induces phosphorylation of LORE at tyrosine residue 600 (Y600). Phosphorylated LORE subsequently trans‐phosphorylates the receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinase PBL34 and its close paralogs, PBL35 and PBL36, and therefore activates plant immunity. Phosphorylation of LORE Y600 is required for downstream phosphorylation of PBL34, PBL35, and PBL36. However, the Pseudomonas syringae effector HopAO1 targets LORE, dephosphorylating the tyrosine‐phosphorylated Y600 and therefore suppressing the immune response. These observations uncover the mechanism by which LORE mediates signaling in response to 3‐OH‐C10:0 in Arabidopsis.
Comparison of Machine Learning Methods With Traditional Models for Use of Administrative Claims With Electronic Medical Records to Predict Heart Failure Outcomes

Key Points Question Can prediction of patient outcomes in heart failure based on routinely collected claims data be improved with machine learning methods and incorporating linked electronic medical records? Findings In this prognostic study including records on 9502 patients, machine learning methods offered only limited improvement over logistic regression in predicting key outcomes in heart failure based on administrative claims. Inclusion of additional predictors from electronic medical records improved prediction for mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and loss in home days but not for high cost. Meaning Models based on claims-only predictors may achieve modest discrimination and accuracy in prediction of key patient outcomes in heart failure, and machine learning approaches and incorporation of additional predictors from electronic medical records may offer some improvement in risk prediction of select outcomes.
Pyrene-stabilized acenes as intermolecular singlet fission candidates: importance of exciton wave-function convergence

Singlet fission (SF) is a photophysical process considered as a possible scheme to bypass the Shockley–Queisser limit by generating two triplet-state excitons from one high-energy photon. Polyacene crystals, such as tetracene and pentacene, have shown outstanding SF performance both theoretically and experimentally. However, their instability prevents them from being utilized in SF-based photovoltaic devices. In search of practical SF chromophores, we use many-body perturbation theory within the GW approximation and Bethe–Salpeter equation to study the excitonic properties of a family of pyrene-stabilized acenes. We propose a criterion to define the convergence of exciton wave-functions with respect to the fine k-point grid used in the BerkeleyGW code. An open-source Python code is presented to perform exciton wave-function convergence checks and streamline the double Bader analysis of exciton character. We find that the singlet excitons in pyrene-stabilized acenes have a higher degree of charge transfer character than in the corresponding acenes. The pyrene-fused tetracene and pentacene derivatives exhibit comparable excitation energies to their corresponding acenes, making them potential SF candidates. The pyrene-stabilized anthracene derivative is considered as a possible candidate for triplet–triplet annihilation because it yields a lower SF driving force than anthracene.
A dependency between PRL gene polymorphism and breeding parameters in Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian cows

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the dependency between polymorphism in the PRL locus g.8398G > A and fertility rates, bodyweight of cows and calves, the course of parturition and viability of calves in Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian cattle. Three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) were identified with a frequency of 0.0293, 0.3672 and 0.6035. The frequency of the G and A alleles was respectively, 0.7871 and 0.2129. There was a significant dependency between the genetic variant in locus g.8398G > A of the PRL gene and age at first insemination, age at first calving, insemination index, length of pregnancy, length of the dry period and weight of male calves after parturition. The AA homozygotes were characterized by more favorable values of selected reproduction indices; the cows of that genotype and male calves coming from these animals were characterized by the lowest weight after parturition.
Endocuff-Assisted versus Cap-Assisted Colonoscopy Performed by Trainees: A Retrospective Study

Background/Aims The adenoma detection rate (ADR) of screening colonoscopies performed by trainees is often lower than that of colonoscopies performed by experts. The effcacy of cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) in adenoma detection is well documented, especially that of CACs performed by trainees. Endocuff, a new endoscopic cap, is reportedly useful for adenoma detection; however, no trials have compared the effcacy of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EAC) and CAC conducted by trainees. Therefore, the present study retrospectively compared the effcacy between EAC and CAC in trainees. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective study involving 305 patients who underwent either EAC or CAC performed by three trainees between January and December 2018. We evaluated the ADR, mean number of adenomas detected per patient (MAP), cecal intubation rate, cecal intubation time, and occurrence of complications between the EAC and CAC groups. Results The ADR was significantly higher in the EAC group than in the CAC group (54.3% vs. 37.3%, p=0.019), as was the MAP (1.36 vs. 0.74, p=0.003). No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to the cecal intubation rate or cecal intubation time. No major complications occurred in either group. Conclusions Our results suggest that EAC exhibits increased ADR and MAP compared to CAC when performed by trainees.