Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Network Localization of Alien Limb in Patients with Corticobasal Syndrome

Perirolandic atrophy occurs in corticobasal syndrome (CBS) but is not specific versus progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). There is heterogeneity in the locations of atrophy outside the perirolandic cortex and it remains unknown why atrophy in different locations would cause the same CBS‐specific symptoms. In prior work, we used a wiring diagram of the brain called the human connectome to localize lesion‐induced disorders to symptom‐specific brain networks. Here, we use a similar technique termed “atrophy network mapping” to localize single‐subject atrophy maps to symptom‐specific brain networks.
Legal and policy responses to the delivery of abortion care during COVID‐19

Access to abortion care has long been a global challenge, even in jurisdictions where abortion is legal. The COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated barriers to access, thereby preventing many women from terminating unwanted pregnancies for an extended period. In this paper, we outline existing and COVID‐specific barriers to abortion care and consider potential solutions, including the use of telemedicine, to overcome barriers to access during the pandemic and beyond. We explore the responses of governments throughout the world to the challenge of abortion access during the pandemic, which are an eclectic mix of progressive, neutral, and regressive policies. Finally, we call on all governments to recognize abortion as essential healthcare and act to ensure that the law does not continue to interfere with providers’ ability to adapt to circumstances and to guarantee safe and appropriate care not only during the pandemic, but permanently.
Stunting in 'Gigas' Wheat as Influenced by Temperature and Daylength

When plants of the uniculm 'gigas' wheat line 492 were grown at 15/ 10°C, all plants were severely stunted in long days (LD) but normal in short days (SD). The results of reciprocal transfers between SD and LD indicate that line 492 plants pass through a stage which is very sensitive to LD at 15/ 10°C, between about 14 and 27 days after sowing, just before double ridge formation at the shoot apex. LD during that interval caused stunting in most plants whereas SD at that stage allowed all plants to develop normally. Transfers between temperature regimes of 15/10°C and 24/19°C under LD also indicated that the period just prior to double ridge formation was critical for stunting. In the uniculm line 492 stunting in LD was caused by temperature regimes cooler than 21 /16°C;, whereas in the oligoculm line 380 the main shoots of most plants were normal even at 15/ 10°C.
Asthma patients in Saudi Arabia – preferences, health beliefs and experiences that shape asthma management

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of Saudi participants in managing their asthma and their perspectives about using future pharmacy-based services for asthma management. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult Saudis with asthma or those who were a carer of a child with asthma. Participants were recruited from medical practices and community centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Verbatim transcribed interviews were inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-three Saudi participants with asthma or caring for those with asthma took part in interviews which lasted on average for 25 min. Most participants did not have well-controlled asthma. Thematic analyses of the interview transcripts highlighted four key emergent themes: participants experience of asthma, participants’ beliefs and perceptions about health and medicines, perception of health professionals and advocacy and social support. Many participants expressed an emotional burden in their lived experience of asthma. Lack of self-management skills were evident in participants’ reluctance to make decisions in emergency situations. Some participants had strong beliefs about using herbal medicines rather than western medicines. Using social media or consulting with their family members with asthma was a common preference, rather than consulting healthcare professionals. Participants’ were rather unclear about pharmacy asthma care services and reported not having experienced such services in their pharmacies. Conclusion: Inadequate self-management behaviours may affect the level of asthma control in people with asthma in Saudi Arabia. Improved primary care models with extensive focus on asthma education are needed to relieve the over-reliance on tertiary care help-seeking models that are currently the norm. Current evidence-based information also needs to be prepared in patient friendly formats and disseminated widely. Community pharmacists would need to be trained and skilled inpatient engagement and would have to win the public trust for viable asthma services provision.
Superwoman Schema: a context for understanding psychological distress among middle-class African American women who perceive racial microaggressions

ABSTRACT Objective: Current racial mental health disparities among African American women have been attributed to chronic experiences of race-related stressors. Increased exposure to racism in predominately White spaces may increase reliance on culturally normative coping mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological distress, perceived racial microaggressions, and an obligation to show strength/suppress emotions among educated, middle-class African American women. Design: A sample of 243 African American women aged 19–72 years (M = 39.49 years) participated in an online study. Participants completed self-report measures of psychological distress (PHQ-8 and GAD-7), racial microaggressions (IMABI), and modified items from the Stereotypical Roles for Black Women (SRBWS) to assess an obligation to show strength/suppress emotions. Factor analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the obligation to show strength/suppress emotions subscale in our sample. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and mediation analyses were also conducted to examine variable associations. Results: Statistical analyses revealed educated, middle-class African American women who endorse an obligation to show strength/suppress emotions with perceived racial microaggressions experienced increased psychological distress. Conclusion: Obligation to show strength/suppress emotion may increase risk for psychological distress among African American women who perceive racial microaggressions. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.
Preimplantation diagnosis: Sephadex filtration and human serum albumin gradients do not select spermatozoa by sex chromosome: a fluorescent in-situ hybridization study

Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) of decondensed sperm nuclei has been used directly to evaluate the enrichment efficiency of human sperm separation using Sephadex gel filtration and human serum albumin (HSA) gradients. Control and processed spermatozoa were fixed and their nuclei decondensed. In-situ hybridization was carried out with a Y-specific DNA probe (DYZ1). Sephadex filtration yielded 52.5% Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, HSA separation resulted in 49.4% Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa and in the untreated control sample the percentage of Y spermatozoa was 49.3%. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the selection methods employed and the controls, and no real enrichment for X- or Y-bearing spermatozoa was detected for any of the selection methods assayed. The usefulness of the protocols reported for selection of spermatozoa by sex chromosome in couples at risk for X-linked diseases is discussed.
Perinatal Predictors of Postpartum Depression: Results of a Retrospective Comparative Study

Postpartum mood disorders occur in a considerable number of women with the most common postpartum disorder being baby blues. The study aimed at the identification of the risk factors present before delivery, which may be comprised in prophylactic programs concerning postpartum mood disorders. The research material includes data retrieved from the medical record of patients delivering in Warsaw in the years 2010–2017 who routinely completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) after delivery. Data of 604 patients were analyzed. The study group included 75 women who obtained at least 12 points in EPDS, which constituted 12.4% of the whole group (mean = 14.92, SD = 3.05). The control group was made up of 75 women who obtained no more than 5 points in EPDS. A significant correlation was reported between the parity and their order vs. the risk of developing postpartum mood disorders. Women with an increased risk delivered at about 37 gestational weeks, while women in whom the risk of such disorders was low delivered at about 39 gestational weeks. No increased risk was noted in women with premature rupture of membranes. Primigravidas and women who delivered prematurely were the most predisposed to developing postpartum depression and should undergo screening tests in the perinatal period.
The propagation of economic impacts through supply chains: The case of a mega-city lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19

This study quantifies the economic effect of a possible lockdown of Tokyo to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The negative effect of such a lockdown may propagate to other regions through supply chains because of supply and demand shortages. Applying an agent-based model to the actual supply chains of nearly 1.6 million firms in Japan, we simulate what would happen to production activities outside Tokyo if production activities that are not essential to citizens’ survival in Tokyo were shut down for a certain period. We find that if Tokyo were locked down for a month, the indirect effect on other regions would be twice as large as the direct effect on Tokyo, leading to a total production loss of 27 trillion yen in Japan or 5.2% of the country’s annual GDP. Although the production that would be shut down in Tokyo accounts for 21% of the total production in Japan, the lockdown would result in an 86% reduction of the daily production in Japan after one month.
Maternal N-Acetylcysteine Therapy Prevents Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Offspring: Implications of Hydrogen Sulfide-Generating Pathway and Gut Microbiota

Hypertension can come from early life. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) precursor as well as an antioxidant, has antihypertensive effect. We investigated whether maternal NAC therapy can protect spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) male offspring against hypertension. The pregnant rats were assigned to four groups: SHRs without treatment; Wistar Kyoto (WKY) without treatment; SHR+NAC, SHRs received 1% NAC in drinking water throughout pregnancy and lactation; and, WKY+NAC, WKY rats received 1% NAC in drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring (n = 8/group) were killed at 12 weeks of age. Maternal NAC therapy prevented the rise in systolic blood pressure (BP) in male SHR offspring at 12 weeks of age. Renal cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (3MST) protein levels and H2S-releasing activity were increased in the SHR+NAC offspring. Maternal NAC therapy increased fecal H2S and thiosulfate levels in the SHR+NAC group. Additionally, maternal NAC therapy differentially shaped gut microbiota and caused a distinct enterotype in each group. The protective effect of maternal NAC therapy against hypertension in SHR offspring is related to increased phylum Actinobacteria and genera Bifidobacterium and Allobaculum, but decreased phylum Verrucomicrobia, genera Turicibacter, and Akkermansia. Several microbes were identified as microbial markers, including genera Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, Holdemania, and Turicibacter. Our results indicated that antioxidant therapy by NAC in pregnant SHRs can prevent the developmental programming of hypertension in male adult offspring. Our findings highlight the interrelationships among H2S-generating pathway in the kidneys and gut, gut microbiota, and hypertension. The implications of maternal NAC therapy elicited long-term protective effects on hypertension in later life that still await further clinical translation.
IL-17A induction of ADAMTS-5 in differentiated THP-1 cells is modulated by the ERK signaling pathway

Atherosclerosis is initiated when lipoproteins are trapped by proteoglycans in the arterial intima. Macrophages play a vital role in this disease, especially in the formation of foam cells and the regulation of proinflammatory responses. They also participate in plaque stabilization through the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. Studies have reported the role of ADAMTS proteases in osteoarthritis and atherosclerotic lesions. In the present study, we have studied the effect of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) on the expression of ADAMTS-5 in the macrophage cell line THP-1. The results show that the mRNA and protein expression levels of ADAMTS-5 were significantly upregulated when differentiated THP-1 cells were treated with 100 ng/mL of IL-17A for 24 h with maximum ADAMTS-5 mRNA expression levels obtained at 8 h of stimulation. Subsequent inhibition studies showed that IL-17A upregulation of ADAMTS-5 was mediated through ERK and JNK pathways in THP-1 cells. Phosphorylation studies revealed that the expression of ADAMTS-5 transcripts was upregulated by IL-17A through the activation of p-c-Raf (S338), p-MEK1/2 (Ser217/221), p-p44/42 MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204), and p-Elk1 (Ser383). ERK1/2 siRNA transfection further confirmed that the ERK pathway is involved in the expression of ADAMTS-5 in IL-17A-stimulated THP-1 cells.
Analytical and Clinical Assessment of a Portable, Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Assay for the Molecular Diagnosis of Urogenital Schistosomiasis

Accurate diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is crucial for disease surveillance and control. Routine diagnostic methods, however, lack sensitivity when assessing patients with low levels of infection still able to maintain pathogen transmission. Therefore, there is a need for highly sensitive diagnostic tools that can be used at the point-of-care in endemic areas. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool that has been used to diagnose several pathogens at the point-of-care. Here, the analytical performance of a previously developed RPA assay (RT-ShDra1-RPA) targeting the Schistosoma haematobium Dra1 genomic region was assessed using commercially synthesised S. haematobium Dra1 copies and laboratory-prepared samples spiked with S. haematobium eggs. Clinical performance was also assessed by comparing diagnostic outcomes with that of a reference diagnostic standard, urine-egg microscopy. The RT-ShDra1-RPA was able to detect 1 × 101 copies of commercially synthesised Dra1 DNA as well as one S. haematobium egg within laboratory-spiked ddH2O samples. When compared with urine-egg microscopy, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the RT-ShDra1-RPA assay was 93.7% (±88.7–96.9) and 100% (±69.1–100), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 100% (±97.5–100) and 50% (±27.2–72.8), respectively. The RT-ShDra1-RPA therefore shows promise as a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic tool able to diagnose urogenital schistosomiasis at the point-of-care.
Primary role of radioembolization as a downstaging strategy in patients with macrovascular invasion prior to liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is a lifesaving treatment for chronic liver disease with or without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As widely reported in the last 20 years, LT for HCC achieves excellent results when Milan Criteria are fulfilled (1). However, around 35% of HCC patients are diagnosed with portal or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT/HVTT); these patients are classified as T3b or BCLC -C according to the current classifications, and are therefore generally excluded from LT.
The Association between Green Space and Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review

This systematic review summarised and evaluated the evidence for associations between green space and adolescents’ mental well-being. The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed for reporting systematic reviews. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Synthesis suggests beneficial associations between green space exposure and reduced stress, positive mood, less depressive symptoms, better emotional well-being, improved mental health and behaviour, and decreased psychological distress in adolescents. Several studies found the relationship varied by demographic and socio-economic factors. The limited number of studies and the risk of bias were the main limitations, together with heterogeneity regarding green space and mental well-being assessments. Overall, this review highlights the potential contribution of green space in schoolyards. Improving the availability, accessibility and quality of green space is likely to generate positive impacts on adolescents’ mental well-being. More consistent evidence on the use of different types of green space and perceptions of features are needed in the future.
Tuning the Magnetic Moment of Small Late 3d-Transition-Metal Oxide Clusters by Selectively Mixing the Transition-Metal Constituents

Transition-metal oxide nanoparticles are relevant for many applications in different areas where their superparamagnetic behavior and low blocking temperature are required. However, they have low magnetic moments, which does not favor their being turned into active actuators. Here, we report a systematical study, within the framework of the density functional theory, of the possibility of promoting a high-spin state in small late-transition-metal oxide nanoparticles through alloying. We investigated all possible nanoalloys An−xBxOm (A, B = Fe, Co, Ni; n = 2, 3, 4; 0≤x≤n) with different oxidation rates, m, up to saturation. We found that the higher the concentration of Fe, the higher the absolute stability of the oxidized nanoalloy, while the higher the Ni content, the less prone to oxidation. We demonstrate that combining the stronger tendency of Co and Ni toward parallel couplings with the larger spin polarization of Fe is particularly beneficial for certain nanoalloys in order to achieve a high total magnetic moment, and its robustness against oxidation. In particular, at high oxidation rates we found that certain FeCo oxidized nanoalloys outperform both their pure counterparts, and that alloying even promotes the reentrance of magnetism in certain cases at a critical oxygen rate, close to saturation, at which the pure oxidized counterparts exhibit quenched magnetic moments.
Evaluation of Salivary Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP-8) in Periodontal Patients Undergoing Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy and Mouthwash Based on Ozonated Olive Oil: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in the damage to the periodontal tissue in patients with periodontitis. Scaling and root planning (SRP) attempt to control the plaque amount and consequentially reduce the bacterial load. Non-surgical periodontal treatment could be integrated with drug therapy and physiotherapy procedures such as ozone therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a cohort of patients with a diagnosis of periodontitis: (1) the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy assisted by the use of ozonated olive oil-based mouthwash on salivary metalloproteinase (MMP-8) and (2) the reduction of periodontal indices. Methods: Ninety-six subjects with a diagnosis of periodontitis were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to the study group (SRP + mouthwash) or control group (SRP). The study duration was 3 months. Data on MMP-8, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded at T0, T1 (14 days), T2 (1 month) and T3 (6 months). Group differences were assessed using Student’s t-test for independent samples. Results: A significant improvement in PI, BoP, PPD and salivary MMP-8 levels was observed in both groups. An analysis of differences in relative changes of indices revealed the efficacy of ozonated olive oil in decreasing MMP-8 level. Simultaneously, it slowed the decrease of BoP index. Conclusions: Scaling and root plaining with the aid of ozonated olive oil mouthwash were found to be more effective on salivary MMP-8 reduction than scaling and root plaining alone.
EFFECTS OF VARIED IRRADIANCE ON FLOWERING TIME OF FACULTATIVE LONG-DAY ORNAMENTAL ANNUALS

Seeds of five Facultative long day plants (FLDPs) i.e. Moss Rose cv. Sundance, Pansy cv. Baby Bingo, Snapdragon cv. Coronette, Petunia cv. Dreams and Annual Verbena cv. Obsession were sown into module trays containing homogeneous leaf mould compost. After germination, saplings of each cultivar were shifted into four light intensity chambers (42, 45, 92 and 119µmol.m -2 .s -1 ) for a duration of 8h (from 08:00 to 16:00h). The findings of this study showed that Facultative LDPs grown under high irradiance (92 and 119 µmol.m -2 .s -1 ) flowered earlier. However, there was a non-significant difference between 42/45µmol. m -2 . s -1 and 92/119µmol. m -2 . s -1 irradiance levels. Although FLDPs under 119µmol. m -2 . s -1 flowered few days earlier than those received 92µmol. m -2 . s -1 irradiance but the quality of plants (plant height and leaf size/appearance) was inferior. It is therefore concluded that for better plant quality and early flowering FLDPs should be grown under 92µmol. m -2 . s -1 irradiance.
An Algorithm to Optimize the Micro-Geometrical Dimensions of Scaffolds with Spherical Pores

Despite the wide use of scaffolds with spherical pores in the clinical context, no studies are reported in the literature that optimize the micro-architecture dimensions of such scaffolds to maximize the amounts of neo-formed bone. In this study, a mechanobiology-based optimization algorithm was implemented to determine the optimal geometry of scaffolds with spherical pores subjected to both compression and shear loading. We found that these scaffolds are particularly suited to bear shear loads; the amounts of bone predicted to form for this load type are, in fact, larger than those predicted in other scaffold geometries. Knowing the anthropometric characteristics of the patient, one can hypothesize the possible value of load acting on the scaffold that will be implanted and, through the proposed algorithm, determine the optimal dimensions of the scaffold that favor the formation of the largest amounts of bone. The proposed algorithm can guide and support the surgeon in the choice of a “personalized” scaffold that better suits the anthropometric characteristics of the patient, thus allowing to achieve a successful follow-up in the shortest possible time.