Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanocurcumin Modulates miR-223-3p and NF-κB Levels in the Pancreas of Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Attenuate Autophagy Flare, Insulin Resistance and Improve ß Cell Mass

Purpose Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent female endocrine disorder. 50–70% of PCOS patients suffer from glucose intolerance, insulin and β cell impairments. Updated studies reveal the crucial regulatory role of inflammation modulators in various diseases, by manipulating autophagy and oxidative stress. However, the data available about autophagy in PCOS pancreas, especially in relation to inflammation key players are little. This study investigated pancreatic autophagy status in PCOS rat model, with miR-223-3p and NF-κB levels as pivotal regulators of oxidative stress-autophagy axis, insulin, and β cell integrity. We then analyzed nanocurcumin effects as a putative anti-inflammatory nutraceutical on the disrupted parameters. Methods Nanocurcumin was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Adult virgin Wistar rats were selected, and PCOS was induced using letrozole (1mg/kg). Nanocurcumin was ingested following letrozole. Sex hormones and insulin resistance were determined. miR-223-3p expression was determined using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting determined β cells, NF-κB, and autophagy markers p62 and LC3II. Results PCOS group showed significant disruptions in sex hormones and a double fold increase in glucose and insulin levels, exhibiting insulin resistance. Immunostaining confirmed around 46% deterioration of ß cell mass. Real-time PCR showed significant downregulation of miR-223-3p. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed a drastic upsurge of NF-κB, and autophagy markers p62 and LC3II, confirming bioinformatics target analysis. Interestingly, compared to PCOS group, nanocurcumin (200mg/kg) significantly upregulated miR-223-3p expression by 30%. It subsided NF-κB and autophagy eruption to restore ß cell mass and attenuate insulin resistance. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to highlight the vital contribution of miR-223-3p and NF-κB levels in aggravating PCOS pancreatic autophagy and consequent impairments. It spots nanocurcumin potential as an inflammation and autophagy modulator, for possible better management of PCOS complications.
Is Electroacupuncture an Effective and Safe Treatment for Poststroke Depression? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective To observe and compare the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture and antidepressants in the treatment of poststroke depression (PSD) using a meta-analysis method. Methods The VIP, CNKI, Wanfang, CMB, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) on electroacupuncture treatment of PSD were searched and further screened. Meta-analysis was performed on electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD to explore the difference in efficacy between electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD. Results Nineteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the Western medicine group, the meta-analysis showed no significant changes in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores between the electroacupuncture group and the antidepressant group (P > 0.05). The number of adverse events in the electroacupuncture group was less than that in the antidepressant group. Conclusion Compared with antidepressants, electroacupuncture is not less effective in improving depression symptoms in PSD patients with greater safety.
A broad-spectrum and highly potent human monoclonal antibody cocktail for rabies prophylaxis

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing disease progression of rabies when used in timely and appropriate manner. The key treatment for PEP is infiltration of rabies immune globulin (RIG) into lesion site after bite exposure, besides wound care and vaccination. Unfortunately, however, RIG is expensive and its supply is limited. Currently, several anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibody (mAb) products are under development as alternatives to RIG, and two recently received regulatory approval in India. In this study, fully human mAbs that recognize different rabies virus glycoprotein conformational antigenic site (II and III) were created from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of heathy vaccinated subjects. These mAbs neutralized a diverse range of lyssavirus types. As at least two anti-rabies virus mAbs are recommended for use in human PEP to ensure broad coverage against diverse lyssaviruses and to minimize possible escape variants, two most potent mAbs, NP-19-9 and 11B6, were selected to be used as cocktail treatment. These two mAbs were broadly reactive to different types of lyssaviruses isolates, and were shown to have no interference with each other. These results suggest that NP-19-9 and 11B6 are potent candidates to be used for PEP, suggesting further studies involving clinical studies in human.
The Burden of Invasive Bacterial Disease and the Impact of 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Children <5 years hospitalized for Meningitis in Lusaka, Zambia, 2010–2019

Abstract Background Despite the availability of vaccines, invasive bacterial diseases remain a public health concern and cause childhood morbidity and mortality. We investigated the characteristics of etiological agents causing bacterial meningitis in children <5 years in the years pre- (2010–2012) and post- (2014–2019) 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) introduction in Zambia. Methods Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), Haemophilus influenzae (Hi), and Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were identified by microbiological culture and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results During the surveillance period, a total of 3811 children were admitted with suspected meningitis, 16% (598 of 3811) of which were probable cases. Bacterial meningitis was confirmed in 37% (221 of 598) of the probable cases. Spn pneumoniae, Hi, and Nm accounted for 67% (148 of 221), 14% (31 of 221), and 19% (42 of 221) of confirmed cases, respectively. Thirty-six percent of pneumococcal meningitis was caused by 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) serotypes, 16% 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 39% by nonvaccine serotype (NVS). There was an association between the introduction of PCV10 vaccination and a decrease in both Spn meningitis and the proportion of PVC10 serotypes in the postvaccination period. Antimicrobial susceptibility of 47 Spn isolates revealed 34% (16 of 47) penicillin resistance. The 31 serotyped Hi accounted for 74% type b (Hib) and 10% type a (Hia). All 42 serogrouped Nm belonged to serogroup W. Conclusions There was a decline in pneumococcal meningitis and proportion of PCV10 serotypes in the postvaccination period. However, the serotype replacement with non-PCV10 serotypes and penicillin resistance warrant continued surveillance to inform policy.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction After a Recent Worsening Heart Failure Event

Background Contemporary trials of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) required a recent worsening heart failure (WHF) event for inclusion. We aimed to describe characteristics and outcomes of patients with HFrEF and a recent WHF event at a large tertiary referral center. Methods and Results We identified adult patients with chronic symptomatic HFrEF (ejection fraction ≤35%) treated at Duke University between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018, and applied a set of exclusion criteria to generate a cohort similar to those enrolled in contemporary heart failure trials. Patients were stratified by presence or absence of a recent WHF event, defined as an emergency department visit for heart failure or hospitalization for heart failure in the prior 12 months. Characteristics and outcomes including death and hospitalization were assessed. Of 3867 patients with HFrEF meeting study criteria, 2823 (73.0%) had a WHF event in the prior 12 months. Compared with patients without a WHF event, those with a WHF event were more likely to be under‐represented racial and ethnic groups and had lower ejection fraction, a greater burden of comorbidities, and more echocardiographic evidence of cardiac dysfunction. Despite higher use of guideline‐directed therapies, patients with a WHF event had higher rates of death (hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 2.01–2.63), all‐cause hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.42–1.71), and heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.44–1.75) through 5 years compared with those without a recent WHF event. Conclusions WHF events are common in patients with HFrEF and are associated with more advanced disease. Patients with recent WHF have high rates of death and hospitalization, underscoring the need for novel therapies in this large subgroup of patients with HFrEF.
A dyadic analysis of relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms among same-sex couples.

Sexual minority individuals experience depression at a disproportionately higher rate than their heterosexual peers. One predictor of depression is low romantic relationship satisfaction, and research on different-sex couples demonstrates that one's own and one's partner's levels of relationship satisfaction are negatively associated with one's own level of depressive symptoms (i.e., actor and partner effects, respectively). However, little research has explored partner effects of relationship satisfaction on depression in same-sex couples. Furthermore, little is known regarding the degree to which relationship satisfaction is associated with depression in same-sex couples, over and above their shared association with demographic characteristics and internalized heterosexism, a known correlate of both relationship satisfaction and depression. This study examined cross-sectional actor and partner effects of relationship satisfaction on depressive symptoms in a sample of 102 same-sex couples (68 female), and evaluated whether these effects were significant when adjusting for sex, relationship length, and internalized heterosexism. Multilevel analyses were conducted to estimate actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) effects for indistinguishable dyads. Results indicated that (a) there were statistically significant actor and partner effects for relationship satisfaction on depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of relationship satisfaction were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and (b) actor and partner effects for relationship satisfaction remained statistically significant when adjusting for sex, relationship length, and actor and partner effects for internalized heterosexism. Furthermore, there were statistically significant actor (but not partner) effects for internalized heterosexism on depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of internalized heterosexism were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Neural sensitivity to trustworthiness cues from realistic face images is associated with temperament: An electrophysiological study with 6-month-old infants

ABSTRACT Discriminating facial cues to trustworthiness is a fundamental social skill whose developmental origins are still debated. Prior investigations used computer-generated faces, which might fail to reflect infants’ face processing expertise. Here, Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded in Caucasian adults (N = 20, 7 males, M age = 25.25 years) and 6-month-old infants (N = 21, 10 males) in response to variations in trustworthiness intensity expressed by morphed images of realistic female faces associated with explicit trustworthiness judgments (Study 1). Preferential looking behavior in response to the same faces was also investigated in infants (N = 27, 11 males) (Study 2). ERP results showed that both age groups distinguished subtle stimulus differences, and that interindividual variability in neural sensitivity to these differences were associated with infants’ temperament. No signs of stimulus differentiation emerged from infants’ looking behavior. These findings contribute to the understanding of the developmental origins of human sensitivity to social cues from faces by extending prior evidence to more ecological stimuli and by unraveling the mediating role of temperament.
A comparative study of temporalis fascia versus tragal perichondrium graft in myringoplasty

Chronic suppurative otitis media is one of the common otological conditions in India and is defined as chronic inflammation of the mucoperiosteal lining of the middle ear cleft, causing persistent ear discharge, progressive deafness and the patient is prone to develop complications. The perforations of the tympanic membrane are either of traumatic origin or due to chronic suppurative otitis media. If the perforations fail to heal spontaneously or by conservative therapy, they require surgical closure. The repaired perforation restores the vibratory area of the tympanic membrane and affords round window protection, thus improving hearing. It also prevents exposure of the middle ear to external infection and allergens.
Propofol Suppresses Microglia Inflammation by Targeting TGM2/NF-κB Signaling

Background Propofol is a known intravenous hypnotic drug used for induction and maintenance of sedation and general anesthesia. Emerging studies also reveal a neuroprotective effect of propofol in diverse diseases of neuronal injuries via modulating microglia activation. In this study, we aimed to uncover the downstream targets of propofol in this process. Methods RNA sequencing analysis to identify genes implicated in the propofol-mediated neuroprotective effect. Quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting analysis were performed to analyze inflammatory gene expression, cytokine levels, and TGM2. BV2 cells and primary microglia were used for functional verification and mechanism studies. Results The multifunctional enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) was identified as a putative functional mediator of propofol. TGM2 was significantly upregulated in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) primed BV2 cells. Genetic silencing of TGM2 abolished LPS-induced microglial activation. Notably, gain-of-function experiments showed that the proinflammatory effects of TGM2 were dependent on its GTP binding activity instead of transamidase activity. Then, TGM2 was revealed to activate the NF-κB signaling pathway to facilitate microglial activation. Propofol can inhibit TGM2 expression and NF-κB signaling in BV2 cells and primary microglia. Ectopic expression of TGM2 or constitutively active IKKβ (CA-IKKβ) can compromise propofol-induced anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions Our findings suggest that TGM2-mediated activation of NF-κB signaling is an important mechanism in the propofol-induced neuroprotective effect that prevents microglial activation.
Idiopathic fibrous mediastinitis with refractory pleural effusion: a case report and literature review

Fibrous mediastinitis is a rare progressive disease characterized by invasive proliferation of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum. This tissue proliferation leads to compression of the mediastinal structures in the thoracic cavity, including the pulmonary vessels, esophagus, and trachea, causing corresponding symptoms and complications such as pulmonary hypertension. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of fibrous mediastinitis is often delayed or missed because of the rarity and variable clinical manifestations of this condition. This article presents a case of idiopathic fibrous mediastinitis that manifested as pleural effusion of unknown etiology along with a review of the relevant literature.
Risk Factors for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures

Introduction A neck of femur fracture is a rare injury in the pediatric population and is of foremost importance, as it is associated with a high rate of complications. It usually occurs due to high-velocity trauma or a fall from a height. There is a scarcity of data on risk factors and their role in the prognostication of avascular necrosis. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively analyze the association of various risk factors with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in patients with a neck of femur fracture in the pediatric age group. Material and methods The study included 21 (13 males and 8 females) pediatric patients with a neck of femur fracture treated at a university-level hospital. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year and the clinico-radiological outcome was analyzed using Ratliff criteria. The association of AVN with age, gender, side, fracture type, and injury with treatment delay, type of reduction, and type of internal fixation used was studied. Results The mean age of the treated patients was 11 (±3.178) years (range=5-16 years). Avascular necrosis was seen in four patients and coxa vara occurred in two of them. A statistically significant association was seen between the Delbet fracture type and avascular necrosis, and three out of four cases of AVN were a Type I fracture (p-value=0.006). Three out of six patients having concomitant skeletal or other organ injuries developed AVN (p-value=0.022). The rate of AVN was higher in patients who were managed after 48 hours of initial injury but no statistically significant correlation was found (p-value=0.314). No statistically significant association with AVN was found between gender, age, type of reduction (closed/open), or the implant used (cannulated screws/k-wires). Conclusions Multiple independent factors may have a role in the development of AVN of the femoral head in children. Prognostication should not be based on a single factor. Statistically significant results in this study have shown that the type of fracture and concomitant skeletal or other organ injuries are important risk factors and should be kept in mind. All independent risk factors must be noted and should be considered while prognosticating the outcome of a child with a neck of femur fracture.
Resistencia de unión al cizallamiento de un adhesivo experimental con extracto de semillas de uva a esmalte humano post-blanqueado

The aim of is work is to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of grape seed extract and sodium ascorbate into a self-etching twostep experimental adhesive on the bond strength to immediate post-bleaching enamel. Eighty-four specimens were obtained from 42 third molars and randomly divided into 2 groups: one of these did not receive bleaching treatment (N), while the other was bleached with 45% carbamide peroxide for 30 minutes (Y). Each group was subdivided into 3 groups depending on the adhesive system used: without antioxidant (C), adhesive with 15% sodium ascorbate (SA), and adhesive with 10% grape seed extract (GSE). A composite cylindrical was built up and then submitted to a shear bond strength test (SBS). A two-way ANOVA test was performed to evaluate the effect of the independent variables on the shear bond strength, using SigmaPlot 12.0 software. The significance level was α=0.05. The groups with the highest bond strength results were N-C (34.67MPa ± 8.79), N-GSE (35.62MPa ± 12.03), and Y-C (29.48MPa ± 6.94), without significant difference among them. The lowest SBS values were found in groups N-SA and Y-SA. None of the antioxidants improved the SBS values (p<0.05). The incorporation of GSE does not decrease the bond strength values. However, it is not capable of enhancing the bond strength after the bleaching process. In the case of sodium ascorbate, its incorporation into the primer of the experimental adhesive system seems to be ineffective.
Association of Unbalanced Translocation der(1;7) with Germline GATA2 Mutations.

indicates a malignant phenotype that necessitates timely HSCT performed as upfront therapy in these patients. Decrease or disappearance of der(1;7) clone observed in one-quarter of patients was not associated with clinical improvement, and thus should not justify a deviation from HSCT, a well- established curative approach in GATA2 deficiency.
Electroacupuncture reactivates estrogen receptors to restore the neuroprotective effect of estrogen against cerebral ischemic stroke in long‐term ovariectomized rats

Stroke is a sexually dimorphic disease and a leading cause of death and disability. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) confers beneficial neuroprotective effects if administered within a widely accepted time window called the “critical period. ” However, very few studies have explored the idea of modulating the critical period to enable long‐term post‐menopausal women to regain more benefits from estrogen therapy. Here, motivated by previous findings that electroacupuncture could both alter estrogen metabolism and induce significant tolerance against stroke, it was explored whether EA could restore estrogen's neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia in long‐term ovariectomized (OVX) rats.
Unveiling the elusive: X‐rays bring scolecophidian snakes out of the dark

Scolecophidian snakes have long posed challenges for scholars interested in elucidating their anatomy. The importance, and relative paucity, of high‐quality anatomical data pertaining to scolecophidians was brought into sharp focus in the late 20th century as part of a controversy over the phylogeny and ecological origin of snakes. The basal position of scolecophidians in the phylogeny of snakes makes their anatomy, behavior, ecology, and evolution especially important for such considerations. The depauperate fossil record for the group meant that advances in understanding their evolutionary history were necessarily tied to biogeographic distributions and anatomical interpretations of extant taxa. Osteological data, especially data pertaining to the skull and mandible, assumed a dominant role in shaping historical and modern perspectives of the evolution of scolecophidians. Traditional approaches to the exploration of the anatomy of these snakes relied heavily upon serial‐sectioned specimens and cleared‐and‐stained specimens. The application of X‐ray computed tomography (CT) to the study of scolecophidians revolutionized our understanding of the osteology of the group, and now, via diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), is yielding data sets on internal soft anatomical features as well. CT data sets replicate many aspects of traditional anatomical preparations, are readily shared with a global community of scholars, and now are available for unique holotype and other rare specimens. The increasing prevalence and relevance of CT data sets is a strong incentive for the establishment and maintenance of permanent repositories for digital data.