Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between lupus serology and disease outcomes: A systematic literature review to inform the treat-to-target approach in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction Serological markers such as anti-double stranded (ds)DNA antibodies and complement fractions C3/C4, are integral components of disease activity assessment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it remains uncertain whether treatment should aim at restoration of serological abnormalities. Objectives To analyze and critically appraise the literature on the prognostic impact of active lupus serology despite clinical disease quiescence. Methods A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed and EMBASE using the PICOT(S) (population, index, comparator, outcome(s), timing, setting) system to identify studies evaluating the association of serum anti-dsDNA, C3 and C4 levels assessed at the time of clinical remission or during the disease course, against the risk for impending flares and organ damage. Risk of bias was determined by the Quality in Prognosis Studies and ROB2 tools for observational and randomized controlled studies, respectively. Results Fifty-three studies were eligible, the majority having moderate (70.6%) or high (11.8%) risk of bias and not adequately controlling for possible confounders. C3 hypocomplementemia during stable/inactive disease was associated with increased risk (2.0 to 3.8-fold) for subsequent flare in three out of seven relevant studies. Three out of four studies reported a significant effect of C4 hypocomplementemia on flare risk, including one study in lupus nephritis (likelihood ratio-positive 12.0). An increased incidence of flares (2.0 to 2.8-fold) was reported in 11 out of 16 studies assessing the prognostic effect of high anti-dsDNA, and similarly, the majority of studies yielded significant relationships with renal flares. Six studies examined the effect of combined (rather than individual) serological activity, confirming the increased risk (2.0 to 2.7-fold) for relapses. No consistent association was found with organ damage. Conclusion Notwithstanding the heterogeneity and risk of bias, existing evidence indicates a modest association between abnormal serology and risk for flare in patients with stable/inactive SLE. These findings provide limited support for inclusion of serology in the treat-to-target approach but rationalize to further investigate their prognostic implications especially in lupus nephritis.
Origin and expansion of the world’s most widespread pinniped: Range‐wide population genomics of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)

The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) is the most widely distributed pinniped, occupying a wide variety of habitats and climatic zones across the Northern Hemisphere. Intriguingly, the harbour seal is also one of the most philopatric seals, raising questions as to how it colonized its current range. To shed light on the origin, remarkable range expansion, population structure and genetic diversity of this species, we used genotyping‐by‐sequencing to analyse ~13,500 biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms from 286 individuals sampled from 22 localities across the species’ range. Our results point to a Northeast Pacific origin of the harbour seal, colonization of the North Atlantic via the Canadian Arctic, and subsequent stepping‐stone range expansions across the North Atlantic from North America to Europe, accompanied by a successive loss of genetic diversity. Our analyses further revealed a deep divergence between modern North Pacific and North Atlantic harbour seals, with finer‐scale genetic structure at regional and local scales consistent with strong philopatry. The study provides new insights into the harbour seal's remarkable ability to colonize and adapt to a wide range of habitats. Furthermore, it has implications for current harbour seal subspecies delineations and highlights the need for international and national red lists and management plans to ensure the protection of genetically and demographically isolated populations.
Effects of post-exercise cold-water immersion on resistance training-induced gains in muscular strength: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT The aim of this review was to perform a meta-analysis examining the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) coupled with resistance training on gains in muscular strength. Four databases were searched to find relevant studies. Their methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the PEDro checklist. The effects of CWI vs. control on muscular strength were examined in a random-effects meta-analysis. Ten studies (n = 170; 92% males), with 11 comparisons across 22 groups, were included in the analysis. Studies were classified as of good or fair methodological quality. The main meta-analysis found that CWI attenuated muscular strength gains (effect size [ES]: –0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.45, –0.01; p = 0.041). In the analysis of data from studies applying CWI only to the trained limbs, CWI attenuated muscular strength gains (ES: –0.31; 95% CI: –0.61, –0.01; p = 0.041). In the analysis of data from studies using whole-body CWI, there was no significant difference in muscular strength gains between CWI and control (ES: –0.08; 95% CI: –0.53, 0.38; p = 0.743). In summary, this meta-analysis found that the use of CWI following resistance exercise sessions attenuates muscular strength gains in males. However, when CWI was applied to the whole body, there was no significant difference between CWI and control for muscular strength. Due to the attenuated gains in muscular strength found with single limb CWI, the use and/or timing of CWI in resistance training should be carefully considered and individualized.
Time spent outdoors as an intervention for myopia prevention and control in children: an overview of systematic reviews

Outdoor light exposure is considered a safe and effective strategy to reduce myopia development and aligns with existing public health initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles in children. However, it is unclear whether this strategy reduces myopia progression in eyes that are already myopic. This study aims to conduct an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) reporting time spent outdoors as a strategy to prevent myopia or slow its progression in children.
Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of the TCP transcription factor family in Ginkgo biloba

ABSTRACT Plant-specific TCP transcription factors play an essential role in plant growth and development. They can regulate leaf curvature, flower symmetry and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. The flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba leaf are one of the main medicinally bioactivate compounds, which have pharmacological and beneficial health effects for humans. In this study, a total of 13 TCP genes were identified in G. biloba, and 5 of them belonged to PCF subclades (GbTCP03, GbTCP07, GbTCP05, GbTCP13, GbTCP02) while others belonged to CIN (GbTCP01, GbTCP04, GbTCP06, GbTCP08, GbTCP09, GbTCP10, GbTCP11, GbTCP12) subclades according to phylogenetic analysis. Numerous cis-acting elements related to various biotic and abiotic signals were predicted on the promoters by cis-element analysis, suggesting that the expression of GbTCPs might be co-regulated by multiple signals. Transcript abundance analysis exhibited that most of GbTCPs responded to multiple phytohormones. Among them, the relative expression levels of GbTCP06, GbTCP11, and GbTCP13 were found to be significantly influenced by exogenous ABA, SA and MeJA application. In addition, a total of 126 miRNAs were predicted to target 9 TCPs (including GbTCP01, GbTCP02, GbTCP04, GbTCP05, GbTCP06, GbTCP08, GbTCP11, GbTCP12, GbTCP13). The correlation analysis between the expression level of GbTCPs and the flavonoid contents showed that GbTCP03, GbTCP04, GbTCP07 might involve in flavonoid biosynthesis in G. biloba. In short, this study mainly provided a theoretical foundation for better understanding the potential function of TCPs in G. biloba.
The Impact of Hyperopia on Academic Performance Among Children: A Systematic Review

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Purpose: To assess the impact of uncorrected hyperopia and hyperopic spectacle correction on children's academic performance. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We searched 9 electronic databases from inception to July 26, 2021, for studies assessing associations between hyperopia and academic performance. There were no restrictions on language, publication date, or geographic location. A quality checklist was applied. Random-effects models estimated pooled effect size as a standardized mean difference (SMD) in 4 outcome domains: cognitive skills, educational performance, reading skills, and reading speed. (PROSPERO registration: CRD-42021268972). Results: Twenty-five studies (21 observational and 4 interventional) out of 3415 met the inclusion criteria. No full-scale randomized trials were identified. Meta-analyses of the 5 studies revealed a small but significant adverse effect on educational performance in uncorrected hyperopic compared to emmetropic children {SMD −0.18 [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.27 to −0.09]; P < 0.001, 4 studies} and a moderate negative effect on reading skills in uncorrected hyperopic compared to emmetropic children [SMD −0.46 (95% CI, −0.90 to −0.03); P = 0.036, 3 studies]. Reading skills were significantly worse in hyperopic than myopic children [SMD −0.29 (95% CI, −0.43 to −0.15); P < 0.001, 1 study]. Qualitative analysis on 10 (52.6%) of 19 studies excluded from meta-analysis found a significant (P < 0.05) association between uncorrected hyperopia and impaired academic performance. Two interventional studies found hyperopic spectacle correction significantly improved reading speed (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Evidence indicates that uncorrected hyperopia is associated with poor academic performance. Given the limitations of current methodologies, further research is needed to evaluate the impact on academic performance of providing hyperopic correction.
Alexithymic traits and parental postpartum bonding: Findings from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study.

In the postpartum period, some parents experience problems in bonding with the infant, which can lead to difficulties in adjusting to the parental caregiving role. Alexithymia, through deficits in emotional processing, could potentially be associated with problems in parental postpartum bonding. In the current study, this association has been explored in a large population-based sample of mothers and fathers, and to our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate this association. The study population (n = 2,671) was part of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort study and included 1,766 mothers and 905 fathers who returned The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) at three months postpartum and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) at six months postpartum. Correlation analyses and hierarchical regression modeling, adjusted for selected background factors, were performed separately for mothers and fathers. The alexithymia dimension "Difficulty Identifying Feelings" (DIF) in mothers and fathers, and additionally dimensions of "Difficulty Describing Feelings" (DDF) and "Externally Oriented Thinking" (EOT) in fathers were associated with weaker postpartum bonding, when related background factors were controlled for. To our knowledge this was the first study to investigate the relationship between parents' alexithymic traits and postpartum bonding within a large birth cohort study population. The main finding was that especially higher levels of maternal DIF and paternal EOT were associated with weaker postpartum bonding. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish the potential causality of this relationship.
Long-term efficacy of microwave ablation in the treatment of subcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas of ≤3 cm in diameter: a multicenter, propensity score-matched study

Abstract Objective To compare the long-term efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for subcapsular and non-subcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) using propensity score matching (PSM). Materials and methods Using a multicenter database, we enrolled 430 patients (347 men, 83 women; age range, 15–71 years) with HCCs who received percutaneous ultrasound-guided MWA, between January 2012 and December 2018. The patients were grouped as follows, based on whether the tumor was adjacent to the capsule: subcapsular group (n = 142) and non-subcapsular group (n = 142). To evaluate the correlation between subcapsular position and efficacy of MWA, a Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) based on PSM data. Results In total, 142 pairs of patients were matched. In the PSM cohort, the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year DFS rates of the subcapsular and non-subcapsular groups were 84%, 61%, and 47%, respectively, and 85%, 67%, and 58%, respectively, while the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS rates were 98%, 90%, and 84%, respectively, and 98%, 90%, and 88%, respectively. In the PSM cohort, subcapsular position was not an independent risk factor for DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.291, p = 0.196) or OS (HR = 0.926, p = 0.866). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the incidence of local tumor progression, major complications, technical success rate, number of puncture needles, and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion There were no significant differences in DFS, OS, incidence of local tumor progression, and major complications between patients with subcapsular and non-subcapsular HCCs treated with MWA.
Transgender‐based disparities in suicidality: A population‐based study of key predictions from four theoretical models

Abstract Introduction Numerous studies have reported a high prevalence of suicidality among transgender individuals. Yet few studies have reported results from population‐based samples, leaving open questions about the generalizability of existing findings. Factors proposed to explain transgender individuals’ elevated risk of suicidality derive from several theoretical models (i.e., clinical model, interpersonal model, minority stress model, and societal integration model). These models identify both general risk factors (e.g., mental health risks and interpersonal risks) assumed to be elevated among transgender individuals because of transgender individuals’ exposure to stigma‐related disadvantage and the stigma‐specific risks themselves (e.g., minority stressors such as discrimination). This is one of the first population‐based studies to examine differences in suicidality between transgender and cisgender individuals and theoretically derived factors potentially explaining such differences. Methods A sample of 533 transgender and 104,757 cisgender individuals (age 16–84) was analyzed. Results Compared to cisgender individuals, transgender individuals were at a substantially higher risk of reporting both lifetime and past 12‐month suicidality. Several factors partially mediated the increased risk of suicidality among transgender compared to cisgender individuals, including depressive symptoms, lack of social support, and exposure to discrimination. Conclusions This study suggests that transgender people experience multiple psychosocial health threats and calls for interventions to reduce these threats.
The effect of sesame, canola, and sesame‐canola oils on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight adults: a three‐way randomized triple‐blind crossover clinical trial

Limited data exist on the cardiometabolic effects of sesame oil compared with canola oil. In the present study, 77 overweight adults were randomized to replace their regularly consumed oils with canola (CO), sesame (SO), and sesame‐canola oils (SCO, 40% SO, and 60% CO) in three 9‐week phases. Blood pressure, visceral adiposity index, serum apo‐proteins (APOs) and lipid profile, glycemic control markers, kidney markers, liver enzymes, and cardiovascular disease risk scores were assessed at baseline and endline. After adjustment for confounders, SO significantly reduced serum alkaline aminotransferase (ALT) compared to CO (p ≤ 0.05) in all participants, increased serum urea compared to SCO in males, and decreased serum alkaline phosphatase compared to other oils in males, and improved serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG) compared to SCO, and eGFR compared with CO in females (p ≤ 0.05). Canola oil significantly improved serum Apo A1 and APO B/A ratio compared with SO, in males (p ≤ 0.05). Sesame‐canola oil significantly reduced serum urea compared to other oils in all participants (p ≤ 0.05). Sesame oil and SCO might beneficially affect serum ALT and urea, respectively. Intervention oils might have different cardiometabolic effects in each gender. Further studies are needed to confirm our results (Trial registration code: IRCT2016091312571N6).
Food insecurity among active duty soldiers and their families during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Abstract Objective: We examined the determinants of food insecurity among active duty Army households that transitioned into food insecurity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design: We compared Army households that recently transitioned into marginal food insecurity with those households that remained highly food secure (n 2832) to better understand how these households differ in their resilience to food insecurity during economic downturns using data from a military installation in the USA in 2020. Setting: A US military installation in the USA. Participants: Active duty US Army soldiers. Results: Prior to the pandemic, the prevalence of marginal food insecurity among Army households was similar to that reported for households in the general population. Marginal food insecurity among Army households increased over 1·5-fold – from 19 % to 33 % – with the onset of the pandemic. Relative to Army households with consistently high food security, the Army households that transitioned into marginal food insecurity after the onset of the pandemic were more likely to report concerns about financial insecurity and the job security of their family members. Conclusions: Army households, like their civilian counterparts, are vulnerable to food insecurity because of instability in their income during periods of economic uncertainty. Periods of economic uncertainty are more common for Army households because of the frequent relocations associated with military service which could lead to predictable periodic spikes in their food insecurity.
Ramatroban for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: David takes on Goliath

ABSTRACT Introduction In COVID-19 pneumonia, there is a massive increase in fatty acid levels and lipid mediators with a predominance of cyclooxygenase metabolites, notably TxB2 ≫ PGE2 > PGD2 in the lungs, and 11-dehydro-TxB2, a TxA2 metabolite, in the systemic circulation. While TxA2 stimulates thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptors, 11-dehydro-TxB2 is a full agonist of DP2 (formerly known as the CRTh2) receptors for PGD2. Anecdotal experience of using ramatroban, a dual receptor antagonist of the TxA2/TP and PGD2/DP2 receptors, demonstrated rapid symptomatic relief from acute respiratory distress and hypoxemia while avoiding hospitalization. Areas covered Evidence supporting the role of TxA2/TP receptors and PGD2/DP2 receptors in causing rapidly progressive lung injury associated with hypoxemia, a maladaptive immune response and thromboinflammation is discussed. An innovative perspective on the dual antagonism of TxA2/TP and PGD2/DP2 receptor signaling as a therapeutic approach in COVID-19 is presented. This paper examines ramatroban an anti-platelet, immunomodulator, and antifibrotic agent for acute and long-haul COVID-19. Expert Opinion Ramatroban, a dual blocker of TP and DP2 receptors, has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of respiratory dysfunction, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and sepsis, as well as preliminary evidence for rapid relief from dyspnea and hypoxemia in COVID-19 pneumonia. Ramatroban merits investigation as a promising antithrombotic and immunomodulatory agent for chemoprophylaxis and treatment.
GNLY gene polymorphism: A potential role in understanding psoriasis pathogenesis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory illness that affects 2%–3% of the world's population. Granulysin (GNLY), along with granzyme and perforin, is a cytolytic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) released from the granules of both natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). By immunohistochemistry, it has been shown that GNLY expression increases in psoriasis lesions.
Moderators of Sexual Interest in Opposite-sex Friends

The fact that men and women experience sexual attraction toward their opposite-sex friends has been evidenced in various studies. It has also been shown that there is a close parallel between preferences for opposite-sex friends and mate preferences, i.e., that men prioritize physical attractiveness of their OSFs, while women prioritize their male friends’ ability to provide protection and economic resources. Although this mating activation hypothesis has been validated to an extent, there is hardly any research that points to moderating factors which would define the boundary conditions for these effects. We present two studies that involved heterosexual participants who were in a committed relationship and at the same time had a heterosexual opposite-sex friend. We investigated how both the qualities of one’s current partner and the qualities of one’s opposite-sex friend shape sexual interest in opposite-sex friends for men and women. Results mostly support the mating activation hypothesis. We show that within actual cross-sex friendships: 1) physical attractiveness of opposite-sex friends predicts sexual interest toward them, and this effect is stronger for men than women, 2) current partner’s attractiveness, provided support, and relationship satisfaction moderate this effect only for women, and not men, 3) perceived financial resources of opposite-sex friends predict sexual interest toward them for highly sexually unrestricted women, and, surprisingly, for those who are in committed relationships with high-income men. The results reaffirm previous evidence indicating that perceptions of opposite-sex friends can be viewed as a manifestation of evolved human mating strategies.
Characterisation of Deficits and Sex Differences in Verbal and Visual Memory/Learning in Bipolar Disorder

Abstract Objective: Cognitive impairment is consistently reported in bipolar disorder (BD), but few studies have characterised which memory component processes are affected. Further, it is unknown whether the component processes underlying memory impairment are moderated by sex. The present study examined diagnosis and sex differences in both verbal and visual memory/learning domains in patients with BD and psychiatrically healthy controls. Method: Verbal and visual memory/learning were measured using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). 114 patients with BD (n = 50 males, n = 64 females), were compared to 105 psychiatrically healthy controls (n = 42 males, n = 63 females). Results: Patients with BD had worse performance in verbal and visual immediate and total recall, verbal and visual delayed free recall, and verbal recognition discrimination scores, but there were no group differences in learning slopes and cumulative learning index scores. There were trends for BD females to outperform BD males in visual memory/learning free recall and cumulative learning, but these results did not survive multiple testing correction. These findings did not change in a secondary sensitivity analysis comparing only strictly euthymic BD patients to controls (n = 64). Conclusion: The present study found trait-like verbal and visual memory/learning impairment in BD that was attributable to deficient encoding and/or consolidation processes rather than deficits in learning. We did not find marked sex differences in either visual or verbal memory/learning measures, although some trend level effects were apparent and deserve exploration in future studies.