Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphology and computed tomography of the larynx in the white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris)

The white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is a Neotropical marsupial that occurs in the Brazilian territory. The larynx is an important organ of vocalization in mammals, although, other laryngeal functions are more fundamental for survival of mammals than phonation. The anatomical knowledge of respiratory structures is pivotal for a better understanding of the species. Thus, this study aimed to examine the larynx of the white‐eared opossum by gross anatomy, computed tomography and histological description. For this, 10 adult (six females and four males) white‐eared opossums (D. albiventris) were used. The white‐eared opossum larynx was formed by epiglottis, thyroid, cricoids and arytenoid cartilages and a corniculate process. There is a similarity between the larynx of this marsupial and those reported in other wild mammals, regarding the number of cartilages and their location. Histologically, the epiglottis consisted of elastic cartilage and thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid cartilages were composed of hyaline cartilage. The epiglottis protruded rostrally into the nasal part of the pharynx, above the soft palate, and this is probably a marsupial characteristic as the fact that the thyroid and cricoid cartilages were ventrally fused. The hyoid apparatus was similar to that of other animals, with the same bony constitution, but with a greatly reduced stylohyoid bone. Histologically, the larynx was similar to those of other species such as koala, armadillo, crab‐eating foxes and giant anteaters. The knowledge of the larynx morphology is important for the anatomical features of the species and clinical and surgical procedures, such as endotracheal intubation.
Call to Action for Advancing Equitable Genomic Newborn Screening

Newborn screening (NBS) facilitates early detection and treatment of infants with rare, treatable conditions, improving their health and well-being. Integrating genomic sequencing into NBS (genomic newborn screening, or gNBS) is an approach being considered by an increasing number of jurisdictions worldwide. Despite the potential benefits of gNBS, there remain substantial challenges to its global implementation. The purpose of this perspective paper is to discuss four pressing challenges to the equitable implementation of gNBS at a population level, and to present calls to action for each challenge. The four pressing challenges are selecting conditions for gNBS, respecting self-determination through informed consent and parent education, protecting privacy and confidentiality, and mitigating adverse psychosocial sequelae. All of these topics highlight significant disparities between high-income and low- and middle-income countries in implementing gNBS, which will make its equitable implementation even more challenging. The proposed calls to action acknowledge and provide recommendations for addressing these disparities. Across all of the challenges, the impact of local and community resources, priorities, policies, and infrastructure on implementation of gNBS is an especially important consideration. Differences between jurisdictions will influence whether, when, and how gNBS is implemented. Substantial gaps in empirical knowledge of gNBS remain, underscoring opportunities for innovative research. The pressing challenges discussed in this perspective paper must be addressed for the equitable and just implementation of gNBS and advancement of global health equity.
Lupus nephritis with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis features: a diagnostic conundrum

ABSTRACT In this clinical case, we report an atypical and unique presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a 39-year-old female with nephrotic syndrome. The patient exhibited class IV plus V lupus nephritis and extensive immune complex deposition within the intracapillary and arteriolar regions suggestive of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis, despite no detectable circulating cryoglobulins. Electron microscopy revealed cryoglobulin-like deposit distribution in all glomerular examined compartments, namely subendothelial, intramembranous, subepithelial, and mesangial, apparently extending from the capillary hyaline thrombi. The case highlights the possibility of severe renal injury in SLE without circulating cryoglobulins and the diverse kidney manifestations associated with the disease. However, the impact on patient outcome was minimal, as classical treatment (id est National Institute of Health regimen) remained effective.
Mapping alterations in the local synchrony of the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia

Abstract Background Observations from different fields of research coincide in indicating that a defective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneuron system may be among the primary factors accounting for the varied clinical expression of schizophrenia. GABA interneuron deficiency is locally expressed in the form of neural activity desynchronization. We mapped the functional anatomy of local synchrony in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia using functional connectivity MRI. Methods Data from 86 patients with schizophrenia and 137 control subjects were obtained from publicly available repositories. Resting-state functional connectivity maps based on Iso-Distant Average Correlation measures across three distances were estimated detailing the local functional structure of the cerebral cortex. Results Patients with schizophrenia showed weaker local functional connectivity (i.e., lower MRI signal synchrony) in (i) prefrontal lobe areas, (ii) somatosensory, auditory, visual, and motor cortices, (iii) paralimbic system at the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, and (iv) hippocampus. The distribution of the defect in cortical area synchrony largely coincided with the synchronization effect of the GABA agonist alprazolam previously observed using identical functional connectivity measures. There was also a notable resemblance between the anatomy of our findings and cortical areas showing higher density of parvalbumin (prefrontal lobe and sensory cortices) and somatostatin (anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex) GABA interneurons in humans. Conclusions Our results thus provide detail of the functional anatomy of synchrony changes in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia and suggest which elements of the interneuron system are affected. Such information could ultimately be relevant in the search for specific treatments.
Vocal Characteristics of Infants at Risk for Speech Motor Involvement: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE The purpose of this scoping review was to (a) summarize methodological characteristics of studies examining vocal characteristics of infants at high risk for neurological speech motor involvement and (b) report the state of the high-quality evidence on vocal characteristic trends of infants diagnosed or at high risk for cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews was followed for reporting our review. Studies measured prelinguistic vocal characteristics of infants under 24 months with birth risk or genetic conditions known to commonly present with speech motor involvement. Fifty-five studies met criteria for Part 1. Eleven studies met criteria for synthesis in Part 2. RESULTS A smaller percentage of studies examined infants with or at risk for CP compared to studies examining genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. The median year of publication was 1999, with a median sample size of nine participants. Most studies were conducted in laboratory settings and used human coding of vocalizations produced during caregiver-child interactions. Substantial methodological differences were noted across all studies. A small number of high-quality studies of infants with or at risk for CP revealed high rates of marginal babbling, low rates of canonical babbling, and limited consonant diversity under 24 months. Mixed findings were noted across studies of general birth risk factors. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence available to support the early detection of speech motor involvement. Large methodological differences currently impact the ability to synthesize findings across studies. There is a critical need to conduct longitudinal research with larger sample sizes and advanced, modern technologies to detect vocal precursors of speech impairment to support the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of speech development in infants with CP and other clinical populations.
The role of nelarabine in the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: challenges, opportunities, and future directions

ABSTRACT Introduction Nelarabine is a guanine nucleoside analog and functions to terminate DNA synthesis in dividing cells. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that it preferentially accumulates in T-cells where it exerts its cytotoxic effects. After generations of treatment protocol advances, it has been incorporated into numerous treatment regimens against T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LLy). On 8 March 2023, the FDA approved the use of nelarabine for its use in T-ALL due to clear evidence of clinical benefits. This announcement concludes a nearly 6-decade period of evaluation for nelarabine and its role in the management of high-grade, aggressive T-cell malignancies. Areas covered We review the medicinal biology of nelarabine, its evaluation through decades of clinical studies, its dose-limited adverse effects, and its areas of highest impact in the treatment of T-ALL/LLy. Expert opinion We provide a context of when nelarabine might be considered in treatments against T-ALL/LLy, and also alternative strategies when it has or has not been used in therapies prior to relapse. We anticipate that an increasing number of treatment regimens will include nelarabine as a part of front-line therapy.
Insights into the Evolution of Ohnologous Sequences and Their Epigenetic Marks Post-WGD in Malus Domestica

Abstract A Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) event occurred several Ma in a Rosaceae ancestor, giving rise to the Maloideae subfamily which includes today many pome fruits such as pear (Pyrus communis) and apple (Malus domestica). This complete and well-conserved genome duplication makes the apple an organism of choice to study the early evolutionary events occurring to ohnologous chromosome fragments. In this study, we investigated gene sequence evolution and expression, transposable elements (TE) density, and DNA methylation level. Overall, we identified 16,779 ohnologous gene pairs in the apple genome, confirming the relatively recent WGD. We identified several imbalances in QTL localization among duplicated chromosomal fragments and characterized various biases in genome fractionation, gene transcription, TE densities, and DNA methylation. Our results suggest a particular chromosome dominance in this autopolyploid species, a phenomenon that displays similarities with subgenome dominance that has only been described so far in allopolyploids.
Minimal-Resource Home Exercise Program Improves Activities of Daily Living, Perceived Health Status, and Shortness of Breath in Individuals with COPD Stages GOLD II to IV

Abstract Home exercises (HE) with minimal resources seem to be useful in individuals with COPD. The objective was to evaluate the effects of HE, on activities of daily living (ADL), dyspnea, on the health status(CAT) and quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with COPD GOLD II to IV. Quasi-experimental study of the effects of HE, for 2 months, 3 times a week. Individuals with COPD(n = 45) were recruited, 37 started the protocol(9 did not complete it). 28 individuals (mean age 62.04 ± 5.8 years, FEV1: 44.7 ± 2.25%, FEV1/FVC 59.8 ± 6.9%) were evaluated before and after training. We observed improvements in the ADL-Glittre (4.9 ± 1.4 vs 3.9 ± 1.1 min; mean difference: −0.9 ± 0.2 min [95%CI: −1.3 to −0.2]; p = 0.008), as well as the mMRC score(2.8 ± 1.1 vs 2.07 ± 0.81; mean difference: 0.7 ± 0.3 [95%CI: −1.20.18 to −0.2]; p = 0.009), and in the CAT (25.6 ± 4.8 vs 18.9 ± 3.1; mean difference: −6.6 ± 3.4 [95%CI: −10.6 to −1.6]; p = 0.042). Analyzing the mean change before and after the intervention, a weak correlation was observed between ADL-Glittre and mMRC (r = 0.35; [95% CI 0.09; 0.56]; p = 0.009); moderate between ADL-Glittre and CAT (r = 0.52; [95% CI 0.30; 0.69]; p < 0.001) and between ADL-Glittre and SGRQ (r = 0.50; [95% CI 0 .27; 0.67]; p < 0.001). Individuals with COPD can benefit from HE performed autonomously and with minimal resources, as this proposal improves functional capacity for ADL, health perception and dyspnea.
Associations between dietary habits, socio-demographics and gut microbial composition in adolescents

The relationship between dietary habits and microbiota composition during adolescence has not been well examined. This is a crucial knowledge gap to fill considering that diet–microbiota interactions influence neurodevelopment, immune system maturation and metabolic regulation. This study examined the associations between diet and the gut microbiota in a school-based sample of 136 adolescents (M age = 12·1 years; age range 11–13 years; 48 % female; 47 % Black, 38 % non-Hispanic White, 15 % Hispanic or other minorities) from urban, suburban and rural areas in the Southeast USA. Adolescents completed the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants and provided stool samples for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Parents reported their child and family socio-demographic characteristics. The associations between diet and socio-demographics with gut microbiota diversity and abundance were analysed using multivariable regression models. Child race and ethnicity, sex, socio-economic status and geographic locale contributed to variation within microbiota composition (β-diversity). Greater consumption of processed meat was associated with a lower microbial α-diversity after adjusting for socio-demographic variables. Multi-adjusted models showed that frequent consumption of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods (e.g. sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, sweets) was negatively associated with abundances of genera in the family Lachnospiraceae (Anaerostipes, Fusicatenibacter and Roseburia), which are thought to play a beneficial role in host health through their production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These results provide new insights into the complex relationships among socio-demographic factors, diet and gut microbiota during adolescence. Adolescence may represent a critical window of opportunity to promote healthy eating practices that shape a homoeostatic gut microbiota with life-long benefits.
Performance in an Audiovisual Selective Attention Task Using Speech-Like Stimuli Depends on the Talker Identities, But Not Temporal Coherence

Audiovisual integration of speech can benefit the listener by not only improving comprehension of what a talker is saying but also helping a listener select a particular talker's voice from a mixture of sounds. Binding, an early integration of auditory and visual streams that helps an observer allocate attention to a combined audiovisual object, is likely involved in processing audiovisual speech. Although temporal coherence of stimulus features across sensory modalities has been implicated as an important cue for non-speech stimuli (Maddox et al., 2015), the specific cues that drive binding in speech are not fully understood due to the challenges of studying binding in natural stimuli. Here we used speech-like artificial stimuli that allowed us to isolate three potential contributors to binding: temporal coherence (are the face and the voice changing synchronously? ), articulatory correspondence (do visual faces represent the correct phones? ), and talker congruence (do the face and voice come from the same person? ). In a trio of experiments, we examined the relative contributions of each of these cues. Normal hearing listeners performed a dual task in which they were instructed to respond to events in a target auditory stream while ignoring events in a distractor auditory stream (auditory discrimination) and detecting flashes in a visual stream (visual detection). We found that viewing the face of a talker who matched the attended voice (i.e., talker congruence) offered a performance benefit. We found no effect of temporal coherence on performance in this task, prompting an important recontextualization of previous findings.
Mézières Method as a practice of embodiment in patients with low back pain: a mixed study

Abstract Introduction The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the Mézières Method (MM) on pain and disability related to low back pain (LBP), compared to a program of heat, massage and exercise, and to understand the meaning of the bodily experience with the MM. Patients and methods Mixed methods convergent parallel design, combining an equivalent randomized clinical trial with a qualitative phenomenological approach. Sixty-one participants aged 18–65 years with chronic non-specific LBP lasting more than 3 months. Patients were randomized into two groups: the MM group (n = 29) and the comparison group (CG) who received heat, massage plus flexibility and strengthening exercises (n = 31). MM and CG participants underwent 10 one-hour physical therapy sessions over a 5-week period and were evaluated three times: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up at 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Results Both groups reported positive effects on LBP . MM group showed superior effects in pain relief in the short term (Cohen’s D 0.80; p = 0.004). Participants interpreted the interaction with the MM as a teaching–learning process that allowed body awareness. Conclusion Both treatment were similarly beneficial but MM had superior effects on pain in the short term. MM is perceived by the participants as a teaching–learning process focused on body awareness that facilitate effective management of LBP.
The role of gender as a barrier to the professional development of psychiatrists

Abstract Background Despite efforts toward greater gender equality in clinical and academic psychiatry in recent years, more information is needed about the challenges in professional development within psychiatry, and how these may vary with gender. Methods A cross-sectional 27-item online survey was conducted with psychiatrists and psychiatric trainee members of the European Psychiatric Association. Results A total of 561 psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees from 35 European countries participated representing a response rate of 52.8% for women and 17.7% for men from a total sample of 1,580. The specific challenges that women face in their professional development fall into two categories. One comprised women’s negative attitudes concerning their abilities in self-promotion and networking. The other identified environmental barriers related to lack of opportunity and support and gender discrimination. Compared to men, women reported higher rates of gender discrimination in terms of professional advancement. Women were less likely to agree that their institutions had regular activities promoting inclusion, diversity, and training to address implicit gender bias. Working in high-income countries compared to middle-income countries relates to reporting institutional support for career progression. Conclusions These findings are an open call to hospital leaders, deans of medical schools, and department chairs to increase efforts to eradicate bias against women and create safer, inclusive, and respectful environments for all psychiatrists, a special call to women psychiatrists to be aware of inner tendencies to avoid self-promotion and networking and to think positively and confidently about themselves and their abilities.
Prevalence, treatment status, medical costs, quality of life, and productivity loss in Japanese adult patients with anemia: a real-world database study

Abstract Aims To investigate the prevalence, treatment status, and effect of anemia on medical costs, quality of life (QOL), and productivity loss in Japan. Methods This cross-sectional study used a database containing claims, health check-ups, and questionnaire data. Adults with hemoglobin data at 2020 check-ups were included. QOL and productivity loss were evaluated using EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire data available for a subset of the population. Nationwide anemia prevalence, including both diagnosed as having anemia and undiagnosed but with low hemoglobin levels, were estimated. Treatment status was described by hemoglobin levels. Differences in medical costs, QOL, and productivity loss were compared between individuals with and without anemia. Subgroup analyses were performed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Results The study population included 554,798 individuals. Anemia prevalence was estimated at 15.1% with 55.3% undiagnosed. In patients with anemia, 85.3% were untreated; 79.5% of the treated patients received only oral iron drugs. In patients with anemia, monthly medical costs were ¥17,766 higher, EQ-5D score was 0.0118 lower, and productivity loss was 2.6% higher than in those without anemia. The trends were consistent even in limited patients with CCI = 0. Nationwide annual excess medical costs, deficit QOL, and productivity loss in patients with anemia were estimated at ¥3.32 trillion, 138,000 quality-adjusted life-years, and ¥1.13 trillion, respectively. Limitations As the study population only included individuals who underwent health check-ups, they may be healthier than general population. Whether the differences in medical costs, QoL, and productivity loss are caused by anemia or other underlying differences in patient characteristics is unclear, given the likelihood of residual confounding. Conclusions The results suggest that more than half of patients with anemia were undiagnosed and untreated. Patients with anemia had higher medical costs, lower QOL, and greater productivity loss than those without anemia.
Describing the readiness for interprofessional education among university students attending healthcare programs: insights from a monocentric cross-sectional study

Background and aim: Readiness for interprofessional education (IPE) was recognized by international authorities as a key approach for educating students attending healthcare programs. Thus far, there are no descriptions of readiness for IPE in the Albanian context. For this reason, this study aimed to describe readiness for IPE, assessed by measuring “teamwork and collaboration” and “positive professional identity, roles, and responsibilities” among students attending healthcare programs in an Italian-speaking university based in Albania, and describe the correlations between readiness for IPE and the characteristics of the respondents. Methods: This study had a descriptive observational design, a cross-sectional data collection, and a convenience sampling procedure performed in a single centre. The study was accomplished between April 2020 and June 2021, involving 688 students, 38.2% of the entire population of students attending healthcare programs in the context of the investigation. Results: The teamwork and collaboration mean score was 4.40 (standard deviation = 0.56), and no differences were found between programs (p-value=0.159). The positive professional identity, roles, and responsibilities mean score was 4.33 (standard deviation = 0.64) with no differences between programs (p-value=0.340). Females attending nursing or midwifery reported higher positive professional identity, roles, and responsibilities scores (p-value=0.020), and females in dentistry reported higher teamwork and collaboration scores than males (p-value=0.045). Conclusions: Future research should evaluate readiness for IPE longitudinally to ascertain its trajectories over time and analyze any potential individual- or organizational-level variables that may impact IPE and sex-related differences regarding factors influencing IPE. (www.actabiomedica.it)