Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitral valve repair: Regulatory or ethical problem?

The long‐term outcome of patients undergoing mitral valve repair (MVr) is based on what happens during the more or less 60 min of aortic cross‐clamping necessary to transform a leaking valve into a well‐functioning one. As a consequence, the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure is the only determinant of the success rate that deserves to be taken into account. It is clear from the literature that the number of cases/year is inversely related to the number of early and late deaths, repair failures, and reoperations. However, there is no agreement on the minimum caseload/year that represents the threshold to identify surgeons that can perform or not MVr. This problem then cannot be regulated by specific guidelines of Scientific Societies, but only by the ethical perception, we have of our profession.
The upregulation of glutamate decarboxylase 67 against hippocampal excitability damage in male fetal rats by prenatal caffeine exposure

As a kind of xanthine alkaloid, caffeine is widely present in beverages, food, and analgesic drugs. Our previous studies have shown that prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) can induce programmed hypersensitivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in offspring rats, which is involved in developing many chronic adult diseases. The present study further examined the potential molecular mechanism and toxicity targets of hippocampal dysfunction, which might mediate the programmed hypersensitivity of the HPA axis in offspring. Pregnant rats were intragastrically administered with 0, 30, and 120 mg/kg/day caffeine from gestational days (GD) 9–20, and the fetal rats were extracted at GD20. Rat fetal hippocampal H19‐7/IGF1R cell line was treated with caffeine, adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonist (CGS‐21680) or adenylate cyclase agonist (forskolin) plus caffeine. Compared with the control group, hippocampal neurons of male fetal rats by PCE displayed increased apoptosis and reduced synaptic plasticity, whereas glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression was increased. Moreover, the expression of A2AR was down‐regulated, PCE inhibited the cAMP/PKA/CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway. Furthermore, the results in vitro were consistent with the in vivo study. Both CGS21680 and forskolin could reverse the above alteration caused by caffeine. These results indicated that PCE inhibits the BDNF pathway and mediates the hippocampus's glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity. The compensatory up‐regulation of GAD67 unbalanced the Glu/gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic output, leading to the impaired negative feedback to the hypothalamus and hypersensitivity of the HPA axis.
Markers of ovarian reserve in women living with HIV: A systematic review

Anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels indicate ovarian reserve and are predictive of reproductive aging. Studies evaluating AMH levels in women with HIV have produced conflicting results, and reasons for inter‐study differences have not been assessed. To understand reproductive aging in HIV, we conducted a systematic review of ovarian reserve among women with HIV.
Use of a Social Robot (LOVOT) for Persons With Dementia: Exploratory Study

Background Approximately 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia. Social robots have been developed and tested to determine whether they improve the quality of life for persons with dementia. A new mobile social robot called LOVOT has artificial intelligence and sensor technologies built in. LOVOT, which is manufactured in Japan, has not yet been tested for use by persons with dementia. Objective This study aimed to explore how the social robot LOVOT interacts with persons with dementia and how health care professionals experience working with LOVOT in their interaction with persons with dementia. Methods The study was carried out at 3 nursing homes in Denmark, all with specialized units for persons with dementia. The interaction between the persons with dementia and LOVOT was tested in both individual sessions for 4 weeks and group sessions for 12 weeks. A total of 42 persons were included in the study, of which 12 were allocated to the individual sessions. A triangulation of data collection techniques was used: the World Health Organization-5 questionnaire, face scale, participant observation, and semistructured focus group interviews with health care professionals (n=3). Results There were no clinically significant changes in the well-being of the persons with dementia followed in the individual or group interaction sessions over time. The results from the face scale showed that in both the individual and group sessions, persons with dementia tended to express more positive facial expressions after the sessions. Findings on how persons with dementia experienced their interaction with LOVOT can be stated in terms of the following themes: LOVOT opens up communication and interaction; provides entertainment; creates a breathing space; is accepted and creates joy; induces feelings of care; can create an overstimulation of feelings; is not accepted; is perceived as an animal; is perceived as being nondemanding; and prevents touch deprivation. Findings regarding the health care professionals’ experiences using LOVOT were as follows: the artificial behavior seems natural; and it is a communication tool that can stimulate, create feelings of security, and open up communication. Our findings indicate that the social robot is a tool that can be used in interactions with persons with dementia. Conclusions The LOVOT robot is the next generation of social robots with advanced artificial intelligence. The vast majority of persons with dementia accepted the social robot LOVOT. LOVOT had positive effects, opened up communication, and facilitated interpersonal interaction. Although LOVOT did not create noticeable effects on social well-being, it gave individual persons a respite from everyday life. Some residents were overstimulated by emotions after interacting with LOVOT. Health care professionals accepted the social robot and view LOVOT as a new tool in the work with persons with dementia.
Conditions de non-résonance pour certains problèmes elliptiques semi linéaires

We consider the Dirichlet problem Lu=f(u)+h(x) where L is an uniformly strongly elliptic operator of order 2m, symmetric. We are interested in the conditions to impose upon f in order that this problem be solvable for every h On considere le probleme de Dirichlet Lu=f(u)+h(x), ou L est un operateur uniformement fortement elliptique d'ordre 2m, symetrique. On s'interesse aux conditions a imposer a f pour que ce probleme soit resoluble quel que soit h
Data-Driven User-Type Clustering of a Physical Activity Promotion App: Usage Data Analysis Study

Background Physical inactivity remains a leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. Owing to increasing sedentary behavior (activities in a reclining, seated, or lying position with low-energy expenditures), vehicle-based transport, and insufficient physical workload, the prevalence of physical activity decreases significantly with age. To promote sufficient levels of participation in physical activities, the research prototype Fit-mit-ILSE was developed with the goal of making adults aged ≥55 years physically fit and fit for the use of assistive technologies. The system combines active and assisted living technologies and smart services in the ILSE app. Objective The clustering of health and fitness app user types, especially in the context of active and assisted living projects, has been mainly defined by experts through 1D cluster thresholds based on app usage frequency. We aimed to investigate and present data-driven methods for clustering app user types and to identify usage patterns based on the ILSE app function Fit at home. Methods During the 2 phases of the field trials, ILSE app log data were collected from 165 participants. Using this data set, 2 data-driven approaches were applied for clustering to group app users who were similar to each other. First, the common approach of user-type clustering based on expert-defined thresholds was replaced by a data-driven derivation of the cluster thresholds using the Jenks natural breaks algorithm. Second, a multidimensional clustering approach using the Partitioning Around Medoids algorithm was explored to consider the detailed app usage pattern data. Results Applying the Jenks clustering algorithm to the mean usage per day and clustering the users into 4 groups showed that most of the users (63/165, 38.2%) used the Fit at home function between once a week and every second day. More men were in the low usage group than women. In addition, the younger users were more often identified as moderate or high users than the older users, who were mainly classified as low users; moreover, the regional differences between Vienna and Salzburg were identified. In addition, the multidimensional approach identified 4 different user groups that differed mainly in terms of time of use, gender, and region. Overall, the younger women living in Salzburg were the users with highest average app usage. Conclusions The application of different clustering approaches showed that data-driven calculations of user groups can complement expert-based definitions, provide objective thresholds for the analysis of app usage data, and identify groups that can be targeted individually based on their specific group characteristics.
Dependences of Type Ia Supernovae Lightcurve Parameters on the Host Galaxy Star Formation Rate and Metallicity

We present the dependences of the properties of type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) on their host galaxies by analyzing the multi-band lightcurves of 118 spectroscopically confirmed SNe Ia observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Supernova Survey and the spectra of their host galaxies. We derive the equivalent width of the \rm{H}$\alpha$ emission line, star formation rate, and gas-phase metallicity from the spectra and compare these with the lightcurve widths and colors of SNe Ia. In addition, we compare host properties with the deviation of the observed distance modulus corrected for lightcurve parameters from the distance modulus determined by the best fit cosmological parameters. This allows us to investigate uncorrected systematic effects in the magnitude standardization. We find that SNe Ia in host galaxies with a higher star formation rate have synthesized on average a larger $^{56}$Ni mass and show wider lightcurves. The $^{56}$Ni mass dependence on metallicity is consistent with a prediction of Timmes et al. 2003 based on nucleosynthesis. SNe Ia in metal-rich galaxies ({$\log_{10}(O/H)+12>8.9$) have become 0.13 $\pm$ 0.06 magnitude brighter after corrections for their lightcurve widths and colors, which corresponds to up to 6% uncertainty in the luminosity distance. We investigate whether parameters for standardizing SN Ia maximum magnitude differ among samples with different host characteristics. The coefficient of the color term is larger by 0.67 $\pm$ 0.19 for SNe Ia in metal-poor hosts than those in metal-rich hosts when no color cuts are imposed.
Head-tail-head neural wiring underlies gut fat storage in Caenorhabditis elegans temperature acclimation

Significance Animals maintain the ability to survive and reproduce by acclimating to temperature. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans possesses experience-dependent temperature acclimation. Here, we revealed that a head-tail-head neural circuit regulated gut fat storage, which was essential for temperature acclimation. The head-tail-head neural circuit comprised ASJ head thermosensory neurons, PVQ tail interneurons, and RMG head hub interneurons, which induced secretion of the neuropeptide FLP-7. FLP-7 was received by its receptor on the intestine, which activated the adipose triglyceride lipase, thus inducing intestinal lipolysis, which is critical for temperature acclimation. The proposed head-tail-head neuronal wiring coupled with gut fat storage provides a useful model for understanding the role of the brain–gut network in the systemic regulation of temperature acclimation.
Systematic literature review and network meta-analysis of lurasidone, brexpiprazole and cariprazine for schizophrenia

A systematic review was undertaken to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of lurasidone, brexpiprazole and cariprazine (selected because of a shared safety profile) with each other or placebo in adult patients with schizophrenia. Key outcomes included: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scores and cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. A feasibility assessment evaluated the trials’ suitability for inclusion in a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Random effects models were used. In total, 1138 records were identified and 19 RCTs contributed to the NMA. Lurasidone doses of 160 mg performed best in terms of change in PANSS and CGI-S scores at 6 weeks, with stronger evidence when compared with brexpiprazole than cariprazine. The safety outcomes were variable; for all treatments, the 95% credible intervals usually contained ‘no difference’. Active treatments were associated with lower odds of discontinuation due to any cause, and higher odds of experiencing any adverse event. Lurasidone was comparable to brexpiprazole and cariprazine for efficacy and safety outcomes assessed at 6 weeks, with the 160 mg dose being superior for the change in PANSS and CGI-S outcomes. The lurasidone results were relatively consistent across doses compared with brexpiprazole and cariprazine.
A geographical study on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Rio Grande Do Norte, Brazil, from 2005 to 2018

Abstract Objective: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder with variable incidence and prevalence worldwide. However, clinical-epidemiological studies on ALS are scarce in Brazil. Thus, this study investigated whether ALS incidence had uniform spatial distribution in population-based cluster analysis in Rio Grande do Norte state (Brazil), from 2005 to 2018. Methods: new cases of ALS were identified in a database of the ALS multidisciplinary care center of the Onofre Lopes University Hospital in Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). Approaches were based on incidence (empirical Bayes estimator and Moran's I analysis) and cluster analyses (Moran scatter plot and spatial correlogram). Results: a total of 177 patients (59% males) participated in the study; the mean age of ALS onset was 57 years. Mean annual incidence of ALS was 0.3769 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval of 0.0889), higher in males than in females (0.4516 per 100,000 vs. 0.3044 per 100,000). According to spatial statistics, patients were homogeneously distributed throughout the studied area. Conclusion: a low estimate was observed compared with other populations. Results did not indicate areas of increased risk or significant spatial geographic dependence, suggesting a random ALS incidence in Rio Grande do Norte.
Two Year Outcomes of Trabeculectomy in Cytomegalovirus Anterior Uveitis with Uncontrolled Intraocular Pressure

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the two-year outcome of trabeculectomy in cytomegalovirus(CMV) anterior uveitis(AU). Methods Records of 29 eyes of 29 consecutive CMV AU patients undergoing MMC-augmented trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP despite maximal tolerated topical medications were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment success was defined as IOP≤21 mmHg with same or reduced number of IOP-lowering medications compared to baseline, without systemic acetazolamide or further interventions for uncontrolled IOP. Results Treatment success was 79.3% (23/29) at 24 months. Both median IOP and number of IOP-lowering medications dropped significantly from baseline (p < .01 and p < .001, all time-points, Wilcoxon sign-rank test, respectively), with 63.2% and 19.0% reduction in AU relapse/year and steroid use(p = .001 and 0.03, respectively), without sight-threatening sequelae. At 24 months, AU frequency was not significantly different between successful cases with and without ≥12-month use of topical ganciclovir (p = .51, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusion MMC-augmented trabeculectomy was efficacious for IOP control in nearly 80% of CMV AU cases over two years.
Assessing mild cognitive impairment using object‐location memory in immersive virtual environments

Pathological changes in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) are found in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging. The earliest pathological accumulation of tau colocalizes with the areas of the MTL involved in object processing as part of a wider anterolateral network. Here, we sought to assess the diagnostic potential of memory for object locations in iVR environments in individuals at high risk of AD dementia (amnestic mild cognitive impairment [aMCI] n = 23) as compared to age‐related cognitive decline. Consistent with our primary hypothesis that early AD would be associated with impaired object location, aMCI patients exhibited impaired spatial feature binding. Compared to both older (n = 24) and younger (n = 53) controls, aMCI patients, recalled object locations with significantly less accuracy (p < .001), with a trend toward an impaired identification of the object's correct context (p = .05). Importantly, these findings were not explained by deficits in object recognition (p = .6). These deficits differentiated aMCI from controls with greater accuracy (AUC = 0.89) than the standard neuropsychological tests. Within the aMCI group, 16 had CSF biomarkers indicative of their likely AD status (MCI+ n = 9 vs. MCI− n = 7). MCI+ showed lower accuracy in the object‐context association than MCI− (p = .03) suggesting a selective deficit in object‐context binding postulated to be associated with anterior‐temporal areas. MRI volumetric analysis across healthy older participants and aMCI revealed that test performance positively correlates with lateral entorhinal cortex volumes (p < .05) and hippocampus volumes (p < .01), consistent with their hypothesized role in binding contextual and spatial information with object identity. Our results indicate that tests relying on the anterolateral object processing stream, and in particular requiring successful binding of an object with spatial information, may aid detection of pre‐dementia AD due to the underlying early spread of tau pathology.
Nfkb2 deficiency and its impact on plasma cells and immunoglobulin expression in murine small intestinal mucosa

BACKGROUND & AIMS The alternative (non-canonical) nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) signalling pathway predominantly regulates the function of the p52/RelB heterodimer. Germline Nfkb2 deficiency in mice leads to loss of p100/p52 protein and offers protection against a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, including azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis-associated cancer and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced small intestinal epithelial apoptosis. However, the common underlying protective mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. METHODS We applied high throughput RNASeq and proteomic analyses to characterise the transcriptional and protein signatures of the small intestinal mucosa of naïve adult Nfkb2-/- mice. Those data were validated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative ELISA using both small intestinal tissue lysates and serum. RESULTS We identified a B-lymphocyte defect as a major transcriptional signature in the small intestinal mucosa and immunoglobulin A as the most downregulated protein by proteomic analysis in Nfkb2-/- mice. Small intestinal immunoglobulins were dramatically dysregulated, with undetectable levels of immunoglobulin A and greatly increased amounts of immunoglobulin M being detected. The numbers of IgA-producing, CD138+ve plasma cells were also reduced in the lamina propria of the small intestinal villi of Nfkb2-/- mice. This phenotype was even more striking in the small intestinal mucosa of RelB-/- mice, although these mice were equally sensitive to LPS-induced intestinal apoptosis as their RelB+/+ wild-type counterparts. CONCLUSIONS NF-kB2/p52 deficiency confers resistance to LPS-induced small intestinal apoptosis and also appears to regulate the plasma cell population and immunoglobulin levels within the gut.
A Biofeedback-Based Mobile App With Serious Games for Young Adults With Anxiety in the United Arab Emirates: Development and Usability Study

Background Following the outbreak of COVID-19, several studies have reported that young adults encountered a rise in anxiety symptoms, which could negatively affect their quality of life. Promising evidence suggests that mobile apps with biofeedback, serious games, breathing exercises, and positive messaging, among other features, are useful for anxiety self-management and treatment. Objective This study aimed to develop and evaluate the usability of a biofeedback-based app with serious games for young adults with anxiety in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This study consists of two phases: Phase I describes the design and development of the app, while Phase II presents the results of a usability evaluation by experts. To elicit the app’s requirements during Phase I, we conducted (1) a survey to investigate preferences of young adults in the UAE for mobile games for stress relief; (2) an analysis of serious games for anxiety; and (3) interviews with mental health professionals and young adults in the UAE. In Phase II, five experts tested the usability of the developed app using a set of Nielsen’s usability heuristics. Results A fully functional biofeedback-based app with serious games was co-designed with mental health professionals. The app included 4 games (ie, a biofeedback game, card game, arcade game, and memory game), 2 relaxation techniques (ie, a breathing exercise and yoga videos), and 2 additional features (ie, positive messaging and a mood tracking calendar). The results of Phase II showed that the developed app is efficient, simple, and easy to use. Overall, the app design scored an average of 4 out of 5. Conclusions The elicitation techniques used in Phase I resulted in the development of an easy-to-use app for the self-management of anxiety. Further research is required to determine the app’s usability and effectiveness in the target population.
Parecoxib expresses anti‐metastasis effect through inhibition of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in human colon cancer DLD‐1 cell line

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Current treatments involve combination of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. These treatments have demonstrated to increased five‐year survival of a patient with colorectal cancer. However, metastasis is a major capability of cancer cells that causes poor prognosis, recurrence, and even death. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested the use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an effective class of compounds to prevent colon cancer. Parecoxib is an NSAID and the only parenterally administered selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor. In this study, we evaluated whether parecoxib inhibits the metastasis of DLD‐1 human colon cancer cells, a COX‐2 null cell line, and the underlying mechanism. Cell migration of the DLD‐1 cells was significantly inhibited by parecoxib treatment as shown by the Transwell migration assay. This enhanced anti‐migration effect was correlated with the attenuated phosphorylation of Akt, expression of vimentin (a mesenchymal marker), and β‐catenin, and corresponded with the upregulated GSK3β and E‐cadherin (an epithelial marker). These findings suggested that parecoxib could inhibit the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in human colon cancer cells by downregulating β‐catenin. Thus, parecoxib could provide a novel prospective strategy for a combination treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs against metastasis of human colon cancer.