Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain Connectivity Correlates of Breathing and Cardiac Irregularities in SUDEP: A Resting-State fMRI Study

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of premature mortality among people with epilepsy. Evidence from witnessed and monitored SUDEP cases indicate seizure-induced cardiovascular and respiratory failures; yet, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. SUDEP occurs often during the night and early morning hours, suggesting that sleep or circadian rhythm-induced changes in physiology contribute to the fatal event. Resting-state fMRI studies have found altered functional connectivity between brain structures involved in cardiorespiratory regulation in later SUDEP cases and in individuals at high-risk of SUDEP. However, those connectivity findings have not been related to changes in cardiovascular or respiratory patterns. Here, we compared fMRI patterns of brain connectivity associated with regular and irregular cardiorespiratory rhythms in SUDEP cases with those of living epilepsy patients of varying SUDEP risk, and healthy controls. We analysed resting-state fMRI data from 98 patients with epilepsy (9 who subsequently succumbed to SUDEP, 43 categorized as low SUDEP risk (no tonic-clonic seizures (TCS) in the year preceding the fMRI scan), and 46 as high SUDEP risk (>3 TCS in the year preceding the scan)) and 25 healthy controls. The global signal amplitude (GSA), defined as the moving standard deviation of the fMRI global signal, was used to identify periods with regular (‘low state’) and irregular (‘high state’) cardiorespiratory rhythms. Correlation maps were derived from seeds in twelve regions with a key role in autonomic or respiratory regulation, for the low and high states. Following principal component analysis, component weights were compared between the groups. We found widespread alterations in connectivity of precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex in epilepsy compared to controls, in the low state (regular cardiorespiratory activity). In the low state, and to a lesser degree in the high state, reduced anterior insula connectivity (mainly with anterior and posterior cingulate cortex) in epilepsy appeared, relative to healthy controls. For SUDEP cases, the insula connectivity differences were inversely related to the interval between the fMRI scan and death. The findings suggest that anterior insula connectivity measures may provide a biomarker of SUDEP risk. The neural correlates of autonomic brain structures associated with different cardiorespiratory rhythms may shed light on the mechanisms underlying terminal apnea observed in SUDEP.
Computational models for state-dependent traveling waves in hippocampal formation

Hippocampal theta (4-10 Hz) oscillations have been identified as traveling waves in both rodents and humans. In freely foraging rodents, the theta traveling wave is a planar wave propagating from the dorsal to ventral hippocampus along the septotemporal axis. Motivated from experimental findings, we develop a spiking neural network of excitatory and inhibitory neurons to generate state-dependent hippocampal traveling waves to improve current mechanistic understanding of propagating waves. Model simulations demonstrate the necessary conditions for generating wave propagation and characterize the traveling wave properties with respect to model parameters, running speed and brain state of the animal. Networks with long-range inhibitory connections are more suitable than networks with long-range excitatory connections. We further generalize the spiking neural network to model traveling waves in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) and predict that traveling theta waves in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex are in sink.
Tailoring evidence into action: using a codesign approach for biodiversity information in the Tropical Andes

Biodiversity conservation is a complex and transdisciplinary problem that requires engagement and cooperation among scientific, societal, economic, and political institutions. However, historical approaches have often failed to bring together and address the needs of relevant stakeholders in decision-making processes. The Tropical Andes, a biodiversity hotspot where conservation efforts often conflict with socioeconomic issues and policies that prioritize economic development, provides an ideal model to develop and implement more effective approaches. In this study, we present a codesign approach that mainstreams and improves the flow of biodiversity information in the Tropical Andes, while creating tailored outputs that meet the needs of economic and societal stakeholders. We employed a consultative process that brought together biodiversity information users and producers at the local, national, and regional levels through a combination of surveys and workshops. This approach identified priority needs and limitations of the flow of biodiversity information in the region, which led to the co-design of user-relevant biodiversity indicators. By leveraging the existing capacities of biodiversity information users and producers, we were able to co-design multiple biodiversity indicators and prioritize two for full implementation ensuring that the data was findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable based on the FAIR principles. This approach helped address limitations that were identified in the stakeholder engagement process, including gaps in data availability and the need for more accessible biodiversity information. Additionally, capacity-building workshops were incorporated for all stakeholders involved, which aimed to not only improve the current flow of biodiversity information in the region but also facilitate its future sustainability. Our approach can serve as a valuable blueprint for mainstreaming biodiversity information and making it more inclusive in the future, especially considering the diverse worldviews, values, and knowledge systems between science, policy, and practice.
Calorie restriction outperforms bariatric surgery in a murine model of obesity and triple-negative breast cancer

Obesity promotes triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and effective interventions are urgently needed to break the obesity-TNBC link. Epidemiologic studies indicate that bariatric surgery reduces TNBC risk, while evidence is limited or conflicted for weight loss via low-fat diet (LFD) or calorie restriction (CR). Using a murine model of obesity- driven TNBC, we compared the antitumor effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) with LFD, chronic CR, and intermittent CR. Each intervention generated weight and fat loss and suppressed tumor growth relative to obese mice (greatest suppression with CR). VSG and CR regimens exerted both similar and unique effects, as assessed using multi-omic approaches, in reversing obesity-associated transcriptional, epigenetic, secretome, and microbiota changes and restoring antitumor immunity. Thus, in a murine model of TNBC, bariatric surgery and CR each reverse obesity-driven tumor growth via shared and distinct antitumor mechanisms, and CR is superior to VSG in reversing obesity’s procancer effects.
Flexible specificity of memory in Drosophila depends on a comparison between choices

Memory guides behavior across widely varying environments and must therefore be both sufficiently specific and general. A memory too specific will be useless in even a slightly different environment, while an overly general memory may lead to suboptimal choices. Animals successfully learn to both distinguish between very similar stimuli and generalize across cues. Rather than forming memories that strike a balance between specificity and generality, Drosophila can flexibly categorize a given stimulus into different groups depending on the options available. We asked how this flexibility manifests itself in the well-characterized learning and memory pathways of the fruit fly. We show that flexible categorization in neuronal activity as well as behavior depends on the order and identity of the perceived stimuli. Our results identify the neural correlates of flexible stimulus-categorization in the fruit fly. Impact Statement Flies can optimally recall a memory with high specificity by comparing options close in time, or default to generalization when they cannot.
Evaluation of Germplasm of Cuminum cyminum Linn. under subtropics of Jammu, India

Cuminum cyminum (Cumin) is valuable seed spice with diverse usage in cosmetic, medicinal and food industries. An experiment was conducted to evaluate performance of different cumin genotypes for their growth and yield parameters under Jammu subtropics so as to get information on variability present in them and to identify superior genotype(s) for subtropics of Jammu region. Although moderate seed germination percentage (48.60-74.37%) was recorded, but survival percentage of crop was very poor (5.67% -12.33%) resulting in low seed yield plant -1 (0.21g -0.98g) which ultimately lead to low yield per hectare (7.42kg-77.42kg). All characters and combinations were positively and significantly correlated with each other except for trait pairs number of umbels plant -1 vs. plant height, 1000 seed weight vs. plant height and 1000 seed weight vs. number of umbels plant -1 which were positively correlated but non-significant. Seed yield plant -1 was significantly and positively correlated with number of seeds plant -1 (r = 0.923, p = 0.01), number of seeds umbel -1 (r = 0.842, p = 0.01) survival percentage (r = 0.825, p = 0.01), number of umbels plant -1 (r = 0.787, p = 0.01), germination percentage (r = 0.750, p = 0.01) and number of branches plant -1 (r = 0.710, p = 0.01). Higher seed yield plant -1 was observed in genotype GC-4 (0.98g) compared to other genotypes. The overall performance of different genotypes was poor, however, the genotype GC-4 performed better than others. Due to poor survival, growth and yield performance, cumin crop is not commercially suitable for Jammu subtropics.
Scalp acupuncture regulates functional connectivity of cerebral hemispheres in patients with hemiplegia after stroke

Background Stroke is a common cause of acquired disability on a global scale. Patients with motor dysfunction after a stroke have a reduced quality of life and suffer from an economic burden. Scalp acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for motor recovery after a stroke. However, the neural mechanism of scalp acupuncture for motor function recovery remains to be researched. This study aimed to investigate functional connectivity (FC) changes in region of interest (ROI) and other brain regions to interpret the neural mechanism of scalp acupuncture. Methods Twenty-one patients were included and randomly divided into patient control (PCs) and scalp acupuncture (SAs) groups with left hemiplegia due to ischemic stroke, and we also selected 20 matched healthy controls (HCs). The PCs were treated with conventional Western medicine, while the SAs were treated with scalp acupuncture (acupuncture at the right anterior oblique line of vertex temporal). All subjects received whole-brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan before treatment, and the patients received a second scan after 14 days of treatment. We use the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and the analyses of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) as the observational indicators. Results The contralateral and ipsilateral cortex of hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction were associated with an abnormal increase and decrease in basal internode function. An abnormal increase in functional connectivity mainly exists in the ipsilateral hemisphere between the cortex and basal ganglia and reduces the abnormal functional connectivity in the cortex and contralateral basal ganglia. Increased RSFC was observed in the bilateral BA6 area and bilateral basal ganglia and the connectivity between bilateral basal ganglia nuclei improved. However, the RSFC of the conventional treatment group only improved in the unilateral basal ganglia and contralateral BA6 area. The RSFC in the left middle frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, precuneus, and other healthy brain regions were enhanced in SAs after treatment. Conclusion The changes in functional connectivity between the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia in patients with cerebral infarction showed a weakening of the bilateral hemispheres and the enhancement of the connections between the hemispheres. Scalp acupuncture has the function of bidirectional regulation, which makes the unbalanced abnormal brain function state restore balance.
Serum vitamin D levels can be predictive of psoriasis flares up after COVID-19 vaccination: a retrospective case control study

Introduction Many patients with chronic inflammatory dermatosis such as psoriasis usually ask about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination and if it would affect the course of their disease. Indeed, many case reports, case series and clinical studies, reporting psoriasis exacerbation following vaccination against COVID-19, were published during the pandemic. Also, many questions arise regarding the existence of exacerbating factors of these flare ups, including environmental triggers such as the insufficiency of vitamin D levels. Methods This is a retrospective study that measures alterations in psoriasis activity and severity index (PASI) not exceeding 2 weeks after the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccinations in the reported cases and assesses whether such changes have any association with patients’ vitamin D levels. We retrospectively reviewed the case records of all patients with a documented flare up after COVID-19 vaccination in our department as well as those who did not, during a year. Results Among them, we found 40 psoriasis patients that had reported vitamin D levels in the form of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D within 3 weeks after vaccination, including 23 with exacerbation and 17 without exacerbation. Performing χ2 and t-test controls for psoriasis patients with and without flare-ups, a statistically significant dependence emerged in the seasons of summer [χ2(1) = 5.507, p = 0.019], spring [χ2(1) = 11.429, p = 0.001] and in the categories of vitamin D [χ2(2) = 7.932, p = 0.019], while the mean value of vitamin D for psoriasis patients who did not have exacerbation (31.14 ± 6.67 ng/mL) is statistically higher [t(38) = 3.655, p = 0.001] than the corresponding value of psoriasis patients who had an exacerbation (23.43 ± 6.49 ng/mL). Discussion This study indicates that psoriasis patients with insufficient (21–29 ng/mL) or inadequate (<20 ng/mL) levels of vitamin D are more prone to postvaccination aggravation of the disease while vaccination in summer, a period with the most extent photo-exposition, can be a protective factor.
Densely Convolutional Spatial Attention Network for nuclei segmentation of histological images for computational pathology

Introduction Automatic nuclear segmentation in digital microscopic tissue images can aid pathologists to extract high-quality features for nuclear morphometrics and other analyses. However, image segmentation is a challenging task in medical image processing and analysis. This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based method for nuclei segmentation of histological images for computational pathology. Methods The original U-Net model sometime has a caveat in exploring significant features. Herein, we present the Densely Convolutional Spatial Attention Network (DCSA-Net) model based on U-Net to perform the segmentation task. Furthermore, the developed model was tested on external multi-tissue dataset – MoNuSeg. To develop deep learning algorithms for well-segmenting nuclei, a large quantity of data are mandatory, which is expensive and less feasible. We collected hematoxylin and eosin–stained image data sets from two hospitals to train the model with a variety of nuclear appearances. Because of the limited number of annotated pathology images, we introduced a small publicly accessible data set of prostate cancer (PCa) with more than 16,000 labeled nuclei. Nevertheless, to construct our proposed model, we developed the DCSA module, an attention mechanism for capturing useful information from raw images. We also used several other artificial intelligence-based segmentation methods and tools to compare their results to our proposed technique. Results To prioritize the performance of nuclei segmentation, we evaluated the model’s outputs based on the Accuracy, Dice coefficient (DC), and Jaccard coefficient (JC) scores. The proposed technique outperformed the other methods and achieved superior nuclei segmentation with accuracy, DC, and JC of 96.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.2 – 96.6), 81.8 (95% CI: 80.8 – 83.0), and 69.3 (95% CI: 68.2 – 70.0), respectively, on the internal test data set. Conclusion Our proposed method demonstrates superior performance in segmenting cell nuclei of histological images from internal and external datasets, and outperforms many standard segmentation algorithms used for comparative analysis.
Is the reversed congruency effect unique to the eye-gaze? Investigating the effects of finger pointing, eye-gaze and arrows stimuli on spatial interference

Introduction Spatial interference tasks have been recently used to investigate the supposed uniqueness of gaze processing and attention. For instance, it has been observed that gaze stimuli elicited faster responses when their direction was incongruent with their position (“reversed spatial congruency effect”, RCE), whereas arrows produced faster reaction times (RT) when it was congruent (“standard spatial congruency effect”, SCE). In the present study, we tested whether the RCE is unique to eye-gaze stimuli or can be observed in response to other important social stimuli such as pointing fingers. Method To this aim, congruency effects elicited by eye gaze, arrows, and pointing fingers were compared in a spatial interference task. Results The RCE was only observed in response to eye-gaze stimuli while pointing fingers and arrows elicited the SCE. Discussion This suggests that the RCE reversed congruency effect is specific to gaze stimuli and cannot be generalized to finger-pointing stimuli.
Antipsychotic-induced bone loss: the role of dopamine, serotonin and adrenergic receptor signalling

Antipsychotics are commonly used in treating psychiatric disorders. These medications primarily target dopamine the serotonin receptors, they have some affinity to adrenergic, histamine, glutamate and muscarinic receptors. There is clinical evidence that antipsychotic use decreases BMD and increases fracture risk, with dopamine, serotonin and adrenergic receptor-signalling becoming an increasing area of focus where the presence of these receptors in osteoclasts and osteoblasts have been demonstrated. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are the most important cells in the bone remodelling and the bone regeneration process where the activity of these cells determine the bone resorption and formation process in order to maintain healthy bone. However, an imbalance in osteoclast and osteoblast activity can lead to decreased BMD and increased fracture risk, which is also believed to be exacerbated by antipsychotics use. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the mechanisms of action of first, second and third generation antipsychotics and the expression profiles of dopamine, serotonin and adrenergic receptors during osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis.
Increased risk of new-onset diabetes in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background There is growing evidence that patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of new-onset diabetes. The limited preliminary studies do not provide strong evidence. To assess the association of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with new-onset diabetes and to characterize the population. Methods Search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science electronic databases for a limited period from December 2019 to July 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted a thorough review of eligible articles and extracted relevant information. Pooled proportions, risk ratios (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) indicated the incidence and risk ratios of events. Results The incidence of new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 was 5% (P < 0.001) (3 and 30% for new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia, respectively), with age, ethnicity, time of diagnosis, and study type all having an impact on the incidence (P < 0.05). New-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia were 1.75 times higher in COVID-19 patients than in non-COVID-19 patients. In new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia population, the percentage of men is 60% (40% for women), with a mortality rate of 17%. The proportion of new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia after infection with COVID-19 was 25% in men and 14% in women. Conclusions The incidence and relative risk of new-onset diabetes and hyperglycemia are elevated after COVID-19 infection, especially in the early COVID-19 and male populations. Systemic review registration PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42022382989 https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/display_record. php? RecordID=382989.
Contribution of neural circuits tested by transcranial magnetic stimulation in corticomotor control of low back muscle: a systematic review

Introduction Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is widely used to investigate central nervous system mechanisms underlying motor control. Despite thousands of TMS studies on neurophysiological underpinnings of corticomotor control, a large majority of studies have focused on distal muscles, and little is known about axial muscles (e.g., low back muscles). Yet, differences between corticomotor control of low back and distal muscles (e.g., gross vs. fine motor control) suggest differences in the neural circuits involved. This systematic review of the literature aims at detailing the organisation and neural circuitry underlying corticomotor control of low back muscles tested with TMS in healthy humans. Methods The literature search was performed in four databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline (Ovid) and Web of science) up to May 2022. Included studies had to use TMS in combination with EMG recording of paraspinal muscles (between T12 and L5) in healthy participants. Weighted average was used to synthesise quantitative study results. Results Forty-four articles met the selection criteria. TMS studies of low back muscles provided consistent evidence of contralateral and ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (with longer ipsilateral latencies) as well as of short intracortical inhibition/facilitation. However, few or no studies using other paired pulse protocols were found (e.g., long intracortical inhibition, interhemispheric inhibition). In addition, no study explored the interaction between different cortical areas using dual TMS coil protocol (e.g., between primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area). Discussion Corticomotor control of low back muscles are distinct from hand muscles. Our main findings suggest: (i) bilateral projections from each single primary motor cortex, for which contralateral and ipsilateral tracts are probably of different nature (contra: monosynaptic; ipsi: oligo/polysynaptic) and (ii) the presence of intracortical inhibitory and excitatory circuits in M1 influencing the excitability of the contralateral corticospinal cells projecting to low back muscles. Understanding of these mechanisms are important for improving the understanding of neuromuscular function of low back muscles and to improve the management of clinical populations (e.g., low back pain, stroke).