Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of gut dysbiosis in endometriosis’ diagnosis and treatment approaches – case report

Background: Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic multifactorial disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The clear etiopathogenesis of EM is unclear. Increasing evidence was gathered about the crucial involvement of gut microbiota in early stages of the disease, and in its progression. Case presentation: We report the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with EM, that presented with painful pelvic (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology. The patient underwent an intestinal microbiota analysis before the surgical treatment was performed. Discussions: The GI microbiome culture identified high levels of non-pathogen bacteria Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, hemolytic E. coli and potential pathogens: Hafnia alvei and Enterobacter cloacae. The mycology culture performed identified the presence of potential pathogens: Candida albicans and C. glabrata. Microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed Giardia lamblia in moderate amounts. These findings were compared with the information available in the literature of specialty and they imply that the patient’ intestinal microbiome is heavily disrupted. Conclusions: There are changes in the microbiota of EM patients in comparison to those not suffering from this disease. The findings addressed in this article characterize the intricate bilateral connection between the microbiota and EM. The goal of future studies ought to be to establish how the microbiome and EM are interconnected by implementing breakthrough diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Maternal pruritus gravidarum and its long-term effect on dermatological morbidity in the offspring

Abstract Purpose Pruritus gravidarum is characterized by general pruritus in the absence of primary skin lesions. In this study, we sought to evaluate whether the offspring (≤ 18 years) of mothers diagnosed with pruritus gravidarum, are at increased risk of long-term dermatology-related hospitalization. Methods A population-based, retrospective cohort study of all singleton deliveries between 1991 and 2021 was conducted at a tertiary medical center. Offspring of mothers diagnosed with pruritus gravidarum were compared to offspring of non-exposed mothers. First admission involving dermatological morbidity of the offspring were analyzed using ICD-9 codes. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the cumulative hospitalization incidence between the groups and Cox regression models were utilized to adjust for confounding variables. Results A total of 849 women out of 356,356 deliveries that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were diagnosed with pruritus gravidarum during pregnancy (0.23%). Among offspring to mothers with pruritus gravidarum versus non-pruritus gravidarum mothers, hospitalization rates involving dermatological morbidity, were higher (7.1% vs. 4.6%, p < .001) a finding that was consistent with the Kaplan-Meier survival curve (Log rank p = .002). In the Cox regression model, pruritus gravidarum was found to be a significant independent risk factor for dermatological-related hospitalizations in the offspring after controlling for gestational age, hypertensive disorders, diabetic disorders, meconium-stained amniotic fluid exposure and fertility treatments (adjusted HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.12–1.85, p = .004). Conclusions Maternal pruritus gravidarum is an independent risk factor for long-term dermatology-related hospitalization in the offspring up to the age of 18 years.
The impact of hybrid immunity on immune responses after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in persons with multiple sclerosis treated with disease‐modifying therapies

Hybrid immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) develops from a combination of natural infection and vaccine‐generated immunity. Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) have the potential to impact humoral and cellular immunity induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and infection. The aims were to compare antibody and T‐cell responses after SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination in persons with MS (pwMS) treated with different DMTs and to assess differences between naïvely vaccinated pwMS and pwMS with hybrid immunity vaccinated following a previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis combined with inflammatory bowel disease

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic, inflammatory, and fibrotic disease that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PSC-IBD represents a unique disease entity and patients with this disease have an increased risk of malignancy development, such as colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. The pathogenesis of PSC-IBD involves genetic and environmental factors such as gut dysbiosis and bile acids alteration. However, despite the advancement of disease characteristics, no effective medical therapy has proven to have a significant impact on the prognosis of PSC. The treatment options for patients with PSC-IBD do not differ from those for patients with PSC alone. Potential candidate drugs have been developed based on the pathogenesis of PSC-IBD, such as those that target modulation of bile acids, inflammation, fibrosis, and gut dysbiosis. In this review, we summarize the current medical treatments for PSC-IBD and the status of new emerging therapeutic agents.
Conceptual design of the radial gamma ray spectrometers system for α particle and runaway electron measurements at ITER

We here present the principles and main physics capabilities behind the design of the radial gamma ray spectrometers (RGRS) system for alpha particle and runaway electron measurements at ITER. The diagnostic benefits from recent advances in gamma-ray spectrometry for tokamak plasmas and combines space and high energy resolution in a single device. The RGRS system as designed can provide information on α particles on a time scale of 1/10 of the slowing down time for the ITER 500 MW full power DT scenario. Spectral observations of the 3.21 and 4.44 MeV peaks from the 9Be(α,nγ)12C reaction make the measurements sensitive to α particles at characteristic resonant energies and to possible anisotropies of their slowing down distribution function. An independent assessment of the neutron rate by gamma-ray emission is also feasible. In case of runaway electrons born in disruptions with a typical duration of 100 ms, a time resolution of at least 10 ms for runaway electron studies can be achieved depending on the scenario and down to a current of 40 kA by use of external gas injection. We find that the bremsstrahlung spectrum in the MeV range from confined runaways is sensitive to the electron velocity space up to E≈30–40 MeV, which allows for measurements of the energy distribution of the runaway electrons at ITER.
Pericardial irradiation dose may be strongly associated with grade 4 lymphopenia and affect prognosis in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer receiving definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy

The immune system may influence prognosis, and lymphopenia is a frequent side effect of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Radical irradiation for locally advanced esophageal cancer (LA‐EC) exposes significant vascular and heart volumes. In this study, we hypothesized that lymphopenia is linked to cardiac and pericardial doses and affects patient prognosis.
Global existence and zero α limit of the 3D incompressible two‐fluid MHD equations

In this paper, we establish global existence of strong solutions to the 3D incompressible two‐fluid MHD equations with small initial data. In addition, the explicit convergence rate of strong solutions from the two‐fluid MHD equations to the Hall‐MHD equations is obtained as α→0 . Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical prediction of shock/boundary-layer interactions at high Mach numbers using a modified Spalart–Allmaras model

ABSTRACT The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with one-equation turbulence models are used to simulate the flow field past a cone–flare geometry in the Mach number range from 5 to 8 with emphasis on the interaction region of the flare shock with the upstream boundary layer. A model based on the physics of shock unsteadiness is used to correct the standard Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model to improve the prediction of the extent of the separation bubble arising from the shock/turbulent boundary-layer interaction and its accompanying peak pressure and aerothermal loads on the surface. The computed results are validated against the experimental data. The limitations of the shock-unsteadiness model and the extent of the improvement in predicting the heat flux are discussed.
Outcomes and Treatment Approaches for Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is defined as status epilepticus (SE) that continues or recurs 24 hours or more after the onset of anesthetic therapy or recurs on the reduction/withdrawal of anesthesia. Current clinical knowledge of the disease and optimal treatment approach is sparse. Objective To systematically assess clinical characteristics, causes, outcomes, prognostic factors, and treatment approaches for patients with SRSE. Design, Setting, and Participants In this systematic review and meta-analysis, all studies reporting adult patients (18 years or older) diagnosed with nonanoxic SRSE were considered for inclusion, irrespective of study design. The databases used were MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.org (database inception through May 5, 2022). Data extraction and synthesis The study complied with the PRISMA guidelines for reporting, data extraction, and data synthesis. Different tools were used to assess risk of bias. All available data were extracted and missing data were neither imputed nor completed by contacting the study authors. Main outcome and measures Successful treatment of SRSE, in-hospital mortality, and disability at discharge (estimated modified Rankin Scale). Results The study team identified a total of 95 articles and 30 conference abstracts reporting 1200 patients with nonanoxic SRSE (266 individual patients were available for meta-analysis). They had a mean SRSE duration of 36.3 days, mean age of 40.8 years, and equal sex distribution. Patients with SRSE had a distinct pattern of etiologies where acute cerebral events and unknown etiologies accounted for 41.6% and 22.3% of all etiologies, respectively. Reports of SRSE caused by, eg, alcohol, drugs, or tumors were rare. At discharge, only 26.8% had none to slight disability (none, 16 [8.4%]; nonsignificant and slight disability, 35 [18.4%]). In-hospital mortality was 24.1%. Mortality stabilized after long-term treatment (more than 28 days) but with increased rates of seizure cessation and moderate to severe disability. Established prognostic factors, such as age and etiology, were not associated with in-hospital mortality. Reported treatment with ketamine, phenobarbital, other barbiturates, vagus nerve stimulator, and ketogenic diet were not associated with outcome. Conclusion and Relevance Patients with SRSE are distinct due to their pattern of care (eg, long-term treatment to younger patients without negative prognostic factors and unknown/nonmalignant etiologies) and their natural course of SE. Very long-term treatment was associated with lower mortality and high odds of cessation of SRSE but increased risk of moderate to severe disability.
Swiss ball exercise post-stroke with hemiparesis to improve mobility: a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION This research was done to find out how well post-stroke therapy works in reducing side effects and improving patient mobility. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study used a randomised control trial design involving 42 post-stroke patients (mean 40 days after onset) with hemiparesis from January to October 2022, who were separated into two groups and randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n=21) or the control group (n=21). The intervention group received 24 times Swiss Ball Exercise (SBE), and the control group received 24 times conventional therapy. RESULTS We found for the intervention group using SBE on TUG (p<0.001), TIS (P<.001), FTBS (p=0.011), DGI (p=0.005) and RMAB (p<0.001). CONCLUSION After a stroke, patients with hemiparesis who exercise on a Swiss ball experience improved body function and movement.
Pulled-in-two syndrome in strabismus surgery for congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study is to present six cases of pulled-in-two syndrome (PITS) in strabismus surgeries and to discuss our prevention and management strategies. Methods: This is a retrospective study presenting cases of PITS during strabismus operations. The medical records of the subjects who underwent operation in the strabismus unit of Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital were reviewed retrospectively, from January 2000 till March 2022. Detailed ophthalmological examination records and angle of deviation were noted. Results: A total of six cases (four males and two females) with a mean age of 37.2 ± 28.0 (min 9–max 71) years were included in this study. All of the cases had congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles (CFEOM). The most commonly involved muscle was medial rectus (83%). Majority of cases (67%) were adults. In all cases, the muscle was found and reattached to the globe. No patients had diplopia after surgery. Conclusion: PITS is a rare complication that can be seen during strabismus surgeries, and CFEOM patients are in the risk group. Therefore, surgeons should be cautious and prepared in risky patients to be able to manage this complication.
Analyzing the cortical fine structure as revealed by ex‐vivo anatomical MRI

The human cortex has a rich fiber structure as revealed by myelin‐staining of histological slices. Myelin also contributes to the image contrast in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Recent advances in Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanner and imaging technology allowed the acquisition of an ex‐vivo data set at an isotropic resolution of 100 µm. This study focused on a computational analysis of this data set with the aim of bridging between histological knowledge and MRI‐based results. This work highlights: (1) the design and implementation of a processing chain that extracts intracortical features from a high‐resolution MR image; (2) a demonstration of the correspondence between MRI‐based cortical intensity profiles and the myelo‐architectonic layering of the cortex; (3) the characterization and classification of four basic myelo‐architectonic profile types; (4) the distinction of cortical regions based on myelo‐architectonic features; and (5) the segmentation of cortical modules in the entorhinal cortex.
The use of diet for preventing and treating depression in young men: current evidence and existing challenges

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that diet therapy (nutrients, foods and dietary patterns) could be effective as a potential adjunctive treatment option for major depressive disorder. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed, including the role inflammation, oxidative stress, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the gastrointestinal tract microbiome and tryptophan/serotonin metabolism. Despite known differences in depression characteristics and treatment responses between males and females, there are limited sex-specific studies examining the role of diet in young men specifically. This is important as young men are often reluctant to seek mental health support, so finding treatment strategies which appeal to this demographic is crucial. This brief report provides an overview of the most recent advances in the use of diet for preventing and treating depression in young men, highlighting existing challenges and opportunities for future research. We recommend that clinicians discuss the role of diet with depressed young men, so that diet may be used alongside current treatment options.
Comprehensive electrical analysis of metal/Al2O3/O-terminated diamond capacitance

Metal oxide semiconductor capacitors were fabricated using p-type oxygen-terminated (001) diamond and Al2O3 deposited by atomic layer deposition at two different temperatures 250 °C and 380 °C. Current voltage I(V), capacitance voltage C(V), and capacitance frequency C(f) measurements were performed and analyzed for frequencies ranging from 1 Hz to 1 MHz and temperatures from 160 K to 360 K. A complete model for the Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitors electrostatics, leakage current mechanisms through the oxide into the semiconductor and small a.c. signal equivalent circuit of the device is proposed and discussed. Interface states densities are then evaluated in the range of 1012eV−1cm−2. The strong Fermi level pinning is demonstrated to be induced by the combined effects of the leakage current through the oxide and the presence of diamond/oxide interface states.
Extrusion-based systems for topical and transdermal drug delivery

ABSTRACT Introduction Although the administration of drugs on the skin is a safe and noninvasive therapeutic alternative, producing formulations capable of disrupting the cutaneous barriers is still a challenge. In this scenario, extrusion-based techniques have emerged as disruptive technologies to ensure unique drug-excipient interactions that facilitate drug skin diffusion for systemic or local effect and even mean the key to obtain viable industrial products. Areas covered This article presents a comprehensive overview of extrusion-based techniques in developing pharmaceutical dosage forms for topical or transdermal drug delivery. First, the theoretical basis of how extrusion-based techniques can optimize the permeation of drugs through the skin is examined. Then, the current state-of-the-art of drug products developed by extrusion-based techniques, specifically by hot-melt extrusion (HME) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, are discussed and contrasted with the current pharmaceutical processes. Expert opinion A wide variety of pharmaceutical products can be obtained using HME and FDM 3D printing, including new dosage forms designed for a perfect anatomical fit. Despite the limitations of pharmaceutical products produced with HME and FDM 3D printing regarding thermal stability and available excipients, the advantages in industrial adaptability and improved bioavailability allied with patient-match devices certainly deserve full attention and investment.
Mid-term outcomes of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism after coronary bypass surgery

Abstract OBJECTIVES Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone and normal free thyroxine. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of SCH on mid-term outcomes of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS From January 2015 to December 2018, 548 SCH patients and 6718 euthyroid patients who underwent CABG were identified. Propensity score matching was used to create 2 cohorts with similar baseline characteristics (n = 544 in each group). The mid-term follow-up outcomes were compared. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The mean follow-up for all patients was 39.7 ± 17.3 months. The unadjusted Kaplan–Meier estimate for mortality at 5-year follow-up was higher in patients with SCH compared with euthyroid patients (5.3% vs 1.6%, log-rank P = 0.03). After adjusting for covariates, the risk of mortality was higher in patients with SCH compared with euthyroid patients [HR, 2.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–5.58; P = 0.04]. The adjusted risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.51–3.08; P < 0.001) and angina (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.41–4.24; P = 0.001) was higher in patients with SCH compared with euthyroid patients. CONCLUSIONS SCH is associated with an increased risk of mortality, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event and angina compared with euthyroidism in patients undergoing CABG.
Local Thinking and Skewness Preferences

We show that continuous models of stimulus-driven attention can account for skewness-related puzzles in decision-making under risk. First,we delineate that these models provide awell-defined theory of choice under risk. We therefore prove that in continuous—in contrast to discrete—models of stimulus-driven attention each lottery has a unique certainty equivalent that is monotonic in probabilities (i.e., it monotonically increases if probability mass is shifted to more favorable outcomes). Second, we show that whether an agent seeks or avoids a specific risk depends on the skewness of the underlying probability distribution. Since unlikely, but outstanding payoffs attract attention, an agent exhibits a preference for right-skewed and an aversion toward left-skewed risks. While cumulative prospect theory can also account for such skewness preferences, it yields implausible predictions on their magnitude. We show that these extreme implications can be ruled out for continuous models of stimulus-driven attention.
Nova diet quality scores and risk of weight gain in the NutriNet-Brasil cohort study

Abstract Objective: To assess the prospective association of two diet quality scores based on the Nova food classification with BMI gain. Design: The NutriNet-Brasil cohort is an ongoing web-based prospective study with continuous recruitment of participants aged ≥ 18 years since January 2020. A short 24-h dietary recall screener including ‘yes/no’ questions about the consumption of whole plant foods (WPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) was completed by participants at baseline. The Nova-WPF and the Nova-UPF scores were computed by adding up positive responses regarding the consumption of thirty-three varieties of WPF and twenty-three varieties of UPF, respectively. Participants reported their height at baseline and their weight at both baseline and after approximately 15 months of follow-up. A 15-month BMI (kg/m2) increase of ≥5 % was coded as BMI gain. Setting: Brazil. Participants: 9551 participants from the NutriNet-Brasil cohort. Results: Increasing quintiles of the Nova-UPF score were linearly associated with higher risk of BMI gain (relative risk Q5/Q1 = 1·34; 95 % CI 1·15, 1·56), whereas increasing quintiles of the Nova-WPF score were linearly associated with lower risk (relative risk Q5/Q1 = 0·80; 95 % CI 0·69, 0·94). We identified a moderate inverse correlation between the two scores (–0·33) and a partial mediating effect of the alternative score: 15 % for the total effect of the Nova-UPF score and 25 % for the total effect of the Nova-WPF score. Conclusions: The Nova-UPF and Nova-WPF scores are independently associated with mid-term BMI gain further justifying their use in diet quality monitoring systems.