Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cervical Cancer: Should We Look beyond Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

aDepartment of Medical and surgical sciences and translational Medicine, PhD Course in “translational Medicine and oncology”, sapienza university, rome, Italy; bunit of gynecologic oncology, arnas "Civico – Di Cristina – Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy; cDepartment of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical specialties (ProMIse), university of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; d2nd academic Department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Hippokration general Hospital, aristotle university of thessaloniki, thessaloníki, greece; eDepartment of surgical, oncological and oral sciences (Di.Chir.on.s.), university of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; fDepartment of Medicine, school of Medicine, nazarbayev university, nur-sultan, Kazakhstan; gDepartment of obstetrics and gynecology, lebanese american university, Beirut, lebanon
Severe acute hepatitis and acute liver failure of unknown origin in children: a questionnaire-based study within 34 paediatric liver centres in 22 European countries and Israel, April 2022

To detect potential concern about severe acute hepatitis in children, we conducted a survey among 50 ERN RARE-LIVER centres. By 26 April 2022, 34 centres, including 25 transplant centres, reported an estimated median of 3–5, 0–2 and 3–5 cases in 2021, 2020 and 2019 and a mean of 2 (range: 0–8) cases between January and April 2022 (mean in 10 large liver transplant centres: 3). Twelve centres reported suspicion of an increase, but no rise.
Sustaining prolonged kangaroo mother care in stable low birthweight babies over 2 years in a predominant outborn unit: a quality improvement approach

Background Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a proven intervention for improving intact survival in low birthweight babies. Despite the evidence, its adoption and implementation have been low. Availability of mothers for the first few days of life is a specific challenge at outborn units. We used a quality improvement (QI) approach to implement and sustain KMC in stable low birthweight babies (<2000 g) from a baseline of 2.7 hours/baby/day to 6 hours/baby/day (prolonged KMC) over a period of 2 years in our unit through a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Methods All babies with birth weight <2000 g not on any respiratory support or jaundice were eligible. The key quantitative outcome was KMC hours/baby/day. A QI team consisting of nurses, nursing in charge and consultants of the unit was formed. The potential barriers for prolonged KMC were evaluated using fishbone analysis. A variety of parent-centric measures (provision of bed to mothers apart from KMC chairs, foster KMC, structured KMC counselling through a video, making KMC an integral part of treatment order) were introduced and subsequently tested by multiple PDSA cycles. Data on the duration of KMC per day were measured by bedside nurses on a daily basis. Results A total of 134 mother–baby dyads were enrolled over 2 years. The mean gestation (SD) and mean birth weight (SD) were 33 (2) weeks and 1557 (295) g, respectively. 78 (58%) babies were outborns. We implemented prolonged KMC over 9 months and sustained it over the next 18 months. KMC duration increased from a median of 2.7 hours/baby/day from baseline to a median of 7.4 hours/baby/day after implementation. Conclusions Prolonged KMC could be implemented and sustained over 2 years by implementing parent-centric best practices even in a predominant outborn unit.
A recipe for success? Sustaining creativity among first-time creative producers.

Sustaining creativity is difficult. We identify the conditions that determine repeat production of novelty among first-time producers, and the psychological mechanism transmitting their effects. Our theoretical model highlights that the novelty of a first production can lower the probability of creating a second production, particularly when the first production is bestowed with an award or recognition. This effect occurs primarily because individuals who win an award for a prior novel production experience a greater threat to their creative identity when anticipating having to produce follow-up novel work. We test our theoretical model in three studies: an archival study of first-time cookbook authors in the United Kingdom and two experiments. Our results provide some support for our theoretical model-award-winning producers of novel cookbooks (or ideas for them) are less likely to follow-up their initial production with a second one, largely because of the potential erosion to a person's creative identity that doing so may cause. Our findings highlight the intricacies of sustaining creativity over time and offer insights into why some producers abandon their creative efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
“Nobody talks about it”: Preconception health and care among women in the rural, Midwestern United States

Introduction: Good preconception and interconception health are fundamental to optimizing women’s health and reducing risk factors for adverse maternal–infant outcomes. Although rural women in the United States tend to experience health disparities, no published qualitative studies have focused on their preconception/interconception health. The purpose of this study was to determine what rural, Midwestern women perceive to be their most pressing health needs and effective ways to provide outreach and education regarding preconception/interconception health and care. Methods: Non-pregnant, reproductive-age women in Hardin County, Ohio, regardless of parity, were recruited through convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews with four domains (beliefs and behaviors; perceived needs; knowledge and information sources; barriers to care) were conducted in May–June 2021 until saturation was reached. Qualitative methods were used to analyze data and determine themes. Binomial tests were used to compare selected demographic characteristics of participants to the county’s reproductive-age residential female population. Results: Nineteen women aged 20–44 years were individually interviewed. Comparing race/ethnicity, education, and insurance status, participants appeared to be representative of the county population. Four themes were identified: (1) needs regarding healthcare and other resources; (2) lack of preconception/interconception care and perceived unimportance due to intergenerational knowledge transfer and paucity of healthcare providers; (3) difference in understanding of the term “women’s health” and low health literacy; and (4) suggested interventions including education and outreach. Conclusion: Interviews with rural Midwestern women revealed needs regarding preconception/interconception health and care and potential ways to raise awareness. These findings can inform strategies to improve rural women’s health and birth outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral therapies and baseline predictors for treatment outcomes in hepatitis C patients: A multicenter, real‐world study in Guangdong, China

The data on direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in southern China with multiple genotypes circulating are limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAA regimens among CHC patients in Guangdong, China. A total of 220 patients receiving a variety of DAA were enrolled. The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks. Resistance associated substitutions (RASs) were evaluated by deep sequencing. The overall SVR rate was 96.4%, and was 97.7% for genotype 1, 100% for genotype 2, 91.9% for genotype 3, 95.7% for genotype 6, and 100% for untyped. The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) was 8.2% (18/220) and all the AEs were mild. Nonstructural proteins 5A RAS, 30K/31M, and Y93H were most prevalent at baseline and the end of treatment in non‐SVR patients, respectively. Logistics regression showed that elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at baseline were specifically associated with non‐SVR in patients with genotype 3 and 6 infections (p = 0.029 and p = 0.017) but not genotype 1 infection (p = 0.746 and p = 0.971), and baseline AST was the best predictor for SVR in genotypes 3 and 6 patients (area under curve = 0.890). Our studies demonstrated all DAA regimens achieved ideal SVR and were well tolerated. NS5A RAS were prevalent in non‐SVR patients. Elevated ALT and AST as baseline predictors for non‐SVR in genotypes 3 and 6 infections warrant further research in a larger cohort.
Cross-biome synthesis of source versus sink limits to tree growth

Uncertainties surrounding tree carbon allocation to growth are a major limitation to projections of forest carbon sequestration and response to climate change. The prevalence and extent to which carbon assimilation (source) or cambial activity (sink) mediate wood production are fundamentally important and remain elusive. We quantified source-sink relations across biomes by combining eddy-covariance gross primary production with extensive on-site and regional tree ring observations. We found widespread temporal decoupling between carbon assimilation and tree growth, underpinned by contrasting climatic sensitivities of these two processes. Substantial differences in assimilation-growth decoupling between angiosperms and gymnosperms were determined, as well as stronger decoupling with canopy closure, aridity, and decreasing temperatures. Our results reveal pervasive sink control over tree growth that is likely to be increasingly prominent under global climate change. Description Uncoupled carbon uptake and storage Forests are expected to help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, with elevated carbon dioxide boosting photosynthesis and carbon uptake. However, the amount of carbon that can be stored in wood also depends on temperature, water, and nutrient availability. Cabon et al. examined temporal correlations between trees’ carbon uptake and woody growth by combining data on tree rings and gross primary productivity measures from 78 forests with carbon dioxide flux towers (see the Perspective by Green and Keenan). They found weak correlations between productivity and woody growth, which responded differently to seasonal temperatures and water availability. Their work shows that limits to tree growth, particularly in dry and cold areas, may constrain potential forest carbon storage. —BEL Across forests, photosynthesis and woody growth respond to different climate cues.
Outpatient treatment options to address the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron

ABSTRACT Introduction On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution designated PANGO lineage B.1. 1.529 a variant of concern and gave it the designation Omicron. The following day, the United Kingdom reported its first two cases of Omicron, a novel variant that was thought to be more transmissible than other variants such as Delta, Beta, and Alpha. Areas covered Omicron has since become the dominant variant around the world, accounting for unprecedented case counts and hospitalizations. Omicron’s high rate of spread has been attributed to a variety of factors, including enhanced replication in the upper airways (bronchi) as well as immune evasion. Expert opinion These intrinsic factors have implications for the approach to treatment. Monoclonal antibody therapies, which were highly effective against prior SARS-CoV-2 variants, were rendered largely ineffective against Omicron, and other antiviral options remain severely limited due to supply issues. This manuscript reviews the landscape of Omicron therapeutics and looks ahead to examine how these treatments and others may be used in the future to address the expanding threat of the Omicron variant.
Males and females differ in reported sexual functioning with escitalopram treatment for major depressive disorder: A CAN-BIND-1 study report

Background: Antidepressant use for major depressive disorder (MDD) is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction. Aims: Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between antidepressant treatment outcomes and sexual functioning (SF) were evaluated separately for males and females receiving escitalopram. We further assessed the association between pre- and posttreatment SF. Methods: In all, 208 of the 211 CAN-BIND-1 trial participants (77 males and 131 females) with MDD and detectable drug blood levels were eligible for the analyses. All received escitalopram (10–20 mg) for 8 weeks. At baseline and Week 8, participants completed the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the SexFx scale, which measures sexual satisfaction and SF frequency. Mixed-model repeated measures assessed baseline to Week 8 SF changes among participants with different response/remission statuses. Multiple linear regression analyses examined SF differences between treatment outcomes at Week 8 as well as associations between pretreatment and eventual SF. Results: For both sexes, overall sexual satisfaction improved among responders but not among nonresponders (p < 0.05). For females, overall SF frequency did not change significantly over time regardless of response status. For males, overall SF decreased significantly among nonresponders; orgasm decreased significantly among nonresponders and, to a lesser extent, among responders (p < 0.05). For both sexes, pretreatment SF was significantly associated with SF at Week 8 across all domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For both sexes, sexual satisfaction improves with response to escitalopram. For females, the response does not correspond to improvements in SF frequency. For males, SF frequency, particularly that of orgasm, declines regardless of response/nonresponse. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01655706
Quality of life and emotional well-being during COVID-19 as mediators in the relationship between sexual functioning and satisfaction in Portuguese women

ABSTRACT Women’s quality of life, emotional well-being, sexual functioning and satisfaction are associated, and little is known about this relationship during COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the mediating role of quality of life and emotional well-being in the relationship between sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in women during COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal. A sample of 301 women was recruited in May 2020, and women answered to a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Functioning Index, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, the brief WHOQOL, and the Positive Affect – Negative Affect Scale (emotional well-being). Results indicated that quality of life was the only significant mediator for the relationship between sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. Overall, the results emphasize the role of perceived quality of life in women’s sexuality, by extending previous knowledge to a crisis context (COVID-19 pandemic), enhancing quality of life promotion during adverse moments to improve women’s sexual satisfaction.
A review of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Amauroderma rugosum

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is a basidiomycete in the Ganodermataceae family that has been used traditionally to prevent epileptic attacks and constant crying in babies. However, AR has not been widely studied scientifically. In this review, we summarize the phytochemical components and pharmacological properties of AR that have been reported in the literature. Chemical analyses have revealed that the components of AR include sterols, flavonoids, fatty acids and esters, aromatic acids and esters, phenols, polysaccharides, and triterpenes. Pharmacological properties of AR include antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti‐cancer, anti‐hyperlipidemic, anti‐epileptic, and antibacterial effects. These findings suggest that AR and its bioactive ingredients have potential therapeutic applications, particularly for age‐related diseases.
The efficiency of beef cattle production: a case study in the target area of concentration in Johor, Malaysia

Beef production in Malaysia is inadequate to meet the demand following the rapid increase in consumption and relatively slow growth in the industry. The Target Area Concentration (TAC) project is expected to be a major contributor to boost beef cattle production. This study identified the efficiency of resources used in the beef cattle production in the TAC in Johor, Malaysia. It addressed the issues on productivity and technical efficiency of beef cattle operations and their relationship with management inventory, farm performances, animal husbandry practices, as well as socio-economic and demographic factors. The translog and Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production functions were used to examine the issues of technical efficiency in the TAC project. The frontier regression model was estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) technique. The translog stochastic frontier model was found to be suitable in representing the sample data and provide better estimates than the Cobb-Douglas model. The results indicated that the beef operation in the TAC has an increasing return to scale, and the average computed technical efficiency for individual farm units is 0.683. The technical efficiency of the majority of the farms (51%) was from 40% to 80%. The total loss in production due to inefficiency was estimated to be 3,094 heads of beef cattle in Animal Unit (AU) per year. The study also found that there was a significant difference in average technical efficiency by TAC location. However, the technical efficiency was not significantly different by farm types, ownership, and sizes. The findings of this study suggest that there is room for expansion, through the adoption of best practice technology and optimal resource allocation. The farm’s technical efficiency could be improved with better planning and controlling skills by the farmers/managers, longer experience, proper training, advisory services by extension agents, higher calving rate, involvement of Department of Veterinary Services in breeding and health management services and using cross breed cattle.
Ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA signature predicts the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor, and its prognostic prediction is extremely challenging. Ferroptosis is a cell mechanism dependent on iron, which is very significant for HCC development. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is also linked to HCC progression. This work aimed to establish a prognosis risk model for HCC and to discover a possible biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to obtain RNA-seq transcriptome data and clinic information of HCC patients. Firstly, univariate Cox was utilized to identify 66 prognostic ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. Then, the identified lncRNAs were further included in the multivariate Cox analysis to construct the prognostic model. Eventually, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) to validate the risk model. Results: We established a prognostic seventeen-ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature model. The signature could categorize patients into two risk subgroups, with the low-risk subgroup associated with a better prognosis. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) of the lncRNAs signature was 0.801, indicating their reliability in forecasting HCC prognosis. Risk score was an independent prognostic factor by regression analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analyses demonstrated a remarkable enrichment of cancer-related and immune-related pathways in the high-risk group. Besides, the immune status was decreased in the high-risk group. Eventually, three prognostic lncRNAs were validated in human HCCLM3 cell lines. Conclusions: The risk model based on seventeen-ferroptosis-related lncRNA has significant prognostic value for HCC and may be therapeutic targets associated with ferroptosis in clinical ways.
Understanding astrocyte differentiation: Clinical relevance, technical challenges, and new opportunities in the omics era

Abstract Astrocytes are a major type of glial cells that have essential functions in development and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Immature astrocytes in the developing CNS support neuronal maturation and possess neural‐stem‐cell‐like properties. Mature astrocytes partially lose these functions but gain new functions essential for adult CNS homeostasis. In pathological conditions, astrocytes become “reactive”, which disrupts their mature homeostatic functions and reactivates some immature astrocyte‐like properties, suggesting a partial reversal of astrocyte maturation. The loss of homeostatic astrocyte functions contributes to the pathogenesis of various neurological conditions, and therefore activating maturation‐promoting mechanisms may be a promising therapeutic strategy to restore homeostasis. Manipulating the mechanisms underlying astrocyte maturation might also allow to facilitate CNS regeneration by enhancing developmental functions of adult astrocytes. However, such therapeutic strategies are still some distance away because of our limited understanding of astrocyte differentiation and maturation, due to biological and technical challenges, including the high degree of similarity of astrocytes with neural stem cells and the shortcomings of astrocyte markers. Current advances in systems biology have a huge potential to overcome these challenges. Recent transcriptomic analyses have already revealed new astrocyte markers and new regulators of astrocyte differentiation. However, the epigenomic changes that presumably occur during astrocyte differentiation remain an important, largely unexplored area for future research. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9‐based functional screens will further improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying astrocyte differentiation. This may open up new clinical approaches to restore homeostasis in neurological disorders and/or promote CNS regeneration. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Validation and application of hybridization liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods for quantitative bioanalysis of antisense oligonucleotides.

Background: Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), an emerging modality in drug research and development, demands accurate and sensitive bioanalysis to understand its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Results: By combining the advantages of both ligand binding and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/tandem mass (LC-MS/MS), hybridization LC-MS/MS methods were successfully developed and validated/qualified in a good lab practice (GLP) environment for the quantitation of an ASO drug candidate in monkey serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and tissues in the range of 0.5-500 ng/ml. Special treatment of CSF samples was employed to mitigate nonspecific binding, improve long-term storage stability and enable the usage of artificial CSF as a more accessible surrogate matrix. The method was also qualified and applied to ASO quantitation in various monkey tissue samples using a cocktail tissue homogenate as a surrogate matrix. Conclusion: This work was the first reported GLP validation and application of ASO bioanalysis using the hybridization LC-MS/MS platform.