Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical and molecular characterization of myeloid sarcoma without medullary leukemia

Abstract Myeloid sarcoma (MS) in the setting of concomitant medullary AML is relatively well described, while much less is known about patients presenting with MS with <20% bone marrow blasts. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 56 patients with MS with <20% marrow blasts seen at MD Anderson between 2005 and 2020. The prevalence of MS without medullary AML was 1.4% among all newly diagnosed AML patients. The majority (75%) of patients had a single known anatomic site involved, with the skin (34%) being the most frequent. The most common histologic subtype was monocytic, and 11% of patients had a known history of an antecedent hematologic disorder. The majority of patients (70%) received frontline intensive chemotherapy induction, with 75% of those evaluable attaining complete or partial responses. The median overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 3.41 and 3.07 years, respectively. Patients with bone marrow blasts of ≥5% or medullary relapse had inferior outcomes, while age (>60 years) was not associated with outcomes. There was a suggestion that patients with isolated leukemia cutis may have had better outcomes compared to patients with other organ involvement, but this did not reach statistical significance. Most patients who had cytogenetic analysis had a diploid karyotype within their MS and bone marrow. RAS pathway mutations were enriched in MS at diagnosis, and at time of medullary relapse. Our study provides a large dataset summarizing the clinical and molecular analysis of patients with MS with <20% BM blasts and suggests that monitoring for medullary leukemia is important for early detection of relapse.
Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Neurolysis for the Treatment of Rhinitis

Background Chronic rhinitis is a prevalent condition with a significant impact on quality of life. Posterior nasal nerve and vidian neurectomy are surgical options for treating the symptoms of chronic rhinitis but are invasive procedures. Objective To determine the outcomes of patients diagnosed with refractory chronic rhinitis and treated with temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve area in a minimally invasive procedure. Methods A prospective, single-arm multicenter study with follow-up through 52 weeks. Eligible adult patients had chronic rhinitis symptoms of at least 6 months duration with inadequate response to at least 4 weeks usage of intranasal steroids and an overall 12-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) ≥ 6 with subscores 2 to 3 for rhinorrhea, 1 to 3 for nasal congestion, and 0 to 3 for each of nasal itching and sneezing. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy was delivered to the nasal cavity mucosa overlying the posterior nasal nerve region with a novel single-use, disposable, handheld device. Results A total of 50 patients were treated (42.0% male; mean age 57.9 ± 11.9 years), and 47 completed the study through 52 weeks. Mean rTNSS significantly improved from 8.5 (95% CI 8.0, 9.0) at baseline to 3.6 (95% CI 3.0, 4.3) at 52 weeks (P < .001), a 57.6% improvement. Similar trends in improvement were noted for rTNSS subscores (rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, itching, sneezing), postnasal drip scores, and chronic cough scores. Subgroup analysis demonstrated the treatment was effective regardless of rhinitis classification (allergic or nonallergic). No serious adverse events with a relationship to the device/procedure occurred. Conclusions Temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve area for the treatment of chronic rhinitis is safe and resulted in a durable improvement in the symptoms of chronic rhinitis through a 52-week follow-up. Data suggest that this novel device could be considered a minimally invasive option in the otolaryngologist's armamentarium for the treatment of chronic rhinitis.
Body Image and Eating Disorders Among South Asian American Women: What Are We Missing?

This study used focus group methodology to examine South Asian (SA) American women’s conceptualizations of eating disorders (EDs) and body dissatisfaction, and their perspectives regarding cultural influences on these conditions. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, seven focus groups were conducted (N = 54, mean age = 20.11 years, SD = 2.52). Themes (n = 15) were organized according to the amended objectification theory framework. Women described experiences of cultural stressors specifically related to living in the United States, and weight stigma from multiple sources, especially older women (e.g., mothers, relatives, and aunties). Participants also experienced pressures to achieve competing body and appearance ideals (“thin” and “healthy”). In addition, they reported pressures to possess light skin, dark black hair, minimal body hair, and marry young, and noted these pressures negatively impacted their body esteem. Findings indicate that a combination of “traditional” and culturally-influenced factors are important to consider when conceptualizing eating pathology and body image in young SA American women.
Inhibition of METTL3/m6A/miR126 promotes the migration and invasion of endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis

Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A), one of the most abundant RNA modifications, is involved in the progression of many diseases, but its role and related molecular mechanisms in endometriosis remain unknown. To address these issues, we detected m6A levels in normal, eutopic, and ectopic endometrium and found the m6A levels decreased in eutopic and ectopic endometrium compared with normal endometrium. In addition, we proved that methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) downregulation accounted for m6A reduction in endometriosis. Furthermore, we observed that METTL3 knockdown facilitated the migration and invasion of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs), whereas METTL3 overexpression exerted opposite effects, suggesting that METTL3 downregulation might contribute to endometriosis development by enhancing cellular migration and invasion. Mechanistically, METTL3-dependent m6A was involved in the DGCR8-mediated maturation of primary microRNA126 (miR126 and pri-miR126). Moreover, miR126 inhibitor significantly enhanced the migration and invasion of METTL3-overexpressing HESCs, whereas miR126 mimics attenuated the migration and invasion of METTL3-silenced HESCs. Our study revealed the METTL3/m6A/miR126 pathway, whose inhibition might contribute to endometriosis development by enhancing cellular migration and invasion. It also showed that METTL3 might be a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for endometriosis. Summary sentence Suppressive METTL3 enhances cell migration and invasion by attenuating DGCR8-mediated maturation of pri-miR126 in an m6A-dependent manner, thus contributing to endometriosis development. Graphical Abstract
θ-Band Cortical Tracking of the Speech Envelope Shows the Linear Phase Property

Abstract When listening to speech, low-frequency cortical activity tracks the speech envelope. It remains controversial, however, whether such envelope-tracking neural activity reflects entrainment of neural oscillations or superposition of transient responses evoked by sound features. Recently, it is suggested that the phase of envelope-tracking activity can potentially distinguish entrained oscillations and evoked responses. Here, we analyze the phase of envelope-tracking in humans during passive listening, and observe that the phase lag between cortical activity and speech envelope tends to change linearly across frequency in the θ band (4–8 Hz), suggesting that the θ-band envelope-tracking activity can be readily modeled by evoked responses.
Lack of Interferon (IFN) Regulatory Factor 8 Associated with Restricted IFN-γ Response Augmented Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication in the Mouse Brain

Microglial cells, the resident macrophages in the brain, play a vital role in Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) pathogenesis. The deregulated activity of microglia can be lethal for the brain. ABSTRACT Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), a myeloid lineage transcription factor, emerges as an essential regulator for microglial activation. However, the precise role of IRF8 during Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection in the brain remains elusive. Here, we report that JEV infection enhances IRF8 expression in the infected mouse brain. Comparative transcriptional profiling of whole-brain RNA analysis and validation by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) reveals an impaired interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and related gene expression in Irf8 knockout (Irf8−/−)-infected mice. Further, Ifnγ knockout (Ifnγ−/−) mice exhibit a reduced level of Irf8. Both Ifnγ−/− and Irf8−/− mice exhibit significantly reduced levels of activated (CD11b+ CD45hi, CD11b+ CD45lo, Cd68, and CD86) and infiltrating immune cells (Ly6C+, CD4, and CD8) in the infected brain compared to those of wild-type (WT) mice. However, a higher level of granulocyte cell (Ly6G+) infiltration is evident in Irf8−/− mice as well as the increased concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) levels in the brain. Interestingly, neither the Irf8−/− nor the Ifnγ−/− conferred protection against lethal JEV challenge to mice and exhibit augmentation in JEV replication in the brain. The gain of function of Irf8 by overexpressing functional IRF8 in an IRF8-deficient cell line attenuates viral replication and enhances IFN-γ production. Overall, we summarize that in the murine model of JEV encephalitis, IRF8 modulation affects JEV replication. We also show that lack of Irf8 affects immune cell abundance in circulation and the infected brain, leading to a reduction in IFN-γ level and increased viral load in the brain. IMPORTANCE Microglial cells, the resident macrophages in the brain, play a vital role in Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) pathogenesis. The deregulated activity of microglia can be lethal for the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the regulators that drive microglia phenotype changes and induce inflammation in the brain. Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a myeloid lineage transcription factor involved in microglial activation. However, the impact of IRF8 modulation on JEV replication remains elusive. Moreover, the pathways regulated by IRF8 to initiate and amplify pathological neuroinflammation are not well understood. Here, we demonstrated the effect of IRF8 modulation on JEV replication, microglial activation, and immune cells infiltration in the brain.
Evaluation of LATCH vs. non-LATCH installations for boosters in frontal impacts

Abstract Objectives The objective was to understand how the use or nonuse of the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system affects the performance of booster seats during frontal impacts. Methods Sixteen frontal impact sled tests were conducted at 24.8 ± 0.3 g and 50.1 ± 0.2 kph. A production vehicle seat buck was attached to the sled. Four high-back boosters or combination seats in high-back booster mode and two backless booster models were tested. Each booster model was installed two different ways: using the LATCH system (“LATCH” installation) and without using the LATCH system (“non-LATCH” installation). All installations used a 3-point seat belt with retractor in emergency locking mode (ELR) to restrain a Hybrid III 6-year-old anthropomorphic test device (ATD). The retractor, belt webbing, buckle, vehicle seat cushion, and booster were replaced after each test. Some conditions were tested twice to establish repeatability. ATD and booster responses were compared between LATCH and non-LATCH tests. Results Using LATCH reduced the forward movement of the booster itself by 32.3% to 71.5% compared to non-LATCH installations. Differences in most other metrics were small and often within the range of normal test-to-test variation. Forward movements of the ATD head and heel were similar between LATCH and non-LATCH tests (typically less than 10% difference). HIC36 values trended slightly higher for LATCH installations compared to non-LATCH installations (0.8% to 17.2%). Chest resultant accelerations were typically 7.3% to 21.2% higher for LATCH installations, except for one booster for which it was lower with LATCH. Chest deflections trended higher for LATCH installations compared to non-LATCH installations for the backless boosters (6.9% to 14.1%). For high-back boosters, chest deflection was similar between installation conditions (less than 5% difference). Shoulder belt loads showed the greatest reductions when LATCH installations included a top tether (12.9% to 20.8%). Instances of the ATD submarining under the lap belt were not observed in these tests. Conclusions Overall, the differences in kinematics and injury metrics were small between boosters installed using LATCH vs. non-LATCH.
Preterm or Early Term Birth and Risk of Autism

OBJECTIVES Preterm birth has been linked with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, potential causality, sex-specific differences, and association with early term birth are unclear. We examined whether preterm and early term birth are associated with ASD in a large population-based cohort. METHODS A national cohort study was conducted of all 4 061 795 singleton infants born in Sweden during 1973–2013 who survived to age 1 year, who were followed-up for ASD identified from nationwide outpatient and inpatient diagnoses through 2015. Poisson regression was used to determine prevalence ratios for ASD associated with gestational age at birth, adjusting for confounders. Cosibling analyses were used to assess the influence of unmeasured shared familial (genetic and/or environmental) factors. RESULTS ASD prevalences by gestational age at birth were 6.1% for extremely preterm (22–27 weeks), 2.6% for very to moderate preterm (28–33 weeks), 1.9% for late preterm (34–36 weeks), 2.1% for all preterm (<37 weeks), 1.6% for early term (37–38 weeks), and 1.4% for term (39–41 weeks). The adjusted prevalence ratios comparing extremely preterm, all preterm, or early term versus term, respectively, were 3.72 (95% confidence interval, 3.27–4.23), 1.35 (1.30–1.40), and 1.11 (1.08–1.13) among boys and 4.19 (3.45–5.09), 1.53 (1.45–1.62), and 1.16 (1.12–1.20) among girls (P < .001 for each). These associations were only slightly attenuated after controlling for shared familial factors. CONCLUSIONS In this national cohort, preterm and early term birth were associated with increased risk of ASD in boys and girls. These associations were largely independent of covariates and shared familial factors, consistent with a potential causal relationship.
Hypogonadism in Prader–Willi syndrome from birth to adulthood: a 28-year experience in a single centre

Background Hypogonadism is a key feature of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) but clear strategies for hormone replacement are lacking. Objective To evaluate the gonadal status and outcome in patients attending a Scottish PWS clinic from 1991 to 2019. Methods In 93 (35F:56M) patients, median follow-up 11.2 years, gonadal and pubertal status were assessed clinically. Pelvic ultrasound findings and basal/stimulated gonadotrophins were compared with age-matched controls. Results Females:of 22 patients aged > 11, 9 had reached B4–5, while 5 were still at B2–3, and 6 remained prepubertal. Eight patients experienced menarche aged 9.8–21.4 years, none with a normal cycle. Uterine length and ovarian volumes were normal but uterine configuration remained immature, with low follicular counts. Gonadotrophins were unremarkable, serum oestradiol 129 (70–520) pmol/L. Only 5 patients received oestrogen replacement. Males:fifty-four (96%) patients were cryptorchid (9 unilateral). Weekly hCG injections resulted in unilateral/bilateral descent in 2/1 of 25 patients. Of 37 boys aged > 11, 14 (9 with failed/untreated bilateral cryptorchidism) failed to progress beyond G1, 15 arrested at G2–3 (testes 3–10 mL), and 8 reached G4–5. Gonadotrophins were unremarkable except in boys at G2–5 in whom FSH was elevated: 12.3/27.3 vs 3.25/6.26 U/L in controls (P < 0.001). In males aged > 13, testosterone was 3.1 (0.5–8.4) nmol/L. Androgen therapy, given from 13.5 to 29.2 years, was stopped in 4/24 patients owing to behavioural problems. Conclusion Despite invariable hypogonadism, few females and only half the males with PWS in this study received hormone replacement. Double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trials of sex steroids are required to address unproven behavioural concerns.
Role of Inferior Frontal Junction (IFJ) in the Control of Feature versus Spatial Attention

Feature-based visual attention refers to preferential selection and processing of visual stimuli based on their nonspatial attributes, such as color or shape. Recent studies have highlighted the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) as a control region for feature but not spatial attention. However, the extent to which IFJ contributes to spatial versus feature attention control remains a topic of debate. We investigated in humans of both sexes the role of IFJ in the control of feature versus spatial attention in a cued visual spatial (attend-left or attend-right) and feature (attend-red or attend-green) attention task using fMRI. Analyzing cue-related fMRI using both univariate activation and multivoxel pattern analysis, we found the following results in IFJ. First, in line with some prior studies, the univariate activations were not different between feature and spatial attentional control. Second, in contrast, the multivoxel pattern analysis decoding accuracy was above chance level for feature attention (attend-red vs attend-green) but not for spatial attention (attend-left vs attend-right). Third, while the decoding accuracy for feature attention was above chance level during attentional control in the cue-to-target interval, it was not during target processing. Fourth, the right IFJ and visual cortex (V4) were observed to be functionally connected during feature but not during spatial attention control, and this functional connectivity was positively associated with subsequent attentional selection of targets in V4, as well as with behavioral performance. These results support a model in which IFJ plays a crucial role in top-down control of visual feature but not visual spatial attention. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Past work has shown that the inferior frontal junction (IFJ), a prefrontal structure, is activated by both attention-to-feature (e.g., color) and attention-to-location, but the precise role of IFJ in the control of feature- versus spatial-attention is debated. We investigated this issue in a cued visual spatial (attend-left or attend-right) and feature (attend-red or attend-green) attention task using fMRI, multivoxel pattern analysis, and functional connectivity methods. The results show that (1) attend-red versus attend-green can be decoded in single-trial cue-evoked BOLD activity in IFJ but not attend-left versus attend-right and (2) only right IFJ modulates V4 to enhance task performance. This study sheds light on the function and hemispheric specialization of IFJ in the control of visual attention.
A study to evaluate the influence of condylar and incisal guidance in canine guided and group function occlusal schemes

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the combined influence of condylar and incisal guidance in canine-guided and group function occlusal schemes. Settings and Design: In vivo - Cross sectional study. Materials and Methods: A total number of 88 subjects were selected and classified into two groups: 44 subjects with canine guided and 44 subjects with group function occlusal schemes. Condylar and incisal guidance tracings of both the groups were recorded using SAM AXIOQUICK RECORDER (School Articulator Munich) and evaluated. Statistical Analysis Used: Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and Shapiro–Wilk test were employed to test the normality of data. Independent sample t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test was performed for quantitative variables. Results: The condylar and incisal guidance among canine-guided individuals was 31.38 ± 12.01 and 55.83 ± 14.04, respectively, while in group function individuals, it was 29.44 ± 12.65 and 43.74 ± 20.27. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, condylar guidance was similar in subjects with both schemes of occlusion, whereas steeper incisal guidance was noticed in canine-guided individuals as compared to group function.
STABILITY, RHEOLOGY AND THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE FORMATION OF FOOD PROTEIN-STABILIZED NANOGELS FROM NANOEMULSIONS - Aakash Patel M.Sc. Thesis

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi LIST OF TABLES . x LIST OF FIGURES . xi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS . xvii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Overview . 1 1.2 Objectives . 2 1.3 Hypotheses . 2 Chapter 2: Literature review . 4 2.1 Emulsion and nanoemulsions . 4 2.1.1 Definition . 4 2.1.2 Composition – emulsifier, oil, water and other. 5 2.1.3 Formation of emulsion and nanoemulsion . 6 2.1. 4 Characterization of nanoemulsions and emulsion . 8 2.1. 5 Stability of emulsion vs. nanoemulsion . 10 2.2 Food proteins in the formation & stabilization of emulsions and nanoemulsions . 12 2.2.1 Sources of protein as food emulsifier . 12
Opportunities for Closing the Gap in HIV Diagnosis, Treatment, and Viral Load Suppression in Children in Malawi: Results From a 2015–2016 Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Survey

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Control of the pediatric HIV epidemic is hampered by gaps in diagnosis and linkage to effective treatment. The 2015–2016 Malawi Population-based HIV impact assessment data were analyzed to identify gaps in pediatric HIV diagnosis, treatment, and viral load suppression. Methods: In half of the surveyed households, children ages ≥18 months to <15 years were tested using the national HIV rapid test algorithm. Children ≤18 months reactive by the initial rapid test underwent HIV total nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction confirmatory testing. Blood from HIV-positive children was tested for viral load (VL) and presence of antiretroviral drugs. HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment (ART) use were defined using guardian-reporting or antiretroviral detection. Results: Of the 6166 children tested, 99 were HIV-positive for a prevalence of 1.5% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.1–1.9) and 8.0% (95% CI: 5.6–10.5) among HIV-exposed children. The prevalence of 1.5% was extrapolated to a national estimate of 119,501 (95% CI: 89,028–149,974) children living with HIV (CLHIV), of whom, 30.7% (95% CI: 20.3–41.1) were previously undiagnosed. Of the 69.3% diagnosed CLHIV, 86.1% (95% CI: 76.8–95.6) were on ART and 57.9% (95% CI: 41.4–74.4) of those on ART had suppressed VL (<1000 HIV RNA copies/mL). Among all CLHIV, irrespective of HIV diagnosis or ART use, 57.7% (95% CI: 45.0–70.5) had unsuppressed VL. Conclusions: Critical gaps in HIV diagnosis in children persist in Malawi. The large proportion of CLHIV with unsuppressed VL reflects gaps in diagnosis and need for more effective first- and second-line ART regimens and adherence interventions.