Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Exploration of Longitudinal Predictors for Problematic Internet Use and Problematic Gaming Behavior

Problematic gaming (PG) has been included in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. But, it is still controversially discussed, if problematic (online-) gaming is a subtype of problematic Internet use (PIU) or if both behavior patterns should be distinguished. In joint samples, the relationships between PIU and PG and correlates have so far only been investigated in cross-sectional studies. This is the first longitudinal study to determine predictors of PIU, PG, and a combined occurrence of PIU and PG (PIU + PG) together in one sample. Overall, 985 family dyads (one parent and her/his child) were interviewed twice (at t1 and t2, with one year in between) with a standardized questionnaire regarding PIU, PG and psychosocial aspects. Predictors for adolescent PIU, PG, and PIU + PG were determined with a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The following were our findings: (a) PIU (t2) was predicted by stronger emotional distress (t1) and PIU (t1); (b) PG (t2) by male gender, more self-esteem problems (t1), stronger hyperactivity/inattention (t1), and PG (t1); and (c) PIU + PG (t2) by male gender, stronger hyperactivity/inattention (t1), and PG (t1). Partly different patterns of predictors were observed for the development of PIU and PG. The results indicate not only commonalities but also differences in the etiology of these behavior patterns.
Histopathologic evaluation of experimental murine neurocysticercosis after treatment with albendazole/nitazoxanide combination

Abstract Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic brain infection related to epilepsy. Only albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel are used in its treatment. The development of new therapeutics has been encouraged. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci intracranial infection is the experimental model used in NCC studies. This study evaluated the histopathology of the brains of BALB/c mice experimentally infected with T. crassiceps cysticerci after the treatment with the ABZ/nitazoxanide (NTZ) combination. Thirty days after the inoculation the mice received an oral single dose of the ABZ/NTZ combination (40 mg kg−1 each). The control groups were treated with: NaCl 0.9%; ABZ or NTZ. The histopathologic evaluation of the brains was performed 24 h after treatment. The ABZ treatment induced discrete mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, meningitis, gliosis, hyperaemia and hippocampus compression; moderate ependimitis and oedema. The NTZ treatment induced accentuated inflammatory infiltration, foamy macrophages, ependimitis, choroiditis, gliosis and hyperaemia and moderate oedema. The ABZ/NTZ combination treatment induced a significant decrease in the polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltration, ependimitis, choroiditis, gliosis, hyperaemia and ventriculomegaly in comparison with the other groups. The cysticerci showed destruction of the tegument not observed in other groups. The ABZ/NTZ combination is efficient as the parasite showed signs of destruction and lower damage to the host's tissue.
Decitabine in combination with low-dose cytarabine, aclarubicin and G-CSF tends to improve prognosis in elderly patients with high-risk AML

We evaluated the risk status and survival outcomes of 125 elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with decitabine in combination with low-dose cytarabine, aclarubicin, and G-CSF (D-CAG). The risk status was evaluated by determining the frequency of recurring gene mutations using next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of 23 selected genes and cytogenetic profiling of bone marrow samples at diagnosis. After a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 2-82 months), 86 patients (68.8%) had achieved complete remission after one cycle of induction, and 94 patients (75.2%) had achieved it after two cycles. The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 16 and 12 months, respectively. In 21 AML patients aged above 75 years, the median OS and DFS were longer in the low- and intermediate-risk group than the high-risk group, but the differences were not statistically significant. The median OS and DFS were similar in patients with or without TET2, DNMT3A, IDH2, TP53 and FLT3 mutations. Multivariate analysis showed that patient age above 75 years, high-risk status, and genetic anomalies, like deletions in chromosomes 5 and/or 7, were significant variables in predicting OS. D-CAG regimen tends to improve the prognosis of a subgroup of elderly patients with high-risk AML.
Insomnia and caregiver burden in chronic pain patients: A cross-sectional clinical study

Insomnia is a major comorbid symptom of chronic pain and is likely to affect caregiver burden. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between insomnia in chronic pain patients and family caregiver burden. Participants were 60 patients with chronic pain of ≥3 months duration. Demographic and clinical information were collected using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a pain intensity numerical rating scale (NRS). Family members who accompanied chronic pain patients to hospital completed the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Univariate regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to clarify the associations between ZBI scores and total/subscale AIS scores. Covariates were age; sex; pain duration; and scores on the PDAS, HADS anxiety subscale, HADS depression subscale, and NRS. Insomnia was independently associated with ZBI scores [β: 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07–0.52, p = 0.001]. Scores on the AIS subscale of physical and mental functioning during the day were significantly associated with ZBI scores (β: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.05–0.59, p = 0.007). In conclusion, the findings suggest that in chronic pain patients, comorbid insomnia and physical and mental daytime functioning is associated with family caregiver burden independently of pain duration, pain-related disability, and pain intensity.
Dysregulation of synaptic pruning as a possible link between intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and neuropsychiatric disorders

The prenatal and early postnatal stages represent a critical time window for human brain development. Interestingly, this window partly overlaps with the maturation of the intestinal flora (microbiota) that play a critical role in the bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous systems (microbiota‐gut‐brain axis). The microbial composition has important influences on general health and the development of several organ systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system, and also the brain. Clinical studies have shown that microbiota alterations are associated with a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. In this review, we dissect the link between these neuropsychiatric disorders and the intestinal microbiota by focusing on their effect on synaptic pruning, a vital process in the maturation and establishing efficient functioning of the brain. We discuss in detail how synaptic pruning is dysregulated differently in the aforementioned neuropsychiatric disorders and how it can be influenced by dysbiosis and/or changes in the intestinal microbiota composition. We also review that the improvement in the intestinal microbiota composition by a change in diet, probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may play a role in improving neuropsychiatric functioning, which can be at least partly explained via the optimization of synaptic pruning and neuronal connections. Altogether, the demonstration of the microbiota's influence on brain function via microglial‐induced synaptic pruning addresses the possibility that the manipulation of microbiota‐immune crosstalk represents a promising strategy for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
Top-down and bottom-up approaches for the estimation of measurement uncertainty in coagulation assays

Abstract Background The assessment of measurement uncertainty (MU) in clinical laboratories is essential to the reliable interpretation of results in clinical laboratories. However, despite the introduction of various methods for the expression of uncertainty in measurement, the MUs of coagulation tests have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to quantify the MU of various coagulation assays according to international guidelines and to report an expected confidence in the quality of coagulation assays. Methods We selected activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio (INR), protein C/S, antithrombin, fibrinogen, and Factor V/VIII/X to quantify the MUs of two coagulation testing systems: ACL TOP 750 CTS (Instrumentation Laboratory, Bedford, MA, USA) and STA Compact (Diagnostica Stago, Asnières-sur-Seine, France). We used international standards and interlaboratory comparison results in accordance with international guidelines in a top-down approach to the assessment of MU. For INR, MU was estimated in a bottom-up approach using reference thromboplastin and certified plasmas. Results Top-down approaches resulted in MUs between 3.3% and 21.3% for each measurand. In the bottom-up approach, MUs of INR values ranged from 10.9% to 26.4% and showed an upward trend as INR increased. Conclusions In this study, we were successful in quantifying MU of coagulation assays using practical methods. Our results demonstrated that top-down and bottom-up approaches were adequate for coagulation assays. However, some assays showed significant biases against international standards; therefore, standardization would be necessary to ensure more reliable patient results.
Parent Perceptions About Communicating With Providers Regarding Early Autism Concerns

This qualitative study reveals how shared decision-making principles may be used to overcome the challenges associated with parent-provider communications about early ASD concerns. BACKGROUND: Long delays between parents’ initial concerns about their children’s development and a subsequent autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis are common. Although discussions between parents and providers about early ASD concerns can be difficult, they are critical for initiating early, specialized services. The principles of shared decision-making can facilitate these discussions. This qualitative study was designed to gain insights from parents of young children with ASD about their experiences communicating with primary care providers with the goal of identifying strategies for improving conversations and decision-making regarding the early detection of ASD. METHODS: Three 2-hour focus groups were conducted with 23 parents of children with ASD <8 years old. Qualitative analysis employed an iterative and systematic approach to identify key themes related to parents’ experiences. RESULTS: Eight themes related to communication about early ASD concerns emerged: characteristics of the child that caused parental concerns, the response of others when the parent brought up concerns, how concerns were brought up to the parent by others, parental responses when others mentioned concerns, information seeking, barriers to and facilitators of acting on concerns, and recommendations to providers. Parent responses suggest the need for increased use of shared decision-making strategies and areas for process improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care providers can play a key role in helping parents with ASD concerns make decisions about how to move forward and pursue appropriate referrals. Strategies include responding promptly to parental concerns, helping them weigh options, and monitoring the family’s progress as they navigate the service delivery system.
Molecular T-Cell Repertoire Analysis as Source of Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy

The T cells are key players of the response to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CBI) and monitoring the strength and specificity of antitumor T-cell reactivity remains a crucial but elusive component of precision immunotherapy. The entire assembly of T-cell receptor (TCR) sequences accounts for antigen specificity and strength of the T-cell immune response. The TCR repertoire hence represents a “footprint” of the conditions faced by T cells that dynamically evolves according to the challenges that arise for the immune system, such as tumor neo-antigenic load. Hence, TCR repertoire analysis is becoming increasingly important to comprehensively understand the nature of a successful antitumor T-cell response, and to improve the success and safety of current CBI.
Interplay between Neuroendocrine Biomarkers and Gut Microbiota in Dogs Supplemented with Grape Proanthocyanidins: Results of Dietary Intervention Study

Simple Summary The connection between animal health and gut microbiota has been studied during the past years through different diet modulation experiments; however, there is still a paucity of information about the prebiotic functions in the gastrointestinal tract of companion animals. Considering this, a population of dogs living in the same environment has been subjected to a nutritional study, with different doses of proanthocyanidins extracted from grapevine supplied to the diet. Characterization of the gut microbiota and data from endocrine analysis in saliva have been collected. Dogs responded differently to the dietary intervention, and results underlined the existence of a difference between subjects in terms of fecal microorganisms and neuroendocrine markers, leading us to think the balance of gut microbiota is going to play a strong role in diet formulation based on host health modulation. Abstract Several studies on the interaction between gut microbiota and diets, including prebiotics, have been reported in dogs, but no data are available about the effects of dietary administration of grape proanthocyanidins. In the study, 24 healthy adult dogs of different breeds were recruited and divided in 3 groups of 8 subjects each. A group was fed with a control diet (D0), whilst the others were supplemented with 1 (D1) or 3 (D3) mg/kg live weight of grape proanthocyanidins. Samples of feces were collected at the beginning and after 14 and 28 days for microbiota, short chain fatty acid, and lactic acid analysis. Serotonin and cortisol were measured in saliva, collected at the beginning of the study and after 28 days. A significantly higher abundance (p < 0.01) of Enterococcus and Adlercreutzia were observed in D0, whilst Escherichia and Eubacterium were higher in D1. Fusobacterium and Phascolarctobacterium were higher (p < 0.01) in D3. Salivary serotonin increased (p < 0.01) at T28 for D1 and D3 groups but cortisol did not vary. Proanthocyanidins administration influenced the fecal microbiota and neuroendocrine response of dogs, but a high variability of taxa was observed, suggesting a uniqueness and stability of fecal microbiota related to the individual.
Rapid assessment of regional SARS-CoV-2 community transmission through a convenience sample of healthcare workers, the Netherlands, March 2020

To rapidly assess possible community transmission in Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands, healthcare workers (HCW) with mild respiratory complaints and without epidemiological link (contact with confirmed case or visited areas with active circulation) were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Within 2 days, 1,097 HCW in nine hospitals were tested; 45 (4.1%) were positive. Of six hospitals with positive HCW, two accounted for 38 positive HCW. The results informed local and national risk management.
CD21 (Complement Receptor 2) Is the Receptor for Epstein-Barr Virus Entry into T Cells

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a well-described tropism for B cells and epithelial cells. Recently, we described the ability of a second strain of EBV, EBV type 2, to infect mature peripheral T cells. Using a neutralizing antibody assay, we determined that EBV uses the viral glycoprotein gp350 and the cellular protein CD21 to gain entry into mature peripheral T cells. CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of CD21 on the Jurkat T-cell line confirmed that CD21 is required for EBV infection. This study has broad implications, as we have defined a function for CD21 on mature peripheral T cells, i.e., as a receptor for EBV. In addition, the requirement for gp350 for T-cell entry has implications for EBV vaccine studies currently targeting the gp350 glycoprotein to prevent EBV-associated diseases. ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a number of T-cell diseases, including some peripheral T-cell lymphomas, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and chronic active EBV disease. The tropism of EBV for B cells and epithelial cell infection has been well characterized, but infection of T cells has been minimally explored. We have recently shown that the EBV type 2 (EBV-2) strain has the unique ability to infect mature T cells. Utilizing an ex vivo infection model, we sought to understand the viral glycoprotein and cellular receptor required for EBV-2 infection of T cells. Here, using a neutralizing-antibody assay, we found that viral gp350 and complement receptor 2 (CD21) are required for CD3+ T-cell infection. Using the HB5 anti-CD21 antibody clone but not the Bly-4 anti-CD21 antibody clone, we detected expression of CD21 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, with the highest expression on naive CD4 and CD8+ T-cell subsets. Using CRISPR to knock out CD21, we demonstrated that CD21 is necessary for EBV entry into the Jurkat T-cell line. Together, these results indicate that EBV uses the same viral glycoprotein and cellular receptor for both T- and B-cell infection. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a well-described tropism for B cells and epithelial cells. Recently, we described the ability of a second strain of EBV, EBV type 2, to infect mature peripheral T cells. Using a neutralizing antibody assay, we determined that EBV uses the viral glycoprotein gp350 and the cellular protein CD21 to gain entry into mature peripheral T cells. CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of CD21 on the Jurkat T-cell line confirmed that CD21 is required for EBV infection. This study has broad implications, as we have defined a function for CD21 on mature peripheral T cells, i.e., as a receptor for EBV. In addition, the requirement for gp350 for T-cell entry has implications for EBV vaccine studies currently targeting the gp350 glycoprotein to prevent EBV-associated diseases.
Himalayan Nettle Girardinia diversifolia as a Candidate Ingredient for Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications—Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Bioassays

Girardinia diversifolia, also known as Himalayan nettle, is a perennial herb used in Nepal to make fiber as well as in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. To date, phytochemical studies and biological assays on this plant are scarce. Thus, in the present work, the G. diversifolia extracts have been evaluated for their potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical uses. For this purpose, detailed phytochemical analyses were performed, evidencing the presence of phytosterols, fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols and saponins. The most abundant secondary metabolites were β- and γ-sitosterol (11 and 9% dw, respectively), and trans syringin (0.5 mg/g) was the most abundant phenolic. Fatty acids with an abundant portion of unsaturated derivatives (linoleic and linolenic acid at 22.0 and 9.7 mg/g respectively), vitamin C (2.9 mg/g) and vitamin B2 (0.12 mg/g) were also present. The antioxidant activity was moderate while a significant ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrilcholinesterase (BuChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase was observed. A cytotoxic effect was observed on human ovarian, pancreatic and hepatic cancer cell lines. The effect in hepatocarcinoma cells was associated to a downregulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), a pivotal regulator of cellular cholesterol homeostasis. These data show the potential usefulness of this species for possible applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
Attending After-School Physical Activity Club 2 Days a Week Attenuated an Increase in Percentage Body Fat and a Decrease in Fitness Among Adolescent Girls at Risk for Obesity

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a 17-week intervention, including an after-school physical activity (PA) club 3 d/wk, on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), body mass index (BMI) z score, percentage body fat (%BF), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among fifth to eighth grade girls having a BMI z score ≥0, and explore whether intervention outcomes varied by club attendance (1 vs 2 vs 3 d/wk). Design: Secondary analysis of data from a group randomized controlled trial (N = 1519, 10- to 15-year-old girls: n = 753 intervention; n = 766 control). Setting: Twenty-four Midwestern US schools (n = 12 intervention; n = 12 control). Sample: Subsample (n = 1194 girls) from trial’s intervention (n = 593 girls) and control (n = 601 girls) groups having BMI z scores ≥0. Measures: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (min/h), BMI z score, %BF, and CRF ( V ˙ O 2max : mL/kg/min) were estimated at baseline and postintervention. Analysis: Linear mixed-effect models. Results: Intervention group gained less %BF (B = −0.35, P = .016), and their CRF decreased less (B = 0.22, P = .010) than the control. Marginally significant findings showed girls attending the club an average of 1 d/wk had greater increases in %BF (B = 0.33, P = .087) and MVPA (B = 0.20, P = .083) and a greater decrease in CRF (B = −0.20, P = .061) than girls attending 3 d/wk. No differences occurred between girls who attended 2 versus 3 d/wk for any outcomes. Conclusions: The intervention attenuated an increase in %BF and a decrease in CRF among girls at risk for obesity from baseline to postintervention. Offering the after-school PA club 2 d/wk may be adequate for achieving outcomes.
Changes ın occlusal surface area and occlusal force dıstrıbutıon followıng the wear of vacuum-formed, Hawley and Bonded retaıners: A controlled clınıcal trıal.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the changes in occlusal surface area (OSA) and occlusal force distribution (OFD) following the wear of Vacuum-Formed (VFR), Hawley (HR) and Bonded (BR) retainers, using T-Scan III. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 60 subjects using three different maxillary and mandibular orthodontic retainers, VFR (n:20), HR (n:20), and BR (n:20) were included in this study. The changes in OSA and OFD were evaluated using the T-Scan III. The evaluations were made two hours after debonding orthodontic appliances (T0) and in the 3rd (T1) and 6th (T2) months of the retention phase. RESULTS For left (LDA), right (RDA), and posterior dental arches (PDA), intragroup comparison of OSA showed significant increase in the VFR and HR groups at T1-T2 and T0-T2 time-intervals and in the BR group at T0-T1 and T0-T2 time-intervals. For the anterior dental arch (ADA), only the increase in the HR group at T0-T1 and T0-T2 time-intervals was found significant. When compared between the groups, the changes between HR and BR groups detected at T1-T2 time-interval for the RDA and at T0-T1 and T0-T2 time-intervals for the ADA were found significant. Intragroup comparison of OFD displayed significant changes only in the BR group. At T0-T1 time-interval the decrease in the ADA and the increase in the PDA were found significant. Also, intergroup OFD comparison exhibited significant differences between HR and BR groups at T0-T1 time-interval for ADA and PDA. CONCLUSION Although no significant differences were found between the VFR group, the increase in OSA occured faster in the PDA in the BR group, whereas in the ADA it was significant only in the HR group.