Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The secret life of the mitral valve

In secondary mitral regurgitation, the concept that the mitral valve (MV) is an innocent bystander, has been challenged by many studies in the last decades. The MV is a living structure with intrinsic plasticity that reacts to changes in stretch or in mechanical stress activating biohumoral mechanisms that have, as purpose, the adaptation of the valve to the new environment. If the adaptation is balanced, the leaflets increase both surface and length and the chordae tendineae lengthen: the result is a valve with different characteristics, but able to avoid or to limit the regurgitation. However, if the adaptation is unbalanced, the leaflets and the chords do not change their size, but become stiffer and rigid, with moderate or severe regurgitation. These changes are mediated mainly by a cytokine, the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), which is able to promote the changes that the MV needs to adapt to a new hemodynamic environment. In general, mild TGF‐β activation facilitates leaflet growth, excessive TGF‐β activation, as after myocardial infarction, results in profibrotic changes in the leaflets, with increased thickness and stiffness. The MV is then a plastic organism, that reacts to the external stimuli, trying to maintain its physiologic integrity. This review has the goal to unveil the secret life of the MV, to understand which stimuli can trigger its plasticity, and to explain why the equation “large heart = moderate/severe mitral regurgitation” and “small heart = no/mild mitral regurgitation” does not work into the clinical practice.
Removal of cesium from Savannah River Plant waste supernate

A process for separation and concentration of 137CS from Savannah River Plant waste supernate by using DuoZite ARC-3S9 cation exchange resin was demonstrated with b,oth synthetic and actual wastes. Tracer-level studies showed that DuoZite resin efficiently sorbed cesium from a solution with composition expected for the plant process and that the resin could be cycled (load-elute-regenerate) repeatedly without aamage. In column tests using actual waste supernates, >99.99% of the 137Cs was removed. Column through~ut was correlated with feed composition by an empirical model. 37Cs, eluted from the DuoZite columns, was sorbed on zeolite for final solidification in concrete or glass. The overall volume reduction factor from cesium-salt solution to cesium-zeolite product is about 1400. L1:nde AW-SOO zeolite sorbed cesium directly from waste salt solutions. Direct sorption is not recommended because 40 times more cesium-zeolite would be produced than by the DuoZite process.
Facial Nerve Dehiscence and Cholesteatoma: A Comparison between Decades.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the incidence of facial canal dehiscence (FCD) and other intraoperative findings over the last 20 years as well as correlation with the Japanese Otological Society/European Academy of Otology and Neurotology classification in patients with cholesteatoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 469 patients operated from 1998 to 2018 were selected and divided into 2 groups of 10 years each. RESULTS Dehiscence was significantly higher in patients with a history of pathology longer than 5 years (22.7%). Higher values were observed in revision surgery, 44.4% in the first period and 41.7% in the second. The tympanic segment was the one most frequently involved, affecting 92% of patients in the first period and 97% of patients in the second. Dehiscence occurred significantly more often in patients with a semicircular canal fistula, 14.8% in the first decade and 8.8% in the second. The incidence of FCD was significantly higher in patients with primary cholesteatoma (especially in those with combined pars tensa-flaccida) than in those with a secondary acquired one, 31.5% vs 7.4% in the first period, 21.1% vs 7.4% in the second, and in those with a stage III disease, 42% in the first period, 33.3% in the second. CONCLUSION Patients with a shorter history of cholesteatoma as well as those not previously operated had a lower incidence of FCD. The tympanic tract of the facial nerve remains the most frequent site of dehiscence, while the association between dehiscence and fistula of the semicircular canal remains strong. Patients with combined pars tensa-pars flaccida and stage III cholesteatoma have a higher incidence of FCD.
High-frequency Ultrasound Assessment of Systemic Sclerosis Skin Involvement: Intraobserver Repeatability and Relationship With Clinician Assessment and Dermal Collagen Content

Objective. The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) remains the preferred method for skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). There are concerns regarding high interobserver variability of mRSS and negative clinical trials utilizing mRSS as the primary endpoint. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) allows objective assessment of cutaneous fibrosis in SSc. We investigated the relationship between HFUS with both mRSS and dermal collagen. Methods. Skin thickness (ST), echogenicity, and novel shear wave elastography (SWE) were assessed in 53 patients with SSc and 15 healthy controls (HCs) at the finger, hand, forearm, and abdomen. The relationship between HFUS parameters with mRSS (n = 53) and dermal collagen (10 patients with SSc and 10 HCs) was investigated. Intraobserver repeatability of HFUS was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results. HFUS assessment of ST (hand/forearm) and SWE (finger/hand) correlated with local mRSS at some sites. Subclinical abnormalities in ST, echogenicity, and SWE were present in clinically uninvolved SSc skin. Additionally, changes in echogenicity and SWE were sometimes apparent despite objectively normal ST on HFUS. ST, SWE, and local mRSS correlated strongly with collagen quantification (r = 0.697, 0.709, 0.649, respectively). Intraobserver repeatability was high for all HFUS parameters (ICCs for ST = 0.946–0.978; echogenicity = 0.648–0.865; and SWE = 0.953–0.973). Conclusion. Our data demonstrate excellent reproducibility and reassuring convergent validity with dermal collagen content. Detection of subclinical abnormalities is an additional benefit of HFUS. The observed correlations with collagen quantification support further investigation of HFUS as an alternative to mRSS in clinical trial settings.
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for fertility preservation in women with breast cancer: Practical issues

In Korean women, a westernized lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Fertility preservation has become an increasingly important issue for women with breast cancer, in accordance with substantial improvements in survival rate after cancer treatment. The methods of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients have been modified to include aromatase inhibitors to reduce the potential harm associated with increased estradiol levels. Random-start COH and dual ovarian stimulation are feasible options to reduce the total duration of fertility preservation treatment and to efficiently collect oocytes or embryos. Using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist as a trigger may improve cycle outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing COH for fertility preservation. In young breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations, especially BRCA1 mutations, the possibility of diminished ovarian reserve may be considered, although further studies are necessary. Herein, we review the current literature on the practical issues surrounding COH for fertility preservation in women with breast cancer.
[Expression Levels of miRNA132 in Depression Patients and Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rats].

Objective To investigate the expression levels of miRNA132 in patients with the first-episode major depressive disorder(MDD) and in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)rats.Methods Forty-one first-episode MDD patients(MDD group)were recruited from the outpatient departments of Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital between March 2017 and May 2018,and 31 healthy volunteers(control group)were recruited.The patients' severity of symptoms was assessed with HAMD17.In addition,24 male SD rats were equally assigned into control group and CUMS group.The depression-like behaviors of rats was detected by sucrose preference test and forced swimming test.Plasma corticosterone levels of rats were assayed by ELISA.The expression levels of miRNA132 in the blood or prefrontal cortex were detected by quantitative real-time PCR.Results The expression level of miRNA132 in peripheral blood was significantly higher in MDD group(2.37±0.36)than in control group(1.34±0.16)(t=2.355,P=0.0213),and there was a positive correlation between miRNA132 levels and the HAMD17 score in MDD group(P=0.0004,rs=0.5303,n=41). The immobility time of CUMS group [(72.67±2.95)s] was significantly longer than that of control group [(40.00±5.49)s] in forced swim test(t=2.366,P=0.0395). The sucrose intake of CUMS group [(55.67±6.42)%] was significantly lower than that of control group [(98.21±1.28)%] in sucrose preference test(t=6.502,P<0.0001). The plasma corticosterone level in CUMS group [(1396.0±254.9)nmol/L] was significantly higher than that of control group [(557.3±158.4)nmol/L](t=2.795,P=0.0190). The miRNA132 levels in blood(2.32±0.88)and prefrontal cortex(2.80±0.76)of CUMS rats were significantly higher than those [1.18±0.36(t=2.273,P=0.0463)and 0.99±0.23(t=2.553,P=0.0287),respectively] of control group.Conclusions The expression trend of miRNA132 in peripheral blood is consistent between MDD patients and CUMS rats.In CUMS rats,the expression of miRNA132 in blood is also consistent with that in prefrontal cortex.The expression of miRNA132 in blood may reflect the change trend of miRNA132 expression in prefrontal cortex.
Multiomic analysis of cytokines in immuno-oncology

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cytokines are a diverse group of peptides produced by different cell types including cancer cells and various subpopulations of immune system cells. They exert their effects as cellular secreted mediators after binding to appropriate membrane receptors. Area covered: In this modern era of a multiomic approach to immuno-oncology this paper discusses the multiple roles of cytokines in oncology and our current understanding of the complex interactions between a tumor and host (in the so-called tumor microenvironment). Because of their pivotal role in biomedicine, we focus on critical comments about advantage between many techniques which are helping our understanding of the signal transduction process, gene activation, gene regulation and their clinical significance. Expert opinion: Integrated investigations based on a multiomic approach to the interactions between cells of the immune system and cancer, which focus at different cellular, molecular and nuclear levels, and involving proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and pharmacogenomics, are expected to lead to improved cancer diagnoses and treatment in the future.
Circumflex Nuclear Configurations in Yucatecan Spanish as a Supraregional Feature: The Roles of Bilingualism and Gender

In this paper, we study the nuclear configurations of declarative broad focus utterances in Yucatecan Spanish, a Mexican variety spoken in southeast Mexico in contact with Yucatec Maya, from a sociolinguistic perspective. We draw on a corpus of 276 utterances elicited from 16 speakers, eight Maya–Spanish bilinguals (four female/four male) and eight Spanish monolinguals (four female/four male). We particularly concentrate on the roles of bilingualism, gender, and their relationship to local (Hispanic) identity. Although the intonation of Yucatecan Spanish is known to be very different from Central Mexican Spanish, we find in our data a considerable number of contours that Martín Butragueño (2017) refers to as typical “Central Mexican circumflex intonation” (p. 153). What is more, this feature is distributed unevenly among speaker groups in our data. First of all, it is much more frequent in the bilingual than in the monolingual group. We suggest that this is due to the monolinguals’ higher degree of identification with the local Spanish language and culture (whereas the bilingual speakers are more oriented toward the Mayan language and culture and less toward the local Spanish ones; see Uth, 2018b). Secondly, as regards gender, there are many sociolinguistic works that suggest that women tend to be less oriented toward local vernaculars than men. Building on that, we argue that a greater decrease of the supraregional circumflex configuration within the monolingual male group than within the monolingual female is to be expected. However, this hypothesis is not confirmed by our data.
The use of cinnamon powder in the diet of Japanese laying quail

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of powder cinnamon in the diet of Japanese quails, regarding their performance and egg quality. A total of 360 quails, 18 weeks old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of 12 animals. The experimental period lasted 84 days. The treatments were the inclusion of 0; 3.0; 6.0; 9.0 and 12.0 g kg-1 of cinnamon powder in the diet. The performance and quality of eggs produced were evaluated. A sensorial analysis of the eggs was carried out to evaluate the color of the egg yolk, the taste of the egg and the purchase intention. There was no significant effect on the performance and egg quality variables, except for the specific gravity and color of the yolk, which increased linearly. The evaluators presented a higher intention to purchase eggs from the treatment with 6g kg-1 of cinnamon addition in the diet. We concluded that the inclusion of 12.0 g kg-1 of cinnamon powder in the diet for laying quail does not affect the performance and the taste of the eggs, nevertheless, this level of inclusion provides an improvement in the specific gravity and color of the yolk.
Gender Differences in Faculty Rank and Subspecialty Choice among Academic Medical Oncologists

Abstract Gender parity within academic oncology is important. We hypothesized that gender differences exist in subspecialty choice and academic rank among medical oncologists. We performed a cross-sectional study of adult medical oncologists at the top 15 cancer centers. Gender, rank, subspecialty (breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary) and board certification year were recorded. 570 medical oncologists were identified (60% men; 40% women). More women practice breast oncology (OR 3.1, p < 0.001), but less practice genitourinary oncology (OR 0.37, p < 0.001). 22% of women were full professors vs 34% of men (OR 0.55, p = 0.001). Gender differences persist in academic adult medical oncology.
The Vasomotor Response to Dopamine Is Altered in the Rat Model of l‐dopa‐Induced Dyskinesia

Levodopa (l‐dopa) is the frontline treatment for motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, prolonged use of l‐dopa results in a motor complication known as levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in ~50% of patients over 5 years.
Is it Beneficial to Treat Patients Presenting Three Weeks or Longer after the Onset of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

OBJECTIVES The accepted treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) consists of oral or intratympanic steroids. The time from onset to treatment is considered as an important prognostic factor, although there is no clear cutoff point when treatment is no longer beneficial. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of treatment with oral or intratympanic steroids and carbogen, in patients presenting 21 days or later after the onset of hearing loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 895 patients with ISSNHL was seen in our center between 2010 and 2018. The study cohort included 103 patients treated with oral or intratympanic steroids or both with carbogen 21 days or longer after experiencing hearing loss. Retrospective analysis of files and audiometry was conducted, and pre- and post-treatment audiograms were compared. Improvement was defined by SRT (≥15 dB improvement), discrimination (≥15% improvement), or 15 dB improvement at specific frequencies (250-500, 4000-6000 Hz). RESULTS Hearing improvement, according to the study definition, was seen in 22.3% (23/103) of patients within the time period of the treatment. All the 23 patients had functional hearing after treatment and 16 of them returned to their baseline or normal hearing. While the time from onset of ISSNHL to treatment varied, most patients demonstrating improvement were treated 21-30 days after onset. CONCLUSION In this patient cohort treated late for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), a small but significant number of patients improved during the time of treatment. Although the lack of a control group makes it difficult to prove that the improvement resulted from the treatment, we recommend not to rule out treatment systematically in patients presenting late after ISSNHL. Additional prospective studies are warranted.
Changes in residential greenness between pregnancies and birth outcomes: longitudinal evidence from Michigan births 1990-2012.

BACKGROUND Residential exposure to greenness is associated with better birth outcomes, but it remains unknown whether this is explained by maternal characteristics associated with both place of residence and birth outcomes. We examined whether changes in residential greenness are associated with preterm birth (PTB) and birthweight. METHODS We examined cross-sectional associations between maternal exposure to residential greenness [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] and PTB (<37 weeks of gestation) and birthweight in grams, using all births in Michigan (1990-2012) linked by mother (n = 1 730 424). We used maternal fixed effects analysis to estimate associations within mothers across multiple pregnancies and associations for mothers who did not move, but for whom greenness changed between pregnancies, to mimic an intervention. RESULTS Each 0.1-unit change in NDVI was associated with 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97, 0.99] times lower odds of PTB and a 9.0 (95% CI: 8.1, 9.9)-gram increase in birthweight after adjusting for individual and neighbourhood covariates. When we controlled for time-invariant maternal unmeasured confounders; these associations were close to null [odds ratio (OR): 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.01); β: -0.3 (95% CI: -2.0, 3.6)]. We did not find a relationship between greenness and birth outcomes among women who did not move between pregnancies, but for whom greenness changed within their residential location (as in an intervention). CONCLUSIONS Residential greenness does not predict birth outcomes, after controlling for time-invariant maternal characteristics, using longitudinal evidence. Future research should explore residential selection factors, spatial and individual heterogeneity and experimental study designs.
Effects of contemporary dance and physiotherapy intervention on balance and postural control in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Purpose To describe the effects of a contemporary dance program, combined with conventional physiotherapy, on postural control, satisfaction and adherence in mild-moderate Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods A withdrawal/reversion test with three intervention periods. Each period lasts for two months: physiotherapy, physiotherapy + dance and withdrawing dance and continuing with the physiotherapy sessions. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go test (TUG), Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Motor Control Test (MCT) and Rhythmic Weigh Shift (RWS) were assessed at T1 (baseline), T2 (post-physiotherapy treatment), T3 (post-physiotherapy and dance) and T4 (post-physiotherapy). A satisfaction questionnaire and adherence were registered. Results 27 patients (67.32 ± 6.14 yrs) completed the study. Statistical analysis revealed differences between T2-T3 (p = 0.027), T2-T4 (p = 0.029), T1-T3 (p = 0.010) and T1-T4 (p = 0.008) for BBS; and between T1-T2 (p = 0.037), T1-T3 (p = 0.005), T1-T4 (p = 0.004), T2-T3 (p = 0.022) and T2-T4 (p = 0.041) for TUG. Significant differences for CES (p < 0.001), VEST (p = 0.024) and strategy (p = 0.011) were observed, but not for MCT. Lateromedial velocity (p = 0.003) and anteroposterior velocity (p < 0.001) were significant for RWT. Patients showed a high level of satisfaction and adherence. Conclusions A short 8-weeks contemporary dance program plus combined physiotherapy shows benefits in functional mobility and balance, with a high degree of satisfaction and adherence in PD. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Contemporary dance, combined with physiotherapy, is a useful therapeutic tool to treat balance disorders and postural control in people with PD. A short 8-weeks contemporary dance program plus combined physiotherapy shows high satisfaction in people with PD. Contemporary dance, combined with physiotherapy, shows high adherence in people with mild-moderate PD to treat postural control.
Social Anxiety Symptoms and Quality of Life of Secondary School Students of Abha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Interest in social anxiety disorder has grown substantially over the past few decades. Most of the available data from United States and European countries emphasized its high prevalence, comorbidity and morbidity and its association with occupational, educational, social affairs, stress, depression and substance use disorder contributing to poor quality of life. Present study was aimed to assess the social anxiety symptoms and to explore its impact on quality of life of secondary school students. Present study included male (n = 200) and female (n = 200) students enrolled at government secondary schools, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Arabic version of Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL) were implemented to assess the social anxiety symptoms and quality of life of the students. Results revealed that 45% of the students showed social anxiety symptoms. Associated factors were younger age, chronic diseases, parent’s status, parent’s occupation and income. Quality of life was found significantly lower in students with social anxiety symptoms as compared to the students without symptoms. We suggest that the school health program should include routine screening of students for social anxiety disorder. Students diagnosed with social anxiety symptoms should be promptly managed and their quality of life should be improved.