Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body Composition, Physical Function and Exercise Capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Current literature yields unequivocal results regarding the effect of body composition on physical function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and disproportionately includes a majority of males. The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific body composition measures are significantly associated with physical function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with equal representation of males and females. Independent variables included sex, total body mass, total body lean and fat mass, appendicular total mass, and appendicular lean and fat mass. Dependent variables included peak oxygen consumption, 6-minute walk distance and self-reported physical function. Patients (n = 170) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data, 6-minute walk distance, and self-reported physical function were used for these analyses. A sub-set of 145 of these patients with peak oxygen consumption data were also analysed. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine if sex and body composition measures correlated with physical function and exercise capacity and if they explained additional variance after controlling for disease severity. After controlling for disease severity, appendicular lean mass, total body fat mass, and sex explained an additional 16.5% of the variance in peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). Appendicular lean mass explained an additional 8.9% of the variance in 6-minute walk distance (p < 0.001) and an additional 2.5% of the variance in self-reported physical function (p = 0.057). Body composition measures may further predict exercise capacity, 6-minute walk distance, and self-reported physical function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Use of Polynomial Reference Ranges for Atrioventricular Intervals Assessed by Fetal Echocardiography in Anti-Ro/SSA Antibody-Positive Pregnancies to Exclude Fetal Heart Blocks: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Maternal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies can cause fetal atrioventricular blocks (AVB). This pilot study aims to apply previously published echocardiographic reference ranges of the fetal atrioventricular (AV) intervals in the setting of anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive pregnancies in order to exclude a 1° AVB. Materials and Methods: Between January 2018 and September 2022, we included all women with known anti-Ro/SSA antibodies followed up at the prenatal ultrasound department of the University Hospital of Bern. AV intervals were serially measured by two previously reported methods and plotted against previously created reference ranges. Results: We included 23 pregnancies from 17 anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive women with connective tissue diseases. 443 AV interval measurements were recorded between 16+3 and 38+4 weeks of gestation. 14 (3.2%) AV-intervals measured >150 ms, none measured >170 ms and 8 (1.8%) were found to be >95th percentile. In none of the pregnancies, serial AV-prolongations were noted. The postnatal electrocardiograms demonstrated normal sinus rhythm without AVB in all children. Conclusion: AV intervals of pregnancies followed up for anti-Ro/SSA antibodies without neonatal AVB lie within our published polynomial reference ranges. While diagnosing a 1° AVB remains controversial, more data are needed to prove that our reference ranges are helpful exclude a 1° AVB.
Hidden consequences: Uncovering belimumab’s role in the development of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a lupus patient

Introduction Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungal organism that can cause fatal pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. It is a disease associated with CD4+ T cell depletion or high-dose steroids. However, there is increasing evidence that B cell dysfunction may also play a role in this illness. Case Report A 33-year-old female with SLE, who was maintained on belimumab and low-dose prednisone (2.5 mg daily), presented with progressive cough and shortness of breath. She had been on monthly belimumab and prednisone 2.5 mg daily for 19 months, and her CD4 count was >200/uL, but her CD19+ B cell was <1% due to the belimumab. She developed a persistent cough and progressive dyspnea that did not respond to empiric antibiotic therapy for pneumonia. She went to the hospital for acute worsening of her dyspnea and cough. An extensive workup was performed, including a VATS procedure and surgical biopsy, which gave a definitive diagnosis of PJP. The patient was treated and discharged on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. She made a complete recovery. Discussion Our report demonstrates the first confirmed case of pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a patient with B cell depletion due to chronic maintenance therapy with belimumab. Our patient’s diagnosis of PJP was unexpected, given her normal CD4+ count and the use of such a low dose of prednisone. We attribute her susceptibility to PJP infection to her profound B cell depletion in response to her belimumab therapy, supporting previous research indicating the importance of CD4+ T cells and B cells in the protective immune response against PJP. This case may help shape future clinical guidelines concerning PJP prophylaxis, particularly in SLE patients with deficient B lymphocytic activity and B cell depletion.
A discrete, stochastic model of colonial phytoplankton population size structure: Development and application to in situ imaging‐in‐flow cytometer observations of Dinobryon

The scientific community lacks models for the dynamic changes in population size structure that occur in colonial phytoplankton. This is surprising, as size is a key trait affecting many aspects of phytoplankton ecology, and colonial forms are very common. We aim to fill this gap with a new discrete, stochastic model of dynamic changes in phytoplankton colonies' population size structure. We use the colonial phytoplankton Dinobryon as a proof‐of‐concept organism. The model includes four stochastic functions—division, stomatocyst production, colony breakage, and colony loss—to determine Dinobryon population size structure and populations counts. Although the functions presented here are tailored to Dinobryon, the model is readily adaptable to represent other colonial taxa. We demonstrate how fitting our model to in situ observations of colony population size structure can provide a powerful approach to explore colony size dynamics. Here, we have (1) collected high‐frequency in situ observations of Dinobryon in Lac (Lake) Montjoie (Quebec, Canada) in 2013 with a moored Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) and (2) fit the model to those observations with a genetic algorithm solver that extracts parameter estimates for each of the four stochastic functions. As an example of the power of this model‐data integration, we also highlight ecological insights into Dinobryon colony size and stomatocyst production. The Dinobryon population was enriched in larger, flagellate‐rich colonies near bloom initiation and shifted to smaller and emptier colonies toward bloom decline.
Independent effects of posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis and metabolic syndrome status on prefrontal cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volumes

Abstract Introduction Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with overlapping brain structural differences. These often involve brain structures involved in the regulation of appetite, food intake, satiety, and reward processing. We examined the individual and interactive effects of PTSD diagnosis and MetS on cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volumes in patients with PTSD (n = 104) compared to trauma-exposed controls (n = 97). Methods Multivariate models were constructed for FreeSurfer-generated prefrontal cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter regions-of-interest (ROIs) to explore the effects of PTSD diagnosis and MetS as predictors, adjusting for relevant socio-demographic and clinical covariates. Individual prefrontal cortical and subcortical limbic ROIs were also selected based on a priori evidence of their involvement in both PTSD and MetS. Results The mean age of the sample (n = 201; 78% female) was 41.6 (SD, 13.1) years. PTSD and MetS status showed independent associations with prefrontal cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volumes across multiple ROIs, adjusting for age, sex, scanner sequence, alcohol, and tobacco use. Conclusions PTSD and MetS are independently associated with brain structural differences, including thinner prefrontal cortical thickness and smaller subcortical gray matter volumes, across multiple ROIs implicated in the hedonic and homeostatic regulation of food intake.
A Reinvestigation of Multiple Independent Evolution and Triassic–Jurassic Origins of Multicellular Volvocine Algae

Abstract The evolution of multicellular organisms is considered to be a major evolutionary transition, profoundly affecting the ecology and evolution of nearly all life on earth. The volvocine algae, a unique clade of chlorophytes with diverse cell morphology, provide an appealing model for investigating the evolution of multicellularity and development. However, the phylogenetic relationship and timescale of the volvocine algae are not fully resolved. Here, we use extensive taxon and gene sampling to reconstruct the phylogeny of the volvocine algae. Our results support that the colonial volvocine algae are not monophyletic group and multicellularity independently evolve at least twice in the volvocine algae, once in Tetrabaenaceae and another in the Goniaceae + Volvocaceae. The simulation analyses suggest that incomplete lineage sorting is a major factor for the tree topology discrepancy, which imply that the multispecies coalescent model better fits the data used in this study. The coalescent-based species tree supports that the Goniaceae is monophyletic and Crucicarteria is the earliest diverging lineage, followed by Hafniomonas and Radicarteria within the Volvocales. By considering the multiple uncertainties in divergence time estimation, the dating analyses indicate that the volvocine algae occurred during the Cryogenian to Ediacaran (696.6–551.1 Ma) and multicellularity in the volvocine algae originated from the Triassic to Jurassic. Our phylogeny and timeline provide an evolutionary framework for studying the evolution of key traits and the origin of multicellularity in the volvocine algae.
The challenging role of micro-RNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children with obesity: is it time for a new era?

ABSTRACT Introduction As the pediatric obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in childhood. Pediatric NAFLD pathophysiology is tangled and still unclear, but insulin resistance (IR), genetics, epigenetics, oxidative stress, and inflammation act as key players. Due to the increased cardiometabolic risk of these patients, several biomarkers have been proposed for early NAFLD identification, but their clinical utility is poor. Recently, hepatic dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been linked to metabolic dysfunction, which in turn implied in NAFLD development. Evidence on the intriguing role of miRNAs in NAFLD pathogenesis has emerging especially in at-risk children such as those with obesity. However, pediatric evidence supporting their potential use as early noninvasive NAFLD tools is still limited but promising. Areas covered We provided an overview on the emerging role of miRNAs in pediatric NAFLD by addressing some issues regarding their pathophysiological link with the metabolic milieu and their role as reliable NAFLD markers in children with obesity. Expert opinion Strong evidence supports a potential role of miRNAs as early biomarkers of NAFLD in children with obesity. They might represent a valid diagnostic and targeted therapeutic tool due to its close pathogenic link with the metabolic milieu.
The Glasgow Prognostic Score Predicts Survival Outcomes in Patients with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) is an inflammation-related score based on C-reactive protein and albumin concentrations. Few studies have assessed the correlation between the GPS and the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the utility of the GPS in predicting the survival outcomes of patients with ES-SCLC. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients with ES-SCLC who had undergone chemotherapy between February 2008 and November 2021. GPS values were evaluated before the initiation of first-line chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: The GPS values of the 113 patients were zero (54 patients, 48%), 1 (37 patients, 33%), and 2 (22 patients, 19%). The median follow-up duration was 10.7 months. Median PFS was 6.2, 5.6, and 3.8 months in the GPS 0, 1, and 2 groups, respectively, suggesting that the GPS zero group had a significantly more favorable PFS than the GPS 2 group (p < 0.001). Median OS was 17.1, 9.4, and 5.6 months in the GPS 0, 1, and 2 groups, respectively, suggesting that the GPS zero group had a significantly more favorable OS than the GPS 2 group (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a GPS of 2 independently predicted unfavorable PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68–4.88; p < 0.001) and OS (HR, 3.49 [95% CI: 1.83–6.63], p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study’s findings suggest that the GPS can predict the survival outcomes of patients with ES-SCLC who have undergone chemotherapy. The GPS is an easy-to-calculate biomarker and would be ideal for routine use in clinical settings.
Immunohistological study of the unexplored vomeronasal organ of an endangered mammal, the dama gazelle (Nanger dama)

Dama gazelle is a threatened and rarely studied species found primarily in northern Africa. Human pressure has depleted the dama gazelle population from tens of thousands to a few hundred individuals. Since 1970, a founder population consisting of the last 17 surviving individuals in Western Sahara has been maintained in captivity, reproducing naturally. In preparation for the future implementation of assisted reproductive technology, certain aspects of dama gazelle reproductive biology have been established. However, the role played by semiochemical‐mediated communications in the sexual behavior of dama gazelle remains unknown due partially to a lack of a neuroanatomical or morphofunctional characterization of the dama gazelle vomeronasal organ (VNO), which is the sensory organ responsible for pheromone processing. The present study characterized the dama gazelle VNO, which appears fully equipped to perform neurosensory functions, contributing to current understanding of interspecies VNO variability among ruminants. By employing histological, lectin‐histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques, we conducted a detailed morphofunctional evaluation of the dama gazelle VNO along its entire longitudinal axis. Our findings of significant structural and neurochemical transformation along the entire VNO suggest that future studies of the VNO should take a similar approach. The present study contributes to current understanding of dama gazelle VNO, providing a basis for future studies of semiochemical‐mediated communications and reproductive management in this species.
Pattern of lip retraction according to the presence of lip incompetence in patients with Class II malocclusion

Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to compare changes in hard tissue and soft tissue after the four first premolars were extracted with anterior teeth retraction according to the presence or absence of lip incompetence. Methods Patients who underwent the four first premolars were extracted with anterior teeth retraction were divided into competent (n = 20) and incompetent lip (n = 20) groups. Cephalometric measurements for hard tissue and soft tissue changes were performed pre-treatment and post-treatment. Results In the competent group, the upper and lower lips retreated by 2.88 mm and 4.28 mm, respectively, and in the incompetent group by 4.13 mm and 5.57 mm, respectively; the differences between the two groups were significant (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation between retraction of the upper lip and upper incisors was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), whereas a correlation between retraction of the lower lip and lower incisors was only found in the incompetent group. A simple linear regression analysis showed that the pattern of lip retraction following the retraction of the anterior teeth was more predictable in the incompetent group than in the competent group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the initial evaluation of lip incompetence in patients with skeletal Class II is essential for the accurate prediction of the soft tissue changes following retraction of the anterior teeth in premolar extraction treatment. Therefore, sufficient explanation should be provided during patient consultations.
Anti‐tumor and cardiotoxic effects of microtubule polymerization inhibitors: The mechanisms and management strategies

Microtubule polymerization inhibitors (MPIs) have long been used as anticancer agents because they inhibit mitosis. Microtubules are thought to play an important role in the migration of tumor cells and the formation of tumor blood vessels, and new MPIs are being developed. Many clinical trials of novel MPIs have been conducted in humans, while some clinical studies in dogs have also been reported. More attempts to apply MPIs not only in humans but also in the veterinary field are expected to be made in the future. Meanwhile, MPIs have a risk of cardiotoxicity. In this paper, we review findings on the pharmacological effects and cardiotoxicity of MPIs, as well as the mechanisms of their cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity of MPIs involves not only the direct effects of MPIs on cardiomyocytes but also their effects on vascular function. For example, hypertension induced by impaired vascular function also contributes to the exacerbation of myocardial damage, and blood pressure control may be useful in reducing cardiotoxicity. By combined administration of MPIs and other anticancer agents, MPI efficacy may be enhanced, thereby potentially allowing to keep MPI dosage low. Measurement of myocardial injury markers in blood and echocardiography may be useful for monitoring cardiotoxicity. In particular, two‐dimensional speckle tracking may have high sensitivity for the early detection of MPI‐induced cardiac dysfunction. The exploration of the potential of new MPIs while understanding their toxicity and how to deal with them will lead to the further development of cancer chemotherapy.
Predicting narcissistic personality traits from brain and psychological features: A supervised machine learning approach

ABSTRACT Narcissism is a multifaceted construct often linked to pathological conditions whose neural correlates are still poorly understood. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings related to the neural underpinnings of narcissism, probably due to methodological limitations such as the low number of participants or the use of mass univariate methods. The present study aimed to overcome the previous methodological limitations and to build a predictive model of narcissistic traits based on neural and psychological features. In this respect, two machine learning-based methods (Kernel Ridge Regression and Support Vector Regression) were used to predict narcissistic traits from brain structural organization and from other relevant normal and abnormal personality features. Results showed that a circuit including the lateral and middle frontal gyri, the angular gyrus, Rolandic operculum, and Heschl’s gyrus successfully predicted narcissistic personality traits (p < 0.003). Moreover, narcissistic traits were predicted by normal (openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) and abnormal (borderline, antisocial, insecure, addicted, negativistic, machiavellianism) personality traits. This study is the first to predict narcissistic personality traits via a supervised machine learning approach. As such, these results may expand the possibility of deriving personality traits from neural and psychological features.
New boundaries for fertility sparing management in endometrial cancer

Purpose of review The increasing rates of endometrial cancer in premenopausal women that accompanies modern lifestyle options that enhance the prevalence of obesity as well as the trend of delayed childbearing are expected to increase the need for fertility sparing techniques. Currently, the cornerstone of fertility sparing treatment is hormonal handling with progestin treatment and is reserved for women with well differentiated endometrioid lesions that are limited in the myometrial layer. Recent findings Innovative approaches in the surgical treatment of patients with the use of operative hysteroscopy seem to offer decreased intervals to remission of lesions and longer progression free survival. Recent small case series also dictate that patients with endometrioid lesions of medium differentiation as well as those with superficial myometrial invasion may be adequately treated with the use of operative hysteroscopy. Moreover, the novel classification system may help better understand patients that will likely respond better to hormonal treatment. Summary In the near future, further data from clinical trials will be available that will help optimize patient selection as well select surgical and medical options that will help establish a personalized approach of fertility preservation in endometrial cancer patients.
Childhood undernutrition in North Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

ABSTRACT Background Undernutrition remains a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries. Objective Our aim for this study was to identify the factors contributing to undernutrition in children under five years old in North Africa. Methods We searched five electronic bibliographic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), ProQuest, and CINAHL) for eligible observational studies published after 2006. STATA version 17 software was used to calculate the odds ratios between associated factors and indicators of undernutrition, with 95% confidence intervals. For each factor, the overall odds were pooled using a forest plot. Due to the significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 > 50%), a random-effects model was used, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the effect of outliers. Results Out of 1093 initially identified studies, 14 met the selection criteria. Our meta-analysis revealed that uneducated mothers were the most common factor associated with undernutrition in North African children. Children aged 0–23 months were significantly associated with stunting (odds ratios (OR) = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.18; 1.37) and wasting (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.42; 1.99). Children living in rural areas were also at higher odds of being stunted (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.64; 1.84) and underweight (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.35; 1.88). These analyses also indicated that a lower wealth index, mothers’ nutritional health, uneducated fathers, and low birth weight were other factors significantly associated with stunting. Conclusion Addressing undernutrition in Northern Africa requires a multidisciplinary approach prioritising mothers and young children, especially families in underprivileged areas.