Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a mechanistic study of mindfulness based cognitive therapy during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE Preventive interventions for postpartum depression (PPD) are critical for women at elevated risk of PPD. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy - perinatal depression (MBCT-PD) is a preventive intervention that has been shown to reduce risk for PPD in women with a prior history of depression. The objective of this clinical trial is to examine two potential mechanisms of action of MBCT-PD, emotion regulation and cognitive control, using behavioral and neuroimaging methods. METHOD This baseline protocol describes a randomized control trial (RCT) with two arms, MBCT-PD and treatment as usual (TAU). We plan on enrolling 74 females with a prior history of a major depressive episode, with 37 participants randomized to each arm. Participants in the MBCT-PD arm will receive MBCT-PD during pregnancy, and the TAU group will receive standard prenatal care. All participants will complete the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale - Revised (CESD-R), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and classic Stroop task at multiple points from pregnancy through six months postpartum. Participants will also complete an fMRI scan at six weeks postpartum. RESULTS All primary outcomes are collected at six weeks postpartum. Primary behavioral outcomes include: depressive symptoms on the CESD-R, cognitive reappraisal on the ERQ, and Stroop task performance. In parallel, the primary neurobiological outcomes include whole-brain activation during fMRI tasks when participants 1) regulate emotional responding and 2) engage cognitive control. CONCLUSIONS This results of this innovative RCT will help identify potential behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of action of preventive interventions for PPD for in-depth examination in larger scale RCTs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Regulatory T Cell Stability and Migration Are Dependent on mTOR

Key Points Mice with mTOR-deficient Treg develop a spontaneous severe autoimmune disease. mTOR expression is critical for Treg migration into nonlymphoid tissues. mTOR-deficient Treg have reduced stability. CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential to maintain immune tolerance, as their loss leads to a fatal autoimmune syndrome in mice and humans. Conflicting findings have been reported concerning their metabolism. Some reports found that Treg have low mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and would be less dependent on this kinase compared with conventional T cells, whereas other reports suggest quite the opposite. In this study, we revisited this question by using mice that have a specific deletion of mTOR in Treg. These mice spontaneously develop a severe and systemic inflammation. We show that mTOR expression by Treg is critical for their differentiation into effector Treg and their migration into nonlymphoid tissues. We also reveal that mTOR-deficient Treg have reduced stability. This loss of Foxp3 expression is associated with partial Foxp3 DNA remethylation, which may be due to an increased activity of the glutaminolysis pathway. Thus, our work shows that mTOR is crucial for Treg differentiation, migration, and identity and that drugs targeting this metabolism pathway will impact on their biology.
Comparison of Long-term Outcomes of Infliximab versus Adalimumab in 1,488 Biologic-Naive Korean Patients with Crohn’s Disease

Background/Aims Data on the comparative effectiveness of infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab (ADA) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) are rare, particularly for Asian patients. We compared the key clinical outcomes (surgery, hospitalization, and corticosteroid use) of use of these two drugs in biologic-naive Korean patients with CD. Methods Using National Health Insurance claims, we collected data on patients who were diagnosed with CD and exposed to IFX or ADA between 2010 and 2016. Results We included 1,488 new users of biologics (1,000 IFX users and 488 ADA users). Over a median follow-up period of 2.1 years after starting biological therapy, no significant differences were found between IFX and ADA users in the risks for surgery (ADA vs IFX adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 1.84), hospitalization (aHR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.28), and corticosteroid use (aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.19). These results were unchanged even when only patients who used biologics for over 6 months were analyzed (aHR [95% CI] surgery, 1.31 [0.82 to 2.11]; hospitalization, 1.02 [0.80 to 1.30]; corticosteroid use, 0.80 [0.54 to 1.18]). Additionally, these results were unchanged in patients treated with biologics as monotherapy or in combination with immunomodulators. Conclusions In this nationwide population-based study, no significant difference was found in the long-term effectiveness of IFX and ADA in the real-world setting of biologic-naive Korean patients with CD. In the absence of trials to directly compare IFX and ADA, our study indicates that the selection of one of these two biologics can be determined by patient and/or physician preference.
Antiviral therapy for the sexually transmitted viruses: recent updates on vaccine development

ABSTRACT Introduction The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses including human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), human simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are major public health issues. These infections can cause cancer or result in long-term health problems. Due to high prevalence of STIs, a safe and effective vaccine is required to overcome these fatal viruses. Areas covered This review includes a comprehensive overview of the literatures relevant to vaccine development against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) using PubMed and Sciencedirect electronic search engines. Herein, we discuss the efforts directed toward development of effective vaccines using different laboratory animal models including mice, guinea pig or non-human primates in preclinical trials, and human in clinical trials with different phases. Expert opinion There is no effective FDA approved vaccine against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) except for HBV and HPV as prophylactic vaccines. Many attempts are underway to develop vaccines against these viruses. There are several approaches for improving prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines such as heterologous prime/boost immunization, delivery system, administration route, adjuvants, etc. In this line, further studies can be helpful for understanding the immunobiology of STVs in human. Moreover, development of more relevant animal models is a worthy goal to induce effective immune responses in humans.
Choosing fast and simply: Construction of preferences by starlings through parallel option valuation

The integration of normative and descriptive analyses of decision processes in humans struggles with the fact that measuring preferences by different procedures yields different rankings and that humans appear irrationally impulsive (namely, show maladaptive preference for immediacy). Failure of procedure invariance has led to the widespread hypothesis that preferences are constructed “on the spot” by cognitive evaluations performed at choice time, implying that choices should take extra time in order to perform the necessary comparisons. We examine this issue in experiments with starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and show that integrating normative and descriptive arguments is possible and may help reinterpreting human decision results. Our main findings are that (1) ranking alternatives through direct rating (response time) accurately predicts preference in choice, overcoming failures of procedure invariance; (2) preference is not constructed at choice time nor does it involve extra time (we show that the opposite is true); and (3) starlings’ choices are not irrationally impulsive but are instead directly interpretable in terms of profitability ranking. Like all nonhuman research, our protocols examine decisions by experience rather than by description, and hence support the conjecture that irrationalities that prevail in research with humans may not be observed in decisions by experience protocols.
Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury Screening

The study examined rates of possible brain injury among survivors of intimate partner violence. Of the 171 women screened, 91% indicated they had been hit in the head or strangled, and 31% reported it happened more than six times in their life. Only 35% of women who were hit in the head or strangled received medical treatment, and 64% reported losing consciousness or experienced a period of being dazed and confused. Organizations serving intimate partner violence survivors should routinely screen survivors for brain injury so they can obtain timely referrals for neurorehabilitation services to improve their quality of life.
The long‐term effects of prolonged intensive care stay postcardiac surgery

Short‐term outcomes for those with a prolonged length of stay (LOS) in intensive care (ITU) following cardiac surgery are poor, with higher rates of in‐hospital mortality and morbidity. Consequently, discharge from hospital has been considered the key measure of success. However, there has been a shift towards long‐term outcomes, functional recovery and quality of life (QoL) as measures of surgical quality. The aim of this review is to compare and critique the findings of multiple studies to determine the long‐term effects of prolonged ITU stay postcardiac surgery.
DNA barcode markers applied to seafood authentication: an updated review

Abstract The world’s seafood supply and trade have increased in the last decades, as well as the potential for marketed species substitution. Currently, seafood safety and authenticity assessment have become central issues, directly related with the identification of improper labeling of processed foods. To detect and prevent mislabeling issues, species identification using DNA barcodes has been widely used as effective molecular markers. Therefore, this review intends to present the current status on the application of DNA barcodes to seafood species authentication. In this regard, the barcode regions, reference databases and related methodologies are described, while applications are listed and summarized. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been the preferential targeted DNA region in animal species identification, including fish and shellfish, though other mitochondrial (cytb, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA) and nuclear genes have been used. DNA barcoding relying on Sanger’s sequencing has been the most used approach for seafood authentication. Nevertheless, in recent years, noteworthy progresses have been advanced toward DNA barcoding strategies, involving next generation sequencing. Methods relying on real-time PCR using species-specific primers and probes or followed by high resolution melting analysis combined with DNA barcodes represent alternative and promising approaches for simple, cost-effective and high-throughput species discrimination in processed seafood. Still, polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism detection, targeting DNA barcodes, continues to be a well-established and broadly accepted method in seafood authentication.
The effect of continuous diffusion of oxygen treatment on cytokines, perfusion, bacterial load, and healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

To evaluate continuous diffusion of oxygen therapy (CDO) on cytokines, perfusion, and bacterial load in diabetic foot ulcers we evaluated 23 patients for 3 weeks. Tissues biopsies were obtained at each visit to evaluate cytokines and quantitative bacterial cultures. Perfusion was measured with hyperspectral imaging and transcutaneous oxygen. We used paired T tests to compare continuous variables and independent T tests to compare healers and nonhealers. There was an increase from baseline to week 1 in TGF‐β (P = .008), TNF‐α (P = .014), VEGF (P = .008), PDGF (P = .087), and IGF‐1 (P = .058); baseline to week 2 in TGF‐β (P = .010), VEGF (P = .051), and IL‐6 (P = .031); and baseline to week 3 with TGF‐β (P = .055) and IL‐6 (P = .054). There was a significant increase in transcutaneous oxygen after 1 week of treatment on both medial and lateral foot (P = .086 and .025). Fifty‐three percent of the patients had at least a 50% wound area reduction (healers). At baseline, there were no differences in cytokines between healers and nonhealers. However, there was an increase in CXCL8 after 1 week of treatment (P = .080) and IL‐6 after 3 weeks of treatment in nonhealers (P = .099). There were no differences in quantitative cultures in healers and nonhealers.
Do Container Volume, Site Preparation, and Field Fertilization Affect Restoration Potential of Wyoming Big Sagebrush?

ABSTRACT: Land management practices, invasive species expansion, and changes in the fire regime greatly impact the distribution of native plants in natural areas. Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), a keystone species in the Great Basin, has seen a 50% reduction in its distribution. For many dryland species, reestablishment efforts have focused on direct seeding but achieved only minor success due to irregular seed germination and poor survival. We investigated the effects of container volume and fertilization on the performance of nursery-grown Wyoming big sagebrush seedlings following outplanting. Additionally, to evaluate the impact of site preparation, one-year-old seedlings were outplanted into tilled and untilled field conditions. Initial seedling size increased with container volume; larger seedlings exhibited significantly higher root collar diameter (RCD) growth than smaller seedlings. As container volume increased from 108 to 251 and 336 cm3, seedling survival on the tilled plot increased from 28 to 44 and 43%, respectively, whereas no influence was observed on the untilled plot (57 to 61, and 60%, respectively). Fertilization reduced seedling survival on tilled (by 25%) and untilled (by 14%) plots. Fertilizer increased RCD growth on the untilled plot but final nutrient status was unaffected. Thus, container volume may influence seedling morphology and optimize establishment, while field fertilization, especially during spring outplanting when planting sites have low moisture availability, may hinder first-year survival.
The World's Water, 2000-2001: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources

Review: The World's Water, 2000-2001: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources By Peter H. Gleick Reviewed by Ryder W. Miller San Francisco, USA Peter H. Gleick. The World's Water 2000-2001: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2000. 335p. ISBN 1- 55963-792-7 (trade paper). US$32.00 Water, which is becoming more and more of a precious substance, is easily wasted when landlords don't get around to fixing leaky faucets, while letting the water run so the shower will be hot, while overflushing the toilet, while running the water enough so the tap water will be cold and drinkable . In some parts of America we don't need to worry about water, but in other parts of this country and around the world, water is in short supply. In this second report in the series, Peter Gleick reminds us that, though not usually addressed directly by UN declarations, water is essential enough to fall under the purview of our human rights. Gleick is adept at showing the disparity around the world for access to this resource. The work also instills an appreciation for how precious clean, fresh water is, and how it is integrally related to human health and food production. The disparities of access to fresh water around the world are startling: more than 1 billion people in the developing world do not have safe drinking water, and nearly 3 billion people live without access to adequate sanitation systems necessary for reducing exposure to water related diseases (p. 1). Useable, fresh water is only a tiny fraction of the world's water, with 97% of the world's water found in the ocean, and the majority of the remaining fresh water being found in the ice caps. Fresh groundwater comprises only 0.76% of the world's water, and rivers only 0.0002%. The World's Water 2000-2001 serves as an excellent resource and reference for anyone interested in ascertaining the freshwater resource situation around the world. But the science is imperfect with different researchers coming to different conclusions, and they make different projections about the water that is presently available and will be available in the future. Gleick has built upon the research that has been done and relays his own figures. Though we should not forget about the disparity of access to water around the world, nor should we stop worrying if there will be enough water to grow all the food we need for the burgeoning world population, there are some
SNAI1 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in gastrointestinal cancers

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes play an important role in immunosuppression. However, the correlations of EMT-related genes to prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in different cancers remain unclear. TCGA, GEO databases were used to analyze the expression, prognosis, and immune infiltration of EMT markers in cancer. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot were used to analysis the expression and prognosis of SNAI1 in gastrointestinal cancers. High SNAI1 expression was closely related with poorer overall survival in gastrointestinal cancers in TCGA cohort. High SNAI1 expression was closely related with poorer overall survival in gastrointestinal cancers, and was validated in GEO database. Simultaneously, high expression of SNAI1 correlates with clinical relevance of gastric cancer. Moreover, SNAI1 expression was associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot showed SNAI1 expression was higher in gastrointestinal cancers compared to the normal tissues. Finally, high SNAI1 expression was closely related with poorer overall survival and correlates with clinical relevance of gastrointestinal cancers in an independent validation cohort. In summary, the results approaches to suggest that SNAI1 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in gastrointestinal cancers.
Efficacy of Single Fixed Dose of Radioiodine (I 131) Therapy in Patients Treated for Hyperthyroidism at Nuclear Medicine Department of Groote Schuur Hospital(GSH).

BACKGROUND Failure of radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) in patients with hyperthyroidism is not uncommon. A Second dose is usually needed if the first one failed. The purpose of this audit was to determine the efficacy of RAI in patients with hyperthyroidism at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH). METHODS This was a retrospective study. A single observer reviewed the records of all patients who received I131 therapy for hyperthyroidism between 23rd April, 2010 and 23rd November, 2017 in conjunction with their pre- and post-treatment thyroid function tests. Results of their thyroid ultrasound were retrieved and documented. The images of their Tc99m sodium per-technetate thyroid scans were also retrieved and reprocessed. Cure was determined by three consecutive thyroid function tests by euthyroid or hypothyroid status 6 months after therapy. RESULTS Of the 353 patients with complete records, 310 (88%) of our patients were females and 43 (12%) were male patients. Majority (200 patients) of the patients were older than 45 years of age, 148 patients were between 15 to 45 years and 5 patients were 5 years and below. 314 patients (89%) achieved cure at some stage after receiving one dose of RAI; 239(76%) achieved cure < 6 months of therapy and 75(24%) patients after 6 months. Patients who failed to achieve cure following the first RAI therapy appeared to be younger (median(interquartile range) age 39(16), p=0.03), had severe hyperthyroidism as demonstrated by higher pre-treatment FT4 (median(interquartile range) 27 pmol/L(30.6), p= 0.05) and high pertechnetate uptake (median(interquartile range) uptake 9.9%(14), p= 0.002) on thyroid scintigraphy. CONCLUSION Our audit showed cure rate was 68% at 6 month and 89% at a year. A second dose was indicated in 32% of patients. Patients presenting with severe thyrotoxicity are likely to require more than one RAI therapy. Further researches are suggested to find out if pre-treatment with antithyroid drugs would influence efficacy of RAI in patients with severe thyrotoxicity and would a one year follow up after radioiodine therapy be considered before second RAI.
Revascularization‐first strategy in acute aortic dissection with mesenteric malperfusion

Mesenteric malperfusion is a complication with a higher risk of in‐hospital mortality because diagnosing mesenteric ischemia before necrotic change is difficult, and when it occurs, the patient's condition has worsened. Although it contradicts the previous consensus on central repair‐first strategy, the revascularization‐first strategy was found to be significantly associated with lower mortality rates. This study aimed to present our revascularization‐first strategy and the postoperative results for acute aortic dissection involving mesenteric malperfusion.
Sex Hormone Relations to Histologic Severity of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

CONTEXT Sex hormones have been linked with presence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults, but it is unknown if they impact severity of pediatric NAFLD. OBJECTIVE To examine associations of circulating sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estrogens, and androgens with key histologic features of pediatric, biopsy-confirmed NAFLD. DESIGN Baseline assessment of longitudinal cohorts and randomized clinical trials. SETTING Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network. PATIENTS Children and adolescents ≤ 18 years with liver biopsy-confirmed NAFLD in U.S. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assayed SHBG, estrone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), androstenedione, and testosterone in relation to grade/stage of steatosis, portal inflammation, hepatic ballooning, fibrosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) severity using linear regression. RESULTS Mean age of 573 children at the time of biopsy was 13.1 years (SD 2.8). Lower SHBG was inversely associated with steatosis severity in boys and girls (P = 0.001), and with portal inflammation in girls only (P for sex interaction < 0.001). Higher testosterone was related to improved features of steatosis and fibrosis (P for sex interaction = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively) in boys, but detrimental in girls. In boys and girls, higher estrone, estradiol and testosterone were associated with lower portal inflammation grade; higher estradiol was positively associated with hepatic ballooning severity; DHEAS was inversely associated with hepatic ballooning and NASH severity (all P < 0.05). Androstenedione was not associated with NAFLD features. CONCLUSIONS Largely consistent with findings in adults, sex hormones are associated with distinct histologic features of NAFLD in children and adolescents. These hormone levels relate to differences with gender and pubertal change.