Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Drainage of Giant Pancreatic Pseudocysts Using Both Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent and Plastic Stent: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Current Literature

Introduction A pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) with major diameter equal to 10 cm or more is called a giant pseudocyst. The ideal management for giant PPs is controversial. Endoscopic drainage is an alternative nonsurgical approach for PP management. Only a few cases of giant PPs were reported to be managed by endoscopic drainage. Case Presentation. We reported two cases of giant PPs following an episode of acute pancreatitis. Both were resolved following endoscopic cystogastrostomy using metallic and double-pigtail stents with excellent outcomes. There was no history of recurrence or complications on follow-up. In addition, we extensively reviewed all available literature studies of giant pancreatic pseudocyst presentation, management, and complications. We summarized all reported cases and presented them in a comprehensive table. Conclusion The endoscopic cystogastrostomy approach is cost saving, can avoid surgical complications, and offers an early hospital discharge.
In-house versus on-call trauma surgeon coverage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. BACKGROUND A rapid trauma response is essential to provide optimal care for severely injured patients. However, it is currently unclear if the presence of an in-house trauma surgeon affects this response during call and influences outcomes. This study compares in-hospital mortality and process-related outcomes of trauma patients treated by a 24/7 in-house versus an on-call trauma surgeon. METHODS PubMed/Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched on the first of November 2020. All studies comparing patients treated by a 24/7 in-house versus an on-call trauma surgeon were considered eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis of mortality rates including all severely injured patients (i.e., Injury Severity Score of ≥16) was performed. Random-effect models were used to pool mortality rates, reported as risk ratios. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Process-related outcomes were chosen as secondary outcome measures. RESULTS In total, 16 observational studies, combining 64,337 trauma patients, were included. The meta-analysis included 8 studies, comprising 7,490 severely injured patients. A significant reduction in mortality rate was found in patients treated in the 24/7 in-house trauma surgeon group compared with patients treated in the on-call trauma surgeon group (risk ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.95; p = 0.002; I2 = 0%). In 10 of 16 studies, at least 1 process-related outcome improved after the in-house trauma surgeon policy was implemented. CONCLUSION A 24/7 in-house trauma surgeon policy is associated with reduced mortality rates for severely injured patients treated at level I trauma centers. In addition, presence of an in-house trauma surgeon during call may improve process-related outcomes. This review recommends implementation of a 24/7 in-house attending trauma surgeon at level I trauma centers. However, the final decision on attendance policy might depend on center and region-specific conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review/meta-analysis, level III.
Larval Conditioning and Aging of Sand Fly Rearing Medium Affect Oviposition Site Selection in Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) Sand Flies

Abstract Sand fly larvae develop in sheltered humid habitats containing decaying organic matter on which they feed. Previously, we showed that gravid females of Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae) are attracted to and stimulated to lay eggs on larval rearing medium containing larvae. That study, however, did not control for the possible effect of medium aging. Our goal in this study was to evaluate the effect of larval substrate conditioning on attraction and oviposition responses of Ph. papatasi sand flies while controlling for the effect of substrate aging. Initially, we confirmed that the pretreatment fresh larval food sources (to be used as larval conditioned and unconditioned media) did not differ with respect to their effect on attraction and oviposition responses. The larval conditioned medium was produced by rearing larvae to the second/third-instar stage over 3 wk using the same larval food source. To produce larval unconditioned medium, the same amount of fresh larval food was added to a control rearing cup that did not contain larvae but was aged under identical time and conditions. Two-choice bioassays were conducted to evaluate gravid female's attraction and oviposition response to larval conditioned and unconditioned media. We found that gravid females were significantly attracted (P < 0.05) to larval conditioned medium when compared with unconditioned medium under the same amount of time and conditions. However, no such difference was found with respect to oviposition response. Both attraction and oviposition responses were significantly increased for larval conditioned and unconditioned media in comparison to the initial fresh larval food source.
Understanding the subjective experiences of South African women with recurrent breast cancer: A qualitative study

This study explored the subjective experiences of 12 South African women diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer. Women were invited to take part in unstructured narrative interviews, and to complete a diary in which they could reflect on their breast cancer experiences. Most responded to their recurrence with an optimistic stance. Religious beliefs and support structures were important coping strategies. Women’s perceptions of their changed bodies varied from being of least concern, to becoming the most distressing aspect. The findings highlight the complexity of illness experience and the different ways in which women make sense of a second episode of cancer.
Reliability of Coronary Artery Calcium Severity Assessment on Non-Electrocardiogram-Gated CT: A Meta-Analysis

Objective The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the pooled agreements of the coronary artery calcium (CAC) severities assessed by electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated and non-ECG-gated CT and evaluate the impact of the scan parameters. Materials and Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched. A modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Meta-analytic methods were utilized to determine the pooled weighted bias, limits of agreement (LOA), and the correlation coefficient of the CAC scores or the weighted kappa for the categorization of the CAC severities detected by the two modalities. The heterogeneity among the studies was also assessed. Subgroup analyses were performed based on factors that could affect the measurement of the CAC score and severity: slice thickness, reconstruction kernel, and radiation dose for non-ECG-gated CT. Results A total of 4000 patients from 16 studies were included. The pooled bias was 62.60, 95% LOA were −36.19 to 161.40, and the pooled correlation coefficient was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–0.97) for the CAC score. The pooled weighted kappa of the CAC severity was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.79–0.91). Heterogeneity was observed in the studies (I2 > 50%, p < 0.1). In the subgroup analysis, the agreement between the CAC categorizations was better when the two CT examinations had reconstructions based on the same slice thickness and kernel. Conclusion The pooled agreement of the CAC severities assessed by the ECG-gated and non-ECG-gated CT was excellent; however, it was significantly affected by scan parameters, such as slice thickness and the reconstruction kernel.
mi-IsoNet: systems-scale microRNA landscape reveals rampant isoform-mediated gain of target interaction diversity and signaling specificity

MicroRNA (miRNA) is not a single sequence, but a series of multiple variants (also termed isomiRs) with sequence and expression heterogeneity. Whether and how these isoforms contribute to functional variation and complexity at the systems and network levels remain largely unknown. To explore this question systematically, we comprehensively analyzed the expression of small RNAs and their target sites to interrogate functional variations between novel isomiRs and their canonical miRNA sequences. Our analyses of the pan-cancer landscape of miRNA expression indicate that multiple isomiRs generated from the same miRNA locus often exhibit remarkable variation in their sequence, expression and function. We interrogated abundant and differentially expressed 5' isomiRs with novel seed sequences via seed shifting and identified many potential novel targets of these 5' isomiRs that would expand interaction capabilities between small RNAs and mRNAs, rewiring regulatory networks and increasing signaling circuit complexity. Further analyses revealed that some miRNA loci might generate diverse dominant isomiRs that often involved isomiRs with varied seeds and arm-switching, suggesting a selective advantage of multiple isomiRs in regulating gene expression. Finally, experimental validation indicated that isomiRs with shifted seed sequences could regulate novel target mRNAs and therefore contribute to regulatory network rewiring. Our analysis uncovers a widespread expansion of isomiR and mRNA interaction networks compared with those seen in canonical small RNA analysis; this expansion suggests global gene regulation network perturbations by alternative small RNA variants or isoforms. Taken together, the variations in isomiRs that occur during miRNA processing and maturation are likely to play a far more complex and plastic role in gene regulation than previously anticipated.
The Expression and Nuclear Retention Element of Polyadenylated Nuclear RNA Is Not Required for Productive Lytic Replication of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

KSHV is an oncogenic herpesvirus that establishes latency and exhibits episodes of reactivation. KSHV disease pathologies are most often associated with the lytic replication of the virus. ABSTRACT Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic human gammaherpesvirus and the causative agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD). During reactivation, viral genes are expressed in a temporal manner. These lytic genes encode transactivators, core replication proteins, or structural proteins. During reactivation, other viral factors that are required for lytic replication are expressed. The most abundant viral transcript is the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) known as polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA. lncRNAs have diverse functions, including the regulation of gene expression and the immune response. PAN possesses two main cis-acting elements, the Mta response element (MRE) and the expression and nuclear retention element (ENE). While PAN has been demonstrated to be required for efficient viral replication, the function of these elements within PAN remains unclear. Our goal was to determine if the ENE of PAN is required in the context of infection. A KSHV bacmid containing a deletion of the 79-nucleotide (nt) ENE in PAN was generated to assess the effects of the ENE during viral replication. Our studies demonstrated that the ENE is not required for viral DNA synthesis, lytic gene expression, or the production of infectious virus. Although the ENE is not required for viral replication, we found that the ENE functions to retain PAN in the nucleus, and the absence of the ENE results in an increased accumulation of PAN in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, open reading frame 59 (ORF59), LANA, ORF57, H1.4, and H2A still retain the ability to bind to PAN in the absence of the ENE. Together, our data highlight how the ENE affects the nuclear retention of PAN but ultimately does not play an essential role during lytic replication. Our data suggest that PAN may have other functional domains apart from the ENE. IMPORTANCE KSHV is an oncogenic herpesvirus that establishes latency and exhibits episodes of reactivation. KSHV disease pathologies are most often associated with the lytic replication of the virus. PAN RNA is the most abundant viral transcript during the reactivation of KSHV and is required for viral replication. Deletion and knockdown of PAN resulted in defects in viral replication and reduced virion production in the absence of PAN RNA. To better understand how the cis elements within PAN may contribute to its function, we investigated if the ENE of PAN was necessary for viral replication. Although the ENE had previously been extensively studied with both biochemical and in vitro approaches, this is the first study to demonstrate the role of the ENE in the context of infection and that the ENE of PAN is not required for the lytic replication of KSHV.
Inflammatory markers response to crocin supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Inflammation and oxidative stress is a risk factor for the development of long‐term consequences in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was designed to investigate the effects of crocin consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with T2DM. In this clinical trial with a parallel‐group design, 50 patients with T2DM were randomly assigned to either the crocin or the placebo group. The crocin group received 15 mg crocin twice daily, whereas the placebo group received corresponding placebos. At baseline and the end of week 12, serum high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐ɑ (TNF‐ɑ), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Compared with placebo group, crocin reduced hs‐CRP (−1.03 vs. 1.42, p = .007), TNF‐ɑ (−0.8 vs. 0.28, p = .009), and NF‐κB (−0.39 vs. 0.01, p = .047) after 12 weeks intervention; these improvements were also significant in comparison with the baseline values. Plasma IL‐6 decreased significantly in the crocin group at the end of week 12 compared to baseline (p = .037), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Plasma concentration of MDA did not change within and between groups after intervention. This study indicates that daily administration of 30 mg crocin supplement to patients with T2DM reduces the concentrations of hs‐CRP, TNF‐ɑ, and NF‐κB which are involved in the pathogenesis of complications of T2DM.
Effect of transfemoral prosthetic socket interface design on gait, balance, mobility, and preference: A randomized clinical trial

Background: There are alternative transfemoral (TF) socket interface designs that have not been compared with the standard of care, ischial ramus containment (IRC). The interface directly affects performance. Objectives: To compare 3 TF interface designs, IRC, dynamic socket (DS), and subischial (Sub-I), regarding gait, balance, mobility, and preference. The authors hypothesized that these more active users may experience gait, mobility, and preference benefits from the less intrusive DS and Sub-I interface designs. Study Design: Single-blind, repeated-measures, 3-period randomized controlled crossover clinical trial. Methods: People with unilateral TF amputation with 1 year or longer prosthesis use experience, independent community ambulatory status, 18 to 60 years of age, of any race or ethnicity, with a body mass of 45 to 125 kg, and with a self-reported ability to walk for 20 minutes continuously were included in the study. Each participant was fit in all 3 interface designs. Results: Thirteen participants completed the clinical trial. Velocity, cadence, mobility, and balance were not statistically different between the 3 socket conditions. The DS demonstrated significantly greater symmetry in swing, stance, single support percentage, and toe angle compared with IRC and Sub-I. Sixty days after study completion, 7 participants changed interfaces, trending away from IRC. Conclusions: Large differences were not observed. Small differences in spatiotemporal gait measures combined with patient preference may make a meaningful difference to individual patients and should be considered.
Preparation of biocompatible wound dressings with dual release of antibiotic and platelet-rich plasma for enhancing infected wound healing

The ever-growing threats of bacterial infection and chronic wound healing have provoked an urgent need for novel antibacterial wound dressings. In this study, we developed a wound dressing for the treatment of infected wounds, which can reduce the inflammatory period (through the use of gentamycin sulfate (GS)) and enhance the granulation stage (through the addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)). Herein, the sustained antimicrobial CMC/GMs@GS/PRP wound dressings were developed by using gelatin microspheres (GMs) loading GS and PRP, covalent bonding to carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The prepared dressings exhibited high water uptake capability, appropriate porosity, excellent mechanical properties, sustain release of PRP and GS. Meanwhile, the wound dressing showed good biocompatibility and excellent antibacterial ability against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, in vivo experiments further demonstrated that the prepared dressings could accelerate the healing process of E. coli and S. aureus-infected full-thickness wounds in vivo, reepithelialization, collagen deposition and angiogenesis. In addition, the treatment of CMC/GMs@GS/PRP wound dressing could reduce bacterial count, inhibit pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), and enhance anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β1). The findings of this study suggested that biocompatible wound dressings with dual release of GS and PRP have great potential in the treatment of chronic and infected wounds.
Rewarding behavior with a sweet food strengthens its valuation

Sweet foods are commonly used as rewards for desirable behavior, specifically among children. This study examines whether such practice may contribute to reinforce the valuation of these foods. Two experiments were conducted, one with children, the other with rats. The first study, conducted with first graders (n = 214), shows that children who receive a food reward for performing a cognitive task subsequently value the food more compared to a control group who received the same food without performing any task. The second study, conducted on rats (n = 64), shows that rewarding with food also translates into higher calorie intake over a 24-hour period. These results suggest that the common practice of rewarding children with calorie-dense sweet foods is a plausible contributing factor to obesity and might therefore be ill advised.
SnRK2.6 interacts with phytochrome B and plays a negative role in red light-induced stomatal opening

ABSTRACT Light is an important environmental factor for plant growth and development. Phytochrome B (phyB), a classical red/far-red light receptor, plays vital role in controlling plant photomorphogenesis and light-induced stomatal opening. Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates rapidly and triggers a series of physiological and molecular events during the responses to multiple abiotic stresses. Recent studies showed that phyB mutant synthesizes more ABA and exhibits improved tolerance to salt and cold stress, suggesting that a crosstalk exists between light and ABA signaling pathway. However, whether ABA signaling components mediate responses to light remains unclear. Here, we showed that SnRK2.6 (Sucrose Nonfermenting 1-Related Protein Kinase 2.6), a key regulator in ABA signaling, interacts with phyB and participates in light-induced stomatal opening. First, we checked the interaction between phyB and SnRK2s, and found that SnRK2.2/2.3/2.6 kinases physically interacted with phyB in yeast and in vitro. We also performed co-IP assay to support that SnRK2.6 interacts with phyB in plant. To investigate the role of SnRK2.6 in red light-induced stomatal opening, we obtained the snrk2.6 mutant and overexpression lines, and found that snrk2.6 mutant exhibited a significantly larger stomatal aperture under red light treatment, while the two independent overexpression lines showed significantly smaller stomatal aperture, indicative of a negative role for SnRK2.6 in red light-induced stomatal opening. The interaction of SnRK2.6 with red light receptor and the negative role of SnRK2.6 in red light-induced stomatal opening provide new evidence for the crosstalk between ABA and red light in guard cell signaling.
Facial coloration influences social approach-avoidance through social perception

ABSTRACT Perceptions of others’ social characteristics are essential for guiding social behaviour and decision making. Recent research has demonstrated that increased facial redness facilitates both positive (e.g. health, attractiveness, happiness) and negative (e.g. dominance, anger) social evaluations. Given that similar facial colouration can lead to diverging evaluations, it is unclear how people integrate these cues to inform social decisions (e.g. approach-avoidance). We suggest that the influence of facial redness on social perceptions and decisions depends on contextual information, including facial-muscular emotion expressions. We test this hypothesis across two studies where participants view faces either increasing or decreasing redness, evaluate them on a range of social characteristics (i.e. aggressiveness, attractiveness, health, friendliness, dominance) and decide whether to approach or avoid them. Increased facial redness facilitated, and decreased redness impeded (to a greater extent), perceptions of each social characteristic. However, the extent of this influence was moderated by the muscular expression (i.e. neutral, happy, angry). Further, we found that the influence of facial redness on approach-avoidance was largely mediated by evaluations of attractiveness and health. Altogether, the current work provides nuanced insights into facial colouration’s role as a social signal that informs social perception and decision making.
Establishing RNA-RNA interactions remodels lncRNA structure and promotes PRC2 activity

A trigger for gene silencing is caused by RNAs pairing together via structural changes. Human Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) catalysis of histone H3 lysine 27 methylation at certain loci depends on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Yet, in apparent contradiction, RNA is a potent catalytic inhibitor of PRC2. Here, we show that intermolecular RNA-RNA interactions between the lncRNA HOTAIR and its targets can relieve RNA inhibition of PRC2. RNA bridging is promoted by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein B1, which uses multiple protein domains to bind HOTAIR regions via multivalent protein-RNA interactions. Chemical probing demonstrates that establishing RNA-RNA interactions changes HOTAIR structure. Genome-wide HOTAIR/PRC2 activity occurs at genes whose transcripts can make favorable RNA-RNA interactions with HOTAIR. We demonstrate that RNA-RNA matches of HOTAIR with target gene RNAs can relieve the inhibitory effect of a single lncRNA for PRC2 activity after B1 dissociation. Our work highlights an intrinsic switch that allows PRC2 activity in specific RNA contexts, which could explain how many lncRNAs work with PRC2.