Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SNHG17 enhances the malignant characteristics of tongue squamous cell carcinoma by acting as a competing endogenous RNA on microRNA-876 and thereby increasing specificity protein 1 expression

ABSTRACT A long noncoding RNA called SNHG17 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 17) is aberrantly expressed and plays essential roles in multiple human cancer types. Nevertheless, its expression pattern and specific functions in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) have not been well studied until now. Hence, in this study, we aimed to measure SNHG17 expression in TSCC and to examine the actions of SNHG17 on the malignant characteristics of TSCC cells. The regulatory mechanism that mediates the oncogenic effects of SNHG17 on TSCC cells was investigated too. In this study, SNHG17 was found to be upregulated in TSCC, and this overexpression closely correlated with adverse clinical parameters and shorter overall survival among the patients with TSCC. The SNHG17 knockdown significantly decreased TSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanism investigation revealed that SNHG17 acts as a competing endogenous RNA on microRNA-876 (miR-876) in TSCC cells. In addition, specificity protein 1 (SP1) was validated as a direct target gene of miR-876 in TSCC cells. SP1 expression restoration in TSCC cells reversed miR-876 overexpression–induced anticancer effects. MiR-876 downregulation strongly attenuated the actions of the SNHG17 knockdown in TSCC cells. SNHG17 plays an oncogenic part in TSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo via sponging of miR-876 and thereby upregulating SP1, which could be regarded as a promising target for TSCC therapy.
Circulating and Tissue Matricellular RNA and Protein Expression in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease.

Background Aortic valve sclerosis is a highly prevalent, poorly characterized asymptomatic manifestation of calcific aortic valve disease, and may represent a therapeutic target for disease mitigation. Methods Human aortic valve cusps and blood were obtained from 333 patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n=236 for severe aortic stenosis, n=35 for asymptomatic aortic valve sclerosis, n=62 for no valvular disease), and a multiplex assay was used to evaluate protein expression across the spectrum of calcific aortic valve disease. A subset of 6 valvular tissue samples (n=3 for asymptomatic aortic valve sclerosis, n=3 for severe aortic stenosis) was used to create RNA sequencing profiles, which were subsequently organized into clinically-relevant gene modules. Results RNA sequencing identified 182 protein-encoding, differentially-expressed genes in aortic valve sclerosis vs aortic stenosis. 85% and 89% of expressed genes overlapped in aortic stenosis and aortic valve sclerosis, respectively, which decreased to 55% and 84% when targeting highly-expressed genes. Bioinformatic analyses identified six differentially-expressed genes encoding key extracellular matrix regulators: TBHS2, SPARC, COL1A2, COL1A1, SPP1, and CTGF. Differential expression of key circulating biomarkers of extracellular matrix reorganization was observed in control vs aortic valve sclerosis (osteopontin), control vs aortic stenosis (osteoprotegerin), and aortic valve sclerosis vs aortic stenosis groups (MMP-2), which corresponded to valvular mRNA expression. Conclusions We demonstrate distinct mRNA and protein expression underlying aortic valve sclerosis and aortic stenosis. We anticipate that extracellular matrix regulators can serve as circulating biomarkers of early calcific aortic valve disease and as novel targets for early disease mitigation, pending prospective clinical investigations.
Diverse Transport Behaviors in Cyclo[18]carbon-based Molecular Devices.

Scientists have been trying to synthesize ring-shaped pure carbon molecules for half centenaries. Breakthrough was made recently, and cyclo[18]carbon (C18) was produced successfully by bonding an 18-atom-ring of carbon [Science (2019) 365, 1299]. Due to its potential application in molecular devices, it is natural and timely to study the transport behaviors of C18. Here we report the electron transport properties of C18-ring connected to various electrodes, including 1D carbon chain, 2D graphene and 3D silver electrodes, using density-functional theory combined with the nonequilibrium Green's function technique. Diverse transport behaviors are found for the C18 molecular devices, including Ohmic characteristic, quasi Schottky feature, and current limiting function. The origin and mechanism of unique nonlinear I-V characteristics are investigated by the transmission pathway, transmission spectra, density of states and molecular frontier orbital theory. This study provides a theoretical guide for exploring the next-generation molecular devices based on this new comer in the family of carbon allotropes.
Improving Low-Dose Pediatric Abdominal CT by Using Convolutional Neural Networks.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to improve the image quality of low-dose pediatric abdominal CT images. Materials and Methods Images from 11 pediatric abdominal CT examinations acquired between June and July 2018 were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and an iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithm. A residual CNN was trained using the FBP image as the input and the difference between FBP and IR as the target such that the network was able to predict the residual image and simulate the IR. CNN-based postprocessing was applied to 20 low-dose pediatric image datasets acquired between December 2016 and December 2017 on a scanner limited to reconstructing FBP images. The FBP and CNN images were evaluated based on objective image noise and subjective image review by two pediatric radiologists. For each of five features, readers rated images on a five-point Likert scale and also indicated their preferred series. Readers also indicated their "overall preference" for CNN versus FBP. Preference and Likert scores were analyzed for individual and combined readers. Interreader agreement was assessed. Results The CT number remained unchanged between FBP and CNN images. Image noise was reduced by 31% for CNN images (P < .001). CNN was preferred for overall image quality for individual and combined readers. For combined Likert scores, at least one of the two score types (Likert or binary preference) indicated a significant favoring of CNN over FBP for low contrast, image noise, artifacts, and high contrast, whereas the reverse was true for spatial resolution. Conclusion FBP images can be improved in image space by a well-trained CNN, which may afford a reduction in dose or improvement in image quality on scanners limited to FBP reconstruction. © RSNA, 2019.
Low-Dose Abdominal CT Using a Deep Learning-Based Denoising Algorithm: A Comparison with CT Reconstructed with Filtered Back Projection or Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm

Objective To compare the image quality of low-dose (LD) computed tomography (CT) obtained using a deep learning-based denoising algorithm (DLA) with LD CT images reconstructed with a filtered back projection (FBP) and advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE). Materials and Methods One hundred routine-dose (RD) abdominal CT studies reconstructed using FBP were used to train the DLA. Simulated CT images were made at dose levels of 13%, 25%, and 50% of the RD (DLA-1, -2, and -3) and reconstructed using FBP. We trained DLAs using the simulated CT images as input data and the RD CT images as ground truth. To test the DLA, the American College of Radiology CT phantom was used together with 18 patients who underwent abdominal LD CT. LD CT images of the phantom and patients were processed using FBP, ADMIRE, and DLAs (LD-FBP, LD-ADMIRE, and LD-DLA images, respectively). To compare the image quality, we measured the noise power spectrum and modulation transfer function (MTF) of phantom images. For patient data, we measured the mean image noise and performed qualitative image analysis. We evaluated the presence of additional artifacts in the LD-DLA images. Results LD-DLAs achieved lower noise levels than LD-FBP and LD-ADMIRE for both phantom and patient data (all p < 0.001). LD-DLAs trained with a lower radiation dose showed less image noise. However, the MTFs of the LD-DLAs were lower than those of LD-ADMIRE and LD-FBP (all p < 0.001) and decreased with decreasing training image dose. In the qualitative image analysis, the overall image quality of LD-DLAs was best for DLA-3 (50% simulated radiation dose) and not significantly different from LD-ADMIRE. There were no additional artifacts in LD-DLA images. Conclusion DLAs achieved less noise than FBP and ADMIRE in LD CT images, but did not maintain spatial resolution. The DLA trained with 50% simulated radiation dose showed the best overall image quality.
Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with lower incidence of premenopausal breast cancer in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Project

Abstract Objective: Due to the growing interest in the role of dietary patterns (DPs) on chronic diseases, we assessed the association between a posteriori identified DPs in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Project – a prospective cohort study in a Mediterranean country – and breast cancer (BC) risk. Design: DPs were ascertained through a principal component analysis based on 31 predefined food groups. BC cases were initially identified through self-report or, if deceased, from death certificates or by notification by the next kin. Women reporting BC were asked to provide a copy of their medical report and diagnoses for confirmation purposes. We fitted Cox regression models to assess the association between adherence to the identified DPs and BC risk. Setting: Spanish university graduates. Participants: We included 10 713 young and middle-aged – mainly premenopausal – women. Results: After a median follow-up of 10·3 years, we identified 100 confirmed and 168 probable incident BC cases. We described two major DPs: ‘Western dietary pattern’ (WDP) and ‘Mediterranean dietary pattern’ (MDP). A higher adherence to a WDP was associated with an increased risk of overall BC (multivariable-adjusted HR for confirmed BC Q4 v. Q1 1·70; 95 % CI 0·93, 3·12; P for trend = 0·045). Contrarily, adherence to a MDP was inversely associated with premenopausal BC (multivariable-adjusted HR Q4 v. Q1 0·33; 95 % CI 0·12, 0·91). No significant associations were observed for postmenopausal BC. Conclusions: Whereas a higher adherence to the WDP may increase the risk of BC, a higher adherence to the MDP may decrease the risk of premenopausal BC.
Pulmonary Nocardia ignorata Infection in Gardener, Iran, 2017

Nocardia ignorata, which was first described in 2001, is a rare human pathogen. We report a case of pulmonary nocardiosis caused by this bacterium in a 55-year-old man from Iran. The patient, a gardener, had frequent exposure to soil and may have acquired the infection from that source.
A genome-wide multiphenotypic association analysis identified candidate genes and gene ontology shared by four common risky behaviors

Background: Risky behaviors can lead to huge economic and health losses. However, limited efforts are paid to explore the genetic mechanisms of risky behaviors. Result: MASH analysis identified a group of target genes for risky behaviors, such as APBB2, MAPT and DCC. For GO enrichment analysis, FUMA detected multiple risky behaviors related GO terms and brain related diseases, such as regulation of neuron differentiation (adjusted P value = 2.84×10-5), autism spectrum disorder (adjusted P value =1.81×10-27) and intelligence (adjusted P value =5.89×10-15). Conclusion: We reported multiple candidate genes and GO terms shared by the four risky behaviors, providing novel clues for understanding the genetic mechanism of risky behaviors. Methods: Multivariate Adaptive Shrinkage (MASH) analysis was first applied to the GWAS data of four specific risky behaviors (automobile speeding, drinks per week, ever-smoker, number of sexual partners) to detect the common genetic variants shared by the four risky behaviors. Utilizing genomic functional annotation data of SNPs, the SNPs detected by MASH were then mapped to target genes. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis of the identified candidate genes were conducted by the FUMA platform to obtain risky behaviors related gene ontology (GO) terms as well as diseases and traits, respectively.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long non-coding RNA GAS6-AS1 acts as a ceRNA for microRNA-585, thereby increasing EIF5A2 expression and facilitating hepatocellular carcinoma oncogenicity

Statement of Retraction We, the Editors and Publisher of the journal Cell Cycle, have retracted the following article: Jing Ai, Junhui Sun, Guanhui Zhou, Tongyin Zhu, and Li Jing. Long non-coding RNA GAS6-AS1 acts as a ceRNA for microRNA-585, thereby increasing EIF5A2 expression and facilitating hepatocellular carcinoma oncogenicity. Cell Cycle. 2020;19(7):742-757. doi: 10.1080/15384101.2020. 1729323. Since publication, concerns have been raised about the integrity of the data in the article. When approached for an explanation, the authors have been unable to address all the concerns raised and have not been able to provide their original data in the required format. As verifying the validity of published work is core to the integrity of the scholarly record, we are therefore retracting the article. The corresponding author listed in this publication has been informed. The authors do not agree with the retraction. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as ‘Retracted’.
Pediatric medical psychology

Abstract Paediatric medical psychology is a specialised field within clinical health psychology focussed on the behavioural, developmental, and psychological needs of children, adolescents, and families in healthcare contexts. Paediatric medical psychologists address a myriad of problems by employing evidence-based evaluations and interventions in order to support the well-being of paediatric patients and their families. In this paper, we provide an overview of paediatric medical psychology including the education and training required to be a paediatric psychologist followed by common problems addressed by paediatric psychology, the settings paediatric psychologists work in, and the services they provide. Discussion concludes with future application of integrating paediatric psychology throughout the continuum of care to optimise adjustment and health of paediatric patients.
Decentralization of solid waste management services in rural Lebanon: Barriers and opportunities

Rapid urbanization, closure of dumps, and insufficient infrastructure funding in Lebanon have resulted in improper municipal solid waste management (MSWM), creating a continuing trash crisis in recent years. In Beirut and Mount Lebanon, MSWM was carried out in centralized waste processing and disposal facilities operated by the government. The trash crisis and failure of the centralized system prompted several municipal authorities to decentralize MSWM by establishing local facilities, paid by the council taxes charged to beneficiary households. To study the feasibility of decentralized MSWM, a survey of 228 households in a rural village in Lebanon explored households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a local MSWM service. For data analysis, a multivariate Tobit model was used to examine the determinants of the WTP amount. Results showed that 79% of surveyed households in the studied village were willing to support local MSWM improvements by contributing an average yearly fee of US$48, representing a 30% increase in their current council taxes. Analysis showed a significant positive association between the WTP amount and the household monthly income level, the residents perceived needs for urgency to act on solid waste management, and the households’ responsibility to be involved in MSWM. An interview with the municipality mayor later revealed that financial, technical, and land resources are lacking to enable consideration of a decentralized project for MSWM in the village. Municipalities in rural areas have limited resources and are unable to sustain a decentralized MSWM service unless adjacent towns join effort in supporting and financing MSWM initiatives.
Longitudinal Assessment of Quadriceps Muscle Morphology Before and After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Its Associations With Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background: Reductions in muscle size are common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and may contribute to suboptimal patient outcomes. However, few studies have quantified postoperative alterations in muscle quality and evaluated its associations with patient-reported function. Hypotheses: Rectus femoris cross-sectional area (CSA) will decrease postoperatively but improve at return to activity (RTA), rectus femoris muscle quality (percentage fat [PF]) will increase postoperatively and be greater at RTA compared with preoperative values, and rectus femoris CSA and PF will be associated with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores at both postoperative time points. Study Design: Case series. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 26 individuals who sustained an ACL injury and underwent reconstructive surgery were evaluated preoperatively (T0), 9 weeks post-ACLR (T1), and at RTA. Rectus femoris CSA and PF were evaluated bilaterally via ultrasound imaging, and patient-reported function was assessed using the IKDC score. Results: Bilateral reductions in rectus femoris CSA were noted from T0 to T1 (P < 0.01). Only the uninvolved limb returned to preoperative CSA (P = 0.80), as the involved limb failed to return to preoperative levels at RTA (P = 0.04). No significant changes in rectus femoris PF were observed across time points (P > 0.05). Lesser PF (P < 0.01) but not CSA (P = 0.75) was associated with higher IKDC score at T1. Lesser PF (P = 0.04) and greater CSA (P = 0.05) was associated with higher IKDC score at RTA. Conclusion: Substantial atrophy occurs bilaterally after ACLR, and the involved limb does not return to preoperative muscle size despite the patient completing rehabilitation. Quadriceps muscle morphology is associated with patient-reported function and may be an important rehabilitation target after ACLR. Clinical Relevance: Quadriceps atrophy and poor muscle quality may contribute to suboptimal patient functioning and quadriceps dysfunction and may be important in RTA decision making. Assessing muscle morphology using ultrasound may be a feasible and clinically beneficial tool in patients after ACLR.
Continuum of HIV care of newly diagnosed individuals in Israel, 2011–2015: a population-based cohort study

Our aim was to assess the linkage to care (LTC) and treatment for people newly diagnosed with HIV in Israel during 2011–2015. The Ministry of Health estimated the annual prevalence of undiagnosed HIV; new diagnoses were identified by the Central Virology Laboratory. Only adult Israeli citizens were included. LTC at HIV centers within 90 days of diagnosis was assessed. Demographic and clinical data were collected from patient files. A total of 1538 individuals were diagnosed in 2011–2015. A moderate improvement over time was observed in the calculated proportions of undiagnosed individuals (23.1–17.3%) but no change occurred in LTC rates (82.6–81%). The proportion of diagnosed patients initiating treatment within six months increased from 54.7% in 2011 to 89.7% in 2015, with a parallel increase in the viral suppression rate from 30.5% in 2011 to 59.9% in 2015. Of 1159 patients with detailed records, 79.4% were men, median age 36 years (16–92), median CD4 cell count 342 cells/µl. Younger age, intravenous drug use, and imprisonment were independent risk factors for loss to follow-up. HIV is diagnosed late in Israel and LTC rates remain stagnated; higher awareness is still needed. Once in care, however, treatment and outcomes were in line with international standards.
Effects of colostrum instead of formula feeding for the first 2 days postnatum on whole-body energy metabolism and its endocrine control in neonatal calves

ABSTRACT Colostrum provides high amounts of nutritive and non-nutritive substrates, which are essential for calf nutrition and passive immunization. Colostral growth factors and hormones have beneficial effects on postnatal maturation and may affect substrate utilization and energy expenditure in neonatal calves. We tested the hypothesis that energy metabolism and its endocrine regulation differ during the first 10 d of life in calves fed either colostrum or a milk-based formula with a similar nutrient composition to colostrum, but largely depleted of bioactive substances, for the first 2 d postnatum. Male Holstein calves (n = 18) were fed either pooled colostrum (COL; n = 9) or a milk-based formula (FOR; n = 9) for the first 2 d of life. From d 3 on, all calves received same milk replacer. On d 2 and 7 of life, calves were placed in a respiration chamber for indirect calorimetric measurements to calculate heat production, fat (FOX) and carbohydrate oxidation (COX), as well as respiratory quotient. Blood was sampled on d 1 before first colostrum intake and on d 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 before morning feeding, to measure plasma concentrations of immunoglobulins, metabolites, and hormones. Additional postprandial blood samples were taken on d 1 and 9 at 30, 60, 120, 240, and 420 min after milk feeding. Liver samples were collected on d 10 of life to determine gene expression related to energy metabolism. Formula-fed calves showed lower plasma concentrations of total protein, immunoglobulins, haptoglobin, leptin, adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (IGFBP)-4 during the whole study but temporarily higher plasma concentrations of urea, insulin, glucagon, triglyceride, and cholesterol on the first day after feeding, compared with concentrations in COL. The temporary increase in glucagon, triglyceride, and cholesterol on d 1 reversed on d 2 or 3, showing higher concentrations in COL than in FOR calves. In FOR, IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 were lower on d 3 than in COL. Interestingly, FOR calves had higher heat production during respiratory measurements on d 2 and higher body temperature on d 2, 3, and 5 than those of COL. The hepatic mRNA abundance of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was higher in FOR than in COL. Our results indicate that first milk feeding after birth influenced whole-body energy expenditure but not FOX and COX in neonatal calves, and the absorption of colostral leptin and adiponectin might affect insulin sensitivity on d 1 of life.
Fear of the novel coronavirus.

1 International Institute of Infection and Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Canadian Centre for Vaccinology, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Senior editor, JIDC 2 Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Universita’ degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy. Editor-in-Chief, JIDC