Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pre-operative platelet reactivity is a strong, independent predictor of bleeding complications after branched endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) an alternative to open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). The effect of EVAR on platelet reactivity is unknown. We prospectively determined the effect of branched EVAR (bEVAR) on platelet reactivity in patients with TAAA, and evaluated the predictive value of preoperative platelet reactivity for post-operative bleeding in 50 consecutive patients undergoing elective bEVAR (mean age 70.9 ± 5.7 years, 66% male). Blood samples were collected within 24 hours before bEVAR, after bEVAR and at hospital discharge. Platelet reactivity was assessed with impedance aggregometry using ASPI, ADP and TRAP tests. Platelet reactivity decreased within 24 hours after bEVAR compared to the measurement before bEVAR in all tests (p ≤ 0.04), with a further decrease in hospital discharge in the ADP test (p = .004). Twenty-three patients experienced post-operative bleeding complications (transfusion ≥2 red blood cell [RBC] units). Preoperative platelet reactivity below the cutoff value of 30 AUC units predicted post-operative bleeding with 78% sensitivity and 59% specificity (p = .045). In the multivariable analysis, platelet reactivity was the only independent predictor of postoperative bleeding (OR 6.507, 95% CI 1.227–34.506, p = .028). We conclude that platelet reactivity decreases following bEVAR of TAAA and is a strong and independent predictor for postoperative bleeding complications. Video Abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo © The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
A role for translational regulation by S6 kinase and a downstream target in inflammatory pain

Translational controls pervade neurobiology. Nociceptors play an integral role in the detection and propagation of pain signals. Nociceptors can undergo persistent changes in their intrinsic excitability. Pharmacological disruption of nascent protein synthesis diminishes acute and chronic forms of pain‐associated behaviours. However, the targets of translational controls that facilitate plasticity in nociceptors are unclear.
High-Pitch Photon-Counting Detector Computed Tomography Angiography of the Aorta

Purpose The aims of this study were to determine the objective and subjective image quality of high-pitch computed tomography (CT) angiography of the aorta in clinical dual-source photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) and to compare the image quality to conventional dual-source energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) in the same patients at equal radiation dose. Materials and Methods Patients with prior CT angiography of the thoracoabdominal aorta acquired on third-generation dual-source EID-CT in the high-pitch mode and with automatic tube voltage selection (ATVS, reference tube voltage 100 kV) were included. Follow-up imaging was performed on a first-generation, clinical dual-source PCD-CT scanner in the high-pitch and multienergy (QuantumPlus) mode at 120 kV using the same contrast media protocol as with EID-CT. Radiation doses between scans were matched by adapting the tube current of PCD-CT. Polychromatic images for both EID-CT and PCD-CT (called T3D) and virtual monoenergetic images at 40, 45, 50, and 55 keV for PCD-CT were reconstructed. Computed tomography attenuation was measured in the aorta; noise was defined as the standard deviation of attenuation; contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. Subjective image quality (noise, vessel attenuation, vessel sharpness, and overall quality) was rated by 2 blinded, independent radiologists. Results Forty patients were included (mean age, 63 years; 8 women; mean body mass index [BMI], 26 kg/m2). There was no significant difference in BMI, effective diameter, or radiation dose between scans (all P's > 0.05). The ATVS in EID-CT selected 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 kV in 2, 14, 14, 7, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. Mean CNR was 17 ± 8 for EID-CT and 22 ± 7, 20 ± 6, 18 ± 5, 16 ± 5, and 12 ± 4 for PCD-CT at 40, 45, 50, 55 keV, and T3D, respectively. Contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly higher for 40 and 45 keV of PCD-CT as compared with EID-CT (both P's < 0.05). The linear regression model (adjusted R2, 0.38; P < 0.001) revealed that PCD-CT reconstruction (P < 0.001), BMI group (P = 0.007), and kV of the EID-CT scan (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with CNR difference, with an increase by 34% with PCD-CT for overweight as compared with normal weight patients. Subjective image quality reading revealed slight differences between readers for subjective vessel attenuation and sharpness, whereas subjective noise was rated significantly higher for 40 and 45 keV (P < 0.001) and overall quality similar (P > 0.05) between scans. Conclusions High-pitch PCD-CT angiography of the aorta with VMI at 40 and 45 keV resulted in significantly increased CNR compared with EID-CT with ATVS at matched radiation dose. The CNR gain of PCD-CT increased in overweight patients. Taking into account the subjective analysis, VMI at 45 to 50 keV is proposed as the best trade-off between objective and subjective image quality.
Telomerase RNA recruits RNA polymerase II to target gene promoters to enhance myelopoiesis

Significance Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in telomerase or telomeric proteins. Although all patients show telomere shortening, the symptoms are highly variable and, therefore, other mechanisms have to be involved. Here, we report that telomerase RNA component (TERC) regulates the expression of master myeloid genes in zebrafish and humans by recruiting the transcription machinery. Induced pluripotent stem cells derived from DC patients with a TERC mutation in a specific domain, the CR4-CR5, shows impaired myelopoiesis, while those from DC patients with mutation in telomerase catalytic subunit differentiated normally. Our findings reveal a target for personalized and precision medicine approaches for DC patients. Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in telomerase or telomeric proteins. Here, we report that zebrafish telomerase RNA (terc) binds to specific DNA sequences of master myeloid genes and controls their expression by recruiting RNA Polymerase II (Pol II). Zebrafish terc harboring the CR4-CR5 domain mutation found in DC patients hardly interacted with Pol II and failed to regulate myeloid gene expression in vivo and to increase their transcription rates in vitro. Similarly, TERC regulated myeloid gene expression and Pol II promoter occupancy in human myeloid progenitor cells. Strikingly, induced pluripotent stem cells derived from DC patients with a TERC mutation in the CR4-CR5 domain showed impaired myelopoiesis, while those with mutated telomerase catalytic subunit differentiated normally. Our findings show that TERC acts as a transcription factor, revealing a target for therapeutic intervention in DC patients.
No loss of orexin/hypocretin, melanin‐concentrating hormone or locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons in a rat model of chronic sleep restriction

Chronic sleep restriction (CSR) is common in modern society, adversely affecting cognitive performance and health. Yet how it impacts neurons regulating sleep remains unclear. Several studies using mice reported substantial losses of wake‐active orexin/hypocretin and locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons, but not rapid eye movement sleep‐active melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons, following CSR. Here, we used immunohistochemistry and stereology to examine orexin, MCH and LC noradrenergic neurons in a rat model of CSR that uses programmed wheel rotation (3 h on/1 h off; ‘3/1’ protocol). Adult male Wistar rats underwent one or four cycles of the 4‐day 3/1 CSR protocol, with 2‐day recovery between cycles in home cages. Time‐matched control rats were housed in locked wheels/home cages. We found no significant differences in the numbers of orexin, MCH and LC noradrenergic neurons following either one‐ or four‐cycle CSR protocol compared to respective controls. Similarly, the four‐cycle CSR protocol had no effect on the densities of orexin axon terminals in the LC, noradrenergic dendrites in the LC and noradrenergic axon terminals in the frontal cortex. Body weights, however, decreased after one cycle of CSR and then increased with diminishing slope over the next three cycles. Thus, we found no evidence for loss of orexin or LC noradrenergic neurons following one and four cycles of the 4‐day 3/1 CSR protocol in rats. Differences in CSR protocols and/or possible species differences in neuronal vulnerability to sleep loss may account for the discrepancy between the current results in rats and previous findings in mice.
Intention to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine by U.S. Health Sciences University Employees

Objectives: Understanding vaccine intentions and attitudes of health professionals is critical as the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna COVID19 vaccines are being administered throughout the United States. This study estimates the level of vaccine hesitancy at a health sciences center in West Texas prior to the distribution of the vaccines. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed via anonymous Qualtrics survey administered to approximately 4500 faculty, staff, postdoctoral research associates/medical residents, and employees at a multi-campus health sciences university in the United States. Respondents were asked demographic questions and intention to receive the vaccine. Factors associated with the intention to receive a vaccine were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total sample of 2258 subjects were evaluated (50.0% response rate). Among all respondents, 64.6% reported that they would probably or definitely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Men had higher levels of intention to receive the vaccine (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.64-2.71); respondents who indicated yearly influenza vaccines are necessary were also more likely to receive the vaccine (OR = 6.04, 95% CI 4.70-7.75). Eighty-three percent of faculty and 56% of the staff reported intention to receive the vaccine. Respondents who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 reported more interest in receiving the vaccine (58.5% yes vs 41.5% no). Conclusion: In this study, the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at a United States health sciences center falls below the necessary herd immunity estimates. Public health initiatives must be developed to decrease vaccine hesitancy, especially among health professionals.
High-order aberration changes after femtosecond LASIK surgery in patients with high myopia.

BACKGROUND To investigate the relationship between high-order aberration (HOA) changes and RCST/CT (residual corneal stroma thickness/corneal thickness) after femtosecond LASIK surgery. METHODS A total of 65 eyes from 39 patients with high myopia, who had femtosecond (FS) laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery performed in our hospital, were included in this study. HOA and central corneal thickness were measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after FS-LASIK by Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido topography. Residual corneal stroma thickness (RCST) and ablation depth were measured during surgery. RESULTS Horizontal coma (Z31), spherical aberration (Z40), second horizontal coma (Z51), second horizontal trefoil (Z53), pentafoil (Z55), second spherical aberration (Z60), and total HOAs were significantly increased at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery compared with the preoperative values (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found in horizontal trefoil (Z33; P>0.05). Furthermore, Z31, Z40, and HOAs were significantly increased at 3 months post-surgery compared with the values at 1 week post-operation (P<0.05). Positive correlations were found between ablation depth and Z60 at 1 week and 1 month after surgery (r=0.291 and 0.337, respectively; P<0.05). Ablation depth was positively correlated with Z40 and Z60 at 3 months after surgery (r=0.439 and 0.336, respectively; P<0.05). The RCST/CT was negatively correlated with Z40, Z60, and HOAs at 3 months after surgery (r=-0.322, -0.412, and -0.321, respectively; P<0.05). There were no significant correlations between Zernike coefficients in terms of high-order aberration, HOAs, and RCST/CT at 1 week and 1 month post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS Corneal HOAs in high myopia patients increased significantly after FS-LASIK surgery, and this was mainly observed as increases in coma and spherical aberration. The greater the ablation depth, the larger the influence on spherical aberrations. The greater the RCST/CT, the smaller the influence of HOAs on the cornea.
The associations of CNR1 SNPs and haplotypes with vulnerability and treatment response phenotypes in Han Chinese with major depressive disorder: A case–control association study

Understanding how genetic polymorphisms are associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) may aid in diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment strategies. CNR1 is the gene coding Cannabinoid type 1 receptor which is highly involved in emotional processing and in regulating neurotransmitter releases. We aimed to investigate the associations of CNR1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with MDD susceptibility and treatment response.
Automated Diagnosis of COVID-19 Using Deep Supervised Autoencoder With Multi-View Features From CT Images

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from chest CT scans is of great importance and urgency during the worldwide outbreak. However, radiologists have to distinguish COVID-19 pneumonia from other pneumonia in a large number of CT scans, which is tedious and inefficient. Thus, it is urgently and clinically needed to develop an efficient and accurate diagnostic tool to help radiologists to fulfill the difficult task. In this study, we proposed a deep supervised autoencoder (DSAE) framework to automatically identify COVID-19 using multi-view features extracted from CT images. To fully explore features characterizing CT images from different frequency domains, DSAE was proposed to learn the latent representation by multi-task learning. The proposal was designed to both encode valuable information from different frequency features and construct a compact class structure for separability. To achieve this, we designed a multi-task loss function, which consists of a supervised loss and a reconstruction loss. Our proposed method was evaluated on a newly collected dataset of 787 subjects including COVID-19 pneumonia patients, other pneumonia patients, and normal subjects without abnormal CT findings. Extensive experimental results demonstrated that our proposed method achieved encouraging diagnostic performance and may have potential clinical application for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Limiting RyR2 open time prevents Alzheimer's disease‐related deficits in the 3xTG‐AD mouse model

Increasing evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression is driven by a vicious cycle of soluble β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced neuronal hyperactivity. Thus, breaking this vicious cycle by suppressing neuronal hyperactivity may represent a logical approach to stopping AD progression. In support of this, we have recently shown that genetically and pharmacologically limiting ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) open time prevented neuronal hyperactivity, memory impairment, dendritic spine loss, and neuronal cell death in a rapid, early onset AD mouse model (5xFAD). Here, we assessed the impact of limiting RyR2 open time on AD‐related deficits in a relatively late occurring, slow developing AD mouse model (3xTG‐AD) that bears more resemblance (compared to 5xFAD) to that of human AD. Using behavioral tests, long‐term potentiation recordings, and Golgi and Nissl staining, we found that the RyR2‐E4872Q mutation, which markedly shortens the open duration of the RyR2 channel, prevented learning and memory impairment, defective long‐term potentiation, dendritic spine loss, and neuronal cell death in the 3xTG‐AD mice. Furthermore, pharmacologically shortening the RyR2 open time with R‐carvedilol rescued these AD‐related deficits in 3xTG mice. Therefore, limiting RyR2 open time may offer a promising, neuronal hyperactivity‐targeted anti‐AD strategy.
Percutaneous lung and liver CT-guided ablation on swine model using microwave ablation to determine ablation size for clinical practice

Abstract Purpose Microwave ablation (MWA) provides an effective treatment of lung and liver tumors but suffers from a lack of reproducibility of ablation size among currently available technologies. In-vitro evaluations are far removed from clinical practices because of uninfused tissue. This study is in-vivo preclinical testing of a new MWA system on swine lungs and liver. Materials and methods All ablations were performed under CT guidance and multiple algorithms were tested with a power of 50, 75, and 100 W for durations of 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15 min. A 3 D-evaluation of the ablation zone was carried out using enhanced-CT. The sphericity index, coefficients of variation, and energy efficiency (which corresponds to the volume yield according to the power supplied) were calculated. Results Fifty liver and 48 lung ablations were performed in 17 swine. The sphericity index varies from 0.50 to 0.80 for liver ablations and from 0.40 to 0.69 for lung ablations. The coefficient of variation was below 15% for 4/5 and 4/8 protocols for lung and liver ablations, respectively. The energy efficiency seems to decrease with the duration of the ablation from 0.60 × 10−3 cm3/J (75 W, 3 min) to 0.26 × 10−3 cm3/J (100 W, 15 min) in the liver and from 0.57 × 10−3 cm3/J (50 W, 10 min) to 0.42 × 10−3 cm3/J (100 W, 12 min) in the lungs. Conclusion A shorter treatment time provides the best energy efficiency, and the best reproducibility is obtained for a 10 min treatment duration. The system tested provides an interesting reproducibility in both lung and liver measurements. Our results may help interventional radiologists in the optimal selection of treatment parameters.
Optimization of illumina TruSeq targeted RNA expression (TREx) library quality

RNA-seq has become an essential tool in molecular research. Nevertheless, application of RNA-seq was limited by cost and technical difficulties. Illumina has introduced the cost effective and ease to handle Truseq Targeted RNA Sequencing. In this study, we present the requirements and the optimization procedure for this Truseq Targeted RNA sequencing on cell line. Total RNA was recommended as starting materials but it required optimization including additional purification step and adjusting the AMPure beads ratio to eliminate unwanted contaminants. This can be resolved by using PolyA-enriched mRNA as starting material. TREx is a useful assay to evaluate gene expression. Quality library of TREx can be prepared by adding multiple washing steps or changing input sample to mRNA.
Identity fusion predicts violent pro-group behavior when it is morally justifiable

ABSTRACT Identity fusion is a visceral feeling of oneness with a group that predicts extreme pro-group behaviors. However, the effects of fusion depending on the nature of such behaviors -violent versus nonviolent- and the factors that may incline strongly fused individuals to display them still remain unexplored. To fill this gap, we performed two correlational studies in which we examined whether moral beliefs regarding the justifiability of violence moderate the relationship between fusion with the family (Study 1), or with the country (Study 2), and willingness to engage in violent and nonviolent pro-group acts. Results showed that strongly fused participants were more willing to act violently than weakly fused participants, but only when their beliefs in the moral justifiability of violence were high. In contrast, their willingness to engage in nonviolent acts was not influenced by moral beliefs.
The therapeutic potential of immune cell-derived exosomes as an alternative to adoptive cell transfer

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT), a form of cell-based immunotherapy that eliminates cancer by restoring and strengthening the body’s immune system, has revolutionized cancer treatment. ACT entails intravenous transfer of either tumor-resident or peripheral blood-modified immune cells into cancer patients to mediate anti-tumor response. Although these immune cells control and eradicate cancer via enhanced cytotoxicity against specific tumor antigens, several side effects have been frequently reported in clinical trials. Recently, exosomes, potential cell-free therapeutics, have emerged as an alternative to cell-based immunotherapies, due to their higher stability under same storage condition, lower risk of GvHD and CRS, and higher resistance to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Exosomes, which are nano-sized lipid vesicles, are secreted by living cells, including immune cells. Exosomes contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and the functional role of each exosome is determined by the specific cargo derived from parental cells. Exosomes derived from cytotoxic effectors including T cells and NK cells exert anti-tumor effects via proteins such as granzyme B and FasL. In this mini-review, we describe the current understanding of the ACT and immune cell-derived exosomes and discuss the limitations of ACT and the opportunities for immune cell-derived exosomes as immune therapies.
Non-conservative Management of Chylothorax

Chylothorax is caused by lymphatic leakage, which can develop after thoracic surgery and is associated with cancer. Although prospective randomized trials have not been performed, radiological interventions have been performed in several cases with persistent chylothorax, adjunct to 2 weeks of conservative management. The success rate of such interventions is diverse due to anatomical variations, although the results are promising. However, in cases of treatment failure after cycles of interventions, a team approach may be necessary to determine whether surgical management is warranted.