Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aberrant executive control networks and default mode network in patients with right-sided temporal lobe epilepsy: a functional and effective connectivity study

Abstract Objective: We aimed to explore functional connectivity (FC) and effective connectivity (EC) of the executive control networks (ECNs) and the default mode network (DMN) in patients with right-sided TLE (rTLE) by applying independent component analysis (ICA) and Granger causal analysis (GCA). Methods: Twenty-seven patients with rTLE and 20 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, gender underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and Attention Network Test (ANT). Results: The FC analysis showed compared to HCs, patients with rTLE demonstrated reduced FC strength in the right inferior parietal gyrus (IPG) and the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG). The left superior temporal gyrus (STG) displayed reduced FC values whereas the left thalamus revealed increased FC values in rTLE. ROI-wise GCA revealed that patients with rTLE displayed increased EC from the left thalamus to the left STG, and as well as enhanced EC from the right IPG to the right MTG compared to HCs. Voxel-wise GCA showed positive EC from the left thalamus to the left insula while the right middle occipital gyrus (MOG) exhibited increased EC to the right MTG in patients. The ANT results demonstrated executive dysfunction in patients compared to HCs. The increased FC in the left thalamus showed a negative association with ECF in patients. Conclusion: We speculated that recurrent seizures take effect on disruption among the brain networks, and self-modulation occurs simultaneously to compensate for cognitive decline. Our findings revealed new insights on the neuropathophysiological mechanisms of rTLE.
Useful indices of thrombogenesis in the exclusion of intra‐cardiac thrombus

Cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause cardioembolic stroke, and effective clinical management is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the accepted standard to diagnose cardiogenic thromboemboli; however, a negative TEE does not eliminate the possibility of left atrial thrombus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of supplementing the TEE with additional noninvasive markers to ensure thrombus absence.
Reducing tobacco use among women of childbearing age: Contributions of tobacco regulatory science and tobacco control.

Tobacco use has unique, adverse health consequences for reproductive-aged women, particularly should these women become pregnant. Thus, successful efforts to reduce tobacco use among this population have strong potential to improve public health and reduce health disparities. The present review examines contributions to reducing tobacco use among women of childbearing age spanning the domains of tobacco regulatory science and tobacco control from the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009 through September 2019. In the domain of tobacco regulatory science, such efforts include research conducted by various National Institutes of Health/Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-supported Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science, epidemiological surveillance studies, as well as studies examining the potential impact of tobacco regulatory policies currently under consideration by the FDA (e.g., reduced nicotine content cigarettes, health warning labels). Tobacco control efforts within this same 10-year timeframe include developments in pharmacological and psychosocial approaches to promoting tobacco cessation, mHealth interventions, and tobacco control policy. Emerging issues pertinent to ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco use within the domains of both tobacco regulatory science and tobacco control are also reviewed, including e-cigarettes, comorbid health conditions, course of tobacco and other drugs of abuse, and obstacles to the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based treatment and policy. Although the past decade has seen numerous important contributions to reducing tobacco use among reproductive-aged women within both domains, existing obstacles must be surmounted to continue reducing tobacco use and protecting health among this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Organic Cation Transporters in Health and Disease

The organic cation transporters (OCTs) OCT1, OCT2, OCT3, novel OCT (OCTN)1, OCTN2, multidrug and toxin exclusion (MATE)1, and MATE kidney-specific 2 are polyspecific transporters exhibiting broadly overlapping substrate selectivities. They transport organic cations, zwitterions, and some uncharged compounds and operate as facilitated diffusion systems and/or antiporters. OCTs are critically involved in intestinal absorption, hepatic uptake, and renal excretion of hydrophilic drugs. They modulate the distribution of endogenous compounds such as thiamine, L-carnitine, and neurotransmitters. Sites of expression and functions of OCTs have important impact on energy metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of drugs, and on drug–drug interactions. In this work, an overview about the human OCTs is presented. Functional properties of human OCTs, including identified substrates and inhibitors of the individual transporters, are described. Sites of expression are compiled, and data on regulation of OCTs are presented. In addition, genetic variations of OCTs are listed, and data on their impact on transport, drug treatment, and diseases are reported. Moreover, recent data are summarized that indicate complex drug–drug interaction at OCTs, such as allosteric high-affinity inhibition of transport and substrate dependence of inhibitor efficacies. A hypothesis about the molecular mechanism of polyspecific substrate recognition by OCTs is presented that is based on functional studies and mutagenesis experiments in OCT1 and OCT2. This hypothesis provides a framework to imagine how observed complex drug–drug interactions at OCTs arise. Finally, preclinical in vitro tests that are performed by pharmaceutical companies to identify interaction of novel drugs with OCTs are discussed. Optimized experimental procedures are proposed that allow a gapless detection of inhibitory and transported drugs.
The Effects of Voluntary Deposit Limit-Setting on Long-Term Online Gambling Expenditure

Online gambling has become increasingly popular but for a small minority of players can be problematic (∼5 percent). Many socially responsible online gambling operators have introduced responsible gambling tools to help their players stay in control of their gambling such as monetary limit-setting (in which gamblers predetermine the amount of money they want to spend per day/week/month on gambling). Despite the widespread introduction of such tools, few studies have evaluated their efficacy. This study comprised of an anonymized dataset of 49,560 players who had placed at least one wager with the online gambling operator Kindred. The primary aim of the study was to examine whether the setting of voluntary monetary limits (independent variable) had any effect on online gambling expenditure over a 1-year period (dependent variable). The secondary aim was to examine whether there were any differences in gambling expenditure by gender, age, or gambling intensity ("gambling intensity" was simply operationalized as the total amount of money wagered during a 3-month period). Results demonstrated that there were no differences with regard to age and gender but that among the most gambling-intense players, those who had voluntarily set limits gambled significantly less money a year later compared with those who had not. Given that those individuals with the highest gambling intensity are more likely to comprise problem gamblers, limit-setting appears to be an effective responsible gambling tool because the top 10 percent of most gambling-intense individuals in this study significantly reduced their gambling expenditure over a 1-year period.
Older person with vague symptoms in the emergency department: Where should I begin?

Christine JACKMAN , Rohan LAGING, Bridget LAGING, Bridget HONAN , Glenn ARENDTS 6,7 and Katie WALKER 1,8 Emergency Department, Cabrini, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Eastern Health Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, School of Medicine, Deakin University Medical School, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, Emergency Department, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, Emergency Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, and Health Services, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
PREVENTION OF CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTION.

One approach to preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections is to coat the catheter with antibiotic or antiseptic agents. Two randomized trials examined that approach in hospitalized patients who required triple-lumen polyurethane central venous catheters. The first study included 403 catheters and 158 patients in the University of …
Exploring attentive task-based connectivity for screening attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder children: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

Abstract. Connectivity impairment has frequently been associated with the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the connectivity of the resting state has mainly been studied, we expect the transition between baseline and task may also be impaired in ADHD children. Twenty-three typically developing (i.e., control) and 36 disordered (ADHD and autism-comorbid ADHD) children were subjected to connectivity analysis. Specifically, they performed an attention task, visual oddball, while their brains were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results of the measurements revealed three key findings. First, the control group maintained attentive connectivity, even in the baseline interval. Meanwhile, the disordered group showed enhanced bilateral intra- and interhemispheric connectivities while performing the task. However, right intrahemispheric connectivity was found to be weaker than those for the control group. Second, connectivity and activation characteristics might not be positively correlated with each other. In our previous results, disordered children lacked activation in the right middle frontal gyrus. However, within region connectivity of the right middle frontal gyrus was relatively strong in the baseline interval and significantly increased in the task interval. Third, the connectivity-based biomarker performed better than the activation-based biomarker in terms of screening. Activation and connectivity features were independently optimized and cross validated to obtain the best performing threshold-based classifier. The effectiveness of connectivity features, which brought significantly higher training accuracy than the optimum activation features, was confirmed (88% versus 76%). The optimum screening features were characterized by two trends: (1) strong connectivities of right frontal, left frontal, and left parietal lobes and (2) weak connectivities of left frontal, left parietal, and right parietal lobes in the control group. We conclude that the attentive task-based connectivity effectively shows the difference between control and disordered children and may represent pathological characteristics to be feasibly implemented as a supporting tool for clinical screening.
Topical Application of 7,3′,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms in NC/Nga Mice

Abstract Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease characterized by chronic inflammatory lesions, and new therapies are needed to address its rising prevalence. Soy isoflavone has been highlighted as a potential new cosmeceutical material that may have applications in atopic dermatitis care. We have developed a technique to attach an additional -OH group to the ortho position of -OH in the phenol ring using a special enzyme. By adding the -OH group to daidzein, 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone can be generated for possible use as a cosmeceutical and functional food material. In this study, we sought to examine the anti-atopic effects of 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone, an analog of daidzein. Topical application of 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone reduced Dermatophagoides farina extract-induced atopic dermatitis symptoms in NC/Nga mice. Histological analysis demonstrated that 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone suppressed D. farina extract-induced infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells into skin lesions. We also found that 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone significantly reduces the D. farina extract-induced increases in serum IgE and macrophage-derived chemokine (CCL22) levels. We observed that 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone suppresses atopic markers including macrophage-derived chemokine (CCL22) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (CCL17) in HaCaT cells. 7,3′,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone also reduced TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2. These results highlight several desirable properties of 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone, which support its use as a cosmeceutical ingredient for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Uncovering the functional anatomy of the human insula during speech

The contribution of insular cortex to speech production remains unclear and controversial given diverse findings from functional neuroimaging and lesional data. To create a precise spatiotemporal map of insular activity, we performed a series of experiments: single-word articulations of varying complexity, non-speech orofacial movements and speech listening, in a cohort of 27 patients implanted with penetrating intracranial electrodes. The posterior insula was robustly active bilaterally, but after the onset of articulation, during listening to speech and during production of non-speech mouth movements. Preceding articulation there was very sparse activity, localized primarily to the frontal operculum rather than the insula. Posterior insular was active coincident with superior temporal gyrus but was more active for self-generated speech than external speech, the opposite of the superior temporal gyrus. These findings support the conclusion that the insula does not serve pre-articulatory preparatory roles.
Development of Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Is Selectively Inhibited by Sustained E Protein Activity

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are tissue-resident lymphoid cells that reside mostly at barrier surfaces and participate in the initial response against pathogens. They are classified into different types based on effector programs that are based on cytokine production and transcription factor expression. They all derive from the common lymphoid precursor, but the molecular mechanisms regulating ILC subset development is not well understood. Experiments using Id2 knockout mice have previously shown that E protein activity inhibition is an absolute requirement for the development of all ILC subsets. In this study, we use a genetic approach to demonstrate that small increases in E protein activity during ILC development selectively inhibit type 2 ILC development. Type 1 ILCs are mostly unperturbed, and type 3 ILC show only a minor inhibition. This effect is first evident at the ILC2 progenitor stage and is ILC intrinsic. Therefore, our results demonstrate that modulation of E protein activity can bias cell fate decisions in developing ILCs.
Preliminary indications that the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up Intervention alters DNA methylation in maltreated children

Abstract Maltreatment during development is associated with epigenetic changes to the genome. Enhancing caregiving may mitigate these effects. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) is an intervention that has been shown to improve parent–child relationships and a variety of biological and behavioral outcomes among children that are involved in Child Protective Services. This preliminary study, using a small sample size, explored whether children who received ABC exhibit different methylation patterns than those who received a control intervention. The participants included 23 children aged 6–21 months who were randomized to receive ABC (n = 12) or a control intervention (n = 11). While the children displayed similar methylation patterns preintervention, DNA methylation varied between the ABC and control groups at 14,828 sites postintervention. Functional pathway analyses indicated that these differences were associated with gene pathways that are involved in cell signaling, metabolism, and neuronal development. This study is one of the first to explore parenting intervention effects on children's DNA methylation at the whole genome level in infancy. These preliminary findings provide a basis for hypothesis generation in further research with larger-scale studies regarding the malleability of epigenetic states that are associated with maltreatment.
Influenza A virus infection induces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression and modulates subsequent inflammatory mediators in nasal epithelial cells

Abstract Background: Nasal epithelial cells are the first site of encounter of the influenza virus, and their innate immune response might define subsequent inflammatory direction. Aims/objectives: We used metabolomics analysis to identify metabolic changes and the regulation of inflammatory cytokines in nasal epithelial cells upon influenza virus infection. Material and methods: We cultured nasal epithelial cells using air-liquid interface (ALI) model. Influenza virus (PR8) infection followed by metabolomic analysis was performed. Furthermore, cytokine expression was analyzed by cytokine array and RT-qPCR. Results: Metabolomic analysis revealed depletion of the tryptophan and accumulation of its metabolite, kynurenine, within 48 h. The major enzyme involved in the tryptophan metabolic pathway, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), was overexpressed after infection. Cytokine expression array after infection showed increased levels of IL-1α, CCL2, IL-6, CXCL10, CCL5, and CXCL11, and after using 1-methyltryptophan (1-MT) as inhibitor, the expression levels of IL-6 and G-CSF were reduced. Conclusions and significance: Viral infection results in depletion of tryptophan and accumulation of kynurenine via increased cellular IDO activity. Inhibition of IDO activity or replenishment of tryptophan by local application may be a good therapeutic strategy for limiting the initial damage caused by influenza virus in nasal epithelial cells.
Plant extract supplementation as a strategy for substituting dietary antibiotics in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of two plant extracts as alternatives to dietary antibiotics in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature. A total of 300 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (5 replicate pens; 15 broiler chickens each) which consisted of starter (d 0 to 10), and grower (d 10 to 28) diets. Dietary treatments included a basal diet (negative control, NC) and three similar diets that were either supplemented with 200 mg/kg of Prosopis farcta extract (PFE), Rhus coriaria L. extract (RCE) or an antibiotic premix containing oxytetracycline (positive control, PC). In order to simulate low ambient temperature, room temperature was maintained at 32°C during the first 3 d of the trial and afterwards, the temperature was gradually reduced by approximately 1.5°C each day to 14°C on d 21. PFE and PC treatments exerted a significant effect on body weight gain at d 28. Diet PFE was effective in reducing mortality when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, diet PFE caused increases in ileal digestibility of gross energy, dry matter and organic matter when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). Diets PFE and PC decreased coliforms, total aerobic bacteria and total anaerobic bacteria loads in the caeca when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of PFE to the diet improved villous height in all small intestinal segments as well as villous height:crypt depth ratio in the duodenum when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). The results indicated that PFE is not only a valid alternative to oxytetracycline under cold stress conditions, with no antibiotic resistance, but also has the potential to increase the resistance of broiler chickens against ascites syndrome. Moreover, the addition of RCE at the concentration of 200 mg/kg to the diet was not sufficient to improve the performance of broiler chickens (similar to diet PC) but maybe more effective at higher concentrations.
Effect of Acute Illness on Contact Patterns, Malawi, 2017

The way persons interact when ill could profoundly affect transmission of infectious agents. To obtain data on these patterns in Africa, we recorded self-reported named contacts and opportunities for casual contact in rural northern Malawi. We interviewed 384 patients and 257 caregivers about contacts over three 24-hour periods: day of the clinic visit for acute illness, the next day, and 2 weeks later when well. For participants of all ages, the number of adult contacts and the proportion using public transportation was higher on the day of the clinic visit than later when well. Compared with the day after the clinic visit, well participants (2 weeks later) named a mean of 0.4 extra contacts; the increase was larger for indoor or prolonged contacts. When well, participants were more likely to visit other houses and congregate settings. When ill, they had more visitors at home. These findings could help refine models of infection spread.
Knowledge and attitude toward use of internet in smartphones for dental education

Introduction: Internet has become ubiquitous with the advent of smartphones. The dental fraternity keeps themselves updated and share knowledge through webinars, video conferences, research publications, etc. Hence, the internet serves as an imperative tool for dissemination of information. The usage of internet in dental education can be exploited to the fullest, especially due to the increased ownership rates of smartphones. Materials and Methods: A total of 490 students from four dental colleges in Tamil Nadu were asked to fill a close-ended questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental students toward internet usage in smartphones. This study was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017. Results: The response rate was 100%. Almost all the students (98%) had knowledge on browsing. The percentage of internet use in smartphones were the highest (55.2%) followed by computers or laptops at home (26.5%). About 34.6% of students used internet in smartphones daily. More than half of the students (52.2%) used internet in smartphone at least 2–3 h a day. About one quarter (23.4%) of students used internet on a daily basis while 29.59% of students accessed the internet thrice a week for searching content related to dentistry. The preferred source for collecting dental-related information was through the internet (28.9%) and textbooks (28.5%). Conclusion: Dental students have considerable knowledge in using the internet for dental education and some of them utilize internet more frequently because of the possession of smartphones.