Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lysergic acid diethylamide differentially modulates the reticular thalamus, mediodorsal thalamus, and infralimbic prefrontal cortex: An in vivo electrophysiology study in male mice

Background: The reticular thalamus gates thalamocortical information flow via finely tuned inhibition of thalamocortical cells in the mediodorsal thalamus. Brain imaging studies in humans show that the psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) modulates activity and connectivity within the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, altering consciousness. However, the electrophysiological effects of LSD on the neurons in these brain areas remain elusive. Methods: We employed in vivo extracellular single-unit recordings in anesthetized adult male mice to investigate the dose–response effects of cumulative LSD doses (5–160 µg/kg, intraperitoneal) upon reticular thalamus GABAergic neurons, thalamocortical relay neurons of the mediodorsal thalamus, and pyramidal neurons of the infralimbic prefrontal cortex. Results: LSD decreased spontaneous firing and burst-firing activity in 50% of the recorded reticular thalamus neurons in a dose–response fashion starting at 10 µg/kg. Another population of neurons (50%) increased firing and burst-firing activity starting at 40 µg/kg. This modulation was accompanied by an increase in firing and burst-firing activity of thalamocortical neurons in the mediodorsal thalamus. On the contrary, LSD excited infralimbic prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons only at the highest dose tested (160 µg/kg). The dopamine D2 receptor (D2) antagonist haloperidol administered after LSD increased burst-firing activity in the reticular thalamus neurons inhibited by LSD, decreased firing and burst-firing activity in the mediodorsal thalamus, and showed a trend towards further increasing the firing activity of neurons of the infralimbic prefrontal cortex. Conclusion: LSD modulates firing and burst-firing activity of reticular thalamus neurons and disinhibits mediodorsal thalamus relay neurons at least partially in a D2-mediated fashion. These effects of LSD on thalamocortical gating could explain its consciousness-altering effects in humans.
Prevalence of Mildly Reduced Estimated GFR by Height- or Age-Related Equations in Young People With Obesity and Its Association with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence of mildly reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (MRGFR) (eGFR >60 and < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), calculated by two creatinine-based equations, and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) in youth with overweight (OW)/obesity (OB). METHODS This is a multicenter cross-sectional study involving university and non-university hospital pediatrics departments. We enrolled 3,118 youth with OW/OB (5-14 years) and 286 healthy normal weight (NW) youth. eGFR was calculated using bedside Schwartz equation (eGFRBSE) and Full Age Spectrum equation (eGFRFAS). In OW/OB group we analyzed the association between eGFR calculated by both equations and CMRF. Uric acid (UA) and birth weight were available in 2,135 and in 1,460 youth. RESULTS The prevalence of MRGFR was 3.8% in NW versus 7.8% in OW/OB (P = .016) by eGFRBSE, and 8.7% in NW versus 19.4% in OW/OB (P < .0001) by eGFRFAS. eGFRBSE and eGFRFAS identified 242 and 605 young people with OW/OB with MRGFR, respectively. Individuals with MRGFR according with both equations showed lower birth weight, younger age, higher BMI-SDS, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and UA as compared to those with normal eGFR. To examine whether the eGFRFAS was associated with a worse CMR profile also in the range of normal eGFRBSE, we reclassified young people with normal eGFRBSE (n = 2,876) according with eGFRFAS. Out of youth with normal eGFRBSE, 366 (12.7%) presented MRGFR by eGFRFAS and had lower age, higher BMI-SDS, BP and UA than the remaining youth reclassified as normal eGFRFAS. CONCLUSION MRGFR is associated with an altered CMR profile in a large sample of young people with overweight (OW)/obesity (OB). The eGFRFAS equation identifies a higher prevalence of youth with MRGFR, compared to eGFRBSE equation.
Visualizing the dynamics of tuberculosis pathology using molecular imaging

Nearly 140 years after Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tuberculosis (TB) remains a global threat and a deadly human pathogen. M. tuberculosis is notable for complex host-pathogen interactions that lead to poorly understood disease states ranging from latent infection to active disease. Additionally, multiple pathologies with a distinct local milieu (bacterial burden, antibiotic exposure, and host response) can coexist simultaneously within the same subject and change independently over time. Current tools cannot optimally measure these distinct pathologies or the spatiotemporal changes. Next-generation molecular imaging affords unparalleled opportunities to visualize infection by providing holistic, 3D spatial characterization and noninvasive, temporal monitoring within the same subject. This rapidly evolving technology could powerfully augment TB research by advancing fundamental knowledge and accelerating the development of novel diagnostics, biomarkers, and therapeutics.
Examination of the ‘5-2-1-0’ Recommendations in Racially Diverse Young Children Exposed to Tobacco Smoke

Purpose: The ‘5-2-1-0’ guidelines recommend that children: eat ≥5 servings of fruits/vegetables (‘5’), have ≤2 hours of screen-time (‘2’), have ≥1 hour of activity (‘1’), and drink 0 sugar-sweetened beverages (‘0’) daily. The pediatric emergency department (PED) treats children at risk for obesity and tobacco smoke exposure (TSE). We examined body mass index (BMI), overweight, obesity, TSE, and ‘5-2-1-0’ rates in children with TSE in the PED. Design: Cross-sectional study of PED children. Setting: The PED of a children’s hospital. Sample: Children with TSE >6 months-5 years old (N = 401). Measures: Sociodemographics, ‘5-2-1-0’ behaviors, BMI, and cotinine-confirmed TSE. Analysis: Associations between ‘5-2-1-0’ and sociodemographics were examined with logistic regression. Results: Mean (SD) age = 2.4 (1.6) years; 53.1% were Black; 65.8% had low-income; and 93.4% had TSE. Of 2-5-year-olds, mean (SD) BMI percentile was 66.2 (30.1), 16.1% were overweight and 20.6% were obese. In total, 10.5% attained ‘5’, 72.6% attained ‘2’, 57.8% of 2-5-year-olds attained ‘1’, and 9.8% attained ‘0’. Compared to White children, “other” race children were more likely to meet ‘5’ (aOR(95% CI):4.67(1.41, 5.45)); 2-5-years-olds (aOR(95%CI):0.60(0.38, 0.95)) and Black children (aOR(95%CI):0.36(0.21, 0.60)) were at decreased odds to meet ‘2’ compared to younger or White children, respectively. Compared to younger children, 2-5-year-olds were at decreased odds to meet ‘0’ (aOR(95%CI):0.08(0.02, 0.26)). Conclusion: Racially diverse, low-income children with TSE had low ‘5-2-1-0’ attainment. Interventions are needed to improve lifestyle habits in this population.
Designing a screening battery for exercisers with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Purpose Develop a screening battery for persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) that is easily administered in a short amount of time by community exercise professionals and measures changes in function. Methods An integrated, stakeholder-engaged, mixed methods approach included interviews and meetings with community exercise professionals on the development of a screening battery. Persons with PD (n = 57, age = 72.1 ± 8.1 years) who were already enrolled in fitness classes or individualized training at three locations participated in the screening battery twice over 8–16 weeks and provided feedback. Trends from interviews and meeting notes were identified using summative content analysis. Quantitative changes in performance were compared with paired t-tests. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for all significant differences. Results Current barriers for functional screenings included time and space. Using this feedback, we developed a screening battery that took under 20 min, required little equipment, had been previously validated, could be performed in individual and group settings, and provided objective feedback that was motivating for persons with PD to continue exercising. Persons with PD demonstrated improved functional performance on sit-to-stand (d = −0.71), two-minute walk test (d = −3.83), and arm curls (d = −0.78). Conclusion Test results can be a motivator for persons with PD and lead to increased exercise adherence. Easily administered tests can show improvements in this population. Community exercise professionals are able to safely screen persons with PD to detect functional deficits and assist with programming. Implications for Rehabilitation Regular exercise can slow declines in physical function and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease. Use of physical assessments in community exercise programs can improve motivation to exercise for this population. Physical assessments such as sit-to-stand and arm curls can be used to demonstrate improvements in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Associations between livestock ownership and lower odds of anaemia among children 6–59 months old are not mediated by animal‐source food consumption in Ghana

Abstract Livestock ownership may mitigate anaemia among young children by providing access to animal‐source foods (ASFs) yet exacerbate anaemia by exposing children to animal‐source pathogens. This study aimed to assess the association between household livestock ownership and child anaemia and examine whether this relationship is mediated by child ASF consumption or by child morbidity and inflammation. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 470 children aged 6–59 months in Greater Accra, Ghana. Child blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin concentration, iron status biomarkers and inflammatory biomarkers. Caregivers were asked about the child's frequency of ASF consumption in the past 3 months. Livestock ownership was categorized into five typologies to distinguish households by the number and combinations of species owned. In adjusted logistic regression, children from households in Type 5, owning cattle, small livestock (goats, sheep or pigs) and poultry, had lower odds of anaemia compared with those in Type 1, owning no livestock (OR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.14, 0.71]). Although children from households that owned poultry were more likely to consume chicken meat, and children from households with cattle were more likely to drink cow's milk, consumption of these ASFs did not mediate the observed association between livestock ownership and child anaemia. There were no associations between livestock ownership and children's symptoms of illness or inflammation. Further research is needed to understand how ownership of certain livestock species, or a greater diversity of livestock species, may be associated with the risk of child anaemia, including the role of dietary and income‐based pathways.
Normal values for cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials using EMG scaling: effect of body position and electrode montage

Abstract Background The clinical utility of cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP and oVEMP) is limited by variability of testing protocols and a dearth of normative data using contemporary methods for amplitude scaling. Aims/objectives To investigate the effect of body position and electrode montage on VEMP responses and to establish normative values. Material and Methods This is a repeated measures study of 44 healthy young adult subjects (22 men and 22 women). Results The highest response rate (99%) for cVEMP was achieved in the supine position with the head elevated and turned. For oVEMP, the highest response rate (90%) was achieved using nasal alar electrode montage with the subject in a sitting position. Scaled peak-to-peak amplitude was higher in males than in females for both cVEMP and oVEMP. Conclusion Normative data for 44 young healthy adults was successfully collected for two body positions for cVEMP and two head positions and two electrode montages for oVEMP. Significance Our findings describe VEMP protocols that efficiently detect VEMP responses, and we provide normative VEMP response data for young healthy subjects. We describe a potential difference in response between males and females, which may be clinically important.
Evaluation of corneal topography, tear film function and conjunctival impression cytology after long-term scleral contact lens wear in keratoconus patients

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the impact of long-term scleral contact lens (ScCL) wear on corneal curvature, corneal thickness, tear film function, and ocular surface in patients with keratoconus.Methods: Sixteen keratoconus patients wearing ScCLs for 6 months were enrolled in the study. Corneal topography, tear osmolarity test, Schirmer 1 test, tear film break-up time (TBUT) test, and impression cytology analysis were assessed at baseline and follow-up examinations.Results: There were no significant differences in visual acuity, keratometric and pachymetric values after 6 months of ScCL wear compared to baseline (p>0.05 for all). Tear osmolarity, Schirmer 1 test, and TBUT test results showed no significant change during follow-up (p>0.05 for all). Median goblet cell density and grade of squamous metaplasia did not differ significantly at 1-month. However, there was a gradual deterioration in goblet cell density and Nelson grade until the third-month visit compared to baseline (p for goblet cell, p=0.003; p for Nelson grade, p=0.003). These impaired cytological features observed at 3-month visit persisted at 6-month visit (p for goblet cell, p=0.008; p for Nelson grade, p<0.001). Conclusion: Six months of ScCL wear did not induce any changes in corneal curvature and thickness and also did not affect tear function tests in keratoconic eyes. The only significant changes observed were a decrease in goblet cell density and metaplastic changes in conjunctival epithelium in impression cytology analysis. Further investigations may be needed to better understand the cause of impairment in cytological features of ocular surface and its clinical implications.
Histopathological and epidemiological findings of colonoscopy screening in a population with an average risk of colorectal cancer in Kuwait

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in women and the third most common in men worldwide, with a significantly rising incidence in the Middle East region over the last few decades. This study investigates the histopathological and epidemiological characteristics of colonoscopic findings in a population with an average risk of CRC in Kuwait. Methods: In this study, 1,005 asymptomatic average-risk Kuwaiti adults aged over 40 years had their first colonoscopy screening during the 2015–2018 period. Data on lifestyle behaviors (cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity), body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities were routinely collected from these individuals. All colorectal polyps or masses were assessed for their site, size, and number and then resected and sent for histopathological examination. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54 years, and 52.2% were women. In screened individuals, the polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, and carcinoma detection rate were 43.8%, 27.7%, and 1.2%, respectively. Tubular, tubulovillous, and villous types of adenoma constituted 17.3%, 2.8%, and 1.3% of all screened participants. Neoplastic lesions, particularly in the proximal colon, were more common among men aged 40–49 years. Age of 70 years and older (OR: 9.6; 95% CI: 4.7–19.9; P < 0.001), male gender (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.3; P = 0.011), increased BMI (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.08; P = 0.001), and smoking (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 2.3–5.4; P < 0.001) were the most significant independent risk factors for colorectal neoplasia. Conclusions: The high adenoma detection rate (ADR) in Kuwaiti population calls for the establishment of a national programe for CRC screening. The higher ADR in those younger than 50 years calls for assessment of the threshold age at which to start screening.
A New Meal Absorption Model for Artificial Pancreas Systems

Background: Artificial pancreas (AP) systems reduce the treatment burden of Type 1 Diabetes by automatically regulating blood glucose (BG) levels. While many disturbances stand in the way of fully closed-loop (automated) control, unannounced meals remain the greatest challenge. Furthermore, different types of meals can have significantly different glucose responses, further increasing the uncertainty surrounding the meal. Methods: Effective attenuation of a meal requires quick and accurate insulin delivery because of slow insulin action relative to meal effects on BG. The proposed Variable Hump (VH) model adapts to meals of varying compositions by inferring both meal size and shape. To appropriately address the uncertainty of meal size, the model divides meal absorption into two disjoint regions: a region with coarse meal size predictions followed by a fine-grain region where predictions are fine-tuned by adapting to the meal shape. Results: Using gold-standard triple tracer meal data, the proposed VH model is compared to three simpler second-order response models. The proposed VH model increased model fit capacity by 22% and prediction accuracy by 12% relative to the next best models. A 47% increase in the accuracy of uncertainty predictions was also found. In a simple control scenario, the controller governed by the proposed VH model provided insulin just as fast or faster than the controller governed by the other models in four out of the six meals. While the controllers governed by the other models all delivered at least a 25% excess of insulin at their worst, the VH model controller only delivered 9% excess at its worst. Conclusions: The VH Model performed best in accuracy metrics and succeeded over the other models in providing insulin quickly and accurately in a simple implementation. Use in an AP system may improve prediction accuracy and lead to better control around mealtimes.
Produção e caracterização de filmes finos de óxido de zinco intrínsecos e dopados com alumínio e boro

Intrinsic (ZnO), Al-doped (ZnO:Al) and B-doped (ZnO:B) thin films were deposited by spray-pyrolysis on glass substrates. The influence of parameters such as doping concentration, substrate temperature (Ts) and thermal processing under vacuum on the structural, optical and electrical properties of the films, was studied with the purpose to consider their application as transparent conductive oxides. Electrical resistivity values of 1.21 x 10-2 and 6.97 x 10-3 W.cm were obtained for ZnO:Al (1 at.% - Ts = 550°C) and ZnO:B (0,5 at.%. - Ts = 500°C) heat treated films, respectively, and an optical transmittance of 48%. The value of the figure of merit of these films indicated a light superiority of the ZnO:B film. In general, the heat treatment decreases the sheet resistance of the films from 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. The energy of optical GAP varied from 3,00 to 3,30 eV.
When the end feels near: sense of purpose predicts well-being as a function of future time perspective

Abstract Objectives While sense of purpose is a robust predictor of well-being, little work has considered whether the associations vary based on future time perspective. Exploring this possibility is important given that the extent to which one may pursue their life aims could be dependent upon how much time they feel that they have remaining. Methods Using three samples (total n = 2333), the current study considered the association between sense of purpose and future time perspective. Moderation tests also examined whether the associations between sense of purpose and three well-being components (positive affect, negative affect, life satisfaction) differed as a function of future time perspective. Results Across all three studies, people with a broader time perspective reported a higher sense of purpose. Both constructs predicted greater well-being, even after accounting for chronological age. Future time perspective moderated the associations between sense of purpose and well-being, such that the negative association between sense of purpose and negative affect was stronger for those with a broader time perspective and the positive association between sense of purpose and life satisfaction was stronger for those with a limited time perspective. Conclusion The well-being benefits associated with sense of purpose in adulthood may depend on future time perspective. Findings are discussed in the context of how purpose can be harnessed to enhance well-being even when older adults feel that their time left is limited.
Circulating Macrophage Activation Markers Predict Transplant-Free Survival in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

INTRODUCTION: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease characterized by bile duct inflammation and fibrosis. The role of macrophages in PSC development and progression is less studied. Macrophage activation markers soluble (s)CD163 and mannose receptor (sMR) are associated with disease severity and outcome in other liver diseases, but not previously investigated in PSC. We evaluated sCD163 and sMR regarding disease severity and prognosis in patients with PSC. METHODS: We investigated 2 independent PSC cohorts from Oslo (n = 138) and Helsinki (n = 159) and analyzed blood sCD163 and sMR levels. The Mayo score, Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Test, and Amsterdam-Oxford model were assessed for comparison. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) sCD163 was 3.32 (2.27–5.60) and 1.96 (1.47–2.70) mg/L in the Oslo and Helsinki cohorts, respectively, reflecting differences in disease severity between cohorts. Median sMR was similar in both cohorts, 0.28 (0.22–0.44) and 0.28 mg/L (0.20–0.36), respectively. In both cohorts, sCD163 and sMR levels raised with increasing disease severity (liver enzymes, Mayo score, and enhanced liver fibrosis test). Patients with high baseline levels of sCD163 had shorter transplant-free survival than patients with low baseline levels. Furthermore, sCD163 was associated with transplant-free survival in univariate cox-regression analyses. Both sCD163 and sMR performed better in the Oslo cohort of more severely diseased patients than those in the Helsinki cohort of more mildly diseased patients. DISCUSSION: Macrophage activation markers are elevated according to disease severity suggesting an important role of macrophages in PSC. Furthermore, sCD163 was identified as a prognostic marker and predictor of transplant-free survival in PSC (see Visual Abstract, Supplementary Digital Content 4, http://links.lww.com/CTG/A516).
Analysis of gadolinium polyaminopolycarboxylic complexes by HPLC–ultrasonic nebulizer–ICP-AES hyphenated technique

The coupling of the HPLC and ICP techniques allows the determination of both classes of GdIII complexes, with and without the chromophoric group. The ICP signal enables the determination of the compounds containing Gd, while the UV signal gives information on compounds containing chromophoric groups with or without GdIII ions.In this paper we describe the study of the thermal degradation products obtained on heating (120 °C, 28 h) and aqueous solution of the GdIII complex. Starting from a 0.25 mol l–1 aqueous solution of the gadolinium(III) complex of the 10-{2-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino]-2-oxo-1-[(phenylmethoxy)methyl]ethyl}-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (1), we were able to detect the thermal decomposition products.