Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Risedronate inhibits rat bone marrow adipogenesis and reduces RANKL expression in adipocytes].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of risedronate on bone marrow adipogenesis and the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in adipocytes in the bone marrow micro-environment. METHODS Primary cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with or without adipogenic induction for 14 days were treated with 1, 5, 10, and 25 μmol/L risedronate. The droplets of the differentiated adipocytes were analyzed, and Western blotting was performed to detect the expression level of RANKL. Female SD rats (24-week-old) were randomly divided into sham-operated group and ovariectomy (OVX) group, and 12 weeks after the operation, the OVX rats were further divided into control group and risedronate group (2.4 μg/kg, injected subcutaneously for 3 times a week). Eight weeks later, the bone mineral density (BMD) of the rats and bone marrow histopathology of the femurs was examined to evaluate the effect of risedronate on the fat fraction in the bone marrow. RESULTS Risdronate significantly inhibited adipogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs and suppressed RANKL expression in the adipocytes derived from the BMSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. In OVX rats, risdronate treatment significantly increased the BMD and decreased the fat content in the bone marrow. CONCLUSIONS Risdronate can effectively inhibit the adipogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs, decrease fat content in the bone marrow, and suppress the generation and function of osteoclasts by down-regulating the expression of RANKL, which can be an important mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of risedronate against osteoporosis.
Transgenerational effect of parental obesity and chronic parental bisphenol A exposure on hormonal profile and reproductive organs of preadolescent Wistar rats of F1 generation: A one-generation study

There is a global concern about adverse health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogenic and obesogenic compound, used in the plastic and medical industry has a dominant position among EDCs as far as human health and regulatory scenario are concerned. Due to its omnipresence across the biosphere, population of all age groups and health status is unavoidably exposed to BPA. Transgenerational exposure to BPA and its effects have also been recognized. However, there is no report on the transgenerational effect of BPA on metabolically disordered parents, such as obese ones. We studied effect of BPA exposure in F0 generation and its impact on F1 generation and factored parental obesity in transgenerational effect of concurrent exposure to low dose BPA (10 ppm × 180 days) in Wistar rats in a one-generation study protocol. The exposed F0 generation animals were crossed and F1 generation was analyzed 35 days after birth for indications of reproductive toxicity. We observed changes in hormone levels and disturbance in glucose and lipid homeostasis. Animals showed increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides along with higher birth weight and rapid weight gain. Histopathological evidence confirmed the presence of regressive and inflammatory changes in the ovary and testis. The test group showed metabolic disturbances in comparison to control group. Our study showed the additive effect of parental obesity in transgenerational reproductive toxicity of BPA. Female animals of F1 generation of BPA-treated obese parents showed more insulin resistance than males with similar exposure scenario. Our study highlights the confounding role of metabolic disorders such as obesity in the transgenerational toxicity of BPA, which otherwise itself is implicated in the aetiology of such metabolic disorders, directly or indirectly.
The Impact of Emotional Regulation Strategies on Pain Catastrophizing in the Context of Interpersonal Relationships

Objectives: The Communal Coping Model suggests that pain catastrophizing may serve to elicit support from others. What is not known is how emotional regulation, namely emotional inhibition, impacts pain catastrophizing within the context of an interpersonal relationship. Individuals who have a greater tendency to emotionally inhibit may have a greater likelihood to use catastrophizing as a means for seeking support, particularly in relationships characterized by satisfaction and emotional validation. Methods: Data were collected from 50 undergraduate couples at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Participants were videotaped during the completion of an acute pain cold pressor task and completed measures involving pain catastrophizing, emotional inhibition, and relationship dynamics (ie, Ambivalence Over Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire, White Bear Suppression Inventory, Dyadic Adjustment Scale). In addition, the videotaped interactions were coded for both invalidation/validation and overt expressions of pain catastrophizing. Results: Emotional inhibition, and both validation and invalidation were associated with pain catastrophizing. Observed validation and invalidation were not, however, directly associated with relationship satisfaction. Hierarchical linear regression showed a significant interaction between thought suppression and relationship satisfaction to predict pain catastrophizing. Discussion: Results show relationship satisfaction moderates the association between pain catastrophizing and thought suppression in a manner in which couples with high levels of relationship satisfaction who also engage in thought suppression are more likely to use pain catastrophizing as a cognitive strategy to elicit support. This study offers direction into treatment and suggests that couples based cognitive-behavioral treatments that aim to utilize adaptive cognitive and behavioral coping strategies, as well as emotional exploration and validation, may be beneficial.
Metabolic Flexibility in Cancer: Targeting the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase:Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Axis

Cancer cells use alterations of normal metabolic processes to sustain proliferation indefinitely. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional control of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) family is one way in which cancer cells alter normal pyruvate metabolism to fuel proliferation. PDKs can phosphorylate and inactivate the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC), which blocks oxidative metabolism of pyruvate by the mitochondria. This process is thought to enhance cancer cell growth by promoting anabolic pathways. Inhibition of PDKs induces cell death through increased PDH activity and subsequent increases in ROS production. The use of PDK inhibitors has seen widespread success as a potential therapeutic in laboratory models of multiple cancers; however, gaps still exist in our understanding of the biology of PDK regulation and function, especially in the context of individual PDKs. Efforts are currently underway to generate PDK-specific inhibitors and delineate the roles of individual PDK isozymes in specific cancers. The goal of this review is to understand the regulation of the PDK isozyme family, their role in cancer proliferation, and how to target this pathway therapeutically to specifically and effectively reduce cancer growth.
Opioids and their endocrine effects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT The increased use of opioids has resulted in an unprecedented opioid epidemic. Chronic opioid use causes hypogonadism, but its frequency, as well as the effects of opioids on other hypothalamo-pituitary-end organ hormone axes, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of opioid use on pituitary function. METHODS Eight electronic databases were searched for articles published up to May 8, 2018. Fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals. This study is reported following the PRISMA- and MOOSE-guidelines. DATA SYNTHESIS 52 studies (22 low risk of bias) were included describing 18,428 subjects, consisting of patients with chronic pain (n=21 studies), or on maintenance treatment for opioid addiction (n=9) and healthy volunteers (n=4). The most frequently used opioid was methadone (n=13 studies), followed by morphine (n=12). Prevalence of hypogonadism was 63% (95% CI: 55-70%, 15 studies, 3,250 patients, 99.5% males). Prevalence of hypocortisolism relying on dynamic and non-dynamic testing was 15% (95% CI: 6-28%, 5 studies, 205 patients, 57.5% males) and including only studies using the insulin tolerance tests 24% (95% CI 16-33%, 2 studies, n=97 patients). In 5 out of 7 studies hyperprolactinemia was present. No clear effects on the somatotropic and hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axes were described. CONCLUSIONS Hypogonadism occurs in more than half of male opioid users, and hypocortisolism in approximately a fifth of all patients. Periodical evaluation of at least the gonadal and adrenal axes is therefore advisable.
Differential resting state connectivity responses to glycemic state in type 1 diabetes.

CONTEXT Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have alterations in brain activity which have been postulated to contribute to the adverse neurocognitive consequences of T1DM; however, the impact of T1DM and hypoglycemic unawareness on the brain's resting state activity remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether individuals with T1DM and hypoglycemia unawareness (T1DM-Unaware) had changes in the brain resting state functional connectivity compared to healthy controls (HC) and those with T1DM and hypoglycemia awareness (T1DM-Aware). DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS 27 individuals with T1DM and 12 healthy control volunteers participated in the study. INTERVENTION All participants underwent BOLD resting state fMRI brain imaging during a 2-step hyperinsulinemic euglycemic (90 mg/dl)-hypoglycemic (60mg/dl) clamp. OUTCOME Changes in resting state functional connectivity. RESULTS Using two separate methods of functional connectivity analysis, we identified distinct differences in the resting state brain responses to mild hypoglycemia amongst HC, T1DM-Aware and T1DM-Unaware participants, particularly in the angular gyrus, an integral component of the default mode network (DMN). Furthermore, changes in angular gyrus connectivity also correlated with greater symptoms of hypoglycemia (r = 0.461, P = 0.003) as well as higher scores of perceived stress (r = 0.531, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION These findings provide evidence that individuals with T1DM have changes in the brain's resting state connectivity patterns, which may be further associated with differences in awareness to hypoglycemia. These changes in connectivity may be associated with alterations in functional outcomes amongst individuals with T1DM.
Evaluation of Mobile Applications Intended to Aid in Conception Using a Systematic Review Framework

Objective: This review identified and evaluated apps intended to aid women in conception that were available across major mobile platforms; secondary objectives were to highlight additional criteria and considerations when evaluating conception-related apps. Data Sources: Apple iTunes and Google Play stores were searched using the keywords conception, fertility, and pregnant. Data Selection: Included apps were as follows: contained in the first 50 search results; presented in English; intended for layperson use; updated July 1, 2018, or after; marketed as a conception aid; and used a defined fertility tracking method. Excluded apps were intended for men only, marketed for contraception only, promoted a single fertility service or branded product, or not found in both app stores. Data Extraction: Apps were evaluated using the adapted APPLICATIONS Scoring System. Two additional criteria were assessed: inclusion of a privacy policy and inclusion of a search function, medical terminology glossary, or Frequently Asked Questions section. Data Synthesis: A total of 300 apps were screened; 7 app pairs were analyzed. Scores ranged from 9 to 13 of a possible 15 points (mean = 11; median = 11). No app reported advisement from a health professional during development. Relevance to Patient Care in Clinical Practice: Widely available apps that score highly per the adapted APPLICATIONS Scoring System may be considered for use by and recommended to women seeking apps useful for conception. Conclusion: Evaluation tools should evolve as app features change. Criteria related to privacy and search functions that promote health literacy should be considered for future app evaluation tools.
Altered response to risky decisions and reward in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder

Background Patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) employ ritualistic behaviours to reduce or even neutralize the anxiety provoked by their obsessions. The presence of excessive rumination and indecision has motivated the view of OCD as a disorder of decision-making. Most studies have focused on the “cold,” cognitive aspects of decision-making. This study expands current understanding of OCD by characterizing the abnormalities associated with affective, or “hot” decision-making. Methods We performed a functional MRI study in a sample of 34 patients with OCD and 33 sex- and age-matched healthy controls, during which participants made 2-choice gambles taking varying levels of risk. Results During risky decisions, patients showed significantly reduced task-related activation in the posterior cingulum, lingual gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex. We identified significant group × risk interactions in the calcarine cortex, precuneus, amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex. During the outcome phase, patients with OCD showed stronger activation of the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and putamen in response to unexpected losses. Limitations The group of patients not receiving medication was very small (n = 5), which precluded us from assessing the effect of medication on risk-taking behaviour in these patients. Conclusion Obsessive–compulsive disorder is associated with abnormal brain activity patterns during risky decision-making in a set of brain regions that have been consistently implicated in the processing of reward prediction errors. Alterations in affective “hot” processes implicated in decision-making may contribute to increased indecisiveness and intolerance to uncertainty in patients with OCD.
Diagnostic performance of ankle ultrasound for diagnosing anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament injuries: a meta-analysis

Background Ankle ultrasound imaging could be an option with higher priority due to its lack of radiation, and cost- and time-effectiveness. However, previous studies regarding anterior tibiofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament injuries have shown varied results. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ankle ultrasound for anterior tibiofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament injuries. Material and Methods PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for diagnostic accuracy studies that used ultrasound for diagnosing anterior tibiofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament injuries. Bivariate and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic modeling were used to evaluate diagnostic performance. Subgroup analysis was performed using studies according to severity of the injury (complete and partial anterior tibiofibular ligament tear). We performed meta-regression analyses for heterogeneity exploration. Results Ten articles involving a total of 380 patients were included. For anterior tibiofibular ligament injury, the summary sensitivity, summary specificity, and area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 0.99, 0.92, and 0.99, respectively. For calcaneofibular ligament injury, the summary sensitivity, summary specificity, and AUC were 0.95, 0.99, and 0.95, respectively. In subgroup analysis, for complete anterior tibiofibular ligament tear, the summary sensitivity, summary specificity, and AUC were 0.96, 0.82, and 0.96, respectively. For partial anterior tibiofibular ligament tear, the summary sensitivity, summary specificity, and AUC were 0.90, 0.82, and 0.93, respectively. Among the various potential covariates, proportion of anterior tibiofibular ligament tear, ultrasound interpreter, and reference standard were associated with specificity heterogeneity. Conclusion Ankle ultrasound demonstrates high diagnostic performance in the diagnosis of anterior tibiofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament injuries. We recommend ultrasound performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist as a first-line diagnostic tool to diagnose anterior tibiofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament injuries.
Ultralight and Mechanically Robust Ti3C2Tx Hybrid Aerogel Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding.

Lightweight materials with high electrical conductivity and robust mechanical properties are highly desirable for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in modern portable and highly integrated electronics. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) porous Ti3C2Tx/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid aerogel was fabricated via a bidirectional freezing method for lightweight EMI shielding application. The synergism of the lamellar and porous structure of the MXene/CNT hybrid aerogels contributed extensively to their excellent electrical conductivity (943 S m-1) and superior electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) value of 103.9 dB at 3 mm thickness at the X-band frequency, the latter of which is the best value reported for synthetic porous nanomaterials. The CNT reinforcement in the MXene/CNT hybrid aerogels enhanced the mechanical robustness and increased the compressional modulus by 9661% relative to that of the pristine MXene aerogel. The hybrid aerogel with high electrical conductivity, good mechanical strength, and superior EMI shielding performance is a promising material for inhibiting EMI pollution.
Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as a biomarker of treatment response in childhood tuberculosis

Background: Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. In 2015, there are estimated 950,000 cases of childhood TB. Since most TB in children is paucibacillary, this gives rise not only to problem in diagnosing but also in monitoring the response to anti-TB treatment as well. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked membrane protein of various cells of immune system, is one of the potential biomarkers to be used in the management of TB. The objective of this study is to study the decrease of serum suPAR level after anti-TB treatment in children with TB and its association with patient characteristics. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on children suspected of having TB due to a history of contact with active TB case and symptoms such as coughing, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. The diagnosis of TB is established by history, physical examination including anthropometric examination. Tuberculin skin test using PPD RT-23 and interferon-gamma releasing assay with Quantiferon TB-Gold Plus was performed. Chest X-rays were read by two independent radiologists. Microbiological examination was performed using microscopic examination and Xpert MTB/RIF. The level of suPAR before and after anti-TB treatment was examined with the Elisa method. Results: There was no significant difference of serum suPAR levels before and after anti-TB treatment (mean 0.71 [standard deviation 0.585] ng/mL; P = 0.072). There was no association between ages (P = 0.112), nutritional status (P = 0.228), diagnosis of pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB (P = 0.956), and radiological feature (P = 0.810) with serum suPAR levels decrease. Conclusion: There is no suPAR serum level decrease 2 months after treatment with anti-TB and there is no association with age, nutritional status, pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB diagnosis, and radiological feature.
Wearable Health Technology and Electronic Health Record Integration: Scoping Review and Future Directions

Background Due to the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and legislation on meaningful use in recent decades, health systems are increasingly interdependent on EHR capabilities, offerings, and innovations to better capture patient data. A novel capability offered by health systems encompasses the integration between EHRs and wearable health technology. Although wearables have the potential to transform patient care, issues such as concerns with patient privacy, system interoperability, and patient data overload pose a challenge to the adoption of wearables by providers. Objective This study aimed to review the landscape of wearable health technology and data integration to provider EHRs, specifically Epic, because of its prevalence among health systems. The objectives of the study were to (1) identify the current innovations and new directions in the field across start-ups, health systems, and insurance companies and (2) understand the associated challenges to inform future wearable health technology projects at other health organizations. Methods We used a scoping process to survey existing efforts through Epic’s Web-based hub and discussion forum, UserWeb, and on the general Web, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We contacted Epic, because of their position as the largest commercial EHR system, for information on published client work in the integration of patient-collected data. Results from our searches had to meet criteria such as publication date and matching relevant search terms. Results Numerous health institutions have started to integrate device data into patient portals. We identified the following 10 start-up organizations that have developed, or are in the process of developing, technology to enhance wearable health technology and enable EHR integration for health systems: Overlap, Royal Philips, Vivify Health, Validic, Doximity Dialer, Xealth, Redox, Conversa, Human API, and Glooko. We reported sample start-up partnerships with a total of 16 health systems in addressing challenges of the meaningful use of device data and streamlining provider workflows. We also found 4 insurance companies that encourage the growth and uptake of wearables through health tracking and incentive programs: Oscar Health, United Healthcare, Humana, and John Hancock. Conclusions The future design and development of digital technology in this space will rely on continued analysis of best practices, pain points, and potential solutions to mitigate existing challenges. Although this study does not provide a full comprehensive catalog of all wearable health technology initiatives, it is representative of trends and implications for the integration of patient data into the EHR. Our work serves as an initial foundation to provide resources on implementation and workflows around wearable health technology for organizations across the health care industry.
Three-Dimensional Understanding of Complexity of the Aortic Root Anatomy as the Basis of Routine Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Measurements.

BACKGROUND Because the aortic root anatomy is too complicated to evaluate only with 2D methodology, precise appreciation of its 3D anatomy is a prerequisite for all cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.Methods and Results:We provide comprehensive image panels reconstructed from CT datasets to understand the complexity of the aortic root by focusing on the representative longitudinal sections cut through the central zone of coaptation. CONCLUSIONS The provided images will accelerate profound understanding of the 2D long-axis image of the aortic root commonly interrogated with 2D echocardiography, as well as correlated clinical measured values, including the geometric height, effective height, and coaptation length.