Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes of intestinal flora in children with febrile seizure

Febrile seizure (FS) is a highly recurrent neuro-system disorder in children that affects their nervous system development and quality of life. However, the pathogenesis of febrile seizures remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate the potential differences in the intestinal flora and metabolomics between healthy children and those with FS. By examining the relationship between specific flora and different metabolites, we hope to shed light on the pathogenesis of FS. Fecal specimens were collected from healthy children (n = 15) and children with febrile seizures (n = 15), and 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted to characterize intestinal flora. Subsequently, fecal samples from healthy (n = 6) and febrile seizure children (n = 6) were used to characterize metabolomics using linear discriminant analysis of effect size, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (pathway enrichment analysis), and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes topology analysis. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify metabolites in the fecal samples. The intestinal microbiome in the febrile seizure children significantly differed from that in the healthy children at the phylum level. Ten differentially accumulated metabolites (xanthosine, (S)-abscisic acid, N-palmitoylglycine, (+/−)-2-(5-methyl-5-vinyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) propionaldehyde, (R)-3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine, lauroylcarnitine, oleoylethanolamide, tetradecyl carnitine, taurine, and lysoPC [18:1 (9z)/0:0] were considered the potential febrile seizure markers. Three metabolic pathways (taurine metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and arginine biosynthesis) were found essential in febrile seizure. Bacteroides were significantly correlated with the 4 differential metabolites. Adjusting the balance of intestinal flora may be an effective method for preventing and treating febrile seizures.
Minimum tick size, market quality and costs of trade execution in Vietnam

The Vietnamese government introduced a change in the minimum tick size for stock trading on 12 September 2016 to improve market quality and reduce trade execution costs. The intended effects of this policy have not been widely investigated in an emerging market such as Vietnam. We use data on trade and quote intraday of all stocks listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange for the periods before and after the event, with a one-week break from 12/9/2016 to 18/9/2016, for the market to adapt to the new tick size policy. Findings from this paper confirm that the trading cost is reduced following the change to the smallest tick size. However, this is different for large trades executed at the stock price associated with a larger tick size. Furthermore, the findings are robust with a different sample period. These findings imply that introducing a change in tick size in Vietnam in 2016 is desirable for improving market quality. However, the differentiation of these changes in different ranges of stock prices is not necessarily effective for improving market quality and reducing trade execution costs.
Knowledge of Thai women in cervical cancer etiology and screening

Knowledge about cervical cancer screening and Human papilloma virus (HPV) influence on their awareness to the cervical cancer screening program. Most previous studies found inadequate knowledge and attitude among healthy women affect the low rate of screening. This study aimed to assess knowledge of cervical cancer screening and HPV in women who had abnormal cervical cancer screening in Bangkok. Thai women, aged ≥ 18 years old, who had abnormal cervical cancer screening and scheduled to colposcopy clinics of 10 participating hospitals were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The participants were asked to complete a self-answer questionnaire (Thai language). The questionnaire composed of 3 parts: (I) demographic data, (II) knowledge about cervical cancer screening and (III) knowledge about HPV. Among 499 women who answered the questionnaires, 2 had missing demographic data. The mean age of the participants was 39.28 ± 11.36 years. 70% of them had experience of cervical cancer screening, with 22.7% had previous abnormal cytologic results. Out of 14 questions, the mean score of knowledge about cervical cancer screening was 10.04 ± 2.37. Only 26.9% had good knowledge about cervical cancer screening. Nearly 96% of woman did not know that screening should be done. After excluding 110 women who had never known about HPV, 25.2% had good knowledge about HPV. From multivariable analysis, only younger age (≤ 40 years) was associated with good knowledge of cervical cancer screening and HPV. In the conclusion, only 26.9% of women in this study had good knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening. Likewise, 20.1% of women who had ever heard about HPV has good knowledge about HPV. Providing information about cervical cancer screening and HPV should improve the women’s knowledge and better adherence to the screening procedure.
APOBECs: Our fickle friends?

The apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family specifies multiple cytidine deaminases. In mammals, a minimum of 5 genes encode APOBECs 1, 2, 3, 4, and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) [1,2]. The A1 enzyme was the first to be recognized and plays a critical role in tissue-specific editing of particular host mRNAs [3], but a confirmed role in mutagenesis of viral genes has not been established. Humans have amplified the APOBEC3 (A3) locus to yield 7 members: A3A, A3B, A3C, A3D, A3F, A3G, and A3H. All of the APOBEC proteins appear to bind to single-stranded RNA or DNA or both [1,2]. APOBEC enzymes deaminate single-stranded nucleic acids on cytosines, leading to C-to-U mutations. When these mutations occur on the minus strand of replicating viruses, the result is a Gto-A transition on the viral plus strand. Since these transitions often lead to nonsense or missense mutations, synthesis of essential viral gene products is blocked and infectious particle yields decline [1,2]. In response, viruses make multiple genes that interfere with the function of A3 proteins. Generally, these are protein antagonists, including the well-known example of HIV-1 Vif, which acts as an adapter to an E3 ligase to induce proteasomal degradation of some A3 deaminases [4–7]. This example provides clear evidence that the function of the A3 genes is to interfere with viral replication. A3s appear to be expressed in higher amounts in lymphoid and myeloid cells [8–10], suggesting that these enzymes act as frontline defenders from viral invasion. However, other cell types, such as mammary cells, also express A3s [11]. Since some A3s are packaged into viral particles, virion incorporation of A3s provides additional protection for newborns who ingest milk-transmitted viruses. Although deamination of retroviral DNA is likely the primary mechanism of viral inhibition, deamination-independent modes of APOBEC activity have been observed [12,13]. Because A3s bind to single-stranded RNA packaged into virions, these deaminases provide a road block to viral DNA synthesis [13–15]. A3G also interacts with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) to interfere with DNA replication [16]. Different APOBECs may have evolved to allow binding to retroviral enzymes other than RT. A3 enzymes also have been shown to inhibit DNA and RNA-containing viruses, such as human papilloma viruses and coronaviruses, respectively [13–15]. APOBEC binding to other viral polymerases would allow ample opportunities for blocking replication of diverse viruses.
The cell envelope of Mycobacterium abscessus and its role in pathogenesis

Mycobacterium abscessus is a nontuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) that has shown an exponential rise in its ability to cause disease. Due to its ubiquitous presence in the environment, M. abscessus is widely implicated in secondary exacerbations of many nosocomial infections and genetic respiratory disorders, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Contrary to other rapidly growing NTMs, the cell envelope of M. abscessus harbors several prominent features and undergoes modifications that are responsible for its pathogenesis. Compositional changes of the mycobacterial outer membrane (MOM) significantly decrease the presence of glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) and enable the transition from a colonizing, smooth morphotype into a virulent, rough morphotype. The GPLs are transported to the MOM by the Mycobacterial membrane proteins Large (MmpL), which further act as drug efflux pumps and confer antibiotic resistance. Lastly, M. abscessus possesses 2 type VII secretion systems (T7SS): ESX-3 and ESX-4, both of which have recently been implicated in host–pathogen interactions and virulence. This review summarizes the current knowledge of M. abscessus pathogenesis and highlights the clinically relevant association between the structure and functions of its cell envelope.
Genetic diversity and gain : the concept of a status number

A trade-off always tends to exist involving genetic gains and selection intensity, on the one hand, and the remaining effective population size (usually known as Ne), on the other. A new approach is presented and analysed for different breeding situations, using stochastic simulations, in terms of mating designs and subline sizes, guiding breeders through a new concept of status number (Ns) and its trade-off with gain. Status number is defined as half the inverse of the average coancestrY' and depicts the current state of the population. The status number concept can easily be applied to deployment of different genotypes with unequal representation. Breeding schemes with small breeding groups are slightly more efficient in preserving status number through multiple generations than breeding schemes with large groups. Mediumto large-size breeding groups showed a comparatively small reduction in aggregated status number over generations but showed greater increases in gain compared with small groups. Inbreeding in small elites becomes so great that it is likely to cause fertility problems and disturb selection considerably. Small breeding groups will probably not be useful for a sustainable long-term breeding strategy. Substantial benefits on status number for subdividing the population into small breeding groups will only be seen after numerous generations. Selection schemes that maximise gain by unrestricted combined index selection will result in rapid inbreeding, and may not be sustainable in the long term. Selection procedures that place less emphasis on family information would best meet long-term diversity targets. However, gains may be too low for mating systems and selection procedures that do not include a betweenfamily component, especially with low heritabilities. This is a good reason for using a large number of families as founders of the breeding popUlation. Going from selection within only 0.5 or 1 available cross per parent per generation (made equivalent to within-family selection) to 2.5 crosses per parent (restricting the number of individuals chosen per full-sib family) resulted in substantial increases in genetic gain, depending on heritability. However, increasing the number of crosses per parent up to 2.5 does carry a modest penalty of increased coefficient of inbreeding and reduced status number. Higher levels of gain per unit of status number loss are obtained with a conservative withinfamily selection strategy but to reach the same level of gain more cycles of breeding will be required.
Representing Sex and Gender Information in Biomedical Research

In medicine and biomedical research, sex- and gender-related aspects are ubiquitous. If not considered adequately, a lower quality of research data can be expected together with a lower generalizability of study results with real-world settings. From a translational perspective, a lack of sex- and gender-sensitivity in acquired data can have negative implications for diagnosis, treatment (outcome and side effects), and risk prediction. To establish improved recognition and reward settings we set out to develop a pilot of systemic sex and gender awareness in a German medical faculty, with actions such as implementing equality in routine clinical practice and research, as well as in scientific practice (incl. science education). We believe that the change of culture will have a positive effect on research outcomes, lead to a rethinking in the scientific domain, foster sex- and gender-related clinical studies, and influence the design of good scientific practices.
Interday Reliability of Upper-limb Geometric MyoPassivity Map for Physical Human-Robot Interaction

The value of intrinsic energetic behavior of human biomechanics has recently been recognized and exploited in physical human-robot interaction (pHRI). The authors have recently proposed the concept of “Biomechanical Excess of Passivity,” based on nonlinear control theory, to construct a user-specific energetic map. The map would assess the behavior of the upper-limb in absorbing the kinesthetic energy when interacting with robots. Integrating such knowledge into the design of pHRI stabilizers can reduce the conservatism of the control by unleashing hidden energy reservoirs indicating a less conservative margin of stability. The outcome would enhance the system's performance, such as rendering kinesthetic transparency of (tele)haptics systems. However, current methods require an offline data-driven identification procedure prior to each operation to estimate the energetic map of human biomechanics. This can be time-consuming and challenge users susceptible to fatigue. In this study, for the first time, we investigate the interday reliability of upper-limb passivity maps in a sample of five healthy subjects. Our statistical analyses indicate that the identified passivity map is highly reliable in estimating the expected energetic behavior based on Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (conducted on different days and with various interactions). The results illustrate that a one-shot estimate is a reliable measure to be used repeatedly in biomechanics-aware pHRI stabilization, enhancing practicality in real-life scenarios.
On the Difficulty of Predicting Engagement with Digital Health for Substance Use

Digital interventions can be an important instrument in treating substance use disorder. However, most digital mental health interventions suffer from early, frequent user dropout. Early prediction of engagement would allow identification of individuals whose engagement with digital interventions may be too limited to support behaviour change, and subsequently offering them support. To investigate this, we used machine learning models to predict different metrics of real-world engagement with a digital cognitive behavioural therapy intervention widely available in UK addiction services. Our predictor set consisted of baseline data from routinely-collected standardised psychometric measures. Areas under the ROC curve, and correlations between predicted and observed values indicated that baseline data do not contain sufficient information about individual patterns of engagement.
Cardiac rupture in acute myocardial infarction: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Abstract Aims We assessed the feasibility of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the role of myocardial strain in the diagnostic work-up of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and a clinical suspicion of cardiac rupture (CR). Methods and results Consecutive patients with AMI complicated by CR who underwent CMR were enrolled. Traditional and strain CMR findings were evaluated; new parameters indicating the relative wall stress between AMI and adjacent segments, named wall stress index (WSI) and WSI ratio, were analysed. A group of patients admitted for AMI without CR served as control. 19 patients (63% male, median age 73 years) met the inclusion criteria. Microvascular obstruction (MVO, P = 0.001) and pericardial enhancement (P < 0.001) were strongly associated with CR. Patients with clinical CR confirmed by CMR exhibited more frequently an intramyocardial haemorrhage than controls (P = 0.003). Patients with CR had lower 2D and 3D global radial strain (GRS) and global circumferential strain (in 2D mode P < 0.001; in 3D mode P = 0.001), as well as 3D global longitudinal strain (P < 0.001), than controls. The 2D circumferential WSI (P = 0.010), as well as the 2D and 3D circumferential (respectively, P < 0.001 and P = 0.042) and radial WSI ratio (respectively, P < 0.001 and P: 0.007), were higher in CR patients than controls. Conclusion CMR is a safe and useful imaging tool to achieve the definite diagnosis of CR and an accurate visualization of tissue abnormalities associated with CR. Strain analysis parameters can give insights into the pathophysiology of CR and may help to identify those patients with sub-acute CR.
Atrx deletion impairs CGAS/STING signaling and increases sarcoma response to radiation and oncolytic herpesvirus

ATRX is one of the most frequently altered genes in solid tumors, and mutation is especially frequent in soft tissue sarcomas. However, the role of ATRX in tumor development and response to cancer therapies remains poorly understood. Here, we developed a primary mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma and showed that Atrx-deleted tumors were more sensitive to radiation therapy and to oncolytic herpesvirus. In the absence of Atrx, irradiated sarcomas had increased persistent DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, and mitotic catastrophe. Our work also showed that Atrx deletion resulted in downregulation of the CGAS/STING signaling pathway at multiple points in the pathway and was not driven by mutations or transcriptional downregulation of the CGAS/STING pathway components. We found that both human and mouse models of Atrx-deleted sarcoma had a reduced adaptive immune response, markedly impaired CGAS/STING signaling, and increased sensitivity to TVEC, an oncolytic herpesvirus that is currently FDA approved for the treatment of aggressive melanomas. Translation of these results to patients with ATRX-mutant cancers could enable genomically guided cancer therapy approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of carbohydrate restriction in patients with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece First Paediatric Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Diabetes Centre, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Generating Uniformly-Distributed Random Generalised 2-designs with Block Size 3

Generalised t-designs, defined by Cameron, describe a generalisation of many combinatorial objects including: Latin squares, 1-factorisations of K2n (the complete graph on 2n vertices), and classical t-designs. This new relationship raises the question of how their respective theory would fare in a more general setting. In 1991, Jacobson and Matthews published an algorithm for generating uniformly distributed random Latin squares and Cameron conjectures that this work extends to other generalised 2-designs with block size 3. In this thesis, we divide Cameron’s conjecture into three parts. Firstly, for constants λRC , λRS and λCS , we study a generalisation of Latin squares, which are (r × c) grids whose cells each contain λRC symbols from the set {1,2, . , s} such that each symbol occurs λRS times in each column and λCS times in each row. We give fundamental theory about these objects, including an enumeration for small parameter values. Further, we prove that Cameron’s conjecture is true for these designs, for all admissible parameter values, which provides the first method for generating them uniformly at random. Secondly, we look at a generalisation of 1-factorisations of the complete graph. For constants λNN and λNC , these graphs have n vertices, each incident with λNN coloured edges, such that each colour appears at each vertex λNC times. We successfully show how to generate these designs uniformly at random when λNC ≡ 0 (mod 2) and λNN ≥ λNC . Finally, we observe the difficulties that arise when trying to apply Jacobson and Matthews’ theory to the classical triple systems. Cameron’s conjecture remains open for these designs, however, there is mounting evidence which suggests an affirmative result. A function reference for DesignMC, the bespoke software that was used during this research, is provided in an appendix.
Brain stimulation techniques as novel treatment options for insomnia: A systematic review

Despite the success of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and recent advances in pharmacotherapy, many patients with insomnia do not sufficiently respond to available treatments. This systematic review aims to present the state of science regarding the use of brain stimulation approaches in treating insomnia. To this end, we searched MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO from inception to 24 March 2023. We evaluated studies that compared conditions of active stimulation with a control condition or group. Outcome measures included standardized insomnia questionnaires and/or polysomnography in adults with a clinical diagnosis of insomnia. Our search identified 17 controlled trials that met inclusion criteria, and assessed a total of 967 participants using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electric stimulation, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation or forehead cooling. No trials using other techniques such as deep brain stimulation, vestibular stimulation or auditory stimulation met the inclusion criteria. While several studies report improvements of subjective and objective sleep parameters for different repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electric stimulation protocols, important methodological limitations and risk of bias limit their interpretability. A forehead cooling study found no significant group differences in the primary endpoints, but better sleep initiation in the active condition. Two transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation trials found no superiority of active stimulation for most outcome measures. Although modulating sleep through brain stimulation appears feasible, gaps in the prevailing models of sleep physiology and insomnia pathophysiology remain to be filled. Optimized stimulation protocols and proof of superiority over reliable sham conditions are indispensable before brain stimulation becomes a viable treatment option for insomnia.