Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perspective: Moving Toward Desirable Linoleic Acid Content in Infant Formula

ABSTRACT Infant formula should provide the appropriate nutrients and adequate energy to facilitate healthy infant growth and development. If conclusive data on quantitative nutrient requirements are not available, the composition of human milk (HM) can provide some initial guidance on the infant formula composition. This paper provides a narrative review of the current knowledge, unresolved questions, and future research needs in the area of HM fatty acid (FA) composition, with a particular focus on exploring appropriate intake levels of the essential FA linoleic acid (LA) in infant formula. The paper highlights a clear gap in clinical evidence as to the impact of LA levels in HM or formula on infant outcomes, such as growth, development, and long-term health. The available preclinical information suggests potential disadvantages of high LA intake in the early postnatal period. We recommend performing well-designed clinical intervention trials to create clarity on optimal levels of LA to achieve positive impacts on both short-term growth and development and long-term functional health outcomes.
Circ-PRKCI Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Human Kidney 2 Cell Injury by Regulating miR-106b-5p/GAB1 Axis

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract: Circular RNAs act as vital regulators in diverse diseases. However, the investigation of circular RNAs in sepsis-engendered acute kidney injury remains dismal. We aimed to explore the effects of circular RNA protein kinase C iota (circ-PRKCI) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated HK2 cell injury. Sepsis in vitro model was established by LPS treatment. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was conducted for determining the levels of circ-PRKCI, microRNA-106b-5p (miR-106b-5p), and growth factor receptor binding 2-associated binding protein 1 (GAB1). Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The levels of oxidative stress markers were determined using relevant commercial kits. Western blot assay was conducted for B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-Associated X (Bax), and GAB1 protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were used to verify the association between miR-106b-5p and circ-PRKCI or GAB1. We found the Circ-PRKCI level was decreased in sepsis patients and LPS-induced human kidney 2 (HK-2) cells. LPS exposure inhibited cell viability and facilitated apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in HK-2 cells. Circ-PRKCI overexpression abrogated the effects of LPS on cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, circ-PRKCI was identified as the sponge for miR-106b-5p to positively regulate GAB1 expression. Overexpression of circ-PRKCI relieved LPS-mediated HK-2 cell damage by sponging miR-106b-5p. MiR-106b-5p inhibition ameliorated the injury of HK-2 cells mediated by LPS, whereas GAB1 knockdown reversed the effect. Collectively, Circ-PRKCI overexpression attenuated LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury by regulating miR-106b-5p/GAB1 axis.
Artemisinin and multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum – a threat for malaria control and elimination

Purpose of review Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are globally the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria and new compounds will not be available within the next few years. Artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum emerged over a decade ago in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and, compounded by ACT partner drug resistance, has caused significant ACT treatment failure. This review provides an update on the epidemiology, and mechanisms of artemisinin resistance and approaches to counter multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria. Recent findings An aggressive malaria elimination programme in the GMS has helped prevent the spread of drug resistance to neighbouring countries. However, parasites carrying artemisinin resistance-associated mutations in the P. falciparum Kelch13 gene (pfk13) have now emerged independently in multiple locations elsewhere in Asia, Africa and South America. Notably, artemisinin-resistant infections with parasites carrying the pfk13 R561H mutation have emerged and spread in Rwanda. Summary Enhancing the geographic coverage of surveillance for resistance will be key to ensure prompt detection of emerging resistance in order to implement effective countermeasures without delay. Treatment strategies designed to prevent the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance must be considered, including deployment of triple drug combination therapies and multiple first-line therapies.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma originating in the caudate lobe: A pilot clinical study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and tolerability of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originating in the caudate lobe. Materials and Methods: The treatment and survival parameters of 32 patients with HCC in the caudate lobe, who met the inclusion criteria and had received US-guided percutaneous MWA in our department from November 2010 to October 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging examination (contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance) 1 month after MWA was used to evaluate the efficacy of US-guided MWA. Results: Thirty-two patients underwent percutaneous MWA for caudate lobe HCC. The average tumor size was 3.42 ± 0.27 (range: 1–6.8) cm. The initial complete ablation (CA) rate was 87.5% (28/32), and the total CA rate was 96.88% (31/32). Furthermore, the median length of hospitalization was 4 days (range: 2–10 days), and no major complication was observed in this study. The overall survival rates were 87.5%, 50%, and 28.13% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The progression-free survival after MWA was 93.75%, 53.15%, and 28.13% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Conclusions: US-guided percutaneous MWA was a safe and effective treatment. It is a promising alternative therapy for HCC originating in the caudate lobe.
Regional and sex differences in spontaneous striatal dopamine transmission

Striatal dopamine release is key for learning and motivation and is composed of subregions including the dorsal striatum (DS), nucleus accumbens core, and the nucleus accumbens shell. Spontaneously occurring dopamine release was compared across these subregions. Dopamine release/uptake dynamics differ across striatal subregions, with dopamine transient release amplitude and release frequency greatest in male mice, and the largest signals observed in the DS. Surprisingly, female mice exhibited little regional differences in dopamine release for DS and nucleus accumbens core regions, but lower release in the nucleus accumbens shell. Blocking voltage‐gated K+ channel (Kv channels) with 4‐aminopyridine enhanced dopamine detection without affecting reuptake. The 4‐aminopyridine effects were greatest in ventral regions of female mice, suggesting regional differences in Kv channel expression. The dopamine transporter blocker cocaine also enhanced detection across subregions in both sexes, with greater overall increased release in females than males. Thus, sex differences in dopamine transmission are apparent and likely include differences in the Kv channel and dopamine transporter function. The lack of regional differences in dopamine release observed in females indicates differential regulation of spontaneous and evoked dopamine release.
Der Einfluss von subjektiven Krankheitstheorien auf Demoralisierung, Depression und Angst bei Patienten mit einer Krebserkrankung: eine Längsschnittstudie

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Diese Längsschnittstudie untersucht den Einfluss der Ausprägung subjektiver Krankheitstheorien auf den zeitlichen Verlauf von Demoralisierung, Depression und Angst bei Patienten mit einer Krebserkrankung. Methode Wir untersuchten n=307 Patienten mit gemischten Tumordiagnosen und Erkrankungsstadien zu drei Messzeitpunkten: während der ambulanten bzw. stationären Behandlung, nach 6 Monaten (n=213, 69%) sowie nach 12 Monaten (n=153, 50%). Subjektive Krankheitstheorien wurden anhand der Subskalen Konsequenzen, Kontrolle, Behandlungskontrolle und Kohärenz des Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) erfasst. Psychische Belastung wurde anhand der Demoralisierungsskala (DS) sowie der Module Depression und Angst des Gesundheitsfragebogens für Patienten (PHQ-9 und GAD-7) erfasst. Längsschnittliche Analysen erfolgten anhand von Varianzanalysen mit Messwiederholung (MANOVA). Ergebnisse Zu Studienbeginn nahmen 20% der Teilnehmer die Erkrankung als mit einschneidenden Konsequenzen verbunden wahr (12-Monats-Follow-up: 16%); 25% nahmen sie als persönlich kontrollierbar (12-Monats-Follow-up: 17%), 42% als durch die medizinische Behandlung kontrollierbar (12-Monats-Follow-up: 26%) und 24% als kohärent/verstehbar wahr (12-Monats-Follow-up: 30%). Zu Studienbeginn war die Wahrnehmung einschneidender Konsequenzen mit einer signifikant höheren psychischen Belastung verbunden, von Kontrollierbarkeit und Kohärenz mit einer signifikant geringeren psychischen Belastung. Die Größe dieses Zusammenhangs war jeweils am höchsten für Demoralisierung (Konsequenzen: r=0,45, p<0,001, Kontrolle: r=− 0,25, p<0,001, Behandlungskontrolle: r=− 0,31, p<0,001, Kohärenz: r=− 0,27, p<0,001). Keine der Subskalen hatte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die zeitliche Veränderung der psychischen Belastung über den Verlauf von 12 Monaten (d≤0,29, p≥0,09). Diskussion Die subjektive Wahrnehmung einschneidender Konsequenzen, geringer Kontrollierbarkeit sowie Verstehbarkeit der Erkrankung kann eine wichtige Quelle für aktuell erlebte hohe Belastungen bei Krebspatienten sein. Sie geht jedoch nicht zwangsläufig mit einem weiteren Anstieg oder Abfall der psychischen Belastung einher. Ein möglicher Grund könnte in den begrenzten Möglichkeiten des eingesetzten IPQ-R liegen, adaptiv-angemessene von maladaptiv-verzerrten Krankheitswahrnehmungen zu differenzieren.
Musculoskeletal system disorders among surgical nurses related to the health industry in northwestern Turkey: a cross-sectional study

Objectives. Nurses may encounter musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain episodes stemming from regular exposure to health industry risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSDs and associated factors among Turkish surgical nurses. Methods. A cross-sectional design using self-administered questionnaire surveys was employed with 169 surgical nurses. The survey included an individual data questionnaire and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire – extended (NMQ-E). Results. In total, 88.8% of the surgical nurses had musculoskeletal system disorders, and most experienced these problems related to the health industry. The interventions causing physical strain in the participants were identified as constant standing up, patient care, carrying heavy loads, sudden movements, patient transfer and pulling–pushing practices. The nurses used coping methods including walking, exercising, receiving physiotherapist support, pilates and yoga. The most frequently encountered problems were in the back region. A significant relationship was found between musculoskeletal system problems and the clinic of work, years of work, age and gender (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Nurses experience musculoskeletal problems related to the health industry. It is crucial to determine the real causes of musculoskeletal problems and take appropriate preventive measures to improve workplace ergonomics.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of allergic eye diseases

Purpose of review To analyze if recommendations given before and during the COVID-19 pandemic are still a valid option for patients suffering of ocular allergy (OA). Recent findings During the last year many doctors and patients requested suggestions for the treatment of OA patients in COVID-19 time. Most of them were given by phone calls and emails following the recommendations given by Scientific Societies. Summary Considering the current multiple problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic, OA has not been considered a priority, even though patients need treatments. Topical antiallergic drugs are still the first option to treat all kind of OA, with the addition of topical corticosteroids in the severe forms of vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (VKC and AKC) even in patients at risk of COVID-19. Topical immunomodulation is still recommended in severe forms of VKC and AKC unless the patient is infected. The number of patients treated with these drugs in our Center was similar than previous years. The risk to have a VKC patient affected by COVID-19 is similar to the general pediatric population but with a lower OR. In 2021, still in COVID-time, the management of OA should follow the previous recommendations with an update due to the risk of infection.
Altered static and dynamic functional network connectivity in temporal lobe epilepsy with different disease duration and their relationships with attention

The brain network alterations associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) progression are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate altered patterns of static and dynamic functional network connectivity (sFNC and dFNC) in TLE with different durations of disease. In this study, 19 TLE patients with a disease duration of ≤5 years (TLE‐SD), 24 TLE patients with a disease duration of >5 years (TLE‐LD), and 21 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and attention network test. We used group independent component analysis to determine the target resting‐state networks. Sliding window correlation and k‐means clustering analysis methods were used to obtain different dFNC states, temporal properties, and temporal variability. We then compared sFNC and dFNC between groups and found that compared with HCs, TLE‐SD patients had increased sFNC between the dorsal attention network and sensorimotor network/visual network (VN), but decreased sFNC between the inferior–posterior default mode network and VN. In the strongly connected dFNC state, TLE‐SD patients spent more time, had greater mean dwell time, and showed greater inconsistent abnormal network connectivity. There was a significant negative correlation between the temporal variability of auditory network‐ left fronto‐parietal network connectivity and orienting effect. No significant differences in sFNC and dFNC were detected between TLE‐LD and HC groups. These findings suggest that the damage and functional brain network abnormalities gradually occur in TLE patients after the onset of epilepsy, which might lead to functional network reorganization and compensatory remodeling as the disease progresses.
Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis: A Cause of Vertigo?

Study Design: Prospective observational study. Objectives: Studying the effect of degenerative cervical spondylosis(CS) on blood flow velocity of vertebral artery (VA) during cervical spine rotation in different head positions and its association with vertigo. Introduction: Vertigo is one of the most common complaints seen in an out-patient clinic. Its association with CS remains an enigma for a treating physician. This study planned to systematically analyze the association between vertigo and CS by evaluating VA blood flow dynamics in different head positions. Methods: 100 patients with ages ranging from 20-80 years were recruited. First group of 50 patients with CS with vertigo were compared with second study group of 50 patients having CS without vertigo. Cervical radiographs were used to evaluate CS using cervical degenerative index (CDI). Color doppler was used to measure VA blood flow with head in neutral position and 60° lateral rotation with 30° extension. Same procedure was repeated on opposite side. Measurements performed included peak systolic blood flow velocity(PSV) and end diastolic blood flow velocity (EDV). Results: Among patients with CS, patients having vertigo showed significantly more evident degenerative changes (CDI ≥25) (P=<0.001). High grade CS patients (CDI ≥25) with vertigo had statistically significant lower blood flow parameters with head rotation in the left and right VAs as compared to CS patients without vertigo. Conclusion: This study highlights important pathophysiological mechanism of vertigo observed in patients of CS. The magnitude of reduction in VA blood flow was significantly higher in patients with advanced CS presenting as vertigo.
Afferent visual manifestations of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes structural and functional damage to the central nervous system including the visual pathway. Defects in the afferent visual pathways affect visual function and in severe cases causes complete visual loss. Visual dysfunction is detectable by structural and functional ophthalmic examinations that are routine in the eye clinic, including examination of the pupillary light reflex and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Assessment of pupillary light reflex is a non-invasive assessment combining afferent and efferent visual function. While a flashlight assessment is relatively insensitive, automated pupillometry marked 95% specificity and 78.1% sensitivity in detecting TBI-related visual and cerebral dysfunction with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69-0.78. OCT may also serve as a non-invasive biomarker of TBI severity, demonstrating changes in the retinal ganglion cell layer and nerve fiber layer throughout the range of TBI severity even in the absence of visual symptoms. This review discusses the impact of TBI on visual structure and function.
Temozolomide chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone after surgery in patients with high-risk low-grade gliomas.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of temozolomide (TMZ) combined with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and radiotherapy alone after surgery in patients with high-risk low-grade gliomas (LGGs). METHODS Patients (N=110) with LGGs were enrolled. Patients receiving TMZ chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy were considered as combination group (n=55), while those treated with radiotherapy alone were regarded as control group (n=55). The patients were followed up, and the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded. Finally, factors possibly affecting prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS The follow-up results exhibited median OS [(67.4±8.8) months vs. (63.9±8.6) months] and median PFS [(51.1±7.6) months vs. (46.8±6.9) months] as well as three-year OS rate and three-year PFS rate in combination group and control group. Log-rank test indicated that the difference in OS was not statistically significant between the two groups of patients, and PFS in combination group was significantly superior to that in control group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis displayed that age <40 years old and complete tumor resection were independent factors affecting the three-year OS of patients with high-risk LGGs. Besides, age <40 years old, complete tumor resection and TMZ chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy after surgery were independent factors affecting the three-year PFS of patients with high-risk LGGs. CONCLUSION TMZ chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy after surgery in patients with high-risk LGGs can prominently improve clinical efficacy, prolong PFS, and facilitate tolerance to adverse reactions, but not prolong the OS of patients. The OS is notably prolonged in patients aged <40 years old and receiving complete tumor resection.
Protocol for a scoping review of research on abortion in sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality, and access to safe abortion services remains a public health priority in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A considerable amount of abortion research exists in the region; however, the spread of existing evidence is uneven such that some countries have an acute shortage of data with others over-researched. The imbalance reflects the complexities in prioritization among researchers, academics, and funders, and undeniably impedes effective policy and advocacy efforts. This scoping review aims to identify and map the landscape of abortion research in SSA, summarize existing knowledge, and pinpoint significant gaps, both substantive and geographic, requiring further investigation. This review will provide direction for future research, investments, and offer guidance for policy and programming on safe abortion. Materials and methods We utilize the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for conducting scoping reviews. We will perform the search for articles in 8 electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, AJOL, Science Direct, SCOPUS, HINARI, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, and WHO Regional Databases). We will include studies written in English or French language, produced or published between January 1, 2011, and July 31, 2021, and pertain directly to the subject of abortion in SSA. Using a tailored extraction frame, we will extract relevant information from publications that meet the inclusion criteria. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis in response to key review questions. Ethics and dissemination Formal ethical approval is not required, as no primary data will be collected. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in animal models of neurodegeneration

Brain stimulation techniques offer powerful means of modulating the physiology of specific neural structures. In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation, have emerged as therapeutic tools for neurology and neuroscience. However, the possible repercussions of these techniques remain unclear, and there are few reports on the incisive recovery mechanisms through brain stimulation. Although several studies have recommended the use of non-invasive brain stimulation in clinical neuroscience, with a special emphasis on TMS, the suggested mechanisms of action have not been confirmed directly at the neural level. Insights into the neural mechanisms of non-invasive brain stimulation would unveil the strategies necessary to enhance the safety and efficacy of this progressive approach. Therefore, animal studies investigating the mechanisms of TMS-induced recovery at the neural level are crucial for the elaboration of non-invasive brain stimulation. Translational research done using animal models has several advantages and is able to investigate knowledge gaps by directly targeting neuronal levels. In this review, we have discussed the role of TMS in different animal models, the impact of animal studies on various disease states, and the findings regarding brain function of animal models after TMS in pharmacology research.