Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain Stimulation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Systematic Review

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent, severe, and chronic disease. There is a need for alternative strategies for treatment-resistant OCD. Objective This review aims to assess the effect of brain stimulation techniques in OCD. Method We included papers published in peer-reviewed journals dealing with brain stimulation techniques in OCD. We conducted treatment-specific searches for OCD (Technique AND ((randomized OR randomised) AND control* AND trial) AND (magnetic AND stimulation OR (rTMS OR dTMS)) AND (obsess* OR compuls* OR OCD)) on six databases, i.e., PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science to identify randomised controlled trials and ClinicalTrials.gov for possible additional results. Results Different add-on stimulation techniques could be effective for severely ill OCD patients unresponsive to drugs and/or behavioural therapy. Most evidence regarded deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), while there is less evidence regarding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electroconvulsive therapy, and vagus nerve stimulation (for these last two there are no sham-controlled studies). Low-frequency TMS may be more effective over the supplementary motor area or the orbitofrontal cortex. DBS showed best results when targeting the crossroad between the nucleus accumbens and the ventral capsule or the subthalamic nucleus. Cathodal tDCS may be better than anodal in treating OCD. Limitations. We had to include methodologically inconsistent underpowered studies. Conclusion Different brain stimulation techniques are promising as an add-on treatment of refractory OCD, although studies frequently reported inconsistent results. TMS, DBS, and tDCS could possibly find some use with adequate testing, but their standard methodology still needs to be established.
Timing and Duration of Sleep in Hospitalized Children: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Sleep during hospitalization is important, but data on children's sleep quality during hospitalization are lacking. We sought to document sleep duration and awakenings in hospitalized children and explore associations between sleep and chronic care complexity, home sleep quality, and late-night food consumption. METHODS Children aged 2 to 17 years admitted to a hospitalist service for at least 24 hours were approached for participation. Children were video recorded from 20:00 to 08:00. Paired investigators reviewed recordings and extracted data. Investigators blinded to sleep data separately extracted clinical and demographic information. Analyses included Spearman correlations and linear and generalized linear regression models with t and Wald χ2 tests. RESULTS The mean time subjects (n = 57) initiated sleep was 22:35 (range: 20:00-02:47), with a mean sleep duration of 475 minutes (89-719 minutes). Subjects awakened 2.2 times (0-7 times, SD: 1.9) per night, on average, with the average total time awake during those awakenings of 55.7 minutes (2-352 minutes, SD: 75 minutes). In multivariate analysis, children with private insurance had longer sleep duration. Additionally, subjects who ate a snack after 21:00 went to sleep much later (odds ratio: 9.5; confidence interval: 2.6 to 34.9) and had 64 minutes less total sleep time and spent less time in bed than patients who did not eat late (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized children sleep less than recommended and experience frequent awakenings. Some demographic variables are related to sleep. Many hospitalized children also consume food at night, which is associated with later bedtime and less sleep. Future efforts to improve sleep in hospitalized children are needed.
Extracellular RNA in viral–host interactions: Thinking outside the cell

Small RNAs and their associated RNA interference (RNAi) pathways underpin diverse mechanisms of gene regulation and genome defense across all three kingdoms of life and are integral to virus–host interactions. In plants, fungi and many animals, an ancestral RNAi pathway exists as a host defense mechanism whereby viral double‐stranded RNA is processed to small RNAs that enable recognition and degradation of the virus. While this antiviral RNAi pathway is not generally thought to be present in mammals, other RNAi mechanisms can influence infection through both viral‐ and host‐derived small RNAs. Furthermore, a burgeoning body of data suggests that small RNAs in mammals can function in a non‐cell autonomous manner to play various roles in cell‐to‐cell communication and disease through their transport in extracellular vesicles. While vesicular small RNAs have not been proposed as an antiviral defense pathway per se, there is increasing evidence that the export of host‐ or viral‐derived RNAs from infected cells can influence various aspects of the infection process. This review discusses the current knowledge of extracellular RNA functions in viral infection and the technical challenges surrounding this field of research.
A novel method for constructing an acellular 3D biomatrix from bovine spinal cord for neural tissue engineering applications

In this study, we aimed at generating 3‐dimensional (3D) decellularized bovine spinal cord extracellular matrix‐based scaffolds (3D‐dCBS) for neural tissue engineering applications. Within this scope, bovine spinal cord tissue pieces were homogenized in 0.1 M NaOH and this viscous mixture was molded to attain 3D bioscaffolds. After resultant bioscaffolds were chemically crosslinked, the decellularization process was conducted with detergent, buffer, and enzyme solutions. Nuclear remnants in the native tissue and 3D‐dCBS were determined with DNA content analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis. Afterward, 3D‐dCBS were biochemically characterized in depth via glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, hydroxyproline (HYP) assay, and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Cellular survival of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) on the 3D‐dCBS for 3rd, 7th, and 10th days was assessed via MTT assay. Scaffold and cell/scaffold constructs were also evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and histochemical studies. DNA contents for native and 3D‐dCBS were respectively found to be 520.76 ± 18.11 and 28.80 ± 0.20 ng/mg dry weight (n = 3), indicating a successful decellularization process. GAG content, HYP assay, and SDS‐PAGE results proved that the extracellular matrix was substantially preserved during the decellularization process. In conclusion, it is believed that the novel decellularization method may allow fabricating 3D bioscaffolds with desired geometry from soft nervous system tissues.
pH dependence, kinetics and light-harvesting regulation of nonphotochemical quenching in Chlamydomonas

Significance Photosynthetic organisms utilize sunlight as a form of energy. Under low light, they maximize their capacity to harvest photons; however, under excess light, they dissipate part of the harvested energy to prevent photodamage, at the expense of light-use efficiency. Optimally balancing light harvesting and energy dissipation in natural (fluctuating light) conditions is considered a target for improving the productivity of both algae and plants. Here we have studied the energy dissipation process in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in vivo. We found that it is remarkably different from that of higher plants, highlighting the need of developing tailor-made strategies to optimize the light harvesting–energy dissipation balance in different organisms. Sunlight drives photosynthesis but can also cause photodamage. To protect themselves, photosynthetic organisms dissipate the excess absorbed energy as heat, in a process known as nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). In green algae, diatoms, and mosses, NPQ depends on the light-harvesting complex stress-related (LHCSR) proteins. Here we investigated NPQ in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using an approach that maintains the cells in a stable quenched state. We show that in the presence of LHCSR3, all of the photosystem (PS) II complexes are quenched and the LHCs are the site of quenching, which occurs at a rate of ∼150 ps−1 and is not induced by LHCII aggregation. The effective light-harvesting capacity of PSII decreases upon NPQ, and the NPQ rate is independent of the redox state of the reaction center. Finally, we could measure the pH dependence of NPQ, showing that the luminal pH is always above 5.5 in vivo and highlighting the role of LHCSR3 as an ultrasensitive pH sensor.
Feeding Success and Host Selection by Culex quinquefasciatus Say Mosquitoes in Experimental Trials.

Arthropod vector feeding preferences are defined as an overutilization of a particular host species given its abundance in relationship to other species in the community. Numerous methods exist to quantify vector feeding preferences; however, controlled host choice experiments are generally an underutilized approach. In this report, we present results from controlled vector host choice experiments using Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes and wild avian hosts identified as important contributors to West Nile virus (WNv) transmission in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. In each experiment, we allowed lab-reared F1 Cx. quinquefasciatus to feed freely overnight on two avian individuals of a different species (i.e., northern cardinals, American robins, blue jays, brown thrashers, and gray catbirds). We then estimated WNv transmission potential using vectorial capacity and R0. We found that mosquito blood feeding success was extremely variable among experimental replicates and that patterns of host choice only occasionally aggregated to a particular bird species. Vectorial capacity was highest for American robins and blue jays due to these species' higher reservoir competence for WNv and greater probabilities of mosquito selection of these species. Despite species-specific differences in vectorial capacity, total community capacity was similar among species pairs. R0 estimates were qualitatively similar to capacity, and R0 was below and above unity across species pairs. Our results provide empirical evidence that C. quinquefasciatus is an opportunistic blood feeder and highlight how variability in vector-host contact rates as well as host community composition can influence the likelihood of WNv transmission in avian communities.
JAK/STAT pathway modulation: Does it work in dermatology?

Janus kinase—signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT)‐is an intracellular signaling pathway, which plays a key role in downstream transmission of extracellular signals from cell membrane to the cell nucleus. This pathway is activated by cytokines, which participate in inflammation, innate and acquired immune responses, and also cell growth. Recent studies point out possible disturbances in JAK/STAT pathway in various inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata. Several molecules that modulate—inhibit—this pathway are currently under investigation for the evaluation of their clinical use in dermatological diseases. A brief overview of the therapeutical use of JAK/STAT inhibitors in dermatology will be provided here.
Investigation of ZnO nanoparticles on proline, anthocyanin contents and photosynthetic pigments and lipid peroxidation in the soybean.

The interaction between nanoparticles and plants is inevitable. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles synthesised using olive extract on the soybean was studied. The soybean seeds were cultured in a Hoagland medium containing agar which was treated different concentrations (0, 200 and 400 ppm) of ZnO nanoparticles. After 21 days, the plants were harvested and the parameters of proline, anthocyanin, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and catalase (CAT) activity in soybeans (Glycine max) were measured. The results showed that the levels of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid at concentrations of 200 and 400 ppm in comparison with control decreased, while carotenoid content at 200 ppm concentration at a concentration of 400 ppm was not significant. The level of anthocyanin and PAL activity increased with increasing concentration of nanoparticles, while proline content decreased. By increasing the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles, the content of MDA and hydrogen peroxide increased compared to control but CAT activity did not change significantly. This research suggests that ZnO nanoparticles synthesised using olive extract in soybean plants may be toxic by reactive oxygen species production.
The impact of pre‐operative intravenous iron on quality of life after colorectal cancer surgery: outcomes from the intravenous iron in colorectal cancer‐associated anaemia (IVICA) trial

Anaemia is associated with a reduction in quality of life, and is common in patients with colorectal cancer . We recently reported the findings of the intravenous iron in colorectal cancer‐associated anaemia (IVICA) trial comparing haemoglobin levels and transfusion requirements following intravenous or oral iron replacement in anaemic colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. In this follow‐up study, we compared the efficacy of intravenous and oral iron at improving quality of life in this patient group. We conducted a multicentre, open‐label randomised controlled trial. Anaemic colorectal cancer patients were randomly allocated at least two weeks pre‐operatively, to receive either oral (ferrous sulphate) or intravenous (ferric carboxymaltose) iron. We assessed haemoglobin and quality of life scores at recruitment, immediately before surgery and at outpatient review approximately three months postoperatively, using the Short Form 36, EuroQoL 5‐dimension 5‐level and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia questionnaires. We recruited 116 anaemic patients across seven UK centres (oral iron n = 61 (53%), and intravenous iron n = 55 (47%)). Eleven quality of life components increased by a clinically significant margin in the intravenous iron group between recruitment and surgery compared with one component for oral iron. Median (IQR [range]) visual analogue scores were significantly higher with intravenous iron at a three month outpatient review (oral iron 70, (60–85 [20–95]); intravenous iron 90 (80–90 [50–100]), p = 0.001). The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia score comprises of subscales related to cancer, fatigue and non‐fatigue items relevant to anaemia. Median outpatient scores were higher, and hence favourable, for intravenous iron on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia subscale (oral iron 66 (55–72 [23–80]); intravenous iron 71 (66–77 [46–80]); p = 0.002), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia trial outcome index (oral iron 108 (90–123 [35–135]); intravenous iron 121 (113–124 [81–135]); p = 0.003) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia total score (oral iron 151 (132–170 [69–183]); intravenous iron 168 (160–174 [125–186]); p = 0.005). These findings indicate that intravenous iron is more efficacious at improving quality of life scores than oral iron in anaemic colorectal cancer patients.
Premature ventricular contraction diurnal profiles predict distinct clinical characteristics and beta‐blocker responses

Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can lead to symptoms, such as cardiomyopathy and increased mortality. Beta‐blockers are recommended as first‐line therapy to reduce PVC burden; however, the response is unpredictable. The objective of this study is to determine whether PVC diurnal‐variability patterns are associated with different clinical profiles and predict drug response.
Mortality after hip resurfacing versus total hip arthroplasty in young patients: a single surgeon experience.

Background The aims of this study were to investigate the following questions: (I) what are the mortality rates in patients age 55 years and younger who underwent a hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) versus a standard total hip arthroplasty (THA)? (II) is the type of operation independently associated with mortality? Methods The database of a single high-volume surgeon was reviewed for patient's age 55 years and younger who underwent a hip arthroplasty between 2002 and 2010. This yielded 505 HRA patients and 124 THA patients. Chi-square analysis was performed to identify a 5-year mortality rate difference between the two cohorts. Multivariable Cox-Regression analyses were used to determine whether the type of operation was independently associated with mortality. Results There were 8 mortalities (1.6%) in the HRA cohort and 11 (8.9%) in the THA cohort, a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) on univariate analysis. Low mortality rates produced underpowered multivariate models. Conclusions We have demonstrated that patients age 55 and younger who undergo HRA have a significantly lower mortality rate than those undergoing THA. This is consistent with multiple previously published large database studies.
Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cell-Derived Gamma Interferon Is Both Necessary and Sufficient for Clearing Chlamydia from the Small Intestine but Not the Large Intestine

The genital tract pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis is frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tract, but the host immunity that regulates chlamydial colonization in the gut remains unclear. In a Chlamydia muridarum-C57 mouse model, chlamydial organisms are cleared from the genital tract in ∼4 weeks, but the genital organisms can spread to the gastrointestinal tract. ABSTRACT The genital tract pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis is frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tract, but the host immunity that regulates chlamydial colonization in the gut remains unclear. In a Chlamydia muridarum-C57 mouse model, chlamydial organisms are cleared from the genital tract in ∼4 weeks, but the genital organisms can spread to the gastrointestinal tract. We found that the gastrointestinal chlamydial organisms were cleared from the small intestine by day 28, paralleling their infection course in the genital tract, but persisted in the large intestine for long periods. Mice deficient in α/β T cells or CD4+ T cells but not CD8+ T cells showed chlamydial persistence in the small intestine, indicating a critical role for CD4+ T cells in clearing Chlamydia from the small intestine. The CD4+ T cell-dependent clearance is likely mediated by gamma interferon (IFN-γ), since mice deficient in IFN-γ but not interleukin 22 (IL-22) signaling pathways rescued chlamydial colonization in the small intestine. Furthermore, exogenous IFN-γ was sufficient for clearing Chlamydia from the small intestine but not the large intestine. Mice deficient in developing Chlamydia-specific Th1 immunity showed chlamydial persistence in the small intestine. Finally, IFN-γ-producing CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells from immunized donor mice were sufficient for eliminating Chlamydia from the small intestine but not the large intestine of recipient mice. Thus, we have demonstrated a critical role for Th1 immunity in clearing Chlamydia from the small intestine but not the large intestine, indicating that chlamydial colonization in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract is regulated by distinct immune mechanisms.
Conservation biology needs a microbial renaissance: a call for the consideration of host-associated microbiota in wildlife management practices

The central aim of conservation biology is to understand and mitigate the effects of human activities on biodiversity. To successfully achieve this objective, researchers must take an interdisciplinary approach that fully considers the effects, both direct and indirect, of anthropogenic disturbances on wildlife physiology and health. A recent surge in research has revealed that host-associated microbiota—the archaeal, bacterial, fungal and viral communities residing on and inside organisms—profoundly influence animal health, and that these microbial communities can be drastically altered by anthropogenic activities. Therefore, conservation practitioners should consider the disruption of host-associated microbial diversity as a serious threat to wildlife populations. Despite the tremendous potential for microbiome research to improve conservation outcomes, few efforts have been made to truly integrate these fields. In this review, we call for the microbial renaissance of conservation biology, where biodiversity of host-associated microbiota is recognized as an essential component of wildlife management practices. Using evidence from the existing literature, we will examine the known effects of anthropogenic activities on the diversity of host-associated microbial communities and integrate approaches for maintaining microbial diversity to successfully achieve conservation objectives.
Increased Inflammatory Potential of Diet Is Associated with Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer in an Iranian Case-Control Study

Abstract Purpose: Various aspects of diet have been implicated to play a role in the etiology of bladder cancer. Studies examining this association have been conducted primarily in Western countries but none in Middle Eastern Countries. Method: We examined the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and bladder cancer in an Iranian case-control study. A total of 56 incident cases with a mean age of 60 years and 109 controls with a mean age of 57 years, attending the same hospital as the cases during the same time period, were recruited. The DII is a literature-derived index developed to determine the inflammatory potential of diet and was computed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, with DII fit as continuous and as a dichotomous variable. Results: Multivariate analyses revealed that subjects with higher DII score (>–0.12) are at higher risk of bladder cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 2.46; 95% CI = 1.12–5.41, P value = 0.02)] compared to subjects with lower DII scores (≤–0.12). Stratified results showed stronger association was among current/ex-smokers (ORDII (>–0.12/≤–0.12) = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.07–10.16). Conclusion: These data suggest a pro-inflammatory diet may be a risk factor for bladder cancer among Iranians.