Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two different Clostridium perfringens strains produce different levels of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) is primarily caused by the gram-positive bacterium, Clostridium perfringens (Cp). The trend towards removal of in-feed antimicrobials and subsequent increased emergence of infection in poultry has resulted in a wide interest in better understanding of the mechanism behind this disease. The virulence of NE, to a large extent, depends on the virulence of Cp strains. Thus, this study was to assess how 2 different strains of Cp affect performance and gut characteristics of broiler chickens. Ross 308 male broilers (n = 468) were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with antibiotics (Salinomycin at 72 ppm and zinc bacitracin at 50 ppm −, or +) and challenge (non-challenge, Cp EHE-NE18, or Cp WER-NE36). Oral administration of Eimeria oocysts (day 9) followed by inoculation with 1 mL 108 CFU Cp strains (day 14 and 15) were used to induce NE. Broiler performance was analyzed at day 10, 24, and 35. On day 16, intestinal lesion score and intestinal pH were evaluated and samples of cecal content were analyzed for bacterial counts and short-chain fatty acid concentrations (SCFA). Birds in both challenged groups showed higher feed conversion ratio (FCR), lower weight gain (P < 0.001), increased lesion scores in the jejunum (P < 0.01), and reduced pH in the ileum and cecum (P < 0.01), compared to the non-challenged birds. They also showed decreased numbers of Bacillus spp. (P < 0.001), and Ruminococcus spp. (P < 0.01) in the cecal content. On day 35, the NE36 challenged birds had a lower weight gain (P < 0.001) and higher FCR (P < 0.001) compared to the NE18 challenged birds. Interestingly, cecal Lactobacillus and lactate were increased by the NE challenge (P < 0.001), and to a greater extent in birds challenged with NE36 compared to the NE18 strain (P < 0.001). This study suggests that Cp strains varying in virulence produce different levels of disease in broiler chickens through modulating the gut environment, intestinal microbiota, and SCFA profile to different extents.
Components synergy between stilbenes and emodin derivatives contributes to hepatotoxicity induced by Polygonum multiflorum

Abstract Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine with liver tonic effect, but arousing great concerns for hepatotoxicity issue. In this study, we elucidated the contribution of the two major compounds, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2,3,5,4´-tetrahydroxyl diphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (TSG), in PM-induced liver injury. Based on LC-MS, the two concerned compounds were detected simultaneously in the sera of patients with PM-induced liver injury. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory stress rat model, by the analysis of plasma biochemistry and liver histopathology, we observed that the solo treatment of EG, not TSG, could induce significant liver injury; and the combined administration of EG and TSG caused more severe liver injury than that of EG. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the EG-triggered liver injury was associated with significant disturbances of sphingolipids and primary bile acids metabolism pathways. In the combined administration group, much more disturbances in EG-triggered metabolic pathways, as well as alterations of several additional pathways such as retinol metabolism and vitamin B6 metabolism, were observed. Taken together, we considered EG was involved in the idiosyncratic liver injury of PM, and TSG played a synergetic role with EG, which contributed to the understanding of the hepatotoxic basis of PM.
Corticosterone induces neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via disrupting autophagy flux mediated by AMPK/mTOR signaling

Our previous study indicated that chronic stress caused autophagy impairment and subsequent neuron apoptosis in hippocampus. However, the mechanism underlying the stress‐induced damage to neurons is unclear. In present work, we investigated whether stress‐level glucocorticoids (GCs) GCs promoted PC12 cell damage via AMPK/mTOR signaling‐mediated autophagy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnostic Usefulness of Ultrasound Measurement of the Median Nerve Area and Quantitative Elastographic Measurement of the Median Nerve Stiffness

To correlate the ultrasound (US) measurements of the median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) and the measurements of its stiffness by shear wave elastography (SWE) with the severity grade of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using electrodiagnostic testing (EDT) and to determine the cutoff points for CSA and SWE measurements to allow us to discriminate patients with moderate and severe CTS from those with mild or negative EDT findings.
Concentric strength training at optimal or short muscle length improves strength equally but does not reduce fatigability of hamstring muscles

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 6‐week period of knee flexion strength training at either optimal or short muscle length, on length‐specific muscle strength and fatigue. Twelve healthy volunteers performed dynamic (isokinetic concentric) training with one leg at short and the contralateral leg at optimal muscle length for 6 weeks. Knee flexor muscle strength was assessed before and after training, comprising maximal voluntary isometric and dynamic contractions at short, intermediate and near optimal muscle length and electrically evoked, contractions at near optimal length only. Fatigability was tested by performing 60 maximal concentric contractions at either short or optimal muscle length. Isometric torque at all muscle lengths improved equally by training at short and optimal muscle length, for example, tested at short 18 (17) versus 21 (17) % (CI) and at optimal 14 (8) versus 17 (16) % muscle length, respectively. Likewise, equal improvements were observed for dynamic contractions in both groups. Prior to training, fatigue induced at optimal muscle length tended to be more pronounced than at short muscle length (fatigue‐indexes −41 (6) vs. −34 (7) %, respectively, P = 0.05). However, training at either length did not reduce fatigability. Training with maximal concentric contractions at either short or optimal muscle length for 6 weeks improved isometric and dynamic muscle strength in the entire range of motion without inducing any discernible length‐specific adaptations. However, strength training at restricted muscle length did not reduce relative fatigue when induced at either short or optimal muscle length.
Role of the non‐hypervariable FR3 D‐E loop in single‐domain antibody recognition of haptens and carbohydrates

Single‐domain antibodies (sdAbs), the variable domains of camelid heavy chain‐only antibodies, are generally thought to poorly recognize nonproteinaceous small molecules and carbohydrates in comparison with conventional antibodies. However, the structures of anti‐methotrexate, anti‐triclocarban and anti‐cortisol sdAbs revealed unexpected contributions of the non‐hypervariable “CDR4” loop, formed between β‐strands D and E of framework region 3, in binding. Here, we investigated the potential role of CDR4 in sdAb binding to a hapten, 15‐acetyl‐deoxynivalenol (15‐AcDON), and to carbohydrates. We constructed and panned a phage‐displayed library in which CDR4 of the 15‐AcDON‐specific sdAb, NAT‐267, was extended and randomized. From this library, we identified one sdAb, MA‐232, bearing a 14‐residue insertion in CDR4 and showing improved binding to 15‐AcDON by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance. On the basis of these results, we constructed a second set of phage‐displayed libraries in which the CDR4 and other regions of three hapten‐ or carbohydrate‐binding sdAbs were diversified. With the goal of identifying sdAbs with novel glycan‐binding specificities, we panned the library against four tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigens but were unable to enrich binding phages. Thus, we conclude that while CDR4 may play a role in binding of some rare hapten‐specific sdAbs, diversifying this region through molecular engineering is probably not a general solution to sdAb carbohydrate recognition in the absence of a paired VL domain.
Assessment of Bioabsorbable Hydroxyapatite for Secondary Bone Grafting in Unilateral Alveolar Clefts

Purpose: To evaluate the utility and efficacy of bioabsorbable hydroxyapatite and collagen complex (HA/Col) for secondary bone grafting in unilateral alveolar clefts. Patients and Methods: Between 2015 and 2016, 21 patients with unilateral cleft lips and alveolar clefts were enrolled. In group I, a cancellous iliac bone graft was placed at the alveolar cleft (6 males, 5 females). In group II, a bioabsorbable HA/Col was placed at the alveolar cleft (4 males, 7 females). Results: The groups did not differ in age, cleft volume, or surgical duration. There was a significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the 2 groups (6.7 ± 1.89 mL in group II vs 38.8 ± 9.73 mL in group I [P < .01]). The use of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was also significantly lower in group II than in group I (2.2 ± 1.9 times vs 12.2 ± 4.4 times [P < .01]). Only 1 female in group II who had maxillary sinusitis did not achieve osteosynthesis. With the exception of this patient, the 12-month bone volumes in groups I and II were 0.567 ± 0.066 and 0.596 ± 0.073 mL, respectively, without significant difference (P = .18). Conclusion: Compared with an autogenous bone, bioabsorbable HA/Col significantly reduces postoperative pain. In addition, the use of HA/Col alone produced the same result as an autologous bone and is effective in filling the alveolar cleft.
Clinical Pharmacy Practice Patterns Among North Carolina Rural Hospitals

Introduction: Rural hospitals are isolated without adequate funding needed to provide for clinical services offered at larger health systems. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical pharmacy services available and desired by rural hospitals in North Carolina. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, survey was distributed to a cohort of rural pharmacy directors and managers at rural hospitals across North Carolina. Data collected pertained to characteristics of the hospital and pharmacy, pharmacy director, clinical services, and responder impressions on their ability to maintain or enhance clinical services. Responses were summarized utilizing descriptive statistics and free-responses were coded for similar themes. Results: Seventeen respondents (32.6%) completed the survey. Clinical activities varied, as did characteristics of the hospitals and staff. Improved patient care is the primary reason why hospital pharmacies expand their clinical participation (46.7%). Pharmacy directors believed growth of clinical activities was a long-term goal while reporting regulations, staff, and finances as barriers to growth. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacy services vary in NC rural hospitals. Directors exhibit a willingness to expand clinical responsibilities. Rural hospital pharmacy directors desire pharmacists to be active clinically in patient care, but face barriers in reaching that goal.
Clinical Impact of a Comprehensive Medication Management Service in Primary Health Care

Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of a comprehensive medication management (CMM) service in a Brazilian primary health-care setting. Methods: A quasi-experimental study has been carried out between July 2014 and November 2016 with patients who received the service in the primary care setting of a Brazilian city (n = 1057). Factors associated with drug therapy problems (DTP) detection in the initial assessment were evaluated by performing univariate and multivariate analyzes. To evaluate the impact of the CMM service, a linear regression model was constructed from the difference between the initial and final values of the clinical and laboratory parameters adjusted by multiple variables. Results: A total of 1642 DTPs was identified, the most prevalent one being “nonadherence” (31.9%) and the “need for additional drug therapy” (22.9%). The use of 5 or more medications and the presence of 3 or more diseases were positively associated with the identification of 3 or more DTPs during the initial assessment. Even after multiple adjustments, a statistically significant reduction has been observed in the values of glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, low-density cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Conclusion: The CMM service contributed to the resolution of DTP and showed positive clinical impact in primary health care in the studied setting.
Companion Animals and Health in Older Populations: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objectives . The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to investigate the effect of companion animals (whether simply as pets or used in more formal intervention approaches) on the physical and mental health of older adults (aged 60+). Methods . The reviewers identified key search terms and conducted a systematic search of the PsycINFO and PubMed databases. The 70 articles reviewed were evaluated through tabular and thematic analysis. Results . In 52 of the studies examined, companion animals positively contributed to the mental and/or physical health of older adults. With respect to mental health, involvement with a companion animal improved participant quality of life and effectively attenuated symptoms of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In relation to physical health, marked increases in physical activity and improvements in blood pressure and heart rate variability were the only consistent physical health improvements observed from companion animal interactions. Conclusions . Animal companionship can benefit the mental and physical health of older adults, although more and better controlled research on this topic is required. Clinical Implications . Use of companion animals has the potential to be an effective treatment or adjunct therapy to improve the health status and quality of life of older individuals.
Four decades of diluting phosphorus to maintain lake quality

Dilution with low‐nutrient Columbia River Water (CRW) has markedly improved Moses Lake quality for 42 years. There were two phases of CRW volume input, which proportionately lowered total phosphorus (TP). Initially, spring–summer inputs averaged 130 × 106 m3 during 1977–1988 reducing average TP from 152 to 65 µg/L in half the lake proximal to the inputs. That input represented 1.5 volumes of that half‐lake volume. Inputs doubled through the mid‐1990s, and nearly 2.5 times since 2000, decreasing TP to a 18‐year average of 24 µg/L. Chlorophyll a (chl) decreased further from 18 µg/L during the early dilution years to about 6 µg/L as TP declined. Cyanobacteria biovolume declined to 57% of total biovolume during 1977–1988 from 98% before dilution. Less (65%) CRW water since 2016 led to higher TP (41 µg/L) and chl (18 µg/L) in 2018, while cyanobacteria averaged 87% of total biovolume. More TP and cyanobacteria in 2018 are attributed to more internal TP loading. Increased N:P ratios have possibly given more advantage to the non‐N‐fixing cyanobacteria Microcystis, which comprised 82% and 74% of maximum cyanobacteria biovolume in 2017 and 2018.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma of tongue: Histological risk assessment. A pilot study

Background More than 90% of malignant tumors diagnosed in the oral cavity are Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC) whose preferred location is the tongue. Classically, this disease has affected men preferentially, although recent studies suggest that trends are changing and the proportion of women with OSCC is increasing. In addition, the prevalence of oral cancer is also determined by some risk factors as alcohol consumption and tobacco. Currently, the Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) classification is employed to defined tumor stage and based on this guide specific treatments are established. However, 5-year-survival does not exceed 50% of cases. The objective of this study is to determine whether a histological risk pattern indicative of higher recurrence might be present in T1-T2 tumors located in the anterior two thirds of the tongue. Material and Methods Samples from 26 patients with OSCC were analyzed and histological risk pattern of recurrent and non-recurrent tumors were compared. We have analyzed histological variables described in Anneroth and Brandwein-Gensler classifications. Additionally, we have also examined both clinical variables such as age, sex or comorbidities, as well as habits such as tobacco or alcohol consumption. Results We found that sex (male) and keratinization degree (high or moderate) are directly related with OSCC recurrence. In fact, free illness time is lower in men and higher in those cases with minimal or no keratinization. Conclusions Based on the variables analyzed, it has not been possible to establish a histological risk pattern that, complementary to the TNM classification, could have a predictive role in these early-stage tongue carcinomas. Key words:Oral cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, histologic risk assessment, oral cancer recurrence.
Ankle Motion and Offloading in Short Leg Cast and Low and High Fracture Boots

Background: Short leg casts (SLCs) and fracture boots are used to treat foot and ankle injuries, but the decision to use one device over the other is often subjective. This study compared the impact of SLCs and low and high fracture boots on ankle motion and offloading. Methods: Twenty healthy adults were prospectively studied. High-speed dynamic radiography was utilized to determine tibiotalar range of motion in the sagittal plane during nonweightbearing (NWB) and weightbearing (WB) gait in a shoe (control), SLC, and low and high fracture boots. Sensors captured peak plantar surface forces to determine ankle offloading. Results: In NWB, the low fracture boot (2.2 ± 2.0 degrees), high fracture boot (2.3 ± 1.6 degrees), and SLC (2.3 ± 1.5 degrees) had significantly less motion compared with the control (3.6 ± 2.1 degrees; P ≤ .026). During WB, the SLC (3.4 ± 1.4 degrees) and high fracture boot (4.8 ± 2.0 degrees) had less motion compared with the low fracture boot (7.8 ± 3.4 degrees; P < .001). Finally, the SLC (172.6% ± 48.3% body weight [BW]) and low fracture (165.1% ± 36.2% BW) and high fracture (154.5% ± 32.9% BW) boots were associated with less peak plantar surface force compared with the control (195.0% ± 43.8% BW; P ≤ .087). Conclusion: The SLC and high fracture boot immobilized the ankle in NWB and offloaded and immobilized the ankle in WB. The low fracture boot also immobilized the ankle in NWB, but in WB, the low fracture boot only offloaded the ankle and did not immobilize it. Clinical Relevance: The low fracture boot may be more suited for NWB or possibly immobilizing the foot in WB.
Nordic OCD & Related Disorders Consortium: Rationale, design, and methods

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, yet its etiology is unknown and treatment outcomes could be improved if biological targets could be identified. Unfortunately, genetic findings for OCD are lagging behind other psychiatric disorders. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand the causal mechanisms implicated in OCD in order to improve clinical outcomes and to reduce morbidity and societal costs. Specifically, there is a need for a large‐scale, etiologically informative genetic study integrating genetic and environmental factors that presumably interact to cause the condition. The Nordic countries provide fertile ground for such a study, given their detailed population registers, national healthcare systems and active specialist clinics for OCD. We thus formed the Nordic OCD and Related Disorders Consortium (NORDiC, www.crowleylab.org/nordic), and with the support of NIMH and the Swedish Research Council, have begun to collect a large, richly phenotyped and genotyped sample of OCD cases. Our specific aims are geared toward answering a number of key questions regarding the biology, etiology, and treatment of OCD. This article describes and discusses the rationale, design, and methodology of NORDiC, including details on clinical measures and planned genomic analyses.
Parameters of Bioelectrical Impedance Are Good Predictors of Nutrition Risk, Length of Stay, and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Assessment of nutrition risk in the intensive care unit (ICU) is limited by characteristics of critically ill patients, and new methods have been investigated for their applicability and predictive validity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters as predictors of nutrition risk and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of patients admitted to an ICU. The modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill score was used for assessment of nutrition risk, and BIA was performed in the first 72 hours of admission. Phase angle (PA) measurements were obtained, and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was used to classify patients by hydration status (BIVA >70%). Patients were followed until hospital discharge and evaluated for hospital mortality, ICU length of stay, length of hospitalization, and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS Eighty-nine patients were included (62.5 ± 14.1 years, 50.6% female). A PA <5.5o showed an accuracy of 79% (95% CI 0.59-0.83) in identifying patients at high nutrition risk and was associated with nearly 2 times greater risk for an ICU length of stay longer than 5 days (relative risk = 2.18 [95% CI 1.39-3.40]). Hyperhydration was a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio = 2.24 [95% CI 1.07-4.68]). Higher resistance and reactance values, adjusted for height, were found in survivors compared with nonsurvivors. CONCLUSION The predictive validity of BIA was satisfactory for the assessment of nutrition risk, ICU length of stay, and mortality in critically ill patients.
Comparative Genomic Characterization of the Multimammate Mouse Mastomys coucha

Abstract Mastomys are the most widespread African rodent and carriers of various diseases such as the plague or Lassa virus. In addition, mastomys have rapidly gained a large number of mammary glands. Here, we generated a genome, variome, and transcriptomes for Mastomys coucha. As mastomys diverged at similar times from mouse and rat, we demonstrate their utility as a comparative genomic tool for these commonly used animal models. Furthermore, we identified over 500 mastomys accelerated regions, often residing near important mammary developmental genes or within their exons leading to protein sequence changes. Functional characterization of a noncoding mastomys accelerated region, located in the HoxD locus, showed enhancer activity in mouse developing mammary glands. Combined, our results provide genomic resources for mastomys and highlight their potential both as a comparative genomic tool and for the identification of mammary gland number determining factors.