Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Prescribing Practices: Is There a Difference Between Patients Seen by Telemedicine Versus Those Seen In-Person?

BACKGROUND Direct-to-consumer telemedicine is becoming part of mainstream medicine, but questions exist regarding the quality of care provided. We assessed antibiotic stewardship, one measure of quality, by comparing antibiotic prescription rates for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) between patients seen by telemedicine and patients seen in-person in two urban emergency departments (EDs). METHODS In two urban EDs where low-acuity patients in the ED have the option of being seen by telemedicine rather than in-person, we analyzed telemedicine and in-person visits of patients ≥18 years who received ARI diagnoses between July 2016 and September 2017. The identified ARI telemedicine visits were matched to in-person visits by diagnosis, treatment hospital, and Emergency Severity Index level. We compared antibiotic prescribing rates for telemedicine and in-person visits. RESULTS We identified 260 telemedicine visits and compared with 260 matched in-person visits. Antibiotics for ARIs were prescribed for 29% of telemedicine visits and 28% of in-person visits (odds ratio [OR] 1.038; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.52; p = 0.846). This finding did not materially change after adjustment for age and gender (adjusted OR 1.034; 95% CI 0.70-1.53; p = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic prescribing rates for ARIs were similar for patients seen by telemedicine and patients seen in-person at two urban EDs. If differences in antibiotic stewardship between telemedicine and in-person encounters are found, contextual factors unrelated to the video-based evaluation should be investigated.
Regulation and role of endoglin in cholesterol‐induced endothelial and vascular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro

Our objective was to investigate the effect of cholesterol [hypercholesterolemia and 7‐ketocholesterol (7K)] on endoglin (Eng) expression and regulation with respect to endothelial or vascular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed in 2‐mo‐old atherosclerosis‐prone apolipoprotein E–deficient/LDL receptor–deficient (ApoE−/−/LDLR−/−) female mice and their wild‐type C57BL/6J littermates. In in vitro experiments, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with 7K. ApoE−/−/LDLR−/− mice developed hypercholesterolemia accompanied by increased circulating levels of P‐selectin and Eng and a disruption of NO metabolism. Functional analysis of the aorta demonstrated impaired vascular reactivity, and Western blot analysis revealed down‐regulation of membrane Eng/Smad2/3/eNOS signaling in ApoE−/−/LDLR−/− mice. 7K increased Eng expression via Krüppel‐like factor 6 (KLF6), liver X nuclear receptor, and NF‐&x03BA;B in HAECs. 7K‐induced Eng expression was prevented by the treatment with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin; 8‐{[5‐chloro‐2‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl) pyridine‐4‐carbonyl] amino}‐1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐4, 5‐dihydrobenzo[g]indazole‐3‐carboxamide; or by KLF6 silencing. 7K induced increased adhesion and transmigration of monocytic human leukemia promonocytic cell line cells and was prevented by Eng silencing. We concluded that hypercholesterolemia altered Eng expression and signaling, followed by endothelial or vascular dysfunction before formation of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/−/LDLR−/− mice. By contrast, 7K increased Eng expression and induced inflammation in HAECs, which was followed by an increased adhesion and transmigration of monocytes via endothelium, which was prevented by Eng inhibition. Thus, we propose a relevant role for Eng in endothelial or vascular dysfunction or inflammation when exposed to cholesterol. —Vicen, M. , Vitverova, B. , Havelek, R. , Blazickova, K. , Machacek, M. , Rathouska, J., Najmanová, I. , Dolezelova, E. , Prasnicka, A. , Sternak, M. , Bernabeu, C, Nachtigal, P. Regulation and role of endoglin in cholesterol‐induced endothelial and vascular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. FASEB J. 33, 6099–6114 (2019). www.fasebj. org
The functional difference of eight chitinase genes between male and female of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous insect that attacks tens of plant and causes substantial economic loss. Insect chitinases are required to remove the old cuticle to allow for continued growth and development. Though insect chitinases have been well studied in tens of insects, their functions in mealybug are still not addressed. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of adult males and females, from which eight chitinase genes were identified. We then used the method of rapid amplification of cDNA ends to amplify their full length. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these genes clustered into five subgroups. Among which, group II PsCht2 had the longest transcript and was highly expressed at second instar nymph. PsCht10, PsCht3‐3 and PsIDGF were highly expressed in the adult females, whereas PsCht4 and PsCht4‐1 were significantly expressed at the male pupa and adult male. Next, we knocked down all eight chitinase genes by feeding the double‐stranded RNA. Knockdown of PsCht4 or PsCht4‐1 led to the failure of moult and, silencing PsCht5 resulted in pupation defect, while silencing PsCht10 led to small body size, suggesting these genes have essential roles in development and can be used as a potential target for pest control.
Measurement Repeatability of 18F-FDG PET/CT Versus 18F-FDG PET/MRI in Solid Tumors of the Pelvis

Knowledge of the within-subject variability of 18F-FDG PET/MRI measurements is necessary for proper interpretation of quantitative PET or MRI metrics in the context of therapeutic efficacy assessments with integrated PET/MRI scanners. The goal of this study was to determine the test–retest repeatability of these metrics on PET/MRI, with comparison to similar metrics acquired by PET/CT. Methods: This prospective study enrolled subjects with pathology-proven pelvic malignancies. Baseline imaging consisted of PET/CT immediately followed by PET/MRI, using a single 370-MBq 18F-FDG dose. Repeat imaging was performed within 7 d using an identical imaging protocol, with no oncologic therapy between sessions. PET imaging on both scanners consisted of a list-mode acquisition at a single pelvic station. The MRI consisted of 2-point Dixon imaging for attenuation correction, standard sequences for anatomic correlation, and diffusion-weighted imaging. PET data were statically reconstructed using various frame durations and minimizing uptake time differences between sessions. SUV metrics were extracted for both PET/CT and PET/MRI in each imaging session. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metrics were extracted for both PET/MRI sessions. Results: The study cohort consisted of 14 subjects (13 female, 1 male) with various pelvic cancers (11 cervical, 2 rectal, 1 endometrial). For SUVmax, the within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) appeared higher for PET/CT (8.5%–12.8%) than PET/MRI (6.6%–8.7%) across all PET reconstructions, though with no significant repeatability differences (all P values ≥ 0.08) between modalities. For lean body mass-adjusted SUVpeak, the wCVs appeared similar for PET/CT (9.9%–11.5%) and PET/MRI (9.2%–11.3%) across all PET reconstructions, again with no significant repeatability differences (all P values ≥ 0.14) between modalities. For PET/MRI, the wCV for ADCmedian of 3.5% appeared lower than the wCVs for SUVmax (6.6%–8.7%) and SULpeak (9.2%–11.3%), though without significant repeatability differences (all P values ≥ 0.23). Conclusion: For solid tumors of the pelvis, the repeatability of the evaluated SUV and ADC metrics on 18F-FDG PET/MRI is both acceptably high and similar to previously published values for 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI, supporting the use of 18F-FDG PET/MRI for quantitative oncologic treatment response assessments.
Dietary Supplement Use among Infants and Toddlers Aged <24 Months in the United States, NHANES 2007-2014.

BACKGROUND Limited nationally representative data are available on dietary supplement (DS) use and resulting nutrient exposures among infants and toddlers. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated DS use among US infants and toddlers to characterize DS use, estimate nutrient intake from DSs, and assess trends in DS use over time. METHODS Using nationally representative data from NHANES (2007-2014) and trends over time (1999-2014), we estimated prevalence of DS use and types of products used for US infants and toddlers aged <2 y (n = 2823). We estimated median daily intakes of vitamins and minerals consumed via DSs for all participants aged <2 y, by age groups (0-11.9 mo and 12.0-23.9 mo), and by feeding practices for infants 0-5.9 mo. RESULTS Overall, 18.2% (95% CI: 16.2%, 20.3%) of infants and toddlers used ≥1 DS in the past 30 d. Use was lower among infants (0-5.9 mo: 14.6%; 95% CI: 11.5%, 18.1%; 6-11.9 mo: 11.6%; 95% CI: 8.8%, 15.0%) than among toddlers (12-23.9 mo: 23.3%; 95% CI: 20.4%, 26.3%). The most commonly reported DSs were vitamin D and multivitamin infant drops for those <12 mo, and chewable multivitamin products for toddlers (12-23.9 mo). The nutrients most frequently consumed from DSs were vitamins D, A, C, and E for those <2 y; for infants <6 mo, a higher percentage of those fed breast milk than those fed formula consumed these nutrients via DSs. DS use remained steady for infants (6-11.9 mo) and toddlers from 1999-2002 to 2011-2014, but increased from 7% to 20% for infants aged 0-5.9 mo. CONCLUSIONS One in 5 infants and toddlers aged <2 y use ≥1 DS. Future studies should examine total nutrient intake from foods, beverages, and DSs to evaluate nutrient adequacy overall and by nutrient source.
Generation of a biomimetic human artificial cornea model using Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells.

PURPOSE Human Wharton's jelly stem cells (HWJSCs) are able to differentiate into skin and oral mucosa epithelial-like cells. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the capability of HWJSCs to differentiate in vitro into cornea epithelial-like cells in a three-dimensional model. METHODS First, primary cell cultures of HWJSCs, corneal epithelial cells, and corneal keratocytes were cultured and three-dimensional orthotypic and heterotypic human cornea models were generated with fibrin-agarose scaffolds. Then, in vitro differentiation of HWJSCs and corneal epithelial cells was performed with keratinocytic inductive medium in a three-dimensional system that allowed interaction between stromal and epithelial compartments. Histological, histochemical, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to determine the differentiation status of each sample. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that HWJSCs were able to differentiate into corneal epithelial-like cells, with results similar to the native cornea. Heterotypical corneas generated with HWJSCs showed adequate differentiation of the epithelium and stroma, and were similar to orthotypic and native corneas in the expression of epithelial markers (CK3/12, PKG, ZO1, and CX43) and extracellular matrix components (proteoglycans, collagen, elastic and reticular fibers). Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the presence of crystallins Cry-αA, Cry-αB, Cry-β, and Cry-ζ with moderate or weak expression of Cry-βγ3 and Cry-λ1 (key proteins involved in cornea transparency) in both models. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HWJSCs can be considered an alternative cell source for cornea regeneration and may offer a solution for patients with limbus stem cell deficiency.
Comparison of Five Years Clinical and Radiological Outcomes between Progressive and Non-Progressive Wrist Osteoarthritis after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the effect of the progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis on 5 years clinical and radiological outcomes after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS Altogether, 56 patients with distal radius fractures were followed up 5 years after surgery. Clinical assessment was performed using the Mayo modified wrist score, a visual analogue scale of pain, the Japanese version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, and Patient-related wrist evaluation. Standardized wrist radiographs were used to assess wrist morphology and the Knirk and Jupiter's degree of osteoarthritis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze postoperative morphological changes in the wrist and carpal alignment regarding their correlation with progression of wrist osteoarthritis. RESULTS Progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis was recognized in 37 of the 56 cases (66.1%). Compared with the clinical outcomes at the time of the fracture union completion, almost clinical outcomes improved up to 5 years follow-up time as well as at 1 year after surgery. The range of wrist flexion at 5 years follow-up was significantly less in the progressive osteoarthritis group than in those with non-progressive osteoarthritis. The persistent step-off immediately after surgery significantly affected the postoperative progression of wrist osteoarthritis. Changes in the radial inclination, volar tilt, and radioscaphoid angle correlated with progression of wrist osteoarthritis. The highest correlation was with the change of radioscaphoid angle. CONCLUSIONS Good clinical results were maintained at 5 years after surgery, but progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis interfered with improvement of wrist flexion. Change in the radioscaphoid angle was the factor that was most highly correlated with progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis.
Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 promotes the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells by regulating the miR‐34a/Satb1 axis

The proliferation and migration of Schwann cells contribute to axonal outgrowth and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. Studies have found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were abnormally expressed after peripheral nerve injury and they played vital roles in peripheral nerve regeneration. LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was increased in the cerebral cortex surrounding the injury site of mice after traumatic brain injury, and it promoted the functional recovery in mice. However, its role and mechanism in peripheral nerve injury remain unknown. The expression of NEAT1, miR‐34a, and Special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein‐1 (Satb1) was detected in the sciatic nerve of mice after sciatic nerve crush at 0, 1, 4 and 7 days. The effects of NEAT1 on the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells were detected by 5‐Ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine (Edu) and transwell by gain‐ and loss‐of‐functions. The mechanism was focused on the miR‐34a/Satb1 pathway. In addition, the effect of NEAT1 in Schwann cells on axon outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons was further investigated. We found that the NEAT1 and Satb1 expression was increased, whereas miR‐34a was reduced, in injured sciatic nerve at different time points. Overexpression of NEAT1 promoted, whereas knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. NEAT1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate the Satb1 expression via sponging miR‐34a. NEAT1 enhanced the axon outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons via regulating the miR‐34a and Satb1 expression. In conclusion, NEAT1 promotes the proliferation and migration of Schwann cell via miR‐34a/Satb1, which may provide a new approach to peripheral nerve regeneration.
Genetic diversity, population structure and rickettsias in Amblyomma ovale in areas of epidemiological interest for spotted fever in Brazil

Amblyomma ovale (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Koch, 1844 is widely‐reported in the neotropical region and is the main vector in the epidemic cycle of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, a bioagent of a milder variety of spotted fever (SF). Because species with wide geographical distributions are known to exhibit variations that influence their vectorial capacity, the present study aimed to analyze genetic diversity and rickettsia infection of A. ovale collected during the investigation and surveillance of SF cases in the Cerrado and Atlantic rainforest (ARF) Brazilian biomes. Samples had their DNA extracted, amplified and sequenced for 16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit II and D‐loop markers for tick analyses, as well as the gltA, htrA, ompA and ompB genes for rickettsia detection. Between 11 and 33 A. ovale haplotypes were identified, all of them exclusive to areas within individual analyzed biome areas. The A. ovale populations appeared to be structured, with Cluster I restricted to Cerrado + ARF isolated in Caatinga and Cluster II to ARF continuous area. Rickettsia bellii, R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest (first report for Goiás state, Cerrado), Rickettsia asemboensis (first record in A. ovale for Brazil) and Rickettsia felis (first detection in this ixodid) were identified. A. ovale clusters were not associated with rickettsia types.
Wood-based nanocellulose and bioactive glass modified gelatin–alginate bioinks for 3D bioprinting of bone cells

A challenge in the extrusion-based bioprinting is to find a bioink with optimal biological and physicochemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of wood-based cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and bioactive glass (BaG) on the rheological properties of gelatin–alginate bioinks and the initial responses of bone cells embedded in these inks. CNF modulated the flow behavior of the hydrogels, thus improving their printability. Chemical characterization by SEM-EDX and ion release analysis confirmed the reactivity of the BaG in the hydrogels. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels was shown to be good, as evidenced by the viability of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) in cast hydrogels. For bioprinting, 4-layer structures were printed from cell-containing gels and crosslinked with CaCl2. Viability, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) were monitored over 14 d. In the BaG-free gels, Saos-2 cells remained viable, but in the presence of BaG the viability and proliferation decreased in correlation with the increased viscosity. Still, there was a constant increase in the ALP activity in all the hydrogels. Further bioprinting experiments were conducted using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), a clinically relevant cell type. Interestingly, hBMSCs tolerated the printing process better than Saos-2 cells and the ALP indicated BaG-stimulated early osteogenic commitment. The addition of CNF and BaG to gelatin–alginate bioinks holds great potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
Cemented versus uncemented femoral component total hip arthroplasty in elderly patients with primary osteoporosis: retrospective analysis with 5-year follow-up

Objective To compare medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes of primary unilateral uncemented (UN) or cemented (CE) femoral component total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Methods Consecutive patients with osteoporosis who underwent primary unilateral UN or CE THAs at our institution from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. All consecutive procedures were managed by high-volume surgeons, using UN or CE THA approaches. Follow-up assessments occurred at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively, and yearly thereafter. Patient-related functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Primary and secondary endpoints were early revision (<5 years) and functional outcome. Results In total, 496 primary unilateral THAs (CE, n = 184; UN, n = 182) were assessed with a median follow-up period of 75 months (range, 65–86 months). From 3 months after surgery to the final follow-up, HHS was consistently superior in the CE group. Respective prosthetic loosening rates in the UN and CE groups were 26.4% and 16.8% at a minimum of 5 years. There was a significant difference in rate of early revision (7.6% CE vs. 14.8% UN). Conclusion Compared with UN THA, CE THA exhibits a superior outcome in elderly patients with primary osteoporosis.
Nitric Oxide: Its Generation and Interactions with Other Reactive Signaling Compounds

Nitric oxide (NO) is an immensely important signaling molecule in animals and plants. It is involved in plant reproduction, development, key physiological responses such as stomatal closure, and cell death. One of the controversies of NO metabolism in plants is the identification of enzymatic sources. Although there is little doubt that nitrate reductase (NR) is involved, the identification of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like enzyme remains elusive, and it is becoming increasingly clear that such a protein does not exist in higher plants, even though homologues have been found in algae. Downstream from its production, NO can have several potential actions, but none of these will be in isolation from other reactive signaling molecules which have similar chemistry to NO. Therefore, NO metabolism will take place in an environment containing reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), glutathione, other antioxidants and within a reducing redox state. Direct reactions with NO are likely to produce new signaling molecules such as peroxynitrite and nitrosothiols, and it is probable that chemical competitions will exist which will determine the ultimate end result of signaling responses. How NO is generated in plants cells and how NO fits into this complex cellular environment needs to be understood.
Decoding neural activity to predict rat locomotion using intracortical and epidural arrays

Objective. Recovery of voluntary gait after spinal cord injury (SCI) requires the restoration of effective motor cortical commands, either by means of a mechanical connection to the limbs, or by restored functional connections to muscles. The latter approach might use functional electrical stimulation (FES), driven by cortical activity, to restore voluntary movements. Moreover, there is evidence that this peripheral stimulation, synchronized with patients’ voluntary effort, can strengthen descending projections and recovery. As a step towards establishing such a cortically-controlled FES system for restoring function after SCI, we evaluate here the type and quantity of neural information needed to drive such a brain machine interface (BMI) in rats. We compared the accuracy of the predictions of hindlimb electromyograms (EMG) and kinematics using neural data from an intracortical array and a less-invasive epidural array. Approach. Seven rats were trained to walk on a treadmill with a stable pattern. One group of rats (n = 4) was implanted with intracortical arrays spanning the hindlimb sensorimotor cortex and EMG electrodes in the contralateral hindlimb. Another group (n = 3) was implanted with epidural arrays implanted on the dura overlying hindlimb sensorimotor cortex. EMG, kinematics and neural data were simultaneously recorded during locomotion. EMGs and kinematics were decoded using linear and nonlinear methods from multiunit activity and field potentials. Main results. Predictions of both kinematics and EMGs were effective when using either multiunit spiking or local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from intracortical arrays. Surprisingly, the signals from epidural arrays were essentially uninformative. Results from somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) confirmed that these arrays recorded neural activity, corroborating our finding that this type of array is unlikely to provide useful information to guide an FES-BMI for rat walking. Significance. We believe that the accuracy of our decoders in predicting EMGs from multiunit spiking activity is sufficient to drive an FES-BMI. Our future goal is to use this rat model to evaluate the potential for cortically-controlled FES to be used to restore locomotion after SCI, as well as its further potential as a rehabilitative technology for improving general motor function.