Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of Handheld Ultrasound Devices – An EFSUMB Position Paper

The miniaturization of ultrasound equipment in the form of tablet- or smartphone-sized ultrasound equipment is a result of the rapid evolution of technology and handheld ultrasound devices (HHUSD). This position paper of the European Federation of Societies in Ultrasound and Medicine (EFSUMB) asses-ses the current status of HHUSD in abdominal ultrasound, pediatric ultrasound, targeted echocardiography and heart ultrasound, and we will report position comments on the most common clinical applications. Also included is a SWOT (Strength – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats) analysis, the use for handheld devices for medical students, educational & training aspects, documentation, storage and safety con-siderations. an HHUSD was used to evaluate the lung to look for B-lines and pleural effusions, the heart to look for pericardial effusion and assess ejection fraction, and the IVC to look for increased distention. Patients were divided into cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of dyspnea, with the final diagnosis determined by a senior physician reviewing all investigations and patient response to treatment. Two-by-two contingency tables were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity data for differing combina-tions of the ultrasound exam compared with the final diagnosis. As with other studies, lung alone showed good sensitivity and specificity of respectively, for detecting when
Long-term protection against a virulent field isolate of infectious laryngotracheitis virus induced by inactivated, recombinant, and modified live virus vaccines in commercial layers

ABSTRACT Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute respiratory disease of chickens controlled through vaccination with live-modified attenuated vaccines, the chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccines and the tissue-culture origin (TCO) vaccines. Recently, novel recombinant vaccines have been developed using herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) and fowl pox virus (FPV) as vectors to express ILTV immunogens for protection against ILT. The objective of this study was to assess the protection efficacy against ILT induced by recombinants, live-modified attenuated, and inactivated virus vaccines when administered alone or in combination. Commercial layer pullets were vaccinated with one or more vaccines and challenged at 35 (35 WCH) or 74 weeks of age (74 WCH). Protection was assessed by scoring clinical signs; and by determining the challenge viral load in the trachea at five days post-challenge. The FPV-LT vaccinated birds were not protected when challenged at 35 weeks; the HVT-LT and TCO vaccines in combination provided protection similar to that observed in chickens vaccinated with either HVT-LT or TCO vaccines when challenged at 35 weeks, whereas protection induced by vaccination with HVT-LT followed by TCO was superior in the 74 WCH group compared with the 35 WCH group. Birds given the inactivated ILT vaccine had fewer clinical signs and/or lower viral replication at 74 WCH when combined with TCO or HVT-LT, but not when given alone. Finally, the CEO-vaccinated birds had top protection as indicated by reduction of clinical signs and viral replication when challenged at 35 weeks (74 weeks not done). These results suggest that certain vaccine combinations may be successful to produce long-term protection up to 74 weeks of age against ILT.
Vitamin D, Cardiovascular System, and Longevity of Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract: The risk of cardiovascular death is high in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and thickening, stiffening and calcification of the arterial wall have been shown as its predictive factors. Activated vitamin D preparations are used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in HD patients, but as they increase serum phosphate and calcium concentrations, there is a concern that they promote vascular calcification and, consequently, exacerbate the outcomes. In this article, the effects of vitamin D therapy on survival, cardiac function, arteriosclerosis, immunity, and inflammation are evaluated by reviewing the literature. In HD patients, the risk of death (particularly cardiovascular death) is significantly lower in those treated than in those not treated with vitamin D. Moreover, activated vitamin D improves cardiac function and alleviates cardiac hypertrophy in HD patients. Experimental data in cultured macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, and vascular endothelial cells suggest that it has antiatherosclerotic effects. In vivo, the administration of vitamin D improves immune functions and normalizes inflammatory reactions. In HD patients, vascular calcification is related to the dose of calcium carbonate, but its relationship with the administration of vitamin D is not significant. These observations suggest that, contrary to the general concerns, activated vitamin D exerts favorable effects on the cardiovascular system in HD patients as long as it is used in appropriate clinical doses.
Seeds, fermented foods, and agricultural by-products as sources of plant-derived antibacterial peptides

Abstract The emergence of bacterial resistance against conventional antibiotics and the growing interest in developing alternative, natural antibacterial agents have prompted the search for plant-derived antibacterial peptides in recent decades. Different classes of endogenous antibacterial peptides have been identified from various plant species. Moreover, protein hydrolysates and hydrolysate-derived peptides with potent antibacterial effects have also been identified from numerous plant sources. Antibacterial peptides are often cationic and amphipathic, consisting of fewer than 100 amino acids. They are able to disrupt bacterial membrane integrity via pore formation and/or compromise bacterial metabolic processes. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the characteristics and modes of action of antibacterial peptides, as well as salient points concerning the production of antibacterial protein hydrolysates from plant proteins. Examples of plant-derived antibacterial hydrolysates and peptides will be highlighted, with particular attention to less explored seeds, fermented plant foods and agricultural by-products. Promising future research directions with regards to the application of plant-derived antibacterial hydrolysates and peptides in food preservation, farm animal disease management, and nutraceutical/functional food development will be proposed.
Application of real-time PCR for tree nut allergen detection in processed foods

Abstract Currently, food allergies are an important health concern worldwide. The presence of undeclared allergenic ingredients or the presence of traces of allergens due to accidental contamination during food processing poses a great health risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, reliable analytical methods are required to detect and identify allergenic ingredients in food products. Real-time PCR allowed a specific and accurate amplification of allergen sequences. Some processing methods could induce the fragmentation and/or degradation of genomic DNA and some studies have been performed to analyze the effect of processing on the detection of different targets, as thermal treatment, with and without applying pressure. In this review, we give an updated overview of the applications of real-time PCR for the detection of allergens of tree nut in processed food products. The different variables that contribute to the performance of PCR methodology for allergen detection are also review and discussed.
Tempo de internação hospitalar relacionado à fisioterapia respiratória no pré-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca eletiva

Objetivo: Comparar os dias de internacao hospitalar entre pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardiaca eletiva que realizaram fisioterapia pre-operatoria com aqueles que nao realizaram a fisioterapia neste periodo. Metodo: A pesquisa foi composta por 56 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardiaca eletiva, que foram avaliados quanto aos fatores de risco pre-operatorio e a realizacao da fisioterapia, sendo divididos em tres grupos: grupo A – 16 pacientes que realizaram fisioterapia pre-operatoria na Clinica-Escola da UNIARARAS; grupo B – 30 pacientes que realizaram fisioterapia em outro local e grupo C – 10 pacientes que nao realizaram a fisioterapia. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que os pacientes dos grupos A (7,25 ± 2,11 dias) e B (8,06 ± 4,02 dias) obtiveram media do tempo de internacao menor quando comparados com o grupo C (9,1 ± 4,65 dias). Conclusao: Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardiaca eletiva que receberam fisioterapia no pre-operatorio obtiveram tempo de internacao menor quando comparados com aqueles que nao realizaram a fisioterapia.
Disfluency and ageing : a study of healthy older speakers of New Zealand English

The current study examined 115 New Zealand English speakers aged 64-91 years to obtain normative data on fluency. Stuttering-like and normal disfluencies were analysed in speaking tasks of conversation and reading to determine the frequency of disfluencies. Variables of age, sex, years of education, and cognitive functioning were also examined to determine whether these influenced disfluencies. Results indicated no change in stuttering-like and normal disfluencies across age in conversation, yet a small significant increase was found in reading for normal disfluencies. Sex and years of education revealed no significant relationship with total disfluencies produced across age, however there was a significant relationship between cognitive scores and total disfluencies – speakers with higher cognitive scores produced less disfluencies. Age, sex, years of education, and cognitive scores were not significant predictors of stuttering-like disfluencies, though normal disfluencies were. Within the fluency literature, normative data is limited for the ageing population 60+. This study provides normative data for older New Zealand speakers and valuable additional information to assist clinicians in assessment/diagnosis of acquired communication
Implementing evidence‐based treatment protocols: Flexibility within fidelity

Efficacious psychological treatments exist for a variety of mental health conditions, but many who could benefit from these treatments do not receive them. Increasing efforts have been made to disseminate effective protocols, and several approaches for implementing such treatments have been proposed, including the use of protocols, principles, practices, and policies. We discuss the relative merits of disseminating protocols, and highlight the importance of employing flexibility within fidelity. We describe the benefits of using protocols, including their empirical support, guidance for decision making, and structure to facilitate training and enhance treatment integrity. We also address several criticisms that have been offered against protocols, citing data that indicates that many of the criticisms are not warranted.
Kinetics and Predicted Structure of a Novel Xylose Reductase from Chaetomium thermophilum

While in search of an enzyme for the conversion of xylose to xylitol at elevated temperatures, a xylose reductase (XR) gene was identified in the genome of the thermophilic fungus Chaetomium thermophilum. The gene was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli as a His6-tagged fusion protein and characterized for function and structure. The enzyme exhibits dual cofactor specificity for NADPH and NADH and prefers D-xylose over other pentoses and investigated hexoses. A homology model based on a XR from Candida tenuis was generated and the architecture of the cofactor binding site was investigated in detail. Despite the outstanding thermophilicity of its host the enzyme is, however, not thermostable.
Improved White Matter Cerebrovascular Reactivity after Revascularization in Patients with Steno-Occlusive Disease

Thirty-five patients with steno-occlusive disease (Moyamoya disease [n = 24], Moyamoya syndrome [n = 3], atherosclerosis [n = 6], vasculitis [n = 1], and idiopathic stenosis [n = 1]) who underwent unilateral brain revascularization using a direct superficial temporal artery–to-MCA bypass were evaluated. WM cerebrovascular reactivity was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using BOLD MR imaging during iso-oxic hypercapnic changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide. WM cerebrovascular reactivity significantly improved after direct unilateral superficial temporal artery–to-MCA bypass in the revascularized hemisphere in the MCA territory and in the anterior cerebral artery territory. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One feature that patients with steno-occlusive cerebrovascular disease have in common is the presence of white matter (WM) lesions on MRI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of direct surgical revascularization on impaired WM cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with steno-occlusive disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 35 patients with steno-occlusive disease, Moyamoya disease (n = 24), Moyamoya syndrome (n = 3), atherosclerosis (n = 6), vasculitis (n = 1), and idiopathic stenosis (n = 1), who underwent unilateral brain revascularization using a direct superficial temporal artery–to-MCA bypass (19 women; mean age, 45.8 ± 16.5 years). WM cerebrovascular reactivity was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) MR imaging during iso-oxic hypercapnic changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide and was expressed as %Δ BOLD MR signal intensity per millimeter end-tidal partial pressure of CO2. RESULTS: WM cerebrovascular reactivity significantly improved after direct unilateral superficial temporal artery–to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass in the revascularized hemisphere in the MCA territory (mean ± SD, −0.0005 ± 0.053 to 0.053 ± 0.046 %BOLD/mm Hg; P < .0001) and in the anterior cerebral artery territory (mean, 0.0015 ± 0.059 to 0.021 ± 0.052 %BOLD/mm Hg; P = .005). There was no difference in WM cerebrovascular reactivity in the ipsilateral posterior cerebral artery territory nor in the vascular territories of the nonrevascularized hemisphere (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral revascularization surgery is an effective treatment for reversing preoperative cerebrovascular reactivity deficits in WM. In addition, direct–STA-MCA bypass may prevent recurrence of preoperative symptoms.
Knowledge and Preventive Practice of Occupational Health Hazards among Nurses in different Teaching Hospitals

Introduction/ Objective: Occupational health hazards are recognized as global problems for health care workers and especially among the nurses as they are often the first health care provider. It is increasing day by day due to change in science and technology and is quiet high in developing countries. This aim of the study was to find the knowledge and preventive practice of occupational health hazards among the nurses. Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out among 339 nurses working in three different teaching hospitals of the Kathmandu from February 28, 2016 to March 28, 2016 using multistage random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: The study findings revealed that the mean knowledge score was 26.7±7.3. The level of knowledge of occupational health hazards among the nurses was 68.1% (adequate knowledge). The knowledge was statistically significant with education (OR = 3.47, CI: 2.15-5.59 and p value 0.00). The mean practice score was 7.6 ±3.1. The level of preventive practice on occupational hazards was 25.4% (poor practice). The practice was statistically significant with age (OR=2.01, CI = 1.21-3.35 and p = 0.006); designation (OR= 3.08, CI= 1.42-6.69 and p = 0.003); work experience (OR=1.87, CI= 1.13-3.07 and p = 0.01); previous in-service education/ training (OR=2.25; CI= 1.02-4.92 and p = 0.03). Conclusion: Overwhelmingly, nurses had adequate knowledge but poor preventive practice indicating higher risk of occupational hazards hence training and in-service education, adequate provision of personal protective equipments and establishment of effective occupational health program for nurses are needed to encourage them adhere to good preventive practice.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting: A Survey of Nurses in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT In the absence of a mandatory reporting (MR) structure, it is unclear how nurses perceive or exercise their role in child protection. This study examined knowledge and perceptions of child protection and MR among nurses working in Hong Kong. This cross-sectional web-based survey used the Child Abuse Report Intention Scale to measure nurses’ child protection knowledge and attitudes, and their perceived norms, control, and intention to report suspected maltreatment. Nurses also indicated if they support MR and to provide an explanation for their preference. Quantitative data were described and analyzed using bivariate and regression analyses. Open-ended responses were analyzed using directed content analysis. A convenient sample of 91 nurses working in Hong Kong completed the survey. The majority (86%) were female with a mean of 9.5 years of nursing experience; their mean knowledge score was 6.64 out of 13 (range 2–10). Compared with other maltreatment types, sexual abuse was perceived to be most severe and most likely to be reported. Perceived severity and attitudes toward child maltreatment was significantly associated with nurses’ intention to report. Over half (58%) supported MR; those against MR expressed concerns about lack of support from management. Although nurses working in Hong Kong still hold polarized views about MR, findings point to the importance of creating a supportive reporting culture, and designing training programs that focus on changing perceptions about child protection in order to improve their tendency to report.
Modulation of α‐adrenoceptor signalling protects photoreceptors after retinal detachment by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation

Currently available treatments do not halt progression of photoreceptor death and subsequent visual impairment related to retinal detachment (RD) which is observed in various retinal disorders. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of two adrenoceptor ligands, the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist doxazosin and the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist guanabenz, against photoreceptor cell death in RD.
Thinking Positive in Spondyloarthritis

What is so negative about seronegative diseases? The term seronegative arthritis can be confusing. Does this refer to seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA)? We diagnose patients with seronegative RA if the clinical picture is consistent with RA and yet they lack serum markers such as rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. However, for SpA the absence of RF is a common cardinal feature, despite the varied presentations. It is well known now that low titer RF is not an exclusion for SpA and we have moved away from the term 'seronegative spondyloarthritis' to SpA. Further, we now classify SpA patients based on the predominant manifestation as peripheral SpA (pSpA) or axial SpA (axSpA). Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is the prototype axSpA while psoriatic arthritis (PsA) presents usually as pSpA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Reducing distress and promoting resilience: a preliminary trial of a CBT skills intervention among recently HIV-diagnosed MSM in China

ABSTRACT People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in China experience significant psychological distress, due to high rates of stigma and low availability of mental health resources. Recently diagnosed Chinese PLWHA who are men who have sex with men (MSM) are particularly vulnerable to distress, facing both HIV and sexual orientation stigma. Reducing distress and enhancing psychological resilience is critical in promoting wellbeing. However, no research to date has examined evidence-based interventions to reduce psychological symptoms and improve resilience in this population. Based on qualitative research on their mental health needs, we developed a culturally tailored, brief 3-session CBT skills-based intervention for integration into primary care [Yang, J. P., Simoni, J., Cheryan, S. , Shiu, C. , Chen, W. , Zhao, H. , & Lu, H. (2018). The development of a brief distress reduction intervention for individuals recently diagnosed with HIV in China. Cognitive Behavioral Practice, 25(2), 319–334. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra. 2017.08. 002]. The intervention includes cognitive restructuring to address depressive thought patterns, behavioral activation to decrease isolation, and paced breathing to reduce anxiety. We conducted a pilot Type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial assessing pre–post mental health outcomes as well as feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness information. Ten recently diagnosed MSM completed the research protocol of three individual weekly sessions. Paired-samples t tests demonstrated significant reduction in HIV-related distress, depression, problems with adjustment, as well as improvements in resilience, and perceived social support. Participants and community advisory board members found the intervention highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. Preliminary data from the first known study examining a psychological intervention with evidence-based components for recently diagnosed Chinese MSM suggests that this brief intervention may be useful for reducing distress and promoting resilience.
Currently available and potential future treatment options for IgA nephropathy

Introduction: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis throughout the world. The clinical presentation and disease progression is very variable and up to 30% of patients will progress to end-stage renal disease by 20 years. Despite improved understanding of the pathogenesis in the last decades, no disease-specific treatment is so far available. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of the currently available IgAN treatments and other new investigational and potential future treatment options. Areas covered: In the context of an updated overview of IgAN pathogenesis, the authors discuss currently available treatments in clinical practice, drugs under clinical investigation and potential new therapeutic agents. Expert opinion: Currently available treatment options for IgAN reduce surrogate markers of the disease progression and seem to slow the progression of disease to a certain degree. Researches on some pathogenesis-targeted therapeutic agents are in progress. To develop a new therapy, investigation of these agents in clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical industry is essential. To consider these drugs as an orphan drug for IgAN would make it more achievable for the clinicians to perform clinical trials to investigate the efficacy of these drugs in patients with IgAN.