Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotype–environment interaction for age at first calving in buffaloes, using the reaction norm model

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype-environment interaction effect on age at first calving in buffaloes. The records were analysed using two approaches: (a) standard animal model and (b) reaction norm model. For the reaction norm analysis, two environmental gradients were formed, using age of first calving or milk yield group contemporary average. The results showed differences in the heritability estimates when using the two approaches. The reaction norm model indicated high heritability in more favourable environments and low magnitude genetic correlations between extreme environments. Based on our findings, we verified the significance of the genotype-environment interaction effect on age at first calving in buffaloes.
Analysis on outcomes of facial paralysis complicated by middle ear cholesteatoma

Abstract Background: The prognostic factors of facial paralysis complicated by middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC) are largely unknown due to limited reports and smaller sample size. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze prognostic factors of postoperative outcomes of facial paralysis complicated by MEC. Material and methods: Clinical data of 48 patients (48 ears) with facial paralysis complicated by MEC were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The outcomes of facial paralysis were compared between different groups. Results: All the eight cases (100%) with intact fallopian canal had complete recovery of facial paralysis after surgery, while only 52.5% cases (21/40 cases) with fallopian canal damage achieved good recovery, with significant difference (p < .05). For subgroup analysis of the 40 cases with damaged fallopian canal, the good recovery rate of facial paralysis in shorter duration group (≤2 months) was higher compared to longer duration group (>2 months) (81.0% versus 21.1%; p < .05). Moreover, the good recovery rate of facial paralysis in moderate facial paralysis group (grade II–IV) was higher compared to severe facial paralysis group (grade V–VI) (82.4% versus 30.4%; p < .05). Conclusions and significance: The outcomes of facial paralysis complicated by MEC were associated with fallopian canal integrity, duration and severity of facial paralysis.
Left Ventricular Lipomatous Hamartoma Mimicking a Calcified Amorphous Tumor.

A 56-year-old Japanese woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus for 20 years was referred for echocardiographic examination for a systolic ejection murmur. She had been undergoing hemodialysis for 10 years because of diabetic nephropathy, along with other diabetic complications, including proliferative retinopathy and neuropathy. She had a normal ECG, and her cardiothoracic ratio was 52% on chest x-ray. Laboratory examination showed poor control of blood sugar (casual blood glucose, 256 mg/dL; hemoglobin A1c, 9.3%) and renal dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen, 49 mg/dL [institutional normal range, 8–20 mg/dL]; creatinine, 8.5 mg/dL [institutional normal range for women, 0.4–0.9 mg/dL]), and her serum brain natriuretic peptide level was 48.4 pg/mL (institutional upper limit, 18.4 pg/mL). There was no evidence of infectious endocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiography showed normal left ventricular (LV) size and normal systolic function with a slightly dilated left atrium. We found a mobile rod-like structure (5×20 mm) in the LV outflow tract (Figure 1A and Movie IA in the online-only Data Supplement), which had not been …
Predictors of breastfeeding non-initiation in the NICU.

This study compared predictors of breastfeeding non-initiation between infants who were and were not admitted to the NICU so that interventions can target high-risk mothers whose infants desperately need breastmilk. This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of singleton Ohio live births using birth certificates, 2006-2015. In babies who were and were not admitted to the NICU, a multivariable logistic regression model assessed the association between breastfeeding non-initiation and predictors relating to the mother, neonate, and labour and delivery events while adjusting for covariables. Of 1,463,506 births, 76,855 infants were admitted to the NICU (5.8% of study population), and breastfeeding was not initiated in 39.4% of them, compared with 31.5% of infants in the newborn nursery, p < 0.001. Apart from abnormal newborn conditions, smoking during pregnancy was the most significant risk factor for not breastfeeding in the NICU (RR 1.91 [95% CI 1.82-2.02]) and newborn nursery (RR 2.10 [95% CI 2.08-2.13]), followed by socioeconomic factors and multiparity. Limited prenatal visits (≤5) were a significantly higher risk factor in the NICU (RR 1.41 [95% CI 1.34-1.49]) than in the newborn nursery (RR 1.24 [95% CI 1.22-1.26]). Intentional home birth and use of infertility treatment were associated with breastfeeding initiation. The rate of breastfeeding initiation is lower in infants admitted to the NICU than those who are not, especially among mothers with limited prenatal care. Interventions should target mothers who smoke because they are least likely to breastfeed, and their babies, who are prone to serious health conditions, could especially benefit from breastmilk.
Individualized treatment based on CYP3A5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with tacrolimus in ulcerative colitis

Background/Aims The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus (TAC) is known to be largely influenced by single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP3A5. Patients starting TAC require careful dose adjustment, owing to the wide range of optimal dosages, depending on their CYP3A5 expression status. Here, we evaluated whether individualization of TAC dosages based on CYP3A5 SNPs would improve its therapeutic efficacy in ulcerative colitis. Methods Twenty-one patients were prospectively treated, with their initial dosage adjusted according to their CYP3A5 status (0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 mg/kg/day for CYP3A5*3/*3, CYP3A5*1/*3, and CYP3A5*1/*1, respectively). Their clinical outcomes were compared with those of patients treated with a fixed dose (0.1 mg/kg/day). Results The first blood trough level of CYP3A5 expressors, CYP3A5*1/*3 or CYP3A5*1/*1, and the overall rate in achieving the target blood trough level within a week in the individualized-dose group were significantly higher than those in the fixed-dose group (5.15±2.33 ng/mL vs. 9.63±0.79 ng/mL, P=0.035 and 12.5% vs. 66.7%, P=0.01). The remission rate at 2 weeks in the expressors was as high as that in the nonexpressors, CYP3A5*3/*3, in the individualized-dose group. Conclusions Individualized TAC treatment is effective against ulcerative colitis regardless of the CYP3A5 genotype.
Physiological functions of Wilms’ tumor 1‐associating protein and its role in tumourigenesis

The Wilms’ tumor‐associated gene WT1 encodes a tumor suppressor gene, which is implicated in renal differentiation and development of adult urogenital system. Wilms’ tumor 1‐associating protein (WTAP) is initially identified as a nuclear protein that specifically interacts with WT1 in both in vitro and in vivo assays. WTAP is ubiquitously expressed in different tissues and various growth periods, and its expression is involved in cell cycle, RNA splicing and stabilization, N6‐methyladenosine RNA modification, cell proliferation, and apoptosis as well as embryonic development. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the functions of WTAP in various physiological and pathological processes, in particular with regard to the current knowledge about the role of WTAP in tumorigenesis of different cancers.
Patients with HCV Genotype-1 who have Failed a Direct-Acting Antiviral Regimen: Virological Characteristics and Efficacy of Retreatment

Background This real-world clinical setting study characterized the virological patterns in genotype-1 patients failing interferon (IFN)-free regimens and evaluated the efficacy of re-treatment. Methods A total of 73 consecutive patients failing IFN-free regimens were enrolled (17 genotype-1a and 56 −1b). At failure Sanger sequencing of NS3, NS5A and NS5B regions was performed by home-made protocols. Results In patients having failed an NS3 inhibitor, the prevalence of NS3-RASs was higher in the 10 with genotype-1a than in the 24 with genotype-1b (80% versus 41.6%). In patients treated with an NS5A inhibitor, the prevalence of NS5A-RASs was very high in the 14 with genotype-1a and the 27 with genotype-1b (78.6% and 92.5%, respectively). In patients having failed sofosbuvir, the prevalence of NS5B-RASs was more frequently identified in the 45 with genotype-1b than in the 10 with genotype-1a (37.7% versus 10%). The prevalence of NS5B-RASs in patients having failed dasabuvir was high in both genotypes, 66.6% in the 6 with genotype-1a and 45.5% in the 11 with genotype-1b. The 6 patients re-treated with genotype-1a less frequently (50%) showed sustained virological response (SVR) than the 18 with genotype-1b (88.8%; P=0.07). SVR was more frequent in the 21 patients with an effective second-line direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen than the 3 without (90.4% versus 0%; P<0.005). Conclusions The prevalence of RASs was high in our real-world population. NS3, NS5A and NS5B sequencing seems mandatory in the choice of DAA re-treatment.
Screening for Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration

Approximately 10% of ischemic strokes are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) first diagnosed at the time of stroke. Detecting asymptomatic AF would provide an opportunity to prevent these strokes by instituting appropriate anticoagulation. The AF-SCREEN international collaboration was formed in September 2015 to promote discussion and research about AF screening as a strategy to reduce stroke and death and to provide advocacy for implementation of country-specific AF screening programs. During 2016, 60 expert members of AF-SCREEN, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, health economists, and patient advocates, were invited to prepare sections of a draft document. In August 2016, 51 members met in Rome to discuss the draft document and consider the key points arising from it using a Delphi process. These key points emphasize that screen-detected AF found at a single timepoint or by intermittent ECG recordings over 2 weeks is not a benign condition and, with additional stroke factors, carries sufficient risk of stroke to justify consideration of anticoagulation. With regard to the methods of mass screening, handheld ECG devices have the advantage of providing a verifiable ECG trace that guidelines require for AF diagnosis and would therefore be preferred as screening tools. Certain patient groups, such as those with recent embolic stroke of uncertain source (ESUS), require more intensive monitoring for AF. Settings for screening include various venues in both the community and the clinic, but they must be linked to a pathway for appropriate diagnosis and management for screening to be effective. It is recognized that health resources vary widely between countries and health systems, so the setting for AF screening should be both country- and health system-specific. Based on current knowledge, this white paper provides a strong case for AF screening now while recognizing that large randomized outcomes studies would be helpful to strengthen the evidence base.
Developmental cascades to children's conduct problems: The role of prenatal substance use, socioeconomic adversity, maternal depression and sensitivity, and children's conscience

Abstract This study investigated the longitudinal associations among prenatal substance use, socioeconomic adversity, parenting (maternal warmth, sensitivity, and harshness), children's self-regulation (internalization of rules and conscience), and conduct problems from infancy to middle childhood (Grade 2). Three competing conceptual models including cascade (indirect or mediated), additive (cumulative), and transactional (bidirectional) effects were tested and compared. The sample consisted of 216 low-income families (primary caretaker and children; 51% girls; 74% African American). Using a repeated-measures, multimethod, multi-informant design, a series of full panel models were specified. Findings primarily supported a developmental cascade model, and there was some support for additive effects. More specifically, maternal prenatal substance use and socioeconomic adversity in infancy were prospectively associated with lower levels of maternal sensitivity. Subsequently, lower maternal sensitivity was associated with decreases in children's conscience in early childhood, and in turn, lower conscience predicted increases in teacher-reported conduct problems in middle childhood. There was also a second pathway from sustained maternal depression (in infancy and toddlerhood) to early childhood conduct problems. These findings demonstrated how processes of risk and resilience collectively contributed to children's early onset conduct problems.
The relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and neonatal birth weight: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) have a meaningful impact on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. The first aim of the study was to analyze the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and the prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) outcomes. The second aim was to assess the relation- ship between pre-pregnancy BMI combined with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the prevalence of SGA and LGA measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS The retrospective cohort study was conducted at Jagiellonian University Hospital in Cracow, Po- land from 2016 to 2017. During this time there were 2,123 deliveries. Patients with chronic diseases, multiple pregnancies, fetal defects and incomplete data were excluded. Finally, 474 cases were enrolled. Patients were divided into BMI groups (underweight, normal, overweight and obese) and into GWG groups (inadequate, adequate, excessive). Relationships between maternal BMI, GWG and newborn weight were examined. RESULTS There was no statistically significant association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and prevalence of SGA measurements. However, underweight women with inadequate GWG showed a higher risk to bear SGA babies (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.57-17.18). Obese women with adequate GWG had higher risk of bearing LGA newborns (OR 5.48, 95% CI 1.15-26.13). High BMI correlated with excessive GWG (overweight: OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.84-3.87; obese OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.1-5.48). CONCLUSIONS There is a considerable risk of giving birth to a SGA newborn for underweight women with inadequate GWG. There is a statistically significant association between maternal obesity and LGA outcomes. Our study shows that redefining the risks of abnormal neonatal weight considering both pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain can be useful in providing effective prevention during pregnancy.
Management of COPD within the Brazilian Unified Health Care System in the state of Bahia: an analysis of real-life medication use patterns

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe COPD pharmacological treatment patterns in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and to evaluate the extent to which these patterns conform to clinical guidelines for the management of COPD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 441 patients referred from the Public Health Care Network of the state of Bahia to a public referral outpatient clinic of a COPD management program of the Brazilian Unified Health Care System. Individuals with a spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD were included in the study. Patients were evaluated as to whether they had used any COPD medications in the last seven days. The appropriateness or inappropriateness (undertreatment or overtreatment) of the patient’s pharmacological treatment was evaluated by comparing the patient’s current treatment with that recommended by national and international guidelines. Results: A total of 383 individuals were included in the analysis. Approximately half of the patients (49.1%) used long-acting bronchodilators. These patients were older and had had the disease longer. Of the sample as a whole, 63.7% and 83.0% did not receive pharmacological treatment in accordance with international and national recommendations, respectively. Inappropriateness due to undertreatment was indentified in more than half of the patients. Conclusions: Long-acting bronchodilators are frequently underused in individuals with moderate to very severe COPD within the Brazilian Unified Health Care System in the state of Bahia. Most patients in our sample were treated inappropriately, and undertreatment predominated. Strategies to improve access to long-acting bronchodilators and the quality of COPD pharmacological management are required.
Non‐invasive ventilation of patients with acute asthma

A retrospective observational study of 21 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Frankston Hospital with acute asthma between 2011 and 2014 was undertaken. We report the outcomes for three groups of patients; those that did (n = 7) or did not (n = 6) receive initial therapy with non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) together with those that received invasive ventilation (n = 8). Patients successfully managed with NIV alone experienced a shorter ICU and hospital stay versus those who required invasive ventilation.
MicroRNAs as Potential Pharmaco-Targets in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Compounded by Diabetes

Background: Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) injury is the tissue damage that results from re-oxygenation of ischemic tissues. There are many players that contribute to I/R injury. One of these factors is the family of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are currently being heavily studied. This review aims to critically summarize the latest papers that attributed roles of certain miRNAs in I/R injury, particularly in diabetic conditions and dissect their potential as novel pharmacologic targets in the treatment and management of diabetes. Methods: PubMed was searched for publications containing microRNA and I/R, in the absence or presence of diabetes. All papers that provided sufficient evidence linking miRNA with I/R, especially in the context of diabetes, were selected. Several miRNAs are found to be either pro-apoptotic, as in the case of miR-34a, miR-144, miR-155, and miR-200, or anti-apoptotic, as in the case of miR-210, miR-21, and miR-146a. Here, we further dissect the evidence that shows diverse cell-context dependent effects of these miRNAs, particularly in cardiomyocytes, endothelial, or leukocytes. We also provide insight into cases where the possibility of having two miRNAs working together to intensify a given response is noted. Conclusions: This review arrives at the conclusion that the utilization of miRNAs as translational agents or pharmaco-targets in treating I/R injury in diabetic patients is promising and becoming increasingly clearer.
Association of Survival With Femoropopliteal Artery Revascularization With Drug-Coated Devices

Importance In a recent meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, femoropopliteal artery revascularization with paclitaxel drug-coated devices was associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality compared with non–drug-coated devices. However, to our knowledge, these findings have not been replicated in other data sources and may be subject to confounding from missing data associated with patient withdrawal and loss to follow-up. Objective To evaluate differences in all-cause mortality between patients who were treated with drug-coated devices vs non–drug-coated devices for femoropopliteal artery revascularization. Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide, multicenter retrospective cohort study included 16 560 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services beneficiaries who were admitted for femoropopliteal artery revascularization from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016. All-cause mortality was analyzed through September 30, 2017. Exposures Drug-coated devices (drug-eluting stent [DES] or drug-coated balloon [DCB]) compared with non–drug-coated devices (bare metal stent or uncoated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was all-cause mortality analyzed through the end of follow-up. Results Among 16 560 patients treated at 1883 hospitals, the mean (SD) age was 72.9 (11) years, 7734 (46.7%) were men, 12 232 (73.9%) were white, 8222 (49.7%) currently or had previously used tobacco, 9817 (59.3%) had diabetes, and 8450 (51.0%) had critical limb ischemia (CLI). Drug-coated devices were used in 5989 participants (36.2%). The median follow-up was 389 days (interquartile range, 277-508 days). Among all patients, treatment with drug-coated devices was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality compared with treatment with non–drug-coated devices through 600 days postprocedure (32.5% vs 34.3%, respectively; log-rank P = .007). Similar survival trends were observed when treatment was stratified by using a DCB alone or DES with or without DCB. After multivariable adjustment, drug-coated devices were not associated with a difference in all-cause mortality compared with non–drug-coated devices (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.91-1.04; P = .43). These findings were consistent among those with CLI (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.01; P = .09) or without CLI (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.85-1.03; P = .20), and for those treated with DCB alone (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.86-1.03; P = .17) or DES with or without DCB (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.89-1.06; P = .48). Conclusions and Relevance In this large nationwide analysis of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services beneficiaries, there was no evidence of increased all-cause mortality following femoropopliteal artery revascularization with drug-coated devices compared with non–drug-coated devices.
Levetiracetam versus Carbamazepine in Patients with Late Poststroke Seizures: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Open-Label Study (EpIC Project)

Background: Strokes are the leading cause of epileptic seizures in adults and account for 50% of seizures in those over the age of 65 years. The use of antiepileptic drugs to prevent recurrent poststroke seizures is recommended. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with poststroke seizures were randomly allocated to treatment with either levetiracetam (LEV) or sustained-release carbamazepine (CBZ) in a multicenter randomized open-label study. After a titration study phase (2 weeks), the optimal individual dose of trial medication was determined and treatment was continued for another 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of seizure-free patients; the secondary endpoints were: evaluation of time recurrence to the first seizure, EEG tracings, cognitive functions and side effects. Results: Of 128 patients, 22 discontinued the trial prematurely; thus a total of 106 patients (52 treated with LEV and 54 treated with CBZ) were included in the analysis. The results of the study were as follows: no significant difference in number of seizure-free patients between LEV and CBZ (p = 0.08); time to the first recurrence tended to be longer among patients on LEV; there was no correlation between the therapeutic effect and the EEG findings in either treatment group; LEV caused significantly fewer (p = 0.02) side effects than CBZ; attention deficit, frontal executive functions and functional scales (Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living indices) were significantly worse in the CBZ group. Conclusions: This trial suggests that LEV may be a valid alternative to CBZ in poststroke seizures, particularly in terms of efficacy and safety. In addition, our results show that LEV has significant advantages over CBZ on cognitive functions. This trial also indicates that LEV in monotherapy is a safe and effective therapeutic option in elderly patients who have suffered epileptic seizures following a stroke.