Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus and its genotypes in chronic liver disease patients from Meghalaya, Northeast India

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease (CLD). Although Northeast India is believed to be a HCV hotspot, the proportion of HCV infection and the distribution of HCV genotypes in CLD cases from the region are not known. The objectives of the study were to determine the proportion of HCV infection in newly diagnosed CLD patients from Meghalaya, Northeast India, and further investigate the HCV genotype distribution in those patients. Materials and Methods: The aetiology of CLD was evaluated in 196 newly diagnosed patients, recruited consecutively over a period of 1 year in a medical college hospital from Meghalaya. Those positive for HCV infection were genotyped, and the mode of transmission of the virus was investigated. Results: A considerable proportion (43 patients, 21.9%) of CLD patients were positive for HCV (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.7%–28.2%). Other leading causes of CLD were alcohol (36.32%) and hepatitis B virus infection (39.3%). Genotype 3 was the most prevalent (48.7%, 95% CI: 33.9%–63.8%), followed by genotype 6 (30.8%, 95% CI: 18.6%–46.6%) and genotype 1 (20.5%, 95% CI: 10.8%–35.5%). The frequency of genotype 6 was remarkably higher than in the other regions of India. Injecting drug use appeared to be the most common mode (28 patients) of acquiring HCV. This was true irrespective of the genotype. Conclusions: The presence of HCV in newly diagnosed CLD cases from Meghalaya was considerable. The genotype distribution of HCV was distinct from the other regions of India.
Dynamic nanoscale morphology of the ER surveyed by STED microscopy

&NA; The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is composed of interconnected membrane sheets and tubules. Superresolution microscopy recently revealed densely packed, rapidly moving ER tubules mistaken for sheets by conventional light microscopy, highlighting the importance of revisiting classical views of ER structure with high spatiotemporal resolution in living cells. In this study, we use live‐cell stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to survey the architecture of the ER at 50‐nm resolution. We determine the nanoscale dimensions of ER tubules and sheets for the first time in living cells. We demonstrate that ER sheets contain highly dynamic, subdiffraction‐sized holes, which we call nanoholes, that coexist with uniform sheet regions. Reticulon family members localize to curved edges of holes within sheets and are required for their formation. The luminal tether Climp63 and microtubule cytoskeleton modulate their nanoscale dynamics and organization. Thus, by providing the first quantitative analysis of ER membrane structure and dynamics at the nanoscale, our work reveals that the ER in living cells is not limited to uniform sheets and tubules; instead, we suggest the ER contains a continuum of membrane structures that includes dynamic nanoholes in sheets as well as clustered tubules. &NA; Schroeder et al. quantitatively evaluate ER architecture in live cells at a ˜50‐nm resolution through stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. The ER is not limited to uniform sheets and tubules; they observe dynamic, nanoscale‐size holes in ER sheets termed “nanoholes,” and they characterize the effects of perturbations of reticulons, Climp63, and the microtubule cytoskeleton on ER membrane nanostructures.
Cardiotoxicity of Cancer Therapies.

Cardiotoxicity is a known complication of many cancer therapies. While the cardiotoxicity of established agents such as anthracyclines, antimetabolites and alkylating agents is well known, it is important to realize that newer anticancer therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, and checkpoint inhibitors are also associated with significant adverse cardiovascular effects. Echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionuclide imaging have been used to identify these complications early and prevent further consequences. We will discuss the different classes of cancer therapeutic agents that cause cardiotoxicity, the mechanisms that lead to these effects, and strategies that can be used to prevent the cardiac morbidity and mortality associated with their use.
Recent advances in the pharmacological management of infections due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

ABSTRACT Introduction: The emergence and diffusion of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) is an unprecedented threat, with prevalences as high as 10–50% being reported in many countries. Areas covered: In the present review, we discuss the management of infections due to MDR-GNB, focusing in particular on current strategies and novel agents with already available results from phase 3 randomized controlled trials. Expert commentary: Some new drugs, such as ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, and meropenem/vaborbactam, which have become available in the past months, have increased our chance of improving survival in severe carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections; while others, with potent activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii which is currently the highest priority regarding the need for novel agents, will become available in the near future. In the meantime, the focus of both clinical practice and research is slowly but steadily widening from efficacy and tolerability of new treatment options to also future preservation of their antimicrobial activity. This is reflected in clinical practice by more attention paid to antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, and in clinical research by growing interest in exploring resistance development as a major endpoint in both preclinical and clinical studies.
The Relationship between Health Literacy and Stages of Change in Smoking Behavior among Employees of Educational Health Centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (2016)

Background: Health literacy has been considered as a predictor of starting, maintaining, and stop smoking. However, such relations have not been well documented in previous texts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between health literacy and changes in the behavior of smoking in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this correlational descriptive study, a total of 297 employees of Tabriz health centers were examined. To collect data, a demographic-social questionnaire, Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire, and DiClemente's behavior change questionnaire were used. Besides, SPSS 13 software (significance level = 0.05) was employed to analyze the data. Results: The average health literacy rate of participants was 70, and most respondents had adequate health literacy. Nearly 41.1% were in the precontemplation phase which is one of the stages of behavior change. There was a positive and significant statistical relation between behavior change variable with all health literacy areas (except the scope of understanding) and total health literacy score (P = 0.011 and r = 0.147). The results of ordinal regression analysis demonstrated that there is a significant positive relationship between the score of health literacy and behavioral change (b = 0.019, 95% confidence interval = (0.010–0.029), P < 0.001). Conclusions: Improving the level of health literacy can lead to change people's behavior in relation to tobacco consumption. However, due to the lack of relevant texts, there is a need for further studies in this field.
Examining the asymmetry in judgments of racism in self and others

ABSTRACT Across three experiments, participants were provided with a list of racist behaviors that purportedly were enacted from a fellow student but in fact were based on the participants’ own behaviors. People consistently evaluated themselves as less racist than this comparison other, even though this other’s racist behaviors were identical to their own. Studies 2a and 2b demonstrate this effect is quite robust and even occurs under social pressure and social consensus conditions in which participants were free to express their racial biases. Thus, it appears that people are less likely to base their racist trait ratings on behavioral evidence when evaluating themselves compared to when they are evaluating another. Taken together, this work provides evidence for the consistency and robustness of self-enhanced social comparisons as applied to the trait domain of racism. Further, this work sheds insight into why people deny they are racist when they act racist.
Restoring Natural Forearm Rotation in Transradial Osseointegrated Amputees

Osseointegrated transradial prostheses have the potential to preserve the natural range of wrist rotation, which improves the performance of activities of daily living and reduces compensatory movements that potentially lead to secondary health problems over time. This is possible by enabling the radius and the ulna bone to move with respect to each other, restoring the functionality of the original distal-radioulnar joint. In this paper, we report on psychophysics tests performed on an osseointegrated transradial amputee with the aim to understand the extent of mobility of the implants that is required to preserve the natural forearm rotation. Based on these experiments, we designed and developed an attachment device between the implants and the hand prosthesis that serves as an artificial distal radio-ulnar joint. This device was fitted on an osseointegrated transradial amputee and its functionality assessed by means of the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity test (MMDT). We found that the axial rotation of the implants is required to preserve forearm rotation, to distribute loads equally over the two implants (60% radius – 40% ulna), and to enable loading of the implants without unpleasant feelings for the patient. Higher function was recorded when our attachment device enabled forearm rotation: SHAP from 61 to 71, MMDT from 258s to 231s. Natural forearm rotation can be successfully restored in transradial amputees by using osseointegration and our novel mechanical attachment to the hand prosthesis.
Potential of bacterial culture media in biofabrication of metal nanoparticles and the therapeutic potential of the as‐synthesized nanoparticles in conjunction with artemisinin against MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells

In the recent past, various groups have proposed diverse biocompatible methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs). Besides culture biomass, culture supernatants (CS) are increasingly being explored for the synthesis of NPs; however, with the ever‐increasing exploration of various CS in the biofabrication of NPs, it is equally important to explore the potential of various culture media (CMs) in the synthesis of metal NPs. Considering these aspects, in the present investigation, we explore the possible applicability of various CMs in the biofabrication of metal NPs. The synthesis of NPs was primarily followed by UV/VIS spectroscopy, and, thereafter, the NPs were characterized by various physiochemical techniques, including EM, EDX, FT_IR, X‐ray diffraction, and DLS measurements, and finally, their anticancer potentialities were investigated against breast cancer. In addition, the NPs were examined in conjunction with artemisinin for therapeutic benefits against aggressive and highly metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Cumulatively, the results of the present study collated the potentials of various bacterial CMs in the biofabrication of metal NPs and ascertained the efficacy of the as‐synthesized silver nanoparticles, especially the combinatorial entity as intriguing breast cancer therapeutics. The data of the present study plausibly assist in advancing the therapeutic applicability of the combinatorial amalgam against aggressive and highly metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells.
The impact of vitamin D supplementation on musculoskeletal health outcomes in children, adolescents, and young adults living with HIV: A systematic review

Objective HIV-positive children, adolescents, and young adults are at increased risk poor musculoskeletal outcomes. Increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency in youth living with HIV may further adversely affect musculoskeletal health. We investigated the impact of vitamin D supplementation on a range of musculoskeletal outcomes among individuals aged 0–25 years living with HIV. Methods A systematic review was conducted using databases: PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge, and EMBASE. Interventional randomised control trials, quasi-experimental trials, and previous systematic reviews/meta-analyses were included. Outcomes included: BMD, BMC, fracture incidence, muscle strength, linear growth (height-for-age Z-score [HAZ]), and biochemical/endocrine biomarkers including bone turnover markers. Results Of 497 records, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies were conducted in North America, one in Asia, two in Europe, and four in Sub-Saharan Africa. High-dose vitamin D supplementation regimens (1,000–7,000 IU/day) were successful in achieving serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25OHD) concentrations above study-defined thresholds. No improvements were observed in BMD, BMC, or in muscle power, force and strength; however, improvements in neuromuscular motor skills were demonstrated. HAZ was unaffected by low-dose (200–400 IU/day) supplementation. A single study found positive effects on HAZ with high-dose supplementation (7,000 vs 4,000IU/day). Conclusions Measured bone outcomes were unaffected by high-dose vitamin D supplementation, even when target 25OHD measurements were achieved. This may be due to: insufficient sample size, follow-up, intermittent dosing, non-standardised definitions of vitamin D deficiency, or heterogeneity of enrolment criteria pertaining to baseline vitamin D concentration. High-dose vitamin D may improve HAZ and neuromuscular motor skills. Adequately powered trials are needed in settings where HIV burden is greatest. PROSPERO Number: CRD42016042938.
Pengaruh Religiusitas Terhadap Perilaku Ekonomi Masyarakat Pasar Tradisional

This research oriented to analyze influence of religiosity on the economic behavior of traditional market society in The Serang City of Banten Province. The result of the research could be information, reference, and policy formulation for developing economy, till it achieves on the target, creates individual and social pious. The Method used in the research is causal relationship to determine the level of influence. The technique used in this research is questionnaires contain a set of questions for respondents to answer. While to know the influence of religiosity (X variable) toward economic behavior of traditional market society (Y Variable) in The Serang City of Banten Province. The result of the research showed the influence of religiosity on the economic behavior of traditional market society in the Serang city of Banten Province based on the r square value 81,17 and results for inner weight 48.095. based on the analysis concluded that religiosity has a high influence on the economic behavior (distributor and consumer) compared with other aspects.
Serum leptin is associated with first-ever ischemic stroke, lesion size and stroke severity in a Chinese cohort

ABSTRACT Objective: Leptin may be associated with cardiovascular disease. We tested to determine whether leptin is a marker for first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in a nested case-referent study. Methods: Consecutive patients with first-ever AIS from May 2017 to December 2017 were included. Referents were matched for sex, age and body mass index. Serum leptin levels and routine tests were examined in both groups. Results: The median serum level of leptin in the stroke patients was 14.3 (interquartile range [IQR], 7.2–21.7) ng/ml, which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the referents (10.7; 5.7–13.6 ng/ml). There was a positive correlation between serum level of leptin and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (r[Spearman] = 0.43, P < 0.001). In addition, serum leptin levels paralleled lesion size. Median serum level of leptin in patients with small lesions, medium lesions and large lesions was 7.3 (IQR, 5.3–14.3) ng/ml, 13.9 (IQR, 7.0–21.3) ng/ml, 20.5 (IQR, 12.4–32.7) ng/ml, respectively (analysis of variance: P < 0.001). In the univariate model matching for sex and age, leptin as a continuous variable was associated with AIS, after adjustment for possible confounders (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.11; P < 0.001). After adjusting for all other factors, leptin remained an independent stroke predictor with an adjusted OR of 1.03 (95% CI, 1.00–1.10; P = 0.006). Interestingly, the association between AIS and leptin level was more pronounced among men (adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12; P < 0.001) when compared with women (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.10–1.11; P = 0.009). Conclusion: Serum leptin is associated with first-ever AIS, lesion size and stroke severity in a Chinese cohort.
Instrumental Assessment of Stair Ascent in People With Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease: A Wearable-Sensor-Based Approach

Stair ascent is a challenging daily-life activity highly related to independence. This task is usually assessed with clinical scales suffering from partial subjectivity and limited detail in evaluating different task aspects. In this paper, we instrumented the assessment of stair ascent in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke (ST), and Parkinson’s disease (PD) to analyze the validity of the proposed quantitative indexes and characterize subjects’ performances. Participants climbed 10 steps wearing a magneto-inertial sensor [magneto-inertial measurement unit (MIMU)] at sternum level. Gait pattern features (step frequency, symmetry, regularity, and harmonic ratios), and upper trunk sway were computed from MIMU signals. Clinical modified dynamic gait index (mDGI) and mDGI-Item 8 “Up stairs” were administered. Significant correlations with clinical scores were found for gait pattern features ( $\text {r}_{\text {s}} \ge {0.536}$ ) and trunk pitch sway ( $\text {r}_{\textsf {s}} \le -{0.367}$ ) demonstrating their validity. Instrumental indexes showed alterations in the three pathological groups compared to healthy subjects and significant differences, not clinically detected, among MS, ST, and PD. MS showed the worst performance, with alterations of all gait pattern aspects and larger trunk pitch sway. ST showed worsening in gait pattern features but not in trunk motion. PD showed fewer alterations consisting in reduced step frequency and trunk yaw sway. These results suggest that the use of an MIMU provided valid objective indexes revealing between-group differences in stair ascent not detected by clinical scales. Importantly, the indexes include upper trunk measures, usually not present in clinical tests, and provide relevant hints for tailored rehabilitation.
Comparative Study of Naphthoquinone Contents of Selected Greek Endemic Boraginaceae Plants - Antimicrobial Activities

The cyclohexane (Ch) extracts of the roots of five Greek endemic Boraginaceae plants, Onosma kaheirei Teppner, O. graeca Boiss. , O. erecta Sibth. & Sm. , Alkanna sfikasiana Kit Tan, Vold and Strid and Cynoglossum columnae Ten, were investigated for the presence of alkannin/shikonin-related compounds. All species, s except C. columnae and O. erecta, were found to contain this type of compounds. Seven compounds were obtained after several chromatographic separations from the Ch extracts of the investigated plants: deoxyalkannin (1), 2″-(S)-α-methylbutyrylalkannin (2), isobutyrylalkannin (3), propionylalkannin (4), acetylalkannin (5), β-hydroxyisovalerylalkannin (6), and β,β-dimethylacrylalkannin (7). All structures were identified by 1D 1H-/13C- and 2D NMR spectroscopy, assisted also by ESI-MS. The extracts and the isolated compounds exhibiting an interesting antimicrobial profile when evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against six Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and three human pathogenic fungi.
Clinical and imaging characteristics of posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa with a specific FLVCR1 mutation

ABSTRACT Background: Posterior column ataxia retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP) with feline leukemia virus subgroup C cellular receptor 1 (FLVCR1) gene mutation is a rare disorder with significant ophthalmic features. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective case series study of patients diagnosed with PCARP and genetic testing positive for FLVCR1 mutation between 1 January 2015 and 1 October 2017 at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Clinical charts, visual fields, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were reviewed. Results: Seven patients from three families were identified to have PCARP and FLVCR1 mutation. The median age at presentation was 13 years (range, 7–28 years). Common clinical exam findings were astigmatism, cataracts, and vitreous syneresis. Funduscopy on all patients revealed bull’s eye maculopathy, retinal vessels attenuation, and bone spicule changes in the peripheral retina. Fundus autofluorescence showed bilateral hyperautofluorescent rings. SD-OCT demonstrated morphological changes, which differed based on age. The youngest sibling family exhibited peripheral loss, but subfoveal preservation of the outer retinal layers. These layers were lost in the oldest sibling family. Visual fields loss paralleled SD-OCT findings. Conclusion: There is limited published ophthalmic data on FLVCR1-related PCARP. We describe clinical and retinal imaging features in the one of the largest cohorts of affected patients in the literature. Given the availability of genetic testing for this phenotype, testing for FLVCR1 mutations should be considered in pediatric and adult patients with sensory ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa.
EXPAND, a dose-finding study of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis and low platelet counts: 48-week follow-up analysis

EEXPAND (phase Ib, dose-finding study) evaluated the starting dose of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis with baseline platelet counts of 50-99×109/L. The study consisted of dose-escalation and safety-expansion phases. Based on the baseline platelet counts, patients were assigned to stratum 1 (75-99×109/L) or stratum 2 (50-74×109/L), with the primary objective of determining the maximum safe starting dose (MSSD); key secondary objectives included safety and efficacy. At week 48 data cutoff (stratum 1, n=44; stratum 2, n=25), 24.6% (17 out of 69) of patients were still receiving treatment. The MSSD was established as ruxolitinib 10 mg twice daily in both strata. Thrombocytopenia [grade 4 (stratum 1, n=1; stratum 2, n=2)] was the only reported dose-limiting toxicity (study drug related) at 10 mg twice daily. In the MSSD cohort (stratum 1, n=20; stratum 2, n=18), adverse events (regardless of study drug relationship) led to treatment discontinuation in 15.0% and 33.3% of patients in stratum 1 and stratum 2, respectively, and dose adjustment/interruption in 45.0% and 66.7% of patients in stratum 1 and stratum 2, respectively. Three cases of on-treatment deaths were reported at the MSSD. Spleen response was achieved at week 48 in 33.3% and 30.0% of patients in stratum 1 and stratum 2, respectively. Improvements in the Total Symptom Score were also observed. In this study, ruxolitinib demonstrated acceptable tolerability in both the strata at the MSSD of 10 mg twice daily. (Registered at: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01317875).