Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New tribal placement and review of Parapucaya Prell and Pucaya Ohaus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae)

Abstract The dynastine scarab genera Parapucaya Prell and Pucaya Ohaus have been historically classified in Pentodontini; however, that tribal classification is not supported under the current tribal circumscriptions. A discussion justifying the transfer of the genera Parapucaya and Pucaya from Pentodontini into Cyclocephalini is presented. This research is based on morphological observations (mandible shape and wing characters among others) and molecular data (genes 28S, COI, and 16S/ND1). A review of both genera is included, providing descriptions, diagnoses, distribution data, illustrations, and keys to species. A revised key to the world genera of Cyclocephalini is also included.
The Impact of Physical Activity on Non-communicable Diseases: Findings from 20 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Context Low physical activity is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The current paper reviews the main findings from Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS) that focus on physical activity and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors over the past two decades. Evidence Acquisition We conducted a literature search for articles from 1999 to December 2017 using the search terms: (Physical activity, leisure time physical activity, non-communicable disease, and TLGS). Results The prevalence of low physical activity was 69.8% during phase ΙΙ of TLGS (2000 - 2004). During 6.5 years of follow up, the prevalence of low physical activity in the total population decreased significantly between phases II (2000 - 2004) and IV of TLGS (2008 - 2010) (P < 0.05). Overweight individuals with sedentary lifestyles had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, compared to those who had high levels of leisure-time physical activity in phase IV of TLGS (2008 - 2010); in the obese group, systolic blood pressure, and triglyceride levels differed significantly between different leisure-time physical activity categories (106.9 ± 14.3 vs. 119.1 ± 17.2 mmHg, P = 0.03) and (111.4 ± 1.6 vs. 147.1 ± 1.6 mg/dL, P = 0.01), respectively. Conclusions The present review highlights the impact of low physical activity on the health of the TLGS community from adolescence to adulthood. The decreased prevalence of low physical activity from phase ΙΙ to phase ΙV of TLGS indicates the necessity for lifestyle interventions as a potentially effective strategy, which could have a positive impact on various risk factors and indicators of non-communicable diseases such as body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and lipid profiles.
Possible association of Firmicutes in the gut microbiota of patients with major depressive disorder

Background Gut microbiota can affect human behavior and mood in many ways. Several studies have shown that patients with depression were also accompanied with gut microbiota disorder, in which Firmicutes are related to the protective function of intestinal barrier. In this study, we explore the changes and effects of Firmicutes in the patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Method We recruited 54 subjects, including 27 patients with MDD. Fecal samples were collected for identification by 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Results The study shows that the alpha diversity indices of MDD patients are lower than those of the healthy controls. Firmicutes is the most significantly decreased phylum in the MDD samples. There are totally 13 taxonomic biomarkers with P-value <0.01 from Firmicutes. There are differences in 17 KEGG pathways between the two groups. Conclusion This study found that there is a significant disorder of gut microbiota in the patients with depression, in which the Firmicutes decreased significantly. Defects of the Firmicutes may lead to the depression in short-chain fatty acids, which could account for the physiological basis of low-level inflammation of depression. Limitations This is a cross-sectional study and the sample size is comparatively small. Though several diet-related factors were controlled in the study, there is no quantified assessment of it.
Prevalence and risk factors of peripheral artery disease in black Africans with HIV infection: a cross-sectional hospital-based study

Background The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not well known among HIV-infected patients in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of PAD among HIV-infected patients at the Douala General Hospital (DGH). Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study between November 2015 and April 2016. We recruited patients aged ≥21 years, diagnosed with HIV infection, and who were receiving care at the DGH. We collected sociodemographic data and past medical history of patients. We measured their ankle-brachial index (ABI). We defined PAD as an ABI <0.9. We also measured their fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. Results We recruited 144 patients for this study. The mean age was 46±9 years, and 72.2% were females. Of which, 89% were on antiretroviral treatment (ARV). Their mean CD4+ T lymphocytes count was 451±306 cells/mm3. Their mean ABI was 1.12±0.17 and 1.07±0.11, respectively, on the left and right legs (P>0.05). The prevalence of PAD was 6.9% (95% CI: 3.4-12.4), and 60% of patients with PAD were symptomatic. After adjusting for age, sex and ARV, ARV treatment was protective (aOR: 0.18, [95% CI: 0.04-0.82], P=0.034), while WHO stages III or IV was associated with PAD (aOR: 11.1, [95% CI: 2.19-55.92], P=0.004). Conclusion The prevalence of PAD was not as high as expected in this group of patients with high cardiovascular risk infected with HIV. Advanced HIV disease was associated with PAD, while ARV was protective.
Profiles of Circulating MiRNAs Following Metformin Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Summary Background: Metformin, a widely used biguanide class of anti-diabetic drug, has potential to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). It has been reported that metformin has an activity on regulation of miRNAs by targeting several downstream genes in metabolic pathways. However, molecular mechanism underlying the process is still not fully known. In this study, it was aimed to identify differential expression profiles of plasma derived miRNAs following 3 months metformin treatment in patients with T2D. Methods: The plasma samples of 47 patients with T2D (received no anti-diabetic treatments) and plasma samples of same 47 patients received 3 months metformin treatment was recruited to the study. Total RNAs were isolated from plasma and reverse transcribed into cDNA. Profiles of differential expressions of miRNAs in plasma were assessed by using of micro-fluidic based multiplex quantitative real time -PCR (BioMarkTM 96.96 Dynamic Array). Results: Our results showed that expression profiles of 13 candidate miRNAs; hsa-let-7e-5p, hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-miR- 21-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, hsa-miR-126-5p, hsa-miR-129-5p, hsa-miR-130b-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsamiR- 148a-3p, hsa-miR-152-3p, hsa-miR-194-5p, hsa-miR- 99a-5p were found significantly downregulated following metformin treatments in patients with T2D (p<0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, our finding could provide development of better and more effective miRNAs based therapeutic strategies against T2D.
Dark Chocolate Intake Positively Modulates Redox Status and Markers of Muscular Damage in Elite Football Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Study

Intensive physical exercise may cause increase oxidative stress and muscular injury in elite football athletes. The aim of this study was to exploit the effect of cocoa polyphenols on oxidative stress and muscular injuries induced by intensive physical exercise in elite football players. Oxidant/antioxidant status and markers of muscle damage were evaluated in 24 elite football players and 15 controls. Furthermore, the 24 elite football players were randomly assigned to either a dark chocolate (>85% cocoa) intake (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12) for 30 days in a randomized controlled trial. Oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and muscle damage were assessed at baseline and after 30 days of chocolate intake. Compared to controls, elite football players showed lower antioxidant power and higher oxidative stress paralleled by an increase in muscle damage markers. After 30 days of dark chocolate intake, an increased antioxidant power was found in elite athletes assuming dark chocolate. Moreover, a significant reduction in muscle damage markers (CK and LDH, p < 0.001) was observed. In the control group, no changes were observed with the exception of an increase of sNox2-dp, H2O2, and myoglobin. A simple linear regression analysis showed that sNox2-dp was associated with a significant increase in muscle damage biomarker release (p = 0.001). An in vitro study also confirmed that polyphenol extracts significantly decreased oxidative stress in murine myoblast cell line C2C12-derived. These results indicate that polyphenol-rich nutrient supplementation by means of dark chocolate positively modulates redox status and reduced exercise-induced muscular injury biomarkers in elite football athletes. This trial is registered with NCT03288623.
Outcomes of a Longitudinal Population-based Cohort Study and Pragmatic Community Trial: Findings from 20 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Context The Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS) is one of the oldest population-based longitudinal cohort studies, providing knowledge about the incidence and risk factors of some non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in West Asia which hitherto was relatively scarce. We reviewed the methods and results related to the outcome measurements of this study. Evidence Acquisition We reviewed all the TLGS papers which reported the incidence of NCDs. Results The TLGS was initiated in 1999 - 2001 on a population in district no. 13 of Tehran with the same age distribution of the overall Tehran population and with a middle socioeconomic status. Totally, 15005 individuals, aged ≥ 3 years, participated in the first examination; reexaminations were conducted in a triennial manner and 3550 individuals were added in the second examination. All participants were also followed up annually and asked about any medical event leading to hospitalization or death. A part of participants was assigned to an educational program for lifestyle modification. High incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), premature CVD, diabetes and hypertension (around 19, 6, 10 and 31 in men and 11, 5, 11 and 29 in women per 1000 person-year, respectively) besides the high incidence of pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension (around 46 and 76 in men and 37 and 49 in women per 1000 person-year, respectively) showed a worrying situation. Fortunately, the results of the community interventions were promising with around 20% reduction in the risk of metabolic syndrome up to six years. Conclusions These precise detections of different outcomes in the TLGS provided valuable evidences for prediction and prevention of NCDs in Iran with some novelties in the middle-income countries in the world. The Tehran thyroid study (TTS) and the Tehran cardiometabolic genetic study (TCGS), conducted in the framework of the TLGS, are among few studies aiming to determine the natural course of thyroid function and to identify patterns of genetic polymorphisms related to cardiometabolic outcomes, respectively.
Acceptability of and willingness to pay for using a smartphone-based vaccination application in a Vietnamese cohort

Background The increasing accessibility of smartphone in Vietnam shows potential in using smartphone applications for vaccination management to improve compliance. However, the acceptability and financial feasibility of using this application in Vietnam have not yet been understood. This study measured the general perception of and willingness to pay (WTP) for using smartphone-based vaccination management applications and their associated factors in Vietnam. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2016 in an urban vaccination clinic at the Hanoi Medical University in Vietnam. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 429 adult participants who had received vaccinations or whose children were vaccinated. Sociodemographic characteristics and the acceptability of and WTP for using smartphone-based vaccination management applications were evaluated. Results Among participants who used smartphone applications, 5% were aware of existing vaccination management applications, of whom 57.9% had previously used the applications. About 69.6% of participants believed that the applications were necessary, 93.7% of them were also willing to use the applications, and 79.1% were willing to pay 92.7 thousand Vietnamese dong (VND) for the applications on average. Participants who were older, unemployed, earned more household income, and having knowledge about functions and benefits of vaccination were less likely to use the vaccination applications. Participants who brought their children to get vaccinated at younger age and with higher level of education were willing to pay more for vaccination applications. Conclusion High levels of acceptability of, willingness to use, and WTP for smartphone-based vaccination management applications among Vietnamese participants are reported. Increased education and awareness about the benefits of vaccination and vaccination management applications through community health workers might increase the feasibility of implementing such applications and perception toward their usage among young adult smartphone users. In addition, building a stronger relationship with health care providers at hospitals might improve the application's visibility and adoption.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of ACO (Asthma-COPD Overlap) in Aboriginal People

Background and Objective Aboriginal peoples are at a higher risk of many chronic respiratory diseases compared to the general Canadian population. Patients with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO), a disease newly described in 2015, are associated with frequent exacerbations, rapid decline in lung function, poor quality of life, high mortality, and disproportionate utilization of health-care resources than patients with asthma and COPD alone. The objective was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ACO in Aboriginal peoples. Methods Data from the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) were used for this study. The ACO definition was based on the respondent giving positive responses to both of the following questions “Do you/Does (name) have Asthma diagnosed by a health professional? ” and “Do you/Does (name) have chronic bronchitis, emphysema or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease or COPD diagnosed by a health professional? ” Results. Aboriginal peoples older than 45 years, women, widowed, separated, or divorced, having a total personal income below $20,000 were associated with a significant risk of ACO. Residing in Ontario, being a daily smoker, living in a rented dwelling, dwelling in need of major repairs, having diabetes, and working more than 40 hrs a week were also significantly associated with increased risk of ACO. Conclusion The results from this study will provide information to aid the development of prevention and intervention strategies for Aboriginal communities.
The Impact of Withdrawal of Maintenance Immunosuppression and Graft Nephrectomy on HLA Sensitization and Calculated Chance of Future Transplant

Background The development of HLA antibodies towards a failing renal allograft is a barrier to retransplantation. This study aimed to compare the formation of HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) in patients undergoing graft nephrectomy and in those with a failed graft left in situ who had maintenance immunosuppression (IS) stopped, and assess the relative impact of IS cessation and graft nephrectomy on future relative chance of transplant (R-CoT). Methods A single-center retrospective study of patients with failed grafts between 2005 and 2015 was performed. Samples were tested for DSA pre-IS wean, post-IS wean, and post-IS cessation. Nephrectomy patients additionally had samples tested for DSA before and after nephrectomy. Calculated reaction frequency (cRF) was determined at each timepoint and entered into the UK Organ Donation and Transplant R-CoT calculator. Results Forty-one patients were included in the study: 24 with nephrectomy and 17 with a failed graft in situ. Patient demographics and duration of IS wean were similar between groups. There was a higher rate of blood transfusion (54% vs 24%) in nephrectomy patients. In patients whose graft remained in situ, cRF rose from 13% pre-IS wean to 40% post-IS wean and 62% after IS cessation. This equated to a reduction in mean R-CoT from 54% to 46% at 5 years. In patients undergoing nephrectomy mean cRF rose from 31% pre-IS wean to 69% post-IS wean and 89% post-IS cessation. Mean R-CoT fell from 54% to 42% at 5 years. Conclusions A stepwise increase in cRF with reduced chance of transplant was observed in both groups as IS was withdrawn, with a similar pattern irrespective of graft nephrectomy. Calculated reaction frequency was higher in the nephrectomy group. The risks and benefits of stopping IS need to be carefully considered on an individual basis to maximize chance of future transplant.
A case of multiple dental anomalies: a variant of Ekman-Westborg–Julin trait

Simultaneous occurrence of multiple dental anomalies is relatively common and has been reported particularly in cases with systemic alterations or syndromes. However, in 1974, Ekman-Westborg and Julin described a unique case of multiple macrodontia and multituberculism of posterior teeth accompanied by multiple dental malformations without other systemic anomalies. Here we report the case of a 20-year-old female patient who presented with macrodontia affecting her maxillary lateral teeth, mandibular incisors, and impacted multituberculated wisdom teeth accompanied by other dental anomalies that manifested itself as a variant of the Ekman-Westborg–Julin trait.
Is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infection associated with higher mortality and morbidity in hospitalized patients? A cohort study of 551 patients from South Western India

Purpose To determine morbidity and mortality of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) infections in a tertiary health care facility. Methods A cohort study among hospitalized adult patients with culture proven MRSA or MSSA monoinfection were recruited in a tertiary referral center in South India from November 2011 to December 2012. Results Of total 551 subjects, 284 (52%) had MRSA and 267 (48%) MSSA infection. A total of 184 (65%) subjects had health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and 100 (35%) community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). Chronic kidney disease and recent antibiotic use had significant association with MRSA. MRSA patients had significant respiratory infection (OR 2.24 [1.04, 5.16]) and bacteremia (OR 2.24 [10.40, 5.16]), relative to MSSA. MSSA group had better survival function compared to MRSA group (P=0.028). Median duration of ICU stays were 5 days (IQR 4, 8) and 2 days (IQR 2, 2) in MRSA and MSSA, respectively. Complications such as acute kidney injury, sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction, need for supportive measures were more in the MRSA group. Conclusion MRSA imposes a huge burden in Indian scenario and HA-MRSA remains the main culprit. Patients with history of chronic kidney disease and recent use of antibiotics were found to be at a higher risk. Patients with MRSA infections tend to have poorer outcomes in terms of longer hospital stay, greater complications, and mortality.
Online support community for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer: user statistics, evaluation, and content analysis

Purpose Peer support is an important unmet need among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. This study was conducted to describe the use and evaluation of a Dutch secure online support community for AYA diagnosed with cancer between 18 and 35 years. Methods User statistics were collected with Google analytics. Community members were asked to complete questionnaires on the usefulness of the community. A content analysis using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count was conducted. Results Between 2010 and 2017, the community received 433 AYA members (71% female; mean age at diagnosis 25.7 years; 52 Dutch hospitals represented). The mean time since diagnosis when subscribing to the community was 2.7 years (SD 4.4). Questionnaire data among 30 AYA community members indicated that the use of the community resulted in acknowledgment and advice regarding problems (56%) and the feeling of being supported (63%). Almost half of the respondents felt less lonely, 78% experienced recognition in stories of other AYA. Anonymized content analysis (n=14) showed that the majority of the online discussions encompassed emotional and cognitive expressions, and emotional support. Conclusion The secure Dutch online AYA community can help AYA cancer patients to express feelings, exchange information, address peer support, and has been found helpful in coping with cancer. As AYA cancer patients often lack the option of meeting each other in person, the AYA community is helpful in establishing peer support. Its use would benefit from promotion by health care professionals.
Tick Ectoparasites of Animals in Borderline of Iran-Iraq and Their Role on Disease Transmission

Background Since ticks are potent vectors of various diseases, identification of these species are clinically important to protect the public health and control veterinary problems in the communities. We aimed to figure out the frequency of ticks on cows, goats, sheep, lambs, turtles and also obscure hosts in Kurdistan Province, bordered with Iraq June 2012 to May 2013. Methods The hosts were selected randomly and examined individually for tick infestation. In case of infestation, ticks were collected using forceps and then preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol. All collected specimens were preserved in tubes and relative information was recorded and then identified based on morphological characteristics. Results Totally, 1209 ticks were collected. The prevalence of ticks on cows, sheep, goats, lambs, turtles, poultry and obscure hosts was 11.33%, 55.41%, 6.53%, 5.95%, 0.9%, 8.02% and 11.82% respectively. The mean number of ticks on each animal was 1.6. Number of 5 genera, including Rhipicephalus, Argas, Ornithodoros, Hyalomma and Haemaphysalis and 9 species; including R. sanguineus (60.05%), R. bursa (0.08), Hy. anatolicum (12.33), Hy. asiaticum (1.49), Hy. aegyptium (0.91), Hy. marginatum (0.08), Haemaphysalis parva (4.22), Hyalomma sp. (0.99), Ornithodoros lahorensis (11.83), and Argas persicus (8.02) were identified. Conclusion The most abundant species in this study area was Rh. sanguineus (60.05%). Due to high prevalence of tick specimens and a variety of collected species from sheep (55.41%), the vaccination of sheep and control of tick vectors are recommended.