Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic versus open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for pancreatic cancer: a single-institution comparative study.

Background Laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy is an effective and safe surgical modality for treating benign and borderline distal pancreatic tumors, but rarely for pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to compare the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for pancreatic cancer. Methods Fifty-one patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital between January 2014 and July 2018 were enrolled. 20 patients underwent laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy and 31 patients received open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy. Postoperative and short-term outcomes of the two groups of patients were analyzed. Results The mean operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and overall postoperative morbidity were similar in the two groups (P>0.05). The laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy group lost less blood (252.5±198.3 vs. 472.6±428.0 mL, P=0.037) and had lower transfusion rates (10.0% vs. 35.4%, P=0.041) than the open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy group. The laparoscopic group also had statistically significantly earlier passing of first flatus (2.5±0.8 vs. 3.2±1.2 days, P=0.028) and first oral intake (2.9±1.0 vs. 3.7±1.6 days, P=0.042). Furthermore, the rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula (45.0% vs. 32.3%) and overall complications (70.0% vs. 74.2%) were not statistically difference between the two groups. The survival rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery were not statistically difference between the laparoscopic and open groups (94.4% vs. 93.5, 67.0% vs. 78.0%, and 50.2% vs. 38.3%, respectively). Conclusions The results of this study show that laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy is feasible and safe for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Updating analysis of nitrogen balance experiments in dairy cows.

Nitrogen balance (NB) experiments allow calculation of N retention in the body by subtracting N excreted in feces (NF), urine (NU) and milk (NM) from N intake (NI). In a previous study, we found that NB data from experiments with lactating dairy cows were generally high and, in the current meta-analysis, we update our earlier study with experiments from the last 2 decades and investigate probable causes of error. A total of 83 publications, with 86 experiments and 307 dietary treatments, were selected from top-ranked scientific journals that reported all NB components. The NB and NB components were analyzed by linear regression with a model that used NI as an independent variable and experiment as a random effect. The NF, NU and NM each represented 27 to 34% of NI, and the remaining N accumulated in the body was equal to 38.5 g/d (overall SD = 43.2 g/d). Retained N (as g/d or % of NI) increased linearly with NI, and this led to unlikely high N retentions, especially at high NI. Both NF and NU (g/d) increased with increasing NI, and we assume that some N in feces and urine were unaccounted. Only ∼22% of experiments measured N in wet feces samples and, when analysis used dry samples, no mention of corrections due to potential volatile N losses during drying were reported. No experimentalists preserved feces immediately to prevent volatilization during collection. Moreover, ∼27% of experiments estimated urine volumes by concentration of creatinine in spot samples, and in these experiments, NU was ∼12% lower than those where total urine was collected (168 vs. 191 g/d). Only 40 experiments reported the volume and concentration of acids used for urine preservation, 33 furnished incomplete information, and the remainder did not describe the urine preservation method. In conclusion, the results of NB experiments using lactating dairy cows overestimate N retention, and the losses of N from feces and urine are the most probable reason.
Intravenous abciximab as a rescue therapy for immediate reocclusion after successful mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients

Abstract Immediate reocclusion after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a rare but devastating condition associated with poor functional outcome. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying immediate reocclusion, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist abciximab, for its treatment. Clinical data were collected from April 2015 to April 2019 in a monocentric prospective registry of AIS patients treated by MT. All patients with immediate reocclusion were retrospectively selected and subdivided into 2 groups according to abciximab treatment status. In vitro, the separate and combined effects of abciximab and alteplase on clot formation in whole blood under flow conditions were further investigated in microfluidic chambers. From 929 MT-treated patients, 21 had post-MT immediate reocclusion. Abciximab treatment in reocclusion patients (n = 10) led to higher rate of final recanalization (p < .001) while it did not increase bleeding complications. Flow chamber experiments revealed that, in contrast to alteplase, abciximab efficiently limits thrombus accretion from flowing blood by blocking platelet aggregation. Our results underscore a key role for platelet aggregation and the potential of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists as a rescue therapy in post-MT immediate reocclusion.
Acidic method for determination of copper in blood serum by FAAS

The FAAS method for the analysis of copper proposed in this report includes efficient deproteinization of twofold diluted human serum and extraction of analyte with 1 mol L - 1 HCl. In this way, the major benefits of the method, such as preserving the analytical signal and eliminating the risk of capillary clogging, were afforded. The new method has been fully validated and shown to be sensitive, precise, selective and highly accurate: the mean relative error and recovery values being +0.2% and 100.1%, respectively. The standard addition method may be replaced with calibration in 1 mol L - 1 HCI, enabling simple and rapid routine analyses of blood sera, particularly those with pathologically low copper.
Association Between Anterior Cingulate Cortex Neurochemical Profile and Clinical Remission After Electroconvulsive Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder

Background The aim of the study was to assess anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neurochemical profile of patients with unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Method Using 1H-MRS, the metabolite levels of choline, glutamate + glutamine (Glx), myo-inositol, N-acetylaspartate, and total creatine were measured in ACC before and after 4-week ECT. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was implemented by blind raters to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy–remitter (ER) and nonremitter groups were compared using the 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Thirty patients with unipolar MDD (aged 41.3 ± 10.0 years, 66.7% female) were included in the study. The ER group (n = 16, 53.3%) and NR group did not differ regarding baseline Global Assessment of Functioning and MADRS scores. At the end of 4-week ECT treatment, results did not suggest any significant difference for metabolite levels in ACC. When compared with the NR group, the ER group had higher baseline levels of Glx (8.8 ± 1.8 vs 6.3 ± 2.0, P = 0.005) and total creatine (5.3 ± 0.6 vs 4.7 ± 0.5, P = 0.010). In addition, elevated baseline Glx (r = −0.68, P = 0.002) was associated with lower MADRS scores at the end treatment. Finally, the change in Glx levels was correlated with change in MADRS scores after ECT (r = 0.47, P = 0.049). Limitations Modest sample size and 1H-MRS at 1.5 Tesla are limitations of the study. Conclusions Results suggested that Glx levels could be a predictor of remission. Studies with larger samples should explore neurochemical correlates of ECT in unipolar MDD.
Metabolic Profiling of Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Reveals Multifaceted Effects in an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model

Background: Circadian rhythm disturbance is commonly observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In mammals, these rhythms are orchestrated by the superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Our previous study in the Tg2576 AD mouse model suggests that inflammatory responses, most likely manifested by low GABA production, may be one of the underlying perpetrators for the changes in circadian rhythmicity and sleep disturbance in AD. However, the mechanistic connections between SCN dysfunction, GABA modulation, and inflammation in AD is not fully understood. Objective: To reveal influences of amyloid pathology in Tg2576 mouse brain on metabolism in SCN and to identify key metabolic sensors that couple SCN dysfunction with GABA modulation and inflammation. Methods: High resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR in conjunction with multivariate analysis was applied for metabolic profiling in SCN of control and Tg2576 female mice. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect neurons, astrocytes, expression of GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) and Bmal1. Results: Metabolic profiling revealed significant metabolic deficits in SCN of Tg2576 mice. Reductions in glucose, glutamate, GABA, and glutamine provide hints toward an impaired GABAergic glucose oxidation and neurotransmitter cycling in SCN of AD mice. In addition, decreased redox co-factor NADPH and glutathione support a redox disbalance. Immunohistochemical examinations showed low expression of the core clock protein, Bmal1, especially in activated astrocytes. Moreover, decreased expression of GAT1 in astrocytes indicates low GABA recycling in this cell type. Conclusion: Our results suggest that redox disbalance and compromised GABA signaling are important denominators and connectors between neuroinflammation and clock dysfunction in AD.
Plyometric exercise enhances twitch contractile properties but fails to improve voluntary rate of torque development in highly trained sprint athletes

ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate a plyometric conditioning activity (3 sets of 5 countermovement jumps, [CA]) for twitch properties and voluntary knee extension. Methods: After a familiarization session, fourteen highly trained sprint athletes, 12 men (23.25 ± 7.17 years) and 2 women (23.0 ± 2.8 years) performed 2 experiments, each in a randomized order (crossover design). In one experiment, the time-course of twitch contractile properties was evaluated with and without the previous CA at 2, min intervals to 10 min of recovery. In the second session, maximal voluntary knee extension was evaluated at the same recovery intervals, for control and experimental condition in random order. Results: Mixed-model ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc revealed significant differences between pre-test and 2 min (p < 0.01, ES = 0.42) and 4 min (p < 0.01, ES = 0.20) for peak twitch torque of quadriceps femoris muscles confirming postactivation potentiation [PAP] at these times. Twitch rate of torque development (RTD) was significantly greater than pre-test value only at 2 min (p < 0.01, ES = 0.58) after the CA. Twitch contraction time and ½ relaxation time were not significantly difference from pre-test values after the CA (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed for voluntary RTD following CA. Conclusion: The plyometric CA increased twitch peak torque and RTD consistent with PAP; however, there was no effect of CA on voluntary RTD of knee extension at any time after the plyometric CA. Even with PAP confirmed, we observed that the CA fails to improve isometric RTD of quadriceps femoris muscles. Highlights A plyometric CA significantly increased twitch peak torque (at 2 and 4 min) and twitch rate of torque development (at 2 min) of quadriceps femoris muscles, indicating postactivation potentiation (PAP). No effect was observed for twitch contraction time and ½ relaxation time after the CA. No improvement was observed on voluntary rate of torque development evaluated at the same time intervals.
Sport-Related and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Motives and Consequences Of Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among NCAA Athletes: A Systematic Review.

AIMS To review differences in alcohol- and cannabis-related motives and consequences among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes as a function of athlete characteristics (e.g. gender and competition season status). METHODS Procedures followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, PsycINFO and manual reference list review were used to identify studies that reported alcohol- or cannabis-related motives and consequences among NCAA athletes as a function of gender, race, season status, division level or sport-type through December 2019. Relevant findings and any reported psychosocial correlates were extracted by two independent reviewers. RESULTS The majority of studies (K = 15) focused on alcohol-related motives or consequences, with one examining cannabis-related motives, and no studies examined cannabis-related consequences. Social drinking motives were strongest among men and White NCAA athletes, and athlete-specific motives were most salient for men and in-season athletes. Cannabis use motives for positive reinforcement (e.g. enhancement) and coping were also strongest during the in-season. Negative alcohol-related consequences were greatest among men, athletes of color and out-of-season athletes, although women and in-season athletes experienced more consequences in athletic performance. Our exploratory aim revealed two studies that examined psychosocial correlates, and the results indicate that sensation-seeking, stress and negative affect were associated with more alcohol-related consequences. CONCLUSION NCAA athletes are a heterogenous population, and their motives and consequences of use appear to vary across multiple athlete factors (e.g., gender). This review highlights the gaps in the literature and suggests future research directions to identify the risk and protective factors for substance use among NCAA athletes.
Study on the mental health status of anesthesiologists and its influencing factors.

OBJECTIVE This study is on mental health status of anesthesiologists and its influencing factors. METHODS Electronic questionnaires were given out to anesthesiologists through online platforms such as WeChat for information sharing among anesthesiologists. The included anesthesiologists were encouraged to distribute this platform to other anesthesiologists. Psychological survey was carried out using the Huaxi Emotional-distress Index (HEI). A total of 480 valid questionnaires were collected. RESULTS Anesthesiologists had different degrees of bad moods, 37.9% of whom had poor mental health. Ordinal logistic regression analysis suggested that there were statistically significant differences in gender, marital status, job title, position, hospital type, and the amount of overtime work per week in relation to mood (all P < 0.05). Age, nationality, number of children, number of anesthesiologists and the daily amount of anesthesia operations on average in the hospital was not significantly different in regard to mental health (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The mental state of anesthesiologists is often at a poor level, and measures should be taken to improve the mental health of anesthesiologists and improve their quality of life.
Adolescent Tri-ponderal Mass Index Growth Trajectories and Incident Diabetes Mellitus in Early Adulthood.

PURPOSE Studies have reported the influence of adolescent obesity on development of adult diabetes, but the effect of the growth pattern during this period has rarely been explored. Also, the tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) was thought to be a better estimation of adolescent body fat levels than the body mass index (BMI), so we sought to investigate whether growth trajectories derived by these two indices could predict incident diabetes. METHODS We conducted a study by using the Taipei City Hospital Radiation Building Database, a longitudinal cohort established from 1996 until now. Physical exam results including blood test results were collected annually and the BMI z-score/TMI growth trajectory groups during 13-18 years of age were identified using growth mixture modeling. A Cox proportional hazard model for incident diabetes was used to examine the risk of baseline obese status and different BMI/TMI growth trajectories. RESULTS Five growth trajectory groups were identified for the BMI z-score and the TMI. During approximately 20,400 person-years follow-up, 33 of 1,387 participants developed diabetes. Baseline obesity defined by the BMI z-score and the TMI were both related to adult diabetes. The persistent increase TMI growth trajectory exhibited a significantly increased risk of diabetes after adjusting for baseline obese status and other correlated covariates (hazard ratio: 2.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-8.09). There was no association between BMI growth trajectory groups and incident diabetes. CONCLUSIONS A specific TMI growth trajectory pattern during adolescence might be critical for diabetes prevention efforts.
Ultrasonic Characteristics of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in ultrasonic features of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and benign thyroid nodules. This study included 53 cases of MTC, 151 cases of PTC, and 200 cases of benign thyroid nodule which were pathologically confirmed. There were no significant differences in sex and thyroid gland involvement among the MTC, PTC, and benign thyroid nodule groups. The age among the 3 groups was statistically different (P = 0.002). The TNM stage of MTC was significantly higher than that of PTC (P < 0.001). Compared with PTC, the lesion size, shape, margin, echogenicity, internal nodule component, and blood flow were significantly different in MTC (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.045, P < 0.001). However, there were no differences in the form of calcification and cervical lymph node involvement between the 2 groups (P = 0.671, P = 0.128). Except for the lesion size and shape (P = 0.068, P = 0.444), MTC group have significant differences in the grade of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System, lesion margin, echogenicity, internal nodule component, calcification, cervical lymph node, and blood flow compared with benign thyroid nodule group (P < 0.001, P = 0.014, P = 0.032, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Our data indicate that ultrasound have important value in preoperative diagnosis of MTC. The ultrasonic features of MTC include relatively large nodules, aspect ratio less than 1, smooth edge, solid hypoechoic, microcalcification, and rich blood flow. It is necessary to combine multiple ultrasonic features for the differential diagnosis of MTC, PTC, and benign thyroid nodules.
Effect of posture control training using a virtual reality program on sitting balance and trunk stability in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether the posture control training in the sitting posture using virtual reality (VR) training program affects sitting balance and trunk stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS The experiment was conducted for 4 weeks by randomly allocating 20 children with CP. The experimental group (n = 10) performed balance training in the sitting position using a VR training program, and the control group (n = 10) performed arm reach training in the sitting position. To evaluate static and dynamic sitting balance and trunk stability, the Wii Balance Board and Balancia software, the modified functional reach test, and the Korean version of the Trunk Control Measurement Scale were used. RESULTS There were significant differences between the two groups in the changes in speed and postural swing distance before and after training (p < 0.05). The mFRT measurement showed significant differences in all directions before and after training between the two groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the K-TCMS score. CONCLUSIONS Posture control training in the sitting position using a VR training program was found to be more effective in improving the sitting balance and trunk stability of children with CP.
Socioeconomic Factors Affect Presentation Stage and Survival in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Socioeconomic factors affect oncologic outcome in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). However, the relationship between these factors and stage at presentation (SAP)—a critical, early point in the care cycle—is not known. This study sought to determine the role of race/ethnicity, treatment facility type, insurance status/carrier, and other socioeconomic factors in SAP and survival among patients with advanced SNSCC.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Alcohol Use Hospitalizations in People With Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, or Low Back Pain

Objective To examine the incidence, time trends, and outcomes of alcohol use disorder (AUD) hospitalizations in people with gout, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or low back pain (LBP). Methods We used the US National Inpatient Sample data from 1998 to 2016. We examined the rates of AUD hospitalizations in musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), based on the presence of diagnostic codes for AUD in the primary and MSDs in a secondary position. Multivariable-adjusted (age, sex, race, and income) health care utilization and in-hospital mortality were compared by the presence/absence of MSDs, using linear or logistic regression. Results Alcohol use disorder hospitalizations increased over the 19-year study period from 1998 to 2014 to 3-fold higher in gout, osteoarthritis, or LBP; 3.5-fold in RA; and 4.5-fold in fibromyalgia. Compared with AUD hospitalizations in people without each respective MSD, adjusted total hospital charges were $3913 higher in people with gout and $1368 to $1614 lower for osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or LBP over the study period (all significant) and not significantly different for RA. The adjusted odds of hospital stay of more than 3 days were significantly higher for all 5 MSDs, with odds ratio ranging 1.10 for LBP to 1.34 for gout. The adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality were significantly lower for all 5 MSDs, with odds ratio ranging from 0.21 for fibromyalgia to 0.50 for gout. Conclusions In a national US study, the rate of AUD hospitalizations increased in all 5 MSDs. Providers and patients with MSDs should be counseled regarding the risk and impact of alcohol use. Interventions to reduce AUD hospitalization–associated health care burden in MSD are needed.