Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The oxygen dissociation curve of blood in COVID-19

COVID-19 hinders oxygen transport to the consuming tissues by at least two mechanisms: In the injured lung, saturation of hemoglobin is compromised, and in the tissues, an associated anemia reduces the volume of delivered oxygen. For the first problem, increased hemoglobin oxygen affinity [left shift of the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC)] is of advantage, for the second, however, the contrary is the case. Indeed a right shift of the ODC has been found in former studies for anemia caused by reduced cell production or hemolysis. This resulted from increased 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) concentration. In three investigations in COVID-19, however, no change of hemoglobin affinity was detected in spite of probably high [2,3-BPG]. The most plausible cause for this finding is formation of methemoglobin (MetHb), which increases the oxygen affinity and thus apparently compensates for the 2,3-BPG effect. However, this “useful effect” is cancelled by the concomitant reduction of functional hemoglobin. In the largest study on COVID-19, even a clear left shift of the ODC was detected when calculated from measurements in fresh blood rather than after equilibration with gases outside the body. This additional “in vivo” left shift possibly results from various factors, e.g., concentration changes of Cl−, 2,3-BPG, ATP, lactate, nitrocompounds, glutathione, glutamate, because of time delay between blood sampling and end of equilibration, or enlarged distribution space including interstitial fluid and is useful for O2 uptake in the lungs. Under discussion for therapy are the affinity-increasing 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF), erythropoiesis-stimulating substances like erythropoietin, and methylene blue against MetHb formation.
Pexidartinib improves physical functioning and stiffness in patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumor: results from the ENLIVEN randomized clinical trial

Background and purpose — The ENLIVEN trial showed that, after 25 weeks, pexidartinib statistically significantly reduced tumor size more than placebo in patients with symptomatic, advanced tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) for whom surgery was not recommended. Here, we detail the effect of pexidartinib on patient-reported physical function and stiffness in ENLIVEN. Patients and methods — This was a planned analysis of patient-reported outcome data from ENLIVEN, a double-blinded, randomized phase 3 trial of adults with symptomatic, advanced TGCT treated with pexidartinib or placebo. Physical function was assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-physical function (PF), and worst stiffness was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS). A mixed model for repeated measures was used to compare changes in PROMIS-PF and worst stiffness NRS scores from baseline to week 25 between treatment groups. Response rates for the PROMIS-PF and worst stiffness NRS at week 25 were calculated based on threshold estimates from reliable change index and anchor-based methods. Results — Between baseline and week 25, greater improvements in physical function and stiffness were experienced by patients receiving pexidartinib than patients receiving placebo (change in PROMIS-PF = 4.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–6.3] vs. –0.9 [CI −3.0 to 1.2]; change in worst stiffness NRS = –2.5 [CI −3.0 to −1.9] vs. –0.3 [CI −0.9 to 0.3]). Patients receiving pexidartinib had higher response rates than patients receiving placebo for meaningful improvements in physical function and stiffness. Improvements were sustained after 50 weeks of pexidartinib treatment. Interpretation — Pexidartinib treatment provided sustained, meaningful improvements in physical function and stiffness for patients with symptomatic, advanced TGCT.
Aquaporin 4 differentially modulates osmotic effects on vasopressin neurons in rat supraoptic nucleus

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) molecularly associates with aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in astrocytic plasticity. Here, we further examined how AQP4 modulates osmotic effects on vasopressin (VP) neurons in rat supraoptic nucleus (SON) through interactions with GFAP in astrocytes.
Effects of rainfall, temperature and photoperiod on the phenology of ephemeral resources for selected bushveld woody plant species in southern Africa

Variability of ephemeral resources provided by woody plants is related to fluctuating environmental conditions, specifically the predominant climate variables temperature and rainfall. Photoperiod has less impact but also plays a role in the onset of resource pulses. In the seasonally affected bushveld of southern Africa, declining resources could have dire consequences to various animals that depend on these resources. Understanding the impact that rainfall, temperature and photoperiod has on woody plant resources allows managers of natural areas to plan for times when resources are scarce. Using a series of General Linear Models, this baseline study investigates the effects that these variables have on flower production, numbers of new fruit/pods and numbers of new leaves for 113 tagged trees from 26 woody plant species. Leads, lags and coincidental relationships observed between environmental predictor and phenological response variables were explored using time-series cross-correlations and concomitant correlograms. Model results indicated that temperature was the predominant indicator for flowering, with initial flowering starting when temperatures increase in September. A significant lead was observed between flowering and rainfall, suggesting that flower numbers increase approximately one month before rainfall increases. Temperature had the biggest effect on the number of species with new fruits and pods. Significant lags were observed between new fruits and pods and all environmental variables investigated, indicating that these resources depend on rainfall, temperature and photoperiod to reach their full potential. Photoperiod, temperature and the interaction between these variables had a noticeable effect on the number of species with new leaves. Peaks in species with new leaves coincide with peaks in rainfall, temperature and photoperiod. No leading or lagging indicators were observed between new leaves and the environmental variables investigated. In areas containing wildlife populations, recommendations are to undertake regular monitoring of climatic variables investigated, and the ephemeral resources on woody plant species.
Phytochemical characteristics of citrus peel and effect of conventional and nonconventional processing on phenolic compounds: A review

ABSTRACT Citrus peel is rich in functional ingredients such as essential oils (0.6–1%), fibers (6.30–42.13 g/100 g db), phenols (0.67–19.62 g/100 g db), and vitamin C (0.109–1.150 g/100 g db). Flavanones (hesperidin: 0.002–80.90 mg/g db, neohesperidin: 0.05–11.70 mg/g db, narirutin: 0.03–26.90 mg/g db; naringin: 0.08–14.40 mg/g db), and polymethoxylated flavones (sinensetin: 0.08–0.29 mg/g db, nobiletin: 0.20–14.05 mg/g db, tangeretin: 0.16–7.99 mg/g db) are the main phenolic compounds (PCs) of citrus peel. Due to their antioxidant activity, PCs are used in various applications such as formulation of healthy food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. PCs present sensitivity to process operating conditions (during juice processing and further thermal and nonthermal processing). This review summarizes the main publications dealing with the proximate chemical composition, the functional properties, and the potential applications of the main citrus peel compounds. The effects of conventional and nonconventional processing on PCs of citrus fruits and their derived and coproducts are analyzed. The information provided in this review allows a better choice of appropriate processes and their optimal operating conditions for a better retention of antioxidants in citrus products.
Obesity and responsibility: Is it time to rethink agency?

Despite obesity declared a disease, there still exists considerable weight stigma in both popular culture and health care, which negatively impacts policy making regarding prevention and treatment. While viewed as a choice or a failure of willpower by many, evidence exists to challenge the argument that both weight gain and failure to achieve weight loss maintenance are the individuals' fault due to personal failure or lack of responsibility. In this article, we draw upon literature from obesity treatment, neuroscience, philosophy of mind, and weight stigma to challenge the commonly held beliefs that individuals are free to choose how much they can weigh, and achievement of long‐term weight loss maintenance is completely subject to conscious choice. In reality, the regulation of hunger, satiety, energy balance, and body weight takes place in subcortical regions of the brain. Thus, hunger and satiety signals are generated in regions of the brain, which are not associated with conscious experience. This points towards biological determinism of weight and challenges ideas of willpower and resultant moralization regarding body weight regulation. In this article, we will thus argue that in the context of dysregulation of hunger and satiety contributing to the obesity epidemic, a wider discourse related to personal responsibility and the stigma of obesity is needed to enhance understanding, prevention, and treatment of this complex disease. Obesity is a chronic disease requiring personalized treatment. Lifestyle interventions alone may not be enough to achieve medically significant and sustained weight loss for many individuals with obesity. By understanding that obesity is not due to a lack of motivation or willpower, the availability and utilization of additional treatments or combination of treatments such as lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, and surgery are likely to improve the quality of life for many suffering with this disease.
Leadership, religiousness, state ownership of an enterprise and unethical pro-organizational behavior: The mediating role of organizational identification

This study proposes a model in which organizational identification mediates the correlations among state-owned enterprises (SOEs), authentic leadership, Christian religiousness, and unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). The proposed theoretical framework is based on moral identity theory, social identity theory, and social exchange theory. We tested the hypothesized model using data (N = 389) from employees of various companies and industries in Poland. Of the respondents, 49.1% worked in SOEs. The reliability and validity of the measures were established. The correlation coefficients among the analyzed variables were obtained using the bootstrap confidence interval method. To thoroughly examine the causal relationships among the variables, covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) was adopted. Path analysis was conducted and used to verify a model in which organizational identification mediated the correlations among state involvement in the ownership of an enterprise, authentic leadership, Christian religiousness, and UPB. State involvement in the ownership of an enterprise, authentic leadership, and Christian religiousness were linked to increased organizational identification, which in turn was linked to the intensification of UPB. With the level of organizational identification controlled, state ownership of an enterprise was linked to lower UPB intensity. Limitations, implications and future research directions are discussed.
Ampelomyces strains isolated from diverse powdery mildew hosts in Japan: Their phylogeny and mycoparasitic activity, including timing and quantifying mycoparasitism of Pseudoidium neolycopersici on tomato

A total of 26 Ampelomyces strains were isolated from mycelia of six different powdery mildew species that naturally infected their host plants in Japan. These were characterized based on morphological characteristics and sequences of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA-ITS) regions and actin gene (ACT) fragments. Collected strains represented six different genotypes and were accommodated in three different clades of the genus Ampelomyces. Morphology of the strains agreed with that of other Ampelomyces strains, but none of the examined characters were associated with any groups identified in the genetic analysis. Five powdery mildew species were inoculated with eight selected Ampelomyces strains to study their mycoparasitic activity. In the inoculation experiments, all Ampelomyces strains successfully infected all tested powdery mildew species, and showed no significant differences in their mycoparasitic activity as determined by the number of Ampelomyces pycnidia developed in powdery mildew colonies. The mycoparasitic interaction between the eight selected Ampelomyces strains and the tomato powdery mildew fungus (Pseudoidium neolycopersici strain KTP-03) was studied experimentally in the laboratory using digital microscopic technologies. It was documented that the spores of the mycoparasites germinated on tomato leaves and their hyphae penetrated the hyphae of Ps. neolycopersici. Ampelomyces hyphae continued their growth internally, which initiated the atrophy of the powdery mildew conidiophores 5 days post inoculation (dpi); caused atrophy 6 dpi; and complete collapse of the parasitized conidiphores 7 dpi. Ampelomyces strains produced new intracellular pycnidia in Ps. neolycopersici conidiophores ca. 8–10 dpi, when Ps. neolycopersici hyphae were successfully destroyed by the mycoparasitic strain. Mature pycnidia released spores ca. 10–14 dpi, which became the sources of subsequent infections of the intact powdery mildew hyphae. Mature pycnidia contained each ca. 200 to 1,500 spores depending on the mycohost species and Ampelomyces strain. This is the first detailed analysis of Ampelomyces strains isolated in Japan, and the first timing and quantification of mycoparasitism of Ps. neolycopersici on tomato by phylogenetically diverse Ampelomyces strains using digital microscopic technologies. The developed model system is useful for future biocontrol and ecological studies on Ampelomyces mycoparasites.
Clinical application of NRS-2002 in nutritional risk screening of tuberculosis inpatients.

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease with high incidence and morbidity, which threatens the health of people. This study aims to investigate the nutritional risk status of TB inpatients and its correlation with disease prognosis. METHODS A total of 295 patients with TB hospitalized in Suining Central Hospital from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018 were assessed by nutritional risk screening 2002 system within 2 days of admission. According to their assessment score, patients were divided into two groups: the nutritional risk group and the nonnutritional risk group. The differences in age, gender, TB classification, comorbid diseases, body mass index, serum albumin, complications, and the length of hospital stay were analyzed between the two groups. RESULTS In the study population, 64.41% of TB inpatients were assessed as being at nutritional risk. There were significant differences in age, combined diseases, body mass index, serum albumin, incidence of complications, and length of hospital stay between the nutritional risk group and the non-nutritional risk group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TB inpatients are often at nutritional risk, and the incidence of complications in patients with nutritional risk is high and the hospital stay prolongs. The nutritional status of TB inpatients is also related to the progression and prognosis of the disease.
Frailty is Associated With Frontal Cortex-Related Cognitive Function in Patients With Alzheimer Disease

Objective: We compared the cognitive functions of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients who were robust, frail or pre-frail and hypothesized that declines in frontal cortex-related neuropsychological function would be associated with frailty. Method: One hundred and sixty outpatients aged 65 years or older with mild AD were enrolled. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument and further classified into 4 clusters (recent memory, frontal cortex cluster, posterior cortex cluster, and orientation). Other variables included depressive mood, daily activities, body mass index, handgrip strength (HGS), and normal gait speed (NGS). Results: Performance in daily activities, and slower NGS than robust group. Both the frail and pre-frail groups had lower HGS and more depressive symptoms than robust group. Generalized linear with ordinal logistic analysis showed that increment in age, slowing in NGS, and worse frontal cortex cluster function associated with being in a higher level of frailty. The patients with depression symptoms were the odds of being in a higher level of frailty compared to those without depression symptoms. Conclusions: In addition to physical and psychological symptoms, frailty is associated with specific cognitive domains in patients with AD. A multidimensional approach should be used to assess the impact of intervention programs focusing on frail patients with AD.
Accumulation and distribution of zinc and manganese in aquatic ecosystem of Yavoriv water reservoir, Lviv region, Ukraine

The paper presents results of investigations of zinc and manganese concentration in the water, bottom deposits and ichthyofauna of Yavoriv water reservoir, which was formed in 2002 in frames of project of Yavoriv sulfur quarry revitalization. Mentioned elements are characterized by wide spectrum of action in fish body, which, depending on their concentration, can be either physiologic or toxic. It was revealed, that concentration of Zn and Mn in the water of Yavoriv water reservoir varied considerably depending on place of samples taking. The lowest Zn concentration in the water was below 1 MPL (maximum permitted level), namely 0.6 µg/l, and the highest – more than 7 MPL (70.5 µg/l). Similar differences were observed concerning Mn concentration in the water – the range of determined values varied from 3.3 (0.3 MPL) to 48.6 µg/l. The same peculiarities of Zn and Mn distribution were estimated in regard to their content in bottom deposits. In particular, difference of Zn concentration in samples of bottom deposits was near 23 times – from 5.4 to 230.0 mg/kg depending on the point of samples taking. Mn content in bottom deposits varies from 61.5 to 1500 mg/kg. Zn and Mn concentration in skeletal muscles, gills and skin of perch and rudd didn’t exceed MPL regardless their content in the water and bottom deposits. In most of cases, gills accumulated these elements more than other investigated tissues.
Cross-Sectional Serosurvey of Companion Animals Housed with SARS-CoV-2–Infected Owners, Italy

We conducted a serologic survey among dogs and cats in Italy to detect antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We found that SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was higher among cats (16.2%) than dogs (2.3%). In addition, seroprevalence was higher among animals living in close contact with SARS-CoV-2–positive owners.
Complement C1q/Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Protein-3 (CTRP3) is Significantly Decreased in Patients with Heart Failure and Closely Related with Ventricular Tachycardia.

Background The relationship between serum complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein-3 (CTRP3) levels and ventricular tachycardia (VT) in heart failure patients with reduced ejection-fraction (HFrEF) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in serum CTRP3 level and the relationship with VT in HFrEF. Methods The study included 88 patients with HFrEF with and without VT and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum CTRP3 levels were measured in addition to routine anamnesis, physical, laboratory and echocardiography examinations. The patients were divided into groups with and without HFrEF and HFrEF patients with and without VT. Results Serum CTRP3 levels were significantly lower in the patients with HFrEF than in the control group (206 ± 16 ng/mL and 427 ± 49 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Similarly, CTRP3 levels were lower in the patients with VT (194 ± 10 ng/mL and 216 ± 15 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Left ventricular (LV) volume and tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient were significantly higher and LV ejection-fraction was significantly lower in the patients with VT (all p < 0.05). Serum CTRP3 and LV end-systolic volume values independently determined the patients with VT (all p < 0.01). Every 10 ng/mL decrease in CTRP3 level increased the odds ratio of VT by 79%. In the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve for CTRP3 was 0.884 (p < 0.001). A CTRP3 cut-off value of 200 ng/mL could predict VT with 88.1% sensitivity and 80.2% specificity. Conclusions Serum CTRP3 levels were significantly decreased in the patients with HFrEF, and decreased CTRP3 levels were very closely related to the presence of VT in these patients.
Biomarkers and Fatty Fish Intake: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Norwegian Preschool Children

ABSTRACT Background Biomarkers such as omega-3 (n–3) PUFAs, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), 1-methylhistidine (1-MH), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) have been associated with fish intake in observational studies, but data from children in randomized controlled trials are limited. Objectives The objective of this exploratory analysis was to investigate the effects of fatty fish intake compared with meat intake on various biomarkers in preschool children. Methods We randomly allocated (1:1) 232 children, aged 4 to 6 y, from 13 kindergartens. The children received lunch meals of either fatty fish (herring/mackerel) or meat (chicken/lamb/beef) 3 times a week for 16 wk. We analyzed 86 biomarkers in plasma (n = 207), serum (n = 195), RBCs (n = 211), urine (n = 200), and hair samples (n = 210). We measured the effects of the intervention on the normalized biomarker concentrations in linear mixed-effect regression models taking the clustering within the kindergartens into account. The results are presented as standardized effect sizes. Results We found significant effects of the intervention on the following biomarkers: RBC EPA (20:5n–3), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.86); DHA (22:6n–3), 0.43 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.66); total n–3 PUFAs, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.64); n–3/n–6 ratio, 0.48 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.71); adrenic acid (22:4n–6, −0.65 (95% CI: −0.91, −0.40), arachidonic acid (20:4n–6), −0.54 (95% CI: −0.79, −0.28); total n–6 PUFAs, −0.31 (95% CI: −0.56, −0.06); UIC, 0.32 (95% CI: 0.052, 0.59); hair mercury, 0.83 (95% CI: 0.05, 1.05); and plasma 1-MH, −0.35 (95% CI: −0.61, −0.094). Conclusions Of the 86 biomarkers, the strongest effect of fatty fish intake was on n–3 PUFAs, UIC, hair mercury, and plasma 1-MH. We observed no or limited effects on biomarkers related to micronutrient status, inflammation, or essential amino acid, choline oxidation, and tryptophan pathways. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02331667).
SPECIAL SERIES: DISPARITIES IN CANCER CARE FOR BLACK PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES

WHAT WE DID:We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with Black cancer survivors where we assessed the global ratings of their personal doctor, specialist, health plan, prescription drug plan, and overall health care and asked patients to elaborate on their ratings. We analyzed the interviews using the socioecologic model to identify the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and environmental influences on global ratings of care.