Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Distal Forearm Fracture: A Population-Based Study of 5426 Fractures

Background: Despite intensive research into the epidemiology of adult distal forearm fractures, the literature is limited. This study aimed to provide a full overview of adult distal forearm fracture epidemiology, including incidence, fracture classification, mode of injury, and trauma mechanism in patients sustaining a distal forearm fracture, based on an accurate at-risk population with manually validated data leading to a high quality in data. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study with a manual review of X-rays and charts. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of adult distal forearm fractures. The study was based on an average at-risk population of 522 607 citizens. A total of 5426 adult distal forearm fractures were included during the study period. Females accounted for 4199 (77%) and males accounted for 1227 (23%) of fractures. Results: The overall incidence of adult distal forearm fractures was 207.7/100 000/year. Female incidence was 323.4/100 000/year, and male incidence was 93.3/100 000/year. A marked increase in incidence with increasing age was observed for females after 50 years of age. The incidence of distal radius fractures was 203.0/100 000/year, and the incidence of isolated ulna fractures was 3.8/100 000/year. The most common fracture type was an extra-articular AO type 2R3A (69%), and the most common mode of injury was a fall from own height (76%). A small non-trending year-to-year variation was observed during the 5-year study period. Conclusion: Results show that adult distal forearm fractures are very common in women after the postmenopausal period. The overall incidence of adult distal forearm fractures was 207.8/100 000/year. Female incidence was 323.4/100 000/year.
The efficacy of low‐frequency ultrasound as an added treatment for chronic wounds: A meta‐analysis

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of low‐frequency ultrasound as an added treatment for chronic wounds. A systematic literature search up to May 2022 was performed and 838 subjects with chronic wounds at the baseline of the studies; 412 of them were using the low‐frequency ultrasound (225 low‐frequency high‐intensity contact ultrasound for diabetic foot wound ulcers, and 187 low‐frequency low‐intensity non‐contact ultrasound for a venous leg wound ulcers), and 426 were using standard care (233 sharp debridements for diabetic foot wound ulcers and 193 sham treatments for venous leg wound ulcers). Odds ratio (OR), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of low‐frequency ultrasound as an added treatment for chronic wounds using the dichotomous, and contentious methods with a random or fixed‐effect model. The low‐frequency high‐intensity contact ultrasound for diabetic foot wound ulcers had significantly lower non‐healed diabetic foot wound ulcers at ≥3 months (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.56, P < .001), a higher percentage of diabetic foot wound ulcers area reduction (MD, 17.18; 95% CI, 6.62‐27.85, P = .002) compared with sharp debridement for diabetic foot wound ulcers. The low‐frequency low‐intensity non‐contact ultrasound for a venous leg wound ulcers had a significantly lower non‐healed venous leg wound ulcers at ≥3 months (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15‐0.62, P = .001), and higher percentage venous leg wound ulcers area reduction (MD, 18.96; 95% CI, 2.36‐35.57, P = .03) compared with sham treatments for a venous leg wound ulcers. The low‐frequency ultrasound as an added treatment for diabetic foot wound ulcers and venous leg wound ulcers had significantly lower non‐healed chronic wound ulcers at ≥3 months, a higher percentage of chronic wound ulcers area reduction compared with standard care. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of all the 17 studies in the meta‐analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.
It’s about time – Associations between working time dimensions and well-being of physicians

ABSTRACT Several working time characteristics have been linked to negative outcomes for health personnel. The aim was to investigate the impact of working time dimensions on well-being in a representative sample of physicians. Data was collected during a baseline study. Linear regression analysis was performed on a sample including 669 physicians of different medical specialties. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and information on working time dimensions (e.g. shift work). In addition, job satisfaction, workload and self-reported health were explored. The majority were female, working in internal medicine and the mean age was 42.5 years. Findings reveal that overtime hours (β = −0.478, p = .011) and autonomy (β = 0.444, p < .001) were significantly associated with job satisfaction. The number of free weekends (β = −2.622, p = .005) and autonomy significantly predicted personal (β = −6.153, p < .001), work-related (β = −6.597, p < .001) and patient-related workload (β = −4.731, p < .001). Overall health was only affected by working time autonomy (β = 3.804, p < .001). In conclusion, the study suggests that working time characteristics have negative consequences for well-being and need to be addressed to ensure health, performance and safety of physicians.
[Colostrum protocol evaluation for very low birth weight preterm infants].

INTRODUCTION Early administration of oral colostrum has been recommended in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infant care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical effect of early colostrum administration on in-hospital outcome and lactation of VLBW preterm infants compared with historical control in an Intensive Care Unit. SUBJECTS AND METHOD descriptive cohort study with historical control of VLBW preterm infants who did or did not receive early oral colostrum, born 1.6 years before and 1.4 years after this protocol, with information collected from the database of infants under 1500 grams at birth and in the colostrum protocol registry. Children born to HIV+ mothers, with hepatitis, chemothe rapy, and those born with malformations incompatible with life were excluded. The main perinatal, morbidity, nutritional, and breastfeeding data at discharge were compared. RESULTS 94 patients were born pre-colostrum and 64 in the protocol period (post-colostrum). The groups were comparable in perinatal history. No difference was observed in infectious, respiratory, or gastrointestinal morbidity, progress in enteral feeding, days of parenteral nutrition, and length of hospital stay. There were signi ficant differences in the percentage breastfeeding at discharge (52 vs. 69%, p < 0.037) and in average breast milk volume at discharge (70 vs. 102 ml/k/day, p < 0.012) in the post-colostrum group. Con clusions: Early colostrum administration to preterm infants was associated with a higher volume of maternal milk at discharge, being a good benefit in VLBW preterm infant care.
Multi‐omics analysis reveals expression complexity and functional diversity of mouse kinome

Protein kinases are a crucial component of signaling pathways involved in a wide range of cellular responses, including growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Systematic investigation of protein kinases is critical to better understand phosphorylation‐mediated signaling pathways and may provide insights into the development of potential therapeutic drug targets. Here we perform a systems‐level analysis of the mouse kinome by analyzing multi‐omics data. We used bulk and single‐cell transcriptomic data from the C57BL/6J mouse strain to define tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific expression of protein kinases, followed by investigating variations in sequence and expression between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains. We then profiled a deep brain phosphoproteome from C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains as well as their reciprocal hybrids to infer the activity of the mouse kinome. Finally, we performed phenome‐wide association analysis using the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice (a cross between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains) to identify any associations between variants in protein kinases and phenotypes. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mouse kinome by investigating genetic sequence variation, tissue‐specific expression patterns, and associations with downstream phenotypes.
Phase 1-2 Trial of AAVS3 Gene Therapy in Patients with Hemophilia B.

BACKGROUND FLT180a (verbrinacogene setparvovec) is a liver-directed adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy that uses a synthetic capsid and a gain-of-function protein to normalize factor IX levels in patients with hemophilia B. METHODS In this multicenter, open-label, phase 1-2 trial, we assessed the safety and efficacy of varying doses of FLT180a in patients with severe or moderately severe hemophilia B (factor IX level, ≤2% of normal value). All the patients received glucocorticoids with or without tacrolimus for immunosuppression to decrease the risk of vector-related immune responses. After 26 weeks, patients were enrolled in a long-term follow-up study. The primary end points were safety and efficacy, as assessed by factor IX levels at week 26. RESULTS Ten patients received one of four FLT180a doses of vector genomes (vg) per kilogram of body weight: 3.84×1011 vg, 6.40×1011 vg, 8.32×1011 vg, or 1.28×1012 vg. After receiving the infusion, all the patients had dose-dependent increases in factor IX levels. At a median follow-up of 27.2 months (range, 19.1 to 42.4), sustained factor IX activity was observed in all the patients except one, who resumed factor IX prophylaxis. As of the data-cutoff date (September 20, 2021), five patients had normal factor IX levels (range, 51 to 78%), three patients had levels from 23 to 43%, and one had a level of 260%. Of the reported adverse events, approximately 10% were related to FLT180a and 24% to immunosuppression. Increases in liver aminotransferase levels were the most common FLT180a-related adverse events. Late increases in aminotransferase levels occurred in patients who had received prolonged tacrolimus beyond the glucocorticoid taper. A serious adverse event of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis occurred in the patient with high factor IX levels. CONCLUSIONS Sustained factor IX levels in the normal range were observed with low doses of FLT180a but necessitated immunosuppression with glucocorticoids with or without tacrolimus. (Funded by Freeline Therapeutics; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT03369444 and NCT03641703; EudraCT numbers, 2017-000852-24 and 2017-005080-40.).
A review of inferior vena cava filters.

The care of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is delivered via a multidisciplinary team. The primary treatment for VTE is anticoagulation however, placement of filter devices in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to prevent embolization of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a well-established secondary treatment option. However, many controversies remain regarding utilization and management of filters.
Associations of Adolescents’ Pornography Viewing with their Romantic Relationship Skills and Behaviors

ABSTRACT Research into adolescent pornography use has identified numerous individual-level behavioral and attitudinal correlates. However, associations between adolescents’ pornography viewing and their romantic relationships remain understudied. Furthermore, very little is known about adolescents’ watching pornography with their romantic partners (i.e., joint pornography use). The present study of adolescents (n = 755, 59.9% girls, M age = 15.72 years old [SD = 1.34]) is among the first attempts to link adolescents’ pornography viewing behaviors to their romantic relationship attitudes and behaviors. We hypothesized that adolescents’ viewing would be associated with poorer self-reported relationship skills, more negative relationship behaviors, and increased involvement in sexual activity, such as sexting. Partial support for these hypotheses was found. Frequency of overall viewing was associated with lower relationship and refusal skills. Lifetime joint pornography viewing was associated with higher rates of dating violence victimization and perpetration in the past six months and with more abusive behaviors from one’s partner and more verbal conflict in the current dating relationship. Results, though cross-sectional, suggest that pornography viewing in adolescence is associated with poorer romantic outcomes. Implications for adolescent development and for healthcare providers and educators are discussed.
Structural basis for the calmodulin-mediated activation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase

Translation is a tightly regulated process that ensures optimal protein quality and enables adaptation to energy/nutrient availability. The α-kinase eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K), a key regulator of translation, specifically phosphorylates the guanosine triphosphatase eEF-2, thereby reducing its affinity for the ribosome and suppressing the elongation phase of protein synthesis. eEF-2K activation requires calmodulin binding and autophosphorylation at the primary stimulatory site, T348. Biochemical studies predict a calmodulin-mediated activation mechanism for eEF-2K distinct from other calmodulin-dependent kinases. Here, we resolve the atomic details of this mechanism through a 2.3-Å crystal structure of the heterodimeric complex of calmodulin and the functional core of eEF-2K (eEF-2KTR). This structure, which represents the activated T348-phosphorylated state of eEF-2KTR, highlights an intimate association of the kinase with the calmodulin C-lobe, creating an “activation spine” that connects its amino-terminal calmodulin-targeting motif to its active site through a conserved regulatory element.
Letter regarding “ALVAC‐fIL2, a feline interleukin‐2 immunomodulator, as a treatment for sarcoids in horses: A pilot study”

Dear Editors, We read with interest the recent study by Saba and colleagues, “ALVAC-fIL2, a feline interleukin-2 immunomodulator, as a treatment for sarcoids in horses: A pilot study. ” We applaud the Journal for including a category for pilot studies—such studies can provide useful information. However, the Journal's own instructions for authors define pilot studies as “small scale studies designed to test the feasibility of future large-scale studies and not to report on the effectiveness of an intervention, for which they are often underpowered. Research by others has identified weaknesses in the reporting and conduct of pilot studies, including inappropriate reporting on outcomes of interventions and not reporting on the feasibility of a larger study. ” The Journal provides a reference to an article that describes pilot studies and their utility, implementation and reporting. Two years ago, we published a critical review of pilot studies in which we demonstrated that most articles published in veterinary sciences as “pilot studies” failed to conform to the definition of a pilot study. Almost all measured effectiveness and/or safety of the intervention, and the findings were never confirmed with larger studies, but most studies were subsequently cited as evidence of effective interventions. Instead, the term appeared to be used as a synonym for “small, underpowered study” and a covert plea for leniency. We termed this “deficiency signaling. ” The study by Saba and colleagues appears to violate several of the requirements of the pilot study rules—it provides estimates of response, estimates of adverse events and concludes that the treatment is “a safe, cosmetic and effective treatment for sarcoid tumors in horses. ” Furthermore, the authors provide no evidence that a larger, prospective, randomized clinical trial is being conducted, based on the methodological approaches used in the pilot study. Indeed, the study in question is a small (14 horse) case series, not a pilot study. We would request that the Journal adhere to its own guidelines when accepting pilot studies for publication and that authors be asked to justify the use of the term “Pilot study” or “preliminary study” or “proof-of-concept study” (analogous terms), either in the title or text. We suspect that in most cases, authors will fail to satisfy the requirements these terms demand. Sincerely,
Co-occurrence of aflatoxins in plant oil products from China

ABSTRACT Aflatoxins have been detected as contaminants of oil crops before harvesting and drying, during storage and manufacturing and could be transferable to plant oils. There are more than 20 different types of aflatoxins, among which the most commonly occurring are the B1, B2, G1 and G2. Concentrations of these four aflatoxins were determined in plant oils from retail shops in China and in crude peanut oil extracted from culled mouldy peanuts by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Overall, aflatoxins were present in 25 of the 63 samples. The four aflatoxins co-existed in vegetable oil, but the content of AFB1 was usually higher than the other aflatoxins. Particularly in the case of highly contaminated oil samples, AFB1 accounted for 68% of the total aflatoxins. According to the health risk assessment, the low margin of exposure values from AFB1 in oils suggests a high level of concern for children.
Program to Enhance Adjustment to Residential Living (PEARL): Effect on Adjustment, Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Stress

ABSTRACT Objectives The Program to Enhance Adjustment to Residential Living (PEARL) is a five session intervention primarily designed to address high rates of depression in newly admitted residents. This study reports the efficacy of PEARL on secondary outcomes of resident adjustment, symptoms of anxiety, quality of life, and stress. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 219 newly admitted nursing home residents (M age = 85.5 years) from 42 nursing homes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at two and six month post-intervention follow-up, compared to a standard care condition. Results There was a significant overall condition by time interaction for adjustment (p = .027) and quality of life (p = .015), but not for stress (p = .309). While the overall condition by time interaction was not significant for anxiety (p = .221), there was a significant interaction contrast six-month post-intervention, indicating a greater decrease in anxiety scores in the intervention group relative to control (p = .039). Conclusions This study demonstrates the broad effects of PEARL on the wellbeing of newly admitted residents. Clinical Implications PEARL is a brief intervention that may be feasible for routine use in nursing homes to facilitate adjustment and improve residents’ quality of life.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of propolis and N-acetylcysteine in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPDs) accelerate the progressive impairment of lung function and general health. Together with maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and natural propolis have demonstrated pharmacological properties that address crucial pathophysiological processes underlying COPD and may prevent AECOPDs. This study aims at responding to dose-dependent efficacy and safety concerns regarding a propolis-NAC combination for the reduction of COPD exacerbation rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, phase IV trial with three treatment arms: Placebo and two active substance groups, one (AS-600) received 600 mg of NAC + 80 mg of propolis while the other (AS-1,200) received 1,200 mg of NAC + 160 mg of propolis. Following an AECOPD, frequent-exacerbation phenotype patients (n=46) were assigned a once-daily three-month therapy with the study drug and one year follow-up. The primary endpoint was the COPD exacerbation incidence rate during the follow-up period as a measure of dose-dependent efficacy of NAC-propolis combination compared to placebo. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the AECOPD incidence rate: 52.6% in patients that received placebo, 15.4% that received AS-600 and only 7.1% that received AS-1,200 (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.013). Compared to placebo, AECOPD frequency was significantly lower only in AS-1,200 (p=0.009). Compared to placebo, the relative risk for exacerbation was 0.29 in AS-600 and 0.13 in AS-1,200. No adverse events related to the treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS Oral combination of natural propolis with NAC confirmed formulation efficiency with a favorable safety profile. Our results need to be confirmed by larger clinical trials.
“Where am I?” A snapshot of the developmental topographical disorientation among young Italian adults

In the last decade, several cases affected by Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD) have been described. DTD consists of a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the ability to orient in the environment despite well-preserved cognitive functions, and in the absence of a brain lesion or other neurological or psychiatric conditions. Described cases showed different impairments in navigational skills ranging from topographic memory deficits to landmark agnosia. All cases lacked a mental representation of the environment that would allow them to use high-order spatial orientation strategies. In addition to the single case studies, a group study performed in Canada showed that the disorder is more widespread than imagined. The present work intends to investigate the occurrence of the disorder in 1,698 young Italian participants. The sample is deliberately composed of individuals aged between 18 and 35 years to exclude people who could manifest the loss of the ability to navigate as a result of an onset of cognitive decline. The sample was collected between 2016 and 2019 using the Qualtrics platform, by which the Familiarity and Spatial Cognitive Style Scale and anamnestic interview were administered. The data showed that the disorder is present in 3% of the sample and that the sense of direction is closely related to town knowledge, navigational strategies adopted, and gender. In general, males use more complex navigational strategies than females, although DTD is more prevalent in males than in females, in line with the already described cases. Finally, the paper discusses which protective factors can reduce DTD onset and which intervention measures should be implemented to prevent the spread of navigational disorders, which severely impact individuals’ autonomy and social relationships.
Practices and Applications of Heart Rate Variability Monitoring in Endurance Athletes

Abstract Heart rate variability reflects fluctuations in the changes in consecutive heartbeats, providing insight into cardiac autonomic function and overall physiological state. Endurance athletes typically demonstrate better cardiac autonomic function than non-athletes, with lower resting heart rates and greater variability. The availability and use of heart rate variability metrics has increased in the broader population and may be particularly useful to endurance athletes. The purpose of this review is to characterize current practices and applications of heart rate variability analysis in endurance athletes. Important considerations for heart rate variability analysis will be discussed, including analysis techniques, monitoring tools, the importance of stationarity of data, body position, timing and duration of the recording window, average heart rate, and sex and age differences. Key factors affecting resting heart rate variability will be discussed, including exercise intensity, duration, modality, overall training load, and lifestyle factors. Training applications will be explored, including heart rate variability-guided training and the identification and monitoring of maladaptive states such as overtraining. Lastly, we will examine some alternative uses of heart rate variability, including during exercise, post-exercise, and for physiological forecasting and predicting performance.