Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis of the Body Composition of Affected and Unaffected Limbs After Hemiparetic Stroke

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective The aim of the study was to analyze differences in body composition between affected and unaffected limbs using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis in hemiparetic stroke patients. Design The segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis results and body composition of 213 hospitalized hemiparetic stroke patients were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects were divided into acute, subacute, and chronic groups according to the period after the onset of stroke. Segmental lean mass and segmental body water values were compared between affected and unaffected upper and lower limbs in all subjects and in subgroups. The mean differences of body compositions between the affected and unaffected limbs between the three groups were also compared. Results No significant differences in segmental lean mass and segmental body water values were observed between the affected and unaffected upper and lower limbs in total and in three subgroups. The mean differences in segmental lean mass and segmental body water values between the affected and unaffected upper limbs in the chronic group were larger than those in the acute and subacute groups. Conclusions There were no significant differences in body composition between affected and unaffected limbs in patients with hemiparetic stroke. The differences in body composition in the affected and unaffected upper limbs in chronic stroke patients were larger than those in acute and subacute stroke patients. Further longitudinal studies are needed.
Endoscopic Yield, Appropriateness, and Complications of Pediatric Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in an Adult Suite: A Retrospective Study of 822 Children

Background/Aims This study aimed to study the endoscopic yield, appropriateness, and complications of pediatric endoscopy performed by adult gastroenterologists in an adult endoscopic suite. Methods This a retrospective study in which records of all the patients less than 18 years of age who underwent endoscopy in the last 5 years were studied. The indications of endoscopy in children were categorized as appropriate or inappropriate per the latest guidelines by American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Positive endoscopic yield was defined as the presence of any abnormality on endoscopy. Results Among the total of 822 children (age <18 years), the most common indications were variceal surveillance/eradication in 157 (19.1%), followed by dyspepsia in 143 (17.4%), upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding in 136 (16.5%), recurrent abdominal pain in 94 (11.4%), unexplained anemia in 74 (9%), recurrent vomiting in 50 (6.08%), chronic refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in 34 (4.1%) and others; 780 out of 822 endoscopic procedures (94.9%) done in children were appropriate as per the guidelines. The endoscopic yield was 45.8%, highest in patients with UGI bleeding (71.3%), followed by variceal surveillance (54.8%), recurrent vomiting (38%), dyspepsia (37.8%), and recurrent abdominal pain (36%). Minor adverse events occurred in 7.3% of children. Conclusions Pediatric endoscopy performed by an experienced adult gastroenterologist may be acceptable if done in cooperation with a pediatrician.
Which Effects on Neuroanatomy and Path-Integration Survive? Results of a Randomized Controlled Study on Intensive Balance Training

Balancing is a complex task requiring the integration of visual, somatosensory and vestibular inputs. The vestibular system is linked to the hippocampus, a brain structure crucial for spatial orientation. Here we tested the immediate and sustained effects of a one-month-long slackline training program on balancing and orientation abilities as well as on brain volumes in young adults without any prior experience in that skill. On the corrected level, we could not find any interaction effects for brain volumes, but the effect sizes were small to medium. A subsequent within-training-group analysis revealed volumetric increments within the somatosensory cortex and decrements within posterior insula, cerebellum and putamen remained stable over time. No significant interaction effects were observed on the clinical balance and the spatial orientation task two months after the training period (follow-up). We interpret these findings as a shift away from processes crucial for automatized motor output towards processes related to voluntarily controlled movements. The decrease in insular volume in the training group we propose to result from multisensory interaction of the vestibular with the visual and somatosensory systems. The discrepancy between sustained effects in the brain of the training group on the one hand and transient benefits in function on the other may indicate that for the latter to be retained a longer-term practice is required.
Candida albicans Adaptation on Simulated Human Body Fluids under Different pH

Candida albicans remains the most problematic of all Candida species, causing severe infections. Adaptation to different human body niches, such oral and urinary tracts, has been shown to be essential for survival and critical for virulence of C. albicans. Thus, the present work aimed to study the behaviour of C. albicans on simulated human body fluids (artificial saliva and urine) at different values of pH (pH 5.8 and 7) by determining its ability to develop two of the most important virulence factors: biofilms and filamentous forms. Under this study, it was demonstrated that C. albicans was able to grow as free cells and to develop biofilm communities composed of multiple cell types (yeast and elongated hyphal cells) on both simulated human body fluids and under different pH. It was interesting to note that the pH had little impact on C. albicans planktonic and biofilm growth, despite influencing the development of filamentous shapes in artificial saliva and urine. So, it was possible to infer that C. albicans presents a high plasticity and adaptability to different human body fluids, namely saliva and urine. These can be the justification for the high number of oral and urinary candidiasis in the whole world.
Occurrence of psychiatric disorders in the patients of multi drug resistant tuberculosis under treatment

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is considered as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Even though fatality of TB is well known, treatment non-adherence is major barrier related to management of TB. Studies have shown that there is strong association between psychiatric disorders and treatment nonadherence to TB. Psychiatric issues present a challenge in the treatment of patients with multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Both baseline psychiatric disorders and development of psychiatric complications related to anti-tuberculosis drugs require aggressive management for better management of TB. The objective of the present endeavour was to study the occurrence of psychiatric complications in patients of MDR-TB during treatmentMethods: Patients of MDR-TB registered at PMDT centre situated at a tertiary level hospital were screened for psychiatric disorder by using GHQ-12 and assessment was done using structured clinical interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-1) research version. Diagnosis of psychiatric disorder was made on the basis of DSM-IV-TR.Results: Psychiatric disorders were already present in 8 (6.15%) patients before the start of MDR-TB treatment and development of psychiatric disorder in 12 (9.23%) patients after initiation of the treatment. Depressive disorder (n=9; 6.9%), anxiety disorder (n=5; 3.8%) and psychosis (n=4; 3.1%) were most frequent psychiatric disorders.Conclusions: GHQ-12 was found to be very useful screening instrument for detection of psychiatric disorders. The regimen IV anti tubercular drugs used for the treatment of MDR-TB drug resistant tuberculosis, significantly increases the risk of development of psychiatric disorders.
New variant in the IL1RN-gene (DIRA) associated with late-onset, CRMO-like presentation.

OBJECTIVE To report a chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO)-like clinical phenotype with multisystem inflammation associated with a novel gene variant in the spectrum of IL-1-mediated diseases. METHODS A 3-year-old boy presented with recurrent episodes of fever, serositis, pancreatitis and high inflammatory markers with onset at age 13 months. At age 3 years, he started limping. Imaging revealed multifocal pelvic bone inflammation suggestive of CRMO. Autoinflammation panel testing was non-contributory. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and advanced IL-1 pathway analysis was conducted. RESULTS WES identified a novel homozygous interleukin receptor 1 (IL1RN) variant (c.62C>G; p. Ser21*) (NM_173842.2). Functional analysis of IL1RN mRNA and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) protein confirmed the diagnosis of a deficiency of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA). Treatment with the nonselective IL-1 inhibitor anakinra resulting in rapid remission; switch to the selective IL-1β antagonist canakinumab led to a flare within 6 weeks. Re-start of anakinra recaptured remission, last documented at the recent 19-month follow-up. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a novel late-onset DIRA confirmed by advanced diagnostic testing. In patients with systemic inflammation and CRMO-like bone lesions, IL1RN testing should be considered; even in the absence of skin manifestations. Non-selective IL-1 inhibition is an effective therapy.
Interpreting COVID-19 and Virtual Care Trends: Cohort Study

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly spreading across the world. As of March 26, 2020, there are more than 500,000 cases and more than 25,000 deaths related to COVID-19, and the numbers are increasing by the hour. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the trends in confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina, and to understand patterns in virtual visits related to symptoms of COVID-19. Methods We conducted a cohort study of confirmed COVID-19 cases and patients using an on-demand, statewide virtual urgent care center. We collected data from February 1, 2020, to March 15, 2020. Institutional Review Board exemption was obtained prior to the study. Results As of March, 18 2020, there were 92 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 733 total virtual visits. Of the total visits, 257 (35.1%) were related to COVID-19-like symptoms. Of the COVID-19-like visits, the number of females was 178 (69.2%). People in the age groups of 30-39 years (n=67, 26.1%) and 40-49 years (n=64, 24.9%) were half of the total patients. Additionally, approximately 96.9% (n=249) of the COVID-like encounters came from within the state of North Carolina. Our study shows that virtual care can provide efficient triaging in the counties with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. We also confirmed that the largest spread of the disease occurs in areas with a high population density as well as in areas with major airports. Conclusions The use of virtual care presents promising potential in the fight against COVID-19. Virtual care is capable of reducing emergency room visits, conserving health care resources, and avoiding the spread of COVID-19 by treating patients remotely. We call for further adoption of virtual care by health systems across the United States and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Predicting disease risk areas through co-production of spatial models: The example of Kyasanur Forest Disease in India’s forest landscapes

Zoonotic diseases affect resource-poor tropical communities disproportionately, and are linked to human use and modification of ecosystems. Disentangling the socio-ecological mechanisms by which ecosystem change precipitates impacts of pathogens is critical for predicting disease risk and designing effective intervention strategies. Despite the global “One Health” initiative, predictive models for tropical zoonotic diseases often focus on narrow ranges of risk factors and are rarely scaled to intervention programs and ecosystem use. This study uses a participatory, co-production approach to address this disconnect between science, policy and implementation, by developing more informative disease models for a fatal tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), that is spreading across degraded forest ecosystems in India. We integrated knowledge across disciplines to identify key risk factors and needs with actors and beneficiaries across the relevant policy sectors, to understand disease patterns and develop decision support tools. Human case locations (2014–2018) and spatial machine learning quantified the relative role of risk factors, including forest cover and loss, host densities and public health access, in driving landscape-scale disease patterns in a long-affected district (Shivamogga, Karnataka State). Models combining forest metrics, livestock densities and elevation accurately predicted spatial patterns in human KFD cases (2014–2018). Consistent with suggestions that KFD is an “ecotonal” disease, landscapes at higher risk for human KFD contained diverse forest-plantation mosaics with high coverage of moist evergreen forest and plantation, high indigenous cattle density, and low coverage of dry deciduous forest. Models predicted new hotspots of outbreaks in 2019, indicating their value for spatial targeting of intervention. Co-production was vital for: gathering outbreak data that reflected locations of exposure in the landscape; better understanding contextual socio-ecological risk factors; and tailoring the spatial grain and outputs to the scale of forest use, and public health interventions. We argue this inter-disciplinary approach to risk prediction is applicable across zoonotic diseases in tropical settings.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Erlotinib Induces Dry Skin via Decreased in Aquaporin-3 Expression

An adverse reaction of dry skin occurs frequently during treatment with anticancer epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). In this study, we conducted basic research to clarify the mechanism of EGFR-TKI-induced dry skin and propose new treatments or preventative measures. Dermal water content was significantly lower in the erlotinib-treated mice than in the control group. An assessment of the expression levels of functional genes in the skin revealed that only the expression of the water channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) was significantly decreased in the erlotinib-treated group. When erlotinib was added to epidermal keratinocyte HaCaT cells, the expression levels of both AQP3 mRNA and protein decreased. Erlotinib treatment also significantly decreased the expression levels of phospho-EGFR and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), both in HaCaT cells and mouse skin. Dry skin due to erlotinib may be caused by the decreased expression of AQP3 in the skin, thereby limiting water transport from the vascular side to the corneum side. The decrease in AQP3 may also be attributable to ERK suppression via inhibition of EGFR activity by erlotinib. Therefore, substances that increase AQP3 expression may be effective for erlotinib-induced dry skin.
The First Glimpse of Streptocarpus ionanthus (Gesneriaceae) Phylogenomics: Analysis of Five Subspecies’ Chloroplast Genomes

Streptocarpus ionanthus (Gesneriaceae) comprise nine herbaceous subspecies, endemic to Kenya and Tanzania. The evolution of Str. ionanthus is perceived as complex due to morphological heterogeneity and unresolved phylogenetic relationships. Our study seeks to understand the molecular variation within Str. ionanthus using a phylogenomic approach. We sequence the chloroplast genomes of five subspecies of Str. ionanthus, compare their structural features and identify divergent regions. The five genomes are identical, with a conserved structure, a narrow size range (170 base pairs (bp)) and 115 unique genes (80 protein-coding, 31 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs). Genome alignment exhibits high synteny while the number of Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) are observed to be low (varying from 37 to 41), indicating high similarity. We identify ten divergent regions, including five variable regions (psbM, rps3, atpF-atpH, psbC-psbZ and psaA-ycf3) and five genes with a high number of polymorphic sites (rps16, rpoC2, rpoB, ycf1 and ndhA) which could be investigated further for phylogenetic utility in Str. ionanthus. Phylogenomic analyses here exhibit low polymorphism within Str. ionanthus and poor phylogenetic separation, which might be attributed to recent divergence. The complete chloroplast genome sequence data concerning the five subspecies provides genomic resources which can be expanded for future elucidation of Str. ionanthus phylogenetic relationships.
Health Practices of Homeless Women

HEALTH PRACTICES OF HOMELESS WOMEN Margaret Chaney Wilson, PhD, RN Homeless women and female-headed families represent the fastest growing subgroups of homeless individuals. To expand the body of knowledge and provide further insight into the complex area of homelessness and health, health practices of homeless women were investigated using a cross-sectional, descriptive, and nonexperimental design using Pender’s Health Promotion Model as the theoretical framework. Homeless women (N=137) were recruited from five shelters in northeastern Indiana. Homeless women in this study were found to be highly educated, mostly unemployed, and primarily single. A greater number of African Americans than represented in the local population were found to be shelter residents. Health care access and effective utilization of services were evidenced in the sample. Homeless women were noted to practice health-promoting behaviors in all areas but scored the lowest on physical activity. Negative health behaviors related to tobacco use was widespread. Significant findings reflected women’s personal strengths and resources in the areas of spiritual growth and interpersonal relations. Dissertation Advisor: L. Kathleen Sekula, PhD, RN
ADVERSE DERMATOLOGIC AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG STREET SWEEPER’S WORKERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Street Sweeping plays an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in cities. This job exposes street sweepers to a variety of risk factors that leads to multiple health hazards such as: respiratory system problems, cardiovascular degeneration, musculoskeletal disorders, infections, skin and gastrointestinal problems. Aim of work: To study the prevalence of some dermatological and respiratory manifestations among street sweepers and its relevance with occupational exposure. Materials and methods: The present study is a comparative cross-sectional study, conducted at Benha city, Qualubya Governorate, Egypt. Data was collected over a period of 4 months. Cluster random sampling was used to choose the study groups as we choose 5 quarters out from 16 quarters in Benha city by simple random sample. The total number of participant enrolled in this study was 200 individuals (126 street sweepers as a study group and 74 administrative staff as a control), all were non-smokers, matched for duration of work and age. Results: Significant higher percentage of skin disorders was detected among street sweepers in comparison to administrative staff: hair loss (19 % vs. 6.8%), scabies (15.1% vs. 4%), frunculosis (18.3% vs. 4.1%), contact dermatitis (17.5% vs. 2.7%), infected wound (11 % vs. 1.4 %), and varicosities (25.4% vs. 6.8%) (p< 0.01). Pulmonary function tests of street sweepers showed significant decline of (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio) in comparison to the control group. Our study revealed strong association between working for 10 years or more and development of chronic cough, phlegm (p value < 0.01), wheezes and feeling of shortness of breath (p value < 0.05). More than fifty percent of street sweepers were not wearing personal protective clothes at all. Conclusion: Exposure of sweeper’s workers to many health hazards and poor use of protective equipments are associated with skin and respiratory diseases.
Characterization of the Key Odorants in a High-grade Chinese Green Tea Beverage (Camellia sinensis; Jingshan cha) by Means of the Sensomics Approach and Elucidation of Odorant Changes in Tea Leaves Caused by the Tea Manufacturing Process.

Sensory-guided analysis of the volatile fraction isolated from a freshly prepared green tea beverage (Camellia sinensis; type Jingshan cha) revealed 58 odor-active compounds after application of an aroma extract dilution analysis. Among them, 3-methylnonane-2,4-dione, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one, 3-(methylthio)propanal, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and indole appeared with the highest flavor dilution (FD) factors. A quantitation of 42 aroma compounds by means of stable isotope dilution assays (SIDAs) followed by the calculation of odor activity values (OAV; ratio of concentration to odor detection threshold) showed 27 key aroma compounds with OAVs ≥ 1. By far the highest OAV of 458 was calculated for the asparagus-like/putrid smelling dimethyl sulfide followed by (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal (46). Finally, an aqueous recombinate containing all 27 aroma compounds in the concentrations measured in the beverage successfully mimicked the overall aroma profile of the tea infusion. Quantitative measurements were then performed on authentic tea material to elucidate changes in key aroma compounds during each processing step (fresh leaves, withering, pan-firing, rolling, and drying). The results indicated that dimethyl sulfide, one of the important aroma compounds, was significantly increased by withering of the fresh leaves, however, a major part was lost during drying. Linalool, geraniol, and hexanal showed the highest concentrations in the fresh tea leaves, while significantly lower concentrations were measured in the final tea. The same was observed for all lipid degradation products, such as (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal.
The pathogenicity of novel GUCY2D mutations in Leber congenital amaurosis 1 assessed by HPLC-MS/MS

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a group of severe congenital retinal diseases. Variants in the guanylate cyclase 2D gene (GUCY2D), which encodes guanylate cyclase 1 (ROS-GC1), are associated with LCA1 and account for 6%–21% of all LCA cases. In this study, one family with LCA1 was recruited from China. A combination of next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing was used to screen for disease-causing mutations. We found three novel mutations (c.139delC, p.Ala49Profs*36; c.835G>A, p.Asp279Asn and c.2783G>A, p.Gly928Glu) in the GUCY2D gene. Proband III-2 carries mutations c.139delC and c.2783G>A, which are inherited from the heterozygous mutation carriers, II-2 (c.139delC) and II-3 (c.2783G>A) that possess c.139delC and c.2783G>A. Additionally, II-8 carries heterozygous mutation c.835G>A. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the presence of the three novel mutations in other family members. Mutation c.139delC results in a truncated protein. Mutations c.835G>A and c.2783G>A significantly reduce the catalytic activity of ROS-GC1. Our findings highlight the gene variants range of LCA. Moreover, HPLC-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the concentration of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), suggesting that HPLC-MS/MS is an effective alternative method to evaluate the catalytic activity of wild-type and mutant ROS-GC1.