Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing psychotic experiences in low-and-middle-income-countries and high-income-countries with a focus on measurement invariance

Abstract Background The prevalence of psychotic experiences (PEs) is higher in low-and-middle-income-countries (LAMIC) than in high-income countries (HIC). Here, we examine whether this effect is explicable by measurement bias. Methods A community sample from 13 countries (N = 7141) was used to examine the measurement invariance (MI) of a frequently used self-report measure of PEs, the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), in LAMIC (n = 2472) and HIC (n = 4669). The CAPE measures positive (e.g. hallucinations), negative (e.g. avolition) and depressive symptoms. MI analyses were conducted with multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses. Results MI analyses showed similarities in the structure and understanding of the CAPE factors between LAMIC and HIC. Partial scalar invariance was found, allowing for latent score comparisons. Residual invariance was not found, indicating that sum score comparisons are biased. A comparison of latent scores before and after MI adjustment showed both overestimation (e.g. avolition, d = 0.03 into d = −0.42) and underestimation (e.g. magical thinking, d = −0.03 into d = 0.33) of PE in LAMIC relative to HIC. After adjusting the CAPE for MI, participants from LAMIC reported significantly higher levels on most CAPE factors but a significantly lower level of avolition. Conclusion Previous studies using sum scores to compare differences across countries are likely to be biased. The direction of the bias involves both over- and underestimation of PEs in LAMIC compared to HIC. Nevertheless, the study confirms the basic finding that PEs are more frequent in LAMIC than in HIC.
Clustering of Six Key Risk Behaviors for Chronic Disease among Adolescent Females

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability and mortality globally. In Australia, females are at heightened risk. This research explored the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of six key risk behaviors (physical inactivity, poor diet, recreational screen time, inadequate sleep, alcohol use, and smoking) among adolescent females and whether knowledge of health guidelines was associated with adherence. Adolescent females completed an anonymous online questionnaire (N = 687; Mage = 13.82). Logistic regression assessed the association between knowledge and adherence. A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and three-step procedure identified risk behavior clusters and their correlates. Despite positive health self-ratings (77% good/very good), most participants reported insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 89%), vegetable intake (89%), and excessive screen time (63%). Knowledge of guidelines was associated with adherence for MVPA, vegetable intake, sleep, and alcohol abstinence. Three classes emerged: “moderate risk” (76%), “relatively active, healthy eaters” (19%), and “excessive screen users” (5%). These risk-behavior clusters were associated with perceived value of academic achievement and physical wellbeing. Adolescent females commonly perceive they are in good health, despite engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Public health interventions should utilize effective behavior change strategies, adopt a multiple health behavior change approach (MHBC), and be tailored to specific risk profiles and values among females.
Impact of KRAS status on tumor response and survival after neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer

Mutation of the KRAS oncogene (mKRAS) in colorectal cancer has been associated with aggressive tumor biology, resistance to epidermal growth factor inhibitors, and decreased overall survival (OS). The aim of the current study was to analyze the association of mKRAS with pathologic complete response (pCR) and neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score, and its impact on the survival of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who were managed with multimodality therapy.
Metformin rescues Parkinson’s disease phenotypes caused by hyperactive mitochondria

Significance Uncovering the role of defective metabolism in Parkinson’s disease (PD) may lead to the discovery of disease-modifying therapies. We recently linked branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism with PD, yet the underlying mechanisms were unknown. We now report the unexpected finding that BCAA metabolic dysfunction causes Parkinson’s-like motor deficits and neurodegeneration by inducing a state of hyperactive mitochondria. We found that the type 2 diabetes medication metformin is able to rescue neuronal viability by reducing mitochondrial respiration. These results offer mitochondrial hyperactivity as a new potential mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease, and suggest that efforts to reduce mitochondrial respiration early in the disease—potentially by metformin treatment—may be efficacious. Metabolic dysfunction occurs in many age-related neurodegenerative diseases, yet its role in disease etiology remains poorly understood. We recently discovered a potential causal link between the branched-chain amino acid transferase BCAT-1 and the neurodegenerative movement disorder Parkinson’s disease (PD). RNAi-mediated knockdown of Caenorhabditis elegans bcat-1 is known to recapitulate PD-like features, including progressive motor deficits and neurodegeneration with age, yet the underlying mechanisms have remained unknown. Using transcriptomic, metabolomic, and imaging approaches, we show here that bcat-1 knockdown increases mitochondrial respiration and induces oxidative damage in neurons through mammalian target of rapamycin-independent mechanisms. Increased mitochondrial respiration, or “mitochondrial hyperactivity,” is required for bcat-1(RNAi) neurotoxicity. Moreover, we show that post–disease-onset administration of the type 2 diabetes medication metformin reduces mitochondrial respiration to control levels and significantly improves both motor function and neuronal viability. Taken together, our findings suggest that mitochondrial hyperactivity may be an early event in the pathogenesis of PD, and that strategies aimed at reducing mitochondrial respiration may constitute a surprising new avenue for PD treatment.
Accuracy and Implications of Hemorrhagic Stroke Recognition by Emergency Medical Services

Abstract Background Hemorrhagic stroke is a medical emergency that requires rapid identification and treatment. Despite playing a critical role in the emergency response to hemorrhagic stroke patients, a minimal amount is known about the quality of emergency medical services (EMS) care for this condition. The objectives of this study were to quantify EMS hemorrhagic stroke recognition, identify predictors of accurate EMS recognition, and examine associations between EMS recognition, quality of prehospital care, and patient outcomes. Methods: Consecutive EMS-transported hemorrhagic strokes were identified from medical records at 4 primary stroke centers. Data regarding prehospital care were abstracted from EMS records and linked to in-hospital data. Clinical predictors of accurate EMS recognition were examined using logistic regression. EMS performance measure compliance and hospital outcomes were also compared among EMS recognized and unrecognized hemorrhagic strokes. Results: Over 24 months, EMS-transported 188 hemorrhagic stroke patients; 108 (57.4%) were recognized by EMS. Recognized cases had higher rates of stroke scale documentation (84.3% vs. 20.0%, p < 0.001); multivariable logistic regression confirmed a strong independent relationship between stroke scale documentation and recognition (adjusted OR 15.1 [5.6 to 40.7]). Recognized cases also had shorter on-scene times (15.5 vs. 21 min, p < 0.001) and door-to-computed tomography (DTCT) acquisition times (20 vs. 47 min, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among EMS-transported hemorrhagic stroke cases, stroke screen documentation was strongly associated with EMS stroke recognition, which was in turn associated with higher quality of EMS care and faster computed tomography (CT) scans upon emergency department arrival.
The association between maternal human papillomavirus (HPV) experiences and HPV vaccination of their children

ABSTRACT HPV vaccination prevents most HPV-related cancers yet vaccination rates remain low. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the association between maternal HPV experiences and HPV vaccination uptake among children and whether this association may be explained by perceived benefits of vaccination. We used logistic regression models to estimate the effect of (1) maternal history of abnormal Pap smear, (2), family/friend history of cervical cancer, and (3) maternal history of cervical cancer on HPV vaccination uptake among children. Separate mediation analyses were conducted to determine if perceived benefits mediated the relationship between each maternal HPV experience and HPV vaccination uptake. History of abnormal Pap smear (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.97), family history of cervical cancer (OR = 1.72, CI = 1.26, 2.35), and personal history of cervical cancer (OR = 3.00, CI = 1.82, 4.95) predicted HPV vaccination of children. Perceived benefits mediated the relationship between history of abnormal Pap smear (indirect effect =.146, SE =.069, 95% CI =.014, .289), family history of cervical cancer (indirect effect =.228, SE =.079, CI =.080, .387), and personal history of cervical cancer (indirect effect =.298, SE =.116, CI =.082, .533) on HPV vaccination. Our results suggest that personal experiences with HPV-related disease may influence maternal HPV vaccine decision-making.
The Progression of Hemophilic Arthropathy: The Role of Biomarkers

Background: Hemophilia A and B are X-linked congenital bleeding disorders characterized by recurrent hemarthroses leading to specific changes in the synovium and cartilage, which finally result in the destruction of the joint: this process is called hemophilic arthropathy (HA). This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature to discuss their potential use in the clinical practice to monitor bleeding, to assess the progression of the HA and the effectiveness of treatments. Methods: A review of the literature was performed on PubMed and Embase, from 3 to 7 August 2020. Study selection and data extraction were achieved independently by two authors and the following inclusion criteria were determined a priori: English language, available full text and articles published in peer-reviewed journal. In addition, further articles were identified by checking the bibliography of relevant articles and searching for the studies cited in all the articles examined. Results: Eligible studies obtained at the end of the search and screen process were seventy-three (73). Conclusions: Despite the surge of interest in the clinical use of biomarkers, current literature underlines the lack of their standardization and their potential use in the clinical practice preserving the role of physical examination and imaging in early diagnosis.
European dermatology forum – updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 – part 1

Following the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma published in 1983, this technology has received continued use and further recognition for additional earlier as well as refractory forms. After the publication of the first guidelines for this technology in the JEADV in 2014, this technology has maintained additional promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi‐disciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well‐known documented conditions such as graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection including lung, heart and liver and to a lesser extent inflammatory bowel disease.
Modified script training for nonfluent/agrammatic primary progressive aphasia with significant hearing loss: A single-case experimental design

ABSTRACT Speech-language pathology caseloads often include individuals with hearing loss and a coexisting neurogenic communication disorder. However, specific treatment techniques and modifications designed to accommodate this population are understudied. Using a single-case experimental design, the current study investigated the utility of modified Video Implemented Script Training for Aphasia (VISTA) for an individual with nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia and severe-to-profound, bilateral hearing loss. We analyzed the impact of this intervention, which incorporates orthographic input and rehearsal, on script production accuracy, speech intelligibility, grammatical complexity, mean length of utterance, and speech rate. Treatment resulted in comparable positive outcomes relative to a previous study evaluating script training in nonfluent/agrammatic primary progressive aphasia patients with functional hearing. Follow-up data obtained at three months, six months, and one year post-treatment confirmed maintenance of treatment effects for trained scripts. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate a modified speech-language intervention tailored to the needs of an individual with PPA and hearing loss, with findings confirming that simple treatment modifications may serve to broaden the range of treatment options available to those with concomitant sensory and communication impairments.
Association between night-shift work and level of melatonin: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUNDS Night-shift workers are exposed to nocturnal light and are more prone to circadian rhythm disorders. Although night-shift work is thought to be associated with the decrease in melatonin secretion, studies have shown inconsistent results. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis studied the association between night-shift work and melatonin levels. Pubmed and Embase databases were used for literature searching. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare the differences between night-shift workers and the controls. RESULTS Thirty-three studies reported in 25 articles (1845 night-shift workers and 3414 controls, mean age 45.12 years) were included after a systematic literature review. Data of circulating melatonin levels and its metabolites, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) in urine were collected for meta-analysis. The results showed that the first morning-void aMT6s level in night-shift workers was significantly lower than in day workers (SMD = -0.101, 95% CI = -0.179 to -0.022, P = 0.012). The level of mean 24-h urinary aMT6s was lower in night-shift workers than day workers (SMD: -0.264, 95% CI: -0.473 to -0.056, P = 0.013). Among fixed night-shift workers, the level of circulating melatonin, as well as first morning-void aMT6s was lower than that of day workers. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that experience of night-shift work is associated with suppression of melatonin production, especially among fixed night-shift workers.
Important aspects of home care service: An interview study of persons with dementia

Background and Aim Because of the policy of ‘ageing in place’ and a decreasing number of beds in residential settings, more persons with dementia live at home with support from home care services. However, previous studies have revealed more unmet needs and a lower quality of life in this group than in other groups. Because few qualitative studies are performed in which persons with dementia have the opportunity to tell their own stories and describe what they find important, this study aimed to interview persons with dementia and describe their views on the important aspects of receiving home care service. Methods The study used a qualitative approach, and 14 persons with dementia participated in the interviews. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings The findings revealed one overarching theme. The importance of being supported as a unique and capable human, that is the persons with dementia stated that despite their dementia diagnoses, it was important to be seen as a person with capabilities, although in need of support. This theme was built on three subthemes: being seen as a person, being informed and involved, and being part of a relationship. Conclusions Our study showed that persons with dementia are able to express, formulate and reflect on their needs and preferences about their daily care as well as what is important to them when receiving home care service. Therefore, their point of view should be taken into consideration when planning, providing and evaluating care.
PERDAS ALEATÓRIAS NA POPULAÇÃO INICIAL E SUA RELAÇÃO COM O RENDIMENTO DE GRÃOS EM SORGO RANDOM INITIAL POPULATION REDUCTIONS AND ITS EFFECT ON SORGHUM YIELD

O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar perdas aleatorias em populacoes iniciais de sorgo ( Sorghum bicolor ) e sua relacao com o rendimento de graos, sendo realizado um ensaio no ano agricola de 2001/2002, utilizando quatro reducoes aleatorias de populacao (10, 25, 40 e 55%) e um tratamento testemunha com 190 mil plantas ha -1 , sendo o espacamento entre linhas de 0,70 m. O ensaio foi no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados , com tres repeticoes. Foram avaliados o rendimento de graos, componentes do rendimento e caracteres morfologicas da planta. O rendimento de graos diminui com as reducoes aleatorias na populacao, mas havendo uma compensacao relevante ate a reducao inicial de 40%. Para os componentes do rendimento, o peso medio de graos nao variou com as reducoes aleatorias e o numero de graos por panicula aumentou com as reducoes aleatorias. A analise de trilha apontou que a variacao do numero de graos por panicula tem maior influencia sobre o rendimento. Os caracteres morfologicos foram modificadas a medida que foram impostos os tratamentos. A area foliar, tamanho da panicula, e massa seca por planta cresceram a medida que aumentava as reducoes aleatorias na populacao e indice de area foliar, estatura de planta e massa seca total, diminuiram a medida que aumentou as reducoes aleatorias na populacao. O sorgo possui compensacao de rendimento de graos quando submetido a reducao aleatoria na populacao inicial e, para as reducoes aleatorias na populacao ate 40%, nao apresentou decrescimo significativo no rendimento de graos que justificasse uma ressemeadura.
Phytochemical Identification, Acute, and Sub-Acute Oral Toxicity Studies of the Foliar Extract of Withania frutescens

Withania frutescens (W. frutescens) is a medicinal plant widely used to treat several diseases. This work aims to study phytochemical composition as well as acute and subacute toxicity of W. frutescens hydroethanolic extract in mice. The phytochemical composition of W. frutescens extract was performed using gas chromatographic analysis. Acute toxicity was studied in vivo with oral administration of single doses 400 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg for 14 days. Subacute toxicity was studied with the administration of repeated doses of 400 mg/kg/day and 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Phytochemical analysis of W. frutescens hydro-ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of interesting chemical compounds. Acute toxicity results showed no toxic symptoms in mice treated with an increasing dose up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg. Alongside acute toxicity, subacute data showed no clinical symptoms nor biochemical or histological alteration in mice treated with an increasing dose up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This study shows no toxic effects in animals treated with W. frutescens extract, and, therefore, this plant can be considered safe in animals up to 2000 mg/kg under both acute and subacute toxicity conditions.
The Medical Management of Paediatric Crohn's Disease: an ECCO-ESPGHAN Guideline Update.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to provide an evidence-supported update of the ECCO-ESPGHAN guideline on the medical management of paediatric Crohn's disease [CD]. METHODS We formed 10 working groups and formulated 17 PICO-structured clinical questions [Patients, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome]. A systematic literature search from January 1, 1991 to March 19, 2019 was conducted by a medical librarian using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases. A shortlist of 30 provisional statements were further refined during a consensus meeting in Barcelona in October 2019 and subjected to a vote. In total 22 statements reached ≥ 80% agreement and were retained. RESULTS We established that it was key to identify patients at high risk of a complicated disease course at the earliest opportunity, to reduce bowel damage. Patients with perianal disease, stricturing or penetrating behaviour, or severe growth retardation should be considered for up-front anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] agents in combination with an immunomodulator. Therapeutic drug monitoring to guide treatment changes is recommended over empirically escalating anti-TNF dose or switching therapies. Patients with low-risk luminal CD should be induced with exclusive enteral nutrition [EEN], or with corticosteroids when EEN is not an option, and require immunomodulator-based maintenance therapy. Favourable outcomes rely on close monitoring of treatment response, with timely adjustments in therapy when treatment targets are not met. Serial faecal calprotectin measurements or small bowel imaging [ultrasound or magnetic resonance enterography] are more reliable markers of treatment response than clinical scores alone. CONCLUSIONS We present state-of-the-art guidance on the medical treatment and long-term management of children and adolescents with CD.
Prevalence and risk factors of childhood anemia in Nepal: A multilevel analysis

Introduction Anemia is a common problem in children particularly in developing countries and taking steps to tackle it is one of the major public health challenges for Nepal. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of individual, household and community level determinants of childhood anemia in Nepal. Methods Data was taken from a nationally representative sample of 1,942 Nepalese children aged from 6–59 months. The Chi-square test was used to determine the bivariate relationship between the selected variables and childhood anemia and a multilevel logistic regression model with a random intercept at household and community level was used to identify important determinants of this kind of anemia. Results The results showed that 52.6% (95% CI: 49.8%-55.4%) of the children were anemic while 26.6% (95% CI: 24.0%-29.3%) of them were moderate to severe. The prevalence of overall anemia was higher among children aged less than 11 months as well as in underweight children, children of underweight, anemic and uneducated mothers and those in the terrain ecological regions. Multivariable analysis showed that children aged less than 11 months, who were underweight and had anemic mothers were more likely to have moderate or severe anemia. Children in the hilly ecological region were less likely to have it compared to mountain and terrain ecological regions. Children in middle-class families and children of mothers who completed secondary education were more likely to have anemia. Conclusion Nepal is facing a serious public health problem due to the high prevalence of childhood anemia. This adverse situation occurs due to socio-demographic and geographical factors such as age, malnutrition status, mother’s anemia status, socio-economic status and regional variations. Prevention of childhood anemia should be given top priority in Nepal and should be considered as a major public health intervention.