Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of peritoneal dialysis in heart failure: A systematic review

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal (EC) therapy, including ultrafiltration (UF) and haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and peritoneal ultrafiltration (PUF) are potential therapeutic options in diuretic-resistant states. This systematic review assessed outcomes of PD and compared the effects of PD to EC. A comprehensive search of major databases from 1966 to 2017 for studies utilising PD (or PUF) in diuretic-resistant HF was conducted, excluding studies involving patients with end-stage kidney disease. Data were extracted and combined using a random-effects model, expressed as odds ratio (OR). Thirty-one studies (n = 902) were identified from 3195 citations. None were randomised trials. Survival was variable (0–100%) with a wide follow-up duration (36 h–10 years). With follow-up > 1 year, the overall mortality was 48.3%. Only four studies compared PD with EC. Survival was 42.1% with PD and 45.0% with EC; the pooled effect did not favour either (OR 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24–2.69; p = 0.710). Studies on PD in patients with HF reported several benefits. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved after PD (OR 3.76, 95%CI: 2.24–5.27; p < 0.001). Seven of nine studies saw LVEF increase by > 10%. Twenty-one studies reported the New York Heart Association status and 40–100% of the patients improved by ≥ 1 grade. Nine of 10 studies reported reductions in hospitalisation frequency and/or duration. When treated with PD, HF patients had fewer symptoms, lower hospital admissions and duration compared to diuretic therapy. However, there is inadequate evidence comparing PD versus UF or HD. Further studies comparing these modalities in diuretic-resistant HF should be conducted.
Pregnancy in sickle cell trait: what we do and don’t know

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is the carrier state for sickle cell disease that results from the HBB rs334 missense mutation (p.Glu6Val) in the β‐globin chain of haemoglobin. While not associated with any impact on life expectancy, it has been established that SCT is associated with an increased risk of both venous thromboembolism (and in particular, pulmonary embolism) and chronic kidney disease. It is largely unknown what short‐ or long‐term effect, if any, pregnancy has upon the risk or outcomes of these disorders. In addition, SCT has been linked with various adverse outcomes in pregnancy, ranging from maternal complications such as elevated risk of bacteriuria to potentially life‐threatening entities such as pre‐eclampsia and prematurity. In these scenarios also, no clear association with SCT has been established. Given the high worldwide prevalence of SCT, further studies addressing these issues are warranted.
Haematological features, transfusion management and outcomes of massive obstetric haemorrhage: findings from the Australian and New Zealand Massive Transfusion Registry

Massive obstetric haemorrhage (MOH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality world‐wide. Using the Australian and New Zealand Massive Transfusion Registry, we performed a bi‐national cohort study of MOH defined as bleeding at ≥20 weeks’ gestation or postpartum requiring ≥5 red blood cells (RBC) units within 4 h. Between 2008 and 2015, we identified 249 cases of MOH cases from 19 sites. Predominant causes of MOH were uterine atony (22%), placenta praevia (20%) and obstetric trauma (19%). Intensive care unit admission and/or hysterectomy occurred in 44% and 29% of cases, respectively. There were three deaths. Hypofibrinogenaemia (<2 g/l) occurred in 52% of cases in the first 24 h after massive transfusion commenced; of these cases, 74% received cryoprecipitate. Median values of other haemostatic tests were within accepted limits. Plasma, platelets or cryoprecipitate were transfused in 88%, 66% and 57% of cases, respectively. By multivariate regression, transfusion of ≥6 RBC units before the first cryoprecipitate (odds ratio [OR] 3·5, 95% CI: 1·7–7·2), placenta praevia (OR 7·2, 95% CI: 2·0–26·4) and emergency caesarean section (OR 4·9, 95% CI: 2·0–11·7) were independently associated with increased risk of hysterectomy. These findings confirm MOH as a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and indicate areas for practice improvement.
Elevated Eosinophils as a Feature of Inflammation Associated With Hypertension in Virally Suppressed People Living With HIV

Background People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, which persists despite effective plasma viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy. HIV infection is characterized by long‐term alterations in immune function, but the contribution of immune factors to hypertension in PLWH is not fully understood. Prior studies have found that both innate and adaptive immune cell activation contributes to hypertension. Methods and Results We hypothesized that chronic inflammation may contribute to hypertension in PLWH. To test this hypothesis, we enrolled a cohort of 70 PLWH (44% hypertensive) on a long‐term single antiretroviral therapy regimen for broad phenotyping of inflammation biomarkers. We found that hypertensive PLWH had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor 1, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐17, interleukin‐5, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α. After adjustment for age, sex, and fat mass index, the circulating eosinophils remained significantly associated with hypertension. On the basis of these results, we assessed the relationship of eosinophils and hypertension in 2 cohorts of 50 and 81 039 similar HIV‐negative people; although eosinophil count was associated with prevalent hypertension, this relationship was abrogated by body mass index. Conclusions These findings may represent a unique linkage between immune status and cardiovascular physiological characteristics in HIV infection, which should be evaluated further.
~(18)F-FDG PET/CT in detection of pancreatic cancer:value of synthetic analysis interpretation

Objective We studied the value of synthetic analysis interpretation,which used CT benign feature to correct false positive findings on positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)with fluorine-18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)in patients with pancreatic lesion.Methods We examined forty patients whom had primary pancreatic lesions by FDG PET/CT.Among them,27 cases of patients had pancreatic neoplasm proved by surgery(n=6)and clinical follow-up(n=21). Thirteen cases were pancreatitis proved by abdominoscopy(n=2)and clinical follow-up(n=11). PET/CT images were interpreted by simple half quantitative method(the standard uptake value,SUV)and synthetic analysis method,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the two methods were calculated and compared.The lesion was diagnosed malignant on the simple SUV methods,if the maximum SUV(SUVmax)of lesion greater than 2.5. The synthetic analysis methods combined PET and CT,PET was the luder,but CT can pass PET.If the lesion showed hot spot on PET image,but correspondence CT image showed a benign feature,it will be diagnosed as benign lesion,even if the lesion's SUVmax was greater than 2.5. Results The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of synthetic analysis methods were 100%. The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the simple SUV methods were 96.3%,76.9%,90.0%,respectively.Conclusion Pancreas CT benign feature,especially inflammatory exudation CT findings,can be used to correct some FDG false positive,and can improve diagnosis specificity and accuracy of PET/CT in pancreatic cancer.
Healthcare services utilization among people with intellectual disability and comparison with the general population.

BACKGROUND Studies have reported unmet health needs in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). This study illustrated and analysed patterns of healthcare services utilization among people with intellectual disability and compared their use to that of the general population. METHOD Participants (N = 791, aged 15-82) were mainly recruited through government-financed agencies specializing in services for people with intellectual disabilities in Québec, Canada. Comparisons were possible by using health administrative data. RESULTS Some services were more used by people with intellectual disability than the general population (general medicine, psychiatry, PSA blood tests), and others were accessed at significantly lower frequencies (optometry, physiotherapy, Pap tests). Similar rates were found for mammography, dentistry and psychology. Inequities were more salient for individuals who had more severe levels of intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that the population with intellectual disability would benefit from policies and practices aimed at enhancing the access to healthcare services.
Bioavailability and safety of diazepam intranasal solution compared to oral and rectal diazepam in healthy volunteers

The study assesses the bioavailability of diazepam after intranasal administration (diazepam nasal spray) in healthy volunteers. Comparative agents were diazepam rectal gel, which served as the regulatory reference product; and oral diazepam, a product with decades of clinical use. Tolerability of diazepam nasal spray was also assessed.
The new biology of PTCL‐NOS and AITL: current status and future clinical impact

Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) comprise a heterogeneous group of aggressive lymphoproliferative disorders almost all of which are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) and some peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) have similarities to normal CD4+ T‐cell subsets in their gene expression profiles. A cell of origin model is, therefore, emerging and is likely to be refined in the future. Follicular helper (Tfh) T cells are now established as the cell of origin of AITL and about 20% of PTCL‐NOS. Sequencing studies have identified recurrent genetic alterations in epigenetic modifiers, T‐cell receptor signalling pathway intermediates or RHOA, most commonly a specific mutation leading to RHOA G17V. While PTCL‐NOS remains a diagnosis of exclusion, advances in genomics have identified subgroups expressing transcription factors TBX 21 (Th1‐like origin) and GATA3 (Th2‐like origin). These findings suggest new biomarkers and new therapeutic avenues including the hypomethylating agent azacytidine, or inhibitors of proximal T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling and potentially certain monoclonal antibodies. The advances over the past few years, therefore, prompt stratified medicine approaches to test biologically based treatments and determine the clinical utility of the new disease classifications.
Stability of chronotype over a 7‐year follow‐up period and its association with severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms

Chronotype is an individual's preferred timing of sleep and activity, and is often referred to as a later chronotype (or evening‐type) or an earlier chronotype (or morning‐type). Having an evening chronotype is associated with more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms. Based on these findings it is has been suggested that chronotype is a stable construct associated with vulnerability to develop depressive or anxiety disorders. To examine this, we test the stability of chronotype over 7 years, and its longitudinal association with the change in severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
A prospective case series of sphenopalatine ganglion pulsed radiofrequency therapy for refractory chronic cluster headache

The management options for chronic cluster headache (CCH) are limited and a significant proportion of patients become refractory to pharmacological treatments. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) may present an efficacious, minimally invasive treatment modality for patients with refractory CCH. We describe the clinical outcomes of 14 patients with refractory CCH treated with PRF of the SPG.
Plant responses to rising vapor pressure deficit.

Recent decades have been characterized by increasing temperatures worldwide, resulting in an exponential climb in vapor pressure deficit (VPD). VPD has been identified as an increasingly important driver of plant functioning in terrestrial biomes including being a major contributor in recent drought-induced plant mortality, independently from other drivers associated with climate change. Despite this, few studies have isolated the physiological response of plant functioning to high VPD, thus limiting our understanding and ability to predict future impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. An abundance of evidence suggests that stomatal conductance declines under high VPD and transpiration increases in most species up until a given VPD threshold, leading to a cascade of subsequent impacts including reduced photosynthesis and growth, and higher risks of carbon starvation and hydraulic failure. Incorporation of photosynthetic and hydraulic traits in 'next-generation' land-surface models has the greatest potential for improved prediction of VPD responses at the plant- and global-scale, and will yield more mechanistic simulations of plant responses to a changing climate. By providing a fully integrated framework and evaluation of the impacts of high VPD on plant function, improvements in forecasting and long-term projections of climate impacts can be made.
A critical role of the KCa3.1 channel in mechanical stretch‐induced proliferation of rat bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

Mechanical stimulation is an important factor regulating mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions such as proliferation. The Ca2+‐activated K+ channel, KCa3.1, is critically engaged in MSC proliferation but its role in mechanical regulation of MSC proliferation remains unknown. Here, we examined the KCa3.1 channel expression and its role in rat bone marrow‐derived MSC (BMSC) proliferation in response to mechanical stretch. Application of mechanical stretch stimulated BMSC proliferation via promoting cell cycle progression. Such mechanical stimulation up‐regulated the KCa3.1 channel expression and pharmacological or genetic inhibition of the KCa3.1 channel strongly suppressed stretch‐induced increase in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. These results support that the KCa3.1 channel plays an important role in transducing mechanical forces to MSC proliferation. Our finding provides new mechanistic insights into how mechanical stimuli regulate MSC proliferation and also a viable bioengineering approach to improve MSC proliferation.
Performance Validity Testing in Justice-Involved Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Objectives: A number of commonly used performance validity tests (PVTs) may be prone to high failure rates when used for individuals with severe neurocognitive deficits. This study investigated the validity of 10 PVT scores in justice-involved adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental disability stemming from prenatal alcohol exposure and linked with severe neurocognitive deficits. Method: The sample comprised 80 justice-involved adults (ages 19–40) including 25 with confirmed or possible FASD and 55 where FASD was ruled out. Ten PVT scores were calculated, derived from Word Memory Test, Genuine Memory Impairment Profile, Advanced Clinical Solutions (Word Choice), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (Reliable Digit Span and age-corrected scaled scores (ACSS) from Digit Span, Coding, Symbol Search, Coding – Symbol Search, Vocabulary – Digit Span), and the Wechsler Memory Scale – Fourth Edition (Logical Memory II Recognition). Results: Participants with diagnosed/possible FASD were more likely to fail any single PVT, and failed a greater number of PVTs overall, compared to those without FASD. They were also more likely to fail based on Word Memory Test, Digit Span ACSS, Coding ACSS, Symbol Search ACSS, and Logical Memory II Recognition, compared to controls (35–76%). Across both groups, substantially more participants with IQ <70 failed two or more PVTs (90%), compared to those with an IQ ≥70 (44%). Conclusions: Results highlight the need for additional research examining the use of PVTs in justice-involved populations with FASD.
Coaching approaches in early intervention and paediatric rehabilitation

Currently, coaching is increasingly applied to foster the involvement of families with an infant or young child with special needs in early intervention and paediatric rehabilitation. Coaching practices are included in many forms of intervention and are regarded as essential to reach beneficial outcomes for the child and family. There are, however, many ambiguities that blur the concept of coaching and hamper its understanding and integration as an evidence‐based approach in early intervention and paediatric rehabilitation: lack of differentiation between coaching and training of families, for example. Challenges to incorporate coaching into professional practice relate to adult learning processes and knowledge acquisition, and transformation of attitudes, beliefs, and treatment habits. In this paper, we review the barriers encountered and the possibilities available to promote successful implementation of coaching in early childhood interventions.
Clinical Effects of the Self-administered Subcutaneous Complement Inhibitor Zilucoplan in Patients With Moderate to Severe Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

Key Points Question What are the clinical effects of zilucoplan, a subcutaneously self-administered macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of complement component 5, in a broad population of patients with moderate to severe acetylcholine receptor autoantibody–positive generalized myasthenia gravis? Findings In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 2 trial, zilucoplan yielded rapid, clinically meaningful, statistically significant, and sustained improvements in the primary and key secondary end points. Near-complete complement inhibition was associated with a faster onset and greater magnitude of benefit than submaximal complement inhibition, and favorable safety and tolerability were observed. Meaning The findings support a potential therapeutic role for zilucoplan in generalized myasthenia gravis and further evaluation in a phase 3 study.
Differentiating the Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter 1 Inhibition Capacity of Canagliflozin vs. Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin Using Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Modeling

The aim of this research was to differentiate dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin based on their capacity to inhibit sodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and 2 in patients with type 2 diabetes using a previously developed quantitative systems pharmacology model of renal glucose filtration, reabsorption, and excretion. The analysis was based on pooled, mean study‐level data on 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion, average daily plasma glucose, and estimated glomerular filtration rate collected from phase I and II clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors. Variations in filtered glucose across clinical studies were shown to drive the apparent differences in the glucosuria dose–response relationships among the gliflozins. A normalized dose–response analysis demonstrated similarity of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, but not canagliflozin. At approved doses, SGLT1 inhibition by canagliflozin but not dapagliflozin or empagliflozin contributed to ~ 10% of daily urinary glucose excretion.
Green nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for osteogenic disorders

ABSTRACT Introduction Current treatments for osteogenic disorders are often successful, however they are not free of drawbacks, such as toxicity or side effects. Nanotechnology offers a platform for drug delivery in the treatment of bone disorders, which can overcome such limitations. Nevertheless, traditional synthesis of nanomaterials presents environmental and health concerns due to its production of toxic by-products, the need for extreme and harsh raw materials, and their lack of biocompatibility over time. Areas covered This review article contains an overview of the current status of treating osteogenic disorders employing green nanotechnological approaches, showing some of the latest advances in the application of green nanomaterials, as drug delivery carriers, for the effective treatment of osteogenic disorders. Expert opinion Green nanotechnology, as a potential solution, is understood as the use of living organisms, biomolecules and environmentally friendly processes for the production of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials derived from bacterial cultures or biomolecules isolated from living organisms, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, have been proven to be effective composites. These nanomaterials introduce enhancements in the treatment and prevention of osteogenic disorders, compared to physiochemically-synthesized nanostructures, specifically in terms of their improved cell attachment and proliferation, as well as their ability to prevent bacterial adhesion.
Incidence and prognosis of crown discoloration in traumatized primary teeth: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIM Knowledge of factors influencing the occurrence of crown discoloration following traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth and understanding its possible consequences can aid dentists to provide appropriate care. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of crown discoloration following trauma in primary teeth. This study also estimated the risk of pulp necrosis with subsequent infection of the root canal system and pulp canal obliteration in discolored teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS Records of children treated at the specialized trauma center of the Federal University of Pelotas during a period of 10 years were analyzed. Patient details including the type of injury, presence of crown discoloration, pulp necrosis and pulp canal obliteration were collected. Photographs of teeth with crown discoloration were assessed to evaluate the color presented (yellow or dark). Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used for data analyses (P<0.05). RESULTS A total of 355 children with 628 traumatized teeth were included in the study. The incidence of crown discoloration was 27.9%, and 20.5% of the teeth were affected. Discoloration was higher in children whose age at the time of trauma was 2-4 years (p=0.020) and it was associated with the type of injury (p=0.019). Discolored teeth had a twofold risk of pulp necrosis and subsequent infection of the root canal system (RR 1.98 95% CI 1.42-276; P<0.001) and a higher risk of pulp canal obliteration (RR 8.47; 95% CI 4.95-14.51; P<0.001) than did teeth without discoloration. Teeth with dark and yellow discoloration were significantly associated with pulp necrosis and pulp canal obliteration, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the importance of monitoring traumatized primary teeth with crown discoloration, particularly those appearing darker, owing to their higher risk of pulp necrosis and subsequent infection of the root canal system.