Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profile of serum cytokine concentrations in patients with gouty arthritis

Objective This study aimed to analyze the changes in serum inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with gouty arthritis (GA). Methods The clinical data and serum samples in patients with gouty arthritis and those in healthy volunteers were collected in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from July 2018 to January 2019. Serum cytokine concentrations in patients with GA and volunteers (controls) were determined by a chemiluminescence method. The differences in cytokine concentrations were compared between the two groups. Results Concentrations of serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-4 were significantly higher in patients with acute GA than in controls. Serum concentrations of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and immunoglobulin E in patients with remission of GA were significantly lower, whereas concentrations of IL-10 and interferon-γ were significantly higher, compared with those in patients with acute GA. Conclusion This study shows that serum concentrations of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-4 are significantly elevated in patients with GA, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of GA.
Insights into the Ultrafast Dynamics of CH2OO and CH3CHOO Following Excitation to the Bright 1ππ* State: The Role of Singlet and Triplet States

Criegee intermediates make up a class of molecules that are of significant atmospheric importance. Understanding their electronically excited states guides experimental detection and provides insight into whether solar photolysis plays a role in their removal from the troposphere. The latter is particularly important for large and functionalized Criegee intermediates. In this study, the excited state chemistry of two small Criegee intermediates, formaldehyde oxide (CH2OO) and acetaldehyde oxide (CH3CHOO), was modeled to compare their specific dynamics and mechanisms following excitation to the bright ππ* state and to assess the involvement of triplet states to the excited state decay process. Following excitation to the bright ππ* state, the photoexcited population exclusively evolves to form oxygen plus aldehyde products without the involvement of triplet states. This occurs despite the presence of a more thermodynamically stable triplet path and several singlet/triplet energy crossings at the Franck‐Condon geometry and contrasts with the photodynamics of related systems such as acetaldehyde and acetone. This work sets the foundations to study Criegee intermediates with greater molecular complexity, wherein a bathochromic shift in the electron absorption profiles may ensure greater removal via solar photolysis.
Clinical features and diagnostic tools in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Abstract Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are rare autoimmune disorders affecting primarily muscles, but other organs can be involved. This review describes the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment for IIMs, namely polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and myositis associated with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). The diagnostic approach has been updated recently based on the discovery of circulating autoantibodies, which has enhanced the management of patients. Currently, validated classification criteria for IIMs allow clinical studies with well-defined sets of patients but diagnostic criteria to guide the care of individual patients in routine clinical practice are still missing. This review analyzes the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of IIMs, discusses the efficiency of modern and standard methods employed in their workup, and delineates optimal practice for clinical care. Α multidisciplinary diagnostic approach that combines clinical, neurologic and rheumatologic examination, evaluation of electrophysiologic and morphologic muscle characteristics, and assessment of autoantibody immunoassays has been determined to be the preferred approach for effective management of patients with suspected IIMs.
Csi-let-7a-5p delivered by extracellular vesicles from a liver fluke activates M1-like macrophages and exacerbates biliary injuries

Significance Infection with liver flukes (such as Clonorchis sinensis) can induce severe biliary injuries. But we don’t know how it happens. Here, we find that a microRNA Csi-let-7a-5p delivered by extracellular vesicles from C. sinensis is prone to M1-like activation of macrophages, thus leading to biliary proinflammatory responses and biliary injuries. These findings indicate a molecular mechanism contributing to biliary injuries caused by C. sinensis. Chronic infection with liver flukes (such as Clonorchis sinensis) can induce severe biliary injuries, which can cause cholangitis, biliary fibrosis, and even cholangiocarcinoma. The release of extracellular vesicles by C. sinensis (CsEVs) is of importance in the long-distance communication between the hosts and worms. However, the biological effects of EVs from liver fluke on biliary injuries and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we found that CsEVs induced M1-like activation. In addition, the mice that were administrated with CsEVs showed severe biliary injuries associated with remarkable activation of M1-like macrophages. We further characterized the signatures of miRNAs packaged in CsEVs and identified a miRNA Csi-let-7a-5p, which was highly enriched. Further study showed that Csi-let-7a-5p facilitated the activation of M1-like macrophages by targeting Socs1 and Clec7a; however, CsEVs with silencing Csi-let-7a-5p showed a decrease in proinflammatory responses and biliary injuries, which involved in the Socs1- and Clec7a-regulated NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study demonstrates that Csi-let-7a-5p delivered by CsEVs plays a critical role in the activation of M1-like macrophages and contributes to the biliary injuries by targeting the Socs1- and Clec7a-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway, which indicates a mechanism contributing to biliary injuries caused by fluke infection. However, molecules other than Csi-let-7a-5p from CsEVs that may also promote M1-like polarization and exacerbate biliary injuries are not excluded.
Vaccine-elicited CD4 T cells prevent the deletion of antiviral B cells in chronic infection

Significance Vaccines against persisting viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C virus remain a significant unmet global need. Long-lived memory B cells can be induced by vaccination to form an important pillar of antiviral immunity, yet persisting viruses subvert both primary B cell responses and memory B cell protection. Studying a mouse model of persistent viral infection, we found that CD4 T memory cells averted the deletion of antiviral B cells upon chronic virus challenge. Memory T help promoted germinal center reactions, preventing the B cells’ untimely, interferon-induced end differentiation. These observations indicate that B cell–based vaccination should be paired with potent memory CD4 T cell induction for memory B cells to prevail when confronted with a chronic viral intruder. Chronic viral infections subvert protective B cell immunity. An early type I interferon (IFN-I)–driven bias to short-lived plasmablast differentiation leads to clonal deletion, so-called “decimation,” of antiviral memory B cells. Therefore, prophylactic countermeasures against decimation remain an unmet need. We show that vaccination-induced CD4 T cells prevented the decimation of naïve and memory B cells in chronically lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-infected mice. Although these B cell responses were largely T independent when IFN-I was blocked, preexisting T help assured their sustainability under conditions of IFN-I–driven inflammation by instructing a germinal center B cell transcriptional program. Prevention of decimation depended on T cell–intrinsic Bcl6 and Tfh progeny formation. Antigen presentation by B cells, interactions with antigen-specific T helper cells, and costimulation by CD40 and ICOS were also required. Importantly, B cell–mediated virus control averted Th1-driven immunopathology in LCMV-challenged animals with preexisting CD4 T cell immunity. Our findings show that vaccination-induced Tfh cells represent a cornerstone of effective B cell immunity to chronic virus challenge, pointing the way toward more effective B cell–based vaccination against persistent viral diseases.
Immune cell and TCR/BCR repertoire profiling in systemic lupus erythematosus patients by single-cell sequencing

The immune cells and the repertoire of T cells and B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Exploring their expression and distribution in SLE can help us better understand this lethal autoimmune disease. In this study, we used a single-cell 5’ RNA sequence and single-cell T cell receptor (TCR)/B cell receptor (BCR) to study the immune cells and the repertoire from ten SLE patients and the paired normal controls (NC). The results showed that 9732 cells correspondence to 12 cluster immune cell types were identified in NC, whereas 11042 cells correspondence to 16 cluster immune cell types were identified in SLE. The results demonstrated that neutrophil, macrophage, and dendritic cells were accumulated in SLE by annotating the immune cell types. Besides, the bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these cell types indicates their role in inflammation response. In addition, patients with SLE showed increased TCR and BCR clonotypes compared with the healthy controls. Furthermore, patients with SLE showed biased usage of TCR and BCR V(D)J genes. Taken together, we characterized the transcriptome and TCR/BCR immune repertoire profiles of SLE patients, which may provide a new avenue for the diagnosis and treatment of SLE.
The Motor Engram of Functional Connectivity Generated by Acute Whole-Body Dynamic Balance Training

ABSTRACT Purpose Whole-body dynamic balance is necessary for both athletic activities and activities of daily living. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute dynamic balance training on neural networks. Methods We evaluated resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC), white matter fiber density, fiber-bundle cross-section, and gray matter volume in 28 healthy young adults (14 women) before and after 30 min of slackline training using a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design. Results The rs-FC between the left lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the foot area of the primary sensorimotor (SM1) cortex increased significantly after slackline training compared with that after a control condition involving ergometer-based aerobic exercise. In addition, changes in rs-FC between the left lateral PFC and the primary sensorimotor were correlated with performance changes after training (i.e., offline process) rather than online learning. We also observed a main effect of time between the hippocampus and the cingulate cortex, including the anterior areas, and between the bilateral lateral PFC. Although we observed no structural changes, fiber density in the commissural fiber pathway before the first balance assessment was correlated with initial balance capability. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that acute whole-body dynamic balance training alters specific rs-FC, and that this change is associated with performance changes after training. In addition, rs-FC changes in cognitive regions were modulated by both acute dynamic balance training and aerobic exercise. These findings have the potential to influence various fields (e.g., sports neuroscience, neurorehabilitation) and may aid in the development of methods that can improve motor and cognitive performance.
Subchronic effects of different doses of Zinc oxide nanoparticle on reproductive organs of female rats: An experimental study

Background Zinc performs many biochemical and physiological functions; however, toxicological studies demonstrate that Nano-zinc oxide has harmful effects on human health and environmental species in high concentrations. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles on reproductive tissues of female rat. Materials and Methods Eighty female Wistar adult rats weighing 180–200 gr, divided into eight groups (n= 10 in each group) including control, sham (treated with saline), and six groups injected with different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticle with 10–30 nanometer size (4, 8, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) twice a week for four weeks. At the end of the study, the rats were bled and slaughtered; the Ovary and Uterus were taken for histopathology studies and blood samples were transferred to the laboratory for biochemical analysis. Results Microscopic diagnoses in ovary tissue were included; increase in the corpus luteum, follicular cysts, inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis. Histopathological changes in ovary in a dose-dependent manner. In uterus tissue the lesions consisted; epithelial destruction, hyperplasia of endometrial glands. The Estrogen and Progesterone level in the serum of rats increased in low doses and reduced in a dose-dependent manner at high doses. Conclusion The results of the current study proved the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the ovary and uterus organs at high concentrations, so further investigation is needed to reduce these effects.
Improving Communication by Standardizing Pediatric Rapid Response Team Documentation

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. ABSTRACT Background: Rapid response teams (RRTs) have been used by multiple hospital systems to enhance patient care and safety. However, processes to document rapid response events (RRE) are often varied among providers and teams, which can lead to suboptimal communication of recommendations to both the primary medical team and family. Methods: A preintervention chart review was conducted from January–March 2018 and revealed suboptimal baseline documentation following RREs. A literature review and survey of RRT team members led to the creation of a standardized document with an Epic SmartPhrase which included six key elements of RRE documentation: physical examination, intervention performed, response to intervention, plan of care, communication with care team, and communication with family. A postintervention chart review was completed from April-June 2019 to assess improvements in documentation with the use of this SmartPhrase. Results: There were 23 RRE activations in the postintervention period, of which 60.8% were due to respiratory distress. The documentation of the six key elements improved (p < .05) after SmartPhrase creation and serial educational interventions. Conclusions: Standardized RRE documentation of six key elements significantly improved with the implementation of an Epic SmartPhrase. Improved quality of documentation enhances communication between team members and can contribute to safer patient care.
HIV continuum of care: bridging cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

Objective: The aim of this study was to propose a unified continuum-of-care (CoC) analysis combining cross-sectional and longitudinal elements, incorporating time spent between stages. Design: The established 90-90-90 target follows a cross-sectional four-stage CoC analysis, lacking information on timing of diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, and viral suppression durability. Methods: Data were derived from the Athens Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (AMACS). In the cross-sectional CoC, we added stratification of diagnosed people with HIV (PWH) by estimated time from infection to diagnosis; of those who ever initiated ART or achieved viral suppression by corresponding current status (in 2018); and cumulative incidence function (CIF) of ART initiation and viral suppression, treating loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) as competing event. Viral suppression was defined as viral load less than 500 copies/ml. Viral suppression durability was assessed by the CIF of viral load rebound. Findings: About 89.1% of PWH in 2018 were diagnosed (range of diagnoses: 1980–2018). Median time to diagnosis was 3.5 years (IQR: 1.1–7.0). Among diagnosed, 89.1% were ever treated, of whom 86.7% remained on ART. CIF of ART initiation and LTFU before ART initiation were 80.9 and 6.0% at 5 years since diagnosis, respectively. Among treated, 89.4% achieved viral suppression, of whom 87.4% were currently virally suppressed. The CIF of viral load rebound was 24.2% at 5 years since first viral suppression but substantially reduced in more recent years. Interpretation: The proposed analysis highlights time gaps in CoC not evident by the standard cross-sectional approach. Our analysis highlights the need for early diagnosis and identifies late presenters as a key population for interventions that could decrease gaps in the CoC.
Walking while talking: validation in older adults with lower-limb amputation

Background: Walking while talking (WWT) is a dual-task (cognitive and motor) performance test that has not yet been validated in older adults with lower-limb amputation (LLA). WWT is composed of two sections: WWT-simple (walking while reciting every letter of the alphabet) and WWT-complex (walking while reciting every other letter of the alphabet). Objective: To determine the validity, and provide normative data and a new scoring system for the WWT test in older adults with LLA. Study design: Baseline cross-sectional data were collected from 56 community-living older adults (≥50 years old) with LLA at rehabilitation hospitals in Vancouver, BC, London, ON, and Edmonton, AB, Canada. Methods: Time and number of recited letters and errors during both sections were recorded. A new score was developed based on all these variables. Correlations of the recorded times with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale and the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) score were used to evaluate the validity of the WWT test. Results: As hypothesized, the times for both sections of the WWT were negatively correlated with both the ABC and 2MWT scores. Positive correlations were observed between the scores developed for both WWT sections with the 2MWT score. Conclusion: Times taken to complete each section of the WWT test were correlated with the 2MWT and the ABC scale scores, providing evidence for the validity of the WWT test. We also provided a scoring method that is more objective and in line with the dual-task nature of the test.
Sexual harassment and organisational silencing in nursing: a cross-sectional study in Greece

Objective This study investigates the frequency of sexual harassment among female nurses in the Greek health system and the nurses’ reluctance to report their experiences. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Greece. Participants 1264 female nurses of working age across different settings responded to the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) web-based format between October 2020 and February 2021. The period investigated by the SEQ was the participant’s entire professional life. The final sample consisted of 1217 nurses with valid data on the frequency of sexually harassing behaviours (gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, sexual coercion) and the reasons for not reporting sexual harassment. Main outcome measures The frequency of sexual harassment was measured in a 5-point Likert Scale (1: very often, 2: often, 3: occasionally, 4: rarely, 5: never), the decision to report/not report sexual harassment was measured in a yes/no format and the impact of sexual harassment on the physical, mental and job-related performance was measured in a 5-point Likert Scale (1: very positively, 2: positively, 3: moderately, 4: negatively, 5: very negatively). Results 70% of the nurses have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their working lives, while the most frequent type is gender harassment. Male doctors are the most common perpetrators. T-tests and analysis of variance showed that private and younger nurses were more likely to experience sexual harassment while divorced nurses with 1–5 years of experience dealt with sexually coercive behaviours more frequently. 30% did not report sexual harassment because of the fear of negative consequences and beliefs that no action will be taken against the perpetrator. Multiple regression analyses showed that unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion explain the victim’s physical and job-related adverse outcomes. Cronbach’s α was 0.939. Conclusions The results show that sexual harassment rates are high in the Greek health system, while many victims do not report their experiences to the authorities. This emphasises the need to implement drastic measures on behalf of the National Health Service (NHS) policy makers towards helping victims speak up without the fear of negative consequences. Nurse managers are called to implement effective policies against sexual harassment.
A Comparison of Component Separation With Porcine Acellular Dermal Reinforcement to Bovine Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Repair of Significant Midline Ventral Hernia Defects

Background The optimal material for reinforcement of complex abdominal ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains controversial. Biologic prostheses such as porcine and bovine acellular dermal matrix (PADM/BADM) have shown favorable results, but few head-to-head comparisons between the two types exist. We sought to provide such a comparison. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 40 consecutive patients who underwent open component separation (CS/VHR) with PADM reinforcement to 39 consecutive patients who underwent open CS/VHR with BADM reinforcement at our institution. Patient characteristics, outcomes, complications, reoperations, and hernia recurrences were obtained by chart review. Fisher’s exact and t-test analyses compared patient characteristics and outcomes between the 2 cohorts. Statistical significance was set as P < . 05. Results Patient groups did not differ significantly in race (P=.36), age (P=.8), BMI (P=.34), sex (P=.09), steroid usage (p-1.00), COPD (P=.43), number of previous abdominal operations (P=.66), and duration of follow-up (P=.65). There were significantly more smokers in the PADM group (37.5% vs 12.8%, P=.01). Mean defect size was significantly greater in the PADM group (372.5 cm2 vs 292. cm2 in the BADM group, P=.001) as was the number of Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grade III/IV hernias (65.0% vs 38.4%, P=.02). Recurrence rates were lower in the BADM group, (12.5% vs 5.1%, P=.26), as was recurrence or complications requiring reoperation (17.5% vs 5.1%, P=.15). Postoperative wound events were also significantly lower in the BADM group (30.0% vs 2.6%, P=.001). Conclusions In our series, CS/BADM was associated with significantly fewer wound complications. Recurrences and complications requiring reoperation were also fewer, which trended toward but did not reach statistical significance, presumably due to the small sample size. These findings indicating superiority of BADM over PADM are potentially confounded by the higher percentage of smokers, the larger mean defect size, and the higher number of VHWG III/IV patients in the PADM group. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.