Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 pandemic death toll in India: can we know better?

Correspondence to Dr Chalapati Rao; chalapati. rao@ anu. edu. au © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Reuse permitted under CC BYNC. No commercial reuse. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. BACKGROUND Timely and accurate mortality statistics are essential for health policy, monitoring and evaluation of health programmes, and epidemiological research. The COVID19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the critical need for reliable mortality data to monitor its impact across time, place and person. Across the world, initial data compilations were conducted according to pandemic mortality surveillance guidelines issued by the WHO. However, it was quickly realised that there were challenges in health sector reporting of COVID19 deaths due to gaps in availability of confirmatory testing; variations in practices for ascribing deaths to COVID19; and the diagnostic challenges for deaths that occur at home, outside the purview of the health sector. Hence, the surveillance community turned its attention to evaluate pandemic impact through the assessment of ‘excess’ mortality, defined as the increase in observed deaths in a defined time period, as compared with mortality expectations based on prepandemic trends. Such assessments require reliable population wide mortality data from Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems, but such systems are not efficient in many countries. Hence, mathematical models were formed to derive both prepandemic mortality patterns as well as excess mortality attributable to the COVID19 pandemic for such populations. The inherent limitation of these mathematical models are the assumptions on which calculations are based, as well as potential inaccuracies in primary data used as model inputs, which together create considerable uncertainty in estimated mortality patterns. In India too, the national government implemented mortality reporting according to the WHO pandemic surveillance guidelines, but these data were inadequate for the same reasons. In response to public interest in tracking the pandemic, various compilations of pandemic period mortality data were reported by independent investigators in national newspapers. This article evaluates the characteristics of pandemic period mortality data available from different sources for India, and potential biases in them that could impact accuracy of mortality models and excess mortality estimates. The article also suggests alternate statistical methods to estimate pandemic mortality in India, and makes recommendations to strengthen death registration.
The Role of Erythropoietin Levels in Predicting Long-Term Outcomes following Severe Acute Kidney Injury

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors are at an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and mortality. Little is known about the effect of erythropoietin (EPO), a kidney-producing hormone, in post-AKI setting. We aimed to investigate the role of EPO as a predictor of long-term outcomes in post-severe AKI survivors. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of post-AKI cohort conducted between August 2018 and December 2021. Adults who survived severe AKI stages 2–3 were enrolled. Serum EPO was obtained at 1 month after hospital discharge. We explored whether EPO level could predict long-term kidney outcomes at 12 months including mortality, kidney replacement therapy, doubling serum creatinine, and major adverse kidney events at 365 days. Results: One hundred and twelve patients were enrolled. Median EPO level was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors (28.9 [interquartile range: 16.2–50.7] versus 11.6 mU/mL [7.5–22.3], p = 0.003). The best EPO level cut-off was 16.2 mU/mL (sensitivity 77.8%, specificity 62.1%). Serum EPO predicted 12-month mortality with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69. Combining clinical model using age, baseline, and discharge kidney function with serum EPO improved prediction with AUC of 0.74. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that high-level of EPO group had significantly higher mortality compared with low-level EPO group (15.2% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.020). Hematocrit was significantly lower in high-level EPO group compared with low-level EPO group at 12 months (33.4 ± 1.1% vs. 36.0 ± 0.9%, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Plasma EPO appears to be a useful marker for predicting long-term outcome in post-severe AKI survivors.
The effect of heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBL88 on improving selective hepatic insulin resistance in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease mice without altering the gut microbiota

There have been several reports that some probiotics improve non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, many studies have involved cocktail therapies. We evaluated whether heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBL88 (L. brevis SBL88) monotherapy improves the clinical features of NAFLD.
Security and Environmental Change

Preface. Introduction: Change, Ecology and Security. Chapter 1: Scenarios Of Doom: From Thomas Malthus To Ecological "Collapse". Chapter 2: Global, Environmental and Human Security. Chapter 3: Environmental History: Conquest, Colonization, Famines and El Nino. Chapter 4: Global Change and Earth System Science. Chapter 5: Glurbanization and Vulnerability in the Anthropocene. Chapter 6: Geopolitics and Ecological Security Conclusion: Anthropocene Security
Exploring prenatal testing preferences among US pregnant individuals: A discrete choice experiment.

Although there are numerous benefits to diagnostic prenatal testing, such as fetal exome sequencing, there are also consequences, including the possibility of receiving variants of uncertain significance or identifying secondary findings. In this study, we utilized a survey-based discrete choice experiment to elicit the preferences of pregnant people in Northern California for hypothetical prenatal genomic tests. Pregnant individuals were invited to complete the survey through advertisements on social media. Five test attributes were studied: likelihood of getting a result, time taken to receive results, who explains results, reporting of uncertain results, and reporting of secondary findings. The survey also gathered information about the participants' demographics, current and past pregnancies, and tolerance of uncertainty using the IUS-12 scale. Participants were eligible if they were female, currently 24 or more weeks pregnant, and able to read/write enough English or Spanish to complete an online survey. Overall, participants (n = 56) preferred the option of having a prenatal test over not having a prenatal test (p < 0.01) and had substantially higher preferences for tests with the highest likelihood of getting a result (p < 0.01). There were also positive preferences for tests that reported secondary findings (p = 0.01) and those where results were returned by a genetic specialist (vs. their prenatal provider) (p = 0.04). These findings can be used to guide conversations between pregnant individuals and genetics specialists, such as genetic counselors, as they weigh the pros and cons of diagnostic prenatal testing options.
Role of Dgat2 in Glucose Uptake and Fatty Acid Metabolism in C2C12 Skeletal Myotubes

Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA):diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) catalyzes the last stage of triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, a process that forms ester bonds with diacylglycerols (DAG) and fatty acyl-CoA substrates. The enzymatic role of Dgat2 has been studied in various biological species. Still, the full description of how Dgat2 channels fatty acids in skeletal myocytes and the consequence thereof in glucose uptake have yet to be well established. Therefore, this study explored the mediating role of Dgat2 in glucose uptake and fatty acid partitioning under short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-mediated Dgat2 knockdown conditions. Cells transfected with Dgat2 siRNA downregulated glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and decreased the cellular uptake of [1-14C]-labeled 2-deoxyglucose up to 24.3% (p < 0.05). Suppression of Dgat2 deteriorated insulininduced Akt phosphorylation. Dgat2 siRNA reduced [1-14C]-labeled oleic acid incorporation into TAG, but increased the level of [1-14C]-labeled free fatty acids at 3 h after initial fatty acid loading. In an experiment of chasing radioisotope-labeled fatty acids, Dgat2 suppression augmented the level of cellular free fatty acids. It decreased the level of re-esterification of free fatty acids to TAG by 67.6% during the chase period, and the remaining pulses of phospholipids and cholesteryl esters were decreased by 34.5% and 61%, respectively. Incorporating labeled fatty acids into beta-oxidation products increased in Dgat2 siRNA transfected cells without gene expression involving fatty acid oxidation. These results indicate that Dgat2 has regulatory function in glucose uptake, possibly through the reaction of TAG with endogenously released or recycled fatty acids.
Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States

A . Report Title: Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States B. DATE Report Downloaded From the Internet: 17 Jun 98 C. Report's Point of Contact: (Name, Organization, Address, Office Symbol, & Ph #: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services D. Currently Applicable Classification Level: Unclassified E. Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release F. The foregoing information was compiled and provided by: DTIC-OCA, Initials: PM Preparation Date: 17 Jun 98
The current state, challenges, and future directions of deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder

ABSTRACT Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is clinically and pathologically heterogenous, with symptoms often refractory to first-line treatments. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of refractory OCD provides an opportunity to adjust and individualize neuromodulation targeting aberrant circuitry underlying OCD. The tailoring of DBS therapy may allow precision in symptom control based on patient-specific pathology. Progress has been made in understanding the potential targets for DBS intervention; however, a consensus on an optimal target has not been agreed upon. Areas Covered A literature review of DBS for OCD was performed by querying the PubMed database. The following topics were covered: the evolution of DBS targeting in OCD, the concept of an underlying unified connectomic network, current DBS targets, challenges facing the field, and future directions which could advance personalized DBS in this challenging population. Expert Opinion To continue the increasing efficacy of DBS for OCD, we must further explore the optimal DBS response across clinical profiles and neuropsychiatric domains of OCD as well as how interventions targeting multiple points in an aberrant circuit, multiple aberrant circuits, or a connectivity hub impact clinical response. Additionally, biomarkers would be invaluable in programming adjustments and creating a closed-loop paradigm to address symptom fluctuation in daily life.
Left atrial strain and ventricular global longitudinal strain in cirrhotic patients using the new criteria of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium

The new criteria of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium (CCC) propose the use of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) for evaluation of systolic function in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate LV‐GLS and left atrial (LA) strain in association with the severity of liver disease and to assess the characteristics of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM).
Proteomics and mathematical modeling of longitudinal CSF differentiates fast versus slow ALS progression

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology that lacks biomarkers predicting disease progression. The objective of this study was to use longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to identify biomarkers that distinguish fast progression (FP) from slow progression (SP) and assess their temporal response.
Resting energy metabolism and sweet taste preference during the menstrual cycle in healthy women

Abstract Differences in blood concentration of sex hormones in the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases may influence energy metabolism in women. We compared fasting energy metabolism and sweet taste preference on a representative day of the FP and LP in twenty healthy women (25·3 (sd 5·1) years, BMI: 22·2 (sd 2·2) kg/m2) with regular self-reported menses and without the use of hormonal contraceptives. From the self-reported duration of the three prior menstrual cycles, the predicted FP and LP visits were scheduled for days 5–12 and 20–25 after menses, respectively. The order of the FP and LP visits was randomly assigned. On each visit, RMR and RQ by indirect calorimetry, sweet taste preference by the Monell two-series forced-choice tracking procedure, serum fibroblast growth factor 21 by a commercial ELISA (FGF21, a liver-derived protein with action in energy balance, fuel oxidation and sugar preference) and dietary food intake by a 24-h dietary recall were determined. Serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations displayed the expected differences between phases. RMR was lower in the FP v. LP (5042 (sd 460) v. 5197 (sd 490) kJ/d, respectively; P = 0·04; Cohen effect size, d rm = 0·33), while RQ showed borderline significant higher values (0·84 (sd 0·05) v. 0·81 (sd 0·05), respectively; P = 0·07; d rm = 0·62). Also, in the FP v. LP, sweet taste preference was lower (12 (sd 8) v. 16 (sd 9) %; P = 0·04; d rm = 0·47) concomitant with higher serum FGF21 concentration (294 (sd 164) v. 197 (sd 104) pg/ml; P < 0·01; d rm = 0·66). The menstrual cycle is associated with changes in energy expenditure, sweet taste preference and oxidative fuel partitioning.
Disparity in temporal and spatial relationships between resting-state electrophysiological and fMRI signals

Resting-state brain networks (RSNs) have been widely applied in health and disease, but their interpretation in terms of the underlying neural activity is unclear. To systematically investigate this cornerstone issue, here we simultaneously recorded whole-brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and electrophysiology signals in two separate brain regions in rats. Our data show that for both recording sites, band-specific local field potential (LFP) power-derived spatial maps can explain up to 90% of the spatial variance of RSNs obtained by the rsfMRI signal. Paradoxically, the time series of LFP band power can only explain up to 35% of the temporal variance of the local rsfMRI time course from the same site. In addition, regressing out time series of LFP power from rsfMRI signals has limited impact on the spatial patterns of rsfMRI-based RSNs. This disparity in the spatial and temporal relationships between resting-state electrophysiology and rsfMRI signals suggest that the electrophysiological activity alone does not account for all effects in the rsfMRI signal. To further interpret this disparity, we propose a model hypothesizing that a significant component in the rsfMRI signal is driven by electrophysiology-invisible neural activities that are active in neurovascular coupling. Temporally, this electrophysiology-invisible signal is weakly correlated to electrophysiology data. However, as signaling of these two types of neural activities are both constrained by the same anatomical backbone, they can generate similar RSN spatial patterns. These data and the model provide a new perspective of our interpretation of RSNs.
Comparing vagus nerve stimulation and resective surgery outcomes in patients with co‐occurring autism and epilepsy to patients with epilepsy alone: A population‐based study

Autism and epilepsy commonly co‐occur. Understanding trends in healthcare utilization and in‐hospital outcomes amongst patients with autism and epilepsy can help optimize care and reduce costs. We compared hospital outcomes amongst patients with autism and epilepsy to those with epilepsy alone undergoing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and resective/disconnective surgery. Differences in discharge status, in‐hospital mortality, mean length of stay (LOS), cost and surgical/medical complications were examined. Elective surgical admissions amongst patients with epilepsy alone and co‐occurring autism and epilepsy were identified in the 2003–14 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) using previously validated ICD‐9‐CM case definitions. One patient with co‐occurring epilepsy and autism was matched to three epilepsy patients for age, sex and (1) VNS and (2) resective/disconnective surgery. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to examine the outcomes of interest. Data were collected on: (1) VNS‐52 (mean age: 12.79 ± 1.03; 19.27% female) hospital admissions in persons with comorbid autism and epilepsy, 156 (mean age: 12.84 ± 0.71; 19.31% female) matched controls with epilepsy alone; (2) resective/disconnective surgery‐113 (mean age: 12.99 ± 0.84; 24.55% female) with comorbid autism and epilepsy, 339 (mean age: 13.37 ± 0.68; 23.86% female) matched controls with epilepsy alone. Compared to patients with epilepsy alone, patients with autism and epilepsy who underwent either surgery showed no differences for in‐hospital mortality, discharge status, mean LOS, hospitalization cost, and surgical/medical complications. Our study shows the feasibility and safety of epilepsy VNS and resective surgery in those with ASD do not differ with those with epilepsy alone, contrary to the prevalent safety concerns of epilepsy surgery in patients with ASD.
Cell–cell communication in African trypanosomes

Years of research have shown us that unicellular organisms do not exist entirely in isolation, but rather that they are capable of an altogether far more sociable way of living. Single cells produce, receive and interpret signals, coordinating and changing their behaviour according to the information received. Although this cell–cell communication has long been considered the norm in the bacterial world, an increasing body of knowledge is demonstrating that single-celled eukaryotic parasites also maintain active social lives. This communication can drive parasite development, facilitate the invasion of new niches and, ultimately, influence infection outcome. In this review, I present the evidence for cell–cell communication during the life cycle of the African trypanosomes, from their mammalian hosts to their insect vectors, and reflect on the many remaining unanswered questions in this fascinating field.
Vaginal wall thickness as potential biomarker of vaginal health. A proposal for standardized ultrasound measurement using three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound

Vaginal wall thickness could be used as a biomarker of vaginal health. We propose a standardized method using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound for measuring vaginal wall thickness. Fill the vagina with gel. Insert the endovaginal transducer into the vagina up to the middle third. In the sagittal plane, visualizing the cervix and vaginal fornices, capture a 3D volume of the upper third of the vagina. Using tomographic ultrasound imaging function in the sagittal plane and the posterior vaginal fornix as the reference obtain at least three axial planes of the vagina, separated by 1 cm. Measure the vaginal wall thickness at a distance of 2 cm from the posterior vaginal fornix at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The reproducibility of measurements was high. Measurements of vaginal wall thickness can be reliably performed.
Characteristics of goal-setting tools in adult rehabilitation: A scoping review

Objectives This scoping review aims to map the literature on goal-setting tools in adult rehabilitation, exploring their characteristics, target users and supporting evidence to inform practice and future research in this area. Methods We completed a comprehensive search of four databases to identify relevant articles on tools for goal setting in rehabilitation. We followed Arkey and O’Malley's scoping review process to guide article selection, data extraction and data analysis. Results We identified a total of 165 studies that reported on 55 different goal-setting tools, including tools for goal selection and goal documentation (n = 31), goal setting and intervention planning (n = 15), and for measuring the quality of the goal-setting process (n = 9). Over half of the tools were primarily designed for use in rehabilitation of physical disabilities (n = 32). Some tools fell under multiple sub-categories based on their characteristics as follows: 22 framework tools, 12 interview tools, 9 outcome measurement tools for goal achievement, 6 outcome measurement tools for goal quality and 25 documentation tools. The majority of goal-setting instruments targeted goals at the level of activity and participation (n = 51) and aimed to facilitate a client-centred or shared decision-making approach to rehabilitation planning (n = 46). Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive overview of existing goal-setting tools, highlighting their characteristics, target users and identified needs. These findings can enhance practitioners’ awareness of the range of goal-setting tools available and can enable more effective utilization of these tools in clinical practice. Further research should investigate how clinicians can combine multiple tools to deliver goal setting.
Epithelial TNF controls cell differentiation and CFTR activity to maintain intestinal mucin homeostasis

The gastrointestinal tract relies on the production, maturation, and transit of mucin to protect against pathogens and to lubricate the epithelial lining. Although the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate mucin production and movement are beginning to be understood, the upstream epithelial signals that contribute to mucin regulation remain unclear. Here, we report that the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF), generated by the epithelium, contributes to mucin homeostasis by regulating both cell differentiation and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activity. We used genetic mouse models and noninflamed samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing anti-TNF therapy to assess the effect of in vivo perturbation of TNF. We found that inhibition of epithelial TNF promotes the differentiation of secretory progenitor cells into mucus-producing goblet cells. Furthermore, TNF treatment and CFTR inhibition in intestinal organoids demonstrated that TNF promotes ion transport and luminal flow via CFTR. The absence of TNF led to slower gut transit times, which we propose results from increased mucus accumulation coupled with decreased luminal fluid pumping. These findings point to a TNF/CFTR signaling axis in the adult intestine and identify epithelial cell–derived TNF as an upstream regulator of mucin homeostasis.
Koyi Rai: An Initial Grammatical Sketch

Koyi Rai is a previously undescribed language of the Kiranti group of the Himalayan branch of Tibeto-Burman. Koyi, also referred to by speakers as Koyu or Kohi, is spoken in the Khotang district in Eastern Nepal, near the headwaters of the Rawa Khola, in the villages of Sungdel and, to a lesser extent, Dipsung. There are also some speakers in the villages of Lethang and Bharauli in the Tarai. My work was carried out in the Kathmandu Valley, political conditions at the time (2004) not being well-suited to fieldwork in the villages. There are said to be 2~3000 speakers.