Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, comorbidities and survival analysis of young adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in New York City

This study reviewed 395 young adults, 18–35 year-old, admitted for COVID-19 to one of the eleven hospitals in New York City public health system. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical course, outcomes and characteristics linked to hospitalization were analyzed including temporal survival analysis. Fifty-seven percent of patients had a least one major comorbidity. Mortality without comorbidity was in 3.8% patients. Further investigation of admission features and medical history was conducted. Comorbidities associated with mortality were diabetes (n = 54 deceased/73 diagnosed,74% tested POS;98.2% with diabetic history deceased; Wilcoxon p (Wp) = . 044), hypertension (14/44,32% POS, 25.5%; Wp = 0.030), renal (6/16, 37.5% POS,11%; Wp = 0.000), and cardiac (6/21, 28.6% POS,11%; Wp = 0.015). Kaplan survival plots were statistically significant for these four indicators. Data suggested glucose >215 or hemoglobin A1c >9.5 for young adults on admission was associated with increased mortality. Clinically documented respiratory distress on admission was statistically significant outcome related to mortality (X2 = 236.6842, df = 1, p < .0001). Overall, 28.9% required supportive oxygen beyond nasal cannula. Nasal cannula oxygen alone was required for 71.1%, who all lived. Non-invasive ventilation was required for 7.8%, and invasive mechanical ventilation 21.0% (in which 7.3% lived, 13.7% died). Temporal survival analysis demonstrated statistically significant response for Time to Death <10 days (X2 = 18.508, df = 1, p = .000); risk lessened considerably for 21 day cut off (X2 = 3.464, df = 1, p = .063), followed by 31 or more days of hospitalization (X2 = 2.212, df = 1, p = .137).
SGLT2 inhibition requires reconsideration of fundamental paradigms in chronic kidney disease, 'diabetic nephropathy', IgA nephropathy and podocytopathies with FSGS lesions.

In 2020, the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) trial first demonstrated that inhibition of the sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) with dapagliflozin attenuates the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria in patients with or without diabetes at an unprecedented effect size. These results have far-reaching implications for a series of traditional concepts in Nephrology. It now became obvious that CKD with and without diabetes involves a predominant SGLT2-driven pathophysiology compared with the other pathogenic pathways currently under consideration. As SGLT2 inhibition is similarly efficacious in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD with proteinuria, treating CKD rather than 'diabetic nephropathy' becomes the central paradigm. Indeed, in older adults with type 2 diabetes, CKD is rather of multifactorial origin. As the DAPA-CKD trial included more patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) than any of the previous IgAN trials, dual renin-angiotensin/SGLT2 inhibition may become the new standard. The same applies for patients with podocytopathy-related focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions. From now on, IgAN and podocytopathy trials without SGLT2 inhibition as background therapy and without glomerular filtration rate decline as primary outcome criterion will be of limited value. These and other potential implications will trigger broad discussions and secondary research activities with conclusions difficult to predict today. However, one is for sure: Nephrology after the DAPA-CKD trial will be not the same as it was before. Finally!
Influence of Starch Fine Structure and Storage Proteins on the Eating Quality of Rice Varieties with Similar Amylose Contents.

BACKGROUND Rice eating quality largely dictates consumer preference and the demand of new rice varieties with excellent eating quality from farmers is increasing. Identification of the factors contributing to eating quality is helpful for developing high-quality rice varieties. RESULTS Two groups of rice with different apparent amylose contents (AACs) were used in this study. One group contained four varieties with low AACs (8.8-9.4%), whereas the other contained four traditional varieties with medium AACs (17.2-17.5%). The physicochemical properties, starch fine structure and crystallinity, and storage protein composition of the two groups were analyzed. We found that, in both groups, the rice varieties with high eating quality had more short-chain amylopectin, lower glutelin and prolamin contents, and a higher albumin content. In addition, the low-AAC varieties produced opaque endosperms, which may result from the increased pores in the center of starch granules. CONCLUSIONS Both the fine structure of starch and the storage protein composition were closely related to rice eating quality. In both groups, short branch-chain amylopectin, short-chain amylopectin [degree of polymerization (DP) 6-12], and albumin had positive effects on eating quality. By contrast, long branch-chain amylopectin, long-chain amylopectin (DP 35-60), glutelin and prolamin had adverse effects on eating quality of rice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Ginkgolide B attenuates collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis and regulates fibroblast-like synoviocytes-mediated apoptosis and inflammation

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease characterized by chronic synovial infiltration and proliferation, cartilage destruction, and joint injury. Ginkgolide B (GB) is an extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, and pharmacological studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-RA properties of GB. Methods In vivo, we established a collagen II-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Mice were divided into five groups (n=10): sham, CIA, GB (10 µM), GB (20 µM), and GB (40 µM). We measured arthritis score, synovial histopathological change, and peripheral blood cytokine levels. In vitro, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) as the study subject. Cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines levels were detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. Finally, the protein expression of wingless-type family member 5A (Wnt5a), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) p65 were detected by Western blot. Results Arthritis scores, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage and bone destruction were significantly ameliorated by GB. Additionally, GB decreased the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13, and increased IL-10. In vitro, we found that GB remarkably inhibited RA-FLSs viability at 24 or 48 h in a concentration-dependent manner. The apoptotic ratio was reduced by GB, and it increased the expression of cleaved-Caspase-3 and Bax while decreasing Bcl-2 expression in RA-FLSs. Furthermore, GB attenuated the progression of inflammation by mediating inflammatory cytokine release and MMPs gene expression. Meanwhile, GB inactivated the expression levels of Wnt5a, phosphorylated (p)-JNK, and p-P65 in the synovial tissues and RA-FLSs. Conclusions This study was the first to demonstrate that the anti-RA effect of GB is related to reducing articular cartilage and bone destruction, inducing RA-FLSs apoptosis, and regulating inflammatory cytokine release and the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB axis. All the findings highlight that GB might provide a novel treatment approach for RA.
Outcomes of pediatric neuropsychological services: A systematic review

Abstract Objective: The primary aim of this project was to apply systematic review methods to synthesize the literature on outcomes of pediatric neuropsychological services. The secondary aim was to use the results of the systematic review to identify gaps in the extant literature and describe priorities for future research. Method: We identified the relevant studies using a rigorous search strategy, collected data on methodological variables, assessed the risk of bias in the studies, summarized findings by topic and subtopic areas, identified strengths and weaknesses of the literature, and provided recommendations for future research. The outcomes measured were satisfaction, changes in resource or strategy utilization, and changes in symptoms or functioning (i.e. changes in child emotional, behavioral, cognitive, or academic problems, parent stress, or family functioning). Results: The final sources of data were 26 records, pertaining to a total of 974 children who received neuropsychological services. Parents were generally satisfied with services and reported high clinician empathy and increased level of knowledge, based on the evaluation. However, they reported less often that the neuropsychologist provided actual help. Informal home and school-based strategies were implemented more often than other types of recommendations. The research on changes in child symptoms and functioning was limited, but suggests improvements. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review of outcomes of pediatric neuropsychological services. Larger studies involving data collection at multiple time points are needed in order to further clarify mechanisms leading to outcomes and potential targets for improving them.
Manipulations of the olfactory circuit highlight the role of sensory stimulation in regulating sleep amount.

STUDY OBJECTIVES While wake duration is a major sleep driver, an important question is if wake quality also contributes to controlling sleep. In particular, we sought to determine whether changes in sensory stimulation affect sleep in Drosophila. As Drosophila rely heavily on their sense of smell, we focused on manipulating olfactory input and the olfactory sensory pathway. METHODS Sensory deprivation was first performed by removing antennae or applying glue to antennae. We then measured sleep in response to neural activation, via TRPA1, or inhibition, via KIR2.1, of subpopulations of neurons in the olfactory pathway. Genetically restricting manipulations to adult animals prevented developmental effects. RESULTS We find that olfactory deprivation reduces sleep, largely independently of mushroom bodies that integrate olfactory signals for memory consolidation and have previously been implicated in sleep. However, specific neurons in the lateral horn, the other third order target of olfactory input, affect sleep. Also, activation of inhibitory second order projection neurons increases sleep. No single neuronal population in the olfactory processing pathway was found to bidirectionally regulate sleep, and reduced sleep in response to olfactory deprivation may be masked by temperature changes. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that Drosophila sleep is sensitive to sensory stimulation, and identify novel sleep-regulating neurons in the olfactory circuit. Scaling of signals across the circuit may explain the lack of bidirectional effects when neuronal activity is manipulated. We propose that olfactory inputs act through specific circuit components to modulate sleep in flies.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies prognostic mutational signatures in gastric cancer

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease, and is a leading cause of cancer deaths in Eastern Asia. Genomic analysis, such as whole-exome sequencing (WES), can help identify key genetic alterations leading to the malignancy and diversity of GC, and may help identify new drug targets. Methods We identified genomic alterations in a cohort of 38 GC patients, including 26 metastatic and 12 non-metastatic patients. We analyzed the association between novel gene mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) with tumor metastasis and patient survival. Results A number of significantly mutated genes in somatic and germline cells were identified. Among them, ATAD3B somatic mutation, a potential biomarker of immunotherapy in stomach cancers, was associated with better patient survival (P=0.0939) and metastasis (P=0.074). POLE germline variation was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS; P=0.0100). Novel CNVs were also identified and can potentially be used as biomarkers. These included 9p24.1 deletion (P=0.0376) and 16p11.2 amplification (P=0.0066), which were both associated with shorter OS. CNVs of several genes including MMP9, PTPN1, and SS18L1 were found to be significantly related to metastasis (P<0.05). Conclusions We characterized the mutational landscape of 38 GC patients and discovered several potential new predictive markers of survival and metastasis in GC.
Disaster Recovery Communication in the Digital Era: Social Media and the 2016 Southern Louisiana Flood

This study explores disaster recovery communication in the digital era. In particular, this study analyzes Twitter communication data corresponding to the 2016 Southern Louisiana flood recovery process and examines patterns and characteristics of long‐term recovery communication. Based on network and sentiment analyses of the longitudinal Twitter data, the study identifies the dynamic changes in participants’ numbers, dominant voices, and sentiments in social media communication during the long‐term recovery process. From the additional content analysis of relevant news articles, in‐depth contextual information is provided to support and supplement the findings. Findings show the weaning communication volume during the recovery phase, lacking local voices over the long‐term recovery communication process, and prolonging negative sentiments over the recovery period. Based on the findings, the authors provide implications highlighting the need for investing in long‐term recovery communication, better utilizing information from social media, and supporting local voices during disaster recovery.
Greater Somatosensory Afference With Acupuncture Increases Primary Somatosensory Connectivity and Alleviates Fibromyalgia Pain via Insular γ‐Aminobutyric Acid: A Randomized Neuroimaging Trial

Acupuncture is a complex multicomponent treatment that has shown promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). However, clinical trials have shown mixed results, possibly due to heterogeneous methodology and lack of understanding of the underlying mechanism of action. The present study was undertaken to understand the specific contribution of somatosensory afference to improvements in clinical pain, and the specific brain circuits involved.
Low potential for evolutionary rescue from climate change in a tropical fish

Significance There is currently great concern about the ability of organisms to adapt to warmer environments. During heat waves, upper thermal tolerance is often critical for survival, but it is largely unknown how rapidly tolerance can evolve, especially in vertebrates. We artificially selected on upper thermal tolerance in a tropical fish to see whether and how quickly thermal tolerance evolves, and how warm acclimation prior to a thermal challenge alters this evolutionary process. Upper thermal tolerance evolved but at a slow rate toward higher temperature. Furthermore, acclimation capacity decreased in the lines selected for higher thermal tolerance. These results suggest that tropical fishes will struggle to adapt in pace with the current climate warming. Climate change is increasing global temperatures and intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme heat waves. How organisms will cope with these changes depends on their inherent thermal tolerance, acclimation capacity, and ability for evolutionary adaptation. Yet, the potential for adaptation of upper thermal tolerance in vertebrates is largely unknown. We artificially selected offspring from wild-caught zebrafish (Danio rerio) to increase (Up-selected) or decrease (Down-selected) upper thermal tolerance over six generations. Selection to increase upper thermal tolerance was also performed on warm-acclimated fish to test whether plasticity in the form of inducible warm tolerance also evolved. Upper thermal tolerance responded to selection in the predicted directions. However, compared to the control lines, the response was stronger in the Down-selected than in the Up-selected lines in which evolution toward higher upper thermal tolerance was slow (0.04 ± 0.008 °C per generation). Furthermore, the scope for plasticity resulting from warm acclimation decreased in the Up-selected lines. These results suggest the existence of a hard limit in upper thermal tolerance. Considering the rate at which global temperatures are increasing, the observed rates of adaptation and the possible hard limit in upper thermal tolerance suggest a low potential for evolutionary rescue in tropical fish living at the edge of their thermal limits.
New Insights for Red Propolis of Alagoas—Chemical Constituents, Topical Membrane Formulations and Their Physicochemical and Biological Properties

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the chemical constitution and allergenic potential of red propolis extract (RPE). They were evaluated, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the release of β-hexosaminidase, respectively. A plethora of biologically active polyphenols and the absence of allergic responses were evinced. RPE inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, suggesting that the extract does not stimulate allergic responses. Additionally, the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of hydrogel membranes loaded with RPE were analyzed. Bio-polymeric hydrogel membranes (M) were obtained using 5% carboxymethylcellulose (M1 and M2), 1.0% of citric acid (M3) and 10% RPE (for all). Their characterization was performed using thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), total phenolic content, phenol release test and, antioxidant activity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The latter appointed to the similar antioxidant capacity of the M1, M2 and M3. The degradation profiles showed higher thermostability to M3, followed by M2 and M1. The incorporation of RPE into the matrices and the crosslinking of M3 were evinced by FTIR. There were differences in the release of phenolic compounds, with a higher release related to M1 and lower in the strongly crosslinked M3. The degradation profiles showed higher thermostability to M3, followed by M2 and M1. The antibacterial activity of the membranes was determined using the disc diffusion assay, in comparison with controls, obtained in the same way, without RPE. The membranes elicited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with superior performance over M3. The hydrogel membranes loaded with RPE promote a physical barrier against bacterial skin infections and may be applied in the wound healing process.
Diagnostic role of apparent diffusion coefficient combined with intratumoral susceptibility signals in differentiating high-grade gliomas from brain metastases

Objective The aim of this study was to assess whether tumoral and peritumoral apparent diffusion coefficient values and intratumoral susceptibility signals on susceptibility-weighted imaging could distinguish between high-grade gliomas and brain metastases, and to investigate their associations with the Ki-67 proliferation index. Materials and methods Fifty-seven patients with pathologically confirmed diagnoses of either high-grade glioma or brain metastasis were enrolled in this study (23 with high-grade gliomas and 34 with brain metastases). The minimum and mean apparent diffusion coefficients in the enhancing tumoral region (ADCmin and ADCmean) and the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient in the peritumoral region (ADCedema) were measured from apparent diffusion coefficient maps, and intratumoral susceptibility signal grades acquired by susceptibility-weighted imaging were calculated. Ki-67 proliferation index values were obtained from the hospital database. These parameters were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test, independent-sample t-test, Spearman correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve, and logistic regression analyses. Results ADCmean, ADCmin values, and intratumoral susceptibility signal grades in brain metastases were significantly lower than those in high-grade gliomas (all p < 0.05). Ki-67 proliferation index values showed significant correlations with ADCmean, ADCmin, and intratumoral susceptibility signal grade in brain metastases (all p < 0.05), but no correlation was found in high-grade gliomas (all p > 0.05). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, ADCmean achieved the highest diagnostic performance for discriminating high-grade gliomas from brain metastases. Furthermore, the combination of tumoral apparent diffusion coefficient parameters with intratumoral susceptibility signal grade provided a higher area under the curve than univariate parameters. Conclusion The combination of tumoral apparent diffusion coefficient with intratumoral susceptibility signal grade can offer better diagnostic performances for differential diagnosis. Apparent diffusion coefficient and intratumoral susceptibility signal may reflect cellular proliferative activity in brain metastases, but not in high-grade gliomas.
The effect of hepatitis B vaccination after five years on an entire population in an insular region of Southeast China

ABSTRACT Prevalence of hepatitis B (HB) remains high among adults in insular regions of southeast China. To address this issue, large-scale HB vaccination was implemented in Putuo County of Zhoushan City in 2013. To examine the effects of this large-scale HB vaccination, a cross-sectional serological survey was conducted on two isolated islands, Putuo (intervention group) and Dinghai (control group) Counties of Zhoushan City in southeastern China five years later. The data showed lower prevalence of HBsAg and negative results for all HBV markers in the intervention group compared to the control group (4.2% and 6.0%, 20.8% and 33.0%), while the positive rate for anti-HBs and only anti-HBs were higher (68.4% and 53.4%, 47.9% and 34.3%). Therefore, large-scale adult HB vaccination could lower the HB epidemic level. However, the proportion of susceptible people who were negative for all HBV markers remained high. Hence, several additional measures to limit the spread of HBV should be taken by the government.