Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Rabies in South America and Inter-Species Dynamics (2009–2018)

Rabies is listed as one of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Neglected Tropical Diseases Worldwide, with a significant impact in South America. This paper explores the dynamics of rabies cases in humans, pets (dogs and cats), livestock and wildlife (bats in particular) in South America during the period 2009–2018. The data used in this study were derived from the two main databases for rabies in South America: the OIE-WAHIS from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and PANAFTOSA’s Regional Information System for the Epidemiological Surveillance of Rabies (SIRVERA). Being a neglected disease with possible underreporting in some areas, the reported rabies cases may not always represent the real disease burden. The analysis focuses on the evolution of the number of cases in time and their spatial distribution, as well as on the main source of infections in humans, determined by laboratory assays of the antigenic variant or through epidemiological investigations. Additionally, Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were used to evaluate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of human cases. Our results show that the highest impact of the disease in terms of number of cases was reported on livestock, while the overall number of cases (in animals and humans) progressively decreased along the study period. The spatial distribution of rabies in livestock showed two main clusters in the north-western (mainly Colombia) and in the south-eastern part of the affected area (Brazil), and a third smaller cluster in Peru. A cluster in dogs was observed in Bolivia. Out of the 192 human cases reported during the study period, 70% of them were transmitted by bats. The number of human cases reported during the study period were significantly associated with the number of rabies cases reported in livestock, pets and wildlife. Despite the overall decreasing case report rate, the disease still represents a major animal and public health concern in South America, and new strategies for compiling systematic information, networking and education are needed, as well as the education and training of veterinary staff.
Genome-Wide Identification, Structure Characterization, Expression Pattern Profiling, and Substrate Specificity of the Metal Tolerance Protein Family in Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC

Plant metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) play key roles in heavy metal absorption and homeostasis in plants. By using genome-wide and phylogenetic approaches, the origin and diversification of MTPs from Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC. was explored. Canavalia rosea (bay bean) is an extremophile halophyte with strong adaptability to seawater and drought and thereby shows specific metal tolerance with a potential phytoremediation ability. However, MTP genes in leguminous plants remain poorly understood. In our study, a total of 12 MTP genes were identified in C. rosea. Multiple sequence alignments showed that all CrMTP proteins possessed the conserved transmembrane domains (TM1 to TM6) and could be classified into three subfamilies: Zn-CDFs (five members), Fe/Zn-CDFs (five members), and Mn-CDFs (two members). Promoter cis-acting element analyses revealed that a distinct number and composition of heavy metal regulated elements and other stress-responsive elements existed in different promoter regions of CrMTPs. Analysis of transcriptome data revealed organ-specific expression of CrMTP genes and the involvement of this family in heavy metal stress responses and adaptation of C. rosea to extreme coral reef environments. Furthermore, the metal-specific activity of several functionally unknown CrMTPs was investigated in yeast. These results will contribute to uncovering the potential functions and molecular mechanisms of heavy metal absorption, translocation, and accumulation in C. rosea plants.
The Number of Myomas Is the Most Important Risk Factor for Blood Loss and Total Operation Time in Robotic Myomectomy: Analysis of 242 Cases

To identify factors affecting blood loss and operation time (OT) during robotic myomectomy (RM), we reviewed a total of 448 patients who underwent RM at Seoul Asan Hospital between 1 January 2019, and 28 February 2021, at Seoul Asan Hospital. To avoid variations in surgical proficiency, only 242 patients managed by two surgeons who each performed >80 RM procedures during the study period were included in this study. All cases of RM were performed with a reduced port technique. We obtained the following data from each patient’s medical chart: age, gravidity, parity, body mass index, and history of previous abdominal surgery including cesarean section. We also collected information on the maximal diameter and type of myomas, number and weight of removed myomas, concomitant surgery, total OT from skin incision to closure, estimated blood loss (EBL), and blood transfusion. Data on preoperative use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) and perioperative use of hemostatic agents (tranexamic acid or vasopressin) were also collected. Data on the length of hospital stay, postoperative fever within 48 h, and any complications related to RM were also obtained. The primary endpoint in this study was the identification of factors affecting EBL and the secondary endpoint was the identification of factors affecting the total OT during multiport RM. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors affecting EBL and OT during multiport RM. The medians of the maximal diameter and weight of the removed myomas were 9.00 (interquartile range [IQR], 7.00 to 10.00) cm and 249.75 (IQR, 142.88 to 401.00) g, respectively. The median number of myomas was two (IQR, one to four), ranging from 1 to 34. Of the cases, 155 had low EBL and 87 had high EBL. Most myomas were of the intramural type (n = 179). The odds of EBL > 320 mL increased by 251% (odds ratio [OR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–5.42) for five to nine myomas and by 647% (OR, 6.47; 95% CI, 1.87–22.33) for ≥10 myomas. The odds of subserosal-type myomas decreased by 67% compared with intramural-type myomas (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14–0.80). History of abdominal surgery other than cesarean section was positively correlated with EBL. The weight of the removed myomas and a history of previous cesarean section were not correlated with the EBL. Conclusion: The number of myomas (5–9 and ≥10), maximal myoma diameter, and history of abdominal surgery other than cesarean section affect the EBL in RM.
Omniflow II biosynthetic grafts versus expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for infrainguinal bypass surgery. A single-center retrospective analysis

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular grafts as compared to synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts in infrainguinal bypass surgery. Methods: A single-center, retrospective, observational study was performed reviewing patients with critical limb ischemia who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery between 2014 and 2018. Patients characteristics, graft characteristics, and treatment outcomes were collected. Patency rates were compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Results: Sixty bypasses were performed in 57 patients. For above-knee surgery, six were Omniflow and 13 were synthetic. For below-knee surgery, 19 were Omniflow and 22 were synthetic. Patient characteristics between groups were similar. However, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification scores were higher in the Omniflow group as compared to ePTFE (88% was ASA 3 or higher versus 60%; p = 0.018). Furthermore, wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) composite scores were higher in the Omniflow group (p = 0.0001). There was a trend toward more active infection at time of surgery in the Omniflow group (40 vs 22.9%, p = 0.15). At 1 year, primary patency rates were 60.0% versus 46.9% for above-knee Omniflow versus ePTFE grafts, respectively (p = 0.72). Secondary patency rates were 80.0% versus 82.5% (p = 0.89), and limb salvage rates were 83.3% versus 100% (p = 0.14). For below-knee surgery, 1- and 2-year primary patency rates in Omniflow versus ePTFE grafts were 36.0% versus 41.8% (p = 0.60) and 36.0% versus 31.1% (p = 0.87). Secondary patency rates were 66.8% versus 75.2% at 1 year (p = 0.53) and 58.8% versus 48.3% (p = 0.77) at 2 years. Below-knee limb salvage rates for Omniflow versus ePTFE after 2 years were 88.0% versus 68.3% (p = 0.28), respectively. Aneurysmal degeneration occurred in 2/25 (8%) in the Omniflow group and 0/35 (0%) in the ePTFE group. Bypass infections occurred in 2/25 (8%) in the Omniflow group and 0/35 (0%) in the ePTFE group (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Omniflow bypasses were more commonly implanted in patients with higher limb infection rate as confirmed with a higher adapted WIfI score. A trend toward a higher infection rate of Omniflow grafts was observed but not statistically significant. Graft infection rates were relatively low and treatable with antibiotics. No significant difference in graft performance was observed. The choice between the two studied grafts remains based on surgeon’s preference.
The role of EUS in diagnosing focal autoimmune pancreatitis and differentiating it from pancreatic cancer

Background and Objectives: The clinical presentation of focal autoimmune pancreatitis (FAIP) and together with radiological overlap can mimic pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study is to construct and validate a prediction model for differentiating FAIP from PC according to EUS characteristics. Patients and Methods: Ninety patients with FAIP and 196 patients with PC, who consecutively underwent EUS at our center from January 2013 to December 2018, were retrospectively included in the study. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into either a derivation sample or a validation sample. According to EUS characteristics, multivariate stepwise logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to construct a prediction model in derivation sample, and then, the efficacy was assessed in validation sample. Results: EUS characteristics that were suggestive of FAIP included diffuse hypoechogenicity, hyperechoic foci/stands or lobularity (parenchymal heterogeneity), bile duct wall thickening and peripancreatic hypoechoic margin; and EUS features favoring PC included focal hypoechogenicity, absence of parenchymal heterogeneity, pancreatic duct dilation, and vessel involvement. The prediction model, with an area under the ROC curve of more than 0.95, had a good capability to distinguish FAIP from PC. By using the optimal cutoff value, the efficacy of model for diagnosing PC showed 83.7%–91.8% sensitivity and 93.3%–95.6% specificity. Conclusions: It is feasible to differentiate FAIP from PC based on EUS characteristics. The prediction model built in this study needs to be further confirmed by multicenter prospective researches.
Study of Acid Whey Fouling after Protein Isolation Using Nanofiltration

In this paper, nanofiltration (NF) of acid whey after isolation of proteins was studied. Two membranes were tested: NF-99 (Alfa Laval) and DL (Osmonic Desal). Based on previous measurements that determined the highest efficiency in separating lactic acid and lactose whey, the pH was adjusted to 3. First, the most appropriate transmembrane pressure (TMP) was determined based on the highest flux measured. The TMP range was 5–25 bar for the DL membrane and 10–30 bar for the NF-99 membrane. The temperature was kept at 4 °C using a thermostat. The mechanisms of membrane fouling were investigated. The Hermia models and the modified Tansel model were applied to study the fouling mechanism and to determine which membrane would foul earlier and more severely, respectively. The most suitable TMP was determined at 20 bar. Despite the 1.4 times higher flux of the sample at DL, the fouling rate was higher when NF-99 was used. The results showed that the Tansel model is suitable for predicting the fouling time of protein-isolated whey by nanofiltration.
A Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Characterization of Bovine Oocytes Reveals That Cysteamine Partially Rescues the Embryo Development in a Model of Low Ovarian Reserve

Simple Summary Women’s reproductive performance starts declining in the mid-30s, and by age 40–45, the possibility of becoming pregnant becomes very small. Reproductive aging is a physiological process of fertility decline characterized by a decrease in quality and stockpile of eggs (also called ovarian reserve) in most mammals. However, young individuals too can show an accelerated reproductive aging that similarly results in a low ovarian reserve and hypofertility. This syndrome, called premature ovarian failure (POF), is becoming a relevant problem due to the general tendency to postpone the first pregnancy. In this study, we used bovine ovaries that were classified in two categories, according to the number of follicles visible on the ovarian surface, and analyzed some parameters of egg maturation. We observed that eggs from the ‘aging-like’ ovaries carry several defects that impair maturation. However, one of the parameters was improved upon supplementation with a scavenger of free radicals, providing a proof of concept that in-depth knowledge of the cellular mechanisms is essential to find solutions to everyday-life problems. Abstract Decreased oocyte quality is a major determinant of age-associated fertility decline. Similarly, individuals affected by early ovarian aging carry low-quality oocytes. Using an established bovine model of early ovarian aging, we investigated key features of ‘quality’ oocyte maturation, associated with the onset of egg aneuploidy and reproductive aging, such as histone modifications, mitochondria distribution and activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and gap junction functionality. Bovine ovaries were classified according to the antral follicle count (AFC), and the retrieved oocytes were processed immediately or matured in vitro. We observed alterations in several cellular processes, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of the reduced oocyte quality. Furthermore, we performed a rescue experiment for one of the parameters considered. By adding cysteamine to the maturation medium, we experimentally increased the free radical scavenger ability of the ‘low competence’ oocytes and obtained a higher embryo development. Our findings show that adopting culture conditions that counteract the free radicals has a positive impact on the quality of ‘compromised’ oocytes. Specifically, cysteamine treatment seems to be a promising option for treating aging-related deficiencies in embryo development.
Bothrops moojeni Venom and Its Components Strongly Affect Osteoclasts’ Maturation and Protein Patterns

Osteoclasts (OCs) are important for bone maintenance, calcium balance, and tissue regeneration regulation and are involved in different inflammatory diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bothrops moojeni’s venom and its low and high molecular mass (HMM and LMM) fractions on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived OCs’ in vitro differentiation. Bothrops moojeni, a Brazilian lanced-head viper, presents a rich but not well-explored, venom composition. This venom is a potent inducer of inflammation, which can be used as a tool to investigate the inflammatory process. Human PBMCs were isolated and induced to OC differentiation following routine protocol. On the fourth day of differentiation, the venom was added at different concentrations (5, 0.5, and 0.05 µg/mL). We observed a significant reduction of TRAP+ (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) OCs at the concentration of 5 µg/mL. We evaluated the F-actin-rich OCs structure’s integrity; disruption of its integrity reflects bone adsorption capacity. F-actin rings phalloidin staining demonstrated that venom provoked their disruption in treated OCs. HMM, fraction reduces TRAP+ OCs at a concentration of 5 µg/mL and LMM fraction at 1 µg/mL, respectively. Our results indicate morphological changes that the venom induced cause in OCs. We analyzed the pattern of soluble proteins found in the conditioned cell culture medium OCs treated with venom and its fractions using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/IT-Tof). The proteomic analyses indicate the possible pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in OC reduction after the treatment.
Interferon‐γ downregulates tight junction function, which is rescued by interleukin‐17A

Although atopic dermatitis (AD) has been reported to be a typical type 2 immune response disease, it is also an inflammatory skin disease that involves cytokines, such as Th1, Th17 and Th22. However, little is known about the mechanism by which the candidate cytokines, alone or in combination, are involved in AD pathology. Differences in cytokine balance, which contribute to the complexity of AD pathology, may influence the stratum corneum barrier function through tight junction (TJ) functional stability and contribute to disease severity. To confirm the regulatory mechanism of TJ protein expression in AD, we investigated the Th1 and Th17 pathways, which are the initiation factors of chronic AD pathology. We examined the effects of these cytokines on TJ protein expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro, and also examined their function in a human skin equivalent model. We observed a time‐ and dose‐dependent inhibitory effect of IFN‐γ on claudin‐1 expression via the IFN‐γ receptor/JAK/STAT signalling pathway. IFN‐γ impaired TJ function in a human skin equivalent model. Moreover, we investigated co‐stimulation with IL‐17A, which is highly expressed in AD skin lesions and found that IL‐17A restores IFN‐γ‐induced TJ dysfunction. This restoration of TJ function was mediated by atypical protein kinase C zeta activation without recovery of TJ protein expression. These results are informative for personalized AD treatment via systemic therapies using anti‐cytokine antibodies and/or JAK inhibitors.
Advanced Neuroimaging Preceding Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Is Safe and Effective

Advanced neuroimaging is one of the most important means that we have in the attempt to overcome time constraints and expand the use of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). We assessed whether, and how, the prior use of advanced neuroimaging (AN), and more specifically CT/MR perfusion post-processed with RAPID software, regardless of time from symptoms onset, affected the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who received IVT. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated consecutive AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis monotherapy (without endovascular reperfusion) during a six-year period. The study population was divided into two groups according to the neuroimaging protocol used prior to IVT administration in AIS patients (AN+ vs. AN−). Safety outcomes included any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and 3-month mortality. Effectiveness outcomes included door-to-needle time, neurological status (NIHSS-score) on discharge, and functional status at three months assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results. The rate of IVT monotherapy increased from ten patients per year (n = 29) in the AN− to fifteen patients per year (n = 47) in the AN+ group. Although the onset-to-treatment time was longer in the AN+ cohort, the two groups did not differ in door-to-needle time, discharge NIHSS-score, symptomatic ICH, any ICH, 3-month favorable functional outcome (mRS-scores of 0–1), 3-month functional independence (mRS-scores of 0–2), distribution of 3-month mRS-scores, or 3-month mortality. Conclusion. Our pilot observational study showed that the incorporation of advanced neuroimaging in the acute stroke chain pathway in AIS patients increases the yield of IVT administration without affecting the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
The Application of the Adult Self-Report and the Adult Behavior Checklist Form to Chinese Adults: Syndrome Structure, Inter-Informant Agreement, and Cultural Comparison

Given the global public health burden of mental illness, there is a critical need for culturally validated psychopathology assessment tools that perform well in diverse societies. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Adult Self-Report (ASR) and Adult Behavioral Checklist (ABCL) from the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessments in adults in China. Chinese adults (N = 1276) and their spouses completed the ASR and ABCL, respectively. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis on 99 ASR items and 93 ABCL items. Estimators of model fit confirmed that both measures demonstrated excellent fit (e.g., root mean square error of approximation = 0.016 and 0.018, respectively). Syndrome loadings on both measures were satisfactory but generally higher on the ASR. Neither gender nor education had significant effects, but there were informant x gender effects on most problem scales. Cross-informant agreement correlations between the ASR and ABCL were medium to large. Findings from this novel sample of Chinese adults are consistent with previous validation studies supporting the dimensionality, syndrome structure, gender differences, and inter-informant agreement of the ASR and ABCL. Our findings contribute to the cross-cultural understanding of mental health assessment and offer a psychometrically sound approach to measuring adult psychopathology in Chinese populations.
The Impact of New Surgical Techniques on Geographical Unwarranted Variation: The Case of Benign Hysterectomy

Since the 1980s, the international literature has reported variations for healthcare services, especially for elective ones. Variations are positive if they reflect patient preferences, while if they do not, they are unwarranted, and thus avoidable. Benign hysterectomy is among the most frequent elective surgical procedures in developed countries, and, in recent years, it has been increasingly delivered through minimally invasive surgical techniques, namely laparoscopic or robotic. The question therefore arises over what the impact of these new surgical techniques on avoidable variation is. In this study we analyze the extent of unwarranted geographical variation of treatment rates and of the adoption of minimally invasive procedures for benign hysterectomy in an Italian regional healthcare system. We assess the impact of the surgical approach on the provision of benign hysterectomy, in terms of efficiency (by measuring the average length of stay) and efficacy (by measuring the post-operative complications). Geographical variation was observed among regional health districts for treatment rates and waiting times. At a provider level, we found differences for the minimally invasive approach. We found a positive and significant association between rates and the percentage of minimally invasive procedures. Providers that frequently adopt minimally invasive procedures have shorter average length of stay, and when they also perform open hysterectomies, fewer complications.