Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obinutuzumab-Induced B Cell Depletion Reduces Spinal Cord Pathology in a CD20 Double Transgenic Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

B cell-depleting therapies have recently proven to be clinically highly successful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to determine the effects of the novel type II anti-human CD20 (huCD20) monoclonal antibody (mAb) obinutuzumab (OBZ) on spinal cord degeneration in a B cell-dependent mouse model of MS. Double transgenic huCD20xHIGR3 (CD20dbtg) mice, which express human CD20, were immunised with the myelin fusion protein MP4 to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Both light and electron microscopy were used to assess myelination and axonal pathology in mice treated with OBZ during chronic EAE. Furthermore, the effects of the already established murine anti-CD20 antibody 18B12 were assessed in C57BL/6 wild-type (wt) mice. In both models (18B12/wt and OBZ/CD20dbtg) anti-CD20 treatment significantly diminished the extent of spinal cord pathology. While 18B12 treatment mainly reduced the extent of axonal pathology, a significant decrease in demyelination and increase in remyelination were additionally observed in OBZ-treated mice. Hence, the data suggest that OBZ could have neuroprotective effects on the CNS, setting the drug apart from the currently available type I anti-CD20 antibodies.
Heartbeat Detection by Laser Doppler Vibrometry and Machine Learning

Background: Heartbeat detection is a crucial step in several clinical fields. Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) is a promising non-contact measurement for heartbeat detection. The aim of this work is to assess whether machine learning can be used for detecting heartbeat from the carotid LDV signal. Methods: The performances of Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) were compared using the leave-one-subject-out cross-validation as the testing protocol in an LDV dataset collected from 28 subjects. The classification was conducted on LDV signal windows, which were labeled as beat, if containing a beat, or no-beat, otherwise. The labeling procedure was performed using electrocardiography as the gold standard. Results: For the beat class, the f1-score (f1) values were 0.93, 0.93, 0.95, 0.96 for RF, DT, KNN and SVM, respectively. No statistical differences were found between the classifiers. When testing the SVM on the full-length (10 min long) LDV signals, to simulate a real-world application, we achieved a median macro-f1 of 0.76. Conclusions: Using machine learning for heartbeat detection from carotid LDV signals showed encouraging results, representing a promising step in the field of contactless cardiovascular signal analysis.
Incontinence associated dermatitis in elderly people admitted to a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE To identify the frequency and factors associated to incontinence associated dermatitis in elderly people. METHODS Cross-sectional study with 202 elderly patients admitted to a university hospital between September 2017 and January 2018. Data collection included: cognitive screening, sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. It was performed exploratory and descriptive analysis, where prevalence and ratios (PR) were calculated. RESULTS Prevalence of injury was 9.4%, age range 70-79 years (13.5%), African American (21.4%), hospitalization period ≥ 21 days (44.4%), in use of nasogastric tube (33.3%), medical device (11.3%), restricted mobility (18.5%). It was associated with hospitalization period, use of nasogastric tube, restricted mobility, medical devices, and cognition. CONCLUSION It was confirmed an average frequency of incontinence associated dermatitis in elderly patients and association to factors such as hospitalization period, immobility, cognition, use of nasogastric tube and devices. It must be highlighted the importance of prevention measures, early detection, assessment and monitoring of this type of injury.
Effects of Simulation Practicum Using Flipped Learning for Korean Nursing Students

This study aimed to examine the effects of simulation practicum using flipped learning on nursing competency, core basic nursing skill (subcutaneous injection) performance, self-efficacy, and learning satisfaction of Korean nursing students. This study used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. The samples used were from 101 nursing students (Intervention 1: n = 34; Intervention 2: n = 34; Control: n = 33) over 20 years old in G provinces, Korea. For the experimental interventions, participants in the intervention group 1 were applied by simulation practicum using flipped learning, and those in intervention group 2 were applied by simulation practicum. Participants in the control group were applied by lecture-based practicum using a model. The measures were the study participants’ general characteristics survey, the nursing competency scale, the core basic nursing skill (subcutaneous injection) performance scale, the self-efficacy scale, and the learning satisfaction scale. There were statistically significant differences in nursing competency, core basic nursing skill (subcutaneous injection) performance, self-efficacy, and the learning satisfaction among the three groups. It was seen in this study that simulation practicum using flipped learning was the most effective teaching and learning method for the nursing practicum of Korean nursing students. The simulation practicum using flipped learning can be useful in providing nursing practicum to nursing students.
Pathological and immunohistochemical studies following the experimental infection of ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) by Edwardsiella ictaluri

In recent decades, several mass mortalities were recorded in riverine ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) in Tokyo Metropolis, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan; in these outbreaks, microbiological and pathological examinations revealed Edwardsiella ictaluri as the causative agent. In this study, histopathological findings and immunohistochemical localization of the bacteria following experimental infection of ayu were discussed. Infection experiments were performed using 44 healthy cultured ayu fingerlings using E. ictaluri isolate (H90). The fish were injected with the isolate intraperitoneally with a dose of 5.1 × 105 cfu/fish, while the control fish were injected with sterile phosphate buffered saline. The fish were observed for clinical signs, with daily collection of dead fish, and isolation of bacteria from the posterior kidney was performed and confirmed to be E. ictaluri by slide agglutination using anti‐PH0744 serum. Daily collection of five moribund fish for necropsy and tissue specimens collection from hepatopancreas, spleen, posterior kidney, gills, brain, heart, and intestine for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Post‐mortem lesions were recorded as exophthalmia, bloody ascitis, hemorrhagic kidney and distended gallbladder, meningio‐encephalitis, hemorrhagic vent, and petechial hemorrhages on viscera. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse severe congestion in blood vessels and several degenerative and necrotic changes inconcurrent with positive antigenic staining by immunohistochemistry.
Primary immunization of meningococcal meningitis vaccine among children in Hangzhou, China, 2008–2017

ABSTRACT Background Although China’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides two doses of group A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-A) for children younger than 2 y, more self-paying group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (MCV-AC) has been used as an alternative to MPV-A, to prevent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (Men-C) earlier. We evaluated the pattern of MPV-A and MCV-AC utilization to provide evidence for China to upgrade the national meningococcal meningitis vaccination strategy. Methods Children born between 2008 and 2017 registered in Hangzhou’s Immunization Information System (HZIIS) were included. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to characterize the data. Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) was collected from Chinese national adverse event following immunization information system (CNAEFIIS) to compare the safety of MPV-A and MCV-AC. Results Data of 1149,027 children from HZIIS were analyzed. The average immunization rate of meningococcal meningitis vaccine (MenV) was 97.50%. Percentages of children using MPV-A-only, MCV-AC-only, and MPV-A/MCV-AC sequential schedules were 68.20%, 29.73%, and 2.07%, respectively. The vaccination rate of MCV-AC-only increased by age and it was higher in resident children than migration children. The incidence rate of AEFI of MPV-A and MCV-AC was 53.36 per 100,000 and 62.13 per 100,000, respectively. Conclusion Children in Hangzhou had high MenV coverage. MCV-AC-only schedule use increased by year and was higher in urban areas among locally born children. Both MPV-A and MCV-AC were safe for children, while MCV-AC could protect against Men-C more effectively. This supports the rationale to introduce MCV-AC into China’s EPI system for free instead of MPV-A.
Safety of Ustekinumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pooled Safety Analysis of Results from Phase 2/3 Studies

Abstract Background Ustekinumab is currently approved globally in Crohn’s disease (CD) and psoriatic diseases. Recent phase 3 data demonstrate safety/efficacy in ulcerative colitis (UC). Crohn’s disease and UC phase 3 programs had similar study designs, facilitating integrated safety analyses. Methods Data from 6 ustekinumab phase 2/3 CD and UC studies were pooled, and safety was evaluated through 1 year. Patients received 1 placebo or ustekinumab (generally 130 mg or ~6 mg/kg) intravenous induction, then subcutaneous (90 mg) maintenance every 8/12 weeks. Analyses incorporated all patients who received ≥1 ustekinumab dose. Safety outcomes are presented as percentages of patients (induction) and as number of patients with events per 100 patient-years of follow-up (through 1 year). For key safety events, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are provided, as appropriate. Hazard ratios with 95% CIs from time-to-event analyses for serious adverse events and serious infections were also performed. Results Through 1 year, 2574 patients received ustekinumab (1733 patient-years of follow-up). The number of patients with adverse events per 100 patient-years (placebo 165.99 [95% CI, 155.81–176.67] vs ustekinumab 118.32 [95% CI, 113.25–123.55]), serious AEs (27.50 [95% CI, 23.45–32.04] vs 21.23 [95% CI, 19.12–23.51]), infections (80.31 [95% CI, 73.28–87.84] vs 64.32 [95% CI, 60.60–68.21]), serious infections (5.53 [95% CI, 3.81–7.77] vs 5.02 [95% CI, 4.02–6.19]), and malignancies excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer (0.17 [95% CI, 0.00–0.93] vs 0.40 [95% CI, 0.16–0.83]) were similar between placebo and ustekinumab. Conclusions The safety profile of ustekinumab across the pooled inflammatory bowel disease population through 1 year was favorable and generally comparable to placebo. These data are consistent with the established safety profile of ustekinumab across indications. ClinicalTrials.gov numbers NCT00265122; NCT00771667; NCT01369329; NCT01369342; NCT01369355; NCT02407236.
Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Impair T Cell Proliferation: The Role of HLA-G and HLA-E Molecules

The immunoprivilege status characteristic of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) has been recently highlighted in the context of xenogenic transplantation. However, the mechanism(s) involved in such regulatory functions have been so far only partially been clarified. Here, we have analyzed the expression of HLA-Ib molecules in isolated hAEC obtained from full term placentae. Moreover, we asked whether these molecules are involved in the immunoregulatory functions of hAEC. Human amnion-derived cells expressed surface HLA-G and HLA-F at high levels, whereas the commonly expressed HLA-E molecule has been measured at a very low level or null on freshly isolated cells. HLA-Ib molecules can be expressed as membrane-bound and soluble forms, and in all hAEC batches analyzed we measured high levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-E when hAEC were maintained in culture, and such a release was time-dependent. Moreover, HLA-G was present in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by hAEC. hAEC suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro at different hAEC:T cell ratios, as previously reported. Moreover, inhibition of T cell proliferation was partially reverted by pretreating hAEC with anti-HLA-G, anti-HLA-E and anti-β2 microglobulin, thus suggesting that HLA-G and -E molecules are involved in hAEC-mediated suppression of T cell proliferation. Finally, either large-size EV (lsEV) or small-size EV (ssEV) derived from hAEC significantly modulated T-cell proliferation. In conclusion, we have here characterized one of the mechanism(s) underlying immunomodulatory functions of hAEC, related to the expression and release of HLA-Ib molecules.
Laparoscopic-assisted transjejunal endoscopic management of intrahepatic calculi and anastomotic stricture in a patient with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy

Management of complications in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is still today an important surgical and endoscopic challenge. Various techniques have been employed to manage biliary strictures and intrahepatic calculi in patients with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ). We report the case of a 24-year-old female who had undergone RYHJ reconstruction 3 years back for choledochal cyst, admitted with the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice due to anastomotic stricture and multiple hepatic duct calculi. She was successfully treated with laparoscopic-assisted transjejunal endoscopic management of intrahepatic calculi and anastomotic stricture, which appears to be safe and useful procedure for anastomotic stricture and hepatic duct calculi in patients with surgically altered anatomy.
Perspectives on Social Support and Stigma in PrEP-related Care among Gay and Bisexual Men: A Qualitative Investigation

ABSTRACT Despite its effectiveness at preventing HIV, uptake of PrEP has been slow. PrEP-related stigma is a potential barrier to uptake. Social support has been found to buffer against some PrEP stigma. Unfortunately, little research has investigated the relationship between social support and PrEP-related care. In 2018, we conducted 20 semistructured interviews with MSM who use PrEP (ages 22–70). Interview questions explored social support and PrEP-related stigma, and how these and other psychosocial factors affected PrEP use and continuation. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Social support was important in PrEP-related care and promoted adaptive behavioral responses, such as adherence to PrEP-related medical care and enhancing resilience to stress. Participants described psychosocial benefits of PrEP, such as reduced HIV-related anxiety, but some also reported that PrEP-related stigma was an additional stressor. Findings suggest that social support has significant impacts within PrEP-related care and may help buffer against stigma.
Suppression of Meloidogyne javanica, the root-knot nematode bysome asteraceous plants in Pakistan

The influence of shoot and root extracts of nine plant species including Gaillardia aristata, Cosmos bipinnatus, Helianthus annuus, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria discoidea, Calendula officinalis and Zinnia elegans belonging to the family Asteraceae was tested towards egg hatch and mobility of Meloidogyne javanica, the root-knot nematode juveniles in vitro. In general, root extracts of the plant species were more effective in the inhibition of nematode compared to the corresponding shoot extracts. When plant species were compared, shoot extract of Z. elegans inhibited egg hatch most while shoot extract of T. erecta caused greatest mortality of M. javanica juveniles. When compared with the controls, soil amendment with Z. elegans significantly reduced M. javanica population densities in soil and subsequent root-knot development in tomato while T. erecta failed to produce such effects. Similarly, soil amendment with Z. elegans resulted in a significant increase in plant height. Whereas both amendments enhanced fresh weight of shoot compared to the controls, none of the amendments had an influence on root growth of tomato plants.
Pharmacodynamic effects of the K+ binder patiromer in a novel chronic hyperkalemia model in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Currently described hyperkalemia (HK) animal models are typically acute and cause significant distress and mortality to the animals, warranting new approaches for studying chronic HK in a more appropriate clinical setting. Using the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model as a more relevant disease template, as well as surgical (unilateral nephrectomy), dietary (3% potassium [K+] supplementation), and pharmacological (amiloride) interventions, we were able to stably induce HK on a chronic basis for up to 12 weeks to serum K+ elevations between 8 and 9 mmol/L, with minimal clinical stress to the animals. Short‐term proof‐of‐concept and long‐term chronic studies in hyperkalemic SHRs showed concomitant increases in serum aldosterone, consistent with the previously reported relationship between serum K+ and aldosterone. Treatment with the K+ binder patiromer demonstrated that the disease model was responsive to pharmacological intervention, with significant abrogation in serum K+, as well as serum aldosterone to levels near baseline, and this was consistent in both short‐term and long‐term 12‐week chronic studies. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a chronic HK disease state, and this novel HK animal model may be suitable for further evaluating the effects of long‐term, K+‐lowering therapies on effects such as renal fibrosis and end‐organ damage.
Induction of the Antiviral Immune Response and Its Circumvention by Coronaviruses

Some coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses of human and veterinary medical importance. The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory symptoms coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), associated with the current global pandemic, is characterized by pneumonia, lymphopenia, and a cytokine storm in humans that has caused catastrophic impacts on public health worldwide. Coronaviruses are known for their ability to evade innate immune surveillance exerted by the host during the early phase of infection. It is important to comprehensively investigate the interaction between highly pathogenic coronaviruses and their hosts. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge about coronaviruses with a focus on antiviral immune responses in the respiratory and intestinal tracts to infection with severe coronaviruses that have caused epidemic diseases in humans and domestic animals. We emphasize, in particular, the strategies used by these coronaviruses to circumvent host immune surveillance, mainly including the hijack of antigen-presenting cells, shielding RNA intermediates in replication organelles, 2′-O-methylation modification for the evasion of RNA sensors, and blocking of interferon signaling cascades. We also provide information about the potential development of coronavirus vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Angiogenic potential is reduced in skeletal muscle of aged women

The risk of cardiovascular disease and associated skeletal muscle microvascular rarefaction is enhanced in women after menopause, yet knowledge about the angiogenic potential in ageing women is generally sparse. Aged healthy and sedentary women were found to present a markedly impaired capacity for proliferation of skeletal muscle derived microvascular endothelial cells compared to young women. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in skeletal muscle myocytes and release of VEGF from myocytes tended to be lower in aged compared to young women. The aged women did not show a detectable increase in skeletal muscle capillarization with 8 weeks of intense aerobic cycle training. Combined, the findings indicate that aged women have a reduced potential for capillary growth in skeletal muscle which, with ageing, may lead to age‐induced microvascular rarefaction.
Effects of telephone-based health coaching on patient-reported outcomes and health behavior change: A randomized controlled trial

Objective Telephone based health coaching (TBHC) seems to be a promising approach to foster self-management in patients with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a TBHC on patient-reported outcomes and health behavior for people living with chronic conditions in Germany. Methods Patients insured at a statutory health insurance were randomized to an intervention group (IG; TBHC) and a control group (CG; usual care), using a stratified random allocation before giving informed consent (Zelen’s single-consent design). The TBHC was based on motivational interviewing, goal setting, and shared decision-making and carried out by trained nurses. All outcomes were assessed yearly for three years. We used mixed effects models utilizing all available data in a modified intention-to-treat sample for the main analysis. Participants and study centers were included as random effects. All models were adjusted for age, education and campaign affiliation. Results Of the 10,815 invited patients, 4,283 returned their questionnaires at baseline. The mean age was 67.23 years (SD = 9.3); 55.5% were female. According to the model, TBHC was statistically significant superior to CG regarding 6 of 19 outcomes: physical activity in hours per week (p = .030) and in metabolic rate per week (p = .048), BMI (p = .009) (although mainly at baseline), measuring blood pressure (p< .001), patient activation (p< .001), and health literacy (p< .001). Regarding stages of change (p = .005), the IG group also showed statistically different results than the CG group, however the conclusion remains inconclusive. Within-group contrasts indicating changes from baseline to follow-ups and significant between-group comparisons regarding these changes supported the findings. Standardized effect sizes were small. TBHC did not show any effect on mental QoL, health status, alcohol, smoking, adherence, measuring blood sugar, foot monitoring, anxiety, depression and distress. Campaign-specific subgroup effects were detected for ‘foot monitoring by a physician’ and ‘blood sugar measurement’. Conclusion TBHC interventions might have small effects on some patient reported and behavioral outcomes. Practice implications Future research should focus on analyzing which intervention components are effective and who profits most from TBHC interventions. Registration German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; DRKS): DRKS00000584
Characteristics of olfactory disorder with and without reported flavor loss

Quality of life related to olfactory disorder (OD) depends on the perceived impairment. It is not known why some patients with OD report smell and flavor loss while others report smell loss only. In order to understand this, we compared the two clinical presentation forms in terms of demographics, clinical features, and orthonasal olfaction test results.