Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple lifestyle risk behaviours and hierarchical dimensions of psychopathology in 6640 Australian adolescents

Objective: Physical inactivity, sugar sweetened beverage consumption, alcohol use, smoking, poor sleep and excessive recreational screen time (the ‘Big 6’ lifestyle risk behaviours) often co-occur and are key risk factors for psychopathology. However, the best fitting latent structure of the Big 6 is unknown and links between multiple lifestyle risk behaviours and hierarchical dimensions of psychopathology have not been explored among adolescents. This study aimed to address these gaps in the literature. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis, latent class analysis and factor mixture models were conducted among 6640 students (Mage = 12.7 years) to identify the latent structure of the Big 6 lifestyle risk behaviours. Structural equation models were then used to examine associations with psychopathology. Results: A mixture model with three classes, capturing mean differences in a single latent factor indexing overall risk behaviours, emerged as the best fitting model. This included relatively low-risk (Class 1: 30%), moderate-risk (Class 2: 67%) and high-risk (Class 3: 3%) classes. Students high on externalizing demonstrated significantly greater odds of membership to the high-risk class (odds ratio = 8.75, 99% confidence interval = [3.30, 23.26]) and moderate-risk class (odds ratio = 2.93, 99% confidence interval = [1.43, 5.97]) in comparison to the low-risk class. Similarly, students high on internalizing demonstrated significantly higher odds of membership to the high-risk class (odds ratio = 1.89, 99% confidence interval = [1.06, 3.37]) and the moderate-risk class (odds ratio = 1.66, 99% confidence interval = [1.03, 2.67]) in comparison to the low-risk class. Associations between lower order factors of psychopathology and lifestyle risk behaviours were mostly accounted for by the more parsimonious higher order factors. Conclusion: Classes representing differences in probabilities of the Big 6 lifestyle risk behaviours relate to varying levels of hierarchical dimensions of psychopathology, suggesting multiple health behaviour change and transdiagnostic intervention approaches may be valuable for reducing risk of psychopathology.
Effects of whole corn high-grain diet feeding on ruminal bacterial community and epithelial gene expression related to VFA absorption and metabolism in fattening lambs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of whole corn high-grain diet feeding on growth performance, ruminal bacterial community, and epithelial morphology and gene expression related to VFA absorption and metabolism in fattening lambs. Fourteen male (castrated) lambs were randomly assigned to either a group fed a ground corn high-grain diet (50.4% grain; HGC, n =7) or a group fed a whole corn high-grain diet (50.4% grain; HWC, n =7). After 7 weeks of feeding, HWC group increased the average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.036) and decreased the Feed: Gain value (P = 0.010) significantly. HWC group had a greater crude protein apparent digestibility (P = 0.028) in the third week and dry matter and neutral detergent fiber apparent digestibility (P < 0.05) in the seventh week. Pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed that HWC feeding increased the relative abundance of genera Anaerovibrio, Schwartziaand Unclassified Veillonellaceaein the rumencontent and Howardella, Schwartzia and Unclassified Veillonellaceaein the rumen epithelia(P<0.05), while decreased the proportion of Lachnospira and Unclassified Synergistaceaein the rumen content and Anaerovorax, Papillibacter, Ruminococcus, Fibrobacter, Unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Unclassified Bacteroidales and Unclassified Prevotellaceae in the rumenepithelia (P < 0.05). HWC group increased the rumen papilla length (P = 0.001) and surface area (P = 0.002). Furthermore, HWC diet feeding up-regulated the relative mRNA expression of putative anion transporter isoform 1 (PAT1) (P = 0.032) in the rumen epithelia. In summary, compared with ground corn high-grain diet feeding, whole corn high-grain diet feeding improved animal performance, changed ruminal bacterial composition and diversity, and increased VFA absorption of epithelial papilla in fattening lambs. These findings provided theoretical guidance for the actual application of whole corn high-grain diet in ruminants.
Evaluating the proportion of isolated cases among a spectrum of birth defects in a population‐based registry

Because the etiology and outcomes of birth defects may differ by the presence vs. absence of co‐occurring anomalies, epidemiologic studies often attempt to classify cases into isolated versus non‐isolated groupings. This report describes a computer algorithm for such classification and presents results using data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR).
Amniotic fluid stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles are independent metabolic units capable of modulating inflammasome activation in THP‐1 cells

An immunoregulatory role of stem cells, often mediated by their secretome, has been claimed by several studies. Stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial components of the secretome. EVs, a heterogeneous group of membranous vesicles released by many cell types into the extracellular space, are now considered as an additional mechanism for intercellular communication. In this study, we aimed at investigating whether human amniotic stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (HASC‐EVs) were able to interfere with inflammasome activation in the THP‐1 cell line. Two subsets of HASC‐EVs were collected by sequential centrifugation, namely HASC‐P10 and HASC‐P100. We demonstrated that HASC‐EVs were neither internalized into nor undertake a direct interaction with THP‐1 cells. We showed that HASC‐P10 and P100 were able to intrinsically produce ATP, which was further converted to adenosine by 5’‐nucleotidase (CD73) and ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase‐1 (CD39). We found that THP‐1 cells conditioned with both types of HASC‐EVs failed to activate the NLRP3/caspase‐1/inflammasome platform in response to LPS and ATP treatment by a mechanism involving A2a adenosine receptor activation. These results support a role for HASC‐EVs as independent metabolic units capable of modifying the cellular functions, leading to anti‐inflammatory effects in monocytic cells.
Pharmacoepigenetics of hypertension: genome-wide methylation analysis of responsiveness to four classes of antihypertensive drugs using a double-blind crossover study design

ABSTRACT Essential hypertension remains the leading risk factor of global disease burden, but its treatment goals are often not met. We investigated whether DNA methylation is associated with antihypertensive responses to a diuretic, a beta-blocker, a calcium channel blocker or an angiotensin receptor antagonist. In addition, since we previously showed an SNP at the transcription start site (TSS) of the catecholamine biosynthesis-related ACY3 gene to associate with blood pressure (BP) response to beta-blockers, we specifically analysed the association of methylation sites close to the ACY3 TSS with BP responses to beta-blockers. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study between leukocyte DNA methylation and BP responses to antihypertensive monotherapies in two hypertensive Finnish cohorts: the GENRES (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03276598; amlodipine 5 mg, bisoprolol 5 mg, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, or losartan 50 mg daily) and the LIFE-Fin studies (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00338260; atenolol 50 mg or losartan 50 mg daily). The monotherapy groups consisted of approximately 200 individuals each. We identified 64 methylation sites to suggestively associate (P < 1E-5) with either systolic or diastolic BP responses to a particular study drug in GENRES. These associations did not replicate in LIFE-Fin . Three methylation sites close to the ACY3 TSS were associated with systolic BP responses to bisoprolol in GENRES but not genome-wide significantly (P < 0.05). No robust associations between DNA methylation and BP responses to four different antihypertensive drugs were identified. However, the findings on the methylation sites close to the ACY3 TSS may support the role of ACY3 genetic and epigenetic variation in BP response to bisoprolol.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patterns of Care and Outcome of Head and Neck Cancer: Real-World Experience From a Tertiary Care Cancer Center in India

PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented health, social, and economic unrest globally, particularly affecting resource-limited low-middle–income countries. The resultant curfew had made the access to and delivery of cancer care services an arduous task. We have reported the patterns of care and 1-year outcome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment before and during COVID-19 lockdown at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who underwent radiation therapy (RT) for nonmetastatic HNSCC between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, were included in the COVID-RT group, and those who were treated between October 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020, were included in the preCOVID-RT group. RESULTS A total of 25 patients were in the COVID-RT group, and 51 patients were in the preCOVID-RT group. An increase in the incidence of locally advanced cancers across all subsites was observed in the COVID-RT group. There was a steep increase in the median overall RT treatment duration (52 v 44) and median break days during RT (10 v 2) in the COVID-RT group. The median follow-up period of all patients was 18 months. The progression-free survival at 1 year in the COVID-RT group and preCOVID-RT group was 84% and 90%, respectively (P = .08), and overall survival at 1 year was 86% and 96%, respectively (P = .06). CONCLUSION Our study elucidates the adverse impact of the COVID-19 curfew on cancer care and has demonstrated safe delivery of RT for HNSCC without major acute adverse effects. Despite a significant increase in treatment breaks, early outcome data also suggest that 1-year progression-free survival and overall survival are comparable with that of the pre–COVID-19 times; however, longer follow-up is warranted. COVID-19 restrictions can have adverse impact on the access to and delivery of RT #HNCSM #COVID19
Validation of diagnostic coding for interstitial lung diseases in an electronic health record system in Hong Kong

Large electronic medical record (EMR) databases can facilitate epidemiology research into uncommon diseases such as interstitial lung disease (ILD). Given the rarity and diagnostic difficulty of ILD, the validity of the coding in EMR requires clarification. We aimed to assess the validity of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) code algorithms for identifying ILD in the territory‐wide electronic medical health record system of Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) in Hong Kong.
Associations between coping strategies and mental health outcomes in autistic adults

Compared to the general population, mental health difficulties are commonly reported in autistic adults. However, the ways in which coping strategies are associated with mental health and well‐being in this population remain unknown. Further, we do not know if, and if so, how these associations might differ to that of non‐autistic adults. In this study, we hypothesized that in both our autistic (N = 255) and non‐autistic (N = 165) adult samples, disengagement coping strategies (e.g., denial) would relate to poorer mental health and well‐being, while engagement coping strategies (e.g., problem solving) would relate to better mental health and well‐being. Regression analyses revealed that higher use of disengagement coping strategies was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, and lower levels of well‐being in both samples. In contrast, increased use of engagement coping strategies was associated with better well‐being, but only in the autistic sample. Our results contribute to the characterization of negative and positive mental health outcomes in autistic adults from a coping perspective, with potential to offer novel information regarding coping strategies to consider when addressing support options for mental health difficulties in the autistic adult population.
Characterization of a Nitrogenase Iron Protein Substituted with a Synthetic [Fe4Se4] Cluster.

The Fe protein of nitrogenase plays multiple roles in substrate reduction and cluster maturation via its redox active [Fe4S4] cluster. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of a water-soluble [Fe4Se4] cluster that is used to substitute the [Fe4S4] cluster of the Azotobacter vinelandii Fe protein (AvNifH). Biochemical, EPR and XAS/EXAFS analyses demonstrate the ability of the [Fe4Se4] cluster to adopt the super-reduced, all-ferrous state upon its incorporation into AvNifH. Moreover, these studies reveal that the [Fe4Se4] cluster in AvNifH already assumes a partial all-ferrous state ([Fe4Se4]0) in the presence of dithionite, where its [Fe4S4] counterpart in AvNifH exists solely in the reduced state ([Fe4S4]1+). Such a discrepancy in the redox properties of the AvNifH-associated [Fe4Se4] and [Fe4S4] clusters can be used to distinguish the differential redox requirements for the substrate reduction and cluster maturation of nitrogenase, pointing to the utility of chalcogen-substituted FeS clusters in future mechanistic studies of nitrogenase catalysis and assembly.
Green Tea Extract to Prevent Colorectal Adenomas, Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION: Preclinical, epidemiological, and small clinical studies suggest that green tea extract (GTE) and its major active component epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) exhibit antineoplastic effects in the colorectum. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind trial of GTE standardized to 150 mg of EGCG b.i. d. vs placebo over 3 years was conducted to prevent colorectal adenomas (n = 1,001 with colon adenomas enrolled, 40 German centers). Randomization (1:1, n = 879) was performed after a 4-week run-in with GTE for safety assessment. The primary end point was the presence of adenoma/colorectal cancer at the follow-up colonoscopy 3 years after randomization. RESULTS: The safety profile of GTE was favorable with no major differences in adverse events between the 2 well-balanced groups. Adenoma rate in the modified intention-to-treat set (all randomized participants [intention-to-treat population] and a follow-up colonoscopy 26–44 months after randomization; n = 632) was 55.7% in the placebo and 51.1% in the GTE groups. This 4.6% difference was not statistically significant (adjusted relative risk 0.905; P = 0.1613). The respective figures for the per-protocol population were 54.3% (151/278) in the placebo group and 48.3% (129/267) in the GTE group, indicating a slightly lower adenoma rate in the GTE group, which was not significant (adjusted relative risk 0.883; P = 0.1169). DISCUSSION: GTE was well tolerated, but there was no statistically significant difference in the adenoma rate between the GTE and the placebo groups in the whole study population.
Efficacy of Combination Therapy of Albendazole and Praziquantel vs Albendazole Monotherapy in Children With Persistent Neurocysticercosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim To compare the efficacy of combined albendazole and praziquantel therapy vs albendazole monotherapy in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial in children with persisting neurocysticercosis. Methods Children with persistent neurocysticercosis were randomized into 3 groups—albendazole (n = 19), albendazole and praziquantel (n = 21), and placebo (n = 20)—for 30 days and followed up at 3 and 6 months for resolution and recurrence of seizures. Results Mean age of children was 9.3 ± 2.9 years (range 3-14). At baseline, the majority of lesions were ring-enhancing (70%), colloidal (97%), with scolex (68%) and perilesional-edema (45%), and located in the parietal (58%) lobe. One case each in albendazole and placebo groups had a recurrence of seizure in the first month of treatment. The majority (62%) of children in the combination therapy group showed complete resolution of the persisting lesion at the end of 6 months compared to the albendazole alone group (26.3%, P = .02). Percentage reduction in the lesion's mean area at 6 months was highest in the combination group compared with other groups (P = .006). Rate of calcification was identical in all 3 groups (10%). None of the patients required interruption of therapy. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of albendazole and praziquantel in combination for complete radiologic resolution in children with persistent neurocysticercosis when compared with albendazole monotherapy or placebo. The combination therapy did not result in increased seizure recurrence or adverse drug reaction compared with albendazole monotherapy.
Telehealth Utilization and Follow-Up Visits in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020

ABSTRACT: Objective: The goal of this study was to understand the effect of transition to telehealth care on follow-up visit attendance in a developmental-behavioral pediatric (DBP) practice in 2020 versus in-person care in 2019. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of follow-up visits occurring in a large DBP practice during a 6-week period in March/April of 2019 and 2020. The primary outcome was follow-up visit adherence, defined as completion of scheduled follow-up visit. The primary exposure was telehealth visit in 2020 versus in-person visit in 2019. Covariates included patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The cohort included 2142 visits for 1868 unique patients. The patient mean age was 9.2 ± 4.8 years, with 73.4% male, 56.5% non-Hispanic, 51.4% White, and 68.3% commercial insurance. There were 470 telehealth visits from March to April 2020 and 1672 in-person visits from March to April 2019. Compared with in-person visits, telehealth visits were more likely to be completed (75.3% vs 64.4%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, insurance, and week of visit (weeks 1–3 vs 4–6), odds of having a complete follow-up visit were higher for telehealth visits than for in-person visits (odds ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval [1.23–2.00], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Follow-up visit attendance was higher for telehealth care in 2020 than in-person care in 2019. This association persisted after adjusting for insurance, age, race, and ethnicity, suggesting that telehealth is associated with increased follow-up visit attendance in DBP care. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of telehealth on DBP clinical outcomes in chronic disease management.
Safety of inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 vaccination among patients treated for hypothyroidism: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND Thyroiditis and Graves' disease have been reported after COVID-19 vaccination. We evaluated the risks of adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination among patients treated for hypothyroidism. METHODS In this retrospective population-based cohort study of Hong Kong Hospital Authority electronic health records with Department of Health vaccination records linkage, levothyroxine users were categorised into unvaccinated, vaccinated with BNT162b2 (mRNA vaccine) or CoronaVac (inactivated vaccine) between 23 February and 9 September 2021. Study outcomes were dosage reduction or escalation in levothyroxine, emergency department visit, unscheduled hospitalisation, adverse events of special interest (AESI) according to World Health Organization's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, and all-cause mortality. Inverse probability of treatment weighting for propensity score was applied to balance baseline patient characteristics among the three groups. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression models. Patients were observed from the index date until the occurrence of study outcome, death, or censored on 30 September 2021, whichever came first. RESULTS In total, 47,086 levothyroxine users were identified (BNT162b2: n=12,310; CoronaVac: n=11,353; unvaccinated: n=23,423). COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with increased risks of levothyroxine dosage reduction (BNT162b2: HR=0.971, 95%CI 0.892-1.058; CoronaVac: HR=0.968, 95%CI 0.904-1.037) or escalation (BNT162b2: HR=0.779, 95%CI 0.519-1.169; CoronaVac: HR=0.715, 95%CI 0.481-1.062). Besides, COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with a higher risk of emergency department visits (BNT162b2: HR=0.944, 95%CI 0.700-1.273; CoronaVac: HR=0.851, 95%CI 0.647-1.120) or unscheduled hospitalisation (BNT162b2: HR=0.905, 95%CI 0.539-1.520; CoronaVac: HR=0.735, 95%CI 0.448-1.207). There were two (0.016%) deaths and six (0.062%) AESI recorded for BNT162b2 recipients, and one (0.009%) and three (0.035%) for CoronaVac recipients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccination is not associated with unstable thyroid status or an increased risk of adverse outcomes among patients treated for hypothyroidism in general. These reassuring data should encourage them to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for protection from potentially worse COVID-19-related outcomes.
Short Term Economic Evaluation of the Digital Platform “Support, Monitoring and Reminder Technology for Mild Dementia” (SMART4MD) for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and their Informal Caregivers

Background: A randomized controlled trial of the SMART4MD tablet application was conducted for persons with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI) and their informal caregivers to improve or maintain quality of life. Objective: The objective was to conduct economic evaluation of SMART4MD compared to standard care in Sweden from a healthcare provider perspective based on a 6-month follow-up period. Methods: Three hundred forty-five dyads were enrolled: 173 dyads in the intervention group and 172 in standard care. The primary outcome measures for PwMCI and informal caregivers were quality-adjusted life years (QALY). The results are presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, and confidence intervals are calculated using non-parametric bootstrap procedure. Results: For PwMCI, the mean difference in total costs between intervention and standard care was € 12 (95% CI: –2090 to 2115) (US$ = € 1.19) and the mean QALY change was –0.004 (95% CI: –0.009 to 0.002). For informal caregivers, the cost difference was – € 539 (95% CI: –2624 to 1545) and 0.003 (95% CI: –0.002 to 0.008) for QALY. The difference in cost and QALY for PwMCI and informal caregivers combined was –€ 527 (95% CI: –3621 to 2568) and –0.001 (95% CI: –0.008 to 0.006). Although generally insignificant differences, this indicates that SMART4MD, compared to standard care was: 1) more costly and less effective for PwMCI, 2) less costly and more effective for informal caregivers, and 3) less costly and less effective for PwMCI and informal caregivers combined. Conclusion: The cost-effectiveness of SMART4MD over 6 months is inconclusive, although the intervention might be more beneficial for informal caregivers than PwMCI