Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Playing Video Games on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, and Gaming Disorder During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: PRISMA Systematic Review

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing video games has been much more than just a pastime. Studies suggested that video games for many individuals have helped to cope with such difficult life experience. However, other research indicates that gaming may have had harmful effects. Within this context, this systematic review aimed to describe the literature on the effects of video games during the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis on stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and gaming disorder (GD), examining the study characteristics and outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was made following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. It was preregistered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY)-INPLASY202180053. The search databases were PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Medline. The search string was: [("video game*") OR ("computer game*") OR ("gaming")] AND [("COVID-19")]. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Four research explored the effects of playing video games during the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, anxiety, and depression. Four studies investigated loneliness, while 18 research investigated game disorder. Video games, especially augmented reality and online multiplayer ones, mitigated stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness among adolescents and young adults during stay-at-home restrictions. However, in the case of at-risk individuals (i.e., particularly male youths), playing video games had detrimental effects.
Academic stress, COVID‐19 anxiety, and quality of life among nursing students: The mediating role of resilience

Abstract Aim This study investigated the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between academic stress, COVID‐19 anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) among Filipino nursing students during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the QoL of nursing students who are experiencing mental health issues. The mediating role of resilience in mitigating the effects of academic stress and COVID‐19 anxiety on nursing students’ QoL remains understudied. Methods This study employed a correlational cross‐sectional design, with a convenience sample of 611 Filipino nursing students. Data were collected using the scales Connor and Davidson Resilience, Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life, COVID‐19 Anxiety, and Perception of Academic Stress and analyzed using Pearson's r, bivariate analysis, and multistage regression analyses. Results Academic stress and COVID‐19 anxiety negatively correlated with QoL and resilience. Resilience was positively associated with QoL and reduced the effect of academic stress on QoL, indicating that resilience is a crucial mediating variable between academic stress and QoL. Finally, resilience had a significant mediating influence on QoL, as evidenced by a reduction in the effect of COVID‐19 anxiety on QoL among nursing students. Conclusions Filipino nursing students' QoL was affected by academic stress and COVID‐19–related anxiety. However, resilience mediated this impact, preserving QoL. Implications for nursing and health policy Nursing colleges and affiliated hospitals must collaborate to monitor academic stress and pandemic‐related anxiety. Nursing students should be provided with programs such as seminars and team‐building activities to enhance their resilience.
Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Is Now the Most Common Indication for Liver Transplant Waitlisting Among Young American Adults

Background. Mortality from cirrhosis is increasing and is the highest among young adults with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The aim of this study was to describe rates of liver transplant (LT) waitlisting stratified by age, sex, and cirrhosis etiology. Methods. Retrospective population-based study from 2003 to 2018 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. Adults newly registered on the LT waitlist were included, and age at listing was dichotomized to ±40 y. Annual standardized incidence proportions of LT waitlisting by age group, sex, and etiology were calculated using census data. Changes in annual rates were described with Poisson regression. Results. A total of 209 399 unique individuals were included, 10 326 (5%) <40 y at listing. In those <40 y of age, listing increased most for ALD (4-fold increase) followed by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; 2-fold increase). Compared to young adult males, young females were more likely to be listed for ALD and less likely to be listed for NAFLD. In those ≥40 y of age, listings increased most for ALD (2-fold increase) and NAFLD (2-fold increase). Hepatitis C virus increased from 2003 to 2013 and declined post-2014 in the ≥40-y age group. Conclusions. LT waitlisting is increasing substantially in young Americans, driven primarily by ALD. These data support ongoing efforts to identify adolescents and young adults with early stages of ALD where interventions can be implemented to prevent the development of cirrhosis and liver-related complications.
Clinical significance of postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly patients with lung cancer

Abstract OBJECTIVES An increasing number of elderly patients with impaired immunity, malnutrition and comorbidities are considered surgical candidates. This study aimed to clarify the predictive factors and prognostic impact of postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly patients with lung cancer. METHODS This retrospective study included 188 patients (≥75 years) who underwent complete anatomical lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer between 2005 and 2019. Postoperative pulmonary complications graded ≥II in the Clavien-Dindo classification, occurring within 30-day post-surgery were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyse predictors and prognostic impact of complications. RESULTS Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 154 patients (81.9%). The 90-day mortality rate was 0.5%. Postoperative pulmonary complications including air leak, pneumonia, sputum retention, atelectasis, bronchopleural fistula and empyema occurred in 29 patients (15.4%). A lower prognostic nutritional index (<45) and longer operative time were independent predictive factors of pulmonary complications, with 33.3% of patients experiencing both factors. Following a median follow-up of 48 months, the 5-year overall and relapse-free survival rates were significantly worse in patients with pulmonary complications than in those without them (54.4% vs 81.5% and 41.2% vs 74.9%). Pulmonary complications were significantly associated with worse overall and relapse-free survival [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.97 (1.01–3.66), P = 0.047 and 2.35 (1.28–4.12), P = 0.007, respectively] along with pathologic stage and carcinoembryonic antigen levels. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative pulmonary complications are associated with a lower prognostic nutritional index and prolonged operative time; the complications are independent adverse prognostic factors in elderly patients.
Retention rates with monthly depot buprenorphine in general practice in Melbourne, Australia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Opioid dependence is an important public health issue with high rates of relapse. This study, conducted in a suburban Australian general practice, reports treatment retention for patients on long-acting depot buprenorphine injections. METHOD Patients were offered monthly buprenorphine depot from 11 December 2019 to 31 July 2020; data collection ceased on 30 November 2020. Overall retention at 168 days was estimated, and retention when discontinuation was defined as >2 or >4 weeks' delay between injections (2/4 WTD). RESULTS For 126 patients treated (mean age: 40.2 years [range: 20-65 years], 32% women, 98% with history of heroin dependence), the overall retention rate was 62% (53% and 40% using 2WTD and 4WTD definitions of discontinuation). Eleven patients returned to previous treatment; 10 patients with planned discontinuations were censored. DISCUSSION Depot buprenorphine supported more than half of patients to remain in treatment, while allowing some flexibility in dose interval. Predictive power is limited by the small sample and observational design.
Abnormal timing of slow wave synchronization processes in non-rapid eye movement sleep parasomnias.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleepwalking, confusional arousals, and sleep terrors are parasomnias occurring out of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Several previous studies have described EEG changes associated with NREM parasomnia episodes, but it remains unclear whether these changes are specific to parasomnia episodes or whether they are part of the normal awakening process. Here we directly compared regional brain activity, measured with high-density (hd-) EEG, between parasomnia episodes and normal awakenings (without behavioral manifestations of parasomnia). METHODS Twenty adult patients with non-rapid eye movement parasomnias underwent a baseline hd-EEG recording (256 electrodes) followed by a recovery sleep recording after 25 h of total sleep deprivation, during which auditory stimuli were administered to provoke parasomnia episodes. RESULTS Both normal awakenings (n = 25) and parasomnia episodes (n = 96) were preceded by large, steep, and "K-complex-like" slow waves in frontal and central brain regions, and by a concomitant increase in high-frequency EEG (beta) activity. Compared to normal awakenings, parasomnia episodes occurred on a less activated EEG background and displayed higher slow wave activity (SWA) and lower beta activity in frontal and central brain regions after movement onset. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that non-rapid eye movement awakenings, irrespective of behavioral manifestations of parasomnia episodes, involve an arousal-related slow wave synchronization process that predominantly recruits frontal and central brain areas. In parasomnia episodes, this synchronization process comes into play abnormally during periods of high SWA and is associated with higher SWA after movement onset. Thus, an abnormal timing of arousal-related slow wave synchronization processes could underlie the occurrence of NREM parasomnias.
Mettl3 downregulation in germinal vesicle oocytes inhibits mRNA decay and the first polar body extrusion during maturation

Abstract In oocytes, mRNA decay is essential for maturation and subsequent events, such as maternal-zygotic transition, zygotic genomic activation, and embryo development. Reversible N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation directly regulates transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA export, mRNA stability, and translation. Here, we identified that downregulation of N6-methyladenosine modification by microinjecting a methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3)-specific small interfering RNA into mouse germinal vesicle oocytes led to defects in meiotic spindles and the first polar body extrusion during maturation in vitro. By further quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Poly(A)-tail assay analysis, we found that N6-methyladenosine methylation mainly acts by reducing deadenylation of mRNAs mediated by the carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA less system, thereby causing mRNA accumulation in oocytes. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis of germinal vesicle oocytes revealed the downregulation of transcripts of several genes encoding ribosomal subunits proteins in the Mettl3 small interfering RNA-treated group, suggesting that N6-methyladenosine modification might affect translation. Together, our results indicate that RNA methylation accelerates mRNA decay, confirming the critical role of RNA clearance in oocyte maturation.
Differential impact of biologic therapy on heart function biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Observational study on etanercept, adalimumab and tocilizumab.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents the most frequent form of inflammatory arthritis affecting approximately 1% of the population worldwide. Introduction of novel therapeutic strategies targeting proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and interleukin-6) revolutionized the treatment of RA. This kind of treatment, although effective in a substantial portion of patients, may potentially cause many side effects. Among them cardiovascular safety is one of the main concerns. Objectives In the present study, we investigated what impact treatment with anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-6 agents may have on heart function and levels of heart function biomarkers Methods To measure this, we used cardiac function biomarkers such as NT-pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide, mid regional pro Atrial Natriuretic Peptide, Galectin-3 and Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein and compared them to patients treated with methotrexate as well as healthy controls. Results Patients treated with biologics were characterized by low disease activity or were in remission. The disease activity in these groups were significantly lower in comparison to the methotrexate group. All patient recruited to the study were characterized by normal heart function measured with the use of echocardiography (EF>50%). With the exception of MR-proANP between tocilizumab and adalimumab (median: 1.01 vs 0.49 nmol/L, p < 0.05), we failed to observe any significant differences in biomarkers levels between groups treated with biologics. Contrary to this, patients on MTX showed higher NT-proBNP levels compared to adalimumab, and healthy controls (p < 0.05 for both). Striking differences have been shown in regard to H-FABP. The levels of these biomarkers were elevated in all biologics and the methotrexate group as compared to healthy controls. Conclusion As this biomarker reflects potential heart injury we suggest that heart damage proceeds in continuous manner in RA patients despite effective treatment and attainment of remission/low disease activity. This finding however should be verify in larger cohort of RA patients to ascertain if routine assessment of H-FABP may be useful for detection of patients with RA who are at risk of development of heart damage.
Concentrations of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin are increased in serum and peritoneal fluid from horses with inflammatory abdominal disease and non-strangulating intestinal infarctions.

BACKGROUND Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is produced in response to inflammation in horses, but it has not yet been investigated as a biomarker in horses with abdominal disease. OBJECTIVES To investigate NGAL in serum and peritoneal fluid in horses with abdominal disease. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective clinical study. METHODS Data from medical records of 270 horses admitted with acute abdominal disease (simple obstructions [n=43], strangulating obstructions [n=104], inflammatory abdominal disease [n=99], non-strangulating intestinal infarction [NSII, n=24]) and 9 healthy control horses were reviewed, and serum and peritoneal fluid samples were retrieved from a biobank. NGAL was measured in serum and peritoneal fluid by ELISA. Differences in NGAL concentrations between groups were assessed. RESULTS Healthy horses had low serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of NGAL (median = 21.0 and 9.5 μg/L, respectively). Neither serum nor peritoneal fluid NGAL concentrations (median serum, peritoneal fluid) differed between healthy horses and horses with simple (28.1 μg/L, 13.0 μg/L) and strangulating intestinal obstructions (34.7 μg/L, 38.4 μg/L). Horses with NSII (308.0 μg/L, 2163.0 μg/L) and inflammatory abdominal disease (171.1 μg/L, 314.1 μg/L) had higher serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of NGAL than the other groups (P<0.001). Peritoneal fluid NGAL concentrations in horses with NSII were higher than in horses with inflammatory abdominal disease (P=0.03). MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective study design; small group of control horses. CONCLUSIONS NGAL is a marker of inflammation in horses with abdominal disease. The high peritoneal fluid concentration of NGAL in horses with NSII compared to all other groups may render NGAL useful for identifying this condition, which is otherwise difficult to differentiate from other types of peritonitis. Thereby, NGAL may potentially facilitate timely surgical intervention in this group of patients. The results of this study must be evaluated in larger, and preferably prospective, studies to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic utility of NGAL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Indirect Relations between Language and Behavior Problems in Preschoolers: The Role of Executive Difficulties

Abstract The present study investigated the concurrent relations between language ability, executive difficulties, and behavior problems in a sample of 142 preschoolers ranging in age between 3 and 6 years of age. Language skills were assessed with a direct task, whereas ratings of executive difficulties and behavior problems were obtained from teachers. Regression analyses indicated that difficulties in flexibility and inhibitory self-control were positively associated with internalizing problems, and difficulties in inhibitory self-control were positively associated with externalizing problems. The associations between emergent metacognition and internalizing problems and between inhibitory self-control and externalizing problems were both moderated by sex, being stronger in boys than in girls. Lastly, language had indirect effects on internalizing problems by decreasing children’s difficulties in flexibility, as well as on externalizing problems by decreasing children’ difficulties in inhibitory self-control. Overall, these findings support the idea that low language skills may interfere with preschoolers’ ability to exploit the executive functions of inner language to self-regulate their own behaviors, especially in boys.
Mechanical thrombectomy failure in anterior circulation strokes: Outcomes and predictors of favorable outcome

Despite continuous improvement and growing knowledge in the endovascular therapy of large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS), mechanical thrombectomy (MT) still fails to obtain satisfying intracranial recanalization in 10% to 15% of cases. However, little is known regarding clinical and radiological outcomes among this singularly underexplored subpopulation undergoing failed MT. We aimed to investigate the outcome after failed MT and identify predictive factors of favorable outcome despite recanalization failure.
Greater chemical signaling in root exudates enhances soil mutualistic associations in invasive plants compared to natives.

Invasive plants can change soil properties resulting in improved growth. Although invaders are known to alter soil chemistry, it remains unclear if chemicals secreted by roots facilitate invasive plant-soil mutualisms. With up to 19 confamilial pairs of invasive and native plants, and most of which were congeners, we explored the root exudate-induced changes in plant-arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal mutualisms. We found that, relative to natives, invaders had greater AM colonization, greater biomass and their root exudates contained higher concentrations of two common chemical signals- quercetin and strigolactones- which are known to stimulate AM fungal growth and root colonization. An exudate exchange experiment showed that root exudates from invaders increased AM colonization more than exudates from natives. However, application of activated carbon led to greater reduction in AM colonization and plant biomass for invaders than natives, suggesting stronger effects of chemical signals in root exudates from invaders. We show that non-native plants promote interactions with soil mutualists via enhancing root exudate chemicals, which could have important implications for invasion success.
Disparities in Screening for Colorectal Cancer Based on Limited Language Proficiency

Background This study analyzes the association between limited language proficiency and screening for colorectal cancer. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study from the 2015 sample of the National Health Interview Survey database utilizing univariate and multivariate regression analysis. The study population includes subjects between 50 and 75 years of age. The main outcome analyzed was rates of screening colonoscopies between limited English-language proficiency (LEP) subjects and those fluent in English. Secondary outcomes included analysis of baseline, socioeconomic, access to health care variables, and other modalities for colorectal cancer screening between the groups. Results Incidence of limited language proficiency was 4.8% (n = 1978, count = 4 453 599). They reported lower rates of screening colonoscopies (61% vs 34%, P < .001), less physician recommendation for a colonoscopy (87 vs 60%, P < .001), fewer polyps removed in the previous 3 years (24% vs 9.1%; P < .001), and fewer fecal occult blood samples overall (P < .001). Additionally, Hispanic non-LEP subjects have higher rates of colonoscopies compared to those with language barriers (50% vs 33%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, LEP was associated with a lower likelihood to have a screening colonoscopy (OR .67 95% CI .49-.91). A second regression model with “Spanish language” and “other language” variables included, associated Spanish speakers with a lower likelihood for a screening colonoscopy (OR .71 95% CI .52-.97) when controlling for baseline, socioeconomic, and access to health care covariates. Discussion Patients with limited English-language proficiency are associated with lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer, in particular the Spanish speaking subgroup.
Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, and COVID-19: Susceptibility and Mechanisms: A Review Study

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters cells through angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which expression of its gene increases during pregnancy that is resulted in an enhanced level of the ACE2 enzyme. It might enhance the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications in the pregnant women. Although, pregnancy hypertensive disorders and severe infection with SARS-CoV-2 are correlated with high comorbidity, these two entities should be discriminated from each other. Also, there is a concern about the risk of preeclampsia and consequently severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development in the pregnant women. So, to answer these questions, in the present review the literature was surveyed. It seems there is higher severity of COVID-19 among pregnant women than non-pregnant women and more adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, an association between COVID-19 with preeclampsia and the role of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications is suggested. However, infection of the placenta and the SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission is rare. Various mechanisms could explain the role of COVID-19 in the risk of preeclampsia and association between preeclampsia and COVID-19. Suggested mechanisms are included decreased ACE2 activity and imbalance between Ang II and Ang-(1-7) in preeclampsia, association of both of severe forms of COVID-19 and pregnancy hypertensive disorders with comorbidity, and interaction between immune system, inflammatory cytokines and the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and its contribution to the hypertension pathogenesis. It is concluded that preeclampsia and gestational hypertension might be risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications.