Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Added Value of MRI-Based Targeted Biopsy in Biopsy-Naïve Patients: A Propensity-Score Matched Comparison

Background: Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI)-based targeted biopsy has shown to be beneficial in detecting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer (csPCa) and avoiding diagnosis of Non-csPCa (ncsPCa); however, its role in the treatment of biopsy-naïve patients is still under discussion. Methods: After identifying predictors for the diagnosis of csPCa via Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis (MLRA), a propensity-score (1:1 nearest neighbor) matched comparison was performed between a Systematic-Only Biopsy (SOB) cohort and a mpMRI-based Combined (systematic + targeted) Biopsy (CB) cohort from two tertiary urologic centers (SOB: Department of Urology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; CB: LKH Hall in Tirol, Austria). Only biopsy-naïve patients were included in the study. The study period for the included patients was from February 2018 to July 2023 for the SOB group and from July 2017 to June 2023 for the CB group. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of csPCa (≥ISUP 2); secondary outcomes were overall cancer detection, the added value of targeted biopsy in csPCa detection, and the reduction in ncsPCa diagnosis with CB compared to SOB. To estimate the Average Treatment effect of the Treated groups (ATT), cluster-robust standard errors were used to perform g-computation in the matched sample. p-values < 0.05 with a two-sided 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Results: Matching achieved well-balanced groups (each n = 140 for CB and SOB). In the CB group, 65/140 (46.4%) patients were diagnosed with csPCa compared to 44/140 (31.4%) in the SOB group (RR 1.48, 95%-CI: 1.09–2.0, p = 0.01). In the CB group, 4.3% (6/140) and 1.4% (2/140) of csPCa cases were detected with targeted-only and systematic-only biopsy cores, respectively. In the CB group, 22/140 (15.7%) patients were diagnosed with ncsPCa compared to 33/140 (23.6%) in the SOB group (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.41–1.08, p = 0.1). When comparing SOB to CB (ATT), the marginal OR was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.38–0.82, p = 0.003) for the diagnosis of csPCa and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.47–1.05, p = 0.085) for the diagnosis of overall cancer (≥ISUP 1). Conclusion: The CB approach was superior to the SOB approach in detecting csPCa, while no additional detection of ncsPCa was seen. Our results support the application of mpMRI for biopsy-naïve patients with suspicions of prostate cancer.
Perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among racial/ethnic minority adults in the United States: insights from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6

Objective This study examined the role of perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among adults from racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States. Methods Data were gathered from the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 6, a nationally representative survey. The mediating role of perceived discrimination was investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Results The study found significant associations between demographic and lifestyle factors and mental health symptoms. Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans and Hispanics were less likely than Non-Hispanic Whites to have mental health symptoms. Individuals between the ages of 35 and 49, 50 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 and older had lower odds of mental health symptoms. Gender differences revealed that females had a higher risk of mental health issues than males. Socioeconomic factors, such as household income and employment status, played a significant role, with higher household income and employment status being associated with a decreased likelihood of mental health symptoms. The study emphasizes the role of perceived discrimination as a mediator, suggesting that it fully mediated the association between cultural identity and mental health symptoms. These findings highlight the significance of addressing discrimination experiences in fostering the mental health of adults from diverse backgrounds. Conclusion The findings highlight the need to take racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities, as well as cultural identity and prejudice, into account in mental health research and interventions. The identified risk and protective factors can guide interventions and policies to enhance this population’s mental health.
A Split-Lung Ex Vivo Perfusion Model for Time- and Cost-Effective Evaluation of Therapeutic Interventions to the Human Donor Lung

With the ongoing shortage of donor lungs, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) offers the opportunity for objective assessment and potential therapeutic repair of marginal organs. There is a need for robust research on EVLP interventions to increase the number of transplantable organs. The use of human lungs, which have been declined for transplant, for these studies is preferable to animal organs and is indeed essential if clinical translation is to be achieved. However, experimental human EVLP is time-consuming and expensive, limiting the rate at which promising interventions can be assessed. A split-lung EVLP model, which allows stable perfusion and ventilation of two single lungs from the same donor, offers advantages scientifically, financially and in time to yield results. Identical parallel circuits allow one to receive an intervention and the other to act as a control, removing inter-donor variation between study groups. Continuous hemodynamic and airway parameters are recorded and blood gas, perfusate, and tissue sampling are facilitated. Pulmonary edema is assessed directly using ultrasound, and indirectly using the lung tissue wet:dry ratio. Evans blue dye leaks into the tissue and can quantify vascular endothelial permeability. The split-lung ex vivo perfusion model offers a cost-effective, reliable platform for testing therapeutic interventions with relatively small sample sizes.
Smart match: revolutionizing organ allocation through artificial intelligence

In this transformative era of organ transplantation, integrating Smart Match and artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal advancement, revolutionizing organ allocation processes. Smart Match employs AI algorithms, enhancing organ matching precision and optimizing transplantation outcomes. Leveraging machine learning addresses complexities in donor-recipient pairing, immunosuppression management, and post-operative care, promising to minimize waitlist mortality and improve patient wellbeing. The multifaceted potential of Smart Match lies in its ability to not only streamline current practices but also pave the way for future innovations in solid organ transplantation. As technology continues to evolve, the collaboration between Smart Match and AI exemplifies a beacon of progress, promising increased efficiency, equitable organ distribution, and improved patient care. This article delves into the paradigm shift facilitated by Smart Match and AI, emphasizing their transformative impact on the landscape of organ allocation and patient outcomes.
Estimation of the economic impact of a bluetongue serotype 4 outbreak in Tunisia

Introduction Since 1999, Tunisia has experienced multiple occurrences of Bluetongue (BT) outbreaks, leading to numerous reported cases of infection and mortality in flocks. The re-emergence of the disease in 2020 caused substantial economic losses in cattle, attributed to the incursion of serotype BTV-4. Methods To evaluate the economic impact of the recent BT episode, we conducted a retrospective study on outbreaks that occurred in Tunisia between August and November 2020, focusing on the impact at the owner’s level and its effects on both small ruminants and cattle. A total of 234 ruminant farms (sheep, cattle, and mixed) were randomly selected across Tunisian governorates and included in the study to estimate both the direct and indirect costs of these outbreaks. Results Total costs were calculated as the sum of losses and expenditures resulting from the BT outbreaks. At the animal level, total losses were estimated to range between 116.280 and 207.086 TND for one infected ewe (€33.721 and 60.055). For one lactating cow, costs varied between 2,590.724 and 3,171.107 TND (€751.310 and 919.621). In cattle, exposure to BTV led to a daily unit milk yield decrease of 12.50 to 14.66 L over an average period of 5 months. Diseased sheep experienced weight loss ranging between 4 and 10 kg during the BT outbreaks. The total mean cost of the 2020 BT outbreak in Tunisian investigated farms was estimated at 1,935 million TND (million €561.15) (range: 1,489 and 2,474 million TND; 431.81 and million €717.46). The most influential costs of the total BT outbreaks were the decrease in milk yield, mortality, and veterinary treatment. Discussion This study gives valuable insights on the economic impact of the incursion of a new serotype of BT in a naive population in Tunisia. Considering the substantial costs incurred, it is imperative that this disease receives increased attention from stakeholders, including animal owners, veterinary services, practitioners, and decision-makers.
Landfill Waste Effluents Increase the Population and Diversity of Soil Microorganisms: The Case of Olusosun Landfill, Lagos, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the impact of landfill waste effluents on the population and diversity of soil microorganisms, and a comparative study between landfill soil and effluent-free field soil. Study Design: A comparative, investigative survey. Methodology: Soil samples were collected from the surface layers (1-20 cm) of alfisol at the landfill and a field located about 1000 meters from the landfill site. Isolation and characterization of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi, physical and chemical analysis of the soil samples were performed. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis, with level of significance at 0.05. Results: Mean microbial counts (CFU g -1 dry soil) in landfill soil (Lfs) and field soil (Fs) respectively were: Total bacterial counts 87 ×10 5 and 72 ×10 5 , coliforms 51×10 5 and 38 ×10 5 , actinomycetes 44 ×10 5 and 22 ×10 5 , and fungi 21×10 5 and 15 ×10 5 , Lfs counts exceeding Fs counts significantly ( P < 0.05). The isolates included Proteobacteria (Lfs =16 spp.; Fs=7 spp.), Firmicutes (Lfs =20 spp.; Fs=10 spp.), Actinobacteria (Lfs =10 spp.; Fs=5 spp.), and Fungi (Lfs =15 spp.; Fs=13 spp.), Lfs yielding significantly higher diversity than Fs ( P < 0.05). Lfs and Fs respectively contained: moisture (56.8 and 50.9%); pH (6.19 and 6.80); nitrogen (0.99 and 0.42%); phosphorus (553.4 and 371.8 mg/kg); Organic carbon (2.65 and 3.52%); cation exchange capacity (48.14 and 38.8 Cmmol/kg); sand (48.8 and 31.2%); clay (28.8 and 26.0%); silt (22.4 and 57.2%), highlighting differences in chemical and physical properties which support a greater diversity and population of microbes in Lfs more than Fs. Conclusion: Effluents from landfills enhance the physical and chemical properties of soil, resulting in larger CFU, and greater diversity of all microorganisms. The greater diversity of microbes can be exploited for industry, medicine, agriculture, bioremediation, bio-control and research. The results reveal the importance of citing landfills far from farms, water bodies and residential areas to avoid health hazards in humans, livestock, and adverse effects on plants.
Drivers of mortality: risk factors and inequality

This paper takes a detailed look at socio-economic variation in mortality across England. Generic metrics such as the index of multiple deprivation (IMD) can be effective at the aggregate level of national deciles, but we demonstrate that they perform much less well at the regional, urban–rural, and neighbourhood level. We use local linear regression to develop a new, customized index for neighbourhood mortality that addresses the mortality-specific shortcomings of the IMD based on socio-economic and related, non-spatial predictive variables. We find that old-age income deprivation and employment deprivation are key determinants of mortality, but also that urban–rural class and the presence of care homes in a neighbourhood have an important role to play in assessing underlying mortality rates relative to national mortality. Residual spatial/regional variation in mortality is found to be much less significant than socio-economic variation and much lower than the residual regional variation that results from the use of the IMD.
A Complex Pattern of Gene Expression in Tissue Affected by Viperid Snake Envenoming: The Emerging Role of Autophagy-Related Genes

Viperid snake venoms induce severe tissue damage, characterized by the direct toxic action of venom components, i.e., phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) and metalloproteinases (SVMPs), concomitantly with the onset of endogenous inflammatory processes, in an intricate scenario of tissue alterations. Understanding the expression of relevant genes in muscle tissue will provide valuable insights into the undergoing pathological and inflammatory processes. In this study, we have used the Nanostring technology to evaluate the patterns of gene expression in mouse skeletal muscle 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h after injection of the venoms of Bothrops asper and Daboia russelii, two medically relevant species in Latin America and Asia, respectively, with somewhat different clinical manifestations. The dose of venoms injected (30 µg) induced local pathological effects and inflammation in muscle tissue. We focused our analysis on genes related to extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, immune system, programmed cell death, and autophagy. The results revealed a complex pattern of expression of genes. Regarding ECM metabolism and regulation, up-regulated genes included proteinase inhibitor Serpine 1, thrombospondin 1, collagens 1A1 and 4A1 (at 1 h in the case of B. asper), TIMP1, MMP-3 (at 24 h), and lysil oxidase (LOX). In contrast, collagen chains 5A3 and 5A1 were down-regulated, especially at 6 h. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and several genes related to myofibroblast regulation were also up-regulated, which might be related to the development of fibrosis. Several genes related to cytokine and chemokine synthesis and regulation and NFκB signaling were also up-regulated. Our observations show a variable expression of genes associated with programmed cell death and autophagy, thus revealing a hitherto unknown role of autophagy in tissue affected by snake venoms. These results provide clues to understanding the complex pattern of gene expression in tissue affected by viperid snake venoms, which likely impacts the final pathophysiology of damaged tissue in envenomings.
The Influence of Health Education Using Animattion Video Media on the Level of Knowledge of Mothers About the Management of February Seizures in Toddlers

Improper handling of children with febrile seizures has an impact on the occurrence of recurrent febrile seizures or complications can occur. Several factors influence a person's knowledge, namely the provision of health education. Supporting media is important in delivering health education. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of health education on the level of mother's knowledge about the cruel treatment of fever in toddlers. The research design was (one-group pre-post test design). The number of samples in this study were 54 mothers who came to Posyandu Dahlia, Kerjen Village. This research was conducted on May 10, 2023. The research instrument used SAP, animated videos and pre-test questionnaires. The results of this study show that based on the results of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test statistical test at the pretest and post-test a p-value of 0.000 or <0.05, then Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted, which means that there is an influence in providing health education using animated videos on the level of mother's knowledge about handling febrile seizures in toddlers. It is hoped that the results of this study can be used as material for evaluation and information in supporting Pediatric Nursing regarding the management of damam seizures in toddlers.Keywords: Knowledge, media, febrile seizure
TG: A Mediator of the Relationship of Serum Uric Acid to Creatinine Ratio and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Non-Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background The study estimated the association between NAFLD and SUA/Cr in Chinese non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and also investigated mediating effect of TG. Methods All patients were divided into NAFLD group (n = 420) and non-NAFLD group (n = 347). The differences of biochemical indicators between the two groups were compared. The link between SUA/Cr and other parameters was checked through Spearman correlation analysis. Differences in the incidence rate of NAFLD between SUA/Cr and TG 3 tertile subgroups were tested by chi-squared. To explore the independent influence of SUA/Cr and TG on NAFLD, logistic regression was performed. The predictive value of SUA/Cr and SUA/Cr combined with BMI for NAFLD was analyzed using ROC curves. In addition, to confirm whether TG has a mediating effect on the link of SUA/Cr and NAFLD, we conducted a mediating analysis. Results NAFLD group had higher SUA/Cr values than individuals without NAFLD (P < 0.01). SUA/Cr was linked with TC and TG (r = 0.081, 0.215 respectively). NAFLD prevalence increased progressively from quartile 1 to quartile 3 of SUA/Cr (44% vs 57% vs 62%). Prevalence of NAFLD increased from quartile 1 to quartile 3 of TG (35.8% vs 58.7% vs 69.9%). Analysis of the logistic regression revealed that SUA/Cr and TG were statistically linked with NAFLD. The ROC curve pointed out that the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of SUA/Cr were 0.59, 0.629 and 0.522, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity for SUA/Cr combined with BMI were 0.719, 0.644 and 0.677, separately. The mediation analysis showed a statistically direct effect of SUA/Cr on NAFLD (β=0.148, 95% CI: 0.0393, 0.2585). The function of SUA/Cr on NAFLD partially mediated by TG (β=0.1571, 95% CI: 0.0704, 0.2869). Conclusion SUA/Cr was significantly associated with NAFLD in non-obese T2DM patients, and TG partially mediated this association. SUA/Cr can be applied to predict for NAFLD.
Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Osteoporosis Among A Selected Community of Miri, Sarawak

Osteoporosis is one of the diseases concerned and has been identified as having a significant increase in the progression of aging in the world. The incidence of total hip fracture cases associated with osteoporosis is expected to increase because of the rise in the prevalence of the elderly as an effect on high life expectancy and good health services quality. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate level of knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis among public in Sarawak, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study was conducted to 224 public respondents. We used questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practices by Tripathi and colleagues. Result of this study indicated that demographic variables gender and educational level had significant association with level of knowledge among public but not for the age, races, marital status, occupational and household income variables. In conclusion, this study revealed that most respondents presented with high knowledge with high level of awareness regarding osteoporosis disease. It is recommended that to be continued the effort by local authority regarding health promotion on issues surrounding osteoporosis.
Development and Validation of a Long-Term, Global, Terrestrial Sensible Heat Flux Dataset

Sensible heat flux is a turbulent flux driving interactions between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere, propelling local and regional climate. While turbulent fluxes are measured in situ, global scales require estimates at larger spatial scales, which can be made using remotely sensed satellite data. This study uses a first-order approximation to calculate the unconstrained hourly, terrestrial, 0.5°-resolution sensible heat flux using a land surface temperature consistent with the High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) retrievals, six reanalysis-based air temperature products, and a dataset of Zilitinkevich empirical constant Czilvalues. This sensible heat flux dataset is constrained using the daily Bowen ratio and available energy, to produce nine constrained, daily products. All resulting global, terrestrial averages are within the uncertainty range of ±6.3 W m−2from the 38.8 W m−2global annual average previously reported in the literature. The product constrained with the net radiation using the Moderate Resolution Infrared Spectroradiometer (MODIS) albedo and air temperature from the National Centers for Environmental Protection (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) performs closest to the FLUXNET ground observations in the monthly analysis. These sensible heat flux estimates should be used for benchmarking global climate models at monthly or annual scales, and improvements should be made to the accuracy of input variables, particularly the temperature gradient, Czilestimates, and the roughness length.
Persistently short or long sleep duration increases the risk of sensory impairment in Chinese older adults

Background Cross-sectional evidence suggests that persistently short or long sleep duration is associated with sensory impairment. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the associations between sleep duration and altered sleep duration with sensory impairment in Chinese older adults. Methods Longitudinal data (2008–2014) obtained through the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed. Sleep duration was classified as normal (7–8 h), short (<7 h), or long (≥9 h). Sensory impairment was assessed using individuals’ self-reported data on visual and hearing functions. Cox regression was performed to evaluate the effects of sleep duration and altered sleep duration on sensory impairment, including visual impairment (VI) and hearing impairment (HI). Results This study included 3,578 older adults (mean age: 78.12 ± 9.59 years). Among them, 2,690 (75.2%) were aged 65–84 years and 1798 (50.3%) were women. The risks of VI (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.29), HI (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00–1.30), and dual sensory impairment (both VI and HI; HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.03–1.55) were high in older adults with long sleep duration. In addition, the risks of VI, HI, and dual sensory impairment were high in individuals whose sleep duration changed from normal to short or long (HR: 1.20 [95% CI: 1.02–1.42], 1.26 [95% CI: 1.03–1.53], and 1.54 [95% CI: 1.11–2.12], respectively) and those with persistently short or long sleep duration (HR: 1.25 [95% CI: 1.07–1.46], 1.34 [95% CI: 1.11–1.61], and 1.67 [95% CI: 1.22–2.27], respectively). Conclusion A prospective association was identified between altered sleep duration and sensory impairment in Chinese older adults. Our findings highlight the importance of optimal sleep duration and healthy sleep habits in preventing sensory impairment in older adults.