Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio as Inflammatory Markers In Patients With Welders' Lung Disease.

OBJECTIVE To investigate neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with welders' lung disease (PWLD) and its relation with pulmonary function parameters. METHODS 116 male PWLD and 118 healthy non-exposed individuals were recruited. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (SED), c- reactive protein (CRP), NLR and PLR of both groups were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS NLR, PLR, WBC, ESR and CRP were significantly higher in PWLD compared to controls (all p < 0.001). All pulmonary function tests,except for FEV1/FVC, significantly decreased in PWLD compared to controls as. NLR correlated positively with ESR (r = 0,241 and p < 0,001). CONCLUSION Our results show that NLR and PLR can be considered as new inflammatory markers in PWLD with their cheap, fast and easily measurable feature with routine blood count analysis.
Coronavirus disease 2019 attack rate in HIV-infected patients and in preexposure prophylaxis users

Objective: A new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) emerged in China during late 2019 and resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which peaked in France in March–April 2020. Immunodeficiency, precariousness and promiscuity could increase the risk of COVID-19 in HIV-infected patients and in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. No epidemiological data are available in these two populations. We report COVID-19 attack rate in HIV-infected patients and in PrEP users in the Rhône department, France, and compared it with the general population. Design: Retrospective analysis of a laboratory database. Methods: COVID-19 testing strategy in France was centered on symptomatic infections, hospitalized patients and symptomatic healthcare workers while most asymptomatic cases were not confirmed. SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate on PCR assays and COVID-19 attack rate were determined in HIV-infected patients and in PrEP users. COVID-19 attack rate in the general population was estimated from health authorities’ database and demographic data. A corrected attack rate taking into account the laboratory representativeness was calculated. Results: From March to April 2020, 24 860 samples from 19 113 patients (HIV-infected 77, PrEP users 27, others 19 009) were assessed for SARS-CoV-2 PCR assay. The positivity rate appeared similar in HIV-infected patients (15.6%), in PrEP users (14.8%) and in other patients (19.1%). The crude/corrected COVID-19 attack rate appeared similar in HIV-infected patients (0.31/0.38%) and in PrEP users (0.38/0.42%), and of the same order as the estimated attack rate in the general population (0.24%). Conclusion: The risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in France appeared similar in HIV-infected patients and in PrEP users compared with the general population.
Home-Range Dynamics of Female Ursus americanus (Pallas) (American Black Bear) in a Recovering Population in Western Maryland

Abstract Western Maryland's population of Ursus americanus (American Black Bear; hereafter Black Bear) was nearly extirpated by the 1950s but recovered to 326 individuals by 2005. A knowledge gap currently exists regarding home-range dynamics of this recovering population. One of the most basic questions that managers wish to understand is how much space these Black Bears are using. To provide this information, we examined the home-range dynamics of 18 adult female Black Bears in western Maryland from 2006 to 2007 using GPS collars. We predicted that home-range estimates in our study population would be similar to that of surrounding states because Black Bear populations have been recovering for the past 50 years throughout Appalachia. Fixed-kernel estimates for spring, summer, and fall home ranges were 8.9 km2, 15.4 km2, and 20.7 km2, respectively. Fall and summer home ranges were similar, and both were larger (P < 0.10) than spring home ranges. Solitary females had spring home ranges 6.9 times larger than females with cubs, but ranges for all females were similar during other seasons. Home-range fidelity among seasons was high. As predicted, home-range sizes were comparable to those from other Appalachian states. With our results, managers can better understand space use of Black Bears in this recovering population.
Invasive Mucormycosis in Children With Malignancies: Report From the Infection Working Group of the Hellenic Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

Mucormycosis is an invasive, life-threatening fungal infection that mainly affects immunocompromised hosts. We collected data of pediatric mucormycosis cases from all 7 Greek Hematology-Oncology Departments for the years 2008-2017. Six cases of invasive mucormycosis diagnosed during treatment for malignancies were included in the study. In 4 children (66%) mucormycosis occurred within the first 20 days after diagnosis of the underlying disease. Two cases were classified as proven mucormycosis and 4 as probable. The most frequently recorded species was Rhizopus arrhizus (2 patients), followed by Mucor spp (1), and Lichtheimia spp (1). All patients received liposomal amphotericin B. Combined antifungal treatment was used in 5 cases. Surgical excision was performed in 4 cases (66%). Two patients died at 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis, respectively, 1 (17%) because of mucormycosis. Our data suggest that mucormycosis may occur early after the initiation of intensive chemotherapy in children with malignancies.
Conflict resolution between physicians and nurse practitioners

ABSTRACT Background: In the United States health care system, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians work very closely in the delivery of high-quality patient care across lifespans and acuities. In fact, advanced practice nurses work closer with physicians in their day-to-day care delivery than with any other group of professionals. This remains true even in states with independent practice for NPs. Because of the significant relationships between physicians and NPs, assessment of how these professionals resolve conflict is essential. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the style of conflict resolution employed by NPs and physicians. Methods: Nurse practitioners (n = 57) and physicians (n = 58) were randomly sampled from the Florida Department of Health—Health Care Practitioner Data Portal (N = 115). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire assessing experience in conflict resolution training and the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory—II, Form C, which defined the style of conflict resolution they most used and preferred. Results: Results showed that 29.8% of physicians and 40.4% of NPs received formal conflict resolution/management education/training (p = .24). The dominant style of conflict resolution used for 78% of physicians and 74% of NPs was the integrating style, with no statistical difference between the two professions (p = .87). Implications for practice: Physicians and NPs lack formal education on conflict resolution in their graduate studies. In addition, both professionals tend to use similar styles of conflict resolution among one another in clinical practice, which affects their collaboration and ultimately how optimal care is delivered to patients.
Impact of ABCB1 Polymorphism on Levetiracetam Serum Concentrations in Epileptic Uygur Children in China

Background: Interindividual variations in the efficacy of antiseizure medications make epilepsy treatment challenging. This is due to genetic factors such as gene polymorphisms in Adenosine-triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1). In this article, the impact of polymorphisms in the P-glycoprotein-encoding gene, ABCB1 (C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T), on levetiracetam disposition was evaluated in Uygur Chinese children with epilepsy. Methods: MDR1 C3435T polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–fluorescence staining in situ hybridization. The χ2 test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the allelic and genotypic distribution of ABCB1, C1236T, G2677T, and C3435T between the drug-resistant and drug-responsive groups. Differences in steady-state and dose-corrected levetiracetam serum concentrations between the different genotypes were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney test. Results: Total 245 Uygur children with epilepsy were analyzed [drug-resistant, n = 117 (males:females = 53:64) and drug-responsive, n = 128 (males:females = 76:52)]. The frequency of ABCB1 C1236T, G2677T/A, and ABCB1 C3435T genotypes, alleles, haplotypes, or diplotypes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Significantly higher levetiracetam concentrations and serum concentration/body mass dose were seen in ABCB1 2677-GT, TT, GA, and AT genotypes and 3435-TT carriers compared with GG and CC carriers (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002 versus P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions: ABCB1 G2677T/A and C3435T may affect levetiracetam disposition and therapeutic efficacy in Uygur children with epilepsy. Genetic analysis could be a valuable tool for predicting the response to antiseizure medications before the start of treatment and could contribute to personalized medicine for Uygur children with epilepsy.
Methylene blue vs methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate toenail onychomycosis: Short‐ and medium‐term effects

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an interesting alternative option for onychomycosis treatment. The impact of a specific photosensitizer (PS) on the final result is an important factor to consider. We conducted a short‐ and medium‐term controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of PDT in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate onychomycosis when it is mediated by two different PSs. Twenty patients were randomized to receive nine sessions of PDT distributed over 16 weeks mediated either by methylene blue (MB/PDT group) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL/PDT group). Onychomycosis severity index (OSI) and nail involvement were checked along the study. Complete cure, treatment success, and clinical improvement were tabulated at 16 and 40‐week follow‐ups. OSI scores decreased significantly along the study, from 12.1 ± 5.4 to 3.6 ± 3.2 (MB/PDT group) and from 14.8 ± 6.0 to 5.4 ± 4.4 (MAL/PDT group). At 16‐week follow‐up, only 20% of the patients in the MB/PDT group reached complete cure and none in the group of MAL/PDT. At 40‐week follow‐up, complete cure rates were 70% and 40% in the MB/PDT group and MAL/PDT group respectively. Both modalities showed good outcomes in treatment of moderate toenail onychomycosis. MB/PDT showed a faster action but with relapse rates slightly higher than MAL/PDT.
Risk factors for pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism in Singapore

Abstract Objectives Pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess potential risk factors for pregnancy-associated VTE. Methods In this case-control study, women with pregnancy-associated VTE were identified via International Classification of Diseases codes and included if they had been objectively diagnosed with VTE during pregnancy or within six weeks postpartum, from 2004 to 2016, at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital or Singapore General Hospital in Singapore. Controls, i.e. pregnant women without VTE, were selected from a prospective longitudinal study. The odds ratio (OR) for VTE was computed for a range of maternal and obstetric factors. Results and conclusions From 2004 to 2016, 89 cases of pregnancy-associated VTE and 926 controls were identifed and analysed using logistic regression. The most significant risk factors for pregnancy-associated VTE were smoking (OR 5.44, p=0.0002) and preterm delivery (OR 5.06, p=0.023). Malay race, multiparity, non-O blood group and caesarean section, were also identified to be of higher risk. These risk factors should be useful in the development of thromboprophylaxis strategies for pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially in Singapore.
PTEN participates in airway remodeling of asthma by regulating CD38/Ca2+/CREB signaling

Both phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) have been suggested to be key regulators of the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the precise role and molecular mechanisms by which PTEN and CD38 are involved in airway remodeling throughout asthma pathogenesis remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of PTEN and CD38 in airway remodeling of asthma. Exposure to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells markedly decreased PTEN expression, and increased expression of CD38. Overexpression of PTEN suppressed the expression of CD38 and downregulated proliferation and migration induced by TNF-α stimulation, which was partially reversed by CD38 overexpression. PTEN/CD38 axis regulated Ca2+ levels and cyclic AMP response-element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in TNF-α-stimulated ASM cells. The in vitro knockdown of CD38 or overexpression of PTEN remarkably restricted airway remodeling and decreased Ca2+ concentrations and CREB phosphorylation in asthmatic mice. CD38 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effects of PTEN overexpression on airway remodeling. These findings demonstrate that PTEN inhibits airway remodeling of asthma through the downregulation of CD38-mediated Ca2+/CREB signaling, highlighting a key role of PTEN/CD38/Ca2+/CREB signaling in the molecular pathogenesis of asthma.
Nitrate and Ammonium Uptake by Nitrogen-deficient Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass Turf

Nitrogen uptake by two N-deficient turfgrass species was characterized by measuring N depletion from a complete nutrient solution. The uptake rate of both and was enhanced up to 6-fold in N-deficient perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) compared to N-sufficient controls, reaching a maximum of about 0.3 and 0.4 g N/m2 per hr for and , respectively. Deficiency-enhanced uptake exceeded uptake by controls for about 72 hr following resupply of N. Nitrogen uptake was enhanced to a similar degree by N deprivation in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Mowing had no effect on uptake by N-deficient perennial ryegrass turf, whereas mowing inhibited uptake by N-sufficient turf by ≈60%. Deficiency-enhanced uptake was found to be the result of an increased capacity for N absorption (Imax) rather than an increased affinity for N (Km). Imax values increased from 0.24 and 0.73 mg N/g dry weight per hr for N-sufficient ryegrass turf for and , respectively, to 1.44 and 2.68 mg N/g dry weight per hr for N-deficient turf. Km values increased slightly, from 14 μm for both N forms for N-sufficient turf to 24 and 39 μm for and , respectively, for N-deficient turf.
Genomic Profiling Aids Classification of Diagnostically Challenging Uterine Mesenchymal Tumors With Myomelanocytic Differentiation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Although diagnosis of high-grade uterine mesenchymal tumors (UMTs) exhibiting classic morphologic features is straightforward, diagnosis is more challenging in tumors in which prototypical features are poorly developed, focal, and/or coexist with features seen in other neoplasms. Here, we sought to define the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in diagnostically challenging UMTs with myomelanocytic differentiation, including some reported as perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas). In 17 samples from 15 women, the tumors were histologically heterogenous. Immunohistochemical expression of at least 1 melanocytic marker (HMB45, Melan-A, or MiTF) was identified in all tumors, and of myogenic markers (desmin or smooth muscle actin) in most tumors. Targeted massively parallel sequencing revealed several genetic alterations, most commonly in TP53 (41% mutation, 12% deletion), TSC2 (29% mutation, 6% deletion), RB1 (18% deletion), ATRX (24% mutation), MED12 (12% mutation), BRCA2 (12% deletion), CDKN2A (6% deletion) as well as FGFR3, NTRK1, and ERBB3 amplification (each 6%). Gene rearrangements (JAZF1-SUZ12; DNAJB6-PLAG1; and SFPQ-TFE3) were identified in 3 tumors. Integrating histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic findings, tumors from 4 patients were consistent with malignant PEComa (1 TFE3-rearranged); 6 were classified as leiomyosarcomas; 3 showed overlapping features of PEComa and other sarcoma types (leiomyosarcoma or low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma); and 2 were classified as sarcoma, not otherwise specified. Our findings suggest that diagnostically challenging UMTs with myomelanocytic differentiation represent a heterogenous group of neoplasms which harbor a diverse repertoire of somatic genetic alterations; these genetic alterations can aid classification.
Up-to-date treatment and management of myositis

Purpose of review Myositis, or idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, is an overarching concept that includes dermatomyositis, polymyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and the antisynthetase syndrome. Glucocorticoids are still considered the mainstay of treatment of myositis but some patients require add-on immunosuppressive therapy because of insufficient response to glucocorticoids, relapses when glucocorticoids are tapered, or because they incur glucocorticoid-related side effects. Recent findings The goal of this article was to review (PubMed search from January 2019 through June 2020) the efficacy and safety of standard and novel agents used in adult dermatomyositis, polymyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and the antisynthetase syndrome. Summary Established therapies beyond glucocorticoids continue to have a major role in managing patients with myositis. In addition, novel agents are being tried for refractory manifestations of myositis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of dermatological reactions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy.

AIM The role of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) medications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is now established. Recent studies have reported the incidence of dermatological adverse events with use of anti-TNFs in IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of dermatological reactions in patients on anti-TNF therapy for IBD. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE to identify studies reporting any dermatological reaction in patients exposed to anti-TNF for treatment of IBD. The incidence of dermatological complications in the entire review population was pooled by meta-analysis of data from individual studies using the random effects model. Pooled estimates in male and female patients and in patients treated with different anti-TNF agents were also calculated. We applied mixed effects (methods of moments) regression models to investigate between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS Forty-eight studies reporting a total of 29 776 patients treated with anti-TNF medications for IBD were identified. Gender distribution was available for 18 960 participants with 45.3% females. Data on type of disease were available for 20 226 patients: 74.9% (n = 15 154) Crohn's disease, 24.2% (n = 4901) ulcerative colitis and 0.9% (n = 171) IBD-unclassified. The type of anti-TNF used was mentioned for 17 085 individuals: 67.5% (n = 11 530) infliximab (IFX), 30.5% (n = 5203) adalimumab (ADA), 1.7% (n = 296) certolizumab and 0.3% (n = 56) golimumab. The pooled incidence of any dermatological reaction from 26 studies was 19.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.2-24.4]. The pooled incidence for IFX and ADA was 23.7% (95% CI: 17.8-30.8) from 12 studies and 33.3% (95% CI 18.8-51.1) from seven studies, respectively. We found a trend of increased event rate with increasing percentage of male population (P = 0.08). The commonest reported event (39 studies) was psoriasis/psoriasiform rash with a pooled incidence of 5.6% (95% CI: 4.2-7.4). The incidence of psoriasis/psoriasiform rashes for IFX and ADA was 6.1% (95% CI 3.4-10.6) from 15 studies and 5.9% (95% CI: 2.5-13.5) from seven studies, respectively. Other reactions reported included eczema with a pooled incidence of 5.5% (95% CI: 3.3-8.9) from 17 studies and skin infections with pooled incidence of 7.9% (95% CI: 5.5-11.2) from 11 studies. CONCLUSION The incidence of dermatological events in patients with IBD treated with anti-TNF medications is high. The most commonly reported reaction is psoriasis/psoriasiform reaction. Clinicians should be vigilant to dermatological side effects following treatment of IBD with anti-TNF.
Engineered signal-coupled inducible promoters: measuring the apparent RNA-polymerase resource budget

Abstract Inducible promoters are a central regulatory component in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and protein production for laboratory and commercial uses. Many of these applications utilize two or more exogenous promoters, imposing a currently unquantifiable metabolic burden on the living system. Here, we engineered a collection of inducible promoters (regulated by LacI-based transcription factors) that maximize the free-state of endogenous RNA polymerase (RNAP). We leveraged this collection of inducible promotors to construct simple two-channel logical controls that enabled us to measure metabolic burden – as it relates to RNAP resource partitioning. The two-channel genetic circuits utilized sets of signal-coupled transcription factors that regulate cognate inducible promoters in a coordinated logical fashion. With this fundamental genetic architecture, we evaluated the performance of each inducible promoter as discrete operations, and as coupled systems to evaluate and quantify the effects of resource partitioning. Obtaining the ability to systematically and accurately measure the apparent RNA-polymerase resource budget will enable researchers to design more robust genetic circuits, with significantly higher fidelity. Moreover, this study presents a workflow that can be used to better understand how living systems adapt RNAP resources, via the complementary pairing of constitutive and regulated promoters that vary in strength.