Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a Mobile Application in a Chronic Kidney Disease Population

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high healthcare costs, poor health outcomes and low quality of life (Donald et al., 2018). The US CKD prevalence is 15%, costing Medicare $79 billion in 2016 (United States Renal Data System, 2018). Self-management could reduce CKD burden (Jeddi, Nabovati, and Amirazodi, 2017). Mobile technology offers a low-cost, easeof-access platform for chronic disease self-management (Whitehead & Seaton, 2016), potentially slowing disease progression and improving health outcomes (Jeddi, 2017). The purpose of this project was to utilize a CKD-specific mobile application, CARELogiQ, to facilitate symptom management; increasing patient satisfaction and decreasing hospitalizations and ER visits over three months. A five-database literature review yielded six high-quality articles; three level I, two level II, and one level III evidence based on JHNEBP (Dang & Dearholt, 2017). Evidence supports a multifaceted approach to effectively use a CKD-specific mobile application for patient and provider communications, appointment and biometric check reminders, education, and telemonitoring of BP and weight. The Stetler Model guided the project (Stetler, 2001). In a Northwest Indiana nephrology clinic, CARELogiQ was used to report symptoms, communicate with patients and providers, and record medical appointments. DaVita’s Kidney Smart© educational class provided education. Participants recorded weekly BP and weights manually in a log. Weekly calls collected BP and weight results, reminded participants to use CARELogiQ to report symptoms, encouraged medication adherence, and continued telemonitoring. Aggregate and person-to-person hospitalization/ER visit comparisons, and a post-intervention satisfaction-of-care survey were completed. Healthcare utilization was less in the intervention group (N = 10, M = 0.00, SD = 0.00) compared to the non-intervention group (N = 32, M = 0.125, SD = 0.42) (t(40) = . 930, p = . 36) . Rate of healthcare utilization in the intervention group (N = 10) did not change from pre (M = 0.00, SD = 0.00) to post-intervention (M = 0.00, SD = 0.00). Participants were satisfied with use of CARELogiQ. CARELogiQ has the potential to reduce healthcare utilization by improving self-management, thus effectively MOBILE APPLICATION IN CKD POPULATION ix impacting CKD burden. Significant outcomes may be attainable for future CARELogiQ projects by increasing sample size, lengthening implementation time, increasing functionality of CARELogiQ, and providing a smart device to participants. MOBILE APPLICATION IN CKD POPULATION 1 CHAPTER
Natural 15N abundance in specific amino acids indicates associations between transamination rates and residual feed intake in beef cattle

Abstract Improving the ability of animals to convert feed resources into food for humans is needed for more sustainable livestock systems. Genetic selection for animals eating less while maintaining their performance (i.e., low residual feed intake [RFI]) appears a smart strategy but its effectiveness relies on high-throughput animal phenotyping. Here, we explored plasma nitrogen (N) isotope ratios in an attempt to identify easily superior young bulls in terms of RFI. For this, 48 Charolais young bulls fed two contrasting diets (corn vs. grass silage diets) were selected from a larger population as extreme RFI animals (24 low-RFI vs. 24 high-RFI) and their plasma analyzed for natural 15N abundance (δ15N) in the whole protein (bulk protein) and in the individual protein-bound amino acids (PbAA). For the first time, we showed that the δ 15N in plasma bulk protein differed (P = 0.007) between efficient (low-RFI) and inefficient (high-RFI) cattle regardless of diet. Furthermore, most analyzed PbAA followed the same trend as the bulk protein, with lower (P < 0.05) δ 15N values in more efficient (low-RFI) compared with less efficient (high-RFI) cattle, again regardless of diet. The only three exceptions were Phe, Met, and Lys (P > 0.05) for which the first metabolic reaction before being catabolized does not involve transamination, a pathway known naturally to enrich AAs in 15N. The contrasted isotopic signatures across RFI groups only in those PbAA undergoing transamination are interpreted as differences in transamination rates and N-use efficiency between low- and high-RFI phenotypes. Natural isotopic N signatures in bulk proteins and specific PbAA can be proposed as biomarkers of RFI in growing beef cattle fed different diets. However, the current study cannot delineate whether this effect only occurs post-absorption or to some extent also in the rumen. Our data support the conclusion that most efficient cattle in terms of RFI upregulate N conservation mechanisms compared with less efficient cattle and justify future research on this topic.
Evidences of zooplankton vertical migration in stocked and never-stocked alpine lakes in Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy)

Zooplankton vertical migration was described in four high altitude lakes in Gran Paradiso National Park (Northern Italy) during 2008 summertime. The authors succeeded in describing the vertical distribution of 6 species: diel vertical migrations were observed in the case of adult crustacean species (Cyclops gr. abyssorum, Arctodiaptomus alpinus and Daphnia gr. longispina), whereas the remaining rotifer species (Keratella quadrata, Polyarthra gr. dolichoptera and Synchaeta gr. stylata-pectinata) and naupliar stages of copepods did not undergo migrations. Migratory behavior of Daphnia gr. longispina and Cyclops gr. abyssorum was influenced by the size of individuals, especially larger individuals use to migrate deeper during the day compared to the smaller conspecific. This study provides new evidences of zooplankton vertical migration in never-stocked lakes and highlights the need to consider the zooplankton migration as result of multiple causal factors.
MUC1-C drives stemness in progression of colitis to colorectal cancer.

Colitis is associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) by largely undefined mechanisms that are critical for understanding the link between inflammation and cancer. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) marked by LGR5 expression are of importance in both the inflammatory response to colitis and progression to colitis-associated colon cancer (CACC). Here, we report in human MUC1-transgenic mouse models of CACC that targeting the MUC1-C oncogenic protein, which is upregulated in inflammation, suppresses the (i) Lgr5+ ISC population, (ii) induction of Myc and core pluripotency stem cell factors, and (iii) severity and progression of colitis to dysplasia and cancer. By extension to human colon cancer cells, we demonstrate that MUC1-C drives MYC, forms a complex with MYC on the LGR5 promoter and activates LGR5 expression. We also show in CRC cells that MUC1-C induces the cancer stem cell (CSC) markers (BMI1, ALDH1, FOXA1, LIN28B) and the OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG pluripotency factors. Consistent with conferring the CSC state, targeting MUC1-C suppresses the capacity of CRC cells to promote wound healing, invasion, self-renewal and tumorigenicity. In analysis of human tissues, MUC1 expression associates with activation of inflammatory pathways, development of colitis and aggressiveness of CRCs. These results collectively indicate that MUC1-C is of importance for integrating stemness and pluripotency in colitis and CRC. Of clinical relevance, the findings further indicate that MUC1-C represents a previously unrecognized target that is druggable for treating progression of colitis and CRC.
Comparative study of the clinical characteristics and epidemiological trend of 244 COVID-19 infected children with or without GI symptoms

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms1 2 and positive stool severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection3 have been reported in COVID-19 infected patients. However, these studies mainly focused on the adult population, and it is still not known whether children with COVID-19 have similar GI involvement. We here report the clinical characteristics of 244 consecutive COVID-19 positive children from Wuhan, during the period 21 January to 20 March 2020. All were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs. We specifically compared the differences between patients with and without GI symptoms (having at least one of the following: diarrhoea; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain; and decreased feeding). In our cohort, 34 of 244 (13.9%) presented with GI symptoms on admission. These patients were much younger (14 vs 86 months; p<0.05), and more than half were under 3 years old. For the clinical and laboratory parameters, patients with GI symptoms were more likely to have fever on admission (70.6% vs 35.7%, p<0.05) (table 1 …
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. subsp. Scopria in Brackish Regions of Iran

Abstract Water-distilled essential oil from Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. an endemic growing wild in Iran, was analyzed by means of GC and GC-MS. Eight compounds were identified representing 93.3 % of the oil whereas p-cymene (34.5 %), β-pinene (18.0 %), α-phellandrene (17.8 %) and α-pinene (15.2 %) were major constituents.
Early Integrated Palliative Care Bundle Impacts Location of Death in Interstitial Lung Disease: A Pilot Retrospective Study

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of fibrotic, progressive pulmonary diseases characterized by poor end-of-life care and hospital deaths. In 2012, we launched our Multidisciplinary Collaborative (MDC) ILD clinic to deliver integrated palliative approach throughout disease trajectory to improve care. We sought to explore the effects of palliative care and other factors on location of death (LOD) of patients with ILD. Methods: The MDC-ILD clinic implemented a palliative care bundle including advance care planning (ACP), opiates use, allied health home care engagement, and use of supplemental oxygen and early caregiver engagement in care. Data from patients with ILD who attended the clinic and died between 2012 and 2019 were used to generate scores representing the components and duration of palliative care (palliative care bundle score) and caregiver involvement (caregiver engagement score). We examined the impact of these scores on patients’ LOD. Results: A total of 92 MDC-ILD clinic patients were included, 57 (62%) had home or hospice deaths. Patients who died at home or hospice had higher palliative care bundle scores (10.0 ± 4.0 vs 7.8 ± 3.9, P = .01) and caregiver engagement scores (1.7 ± 0.6 vs 1.3 ± 0.7, P = .01) compared to those who died in hospital. Patients were 1.13 times more likely to die at home or hospice following a 1-point increase in palliative care bundle score (95% CI: 1.01-1.29, P = .04) and 2.38 times more likely following a 1-point increase in caregiver engagement score (95% CI: 1.17-5.15, P = .02). Conclusions: Home and hospice deaths are feasible in ILD. Early initiation of palliative care bundle components such as ACP discussions, symptom self-management, caregiver engagement, and close collaboration with allied health home care supports can promote adherence to patient preference for home or hospice deaths.
Thoracic Ultrasound for Immediate Exclusion of Pneumothorax after Interventional Bronchoscopy

Background. Pneumothorax is a common side effect in interventional pulmonology. The ideal moment for detection with chest X-ray or ultrasound has not yet been defined. Earlier studies demonstrated the utility of performing these tests with a certain delay, which always results in a potentially dangerous gap. Methods. We prospectively enrolled patients with pulmonary interventions at increased risk of pneumothorax. Thoracic ultrasound was performed immediately after the intervention and at the moment of chest X-ray with a delay up to two hours. Results: Overall, we detected four pneumothoraxes in 115 procedures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 75%, 100%, 100%, 99%, 99% for ultrasound and 75%, 90%, 21%, 99% und 89% for chest X-ray respectively. All pneumothoraces requiring chest tube were sufficiently detected by both methods. Conclusion. Thoracic ultrasound when performed immediately can more accurately exclude pneumothorax after interventional bronchoscopy when compared to chest X-ray. Further ultrasound examinations are unnecessary.
COVID-19 and hypertension

Infection with SARS-Cov-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which the WHO has described as a pandemic. As of July 27th, 2020, this disease has killed more than 16.3 million people worldwide and it appears that underlying cardiovascular disease constitutes substantial comorbidity correlated with the clinical decline and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Preliminary reports stated that hypertension may be associated with increased risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection but it now appears that older age and hypertension-related comorbidities somewhat confound this relationship. However, following the initial findings of using RAAS blockers with a higher risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and a more serious course of COVID-19, it is now recognized that no solid scientific results are available in humans to support them. The application of RAAS blockers care in patients with appropriate indications are widely recommended by major international research organizations.
Comorbidity as a mediator of depression in adults with congenital heart disease: A population-based cohort study

Background The population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased dramatically with a high prevalence of acquired cardiac and non-cardiac comorbidities. However, the relationship among congenital heart disease, physical comorbidities, and psychological health in this population is not well studied. Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the association between adult congenital heart disease and the occurrence of depression and (b) whether physical comorbidities mediated the association between congenital heart disease and the occurrence of depression. Methods This retrospective cohort study was followed from 1 January 2010–31 December 2013, based on the data from the National Health Insurance Research Database 2010 in Taiwan. We used mediation analysis in survival data to assess the mediated effect. The hazard ratios were adjusted by age, sex, area of residence, and estimated propensity scores. Results We recruited 2122 adult congenital heart disease patients and 8488 matched controls. Nearly half of patients diagnosed with simple congenital heart disease, 39.0% had complex congenital heart disease, and 11.2% had unclassified congenital heart disease. Adult congenital heart disease patients had a significantly higher risk of depression than matched controls (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.43 and 1.48, for all and complex congenital heart disease, respectively, p<0.05). Coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the significant comorbidities mediating the relationship between adult congenital heart disease and depression, the proportions mediated by coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were 35.5% and 12.9%, respectively. Conclusions Helping patients to prevent psychological and physical acquired disease is imperative. Coronary artery disease is a potent mediator between congenital heart disease and depression, especially for patients with complex congenital heart disease.
Berry anthocyanins: isolation, identification and antioxidant activities

Anthocyanins from bilberry, blackcurrant and cowberry were isolated for antioxidant evaluation. Individual compounds were identified and quantified using HPLC and HPLC/ESI–MS techniques. Antioxidant and radical-scavenging capacities of the isolates were studied in emulsified methyl linoleate and human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in vitro and in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. The total anthocyanin contents in the phenolic extracts of bilberry, blackcurrant and cowberry were 6000, 2360 and 680 mg kg−1 fresh weight respectively. There were four dominant compounds in blackcurrant (glucosides and rutinosides of cyanidin and delphinidin), three in cowberry (monoglycosides of cyanidin) and 15 in bilberry (monoglycosides of cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin and petunidin). Quantification as cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents gave markedly lower results regarding the total anthocyanin concentration and the content of individual delphinidin and malvidin compounds compared with quantification based on corresponding standard compounds. Berry anthocyanins were highly active radical scavengers in the DPPH test and effective antioxidants in emulsion and human LDL. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancing responsiveness of human jejunal enteroids to host and microbial stimuli

Enteroids are a physiologically relevant model to examine the human intestine and its functions. Previously, the measurable cytokine response of human intestinal enteroids has been limited following exposure to host or microbial pro‐inflammatory stimuli. Modifications to enteroid culture conditions facilitated robust human cytokine responses to pro‐inflammatory stimuli. This new human enteroid culture methodology refines the ability to study microbiome:human intestinal epithelium interactions in the laboratory.
The liaison between respiratory failure and high blood pressure: evidence from COVID-19 patients

Expanding from China around the world, coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 primarily manifests by hypoxic normo-hypocapnia with preserved lung compliance [1]. In the absence of targeted treatment, sub-intensive clinicians support patients with noninvasive ventilation and anti-inflammatory/anti-viral agents waiting for status improvement. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2, highly expressed on the external membrane of lungs, heart, kidney and gastrointestinal tract cells, displays the binding site for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 [2]. ACE2, identified as a counterpart of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), converts angiotensin (Ang) II to Ang-(1-7) and Ang I to Ang-(1-9). ACE2 activity induces vasodilatation and reduces cell growth and inflammatory response. In COVID-19 patients respiratory failure is associated with increased systemic blood pressure, conceivably due to the modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by SARS-CoV-2 infection https://bit.ly/3cINsHB
Text message reminders for improving sun protection habits: A systematic review

Background Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and other conditions. SMS text reminders may be a useful tool to improve sun protection habits due to its massive reach, low cost, and accessibility. Objective To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of SMS text reminders in promoting sun protection habits. Methods We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Central Cochrane Library, and Scopus; following the PRISMA recommendations to perform systematic reviews. We included RCTs published up to December 2018, which evaluated the benefits and harms of SMS text reminders to improve sun protection habits. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed whenever possible. The certainty of the evidence was assessed for RCTs estimates using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018091661). Results Five RCTs were included in this review. When pooled, the studies found no effect of SMS text reminders in “sunburn anytime during follow-up” (two studies, risk ratio: 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.05). Contradictory results were obtained for sunscreen use (three RCTs) and sun protection habits (two RCTs), however, they could not be meta-analyzed because outcomes were measured differently across studies. The certainty of the evidence was very low for these three outcomes according to GRADE methodology. Conclusions RCTs that assessed effects of SMS text reminders did not find a significant benefit on objective outcomes, such as having a sunburn, sunscreen use and composite score of sun protection habits. Since certainty of the evidence was very low, future high-quality studies are needed to reach a conclusion regarding the balance of desirable and undesirable outcomes. Protocol registration number PROSPERO (CRD42018091661).
An Automated Mobile Mood Tracking Technology (Mood 24/7): Validation Study

Background Electronic tracking has been utilized for a variety of health conditions. Previous studies have shown that there is higher adherence to electronic methods vs paper-and-pencil tracking modalities. Electronic tracking also ensures that there are no back-filled entries, where patients have—to appear compliant—entered their responses retrospectively just before their visits with their health care provider. On the basis of the recognition of an unmet need for a Web-based automated platform to track psychiatric outcomes, Johns Hopkins University partnered with Health Central (a subsidiary of Remedy Health Media LLC) to develop Mood 24/7, an electronic, mobile, automated, SMS-based mood tracker. This is a pilot study to validate the use of Mood 24/7 in anticipation of clinical trials to demonstrate the therapeutic benefit on patients’ health outcomes of utilizing digital mood-tracking technology. Objective Mood 24/7 is an electronic mood-monitoring platform developed to accurately and efficiently track mood over time through automated daily SMS texts or emails. This study was designed to assess the accuracy and validity of Mood 24/7 in an outpatient psychiatric setting. Methods This pilot study involved a retrospective chart review for depressed outpatients (N=9) to compare their self-reported Mood 24/7 daily mood ratings with their psychiatrist’s independent clinical mood assessment at the time of the patient’s visit. Their mood ratings via Mood 24/7 were collected over 36 weeks. In addition, a mixed model analysis was applied to compare the weekly Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores with Mood 24/7 scores over an average of 3 months. Results A 97.2% (315/324) digital mood reporting adherence was found over 36 weeks, and a significant correlation (r=0.86, P<.001) was observed between patients’ Mood 24/7 scores and their psychiatrist’s blinded clinical assessment of the patient’s mood when seen in the clinic. In addition, a significant concordance (intraclass correlation of 0.69, 95% CI 0.33-0.91, P<.001) was observed in the mixed model analysis of the clinician-administered MADRS vs Mood 24/7 scores over time. Conclusions Our chart review and mixed model analyses demonstrate that Mood 24/7 is a valid instrument for convenient, simple, noninvasive, and accurate longitudinal mood assessment in the outpatient clinical setting.
Sex and destiny: The role of mating signals in speciation and macroevolution

A growing body of research posits a central role for mating signals in speciation and the reproductive isolation of species, yet there has been relatively little consideration of mating signal evolution within macroevolutionary theory. Factors that influence the divergence of fertilization systems generally, and mating signals specifically, may incidentally influence rates of speciation and patterns of species sorting. Potential key processes include: genetic drift, natural selection (differential survival), selection for mate recognition, and sexual selection. This paper explores the integration of mating signal evolution into macroevolution and hierarchy theory, arguing that speciational patterns may frequently result from “effect sorting”; in which microevolutionary processes operating at the organismal level have macroevolutionary effects at the clade level. Preliminary evidence indicates that sexual selection is a widespread and potent evolutionary force that, together with other mechanisms, may have.