Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The populist hotbed: How political attitudes, resentment, and justice beliefs predict both exposure to and avoidance of specific populist news features in the United States

A politics of resentment has shaped a low-dialogue political environment in the United States, feeding into populism, and characterized by perceived distributive injustice, detachment between politicians and “the people”, and political polarization. In this political environment, independent of editorial lines, news can spread based on populist content features and drive the political divide even further. However, we still do not understand well, how the forces of political disconnect as well as potentially unifying elements such as political knowledge and the willingness to connect with the other (political) side predict audience interest in populist news featuring people-centrism, anti-elitism, restoring popular sovereignty, and the exclusion of others. To better understand what drives (dis-)interest in populist news features, we combined self-report data from a non-student US sample (N = 440) on political attitudes with unobtrusively measured data on their selective exposure to populist news. We analyzed the data using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, in which we simultaneously modeled selective exposure to and avoidance of populist news. The findings indicate that especially the will to connect with others explained exposure to news about anti-elitism, especially among Democrats, while Republicans’ news avoidance seems to be specifically geared toward people-centrism. Populist communication features promoting “us” vs. “them” dichotomies seem to not automatically resonate with the views of resentful voters and their motivated reasoning.
A Novel Clinical Scoring Model for Interventional Therapy in Chronic Total Occlusion of the Coronary Artery

Objective With the rapid development of technology and experience, the current percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion (CTO-PCI) preoperative scoring model needs to be updated. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the operator-CTO score in predicting the outcome of interventional therapy for chronic total occlusion of the coronary artery. Methods The data of 144 lesions in 130 patients with CTO were analyzed prospectively. The CTO procedures were performed by 10 operators with different skills and experiences. Before the procedures, J-CTO, progress, ORA, recharge, and operator-CTO scores were determined. Then, the clinical, imaging, and procedural data of patients in different operator-CTO score groups and between different operators were compared. The final focus was on comparing the predictive ability of each score on the outcome of CTO-PCI. Results The overall technical and procedural success rates were 90.9% and 88.9%, respectively. A decreasing trend in the technical success of CTO-PCI was observed according to the operator-CTO score hierarchy of “easy (≤2 points), moderate (3 points), difficult (4 points), and extremely difficult (≥5 points)” (99.0%, 87.5%, 53.8%, and 25.0%, respectively). All five scoring models were well calibrated, and the area under the curve (AUC) for the operator-CTO score was 0.901 (95% CI: 0.821–0.982, P < 0.01), larger than the AUC for the remaining four scoring models, showing excellent ability to predict technical outcomes. Conclusion The operator-CTO score is a new clinical scoring tool that can predict the outcome of CTO-PCI and can be used to grade the difficulty of the procedure, with the potential to work well with a broad group of operators.
Association between Epstein-Barr virus and periodontitis: A meta-analysis

Purpose Previous studies have found that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with periodontitis, though some controversy remains. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify and update the relationship between EBV and periodontitis as well as clinical parameters. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases in December 2020. Original data were extracted according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes were analyzed, including overall odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A random-effects model was used, and publication bias was assessed by Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the stability of the outcome. Results Twenty-six studies were included in the present meta-analysis, involving 1354 periodontitis patients and 819 healthy controls. The included studies mostly showed high quality. The overall quantitative synthesis for the association between EBV and periodontitis was an increased odds ratio when subgingival EBV was detected OR = 7.069, 95% CI = 4.197–11.905, P<0.001). The results of subgroup analysis suggested that the association of EBV with periodontitis was significant in Asian, European, and American populations (P<0.001; P = 0.04; P = 0.003, respectively) but not in African populations (P = 0.29). Subgroup analysis by sample type showed that subgingival plaque (SgP), tissue and gingival crevicular fluid GCF were useful for EBV detection (P<0.001). EBV detection amplification methods included nested PCR, multiplex PCR and PCR (P<0.001; P = 0.05, P<0.001, respectively), but EBV detection by real-time PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification presented no significant result (P = 0.06; P = 0.3, respectively). For the clinical parameters of periodontitis, pocket depth (PD) and bleeding of probing (BOP) percentages were higher in the EBV-positive sites than in the EBV-negative sites (MD 0.47 [0.08, 0.85], P = 0.02; MD 19.45 [4.47, 34.43], P = 0.01). Conclusions A high frequency of EBV detection is associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. The EBV association was particularly significant in all populations except in African populations. Subgigival plaque (SgP), tissue and GCF were not significantly different useful material for detecting EBV in periodontitis. Nested PCR and multiplex PCR are reliable methods for this purpose. In the presence of EBV, PD and BOP are reliable clinical parameters for gingival inflammation. However, some caution in such interpretation is justified due to heterogeneity among studies. A suggested extension could assess the parallel influence of other human herpesviruses.
Changing Perspectives of Local Therapists Eight Years after the Implementation of an Occupational Therapy Service in a Unique Himalayan Cross-Cultural Setting

Background. Whether concepts and principles of Occupational Therapy (OT) can successfully be applied to non-Western and cross-cultural settings is being intensively discussed. Aims/Objectives. We explored the changing perspectives of local occupational therapists (OTs) eight years after the implementation of an OT service in a Himalayan cross-cultural setting in terms of (1) treatment applied, (2) professional identity, and (3) cross-cultural interactions. Material and Methods. A qualitative study design was chosen, and semistructured interviews were conducted in all employed practitioners (a) during implementation and (b) eight years later (n = 7). Questions were carefully formulated in order to narrow down the intended issues but respecting crosscultural differences. The framework method was implemented for data analysis. Findings. Long-term empowering local OTs resulted in the successful development of a sustainable OT department in a unique Himalayan cross-cultural setting. Practitioners became aware of their therapeutic potentials, a clear sense of professional identity was developed, and it was recognised that sensitive cross-cultural practice is only achieved by an ongoing and intentional cultural learning process. Conclusions and Significance. Our findings suggest that OT can be applied to non-Western cross-cultural settings.
The Silent Pandemic: The Psychological Burden on Frontline Healthcare Workers during COVID-19

This narrative review explores the full scope of harmful psychological effects of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease of 2019) pandemic on FLHCWs (Frontline healthcare workers). Additionally, we highlight the risk factors for worse outcomes. A literature review identified 24 relevant papers included in this synthesis. The majority of studies reported a high number of mental health conditions in HCWs (Healthcare workers) overall. Working in the frontline setting was repeatedly identified as an independent risk factor for poorer mental health. Additional risk factors, such as gender, occupational pressure, and low level of support from hospital administration, family, and the community, were also commonly identified. In the past, defined interventions have been shown to mitigate the psychological impact of high-stress situations on frontline workers. This review is aimed at identifying individuals at higher risk to help effectively target preventative measures in future stress situations in our healthcare system.
DL-3-n-butylphthalide Increases Collateriogenesis and Functional Recovery after Focal Ischemic Stroke in Mice

Recent evidence indicates that collateral circulation is critical for the outcome of ischemic stroke. DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), a synthesized compound based on an extract from seeds of celery Apium graveolens Linn, has been used as a therapeutic drug, showing multiple neuroprotective and regenerative activities. A potential effect of NBP on collateral arterial regulation is unknown. We examined the effects of NBP on arteriogenesis of collateral arteries in vitro and a mouse ischemic stroke model. In cultures of mouse iPS cell-derived vascular progenitors, NBP (10 μM) significantly increased α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)/CD-31 co-labeled cells and the expression of newly formed vasculature marker PDGFRα. A sensorimotor cortex ischemia was induced in transgenic mice expressing αSMA-GFP that allowed direct observation of arterial vasculatures in brain regions. NBP (80 mg/kg) was intranasally delivered 1 hr after stroke and once daily for 14 days. To label proliferating cells, 5-Bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated every day from 3 days after stroke. Western blotting of peri-infarct tissue detected increased expressions of VEGF, Ang-1 and reduced nNOS level in NBP-treated mice. The NBP treatment significantly increased αSMA/BrdU co-labeled cells, the diameter of ipsilateral collaterals, and arterial area in ischemic and peri-infarct regions examined 14 days after stroke. Examined 3 days after stroke, NBP prevented functional deficits in the cylinder test and corner test. The NBP treatment of 14 days improved the local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and functional performance in multiple tests. Thus, NBP promotes collateriogenesis, short and long-term structural and functional improvements after ischemic stroke.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autoimmune inflammatory diseases (Review)

Numerous recent studies reported that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also exists in the peripheral blood to regulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of lymphocytes. Besides the role of BDNF in neuron repair, circulatory BDNF also enhances the proliferation and reduces apoptosis of lymphocytes. Peripheral lymphocytes express both BDNF and its receptors. Increasing evidence has indicated that altered BDNF serum levels significantly affect patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases and may also be linked to the pathogenesis of diseases. For instance, systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune inflammatory disease involving multiple organs, is frequently linked to altered B lymphocyte function, imbalance of T-cell subpopulations and loss of immune tolerance, which dysregulates the immune regulatory network with excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The present review summarized studies that suggest a potential link between circulatory BDNF and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Elderly Patient Care: A New Reality of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Poland is among the European countries currently facing the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A lot of studies confirm the mortality rate of COVID-19 increases with age. Considering the particularly adverse outcomes of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, preventing infections should be the priority for public health professionals. One method for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections among eldery people may involve implementing procedures for limiting the spread of the pathogen, and providing education to medical staff, so as to bridge any gaps in knowledge on virus spread and post-infection or post-exposure management. Three residential medical centers in Poland were selected for evaluation of existing medical procedures to identify any errors in the current procedures applied for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the facility. The project involved 4 steps: (1) Audit of the existing medical procedures; (2) Knowledge evaluation for the staff (n=185) in the senior- and disabled care facilities, administration of a knowledge test developed by the authors to assess knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 prevention; (3) Training for medical staff; (4) Updates and implementation of procedures. The knowledge test conducted revealed a lack of knowledge of medical personnel about SARS-CoV-2. The deficiencies of the surveyed group varied depending on the place of employment. Almost half of the surveyed medical centers (center No. 1 (52%) vs. center No. 2 (44%) vs. center No. 3(59%)) believed that elderly people usually do not show symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the facility No. 1, 70% of respondents did know that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via the alimentary route compared to center No. 2 and No. 3 where knowledge about it showed only 28,9% and 24,8% responders, respectively. Also, in facility No. 1, the least among the studied group (67%) knew that people with comorbidities were at risk of covid-19 compared to respondents from facility No. 2 and 3, where, respectively, 100% and 93% had such knowledge. Only 33.3% of the staff of facility No. 1 knew how to deal with a patient who will present symptoms such as temp >38 degrees with coughing or dyspnea while in institution No. 2 and 3, this knowledge was slightly higher at 44% and 60% respectively. The audit of the existing hygiene procedures used to limit the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spread demonstrated a number of shortcomings. Employees at the residential medical care centers included in the study had gaps in knowledge on the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The training sessions implemented at the next stage improved knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infections. Additionally, decisions were made to modify certain procedures and introduce new ones to better prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Materials and Methods We screened four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochran Library, and CNKI) for the observational studies about the OSA and T2DM. Studies were collected from database establishment to October 2020. We performed a traditional subgroup meta-analysis. What is more, linear and spline dose-response models were applied to assess the association between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), an indicator to evaluate the severity of OSA, and the risk of T2DM. Review Manager, version 5.3, software and Stata 16.0 were used for the analysis. Result Seven observational studies were included in the research. We excluded a study in the conventional meta-analysis. In the subgroup analysis, mild-dose AHI increased the risk of T2DM (odds ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.41, P < 0.05). Moderate-dose AHI increased the risk of T2DM with a higher odds ratio (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.13–1.61, P < 0.05). Moderate-to-severe-dose AHI increased the risk of T2DM with a higher odds ratio (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.72–2.67, P < 0.05). Severe-dose AHI increased the risk of T2DM with a higher odds ratio (OR = 2.19 95% CI = 1.30–3.68, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the spline and linear dose-response meta-analysis results revealed that the risk of T2DM increased with increasing AHI values. Conclusion Through the dose-response meta-analysis, we found a potential dose-response relationship existed between the severity of OSA and the risk of T2DM. This relationship in our passage should be considered in the prevention of T2DM in the future.
Predictive factors for the recurrence of surgically excised basal cell carcinomas: A retrospective clinical and immunopathological pilot study

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent form of skin cancer and is not a tumor with a lethal outcome if diagnosed and treated adequately. The gold standard for treatment is surgical excision with histologically safe margins. Even so, tumors excised with free margins may recur after a period of time. The identification of predictive factors for the recurrence of BCCs besides the localization, size and aggressive histology may be useful for the clinician. The aim of the present study was to identify clinical and pathological factors associated with recurrence in tumors with histologically free margins and assess via immunohistochemical staining, the expression of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), yes-associated protein (YAP), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and E-cadherin as they are involved in the development of BCCs, in the hope of identifying markers that are predictive for recurrence. In total, 8 recurrent BCCs and 38 non-recurrent tumors were analyzed. A Breslow index >2 (Se 100.0%, Sp 67.5%, P=0.008), Clark level >3 (Se 100.0%, Sp 47.5%, P<0.001), and excision margins both lateral (Se 87.5%, Sp 60.0%, P=0.04) and deep (Se 75.0%, Sp 82.5%, P<0.001) free from tumoral cells ≤1 mm proved to be predictive for recurrence in the present study. Recurrence may appear even after more than 3 years since the initial excision (Se 87.50%, Sp 70.0%, P<0.001). The expression levels of GLI1, YAP and E-cadherin were not different in the recurrent vs. non-recurrent BCCs. However, the low expression of CTGF may indicate a tumor with a higher aggressiveness. In conclusion, close follow-up of patients with excised BCCs at least annually is recommended and re-excision should be taken into consideration for locally advanced tumors especially if they are located in high-risk areas or those with histologically free margins <1 mm.
Conjunctivitis and other ocular findings in patients with COVID-19 infection

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 that might affect the eye in the form of conjunctivitis and other ocular features. OBJECTIVES: Assess the frequency and clinical profile of conjunctivitis and other ocular findings in Iraqi patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. SETTING: Secondary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 viral infection of variable disease severity from June 2020 to December 2020. Ocular history and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection was assessed for all of the patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of conjunctival inflammation and other ocular findings in patients with coronavirus infection. SAMPLE SIZE: 186 patients. RESULTS: The patients had a mean (standard deviation, range) age of 44.4 (18.8, 18–78) years. Conjunctivitis was present in 25 patients (13.4%). There was no significant association between prevalence of conjunctivitis and patient gender (P=.868). However, conjunctivitis was significantly associated with the severity of the disease (P=.018): the rate of conjunctivitis was significantly higher in cases with severe disease (28%) in comparison with those with mild to moderate clinical presentation (9.3%). The natural course of conjunctivitis seemed to be mild with no effect on visual acuity and no short-term complications. CONCLUSION: Conjunctivitis can occur in patients with SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, and could be a presenting sign. Conjunctivitis is more common in cases of severe COVID-19 infection and since it could be a presenting sign it might be of benefit in the early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. LIMITATION: Single-center study, safety limitations in the examination of the patients. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.
Divergent impacts of tocilizumab and colchicine in COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy: the role of alpha‐defensins

Patients who are severely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may develop a delayed onset ‘cytokine storm’, which includes an increase in interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). This may be followed by a pro‐thrombotic state and increased D‐dimers. It was anticipated that tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti‐IL‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody, would mitigate inflammation and coagulation in patients with COVID‐19. However, clinical trials with TCZ have recorded an increase in D‐dimer levels. In contrast to TCZ, colchicine reduced D‐dimer levels in patients with COVID‐19. To understand how the two anti‐inflammatory agents have diverse effects on D‐dimer levels, we present data from two clinical trials that we performed. In the first trial, TCZ was administered (8 mg/kg) to patients who had a positive polymerase chain reaction test for COVID‐19. In the second trial, colchicine was given (0·5 mg twice a day). We found that TCZ significantly increased IL‐6, α‐Defensin (α‐Def), a pro‐thrombotic peptide, and D‐dimers. In contrast, treatment with colchicine reduced α‐Def and Di‐dimer levels. In vitro studies show that IL‐6 stimulated the release of α‐Def from human neutrophils but in contrast to colchicine, TCZ did not inhibit the stimulatory effect of IL‐6; raising the possibility that the increase in IL‐6 in patients with COVID‐19 treated with TCZ triggers the release of α‐Def, which promotes pro‐thrombotic events reflected in an increase in D‐dimer levels.
Introduction of Complementary Foods for Children with Down Syndrome: Parent and Physician Experiences

Abstract Aims Children with Down syndrome are at risk for feeding difficulties due to medical comorbidities and associated developmental delays, yet there are no peer-reviewed published standards to guide families with feeding progression. This study explored family experiences introducing complementary foods (e.g., purees, table food) for children with Down syndrome. A secondary aim was to describe primary care provider (PCP) training on early progression of feeding for children with Down syndrome and investigate the recommendations they gave families. Methods Semi-structured interviews with twenty-two parents and eight primary care providers (PCPs) were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and to report on findings related to feeding milestones. Qualitative interview data were considered in an iterative and cyclical fashion. Results Parental themes included differences in feeding for children with Down syndrome, limited guidance that was not always followed, feeding difficulties and related stress, and gross motor milestone acquisition related to feeding milestones. PCP themes included limited resources/training, providing similar recommendations for children with and without Down syndrome, and desire for training/resources. Conclusions Published guidelines on feeding progression for children with Down syndrome are needed, including considerations for determining when skill and interest converge to signal safe introduction of complementary foods.