Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction between age and vitamin D deficiency in severe COVID-19 infection.

BACKGROUND coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can induce an exaggerated inflammatory response. Vitamin D is a key modulator of the immune system. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency (VDD) could increase the risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS patients with confirmed COVID-19 seen at the emergency department of our hospital with recent measurements of 25(OH)D were recruited. We explored the association of vitamin D deficiency (VDD), defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL, with a composite of adverse clinical outcomes. RESULTS we included 80 patients, of which 31 (39 %) presented the endpoint. VDD tended to predict an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 after adjusting for age, gender, obesity, cardiac disease, and kidney disease [OR 3.2 (95 % CI: 0.9-11.4), p = 0.07]. Age had a negative interaction with the effect of VDD on the composite outcome (p = 0.03), indicating that the effect was more noticeable at younger ages. Furthermore, male gender was associated with VDD and with severe COVID-19 at younger ages. CONCLUSIONS in this retrospective study, vitamin D deficiency showed a signal of association with severe COVID-19 infection. A significant interaction with age was noted, suggesting VDD may have a greater impact in younger patients. These findings should be confirmed in larger, prospective, adequately powered studies.
Pediatric asthma hospitalization: individual and environmental characteristics of high utilizers in South Texas

Abstract Objective: Few studies have examined factors affecting the high frequency of hospitalization for pediatric asthma. This study identifies individual and environmental characteristics of children with asthma from a low-income community with a high number of hospitalizations. Methods: The study population included 902 children admitted at least once to a children’s hospital in South Texas because of asthma from 2010 to 2016. The population was divided into three groups by utilization frequency (high: ≥4 times, medium: 2–3 times, or low: 1 time). Individual-level factors at index admission and environmental factors were included for the analysis. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariate ordered logistic regression models were applied to identify significant characteristics of high hospital utilizers. Results: The high utilization group comprised 2.4% of total patients and accounted for substantial hospital resource utilization: 10.8% of all admissions and 13.5% of days stayed in the hospital. Patients in the high utilization group showed longer length of stay (LOS) and shorter time between admissions on average than the other two groups. The multivariate ordered logistic regression models revealed that age of 5–11 years (OR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.35–0.93), longer LOS (2 days: OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.15–2.84; ≥3 days: OR = 3.38, 95%CI = 2.10–5.46), warm season at index admission (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.01–2.20), and higher average ozone level in children’s residential neighborhoods (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.01–3.14) were significantly associated with a higher number of asthma hospitalizations. Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of monitoring high hospital utilizers and establishing strategies for such patients based on their characteristics to reduce repeated hospitalizations and to increase optimal use of hospital resources.
Autologous Stem Cells in Cervical Spine Fusion

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: To systematically review, critically appraise and synthesize evidence on use of stem cells from autologous stem cells from bone marrow aspirate, adipose, or any other autologous sources for fusion in the cervical spine compared with other graft materials. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted for literature published through October 31, 2018 and through February 20, 2020 for EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov comparing autologous cell sources for cervical spine fusion to other graft options. Results: From 36 potentially relevant citations identified, 10 studies on cervical fusion met the inclusion criteria set a priori. Two retrospective cohort studies, one comparing cancellous bone marrow (CBM) versus hydroxyapatite (HA) and the other bone marrow aspirate (BMA) combined with autograft and HA versus autograft and HA alone, were identified. No statistical differences were seen between groups in either study for improvement in function, symptoms, or fusion; however, in the study evaluating BMA, the authors reported a statistically greater fusion rate and probability of fusion over time in the BMA versus the non-BMA group. Across case series evaluating BMA, authors reported improved function and pain and fusion ranged from 84% to 100% across the studies. In general, complications were poorly reported. Conclusions: The overall quality (strength) of evidence of effectiveness and safety of autologous BMA for cervical arthrodesis in the current available literature was very low. Based on currently available data, firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness or safety of BMA in cervical fusions cannot be made.
Effect of plant growth regulators and fertiuty levels on growth and yield of transplanted rice

The effect of plant growth regulators and fertility on transplanted rice was studied. Two foliar spray of either cytokinin (120 PPM}/triacontanol (10 ppm) at tillering and panicle initiation stages or spray of cytokinin at tillering and triacontanol at panicle initiation stage significantly improved plants height, LAL, nitrogen concentration in flag leaves at flowering and milking stages and grain and straw yield of rice. Application of 150:100:60 Kg NPK/ha significantly increased growth, N concentration in flag leaves at flowering and milking stage and grain and straw yield of rice.
Bioaccumulation of Pyrethroid in Parasite Wenyonia acuminata (Cestoda: Caryophyllaeidae) and Host fish Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758) from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos Nigeria.

This study was aimed at determining the concentration of pyrethroid in the surface water, sediment, Weyonia acuminata and Synodontis clarias fish in Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. In-situ physicochemical analysis of the surface water was conducted using a calibrated handheld multi-parameter probe (Horiba Checker Model U-10). Intestinal samples from infected and uninfected fish were analyzed for pyrethroid concentrations, microbial colonization, proteins (PRO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The histopathology of infected and uninfected intestinal tissues were analyzed using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains and examined under a binocular light microscope (Model 230485). A total of 39 out of 98 S. clarias fish were infected with cestode parasite, Wenyonia acuminate, amounting to 39% parasite prevalence. Among the tested pyrethroids, Cyfluthrin and Alpha -cypermethrin had significant sorption of 1.62 and 3.27 respectively from the aqueous phase to the bottom sediment of the lagoon. Pyrethroid concentration was in the order of sediment > parasite> water > intestine> liver. The cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (low density lipids) in the parasite were higher than in the host fish (p<0.05). On the other hand, the fish hepatic protein, high density lipids (HDL) and glucose were higher than the levels in the parasites (p<0.05). There was a high prevalence of gut microbes (30 - 40%), which include Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Bacillus sp among individuals infected with gut Cestodes, Wenyonia sp compared with uninfected individual which had higher gut Staphylococcus sp. , Klebsiella sp. , and Proteus sp. (10- 40%). among the congeners of pyrethroids analyzed, Cyfluthrin > Alpha-Cyermethrin had significant sorption on the sediment, however unlike a benthopelagic fish, no pyrethroid was accumulated in the S. clarias from the sediment. The fish however accumulated Alpha-Cypermethrin from the aqueous phase. The parasite on the other hand accumulated Bathroid significantly from the surface water and bottom sediment which may be linked to the higher stress levels observed in the parasite than the host fish. The parasite in turn inflicted histological alterations on the host intestine, marked by moderate inflammation of mucosa, alteration of the villi microstructure, moderate stunting of the villous structure and moderate fibrosis of villous structure. The study demonstrated the efficiency of histopathological and microbial analysis in biomonitoring studies enteric parasites and early detection of pyrethroid toxicity respectively compared to bioaccumulation analysis.
A New Zinc Phosphate-Tellurite Glass for Magneto-Optical Applications

This work investigates the structural, magnetic and magneto-optical properties of a new zinc phosphate-tellurite glass belonging to the 45ZnO-10Al2O3-40P2O5-5TeO2 system. The glass was prepared by a wet method of processing the starting reagents followed by suitable melting–stirring–quenching–annealing steps. Specific parameters such as density, average molecular mass, molar volume, oxygen packaging density, refractive index, molar refractivity, electronic polarizability, reflection loss, optical transmission, band gap and optical basicity have been reported together with thermal, magnetic and magneto-optical characteristics. Absorption bands appear in the blue and red visible region, while over 600 nm the glass becomes more transparent. FTIR and Raman spectra evidenced phosphate-tellurite vibration modes proving the P2O5 and TeO2 network forming role. Magnetic measurements reveal the diamagnetic character of the Te-doped glass with an additional weak ferromagnetic signal, specific to diluted ferromagnetic oxides. Positive Faraday rotation angle with monotonous decreasing value at increasing wavelength was evidenced from magneto-optical measurements. The final product is a composite material comprising of a non-crystalline vitreous phase and Te-based nanoclusters accompanied by oxygen vacancies. The metallic-like Te colloids are responsible for the dark reddish color of the glass whereas the accompanying oxygen vacancies might be responsible for the weak ferromagnetic signal persisting up to room temperature.
Adiponectin is Increased in Pediatric Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis Independent of Body Weight

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Objective: A high prevalence of obesity is reported in children and adolescents with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Adipokines participate in inflammatory processes. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between excess weight and systemic inflammation, adipokines, and ghrelin in adolescents with AIH. Method: This case-controlled study included 27 adolescents with AIH (13 with excess weight and 14 with normal weight) and a control group. Excess weight was defined by a body mass index/age Z score >+1 standard deviation. Adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 [IL-6], and IL-10) and ghrelin were measured with Luminex technology. Results: Adiponectin (μg/mL) was higher (P < 0.001) in AIH adolescents with and without excess weight (median: 35.0 and 42.1, respectively) than in normal-weight (17.5) and excess-weight (17.0) controls. Leptin was higher (P < 0.001) in excess-weight AIH patients (18.0 ng/mL) and controls (19.8 ng/mL) than in normal-weight AIH (7.7 ng/mL) and control (7.0 ng/mL) adolescents. IL-6 levels were higher in excess-weight (3.8 pg/mL) and normal-weight (3.8 pg/mL) AIH patients than in excess-weight (1.1 pg/mL) and normal-weight (0.5 pg/mL) controls. IL-10 levels were higher (5.2 pg/mL) in normal-weight AIH patients than in excess-weight (1.8 pg/mL) and normal-weight (2.1 pg/mL) controls. Ferritin levels were lower in patients with AIH than in controls. Conclusions: Independent of body weight, AIH patients had higher levels of adipokines, especially adiponectin and IL-6. Leptin levels were associated with body weight and were not influenced by AIH. IL-10 levels were associated with lean tissue in AIH.
Ribosome recycling is not critical for translational coupling in Escherichia coli

We used ribosome profiling to characterize the biological role of ribosome recycling factor (RRF) in Escherichia coli. As expected, RRF depletion leads to enrichment of post-termination 70S complexes in 3′-UTRs. We also observe that elongating ribosomes are unable to complete translation because they are blocked by non-recycled ribosomes at stop codons. Previous studies have suggested a role for recycling in translational coupling within operons; if a ribosome remains bound to an mRNA after termination, it may re-initiate downstream. We found, however, that RRF depletion did not significantly affect coupling efficiency in reporter assays or in ribosome density genome-wide. These findings argue that re-initiation is not a major mechanism of translational coupling in E. coli. Finally, RRF depletion has dramatic effects on the activity of ribosome rescue factors tmRNA and ArfA. Our results provide a global view of the effects of the loss of ribosome recycling on protein synthesis in E. coli.
Can we identify allergic rhinitis from administrative data: A validation study

Important insights on, for example, prevalence, disease progression, and treatment of allergic rhinitis can be obtained from large‐scale database studies if researchers are able to identify allergic individuals. We aimed to assess the validity of 13 different algorithms based on Danish nationwide prescription and/or hospital data to identify adults with allergic rhinitis.
Are Simulation Learning Objectives Educationally Sound? A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION Accreditation standards of simulation stress the importance of educationally sound learning objectives. We aimed to assess whether learning objectives adhered to theoretical frameworks outlined by accreditation standards, lending themselves to maximal learning outcomes. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at the Centre for Simulation-Based Learning at McMaster University. Raters coded 848 faculty-designed learning objectives from 722 sessions based on Bloom's Taxonomy, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) criteria, and the presence of inappropriate verbs. Learning objective categorization was compared with student evaluations. RESULTS Using Bloom's Taxonomy, learning objectives were mostly focused on application 53%, followed by smaller percentages focused on knowledge 21.4% and comprehension 12.2%. Few learning objectives focused on higher levels of analysis 7.2%, synthesis 2.3%, and evaluation 3.7%. By SMART criteria, learning objectives were 49.6% specific, 60.8% measurable, 88.8% attainable, 85.0% realistic, and 9.1% timely. Approximately 1 in 5 objectives used inappropriate verbs. No correlations were observed between categorization by Bloom's Taxonomy or inappropriate verbs to student ratings. However, those containing attainable and timely goals were associated with lower levels of perceived achievement by students. CONCLUSIONS There was a disconnect between simulation accreditation standards and current practices at McMaster University's simulation center. Most objectives were classified at lower stages of Bloom's Taxonomy. The majority followed SMART guidelines, with the exception of specificity and mention of time frames. A minority of learning objectives contained inappropriate verbs. Given the costs associated with simulation-based education, educators should focus simulation learning objectives on higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and include references to time frames.
The Effects of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser (Er: YAG) Irradiation on Sandblasted and Acid-Etched (SLA) Titanium, an In Vitro Study

The treatment of peri-implantitis implies the decontamination of the surface of the fixture. This study aims to analyze the effect of the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er: YAG) on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium. 30 titanium SLA disks were divided into three groups. In Group 1, the disks were left intact; on the contrary, both Groups 2 and 3 were irradiated with the Er: YAG laser at different settings, with a pulse duration of 300 μs and a period of 30 s. Group 2 was irradiated at 1 W and 100 mJ/pulse and Group 3 at 4 W and 400 mJ/pulse. The superficial changes at chemical, nano, and microscopical levels were detected through the use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Dunn–Bonferroni Post Hoc analysis, detected the presence of statistically significant differences among the groups. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results showed that Er: YAG irradiation promoted a significant (p < 0.05) increase of oxides and a decrease of microscopical roughness and porosity on SLA disks. However, the protocol tested on group 3 seemed to be too aggressive for the titanium surface, as shown by the presence of micro-cracks and signs of coagulation, melting, and microfractures. In conclusion, Group 2 showed significantly minor surface alterations with respect to Group 3, and the increase of superficial oxide level, the decrease of porosity, and micro-roughness represent a positive alteration that could protect the materials against bacterial adhesion.
Canonical and Noncanonical Roles of Fanconi Anemia Proteins: Implications in Cancer Predisposition

Simple Summary Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by bone marrow failure (BMF), developmental abnormalities, and predisposition to cancer. In this review, we present an overview of both canonical (regulation of interstrand cross-links repair, ICLs) and noncanonical roles of FA proteins. We divide noncanonical alternative functions in two types: nuclear (outside ICLs such as FA action in replication stress or DSB repair) and cytosolic (such as in mitochondrial quality control or selective autophagy). We further discuss the involvement of FA genes in the predisposition to develop different types of cancers and we examine current DNA damage response-targeted therapies. Finally, we promote an insightful perspective regarding the clinical implication of the cytosolic noncanonical roles of FA proteins in cancer predisposition, suggesting that these alternative roles could be of critical importance for disease progression. Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by the variable presence of congenital somatic abnormalities, bone marrow failure (BMF), and a predisposition to develop cancer. Monoallelic germline mutations in at least five genes involved in the FA pathway are associated with the development of sporadic hematological and solid malignancies. The key function of the FA pathway is to orchestrate proteins involved in the repair of interstrand cross-links (ICLs), to prevent genomic instability and replication stress. Recently, many studies have highlighted the importance of FA genes in noncanonical pathways, such as mitochondria homeostasis, inflammation, and virophagy, which act, in some cases, independently of DNA repair processes. Thus, primary defects in DNA repair mechanisms of FA patients are typically exacerbated by an impairment of other cytoprotective pathways that contribute to the multifaceted clinical phenotype of this disease. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of FA, with a focus on the cytosolic noncanonical roles of FA genes, discussing how they may contribute to cancer development, thus suggesting opportunities to envisage novel therapeutic approaches.
TET is targeted for proteasomal degradation by the PHD-pVHL pathway to reduce DNA hydroxymethylation

Hypoxia-inducible factors are heterodimeric transcription factors that play a crucial role in a cell's ability to adapt to low oxygen. The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (pVHL) acts as a master regulator of HIF activity, and its targeting of prolyl hydroxylated HIF-α for proteasomal degradation under normoxia is thought to be a major mechanism for pVHL tumor suppression and cellular response to oxygen. Whether pVHL regulates other targets through a similar mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we identify TET2/3 as novel targets of pVHL. pVHL induces proteasomal degradation of TET2/3, resulting in reduced global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels. Conserved proline residues within the LAP/LAP-like motifs of these two proteins are hydroxylated by the prolyl hydroxylase enzymes (PHD2/EGLN1 and PHD3/EGLN3), which is prerequisite for pVHL-mediated degradation. Using zebrafish as a model, we determined that global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels are enhanced in vhl-null, egln1a/b-double-null, and egln3-null embryos. Therefore, we reveal a novel function for the PHD-pVHL pathway in regulating TET protein stability and activity. These data extend our understanding of how TET proteins are regulated and provide new insight into the mechanisms of pVHL in tumor suppression.
A New Domain Structure for the IMPACT-III Health-related Quality of life Tool for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Background: The IMPACT-III measures health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The original IMPACT domain structure was developed based on expert opinion and was not psychometrically validated. This study developed a new domain structure based on the current IMPACT version. Methods: Baseline data from 3 prospectively collected datasets of children and adolescents with IBD was used. Exploratory, then confirmatory factor analyses were carried out to develop a new domain structure. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) and construct validity with PROMIS measures (Pearson correlations, and Independent Mann-Whitney U-tests) were examined. Results: Data from the IBD Partners dataset alone (n = 374; 47% girls, mean age = 13.4 ± 2.5 years, median disease duration = 2.5 years, 75% were in remission, with a range of self-reported disease activity) was used to validate the new 4-domain IMPACT-III model. The final domain structure was parsimonious, with factor loadings for individual items ranging from 0.39 to 0.80, and internal consistency for domains from 0.75 to 0.95. The new IMPACT-III domains include: General well-being, Social Functioning, Emotional functioning, and Body Image. IMPACT-III total and domain scores were significantly lower (all P < 0.001) for participants with high (>50) versus low (<50) PROMIS anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain T-scores; conversely IMPACT-III scores were higher for participants with higher peer-relations PROMIS T-scores. Conclusions: This valid and reliable IMPACT-III domain structure should be used to capture pediatric self-reported HRQOL, which will help to understand the management of IBD from the perspective of patients.