Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central Auditory Tests to Track Cognitive Function in People With HIV: Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background The development of neurocognitive deficits in people infected with HIV is a significant public health problem. Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that performance on central auditory tests (CATs) correlates with cognitive test results in those with HIV, but no longitudinal data exist for confirmation. We have been performing longitudinal assessments of central auditory and cognitive function on a cohort of HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to understand how the central auditory system could be used to study and track the progress of central nervous system dysfunction. Objective The goal of the project was to determine if CATs can track the trajectory of cognitive function over time in people diagnosed with HIV. Methods Tests of peripheral and central auditory function as well as cognitive performance were performed on 382 individuals over the course of 3.5 years. Visits were scheduled every 6 months. CATs included tests of auditory temporal processing (gap detection) and speech perception in noise (Hearing in Noise Test and Triple Digit Test). Cognitive tests included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), and subtests from the Cogstate battery. HIV-positive subjects were divided into groups based on their CAT results at their final visit (bottom 20%, top 20%, middle 60%). Primary analyses focused on the comparison between HIV-positive individuals that performed worse on CATs (bottom 20%) and the overall HIV-positive group (middle 60%). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models with time as the main fixed effect. Results The group with the worst (bottom 20%) CAT performance showed a difference in trajectory for the MoCA (P=.003), TOVA (P<.048), and Cogstate (P<.046) over the course of the study period compared to the overall HIV-positive group. A battery of three CATs showed a significant difference in cognitive trajectory over a relatively short study period of 3.5 years independent of age (bottom 20% vs HIV-positive group). Conclusions The results of this study support the ability for CATs to track cognitive function over time, suggesting that central auditory processing can provide a window into central nervous system performance. CATs can be simple to perform, and are relatively insensitive to education and socioeconomic status because they only require repeating sentences, numbers, or detecting gaps in noise. These tests could potentially provide a time-efficient, low-cost method to screen for and monitor cognitive decline in patients with HIV, making them a useful surveillance tool for this major public health problem.
Indigenous Land Management Practices and Land Cover Change in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This work sought and identified the different types of land covers; detected the changes in land cover and examined the driving forces of such changes in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Satellite images data of the area for 1986 and 2006 were collected for analysis. Household level social survey was conducted to generate data on the socio-economic variables. The images were subjected to principal component analysis to reduce and compress the data while the supervised image classification algorithm was applied to process the images into different land cover classes. The change detection algorithm in Erdas imagines was applied to measure and calculate the land cover change of the area. The result of the social survey revealed that 58% of the occupation was land based while in terms of yearly income, 65 percent earned less than $300 (#48000). The change detection carried out revealed an increase in areas of secondary forest while bush fallow recorded a reduction up to 34.02 hectares (56.55%) within the study period. Socio-economic variables of poor income and mode of land preparation for farming were the major drivers of change. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the slash and burn mode of land preparation be discouraged.
Rapid Realist Review of School-Based Physical Activity Interventions in 7- to 11-Year-Old Children

Meta-analysis of physical activity interventions in school settings have revealed low efficacy and that there is a need to explore implementation fidelity. The aim of this rapid realist review was to determine, what physical activity interventions in school settings for children aged 7- to 11-years-old works, for whom, and in what circumstances. The realist synthesis was conducted following RAMESES guidelines. Relevant studies were identified following a systematic search process and data from 28 studies was extracted for evidence to form context-mechanism-outcome configurations that were clustered and refined. Using the five-level socioecological model, the program theories were classified into the levels of intrapersonal (child), interpersonal (teachers), institutional (program content, school administration, and school environment), community (home and neighborhood), and policy. The school level led to most context-mechanism-outcome configurations related to school leadership and policy, workforce structure, program characteristics, and school environment. At each level, we identified features of interventions, alongside implementation considerations that might work to promote efficacy and sustainability. The need to recognize the school environment as part of a complex system with multi-level interaction and influences was a key finding. In line with realist philosophy, the researchers encouraged primary research to confirm, refute, and refine the program theories presented.
Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Angiogenin for Wound Care Application

In this work, we aimed to develop a hybrid theranostic nano-formulation based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP)—having a known anti-angiogenic character—and the angiogenin (ANG), in order to tune the angiogenesis-related phases involved in the multifaceted process of the wound healing. To this purpose, spherical were surface “decorated” with three variants of the protein, namely, the recombinant (rANG), the wild-type, physiologically present in the human plasma (wtANG) and a new mutant with a cysteine substitution of the serine at the residue 28 (S28CANG). The hybrid biointerface between AuNP and ANG was scrutinized by a multi-technique approach based on dynamic light scattering, spectroscopic (UV-visible, circular dichroism) and microscopic (atomic force and laser scanning confocal) techniques. The analyses of optical features of plasmonic gold nanoparticles allowed for discrimination of different adsorption modes—i.e.; predominant physisorption and/or chemisorption—triggered by the ANG primary sequence. Biophysical experiments with supported lipid bilayers (SLB), an artificial model of cell membrane, were performed by means of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring acoustic sensing technique. Cellular experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), in the absence or presence of copper—another co-player of angiogenesis—were carried out to assay the nanotoxicity of the hybrid protein-gold nanoassemblies as well as their effect on cell migration and tubulogenesis. Results pointed to the promising potential of these nanoplatforms, especially the new hybrid Au-S28CANG obtained with the covalent grafting of the mutant on the gold surface, for the modulation of angiogenesis processes in wound care.
Comparison of Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 and Subjective Global Assessment Form as Short Nutrition Assessment Tools in Older Hospitalized Adults

The aim of the present study was to compare two widely recommended short nutrition assessment tools—Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and Subjective Global Assessment Form (SGA)—with other Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) measurements. The study included 622 consecutively hospitalized older subjects, aged 81.7 ± 7.8 years. The criteria to participate were the ability to communicate and given consent. Both NRS-2002 and SGA were inversely related to anthropometric measurements, functional assessment tests, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and positively associated with the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) score. Results of SGA and NRS-2002 were not related to sex and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score. Comparison of well-nourished subjects and patients with suggested problems with nutrition according to NRS-2002 (0–2 vs. 3–7) and SGA (A vs. B + C) gave comparable results. Both nutritional scales at given cut-off points similarly discriminated anthropometric data and other CGA tools in the populations of well-nourished vs. malnourished hospitalized older subjects. In conclusion, we can recommend using both NRS-2002 and SGA to detect malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in a routine clinical practice of the geriatric department ward.
Phenotypic plasticity rather than genotype drives reproductive choices in Hydra populations

Facultative clonality is associated with complex life cycles where sexual and asexual forms can be exposed to contrasting selection pressures. Facultatively clonal animals often have distinct developmental capabilities that depend on reproductive mode (e.g., negligible senescence and exceptional regeneration ability in asexual individuals, which are lacking in sexual individuals). Understanding how these differences in life history strategies evolved is hampered by limited knowledge of the population structure underlying sexual and asexual forms in nature. Here we studied genetic differentiation of coexisting sexual and asexual Hydra oligactis polyps, a freshwater cnidarian where reproductive mode‐dependent life history patterns are observed. We collected asexual and sexual polyps from 13 Central European water bodies and used restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing to infer population structure. We detected high relatedness among populations and signs that hydras might spread with resting eggs through zoochory. We found no genetic structure with respect to mode of reproduction (asexual vs. sexual). On the other hand, clear evidence was found for phenotypic plasticity in mode of reproduction, as polyps inferred to be clones differed in reproductive mode. Moreover, we detected two cases of apparent sex change (males and females found within the same clonal lineages) in this species with supposedly stable sexes. Our study describes population genetic structure in Hydra for the first time, highlights the role of phenotypic plasticity in generating patterns of life history variation, and contributes to understanding the evolution of reproductive mode‐dependent life history variation in coexisting asexual and sexual forms.
Prognostic Factors at Admission for In-Hospital Mortality from COVID-19 Infection in an Older Rural Population in Central Spain

Background: Risk factors for in-hospital mortality from severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have been identified in studies mainly carried out in urban-based teaching hospitals. However, there is little data for rural populations attending community hospitals during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was undertaken among inpatients at a rural community hospital in Spain. Electronic medical records of the 444 patients (56.5% males) admitted due to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection during 26 February 2020–31 May 2020 were reviewed. Results: Mean age was 71.2 ± 14.6 years (rank 22–98), with 69.8% over 65. At least one comorbidity was present in 410 patients (92.3%), with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present in 21.7%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 32%. Multivariate analysis of factors associated with death identified patients’ age (with a cumulative effect per decade), COPD as a comorbidity, and respiratory insufficiency at the point of admission. No additional comorbid conditions proved significant. Among analytical values, increased serum creatinine, LDH > 500 mg/dL, thrombocytopenia (<150 × 109/per L), and lymphopenia (<1000 cells/µL) were all independently associated with mortality during admission. Conclusions: Age remained the major determinant for COVID-19-caused mortality; COPD was the only comorbidity independently associated with in-hospital death, together with respiratory insufficiency and analytical markers at admission.
High frequency of smell and taste dysfunctions in allergy health care professionals suffering from COVID-19

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Since the first stages of the novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak smell and/or taste dysfunction (STD), has been described from 5% to 88% in COVID-19 patients. Objective: we aimed to assess STD in healthcare professionals (HCP), mainly allergists, affected with COVID-19, by means of a survey, and to evaluate the association of STD and their severity with demographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities, and hospital admission. METHODS: A 15-item questionnaire was designed including different sections as follows: demographics, diagnostic characteristics, STD patterns, medication use as well as comorbidities. The questionnaire was developed using Google forms, implemented and distributed to members of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) and spread via Social Media to be completed by HCP affected with COVID-19. RESULTS: HCP (n=234), 76.5% &#8804;55 yrs, 73.5% female, completed the survey. There was STD in up to 74.4% of the respondents, 95.6% reporting a moderate-severe impairment. Mean recovery time of taste dysfunction was 21.6±24.0 days in HCP &#8804;55 yrs and 33.61±26.2 days in >55 yrs (p=0.019). Stratified analysis by severity of STD showed that more than a half of COVID-19 subjects presented severe loss of smell. An older age (>55 yrs) was associated with fever, anorexia, less headache and with a longer persistence of taste dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: STD is a common symptom in COVID-19, even as a unique or preceding symptom. HCP who declared smell dysfunction (SD) were younger than those not affected with STD. Taste dysfunction (TD) may imply more systemic involvement in COVID-19-positive HCP.
The Metabolic Role of GRK2 in Insulin Resistance and Associated Conditions

Insulin resistance (IRES) is a pathophysiological condition characterized by the reduced response to insulin of several tissues, including myocardial and skeletal muscle. IRES is associated with obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, evolves toward type 2 diabetes, and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Several studies designed to explore the mechanisms involved in IRES allowed the identification of a multitude of potential molecular targets. Among the most promising, G Protein Coupled Receptor Kinase type 2 (GRK2) appears to be a suitable one given its functional implications in many cellular processes. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic role of GRK2 in those conditions that are characterized by insulin resistance (diabetes, hypertension, heart failure), and the potentiality of its inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to revert both insulin resistance and its associated phenotypes.
Prospective study of EUS-guided tissue acquisition with a 20G core biopsy needle with a forward bevel for solid pancreatic mass

Abstract There is a growing need for tissue collection for immunostaining and genetic testing. Recently, several fine-needle biopsy needles are commercially available for endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition. This prospective historical controlled study evaluates a 20G core biopsy needle with a forward bevel for solid pancreatic masses larger than 15 mm in diameter. The primary endpoint was the accuracy of histological diagnosis. The secondary endpoints included technical success rate, sample adequacy for histology, cytological diagnostic accuracy, and adverse events. Seventy consecutive patients were enrolled between January and October 2017. We achieved technical success in all cases regardless of the puncture sites or the endosonographer's experience. The final diagnoses were neoplasms in 67 patients (95.7%; pancreatic cancer in 65 patients, neuroendocrine neoplasm in 1, and malignant lymphoma in 1) and benign lesions in 3 patients (4.3%; autoimmune pancreatitis in 2 patients and mass-forming pancreatitis in 1). The obtained specimens were adequate for histological evaluation in all cases and the histological accuracy was 91.4% (95% confidence interval, 82.3–96.8%, P < .05) with the sensitivity and specificity of 91.0% and 100%, respectively. The cytological diagnostic accuracy was 95.7% and all patients were accurately diagnosed by combining cytological and histological examinations. As for adverse events, an asymptomatic needle fracture occurred in 1 case (1.4%). This 20G core biopsy needle with a forward bevel showed a high accuracy of histological diagnosis for solid pancreatic masses.
Measuring office workplace interactions and hand hygiene behaviors through electronic sensors: A feasibility study

Office-based workplaces are an important but understudied context for infectious disease transmission. We examined the feasibility of two different sensors (Opos and Bluetooth beacons) for collecting person-to-person contacts and hand hygiene in office-based workplaces. Opo is an interaction sensor that captures sensor-to-sensor interactions through ultrasonic frequencies, which correspond to face-to-face contacts between study participants. Opos were additionally used to measure hand hygiene events by affixing sensors to soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers. Bluetooth beacons were used in conjunction with a smartphone application and recorded proximity contacts between study participants. Participants in two office sites were followed for one-week in their workplace in March 2018. Contact patterns varied by time of day and day of the week. Face-to-face contacts were of shorter mean duration than proximity contacts. Supervisors had fewer proximity contacts but more face-to-face contacts than non-supervisors. Self-reported hand hygiene was substantively higher than sensor-collected hand hygiene events and duration of hand washing events was short (median: 9 seconds, range: 2.5–33 seconds). Given that office settings are key environments in which working age populations spend a large proportion of their time and interactions, a better characterization of empirical social networks and hand hygiene behaviors for workplace interactions are needed to mitigate outbreaks and prepare for pandemics. Our study demonstrates that implementing sensor technologies for tracking interactions and behaviors in offices is feasible and can provide new insights into real-world social networks and hygiene practices. We identified key social interactions, variability in hand hygiene, and differences in interactions by workplace roles. High-resolution network data will be essential for identifying the most effective ways to mitigate infectious disease transmission and develop pandemic preparedness plans for the workplace setting.
Desorption of Odor-Active Compounds by Microwaves, Ultrasound, and Water

The tolerance against malodors in industrialized societies decreases. Thus, it is necessary to develop new and more powerful technologies for exhaust air purification. To reduce concentrations below the odor threshold, selective adsorption processes with on-site regeneration of the adsorbents are very promising. To regenerate adsorbents new and more cost sensitive methods are needed. The development of four innovative methods based on microwave, ultrasound, ultrasound with water, and water desorption for the regeneration of adsorbents is reported. Different odorous lead compounds such as acetic acid and triethylamine were desorbed. The investigations were performed with various adsorbents such as activated carbon, silica gel, aluminum oxide, and a modified bentonite, covering a wide range of typical materials used in industry. The examination by microwave desorption was successful. After 20 min of microwave radiation bentonite had a residual load of less than 10% of the original load. Desorption by ultrasound gave satisfactory results only when using water as a transmitter. Moreover, the results with water strongly depend on the odor compound to be desorbed. In the case of a highly soluble adsorptive in water the results are promising but, because odor compounds are often sparingly soluble in water, the yields decrease. Among the four examined desorption methods microwave desorption and ultrasonic-water desorption offer the best results. From among the adsorbents the modified bentonite provides the best adsorption properties with the best regeneration performance.
Real-Time Culture-Independent Microbial Profiling Onboard the International Space Station Using Nanopore Sequencing

For the past two decades, microbial monitoring of the International Space Station (ISS) has relied on culture-dependent methods that require return to Earth for analysis. This has a number of limitations, with the most significant being bias towards the detection of culturable organisms and the inherent delay between sample collection and ground-based analysis. In recent years, portable and easy-to-use molecular-based tools, such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ MinION™ sequencer and miniPCR bio’s miniPCR™ thermal cycler, have been validated onboard the ISS. Here, we report on the development, validation, and implementation of a swab-to-sequencer method that provides a culture-independent solution to real-time microbial profiling onboard the ISS. Method development focused on analysis of swabs collected in a low-biomass environment with limited facility resources and stringent controls on allowed processes and reagents. ISS-optimized procedures included enzymatic DNA extraction from a swab tip, bead-based purifications, altered buffers, and the use of miniPCR and the MinION. Validation was conducted through extensive ground-based assessments comparing current standard culture-dependent and newly developed culture-independent methods. Similar microbial distributions were observed between the two methods; however, as expected, the culture-independent data revealed microbial profiles with greater diversity. Protocol optimization and verification was established during NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) analog missions 21 and 22, respectively. Unique microbial profiles obtained from analog testing validated the swab-to-sequencer method in an extreme environment. Finally, four independent swab-to-sequencer experiments were conducted onboard the ISS by two crewmembers. Microorganisms identified from ISS swabs were consistent with historical culture-based data, and primarily consisted of commonly observed human-associated microbes. This simplified method has been streamlined for high ease-of-use for a non-trained crew to complete in an extreme environment, thereby enabling environmental and human health diagnostics in real-time as future missions take us beyond low-Earth orbit.