Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A case report of Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with spinal cord involvement (PRES-SCI) as an atypical presentation of PRES in children: A case report and review of the literature

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations and radiological features. Diagnosis of PRES is established based on reversible clinical manifestations and sequential neuroimaging findings. Atypical MRI features include hemorrhage, restricted diffusion or contrast enhancement of lesions, and involvement of the temporal and frontal lobes, brainstem, basal ganglia, corpus callosum, cerebellum, and spine. Atypical PRES, with or without spinal cord involvement, is a rare presentation, especially in children. Until 2020, only five cases of PRES with spinal cord involvement (PRES-SCI) were reported in the pediatric population. Case Report: Here, we present the youngest diagnosed case of PRES-SCI so far. According to the literature, all six cases of PRES-SCI showed high signal intensities on T2-weighted images of the brainstem and cervical cord, which had completely resolved in the follow-up MRI of the brain and spinal cord. All six patients had hypertension due to renal disease, except one girl with chemotherapy-induced hypertension. Headache, altered mental status, seizure, and visual impairment were the most common symptoms, respectively. Facial palsy was a remarkable warning sign in some patients before hospitalization. Although PRES-SCI is rare in children, since it is a reversible condition, prompt diagnosis and management can positively affect its prognosis.
Evidence of hepatitis B infection and co-infection with enteric fever among febrile patients in a primary health facility in Kogi State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B and enteric fever remain infectious diseases of major health concern and the etiologic agents share overlapping regions of high endemicity worldwide. This study determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and enteric fever among febrile patients in Ejule metropolis, North-central Nigeria. In a cross-sectional study, blood samples obtained from 200 consenting patients were screened for hepatitis B and enteric fever with standard diagnostics ABON hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Widal agglutination tests, respectively. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and risk factor information. Of the 200 sera tested, 20 (10%) had HBV alone, 35 (17.5%) enteric fever while 6 (3%) had both HBV/enteric fever. Males recorded more HBV (12% vs 6.7%), enteric fever (20% vs 13.3%), and co-infection (3.2% vs 2.7%) than their counterpart females. Ages 18–30 years were more predisposed to single and dual infections compared to older categories. Although sex, ages as well as the participants’ occupation were not significantly linked to both infections (p > .05). The prevalence of enteric fever differed significantly with being married (p = .01). The illiterate had a higher prevalence of HBV, enteric fever, and dual infection (16.7%, 25%, and 8.3%) compared to higher educational levels. The study confirms the endemicity of hepatitis B and enteric fever in the area. Their concurrent rate highlights the need for clinicians to always consider the laboratory diagnosis of both diseases among febrile patients in endemic regions for proper management in events of co-morbidity. The high prevalence of both infections in connection with illiteracy shows the need to further intensify education of masses on the predisposing risk factors.
Risk of revision based on timing of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty.

AIMS Corticosteroid injections are often used to manage glenohumeral arthritis in patients who may be candidates for future total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). In the conservative management of these patients, corticosteroid injections are often provided for symptomatic relief. The purpose of this study was to determine if the timing of corticosteroid injections prior to TSA or rTSA is associated with changes in rates of revision and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following these procedures. METHODS Data were collected from a national insurance database from January 2006 to December 2017. Patients who underwent shoulder corticosteroid injection within one year prior to ipsilateral TSA or rTSA were identified and stratified into the following cohorts: < three months, three to six months, six to nine months, and nine to 12 months from time of corticosteroid injection to TSA or rTSA. A control cohort with no corticosteroid injection within one year prior to TSA or rTSA was used for comparison. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association between specific time intervals and outcomes. RESULTS In total, 4,252 patients were included in this study. Among those, 1,632 patients (38.4%) received corticosteroid injection(s) within one year prior to TSA or rTSA and 2,620 patients (61.6%) did not. On multivariate analysis, patients who received corticosteroid injection < three months prior to TSA or rTSA were at significantly increased risk for revision (odds ratio (OR) 2.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77 to 3.28); p < 0.001) when compared with the control cohort. However, there was no significant increase in revision risk for all other timing interval cohorts. Notably, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 3 was a significant independent risk factor for all-cause revision (OR 4.00 (95% CI 1.40 to 8.92); p = 0.036). CONCLUSION There is a time-dependent relationship between the preoperative timing of corticosteroid injection and the incidence of all-cause revision surgery following TSA or rTSA. This analysis suggests that an interval of at least three months should be maintained between corticosteroid injection and TSA or rTSA to minimize risks of subsequent revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):620-626.
Chemico-biological aspects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to improve its stability, bioavailability and membrane permeability: Current status and future prospects

Abstract Natural products have been a bedrock for drug discovery for decades. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the widely studied natural polyphenolic compounds derived from green tea. It is the key component believed to be responsible for the medicinal value of green tea. Significant studies implemented in in vitro, in cellulo, and in vivo models have suggested its anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, neuroprotective activities etc. Despite having such a wide array of therapeutic potential and promising results in preclinical studies, its applicability to humans has encountered with rather limited success largely due to the poor bioavailability, poor membrane permeability, rapid metabolic clearance and lack of stability of EGCG. Therefore, novel techniques are warranted to address those limitations so that EGCG or its modified analogs can be used in the clinical setup. This review comprehensively covers different strategies such as structural modifications, nano-carriers as efficient drug delivery systems, synergistic studies with other bioactivities to improve the chemico-biological aspects (e.g., stability, bioavailability, permeability, etc.) of EGCG for its enhanced pharmacokinetics and pharmacological properties, eventually enhancing its therapeutic potentials. We think this review article will serve as a strong platform with comprehensive literature on the development of novel techniques to improve the bioavailability of EGCG so that it can be translated to the clinical applications.
HIF inhibitor 32-134D eradicates murine hepatocellular carcinoma in combination with anti-PD1 therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide and available therapies, including immunotherapies, are ineffective for many patients. HCC is characterized by intratumoral hypoxia, and increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in diagnostic biopsies is associated with patient mortality. Here we report the development of 32-134D, a low-molecular-weight compound that effectively inhibits gene expression mediated by HIF-1 and HIF-2 in HCC cells, and blocks human and mouse HCC tumor growth. In immunocompetent mice bearing Hepa1-6 HCC tumors, addition of 32-134D to anti-PD1 therapy increased the rate of tumor eradication from 25% to 67%. Treated mice showed no changes in appearance, behavior, body weight, hemoglobin, or hematocrit. Compound 32-134D altered the expression of a large battery of genes encoding proteins that mediate angiogenesis, glycolytic metabolism, and responses to innate and adaptive immunity. This altered gene expression led to significant changes in the tumor immune microenvironment, including a decreased percentage of tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which mediate immune evasion, and an increased percentage of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, which mediate antitumor immunity. Taken together, these preclinical findings suggest that combining 32-134D with immune checkpoint blockade may represent a breakthrough therapy for HCC.
Is Prescription of Specific Movement Form Necessary for Optimal Skill Development? A Nonlinear Pedagogy Approach

ABSTRACT Purpose: Nonlinear Pedagogy (NLP) proposes that skill development is a nonlinear process, advocating the integration of variability into practice to facilitate individualized movement patterns. However, the influence of a NLP for skills that emphasize a specific movement form is relatively unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a NLP approach when learning a movement form based skill. Method: Sixteen beginners in the power clean (PC), were randomly assigned into a linear pedagogy (LP) condition receiving instructions that prescribed explicit movement form, and a NLP condition presented with analogy-based instructions and two task constraints. Both conditions completed seven lessons across 4-weeks. Results: There were no significant differences in the quantity of exploration, with both conditions demonstrating a similar range of movement patterns. These findings were coupled with a significant improvement in performance accuracy (reduced forward movement of the barbell; F × D) for both conditions. No significant differences were detected in the distribution of barbell trajectory types, with type one, three and four trajectories being exhibited to a similar degree in both conditions. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggests both NLP and LP pedagogies can successfully develop movement form based skills. Overall, both NLP and LP approaches appear to positively influence skill development. These findings have important implications for practitioners suggesting that deviations from instructed technique in learners (i.e., LP approach) do not negatively impact performance. However, further research is needed to determine whether these approaches can more effectively facilitate learners’ search for movement solutions that “fit” their individual abilities.
Risk factors associated with positional plagiocephaly in healthy Iranian infants: a case-control study

Objectives Deformation of the skull by external forces in the absence of synostosis has been defined as positional plagiocephaly (PP). The aim of this investigation was to determine the risk factors of PP in healthy Iranian infants. Materials & Methods This case-control study was performed on 300 healthy Iranian infants aged 8-12 weeks who were referred to the pediatric neurology clinic at Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan. Plagiocephaly evaluations were done using Argenta’s scale. Results Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association between PP and male gender (OR=2.26; P=0.002), head circumference (OR=1.22; P=0.006), multiple pregnancy (OR=2.55; P=0.03), abnormal presentation in uterine (OR=2.18; P=0.02), primiparity (OR=2.43; P=0.003), and supine sleep position (OR=2.97; P<0.001). However, type of delivery, firmness of headrest, oligohydramnios, and prolonged labor were not correlated with PP. Conclusions The current investigation supports the idea that head circumference, male gender, primiparity, multiple pregnancy, supine sleep position, and abnormal presentation in the uterine are correlated with a greater incidence of PP. Further investigations should be undertaken to understand PP and its related risk factors fully.
Doravirine/tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate/lamivudine-induced alopecia: A case report

We report here a case of alopecia probably caused by the fixed dose combination of doravirine/tenofovir disproxil fumarate/lamivudine (DOR/TDF/3TC) in a 46-year-old male living with HIV, previously treated with tenofovir disproxil fumarate and lamivudine-containing antiretroviral combinations. After having excluded other causes of hair loss such as sexually transmitted disease or drugs associated with alopecia, as well as poor immune-virologic conditions (i.e. low CD4+ cell count and/or high HIV viral load), a toxic effect of doravirine might be hypothesized. DOR/TDF/3TC was immediately stopped and rilpivirine plus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate/emtricitabine was started. Four weeks after changing the antiretroviral regimen, the patient reported signs of hypopigmented hair regrowth. The association between the episode of alopecia and DOR/TDF/3TC was scored as probable according to the Naranjo causality scale. We concluded that alopecia was probably related to DOR but whether it is self-limiting, cannot be predicted at this stage.
KLF10 promotes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression through transcriptional activation of zDHHC7

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and liver injury, has become a leading cause of end‐stage liver diseases and liver transplantation. Krüppel‐like factors 10 (KLF10) is a Cys2/His2 zinc finger transcription factor that regulates cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. However, whether it plays a role in the development and progression of NASH remains poorly understood. In the present study, we found that KLF10 expression was selectively upregulated in the mouse models and human patients with NASH, compared with simple steatosis (NAFL). Gain‐ and loss‐of function studies demonstrated that hepatocyte‐specific overexpression of KLF10 aggravated, whereas its depletion alleviated diet‐induced NASH pathogenesis in mice. Mechanistically, transcriptomic analysis and subsequent functional experiments showed that KLF10 promotes hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation through the palmitoylation and plasma membrane localization of fatty acid translocase CD36 via transcriptionally activation of zDHHC7. Indeed, both expression of zDHHC7 and palmitoylation of CD36 are required for the pathogenic roles of KLF10 in NASH development. Thus, our results identify an important role for KLF10 in NAFL‐to‐NASH progression through zDHHC7‐mediated CD36 palmitoylation.
Body image perceptions and avoidance behaviours among a Moroccan group of adolescents

Abstract Background Adolescents are a vulnerable group to body dissatisfaction that causes unhealthy attitudes and behaviours. It has been shown that many factors affect body image dissatisfaction. Aim To describe body image size perception, degree of body dissatisfaction, avoidance behaviours, and their relationship with gender, age, and weight status, and to assess the relationship between body dissatisfaction and avoidance behaviours among a group of Moroccan adolescents. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional survey was comprised of a sample of 487 adolescents. Stunkard’s Figure Rating Scale was used to assess perceptions of current and ideal body image and body dissatisfaction. Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire was employed to assess avoidance behaviours. Results Body dissatisfaction was found to be strongly associated with weight status in both male and female adolescents. Avoidance behaviours were positively associated with gender, age, weight status, and body dissatisfaction. Indeed, avoidance behaviours were frequently reported among females, young adolescents, those with high BMI z-score, and those seeking to lose weight. Adolescents tended to behave under the influence of two factors: clothing and weighing-grooming. Conclusion Weight status is an important factor that deeply impacts adolescent body dissatisfaction. Adolescents resort to behaviour avoidance and physical appearance control to cope with body dissatisfaction.
Gratitude, relatedness needs satisfaction, and negative psychological outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A short‐term longitudinal study

Abstract Objectives Although gratitude relates to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) well‐being outcomes in the United States, more evidence is needed to understand how this psychological strength reciprocally relates to mental health during this pandemic. This study examines the association of gratitude with stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate students in the United States via a longitudinal design. Methods An online survey was administered to 643 undergraduate students in a public university located in the southeastern region of the United States. There was a 1‐month interval between the first and second waves of data collection. Results Cross‐lagged panel structural equation modeling showed that whereas gratitude positively predicted subsequent relatedness needs satisfaction, it negatively predicted later stress, anxiety, and depression. Relatedness needs satisfaction was reciprocally linked to subsequent gratitude. Conclusion Results suggest that gratitude might serve as a protective psychological resource against the detrimental mental health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Reward versus motoric activations in nucleus accumbens core of rats during Pavlovian conditioning

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) core plays an important role in processing of events related to food reward, such as conditioned cues, approach or consumption. Nonetheless, there is lack of clarity regarding whether NAc core processes these separable events differently. We used the high temporal and spatial resolution of single unit recording with trial‐by‐trial video analysis to examine firing during three distinct categories termed cue, approach and consumption in a Pavlovian task. We had three goals. First, we sought to precisely define task‐related behaviour in terms of distinct phases, in order to compare neural activity between motorically matched behaviours. We found that cue‐evoked firing did not distinguish between trials on which animals initiated an approach versus ones on which they did not. Firing associated with consumption was greater than firing associated with motorically similar uncued head entry, indicating that previously reported decreases in NAc core firing during consumption relative to approach or baseline may reflect differences in motor behaviour. Secondly, we assessed changes in firing over the course of training. We found that NAc core neurons acquired a response to the tone cue within three sessions but did not change further across 10 total sessions. Thirdly, we correlated individual neuron firing during a given event with its firing during the same event on subsequent sessions. We found substantial variation in processing of cue and approach but not consumption, indicating that a given neuron may process certain events differently from session to session, while maintaining more stable processing of appetitive reward.
Anthropological profile of U16 basketball players

The purpose of this study was to analyse the anthropological profile of top level U16 basketball players, members of the Croatia U16 men’s national team, with the aim of defining model values that shall in the future serve the purpose of directing and developing basketball players in the chosen age group. Eleven (11) potential members of the U16 men’s national basketball team participated in this research, with an average age of 15.72±0.44 years. The variable sample was composed of morphological characteristics and tests for evaluating motor and functional skills. Data processing was implemented by applying the statistical software package Statistica for Windows, ver. 12. Basic descriptive statistical parameters were calculated and demonstrated for each variable. On the basis of the obtained results for the measured morphological characteristics, the conclusion can be made that, already in the U16 age category, a difference can be noticed between the longitudinal and transverse dimensionality of the skeleton between the guard – forward – centre player positions, although a complete specialisation for each single player position is very often not final at that age. Likewise, results obtained for the percentage of body fat indicate that all players in this sample group of examinees have an optimal body composition. In almost all motor skill tests, the best results are achieved by guards, whereas the biggest differences between players in different positions are noticeable in tests for examining speed, agility and explosive strength. Aerobic and anaerobic capacities are well developed in all players and they meet the high demands of playing modern basketball.
The monocyte activation test detects potentiated cytokine release resulting from the synergistic effect of endotoxin and non-endotoxin pyrogens

Pyrogens are classified in two groups, endotoxin pyrogens and non-endotoxin pyrogens (NEPs). The presence of either in parenteral pharmaceuticals or medical devices can cause severe harm to subjects, and when occurring in combination, synergistic potentiation effects can occur. As the standard in vitro pyrogen test, the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay can detect LPS only, an endotoxin, but not NEPs. We tested whether the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT) that measures IL-6 induction, is suited for detecting synergistic pyrogen effects. Here we show that MAT reliably detects the NEPs heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus, R848 and lipoteichoic acid, in addition to LPS. When combinations of these pyrogens were tested, a potentiation of IL-6 production was seen beyond an additive effect, apparently reflecting on in-vivo synergisms. The current study therefore demonstrates that MAT not only is a reliable and reproducible assay for the sensitive detection of both endotoxin and non-endotoxin pyrogens, but also for identifying synergistic effects when parenteral drugs are contaminated with multiple pyrogens.
Unfinished business and self-blaming emotions among those bereaved by a COVID-19 death

Abstract In view of the mounting death toll of COVID-19 worldwide and the complicating circumstances that commonly accompany such losses, we studied the grief experiences of 209 adult mourners who lost a loved one to coronavirus with a focus on self-blaming emotions and unresolved issues with the deceased. We found universal endorsement of one or more forms of self-blame (guilt, regret, shame) or unfinished business (UB), with over one-third of mourners endorsing all four experiences. Those having a closer relationship to the deceased reported both greater distress over UB and more intense and dysfunctional grief symptomatology. Strikingly, unresolved conflict, a major dimension of UB, accounted for nearly 40% of the unique variance in problematic grief, which bore no relation to time since the loss.