Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between homocysteine, C-reactive protein, lipid level, and sleep quality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the correlation between homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid levels, and sleep quality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. We collected data from 217 patients (perimenopause and postmenopausal) who visited the gynecological endocrine outpatient department of our hospital between January 2017 and January 2019. The quality and patterns of sleep were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and relationships between HCY, CRP, lipid levels, and sleep quality were analyzed according to a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≥ 8. There were significant differences in age, education level, and occupation among patients with different levels of sleep quality (P < .05). HCY, CRP, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients with poor sleep quality than in those with good sleep quality (P < .05). Age, education level, occupation, HCY, CRP, and lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein) were all significant influencing factors for sleep quality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (all P < .05). After adjusting for age, education level, occupation, HCY, and CRP levels were all significant and independent risk factors for sleep quality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (all P < .05). Levels of HCY, CRP, and lipids were significantly correlated with sleep quality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. HCY and CRP were identified as independent risk factors for sleep quality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, thus providing theoretical support for the clinical improvement of sleep quality.
Device for respiration activity measurement enables the determination of oxygen transfer rates of microbial cultures in shaken 96‐deepwell microtiter plates

Mini‐bioreactors with integrated online monitoring capabilities are well established in the early stages of process development. Mini‐bioreactors fulfil the demand for high‐throughput‐applications and a simultaneous reduction of material costs and total experimental time. One of the most essential online monitored parameters is the oxygen transfer rate (OTR). OTR‐monitoring allows fast characterization of bioprocesses and process transfer to larger scales. Currently, OTR‐monitoring on a small‐scale is limited to shake flasks and 48‐well microtiter plates (MTP). Especially, 96‐deepwell MTP are used for high‐throughput‐experiments during early‐stage bioprocess development. However, a device for OTR monitoring in 96‐deepwell MTP is still not available. To determine OTR values, the measurement of the gas composition in each well of a MTP is necessary. Therefore, a new micro(µ)‐scale Transfer rate Online Measurement device (µTOM) was developed. The µTOM includes 96 parallel oxygen‐sensitive sensors and a single robust sealing mechanism. Different organisms (Escherichia coli, Hansenula polymorpha, and Ustilago maydis) were cultivated in the µTOM. The measurement precision for 96 parallel cultivations was 0.21 mmol·L−1·h−1 (pooled standard deviation). In total, a more than 15‐fold increase in throughput and an up to a 50‐fold decrease in media consumption, compared with the shake flask RAMOS‐technology, was achieved using the µTOM for OTR‐monitoring.
Antibody levels remain high to one-year’s follow-up after moderate and severe COVID-19, but not after mild cases

Abstract Background Understanding the longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection is of utmost importance in predicting the further course of the pandemic and to plan vaccination strategies. Here we report a cohort of COVID-19 patients with different disease severities whose antibody dynamics we evaluated during one-year of follow-up. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study of 123 COVID-19 patients and 45 SARS CoV-2 negative outpatients with upper respiratory tract infection. We analyzed the demographic and clinical features of the patients with COVID-19 in relation to different disease severities according to the WHO classification. The antibody response was evaluated by a Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System (LIPS) assay at 3, 6, and 12 months after the acute infection. Results Amongst the enrolled COVID-19 patients, 15 (12%) had mild, 42 (34%) had moderate, 39 (32%) had severe and 27 (22%) had critical disease courses; 79% of the patients were hospitalized. During follow-up, all patients had anti-SARS RBD-IgG levels above the cut-off value on all visits, but the antibody levels varied significantly between the different disease severity groups. Between the six- and 12-month follow-up visits, 41% of patients were vaccinated, which enhanced their antibody levels significantly. Conclusion Our data demonstrate sustained antibody levels at one-year after moderate and severe COVID-19 infection. Vaccination of patients with the mild disease is important to raise the antibody levels to a protective level.
The role of different dietary Zn sources in modulating heat stress-related effects on some thermoregulatory parameters of New Zealand white rabbit bucks*

Abstract The present work was conducted to assess the effect of diets supplementation to heat-stressed buck rabbits with different zinc (Zn) sources on the thermoregulatory and hematobiochemical parameters, and antioxidant status. A total of 24 mature buck rabbits (32–36 weeks of age) were randomly distributed into four groups (6 each). Group 1, non-heat-stressed control (NHSC), was reared in the absence of heat stress (HS) conditions and received the basal diet only. The other three groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) were kept in HS conditions. Group 2, heat-stressed control (HSC), received the basal diet only. The diet supplemented with 75 mg Zn/kg diet either in the inorganic form (Zn sulfate) or in the organic form (Zn picolinate) for groups 3 and 4, respectively. Zn supplementation to rabbits’ diets lowered the heat stress-related increase of serum urea, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. These supplementations also increased the concentration of testosterone under HS conditions. Zn picolinate was more effective than Zn sulfate in restoring serum concentrations of urea, testosterone, and MDA. In conclusion, Zn addition to rabbits’ diets from different sources, especially Zn picolinate, exhibits an ameliorative effect against the harmful impact of HS on hematobiochemical parameters and antioxidant status.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Treatment of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia

Anecdotal experience suggests that endovascular therapy may be safe and effective in reducing thrombus burden in selected cases of postvaccination cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. SUMMARY: Reports of a rare form of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with profound thrombocytopenia have emerged following introduction of the adenovirus-vectored coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Between March and June 2021, seven cases of refractory vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia were referred to our institution for mechanical thrombectomy. The condition of 1 patient deteriorated during interhospital transfer, and the remaining 6 underwent successful recanalization. No procedure-related adverse events were reported. At the time of this writing, 3 patients have been discharged with a good functional outcome (mRS 0–1), one required rehabilitation for mild dysarthria and vocal cord palsy (mRS 3), and 2 have died due to severe mass effect. Our anecdotal experience suggests that endovascular therapy may be safe and effective in reducing thrombus burden in selected cases of postvaccination cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
Echinacea as a Potential Force against Coronavirus Infections? A Mini-Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Adults and Children

Echinacea purpurea was shown to broadly inhibit coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. This review discusses the available clinical evidence from randomized, blinded and controlled human studies. Two RCTs with results on enveloped viruses, respectively coronavirus infections during prevention treatment were detected. Incidence and/or viral loads were measured by RT-PCR and symptom severity was recorded. Jawad et al. (2012) collected nasopharyngeal swabs from adults (N=755) over 4 months of continuous prevention. Overall, 24 and 47 enveloped virus infections occurred, including 21 and 33 coronavirus detections [229E; HKU1; OC43] with Echinaforce extract [2400mg daily] and placebo, respectively (p=0.0114). Ogal et al. (2021) administered the same extract [1200mg] or control for 4 months to children (4-12 years) (N=203). Echinacea reduced the incidence of enveloped virus infections from 47 to 29 (p=0.0038) whereas 11 and 13 coronavirus detections [229E, OC43, NL63] were counted (p>0.05). Respiratory symptoms during coronavirus infections were significantly lower with area-under-curve AUC=75.8 (+/-50.24) versus 27.1 (+/-21.27) score points (p=0.0036). Importantly, viral loads in nasal secretions were significantly reduced by 98.5%, with Ct-values 31.1 [95% CI 26.3; 35.9] versus 25.0 [95% CI 20.5; 29.5] (p = 0.0479). Results from clinical studies confirm the antiviral activity found for Echinacea in vitro, embracing enveloped respiratory pathogens and therefore coronaviruses as well. Substantiating results from a new completed study seems to extrapolate these effects to the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. As hypothesized, the testified broad antiviral activity of Echinacea extract appears to be inclusive for SARS-CoV-2.
Muscle involvement with pseudohypertrophy in systemic light chain amyloidosis

Abstract Rationale: Muscle pseudohypertrophy is a rare manifestation of light chain amyloidosis (AL) amyloidosis. Patient concerns: A 63-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive asthenia, macroglossia, dysphonia, cachexia, hypotension, paresthesia, and lower limb muscle hypertrophy. Diagnosis: Free serum lambda light chains were increased, and fat pad biopsy demonstrated Congo red-positive deposits. Additionally, electromyography showed a myopathic pattern, whereas muscle biopsy revealed amyloid deposits. A diagnosis of λAL with cardiac, renal, nervous system, and skeletal muscle involvement was established. Interventions and outcomes: The patient received 3 subsequent lines of therapy over the following 23 months, with very slow hematological remission followed by resolution of organ dysfunction. Lessons: Despite its rarity, muscle involvement should be considered in patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis associated with unexplained muscle hypertrophy or weakness associated with macroglossia or elevated troponin T levels in the absence of clear cardiac involvement.
Zearalenone Exposure Disrupts Blood–Testis Barrier Integrity through Excessive Ca2+-Mediated Autophagy

Zearalenone (ZEA), a common mycotoxin in grains and animal feeds, has been associated with male reproductive disorders. However, the potential toxicity mechanism of ZEA is not fully understood. In this study, in vivo and in vitro models were used to explore the effects of ZEA on the blood–testis barrier (BTB) and related molecular mechanisms. First, male BALB/C mice were administered ZEA orally (40 mg/kg·bw) for 5–7 d. Sperm motility, testicular morphology, and expressions of BTB junction proteins and autophagy-related proteins were evaluated. In addition, TM4 cells (mouse Sertoli cells line) were used to delineate the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of ZEA on BTB. Our results demonstrated that ZEA exposure induced severe testicular damage in histomorphology and an ultrastructural, time-dependent decrease in the expression of blood–testis barrier junction-related proteins, accompanied by an increase in the expression of autophagy-related proteins. Additionally, similar to the in vitro results, the dose-dependent treatment of ZEA increased the level of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and the levels of the autophagy markers LC3-II and p62, in conjunction with a decrease in the BTB junction proteins occludin, claudin-11, and Cx43, with the dislocation of the gap junction protein Cx43. Meanwhile, inhibition of autophagy by CQ and 3-MA or inhibition of cytoplasmic Ca2+ by BAPTA-AM was sufficient to reduce the effects of ZEA on the TM4 cell BTB. To summarize, this study emphasizes the role of Ca2+-mediated autophagy in ZEA-induced BTB destruction, which deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanism of ZEA-induced male reproductive disorders.
Personalized Approach for Obese Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease representing a major global health problem in the 21st century. Several etiologic factors are involved in its pathogenesis, including a Western hypercaloric diet, sedentariness, metabolic imbalances, genetics, and gut microbiota modification. Lifestyle modifications and drugs often fail to obtain an adequate and sustained weight loss. To date, bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment, but only about 1% of eligible patients undergo BS, partly because of its negligible morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive, endoscopic, bariatric procedure, which proved to be safe and effective. In this review, we aim to examine evidence supporting the role of a personalized and multidisciplinary approach, guided by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), for obese patients undergoing ESG, from patient selection to long-term follow-up. The cooperation of different health professionals, including an endocrinologist and/or obesity medicine physician, a bariatric surgeon, an endoscopist experienced in bariatrics, a registered dietitian, an exercise specialist, a behaviour coach, a psychologist, and a nurse or physician extender, aims to induce radical and sustained lifestyle changes. We also discussed the relationship between gut microbiota and outcomes after bariatric procedures, speculating that the characterization of gut microbiota before and after ESG may help develop new tools, including probiotics, to optimize weight loss outcomes.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with SARS-CoV-2 N501Y Variants in General Practitioner Clinic in Japan

The clinical characteristics of patients with N501Y mutation in SARS-CoV-2 variants (N501YV) is not fully understood, especially in the setting of general practice. In this retrospective cohort study, COVID-19 patients admitted to one general practitioner clinic between 26 March and 26 May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics, clinical symptoms and radiological findings before treatment were compared between N501YV and wild-type 501N. Twenty-eight patients were classified as wild-type 501N and 24 as N501YV. The mean (±standard deviation) age was 37.4 (±16.1) years, with no significant difference between groups. Among clinical symptoms, prevalence of fever of 38 degrees Celsius (°C) or higher was significantly higher in the N501YV group than in the wild-type 501N group (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that fever of 38 °C or higher remained significantly associated with N501YV (adjust odds ratio [aOR]: 6.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68 to 21.94). For radiological findings, the lung involvement area was significantly larger in patients infected with N501YV (p = 0.013). In conclusion, in the N501YV group, fever of 38 °C or higher and extensive pneumonia were more frequently observed compared to the wild-type 501N group. There was no significant difference in terms of other demographics and clinical symptoms.
10 kHz linewidth 1.5 μm InGaAsP external cavity laser with 55 nm tuning range

An InGaAsP 1.5 μm laser, with one facet antireflection coated, has been incorporated into a diffraction grating external cavity. The lasing wavelength could be tuned over a 55 nm range about the centre wavelength of 1.5 μm by rotating the grating. Furthermore, it was found that the emission spectrum was extremely narrow; beat-frequency measurements at 1523 nm against an HeNe laser showed it to be of the order of 10 kHz.
Switch/sucrose‐non‐fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex (SMARCA4, SMARCA2, INI1/SMARCB1)‐deficient colorectal carcinomas are strongly associated with microsatellite instability: an incidence study in 4508 colorectal carcinomas

Loss of expression of mammalian switch/sucrose‐non‐fermentable (SWI/SNF) [BRG1/BRM‐associated factor (BAF)] complex subunits, including SMARCA4, SMARCA2 and INI1/SMARCB1 (termed SWI/SNF complex deficiency), has been reported in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) but its frequency and clinical significance are uncertain.
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Ibrutinib in the Treatment of CLL Patients: A Real Life Experience

Ibrutinib has demonstrated a significant clinical impact in patients with de novo and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), even in cases with unfavorable cytogenetics and molecular markers. All CLL patients’ data treated at our Institute with ibrutinib have been retrospectively reviewed. Forty-six patients received ibrutinib either as frontline (10) or second or more advanced treatment (36). Five patients presented with TP53 mutations; 11 had the deletion of chromosome 17p; 17 displayed an unmutated immunoglobulin variable heavy chain status. The median number of cycles administered was 26. Among patients treated frontline, the best overall response rate (ORR) was 90.0%. In patients receiving ibrutinib as a second or later line ORR was 97.2%. Median progression-free survival was 28.8 and 21.1 months for patients treated frontline and as second/later line, respectively. Median overall survival was not reached for those treated frontline and resulted in 4.9 years for patients treated as second/later line. Grade 3–4 hematological toxicities were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Grade 3–4 extrahematological toxicities included diarrhea, cutaneous rash, utero-vesical prolapse, vasculitis, and sepsis. Ibrutinib is effective and well tolerated in CLL. Responses obtained in a real-life setting are durable and the safety profile of the drug is favorable.
Role and Function of the Clinical Tutor in Mental Health Nursing in Ireland

Abstract The clinical tutor (CT) in mental health nursing is a role aimed at supporting the learning needs of mental health nursing students undertaking a 12-month post-registration programme. This paper aims to examine the role of the clinical tutor in mental health nursing in Ireland by describing the experience of nursing students and key service stakeholders. A qualitative descriptive design was employed using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Two focus groups were conducted with 14 nursing students in the final week of their one-year programme. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with seven service stakeholders and service leaders. Participants reported positive experiences of working with the clinical tutor and valued the role in terms of educational and pastoral support. Participants suggested the role strengthened the link between theory and practice and enhanced the relationship between the higher education institute and clinical sites. However, a lack of clarity existed in terms of role description. Participants suggested the CT role enhanced the link between the university and clinical areas providing benefits to both student and service stakeholders. Implementing similar roles may benefit post-registration mental health nursing students in other jurisdictions. Further investigation on how the role operates from the perspective of those in the post may provide more clarity and enhance the development of such roles in the future.
Shear Stress Induced by Acute Heat Exposure Is Not Obligatory to Protect Against Endothelial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Humans.

Acute heat exposure protects against endothelial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in humans. However, the mechanism/s mediating this protective effect remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that inhibiting the increase in shear stress induced by acute heat exposure would attenuate the protection of endothelial function following I/R injury. Nine (3 women) young healthy participants were studied under 3 experimental conditions: 1) thermoneutral control; 2) whole-body heat exposure to increase body core temperature by 1.2 °C; 3) heat exposure + brachial artery compression to inhibit the temperature-dependent increase in shear stress. Endothelial function was assessed via brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation before (pre-I/R) and after (post-I/R) 20 min of arm ischemia followed by 20 min of reperfusion. Brachial artery shear rate was increased during heat exposure (681 ± 359 s-1), but not for thermoneutral control (140 ± 63 s-1; P < 0.01 vs. heat exposure) nor heat + brachial artery compression (139 ± 60 s-1; P < 0.01 vs. heat exposure). Ischemia-reperfusion injury reduced flow-mediated dilatation following thermoneutral control (pre-I/R, 5.5 ± 2.9 % vs. post-I/R, 3.8 ± 2.9 %; P = 0.06), but was protected following heat exposure (pre-I/R, 5.8 ± 2.9 % vs. post-I/R, 6.1 ± 2.9 %; P = 0.5) and heat + arterial compression (pre-I/R, 4.4 ± 2.8 % vs. post-I/R, 5.8 ± 2.8 %; P = 0.1). Contrary to our hypothesis, our findings demonstrate that shear stress induced by acute heat exposure is not obligatory to protect against endothelial I/R injury in humans.
Indications for early revision surgery for material failure in spinal instrumentation: experience at a level 1 center for spinal surgery – a single-center study

Abstract Posterior instrumentation is an established treatment for a range of spinal disorders. Material failure is not uncommon, and the indications for a revision are very heterogeneous. This study aimed to evaluate the indications and timing for early revision spinal surgery due to material failure. In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, patients underwent spinal posterior instrumentation between January 2017 and July 2019. They were followed up at 3, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. The time of onset of material failure which led to revision surgery was analyzed. In addition, the relationship between the indications for revision surgery and independent variables was examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. A total of one hundred thirty-five patients were enrolled. Radiolucent zones were found in 30 patients (20%) after 3 months, whereas 48 patients (31%) had radiolucent zones after 12 months. Revision surgery was performed in 13 patients (8.5%). The peak time for revision due to instability was within the first four months of the primary surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed that location, pathology, ASA score, and smoking had no significant impact on the indication for revision surgery, and neither did BMI (P = .042). Non-fusion (P = .007) and radiolucent zones (P = .004), in combination with increased pain (P = .006), were predictors for revision. Our data show that the peak time for early revision of material failure after posterior instrumentation was within the first 4 months of primary surgery. The abnormalities (e.g., radiolucent zones) surrounding the screws without fusion, including persistence of pain, were predictors for revision surgery.