Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Statins Administration in European and North American Patients Infected with COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread rapidly throughout the world, becoming an overwhelming global health emergency. The array of injuries caused by this virus is broad and not limited to the respiratory system, but encompassing also extensive endothelial and systemic tissue damage. Since statins effectively improve endothelial function, these drugs may have beneficial effects in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, this investigation aimed to provide an updated overview on the interplay between statins and COVID-19, with particular focus on their potentially protective role against progression toward severe or critical illness and death. A systematic electronic search was performed in Scopus and PubMed up to present time. Data on statins use and COVID-19 outcomes especially in studies performed in Europe and North America were extracted and pooled. A total of seven studies met our inclusion criteria, totaling 2,398 patients (1,075 taking statins, i.e., 44.8%). Overall, statin usage in Western patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with nearly 40% lower odds of progressing toward severe illness or death (odds ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.99). After excluding studies in which statin therapy was started during hospital admission, the beneficial effect of these drugs was magnified (odds ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.64). In conclusion, although randomized trials would be necessary to confirm these preliminary findings, current evidence would support a favorable effect of statins as adjuvant therapy in patients with COVID-19. Irrespective of these considerations, suspension of statin therapy seems highly unadvisable in COVID-19 patients.
Study on novel modified large mesoporous silica FDU-12/polymer matrix nanocomposites for adsorption of Pb(II)

In this study, porous methacrylate-modified FDU-12/poly(methyl methacrylate) and amine-modified FDU-12/Nylon 6 nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile solution casting protocol. The physicochemical properties of the prepared materials were studied using various characterization techniques including Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption. After characterization of the materials, the prepared nanocomposites were applied as novel adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous media. In this regard, the effect of various parameters including solution pH, adsorbent amount, contact time, and initial concentration of Pb(II) on the adsorption process was investigated. To study the mechanism of adsorption, kinetic studies were conducted. The kinetic models of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion were employed. The results revealed that the adsorption of Pb(II) onto methacrylate-modified FDU-12/poly(methyl methacrylate) and amine-modified FDU-12/Nylon 6 adsorbents followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Also, different isotherms including Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich were applied to evaluate the equilibrium adsorption data. Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit with the equilibrium data of both adsorbents with maximum adsorption capacities of 99.0 and 94.3 mg g-1 for methacrylate-modified FDU-12/poly(methyl methacrylate) and amine-modified FDU-12/Nylon 6, respectively, for the removal of Pb(II).
Die Kristallstrukturen von Mn5O8 und Cd2Mn3O8

The crystal structures of Mn5O8 and Cd2Mn3O8 are determined from single crystal and high resolution X-ray powder data. Both structures have very similar monoclinic unit cells, space group C–C2/m, and are isotypic: Hence, the true formula of Mn5O8 is MnMnO8. The crystal structure consists of pseudohexagonal MnIV sheets (bc) with similar oxygen sheets on either side, giving a distorted octahedral coordination to the MnIV. As every fourth MnIV is missing in these “main layers”, their composition becomes Mn3O8, and chains of coordination octahedra linked by common edges become distinct. Above and below the empty MnIV sites are either MnII or CdII completing the composition MnMnO8 or Cd2Mn3O8 respectively. Examples of similar “double layer” structures are given.
Domains of the autism phenotype, cognitive control, and rumination as transdiagnostic predictors of DSM-5 suicide risk

Suicide is a global health problem affecting both normative and clinical populations. Theoretical models that examine mechanisms underlying suicide risk across heterogeneous samples are needed. The present study explored core characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a sub-population at high risk of suicide, as well as two dimensional cognitive constructs, as potential transdiagnostic predictors of suicidal ideation in a clinically diverse sample. Participants (n = 1851, 62% female) aged 18 to 89 years completed online questionnaires assessing: social communication difficulties; insistence on sameness; cognitive control; and rumination. Forty-three percent of participants reported the presence of at least one neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorder. One third of the sample reported some suicidal ideation (SI), and 40 percent met the threshold for concern for depression. All hypothesized constructs were associated with SI and depression and, with the exception of rumination, contributed significantly to SI. Participants reporting SI returned significantly higher social communication difficulties and insistence on sameness, and lower levels of cognitive control than those reporting no-SI. The study was limited by the use of a cross-sectional sample assessed with self-report measures. All diagnoses were self-reported and the study was additionally limited by the use of a single item indicator of suicidal ideation. These findings support a role for constructs associated with the ASD phenotype and associated broad cognitive domains as potential risk factors underlying suicidal ideation in a large clinically diverse sample. Our findings suggest directions for future longitudinal research studies, along with specific targets for suicide prevention and clinical practice.
Parkinsonism Alters Beta Burst Dynamics across the Basal Ganglia–Motor Cortical Network

Elevated synchronized oscillatory activity in the beta band has been hypothesized to be a pathophysiological marker of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have suggested that parkinsonism is closely associated with increased amplitude and duration of beta burst activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). How beta burst dynamics are altered from the normal to parkinsonian state across the basal ganglia–thalamocortical (BGTC) motor network, however, remains unclear. In this study, we simultaneously recorded local field potential activity from the STN, internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), and primary motor cortex (M1) in three female rhesus macaques, and characterized how beta burst activity changed as the animals transitioned from normal to progressively more severe parkinsonian states. Parkinsonism was associated with an increased incidence of beta bursts with longer duration and higher amplitude in the low beta band (8–20 Hz) in both the STN and GPi, but not in M1. We observed greater concurrence of beta burst activity, however, across all recording sites (M1, STN, and GPi) in PD. The simultaneous presence of low beta burst activity across multiple nodes of the BGTC network that increased with severity of PD motor signs provides compelling evidence in support of the hypothesis that low beta synchronized oscillations play a significant role in the underlying pathophysiology of PD. Given its immersion throughout the motor circuit, we hypothesize that this elevated beta-band activity interferes with spatial–temporal processing of information flow in the BGTC network that contributes to the impairment of motor function in PD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study fills a knowledge gap regarding the change in temporal dynamics and coupling of beta burst activity across the basal ganglia–thalamocortical (BGTC) network during the evolution from normal to progressively more severe parkinsonian states. We observed that changes in beta oscillatory activity occur throughout BGTC and that increasing severity of parkinsonism was associated with a higher incidence of longer duration, higher amplitude low beta bursts in the basal ganglia, and increased concurrence of beta bursts across the subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, and motor cortex. These data provide new insights into the potential role of changes in the temporal dynamics of low beta activity within the BGTC network in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
Parental Adherence to Home Activities in Early Intervention for Young Children With Delayed Motor Development.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between characteristics of home activities and coaching practices with the adherence of parents of children with motor delays to home activities provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists in early intervention. METHODS An online survey study was developed and distributed to physical therapists and occupational therapists across the United States. A survey flier was posted online on parent support groups, physical and occupational therapy groups, newsletters and organizations supporting parents of children with disabilities. RESULTS A total of 720 respondents participated in the survey. Four hundred forty-six participants from 49 states met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Parents indicated that physical therapists and OTs apply the five coaching practices (joint planning, observation, practice, reflection, feedback). However, parents (63%) reported more time was needed on coaching. Parents' stated that therapists' modeling the activities was the most helpful teaching technique that enhanced their adherence to home activities. Coaching practices, appropriateness of the home activities to daily routines and home environment, provision of home activities enjoyed by the child, and parent self-efficacy were all significantly associated (P < 0.5) with adherence to home activities. CONCLUSIONS Parent's adherence to home activities is affected not only by the type of coaching used by the therapists but also by the characteristics of the home activities provided for young children with delayed motor development. IMPACT STATEMENT The results of this study provide additional evidence supporting individualization of home activities to promote the parent's continuous provision of learning opportunities to promote their children's development. There was also support of the therapists' use of the five coaching practices in EI to support the parent's application of home activities when the therapists are not present.
Distinct latent profiles based on neurobehavioural, physical and psychosocial functioning of former National Football League (NFL) players: an NFL-LONG Study

Objective To identify subgroups of former National Football League (NFL) players using latent profile analysis (LPA) and examine their associations with total years of participation (TYP) and self-reported lifetime sport-related concussion history (SR-CHx). Methods Former NFL players (N=686) aged 50–70 years, with an average 18.0 TYP (±4.5) completed a questionnaire. SR-CHx distributions included: low (0–3; n=221); intermediate (4–8; n=209) and high (9+; n=256). LPA measures included: Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Emotional–Behavioral Dyscontrol, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Cognitive Function, Emotional Support, Self-Efficacy, Meaning and Purpose, Physical Function, Pain Interference, Participation in Social Roles and Activities, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, and Sleep Disturbance. Demographic, medical/psychiatric history, current psychosocial stressors, TYP and SR-CHx were compared across latent profiles (LPs). Results A five profile solution emerged: (LP1) global higher functioning (GHF; 26.5%); (LP2) average functioning (10.2%); (LP3) mild somatic (pain and physical functioning) concerns (22.0%); (LP4) somatic and cognitive difficulties with mild anxiety (SCA; 27.5%); LP5) global impaired functioning (GIF; 13.8%). The GIF and SCA groups reported the largest number ofe- medical/psychiatric conditions and higher psychosocial stressor levels. SR-CHx was associated with profile group (χ2(8)=100.38, p<0.001); with a higher proportion of GIF (72.6%) and SCA (43.1%) groups reporting being in the high SR-CHx category, compared with GHF (23.1%), average (31.4%) and somatic (27.8%) groups. TYP was not significantly associated with group (p=0.06), with greater TYP reported by the GHF group. Conclusions Five distinct profiles of self-reported functioning were identified among former NFL players. Several comorbid factors (ie, medical/psychiatric diagnoses and psychosocial stressors) and SR-CHx were associated with greater neurobehavioural and psychosocial dysfunction.
Coadministration of ARV (Atripla) and Topiramate disrupts quail cardiac neural crest cell migration

Congenital anomalies such as ventricular septal defects and truncus communis have been reported with the prenatal use of antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism of antiretroviral therapy teratogenicity is unclear and is therefore the focus of this study. Some human immunodeficiency virus patients on antiretrovirals are placed on antiepileptic drugs which are also teratogenic. The interactive effects arising from this therapeutic combination may affect their teratogenic propensity through their effects on neural crest cell migration.
Food Insecurity and Obesity in US Adolescents: A Population-Based Analysis.

Background: Food insecurity and obesity are significant problems affecting adolescents. There is a paucity of recent data examining this relationship. This study utilizes a recent nationally representative sample of US adolescents to examine the relationship between obesity and food security status, as well as other risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 4777 US adolescents (13-18 years old) was performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2007-2016. Prevalence of obesity based on food security status was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine characteristics of adolescents in relationship to obesity. Results: The prevalence of obesity among adolescents from food insecure households was significantly higher compared to those who were not, with a prevalence ratio of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2-1.5, p < 0.0001). Food insecurity was associated with a higher unadjusted rate of obesity, with an odds ratio of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2-1.7, p = 0.0002). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, food insecurity was no longer significantly associated with obesity (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4, p = 0.08). However, other factors such as black race, Hispanic ethnicity, male sex, and households with a monthly income ≤185% of the poverty line were associated with increased odds of obesity. Conclusions: While the prevalence of obesity in adolescents from food insecure households was higher compared to those who were not, no association between the two was found when accounting for other risk factors. Data on independent food-seeking behaviors of adolescents may help clarify this complex relationship in future work.
Classification and Prediction of Post-Trauma Outcomes Related to PTSD Using Circadian Rhythm Changes Measured via Wrist-Worn Research Watch in a Large Longitudinal Cohort

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition resulting from threatening or horrifying events. We hypothesized that circadian rhythm changes, measured by a wrist-worn research watch are predictive of post-trauma outcomes. Approach: 1618 post-trauma patients were enrolled after admission to emergency departments (ED). Three standardized questionnaires were administered at week eight to measure post-trauma outcomes related to PTSD, sleep disturbance, and pain interference with daily life. Pulse activity and movement data were captured from a research watch for eight weeks. Standard and novel movement and cardiovascular metrics that reflect circadian rhythms were derived using this data. These features were used to train different classifiers to predict the three outcomes derived from week-eight surveys. Clinical surveys administered at ED were also used as features in the baseline models. Results: The highest cross-validated performance of research watch-based features was achieved for classifying participants with pain interference by a logistic regression model, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.70. The ED survey-based model achieved an AUC of 0.77, and the fusion of research watch and ED survey metrics improved the AUC to 0.79. Significance: This work represents the first attempt to predict and classify post-trauma symptoms from passive wearable data using machine learning approaches that leverage the circadian desynchrony in a potential PTSD population.
Global incidence and mortality of neonatal sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Neonates are at major risk of sepsis, but data on neonatal sepsis incidence are scarce. We aimed to assess the incidence and mortality of neonatal sepsis worldwide. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. 13 databases were searched for the period January 1979–May 2019, updating the search of a previous systematic review and extending it in order to increase data inputs from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We included studies on the population-level neonatal sepsis incidence that used a clinical sepsis definition, such as the 2005 consensus definition, or relevant ICD codes. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis on neonatal sepsis incidence and mortality, stratified according to sepsis onset, birth weight, prematurity, study setting, WHO region and World Bank income level. Results The search yielded 4737 publications, of which 26 were included. They accounted for 2 797 879 live births and 29 608 sepsis cases in 14 countries, most of which were middle-income countries. Random-effects estimator for neonatal sepsis incidence in the overall time frame was 2824 (95% CI 1892 to 4194) cases per 100 000 live births, of which an estimated 17.6% 9 (95% CI 10.3% to 28.6%) died. In the last decade (2009–2018), the incidence was 3930 (95% CI 1937 to 7812) per 100 000 live births based on four studies from LMICs. In the overall time frame, estimated incidence and mortality was higher in early-onset than late-onset neonatal sepsis cases. There was substantial between-study heterogeneity in all analyses. Studies were at moderate to high risk of bias. Conclusion Neonatal sepsis is common and often fatal. Its incidence remains unknown in most countries and existing studies show marked heterogeneity, indicating the need to increase the number of epidemiological studies, harmonise neonatal sepsis definitions and improve the quality of research in this field. This can help to design and implement targeted interventions, which are urgently needed to reduce the high incidence of neonatal sepsis worldwide.
Determination of six underivatized biogenic amines by LC-MS/MS and study of biogenic amine production during trout (Salmo trutta) storage in ice

ABSTRACT Biogenic amines (BAs) are natural components of food produced mainly during metabolism in animals and plants. The determination of BAs is important because of their potential toxicity and their potential use as food spoilage indicators. In the present study, a method for the determination of six BAs (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, β-phenylethylamine, tyramine, and tryptamine) by Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI) source has been used on trout samples (Salmo trutta) stored in ice for 15 days. The results showed that on day 15 quite large amounts of putrescine (76.530 mg/kg), cadaverine (85.530 mg/kg), tryptamine (25.210 mg/kg), and histamine (15.975mg/kg) were detected, while the other BAs remained low (β-phenylethylamine: 3.230 mg/kg, tyramine: 0.165mg/kg). Furthermore, microbiological data (Total Vial Count– TVC, Pseudomonas spp, and Shewanella putrefaciens) showed that trout samples became organoleptically unacceptable on day 12, while volatile compound analysis showed a significant increase in total amounts of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones on days 12 and 15.
Intrinsic apoptosis and cytokine induction regulated in human tonsillar epithelial cells infected with enterovirus A71

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) has emerged as a clinically important neurotropic virus following poliovirus eradication. Recent studies have shown that human tonsillar epithelial cell lines (UT-SCC-60A and UT-SCC-60B) were susceptible to EV-A71, suggesting that human tonsillar crypt epithelium could be important in EV-A71 pathogenesis. However, the mechanism about how EV-A71 infects the upper oro-digestive tract remains largely unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the human tonsillar epithelial cells infected with EV-A71 underwent apoptotic, in which cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria to the cytosol and caspase-9 was activated, while caspase-2 and -8 were not cleaved or activated during the infection. A selective inhibitor of caspase-9, Z-LEHD-FMK, inhibited the cleavage of the executioner caspase-3 and -7, indicating that only mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway was activated in EV-A71-infected tonsillar epithelial cells. No evidence of pyroptosis or necroptosis was involved in the cell death. EV-A71 infection induced interferon, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IFN-β, IL-6, CCL5, and TNF-α in tonsillar epithelial cells, which may play a critical role in EV-A71-caused herpangina. Our data indicated that the induction of the cytokines was partially regulated by the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. The findings unveiled the host response to EV-A71 and its regulation mechanism, and will further our understanding the significance about the tonsillar crypt epithelium as the initial and primary portal in viral pathogenesis for EV-A71 infection.