Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease in a Spectrum of Pediatric Primary Immunodeficiencies

Background Granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) has been increasingly recognized in children affected with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). In this study, we aimed to better characterize the spectrum of pediatric PIDs coexisting with GLILD including clinical and immunological predictors, thoracic imaging findings, and histopathologic features. Methods We respectively reviewed records of six representative cases of children, three of them affected with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and three with syndromic immunodeficiencies, in whom a diagnosis of GLILD was established based on clinical, radiological, and histopathologic findings. Clinical and immunological predictors for GLILD were also analyzed in the patients studied. Results All the children with GLILD had a history of autoimmune phenomena, organ-specific immunopathology, and immune dysregulation. Defective B-cell maturation and deficiency of memory B cells were found in all the children with GLILD. The radiological and histopathological features consistent with the diagnosis of GLILD, granulomatous disease, and lymphoid hyperplasia, were accompanied by chronic airway disease with bronchiectasis in children with CVID and syndromic PIDs. Conclusions Our study shows that both CVID and syndromic PIDs may be complicated with GLILD. Further studies are required to understand the predictive value of coexisting autoimmunity and immune dysregulation in the recognition of GLILD in children with PIDs.
Bipolar disorder prevalence and psychotropic medication utilisation in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is often an under‐addressed mental disorder. Limited studies have investigated its epidemiology and drug utilisation in Hong Kong (HK) and the United Kingdom (UK) and thus local prescribing practices remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BPD and the prescribing of psychotropic medications as maintenance treatment from 2001–2018 in HK and the UK.
The dual behavior of the β-As4S4 altered by light

Abstract Among the polymorphs of the compound As4S4, realgar and β-As4S4 exhibit an interesting phenomenon of light-induced alteration that eventually leads to the transformation to pararealgar and arsenolite through the structural modification of the As4S4 molecule. The mechanism generally invoked to explain the transformation assumes reaction with oxygen, subsequent modification of the molecule through an insertion of a sulfur atom and the eventual production of arsenolite according to the reaction 5As4S4 + 3O2 → 4As4S5 + 2As2O3. Early studies showed that the light-induced transition from realgar to pararealgar is reversible through heat and that implies a transition through the χ-phase, even though the presence of arsenolite was not observed. To further assess the action of the oxygen during the process, we carried out experiments of light-induced alteration of β-As4S4 under ambient air and under isopropyl alcohol. The material was investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) using quantitative phase analysis (QPA) and the Rietveld method. The further study of the heat-induced transformation of the products showed that β-As4S4 exhibits a dual behavior: if the light-induced alteration occurs under air, arsenolite plus an amorphous phase is produced and the transformation is not reversible, if the alteration occurs without any contact to air none of such phases is produced and the transformation is reversible. These new experimental evidences suggest that the production of arsenolite is not strictly required for the transformation of the β-As4S4 into pararealgar and that the current model invoked to explain the mechanism of alteration should be modified to take into account the dual behavior of the β-As4S4 altered by light.
MIGRAINE MONITORING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: TRIGGERS AND PROTECTORS DURING A PANDEMIC.

OBJECTIVE Aim of the present observational study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 quarantine on migraine and evaluate potential influencing factors. Previous studies reported mixed results regarding clinical outcome during quarantine in patients with migraine. In particular, data from areas strongly affetcted by COVID-19 pandemic are missing. METHODS One-hundred and seventy patients, previously assessed at the Headache Centre - ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, underwent a telephonic interview regarding migraine features and clinical, occupational and lifestyle variables. RESULTS Compared to baseline, during quarantine, we found a significant overall reduction in migraine days (14.7±0.6 vs 12.3±0.7, p <0.001), with 47.1% patients reporting a clinical improvement. Outdoor living spaces (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-3.07, p = 0.009), a positive attitude throughout quarantine (OR 4.12, 95% CI 2.3-7.1, p = 0.03), working full-time (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.5-1.9, p < 0.001) and a baseline diagnosis of chronic migraine (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.02, p = 0.002) were associated with an increased chance of migraine improvement. Being single (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.01, p = 0.05) and physical inactivity (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6, p = 0.02) were associated with an increased risk of worsening. CONCLUSIONS Quarantine had an overall positive impact on migraine. Based on our results, we hypothesize the reduction of daily hassles and challenges might be the main reason for such improvement.
Understanding Constraints and Enablers of Turnaround Time for Ethics Review: The Case of Institutional Review Boards in Tanzania

Background . Independent ethics review of research is required prior to the implementation of all health research involving human participants. However, ethics review processes are challenged by protracted turnaround times, which may negatively impact the implementation of socially valuable research. Previous research has documented delays in ethics review in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to determine the extent of variability in turnaround times for protocol review among different institutional review boards (IRBs) within Tanzania. Methods . This descriptive cross-sectional study employed a mixed-method approach, with qualitative and quantitative components. Seven IRBs were purposively sampled from the 15 accredited IRBs operational in Tanzania during the study period, April 2017–April 2018. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results . The median time for review across all IRBs was 32 days, with a range of 1–396 days. Qualitative results identified five key themes related to turnaround time from interviews with participants. These included: (1) procedures for receiving and distribution of protocols, (2) number of reviewers assigned to protocols, (3) duration of reviewing protocols, (4) reasons for delayed feedback, and (5) training of research ethics committee members. Conclusion. The study showed that the median days for ethical approval in Tanzania was 32 days. We observed from this study that electronic submission systems facilitated faster turnaround times. Failure to adhere to the submission checklists and guidelines was a major obstacle to the turnaround time.
ELIXIR: providing a sustainable infrastructure for life science data at European scale

In 2012, the Digital Universe Study reported that ‘less than 1% of the World’s data is analyzed and less than 20% is protected’ and recommended that management plans were needed to harness the potential within these data streams (Gantz and Reinsel, 2012). Life science is a data science that is dependent on the generation, sharing and integrative analysis of vast quantities of digital data. However, these data are complex and fragmented, creating a significant barrier to their integration and reuse. Data are generated for different research purposes at thousands of facilities across the world, with diverse formats, annotations, methodologies and metadata standards. Interpreting this data is difficult and often involves integrating very large datasets from multiple sources. Certain data types such as sensitive human data archived under controlled access require protection, so data federation and sharing are a challenge in this context (Saunders et al., 2019). Since its official launch in December 2013, ELIXIR (https:// elixir-europe.org/), the European infrastructure for life science data, has worked to address these challenges by bringing Europe’s national centers and core bioinformatics resources into a single, coordinated infrastructure. Many European countries have longestablished national bioinformatics infrastructures that provide tools, data resources and cloud services to national and international users. ELIXIR invests in and aims to sustain these vital resources and ensure a level of interoperability that facilitates scientific discovery. Indeed, for research to thrive in a world of data abundance, all components (research data, analysis tools, standards as well as computational resources and training materials) must be FAIR—findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (Wilkinson et al., 2016). ELIXIR supports European life scientists in making data FAIR, ensuring that the benefits extend far beyond those actively participating in ELIXIR, and, additionally, encourages all funders to adopt Open Science mandates. Here, we describe how ELIXIR has evolved to be an established research infrastructure, with a review of significant milestones achieved, and a look into the future. By linking national networks that span most of Europe’s major research centers ELIXIR is in a unique position to drive the transformation of life science’s distributed data resources within Europe to be sustainable, federated, standards-based and cost-effective. Building a stable and sustainable infrastructure for biological information across Europe
Can insecticide applications used to kill vector insects prevent pine wilt disease?

BACKGROUND The aerial application of insecticides is a primary method used to prevent the spread of pine wilt disease by reducing the population density of Monochamus beetles, the vector insects of pine wood nematodes (PWNs). This study investigated the mortality of vector insects and the ratio of PWN-infected trees according to systemically remaining thiacloprid residues in Pinus densiflora. To do this, thiacloprid was sprayed on a nursery of 5-year-old P. densiflora in meshed cages. Then Monochamus alternatus adults carrying PWNs were placed into meshed cages 1 and 15 days after treatment (T1 and T15 groups for thiacloprid spraying, and N1 and N15 groups for non-sprayed groups) and tree mortality was monitored. We also measured the thiacloprid residues in pine branches in each treatment. RESULTS In pine trees, more thiacloprid residues were found in the T1 group than in the T15 group, but most M. alternatus adults died in the T1 and T15 groups and PWNs were detected in 51.3% of all recaptured beetles. In the 16th week after each treatment, the average tree mortalities in T1 and T15 were 0% and 16.7%, respectively, while mortality of approximately 50~60% of all tested trees in the non-sprayed groups was observed. CONCLUSION The current aerial application of insecticides may have a limitation in preventing PWN transmission from dying M. alternatus adults when they are exposed to low thiacloprid residues in pine trees. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Repeated Positive Cervical HPV Testing and Absent or Minor Cytology Abnormality at Pap Smear. What is the Next Step?

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening has significantly reduced cervical cancer (CC) mortality. Women who consecutively test positive for high-risk HPV without and minor changes on reflex cytology (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASC-US] or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LSIL]) or dysplasia on cervical colposcopy-oriented biopsy are always referred to colposcopy. The aim of the present study was to assess whether this guidance is appropriate for COBAS HPV testing with reflex cytology. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out in 5,227 women who underwent routine CC screening over a period of five years (2012-2017). All HPV tests were performed using Cobas®4800 HPV. The study included women attending gynecology appointments whose first HPV test was positive and who had any type of follow-up. Patients’ HPV test results as well as cytology and biopsy findings obtained during the abovementioned period were analyzed. A descriptive and comparative statistical study was conducted using this data. Results: A total of 765 out of 6003 HPV tests performed in 5,227 women were positive, and 141 women who had a positive HPV test (with negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy [NILM] or inflammation, or ASC-US and LSIL cytology, but no lesions on colposcopy, or absence of dysplasia on histology) repeated the HPV test at least once. Of these 141 women, 6 were diagnosed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) during the follow-up period. All cases of HSIL were diagnosed after the second HPV test. Conclusion: This study shows that, at cervical cancer screening, all women testing positive for HPV regardless of Pap smear result should be referred to colposcopy.
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: meta-analysis of maternal and fetal outcomes

The impact of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes is unclear. Historical case series document very poor outcomes, with maternal mortality rates of 20 per cent and fetal loss of 50 per cent. However, this is based on outdated clinical practice. This meta-analysis quantified both maternal and fetal outcomes following acute pancreatitis in pregnancy based on the concurrent literature. Maternal and fetal outcomes after acute pancreatitis in pregnancy have improved with advances in the management of pancreatitis.
Independent or Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Pathways

Introduction The training pathway for plastic surgery has evolved in recent years with the adoption and rise in popularity of the integrated model. Studies have demonstrated that there may be differences between integrated graduates and independent graduates, specifically in career choices and type of practice. This study seeks to understand if there are differences in representation at academic and leadership positions between graduates of the 2 pathways. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in June of 2018 to assess integrated and independent pathway graduate's representation in academic plastic surgery in the United States. Factors examined were career qualifications, academic productivity, faculty positions, and influence of pathway on career advancement. Results A total of 924 academic plastic surgeons were analyzed, 203 (22.0%) of whom were integrated graduates and 721 (78.0%) of whom were independent graduates. Independent graduates had greater National Institutes of Health funding (integrated, $40,802; independent, $257,428; P = 0.0043), higher h-index (integrated, 7.0; independent, 10.0; P < 0.001), and higher publication number (integrated, 17; independent, 25; P = 0.0011). Integrated graduates were more likely to be assistant professors (integrated, 70%; independent, 40.7%; P < 0.001) and required a shorter postresidency time to reach all positions examined compared with independent graduates. Conclusions Residency training pathway influences academic plastic surgeons in research output, qualifications, and academic positions. This is likely due to the relatively new nature of the integrated program compared with the independent, as well as the shorter length of training for integrated graduates. However, trends are moving toward integrated graduates showing increased interest and productivity in academic medicine.
The Influence of Nutritional Status at Diagnosis of Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Survival Rates: Data from a Hispanic Cohort

Abstract The impact of nutritional status at diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on survival rates was assessed in a Hispanic cohort. Children <16 years with newly diagnosed ALL-B from 2011 to 2019 were studied. Overweight and obesity were classified by body mass index (BMI) and Z-score according to WHO and CDC criteria. BMI, weight percentiles for age and Z-Score were assessed using the WHO Anthro (0-5 years) and AnthroPlus (5-19 years) programs. Cox model was used to estimate risk factors for relapse and death; differences between groups were assessed with Student’s T test for parametric and Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric variables. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method, calculating time, status, cumulative survival and standard error with a 95% confidence interval. Equal data distribution was estimated with the log-rank test. One-hundred and seventy-two B-ALL children were studied. The overweight-obese group had a non-significant lower DFS (CDC: 54% vs. 60%, p = 0.80; WHO: 57% vs. 64%, p = 0.89) and OS rate (CDC:76% vs. 82%, p = 0.38; WHO:65% vs. 81%, p = 0.13). An association between nutritional status determined by CDC and WHO criteria at diagnosis of B-cell ALL and survival rates was not documented.
MicroRNA-155 influences cell damage in ischemic stroke via TLR4/MYD88 signaling pathway

ABSTRACT Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is extremely harmful, and its treatment should be underpinned by understanding its pathogenic mechanism. This study was designed to determine the involvement of miR-155 in CIS development via the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. First, we quantified serum miR-155 in patients with CIS and healthy individuals, and found high expression of miR-155 in such patients and a decrease in it in the patients after therapy (P < 0.05). Serum miR-155 demonstrated a favorable function in predicting the development and prognosis of CIS (P < 0.001). We also conducted a mouse assay, and found that knocking out miR-155 can improve the neurological function of mice and suppress protein TLR4 and MyD88 (all P < 0.05). Finally, we carried out a cell assay, and found enhancement in the activity of SH-SY5Y cells, decrease in their apoptosis, and protein TLR4 and MyD88 in them after suppression of miR-155 (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, we also found complete reverse by TLR4/MyD88 pathway inhibitor on the influence of increasing miR-155 on cells (P > 0.05). Therefore, with an increase in cases with CIS, miR-155 takes a part in the development of cell damage by activating TLR4/MyD88, and it is probably the key to diagnosing and treating CIS. Graphical abstract
Effect of humic acid and inorganic fertilizers on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in brinjal ( Solanum melongena L.) var. KKM1 in Alfisol of Tamil Nadu

A three year field experiment was conducted during September – March of 2010-2011 to 20122013 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam to study the influence of humic acid with graded levels of inorganic fertilizers on productivity, nutrient uptake, economic and soil fertility of brinjal var KKM1. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with 11 treatments. Humic acid was applied through both in soil and foliar spray with 75 per cent RDF (N 75 P 37.5 K 22.5 ). Application of 75 per cent RDF (N 75 P 37.5 K 22.5 ) + 10 kg HA (SA) + 0.2 per cent HA (FS) /ha produced significantly higher plant hight (112.0 cm), days to 50 per cent flowering (56.4), number of branches/plant (9.4), number of fruits /plant (25.3), single fruit weight ( 69.9 g), fruit yield (33.4 t/ha), total dry matter production (10.08 t/ ha), net return (Rs. 1,33,131 / ha) and B:C ratio (4.29), N, P and K (143.1, 33.3 and 148.6 kg/ha, respectively) uptake compared to control. However, 75 per cent RDF (N 75 P 37.5 K 22.5 ) + 10 kg HA (SA) + 0.1 per cent HA (FS) /ha had higher plant height, number of branches, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight, fruit yield, total dry matter production, net return, B:C ratio, N,P and K uptake. Significant built up of organic carbon (0.92 %), available N (291.5 kg/ha), available P (25.4 kg / ha) and available K (293.7 kg / ha) was registered with 75 per cent RDF + 10 kg HA (SA) + 0.2 per cent HA (FS) /ha. The maximum balance of N, P and K (25.5, 8.6 and 25.2 kg/ha, respectively) were recorded under the treatment with application of 75 per cent RDF + 10 kg HA (SA) + 0.2 per cent HA (FS) /ha.
Upper and lower adjacent segment range of motion after fixation of different lumbar spine segments in the goat: an in vitro experiment

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical effects of fixation on range of motion (ROM) in the upper and lower adjacent segments of different lumbar spine segments in a goat spine model. Methods Fifteen goat spine specimens (vertebrae T12–S1) were randomly divided into three groups: A (single-segment fixation), B (double-segment fixation), and C (triple-segment fixation). Motion in different directions was tested using a spinal motion simulation test system with five external loading forces. Transverse, forward–backward, and vertical displacement of the upper and lower adjacent segments were measured. Results As the external load increased, the upper and lower adjacent segment ROM increased. A significantly greater ROM in group C compared with group A was found when the applied external force was greater than 75 N. The upper adjacent segment showed a significantly greater ROM than the lower adjacent segment ROM within each group. Conclusions Adjacent segment ROM increased with an increasing number of fixed lumbar segments. The upper adjacent segment ROM was greater than that of the lower adjacent segments. Adjacent segment stability after lumbar internal fixation worsened with an increasing number of fixed segments.
Experiences of Patient-Led Chronic Pain Peer Support Groups After Pain Management Programs: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective A qualitative study of patients’ experiences and the impacts of peer support groups that patients maintained after UK NHS group pain management programs (PMPs). Design Long-term impacts of group PMPs remain unclear, with indications that positive effects can fade. We evaluated a model of continued peer support, co-produced by patients and clinicians, to maintain the therapeutic impact of PMP groups. A protocol was implemented that encouraged patients to continue to meet in their established PMP group for patient-led peer support (without clinical input) after PMPs finished. Peer support aimed to consolidate self-management, and advance social life recovery. We examined the impacts that groups had on attendees, and why some dropped out. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 38 patients and 7 clinicians, analyzed thematically. Results Friendship bonds and mutual understandings of effective ways of coping with pain encouraged participants to maintain recovery following PMPs. After PMP professional involvement has ended, these meetings enabled patients to develop greater agency from the shared sense of helping bring about new achievements or averting setbacks. Peer support extended the understanding of what is possible when living with pain. However, continuing meetings were not right for all. Reasons for not attending included lack of connection with peers. Conclusions Co-produced peer support groups after PMPs can be a low-cost, effective social intervention, providing emotional, practical and social benefits, with improved self-management skills, stronger social connections and some reduced use of health services. Project resources for developing peer support meetings after PMPs are freely available online.