Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predisposing factors for erectile dysfunction and response to treatment in younger males: Are they different from those of older men? An observational‐comparative study

We aimed to correlate the predisposing demographic and clinical factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men and treatment response in these men with data from older men. The patients were divided into two groups: <40 years (group I, n = 58) and ≥40 years (group II, n = 73). ED was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire was used to evaluate mood status. The number of patients with morning rigidity and normal libido was higher in group I (70.7% vs. 16.4%, p = .039 and 72% vs. 37%, p = .047). The increase in scores other than IIEF‐Orgasmic Function and Sexual Desire domain scores after treatment was higher in the first group (p = .029, p = .035 and p < .001 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the factors predicting the low IIEF‐Erectile Function domain score in young men were testosterone level and BDI score (p = .026 and p = .034). Although psychogenic factors contribute significantly to the aetiology of ED, hormone profile is more preserved in young men than in older men.
Parental perceptions of the effectiveness of graduated extinction in reducing infant night-wakings

Objective: This study aimed to look at a community sample to determine parents’ use of graduated extinction and their perceptions of its effectiveness. Background: Infant sleep behaviours, particularly night-wakings, have been identified as one of the most common concerns of parents. The popularity of books and articles providing advice to parents to help their infants sleep through the night suggests that many parents are using graduated extinction to manage these night-waking behaviours. However, there is a paucity of research on parents’ use of sleep management strategies outside of clinical/research settings. Methods: In this internet-based study, we surveyed 411 Canadian parents regarding their use of graduated extinction with their 6–12-month-old infants. Results: Almost half of the parents surveyed reported using graduated extinction with their infants, and the majority of these parents began using it before their infants were 6 months old. Our results indicate that parents in the community are experiencing considerably less success with graduated extinction than parents in clinical/research setting, with almost half reporting no reduction in infant night-wakings. Significant predictors of success were parental cognitions regarding stress and support. Conclusion: Sleep clinicians, physicians, and parent educators should be aware that parents seeking their assistance are likely to have tried sleep management strategies on their own, and this may influence their confidence in future success as well as their willingness to commit to controlled crying in particular.
Plantar Exostosis in a Malunited Calcaneal Fracture: A rare complication

Calcaneal fractures are very common and are associated with many complications irrespective of the treatment method chosen. We present a case of malunited calcaneal fracture with a rare complication of an exostosis in the middle 3 rd of the plantar surface of calcaneus which clinically produced a large bony swelling on the sole of the foot causing pain and abnormal gait . This type of plantar calcaneal exostosis to our knowledge has not been previously reported. The patient was managed operatively by exostectomy with subtalar arthrodesis and had a good result at 2 years follow-up.
Granule Cell Ensembles in Mouse Dentate Gyrus Rapidly Upregulate the Plasticity-Related Protein Synaptopodin after Exploration Behavior

Abstract The plasticity-related protein Synaptopodin (SP) has been implicated in neuronal plasticity. SP is targeted to dendritic spines and the axon initial segment, where it organizes the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) into the spine apparatus and the cisternal organelle, respectively. Here, we report an inducible third localization of SP in the somata of activated granule cell ensembles in mouse dentate gyrus. Using immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we observed a subpopulation of mature granule cells (~1–2%) exhibiting perinuclear SP protein and a strong somatic SP mRNA signal. Double immunofluorescence labeling for Arc demonstrated that ~ 75% of these somatic SP-positive cells are also Arc-positive. Placement of mice into a novel environment caused a rapid (~2–4 h) induction of Arc, SP mRNA, and SP protein in exploration-induced granule cell ensembles. Lesion experiments showed that this induction requires input from the entorhinal cortex. Somatic SP colocalized with α-Actinin2, a known binding partner of SP. Finally, ultrastructural analysis revealed SP immunoprecipitate on dense plates linking cytoplasmic and perinuclear ER cisterns; these structures were absent in granule cells of SP-deficient mice. Our data implicate SP in the formation of contextual representations in the dentate gyrus and the behaviorally induced reorganization of cytoplasmic and perinuclear ER.
Inter-Arm Blood Pressure Difference in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Preferential Association with Peripheral Artery Disease

Aim: Inter-arm blood pressure difference (IAD) is known to be associated with a composite of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and with CVD risk factors. However, only limited information is available regarding the contribution of diabetes mellitus to IAD and the association of IAD with individual CVDs, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: We addressed these issues in this cross-sectional study of 2580 participants who had simultaneous blood pressure measurements in both arms using an automated device. Results: Compared with 1,264 nondiabetic subjects, 1316 patients with diabetes mellitus had a greater IAD (P = 0.01) and a higher prevalence of IAD of ≥ 10 mmHg (8.4% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.002). However, such difference was not significant after the adjustment for potential confounders. Among CAD, stroke, and PAD, only PAD was significantly associated with IAD in a model adjusted for the CVD risk factors. Age was found to modify the association between IAD and PAD, with the association being more prominent in the younger subgroup. Conclusion: Thus, diabetes mellitus itself was not an independent factor associated with IAD. A larger IAD was preferentially associated with the presence of PAD, and this association was modified by age.
Obstetric indications for admission to the intensive care unit of a tertiary referral center; an Iranian experience

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the setting of a tertiary referral hospital in an attempt to identify the risk factors influencing maternal outcome. Method: In a prospective, cross-sectional study, all parturient patients during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks postpartum admitted to the ICU of a tertiary referral hospital between 2013 and 2014 were evaluated. Demographic data, medical histories, pregnancy, and intrapartum and postpartum data were collected. Moreover, interventions and fetomaternal outcomes were noted. Results: Ninety nine obstetric patients were admitted to the ICU. Fifty seven percent of the admissions were postpartum. The main indications for admission were hypertensive disorders (37.3%), and obstetric hemorrhage (13.1%). Non-obstetric indications of ICU admission were the cardiac diseases. Conclusion: The major obstetric indications for admission in our study were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstetric hemorrhage. Keywords: Pregnancy; Intensive care unit; maternal mortality; morbidity
The microbially driven formation of siderite in salt marsh sediments

We employ complementary field and laboratory‐based incubation techniques to explore the geochemical environment where siderite concretions are actively forming and growing, including solid‐phase analysis of the sediment, concretion, and associated pore fluid chemistry. These recently formed siderite concretions allow us to explore the geochemical processes that lead to the formation of this less common carbonate mineral. We conclude that there are two phases of siderite concretion growth within the sediment, as there are distinct changes in the carbon isotopic composition and mineralogy across the concretions. Incubated sediment samples allow us to explore the stability of siderite over a range of geochemical conditions. Our incubation results suggest that the formation of siderite can be very rapid (about two weeks or within 400 hr) when there is a substantial source of iron, either from microbial iron reduction or from steel material; however, a source of dissolved iron is not enough to induce siderite precipitation. We suggest that sufficient alkalinity is the limiting factor for siderite precipitation during microbial iron reduction while the lack of dissolved iron is the limiting factor for siderite formation if microbial sulfate reduction is the dominant microbial metabolism. We show that siderite can form via heated transformation (at temperature 100°C for 48 hr) of calcite and monohydrocalcite seeds in the presence of dissolved iron. Our transformation experiments suggest that the formation of siderite is promoted when carbonate seeds are present.
SCAT3 testing for signs and symptoms of concussion in rugby union players

This study is an investigation into the reliability of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3) and methods of testing suspected concussion within amateur rugby union players. The aims of the research are to provide insight into how the reliability of concussion testing could be improved and how any limitations found could be mitigated to improve the accuracy of assessments. An assessment of the common injuries acquired by rugby players, especially head injuries, was made, the accompanying risks of concussion were also appraised. Rugby players from Ponteland Rugby Football Club (PRFC) were the subjects of the research, providing immediate benefit to the physiotherapists and medical team of PRFC. Other lower league amateur clubs that may not have such an experienced medical support network as professionallevel clubs can all also realise these same benefits. It is not just medical support teams that should be more informed, but also the players themselves, everyone involved in the sport should have greater awareness of the signs and symptoms of concussion and the accompanying long-term risks of playing with an untreated concussion.
C-terminal of ABCA1 separately regulates cholesterol floppase activity and cholesterol efflux activity

ABSTRACT ATP-Binding Cassette A1 (ABCA1) is a key lipid transporter for cholesterol homeostasis. We recently reported that ABCA1 not only exports excess cholesterol in an apoA-I dependent manner, but that it also flops cholesterol from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. However, the relationship between these two activities of ABCA1 is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the subcellular localization of ABCA1 by using a newly generated monoclonal antibody against its extracellular domain and the functions of eleven chimera proteins, in which the C-terminal domain of ABCA1 was replaced with those of the other ABCA subfamily members. We identified two motifs important for the functions of ABCA1. Three periodically repeated leucine residues were necessary for the cholesterol floppase activity but not the cholesterol efflux activity, while a VFVNFA motif was essential for both activities of ABCA1. These results suggest that the C-terminal of ABCA1 separately regulates the cholesterol floppase activity and the cholesterol efflux activity. Graphical abstract The three leucine residues and the VFVNFA motif in the C-terminal of ABCA1 separately regulate cholesterol efflux and floppase activity.
The rapidly changing landscape in mature T‐cell lymphoma (MTCL) biology and management

Historical advances in the care of patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have been restricted largely to patients with B‐cell lymphoma. The peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCLs), which are rare and heterogeneous in nature, have yet to experience the same degree of improvement in outcome over the past 20 to 30 years. It is estimated that there are approximately 80,000 and 14,000 cases, respectively, of NHL and Hodgkin lymphoma per year in the United States. As a subgroup of NHL, the PTCLs account for 6% to 10% of all cases of NHL, making them exceedingly rare. In addition, the World Health Organization 2017 classification describes 29 distinct subtypes of PTCL. This intrinsic diversity, coupled with its rarity, has stymied progress in the disease. In addition, most subtypes carry an inferior prognosis compared with their B‐cell counterparts, an outcome largely attributed to the fact that most treatment paradigms for patients with PTCL have been derived from B‐cell neoplasms, a radically different disease. In fact, the first drug ever approved for patients with PTCL was approved only a decade ago. The plethora of recent drug approvals in PTCL, coupled with a deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease, has stimulated the field to pursue new avenues of research that are now largely predicated on the development of novel, targeted small molecules, which include a host of epigenetic modifiers and biologics. There is an expectation these advances may begin to favorably challenge the chemotherapy paradigms that have been used in the T‐cell malignancies.
An Eleven Year Trend in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Pulmonary TB among Broncho-Pulmonary Patients in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has for the past three decades become inextricably linked with TB, and TB is the most common cause of death in HIV-infected patients in the less developed countries of the world. Materials and Methods: The study consists of an eight year retrospective review of hospital records (1997-2004) and a three year case control study (2005-2007) among broncho-pulmonary patients attending the chest clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba. HIV infection was serologically determined. TB was diagnosed using sputum smear microscopy, culture techniques and or chest x-ray. Results: There appeared to be a progressive increase in HIV cases from 1997 (10.9%) to 2004 (29.4%). In 2005, it experienced a remarkable drop (10.4%) with a slight rise in 2006 (19.4%), which later dropped to 14.2% in 2007. TB with an incidence of 81.8% in 1997, after a slight increase in 1998 (87.2%) dropped to 61.2% in 2003, it rose to 90.3% in 2005 and later declined to 72.3% in 2007. Of the 1382 patients (both in retrospective and prospective studies) investigated, 16.6% were HIV seropositive, 75.3% had TB, and 12.2% had concomitant TB and HIV infection. The 37-45 and 46-54 age group with respective highest HIV infection incidences (25.4%) and (23.1%) had TB diagnosis of 79.6% and 71.2% respectively. However, individuals aged 10-18 years with the highest TB diagnosis (90.4%), recorded HIV incidence of 11.5%. Conclusion: Although the HIV incidence of 16.6% could be said to be high among broncho-pulmonary patients, it may not have been the major contributing factor for the TB incidence of 75.3% reported. However, given the level of TB treatment failures of 41.6%, HIV infection may be said to present a serious challenge to TB control programs in Aba and other cities in Nigeria.
Structural insight into bi-functional malonyl-CoA reductase.

The bi-functional malonyl-CoA reductase is a key enzyme of the 3-hydroxypropionate bi-cycle for bacterial CO2 fixation, catalyzing the reduction of malonyl-CoA to malonate semialdehyde and further reduction to 3-hydroxypropionate. Here, we report the crystal structure and the full-length architecture of malonyl-CoA reductase from Porphyrobacter dokdonensis. The malonyl-CoA reductase monomer of 1,230 amino acids consists of four tandemly arranged short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases, with two catalytic and two non-catalytic short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases, and forms a homodimer through paring contact of two malonyl-CoA reductase monomers. The complex structures with its cofactors and substrates revealed that the malonyl-CoA substrate site is formed by the cooperation of two short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases and one novel extra domain, while only one catalytic short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase contributes to formation of the malonic semialdehyde binding site. The phylogenetic and structural analyses also suggest that the bacterial bi-functional malonyl-CoA has a structural origin that is completely different from the archaeal mono-functional malonyl-CoA and malonic semialdehyde reductase, and thereby constitute an efficient enzyme. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. COPD has a major impact on public health, mainly because of its increasing prevalence, morbidity and mortality. The natural course of COPD is aggravated by episodes of respiratory symptom worsening termed exacerbations that contribute to disease progression. Acute Exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) can be triggered by a multitude of different factors, including respiratory tract infections, various exposures, prior exacerbations, non‐adherence to treatment and associated comorbidities. AECOPD are associated with an inexorable decline of lung function and a significantly worse survival outcome. This review will summarise the most important aspects regarding the impact of different factors that contribute to COPD exacerbations.
Complement activity and complement regulatory gene mutations are associated with thrombosis in APS and CAPS.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies including anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-I (anti-β2GPI) that are considered central to APS pathogenesis. Based on animal studies showing a role of complement in APS-related clinical events, we used the modified Ham assay (complement-dependent cell killing) and cell-surface deposition of C5b-9 to test the hypothesis that complement activation is associated with thrombotic events in APS. A positive modified Ham (mHam) (and corresponding C5b-9 deposition) were present in 85.7% of CAPS, 35.6% of APS (68.5% within one year of thrombosis), and only 6.8% of SLE sera. A positive mHam assay was associated with triple-positivity (positive for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin and anti-β2GPI antibodies) and recurrent thrombosis. Patient-derived anti-β2GPI antibodies also induced C5b-9 deposition, which was blocked completely by an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody, but not by a factor D inhibitor indicating that complement activation by anti-β2GPI antibodies occurs primarily through the classical pathway of complement. Finally, patients with catastrophic APS have high rates of rare germline variants in complement regulatory genes (60%) versus patients with APS (21.8%), SLE (28.6%), or normal controls (23.3%), and similar to the rate of mutations in aHUS (51.5%). Taken together, our data suggest that anti-β2GPI antibodies activate complement and contribute to thrombosis in APS, while patients with catastrophic APS have underlying mutations in complement regulatory genes that serve as a 'second-hit' leading to uncontrolled complement activation and a more severe thrombotic phenotype.
Organellomic data sets confirm a cryptic consensus on (unrooted) land-plant relationships and provide new insights into bryophyte molecular evolution.

PREMISE Phylogenetic trees of bryophytes provide important evolutionary context for land plants. However, published inferences of overall embryophyte relationships vary considerably. We performed phylogenomic analyses of bryophytes and relatives using both mitochondrial and plastid gene sets, and investigated bryophyte plastome evolution. METHODS We employed diverse likelihood-based analyses to infer large-scale bryophyte phylogeny for mitochondrial and plastid data sets. We tested for changes in purifying selection in plastid genes of a mycoheterotrophic liverwort (Aneura mirabilis) and a putatively mycoheterotrophic moss (Buxbaumia), and compared 15 bryophyte plastomes for major structural rearrangements. RESULTS Overall land-plant relationships conflict across analyses, generally weakly. However, an underlying (unrooted) four-taxon tree is consistent across most analyses and published studies. Despite gene coverage patchiness, relationships within mosses, liverworts, and hornworts are largely congruent with previous studies, with plastid results generally better supported. Exclusion of RNA edit sites restores cases of unexpected non-monophyly to monophyly for Takakia and two hornwort genera. Relaxed purifying selection affects multiple plastid genes in mycoheterotrophic Aneura but not Buxbaumia. Plastid genome structure is nearly invariant across bryophytes, but the tufA locus, presumed lost in embryophytes, is unexpectedly retained in several mosses. CONCLUSIONS A common unrooted tree underlies embryophyte phylogeny, [(liverworts, mosses), (hornworts, vascular plants)]; rooting inconsistency across studies likely reflects substantial distance to algal outgroups. Analyses combining genomic and transcriptomic data may be misled locally for heavily RNA-edited taxa. The Buxbaumia plastome lacks hallmarks of relaxed selection found in mycoheterotrophic Aneura. Autotrophic bryophyte plastomes, including Buxbaumia, hardly vary in overall structure.
Premovement Suppression of Corticospinal Excitability may be a Necessary Part of Movement Preparation.

In reaction time (RT) tasks corticospinal excitability (CSE) rises just prior to movement. This is preceded by a paradoxical reduction in CSE, when the time of the imperative ("GO") stimulus is relatively predictable. Because RT tasks emphasise speed of response, it is impossible to distinguish whether reduced CSE reflects a mechanism for withholding prepared actions, or whether it is an inherent part of movement preparation. To address this question, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to estimate CSE changes preceding 1) RT movements; 2) movements synchronized with a predictable signal (predictive timing or PT movements); and 3) self-paced movements. Results show that CSE decreases with a similar temporal profile in all three cases, suggesting that it reflects a previously unrecognised state in the transition between rest and movement. Although TMS revealed reduced CSE in all movements, the TMS pulse itself had different effects on movement times. TMS given ~200 ms before the times to move speeded the onset of RT and self-paced movements, suggesting that their initiation depends on a form of trigger that can be conditioned by external events. On the contrary, PT movements did not show this effect, suggesting the use of a different triggering strategy prioritizing internal events.