Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fitness, physical activity, sedentary time, inhibitory control, and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight or obesity: The ActiveBrains project.

Whereas numerous studies have investigated the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness with inhibition and neuroelectric activity, the role of other physical fitness components and physical activity (PA) intensities in this relationship remain unclear, especially in children with obesity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association of physical fitness, PA, and sedentary time with inhibitory control and neuroelectric activity in children. Eighty-four children (811 years) with overweight or obesity performed the ALPHA battery to assess their physical fitness components (i.e., muscular strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness). PA and sedentary time were assessed from hip and nondominant wrist-worn accelerometers. Inhibitory control was evaluated using a flanker task, and expressed as reaction time (RT) and response accuracy. P3 amplitude and latency were recorded using electroencephalography. Higher speed-agility and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with shorter RT and larger P3 amplitude on incongruent trials. Higher speed-agility was associated with shorter RT on congruent trials. Hip-assessed moderate and moderate-to-vigorous PA were associated with longer P3 latency across trials, and vigorous PA with larger P3 amplitude on incongruent trials. Our results provide initial evidence suggesting that not only cardiorespiratory fitness, but also speed-agility, are associated with inhibitory control and P3 amplitude, whereas no significant associations were observed for muscular strength. The associations between PA (moderate, vigorous and moderate to-vigorous) and neuroelectric activity were accelerometer location-dependent. Promoting PA programs that enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility will contribute to better understanding whether such health improvements benefit inhibitory control in youth with overweight or obesity.
Successful culture of human transition zone cells

Human corneal endothelial cells undergo very little or no proliferation and respond to cell loss by migration and cellular enlargement. Significant cell loss or damage may result in corneal oedema, opacity and loss of vision. In vitro expansion of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is a promising strategy for corneal regeneration. The transition zone (TZ) may be an alternative source of CECs. The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for TZ cell culture, and to determine their potential to proliferate and differentiate into cells that resemble CECs in vitro.
The changing contribution of childhood social characteristics to mortality: a comparison of Finnish cohorts born in 1936–50 and 1961–75

Abstract Background Life course epidemiology suggests that early life circumstances affect adult mortality, but most of the evidence is based on cohorts born in the beginning of the 20th century. It remains unclear whether and how the influences of early life circumstances on mortality have changed in later birth cohorts. Methods Analyses rely on 10% register-based samples of households drawn from the 1950 and the 1975 Finnish censuses, with consistent follow-up of socioeconomic and housing-related characteristics and early mid-life mortality (at ages 30–55 years). We estimate survival models for the associations between childhood circumstances and all-cause, internal and external mortality for cohorts born in 1936–50 and 1961–75 adjusting for attained social characteristics. We estimate sibling intraclass correlations as summary measures of all early life and familial influences. Results Adverse childhood social circumstances were typically associated with about 10–30% excess cause-specific mortality. These associations were almost fully attenuated by adjustment for achieved later life social characteristics. Early life influences have grown over time for mortality from external causes, particularly as related to home ownership and family type. Differentials have remained stable for internal causes. The intraclass correlations further confirmed the increasing association of early life circumstances on external-cause mortality. Conclusions Our analyses show that the associations between childhood characteristics and mid-life mortality are substantial and almost fully mediated by achieved adult social characteristics. The increase in the contribution of childhood circumstances to mid-life mortality is driven by ever stronger associations with external causes of death.
The Development of a Scarcity Bias.

Adults' attraction to rare objects has been variously attributed to fundamental biases related to resource availability, self-related needs, or beliefs about social and market forces. The current three studies investigated the scarcity bias in 11- and 14-month-old infants, and 3- to 6-year-old children (N = 129). With slight methodological modifications, participants had to choose between one of 10 same-kind-items (abundant resource), or the only one of a different kind (scarce resource). It was found that a robust preference for the scarce resource appeared only at age 5 years. Thus, although a scarcity bias is not present in infancy, it emerges prior to comprehension of market forces. Possible accounts of this developmental finding are discussed.
Investigation of optimal dose of early intervention to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder: A multiarm randomized trial of one and three sessions of modified prolonged exposure

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to a specific event, providing the opportunity to intervene in the immediate aftermath of trauma to prevent the development of this disorder. A previous trial demonstrated that trauma survivors who received three sessions of modified prolonged exposure therapy demonstrated decreased PTSD and depression prospectively compared to assessment only. The present study investigated the optimal dosing of this early intervention to test one versus three sessions of exposure therapy in the immediate aftermath of trauma.
Effectiveness of Trichoderma strains isolated from the rhizosphere of citrus tree to control Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Penicillium digitatum A21 resistant to pyrimethanil in post‐harvest oranges (Citrus sinensis L. (Osbeck))

Penicillium digitatum, Alternaria alternata and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides are pathogens responsible for large decays and production losses of citrus. They are commonly controlled by fungicides, whose excessive applications have led to the emergence of resistant P. digitatum strains. Alternative approaches are imperative for sustainable and environmental harmless citrus production, being biological control a promising strategy. The objective was to evaluate the potential of Trichoderma strains native from the rhizosphere of citrus trees to control these pathogens.
EVCİL KEDİ VE BEYAZ YENİ ZELANDA TAVŞANLARINDA KALP VE KALP ARTERİA'LARI ÜZERİNDE ANATOMİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA

This study was perfonned to investigate the macroenatomy of the heart and coronary arteries in the domestic cat and White New Zealand Rabbit. Adult twelve females and eighteen maJes of either species were used in this study. Latex injection and corrosiorl cast methods were applied 10 the materials. It was found that the heart lied between the second and fourth ribs in the rabbit. and the fourth and seventh ribs in lho cal. The left coronary artery was stronger than the right coronary artery in both rabbit and cat. The left coronary artery gave off the septal. left marginal ventricular and left posterior ventricular branches in the rabbit. It gave off the paraconal interventricular and left circumflex bt'anches in the cat. The right coronary artery was found to be constituted only by the right circumflex branch in both species. The conal branch, which arised from the right coronary artery, directly arised lrom the aorta in two cats and one rabbit. It was observed that the subsinuosal interventricular branch was formed by the right circumflex branch in four cats.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parkinson’s Disease: Hidden Sorrows and Emerging Opportunities

In the past few months, the world seems to have come to a virtual standstill. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread across the globe, many countries have taken drastic measures to slow down infection rates. These include social distancing, and in some countries a complete lock-down of social and economic life. The impact of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) crisis is evident, on the lives of the worst affected families, our healthcare systems, and the world economy. There are particular concerns around the increased vulnerability of patients living with a chronic disease, and this also includes neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, PD is more common in the elderly, and PD can compromise the respiratory system, as reflected among others by the increased risk of pneumonia that is present in patients with advanced PD. Although documented reports are thus far lacking, it is conceivable that having a diagnosis of PD is a risk factor for worse respiratory complications or even an unfavorable outcome after a COVID-19 infection. This “immediate” impact of a COVID-19 infection for people living
Pathological, ultrasonographic, and electrophysiological characterization of clinically diagnosed cases of pure neuritic leprosy

A subset of neuritic form of leprosy, called pure neuritic leprosy (PNL), seen in a minority of leprosy patients, is characterized by peripheral neuropathy without skin lesions and an absence of acid‐fast bacilli on skin smears. Patients with PNL are often started on drug therapy without confirmation of diagnosis. We, therefore, did a prospective study of clinically diagnosed PNL patients with correlation of ultrasonographic and biopsy findings. A total of 100 consecutive patients with PNL, diagnosed according to the consensus case definition, were included in the study. All patients underwent nerve conduction study, peripheral nerve ultrasonography, and sural nerve biopsy. Multiple mononeuropathies were present in 75% of cases, mononeuropathy in 18%, and polyneuropathy in the remaining 7%. Compared to clinical examination, ultrasonographic assessment of the peripheral nerves was not only better at the detection of thickening but also helped in characterization of their fascicular architecture, echogenicity, and vascularity. A total of 32 cases were confirmed on nerve biopsy, out of which 75% had demonstrable lepra bacilli. Cranial nerve involvement, presence of trophic ulcers, and bilateral thickening of the great auricular nerve were significantly associated with the positivity of lepra bacilli. A significant improvement in the disability score happened after multidrug therapy. A comprehensive electrophysiologic, ultrasonographic, and histological evaluation may be helpful in establishing a diagnosis of PNL with greater confidence, while ruling out other non‐leprosy diagnoses.
Comparison of therapy‐related and de novo core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia: A bone marrow pathology group study

This multi‐institutional study retrospectively evaluated clinicopathologic and genetic characteristics in 351 patients with core‐binding‐factor acute myeloid leukemia (CBF‐AML), comprising 69 therapy‐related (t‐CBF‐AML) and 282 de novo cases. The T‐CBF‐AML patients were older, had lower WBC counts, and slightly higher hemoglobin than patients with de novo disease. Secondary cytogenetic abnormalities were more frequent in patients with de novo disease than t‐CBF‐AML (57.1% vs 41.1%, P = .026). Patients with secondary cytogenetic abnormalities had longer overall survival (OS) than those without abnormalities (median 190 vs 87 months, P = .021); trisomy 8, trisomy 22, and loss of the X or Y chromosome were associated with longer OS. In the 165 cases performed of targeted gene sequencing, pathogenic mutations were detected in 75.7% of cases, and were more frequent in de novo than in therapy‐related disease (P = .013). Mutations were found in N/KRAS (37.0%), FLT3 (27.8%), KIT (17.2%), TET2 (4.9%), and ASXL1 (3.9%). The TET2 mutations were associated with shorter OS (P = .012) while N/KRAS mutation was associated with longer OS in t(8;21) AML patients (P = .001). The KIT mutation did not show prognostic significance in this cohort. Although they received similar therapy, t‐CBF‐AML patients had shorter OS than de novo patients (median 69 vs 190 months, P = .038). In multivariate analysis of all patients, older age and absence of any secondary cytogenetic abnormalities were significant predictors of shorter OS. Among the t‐CBF‐AML subset, age and hemoglobin were significant on multivariate analysis. This study demonstrated that although de novo and t‐CBF‐AML patients share many features, t‐CBF‐AML patients have worse clinical outcome than de novo patients.
Polyploid plants obtain greater fitness benefits from a nutrient acquisition mutualism.

Polyploidy is a key driver of ecological and evolutionary processes in plants, yet little is known about its effects on biotic interactions. This gap in knowledge is especially profound for nutrient acquisition mutualisms, despite the fact that they regulate global nutrient cycles and structure ecosystems. Generalism in mutualistic interactions depends on the range of potential partners (niche breadth), the benefits obtained, and ability to maintain benefits across a variety of partners (fitness plasticity). Here, we determine how each of these is influenced by polyploidy in the legume-rhizobium mutualism. We inoculated a broad geographic sample of natural diploid and autotetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa) lineages with a diverse panel of Sinorhizobium bacterial symbionts. To analyze the extent and mechanism of generalism, we measured host growth benefits and functional traits. Autotetraploid plants obtained greater fitness enhancement from mutualistic interactions and were better able to maintain this across diverse rhizobial partners (i.e., low plasticity in fitness) relative to diploids. These benefits were not attributed to increases in niche breadth, but instead reflect increased rewards from investment in the mutualism. Polyploid plants displayed greater generalization in bacterial mutualisms relative to diploids illustrating another axis of advantage for polyploids over diploids.
Allergic rhinitis in medical students at the University of the Free State

Background: Allergic rhinitis, the most common form of chronic rhinitis, can adversely affect quality of life. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents in South Africa has been estimated to be 38.5%, but there is a paucity of data from African countries on allergic rhinitis. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in medical students in the Faculty of Health Science at the University of the Free State (UFS). Information was acquired on the effects that the condition had on participants with regard to symptoms, quality of life, disease management and treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all medical students registered with the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFS in 2016. The estimated population was 706 students. Results: The response rate was 62.6%. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 39.1%. The most common symptoms were rhinorrhoea (64.8%), repeated sneezing (64.3%) and nasal obstruction (58.5%). Symptoms were at their worst during August to October. Antihistamines had been used by 82.4% of participants to treat their symptoms in the previous 12 months, while 28.8% had used an intranasal steroid spray. Conclusion: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in medical students at UFS was 39.1%. Rhinorrhoea, sneezing and nasal obstruction were the most frequent and bothersome symptoms.
Prevalence and predictors of depression among the elderly in selected rural communities in Delta State, Nigeria

Background : Geriatric depression is sometimes unrecognized by clinicians and often, depressive symptoms are attributed to the ageing process. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression in the elderly in selected rural communities in Delta State, Nigeria. Methods : This descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out in three rural communities in Ukwuani LGA, in Delta State Nigeria. The study population comprised 600 elderly, 60 years and above, selected using a multi stage sampling technique living within households in the communities. Data was collected by a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire which included the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Data was analysed using the IBM SPSS version 21 and statistical association was considered significant at p<0.05. Results : The mean (SD) age of respondents was 68.3 (7.1) years [median age= 67.0 years]. Data showed a prevalence of depression of 268 (44.7%). Being older than 70 years (p=0.006) and having a little or no formal education (p<0.001) was associated with depression in the elderly. However, logistic regression showed that educational status was the only significant predictor of depression in the elderly in this survey OR (95% CI) = 0.633 (0.516-0.776), p<0.001. Conclusion : The prevalence of depression in the study population was significantly associated with a lack of formal education among respondents. Improving universal basic education coverage and providing employment opportunities will thus reduce the burden of depression among the elderly in the upcoming generation. Keywords: Prevalence; Predictors; Depression; Elderly; Delta State
Anticoagulation for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and End-Stage Renal Disease-First, Do No Harm.

the results of an updated meta-analysis of 15 observational studies reporting the outcomes of 47480 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) according to whether or not they were treated with warfarin. Patients treated with warfarin (10445 [22.0%]), compared with those not treated with warfarin, had similar rates of ischemic stroke(7.7%vs7.1%;hazardratio[HR],0.96[95%CI,0.82-1.13]),majorbleeding(16.1%vs15.0%;HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.99-1.47]), and mortality (43.4% vs 52.5%; HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.83-1.09]), as well as a significantly higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke (2.4% vs 1.9%; HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.03-1.94]). Although these results are subject to confounding because they are nonrandomized, and although they demonstrate moderate or large amounts of heterogeneity, they suggest that warfarin may not be effective for the prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with AF and ESRD and instead may cause substantial harm. Similar results were recently reported in a network meta-analysis of observational studies that found no evidence of a reduction in thromboembolic events with warfarin orthedirectoralanticoagulantsapixaban,rivaroxaban,ordabigatraninpatientswithAFandESRD. 2 RandomizedclinicaltrialsofpatientswithAFwhodonothaveESRDhaveshownthatwarfarinis highly effective, reducing the risk of stroke by approximately two-thirds and mortality by approximately one-fourth. 3 Patients with AF who also
Potential harmful effects of discontinuing ACE-inhibitors and ARBs in COVID-19 patients

The discovery of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) as the receptor for SARS- CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) has implicated the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure in patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The angiotensin converting enzyme-1–angiotensin II–angiotensin AT1 receptor pathway contributes to the pathophysiology of ARDS, whereas activation of the ACE-2–angiotensin(1-7)-angiotensin AT2 receptor and the ACE-2–angiotensin(1-7)–Mas receptor pathways have been shown to be protective. Here we propose and discuss therapeutic considerations how to increase soluble ACE-2 in plasma in order for ACE-2 to capture and thereby inactivate SARS-CoV-2. This could be achieved by administering recombinant soluble ACE-2. We also discuss why and how ACEIs and ARBs provide cardiovascular, renal and also pulmonary protection in SARS-CoV-2- associated ARDS. Discontinuing these medications in COVID-19 patients may therefore potentially be harmful.
Impact of trainee involvement on patient radiation exposure and contrast volumes during invasive cardiac procedures.

PURPOSE The impact of cardiology fellows (CFs) and interventional cardiology fellows (ICFs) on patient radiation and contrast exposure during diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention is unknown. METHODS Between 2011 and 2014, 16,175 cases were retrospectively assessed involving 27 CFs, 22 ICFs and 24 staff as primary operators. RESULTS During diagnostic coronary angiography, ICFs administered the lowest radiation dose (5,648±5,523 cGy*cm2; 1.30 ± 1.27 mSv)-achieving 22% less radiation than the staff (6,889±4,294 cGy*cm2; 1.58 ± 0.99 mSv) and 36% less than CFs (7,700±6,751 cGy*cm2; 1.77 ± 1.55 mSv) (p<0.01). When adjusted for access site, CFs administered more radiation than either the ICFs or staff. However, differences between ICFs and staff were exclusively observed during transradial procedures (p<0.01). With regards to contrast administration, ICFs administered less contrast (126.3 ± 57.6 mL) than either CFs (130±52.4 mL) or staff (132.7±47.6 mL) (p<0.01)-again, a finding isolated to the transradial cohort. Of the 6,751 percutaneous coronary intervention cases, no significant differences existed between the ICFs or staff cardiologists in patient radiation exposure-but a CF as the primary operator resulted in an 18% increase in radiation exposure. Notably, contrast use was not different amongst the types of operators (p<0.05). CONCLUSION In conclusion, having a cardiology fellow as primary operator during invasive cardiac procedures increases patient radiation exposure and minimally increases contrast administration. Strategies to minimize patient radiation exposure while maintaining trainee involvement should be evaluated.
Effect of periodontal therapy on adipokine biomarkers in overweight.

AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on circulating levels of the systemic inflammation-associated biomarkers orosomucoid (ORM), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), chemerin, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in overweight or normal-weight patients with periodontitis at 27.5 months after therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This exploratory subanalysis includes patients from the ABPARO-trial (ClinicalTrials. gov NCT00707369). The per-protocol collective provided untreated periodontitis patients with high (≥ 28 kg/m2 ) or moderate (21-24 kg/m2 ) BMI. Out of the per-protocol collective, 80 patients were randomly selected and stratified for BMI group, sex, and treatment group (antibiotics/placebo), resulting in 40 overweight and normal-weight patients. Patients received non-surgical periodontal therapy and maintenance at three-month intervals. Plasma samples from baseline and 27.5 months following initial treatment were used to measure the concentrations of ORM, hsCRP, chemerin, and RBP4. RESULTS At the 27.5-month examination, ORM and hsCRP decreased noticeably in the overweight group (ORM: p=0.001, hsCRP: p=0.004) and normal-weight patients (ORM: p=0.007, hsCRP: p<0.001). Chemerin decreased in the overweight group (p=0.048), and RBP4 concentrations remained stable. CONCLUSION Non-surgical periodontal therapy reduced systemically elevated inflammation-associated biomarkers in periodontitis patients. These improvements were more pronounced in overweight patients than in normal-weight patients.