Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk of colonoscopy-related complications in a fecal immunochemical test-based population colorectal cancer screening program

Abstract Background The likelihood of advanced or synchronous neoplasms is significantly higher in fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-positive individuals than in the general population. The magnitude of the colonoscopy-related complication rate in FIT-positive individuals remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the colonoscopy-related complication rate after a positive FIT result and compare it with the rate when colonoscopy was performed for other purposes. Methods Information regarding colonoscopy-related severe complications after a positive FIT result (FIT-colonoscopy) and ordinary colonoscopy during 2010–2014 was collected from the Taiwanese Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Database and National Health Insurance Research Database. Severe complications included significant bleeding, perforation, and cardiopulmonary events ≤ 14 days after colonoscopy. The number of events per 1000 procedures was used to quantify complication rates. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the association of various factors with severe complications associated with FIT-colonoscopy compared with ordinary colonoscopy. Results 319 114 FIT-colonoscopies (214 955 patients) were identified, 51 242 (16.1 %) of which included biopsy and 94 172 (29.5 %) included polypectomy. Overall, 2125 significant bleedings (6.7 ‰) and 277 perforations (0.9 ‰) occurred ≤ 14 days after FIT-colonoscopy. Polypectomy, antiplatelet use, and anticoagulant use were associated with higher risk of complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.41, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 4.05–4.81); aOR 1.35, 95 %CI 1.12–1.53; aOR 1.88, 95 %CI 0.61–5.84, respectively). Compared with ordinary colonoscopy, FIT-colonoscopy involved significantly higher risk of significant bleeding (aOR 3.10, 95 %CI 2.90–3.32). Conclusions FIT-colonoscopy was associated with a more than two-fold risk of significant bleeding, especially when polypectomy was performed.
Carvone suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver of immobilised rats

Abstract Objective The investigation of the effect of carvone (a natural monoterpene) on liver damage caused by chronic immobilisation. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, carvone, stress, and stress-carvone. To induce stress, rats were placed in a restrainer (6 h/21 day) and carvone was treated by gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Results Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly increased in sera of immobilised rats. Chronic immobilisation also increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased reduced glutathione content, as well as increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB mRNA expression and also led to the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver parenchyma. Carvone’s 21-day treatment prevented all of these changes in immobilised rats. Conclusion It is concluded that carvone has effectively prevented chronic immobilisation-induced liver injury, most probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Patch Testing of Mercaptobenzothiazole and Mercapto Mix: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 1994–2016

Objectives Mercapto compounds are a category of rubber accelerators that may cause allergic contact dermatitis. This study characterizes patch test reactions to mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and mercapto mix (MM) in a large North American population. Methods The 1994–2016 North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening series data were analyzed. Patients with allergic reactions to either MBT or MM (mercapto+) were included. The following characteristics were analyzed: strength of reaction, clinical and occupational relevance, coreactivity with other rubber accelerators, and sources of exposure. Results A total of 49,795 patients were tested to mercapto compounds from 1994 to 2016; 633 (1.3%) had positive reactions to MBT and/or MM. The frequency to both MBT and MM significantly decreased over time (P < 0.0001). Mercapto+ patients were significantly more likely to be male, have occupationally related skin disease, and report involvement of the hands and/or feet (P < 0.0001). They were significantly less likely to have face, scalp/ears/neck, or trunk involvement (P ≤ 0.0001). There was significant coreactivity with carba mix (23.4%) and thiuram mix (32.5%). Mercaptobenzothiazole and MM reactions were frequently clinically (81.7% and 83.5%, respectively) and occupationally relevant (29.8% and 33.4%, respectively). Gloves were the most common source (31.3% and 30.9%, respectively). Conclusions Patch test positivity to mercapto compounds significantly decreased from 1994 to 2016 but remains clinically and occupationally relevant.
Utility of the FloTrac™ Sensor for Anesthetic Management of Laparoscopic Surgery in a Patient After Pneumonectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Patient: Female, 35-year-old Final Diagnosis: Left adrenal gland metastases • post right pneumonectomy for lung metastases • retroperitoneal angiosarcoma Symptoms: Dyspnea Medication: — Clinical Procedure: FloTrac™ sensor Specialty: Anesthesiology Objective: Unusual setting of medical care Background: Pneumonectomy is associated with various anatomical changes and potential complications involving the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. How laparoscopic surgery affects cardiorespiratory status in postpneumonectomy patients is yet to be ascertained. Here, we describe the use of the FloTrac™ sensor for the anesthetic management of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a postpneumonectomy patient. Case Report: A 35-year-old woman underwent an extended hysterectomy and right pneumonectomy for retroperitoneal angiosarcoma and lung metastases, respectively. The metastasis was found in her left adrenal gland; therefore, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was scheduled. Spirometry demonstrated the following: forced vital capacity (FVC), 1.90 L (55.6% of predicted value); vital capacity, 53.6%; forced expiratory volume (FEV1), 1.38 L (47.3% of predicted value); and FEV1/FVC, 72.4%. The heart and mediastinal structures had shifted into the right hemithorax. Hugh-Jones classification was grade 2. The induction of general anesthesia was planned. The patient was orotracheally intubated and managed with the pressure control ventilation-volume guaranteed mode of ventilation, targeting an expired tidal volume of 6–7 ml/kg, without using PEEP. We evaluated cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), and stroke volume variation (SVV) using a FloTrac™ sensor. After the establishment of pneumoperitoneum, SVV increased. CO and SV decreased slightly; however, the patient’s hemodynamic status was stable. After surgery, we extubated the patient in the operating room; she demonstrated good progress and was discharged home on postoperative day 5. Conclusions: We found changes in the values of SVV after pneumoperitoneum in a postpneumonectomy patient. The FloTrac™ sensor may be a minimally invasive and promising monitor for detecting hemodynamic changes associated with laparoscopic surgery in postpneumonectomy patients.
Toward a comprehensive understanding of global vegetation CO2 assimilation from space

The recent emergence of satellite remote sensing of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) has opened up new opportunities in continuous large-scale measurements of gross primary productivity (GPP). However, uncertainties remain in the contributing factors that determine the relationship between SIF and GPP. Analyzing climatic factors to explain large-scale variations in the relationship between SIF and GPP reveals moisture availability could be the primary mechanism that determines the spatial variation of the GPP/SIF ratio on a global scale.
Modeling Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Using “Good-Fit” Genome-Editing Tools

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects both adults and children, is the most common liver disorder worldwide. NAFLD is characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol use. NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, as well as specific genetic polymorphisms. Severe NAFLD cases can further progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or cardiovascular complications. Here, we describe the pathophysiological features and critical genetic variants associated with NAFLD. Recent advances in genome-engineering technology have provided a new opportunity to generate in vitro and in vivo models that reflect the genetic abnormalities of NAFLD. We review the currently developed NAFLD models generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing. We further discuss unique features of CRISPR/Cas9 and Cas9 variants, including base editors and prime editor, that are useful for replicating genetic features specific to NAFLD. We also compare advantages and limitations of currently available methods for delivering genome-editing tools necessary for optimal genome editing. This review should provide helpful guidance for selecting “good fit” genome-editing tools and appropriate gene-delivery methods for the successful development of NAFLD models and clinical therapeutics.
Long Term Patient Perception Following Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis if Dissatisfied at 2 Year Follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the rate of patients who report low health related quality of life (HRQOL) scores at 2 years following surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) improves by 5 years postoperatively. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA HRQOL scores are dependent upon a number of factors and even in instances of good surgical correction of a spinal deformity, are not guaranteed to be high postoperatively. Understanding how a low HRQOL score varies over the postoperative period can help surgeons more effectively counsel patients and temper expectations. METHODS A multicenter database was reviewed for patients with both 2 and 5 year follow-up after spinal fusion and instrumentation for AIS. From a cohort of 916 patients, 52 patients with low HRQOL scores at their 2 year follow-up were identified and re-evaluated at 5 year follow-up. A low HRQOL outcome was defined as having SRS-22 domain or total scores less than 2 standard deviations below the mean score. Reoperations were also evaluated to determine if they were associated with HRQOL scores. RESULTS Of those patients with low SRS-22 HRQOL scores at 2 years postoperatively, improvements were seen in all SRS-22 domains and total scores at the 5 year time point. The greatest change was seen in the satisfaction category where 41 patients showed improvement. The rate of reoperations during this period did not significantly impact patient reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Having a low HRQOL score 2 years after surgery for AIS does not guarantee a low score 5 years after surgery. Promisingly, most patients demonstrate some improvement in all domains for patient reported SRS-22 scores at 5 year compared to 2 year follow-up. Understanding the longer term postoperative evolution in patient reported outcomes may help surgeons to effectively manage and counsel patients who are dissatisfied in the short term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Ecto- parasitic infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry during male reversal in Veracruz, México

The monogenean gyrodactylids and some ciliated protozoa species may cause ectoparasitic epidemics in tilapia hatcheries. An experimental framework was developed with fish reared during male reversal treatment. The infection dynamics were examined: mean intensity, prevalence, condition factor (K), fish growth and mortality. A total number of 3400 infected tilapia fish were transferred from high density (45 fish L-1) to a low-density tank (2 fish L-1). In the fish (0.012 ± 0.003 g) there were identified four ectoparasitic species; a worm, Gyrodactylus cichlidarum and 3 ciliated protozoa (Trichodina sp. Chilodonella sp. and Ambiphrya sp.). The infection dynamic examined during 31 days showed that the parasitic load and parasite richness for the different ecto-parasites demonstrated positive interspecific correlations, in spite of that, non-synergistic or antagonistic interactions were manifested. The condition factor K was strongly affected (p < 0.05) by G. cichlidarum during the course of infections. The growth and survival recovered after 31 days at low density.
B-cell Deficiency Attenuates Transplant Glomerulopathy in a Rat Model of Chronic Active Antibody-mediated Rejection

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background. Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is a pathological feature of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR) and is associated with renal allograft failure. The specific role of B cells in the pathogenesis of TG is unclear. Methods. We used a minor mismatched rat kidney transplant model with B cell–deficient recipients, generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 technology, to investigate the impact of B-cell depletion on the pathogenesis of TG. We hypothesized that B-cell deficiency would prevent TG in the rat kidney transplant model of cAMR. Treatment groups included syngeneic, allogeneic, sensitized allogeneic, and B cell–deficient allogeneic transplant recipients. Results. B cell–deficient recipients demonstrated reduced TG lesions, decreased microvascular inflammation, reduced allograft infiltrating macrophages, and reduced interferon gamma transcripts within the allograft. Allograft transcript levels of interferon gamma, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin-1β correlated with numbers of intragraft macrophages. B cell–deficient recipients lacked circulating donor-specific antibodies and had an increased splenic regulatory T-cell population. Conclusions. In this model of cAMR, B-cell depletion attenuated the development of TG with effects on T cell and innate immunity.
Congenital Hypothyroidism: A 2020–2021 Consensus Guidelines Update—An ENDO-European Reference Network Initiative Endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology

Background: An ENDO-European Reference Network (ERN) initiative was launched that was endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society for Endocrinology with 22 participants from the ENDO-ERN and the two societies. The aim was to update the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of congenital hypothyroidism (CH). A systematic literature search was conducted to identify key articles on neonatal screening, diagnosis, and management of primary and central CH. The evidence-based guidelines were graded with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, describing both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence, conclusions were based on expert opinion. Summary: The recommendations include the various neonatal screening approaches for CH as well as the etiology (also genetics), diagnostics, treatment, and prognosis of both primary and central CH. When CH is diagnosed, the expert panel recommends the immediate start of correctly dosed levothyroxine treatment and frequent follow-up including laboratory testing to keep thyroid hormone levels in their target ranges, timely assessment of the need to continue treatment, attention for neurodevelopment and neurosensory functions, and, if necessary, consulting other health professionals, and education of the child and family about CH. Harmonization of diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up will optimize patient outcomes. Lastly, all individuals with CH are entitled to a well-planned transition of care from pediatrics to adult medicine. Conclusions: This consensus guidelines update should be used to further optimize detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of children with all forms of CH in the light of the most recent evidence. It should be helpful in convincing health authorities of the benefits of neonatal screening for CH. Further epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to understand the increased incidence of this condition.
Mechanotransduction, nanotechnology, and nanomedicine

Mechanotransduction, a conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals, is essential for human development and physiology. It is observable at all levels ranging from the whole body, organs, tissues, organelles down to molecules. Dysregulation results in various diseases such as muscular dystrophies, hypertension-induced vascular and cardiac hypertrophy, altered bone repair and cell deaths. Since mechanotransduction occurs at nanoscale, nanosciences and applied nanotechnology are powerful for studying molecular mechanisms and pathways of mechanotransduction. Atomic force microscopy, magnetic and optical tweezers are commonly used for force measurement and manipulation at the single molecular level. Force is also used to control cells, topographically and mechanically by specific types of nano materials for tissue engineering. Mechanotransduction research will become increasingly important as a sub-discipline under nanomedicine. Here we review nanotechnology approaches using force measurements and manipulations at the molecular and cellular levels during mechanotransduction, which has been increasingly play important role in the advancement of nanomedicine.
Tumor‐derived exosomes in the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis: Significant regulators as well as promising clinical targets

Programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) is a negative coreceptor mainly expressed on the surface of activated T cells. The binding of PD‐1 to its ligand PD‐L1 significantly induces non‐reactivity of T cells to maintain the balance of autoimmunity and immune tolerance. It is reported that tumor cells highly express PD‐L1 to restrict cellular immune response, which is one of the most important mechanisms for tumor to mediate immune escape. Cancer immunotherapy targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 has achieved remarkable success so far. Tumor‐derived exosomes (TEXs) are lipid bilayer vesicles released by tumor cells in an endosome‐dependent manner, mediating communication between tumor cells and adjacent cells in the tumor microenvironment. Through signals transmitted by TEXs, tumor can alter the biological characteristics of these cells to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that TEXs not only carry tumor‐derived PD‐L1, but are also closely related to PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression on target cells. The primary focus of this review will be on how TEXs regulate the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis to promote tumor progression, and the promising clinical applications targeting TEXs and exosomal PD‐L1.
Organic Cation Transporters in the Lung—Current and Emerging (Patho)Physiological and Pharmacological Concepts

Organic cation transporters (OCT) 1, 2 and 3 and novel organic cation transporters (OCTN) 1 and 2 of the solute carrier 22 (SLC22) family are involved in the cellular transport of endogenous compounds such as neurotransmitters, l-carnitine and ergothioneine. OCT/Ns have also been implicated in the transport of xenobiotics across various biological barriers, for example biguanides and histamine receptor antagonists. In addition, several drugs used in the treatment of respiratory disorders are cations at physiological pH and potential substrates of OCT/Ns. OCT/Ns may also be associated with the development of chronic lung diseases such as allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, thus, are possible new drug targets. As part of the Special Issue “Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Transporters for Organic Cations”, this review provides an overview of recent findings on the (patho)physiological and pharmacological functions of organic cation transporters in the lung.
Evaluation of Four Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Self-Diagnosis Apps on Three Diagnoses: Two-Year Follow-Up Study

Background Consumer-oriented mobile self-diagnosis apps have been developed using undisclosed algorithms, presumably based on machine learning and other artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The US Food and Drug Administration now discerns apps with learning AI algorithms from those with stable ones and treats the former as medical devices. To the author’s knowledge, no self-diagnosis app testing has been performed in the field of ophthalmology so far. Objective The objective of this study was to test apps that were previously mentioned in the scientific literature on a set of diagnoses in a deliberate time interval, comparing the results and looking for differences that hint at “nonlocked” learning algorithms. Methods Four apps from the literature were chosen (Ada, Babylon, Buoy, and Your.MD). A set of three ophthalmology diagnoses (glaucoma, retinal tear, dry eye syndrome) representing three levels of urgency was used to simultaneously test the apps’ diagnostic efficiency and treatment recommendations in this specialty. Two years was the chosen time interval between the tests (2018 and 2020). Scores were awarded by one evaluating physician using a defined scheme. Results Two apps (Ada and Your.MD) received significantly higher scores than the other two. All apps either worsened in their results between 2018 and 2020 or remained unchanged at a low level. The variation in the results over time indicates “nonlocked” learning algorithms using AI technologies. None of the apps provided correct diagnoses and treatment recommendations for all three diagnoses in 2020. Two apps (Babylon and Your.MD) asked significantly fewer questions than the other two (P<.001). Conclusions “Nonlocked” algorithms are used by self-diagnosis apps. The diagnostic efficiency of the tested apps seems to worsen over time, with some apps being more capable than others. Systematic studies on a wider scale are necessary for health care providers and patients to correctly assess the safety and efficacy of such apps and for correct classification by health care regulating authorities.
Effect of Parity and Non-Genetic Factors on the Reproductive Traits in Nigerian Indigenous Pigs

The phenotypic expression of any trait in animals is determined by genetic and nongenetic factors. Records of 252 litters of Nigerian indigenous pigs sired by 48 boars and 83 sows at the Swine Unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm between 1990 and 1998 (8 years) were collected and used to investigate the effect of parity and nongenetic factors on the litter traits. The pigs were kept under intensive and routine management. Data collected were on litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at birth and weaning, pig weight at birth and weaning, sex ratio at birth and weaning and mortality at weaning were subjected to analysis of variance. The means values of the traits were: litter size at birth (5.78±2.07), litter size at weaning(5.51±2.02), litter weight at birth(6.15±2.36 kg), litter weight at weaning(25.14±11.13 kg), pig weight at birth(0.95±0.12kg), pig weight at weaning(4.17±1.33kg), sex ratio at birth(0.48±0.23), sex ratio at weaning (0.48±0.25) and mortality(4.58±1.70%). Parity had significant effect (p<0.05) on pig weight at weaning while the effect of parity was not significant(p>0.05) on other litter traits. The effect of season was significant (p<0.05) on litter size at weaning, pig weight at weaning and mortality. Year of birth did not have significant effect on most of the traits except on litter weight at birth and weaning as well as weight at weaning. The correlation coefficients among the traits ranged from -0.01 to 0.96. Parity and the non-genetic factors were not important source of variation on most of the litter traits considered in Nigerian indigenous pig. It could be recommended that parity, season and year of birth should be considered for those traits they have significant effect on for better production.