Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on ambulatory blood pressure in young adults: a cross-sectional analysis investigating time since diagnosis

Previous studies have reported detrimental effects of COVID-19 on the peripheral vasculature. However, reports on blood pressure (BP) are inconsistent and measurements made only in the laboratory setting. To date, no studies have measured ambulatory BP. Additionally, in previous studies, time since COVID-19 diagnosis among participants varied across a wide range, potentially contributing to the inconsistent BP results. Thus, we aimed to perform a comprehensive assessment of BP and BP variability using ambulatory and laboratory (brachial and central) measurements in young adults who had COVID-19. We hypothesized that ambulatory BP would be elevated post-COVID-19, and that measures of BP would be inversely related with time since diagnosis. Twenty-eight young adults who had COVID-19 (11 ± 6 [range 3 to 22] weeks since diagnosis) and 10 controls were studied. Ambulatory daytime, nighttime, and 24-hr systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean BP were not different between control and COVID groups (e.g., daytime systolic BP: control,122 ± 12 mmHg; COVID,122 ± 10 mmHg; P = 0.787). Similar results were observed for laboratory BPs (all P > 0.05). However, ambulatory daytime, nighttime, and 24-hr BPs as well as laboratory brachial BPs were inversely correlated with time since COVID-19 diagnosis (e.g., daytime systolic BP: r = -0.444; P = 0.044, nighttime systolic BP: r = -0.518; P = 0.016). Ambulatory and laboratory measured BP variability were not different between groups nor correlated with time since diagnosis. Collectively, these data suggest that adverse effects of COVID-19 on BP in young adults are minimal and likely transient.
Automatic or controlled: How does disbelief in free will influence cognitive functioning?

Abstract Most people believe in free will. Past research has indicated that reducing this belief has numerous downstream consequences including everyday outcomes as well as neural and cognitive correlates associated with a reduction of self‐control. However, the exact mechanisms through which a reduction in free will belief affects self‐control are still a matter of investigation. In the present registered report, we used a task switching paradigm to examine whether reducing belief in free will makes people less controlled or whether it enhances their reliance on automatic impulses. Using Bayesian sequential analysis, we failed to conceptually replicate the previous link between free will belief and cognitive control. Our registered report plan mostly accumulated substantial evidence supporting the null hypothesis. That is, diminished belief in free will does neither impact control nor automaticity. Theoretical implications of this finding are discussed.
Comparing the effects of multimedia and face-to-face pain management education on pain intensity and pain catastrophizing among patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction Previous studies into Low Back Pain (LBP) assessed the effects of physical interventions or face-to-face (FTF) education mostly in western cultures. The present study aimed to compare the effects of multimedia and FTF pain management education (PME) on pain intensity and pain catastrophizing among participants with chronic LBP. Methods This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on ninety participants with chronic LBP randomly allocated to either multimedia, FTF, or control groups. Participants in the multimedia group received PME through watching seven educational CDs at home and their counterparts in the FTF group received the same educations in seven weekly FTF educational sessions. Pain intensity (using a numerical rating scale) and pain catastrophizing (using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale) were assessed before, immediately after, and one month after the study intervention. The effects of the interventions were assessed using the repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Effect size and minimal detectable change (MDC) were reported for both variables. The regression model used in the present study was Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). Findings The findings of MANOVA showed the significant effects of time on pain intensity and pain catastrophizing (P<0.001). The Tukey’s test showed that before and immediately after the intervention, the mean scores of pain intensity and pain catastrophizing in the FTF and PME groups were significantly different from the control group (P<0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). MDC did not show clinically significant changes in the mean score of pain intensity and GEE revealed significant difference among the groups. Conclusion The findings suggested that multimedia PME is as effective as FTF education in reducing pain intensity and pain catastrophizing among participants with LBP. Future studies into the effects of education on LBP are recommended to consider longitudinal designs, a reliable cutoff score for pain catastrophizing, and participants’ physical ability. IRCT registration code IRCT20180313039074N1.
Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble: Dismantling Oppression through Resistance and Activism Special series: Dismantling Systems of Racism and Oppression during Adolescence Examining Critical Reﬂection as a Mediator Between School Racial Climate Experiences and Anti-Racist Action

Little is known about how different school racial climate experiences inﬂuence the critical reﬂection and subsequent critical action behaviors of racially minoritized youth. Therefore, the current study examined how critical reﬂection mediated the relationship between school racial climate proﬁles and critical action behaviors. Participants were 559 Black and Latinx adolescents, aged 13 – 17 who completed an online survey. Results indicated that critical reﬂection signiﬁcantly mediated the relationships between interpersonal interactions (i.e., equal status) and anti-racist critical action behaviors. Similarly, the relationships between school racial socialization messages (i.e., cultural and critical consciousness socialization) and anti-racist critical action behaviors were also mediated by critical reﬂection. Findings have implications for how dimensions of the school racial climate differentially relate to racially minoritized youth’s critical consciousness.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome among patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to treatment center of Wollega University Referral Hospital, Western Ethiopia

Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition that has a significant effect on the occurrence of morbidity and mortality among patients with severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To the best of researchers’ knowledge, there is no Study on ARDS of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of ARDS and associated factors among severe COVID-19 patients at Wollega University Referral Hospital. Methods An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September 20, 2020, to June 10, 2021. Real-Time Reverse transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test was used to test Patients for COVID-19. Epi-data version 3.2 was used for data entry, and the final data analysis was through STATA version 14. After checking the assumption P-value<0.25 in the bivariable analysis was used to select a candidate variable for multi-variable analysis, and a p-value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results In this study, the prevalence of ARDS was 32%. Almost all the patients had the clinical feature of cough (93.7%), followed by shortness of breath (79.9%), fever (77.7%), and headache (67%). Age older than 65 years (AOR = 3.35, 95%CI = 1.31, 8.55), male gender (AOR = 5.63, 95%CI = 2.15, 14.77), and low oxygen saturation level (AOR = 4.60, 95%CI = 1.15, 18.35) were the independent predictors of ARDS among severe COVID-19 patients. Conclusion The prevalence of ARDS among patients with severe COVID-19 was high in the study area. Therefore, elders and patients with critical conditions (low oxygen saturation) better to get special attention during COVID-19 case management to enhance good care and monitoring of the patients.
Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among hospitalized patients in China: a case-control study

ABSTRACT A lack of confidence on the vaccination drive hinders the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among hospitalized patients in China. This case-control study was based on SARS-CoV-2 sero-surveillance during hospitalization. From April to June 2021, hospitalized patients without documented COVID-19 infection from the Department of Urology were routinely assayed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination history of each participant was obtained from their vaccination records. Of the 405 participants, there were 37 seropositive participants (case group) and 368 seronegative participants (control group); 68 participants (16.8%) had received the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, including 54 who received the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine and 14 received the Sinopharm vaccine. All seropositive participants who had received one or two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were assessed for at least 16 days, while 31 (8.4%) of 368 seronegative controls who had received the vaccine were tested for 1–94 days. The overall seroconversion rate was 54.4% (37/68) in the vaccinated participants who received the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) for seropositivity was 6.20 (95% CI: 2.05–18.71) in those received full vaccination with two doses versus those partially vaccinated participants with one dose after adjusting for sex and age. These findings imply that the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could have a protective antibody response.
Paracoccidioidomycosis in people living with HIV/AIDS: A historical retrospective cohort study in a national reference center for infectious diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is one of the main endemic systemic mycoses in Latin America, usually occurring in rural areas. When PCM occurs simultaneously with underlying immunosuppressive conditions, it can present as an opportunistic disease. Between 2000 and 2017, literature reported around 200 PCM cases in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). To address research gaps on this co-infection and to study its possible temporal changes in the last decade, we performed an active co-infection case search on the HIV/AIDS and PCM cohorts from a Brazilian reference center database from 1989 to 2019. We found 20 PLWHA among 684 PCM patients (2.92%), predominantly male (70.0%) and urban workers (80.0%). The median age of patients was higher in the 2010–2019 decade (p = 0.006). The occurrence of PCM in PLWHA was lower when compared with other fungal diseases. Although 50.0% of the patients had already been diagnosed with HIV infection and presented CD4+ T cell counts greater than 200/mm3 at the time of PCM diagnosis, the suspicion of immunosuppression in the context of atypical and more severe clinical forms of PCM revealed the diagnosis of HIV infection in 35.0% of the patients. Two (10.0%) patients had an evolution compatible with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). We highlight the importance of considering a PCM diagnosis in PLWHA to prevent a late-onset treatment and progression to severe manifestations and unfavorable outcomes. In addition, HIV investigation is recommended in PCM patients, especially those with atypical and more severe clinical presentations.
Species diversity and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Enterococcus spp. isolated from mastitis cases, milking machine and the environment of dairy cows

The objectives were to study the diversity of Enterococcus spp. isolated from mastitis cases, milking equipment and the environment of dairy cows; and to determine in vitro resistance of isolates to antimicrobials that are relevant to human and animal health. Ten dairy farms were visited to collect samples from mastitis cases, faeces, bedding, aisles, water and milking equipment. Identification of Enterococcus at the species level and antimicrobial resistance testing was performed by MALDI‐TOF and the disk‐diffusion method, respectively. Of 365 isolates, Enterococcus hirae was the most prevalent, being more likely to be isolated from faeces than from milk (odds ratio (OR) = 39·2), liners (OR = 5·4) or bedding (OR = 2·2). Enterococcus saccharolyticus was the most prevalent in milk samples. The chances of isolating Enterococcus faecalis from milk were higher than from aisles (OR = 12·5), faeces (OR = 5·3), bedding (OR = 3·6) or liners (OR = 3·0). The odds of isolating Enterococcus faecium from faeces were higher than from liners (OR = 7·3), bedding (OR = 2·5) or aisles (OR = 2·4). Of 360 tested isolates, 1·9, 0·3 and 0·6% were resistant to penicillin, vancomycin and teicoplanin, respectively. Our results suggest that Enterococcus species can occupy specific ecological niches on dairy farms and pose a risk to public and animal health.
Neuroligin-3 confines AMPA receptors into nanoclusters, thereby controlling synaptic strength at the calyx of Held synapses

The subsynaptic organization of postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors into nanoclusters that are aligned with presynaptic release sites is essential for the high fidelity of synaptic transmission. However, the mechanisms controlling the nanoscale organization of neurotransmitter receptors in vivo remain incompletely understood. Here, we deconstructed the role of neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3), a postsynaptic adhesion molecule linked to autism, in organizing AMPA-type glutamate receptors in the calyx of Held synapse. Deletion of Nlgn3 lowered the amplitude and slowed the kinetics of AMPA receptor–mediated synaptic responses. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that, unexpectedly, these impairments in synaptic transmission were associated with an increase in the size of postsynaptic PSD-95 and AMPA receptor nanoclusters but a decrease of the densities in these clusters. Modeling showed that a dilution of AMPA receptors into larger nanocluster volumes decreases synaptic strength. Nlgn3, likely by binding to presynaptic neurexins, thus is a key organizer of AMPA receptor nanoclusters that likely acts via PSD-95 adaptors to optimize the fidelity of synaptic transmission.
The Effect of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Musculoskeletal Complaints on Presenteeism Among the Dependent Self-employment Workers in Korea

This study reveals the mediating effect of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) and the moderating effect of job resources on the relationship between job demands and presenteeism of workers in dependent self-employment (DSE). Recently, as the number of workers in DSE has increased, the importance of adjusting job demands to control presenteeism, address MSCs, and develop job resources has increased. Objectives We tested the effects of job demands on presenteeism to investigate the mediation of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) and the moderating effects of job resources among dependent self-employment (DSE) workers in Korea. Methods Using data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, we analyzed 2252 workers, and a two-step regression analysis was used to test the mediated effect of MSCs and moderated the effect of job resources on the relationship between job demand and presenteeism. Results Musculoskeletal complaints mediate the relationship between job demands and presenteeism. Job control moderated the relationship between MSCs and presenteeism among the job resources. However, the conditional indirect effect of job demands on presenteeism through MSCs was independent of job resource levels among DSE workers. Conclusions Various strategies are needed to address MSCs and enhance job resources for DSE workers, which might diminish the negative effect of job demands on presenteeism.
Exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND The exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Lactobacillus and other probiotics are associated with many benefits, such as immune regulation, antioxidant properties, antitumor effect, and regulation of intestinal microbe homeostasis. In the present work, the modulatory effect of EPS produced by Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 on the intestinal flora of mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induced by dextran sulfate solution (DSS) was investigated. RESULTS Results indicated that weight loss, colonic length, the disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic tissue damage in mice were significantly improved by EPS treatment. Compared with the model group, in the EPS-treated group, the diversity of and composition of gut microbiota at both phylum and genus levels were found to recover to the levels of normal group, indicating the effective modulation on gut microbiota by EPS; short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid produced by intestinal microbial metabolism, increased significantly; the level of anti-inflammatory factor TGF-β significantly increased and the level of pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α significantly decreased in the colonic cells of EPS-treated mice. CONCLUSION It is clear that EPS produced by L. rhamnosus ZFM231 could find application in functional foods with the property of anti-ulcerative colitis. The experimental results provide new insights into the probiotic effect of EPS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Visual Fields in Epidemic Retinitis

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of the study is to analyze visual fields defects (VFDs) in epidemic retinitis (ER). Methods Patients with ER and Humphrey’s visual field (HFA) 30–2 performed after resolution were studied. VFD severity grading was performed. Patients treated with oral doxycycline (Group-A) versus doxycycline-steroids (group-B) were compared. Results Thirty-five eyes of 25 patients were studied. Nasal, inferior, temporal and central VFD were seen in 19 (54.2%), 13 (37.1%), 7 (20%) and 6 (17.1%) eyes, respectively. Grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 VFDs were seen in 4 (11.4%), 15 (42.8%), 12 (34.2%) and 4 (11.4%) eyes respectively. Seven eyes with ≥1 year of follow-up post-resolution also showed grade 0–3 scotomas. Mean severity of scotoma was grade 1.15 (Median: 1) and 1.42 (Median: 1.5) in groups A (n = 13) and B (n = 14), respectively (p = .637). Conclusion ER can cause VFD persisting long after resolution. Treatment with oral doxycycline without steroids was non-inferior to combined treatment with respect to VFD.
Trends in characteristics of fentanyl-related poisonings in the United States, 2015-2021

ABSTRACT Background: Fentanyl-related deaths continue to increase in the United States; however, most national studies focus on fatal overdose. More research, including data on nonfatal overdose, is needed. Objective: We examined trends in characteristics of fatal and nonfatal fentanyl-related poisonings (“exposures”) in the US. Methods: National Poison Control data were examined to estimate trends in characteristics of reported exposures between 2015 and 2021 (N = 15,391; 38.7% female). We also delineated correlates of experiencing a major adverse effect or death. Results: The proportion of exposures increased among all age groups between ages 13 and 39 (ps < .05) with the largest increase among those age 13–19 (a 127.8% increase). With respect to reasons for use, the proportion of cases involving fentanyl “abuse” increased by 63.8% (p < .001). The proportion involving fentanyl inhalation increased 427.6% from 5.7% to 29.9% and injection increased from 6.7% to 9.6%, a 42.3% increase (ps < .01). The proportion also increased for co-use of methamphetamine (by 669.0%), cocaine (by 374.0%), and heroin (by 159.5%). The proportion of major adverse effects increased from 15.5% to 39.6% (p < .001). In the multivariable model, “abuse”, suspected suicide attempts, and use via inhalation were risk factors for experiencing a major effect or death, and misuse, ingestion, dermal use, and co-use of methamphetamine were associated with lower risk. Conclusion: Poison Control data suggest that characteristics of individuals exposed to fentanyl continue to shift, with use via inhalation increasing and medical outcomes of nonfatal poisonings becoming more severe. These results complement mortality data and inform prevention and harm reduction efforts.
Function and dynamics of the Mediator complex: novel insights and new frontiers

ABSTRACT The Mediator complex was discovered in the early 1990s as a biochemically fractionated factor from yeast extracts that was necessary for activator-stimulated transcriptional activation to be observed in in vitro transcription assays. The structure of this large, multi-protein complex is now understood in great detail, and novel genetic approaches have provided rich insights into its dynamics during transcriptional activation and the mechanism by which it facilitates activated transcription. Here I review recent findings and unanswered questions regarding Mediator dynamics, the roles of individual subunits, and differences between its function in yeast and metazoan cells.
International retrospective chart review of treatment patterns in severe FMF, TRAPS and MKD/HIDS

Affiliations: 1. Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey 2. Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany 3. Service of Rheumatology, Ospedale A. Meyer, Firenze, Italy 4. Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Israel 5. Unit Hematology-Immunology and Rheumatology Pediatric, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, IMAGINE Institute, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France 6. Department of Pediatrics, Centre de Référence des maladies Auto-Inflammatoires (CeRéMAI),Versailles Hospital, Le Chesnay, France 7. Center for Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH United States 8. Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ United States 9. Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul School of Medicine, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey 10. Hematology and Pediatric Rheumatology, CHU de Bicêtre, APHP, University of Paris SUD, France 11. Division of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds Teaching Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom 12. Hamburger Zentrum für Kinderund Jugendrheumatologie, Hamburg Germany 13. Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands 14. Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behcet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy 15. Navigant Consulting, Inc., London, United Kingdom 16. Medical Affairs, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, United States 17. National Amyloidosis Centre, UCL Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom Original Article Arthritis Care & Research DOI 10.1002/acr.23120