Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new species of Enteromius (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae, Smiliogastrinae) from the Awash River, Ethiopia, and the re-establishment of E. akakianus

Abstract In the present study, populations of small-sized smiliogastrin barbs with a thickened and serrated last simple dorsal-fin ray distributed in the Main Ethiopian Rift were analysed. An integrated approach combining genetic markers and a variety of morphological methods based on a wide set of characters, including osteology and sensory canals, proved to be very productive for taxonomy in this group of fishes. The results showed that Ethiopian Enteromius species with a serrated dorsal-fin ray are distant from the true E. paludinosus (with E. longicauda as a synonym) and the so-called E. paludinosus complex involves several supposedly valid species with two distinct species occurring in the Main Ethiopian Rift area. A new species, Enteromius yardiensissp. nov., is described from the Afar Depression in the north-eastern part of the Northern Main Ethiopian Rift. Enteromius akakianus is resurrected as a valid species including populations from the Central Main Ethiopian Rift (basins of lakes Langano, Ziway, and Awasa). No genetic data were available for E. akakianus from its type locality. Enteromius yardiensissp. nov. is clearly distant from E. akakianus from the Central Main Ethiopian Rift by CO1 and cytb barcodes: pairwise distances between the new species and the Ethiopian congeners were 5.4 % to 11.0 %. Morphologically, the new species most clearly differs from all examined Ethiopian congeners by three specialisations which are unique in the group: the absence of the anterior barbel, the absence of the medial branch of the supraorbital sensory canal, and few, 1–3, commonly two, scale rows between the lateral line and the anus.
Lower geriatric nutritional risk index predicts postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients with distal pancreatectomy

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common complication following pancreatic resection. It leads to increased medical costs, and longer hospital stays. However, the risk factors of POPF are still unclear, and therefore, this urgent clinical issue should be resolved. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is tool to assess the nutritional status using body weight, and serum albumin value, particularly in elderly patients. On the other hand, POPF is associated with body mass index (BMI). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether GNRI can predict the risk of POPF in patients after distal pancreatectomy (DP). We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 37 patients who were treated at the Department of Digestive Surgery, Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center between January 2007 and June 2018. All patients were subjected to nutritional screening using GNRI, and were followed up after DP for postoperative complications including POPF. In addition, risk factors of POPF, and patient's height, BMI, and preoperative laboratory values were analyzed. POPF was observed in 7 of the 37 (19%) patients. Those with a POPF had significantly lower GNRI values than those without POPF (P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine a cut-off value of GNRI, which indicated an increased risk of POPF. This value was determined as 96 (sensitivity: 71.4%, specificity: 86.7%, likelihood ratio: 5.36). Univariate analysis confirmed that a GNRI of <96 was significantly associated with POPF (P=0.005), and a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a GNRI of <96 was significant independent predictor of POPF (P=0.005), suggesting its utility for assessing the risk of POPF following DP.
Evaluation of serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels in psoriatic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies

Introduction Psoriasis is a T cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease in which fatty acids may be a link between psoriasis and its comorbidity. Aim The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels in the psoriatic patients compared with the control subjects. Material and methods Four databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched until July 2017. All records analysed were case-control studies. The quality of the questionnaires was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was done by Rev Man 5.3 using mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Out of 580 studies identified in four databases, 49 studies were included and analysed in this meta-analysis. The results showed that MD of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, HDL, Lp(a), Apo A1, and Apo B levels in the patients compared with the controls were (MD = 13.74 mg/dl; 95% CI: 7.72–19.75; p< 0.00001), (MD = 26.04 mg/dl; 95% CI: 20.77–31.31; p< 0.00001), (MD = 11.41 mg/dl; 95% CI: 6.26–16.57; p< 0.0001), (MD = 4.82 mg/dl; 95% CI: 3.63–6.00; p< 0.00001), (MD = –2.78 mg/dl; 95% CI: –4.53 – –1.03; p< 0.002), (MD = 8.51 mg/dl; 95% CI: 4.86–12.17; p< 0.0001), (MD = –6.60 mg/dl; 95% CI: –13.96 – 0.75; p< 0.08), and (MD = 9.70 mg/dl; 95% CI: 3.02–16.39; p< 0.004), respectively. Conclusions This meta-analysis identified abnormality of serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoproteinprofiles in psoriatic patients compared with the controls as well as possibly a greater risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) accidents in the patients.
Prevalence and genomic characteristics of zoonotic gastro-intestinal pathogens and ESBL/pAmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae among Swedish corvid birds

ABSTRACT Introduction: Wild birds pose a potential threat to animal and human health by spreading infectious diseases. In the present study, we studied the occurrence of bacterial zoonotic pathogens as well as enterobacteria with transferrable antimicrobial resistance genes among Swedish corvids. Materials and methods: Intestines from 66 jackdaws, crows, rooks and magpies from the vicinity of livestock farms at 14 locations in 7 counties were analysed by direct culture or PCR screening followed by culture. Isolates were investigated by whole-genome sequencing. Results and discussion: Campylobacter jejuni were detected in 82% and Yersinia in 3% of the birds. ESBL-producing E. coli were found in one sample (2%) and carried blaCTX-M-55. No Enterobacteriaceae with transferable carbapenem resistance were identified. No Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 were found, but PCR analysis for enterohaemorrhagic E. coli virulence genes revealed 35% positive samples for intimin, 9% for verotoxin 1 and 17% for verotoxin 2. C. jejuni isolates from corvids were compared to previously published isolates from Swedish sources by multi-locus sequence typing based on genome sequences. All corvid C. jejuni isolates formed a cluster, intermingled with human and chicken isolates. Our results indicate that C. jejuni is ubiquitous among Swedish corvid birds, with sporadic transmission to poultry and humans. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Peripapillary Vessel Density In Unilateral Preperimetric Glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate vessel density (VD) of radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) and structural alterations in patients with unilateral preperimetric glaucoma (PPG) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 13 untreated patients with unilateral PPG. PPG eyes had larger excavation and abnormal thinning of retinal nerve ﬁ ber layer (RNFL) and/or ganglion cell complex (GCC) compared with fellow eyes (F). Both RNFL and GCC thickness in F were statistically within normal limits and/or borderline. The RPC VD on optic disc (idVD), of peripapillary (ppVD) and whole image (wiVD) scan area was measured. Twenty healthy eyes (H) served as controls. Structural and vascular parameters obtained by spectral-domain OCT/OCTA (Optovue; Fremont, CA) were compared between PPG, F and H. Results: Mean RNFL and GCC average thickness in microns differed signi ﬁ cantly (p<0.001) between PPG (82.4±7.1, 81.4±5.9), F (91.0±7.1, 88.5±3.8) and H (103.5±6.0, 99.3±5.7). PPG compared with F showed signi ﬁ cantly (p<0.001) lower mean ppVD (43.8% ±3.0% versus 47.8%±3.2%) and wiVD (45.9%±3.5% versus 50.1%±3.9%). Mean ppVD (49.7%±2.4%) and wiVD (52.6%±3.0%) in H were not signi ﬁ cantly higher than in F. Mean idVD showed no signi ﬁ cant differences among the 3 groups. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) for RNFL, GCC, ppVD and wiVD between PPG and H were excellent (>0.9). AUROCs between F and H demonstrated an excellent diagnostic ability for structural parameters and a poor one (<0.7) for vascular parameters. Conclusion: Affected eyes of patients with unilateral PPG demonstrated signi ﬁ cant RPC dropout. Clinically unaffected eyes showed thinner structural parameters but no signi ﬁ cant microvasculature differences compared with non-glaucomatous eyes. Diagnostic ability of peripapillary vascular parameters was not superior to structural measurements. Microvascular dysfunction seems to be an early but not a primary event in glaucoma continuum at the stage of undetectable visual ﬁ eld loss. OCTA can be useful in early glaucoma diagnosis.
Dietary supplements: a great menace of our time or golden remedy? A cross-sectional study amongschool-aged children

Introduction Dietary supplements (DS) are commonly used as a remedy for various health issues as they are widely advertised and available. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of DS use among school-aged children in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. Additionally, we evaluated the parents’ motivations for DS administration, the frequency of the use of specific compounds and the influence of child’s history of allergy on DS use. Material and methods Children aged 6–7 years who attended the first grade of primary schools in Warsaw were included into the study. Forty-two out of 170 primary schools in Warsaw were randomly selected of which 38 agreed to participate. The research tool was a self-administered questionnaire. Results Half of the studied children received DS in the previous 6 months. Fatty acids were the most commonly administered DS (49.8%). The most common reason for administering DS was prevention of diseases (69.1%). The total household income correlated positively with the DS use. History of food allergy was one of the factors which increased the risk of DS use, whereas diagnosis of asthma did not correlate with a higher frequency of DS use. Conclusions This study shows the need to educate patients about medical indications for DS use and expected benefits in the specific indications.
Obesity-Induced Upregulation of ZBTB7A Promotes Lipid Accumulation through SREBP1

Objective Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most common chronic liver diseases. However, the pathogenesis of NAFLD is not still unclear. This study aims at evaluating the role of zinc finger and BTB domain-containing 7A (ZBTB7A) in NAFLD. Methods Western blotting, real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry were submitted to evaluate the level of ZBTB7A in the high fatty diet- (HFD-) induced NAFLD mouse model. In vitro, the expression of ZBTB7A was assessed in oleic acid- (OA-) induced HepG2 cells with western blotting and RT-PCR. The luciferase reporter assay was used to estimate the effect of ZBTB7A on the SREBP1 and NF-κB, and the ChIP assay was subjected to evaluate the direct binding to the SREBP1 promoter. Oil Red staining was used to detect lipid accumulation, and the ELISA was used to verify the levels of TG, T-CHO, and MDA. ZBTB7A was knocked down with siRNA, and RT-PCR was performed to analyze the lipogenesis-, fatty acid transporter-, and oxidation metabolism-related genes expression. The levels of ZBTB7A in primary hepatocyte, Kupffer, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were tested by RT-PCR. Results The upregulation of ZBTB7A expression was assessed in NAFLD mice, and ZBTB7A expression was positively correlated with TNFα, IL-6, TG, T-CHO, and MDA. ZBTB7A was highly expressed in the hepatocytes. In vitro, OA-induced ZBTB7A expression and ZBTB7A expression were closely associated with SREBP1c. ZBTB7A could activate the promoter activity of SREBP1 and activate NF-κB activity. Interestingly, the direct binding of ZBTB7A in the SREBP1 promoter was acquired in HepG2 cells. Inhibition of ZBTB7A expression could attenuate OA-induced lipid accumulation, inhibit the expression of the lipogenesis-related genes and fatty acid transporter genes, and promote the expression of oxidation metabolism-related genes. Conclusion ZBTB7A plays a significant role in the development process of NAFLD, and obesity-induced upregulation of ZBTB7A promotes lipid accumulation through activation of SREBP1 and NF-κB. ZBTB7A may be a potential novel target for the therapy of NAFLD.
The Role of Tumor-Derived Vesicles in the Regulation of Antitumor Immunity

In this article, we present a comprehensive, updated, and elucidative review of the current knowledge on the function played by tumor-derived vesicles (TDVs) in the crosstalk between tumor and immune cells. Characterization of the structure, biogenesis, and the major functions of TDVs is reported. The review focuses on particular ways of suppression or activation of CD4+/CD8+ T cells by tumor-derived vesicles. Tumor-derived vesicles play an important role in the suppression of antitumor immunity. During the last 15 years, vesicle research has elucidated and improved our knowledge about the role of the vesicles in intercellular communication. Nevertheless, there are still blinds spots concerning vesicle heterogeneity and isolation methods, their uptake by target cells, and the role of mRNA in T-cell transformation or suppression. Along with the substantial progress in understanding of the role of tumor-derived vesicles in intercellular communication, novel antitumor therapy strategies based on vesicle inhibition in a tumor microenvironment are likely to appear very soon.
Comparison of Bacterial Community Structure and Diversity in Traditional Gold Mining Waste Disposal Site and Rice Field by Using a Metabarcoding Approach

Traditional small-scale gold mining mostly use mercury to extract the gold from ores. However, mercury contamination in the environment can affect the composition and structure of the bacterial community. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mercury contamination on the bacterial community in the traditional gold mining waste disposal site and in the rice field. Mercury analysis was carried out using the CVAFS method. Analysis of bacterial communities and structure was carried out based on the results of metabarcoding of the V3-V4 16S rRNA regions obtained from paired-end Illumina MiSeq reads. The results showed that the sample from the mining waste disposal site had a mercury level of 230 mg/kg, while the sample from the rice field had 3.98 mg/kg. The results showed that there were differences in microbial composition and community structure in both locations. With the total reads of 57,031, the most dominant phylum was Firmicutes in the mining disposal site sample. Meanwhile, with the total reads of 33,080, the sample from rice field was dominated by Planctomycetes. The abundant classes of bacteria in the mining waste disposal site, from the highest were Bacilli, Gammaproteobacteria and Planctomycetia, while the sample from the rice field was dominated by the Planctomycetia and Acidobacteria subdivision 6. The families that dominated the sample in disposal site were Bacillaceae and Aeromonadaceae, while the sample from the rice field was dominated by Gemmataceae. The abundant genera in both locations were Bacillus and Gemmata. This study concluded that the high level of mercury in the soil reduced the richness and diversity of bacterial phyla and lower taxa. There was also a shift in the dominance of phyla and lower taxa in both locations. This study provides an understanding of the microbial community structure in the area that is highly contaminated with mercury to open insight into the potential of these bacteria for mercury bioremediation.
Seroepidemiological patterns and predictors of hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic of Atat Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Introduction: Viral hepatitis is a serious blood-borne and sexually transmitted systemic communicable disease affecting the liver. Commonly, it is caused by hepatitis B and C viruses. HIV infection has been one of the largest public health challenges that can also be transmitted vertically. Objective: To determine seroepidemiological patterns and predictors of hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Atat Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 222 pregnant women from May to July, 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and predicators of hepatitis B, C and HIV infections through face-to-face interview. Venous blood sample of 5 mL was collected from study participants, and serum was tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV using rapid test kits and further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hepatitis and HIV infections. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and HIV infections were 4.5%, 1.8% and 2.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections was significantly higher among patients having history of poly-sexual practices (adjusted odds ratio = 11.31; 95% confidence interval = 1.24–28.69, p = 0.003), history of abortion (adjusted odds ratio = 8.64; 95% confidence interval = 5.5–30.36, p = 0.034), home delivery by traditional birth attendants (adjusted odds ratio = 9.06; 95% confidence interval = 2.01–13.36, p = 0.005) and blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio = 18.1; 95% confidence interval = 2.63–114.24, p = 0.001). HIV co-infection was present in 40% and 100% of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus positive pregnant women, respectively. All hepatitis C virus positive women had a history of ear piercing, abortion and home delivery. Conclusion: Hepatitis B, C and HIV were all uncommon infections in this population, with hepatitis B virus the most common. All hepatitis C virus positive pregnant women were co-infected with HIV. Significant association was found between hepatitis B virus infection and predictors. Therefore, continuous screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B and C infections should be performed.
Effects of Dapagliflozin on Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes With Established Ischemic Heart Disease (EDIFIED)

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2-I) dapagliflozin on endothelial function in patients with high-risk type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of patients with T2DM with underlying ischemic heart disease who were receiving metformin and insulin therapy (n = 81). After 12-weeks of additional therapy with either dapagliflozin (n = 40) or placebo (n = 41), systemic endothelial function was evaluated by change in flow-mediated dilation (ΔFMD), change in nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (ΔNMD) and surrogate markers including intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]). Glycemic and lipid profiles were also measured. Results The dapagliflozin group demonstrated significant reductions of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) compared to the placebo group (ΔHbA1c –0.83 ± 1.47% vs –0.16 ± 1.25%, P = 0.042 and ΔFBG vs –0.73 ± 4.55 mmol/L vs –1.90 ± 4.40 mmol/L, P = 0.015, respectively). The placebo group showed worsening of ΔFMD while the dapagliflozin group maintained similar measurements pre- and posttherapy (P = not significant). There was a reduction in ICAM-1 levels in the dapagliflozin group (–83.9 ± 205.9 ng/mL, P < 0.02), which remained unchanged in the placebo group (–11.0 ± 169.1 ng/mL, P = 0.699). Univariate correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between HbA1c and ΔFMD within the active group. Conclusion A 12-week therapy with dapagliflozin, in addition to insulin and metformin therapies, in high-risk patients resulted in significant reductions in HbA1c, FBG, and surrogate markers of the endothelial function. Although the dapagliflozin group demonstrated a significant association between reduction in HbA1c and improvement in FMD, there was no significant difference in FMD between the 2 groups.
Complications and short-to-midterm results in a case series of 52 CUE procedures using a modified caudo-medial approach

Background: Medial coronoid process disease is the most common manifestation of canine developmental elbow disease which can progress to a more severe medial compartment disease (MCompD) characterized by full-thickness cartilage loss of the medial coronoid process and the medial humeral condyle. Among others, the “Canine Unicompartmental Elbow” (CUE) has been reported to be an effective treatment strategy for MCompD, with full in 47.6% and acceptable function in 43.7% at 6 months or later of follow-up. Aim: To report on our clinical experiences with the CUE system using the caudo-medial approach in terms of both complications and functional outcome. Methods: Medical records of dogs that underwent CUE procedure using a caudo-medial approach over a 3-year period were retrospectively reviewed. This covered epidemiological data, bi-planar radiographs, subjective gait analysis, owner questionnaire, surgical reports, as well as second-look arthroscopic findings when available. Results: In total, 52 CUE procedures were performed in 44 dogs with a median age of 8.0 years (IQ: 5.0–10.0) and a median bodyweight of 31.9 kg (ranging 20–48 kg) at the surgery. Four cases never return for follow-up, but were included in the analysis to increase the number of cases with pre- and intra-operative data. Mean follow-up time available for the remaining 48 cases was 7.1 (SD: 5.2) months. Radiographic derived implant positioning and alignment proved to be satisfactory in the sagittal plane but parallelism in the frontal plane was only present in three cases. Second-look arthroscopy in five cases with delayed or disappointing functional improvement showed evidence of implant-related contact lesions and progressive erosion of the medial coronoid area in three elbows. Overall, complications occurred in 11 cases (21%), being major in eight (15%) and minor in three (6%). Major complications included refractory pain and lameness 6 to 12 months postoperatively in five cases. At last follow-up, 12 cases (25%) were considered to have full function, 35 cases (73%) acceptable function, and in one case, the function was considered unacceptable. As the only variable related to functional outcome, age had a negative predictive value for full function. Conclusion: The CUE procedure appears to be an effective treatment option for patients with MCompD. Older dogs might be at risk of having an inferior clinical outcome when compared to young patients. The reason for this is unknown and will have to be evaluated in future studies. Compared to a CUE case series of 103 elbows operated through a medial approach, using a caudo-medial approach decreased the incidence of approach-related complication. Nevertheless, the functional outcome in the current case series was less favorable than previously reported. These conflicting findings as well as the occurrence of potentially implant mechanical conflict at the medial joint compartment despite CUE warrants further studies.