Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health sensitivity in the daily lives of younger and older adults: correlates and longer-term change in health

Abstract Objectives: How susceptible older adults’ affect is to fluctuations in health (i.e., health sensitivity) indicates how well they adapt to everyday health challenges. Theory and evidence are inconsistent as to whether older adults are more or less health sensitive than younger adults. The role of health burden as correlate and outcome of health sensitivity and age differences therein is also unclear. We thus move the study of health sensitivity ahead from longitudinal inquiry to examine age differences, the role of health burden, and long-term implications of daily life health sensitivit Methods: We use data from COGITO where 101 younger adults (M age = 25; range = 20–31) and 103 older adults (M age = 71; range = 65–80) gave daily reports of physical symptoms and positive and negative affect during a ∼100-day micro-longitudinal phase, as well as reports of trait-level health two years before and after. Results: Extending earlier reports, older age and higher health burden were (independently) associated with lower health sensitivity in positive but not negative affect. Health sensitivity was unrelated to long-term changes in health burden. Conclusion: We take our findings to indicate successful aging (older adults are not more emotionally vulnerable to health issues) and discuss habituation as a process underlying how age and health burden may reduce health sensitivity.
Exercise temperature regulation following a 35‐day horizontal bedrest

What is the central question of this study? Does a 35‐day horizontal bedrest impair thermoeffector responses during whole‐body submaximal exercise performed in temperate conditions? What is the main finding and its importance? Cardiovascular and muscular deconditioning ensuing from prolonged recumbency seems to augment, at least to a degree, exercise‐induced increase in body core temperature, most likely due to an impairment in non‐evaporative heat loss. The response is a function of the absolute exercise intensity imposed.
Role of Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction in Cornea Donors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the analysis of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal (NP) samples of cornea donors dying because of causes unrelated to severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cornea donors dying from causes other than SARS-CoV-2 between August 2020 and December 2020 was performed. Informed consent was obtained from the next of kin of the deceased for RT-PCR testing from NP swabs. Rapid antigen testing from all the deceased was performed before in situ cornea excision. In addition, NP samples in viral transport media for RT-PCR were also collected for SARS-CoV-2 analysis. Corneas were released from the eye bank only after a negative RT-PCR report. Result: One hundred eighteen corneas from 59 donors were obtained by the eye bank. Eleven donors (18.64%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR testing. Six of these 11 donors had a Ct value of E gene less than 25. Conclusions: NP samples of cornea donors dying due to causes other than coronavirus disease-19 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR. This implicates that donors could be having asymptomatic/undetected coronavirus disease infection. We recommend adding the routine testing of NP samples of all cornea donors in the eye banking protocol in this ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
New insights into the cholesterol esterase- and lipase-inhibiting potential of bioactive peptides from camel whey hydrolysates: Identification, characterization, and molecular interaction.

Novel antihypercholesterolemic bioactive peptides (BAP) from peptic camel whey protein hydrolysates (CWPH) were generated at different time, temperature, and enzyme concentration (%). Hydrolysates showed higher pancreatic lipase- (PL; except 3 CWPH) and cholesterol esterase (CE)-inhibiting potential, as depicted by lower half maximal inhibitory concentration values (IC50 values) compared with nonhydrolyzed camel whey proteins (CWP). Peptide sequencing and in silico data depicted that most BAP from CWPH could bind active site of PL, whereas as only 3 peptides could bind the active site of CE. Based on higher number of reactive residues in the BAP and greater number of substrate binding sites, FCCLGPVPP was identified as a potential CE-inhibitory peptide, and PAGNFLPPVAAAPVM, MLPLMLPFTMGY, and LRFPL were identified as PL inhibitors. Molecular docking of selected peptides showed hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions between peptides and target enzymes. Thus, peptides derived from CWPH warrant further investigation as potential candidates for adjunct therapy for hypercholesterolemia.
Everyday Life Participation Using Powered Wheelchair Standing Devices by Boys With DMD

Powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs) allow supported standing for activity; however, little is known about their use. To understand factors affecting use of supported standing for participation among boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and characteristics of successful users, we gathered data over 7 days from boys who had used PWSDs for 24 months, using a smartphone application. We used descriptive statistics to identify factors that affected their participation. Physical/social engagement and independence were motivators for standing in PWSDs. Enablers included positive attitudinal/social environments. Barriers included pain during supported standing and lack of physical environment accessibility. The characteristics of successful users were identified. Supported standing via PWSDs has potential to improve participation for boys with DMD. The disease stage, individual personal factors and environmental supports impact on use. Therapists should carefully consider and manage factors that impact on uptake and sustainability of use.
Effects of 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl Isothiocyanate Ingestion on Muscle Damage after Eccentric Exercise in Healthy Males: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Crossover Study

Abstract An animal study demonstrated that 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC), a major bioactive compound in Japanese pungent spice wasabi, has an action of inhibiting the activation of calpain-1 (a protease). Increases in calpain activity can cause continual strength loss after eccentric exercise. It remains to be determined in humans whether 6-MSITC intake would modulate calpain and/or muscle damage responses after eccentric exercise. We performed a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study wherein eight healthy young males were randomly assigned to ingest 9 mg/day of 6-MSITC or placebo from 1 day before exercise to 4 days after exercise (30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors using an isokinetic dynamometer). Calpain-1 concentration, inflammatory and muscle damage markers (creatine kinase activity, urinary titin concentration, muscle strength, range of motion, muscle soreness and transverse relaxation time) were assessed. Plasma calpain-1 concentration after eccentric exercise was similar between the placebo- and 6-MSITC-treated conditions. All muscle damage and inflammatory markers were not affected by 6-MSITC relative to those in the placebo-treated condition. Our results suggest that 6-MSITC has no effect on plasma calpain-1 concentration and muscle damage and inflammatory markers measured after eccentric exercise.
The role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations in prognosis in bladder cancer

ABSTRACT Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations have been recognized as a common genetic event in bladder cancer (BC). Many studies have found the high TERT promoter mutations’ prevalence in BC recurrence patients which may make the TERT promoter mutations become a potential prognosis prediction of BC. We performed a systematic search in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science in January 2021. The aspects of evaluation, methods, validation, and results were used to evaluate the included studies’ quality. We reviewed two of the most common mutations in types of TC, C288T and C250T and their relationship with prognosis of BC. Eight studies contained 1382 cases were enrolled in our study. The percentage of TERT promoter mutations in these cases was 62.5%. A statistically significant association was detected between TERT promoter mutation and recurrence (HR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.53–2.68, p < 0.001). However, TERT promoter mutation was not significant associated with overall survival (HR: 1.077, 95% CI: 0.674–1.718, p = 0.757). No significant heterogeneities were observed (I2 = 47.5%, P = 0.064; I2 = 58.7%, p = 0.120, respectively). Bladder cancer patients with TERT promoter mutations take a higher risk of recurrence. TERT promoter mutations may become a potential prediction factor for bladder cancer recurrence. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Retinochoroidal vascular plexuses in patients with iron deficiency anaemia

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) may enable the identification of alteration in the retinochoroidal microvasculature in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. Background To investigate the presence of macular microvascular alterations in females with IDA by using OCT-A. Methods This is a cross-sectional comparative study. Forty patients with IDA and 35 age-matched healthy women underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and OCT-A imaging. Foveal avascular zone parameters and the vessel density in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were calculated using automated software. All measurements were compared between groups. Correlations between the OCT-A metrics and haematological laboratory parameters were evaluated. Results Compared to healthy subjects, IDA patients revealed significantly decreased vessel density of the SCP in all parafoveal quadrants (p < 0.05). In contrast, vessel density analysis in DCP has shown no statistically significant difference in all parafoveal quadrants (p > 0.05). Although foveal vessel density in both SCP and DCP were higher in the IDA group, only the foveal vessel density in DCP was significantly higher than controls (p = 0.001). The mean values of the foveal avascular zone area and perimeter and choriocapillaris flow area were significantly lower in the IDA group (p < 0.05). The parafoveal vessel density in SCP, foveal avascular zone area, and choriocapillaris flow area were positively correlated with haematological parameters including haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume (p < 0.01). Conclusion Patients with IDA had decreased parafoveal vessel density in the SCP, but not the DCP. Foveal avascular zone metrics and choriocapillaris flow area measurements were significantly lower in IDA.
Effects of direct laryngoscopy versus Glidescope videolaryngoscopy on subjective and objective measures of cognitive workload: an in-vivo randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are associated with high operators' workload, which potentially causes lower performance and risk of errors. Measuring anesthesiologists' mental workload during instrumental procedures allows to test the usability of the devices and, by managing operators' workload, improve clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in subjective and objective cognitive workload between videolaryngoscopy with hyperangulated blade (Glidescope) vs. direct laryngoscopy in a real clinical setting. METHODS Fourteen anesthesiologists were enrolled and performed three intubations for each device, a Glidescope videolaryngoscope and a Macintosh direct laryngoscope, in a random order. The subjective workload was assessed with the NASA Task Load Index questionnaire right after intubation and reaction times to a secondary task were recorded during laryngoscopy and intubation as an objective measure of workload. RESULTS The overall perceived workload (p<0.001) and the subscales of physical demand (P<0.001) and effort (P<0.001) were lower during Glidescope than during Macintosh laryngoscopy. Reaction times were faster during Glidescope than during Macintosh laryngoscopy (P<0.014). A significant positive correlation was found between reaction times and the overall perceived workload (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A videolaryngoscope with hyperangluated blade used in a real clinical scenario of elective surgery significantly reduced both subjective and objective workload compared to a direct laryngoscope. Physical demand and effort were the key components in reducing operators' mental workload. Therefore, the expert use of a videolaryngoscope with hyperangulated blade constitutes an ergonomic option that could limit operators' workload and improve patients' safety and operators' well-being.
Perioperative thrombocytopenia

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Purpose of review In this review, we discuss recent developments and trends in the perioperative management of thrombocytopenia. Recent findings Large contemporary data base studies show that preoperative thrombocytopenia is present in about 8% of asymptomatic patients, and is associated with increased risks for bleeding and 30-day mortality. Traditionally specific threshold platelet counts were recommended for specific procedures. However, the risk of bleeding may not correlate well with platelet counts and varies with platelet function depending on the underlying etiology. Evidence to support prophylactic platelet transfusion is limited and refractoriness to platelet transfusion is common. A number of options exist to optimize platelet counts prior to procedures, which include steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, and monoclonal antibodies. In addition, intraoperative alternatives and adjuncts to transfusion should be considered. It appears reasonable to use prophylactic desmopressin and antifibrinolytic agents, whereas activated recombinant factor VII could be considered in severe bleeding. Other options include enhancing thrombin generation with prothrombin complex concentrate or increasing fibrinogen levels with fibrinogen concentrate or cryoprecipitate. Summary Given the lack of good quality evidence, much research remains to be done. However, with a multidisciplinary multimodal perioperative strategy, the risk of bleeding can be decreased effectively.
Phospholipid transfer function of PTPIP51 at mitochondria‐associated ER membranes

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are closely tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at sites called mitochondria‐associated ER membranes (MAMs). Ca2+ ion and phospholipid transfer occurs at MAMs to support diverse cellular functions. Unlike those in yeast, the protein complexes involved in phospholipid transfer at MAMs in humans have not been identified. Here, we determine the crystal structure of the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of PTPIP51 (PTPIP51_TPR), a mitochondrial protein that interacts with the ER‐anchored VAPB protein at MAMs. The structure of PTPIP51_TPR shows an archetypal TPR fold, and an electron density map corresponding to an unidentified lipid‐like molecule probably derived from the protein expression host is found in the structure. We reveal functions of PTPIP51 in phospholipid binding/transfer, particularly of phosphatidic acid, in vitro. Depletion of PTPIP51 in cells reduces the mitochondrial cardiolipin level. Additionally, we confirm that the PTPIP51–VAPB interaction is mediated by the FFAT‐like motif of PTPIP51 and the MSP domain of VAPB. Our findings suggest that PTPIP51 is a phospholipid transfer protein with a MAM‐tethering function.
Individual‐based morphological brain network organization and its association with autistic symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder

Individual‐based morphological brain networks built from T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reflect synchronous maturation intensities between anatomical regions at the individual level. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a socio‐cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorder with high neuroanatomical heterogeneity, but the specific patterns of morphological networks in ASD remain largely unexplored at the individual level. In this study, individual‐based morphological networks were constructed by using high‐resolution structural MRI data from 40 young children with ASD (age range: 2–8 years) and 38 age‐, gender‐, and handedness‐matched typically developing children (TDC). Measurements were recorded as threefold. Results showed that compared with TDC, young children with ASD exhibited lower values of small‐worldness (i.e., σ) of individual‐level morphological brain networks, increased morphological connectivity in cortico‐striatum‐thalamic‐cortical (CSTC) circuitry, and decreased morphological connectivity in the cortico‐cortical network. In addition, morphological connectivity abnormalities can predict the severity of social communication deficits in young children with ASD, thus confirming an associational impact at the behavioral level. These findings suggest that the morphological brain network in the autistic developmental brain is inefficient in segregating and distributing information. The results also highlight the crucial role of abnormal morphological connectivity patterns in the socio‐cognitive deficits of ASD and support the possible use of the aberrant developmental patterns of morphological brain networks in revealing new clinically‐relevant biomarkers for ASD.
Facing the enemy: Spontaneous facial reactions towards suffering opponents.

The suffering of an opponent is an important social affective cue that modulates how aggressive interactions progress. To investigate the affective consequences of opponent suffering on a revenge seeking individual, two experiments (total N = 82) recorded facial muscle activity while participants observed the reaction of a provoking opponent to a (retaliatory) sound punishment in a laboratory aggression task. Opponents reacted via prerecorded videos either with facial displays of pain, sadness, or neutrality. Results indicate that participants enjoyed seeing the provocateur suffer: indexed by a coordinated muscle response featuring an increase in zygomaticus major (and orbicularis oculi muscle) activation accompanied by a decrease in corrugator supercilii activation. This positive facial reaction was only shown while a provoking opponent expressed pain. Expressions of sadness, and administration of sound blasts to nonprovoking opponents, did not modulate facial activity. Overall, the results suggest that revenge-seeking individuals enjoy observing the offender suffer, which could represent schadenfreude or satisfaction of having succeeded in the retaliation goal.
Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) in COPD and ARDS patients with severe hypercapnic respiratory failure. A retrospective case-control study

Background/aim Treatment of severe hypercapnic respiratory failure (HRF) has some challenges in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially when lung protective ventilation (LPV) strategies are required. Extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) therapy is an emerging option to manage hypercapnia while allowing LPV in these cases. However, further data on ECCO2R use is still needed to make clear recommendations. Materials and methods This study was conducted on patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) between January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2019. The medical records were retrospectively scanned in institutional software database. Patients who received invasive mechanic ventilation (iMV) support due to severe HRF related to COPD or ARDS were included in the analyses. Patients were grouped according to treatment approaches as that ECCO2R therapy in addition to conventional treatments and conventional treatments alone (controls). Groups were compared for 28-day survival, iMV duration, and length of stay (LOS). Results ECCO2R therapy was noted in 75 of the cases among included 395 patients (COPD n = 256, ARDS n = 139) out of scanned 1715 medical records. The survival rate of ECCO2R patients was 68% and significantly higher than 58% survival rate of controls (p = 0.025), with relative risk reduction (RRR) = 0.16, absolute risk reduction (ARR)= 0.10, number need to treat (NNT) = 10, and odds ratio (OR) = 1.5. In addition, iMV duration (12.8 ± 2.6 vs. 17.1 ± 4.9 days, p = 0.007) and LOS (16.9 ± 4.1 vs. 18.9 ± 5.5 days, p = 0.032) were significantly shorter than controls. Repeated measure analyses showed that LPV settings were successfully provided by 72 h of ECCO2R therapy. Subgroup analyses according to diagnoses of COPD and ARDS also favored ECCO2R. Conclusion ECCO2R therapy significantly improved survival, iMV duration and LOS in patients with severe HRF due to COPD or ARDS, and successfully provided LPV approaches. Further studies are needed to assess promising benefits of ECCO2R therapy.
Efficacy of GLP-1rA, liraglutide, in plaque psoriasis treatment with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort and before-after studies

Abstract Background Psoriasis usually accompanies comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. It has been proposed that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes may also improve psoriasis. However, the number of patients in every single study is relatively small. Objectives We carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate whether GLP-1R is effective for the treatment of plaque psoriasis with type 2 diabetes. Methods A search of PubMed, Ovid Embase, the Cochrane Library for controlled trials was done from inception to June 20th, 2020. Published trials that included psoriasis patients with type 2 diabetes, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of treated by GLP-1R before and after. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Stata 15.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). Results There were 4 trials involving 32 patients. Patients treated by GLP-1R after showed significantly lower PASI (SMD: −4.332, 95% CI: −7.611 to −1.053, p = .01), lower fasting plasma glucose than treated before (SMD: −0.341, 95% CI: −0.679 to −0.004, p = .048). There was no significant difference in Body Mass Index (BMI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between treated by GLP-1R after and before. Conclusions GLP-1rA, liraglutide, therapy can reduce psoriasis who had concomitant type 2 diabetes severity, but may independently of changes in weight and glycaemic control.