Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreased T Cell Levels in Critically Ill Coronavirus Patients: Single-Center, Prospective and Observational Study

Background Since Dec. 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an outbreak. T cells play an important role in dealing with various disease-causing pathogens. However, the role of T cells played in COVID-19 patients is still unknown. Our study aimed to describe the immunologic state of the critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods A total of 63 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia were admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. The immunologic characteristics (lymphocyte apoptosis, the expression of PD-1 and HLA-DR in T cells, T cell subset levels, redistribution and the production of inflammatory factors) as well as their laboratory parameters were compared between severe group and critical group. Results The level of T cells in peripheral blood was decreased in critical patients compared with that in severe patients, but the expression levels of PD-1 (CD4+: 24.71% VS 30.56%; CD8+: 33.05% VS 32.38%) and HLA-DR (T cells: 36.28% VS 27.44%; monocytes: 20.58% VS 23.83%) in T cells were not significantly changed, and apoptosis and necrosis were not different in lymphocytes (apoptosis: 1.04% VS 1.27%; necrosis: 0.67% VS 1.11%), granulocytes, or monocytes between those two groups. Conclusion There is severe immunosuppression in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Redistribution of T cells might be the main reason for lymphocytic decline. Decreasing the infiltration of T lymphocytes in the lung may be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19.
Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Antimicrobial resistance especially caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) has become a global public health concern. Globally, these isolates have remained the most important causes of several infections and associated mortality. Their rapid spread in Ethiopia is associated with a lack of regular surveillance and antibiotic stewardship programs. Isolates of ESBL-PE from different regions of Ethiopia were searched exhaustively. However, published data regarding the pooled estimate of ESBL-PE are not conducted in Ethiopia. For this reason, we systematically reviewed laboratory-based studies to summarize the overall pooled prevalence of the isolates recovered from various human specimens. Methods An exhaustive literature search was carried out using the major electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Wiley Online Library to identify potentially relevant studies without date restriction. Original articles which address the research question were identified, screened, and included using the PRISMA follow diagram. Data extraction form was prepared in Microsoft Excel, and data quality was assessed by using 9-point Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Then, data were exported to STATA 16.0 software for analyses of pooled estimation of outcome measures. Estimation of outcome measures at 95% confidence interval was performed using Der-Simonian-Laird's random-effects model. Finally, results were presented via text, figures, and tables. Results A comprehensive electronic database literature search has yielded a total of 86 articles. Among the total, 68 original articles were excluded after the review process. A total of 18 studies with 1191 bacterial isolates recovered from 7919 various clinical samples sizes were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. In this study, the pooled prevalence of ESBL-PE was 18% (95% CI: 9–26). Nine out of the total (50%) reviewed articles were studied using the combination disk test. Likewise, E. coli and K. pneumoniae (50% both) were the predominant isolates of ESBL-PE in addition to other isolates such as Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Conclusion This meta-analysis has shown a low pooled estimate of ESBL-PE in Ethiopia.
New insights into the identity of Discolaimium dubium Das, Khan and Loof, 1969 (Dorylaimida) as derived from its morphological and molecular characterization, with the proposal of its transference to Aporcella Andrássy, 2002

Abstract Three Iranian populations of Discolaimium dubium are studied, including their morphological and morphometric characterization, molecular analysis (LSU-rDNA) and the description of the male for the first time. For comparative purposes, this species is distinguished by its 1.10 to 1.40 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 8 to 10 µm wide, odontostyle 7.5 to 10.5 µm long with aperture occupying 59 to 76% of total length, neck 300 to 362 µm, pharyngeal expansion 127 to 181 µm long or 44 to 46% of the total neck length, uterus simple and 38 to 53 µm or 1.2 to 1.5 times the body diameter long, V = 52 to 58, tail conical (32-38 µm, c = 32-43, c′ = 1.6-2.0) with rounded tip and a hyaline portion occupying 14 to 15% of tail length, spicules 30 to 32 µm long, and two or three widely space ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Both morphological and molecular data support its belonging to the genus Aporcella, whose monophyly is confirmed and to which the species is formally transferred as A. dubia (Das et al., 1969) comb. n.
A Retrospective Review of the Clinical Significance of the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ) Measure in Patients at a Psychiatric Adult Partial Hospital Program

Introduction Outcome Questionnaire (OQ) measure is becoming a more popular assessment tool for monitoring treatment progress in psychiatry at different settings including inpatient and outpatient settings. It can also be used in non-clinical populations. However, little is known about the evaluation of this tool in the Adult Partial Hospital Program (PHP). Methods We conducted a study among patients in an Adult PHP where we extracted data from the OQ analysis program recorded for patients from January 1, 2015 to July 31st, 2020. Results We studied a total of 742 patients among which 509 (68.4%) were males. The mean age was 38.58 ± 14.86 years. Most of the patients had depressive disorder (56.9%). The mean numbers of days on admission were 17.37 ± 25.29 days. There is a consistent decrease in the total score average OQ score from initial to final measure with the year 2019 being 31.99 followed by 2017 (30.05) then 2020 (29.56) then 2015/2016 (28.38) and 2018 (27.27) p < 0.001. Also, for treatment progress it was observed that in years 2015/2016, there was significant improvement in 71.67% of the patients; in 2017, there was significant improvement in 78.53% of the patients; in 2018, there was significant improvement in 77.71% of the patients; while in 2019, there was significant improvement in 76.05% of the patients, and in 2020, there was significant improvement in 70.18% of the patients. Conclusion The direct benefit of the OQ measure to patients is to provide objective measurements of assessing clinical improvement or deterioration in the treatment progress of their clinical condition. Our study has proved that this is a useful tool to assess such in the Adult PHP.
The "Brain Stethoscope": A Non-Invasive Method for Detecting Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Introduction Minimally invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) screening has long been desired by neurosurgeons. A novel approach deriving ICP from tympanic membrane (TM) pulsation may offer the solution. The ICP waveform appears to be transmitted to the TM by the cochlear aqueduct. The resulting TM infrasonic pulsations can be measured by certain sensors. Elevated ICP alters brain compliance, which appears to yield slower rise times of the TM pulsation waveform. Measurement of this change may be useful in screening for elevated ICP. This paper investigates one such technique. Methods A stethoscope was modified for airtight external ear canal fit; the dome was exchanged for a magnetic reluctance pressure sensor, allowing measurement of TM pulsations. Analog TM pulsations were analyzed by measuring the pulsation's slope ratio between the waveform’s downslope and upslope. Seventeen normal subjects (ages 18-32 years) underwent hyperventilation and tilt table testing to induce ICP changes. An algorithm processed this data and predicted the subject's ICP status. Results The slope ratio method showed consistent and stable changes with the expected alterations in ICP from the tilt test and hyperventilation maneuvers. The classification algorithm correctly identified subjects with elevated ICP in 60 of 60 independent recordings on 17 subjects. Conclusion This paper has four conclusions. First, the "brain stethoscope" can detect increased ICP from the TM pulsation waveform in healthy subjects. Second, analysis of the TM waveform using slope ratio calculations is capable of distinguishing normal versus elevated ICP. Third, the tilt and hyperventilation maneuvers showed the expected physiologic trends. Last, further studies are needed on patients with pathological ICP before the brain stethoscope can be implemented into clinical practice.
Evaluation of different traits from day-old to age at first eggs of Fayoumi and White leghorn chickens and their reciprocal crossbreeds

Objective: This study evaluated the different traits from day-old to age at first eggs of Fayoumi and White leghorn (WLH) F1 chickens and their reciprocal crossbreeds. Materials and Methods: In this study, 1,000 eggs were used to obtain experimental chicks. However, only 150 chicks were selected from each genotype for subsequent trial evaluation and reared on the same diet in a completely randomized design. The effects of genotype on each considered trait were analyzed by the statistical analysis system, and Duncan’s multiple range test made a significant difference. Results: Comparative evaluations made on all parameters illustrated significant differences (p < 0.05) throughout the study period. F1 acquired from WLH cocks and Fayoumi hens maximized weights almost at all ages during brooding, whereas pure line Fayoumi showed lower importance for the trait stages of growth. Offspring from the crossbreed of WLH cocks and Fayoumi hens had the highest weight gain than any other crossbreeds from 4 to 8 and 12 to 16 weeks of age. Pure line WLH and Fayoumi lay larger eggs and smaller eggs (41.67 and 34.00 g), respectively. The highest and smallest body weight at the age of first egg was 1,364.89 and 1,178.36 g in the main crossbreed and Fayoumi line. The main WLH cock and Fayoumi hens and reciprocal crossbreds advanced in age at first egg by 4 and 11 days, respectively. Conclusion: The leghorn hen and Fayoumi cock crosses could be used to develop potential egg-laying lines than their reciprocal crossbreeds.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Control of Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics in Endometrial Cancer by Network Analysis

Background Cancer stem cells play an important role in endometrial cancer (EC). It is closely related to self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of EC. Methods In this study, WGCNA (weighted gene coexpression network analysis) was used to analyze the relationship between genes and clinical features. We also performed immune cell infiltration analysis of a key module by using ImmuCellAI (Immune Cell Abundance Identifier). Then, key genes were verified in the GEO database. Finally, causal relationship analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis were performed in DisNor tool and STRING. Result The mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) is significantly lower in normal tissues and is significantly higher in individuals with stage IV or high-grade cancer and those who are obese or postmenopausal. Nineteen key genes (ORC6, C1orf112, RAD54L, SGO2, BUB1, PLK4, KIF18B, BUB1B, TTK, NCAPG, XRCC2, CENPF, KIF15, RACGAP1, ARHGAP11A, TPX2, KIF14, KIF4A, and NCAPH) that were enriched mainly in terms related to the cell cycle and DNA replication were selected by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Based on the key modules, the numbers of NKT cells, NK cells, and neutrophils in the normal group were significantly higher than those in the cancer group. PLK1, CDK1, and MAD2L1, which were correlated with upstream genes, may be an regulated upstream of key genes. Conclusion PLK1, CDK1, and MAD2L1 which were strongly correlated with upstream genes may be a regulated upstream of key genes.
A new brachylophosaurin (Dinosauria: Hadrosauridae) from the Upper Cretaceous Menefee Formation of New Mexico

Brachylophosaurini is a clade of hadrosaurid dinosaurs from the Campanian of western North America. Although well-known from northern localities in Montana and Alberta, including abundant material of Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Maiasaura peeblesorum and the holotypes of Acristavus gagslarsoni and Probrachylophosaurus bergei, material from southern localities in Utah and Colorado is restricted to a partial skull referred to A. gagslarsoni and several indeterminate specimens. Here we describe Ornatops incantatus gen. et sp. nov., a new brachylophosaurin known from a partial skeleton from the Allison Member of the Menefee Formation in New Mexico. Ornatops is the first brachylophosaurin reported from New Mexico and the southernmost occurrence of the clade. Ornatops shares with Probrachylophosaurus and Brachylophosaurus a caudally expanded nasofrontal suture on the frontals, but also exhibits an autapomorphic nasofrontal suture morphology, with a horizontal rostral region and elevated caudal region with two prominent parasagittal bumps, which is different from other brachylophosaurin specimens, including juvenile and adult Brachylophosaurus. A phylogenetic analysis places Ornatops in a trichotomy with Probrachylophosaurus and Brachylophosaurus, with Maiasaura and Acristavus as successive outgroups.
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Gastric and Pancreatic Cancers: A Case-Control Study

Gastric cancer (GC) and pancreatic cancer (PC) are the third and seventh most likely cancers to cause death worldwide. We aimed to determine the dietary and lifestyle factors of patients with GC or PC and their associated risk among Jordanians. This case-control study enrolled 587 adults (patients with PC, 101; patients with GC, 172; healthy controls, 314) between March 2015 and August 2018, who were assessed using interview-based personal and physical activity questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models were taken as measures for predictors of GC and PC risk. We showed that GC and PC patients had higher pre-diagnosis body-mass indexes, a greater proportion smoked and had a family history of cancer than controls. Furthermore, consumption of two snacks [odds ratios (OR)=0.44, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.23~0.85], three snacks (OR=0.04, 95% CI: 0.01~0.23) and no meals eaten outside (OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.09~0.99) showed a protective effect against GC, and consumption of three snacks (OR=0.08, 95% CI: 0.02~0.40) reduced significantly the risk of PC. These results suggest that bodyweight, physical activity, smoking, and family history of cancer are among factors that affect GC and PC risk among Jordanians.
The Roles of FOXO1 in Periodontal Homeostasis and Disease

Periodontitis is an oral chronic inflammatory disease that is initiated by periodontal microbial communities and requires disruption of the homeostatic responses. The prevalence of periodontal disease increases with age; more than 70% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. A pathogenic microbial community is required for initiating periodontal disease. Dysbiotic immune-inflammatory response and bone remodeling are characteristics of periodontitis. The transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key regulator of a number of cellular processes, including cell survival and differentiation, immune status, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and apoptosis. Although accumulating evidence indicates that FOXO1 activity can be induced by periodontal pathogens, the roles of FOXO1 in periodontal homeostasis and disease have not been well documented. The present review summarizes how the FOXO1 signaling axis can regulate periodontal bacteria-epithelial interactions, immune-inflammatory response, bone remodeling, and wound healing.
Early Differences in Cytokine Production by Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Abstract Most patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience asymptomatic disease or mild symptoms, but some have critical symptoms requiring intensive care. It is important to determine how patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 react to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and suppress virus spread. Innate immunity is important for evasion from the first virus attack, and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis in these patients. We measured serum cytokine levels in 95 patients with COVID-19 during the infection’s acute phase and report that significantly higher interleukin 12 and 2 levels were induced in patients with asymptomatic or mild disease than in those with moderate or severe disease, indicating the key roles of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of asymptomatic or mild COVID-19.
First morphological and molecular identification of third-stage larvae of Anisakis typica (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from marine fishes in Vietnamese water

Abstract Anisakid nematodes are parasites of cetaceans, their larval stages live in marine fishes. The third-stage larvae of some Anisakis species are also the etiological agents of human anisakiasis caused by consumption of raw or undercooked infected fish. Thus, identification of Anisakis larvae at the species level is crucial for their ecology and epidemiology. In Vietnam, although Anisakis larvae have been reported, they have not been identified to the species level. The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify third-stage larvae of Anisakis collected from marine fishes in Vietnamese water, based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. All Anisakis larvae found in this study were morphologically similar to each other and identical to Anisakis typica. In addition, molecular analysis based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences confirmed them as A. typica. Vietnamese A. typica population was genetically close to those from Asian countries and Australia. The third-stage larvae of A. typica were collected from eight fish species from three localities in the South of Vietnam. Among them, seven were recorded as new intermediate hosts of A. typica. This is the first identification of A. typica larvae in Vietnamese water with records of new fish hosts.
Recurvatum of the Knee in Cerebral Palsy: A Review

Recurvatum is defined as hyperextension of the knee in the stance phase of gait. Recurvatum knee is a naturally occurring common gait deviation in those with cerebral palsy, along with crouch knee, jump knee, and stiff knee gaits. Early and late recurvatum occur in the first and second halves of stance. Early recurvatum is associated with dynamic calf contraction that raises the heel and pushes the knee into hyperextension as the forefoot contacts the floor. Late recurvatum occurs after the foot is already flat on the floor. As the body weight comes forward over the foot, the tibia stops its forward motion too early as the ankle comes to its range-of-motion limit. The advancing body then moves forward over a hyperextending knee. Surgical hamstring lengthening can have recurvatum as a side effect. There are several strategies to decrease this risk. Medial hamstring lengthening may be safer than combined medial and lateral lengthening. The concept here is that less lengthening or less aggressive lengthening means less recurvatum risk. However, combined medial and lateral lengthening can be reasonably safe from the risk of causing recurvatum if the knee is showing enough preoperative flexion in stance to warrant the increased surgery. More flexion in stance relates to less risk, while less flexion in stance relates to more risk. Knee flexion in stance can be measured. This is done by measuring knee flexion at initial contact and knee flexion in stance in a gait lab or with stop-action video. If there is minimal knee flexion in stance, hamstring lengthening might not be advisable, even if the hamstrings are tight on popliteal angle testing. There are other factors that contribute to recurvatum risk, such as knee hyperextension on static exam, equinus contracture, and jump knee gait. For treatment of recurvatum, the mainstay is the use of ankle foot orthoses set in dorsiflexion. Surgical equinus correction in those with early stance recurvatum can be effective but it is not likely to be effective in those with late stance recurvatum.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Small Ruminant Brucellosis in West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study design was employed on collected sera samples to investigate brucellosis in small ruminants from December 2018 to November 2019 with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence and potential risk factors for the occurrence of brucellosis in small ruminants in selected districts of West Hararghe: Chiro, Hirna, and Mieso. A total of 2070 collected sera samples from small ruminants were tested using serological tests and screened by RBPT and confirmatory test (CFT). The overall seroprevalence of the present study was 0.24% in small ruminants (Chiro 0.2%, Hirna 0%, and Mieso 0.3%). The chi-square test (Stat 14.0) was used to determine the strength of potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of brucellosis by using univariable logistic regression. Mixed flock (OR = 2.11 (1.33–3.36 CI; P=0.002)), agropastoral (OR = 4.01 (2.35–6.84 CI; P=0.0001)) and pastoral (OR = 2.59 (1.37–4.90 CI; P=0004)) production system, and larger flock size (OR = 1.68 (1.08–2.60 CI; P=0.021) were factors significantly affecting the prevalence of small ruminant brucellosis. Univariable analysis was used, and independent predictors of small ruminant brucellosis were further analyzed using multilogistic regression. This disease was presented in the current study area; therefore, the careful separation of positive animals would help to prevent and control further distribution of the disease.
Potential risk factors of avian influenza virus infection in asymptomatic commercial chicken flocks in selected areas of Bangladesh during 2019

Objective: Avian influenza is a zoonotic disease with a pandemic potential that can infect avian and mammalian species, including humans. Studies aimed at investigating avian influenza virus (AIV) status in asymptomatic chickens and their shedding are uncommon in Bangladesh. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the distribution of AIV subtypes in asymptomatic commercial chicken flocks and to identify the possible risk factors associated with this infection in two selected sub-districts of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 582 oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 23 chicken farms during 2019 and evaluated for the presence of AIV and its subtypes by real-time reverse transcription PCR assays. Risk factors associated with AIV infection were analyzed from questionnaire data. Results: Overall, AIV prevalence was 7.73% (n = 45) with 7.39% and 7.92% in Dhamrai and Gazipur Sadar sub-districts, respectively. In AIV-positive samples, the prevalence of A/H5N1, A/H5N2, A/H9N1, and A/H9N2 was 31.11%, 28.89%, 6.67%, and 8.89%, respectively. None of the samples were positive for N6 and N8. The odds ratio (OR) of AIV infection was 1.15 in broiler versus layer and 2 in Sonali versus layer chickens. The OR was 1.95 for medium versus small, 2.6 for large versus small flock size, 1.5 for moderate versus good biosecurity, and 2.92 for poor versus good biosecurity practicing farms. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that A/H5N1, A/H5N2, A/H9N1, and A/H9N2 are circulating in asymptomatic chickens of selected areas. Strict farm biosecurity practices and avoiding higher flock density are recommended to prevent AIV spread in the study.