Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mutual-Aid Mobile App for Emergency Care: Feasibility Study

Background Improving the quality of patient care through the use of mobile devices is one of the hot topics in the health care field. In unwanted situations like an accident, ambulances and rescuers often require a certain amount of time to arrive at the scene. Providing immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patients might improve survival. Objective The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an emergency and mutual-aid app model in Taiwan and to provide a reference for government policy. Methods A structured questionnaire was developed as a research tool. All questionnaires were designed according to the technology acceptance model, and a Likert scale was used to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted with six experts from medical, legal, and mobile app departments. Each expert was interviewed once to discuss feasible countermeasures and suggestions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 19; IBM Corp, Armonk, New York) was used to perform all statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, variance analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results We conducted this study between October 20, 2017, and November 10, 2017, at the Taipei Medical University Hospital. Questionnaires were distributed to medical personnel, visiting guests, family members, and volunteers. A total of 113 valid questionnaires were finally obtained after the exclusion of incomplete questionnaires. Cronbach α values for self-efficacy (perceived ease of use), use attitude (perceived usefulness), and use willingness and frequency were above . 85, meeting the criterion of greater than . 70. We observed that the reliability of each subquestion was acceptable and the values for use attitude (perceive usefulness) and use willingness and frequency were more than . 90. Conclusions The findings suggest that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the app model affect use willingness. However, perceived usefulness had an intermediary influence on use willingness. Experts in law, medical, and technology fields consider that an emergency and mutual-aid model can be implemented in Taiwan. Along with the development of an emergency and mutual-aid app model, we recommend an increase in the number of automated external defibrillators per region and promotion of correct knowledge about CPR in order to decrease morbidity and mortality.
Sex-Specific Effects of Dietary Methionine Restriction on the Intestinal Microbiome

Dietary methionine restriction is associated with improved health outcomes and an increase in lifespan in animal models. We have previously shown that an increase in dietary methionine induces alteration in the intestinal microbiome. The composition of the intestinal microbiota is a determinant of health and we, therefore, hypothesized that dietary methionine restriction would also induce changes in the murine microbiome. After one month on a methionine-restricted diet, five-month-old male and female C57BL/6 mice had decreased levels of serum methionine, without changes in body weight. We identified a decrease in the hepatic methylation status of animals fed a methionine-restricted diet compared to controls. This decrease was not associated with changes in DNA or protein methylation in the liver. In males, we saw an increase in families Bacteroidaceae and Verrucoccaceae (mostly A. mucinophila) and a decrease in Rumminococcaceae in animals fed a methionine-restricted diet compared to controls. In females, Bacteroidales family S24-7 was increased two-fold, while families Bacteroidaceae, Verrucoccaceae, Rumminococcaceae, and Rikenellaceae were decreased compared to controls. In summary, feeding a methionine-restricted diet for one month was associated with significant and sex-specific changes in the intestinal microbiome.
Teledermatology in paediatrics: Health-care impact on the early treatment of infantile haemangiomas

Introduction Teledermatology can solve diagnostic and therapeutic problems in paediatrics, for example in infantile haemangiomas (IHs) requiring early treatment with propranolol. This study aims to assess the impact of teledermatology following its implementation in a health area of Spain, specifically analysing its effectiveness in reducing the age of first propranolol treatment for IH. Methods This was a descriptive study of paediatric teledermatology from 2015 to 2018, studying age, sex, diagnosis, time and mode of resolution. All IHs referred via teledermatology were analysed, and age at propranolol initiation was compared to the period prior to implementation (2008–2014). We also analysed IHs according to referral pathways (teledermatology vs. conventional pathways). Results We included 432 consultations (47.7% boys). The main diagnoses were IH, erythematous-desquamative diseases and infections. Concordance in diagnosis between paediatricians and dermatologists was good, and 48.12% of cases consulted via teledermatology were resolved remotely. Response time was 2.81 days on average. Children younger than two months of age showed the highest proportion of in-person visits. In 2015–2018, children with IHs began treatment with propranolol at a mean age of 4.5 months (1.9 months in those referred via teledermatology vs. 5.6 months in those using conventional referral pathways). In 2008–2014, the mean age at referral was 7.1 months. These differences were significant. Discussion Teledermatology is a fast and effective tool to resolve paediatric cases, enabling a significant decrease in the age of treatment in infants with IH.
Manipulating water for amphibian conservation

Amphibian populations globally are in decline. One great threat is the abstraction of water resources that alter surface‐water hydrology. Conservation actions aimed at restoring or manipulating surface water are employed as a management tool, but empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these approaches is scarce. In this systematic review, we summarized the global experience of manipulating water for amphibian conservation. We explored examples of manipulating water to conserve amphibian species and communities. Approaches varied in their frequency of implementation and in their success. Extending hydroperiod to match larval requirements showed encouraging results, as did off‐season drying to control predators. Spraying water into the environment showed several potential applications, but successes were limited. Despite some promising interventions, we identified few (n = 17) empirically supported examples of successful water manipulation to benefit amphibians. It is unclear whether this stems from publication bias or if it is an artifact of language selection. However, manipulating water shows some potential in amphibian conservation, particularly at sites with a proximal water source and in regions where aridity is increasing due to climate change. Regardless of the scale of the intervention or its perceived probability of success, high‐quality reporting of empirical results will further understanding of how water manipulations can benefit threatened amphibian populations.
Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma as a Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Study of 14 Cases

In this study, we report 14 cases of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men treated by autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP). Each patient had several injections of non-activated PRP (PRPn) on the sclap. The quantitative assessment of hair density was performed by hair count with TrichoScan and the cosmetic assessment by Canfield stereotaxic system (Standardized photographs seen by 3 independent assessors). A slight improvement of hair density was observed in 11 cases while a cosmetic improvement on the vertex was noticed only in 2 cases according to 3 assessors.
Intracoronary Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-ATPase Gene Therapy in Advanced Heart Failure Patients with reduced Ejection Fraction: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: Heart failure is a progressive and debilitating disease. Intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy may improve the function of cardiac muscle cells. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy can improve outcomes and reduce the number of recurrent and terminal events in advanced heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. METHODS: A total of 768 heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and New York Heart Association classification II to IV were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients either underwent intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy (CA group, n=384) or received oral placebo (PA group; n=384). Data regarding recurrent and terminal event(s), treatment-emergent adverse effects, and outcome measures were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: After a follow-up period of 18 months, intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy reduced the number of hospital admissions (p=0.001), ambulatory treatments (p=0.0004), and deaths (p=0.024). Additionally, intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (p<0.0001) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (p<0.0001). The number of recurrent and terminal events/patients were higher in the PA group than in the CA group after the follow-up period of 18 months (p=0.015). The effect of the intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy was independent of the confounding variables. No new arrhythmias were reported in the CA group. CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronary sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase gene therapy reduces the number of recurrent and terminal events and improves the clinical course of advanced heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction.
Top 10 Tips for Successfully Implementing a Diabetes Telehealth Program

Diabetes management is well suited to use of telehealth, and recent improvements in both diabetes technology and telehealth policy make this an ideal time for diabetes providers to begin integrating telehealth into their practices. This article provides background information, specific recommendations for effective implementation, and a vision for the future landscape of telehealth within diabetes care to guide interested providers and practices on this topic. Note: This article was written prior to the COVID19 pandemic, and does not include information about recent telehealth policy changes that occurred during or as a result of this public health crisis.
Hydrogen-rich water suppresses the reduction in blood total antioxidant capacity induced by 3 consecutive days of severe exercise in physically active males

Repeated sprint exercise can interfere with intramuscular redox balance and cause systemic oxidative stress and muscle damage. There is growing evidence that molecular hydrogen counteracts oxidative and/or inflammatory responses. Therefore, we investigated the effects of molecular hydrogen-rich water (HW) on muscle performance and oxidative stress markers induced by strenuous exercise. A single-blind, crossover, randomized controlled trial has been designed. Eight male volunteers completed two 3-day consecutive exercise tests under two conditions: HW and placebo water (PW). The exercise test included a countermovement jump, maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee extensors, and sprint cycling. The sprint cycling exercise was comprised three repetitions of 10-second maximal pedaling against a resistance of 7.5% body mass and 110-second active rest (no-load pedaling). Before and after the exercise test, participants drank the 500 mL of HW (5.14 ± 0.03 ppm in H2 concentration) or PW (0.00 ± 0.00 ppm). At 7 hours before the first exercise test (Day 1), as baseline, and 16 hours after the exercise test on each day, blood samples were obtained. Exercise performances in both conditions were not significantly different over 3 consecutive days. In PW trial, relative changes in biological antioxidant potential/diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites, as an index of systemic antioxidant potential, from baseline gradually decreased as the day passed. However, HW suppressed the reduction in biological antioxidant potential/diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites observed in PW. Drinking HW contributed to the maintenance of the redox status during consecutive days of strenuous exercise and might help prevent accumulative muscular fatigue. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Yamanashi, Japan (approval No. H26-008) on December 17, 2014.
Overnight/first morning urine free metanephrines and methoxytyramine for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: Is this an option?

OBJECTIVE Sympathoadrenal activity is decreased during overnight rest. This study assessed whether urinary free normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine in overnight/first-morning urine collections might offer an alternative to measurements in 24-hour collections or plasma for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). DESIGN AND METHODS Prospective multicenter cross-sectional diagnostic study involving 706 patients tested for PPGL among whom tumors were confirmed in 79 and excluded in 627 after follow-up. Another 335 age- and sex-matched volunteers were included for reference purposes. Catecholamines and their free O-methylated metabolites were measured in 24-hour collections divided according to waking and sleeping hours and normalized to creatinine. Plasma metabolites from blood sampled after supine rest were measured for comparison. RESULTS Urinary outputs of norepinephrine, normetanephrine, epinephrine and metanephrine in the reference population were respectively 50[48-52]%, 35%[32-37]%, 76[74-78]% and 15[12-17]% lower following overnight than daytime collections. Patients in whom PPGLs were excluded showed 28[26-30]% and 6[3-9]% day-to-night falls in normetanephrine and metanephrine while patients with PPGLs showed no significant day-to-night falls in metabolites. Urinary methoxytyramine was consistently unchanged from day-to-night. According to receiver-operating characteristic curves, diagnostic accuracy of metabolite measurements in overnight/first morning urine samples did not differ from measurements in 24-hour urine collections, but was lower for both than for plasma. Using optimized reference intervals, diagnostic specificity was higher for overnight than daytime collections at similar sensitivities. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of urinary free catecholamine metabolites in first morning/overnight urine collections offer an alternative for diagnosis of PPGL to 24-hour collections but remain less accurate than plasma measurements.
A Protein Corona Adsorbed to a Bacterial Magnetosome Affects Its Cellular Uptake

Purpose It is well known that when exposed to human blood plasma, nanoparticles are predominantly coated by a layer of proteins, forming a corona that will mediate the subsequent cell interactions. Magnetosomes are protein-rich membrane nanoparticles which are synthesized by magnetic bacteria; these have gained a lot of attention owing to their unique magnetic and biochemical characteristics. Nevertheless, whether bacterial magnetosomes have a corona after interacting with the plasma, and how such a corona affects nanoparticle–cell interactions is yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to characterize corona formation around a bacterial magnetosome and to assess the functional consequences. Methods Magnetosomes were isolated from the magnetotactic bacteria, M. gryphiswaldense (MSR-1). Size, morphology, and zeta potential were measured by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. A quantitative characterization of plasma corona proteins was performed using LC-MS/MS. Protein absorption was further examined by circular dichroism and the effect of the corona on cellular uptake was investigated by microscopy and spectroscopy. Results Various serum proteins were found to be selectively adsorbed on the surface of the bacterial magnetosomes following plasma exposure, forming a corona. Compared to the pristine magnetosomes, the acquired corona promoted efficient cellular uptake by human vascular endothelial cells. Using a protein-interaction prediction method, we identified cell surface receptors that could potentially associate with abundant corona components. Of these, one abundant corona protein, ApoE, may be responsible for internalization of the magnetosome-corona complex through LDL receptor-mediated internalization. Conclusion Our findings provide clues as to the physiological response to magnetosomes and also reveal the corona composition of this membrane-coated nanomaterial after exposure to blood plasma.
Hudek R., Werner B., Gohlke F. Infections in shoulder and elbow surgery – incidence and predisposition. Issue Rehabil. Orthop Neurophysiol. Sport Promot. 2016; 14: 21–26

STRESZCZENIE Obecność zakażenia miejsca operowanego może być katastrofalnym powikłaniem w chirurgii barku i łokcia i należy jemu zapobiegać za pomocą wszelkich środków. Istnieje kilka czynników predysponujących występowanie zakażenia, w tym przygotowanie przedoperacyjne, sprzętu, dojścia operacyjne, dawkowanie i czas stosowanie antybiotyków, jak i predyspozycje samego pacjenta oraz występowanie wcześniejszych chorób. Celem tej pracy było scharakteryzowanie częstości występowania i predyspozycji do występowania zakażeń w okolicach barku i łokcia w trakcie i po zabiegach chirurgicznych, jak i strategii zapobiegania zakażeniom w operowanym miejscu.
Effects of deficiency in the RLBP1-encoded visual cycle protein CRALBP on visual dysfunction in humans and mice

Mutations in retinaldehyde-binding protein 1 (RLBP1), encoding the visual cycle protein cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), cause an autosomal recessive form of retinal degeneration. By binding to 11-cis-retinoid, CRALBP augments the isomerase activity of retinoid isomerohydrolase RPE65 (RPE65) and facilitates 11-cis-retinol oxidation to 11-cis-retinal. CRALBP also maintains the 11-cis configuration and protects against unwanted retinaldehyde activity. Studying a sibling pair that is compound heterozygous for mutations in RLBP1/CRALBP, here we expand the phenotype of affected individuals, elucidate a previously unreported phenotype in RLBP1/CRALBP carriers, and demonstrate consistencies between the affected individuals and Rlbp1/Cralbp−/− mice. In the RLBP1/CRALBP-affected individuals, nonrecordable rod-specific electroretinogram traces were recovered after prolonged dark adaptation. In ultrawide-field fundus images, we observed radially arranged puncta typical of RLBP1/CRALBP-associated disease. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed hyperreflective aberrations within photoreceptor-associated bands. In short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF) images, speckled hyperautofluorescence and mottling indicated macular involvement. In both the affected individuals and their asymptomatic carrier parents, reduced SW-AF intensities, measured as quantitative fundus autofluorescence (qAF), indicated chronic impairment in 11-cis-retinal availability and provided information on mutation severity. Hypertransmission of the SD-OCT signal into the choroid together with decreased near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF) provided evidence for retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE) involvement. In Rlbp1/Cralbp−/− mice, reduced 11-cis-retinal levels, qAF and NIR-AF intensities, and photoreceptor loss were consistent with the clinical presentation of the affected siblings. These findings indicate that RLBP1 mutations are associated with progressive disease involving RPE atrophy and photoreceptor cell degeneration. In asymptomatic carriers, qAF disclosed previously undetected visual cycle deficiency.
Prevention of symptomatic skeletal events with denosumab administered every 4 weeks versus every 12 weeks: A noninferiority phase III trial (SAKK 96/12, REDUSE).

TPS5095 Background: Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody against RANK-Ligand has been shown to be superior to zoledronic acid in delaying time to a first on-study skeletal-related event (SRE) in patients with solid tumors, with no effects on disease progression or survival (Stopeck et al. JCO 2010, Fizazi et al. Lancet 2011). Many SREs were silent compression fractures found only because of scheduled imaging. The approved dose of denosumab is 120mg sc every 4 weeks (q4w). Although generally well tolerated, there is a dose-dependent increase in osteonecrosis of the jaw in up to 8% of patients (Fizazi et al, ESMO 2012, 937P). Cases of fatal hypocalcaemia were observed during post marketing surveillance. In a study of 255 women with breast cancer and bone metastases randomized to 1 of 5 blinded denosumab cohorts (30mg q4w, 120 mg q4w, 180 mg q4w, 60mg q12w, 180mg q12w) or an open-label iv bisphosphonate, a similar degree of creatinine-corrected urinary N-telopeptide (uNTx/Cr) suppression at weeks 13 and 25 was o.
Incidence and Predictors of Treatment Failure Among Children Receiving First-Line Antiretroviral Treatment in General Hospitals of Two Zones, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019

Background Despite many efforts undertaken to control the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic, it remains to be the major global public health challenge. With expanding access to pediatric antiretroviral therapy, children are more likely to experience treatment failure. All previous studies conducted in Ethiopia estimated treatment failure using only clinical and CD4 criteria. Thus, the ART failure rate is expected to be underestimated in our country. Objectives of the Study To assess the incidence and predictors of treatment failure among children receiving first-line ART in general hospitals of Mekelle and Southern Zones of Tigray region, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods Retrospective follow up study was employed. The sample size was estimated based on a Log rank test using Stata V-13 and all 404 charts were taken for review. Data were collected by extraction tool; entered using Epi-data manager; cleaned and analyzed by Stata V-14. Data were described using the Kaplan-Meier curve, Log rank test, life table, and crude hazard ratios and analyzed using adjusted hazard ratios and p-value by Cox proportional hazard regression. Any variable at P <0.05 in the bi–variable analysis was taken to multi–variate analysis and significance was declared at P≤ 0.05. Data were presented using tables, charts, and texts. Results The incidence rate of ART failure was 8.68 (95% CI 7.1 to 10.6) per 1000 person-month observations with a total of 11,061.5 person-month observations. Children who had tuberculosis at baseline [AHR=2.27; 95% CI 1.12–4.57], advanced recent WHO stage [AHR=5.21; 95% CI 2.75–9.88] and sub-optimal ART adherence [AHR=2.84, 95% CI 1.71–4.72] were at higher hazard for first-line treatment failure. Besides this having a long duration of ART follow up [AHR=0.85; 95% CI 0.82–0.87] was found to be protective against treatment failure. Conclusion and Recommendation The incidence of first-line ART failure was grown as a major public health concern. Treatment failure was predicted by the duration of follow up, advanced recent WHO stage, sub-optimal adherence, as well as the presence of tuberculosis at baseline. Hence, it is better to give priority for strengthening the focused evaluation of the WHO clinical stage and tuberculosis co-infection at baseline with continuous adherence monitoring.