Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cholecystitis after Placement of Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stents in Patients with Distal Malignant Biliary Obstructions

Background/Aims Cholecystitis can occur after the placement of covered self-expandable metallic stents for distal malignant biliary obstructions. We aimed to identify risk factors for cholecystitis following covered self-expandable metallic stent placement. Methods We investigated risk factors related to cholecystitis following covered self-expandable metallic stent placement in 118 patients with distal malignant biliary obstructions between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2019. Endoscopic assessments and tumor invasion to the arteries feeding the gallbladder were determined by a pancreaticobiliary endoscopist and a radiologist, respectively. Results The median patient age was 72 years (men, 61.0%). The flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct were observed in 35 (29.7%) and 35 (29.7%) patients, respectively. During the observation period (median, 179 days), cholecystitis occurred in 18 (15.3%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed the flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder (p=0.023) and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct (p=0.005) as significant independent risk factors associated with cholecystitis. Conclusions The flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct are potential independent risk factors for cholecystitis following the placement of covered self-expandable metallic stents. A follow-up prospective study is warranted to validate their influence.
Regulation of translation by one-carbon metabolism in bacteria and eukaryotic organelles

Protein synthesis is an energetically costly cellular activity. It is therefore important that the process of mRNA translation remains in excellent synchrony with cellular metabolism and its energy reserves. Unregulated translation could lead to the production of incomplete, mistranslated, or misfolded proteins, squandering the energy needed for cellular sustenance and causing cytotoxicity. One-carbon metabolism (OCM), an integral part of cellular intermediary metabolism, produces a number of one-carbon unit intermediates (formyl, methylene, methenyl, methyl). These OCM intermediates are required for the production of amino acids such as methionine and other biomolecules such as purines, thymidylate, and redox regulators. In this review, we discuss how OCM impacts the translation apparatus (composed of ribosome, tRNA, mRNA, and translation factors) and regulates crucial steps in protein synthesis. More specifically, we address how the OCM metabolites regulate the fidelity and rate of translation initiation in bacteria and eukaryotic organelles such as mitochondria. Modulation of the fidelity of translation initiation by OCM opens new avenues to understand alternative translation mechanisms involved in stress tolerance and drug resistance.
Long working hours and psychiatric treatment: A Danish follow-up study

Objective: This study aimed to estimate prospective associations between long working hours and (i) redeemed prescriptions for psychotropic drugs and (ii) psychiatric hospital treatment due to mood, anxiety or stress-related disease, among full-time employees in Denmark. Methods: Full-time employees who participated in the Danish Labor Force Survey sometime in the period 2000–2013 (N=131 321] were followed for up to five years in national registers for redeemed prescriptions for psychotropic drugs and psychiatric hospital treatment due to mood, anxiety or stress-related disease. Rate ratios (RR) were estimated for 41–48 versus 32–40 and >48 versus 32–40 working hours a week. The analyses were controlled for sex, age, night shift work, calendar time of the interview and socioeconomic status (SES). Prevalent cases were excluded in primary analyses. Results: The RR for psychotropic drugs were estimated at 0.94 [99% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–1.01] for 41–48 versus 32–40 working hours a week and 1.08 (99% CI 0.99–1.18) for >48 versus 32–40 working hours a week. The corresponding RR for psychiatric hospital treatments were estimated at 0.90 (95% CI 0.75–1.08) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.76–1.21). We did not find any statistically significant interaction between weekly working hours and age, sex, SES or night shift work. Conclusion: Long working hours as they occur in in the general working population of Denmark are not an important predictor of mental ill health.
Haemodynamic characteristics of COVID‐19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation. An invasive assessment using right heart catheterization

Interstitial pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is often complicated by severe respiratory failure. In addition to reduced lung compliance and ventilation/perfusion mismatch, a blunted hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction has been hypothesized, that could explain part of the peculiar pathophysiology of the COVID‐19 cardiorespiratory syndrome. However, no invasive haemodynamic characterization of COVID‐19 patients has been reported so far.
Thermodynamic investigations of some aqueous solutions through calorimetry and densimetry

Relative densities and heat capacity ratios have been measured for selected aqueous systems. These measurements have been used to calculate apparent molar volumes and heat capacities. Densities of aqueous sodium bromide have been measured from 374 to 522 K and 10.00 to 30.00 MPa using a recently developed high temperature and pressure vibrating tube densimeter. These data have been used to test the utility of an automated high temperature and pressure densimetric data analysis program. Apparent molar volumes and heat capacities of several aqueous rare earth sulphate systems at 298.15 K and 0.10 MPa have been reported, and discussed in terms of ionic contributions. Single ion partial molar volumes and heat capacities for aqueous trivalent rare earth species have been estimated in a review of apparent molar data from the literature and through the use of a semi-empirical Debye-Hiickel equation. These single ion properties have subsequently been used to estimate the single ion properties of the monosulphate and disulphate rare earth complex species. Rigorous relaxation calculations are presented in a discussion of apparent molar heat capacities, where relaxation contributions are shown to be negative. Apparent molar volumes and densities for aqueous L-histidine, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, and L-dopa have been used to estimate reported partial molar properties at infinite dilution and at 288.15,298.15,313.15, and 328.15 K. These infinite dilution properties have been added to several reported properties for other amino acids and peptides to construct an additivity scheme that utilises the revised Helgeson, Kirkham, and Flowers (HKF) equations of state for neutral organic species. A volumetric study of aqueous glycine, L-serine, and glycylglycine has been conducted at temperatures from. 298 K to 423 K and pressures from 0.10 to 30.00 MPa. These data have been used to evaluate HKF coefficients in a discussion of peptide stability at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Agreement between anterior segment parameters obtained by a new ultrasound biomicroscopy and a swept-source fourier-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the agreement between anew UBM and an SS-OCT. Methods: The scans of the right eye of each volunteer were obtained using the two devices. Data were fitted and recorded including: central corneal thickness (CCT), aqueous depth (AQD) (the distance from endothelium to lens), angle-to-angle distance (ATA), lens thickness (LT), diameter of the lens in the horizontal direction (LDiaangle: distance between the sharp angles on both sides of the lens, LDiaarc: distance between the vertex of the circular arcs on both sides of the lens), anterior and posterior corneal radius (Rf and Rb). Results: 25 eyes were included in this study. It could be seen that the differences in CCT, LDiaangle, Rf measured by the two instruments were not statistically significant. Bland-Altman analysis plots of CCT, LDiaangle and Rf showed mean differences of 0.2 µm, 0.01mm and 0.0mm for the 2 devices, respectively. Conclusion: The values of CCT, LDiaangle and Rf obtained via two instruments were not clinically interchangeable and the AQD, ATA, LT, and Rb have poor agreement affected by accommodation. We can estimate the real lens diameter by subtracting 0.61 ± 0.43mm when the lens diameter can only be simulated with SS-OCT.
End Colostomy With or Without Mesh to Prevent a Parastomal Hernia (GRECCAR 7)

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: To evaluate whether systematic mesh implantation upon primary colostomy creation was effective to prevent PSH. Summary of Background Data: Previous randomized trials on prevention of PSH by mesh placement have shown contradictory results. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial in 18 hospitals in France on patients aged ≥18 receiving a first colostomy for an indication other than infection. Participants were randomized by blocks of random size, stratified by center in a 1:1 ratio to colostomy with or without a synthetic, lightweight monofilament mesh. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded to patient group. The primary endpoint was clinically diagnosed PSH rate at 24 months of the intention-to-treat population. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01380860. Results: From November 2012 to October 2016, 200 patients were enrolled. Finally, 65 patients remained in the no mesh group (Group A) and 70 in the mesh group (Group B) at 24 months with the most common reason for drop-out being death (n = 41). At 24 months, PSH was clinically detected in 28 patients (28%) in Group A and 30 (31%) in Group B [P = 0.77, odds ratio = 1.15 95% confidence interval = (0.62;2.13)]. Stoma-related complications were reported in 32 Group A patients and 37 Group B patients, but no mesh infections. There were no deaths related to mesh insertion. Conclusion: We failed to show efficiency of a prophylactic mesh on PSH rate. Placement of a mesh in a retro-muscular position with a central incision to allow colon passage cannot be recommended to prevent PSH. Optimization of mesh location and reinforcement material should be performed.
Comparing Diabetes Outcomes

Objective: To determine if sleeve gastrectomy has weight-independent benefits on diabetes outcomes. Summary Background Data: Weight loss is recommended when treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve or resolve metabolic conditions, but weight loss outcomes vary by procedure type. Methods: Using data from a statewide bariatric surgery registry, a total of 988 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of diabetes who underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were included in the study. The patients were matched based on age, race, sex, preoperative body mass index (BMi) and weight loss at 1 year after surgery. Chi-square comparisons were conducted for medication discontinuation for diabetes. Secondary outcome measures included discontinuation of medications for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.9 years, 75.5% were female, 89.3% were White. Mean preoperative BMi was 44.8 kg/m2 and 75.7% had noninsulin dependent diabetes, whereas 24.3% had insulin dependent diabetes. Mean % BMi loss at 1 year is similar between the 2 groups (8.3% vs 8.1%, P = 0.3811). LSG patients had significantly higher rates of discontinuation of oral diabetes medication (70.4% vs 46.0%, P < 0.0001), insulin (51.7% vs 38.3%, P = 0.0341), anti-hypertensive (41.1% vs 26.0%, P < 0.0001), and cholesterol-lowering medications (40.1% vs 27.8%, P = 0.0016) when compared to LAGB patients. Conclusions: Despite similar preoperative characteristics and postoperative weight loss, LSG patients experienced significantly higher rates of medication discontinuation for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia than LAGB. These results suggest that LSG may have weight-independent effects on metabolic disease and should be considered in the treatment of diabetes, regardless of perceived weight loss outcomes.
Perspective: Design and Conduct of Human Nutrition Randomized Controlled Trials

ABSTRACT In the field of human nutrition, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for establishing causal relations between exposure to nutrients, foods, or dietary patterns and prespecified outcome measures, such as body composition, biomarkers, or event rates. Evidence-based dietary guidance is frequently derived from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of these RCTs. Each decision made during the design and conduct of human nutrition RCTs will affect the utility and generalizability of the study results. Within the context of limited resources, the goal is to maximize the generalizability of the findings while producing the highest quality data and maintaining the highest levels of ethics and scientific integrity. The aim of this document is to discuss critical aspects of conducting human nutrition RCTs, including considerations for study design (parallel, crossover, factorial, cluster), institutional ethics approval (institutional review boards), recruitment and screening, intervention implementation, adherence and retention assessment, and statistical analyses considerations. Additional topics include distinguishing between efficacy and effectiveness, defining the research question(s), monitoring biomarker and outcome measures, and collecting and archiving data. Addressed are specific aspects of planning and conducting human nutrition RCTs, including types of interventions, inclusion/exclusion criteria, participant burden, randomization and blinding, trial initiation and monitoring, and the analysis plan.
Prediction of anterior chamber volume after implantation of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens

Purpose To predict the anterior chamber volume (ACV) after implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation based on ICL size and parameters of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Design Retrospective study. Methods This study included 222 eyes of 222 patients who underwent ICL implantation at Nagoya Eye Clinic. The patients were divided into two groups: prediction group, for creating the prediction equation (148 eyes, mean age: 32.11 ± 8.04 years), and verification group, for verifying the equation (74 eyes, mean age: 33.03 ± 6.74 years). The angle opening distance (AOD), anterior chamber width (ACW), ACV, anterior chamber depth, lens vault, angle-to-angle distance, angle recess area, and trabecular iris space area were calculated using AS-OCT. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed. After the creation of the prediction equation, its accuracy was verified in the verification group. Results The ACV, AOD750, ACW, and ICL size were selected as explanatory variables to predict postoperative ACV. Mean predicted (114.2 ± 21.83 mm3) and actual postoperative ACVs (116.1 ± 25.41 mm3) were not significantly different (P = 0.269); absolute error was 10.59 ± 9.13 mm3. In addition, there was high correlation between actual and predictive ACV (adjusted R2 = 0.6996, p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman plot revealed that there was no addition or proportional error between predicted and actual postoperative ACV. Conclusion Postoperative ACV was accurately predicted using AS-OCT parameters and ICL size. This prediction equation may be useful for making decisions regarding ICL size.
Retinal vascularity, nerve fiber, and ganglion cell layer thickness in thyroid eye disease on optical coherence tomography angiography

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the retinal vascularity, peripapillary vascularity, nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell layer thickness between active, inactive thyroid eye disease (TED) and healthy eyes. Methods Retrospective comparative cross-sectional cohort study. Patients with TED, active and inactive on the VISA score, and healthy eyes were included. All patients underwent optical coherence tomography angiography with detailed demographic and clinical data capture. Using automated software, retinal and peripapillary vascularity index, nerve fiber layer thickness, and ganglion cell layer thickness were calculated and were compared between the groups. Results Twenty-four eyes with active TED, 102 eyes with inactive TED and 52 healthy eyes were included. Independent sample t test was used to compare parametric data and Mann-Whitney test to compare non-parametric data. The age and gender were comparable across groups. The peripapillary vascularity index (26.82 ± 4.13 versus 34.92 ± 5.08, p = .002) and the macular vascularity index (20.32 ± 2.5 versus 31.21 ± 3.89, p < .0001) were reduced in active TED eyes versus inactive eyes. Macular vascularity index was comparable in the inactive versus the healthy eyes. The RNFL thickness was increased in the active TED eyes versus the inactive eyes (45.11 ± 18.3 versus 35.55 ± 7, p = .03) and active versus healthy eyes (45.11 ± 18.3 versus 36.28 ± 7.89, p = .03). Ganglion cell layer thickness between all three groups was comparable. Conclusion Decrease in peripapillary and macular vascular density and increase in RNFL thickness are seen in active TED compared to inactive TED and healthy eyes. In disease inactivity, these parameters are comparable to healthy eyes.
An S/T motif controls reversible oligomerization of the Hsp40 chaperone DNAJB6b through subtle reorganization of a β sheet backbone

Significance Some of the most potent chaperones that protect against protein aggregation form heterogeneous oligomers that are crucial for function. Due to the polydisperse nature of these oligomers, the molecular origins that drive self-assembly remain poorly understood. Here, using a predominantly monomeric construct of the C-terminal domain of DNAJB6b we reveal an interplay between two N-terminal β strand configurations which we analyze quantitatively in structural and kinetic terms. We show that the two backbone conformations impact the assembly state of the C-terminal domain, with one being essentially monomeric and the other prone to oligomerization. The same residues in full-length DNAJB6b are vital for antiaggregation activity and thus we hypothesize that the equilibria characterized here lie at the core of DNAJB6b function. Chaperone oligomerization is often a key aspect of their function. Irrespective of whether chaperone oligomers act as reservoirs for active monomers or exhibit a chaperoning function themselves, understanding the mechanism of oligomerization will further our understanding of how chaperones maintain the proteome. Here, we focus on the class-II Hsp40, human DNAJB6b, a highly efficient inhibitor of protein self-assembly in vivo and in vitro that forms functional oligomers. Using single-quantum methyl-based relaxation dispersion NMR methods we identify critical residues for DNAJB6b oligomerization in its C-terminal domain (CTD). Detailed solution NMR studies on the structure of the CTD showed that a serine/threonine-rich stretch causes a backbone twist in the N-terminal β strand, stabilizing the monomeric form. Quantitative analysis of an array of NMR relaxation-based experiments (including Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill relaxation dispersion, off-resonance R1ρ profiles, lifetime line broadening, and exchange-induced shifts) on the CTD of both wild type and a point mutant (T142A) within the S/T region of the first β strand delineates the kinetics of the interconversion between the major twisted-monomeric conformation and a more regular β strand configuration in an excited-state dimer, as well as exchange of both monomer and dimer species with high-molecular-weight oligomers. These data provide insights into the molecular origins of DNAJB6b oligomerization. Further, the results reported here have implications for the design of β sheet proteins with tunable self-assembling properties and pave the way to an atomic-level understanding of amyloid inhibition.
Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid vs Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin vaccine in the treatment of warts: A comparative, double‐blind, controlled study

Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG‐PSN) is a relatively new generation, bacteria lipopolysaccharide fraction extracted from BCG vaccine. It has a strong immunomodulatory effect with higher efficacy and fewer side effects. To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of BCG‐PSN vs the viable BCG vaccine in treatment of multiple warts. One hundred twenty patients with warts were allocated into three groups each containing 40 patients. Each group received intralesionally 0.1 mL of BCG‐PSN, BCG vaccine, saline in group A, B, and C, respectively, for a maximum of five sessions, 3 weeks apart. Complete response occurred in 77.5% of group A vs 63.8% in group B. Partial response detected in 7.9% of control group (P < .0001). The distant warts showed 72.5% complete clearance in group A compared to 58.3% in group B (P = .19). Group A showed fewer number of sessions (P = .03) and earlier response than group B (P = .0003). A significant increase in the frequency of adverse effects was found among group B than group A (P < .0001). No recurrence was seen in both groups. BCG‐PSN immunotherapy has a higher therapeutic efficacy with almost no serious side effects compared to the BCG vaccine in warts therapy.
Subjective Effects of Alcohol Predict Alcohol Choice in Social Drinkers.

INTRODUCTION Alcohol is among the most commonly used psychoactive drugs, yet it can produce markedly different subjective effects in different people. Certain effects, including both heightened stimulatory effects and lesser sedative effects, are thought to predict repeated or excessive use. However, we do not fully understand the nature of these individual differences or their relationships to alcohol consumption. This controlled laboratory study examined subjective and physiologic responses to a moderate dose of alcohol in social drinkers in relation to the subjects' decision to consume alcohol. METHODS Healthy adult volunteers (N = 95) participated in a 5-session double-blind alcohol choice study. On the first 4 sessions, they received alcohol (0.8 g/kg) and placebo in alternating order, and on the fifth session, they chose and consumed whichever of the 2 they preferred. During each session, participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) questionnaires and had their vitals recorded every 30 minutes. We compared subjective and physiologic response to alcohol during the sampling sessions in participants who chose alcohol or placebo on session 5. RESULTS Of the 95 participants, 55 chose alcohol (choosers) and 40 chose placebo (nonchoosers). In the full sample, alcohol produced its expected effects (e.g., increased friendliness, elation, and vigor (POMS), and stimulation and sedation (BAES)). The chooser and nonchooser groups did not differ in demographic characteristics, blood alcohol levels, or cardiovascular measures. However, the choosers experienced greater alcohol-induced increases in positive mood (POMS) and liked the drug more, whereas the nonchoosers experienced greater anger, anxiety (POMS), and sedation (BAES) after alcohol. CONCLUSION Both greater positive mood effects and lesser sedative effects after alcohol predicted preference under controlled conditions, suggesting that both factors can predict future consumption of alcohol.