Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between long-term exposure to air pollution and immune-mediated diseases: a population-based cohort study

Objective Environmental air pollution has been associated with disruption of the immune system at a molecular level. The primary aim of the present study was to describe the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and risk of developing immune-mediated conditions. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study on a nationwide dataset of women and men. Diagnoses of various immune-mediated diseases (IMIDs) were retrieved. Data on the monitoring of particulate matter (PM)10 and PM2.5 concentrations were retrieved from the Italian Institute of Environmental Protection and Research. Generalised linear models were employed to determine the relationship between autoimmune diseases prevalence and PM. Results 81 363 subjects were included in the study. We found a positive association between PM10 and the risk of autoimmune diseases (ρ+0.007, p 0.014). Every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM10 concentration was associated with an incremental 7% risk of having autoimmune disease. Exposure to PM10 above 30 µg/m3 and PM2.5 above 20 µg/m3 was associated with a 12% and 13% higher risk of autoimmune disease, respectively (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.20, and aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.20). Exposure to PM10 was associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis; exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Conclusion Long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, CTDs and IBD. Chronic exposure to levels above the threshold for human protection was associated with a 10% higher risk of developing IMIDs.
Women’s Experiences of Physical Features in a Specially Designed Birthing Room: A Mixed-Methods Study in Sweden

Aim: To explore women’s experiences of physical features in a birthing room designed to be adaptable to personal wishes and needs during labor and birth. Background: Childbirth is a central life event influenced by numerous factors, including the healthcare environment; however, there is insufficient knowledge on how the physical design affects women during birth. Methods: This study was part of a randomized controlled trial in the Room4Birth research project, including women randomized to receive care in a new birthing room designed with physical features changeable according to personal wishes. Data consisted of responses to two questions analyzed with descriptive statistics (n = 202) and semi-structured interviews analyzed for content (n = 19). Results: A total of 93.6% (n = 189) assessed the physical features in the birthing room as meaningful to a very high or high extent. The overall impression of the room was positive and exceeded women’s expectations. They felt welcomed and strengthened by the room, which shifted the focus to a more positive emotional state. The room differed from traditional hospital birthing rooms, contained familiar features that maintained integrity, and had space for companions. The variety of physical features was appreciated. Of nine listed physical features, the bathtub was ranked most important, followed by the projection of nature scenery, and dimmable lighting, but the room as a whole appeared most important. Conclusions: When planning and designing hospital-based birthing rooms, it is crucial to offer possibilities to adapt the room and physical features according to personal wishes.
Reliability assessment of the definition of ultrasound enthesitis in SpA: results of a large, multicentre, international web-based study.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the reliability of the OMERACT ultrasound (US) Task Force definition of US enthesitis in spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS In this web exercise, based on the evaluation of 101 images and 39 clips of the main entheses of the lower limbs, the elementary components included in the OMERACT definition of US enthesitis in SpA [hypoechoic areas, entheseal thickening, power Doppler signal (PD) at the enthesis, enthesophytes/calcifications, bone erosions] were assessed by 47 rheumatologists from 37 rheumatology centres in 15 countries.Inter and intra-observer reliability of the US components of enthesitis was calculated using Light's kappa, Cohen's kappa, Prevalence and Bias Adjusted Kappa (PABAK) and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Bone erosions and PD showed the highest overall inter-reliability [Light's kappa: 0.77 (0.76-0.78), 0.72 (0.71-0.73), respectively; PABAK: 0.86 (0.86-0.87), 0.73 (0.73-0.74), respectively], followed by enthesophytes/calcifications [Light's kappa: 0.65 (0.64-0.65), PABAK: 0.67 (0.67-0.68)]. This was moderate for entheseal thickening [Light's kappa: 0.41 (0.41-0.42), PABAK: 0.41 (0.40-0.42)], and fair for hypoechoic areas [Light's kappa: 0.37 (0.36-0.38); PABAK: 0.37 (0.37-0.38)]. A similar trend was observed in the intra-reliability exercise, although this was characterized by an overall higher degree of reliability for all US elementary components compared with the inter-observer evaluation. CONCLUSIONS The results of this multicentre, international, web-based study show a good reliability of the OMERACT US definition of bone erosions, PD, and enthesophytes/calcifications. The low reliability of entheseal thickening and hypoechoic areas raises questions about the opportunity to revise the definition of these two major components for the US diagnosis of enthesitis.
Food handling practice and associated factors among food handlers in public food establishments of Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives Food handlers are individuals who are involved in food preparation, storage or service of food in a food facility. Unless they keep their personal hygiene, they are highly responsible for contaminating food or transmitting microbes to consumers. Thus, the main aim of this review was to pool the level of good food handling practice among food handlers working in public food establishments in Ethiopia. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool. Data sources PubMed, Google Scholar and Advanced Google were searched up to the end of February 2021. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Publication status, publication language, type of study participants and the type of article were used to screen the article. Data extraction and study quality assessment All reviewers collected data independently and merged them together. A tool called the JBI Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to assess the quality of each research article. The assessment was performed by two reviewers. Result A total of 16 research articles were included in the review. The pooled level of good food handling practice was 50.72% with 95% CI (43.84% to 57.6%). Training (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.4, 95% CI (2.33 to 4.95)), attitude (AOR=3.62, 95% CI (2.23 to 5.85)) and medical check-up (AOR=5.12, 95% CI (2.93 to 8.95)) were identified as factors affecting good food handling practice with 95% CI at p<0.05. Conclusion The level of good food handling practice among food handlers working in public food establishments of Ethiopia was very low compared with literature, and variables such as food handler training, attitude towards good food handling practice and the existence of regular medical check-ups were factors affecting good food handling practice. Provision of training that could change the attitude and regular medical check-ups for food handlers has to be in place.
“Letter to the Editor: Emergency surgical treatment of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection”

mixed TAPVC. The should have explored promising effects of such technology making it a potential therapeutic application for TAPVC. the failed to assess central venous pressure (CVP) which is a crucial risk factor for postoperative death inTAPVC patients undergoing surgical treatment. In a previous study, the patients were divided into three equal cohorts according to postoperative CVP and it was found that when postoperative CVP was greater than 8 mmHg, early and overall mortality increased significantly. 4 This is consistent with findings observed in previous studies. 4 Finally, polycentric approaches should be adopted to enhance early diagnosis and appropriate treatment as well as ingenious therapies explored to yield alternate treatment options.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) after receiving BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS), also known as Clarkson’s disease, is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology. Since SCLS was first described in 1960, fewer than 500 cases have been reported. SCLS is diagnosed by the classic triad of hypotension, haemoconcentration and hypoalbuminaemia resulting from fluid extravasation. Some reports show that SCLS may sometimes occur as a side effect of adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines, although there is only one report (two cases) of SCLS after receiving a messenger RNA vaccine. Survival rates for SCLS are very poor without treatment, so it is crucial for clinicians to recognise this disorder. A middle-aged woman who presented with generalised malaise and anasarca after receiving the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine was diagnosed with SCLS. Treatment with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin was commenced and her symptoms resolved. We expect that this case report will add to the existing literature on this rare disorder and the side effects of vaccinations.
A step towards better audit: The Robson Ten Group classification system for outcomes other than cesarean section

The Robson Ten Group Classification System is widely used for the audit of cesarean section (CS) rates. However, CS rate alone is a poor quality indicator and should be balanced with other obstetric endpoints. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Swedish national data on obstetric outcomes other than CS, stratified by the Robson classification, could be analyzed in a useful way.
Predictive value of impulse oscillometry and multiple breath washout parameters in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbation

Pulmonary exacerbations (PE) tend to complicate the course of cystic fibrosis (CF) and worsen the disease prognosis. One of the diagnostic criteria for an exacerbation is the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) decline. Not all children, however, are able to perform spirometry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate alternative lung function tests in the diagnosis of PE.
Validation of a reduced instrument Diabetes-21 for assessing health-related quality of life among people with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the validity, reliability and interpretability of a short form instrument for assessing health-related quality of life among people with diabetes mellitus. METHODS This was a validation study, comprised of the adaptation phases of the Diabetes-39 instrument (consisting of 5 domains and 39 items), pre-test, structural validity analyses (exploratory and confirmatory), reliability, concurrent validity and interpretability. RESULTS The factorial structure of the short final version differed from the original instrument. The items were reduced from 39 to 21 and domains from 5 to 4. The factor loading, in exploratory and confirmatory analyses, ranged between 0.41 and 0.90 and between 0.51 and 0.89, respectively. Reliability was adequate (Cronbach's alpha=0.91; Kappa≥0.60 in all items; intraclass correlation coefficient =0.91). CONCLUSION Diabetes-21, a short form instrument, was considered valid, reliable and interpretable for assessing health-related quality of life among people with diabetes mellitus.
Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE): integration of rat and mouse carcinogenicity data with mode of action and human and rodent bioassay dosimetry and toxicokinetics indicates MTBE is not a plausible human carcinogen

ABSTRACT Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a fuel oxygenate used in non-United States geographies. Multiple health reviews conclude that MTBE is not a human-relevant carcinogen, and this review provides updated mode of action (MOA), exposure, dosimetry and risk perspectives supporting those conclusions. MTBE is non-genotoxic and has large margins of exposure between blood concentrations at the overall rat 400 ppm inhalation NOAEL and blood concentrations in typical workplace or general population exposures. Non-cancer and threshold cancer hazard quotients range from a high of 0.046 for fuel-pump gasoline station attendants and are 100–1,000-fold lower for general population exposures. Cancer risks conservatively assuming genotoxicity for these same scenarios are all less than 1 × 10−6. The onset of MTBE nonlinear toxicokinetics (TK) in rats at inhalation exposures less than 3,000 ppm, a dose that is also not practically achievable in fuel-use scenarios, indicates that high-dose specific male rat kidney and testes (3,000 and 8,000 ppm) and female mouse liver tumors (8000 ppm) are not quantitatively relevant to humans. Mode of action analyses also indicate MTBE male rat kidney tumors, and lesser so female mouse liver tumors, are not qualitatively relevant to humans. Thus, an integrated analysis of the toxicology, exposure/dosimetry, TK, and MOA data indicates that MTBE presents minimal human cancer and non-cancer risks.
The benefit of dexamethasone in patients with COVID‐19 infection is preserved in patients with diabetes

Funding information The study was not externally funded. C.I. -E. is funded by an Imperial-Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) IPPRF Fellowship (P79696). V.S. is the recipient of a Diabetes UK Harry Keen Clinician Scientist Fellowship (15/0005317). The Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction is funded by grants from the Medical Research Council and the National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR), and is supported by the NIHR Imperial BRC Funding Scheme and the NIHR/Imperial Clinical Research Facility. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the abovementioned funders, the UK National Health Service (NHS), the NIHR, or the UK Department of Health.
Retron reverse transcriptase termination and phage defense are dependent on host RNase H1

Abstract Retrons are bacterial retroelements that produce single-stranded, reverse-transcribed DNA (RT-DNA) that is a critical part of a newly discovered phage defense system. Short retron RT-DNAs are produced from larger, structured RNAs via a unique 2′-5′ initiation and a mechanism for precise termination that is not yet understood. Interestingly, retron reverse transcriptases (RTs) typically lack an RNase H domain and, therefore, depend on endogenous RNase H1 to remove RNA templates from RT-DNA. We find evidence for an expanded role of RNase H1 in the mechanism of RT-DNA termination, beyond the mere removal of RNA from RT-DNA:RNA hybrids. We show that endogenous RNase H1 determines the termination point of the retron RT-DNA, with differing effects across retron subtypes, and that these effects can be recapitulated using a reduced, in vitro system. We exclude mechanisms of termination that rely on steric effects of RNase H1 or RNA secondary structure and, instead, propose a model in which the tertiary structure of the single-stranded RT-DNA and remaining RNA template results in termination. Finally, we show that this mechanism affects cellular function, as retron-based phage defense is weaker in the absence of RNase H1.
Advancing respiratory–cardiovascular physiology with the working heart–brainstem preparation over 25 years

Twenty‐five years ago, a new physiological preparation called the working heart–brainstem preparation (WHBP) was introduced with the claim it would provide a new platform allowing studies not possible before in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, autonomic and respiratory research. Herein, we review some of the progress made with the WHBP, some advantages and disadvantages along with potential future applications, and provide photographs and technical drawings of all the customised equipment used for the preparation. Using mice or rats, the WHBP is an in situ experimental model that is perfused via an extracorporeal circuit benefitting from unprecedented surgical access, mechanical stability of the brain for whole cell recording and an uncompromised use of pharmacological agents akin to in vitro approaches. The preparation has revealed novel mechanistic insights into, for example, the generation of distinct respiratory rhythms, the neurogenesis of sympathetic activity, coupling between respiration and the heart and circulation, hypothalamic and spinal control mechanisms, and peripheral and central chemoreceptor mechanisms. Insights have been gleaned into diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and sleep apnoea. Findings from the in situ preparation have been ratified in conscious in vivo animals and when tested have translated to humans. We conclude by discussing potential future applications of the WHBP including two‐photon imaging of peripheral and central nervous systems and adoption of pharmacogenetic tools that will improve our understanding of physiological mechanisms and reveal novel mechanisms that may guide new treatment strategies for cardiorespiratory diseases.
The Thermal Characteristics Of Gypsum Boards With Phase Change Materials (PCM)

Two types of PCM were investigated for use in phase change gypsum boards: salt hydrate and paraffin. The transition temperatures, or melting temperatures, of the PCM is near to standard or suggested room temperatures 20-21 °C for heating-dominated climates or 25-27 °C for cooling-dominated climates. Phase change gypsum boards were produced by using three different methods: simple immersion for 1 hour and direct incorporation of raw and microencapsulated PCMs in 5 and 10% of composition mass. PCM were tested and the effects of energy conservation of PCM gypsum boards were determined. Also some physical and mechanical properties were determined to investigate the effect of PCM addition to gypsum boards.
Marginal and internal fit of lithium disilicate endocrowns fabricated using conventional, digital, and combination techniques.

OBJECTIVE To compare the marginal and internal adaptation of endocrowns produced using conventional technique, digital technique, and combination (cast digitization) techniques using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten freshly extracted human mandibular molar teeth were prepared for all-ceramic endocrowns. A total of 40 Lithium Disilicate (IPS e.max) endocrowns were fabricated and grouped according to the impression and production technique to four groups: Group (CO): Conventional impression/heat pressed endocrowns (n = 10), Group (CAD): Direct scanning of teeth/CAD-CAM endocrowns (n = 10), Group (COMIO): Combination; Cast digitization using Intraoral scanner/CAD-CAM endocrowns (n = 10), Group (COML): Combination; Cast digitization using laboratory scanner/CAD-CAM endocrowns (n = 10). Micro-computed tomography was used to measure the marginal and internal gaps in 11 predetermined sites. Mean marginal and internal gaps were compared using analysis of variance and Scheffe's post hoc test. RESULTS CO, CAD, COMIO, and COML groups showed significant differences in the mean marginal gap (150 ± 35 μm, 120 ± 27 μm, 110 ± 24 μm, 120 ± 29 μm, respectively p = 0.013), gap at line angle (280 ± 70 μm, 130 ± 37 μm, 140 ± 54 μm, 130 ± 33 μm, respectively, p < 0.001), gap at cavity wall (210 ± 76 μm, 140 ± 43 μm, 140 ± 52 μm, 150 ± 44 μm, respectively, p = 0.010) and gap at pulpal floor (500 ± 150 μm, 240 ± 58 μm, 260 ± 59 μm, 240 ± 64 μm, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Digitally fabricated endocrowns showed superior marginal and internal fit compared to the conventionally fabricated endocrowns. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Marginal and internal adaptation are detrimental factors for the success and survival of dental restorations including endocrowns. When compared with the conventional impressions and conventional production techniques, Digital workflow is more predictable and reliable as it reduces errors and improves the accuracy of fit.
Screen-based Media and Energy Intake in New Zealand Youth: Experimental Effects of Screens on Energy Intake and an Assessment of the Role of the Family and Home-Screen Environment on Behaviours

i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . ii FUNDING AND SUPPORT . iii CONTRIBUTION FROM STUDY INVESTIGATORS . iv PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS . v Publications . v Conference Presentations . vi LIST OF FIGURES . xii LIST OF TABLES . xiii ABBREVIATIONS . xiv CONTEXT . 1 CHAPTER 1. 1.1. CHILDHOOD OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY . 1 PREVALENCE . 1 1.1.1 TRENDS IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY . 1 1.1.2 1.2. HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY . 4 PREMATURE DEATH AND BURDEN OF DISEASE. 4 1.2. 1 COMORBIDITIES . 5 1.2. 2 1.3. CAUSES OF OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY . 7 1.4. SCREEN USE AND OTHER SEDENTARY BEHAVIOURS . 8 DEFINITION OF SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR . 8 1.4. 1 SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR VS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY . 10 1.4. 2 FOUR TENETS OF SEDENTARY PHYSIOLOGY . 11 1.4. 3 SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR AND OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY . 11 1.4. 4 UNDERLYING MECHANISMS LINKING SCREENS WITH OVERWEIGHT . 12 1.4. 5 SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN . 16 1.4. 6
Low prevalence of HIV infection among persons with disabilities in Niger: findings from a household-based cross-sectional study in 2018

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to report for the first time the prevalence of HIV infection among people with disabilities (PWDs) in Niger. The Washington Group Short questionnaire was used to identify people with disabilities during a household survey. Blood samples for HIV testing were collected using the Dried Blood Sampling (DBS) method. HIV testing was performed according to the Niger national HIV testing guideline. A total of 21,979 persons aged 15–69 years were screened, of them 2237 (10.17%) had disabilities and 949 participants (4.32%) had severe disabilities (level 3 or 4). Finally, 821 participants agreed to participate in the HIV testing. Female persons with disabilities accounted for the majority (52.25%). People with physical impairment were mostly represented (39.27%) followed by those with visual impairment (38.66%). At least one-third had multiple impairs (36.91%). HIV prevalence among person with disabilities was 0.66% (95% CI: 0.33-1.30). There is no difference between HIV prevalence and type of disabilities or socio-demographic characteristics. Hence, there is a need to consider them in the development and implementation of an effective HIV strategy.