Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel pathogenic characteristics of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N9: viraemia and extrapulmonary infection

ABSTRACT The H7N9 virus mutated in 2017, resulting in new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N9 virus infection. H7N9 was found in a viraemic patient in Guangdong province, China. The present study aimed to clarify the pathogenic characteristics of HPAI H7N9. Virus was isolated from the plasma and sputum of the patient with HPAI H7N9. Liquid phase chip technology was used to detect the plasma cytokines from the infected patient and healthy controls. Mice were infected with strains A/Guangdong/GZ8H002/2017(H7N9) and A/Zhejiang/DTID-ZJU01/2013(H7N9) to observe the virus’s pathogenic characteristics. Serum and brain tissue were collected at 2, 4, and 6 days after infection. The viruses in serum and brain tissue were detected and isolated. The two strains were infected into A549 cells, exosomes were extracted, and virus genes in the exosomes were assessed. Live virus was isolated from the patient’s plasma. An acute cytokine storm was detected during the whole course of the disease. In animal experiments, A/Guangdong/GZ8H002/2017(H7N9) was more pathogenic than A/Zhejiang /DTID-ZJU01/2013(H7N9) and resulted in the death of mice. Live virus was isolated from infected mouse serum. Virus infection was also detected in the brain of mice. Under viral stress, A549 cells secreted exosomes containing the entire viral genome. The viraemic patient was confirmed to have an HPAI H7N9 infection. A/Guangdong/GZ8H002/2017(H7N9) showed significantly enhanced toxicity. Patient deaths might result from cytokine storms and brain infections. Extrapulmonary tissue infection might occur via the exosome pathway. The determined pathogenic characteristics of HPAI H7N9 will contribute to its future treatment.
Phytochemical, antioxidant, enzyme activity and antifungal properties of Satureja khuzistanica in vitro and in vivo explants stimulated by some chemical elicitors

Abstract Context Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad. (Lamiaceae), is known for its antifungal and antioxidant compounds, especially rosmarinic acid (RA). Objective The study examines the effect of elicitors on RA production and phytochemical properties of S. khuzistanica. Materials and methods In vitro plants were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In vivo plants were treated with MWCNTs and salicylic acid (SA). RA was measured by HPLC. Catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were quantified. DPPH and β-carotene were assayed in in vivo extracts. The antifungal effects of extracts were evaluated against Fusarium solani K (FsK). Results The highest RA contents of in vitro plants were 50 mg/L MeJA (140.99 mg/g DW) and 250 mg/L MWCNTs (140.49 mg/g DW). The highest in vivo were 24 h MWCNTs (7.13 mg/g DW) and 72 h SA (9.12 mg/g DW). The maximum POD and APX activities were at 100 mg/L MeJA (5 and 4 mg protein, respectively). CAT had the highest activities at 50 mg/L MeJA (2 mg protein). DPPH and β-carotene showed 50% and 80% inhibition, respectively. The FsK aggregation was the lowest for in vitro extract in number of conidia [1.82 × 1010], fresh weight (6.51 g) and dry weight (0.21 g) that proved RA inhibitory effects. The callus reduces FsK growth diameter to 2.75 on the 5th day. Discussion and conclusions Application of MeJA, SA, and MWCNTSs could increase RA in S. khuzistanica and highlighted potential characteristics in pharmaceutical and antifungal effects.
Developing Stress Management Programs in a Public Primary Healthcare Institution: Should We Consider Health Workers’ Sociodemographic Groups?

Background and Objectives: An essential part of occupational stress management is identifying target groups and developing a wellbeing program that tailors interventions to the specific needs of the target groups. This study aims to explore whether psychosocial risk determinants and organizational intervention objects differ across employees’ groups based on sociodemographic factors in a Lithuanian public primary healthcare institution. Methods: All 690 health workers of the institution were invited to participate (response rate 68%) in a cross-sectional survey between February and March 2017. The questionnaire contained items related to sociodemographic factors (gender, age, job seniority, education, and occupation), 14 psychosocial risk determinants, and 10 organisational intervention objects. Results: The results of the study showed that differences by gender were not statistically significant except for one organisational intervention object (work–life balance). Only a few organisational intervention objects (justice of reward, matching to the job demand, and variety of tasks) had mean rank scores differing statistically across age and job seniority groups. Five organisational intervention objects (work–life balance, variety of tasks, communication, manager feedback, and stress management training) had mean rank scores differing statistically across education groups, and all organisational intervention objects (except stress management training) had mean rank scores differing statistically across occupational groups. Regarding psychosocial risk determinants, excessive work pace had mean rank scores differing statistically across age and job seniority groups. Four (overtime, unclear role, conflicting roles, and being under-skilled) and six psychosocial risk determinants (work overload, overtime, tight deadlines, unclear role, being under-skilled, and responsibility) had mean scores differing statistically across education and occupational groups, respectively. Statistical significance was considered with p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Conclusions: The findings showed that different psychosocial risk determinants and organizational interventional objects were emphasized by different sociodemographic groups in the institution, but they did not impact groups in the same measure. Therefore, it is crucial to start by determining the risk group’s specific needs before developing and implementing stress management programs.
A common polymorphism in the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 is associated with protection from severe malaria in humans

Significance The clinical presentation of Plasmodium falciparum malaria as severe versus uncomplicated is influenced by host genetic factors. Recently, a gain-of-function mutation in the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 was shown to protect mice against cerebral malaria, but its role in human malaria is unknown. Here we investigated a common PIEZO1 variant that encodes a mild gain-of-function mutant in human erythrocytes, and show that it is associated with malaria protection in Gabonese children. We found an epistatic relationship between PIEZO1 E756del and the sickle cell trait. While parasite growth and cell hydration were normal, surface expression of PfEMP-1 was reduced in the mutant cells. Understanding the link between common PIEZO1 variants and malaria susceptibility may yield new therapies for malaria. Malaria caused by the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum has served as a strong evolutionary force throughout human history, selecting for red blood cell polymorphisms that confer innate protection against severe disease. Recently, gain-of-function mutations in the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 were shown to ameliorate Plasmodium parasite growth, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and mortality in a mouse model of malaria. In humans, the gain-of-function allele PIEZO1 E756del is highly prevalent and enriched in Africans, raising the possibility that it is under positive selection due to malaria. Here we used a case-control study design to test for an association between PIEZO1 E756del and malaria severity among children in Gabon. We found that the E756del variant is strongly associated with protection against severe malaria in heterozygotes. In subjects with sickle cell trait, heterozygosity for PIEZO1 E756del did not confer additive protection and homozygosity was associated with an elevated risk of severe disease, suggesting an epistatic relationship between hemoglobin S and PIEZO1 E756del. Using donor blood samples, we show that red cells heterozygous for PIEZO1 E756del are not dehydrated and can support the intracellular growth of P. falciparum similar to wild-type cells. However, surface expression of the P. falciparum virulence protein PfEMP-1 was significantly reduced in infected cells heterozygous for PIEZO1 756del, a phenomenon that has been observed with other protective polymorphisms, such as hemoglobin C. Our findings demonstrate that PIEZO1 is an important innate determinant of malaria susceptibility in humans and suggest that the mechanism of protection may be related to impaired export of P. falciparum virulence proteins.
The effectiveness of community-based social innovations for healthy ageing in middle- and high-income countries: a systematic review

Objectives Community-based social innovations (CBSIs) are one type of intervention that may help to address the complex needs of ageing populations globally. The aim of this research was to assess evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CBSIs involving in such contexts. Methods We conducted a systematic review of CBSIs for healthy ageing in middle- and high-income countries, including any CBSI that aimed to empower people aged 50 and over by motivating them to take initiative for their own health and wellbeing. The protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD 42016051622). A comprehensive search was conducted in 15 academic databases and advanced search in Google. We included published studies from 2000 onwards in any language. Exploratory meta-analysis was conducted for quantitative studies reporting similar outcomes, and qualitative studies were analysed using thematic analysis. Narrative synthesis was conducted. Searches yielded 13,262 unique hits, from which 44 papers met the inclusion criteria. Results Most studies reported interventions having positive impacts on participants, such as reduced depression, though the majority of studies were classified as being at medium or high risk of bias. There was no evidence on costs or cost-effectiveness and very little reporting of outcomes at an organization or system level. CBSIs have the potential for positive impacts, but with nearly half of studies coming from high-income urban settings (particularly the United Kingdom and the United States of America), there is a lack of generalizability of these findings. Conclusions Our research highlights the need to improve reporting of CBSIs as complex interventions, and for improved conceptualization of these interventions to inform research and practice.
Second generation BTK inhibitors impair the anti‐fungal response of macrophages and neutrophils

multivariable model due to limitations of sample size underscoring the dire need for collaborative endeavors. A noteworthy recent observation suggests a putative pathogenic role for recurrent activating STAT5B N642H mutations in myeloid neoplasms with eosinophilia. Future investigations focused on delineating the genetic landscape of CEL, NOS are essential for refining diagnosis and prognosis of this unique entity.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil: A promising miticidal and ovicidal agent against Sarcoptes scabiei

Background Essential oils may represent an alternative strategy for controlling scabies, a neglected tropical disease caused by the infestation of mite from the species Sarcoptes scabiei. Lemongrass (Cymbopogen citratus) oil is reported to possess pharmacological properties including antiparasitc, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential efficacy of lemongrass oil against the mites and eggs of Sarcoptes scabiei. Methodology/Principal findings Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the main component presented in lemongrass oil was citral. Lemongrass oil at concentrations of 10% and 5% killed all Sarcoptes mites within 10 and 25 min, respectively. The median lethal concentration value was 1.37%, 1.08%, 0.91%, 0.64%, and 0.48% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. Lemongrass oil at all concentrations (10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%) was able to significantly decrease the hatching rate of Sarcoptes eggs. Conclusions/Significance Lemongrass oil should be considered as a promising miticidal and ovicidal agent for scabies control.
Quantification of Mandibular Morphology in Pierre Robin Sequence to Optimize Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Background: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is the primary surgical intervention to treat airway obstruction in Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). Current morphologic studies of PRS mandibles do not translate into providing airway management decisions. We compare mandibles of infants with nonsyndromic PRS to controls characterizing morphological variances relevant to distraction. We also examine how morphologic measurements and airway grades correlate with airway management. Methods: Patients with PRS under 2 months old were age and sex matched to controls. Demographic and perioperative data, and Cormack-Lehane airway grades were recorded. Computed tomography scans were used to generate mandibular models. Bilateral condylions, gonions, and the menton were identified. Linear and angular measurements were made. Wilcoxon rank sum and 2-sample t tests were performed. Results: Twenty-four patients with PRS and 24 controls were included. Seventeen patients with PRS required MDO. PRS patients had shorter ramus heights (16.7 vs 17.3 mm; P = .346) and mandibular body lengths (35.3 vs 39.3 mm; P < .001), more acute gonial angles (125.3° vs 131.3°; P < .001), and more obtuse intergonial angles (94.2° vs 80.4°; P < .001) compared to controls. No significant differences were found among patients requiring MDO versus conservative management nor among distracted patients with high versus low airway grades. Conclusion: Our study examines the largest and youngest PRS population to date regarding management of early airway obstruction with MDO. Our findings indicate that univector mandibular body distraction allows for normalization in nonsyndromic patients with PRS, and airway obstruction management decisions should remain clinical.
COVID‐19 Obstetrics Task Force, Lombardy, Italy: Executive management summary and short report of outcome

From February 24, 2020, a COVID‐19 obstetric task force was structured to deliver management recommendations for obstetric care. From March 1, 2020, six COVID‐19 hubs and their spokes were designated. An interim analysis of cases occurring in or transferred to these hubs was performed on March 20, 2020 and recommendations were released on March 24, 2020. The vision of this strict organization was to centralize patients in high‐risk maternity centers in order to concentrate human resources and personal protective equipment (PPE), dedicate protected areas of these major hospitals, and centralize clinical multidisciplinary experience with this disease. All maternity hospitals were informed to provide a protected labor and delivery room for nontransferable patients in advanced labor. A pre‐triage based on temperature and 14 other items was developed in order to screen suspected patients in all hospitals to be tested with nasopharyngeal swabs. Obstetric outpatient facilities were instructed to maintain scheduled pregnancy screening as per Italian guidelines, and to provide pre‐triage screening and surgical masks for personnel and patients for pre‐triage‐negative patients. Forty‐two cases were recorded in the first 20 days of hub and spoke organization. The clinical presentation was interstitial pneumonia in 20 women. Of these, seven required respiratory support and eventually recovered. Two premature labors occurred.
Effectiveness, Safety, and Predictive Potential in Ultrasound‐Guided Stellate Ganglion Blockades for the Treatment of Sympathetically Maintained Pain

Evaluating the effectiveness of stellate ganglion blockades (SGBs) proves challenging, since the criteria defining a successful blockade are controversial. This may be one reason for the scarcity of studies on this topic, thus forcing clinical guidelines to remain conservative in recommending SGBs. Moreover, factors to predict which patients will benefit from blockade series are not yet available.
Impact of the Severities of Glaucoma on the Incidence of Subsequent Dementia: A Population-Based Cohort Study

The aim of the present study was to survey the relationship between the severity of glaucoma and subsequent dementia using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Subjects with glaucoma were selected into the study group after an exclusion process, and each subject in the study group was propensity score-matched to another non-glaucoma patient that constituted the control group. The Cox proportional hazard regression that considered multiple potential risk factors of dementia was used to yield the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of dementia in different severities of glaucoma. There were 1185 (5.63 percent) subjects in the study group and 1119 (5.32 percent) patients in the control group that developed dementia. After adjusting for multiple confounders, there were no differences in the rate of any dementia (aHR: 0.961, 95% CI: 0.886–1.043, p = 0.3443), vascular dementia (aHR: 0.928, 95% CI: 0.846–1.018, p = 0.1154), Alzheimer’s disease (aHR: 1.018, 95% CI: 0.761–1.362, p = 0.9025) or Parkinson’s disease (aHR: 1.021, 95% CI: 0.886–1.176, p = 0.7744) between the study and the control groups. Regarding the disease severity of glaucoma, no difference was found in any type of dementia whether the glaucoma patients received less than two medical treatments, received more than two medical treatments, received drainage surgeries or received destructive surgeries. In conclusion, the different severities of glaucoma do not alter the incidence of subsequent dementia.
Clinical Course and Outcomes of 344 Intensive Care Patients with COVID-19

With the dramatic increase of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the increasing death toll in China, timely and effective management of severely and critically ill patients appears to be particularly important. Previous studies on COVID-19 mainly described the general features of patients (1). However, little attention has been paid to clinical characteristics and outcomes of intensive care patients, data on whom are scarce but are of paramount importance to reduce mortality. Some of the results of these studies have been previously reported in the form of an abstract (2).
Pig Pregnancies after Transfer of Allogeneic Embryos Show a Dysregulated Endometrial/Placental Cytokine Balance: A Novel Clue for Embryo Death?

Pig embryo transfer (ET) is burdened by high embryo mortality, with cytokines playing a significant role in recruitment of immune cells during embryo attachment and placentation. We hereby tested if their levels in endometrium and placenta from sows carrying hemi-allogeneic (artificially inseminated sows; C+ positive control) or allogeneic embryos (sows subjected to ET; ET) during peri-implantation (D18) or post-implantation (D24) are suitable mirrors of embryo rejection or tolerance after ET. Non-pregnant sows (C−) were used as negative controls. A set of cytokines was assayed in the tissues through multiplexed microsphere-based flow cytometry (Luminex xMAP, Millipore. USA). Fewer (58.7%. p < 0.003) conceptuses were recovered at D24 after ET compared to C+ (80.9%); with more than 20% of the ET conceptuses being developmentally delayed. Cytokine levels shifted during implantation. Anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in ET sows compared to C+ at D24 of pregnancy. The C+ controls (carrying hemi-allogeneic embryos) consistently showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 cytokines at D18 and IL-1α at D24, compared to the ET group. This clear dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in sows subjected to ET could be associated with an impaired maternal immune tolerance, explaining the high embryonic mortality of ET programs.
COVID‐19 and Older Adults: What We Know

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), a novel virus that causes COVID‐19 infection, has recently emerged and caused a deadly pandemic. Studies have shown that this virus causes worse outcomes and a higher mortality rate in older adults and those with comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). A significant percentage of older American adults have these diseases, putting them at a higher risk of infection. Additionally, many adults with hypertension, diabetes, and CKD are placed on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Studies have shown that these medications upregulate the ACE‐2 receptor, the very receptor that the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus uses to enter host cells. Although it has been hypothesized that this may cause a further increased risk of infection, more studies on the role of these medications in COVID‐19 infections are necessary. In this review, we discuss the transmission, symptomatology, and mortality of COVID‐19 as they relate to older adults, and possible treatments that are currently under investigation. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:926–929, 2020
Lipids Nutrients in Parkinson and Alzheimer’s Diseases: Cell Death and Cytoprotection

Neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, have common features: protein accumulation, cell death with mitochondrial involvement and oxidative stress. Patients are treated to cure the symptoms, but the treatments do not target the causes; so, the disease is not stopped. It is interesting to look at the side of nutrition which could help prevent the first signs of the disease or slow its progression in addition to existing therapeutic strategies. Lipids, whether in the form of vegetable or animal oils or in the form of fatty acids, could be incorporated into diets with the aim of preventing neurodegenerative diseases. These different lipids can inhibit the cytotoxicity induced during the pathology, whether at the level of mitochondria, oxidative stress or apoptosis and inflammation. The conclusions of the various studies cited are oriented towards the preventive use of oils or fatty acids. The future of these lipids that can be used in therapy/prevention will undoubtedly involve a better delivery to the body and to the brain by utilizing lipid encapsulation.