Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asociación entre enfermedad periodontal y disfunción endotelial

BACKGROUND: Nowadays there are some unconventional risk factors like periodontal disease, which can lead to a systemic inflammatory response that can even affect the endothelial response. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endothelial dysfunction by means of flow-mediated vasodilatation (VMF) in the brachial artery in patients with chronic periodontitis (moderate and severe) compared to patients with healthy periodontium. METHODS: 114 patients were included, with a mean age of 53 years. 58 had chronic periodontitis and 56 without periodontal disease. All the patients had a complete dental records, laboratory tests and a flow-mediated vasodilatation (VMF) in the brachial artery. All the data were analysed with statistic tests Chi2 y ANOVA RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the VMF 0.12% (periodontal disease group 18,29% and healthy group 18,41%) and the laboratory tests (glycemia and lypidic profile). There was less dilation in the periodontal (p=1,000). CONCLUSION: In order to say that a real endothelial dysfunction occurred, values had to be ? 4% and only one patient showed this result. There wasn t an apparent relationship between periodontal disease and the endothelial dysfunction, nevertheless there was less vasodilatation in patients with periodontitis compared with the results obtained for the patients with healthy periodontium. More studies must be conducted.
PATIENT'S SATISFACTION AND PERCEPTION OF CARE DURING OBSTETRICS ULTRASOUND SCAN

Background : In the past decade, obstetrics ultrasound has gained grounds as a major part of ante-natal care in the African population, with physicians regularly referring pregnant clients for routine ultrasound scans. Objective : The objective of this study was to assess pregnant women's perception of care and satisfaction during and after obstetrics ultrasound scan in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Radiology department of a major hospital in Nigeria from June 2016 to August 2016. Pregnant women who came to Radiology department of the hospital for obstetrics scan were enrolled in the survey. Questionnaires were distributed to the patients to fill after ultrasound scanning. The questionnaire has four parts. Part A captures patients’ demographics; while Parts B, C, and D focuses on patients perception of care and satisfaction comprising of a total of fourteen well-structured questions. A total of 70 out of 80 questionnaires were completely filled and returned. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. Kendall’s test correlations was used to compare the relationship between patients demographics and their level of satisfaction at p <0.05 statistical significance. Result: The age group of respondents were between 15 to 44years. The result showed that majority of the patients (97.2%, n=68) were satisfied with the services of the department. Kendall's tau-b correlation showed that there was no significant relationship between the patients' socio-demographics and their levels of satisfaction. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents were satisfied by the quality of care provided. Keywords: Patients, satisfaction, obstetric, ultrasound
American and Korean Perceptions of Sex Differences in Deception

Beliefs about which sex lies more or is better at lying can have subtle but widespread effects on human interactions, yet little is known about such beliefs. In Study 1, an American sample of participants (N = 407, ages 18–64) completed a 12-item survey on perceptions of sex differences in deception. In Study 2, a Korean sample (N = 197, ages 19–58) completed the same survey. Men from both cultures and Korean women perceived no difference regarding which sex tells more white (i.e., relatively harmless or low-stakes) lies. American women perceived that women tell more white lies. Women from both cultures and American men perceived that men tell a greater number of serious (i.e., nonwhite or high-stakes) lies. Korean men perceived no difference regarding which sex tells a greater number of serious lies. Both sexes from both countries reported a perception that (1) men are more likely to lie about height, income, and sexual infidelity, (2) women are more likely to lie about weight and age, and (3) women are better at lying. The findings were mixed regarding perceptions about emotional infidelity. Results are interpreted in light of sex-different challenges to mating and parenting.
An Integrative Review of the Role of Palliative Care in Lung Transplantation

Background: Lung transplant patients experience significant physical symptoms and psychological stress that affect their quality of life. Palliative care is an interdisciplinary specialty associated with improved symptom management and enhanced quality of life. Little, however, is known about the palliative care needs of lung transplant patients and the role it plays in their care. Aim: The aim of this integrative review was to synthesize the literature describing the palliative care needs, the current role, and factors influencing the integration of palliative care in the care of lung transplant patients. Design/Data Sources: We searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase to identify English-language, primary studies focused on palliative care in adult lung transplantation. Study quality was evaluated using Strengthening the Report of Observational studies in Epidemiology and Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research criteria. Results: Seven articles were included in the review. Most were single-center, descriptive studies. Two studies used qualitative and 5 used quantitative methodologies. Collectively, these studies suggest that palliative care is typically consulted for physical and psychological symptom management, although consultation is uncommon and often occurs late in the lung transplant process. We found no studies that systematically assessed palliative needs. Misperceptions about palliative care, communication challenges, and unrealistic patient/family expectations are identified barriers to the integration. While limited, evidence suggests that palliative care can be successfully integrated into lung transplant patient management. Conclusions: Empirical literature about palliative care in lung transplantation is sparse. Further research is needed to define the needs and opportunities for integration into the care of these patients.
High-efficiency separation of Extracellular Vesicles from Lipoproteins in Plasma by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis.

Isolation and purification of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from plasma is essential to understand the EV circulation mecha-nism and discover biomarkers for the early detection of diseases. However, the size range of lipoprotein particles such as high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) overlap with that of EVs, making it difficult to remove lipoproteins from EVs. Here, we propose a method for the high efficiency separation of EVs in plasma using agarose gel electrophoresis based on their differences in size and zeta potential properties. Electrophore-sis track assays revealed that EVs propagate slower than HDL but faster than LDL and VLDL in 1% agarose gel with pH 7.4 Tris-Acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer. The size and morphology of the electrophoresis-recovered products were characterized to be consistent with typical EVs. In addition, the biological function of recovered EVs was investigated with cell uptake tests. The feasibility of this method was further verified with human plasma samples. In summary, this technique has the poten-tial to become a convenient and efficient approach for high-purity EV separation.
Mapping initial and general recombination in scanning proton pencil beams

The ion recombination is examined in parallel-plate ionization chambers in scanning proton beams at the Danish Centre for Particle Therapy and the Skandion Clinic. The recombination correction factor ks is investigated for clinically relevant energies between 70 MeV and 244 MeV for dose rates below 400 Gy min−1 in air. The Boutillon formalism is used to separate the initial and general recombination. The general recombination is compared to predictions from the numerical recombination code IonTracks and the initial recombination to the Jaffé theory. ks is furthermore calculated with the two-voltage method (TVM) and extrapolation approaches, in particular the recently proposed three-voltage (3VL) method. The TVM is in agreement with the Boutillon method and IonTracks for dose rates above 100 Gy min−1. However, the TVM calculated ks is closer related to the Jaffé theory for initial recombination for lower dose rate, indicating a limited application in scanning light ion beams. The 3VL is in turn found to generally be in agreement with Boutillon’s method. The recombination is mapped as a function of the dose rate and proton energy at the two centres using the Boutillon formalism: the initial recombination parameter was found to be A = (0.10 ± 0.01) V at DCPT and A = (0.22 ± 0.13) V at Skandion, which is in better agreement with the Jaffé theory for initial recombination than previously reported values. The general recombination parameter was estimated to m2=(4.7±0.1)⋅103V2nA−1cm−1 and m2=(7.2±0.1)⋅103V2nA−1cm−1. Furthermore, the numerical algorithm IonTracks is demonstrated to correctly predict the initial recombination at low dose rates and the general recombination at high dose rates.
National Prevalence and Correlates of Autism: A Lebanese Cross-Sectional Study

Background: There is a lack of data regarding autism prevalence and factors associated with it in Arab Countries, especially in Lebanon. A study conducted in Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates estimated the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at 1.53% of children 16-48 months attending nurseries. This study aims at obtaining a total national ASD estimate and find factors associated with the disorder. Methods: The methodology used to collect data at a national level consisted of administering the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) for screening and a self-administered questionnaire for associated factors. The final sample included 1,373 children aged 16-48 months. Prevalence estimates and crude and adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were generated. Results: ASD national prevalence is 1.48% with 95% CI (0.84, 2.12), with a 1.13 male/female ratio according to the M-CHAT. In the multivariable analysis, having an employed mother in the last year was protective against ASD (OR (95% CI): 0.36(0.14, 0.93)). Presence of delivery complications was a risk factor (3.58 (1.26, 10.15)). First/ second born and moral support during pregnancy were protective, whereas mother not having a university education and family history of mental illness were risk factors. These variables were not significant in the multivariable analysis, probably due to small numbers. Conclusion: This is the first study estimating ASD prevalence in the entire Lebanese population, a much needed step to know the magnitude of the disorder. More robust studies are needed to better understand this disorder and factors associated with it in Lebanon and the region that have distinct cultural/environmental characteristics.
Assessment of nutrition knowledge in division I college athletes

Abstract Objective Assess nutrition knowledge of Division I college athletes. Participants 128 student-athletes (n = 70 female) from eight sports completed the survey in June 2018. METHODS: The survey by Calella et al (2017) was used to assess both general and sport nutrition knowledge. Results Cases with more than 20% of responses missing were excluded (n = 3). Overall average score was 57.6% ± 18.6%. Females scored significantly (p < 0.001) better than the males (66.5% ± 16.4% versus 46.2% ± 14.7%). Participants were divided into revenue (football, ice hockey, male’s basketball, women’s basketball; n = 63) and non-revenue sports (field hockey, golf, rowing, soccer; n = 62) to address differences in knowledge between sports with greater versus lesser nutrition resource access. Revenue sports scored significantly (p < 0.001) worse than non-revenue sports (45.7% ± 15.2% versus 69.7% ± 13.1%). Conclusions Athletes appear to have low nutrition knowledge, putting them at risk for inappropriate dietary choices that could decrease ability to optimally perform and increase risk of injury.
Vitamin D Attenuates Loss of Endothelial Biomarker Expression in Cardio-Endothelial Cells

Vitamin D is associated with cardiovascular health through activating the vitamin D receptor that targets genes related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) were used to develop mechanically and TGF-β1-induced fibrosis models, and the rat was used as the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced fibrosis model. The rats were injected with ISO for the first five days, followed by vitamin D injection for the consecutive three weeks before being sacrificed on the fourth week. Results showed that mechanical stretching reduced endothelial cell marker CD31 and VE-cadherin protein expressions, as well as increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN). The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) reduced CD31, and increased α-SMA and FN protein expression levels. Vitamin D presence led to higher protein expression of CD31, and lower protein expressions of α-SMA and FN compared to the control in the TGF-β1-induced fibrosis model. Additionally, protein expression of VE-cadherin was increased and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1) was decreased after vitamin D treatment in the ISO-induced fibrosis rat. In conclusion, vitamin D slightly inhibited fibrosis development in cell and animal models. Based on this study, the beneficial effect of vitamin D may be insignificant; however, further investigation of vitamin D’s effect in the long-term is required in the future.
Protective effects of luteolin on nephrotoxicity induced by long-term hyperglycaemia in rats

Objective This study aimed to investigate whether luteolin delays the progress of diabetic nephropathy (DN) induced by streptozotocin. Methods Fifty-three healthy, 8-week-old, male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control (n = 6), model (n = 23), and experimental groups (n = 24). The rat model of diabetic nephropathy was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Rats in the experimental group were administered luteolin suspension of 80 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose levels and body weight were recorded until the fourth week. After intragastric administration, blood flow and the protective effect of luteolin on diabetic nephropathy were evaluated. Results The degree of renal apoptosis and fibrosis in the experimental group was milder, and glomerular structure was more complete compared with the model group. Nphs2 staining suggested that luteolin delayed apoptosis and deletion and fusion of podocytes under high glucose levels, and protected the filtration function of the basement membrane by upregulating Nphs2 protein expression. Time intensity curve results suggested that luteolin delayed deterioration of renal haemodynamics under hyperglycaemia. Conclusions This study shows that luteolin delays progression of diabetic nephropathy. This drug has potential wide applicability in future clinical application.
The Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of Switching Between Reference Biopharmaceuticals and Biosimilars: A Systematic Review

To date, no consensus exists among stakeholders about switching patients between reference biological products (RPs) and biosimilars, which may have been curbing the implementation of biosimilars in clinical practice. This study synthesizes the available data on switching and assesses whether switching patients from a RP to its biosimilar or vice versa affects efficacy, safety, or immunogenicity outcomes. A total of 178 studies, in which switch outcomes from a RP to a biosimilar were reported, was identified. Data were derived from both randomized controlled trials and real‐world evidence. Despite the limitations stemming from a lack of a robust design for most of the studies, the available switching data do not indicate that switching from a RP to a biosimilar is associated with any major efficacy, safety, or immunogenicity issues. Some open‐label and observational studies reported increased discontinuation rates after switching, which were mainly attributed to nocebo effects. Involvement of the prescriber in any decision to switch should remain and attention should be paid to the mitigation of a potential nocebo effect.
Transcriptomic analysis of glycan-processing genes in the dorsal root ganglia of diabetic mice and functional characterization on Cav3.2 channels

ABSTRACT Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels play an essential role in the transmission of peripheral nociception in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and alteration of Cav3.2 expression is associated with the development of peripheral painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Several studies have previously documented the role of glycosylation in the expression and functioning of Cav3.2 and suggested that altered glycosylation of the channel may contribute to the aberrant expression of the channel in diabetic conditions. In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression of glycan-processing genes in DRG neurons from a leptin-deficient genetic mouse model of diabetes (db/db). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that several glycan-processing genes encoding for glycosyltransferases and sialic acid-modifying enzymes were upregulated in diabetic conditions. Functional analysis of these enzymes on recombinant Cav3.2 revealed an unexpected loss-of-function of the channel. Collectively, our data indicate that diabetes is associated with an alteration of the glycosylation machinery in DRG neurons. However, individual action of these enzymes when tested on recombinant Cav3.2 cannot explain the observed upregulation of T-type channels under diabetic conditions. Abbreviations: Galnt16: Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 16; B3gnt8: UDP-GlcNAc:betaGal beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 8; B4galt1: Beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1; St6gal1: Beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1; Neu3: Sialidase-3
Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep Duration Among Youth With Chronic Health Conditions in the United States

Purpose: To compare the degree to which youth with and without chronic conditions in the United States met physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep duration guidelines. Design: A cross-sectional study using data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. Participants: A total of 24 405 youth (aged 10-17 years) with and without 1 of 19 prevalent chronic health conditions who participated in the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. Measures: Parents reported on the time spent by their children in PA, screen time, and sleep. Analysis: Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to estimate and compare health behavior guideline adherence rates among children with and without chronic conditions. Results: Overall, 18.7% of children with chronic conditions did not meet any health behavior guidelines compared to 15.6% of children without chronic conditions. Children with hearing impairments, diabetes, and depression were most likely to not meet any health behavior guidelines (27.9%, 25.4%, and 21.7%, respectively). Of the 3 guidelines, children with and without chronic conditions were least likely to meet the PA guideline (18.6% and 21%, respectively). Conclusions: This study identifies specific groups of children with chronic conditions that are most at risk of not meeting health behavior guidelines. The findings highlight specific behaviors in most need of intervention for children with chronic conditions; PA was identified as the most frequently unmet guideline. Overall findings suggest a need for a more integrated, holistic view of health promotion for children with chronic conditions.
The versatile heparin in COVID‐19

Coagulopathy in corona virus infection has been shown to be associated with high mortality with high D-dimers being a particularly important marker for the coagulopathy.1 In the latest paper from the same group, the use of anticoagulant therapy with heparin was shown to decrease mortality as well. 2 This is especially so in patients i) who have met the sepsis induced coagulopathy (SIC) criteria ≥4 (40.0% vs 64.2%, P=0.029) compared to those with SIC score <4 (29.0% vs 22.6%, P=0.419). or ii) with markedly elevated D-dimer (greater than six-fold at the upper limit of normal).
Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity in community-based individuals with severe mental illness receiving long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment

Abstract People with severe mental illness (SMI) have numerous risk factors that may predispose them to food insecurity (FI); however, the prevalence of FI and its effects on health are under-researched in this population. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of FI and its relationship to lifestyle factors in people with SMI. This cross-sectional study recruited people with SMI receiving long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication from community services at three sites in Sydney, Australia. Assessments were completed on physical health and lifestyle factors. χ2 Tests, independent-samples t tests and binary logistic regression analyses were calculated to examine relationships between lifestyle factors and FI. In total, 233 people completed the assessments: 154 were males (66 %), mean age 44·8 (sd 12·7) years, and the majority (70 %) had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. FI was present in 104 participants (45 %). People with FI were less likely to consume fruits (OR 0·42, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·74, P = 0·003), vegetables (OR 0·39, 95 % CI 0·22, 0·69, P = 0·001) and protein-based foods (OR 0·45, 95 % CI 0·25, 0·83, P = 0·011) at least once daily, engaged in less moderate to vigorous physical activity (min) (OR 0·997, 95 % CI 0·993, 1·000, P = 0·044), and were more likely to smoke (OR 1·89, 95 % CI 1·08, 3·32, P = 0·026). FI is highly prevalent among people with SMI receiving LAI antipsychotic medications. Food-insecure people with SMI engage in less healthy lifestyle behaviours, increasing the risk of future non-communicable disease.
Academic emotions during an interprofessional learning episode in a clinical context: assessing within- and between-variation

ABSTRACT Emotional experiences in the context of learning play an important role in the handling of learning processes. The aim of this study was to track participants’ self-reported academic emotions using a momentary assessment design with 14 measurement points to identify patterns and emotional states. In a 2-week course, 35 medical and nursing students were assigned to work together in small groups and assess real cardiac patients’ histories, treatment, and care. Thirty-two students participated in the study. Within means, standard deviations, and intra-class correlation coefficients were assessed to consider the relative proportion of within- and between-individual variation. Type of activity, time of day and group effects were investigated by means of ANOVAs or Mann-Whitney U tests. Results show a heterogeneous pattern of positive moods and only marginal occurrence of negative moods. Within variation was bigger than between variation of most positive moods. The highest positive affect was reported during a reflective seminar. Negative affect was higher during a stressful task. Medical and nursing students only differed in terms of their nervousness. It was also revealed that the variation in moods differed to a great extent between the small groups. The findings support the importance of academic emotions in interprofessional learning. Designing IPE to foster positive emotions during the learning processes might help students to be able to apply their knowledge and insights on the benefits of interprofessional collaboration in future working environments.