Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell-free DNA for tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is still difficult. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for diagnosing of TB. Methods We searched relevant databases for studies that used cfDNA to diagnose TB. We evaluated the accuracy of cfDNA compared with the composite reference standard (CRS) and culture. True positive, false positive, false negative, and true negative values for cfDNA were obtained first, then the estimated pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC) of cfDNA for diagnosing TB were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic. When the heterogeneity was obvious, the source of heterogeneity was further discussed. Results We included 14 independent studies comparing cfDNA with the CRS, and 4 studies compared with culture. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, DOR, and AUC of the SROC were 68%, 98%,99%, 62%, 83, and 0.97 as compared with the CRS, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, DOR, and AUC of the SROC were 48%, 91%, 92%, 60%, 5, and 0.88 as compared with culture, respectively. The heterogeneity between studies was significant. Conclusions The accuracy of cfDNA testing for TB diagnosis was good compared with CRS and culture. cfDNA can be used for rapid early diagnosis of TB.
Isokinetic profiling of elite youth footballers: informing selection of a practicable and efficacious isokinetic screening test

ABSTRACT Isokinetic dynamometry represents the clinical gold standard for strength assessment but testing lack consensus. Elite youth male football players (n = 28) completed 20 repetitions (analysed as four epochs) of eccentric knee flexor (eccKF) and concentric knee extensor (conKE) trials at 60, 180 and 270°∙s−1, quantifying peak torque (PT) and functional range (FR). There was a significant (P < 0.001) main effect for fatigue and angular velocity in conKE PT; eccKF PT was not significant across epoch (P = 0.35) and velocity (P = 0.12) and a velocity x epoch interaction highlighted more repetitions were required to elicit fatigue as velocity increased. FR decreased with fatigue (P < 0.001) and velocity (P < 0.01) in conKE and eccKF, indicative of a narrowing of the strength curve. Clinical interpretation advocates an isokinetic test comprising at least 15 reps at a velocity ≥ 180°∙s−1 and analysis beyond the peak of the strength curve (PT) to inform clinical reasoning and individualized exercise prescription.
Associations between parental distress and pediatric anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment outcomes

This study investigated whether an intensive group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program with family involvement for children with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder could help reduce parental distress by addressing the larger family system. This study also examined associations between parental distress and parent-reported child outcomes of treatment. Two hundred ninety-nine children and adolescents, ages 6–19, who were patients in the intensive treatment program and their caregivers participated in this intervention-based study. Parents reported significant reductions in their own distress from admission to discharge, and greater reductions in parent-reported distress predicted greater reductions in parents’ reports of their children’s anxiety symptoms and the degree of child functional impairment. Higher levels of parent-reported parent mental health symptoms at children’s admission and at discharge were associated with poorer levels of functioning in children at discharge. Parents’ mental health symptoms may play a critical role in children and adolescents’ treatment outcomes and therefore may need to be a separate treatment target.
The Predictive Utility of Reward-Based Motives Underlying Excessive and Problematic Social Networking Site Use

Compulsive seeking of reward is a hallmark feature of drug addiction, but the role of reward is less well understood in behavioural addictions. The present study investigated the predictive utility of ten reward-based motives, which we identified in the literature, in explaining excessive and problematic use of social networking sites (SNSs). These motives were examined in a cross-sectional survey of 411 young adults, revealing that prolonged use and excessive checking were predicted by distinctly different motives. More frequent checking of SNSs was most closely associated with motives related to obtaining social rewards (impression management/social comparisons/fear of missing out) and the desire to find/consume enjoyable content. In contrast, the amount of time an individual spends on SNSs was predicted by the desire to engage in negative social interactions or to fulfil personal needs (self-expression/documentation of life events). Problematic SNS use was best explained by the motivation to obtain social rewards and to a lesser extent by enjoyment and negative social potency (e.g., trolling) motives. Our results highlight the importance of social reward in explaining excessive and problematic SNS use, suggesting that a focus on reducing the desire to obtain social reward (e.g., through likes, social comparisons, continual connection) may be most beneficial in tackling problematic SNS behaviours.
TGF-β1: is it related to the stiffness of breast lesions and can it predict axillary lymph node metastasis?

Background This study aimed to explore whether transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is correlated with the stiffness of breast lesions and if it can predict axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in our hospital. A total of 135 breast lesions in 130 patients who were to undergo vacuum-assisted excisional biopsy (VAEB) or surgery were enrolled between April 2018 and October 2018. Ultrasound (US) and shear wave elastography (SWE) examinations were performed for every lesion before VAEB or surgery. Pathology results obtained by VAEB or surgery were regarded as gold criteria. The elastic parameters and TGF-β1 expression level of malignant breast lesions were compared with those of benign lesions; the relationship between TGF-β1 expression level in breast lesions and the elastic parameters was analyzed; the TGF-β1 expression level in breast lesions with or without ALN metastasis were compared; and the efficacy of TGF-β1 expression level in predicting ALN metastasis was analyzed. Results The malignant breast lesions were different from benign lesions in the maximum and mean elasticity (Emax, Emean), standard deviation of elasticity (ESD), elastic ratio of the lesions to the peripheral tissue (Eratio), and the occurrence rate of “stiff rim sign” (P<0.001). The expression level of TGF-β1 in benign breast lesions was significantly lower than that in malignant lesions (P<0.001), and the TGF-β1 expression level was positively correlated with Emax, Emean, ESD, and Eratio (r=0.869, 0.840, 0.834, and 0.734, respectively). The expression level of TGF-β1 in breast lesions with or without “stiff rim sign” was significantly different (P<0.001), and the TGF-β1 expression level in malignant breast lesions with ALN metastasis was significantly higher than that in malignant lesions without ALN metastasis (P=0.0009). When TGF-β1 expression level >0.3138 was taken as the cut-off value, its efficacy in predicting ALN metastasis was 0.853, with a sensitivity of 86.67%, and a specificity 83.33%. Conclusions The expression level of TGF-β1 was positively correlated with the elastic parameters of breast lesions, and it could be useful for predicting ALN metastasis, especially for negative ALN diagnosis clinically.
Differentiating pagetoid Bowen disease from Paget disease on the nipple‐areola complex: Two unique, challenging cases

Pagetoid Bowen disease is a subtype of Bowen disease that accounts for 5% of Bowen disease. It is extremely rare for Bowen disease to appear on the nipple‐areola complex, with only seven cases described in the previous literature. Of those seven cases, only one was of the pagetoid subtype. We report two cases of pagetoid Bowen disease on this location, one of them being the first case of pagetoid Bowen disease affecting the nipple reported to date. On this location, it is crucial to perform a meticulous differential diagnosis to rule out Paget disease, because of its contrasting therapeutic and prognostic implications. In order to do this, clinical and histopathological aspects must be considered. From a clinical point of view, previous literature has stated that nipple involvement can be a clue that points to Paget disease. However, one of our cases shows that this is not always true. Regarding histopathological analysis, a complete excision of the tumor might be necessary to observe clear features of Bowen disease, such as full‐thickness atypia of the epidermis and intercellular bridges. An immunohistochemical panel comprising carcinoembryonic antigen, gross cystic disease fluid protein, epithelial membrane antigen, p63, CK34betaE12, periodic acid‐Schiff, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor can be decisive in complicated cases.
Bioavailatility and Pharmacokinetics of Amoxicillin Sodium in Pigs

healthy cross bred pigs were randomly divided into two groups,with seven pigs each group.Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin sodium were investigated in the pigs with a cross over experimental design following single intravenous,intramuscular and oral administration of the drug at the dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. Blood samples were collected at different intervals after administration and amoxicillin concentrations were determined by HPLC method with a limit of detection of 0 03μg/ml.The amoxicillin concentration time data were fitted to a two compartment open model after single i.v. dosing of amoxicillin sodium conventional formulation in healthy pigs.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows:t 1/2α 0 31±0 16h;t 1/2β 2 29±0 94h;V 10 22±0 12 L/kg;V d(area) 1 06±0 45 L/kg;Cl B0 33±0 07 L·kg -1 ·h -1 ;AUC31 67±7 09 mg L -1 ·h.The drug concentration time data were fitted to a two compartment model with first order absorption after oral dosing of amoxicillin sodium conventional formulation in healthy pigs.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows:t 1/2ka 0 74±0 36 h;t 1/2β 5 96±3 41 h;t max 1 52±0 43 h;C max 5 33±2 07 μg/ml;AUC23 89±9 40 mg·L -1 ·h;F(79 64%±38 47%). The drug concentration time data were both fitted to a two compartment model with first order absorption after single i.m. administration of amoxicillin sodium conventional formulation and long action formulation in healthy pigs.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows:t 1/2ka 0 11±0 05 h and 0 09±0 05 h;t 1/2β 3 28±1 89 h and 7 32±3 55 h;t max 0 33±0 14 h and 0 36±0 16 h;C max 16 51±4 41 μg/ml and 18 98±2 70 μg/ml;AUC 30 61±8 27 mg·L -1 ·h and 49 44±11 31 mg·L -1 ·h;F(96 65%±26 12%) and(156 10%±35 71%). The results of present studies showed that amoxicillin sodium was quickly absorbed and had a good bioavailability after i.m. and oral administration in pigs.The elimination half life of amoxicillin sodium long action formulation was significantly longer than that of common formulation.
The role of circRNA derived from RUNX2 in the serum of osteoarthritis and its clinical value

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to affect the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA) and is expected to become a potential marker for disease diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between circRNA derived from the gene of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and OA risk.
Immunogenicity and efficacy of the COVID-19 candidate vector vaccine MVA-SARS-2-S in preclinical vaccination

Significance The highly attenuated vaccinia virus MVA is licensed as smallpox vaccine; as a vector it is a component of the approved adenovirus-MVA–based prime-boost vaccine against Ebola virus disease. Here, we provide results from testing the COVID-19 candidate vaccine MVA-SARS-2-S, a poxvirus-based vector vaccine that proceeded to clinical evaluation. When administered by intramuscular inoculation, MVA-SARS-2-S expresses and safely delivers the full-length SARS-CoV-2 S protein, inducing balanced SARS-CoV-2–specific cellular and humoral immunity, and protective efficacy in vaccinated mice. Substantial clinical experience has been gained with MVA vectors using homologous and heterologous prime-boost applications, including the immunization of children and immunocompromised individuals. Thus, MVA-SARS-2-S represents an important resource for developing further optimized COVID-19 vaccines. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as the infectious agent causing the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with dramatic consequences for global human health and economics. Previously, we reached clinical evaluation with our vector vaccine based on modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) against the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which causes an infection in humans similar to SARS and COVID-19. Here, we describe the construction and preclinical characterization of a recombinant MVA expressing full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein (MVA-SARS-2-S). Genetic stability and growth characteristics of MVA-SARS-2-S, plus its robust expression of S protein as antigen, make it a suitable candidate vaccine for industrial-scale production. Vaccinated mice produced S-specific CD8+ T cells and serum antibodies binding to S protein that neutralized SARS-CoV-2. Prime-boost vaccination with MVA-SARS-2-S protected mice sensitized with a human ACE2-expressing adenovirus from SARS-CoV-2 infection. MVA-SARS-2-S is currently being investigated in a phase I clinical trial as aspirant for developing a safe and efficacious vaccine against COVID-19.
Overview of the central amygdala role in feeding behaviour

Abstract The neural regulation of feeding behaviour, as an essential factor for survival, is an important research area today. Feeding behaviour and other lifestyle habits play a major role in optimising health and obesity control. Feeding behaviour is physiologically controlled through processes associated with energy and nutrient needs. Different brain nuclei are involved in the neural regulation of feeding behaviours. Therefore, understanding the function of these brain nuclei helps develop feeding control methods. Among important brain nuclei, there is scant literature on the central amygdala (CeA) nucleus and feeding behaviour. The CeA is one of the critical brain regions that play a significant role in various physiological and behavioural responses, such as emotional states, reward processing, energy balance and feeding behaviour. It contains γ-aminobutyric acid neurons. Also, it is the major output region of the amygdaloidal complex. Moreover, the CeA is also involved in multiple molecular and biochemical factors and has extensive connections with other brain nuclei and their neurotransmitters, highlighting its role in feeding behaviour. This review aims to highlight the significance of the CeA nucleus on food consumption by its interaction with the performance of reward, digestive and emotional systems.
Comprehensive analysis of blood-based biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy benefits in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using circulating tumor cells (CTCs), peripheral blood cells (PBCs), and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment response in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods We recruited patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC who received pembrolizumab or atezolizumab between July 2019 and June 2020. Blood was collected before each treatment cycle (C1–C4) to calculate absolute neutrophil count (ANC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). CTCs, isolated using the CD-PRIMETM system, exhibited EpCAM/CK+/CD45− phenotype in BioViewCCBSTM. The cfDNA was extracted from plasma at the beginning of C1 and C4. Results The durable clinical benefit (DCB) rate among 83 response-evaluable patients was 34%. CTC, PBC, and cfDNA levels at baseline (C1) were not significantly correlated with treatment response, although patients with DCB had lower CTC counts from C2 to C4. However, patients with low NLR, dNLR, PLR, and cfDNA levels at C1 had improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with decreased CTC counts from C1 to C2 had higher median PFS (6.2 vs. 2.3 months; P=0.078) and OS (not reached vs. 6.8 months, P=0.021) than those with increased CTC counts. Low dNLR (≤2.0) at C1 and decreased CTC counts were independent factors for predicting survival. Conclusions Comprehensive analysis of CTC, PBC, and cfDNA levels at baseline and during treatment demonstrated they might be biomarkers for predicting survival benefit. This finding could aid in risk stratification of patients with advanced NSCLC who are undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
Zinc biofortification potential of diverse mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] genotypes under field conditions

Zinc (Zn) is an important micronutrient for crop plants and essential for human health. The Zn-deficiency is an important malnutrition problem known globally. Biofortified foods could overcome Zn deficiency in humans. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important, pulse crop frequently grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Mungbean could provide essential micronutrients, including Zn to humans. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the impact of Zn fertilization on the yield and grain biofortification of mungbean. Twelve mungbean genotypes (i.e., NM-28, NM-2011, NM-13-1, NM-2006, NM-51, NM-54, NM-19-19, NM-92, NM-121-25, NM-20-21, 7006, 7008) were assessed for their genetic diversity followed by Zn-biofortification, growth and yield under control (0 kg ha-1) and Zn-fertilized (10 kg ha-1) conditions. Data relating to allometric traits, yield components, grain yield and grain Zn contents were recorded. Zinc fertilization improved entire allometric and yield-related traits. Grain yield of different genotypes ranged from 439 to 904 kg ha-1 under control and 536 to 1462 kg ha-1 under Zn-fertilization. Zinc concentration in the grains varied from 15.50 to 45.60 mg kg-1 under control and 18.53 to 64.23 mg kg-1 under Zn-fertilized conditions. The tested genotypes differed in their Zn-biofortification potential. The highest and the lowest grain Zn contents were noted for genotypes NM-28 and NM-121-25, respectively. Significant variation in yield and Zn-biofortification indicated the potential for improvement in mungbean yield and grain Zn-biofortification. The genotypes NM-28 and NM-2006 could be used in breeding programs for improvement in grain Zn concentration due to their high Zn uptake potential. Nonetheless, all available genotypes in the country should be screened for their Zn-biofortification potential.
Risk Exposures, Risk Perceptions, Negative Attitudes Toward General Vaccination, and COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among College Students in south Carolina

Purpose: The current study investigated how risk exposures, risk perceptions of COVID-19, and negative attitudes toward general vaccination were related to COVID vaccine acceptance among college students. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Data was collected by online survey using RedCap among college students in South Carolina between September 2020 and October 2020. Sample: 1062 college students in South Carolina. Measures: risk exposures to COVID-19, perceived severity of COVID-19, perceived susceptibility of COVID-19, negative attitude toward general vaccination, vaccine acceptance of COVID-19. Analysis: Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the association of these factors with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance controlling for key demographics. Results: Perceived severity of COVID-19 was positively associated with vaccine acceptance (ß = 0.19, p < 0.001). Higher level of risk exposures (ß = −0.08, p = 0.007) and negative attitude toward general vaccination (ß = −0.38, p < 0.001) were associated with low vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: We need tailored education messages for college students to emphasize the severity of COVID-19, address the concerns of side effects of general vaccines by dispelling the misconception, and target the most vulnerable subgroups who reported high level of risk exposures while showed low intention to take the vaccine.
Standard drug consumption: a study with elderly people in Primary Health Care.

OBJECTIVE To identify the pattern of medication consumption among the elderly assisted in Primary Health Care. METHODS Descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study, with a sample of 315 elderly people, in a city in rural Rio Grande do Norte. RESULTS The average age was 72.41 years, with an average consumption of 3.15 medications per day, ranging from 1 to 16 medications daily. There was a prevalence of antihypertensives, antidiabetics, hypolipidemic and psychotropic drugs. 238 different drugs were mentioned, 15 of which were "potentially inappropriate drugs" for the elderly. Most of these patients follow treatment according to medical prescription, with low self-medication. Most elderly people buy their drugs, although many are available for free. CONCLUSION The most consumed drugs are consistent with the most reported diseases (hypertension and diabetes). The daily use of inappropriate medications for the elderly is worrying, especially psychotropics, given the risks of dependence or health complications of these users.
Anti-inflammatory nanoparticles significantly improve muscle function in a murine model of advanced muscular dystrophy

IL-4 NPs dampen T cell inflammation and increase dystrophic muscle strength; such treatment may benefit diverse dystrophies. Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of all muscular dystrophies. Inflammatory T cells damage muscle, while regulatory T cells (Tregs) promote regeneration. We hypothesized that providing anti-inflammatory cytokines in dystrophic muscle would promote proregenerative immune phenotypes and improve function. Primary T cells from dystrophic (mdx) mice responded appropriately to inflammatory or suppressive cytokines. Subsequently, interleukin-4 (IL-4)– or IL-10–conjugated gold nanoparticles (PA4, PA10) were injected into chronically injured, aged, mdx muscle. PA4 and PA10 increased T cell recruitment, with PA4 doubling CD4+/CD8− T cells versus controls. Further, 50% of CD4+/CD8− T cells were immunosuppressive Tregs following PA4, versus 20% in controls. Concomitant with Treg recruitment, muscles exhibited increased fiber area and fourfold increases in contraction force and velocity versus controls. The ability of PA4 to shift immune responses, and improve dystrophic muscle function, suggests that immunomodulatory treatment may benefit many genetically diverse muscular dystrophies, all of which share inflammatory pathology.