Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Goals: To evaluate safety and efficacy of Bacillus coagulans LBSC [DSM17654] in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through a prospective, interventional, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, CONSORT compliant clinical trial. Background: Bacteriotherapy shows promising impact on alleviating clinical conditions of IBS and associated functional gastrointestinal disorders. B coagulans LBSC is a genetically and phenotypically safe probiotic strain used in this study to study its impact on ameliorating IBS symptoms and improving quality of life. Methods: In this interventional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, total 40 subjects (18–65 years) were screened through Rome IV criteria and randomized into 2 groups, that is, interventional and placebo arm (n = 20/arm). Similar dosages were received by both the arm, that is, placebo (vehicle) and interventional arm (B coagulans LBSC, 6 billion/d) for a period of 80 days. Study completed with per protocol subjects (n = 38) and results were considered to evaluate the primary and secondary endpoints. Results: Assessment through Digestive Symptom Frequency Questionnaire 5 point Likert scale showed significant improvement in interventional arm compared to placebo on symptoms such as bloating/cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, stomach rumbling, nausea, vomiting, headache, and anxiety. Maximum of “no symptoms” cases and mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms along with improved stool consistency were from interventional arm tested following IBS severity scoring system and Bristol stool form scale. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed no clinical difference of gastrointestinal mucosa between both the arms. B coagulans LBSC was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Conclusions: B coagulans LBSC was safe for human consumption and efficacious in alleviating overall pathophysiological symptoms of IBS and thereby improving inclusive quality of life evaluated.
Magnitude and Associated Factors for Attitude and Practice Toward COVID-19 and Its Prevention Among the Residents of Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background COVID-19 first broke out in China, Hubei province on December 29, 2019, since then it took hundreds of thousand lives worldwide. Although all countries are taking varying degrees of measures to curb the dissemination, the virus is still spreading rapidly in all parts of the world. Adherence of people for COVID-19 precaution measures is one of the most important factors which determine the effectiveness of curbing the spread. However, without having a good attitude, the adherence of people toward precaution measures could be challenging. Therefore, this study aims to assess the attitude, practice, and associated factors of Gedeo zone of Southern Ethiopia region residents toward COVID-19 and its prevention. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 Gedeo zone residents of Southern Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength of association. P-value<0.05 was used to decide a statistically significant association. Results Most of the study participants (90.3%) have a good attitude toward COVID-19 and its prevention. Being a younger age group (AOR=3.82, 95% CI=1.76–19.07), having a diploma and above (AOR=2.53, 95% CI=1.15–7.50), having a chronic medical illness (AOR=2.73, 95% CI=1.01–7.44), and using television/radio as a source of information (AOR=2.65, 95% CI=1.27–5.54) were significantly associated with a good attitude toward COVID-19. On the other hand, only 20% of the study participants had good practice toward COVID-19 prevention. Educational status (P-value=0.00), occupation (P-value=0.01), and having a chronic medical illness (P-value=0.03), and use of religious teaching as information sources (P-value=0.02) were among the factors associated with good practice toward COVID-19 infection. Conclusion We conclude that, despite the presence of a good attitude in the majority of respondents, much work is needed to improve the poor practice of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Carbon-13 CP/MAS Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of the Peroxide Bleaching of Thermomechanical Pulp from White Spruce

The spectra obtained using C CP/MAS NMR suggest that the thermomechanical treatment of white spruce resulted in a substantial loss of bulk hemicellulose, and in microstructural changes in the cellulose component. At the same time, the residual lignin present in the thermomechanical pulp remained essentially unchanged from the native lignin found in white spruce. The spectrum obtained for the bleached pulp was characterized by a large decrease in the aromatic carbon signal of the lignin moiety.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab or Aflibercept After Bevacizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema: Exploratory Retrospective Analysis

Aim To evaluate the efﬁcacy of switching from bevacizumab to ranibizumab or aflibercept in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) unresponsive to bevacizumab. Methods Single-center retrospective comparative study of patients with DME unresponsive to intravitreal bevacizumab that was switched to ranibizumab or aflibercept. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were analysed prior to and 4 months after the switch. Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers were also analysed. Results Fifty-six eyes from 40 patients were included in the study, 33 eyes switched to ranibizumab and 23 to aflibercept. A significant median CFT decrease was observed in both groups (p<0.001), with no between-group differences. BCVA gain was only significant in the ranibizumab group (p<0.001). None of the pre-baseline or baseline parameters were associated with the response to ranibizumab or aflibercept. Conclusion In persistent DME unresponsive to bevacizumab, both anatomical and functional improvements were observed with ranibizumab whereas aflibercept only showed an anatomical improvement. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04018833.
“Plugged” Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm Causing Facial Palsy, Hearing Loss, and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treated by a Translabyrinthine Approach

Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms are rare, less than 1%-2% of all intracranial aneurysms. Aneurysms of the distal AICA are even less common and can present with hearing loss and facial paralysis because of their relationship with the internal auditory canal (IAC). A 65-year-old male was followed for fluctuating left facial weakness and left-sided hearing loss for over a year. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a mass near the left IAC, thought to be a vestibular schwannoma. Just prior to his next clinic visit, the patient deteriorated suddenly from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography revealed a 5.5 mm saccular aneurysm at the distal left AICA, which was clip ligated via a translabyrinthine (TL) approach. The patient had a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 1) after 30 days despite persistent left facial weakness. Stable obliteration of the aneurysm was demonstrated by cerebral angiography postoperatively. Distal AICA aneurysms are rare and can have a similar presentation to tumors in the cerebellar pontine angle. Because of the unique anatomy of the distal AICA, open clip ligation via a TL approach is an effective method to secure these aneurysms.
Oncolytic Viruses and Hematological Malignancies: A New Class of Immunotherapy Drugs

The use of viruses for tumour treatment has been imagined more than one hundred years ago, when it was reported that viral diseases were occasionally leading to a decrease in neoplastic lesions. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) seem to have a specific tropism for tumour cells. Previously, it was hypothesised that OVs’ antineoplastic actions were mainly due to their ability to contaminate, proliferate and destroy tumour cells and the immediate destructive effect on cells was believed to be the single mechanism of action of OVs’ action. Instead, it has been established that oncolytic viruses operate via a multiplicity of systems, including mutation of tumour milieu and a composite change of the activity of immune effectors. Oncolytic viruses redesign the tumour environment towards an antitumour milieu. The aim of our work is to evaluate the findings present in the literature about the use of OVs in the cure of haematological neoplastic pathologies such as multiple myeloma, acute and chronic myeloid leukaemia, and lymphoproliferative diseases. Further experimentations are essential to recognize the most efficient virus or treatment combinations for specific haematological diseases, and the combinations able to induce the strongest immune response.
Effects of Caffeic Acid and Its Derivatives on Bone: A Systematic Review

Purpose Caffeic acid is a metabolite of hydroxycinnamate and phenylpropanoid, which are commonly synthesized by all plant species. It is present in various food sources that are known for their antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, caffeic acid ameliorates reactive oxygen species, which have been reported to cause bone loss. Some studies have highlighted the effects of caffeic acid against bone resorption. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the effects of caffeic acid on bone. A comprehensive search was conducted from July to November 2020 using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Cellular, animal and human studies reporting the effects of caffeic acid, as a single compound, on bone cells or bone were considered. Results The literature search found 226 articles on this topic, but only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The results showed that caffeic acid supplementation reduced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, possibly through its antioxidant potential and increased expression of osteoblast markers. However, some studies showed that caffeic acid did not affect bone resorption in ovariectomized rats and might impair bone mechanical properties in normal rats. Conclusion Caffeic acid potentially regulates the bone remodelling process by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, as well as osteoblast apoptosis. Thus, it has medicinal values against bone diseases.
Clinical Outcomes After Bilateral Implantation of a Trifocal Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lens in an Indian Population

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a presbyopia-correcting trifocal intraocular lens (IOL), AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® (TFNT00), in an Indian population. Patients and Methods This prospective, multicenter, observational, single-arm, post-marketing study included 67 patients undergoing cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of TFNT00 across five Indian sites. Postoperative outcomes were assessed at 3 months after second eye surgery. Effectiveness outcomes included: mean binocular and monocular visual acuity (VA) at distance (4 m), intermediate (60 cm), and near (40 cm); binocular defocus curve; manifest refraction; and subjective symptom questionnaire evaluation. Safety outcomes included the rate of ocular adverse events and mesopic contrast sensitivity. Results Mean binocular and monocular distance-corrected and uncorrected VAs of 0.1 logMAR or better (approximately 20/25 Snellen) were achieved at distance, intermediate, and near. Overall, ≥70% of patients achieved binocular 0.1 logMAR vision or better across all distances. TFNT00 maintained a mean VA of 0.1 logMAR or better at the defocus range of +0.5 diopters (D) to –2.5 D (200 cm to 40 cm). The subjective symptom questionnaire-assessed frequency of halo visual disturbances was low at Month 3; halos were reported “none of the time” to “only some of the time” in 86.6% of patients. The large majority of patients (98.5%) were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their near, intermediate, and distance vision at Month 3, and ≥94.0% of patients reported spectacle independence for tasks at all distances. The adverse event rate was low; no patients discontinued due to an adverse event. Conclusion TFNT00 provided a continuous range of vision of 20/25 or better for distance to near and performed effectively at an intermediate functional distance of 60 cm, resulting in high levels of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction. TFNT00 demonstrated a good safety profile and a low post-operative frequency of halo visual disturbances.
SGLT2 inhibitors for improving hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Aim of the study To evaluate the efficacy of sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in improving hepatic fibrosis and steatosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Material and methods We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE and included any clinical trials involving patients with NAFLD and T2DM aged ≥ 18 years comparing efficacy of SGLT2i and other antidiabetic drugs in improving fibrosis and steatosis, irrespective of publication status, year of publication, and language. Results Five clinical trials were included. One study reported significant improvements in the controlled attenuation parameter 314.6 ±61.0 dB/m to 290.3 ±72.7 dB/m (p = 0.04) in the SGLT2i group measured by transient elastography. In patients with significant fibrosis, dapagliflozin treatment significantly decreased the liver stiffness measurement from 14.7 ±5.7 kPa at baseline to 11.0 ±7.3 kPa after 24 weeks (p = 0.02). One study reported a significant decrease in liver fat content 16.2% to 11.3% (p < 0.001) in the SGLT2i group compared to the control (p < 0.001). Three studies reported significant improvement in the liver-to-spleen ratio in the SGLT2i group after treatment 0.96 (0.86-1.07) to 1.07 (0.98-1.14), p < 0.01, 0.80 ±0.24 to 1.00 ±0.18, p < 0.001, and 0.91 (0.64-1.04) to 1.03 (0.80-1.20), p < 0.001 respectively. All studies reported a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase with SGLT2i. Conclusions SGLT2i is associated with positive effects on hepatic steatosis measured by non-invasive modalities. Further studies are needed to confirm the impact of SGLT2i on hepatic fibrosis and steatosis.
Current status and future directions in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer constitute a heterogeneous group in which the available treatments may range from radical therapies with radio-chemotherapy to supportive treatments depending on the extent of the disease and comorbidities present. For years the standard treatment based on the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) has remained unchanged and survival outcomes have been poor. Aim: Recent advances in molecular biology and RT technology have resulted in improved survival. This article reviews the treatments that constitute current standard treatment in unresectable advanced lung cancer and the situations and indications for the management of patients who are not candidates for radical therapy. Relevance for Patients: Although unresectable lung cancer does not have a good prognosis, new drugs and new technologies in radiation oncology can offer treatment options adapted to the patient’s clinical situation, ranging from therapies administered with radical intent to others aimed mainly at improving the patient’s quality of life, which, judiciously chosen, will provide optimal management of the patient.
New TNM staging in lung cancer (8th edition) and future perspectives

Background: Carrying out a correct anatomical classification of lung cancer is crucial to take clinical and therapeutic decisions in each patient. Aim: TNM staging classification provides an accurate anatomical description about the extension of the disease; however, the anatomical burden of the disease is just one aspect that changes the prognosis. Relevance for Patients: TNM staging classification is a tool that predicts survival, but we must consider that TNM is just one of the factors that concern the prognosis. The impact of a factor over the prognosis is complex due to: It depends on the specific environment, the treatment strategy, among others, and our level of certainty makes difficult to include all the factors just in a group of stages. In some groups, there are difficulties to get large series due to the low frequency of cases and the small number of events (metastasis, locoregional recurrence). It does not allow to obtain evidence in a short period of time. On the other hand, in the next years, new markers will be incorporated in the coming years, which are going to be included in the new TNM classification. It could help to improve the classification giving more information about prognosis and risk of recurrence. All these aspects are being used by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) to develop a new prognosis model. This continues the evolution of TNM system, allows us to overcome the difficulties, and build a flexible framework enough to continue improving the individual prognosis of the patients.
Current and future strategies in radiotherapy for small-cell lung cancer

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 13% of all lung tumors. The standard treatment in patients with limited-stage (LS) disease is thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) combined with chemotherapy. In extensive-stage (ES) SCLC, the importance of consolidation TRT in patients with a good treatment response has become increasingly recognized. In both LS and ES disease, prophylactic cranial irradiation is recommended in patients who respond to treatment. New therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapy are being increasingly incorporated into the treatment of SCLC, although more slowly than in non-small cell lung cancer. Diverse radiation dose and fractionation schemes, administered in varying combinations with these new drugs, are being investigated. In the present article, we review and update the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of SCLC. We also discuss the main clinical trials currently underway to identify future trends. Relevance for Patients: Radiotherapy is a critical component of multimodality treatment of SCLC. This article can help physicians to improve medical knowledge and find better ways to treat their SCLC patients.
Association of myostatin, a cytokine released by muscle, with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Myostatin is a cytokine produced and released by myocytes that might have an outstanding role not only in muscle wasting during cachexia but also in inflammation. Herein we explore the association between myostatin levels and inflammatory parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One hundred twenty-seven women without rheumatic diseases and 84 women with a diagnosis of RA were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Outcomes reflecting the activity of the arthritis including Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR) and impairment in functioning by the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index were assessed in RA. We obtained Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and fat mass index using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Serum myostatin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Myostatin levels were correlated with disease activity and parameters of muscle mass. The SMI was lower and concentration of myostatin was higher in RA patients than in controls (P = .008 and P < .001, respectively). Myostatin significantly positively correlated with C-reactive protein (rho = 0.48, P < .001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rho = 0.28, P = .009), and DAS28-ESR (rho = 0.22, P = .04), and negatively correlated with SMI (rho = −0.29, P = .008), (FFMI) (rho = −0.24, P = .027). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, levels of myostatin remained associated with disease activity in RA (P = .027). In our study, myostatin was associated with disease activity in RA patients, suggesting a mechanistic link between myostatin, muscle wasting and inflammation in RA.
Epidemiology, Staging, and Management of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder that is on the rise throughout the world, especially in the US, Australia, and Western Europe. In the US, MM accounts for almost 2% of cancer diagnoses and over 2% of cancer deaths (more than double the global proportion). Incidence has risen by 126% globally and over 40% in the US since 1990, while global mortality has risen by 94% and US mortality has fallen by 18%. The 5 year survival in the US has more than doubled over the past decades with the introduction of new targeted therapies and transplant techniques. Risk factors for MM include age (average age of diagnosis is 69), race (African Americans are over double as likely to be diagnosed), sex (men are at a 1.5× risk), and family history. Diagnosis includes serum or urine electrophoresis and free light-chain assay but requires bone marrow biopsy. It is distinguished from smoldering myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance by a high (>3 g/dL) level of M-protein (monoclonal light chains) and the presence of CRAB (Hypercalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia, Bone pain) symptoms, which include hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and bone pain, suggesting an end-organ damage. International staging system staging involves beta 2 microglobulin and albumin levels, while the revised system considers prognostic factors such as lactate dehydrogenase levels and chromosomal abnormalities. Front-line management includes induction regimen, maintenance therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation for eligible patients and bisphosphonates or bone-stimulating agents for the prevention of skeletal events. Treatment for relapsed disease includes newly approved monoclonal antibodies like the CD38-targeting daratumumab, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulating agents, and investigational therapies such as B cell maturation antigen Chimeric antigen receptor T cells.
EphA2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor correlate with adverse outcomes and poor survival in patients with glioma

Abstract Purpose: To assess expression levels of Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and von Willebrand factor (vWF), and assess their potentials as prognostic biomarkers to predict the risk of poor survival in patients with primary lower grade glioma. Method: The study included75 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary glioma (World Health Organization Grade IV). All patients underwent combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy for the management of primary glioma. Immuno-histochemical analysis was performed to evaluate expression levels ofEphA2 and VEGF. Evaluation of tumor microvessel density was also performed at angiogenesis hot spots due to tumor growth. Main outcomes of the study were the prognostic efficiencies of EphA2, VEGF, and vWF in primary low-grade glioma, as well as whether their expression levels were associated with cancer progression. Results: Of the patients with glioma, 67% had very strong expression of EphA2. Overall survival was inversely correlated with the expression of EphA2. Regarding VEGF expression, 38 patients (51%) had strong expression, 29 patients (39%) had weak expression, and 8 patients (11%) had no expression. Strong VEGF expression was associated with poor prognosis and poor survival. Conclusion: EphA2, VEGF, and vWF could be considered prognostic markers for assessment of primary glioma.