Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural history of COVID-19 and therapeutic options

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 presents benign forms in young patients who frequently present with anosmia. Infants are rarely infected, while severe forms occur in patients over 65 years of age with comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes. Lymphopenia, eosinopenia, thrombopenia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, troponin, C-reactive protein, D-dimers and low zinc levels are associated with severity.Areas covered: The authors review the literature and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the natural history of and therapeutic options for COVID-19. Expert opinion: Diagnosis should rely on PCR and not on clinical presumption. Because of discrepancies between clinical symptoms, oxygen saturation or radiological signs on CT scans, pulse oximetry, and radiological investigation should be systematic. The disease evolves in successive phases: an acute virological phase, and, in some patients, a cytokine storm phase; an uncontrolled coagulopathy; and an acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therapeutic options include antivirals, oxygen therapy, immunomodulators, anticoagulants and prolonged mechanical treatment. Early diagnosis, care, and implementation of an antiviral treatment; the use of immunomodulators at a later stage; and the quality of intensive care are critical regarding mortality rates. The higher mortality observed in Western countries remains unexplained. Pulmonary fibrosis may occur in some patients. Its future is unpredictable.
Predicting 90 day acute heart failure readmission and death using machine learning‐supported decision analysis

Readmission or death soon after heart failure (HF) admission is a significant problem. Traditional analyses for predicting such events often fail to consider the gamut of characteristics that may contribute– tending to focus on 30‐day outcomes even though the window of increased vulnerability may last up to 90 days. Risk assessments incorporating machine learning (ML) methods may be better suited than traditional statistical analyses alone to sort through multitude of data in the electronic health record (EHR) and identify patients at higher risk.
Associations between changes in adipokines and exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter in ambient air in Beijing residents with and without pre-diabetes

Objective Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a risk factor to diabetes, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Adipokines play important roles in glucose metabolism. This study examined the associations between short-term exposure to ambient PM and adipokine levels and evaluated whether metabolic disorders could enhance susceptibility to PM-induced health effects. Research design and methods In a panel study (SCOPE, Study Comparing the Cardiometabolic and Respiratory Effects of Air Pollution Exposure on Healthy and Pre-diabetic Individuals) in Beijing, China, 60 pre-diabetic individuals and 60 healthy controls completed two to seven clinical visits. The associations between serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels and the moving average (MA) mass concentration of PM2.5 and number concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFP) and accumulation-mode particles (AMP) during the 1–14 days prior to clinical visits, and the effects of metabolic disorders on any such associations, were evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model. Results Short-term exposure to ambient UFP and AMP was inversely associated with adipokine levels at 1–14 days prior to clinical visits. For example, each IQR increment in 1 day MA UFP exposure (6.0×103/cm3) was associated with −14.0% (95% CI −20.9%, −6.4%), −6.6% (95% CI −12.4%, −0.4%), and −8.5% (95% CI −14.5%, −2.2%) changes in adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels, respectively. There was no significant association between adipokine levels and PM2.5 exposure. UFP and AMP exposure was associated with a greater decrease in adiponectin level and a weaker change in leptin level among participants with high insulin resistance levels. Glucose status did not modify PM-induced changes in adipokine levels. Conclusion High level of insulin resistance could aggravate the adverse metabolic impact of exposure to UFP and AMP.
Achieving successful resolution of alliance ruptures: for whom and when?

Abstract Objective: Contemporary theories and the empirical literature stress the importance of successful resolution of alliance ruptures for the process and outcome of treatment. Yet, little empirical work has examined what leads to successful resolutions. The aim of the present study was to examine which patients are more likely to achieve successful resolutions of ruptures and under which circumstances. Method: Sixty-five patients completed measures assessing their trait-like pretreatment characteristics (alliance expectations and general attachment orientation), and state-like changes in treatment (working alliance, therapist serving as an attachment figure, and the implementation of common factor techniques). Successful resolutions were coded using observer behavioral coding at four time points. Results: State-like changes, but not trait-like characteristics significantly contributed to successful resolution. Stronger working alliance and the therapist as an attachment figure, and the implementation of common factors techniques were found to contribute to successful resolutions. Conclusions: The current findings emphasize the importance of the process that occurs within treatment, and the therapeutic context in which the resolution process take place for the ability to achieve successful resolutions.
Adsorption of Organic Acids on Weakly Basic Ion Exchanger: Equilibria

The adsorption of organic acids on a commercial weakly basic resin, DIAION WA30, which has a single type of fixed functional group, appeared feasible technically. Three different organic acids, acetic acid (R′-COOH), malic acid (R″-(COOH)2) and citric acid (R″′-(COOH)3), were used in this experimental study. The adsorption isotherms depended on the way in which the organic acids dissociated in the solution, but were independent of the initial concentration of organic acids. The theoretical equations for the adsorption isotherms were derived by applying the mass action law. In an acetic acid with one carboxylic group in each molecule, the adsorption isotherm was expressed by a Langmuir-type equation. In a malic acid with two carboxylic groups, the theoretical equation for the adsorption isotherm was derived by considering that R″-COOHCOO– and R″-(COO–)2 ions reacted with the amino group of the weakly basic resin. When the concentration of the acid in the solution is low (pH > 4), R″-(COO–)2 ion mainly contributes to adsorption, and as the concentration is high, the contribution of R″-COOHCOO– becomes significant. In a citric acid with three carboxylic groups, the theoretical equation was derived by considering that R″′-(COOH)2COO–, R″′-COOH(COO–)2 and R″′-(COO–)3 ions reacted with the resin. R″′-(COO–)3 ion mainly contributes to adsorption at low concentration (pH > 5), and the contribution of R″′-COOH(COO–)2 and R″′-(COOH)2COO– ions become significant with increasing concentration.
Chemical pancreatectomy treats chronic pancreatitis while preserving endocrine function in preclinical models.

Chronic pancreatitis affects over 250,000 people in the US and millions worldwide. It is associated with chronic debilitating pain, pancreatic exocrine failure, high-risk of pancreatic cancer, and usually progresses to diabetes. Treatment options are limited and ineffective. We developed a new potential therapy, wherein a pancreatic ductal infusion of 1-2% acetic acid in mice and non-human primates resulted in a non-regenerative, near-complete ablation of the exocrine pancreas, with complete preservation of the islets. Pancreatic ductal infusion of acetic acid in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis led to resolution of chronic inflammation and pancreatitis-associated pain. Furthermore, acetic acid-treated animals showed improved glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. The loss of exocrine tissue in this procedure would not typically require further management in patients with chronic pancreatitis because they usually have pancreatic exocrine failure requiring dietary enzyme supplements. Thus, this procedure, which should be readily translatable to humans through an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), may offer a potential innovative non-surgical therapy for chronic pancreatitis that relieves pain and prevents the progression of pancreatic diabetes.
Fruit and vegetable consumption among older adults: influence of urban food environment in a medium-sized Brazilian city

Abstract Objective: To examine the association between urban food environment and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) by older adults from a medium-sized Brazilian city. Design: Cross-sectional study based on data related to (1) objective assessment of establishments with predominant sale of unprocessed/minimally processed foods, mixed establishments and establishments with predominant sale of ultra-processed foods; (2) regular consumption of FV (≥ 5 times/week), health and socio-demographic variables of community-dwelling older adults. Tertiles of proximity between food establishments and older adults’ residence were calculated. Poisson generalised estimating equations with robust variance, adjusted for individual and contextual variables, were used to estimate the independent association between the proximity of establishments and regular consumption of FV. Setting: Medium-sized Brazilian city. Subjects: Representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (n 549). Results: Older adults travelled the longest distances to establishments with predominant sale of unprocessed/minimally processed foods. The longer the distance to establishments with predominant sale of unprocessed/minimally processed foods, the lower the prevalence of regular consumption of FV (tertile 2: prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·86; 95 % CI = 0·74, 0·99; tertile 3: PR = 0·84; 95 % CI = 0·72, 0·97). Older adults living larger distance tertiles from establishments with predominant sale of ultra-processed foods, mixed establishments or all categories of establishments had 16 % (PR = 0·84; 95 % CI = 0·73, 0·96), 19 % (PR = 0·81; 95 % CI = 0·71, 0·93) and 19 % (PR = 0·81; 95 % CI = 0·70, 0·94) lower prevalence of regular consumption of FV, respectively. Conclusion: The food environment is associated with regular consumption of FV among older adults. Longer distances from the residence of older adults to food establishments are independently associated with lower prevalence of regular consumption of FV.
Resumption of Sexual Intercourse and Family Planning use Among Postpartum Women Attending Infant Welfare Clinics in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria – A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Women may resume sexual intercourse anytime during the postpartum period with little consideration for contraceptive. Aim: To determine factors associated with resumption of sexual activity, explore FP practices and influence on sexual resumption among postpartum women. Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional study of postpartum women at the infant-welfare clinic of Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and University College Hospital, Ibadan between July and October, 2014. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, contraceptive use, and sexual behavior were collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Associations were tested using Chi-square tests and Logistic regression analysis for crude and adjusted odds ratios. Level of significance was 5%. Results: There were 256 women with mean age of 29.1 years(SD = 5.2). Majority had tertiary education; were currently married in monogamous marriages and had 1-3 children. Ninety-one(38.7%) had started sexual intercourse at the time of interview. Among those who had not started having sex, about a quarter (24.2%) gave no reason and 20% felt it was too early. The fear of pain and child-spacing were reasons given by 5.7% and 5.1% respectively. Current use of contraceptive method was 20.7% among women and 36.4% among women who had resumed sexual activity. On multiple logistic regression, Family-planning users were about five times more-likely than non-users to resume sexual intercourse (Odd Ratio = 5.66, 95% Confidence interval = 2.61 – 12.28). Conclusion: Women commonly resume sexual intercourse during postpartum period without contraceptive use. Interventions during antenatal and early postnatal periods are needed to improve early adoption of Family planning by postpartum women.
Successive ipsilateral surgery of Vibrant Soundbridge and Bonebridge devices for congenital bilateral conductive hearing loss: a case report

The Bonebridge and Vibrant Soundbridge systems are semi-implanted hearing devices, which have been widely applied in patients with congenital conductive hearing loss. However, comparison between these two hearing devices is rare, especially in the same patient. We report a 23-year-old man who underwent successive implantation of Vibrant Soundbridge and Bonebridge devices in the same ear because of dysfunction of the Vibrant Soundbridge. We provide insight on the patient’s experience and compare the audiological and subjective outcomes of satisfaction.
Efficacy of Self-Administered Intranasal Oxytocin on Alcohol Use and Craving After Detoxification in Patients With Alcohol Dependence. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of self-administered intranasal oxytocin on alcohol dependence after detoxification. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 38 patients fulfilling the criteria for ICD-10 diagnosis of alcohol dependence received either 8 IU oxytocin or placebo at their own discretion up to thrice daily for 4 weeks, after completing detoxification. Primary outcome was alcohol intake specified as the amount of alcohol consumed, the number of days to relapse into alcohol use and the proportion of subjects relapsing. Secondary outcomes were self-reported symptoms of craving, sleep and mental distress. Results There were no significant differences between the oxytocin group and the placebo group in daily alcohol intake in total (mean 1.3 ± 2.9 vs. 2.0 ± 5.0 units; P = 0.63) or on drinking days (mean 8.4 ± 2.7 vs. 7.7 ± 6.0 units; P = 0.76), in the number of days until relapse (P = 0.91) or in the proportion of subjects relapsing (37.5 vs. 41.2%; P = 0.84). Neither were there any statistically significant differences in any other outcomes, except a larger decrease in self-reported nervousness in the oxytocin group (P = 0.022). Conclusion The results were inconclusive as to whether intranasal oxytocin reduced the time to relapse, degree of craving or total amount of alcohol consumed after detoxification. However, the oxytocin group had a larger decrease in self-reported nervousness.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Fecal Calprotectin for the Detection of Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease through Capsule Endoscopy: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background/Aims The diagnosis of small bowel Crohn’s disease with negative ileocolonoscopic findings has been challenging. Fecal calprotectin (FC) has been used to detect colonic inflammation, but its efficacy for detecting small bowel inflammation is less established. We performed an updated meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FC to detect active small bowel inflammation observed during capsule endoscopy. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search for studies that evaluated the correlation between small bowel inflammation and FC in patients with suspected/established Crohn’s disease. We calculated the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) and constructed hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves for FC cutoffs of 50, 100, and 200 µg/g. Results Fourteen studies were eligible for the final analysis. The DORs of all FC cutoffs were significant. The highest DOR was observed at 100 µg/g (sensitivity, 0.73; specificity, 0.73; and DOR, 7.89) and was suggested as the optimal diagnostic cutoff. If we analyzed only studies that included patients with suspected Crohn’s disease, the DOR was 8.96. If we analyzed only studies that included patients with a Lewis score ≥135 as a diagnostic criterion for active disease, the DOR was 10.90. Conclusions FC has significant diagnostic accuracy for detecting small bowel inflammation, and an FC cutoff of 100 µg/g can be used as a tool to screen for small bowel Crohn’s disease. (Gut Liver 2021;15-741)
Single-cell transcriptome landscape of ovarian cells during primordial follicle assembly in mice

Primordial follicle assembly in the mouse occurs during perinatal ages and largely determines the ovarian reserve that will be available to support the reproductive life span. The development of primordial follicles is controlled by a complex network of interactions between oocytes and ovarian somatic cells that remain poorly understood. In the present research, using single-cell RNA sequencing performed over a time series on murine ovaries, coupled with several bioinformatics analyses, the complete dynamic genetic programs of germ and granulosa cells from E16.5 to postnatal day (PD) 3 were reported. Along with confirming the previously reported expression of genes by germ cells and granulosa cells, our analyses identified 5 distinct cell clusters associated with germ cells and 6 with granulosa cells. Consequently, several new genes expressed at significant levels at each investigated stage were assigned. By building single-cell pseudotemporal trajectories, 3 states and 1 branch point of fate transition for the germ cells were revealed, as well as for the granulosa cells. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment enabled identification of the biological process most represented in germ cells and granulosa cells or common to both cell types at each specific stage, and the interactions of germ cells and granulosa cells basing on known and novel pathway were presented. Finally, by using single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) algorithm, we were able to establish a network of regulons that can be postulated as likely candidates for sustaining germ cell-specific transcription programs throughout the period of investigation. Above all, this study provides the whole transcriptome landscape of ovarian cells and unearths new insights during primordial follicle assembly in mice.
Thioredoxin-dependent system. Application of inhibitors

Abstract One of the systems responsible for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis is the thioredoxin-dependent system. An equally important function of this system is the regulation of the expression of many proteins by the transcription factor NF-κB or the apoptosis regulating kinase (ASK-1). Since it has been shown that the Trx-dependent system can contribute to both the enhancement of tumour angiogenesis and growth as well as apoptosis of neoplastic cells, the search for compounds that inhibit the level/activity of Trx and/or TrxR and thus modulate the course of the neoplastic process is ongoing. It has been shown that many naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds inactivate elements of the thioredoxin system. In addition, the effectiveness of Trx is inhibited by imidazole derivatives, while the activity of TrxR is reduced by transition metal ions complexes, dinitrohalobenzene derivatives, Michael acceptors, nitrosourea and ebselen. In addition, research is ongoing to identify new selective Trx/TrxR inhibitors.
A Critical Role for Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor 1 in Modulating FcεRI-Mediated Mast Cell Activation

Key Points NHERF1 promotes mast cell activation following FcεRI stimulation in vitro. NHERF1 regulates IgE-mediated, mast cell–dependent anaphylactic reactions in vivo. NHERF1 localized to the mast cell nucleus following IgE/Ag stimulation. Mast cells are tissue-resident immune cells that play pivotal roles in initiating and amplifying allergic/anaphylactic reactions in humans. Their activation occurs via multiple mechanisms, which include cross-linking of the IgE-bound, high-affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI) by allergens or Ags and the binding of anaphylatoxins such as C3a to its receptor, C3aR. We have previously demonstrated that the Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) promotes C3aR functions in human mast cells. In the current study, we show that NHERF1 regulates mast cell response following FcεRI stimulation. Specifically, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, activation of the MAPKs (ERK1/2 and P38), and production of cytokines (IL-13 and IL-6) following exposure to IgE/Ag were significantly reduced in mast cells from NHERF1+/‒ mice. In agreement with our in vitro data, mast cell–mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and passive systemic anaphylaxis were reduced in NHERF1+/‒ mice and mast cell–deficient KitW-sh/W-sh mice engrafted with NHERF1+/‒ mast cells. Mechanistically, the levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate mast cell responses, miRNA 155-3p and miRNA 155-5p, were altered in mast cells from NHERF1+/‒ mice. Moreover, NHERF1 rapidly localized to the nucleus of mast cells following FcεRI stimulation. In summary, our results suggest that the NHERF1 acts as an adapter molecule and promotes IgE/Ag-induced mast cell activation. Further elucidating the mechanisms through which NHERF1 modulates mast cell responses will lend insights into the development of new therapeutic strategies to target mast cells during anaphylaxis or other allergic diseases.
Direct medical costs of breast cancer in Jordan: cost drivers and predictors

ABSTRACT Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst females in Jordan. The study aimed to estimate the total direct medical cost of breast cancer from a healthcare provider’s perspective. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done to include all Jordanian females who were diagnosed with breast cancer at two leading public providers of cancer care in Jordan, Bashir Hospital and the University of Jordan Hospital. Data were extracted from the Jordan Cancer Registry (JCR) from 2011 to 2014 including demographic, clinical, and economic data of the patient. Results: A total of 877 and 665 patients were included in the first and second year after diagnosis, respectively. Costs increased in the advanced stages; costs for stages 0, I, II, III, and IV were Jordanian dinars)JD(6,749.94 ($9,517.42), JD 5,960.46 ($8,404.25), JD 8,003.58 ($11,285.05), JD 9,390.59 ($13,240.73), and JD 9,587.44 ($13,518.29), respectively. Treatment costs were the main cost driver across all stages. Conclusions: This analysis offers insight into costs, cost drivers, and resources utilization incurred by breast cancer patients in Jordan. Two major hospitals in Jordan can play a key informative role in future cost-effectiveness of breast cancer screening and therapeutic treatments in the different stages of cancer.