Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zoonotic Bartonella species in Eurasian wolves and other free‐ranging wild mammals from Italy

Bartonellae are emerging vector‐borne pathogens infecting humans, domestic mammals and wildlife. Ninety‐seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 8 European badgers (Meles meles), 6 Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus), 6 European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), 3 beech martens (Martes foina) and 2 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Italian Nature Conservatory Parks were investigated for Bartonella infection. Several Bartonella species (9.84%; 95% CI: 4.55–15.12), including zoonotic ones, were molecularly detected among wolves (83.3%; 95% CI: 51–100.00), foxes (4.12%; 95% CI: 0.17–8.08), hedgehogs (33.33%; 95% CI: 0.00–71.05) and a roe deer. Bartonella rochalimae was the most common Bartonella species (i.e. in 4 foxes and 2 wolves) detected. Candidatus B. merieuxii and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were identified for the first time in wolves. Furthermore, Bartonella schoenbuchensis was identified in a roe deer and a new clone with phylogenetic proximity to B. clarridgeiae was detected in European hedgehogs. Zoonotic and other Bartonella species were significantly more frequent in Eurasian wolves (p < .0001), than in other free‐ranging wild mammals, representing a potential reservoir for infection in humans and domestic animals.
Understanding glomerular diseases through proteomics

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic kidney disease is avery common and complex chronic disease. Uncovering the pathological patterns of CKD on the molecular level of bio-fluids and tissue appears to be both vital and promising for a more favorable outcome. We reviewed recently discovered proteomics biomarkers for CKD to provide new insight into disease pathology. Areas covered We review the application of proteome analysis in the context of CKD with various etiologies within the last 5 years. Proteins and peptides associated with CKD as derived from multiple sources (urine, blood and tissue) are reported along with their various biological pathways. Expert opinion A systematic and theoretical comprehension of the CKD pathology is essential for its successful management. The underlying complexity of the disease further requires specific conditions for reliable and interpretable results. In this context, clinical proteomics has resulted in first encouraging findings in CKD. A more complete understanding of the biological pathways related to the disease, based on the scope of a holistic proteomic approach, could improve substantially the management of CKD, especially when in conjunction with the current trend of personalized medicine.
Sequential osseointegration from osseohealing to osseoremodeling - Histomorphological comparison of novel 3D porous and solid Ti-6Al-4V titanium implants.

In the present study, we analyzed the histological characteristics of osseointegration of an open-porous Ti-6Al-4V material that was produced in a space holder method creating a 3-D through-pores trabecular design that mimics the inhomogeneity and size relationships of trabecular bone in macro- as well as microstructure. Pairs of cylindrical implants with a porosity of 49 % and an average pore diameter of 400 µm or equal sized solid, corundum blasted devices as reference were bilaterally implanted press fit in the lateral condyles of 16 rabbits. Histological examination was performed after 4 weeks of short-term osseohealing and 12 weeks of mid-term osseoremodeling and we summarized the criteria for sequential osseointegration. After 4 weeks, osteoid had already been largely replaced by mineralized woven bone in both types of implants but was only represented to a greater extent in the deeper pores of PI. The cortical as well as trabecular region showed regular osseohealing with excessive and spatially undirected formation of immature woven bone. A dense bone mass was found in the cortical area, while in the trabecular region the bone mass was reduced distinctly, presenting large lacuna-like recesses and a demarcating trabecular structure. The pores near the implant surface contained more mineralized woven bone than the deeper pores. After 12 weeks, the osseoremodeling was largely completed with a physiological maturation to lamellar bone. The newly formed bone mass increased for PI and SI compared to the 4-week group and osteoid was only detectable in the deeper pores. The inhomogeneous trabecular design of the pores enables an excellent ingrowth of mineralized lamellar bones after remodeling to a pore depth of 1800 µm, which proves a functional load transfer from the surrounding bone into the implant. According to the concept of osseointegration by Branemark and Albrektsson, the histological evaluation confirms a successful, superior osseointegration of the presented porous properties improving long-term implant stability. The presented study protocol allows an excellent evaluation and comparison of the sequential osseointegration from short-term osseohealing to mid-term osseoremodeling.
Preoperative MRI characteristics predict chronic subdural haematoma postoperative recurrence: a meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Prior studies have reported that preoperative T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal iso- or hypointensity may indicate higher risk of postoperative chronic subdural haematoma recurrence (cSDH). The authors undertook a meta-analysis to determine whether preoperative MRI characteristics may predict recurrence and/or reoperation after initial surgical evacuation of cSDH. Materials and methods Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library were queried to find articles published after 1990 that included data on preoperative brain MRIs obtained prior to burr hole or craniotomy haematoma evacuation of unilateral or bilateral cSDH and data on postoperative recurrence and/or repeat evacuation. The authors specifically investigated the T1 signal characteristics of the haematoma as they related to postoperative recurrence. Results Five articles were identified that included preoperative MRI T1 signal characteristics and postoperative recurrence data. One study reported cSDH recurrence requiring reoperation as the primary outcome, whereas four studies reported SDH recurrence alone as the primary outcome. A total of 1081 patients with a total of 1290 cSDHs underwent surgical evacuation. In the combined analysis, there were 62 recurrences in 300 cases (20.7%) in the MRI T1 hypo- and/or iso-intensity groups and 59 recurrences in 885 cases (6.7%) in the MRI T1 other groups (combined odds ratio = 4.385 (95% CI 2.93–6.57)). There was low heterogeneity among studies (i 2 = 0%). Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that preoperative MRI T1 hypo- or isointensity cSDH signal may predict increased postoperative SDH recurrence risk.
Volumetric measurements of the subcortical structures of healthy adult brains in the Turkish population.

BACKGROUND The interest in the morphological development of brain structures during childhood and adolescence arises from discussions on subcortical anomalies and sexual dimorphism, from adolescent changes in cognitive functions supported by cortical and subcortical structures to a wide range of childhood neuropsychiatric diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationships subcortical structures regarding age/gender changes in the healthy adult human brain using web-based VolBrain. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 303 normal healthy adults [male and female] were obtained using a 1.5 T unit with a 20-channel head coil. RESULTS The volumes of White Matter, Gray Matter, Total Brain, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Total Intracranial Volume were significantly higher in males than those in females. Our analysis revealed a significantly larger accumbens volume for females. With age less than or equal to 50 years, older males were found to have higher total LV, putamen, thalamus, amygdala, cerebrum, White Matter and Gray Matter volumes than females. The age greater than the 50-years-old group resulted in a mean of total thalamus, Globus Pallidus and accumbens volumes higher in females than those in males. Right hemisphere volumes in younger and older age groups resulted in volumes except caudate in the older age group; the mean of caudate was significantly higher in females than those in males. CONCLUSIONS These conclusions might have important for the explanation of the effects of gender and age in cross-sectional structural MRI studies. Also, knowing the volume changes of the subcortical structures can provide convenience about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various neuromental disorders.
Maize Decrease in DNA methylation 1 targets RNA-directed DNA methylation on active chromatin.

DNA methylation plays vital roles in repressing transposable element (TE) activity and regulating gene expression. The chromatin-remodeling factor Decrease in DNA methylation 1 (DDM1) is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation across diverse plant species, and is required for RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) to maintain mCHH islands in maize (Zea mays). However, the mechanisms by which DDM1 is involved in RdDM are not well understood. In this work, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) to ascertain the genome-wide occupancy of ZmDDM1 in the maize genome. The results revealed that ZmDDM1 recognized an 8-bp-long GC-rich degenerate DNA sequence motif, which is enriched in transcription start sites (TSSs) and other euchromatic regions. Meanwhile, 24-nucleotide siRNAs and CHH methylation were delineated at the edge of ZmDDM1-occupied sites. ZmDDM1 co-purified with Argonaute 4 (ZmAGO4) proteins, providing further evidence that ZmDDM1 is a component of RdDM complexes in planta. Consistent with this, the vast majority of ZmDDM1-targeted regions co-localized with ZmAGO4-bound genomic sites. Overall, our results suggest a model that ZmDDM1 may be recruited to euchromatic regions via recognition of a GC-rich motif, thereby remodeling chromatin to provide access for RdDM activities in maize.
Retrospective analysis of necrotizing typhlitis cases associated with Brachyspira spp. in British rheas

ABSTRACT This paper describes a retrospective analysis of necrotizing typhlitis in common rheas (Rhea americana) diagnosed in the United Kingdom by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). From January 2008 to January 2020, seven cases of spirochaetal typhlitis associated with Brachyspira spp. were identified using the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis database. Gross examination was combined with selective anaerobic culture, polymerase chain reaction, and histopathology to diagnose typhlitis associated with spirochaetal infection. Whole-genome sequencing was subsequently utilized on archived isolates from six of the seven submissions, overcoming issues with traditional testing methods and yielded gains in the identification of Brachyspira to species level. Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, an organism traditionally associated with typhlitis in rheas, was isolated in three sequenced submissions. One of these also demonstrated co-infection with Brachyspira intermedia. Brachyspira suanatina, Brachyspira hampsonii, and Brachyspira alvinipulli were identified by sequencing as single infections in the remaining three animals. This report demonstrates the ability of Brachyspira species other than B. hyodysenteriae to colonize the caeca of rheas presenting with typhlitis. Additionally, the B. alvinipulli isolate harboured a tva(A) gene, indicating higher potential pleuromutilin resistance, which has not previously been described in this Brachyspira species. This study discusses the epidemiology of examined cases and examines the potential role other species may play in these outbreaks.
Efficient Photocatalysis on BaBiO3 Driven by Visible Light

A novel photocatalyst BaBiO3 with perovskite structure was prepared by a soft chemical method and characterized by XRD, UV−visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, BET surface area measurement, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The material can absorb light with wavelength λ < 650 nm, which almost covers the region from UV through all strong visible light in the sunlight and an indoor lamp's illumination. It was found that the oxide can efficiently decompose organic contaminants, such as acetaldehyde and methylene blue dye, and yield high photocurrent density whenever under UV-light or visible-light irradiation. The density of states and band edge of the material were theoretically calculated on the basis of density functional theory and an atom's Mulliken electronegativity, respectively. It is revealed that both the valence band and conduction band of BaBiO3 contain a large portion of Bi 6s orbitals, which results in the narrow band gap, highly mobile charge carriers, and low barrier for .
Publication rates of hematology/oncology abstracts presented at major pharmacy association meetings

Introduction Professional conferences are where research findings are initially presented. Studies suggest many research ideas presented at conferences are never published. Previous studies have demonstrated that the full publication rate of abstracts presented at pharmacy meetings is approximately 20%. The objective of this study was to determine the full publication rate of hematology/oncology abstracts presented at major pharmacy organization annual meetings. Methods A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. Publication status was evaluated for hematology/oncology abstracts presented at annual meetings for the following organizations: American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting, and International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners Annual Meeting. Data collected included the meeting of abstract presentation, number of authors, abstract study type, country of origin, journal of publication, and type of publication. Abstracts presented as trainee research were excluded. Results Of 451 oncology abstracts evaluated, the most common topic categories included pharmacotherapy (n = 244; 54.1%), clinical pharmacy practice (n = 84; 18.6%), and operational/compounding (n = 69; 15.3%). The overall publication rate was 17.5% (n = 79). Abstracts were published as full manuscripts over a spread of 48 different journals. Factors associated with full publication included abstracts with more than 5 authors (OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.32-6.43; p < 0.0001) and abstracts presented at oncology-focused pharmacy meetings (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.49-5.72; p = 0.0018). Conclusion This study showed an overall publication rate of 17.5% for abstracts presented at pharmacy meetings, consistent with prior studies.
Carbon sequestration in a temperate grassland; management and climatic controls

Soil management practices that result in increased soil carbon (C) sequestration can make a valuable contribution to reducing the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. We studied the effect of poultry manure, cattle slurry, sewage sludge, NH4NO3 or urea on C cycling and sequestration in silage grass production. Soil respiration, net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and methane (CH4) fluxes were measured with chambers, and soil samples were analysed for total C and dissolved organic C (DOC). Treatments were applied over 2 years and measurements were carried out over 3 years to assess possible residual effects. Organic fertilizer applications increased CO2 loss through soil respiration but also enhanced soil C storage compared with mineral fertilizer. Cumulative soil respiration rates were highest in poultry manure treatments with 13.7 t C ha−1 in 2003, corresponding to 1.6 times the control value, but no residual effect was seen. Soil respiration showed an exponential increase with temperature, and a bimodal relationship with soil moisture. The greatest NEE was observed on urea treatments (with a CO2 uptake of −4.4 g CO2 m−2 h−1). Total C and DOC were significantly greater in manure treatments in the soil surface (0–10 cm). Of the C added in the manures, 27% of that in the sewage pellets, 32% of that in the cattle slurry and 39% of that in the poultry manure remained in the 0–10 cm soil layer at the end of the experiment. Mineral fertilizer treatments had only small C sequestration rates, although uncertainties were high. Expressed as global warming potentials, the benefits of increased C sequestration on poultry manure and sewage pellet treatments were outweighed by the additional losses of N2O, particularly in the wet year 2002. Methane was emitted only for 2–3 days on cattle slurry treatments, but the magnitudes of fluxes were negligible compared with C losses by soil respiration.
The Effects of Vegetation Removal by Grass Carp on Water Chemistry and Phytoplankton in Indiana Ponds

Abstract Water quality parameters and phytoplankton in ponds stocked with grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (test ponds) and in control ponds were compared during the summers of 1975 and 1976. Grass carp rapidly consumed available aquatic vascular plants. Dissolved oxygen levels in test ponds remained high as long as bottom growths of the filamentous green alga, Spirogyra sp. were present, but consumption of this alga in addition to vascular vegetation led to significantly lower dissolved oxygen concentrations in the water directly above the sediments. The most consistently affected parameters were turbidity and potassium concentrations, both of which were significantly higher in test ponds. Phytoplankton populations consisting primarily of dinoflagellates were not affected by grass carp introduction. As much as 54% of the phosphorus and 42% of the nitrogen released by consumption of plants were incorporated into new fish tissue. Most of the phosphorus not taken up by the fish was sequestered into compo.
Aortic valve-sparing root replacement with Tirone E. David's reimplantation technique: single-centre 25-year experience.

OBJECTIVES Tirone E. David described aortic valve-sparing root reimplantion (AVSRR) almost 30 years ago. At our centre, we adopted this operation in 1993, and since then, we have performed >700 operations over a time period of >25 years. In this report, we present our single-centre experience. METHODS Between 1993 and 2019, a total of 732 patients underwent AVSRR at our centre. The mean age was 53 ± 15 and 522 (71%) were male. Marfan syndrome was present in 117 (16%) patients and bicuspid aortic valve in 81 (11%). The indication for surgery was aortic root aneurysm in 588 (80%) patients and acute aortic dissection in 144 (20%) patients. RESULTS Mini-sternotomy was performed in 74 (10%) patients. A straight tube graft (David I) was used in 677 (92%) and a Valsalva-graft in 55 (8%) patients. Cusp plasty was done in 83 (11%) patients. Concomitant cardiac procedures were performed in 438 (60%) patients. Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.8% (n = 29) and 1.9% (n = 11) in elective cases. Postoperative echocardiography was available for 671 patients and showed aortic insufficiency (AI) ≤I° in 647 (96%) patients. The mean follow-up time was 10 ± 6.7 years and comprised a total of 7307 patient-years. The 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were: 93%, 88%, 77% and 65%, respectively. The rates for freedom from valve-related reoperation at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years after initial surgery were 97%, 93%, 88% and 85%, respectively. Cox regression analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.975, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.955-0.995, P = 0.016], hyperlipidaemia (OR = 1.980, 95% CI = 1.175-3.335, P = 0.010), preoperative level of left ventricular ejection function (OR = 1.749, 95% CI = 1.024-2.987, P = 0.041) and postoperative degree of AI (OR = 1.880, 95% CI = 1.532-2.308, P ≤ 0.001) as risk factors for the future AI or reoperation. CONCLUSIONS David procedure can be performed extremely safely, with low risks for perioperative morbidity and mortality, both in elective situations via minimally invasive access and in emergent settings for acute aortic type A dissection. Regarding long-term outcome, David's AVSRR seems to provide excellent clinical results and sustainable function of the aortic valve in the majority of patients almost 3 decades after its introduction.
Diabetes Engagement and Activation Platform for Implementation and Effectiveness of Automated Virtual Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Education: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Patients with type 2 diabetes require recommendations for self-management education and support. Objective In this study, we aim to design the Diabetes Engagement and Activation Platform (DEAP)—an automated patient education tool integrated into primary care workflow—and examine its implementation and effectiveness. Methods We invited patients aged 18-85 years with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level ≥8 to participate in a randomized controlled trial comparing DEAP with usual care. DEAP modules addressing type 2 diabetes self-management education and support domains were programmed into patient portals, each with self-guided educational readings, videos, and questions. Care teams received patient summaries and were alerted to patients with low confidence or requesting additional help. HbA1c, BMI, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Results Out of the 680 patients invited to participate, 337 (49.5%) agreed and were randomized. All of the 189 intervention patients accessed the first module, and 140 patients (74.1%) accessed all 9 modules. Postmodule knowledge and confidence scores were high. Only 18 patients requested additional help from the care team. BMI was lower for intervention patients than controls at 3 months (31.7 kg/m2 vs 32.1 kg/m2; P=.04) and 6 months (32.5 kg/m2 vs 33.0 kg/m2; P=.003); improvements were even greater for intervention patients completing at least one module. There were no differences in 3- or 6-month HbA1c or blood pressure levels in the intent-to-treat analysis. However, intervention patients completing at least one module compared with controls had a better HbA1c level (7.6% vs 8.2%; P=.03) and DBP (72.3 mm Hg vs 75.9 mm Hg; P=.01) at 3 months. Conclusions The findings of this study concluded that a significant proportion of patients will participate in an automated virtual diabetes self-management program embedded into patient portals and health systems show promise in helping patients manage their diabetes, weight, and blood pressure. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02957721; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02957721
Cross Cultural Team Collaboration: Integrating Cultural Humility in mHealth Development and Research

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization called for mobile health initiatives to improve population health outcomes, particularly in limited-resource settings. The aim of our study was to reflect upon approaches embedded in cultural humility and recognize areas where improvement was needed in the social innovation collaborative development of an mHealth app to improve hypertension health literacy in India. A qualitative descriptive case study approach was employed to elicit concepts of cultural humility and areas for improvement derived from communications between project stakeholders. Overarching themes included fostering coalescence and strengthening partnerships in addition to multiple subthemes. Enveloping cultural humility in multidisciplinary, interprofessional and cross-cultural healthcare projects and processes is imperative for the development and implementation of successful culturally congruent health initiatives. Team fostering of coalescence and recognizing challenges and adapting to mitigate challenges can strengthen partnerships, a desired consequence of cultural humility.