Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low Vitamin D Status at Admission as a Risk Factor for Poor Survival in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: An Italian Retrospective Study

Abstract Objective Preliminary findings suggest a relationship between lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and incidence and severity of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status at admission and different markers of inflammation, coagulation, and sepsis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Method We conducted a retrospective study on 137 consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and available data on serum 25(OH)D levels, who were admitted to our Institution between March 1 and April 30, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: survivors (n = 78; 57%) and non-survivors (n = 59; 43%). Results At admission, all patients showed hypovitaminosis D. Median total serum 25(OH)D levels at admission were significantly higher in survivors than non-survivors (12 ng/mL vs 8 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Non-survivors exhibited significantly higher median levels of white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio (NLR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), ferritin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), D-dimer, fibrinogen, and procalcitonin (PCT) compared to survivors at three different time points during hospitalization. In a multivariate analysis performed by a logistic regression model, serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly inversely associated with risk of COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.98; p = 0.01). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, hsCRP, NLR, ferritin, and D-dimer were the best predictive biomarkers for poor prognosis of COVID-19, whereas IL-6, PCT, fibrinogen, 25(OH)D, WBC count, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) may serve as supportive biomarkers for worse clinical course of the disease. Conclusions We found a markedly high prevalence (100%) of hypovitaminosis D in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, suggesting a possible role of low vitamin D status in increasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent hospitalization. The inverse association between serum 25(OH)D levels and risk of in-hospital mortality observed in our cohort suggests that a lower vitamin D status upon admission may represent a modifiable and independent risk factor for poor prognosis in COVID-19.
HYDROLYZABLE ORGANIC FORMS OF NITROGEN IN SOME RICE SOIL PROFILES AS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC MATTER APPLICATION

The influence of previous application of organic matter for a period of 16 years on the amounts and distribution of organic N was investigated using profile samples from four rice field plots. This study was conducted by determining soil horizon samples for nonhydrolyzable N and hydrolyzable (total, ammonium, amino sugar, and unidentified) N with the hot 6 N HCl hydrolysis procedure. Organic matter treatments, including the application of rice compost, rice straw, and Italian ryegrass residues, led to a marked increase in all forms of soil N whose content was highest in the surface soil and decreased down the profile. The proportion of hydrolyzable N (40–81%) to the total N decreased with depth and that of nonhydrolyzable N (19–60%) increased with depth. Furthermore, the proportion of amino acid N (4–28%), amino sugar N (2–5%), and unidentified N (12–32%) decreased with depth, whereas that of hydrolyzable ammonium N (16–24%) remained fairly constant throughout the profile. In general, the profile distribu.
Muscle and cerebral oxygenation during cycling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A scoping review

To synthesize evidence for prefrontal cortex (PFC), quadriceps, and respiratory muscle oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cycling in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A scoping review was performed searching databases (inception-August 2020): Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Pedro. The search focused on COPD, cycling, and NIRS outcomes. 29 studies (541 COPD participants) were included. Compared to healthy individuals (8 studies), COPD patients at lower cycling workloads had more rapid increases in vastus lateralis (VL) deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb); lower increases in VL total hemoglobin (tHb) and blood flow; and lower muscle tissue saturation (StO2). Heliox and bronchodilators were associated with smaller and slower increases in VL HHb. Heliox increased VL and intercostal blood flow compared to room air and supplemental oxygen in COPD patients (1 study). PFC oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) increased in COPD individuals during cycling in 5 of 8 studies. Individuals with COPD and heart failure demonstrated worse VL and PFC NIRS outcomes compared to patients with only COPD—higher or more rapid increase in VL HHb and no change or decrease in PFC O2Hb. Individuals with COPD present with a mismatch between muscle oxygen delivery and utilization, characterized by more rapid increase in VL HHb, lower muscle O2Hb and lower muscle StO2. PFC O2Hb increases or tends to increase in individuals with COPD during exercise, but this relationship warrants further investigation. NIRS can be used to identify key deoxygenation thresholds during exercise to inform PFC and muscle oxygenation.
Variation in neurosurgical intervention for severe traumatic brain injury: The challenge of measuring quality in trauma center verification

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. BACKGROUND Intracranial pressure monitor (ICPm) procedure rates are a quality metric for American College of Surgeons trauma center verification. However, ICPm procedure rates may not accurately reflect the quality of care in TBI. We hypothesized that ICPm and craniotomy/craniectomy procedure rates for severe TBI vary across the United States by geography and institution. METHODS We identified all patients with a severe traumatic brain injury (head Abbreviated Injury Scale, ≥3) from the 2016 Trauma Quality Improvement Program data set. Patients who received surgical decompression or ICPm were identified via International Classification of Diseases codes. Hospital factors included neurosurgeon group size, geographic region, teaching status, and trauma center level. Two multiple logistic regression models were performed identifying factors associated with (1) craniotomy with or without ICPm or (2) ICPm alone. Data are presented as medians (interquartile range) and odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval). RESULTS We identified 75,690 patients (66.4% male; age, 59 [36–77] years) with a median Injury Severity Score of 17 (11–25). Overall, 6.1% had surgical decompression, and 4.8% had ICPm placement. Logistic regression analysis showed that region of the country was significantly associated with procedure type: hospitals in the West were more likely to use ICPm (OR, 1.34 [1.20–1.50]), while Northeastern (OR, 0.80 [0.72–0.89]), Southern (OR, 0.84 [0.78–0.92]), and Western (OR, 0.88 [0.80–0.96]) hospitals were less likely to perform surgical decompression. Hospitals with small neurosurgeon groups (<3) were more likely to perform surgical intervention. Community hospitals are associated with higher odds of surgical decompression but lower odds of ICPm placement. CONCLUSION Both geographic differences and hospital characteristics are independent predictors for surgical intervention in severe traumatic brain injury. This suggests that nonpatient factors drive procedural decisions, indicating that ICPm rate is not an ideal quality metric for American College of Surgeons trauma center verification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiological, level III; Care management/Therapeutic level III.
Extraction and Characterization of Mackery (Scomber scombrus) Oil for Industrial Use

Fish oils have been recognized as good sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which are widely used for pharmaceutical purposes and as food supplements. It has been reported that fishes are rich in arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids have been recommended as infant food supplements by health agencies. In this study fish oil from mackery (Scomber scombrus) was extracted using a mechanical screw press system. The total percentage oil yield using screw press extraction was 18.7 %. Characterization of the fish sample was done. From the results of the characterisation of the fish sample, moisture content was found to be 55.7%. The protein content and ash content were 15.6 and 1.5%. Carbohydrates composition estimated in the samples analysed was 0.4% and the lipid content was found to be 26.8% in this study. The analytical properties and microbiological status of the crude and the refined oil were evaluated. It was observed that the crude oil consist of: free fatty acids (FFA) value 2.3 %, peroxide 11.4 meq/kg, saponification value 187 mgKOH/g, iodine value 168 I 2 /100g, refractive index 1.485 and reddish brown colour. The refined oil was also evaluated as follows: free fatty acid value 0.28 %, peroxide 2.5 meq/kg, saponification value 132 mgKOH/g, iodine value 105 I 2 /100g and golden brown colour.The results of the microbiological analysis of fish oil showed that the total viable counts (TVC) was 2.0 × 10 1 CFU/mL of oil, the total coliforms count was 0.4 × 10 1 CFU/mL of oil and the faecal coliforms count was 0.25 CFU/mL of oil. These values fall within the acceptable standard values. The refining of the oil brought about a notable improvement in the analytical properties of the oil. Thus, leads to a high quality fish oil in terms of the taste, colour, odours, shelf life and market value. Based on the characteristics of the oil, it could be suitable for applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. (T. Bako, V.I. Umogbai and S.E. Obetta. Extraction and Characterization of Mackery (Scomber scombrus) Oil for Industrial Use. Researcher 2014;6(8):80-85). (ISSN: 1553-9865). http://www.sciencepub. net/researcher . 14
Prospective Audit of Gentamicin Drug Monitoring Practice in a Pediatric Cancer Center

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Gentamicin kommt in vielen pädiatrisch onkologischen Behandlungszentren in der Erstlinien-Kombinationstherapie bei Fieber und Granulozytopenie zum Einsatz. Seit 2011 verwenden wir hierzu eine Dosierung von 250 mg/m2 KOF (max. 10 mg/kg, max. 400 mg) als tgl. Einmalgabe nach der deutschen Leitlinie. Patienten und Methoden In diesem prospektiven Audit (Februar 2011 – Dezember 2019) wurden bei 66 kinderonkologischen Patienten 105 Gentamicin-Zyklen in Hinblick auf die Adhärenz zum Dosierungsstandard und auf die Ergebnisse des Drug Monitorings analysiert. Ergebnisse Die Adhärenz mit dem neuen Dosierungsschema war hoch (89%). In 64% der Zyklen wurde ein Spitzenspiegel (1 h nach der 2. Gabe) im Zielbereich (Cmax; 10–20 µg/ml) erreicht. Cmax korrelierte signifikant mit der Dosis in mg/m2 KOF (p=0,007), jedoch nicht mit der Dosis in mg/kg (p=0,366). Ein Lebensalter unter 6 Jahre beeinflusste dieses Ergebnis nicht. Der Gentamicin Ctrough (8–10 h nach der zweiten Gabe) lag in 93% der Zyklen unter 2 µg/ml und korrelierte nicht mit der Dosis. Kein Patient in diesem Audit erfüllte die Kriterien für eine Gentamicin-assoziierte Nephrotoxizität. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Dieses prospektive Audit der tgl. Einmalgabe von Gentamicin bei nierengesunden pädiatrisch-onkologischen Patienten bestätigt die praktische Anwendbarkeit und Sicherheit der Dosierung in mg/m2 nach der deutschen Leitlinie. Aufgrund der eingeschränkten Indikationen für Gentamicin in der Erstlinientherapie ist eine prospektive multizentrische Studie zur Bestätigung dieser Beobachtungen wünschenswert.
Patent landscape of pediatric-friendly oral dosage forms and administration devices

ABSTRACT Introduction The current availability of dosage forms designed specifically for children is limited, constituting common practice the use of unlicensed or off-labeled medicines and extemporaneous preparations. Swallowing difficulties and taste aversion are the primary reasons for medicine rejection; therefore, enhancing palatability and ease of administration are the most common approaches adopted to overcome these issues. Areas covered A search of patents was performed for pediatric dosage forms and devices. The review aims to provide an overview on new formulation approaches and technologies adopted to develop pediatric-friendly dosage forms and devices, as well as on the regulatory efforts aiming to support the pediatrics market. Expert opinion Children deserve medicines of the same efficacy, quality and safety as adults. The present review highlights the momentum developed by pharmaceutical industries in the field of pediatrics, since more than 60 patents have been published in the last 5 years. An increasing interest, especially in mini-tablets, orodispersible, and chewable dosage forms, as well as on excipients and methods, to achieve sufficient taste-masking was identified, recognizing also the need for coordinated research networks and sustainable collaborations across the public and private sectors to provide better medicines for children.
Molecular and epigenetic modes of Fumonisin B1 mediated toxicity and carcinogenesis and detoxification strategies

Abstract Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a natural contaminant of agricultural commodities that has displayed a myriad of toxicities in animals. Moreover, it is known to be a hepatorenal carcinogen in rodents and may be associated with oesophageal and hepatocellular carcinomas in humans. The most well elucidated mode of FB1-mediated toxicity is its disruption of sphingolipid metabolism; however, enhanced oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and alterations in immune response may also play a role in its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Alterations to the host epigenome may impact on the toxic and carcinogenic response to FB1. Seeing that the contamination of FB1 in food poses a considerable risk to human and animal health, a great deal of research has focused on new methods to prevent and attenuate FB1-induced toxic consequences. The focus of the present review is on the molecular and epigenetic interactions of FB1 as well as recent research involving FB1 detoxification.
Alcohol Consumption, HDL-Cholesterol and Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study Including 250,010 Participants

Abstract Aims Alcohol consumption has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) and also to the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C). HDL-C has been associated with the incidence of CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-reported alcohol consumption, HDL-C and incidence of CRC, separately for the two sites. Methods Altogether, 250,010 participants in Norwegian surveys have been followed-up for an average of 18 years with respect to a first-time outcome of colon or rectal cancer. During follow-up, 3023 and 1439 colon and rectal cancers were registered. Results For men, the HR per 1 drink per day was 1.05 with 95% confidence interval (0.98–1.12) for colon and 1.08 (1.02–1.15) for rectal cancer. The corresponding figures for women were 1.03 (0.97–1.10) and 1.05 (1.00–1.10). There was a positive association between alcohol consumption and HDL-C. HDL-C was inversely associated with colon cancer in men (0.74 (0.62–0.89) per 1 mmol/l) and positively associated with rectal cancer, although not statistically significant (1.15 (0.92–1.44). A robust regression that assigned weights to each observation and exclusion of weights ≤ 0.1 increased the HRs per 1 drink per day and decreased the HR per 1 mmol/l for colon cancer. The associations with rectal cancer remained unchanged. Conclusion Our results support a positive association between alcohol consumption and colon and rectal cancer, most pronounced for rectal cancer. Considering the positive relation between alcohol consumption and HDL-C, the inverse association between HDL-C and colon cancer in men remains unsettled.
Temporal trend of overweight and obesity prevalence among Brazilian adults, according to sociodemographic characteristics, 2006-2019.

OBJETIVO To analyze the temporal trend of overweight and obesity prevalence rates among adults in the Brazilian state capitals and Federal District between 2006 and 2019. METHODS This was a time series study using data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey, 2006-2019 (n=730,309). Prevalence of overweight and obesity for each of the years was analyzed, according to combined sex, age, and schooling. Temporal variation trend was analyzed using Prais-Winsten regression. RESULTS Variations in overweight prevalence were observed, mainly among males 18-24 years old with up to 8 years of schooling (3.17%/year) and among women between 18-24 years old with more than 12 or more years of schooling (6.81% /year). Variations in obesity prevalence were found mainly among women 18-24 years old with more than 12 years of schooling (10.79%/year). CONCLUSION There was an increase in overweight and obesity in most of the socio-demographic strata studied, especially among more educated young people.
Identification of novel allelic patterns and evolutionary lineage of BoLA MHC class II DQA locus in indicine and taurine cattle

Abstract Among different cattle types, Bos indicus are known for their ability to better resist the tropical microbial infections comparatively, wherein MHC molecules play a significant role. In this study allelic diversity at MHC locus, DQA of Bos indicus, Bos taurus and crossbred of taurine-indicus has been explored to understand the possible role of MHC region in differential immune response. Thirty nine different DQA alleles were identified, out of which 14 were novel, along with documentation of duplication of DQA alleles. Indicus cattle population presented diverse types of DQA alleles compared to crossbred and exotic. Translated amino acid sequence analysis indicated, codon 64 and 50 of peptide binding sites being highly polymorphic and most of the indicus cattle presented alanine and arginine amino acid at position 64 and 50. Within breed genetic variation found to be higher than between breeds. Because of their ability to bind and subsequently respond to a wide array of antigens, the newly identified DQA alleles with high diversity present in the form of duplicated haplotypes in different combinations in cattle populations provided significant insights into probable role of this MHC locus in better tropical disease combating ability and genetic fitness of indicus cattle.
The Effect of Continuous Passive Motion in Patients Treated With Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective The aim of the study was to identify the effectiveness of the continuous passive motion application on clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty, based on evidence from recently published high-quality randomized controlled trials. Design Two reviewers retrieved platforms of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL independently, for identifying eligible randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of continuous passive motion applied after total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis. Subgroup meta-analyses were performed for all syntheses based on the follow-up intervals. Results A total of 10 randomized controlled trials, involving 841 patients, were finally included. Data were available for 15 different outcomes (including active/passive knee extension/flexion/full range of motion, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index–pain/physical function/stiffness/total score, visual analogue scale, time up and go, knee girth, Knee Society Scale-function/knee score), at several time points. In general, most of the pools demonstrated similar outcome between continuous passive motion and noncontinuous passive motion groups. Exclusively, the active knee extension at 1 wk (mean difference = 3.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.5–5.5, P = 0.019*), passive knee extension at 1 wk (mean difference = 3.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.28–5.72, P = 0.031*), and 3 mos (mean difference = 3.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.5–5.5, P = 0.019*) were shown to be significantly slightly different between two groups. Conclusions This study demonstrated a limited role of continuous passive motion in patients operated with total knee arthroplasty. Thus, there is at this stage no indication for continuous passive motion procedures in patients operated with total knee arthroplasty as a standard postoperative care.
A meta-analysis reveals the effectiveness of probiotics and prebiotics against respiratory viral infection

Abstract Experimental experience suggests that microbial agents including probiotics and prebiotics (representative microbial agents) play a critical role in defending against respiratory virus infection. We aim to systematically examine these agents’ effect on respiratory viral infection and encourage research into clinical applications. An electronic literature search was conducted from published data with a combination of a microbial agents search component containing synonyms for microbial agents-related terms and a customized search component for respiratory virus infection. Hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio (RR) and standard deviation (SD) were employed as effect estimates. In 45 preclinical studies, the mortality rates decreased in the respiratory viral infection models that included prebiotics or prebiotics as interventions (HR: 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56–0.87; P=0.002). There was a significant decrease in viral load due to improved gut microbiota (SD: −1.22; 95% CI: −1.50 to −0.94; P<0.001). Concentrations of interferon (IFN)-α (SD: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.33–1.77; P=0.004), IFN-γ (SD: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.01–1.65; P=0.05) and interleukin (IL)-12 (SD: 2.42; 95% CI: 0.32–4.52; P=0.02), IL-1β (SD: 0.01; 95% CI: −0.37 to 0.40; P=0.94) increased, whereas those of TNF-α (SD: −0.58; 95% CI: −1.59 to 0.43; P=0.26) and IL-6 (SD: −0.59; 95% CI: −1.24 to 0.07; P=0.08) decreased. Six clinical studies had lower symptom scores (SD: −0.09; 95% CI: −0.44 to 0.26; P=0.61) and less incidence of infection (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64–1.01; P=0.06). Our research indicates that probiotics and prebiotics pose a defensive possibility on respiratory viral infection and may encourage the clinical application.
A Panel of Biomarkers Associates With Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Events in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The increase in cardiovascular events (CVEs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not fully explained by traditional risk factors. We previously identified four biomarkers (proinflammatory high‐density lipoprotein, leptin, soluble TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), and homocysteine) that we combined with age and diabetes to create the predictors of risk for elevated flares, damage progression, and increased cardiovascular diseasein patients with SLE (PREDICTS) risk profile. PREDICTS more accurately identified patients with SLE at risk for progression of subclinical atherosclerosis than any individual variable. We examined whether PREDICTS can also identify patients with SLE at risk for future CVEs.
Thrombocytopenia following Pfizer and Moderna SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination

Cases of apparent secondary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with both the Pfizer and Moderna versions have been reported and reached public attention. Public alarm was heightened following the death of the first identified patient from an intracranial hemorrhage, which was reported on the Internet, then in USA Today