Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Management Mobile Virtual Reality Program for Women with Gestational Diabetes

The incidence of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes shows an increasing trend worldwide, and women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years of delivery. This is closely related to lifestyle habits such as dietary intake and physical activity; hence, self-management should be continuously practiced. However, after childbirth, women find it challenging to practice self-management due to physical discomfort and child rearing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an intervention program that is tailored to the characteristics of each participant and allows them to practice self-health management efficiently without time and space restrictions. This study aimed to develop a self-management mobile virtual reality program and investigate its efficacy in preventing type 2 diabetes after childbirth among women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Intervention with the self-management mobile virtual reality program was performed for 12 weeks. The data of 57 participants in the experimental group and 62 participants in the control group were analyzed. After 12 weeks, the body weight, body fat, hemoglobin A1c, and fasting glucose were decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group. In addition, the dietary habits and health-promoting lifestyle profile were improved in the experimental group compared with the control group. These findings demonstrated that a self-managed mobile virtual reality program could be used as an intervention method for health promotion. To verify the effectiveness of intervention with the self-management mobile virtual reality program, a follow-up study with a larger number of research subjects should be conducted in the future.
Human‐tick encounters as a measure of tickborne disease risk in lyme disease endemic areas

Entomological measures have long served as proxies for human risk of Lyme disease (LD) and other tickborne diseases (TBDs) in endemic areas of the United States, despite conflicting results regarding the correlation between these measures and human disease outcomes. Using data from a previous TBD intervention study in Connecticut, Maryland and New York, we evaluated whether human‐tick encounters can serve as an accurate proxy for risk of TBDs in areas where LD and other Ixodes scapularis‐transmitted infections are common. Among 2,590 households consisting of 4,210 individuals, experiencing a tick encounter was associated with an increased risk of both self‐reported (RR = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.05, 4.91) and verified TBD (RR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.84) at the household level. Household characteristics associated with experiencing any tick encounter were residence in Connecticut (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.51) or New York (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.22), head of household having a graduate level education (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.08), owning a pet (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.23) and a property size of 2 acres or larger (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.42, 3.70). Results for individual characteristics were similar to those for households. Future prevention studies in LD endemic areas should consider using human‐tick encounters as a robust proxy for TBD risk.
The Clinical Features of Preschool Children With Speech and Language Disorder and the Role of Maternal Language

Objective To retrospectively review the characteristics of preschool children with speech and language disorders to determine their clinical features and compares the average degrees of language delay based on hospital visit purposes, language developmental delay causes, and maternal language. Methods One thousand one hundred two children (832 males, 270 females) with the chief complaint of language or speech problems who underwent language assessment for the first time were included. Their medical records, including demographic data, language environments, and family history of language problems and other developmental problems, were collected. Furthermore, the results of language and developmental assessments and hearing tests were collected. Results Among the children enrolled in this study, 24% had parental problems and 9% were nurtured by their grandparents. The average degree of language delay did not differ regarding purposes of hospital visits. The average degree of language delay was greatest in children with autism spectrum disorders and least in children with mixed receptive–expressive language disorders. In children with mothers who do not speak Korean as their native language, social quotients in the social maturity scale were less than 70. Conclusion Language environment is an essential factor that may cause speech and language disorders. Moreover, maternal language seems to affect the social quotient of the social maturity scale.
Organization of Neuropeptide Y-Immunoreactive Cells in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) Visual Cortex

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is found throughout the central nervous system where it appears to be involved in the regulation of a wide range of physiological effects. The Mongolian gerbil, a member of the rodent family Muridae, is a diurnal animal and has been widely used in various aspects of biomedical research. This study was conducted to investigate the organization of NPY-immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the gerbil visual cortex using NPY immunocytochemistry. The highest density of NPY-IR neurons was located in layer V (50.58%). The major type of NPY-IR neuron was a multipolar round/oval cell type (44.57%). Double-color immunofluorescence revealed that 89.55% and 89.95% of NPY-IR neurons contained gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or somatostatin, respectively. Several processes of the NPY-IR neurons surrounded GABAergic interneurons. Although 30.81% of the NPY-IR neurons contained calretinin, NPY and calbindin-D28K-IR neurons were co-expressed rarely (3.75%) and NPY did not co-express parvalbumin. Triple-color immunofluorescence with anti-GluR2 or CaMKII antibodies suggested that some non-GABAergic NPY-IR neurons may make excitatory synaptic contacts. This study indicates that NPY-IR neurons have a notable architecture and are unique subpopulations of the interneurons of the gerbil visual cortex, which could provide additional valuable data for elucidating the role of NPY in the visual process in diurnal animals.
Body Mass Index Is Significantly Associated With Disease Severity in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder due to an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN2 gene. Although weight loss has been associated with disease progression in several neurodegenerative conditions, it has been barely assessed in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2.
The Effects of Antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori Eradication or Dapsone on Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease with wheals and/or angioedema. Some drugs, especially antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and the sulfone antibiotic dapsone, may be candidates for treating CSU. The present study assessed the efficacy of these antibiotic therapies for CSU. Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched until October 2020. Study selection, data abstraction and quality assessments were independently performed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The outcomes were the remission of CSU-related symptoms, activities and adverse events due to antibiotics for H. pylori eradication or dapsone. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 361 patients) were included. The antibiotics for H. pylori eradication increased the remission rate (risk ratio (RR) = 3.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31 to 12.14; I2 = 0%), but dapsone did not (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.78). Antibiotics for H. pylori eradication (standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.80 to 2.18; I2 = 69%) and dapsone (SMD = 7.00, 95% CI = 6.92 to 7.08; I2 = 0%) improved symptoms. The evidence of certainty was moderate. Dapsone was associated with mild adverse events, whereas H. pylori eradication was not. Conclusion: Antibiotics, especially those for H. pylori eradication, improved the remission rate and symptoms of CSU with few adverse events. Further studies are needed.
Development and Feasibility of a Digital Acceptance and Commitment Therapy–Based Intervention for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Pilot Acceptability Study

Background Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry that is difficult to control and has high comorbidity with mood disorders including depression. Individuals experience long wait times for diagnosis and often face accessibility barriers to treatment. There is a need for a digital solution that is accessible and acceptable to those with GAD. Objective This paper aims to describe the development of a digital intervention prototype of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for GAD that sits within an existing well-being app platform, BioBase. A pilot feasibility study evaluating acceptability and usability is conducted in a sample of adults with a diagnosis of GAD, self-referred to the study. Methods Phase 1 applied the person-based approach (creation of guiding principles, intervention design objectives, and the key intervention features). In Phase 2 participants received the app-based therapeutic and paired wearable for 2 weeks. Self-report questionnaires were obtained at baseline and posttreatment. The primary outcome was psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II [AAQ-II]) as this is the aim of ACT. Mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale [WEMWBS]) and symptoms of anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment [GAD-7]) and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]) were also assessed. Posttreatment usability was assessed via self-report measures (System Usability Scale [SUS]) in addition to interviews that further explored feasibility of the digital intervention in this sample. Results The app-based therapeutic was well received. Of 13 participants, 10 (77%) completed the treatment. Results show a high usability rating (83.5). Participants found the digital intervention to be relevant, useful, and helpful in managing their anxiety. Participants had lower anxiety (d=0.69) and depression (d=0.84) scores at exit, and these differences were significantly different from baseline (P=.03 and .008 for GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively). Participants had higher psychological flexibility and well-being scores at exit, although these were not significantly different from baseline (P=.11 and .55 for AAQ-II and WEMWBS, respectively). Conclusions This ACT prototype within BioBase is an acceptable and feasible digital intervention in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This study suggests that this intervention warrants a larger feasibility study in adults with GAD.
Elevated gut microbiome abundance of Christensenellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Rikenellaceae is associated with reduced visceral adipose tissue and healthier metabolic profile in Italian elderly

ABSTRACT Aging is accompanied by physiological changes affecting body composition and functionality, including accumulation of fat mass at the expense of muscle mass, with effects upon morbidity and quality of life. The gut microbiome has recently emerged as a key environmental modifier of human health that can modulate healthy aging and possibly longevity. However, its associations with adiposity in old age are still poorly understood. Here we profiled the gut microbiota in a well-characterized cohort of 201 Italian elderly subjects from the NU-AGE study, by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We then tested for association with body composition from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with a focus on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Dietary patterns, serum metabolome and other health-related parameters were also assessed. This study identified distinct compositional structures of the elderly gut microbiota associated with DXA parameters, diet, metabolic profiles and cardio-metabolic risk factors.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a supported employment intervention for people with mood and anxiety disorders in Denmark – the IPS-MA intervention

Abstract Objectives We aimed to investigate the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of a modified Individual Placement and Support intervention for people with mood and anxiety disorders (IPS-MA). Methods Costs were assessed from a societal perspective. Health care costs were derived from registers and combined with data on use of IPS-MA services, municipal social care, and labour market services. EQ-5D was used to compute QALY. Missing data were imputed in a sensitivity analysis. We also computed the cost per gain in hours worked. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were computed and bootstrapped to obtain confidence intervals for QALY and gain in hours worked. Results We found no difference in overall costs between groups. A significant saving was found in use of labour market services in the IPS-MA group. But the IPS-MA group had significantly lower wage earnings compared to the control group. The intervention group had a higher, though statistically in-significant, increase in QALYs than the control group. The ICER did not show statistically significant results, but there was a tendency, that IPS-MA could have a positive effect on health-related quality of life without any additional costs. However, participants in the IPS-MA group had a significantly lower gain in hours worked compared to the control group. Conclusions Despite a significant saving in use of labour market services, IPS-MA was not cost-effective. Participants in the IPS-MA group worked significantly fewer hours and earned significantly less than participants in the control group at 1-year follow-up.
Paracoccidioimycosis and white individuals: Susceptibility and biogeographic aspects in an important endemic area in Brazil

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected mycosis most commonly occurring in Latin America. The etiologic agents are thermo dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides, and cause an important granulomatous response in affected tissues. The Botucatu Medical School, from São Paulo State University (UNESP), is a PCM study pole, located in São Paulo State Midwest region, which is classified as a hyperendemic area in the Southeast region in Brazil. This study aimed to perform a retrospective epidemiological, geographical, and clinical analysis by the information available in medical records. It was listed as socio-demographic data along with clinical characteristics from patients diagnosed and treated during a 10-year period in Botucatu, totaling 177 patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis confirmed by the histopathological test. It was observed that the main clinical presentation was the chronic type (76,3%), most commonly identified in white male individuals over the age of 29 years old, smokers, and alcoholics, providing evidences for the first time that white individuals were more affected by the disease, in comparison to non-white individuals that may be more resistant to infection. This data opens new avenues for study within ancestry, resistance and susceptibility in paracoccidioidomycosis.
Conical coupling angular stable plate fixation: a retrospective study

Backgrounds. Conical coupling represents an alternative to screw coupling on angular stable plate fixation. Aims of the present study was to evaluate clinical effectiveness and ease of plate removal of conical coupling locking plates into different scenario regarding quality of bone, type of fracture and operative technique. Methods. From May 2013 to December 2017, 198 patients with 206 fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation with conical locking plate. In most cases fixation involved wrist (38%) and clavicle (24%) fractures but a varied type of fractures and bone were included in the study. Results. Ten complications related to plate fixation were observed (5,1%). Two case of intra-articular positioning of screws of wrist plate. One case of loss of reduction and breakage of wrist plate due to an inappropriate proximal fracture fixation. Five cases of complications involved clavicle fixation: three cases of non-union, one case of peri-implant fracture, one screw loosening. One non-union of distal tibial fracture, one non-union in olecranon fracture were finally observed. Thirty-four patients that have symptoms that could be traceable to the implants in-situ underwent plate removal. No complications were observed during surgical plates removal. Conical coupling angular stability plate represents an actractive alternative to threaded angular stability plate. Bush titanium insert, eliminating the problems of cold welding and cross-threading, simplifies surgical screws and plate removal
Relationship between fall behavior and quality of life of elderly individuals

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the association between the quality of life and the fall behavior in elderly individuals. The study was conducted as a descriptive and correlational study design. Data were collected with the Patient Information Form, The Fall Behavior Scale for the Elderly and the World Health Organization Quality of Life module for the elderly. There were 110 older people included in study. When the relationship between the Fall Behavior Scale for the Elderly and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Module for the Elderly sub-scale and total scores were examined, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the Fall Behavior Scale for the Elderly safe movement sub-scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Module social participation sub-scale scores (p < .01).
Predicting myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer based on whole-uterine magnetic resonance radiomics

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether whole-uterine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomic features can predict myometrial invasion (MI) depth in endometrial cancer (EC). Materials and Methods: The preoperative 3.0 T magnetic resonance examinations of EC patients were retrospectively reviewed. Whole-uterus segmentation was performed, and features were extracted based on sagittal T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and axial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The logistic regression (LR) classifier algorithm was used to establish the radiomic model, which was verified by ten times five-fold cross-validation. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) were assessed by the DeLong test to compare differences among the models based on different sequences. The LR model was compared with the subjective diagnosis results by the Chi-square test. Results: Of the 163 EC patients included, 44 had deep myometrial invasion (DMI). The feature consistency of the whole uterus was higher than that of the lesion (P < 0.05). The sagittal T2WI, axial DWI, and combined models had AUCs of 0.76, 0.80, and 0.85 in the validation set, respectively. The DeLong test showed that there were no significant differences in AUCs among the models (P > 0.05). The single-sequence LR models had lower specificity and accuracy than the corresponding subjective diagnostic results (P < 0.05), while the sensitivity was higher (P > 0.05). The combined model included 24 radiomic features, and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.83, 0.77, and 0.85 for DMI, respectively. There was no significant difference compared with subjective diagnosis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Whole-uterine MRI radiomic features based on sagittal T2WI and axial DWI show potential in predicting MI in EC.
African Swine Fever Laboratory Diagnosis—Lessons Learned from Recent Animal Trials

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a hemorrhagic disease in pigs with high socio-economic consequences. To lower the impact of disease incursions, early detection is crucial. In the context of experimental animal trials, we evaluated diagnostic workflows for a high sample throughput in active surveillance, alternative sample matrices for passive surveillance, and lateral flow devices (LFD) for rapid testing. We could demonstrate that EDTA blood is significantly better suited for early ASFV detection than serum. Tissues recommended by the respective diagnostic manuals were in general comparable in their performance, with spleen samples giving best results. Superficial lymph nodes, ear punches, and different blood swabs were also evaluated as potential alternatives. In summary, all matrices yielded positive results at the peak of clinical signs and could be fit for purpose in passive surveillance. However, weaknesses were discovered for some matrices when it comes to the early phase of infection or recovery. The antigen LFD showed variable results with best performance in the clinical phase. The antibody LFD was quite comparable with ELISA systems. Concluding, alternative approaches are feasible but have to be embedded in control strategies selecting test methods and sample materials following a “fit-for-purpose” approach.
Prevalence of Food-Hypersensitivity and Food-Dependent Anaphylaxis in Colombian Schoolchildren by Parent-Report

Background and objectives: The epidemiology of food allergy (FA) and food-dependent anaphylaxis remains unknown in Colombia. Our aim was to estimate by parent-report the prevalence of FA and food-dependent anaphylaxis in a Colombian population of schoolchildren. Materials and methods: A printed questionnaire was sent to parents of schoolchildren aged 5–12 years old from Medellín, Colombia in order to collect FA-related data. Results: Nine hundred and sixty-nine (969) parents returned the questionnaire with valid responses (response rate, 52.5%). The estimated prevalence rates (95% CI) were: adverse food reactions 12.79% (10.76–15.07), “perceived FA, ever” 10.93% (9.08–13.08), “physician-diagnosed FA, ever” 4.33% (3.14–5.81), “immediate-type FA, ever” 6.81% (5.30–8.58), “immediate-type FA, current” 3.30% (2.26–4.63), and food-dependent anaphylaxis 1.85% (1.10–2.92). The most frequently reported food allergens were milk (1.44%), fruits (0.41%), meat (0.41%), and peanut (0.3%). Sixty-one percent of “food-dependent anaphylaxis” cases sought medical attention, but only eleven percent of the cases reported the prescription of an epinephrine autoinjector. Conclusions: FA and food-dependent anaphylaxis are not uncommon among schoolchildren from Colombia. The prescription of epinephrine autoinjectors should be encouraged among health personnel for the optimal management of suspected cases of food-dependent anaphylaxis.