Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Planting Patterns and Inter-row Cultivation on Competition Between Corn (Zea mays) and Late Emerging Weeds

Narrower corn row widths, higher crop densities, and interrow cultivation may be used as part of integrated weed management (IWM). During a three-year study, we tested whether these factors affected corn growth, development and grain yield at final harvest, and weed biomass when weeds were late-emerging (after the three-leaf stage of corn). Increasing corn density from 7 to 10 plants m−2 or decreasing row width from 75 to 50 cm significantly increased corn leaf area index (LAI), and reduced photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) available for a mixture of weed species located below the corn canopy. Narrower rows and higher corn density significantly reduced biomass of late-emerging weeds. Corn yields increased significantly (10 to 15%) only when narrower rows were used. Intraspecific competition between corn plants in the higher density significantly reduced early corn growth and offset any gain in yield from reduced weed competition. In comparison to plots where late-emerging weeds grew uncontrolled, interrow cultivation did not decrease biomass of late-emerging weeds, hence did not increase corn yield. We recommend using narrower row widths to reduce weed competition and increase corn yield. Increased corn densities had no net yield benefit. Early-season weed management is crucial as the later-emerging weeds were less important in terms of their effect on yield.
Improved outcome in early induction deaths in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia after therapeutic and supportive interventions: a follow up study of seven-years' experience at a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with characteristic morphology and clinical features. Early mortality rate of 30% has been reported in developed countries despite prompt initiation of treatment. We have previously reported an early induction mortality of approximately 62% in our cohort. Based on this mortality rate, we made changes in our treatment protocol. The objective of this follow-up study was to report the early induction mortality and overall survival of patients with APL after incorporating changes in chemotherapy and supportive care regimen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This was a prospective descriptive study conducted at Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan from October 2012 till October 2019. Data of patients included clinical features, morphological findings, cytogenetic and PCR studies, cytotoxic protocols, overall outcome and causes of early induction mortality. The changes in treatment protocol included prophylactic infusion of fresh frozen plasma, dexamethasone therapy and other changes in supportive care regimen. Results were recorded as frequencies and percentages. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to analyze patient's data. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS During the study period, total of 447 patients presented with acute myeloid leukemia at our institution out of which 40 patients were diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (9%). Out of these 40 patients 24 were males and 16 were females. The median age was 37 years. Twenty-five patients were in low risk group whereas 15 were high-risk. Differentiation syndrome was seen in 14 patients. As a part of induction chemotherapy, 13 patients received only ATRA because they were not eligible for chemotherapy and 17 patients received a combination of ATRA and anthracycline. Among the remaining patients, four received ATRA, arsenic and anthracycline while two received ATRA and arsenic only. Four patients did not receive any treatment because of rapid deterioration of clinical condition and death. The overall survival was 65% and early induction mortality was 30%. CONCLUSION The early induction mortality decreased to 30% from 62% in this study and the overall survival was 65%. With the introduction of prophylactic infusion of fresh frozen plasma, dexamethasone and appropriate supportive treatment during the induction chemotherapy, we were able to improve the induction mortality and overall survival of patients.
Sexual orientation and adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm: a co-twin control study.

BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated that individuals who identify as a sexual minority (e.g., gay/lesbian, bisexual) are at increased risk for suicidality-related outcomes. However, previous research is primarily limited by the lack of adjustment for unmeasured (i.e., genetic and environmental) confounding factors and previous psychopathology. METHODS Using the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, we employed a co-twin control design to examine the extent to which the association between sexual orientation and adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm (SA/SH) was independent of genetic and environmental factors shared by twins, as well as measured symptoms of childhood psychopathology. RESULTS Adolescents who identified as a sexual minority (i.e., gay/lesbian, bisexual, or other sexual orientation) were at two-fold increased odds for SA/SH (OR, 2.01 [95% confidence interval, 1.63-2.49) compared to heterosexual adolescents. When adjusting for all genetic and shared environmental factors that make twins similar and for measured childhood psychopathology, the association remained positive but attenuated to OR, 1.55 (1.11-2.16). CONCLUSIONS Identifying as a sexual minority was associated with approximately 50% increased odds of SA/SH in adolescence after adjusting for unmeasured genetic and environmental factors shared by twins and for childhood psychopathology. The results support that environmental factors specifically associated with identifying as a sexual minority likely increase risk for SA/SH. Our findings highlight the need to monitor suicidality risk among this group.
A drift‐barrier model drives the genomic landscape of a structured bacterial population

Bacterial populations differentiate over time and space to form distinct genetic units. The mechanisms governing this diversification are presumed to result from the ecological context of living units to adapt to specific niches. Recently, a model assuming the acquisition of advantageous genes among populations rather than whole genome sweeps has emerged to explain population differentiation. However, the characteristics of these exchanged, or flexible, genes and whether their evolution is driven by adaptive or neutral processes remain controversial. By analysing the flexible genome of single‐amplified genomes of co‐occurring populations of the marine Prochlorococcus HLII ecotype, we highlight that genomic compartments – rather than population units – are characterized by different evolutionary trajectories. The dynamics of gene fluxes vary across genomic compartments and therefore the effectiveness of selection depends on the fluctuation of the effective population size along the genome. Taken together, these results support the drift‐barrier model of bacterial evolution.
Expression of CD117, CD34, and VEGF proteins in progression from endometrial hyperplasia to endometrioid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The risk of endometrial hyperplasia progressing into endometrioid carcinoma ranges from 1% for benign hyperplasia to 46.2% for endometrial intra-epithelial neoplasia. Differentiation between both types of hyperplasia is thus crucial for optimal management. The present study investigates the expression of the following immune-histochemical markers, for their potential roles in differentiating between both types of endometrial hyperplasia; as well as their expression in endometrial carcinoma: VEGF, CD34 and CD117. METHODS Tissue samples were obtained, fixed, processed, stained by hematoxylin and eosin for diagnosis, and then imunohistochemically stained using anti CD117, CD34, and VEGF antibodies. RESULTS In benign endometrial hyperplasia, the cells show weak expression to VEGF and CD34, and absent CD117. In endometrial intra-epithelial neoplasia, the cells show strong expression of VEGF and weak expression of CD34 and CD117. In case of endometrioid carcinoma, all cases showed strong reaction for VEGF and CD34, and moderate expression to CD117. CONCLUSION Our data suggests a role for CD117, CD34, and VEGF in progression from hyperplasia to carcinoma.
How to overcome cardiovascular challenges in COVID-19 patients: a guide for common practice

The COVID-19 epidemic initially started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 due to SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is genetically similar to the bat beta-coronavirus genus, but the novel specie of this genus can infect humans. The most common clinical features of COVID-19 are fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue, expectoration, and dyspnea. The primary reported mortality rate was about 2-3% in China; however, it reached up to 10% among patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases. The primary epidemiological investigations showed a high prevalence of underlying cardiovascular diseases in more than 40% of infected patients. A high prevalence of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes were reported among deceased patients in Italy. Previous experiments in different pandemic situations showed that the cardiovascular system has been affected in many ways. Previous studies on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV reported that cardiovascular co-morbidities had a direct correlation with the risk of infection, the severity of disease, and the mortality rate. Therefore, brief and available protocols for controlling the negative effects of this novel respiratory infection on the cardiovascular system, especially in a high-risk populations with underlying cardiovascular conditions, is one of the most serious concerns among healthcare providers. Herein, we aimed to review the available data on the cardiac manifestation of COVID-19. Besides, we described useful maps for the better treatment of COVID-19 infection in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions, as a high-risk group of patients. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Correlates of Formal Support Service Use among Dementia Caregivers

ABSTRACT Informal caregivers for persons with dementia frequently report needing assistance, yet formal support service use has been low. To better understand factors associated with service use, correlates of self-reported service use (e.g., support groups, family mediation, family leave, classes/trainings, and respite care) among dementia caregivers were assessed. The National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted a nationally representative web-based survey of adults aged 50–80 (N = 2,131) using Ispos’ KnowledgePanel®; 148 reported caregiving for an adult with memory loss [61.5% female; 25% nonwhite, 54.1% aged 50–64]. Multivariable logistic regression analyzes assessed caregiver and care recipient characteristics associated with service use within the prior year. Nearly 25% of caregivers used at least one service. Caregiver characteristics associated with greater likelihood of service use included not working [7.5 OR; 2.73, 20.62 CI]; income <$30,000/year [5.9 OR; 1.27, 27.17 CI]; and residing in Western US [7.5 OR; 2.73, 20.62 CI]. Ability of care recipient to be left alone safely for only three hours or less [5.1 OR; 1.66, 15.46 CI] was associated with greater likelihood of use. Support service use remains low. Findings suggest need to consider caregivers’ employment status, income, and geographical location in service design and implementation.
Estimate of prevalent hyperuricemia by systemic inflammation response index: results from a rural Chinese population

ABSTRACT Objectives Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease that is intimately correlated with inflammation. Our study aimed to investigate the value of systemic inflammation response index as a novel inflammatory marker to estimate hyperuricemia in the rural Chinese population. Methods This cross-sectional study used the data of 8,095 Chinese men and women aged ≥35 years from the 2012–2013 Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study. Results The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 12.84%. After fully adjusting for potential confounders, each SD increase of SIRI in men and women caused a 21.4% and 37.0% additional risk, respectively, for hyperuricemia. Moreover, smooth curve fitting and subgroup analyses corroborated the linearity and robustness of this correlation. ROC analysis showed the ability of SIRI to estimate hyperuricemia was significantly improved in females (0.741 vs 0.745, P = 0.043), but not in males (0.710 vs 0.714, P = 0.105). The net reclassification improvement (NRI, 0.120 in men vs 0.166 in women) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI, 0.002 in men vs 0.006 in women) showed a significant improvement for both genders. Conclusions Our present study suggests a linear and robust relationship between SIRI and prevalent hyperuricemia, which implicates the value of SIRI to optimize the risk stratification and prevention of hyperuricemia.
Cooling During Exercise May Induce Benefits Linked to Improved Brain Perfusion

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of using a cooling vest during physical exercise (per-cooling) in humid and temperate conditions (≈22°C, ≈80% relative humidity) on perceptual and physiological responses (tissue oxygenation and heart rate). 20 physically active men performed twice a 30-min cycling exercise at 70% of their theoretical maximum heart rate while using an activated (experimental condition) and a deactivated (control condition) cooling system in a randomized crossover study. Heart rate and tissue (cerebral and muscular) oxygenation were continuously measured during exercise and recovery, and skin temperature was measured every 10 min. Perception of temperature, humidity and comfort were assessed at the end of the recovery period. Results showed a decrease in trunk skin temperature (p<0.05), a faster heart rate recovery and an increase in the concentration of total hemoglobin at the brain level (p<0.05) compared with control condition. Moreover, an improved subjective rating of thermal sensations, wetness and comfort compared to control values (p<0.05) was noted. In conclusion, wearing a cooling vest during submaximal exercise improves perceptual and physiological responses in humid temperate conditions, which may be due to a better blood perfusion at the brain level and a better parasympathetic reactivation.
Quality of Life Among Breast and Colon Cancer Patients Before and After First-Cycle Chemotherapy

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the functioning, symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast or colon cancer before and after their first-cycle (FC) chemotherapy. Design: One-group pretest/posttest design. Method: The study utilized the standardized Arabic-translated Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 3 from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer in measuring the functioning, symptoms, and QoL of 120 Saudi patients diagnosed with breast or colon cancer. Dependent t test was used in analyzing the presence of significant differences in mean scores before and after chemotherapy with periods ranging from 14 days to 21 days following the treatment protocol. Results: The findings revealed significant differences in the functioning, symptoms, and QoL among patients with breast or colon cancer before and after FC chemotherapy (p < .001). Baseline scores showed higher physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning; lesser symptoms; lower financial difficulties; and better overall global health status compared to post-FC chemotherapy. Conclusion: Assessing the QoL of patients with breast or colon cancer undergoing FC chemotherapy is essential to establish a holistic care plan in supporting and alleviating the unfavorable effects of chemotherapy and implement patient-centered interventions that aid in the enhancement of their overall QoL.
Risk prediction of in-hospital mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for in-hospital mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and concomitant community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and establish a risk prediction score. METHODS Data from 1,360 adult patients with T2DM and concomitant CAP hospitalized in two grade 3A hospitals between 2009 and 2019 were collected through electronic medical records. Data obtained included the status of diabetes mellitus, comorbidities, laboratory and imaging findings, and treatment outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the risk factors affecting prognosis, and a clinical risk prediction score was designed. RESULTS Based on the patients' treatment outcomes (deceased, improved and cured), the cohort was divided into two groups: deceased and improved; 16 parameters were significant after segmentation. However, the following nine parameters were independent predictors of mortality: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥4, pulse rate ≥125 bpm, change in state of consciousness, arterial blood pH ≤7.35, age ≥65 years, serum sodium ≤130 mmol/L, initial fasting blood glucose ≥9 mmol/L, multilobar involvement, and diabetic nephropathy. Based on these findings, a risk prediction score was established, and bootstrap validation was performed. The risk prediction score was significantly superior to CURB-65 [confusion, urea >7 mmol/L, respiratory rate >30/min, low blood pressure (systolic <90 mmHg or diastolic <60 mmHg), age >65 years] and slightly superior than the pneumonia severity index (PSI). CONCLUSIONS The influencing factors for in-hospital mortality among patients with T2DM and concomitant CAP included advanced age, change in state of consciousness, increased pulse rate, acidosis, high NLR, high platelet-lymphocyte ratio, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, and diabetic nephropathy. These parameters should be recognized in clinical practice, with active interventions to improve the treatment success rate. The risk prediction score effectively differentiated the mortality risk of inpatients, thereby providing guidance on clinical decision-making.
Lactobacillus‐fermented milk products attenuate bone loss in an experimental rat model of ovariectomy‐induced post‐menopausal primary osteoporosis

In this study, we investigated the anti‐osteoporotic effect of two fermented milk products (FMPs) fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum A41 and Lactobacillus fermentum SRK414 on a rat model of ovariectomy‐induced post‐menopausal primary osteoporosis.
Cuprizone-induced demyelination in mouse hippocampus is alleviated by ketogenic diet.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, ketogenic diet (KD) supplementation has attracted great interests. Therefore, we established the cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination mouse model, to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of KD on the hippocampus of mice. We found that KD treatment significantly elevated the level of serum β-hydroxybutyric acid and improved behavioral, motor abnormalities, impaired spatial learning and memory of CPZ-induced demyelination mice. Meanwhile, KD lessened the hippocampal demyelination by enhancing the expression of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs), which was revealed by the elevated expression of MBP and CNPase, as well as the luxol fast blue-staining intensity. Furthermore, KD inhibits the activation of microglia (especially M1-liked microglia) and reactive astrocytes. Interestingly, KD attenuated the CPZ-induced oxidative stress by decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and restoring the glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, the double immunofluorescence staining revealed that KD enhanced the expression of SIRT1 in astrocytes, microglia and mature oligodendrocytes. Concomitantly, western blot demonstrated that KD increased the expression of SIRT1, phosphorylated-AKT, mTOR and PPAR-γ. In conclusion, KD exerted a neuroprotective effect on CPZ-induced demyelination mice and this activity was associated with the modulation of the SIRT1/PPAR-γ and SIRT1/P-Akt/mTOR pathways.
Routine blood analysis greatly reduces the false-negative rate of RT-PCR testing for COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak is now a pandemic disease reaching as much as 210 countries worldwide with more than 2.5 million infected people and nearly 200.000 deaths. Amplification of viral RNA by RT-PCR represents the gold standard for confirmation of infection, yet it showed false-negative rates as large as 15-20% which may jeopardize the effect of the restrictive measures taken by governments. We previously showed that several hematological parameters were significantly different between COVID-19 positive and negative patients. Among them aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase had predictive values as large as 90%. Thus a combination of RT-PCR and blood tests could reduce the false-negative rate of the genetic test. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients showing multiple and inconsistent RT-PCR, test during their first hospitalization period, and compared the genetic tests results with their AST and LDH levels. Results: We showed that when considering the hematological parameters, the RT-PCR false-negative rates were reduced by almost 4-fold. Conclusions: The study represents a preliminary work aiming at the development of strategies that, by combining RT-PCR tests with routine blood tests, will lower or even abolish the rate of RT-PCR false-negative results and thus will identify, with high accuracy, patients infected by COVID-19. (www.actabiomedica.it)
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5): Baseline Assessments in NCAA Division I Collegiate Student-Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to report baseline values for the SCAT5 in NCAA Division I collegiate student-athletes, while also evaluating if sex, health diagnoses, or sport type influenced baseline performance. A sample of 462 collegiate student-athletes (212 females, 250 males, (19.21±1.32 years)) completed the SCAT5 prior to the 2017-18, 2018-19 or 2019-20 athletic seasons. Descriptive statistics were reported for symptom total (22 possible), symptom severity (132 possible), orientation (5 possible), immediate memory (30 possible), concentration (5 possible), delayed recall (10 possible), total SAC score (50 possible), 3 mBESS stances (10 possible), and mBESS score (30 possible). Separate Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to identify sex, health diagnoses (concussion history, ADD/ADHD, depression/anxiety), and sport type (contact, non-contact) differences for all SCAT5 components. Alpha level was set a priori <. 05. Student-athletes reported 1.96± 3.37 symptoms with a severity of 3.43±7.63, and an overall SAC score of 35.14±5.23 (orientation 4.96±0.20, immediate memory 20.18±3.40, concentration 3.60±1.14, delayed recall 6.41±1.94). Student-athletes participating in contact sports, had ADD/ADHD, or depression/anxiety reported more symptoms and at greater severity (p=<.001-.01). Those with ADD/ADHD performed worse on mBESS (p=.01-.03). No sex differences were found for any SCAT5 components (p=.08-.90). This study presents reference values for the SCAT5 by sex, health diagnoses, and sport type. Healthcare professionals may utilize these normative values when individual baseline references are unavailable.