Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effect of clarithromycin triple therapy with or without N-acetylcysteine in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Whether adjunctive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may improve the efficacy of triple therapy in the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection remains unknown. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of 14-day triple therapy with or without NAC for the first-line treatment of H. pylori. Material and methods: Between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2018, 680 patients with H. pylori infection naïve to treatment were enrolled in this multicenter, open-label, randomized trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive triple therapy with NAC [NAC-T14, dexlansoprazole 60 mg four times daily (q.d.); amoxicillin 1 g twice daily (b.i.d.), clarithromycin 500 mg b.i. d. , NAC 600 mg b.i. d. ] for 14 days, or triple therapy alone (T14, dexlansoprazole 60 mg q.d.; amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d.) for 14 days. Our primary outcome was the eradication rates by intention to treat (ITT). Antibiotic resistance and CYP2C19 gene polymorphism were determined. Results: The ITT analysis demonstrated H. pylori eradication rates in NAC-T14 and T14 were 81.7% [276/338, 95% confidence interval (CI): 77.5–85.8%] and 84.3% (285/338, 95% CI 80.4–88.2%), respectively. In 646 participants who adhered to their assigned therapy, the eradication rates were 85.7% and 88.0% with NAC-T14 and T14 therapies, respectively. There were no differences in compliance or adverse effects. The eradication rates in subjects with clarithromycin-resistant, amoxicillin-resistant, or either clarithromycin/amoxicillin resistant strains were 45.2%, 57.9%, and 52.2%, respectively, for NAC-T14, and were 66.7%, 76.9%, and 70.0%, respectively, for T14. The efficacy of NAC-T14 and T14 was not affected by CYP2C19 polymorphism. Conclusion: Add-on NAC to triple therapy was not superior to triple therapy alone for first-line H. pylori eradication [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02249546].
The outcome of COVID‐19 in patients with hematological malignancy

In this study, we aim to report the outcomes for COVID‐19 in patients with hematological malignancy in Turkey. Data from laboratory‐confirmed 188 897 COVID‐19 patients diagnosed between 11 March 2020 and 22 June 2020 included in the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Health database were analyzed retrospectively. All COVID‐19 patients with hematological malignancy (n = 740) were included in the study and an age, sex, and comorbidity‐matched cohort of COVID‐19 patients without cancer (n = 740) at a 1:1 ratio was used for comparison. Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (30.1%), myelodysplastic syndrome (19.7%), myeloproliferative neoplasm (15.7%) were the most common hematological malignancies. The rates of severe and critical disease were significantly higher in patients with hematological malignancy compared with patients without cancer (P = .001). The rates of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were higher in patients with hematological malignancy compared with the patients without cancer (P = .023, P = .001, respectively). The length of hospital stay and ICU stay was similar between groups (P = .7, P = .3, retrospectively). The rate of mechanical ventilation (MV) support was higher in patients with hematological malignancy compared with the control group (P = .001). The case fatality rate was 13.8% in patients with hematological malignancy, and it was 6.8% in the control group (P = .001). This study reveals that there is an increased risk of COVID‐19‐related serious events (ICU admission, MV support, or death) in patients with hematological malignancy compared with COVID‐19 patients without cancer and confirms the high vulnerability of patients with hematological malignancy in the current pandemic.
COVID-19: interim guidance on rehabilitation in the hospital and post-hospital phase from a European Respiratory Society- and American Thoracic Society-coordinated international task force

Background Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or post-COVID-19 will probably have a need for rehabilitation during and directly after the hospitalisation. Data on safety and efficacy are lacking. Healthcare professionals cannot wait for published randomised controlled trials before they can start these rehabilitative interventions in daily clinical practice, as the number of post-COVID-19 patients increases rapidly. The Convergence of Opinion on Recommendations and Evidence process was used to make interim recommendations for rehabilitation in the hospital and post-hospital phases in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients, respectively. Methods 93 experts were asked to fill out 13 multiple-choice questions. Agreement of directionality was tabulated for each question. ≥70% agreement on directionality was necessary to make consensus suggestions. Results 76 (82%) experts reached consensus on all questions based upon indirect evidence and clinical experience on the need for early rehabilitation during the hospital admission, the screening for treatable traits with rehabilitation in all patients at discharge and 6–8 weeks after discharge, and around the content of rehabilitation for these patients. It advocates for assessment of oxygen needs at discharge and more comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation needs, including physical as well as mental aspects 6–8 weeks after discharge. Based on the deficits identified, multidisciplinary rehabilitation should be offered with attention on skeletal muscle and functional as well as mental restoration. Conclusions This multinational task force recommends early, bedside rehabilitation for patients affected by severe COVID-19. The model of pulmonary rehabilitation may suit as a framework, particularly in a subset of patients with long-term respiratory consequences. Experts recommend identification of unmet rehabilitation needs in patients with COVID-19 who are discharged from the hospital, and consequent tailored rehabilitative interventions, accompanied by compliance with the highest biosecurity standards https://bit.ly/3geBsPE
Sickle cell disease and COVID‐19: Atypical presentations and favorable outcomes

COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed several lives. Individualswith underlyinghealth conditions including sickle cell disease (SCD) are considered to be at higher risk of complications from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we report our experiencewith three patients with severe SS SCD, all originating from Congo that contracted COVID-19 infection (Table 1). All three developed only mild symptoms with few respiratory symptoms at presentation that did not require intensive care unit admission. All threeof them initially received automated red cell exchange transfusion (ET) according to the current recommendations [1]. Our first patient is a young woman with SS Bantu phenotype, aged 23, who came for a regular visit for planning her next ET. Her usual treatment regimen was ET using six red blood cell units (RBCU) every 5 weeks with a target HbS fraction of 50% for previous recurrent painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOC). She was also receiving treatment with hydroxycarbamide but with poor compliance, folic acid, and aspirin tomaintainher arteriovenous fistula. Shementionedhavinghad cough 2 weeks prior to the current visit and a fever of 38C treated by her general practitioner with amoxicillin for 7 days with good response except for some mild VOC symptoms. She was screened positive for COVID-19 by PCR nasopharyngeal swab. Computed tomography (CT) of her thorax showed unilateral ground glass features suggestive of COVID-19. She was hospitalized for 48 h. ET was performed the following day and also treated with clarithromycin for 7 days with very good outcome and no need for re-hospitalization. The second patient is a 44 year-old man with SS SCD with very few past episodes ofVOCbutwith history of hypertension and severe renal insufficiency with significant proteinuria. He had basal hemoglobin (Hb) around 5.4 g/dL despite weekly erythropoietin (EPO) administration and poor compliance with low-dose hydroxyurea and ACE inhibitors. He came for a routine visit with a symptomatic leg ulcer for 2weeks,whichhe linked tohydroxyurea that hehadbeenmore compliantwith at a low dose of 500mg daily. He alsomentioned coughing and slight dyspnea for about a week. He was tested SARS-CoV-2 positive by PCR on the nasopharyngeal swab. His chest CT scan showed typical features of COVID infection. After a transfusion of two RBCUs, an isovolumic ETwith anHbS target fractionof 20%, anda targetHbof 7 g/dL was also performed. He also received hydroxychloroquine while an inpatient according to our local practice. About 10 days after admission, he developed abdominal pain with ascites and hepatic enlargement.
Bacterial co‐infections with SARS‐CoV‐2

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has affected millions of people worldwide. To date, there are no proven effective therapies for this virus. Efforts made to develop antiviral strategies for the treatment of COVID‐19 are underway. Respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, predispose patients to co‐infections and these lead to increased disease severity and mortality. Numerous types of antibiotics such as azithromycin have been employed for the prevention and treatment of bacterial co‐infection and secondary bacterial infections in patients with a viral respiratory infection (e.g., SARS‐CoV‐2). Although antibiotics do not directly affect SARS‐CoV‐2, viral respiratory infections often result in bacterial pneumonia. It is possible that some patients die from bacterial co‐infection rather than virus itself. To date, a considerable number of bacterial strains have been resistant to various antibiotics such as azithromycin, and the overuse could render those or other antibiotics even less effective. Therefore, bacterial co‐infection and secondary bacterial infection are considered critical risk factors for the severity and mortality rates of COVID‐19. Also, the antibiotic‐resistant as a result of overusing must be considered. In this review, we will summarize the bacterial co‐infection and secondary bacterial infection in some featured respiratory viral infections, especially COVID‐19.
Predictors of Time to Sputum Culture Conversion Among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Oromia Region Hospitals, Ethiopia

Purpose Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis occurs when the tuberculosis bacteria develop resistance to at least the two most effective first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin. Sputum culture conversion is one of the indicators to monitor patients’ prognosis throughout the treatment. Hence, this study aimed to assess time to culture conversion and its determinants among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Patients and Methods A total of 228 drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in selected hospitals in Oromia region, Ethiopia, were included in this study. Descriptive statistics like median time to sputum smear and culture conversion were computed. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the independent predictors of time to culture conversion. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at p <0.05. Results The median age of the study participants was 28 years with inter-quartile range of (IQR) of 22–32 years, and 60% of the patients were male. The median time to culture conversion was 61 days (IQR: 34–92 days). The proportion of sputum culture conversion at 2nd, 4th, and 6th months of treatment initiation was 47%, 82.5%, and 89%, respectively. The final adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that patients with massive effusion on chest radiographic finding had a 60%-decreased culture conversion time (AHR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9). Patients with abnormalities without cavitations (AHR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9) and those with uninterpreted findings (AHR: 0.3 95% CI: 0.1–0.5) had delayed culture conversion time. Conclusion Chest radiographic findings such as massive effusion, abnormalities without cavitations, and uninterpreted findings were found to be predictors of time to sputum culture conversion. Patients with such characteristics have prolonged culture conversion time. Hence, they may need special attention during the treatment.
Life History Variation and the Growth of Juvenile Notophthalmus viridescens from Massachusetts

Juvenile newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) exhibit different growth patterns in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Aquatic juveniles grow at a faster annual rate and mature earlier than the terrestrial efts. The growth of efts is largely concentrated in the summer; whereas, aquatic juveniles achieve most of their annual increment in the spring. The mean annual growth increment of the efts varied more from year to year than did that of the aquatic juveniles. These differences in growth were attributed to temperature and moisture conditions which influenced the amount of time the newts spent foraging.
HBVsvp-Pulsed Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy Induces Th1 Polarization and Hepatitis B Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Production

Background In chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) patients, both dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells are functionally impaired and consequently the HBV-specific cellular immune responses are downregulated. The present study aims to investigate whether monocyte-derived DC (MoDCs)-pulsed-HBV subviral particles (HBVsvp) can polarize Th1 cells to induce HBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) responses in CHB patients. Methods and Materials To this end, the human hepatoma HepG2.2. 15 cell line was used to produce HBVsvp as a culturing system, and HBVsvp were concentrated for highly virus titer using the polyethylene glycol protocol. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), collected from CHB patients and healthy donors, were differentiated into MoDCs and T cells. PBMCs-derived MoDCs were first pulsed with HBVsvp and then cultured with PBMCs-derived T cells. MoDCs and/or T subsets cells were identified for phenotypic activation by FACS analysis. The cytokine secretion of IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-γ in the culture supernatants was detected. Results The MoDCs were restored for their activation upon pulsing with HBVsvp in vitro, as identified by significantly overexpression of both CD86 and HLA-DR, and overproduction of IL-4 and IL-12. Furthermore, MoDCs-pulsed-HBVsvp induced Th1 frequencies and activated HBV-specific CTL to produce significantly highest amount of IFN-γ. Enhanced HBV-specific CTL led to strong cytolytic capacity against HepG2.2. 15. Conclusion Overall, our data suggest that in vitro activation of MoDCs with HBVsvp overcomes the functionally impaired DCs and T cells in CHB patients offering a promising tool for therapeutic or vaccine-based approaches against HBV.
Myoclonus and cerebellar ataxia following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to a pandemic with an overwhelming impact on daily living and the health care system. Major life-threatening complications may occur [1]. Although most patients suffer from respiratory symptoms, different neurological symptoms have been described, either directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 [2]. Within the movement disorder spectrum, myoclonus has been observed as a COVID-19-related feature in several patients [3-5].
Effect of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed powder as feed additives on performance and some blood parameters of broiler chickens

Background: Modern intensive poultry production has achieved phenomenal improvement in order to produce high quality chickens by the removal of antibiotics as growth promoters from poultry diets. Instead, numerous additives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, enzymes, and phytogenics, are extensively used in poultry feed. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed powder as a growth promoter on feed intake (FI), live body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, and blood profile in broiler chickens. Method: A total of 240 (Ross 308) one-day-old broiler chicks of mixed sexes were allocated randomly into four treatment groups, with 60 chicks per group. Each treatment group had three replicates (20 chicks per replicate), according to a completely randomized design for 45 days. The chicks were fed diets containing 0% (T1) as control, 1.5% (T2), 2.5% (T3), and 3.5% (T4) of coriander seed powder. The FI, live body weight, and weight gain were monitored and measured on a weekly basis. Blood samples were collected on day 45 of the trial for the determination of the percentage of white blood cells and to assess the blood profile. Results: It was revealed that the growth performance was not significantly affected (p > 0.05). However, the dressing percentage without the skin was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at level 1.5%, while the heart weight was significantly augmented (p < 0.05) at 2.5%, when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the serum triglyceride was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at 1.5%, while the high-density lipoprotein was significantly increased (p < 0.001) at level 1.5% when compared with the control and 3.5% groups. Moreover, the glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase were significantly increased at 3.5% when compared with the control and 1.5% groups, with p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively. The basophil and eosinophil cells count were significantly increased at 2.5% (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), respectively, while the lymphocyte cell was significantly increased at 1.5% (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the heterophil cell and H/L were significantly reduced at 1.5% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the inclusion of coriander seed powder at 1.5% had a positive impact on the dressing percentage without skin, biochemical blood profile, and immune response.
Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among adult residents in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for mortality and it is also one of the major risk factors for other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among adults residing in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site (HDSS), Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 on the estimated sample size of 3,368 adults at Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance site (HDSS). Data were collected using the WHO STEPS survey tools. Bivariate analysis was done to detect candidate variables at P-value less than 0.25 and entered into the final model to identify the independent predictors of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 18.92% (95% CI: 17.63–20.28). The magnitude increase among respondents in the older age group [AOR 1.39 (95%CI: 1.05–1.84), 1.68 (95% CI: 1.26–2.23) and 2.67 (95%CI: 2.01–3.56) for age group 35–44, 45–54 and 55–64, respectively, compared to 25–34 years old group] and those with the higher wealth index [AOR 1.86 (95%CI: 1.33–2.59), 2.68 (95% CI: 1.91–3.75) and 2.97 (95%CI: 2.08–4.25) for 3rd quantile, 4th quantile and 5th quantile, respectively, compared to 1st quantile]. The odds of hypertension reduce among married participants (AOR 0.66, 95%CI: 0.51–0.85). Respondents with overweight (AOR 1.44, 95%CI: 1.02–2.02), khat chewing (AOR3.31, 95%CI: 1.94–5.64), low fruit and/or vegetable consumption (AOR 1.27, 95%CI: 1.05–1.53) and those who do not use coffee and tea (AOR 1.52, 95%CI: 1.03–2.24) had significantly higher likelihood of hypertension. Nearly one out of five participants have hypertension in this population. As hypertension is one of the silent killers, it is advisable to develop a system for enabling early detection and monitoring in the older age groups and overweight individuals.
Proposed Lung Ultrasound Protocol During the COVID‐19 Outbreak

In the era of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), lung ultrasound (LUS) has rapidly emerged as a tool for diagnosis and monitoring of lung involvement. Although chest computed tomography has been suggested as the preferred modality for COVID-19 lung disease investigation, it is may not be readily available in all emergency departments. Additionally, performing a computed tomographic examination carries the possibility of nosocomial virus spreading and increases the exposure of health care workers; in addition, the disinfection procedure for computed tomographic scanners after an examination may induce substantial delays in patients’ care. LUS represents a safe, quick, and noninvasive surface-imaging technique for the evaluation of several respiratory conditions, which can be performed by a single operator at the bedside. Importantly, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the entry of portable devices protected by sterile covers can eliminate the risk of cross-contamination by preventing contact with potentially infected surfaces. A diffuse B-line pattern, irregular pleural lines, and subpleural consolidations affecting mainly the lower lobe and posterior lung segments, which show a bilateral, patchy, and peripheral distribution, represent typical LUS findings in COVID19 lung disease. Although the utility of LUS in COVID-19 lung involvement has been well described, there is great variability regarding the optimal technique, including the number and topography of scanned areas as well as patient positioning, with most studies suggesting the application of 8to 28-zone protocols with the patient in a supine/sitting position. In this regard, we recommend that a modified 18-point LUS protocol (Table 1) based on that proposed by Vassalou et al, with the patient placed in the lateral decubitus position for examining the contralateral hemithorax, is advantageous for 4 reasons: Manuscript accepted for publication June 16, 2020. All of the authors of this article have reported no disclosures. Address correspondence to Katerina M. Antoniou, MD, PhD, Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes, 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece. E-mail: kantoniou@uoc.gr, kantoniou 2009@gmail.com
Seasonal trend in the breeding performance of sparrowhawks

Etude menee sur plus de 800 nids, dans le sud de l'Ecosse: dates de ponte, succes reproducteur en fonction de ces dates, survie apres l'envol, survie des adultes, taille de la couvee, couvees successives
Social Capital, Well-Being, and Earnings: Theory and Evidence from Poland

We study the relationship between two distinct dimensions of social capital (bridging and bonding social capital) and the personal performances of individuals: their reported subjective well-being (SWB) and earnings. A theoretical model is put forward which explains the sources and dynamics of social capital formation. It predicts an inverse U-shaped relationship between any type of social capital and SWB, an inverse U-shaped relationship between bridging social capital and earnings, and an unambiguously negative impact of bonding social capital on earnings. The key predictions of the model are confirmed using cross-section survey data from the 2005 wave of the “Social Diagnosis” survey program conducted in Poland. Very low levels of bridging social capital observed in Poland imply that it is unambiguously beneficial to invest in it: both SWB of individuals and their earnings would increase in such case.