Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Oral-Hypoglycemic Drug on Lipid Normalization through Modulation of Hepatic Gene Expression in High Fat Diet with Low Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which an outcome of impaired insulin action and its secretion, is concomitantly associated with lipid abnormalities. The study was designed to evaluate the combinational effect of omega-3 fatty acids (flax and fish oil) and glibenclamide on abnormal lipid profiles, increased blood glucose, and impaired liver and kidney functions in a high fat diet with low streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, including its probable mechanism of action. The male Wistar rats (n = 48) were distributed into eight groups. All animal groups except the healthy received a high fat diet (HFD) for 90 days. Further, diabetes was developed by low dose STZ (35 mg/kg). Diabetic animals received, omega-3 fatty acids (500 mg/kg), along with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg). Both flax and fish oil intervention decreased (p ≤ 0.001) serum triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein and elevated (p ≤ 0.001) high density lipoprotein levels in diabetic rats. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein level was decreased (p ≤ 0.001) in fish oil-treated rats. However, it remained unaffected in the flax oil treatment group. Both flax and fish oil intervention downregulate the expression of fatty acid metabolism genes, transcription factors (sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c and nuclear factor-κβ), and their regulatory genes i.e., acetyl-coA carboxylase alpha, fatty acid synthase, and tumor necrosis factors-α. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene expression was upregulated (p ≤ 0.001) in the fish oil treatment group. Whereas, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and fatty acid binding protein gene expression were upregulated (p ≤ 0.001) in both flax and fish oil intervention group.
Influence of Granite Powder on Physico-Mechanical and Durability Properties of Mortar

This study explored the pozzolanic reactivity of granite powder (GP) and its influence on the microstructure of cement paste. An analysis of the physical properties (water demand, setting time, heat of hydration and total shrinkage), compressive strength and durability indicators (water absorption, porosity, acid attack and chloride ions diffusion) was carried out on mortar containing 10%, 15% and 20% of GP as partial substitution to cement (CEM I 42.5 R) in the short and long term. The results showed that the GP does not exhibit pozzolanic reactivity and that it reduces the heat of hydration. Water demand and setting time were not affected by the GP. The compressive strength decreases with increasing the content of GP; but in the long term, the compressive strength was not affected for 10% GP substitution. The presence of granite powder in mortar induces an increase in porosity, which led to an increase in the diffusion properties of fluids (capillary water absorption and chloride ions diffusion).
Evaluating temporary threshold shift onset levels for impulsive noise in seals.

The auditory effects of single- and multiple-shot impulsive noise exposures were evaluated in a bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus). This study replicated and expanded upon recent work with related species [Reichmuth, Ghoul, Sills, Rouse, and Southall (2016). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 140, 2646-2658]. Behavioral methods were used to measure hearing sensitivity before and immediately following exposure to underwater noise from a seismic air gun. Hearing was evaluated at 100 Hz-close to the maximum energy in the received pulse, and 400 Hz-the frequency with the highest sensation level. When no evidence of a temporary threshold shift (TTS) was found following single shots at 185 dB re 1 μPa2 s unweighted sound exposure level (SEL) and 207 dB re 1 μPa peak-to-peak sound pressure, the number of exposures was gradually increased from one to ten. Transient shifts in hearing thresholds at 400 Hz were apparent following exposure to four to ten consecutive pulses (cumulative SEL 191-195 dB re 1 μPa2 s; 167-171 dB re 1 μPa2 s with frequency weighting for phocid carnivores in water). Along with these auditory data, the effects of seismic exposures on response time, response bias, and behavior were investigated. This study has implications for predicting TTS onset following impulsive noise exposure in seals.
Elastic Power of Mechanical Ventilation in Morbid Obesity and Severe Hypoxemia

BACKGROUND: To minimize ventilator-induced lung injury, the primary clinical focus is currently expanding from measuring static indices of the individual tidal cycle (eg, plateau pressure and tidal volume) to more inclusive indicators of energy load, such as total power and its elastic components. Morbid obesity may influence these components. We characterized the relative values of elastic subcomponents of total power (ie, driving power and dynamic power) in subjects with severe hypoxemia, morbid obesity, or their combination. METHODS: We analyzed data from subjects receiving mechanical ventilation divided into 4 groups. PaO2/FIO2 < 150 mm Hg (severe hypoxemia) indicated probable reduction of lung compliance while body mass index > 40 kg/m2 (morbid obesity) suggested a possible contribution to reduced respiratory system compliance from the chest wall. Group 1 included subjects with no expected abnormality of lung compliance or chest wall compliance; Group 2 included subjects with expected reduction of lung compliance on the basis of severe hypoxemia but with no morbid obesity; Group 3 included subjects with morbid obesity without severe hypoxemia; and Group 4 included subjects with morbid obesity and severe hypoxemia. All ventilator-induced lung injury predictors were compared among groups using mixed-effects linear models. RESULTS: Groups 1–4 included 61, 52, 49, and 51 subjects, respectively. Mean body mass index averaged 28.7 kg/m2 for nonobese subjects and 52.1 kg/m2 for morbidly obese subjects. Mean driving pressure, dynamic power, and driving power of Groups 2 and 3 exceeded the corresponding values of Group 1 but fell into similar ranges when compared with each other. These values were highest in Group 4 subjects. In Group 2, mean dynamic power and driving power values were comparable to those in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: In mechanically ventilated subjects, stress and energy-based ventilator-induced lung injury indicators are influenced by the relative contributions of chest wall and lung to overall respiratory mechanics. Numerical guidelines for ventilator-induced lung injury risk must strongly consider adjustment for these elastic characteristics in morbid obesity.
Virtual education in neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE Neurosurgical education in the US has changed significantly as a consequence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Institutional social distancing requirements have resulted in many neurosurgical programs utilizing video conferencing for educational activities. However, it is unclear how or if these practices should continue after the pandemic. The objective of this study was to characterize virtual education in neurosurgery and understand how it should be utilized after COVID-19. METHODS A 24-question, 3-part online survey was administered anonymously to all 117 US neurosurgical residency programs from May 15, 2020, to June 15, 2020. Questions pertained to the current use of virtual conferencing, preferences over traditional conferences, and future inclinations. The Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 3 = neutral, 5 = strongly agree) was used. Comparisons were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS One-hundred eight responses were recorded. Overall, 38 respondents (35.2%) were attendings and 70 (64.8%) were trainees. Forty-one respondents (38.0%) indicated attending 5-6 conferences per week and 70 (64.8%) attend national virtual conferences. When considering different conference types, there was no overall preference (scores < 3) for virtual conferences over traditional conferences. In regard to future use, respondents strongly agreed that they would continue the practice at some capacity after the pandemic (median score 5). Overall, respondents agreed that virtual conferences would partially replace traditional conferences (median score 4), whereas they strongly disagreed with the complete replacement of traditional conferences (median score 1). The most common choices for the partial replacement of tradition conferences were case conferences (59/108, 55%) and board preparation (64/108, 59%). Lastly, there was a significant difference in scores for continued use of virtual conferencing in those who attend nationally sponsored conferences (median score 5, n = 70) and those who do not (median score 4, n = 38; U = 1762.50, z = 2.97, r = 0.29, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Virtual conferences will likely remain an integral part of neurosurgical education after the COVID-19 pandemic has abated. Across the country, residents and faculty report a preference for continued use of virtual conferencing, especially virtual case conferences and board preparation. Some traditional conferences may even be replaced with virtual conferences, in particular those that are more didactic. Furthermore, nationally sponsored virtual conferences have a positive effect on the preferences for continued use of virtual conferences.
Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Korean Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling condition that often necessitates total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although ONFH occurs more frequently among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than among the general population, there is little epidemiological information regarding ONFH in Korean patients with HIV. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical features of ONFH among Korean patients with HIV. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 1,250 Korean patients with HIV treated from January 1990 to December 2019. A standardised data collection sheet was used to obtain clinical information. Imaging data were analysed by a radiologist in accordance with the 2019 revised version of the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system for ONFH. Results Among the 1,250 included patients, 13 patients (1.04%; 3 women, 10 men) were diagnosed with ONFH. The overall incidence of ONFH was 1.29 per 1,000 person-years (PYs) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7 – 2.4 per 1,000 PYs). Median age among the 13 patients with ONFH was 47 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 41 – 57 years). The median duration since HIV diagnosis was 4.8 years (IQR: 2.3 – 10.1 years). The median CD4 cell count at the time of ONFH diagnosis was 381 cells/ mm3 (IQR: 161 – 551 cells/mm3). At the initial diagnosis of ONFH, 83.3% of patients exhibited bilateral involvement. ARCO stage 3 or 4 osteonecrosis was observed in 83% of patients. Among 22 hips, stage 1 ONFH was noted in 2 (9.1%), stage 2 ONFH was noted in 7 (31.8%), stage 3 ONFH was noted in 9 (40.9%), and stage 4 ONFH was noted in 4 (18.2%). THA was eventually performed in 84.6% of patients. Five (38.5%) patients had a history of steroid use, 4 (30.8%) patients had a history of alcohol abuse and 10 (76.9%) were smokers. Eight (61.5%) patients had a history of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining illness, including 7 with tuberculosis and 1 with pneumocystis pneumonia. Nine patients (69.2%) had a nadir CD4 cell count <200/µL, and 3 (23.1%) had a history of bone fracture. Overall, 84% of patients were exposed to antiretroviral therapy, while 54% had taken protease inhibitors for more than 1 year. Conclusion Considering that relatively high incidence of ONFH in patients with HIV, a high index of suspicion for those with risk factors and those with groin or hip pain for is required in HIV-infected patients.
Leprosy in the elderly population and the occurrence of physical disabilities: Is there cause for concern?*

Dear Editor, Leprosy continues to be an important public health problem in many developing countries, particularly Brazil.1 Although the number of leprosy cases has declined in recent decades, more than 25,000 new cases were diagnosed throughout the country in 2016 alone.2 Furthermore, recent studies have argued that there are far more cases that remain undiagnosed.3 Brazil has undergone a drastic demographic transition. The reduction of mortality rates and subsequent increase in life expectancy, in conjunction with reduced fertility rates, are factors that have contributed to the aging of the population.4 This double scenario, characterized concurrently by the persistence of the disease and the aging of the population, suggests that leprosy is a real health problem among elderly people. Additional aspects that further corroborate the need for reflection on this subject include the incapacitating potential of leprosy and the lower immunological competence of elderly people. Concern about the occurrence of physical disabilities has been highlighted. One of the three main goals of the “Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020”, estabreseArCh letters t
Hematology and Blood Chemistry Reference Values of Captive Adult Black-Faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis melanopis)

Simple Summary Wildlife and human interactions are increasing all over the world, with many injured wild animals needing to be treated or rehabilitated. Reference values are of great help when treating injured animals. The black-faced ibis is a bird common in South America and is one of the few ibises in this region. The human population has increased the risk of interaction with these birds, and rehabilitation centers are receiving injured birds. The aim of this work was to establish the normal or reference hematology and blood chemistry values in this species. The result may be used to elucidate the health and welfare status of injured or recovering black-faced ibis in rehabilitation centers and to act with the required therapeutic measures. This in turn may increase rates of survival and may indicate the correct moment of returning of the birds back to the wild while contributing to the conservation of this species. Abstract Hematology and blood chemistry reference values in wildlife animals are considered a key element to evaluate their health and welfare status. The incidence of birds rescued is increasing, thus, rehabilitation centers worldwide need valid reference values to improve medical care for wild individuals. The objective of this study was to obtain the reference values of the adult black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis). Blood was taken from adult rehabilitated birds and analyzed to obtain red and white line values such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Values for blood glucose, proteins, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and albumin:globulin (A/G) ratio were also obtained. The results were similar to others reported for species of the Threskiornithidae family (bald, glossy and Puna ibises), but showed higher values for white blood cells (WBC), heterophils, monocytes and heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, but lower values for basophils and eosinophils. Moreover, higher values in albumin, BUN and CPK were observed. This is the first report of the hematology references values for the black-faced ibis showing differences to other closely related species. The results may be of use in rescue and rehabilitation centers for animal welfare and health assessments of the black-faced ibis.
High Fat Rodent Models of Type 2 Diabetes: From Rodent to Human

Poor dietary habits contribute to increased incidences of obesity and related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). The biological, genetic, and pathological implications of T2D, are commonly investigated using animal models induced by a dietary intervention. In spite of significant research contributions, animal models have limitations regarding the translation to human pathology, which leads to questioning their clinical relevance. Important considerations include diet-specific effects on whole organism energy balance and glucose and insulin homeostasis, as well as tissue-specific changes in insulin and glucose tolerance. This review will examine the T2D-like phenotype in rodents resulting from common diet-induced models and their relevance to the human disease state. Emphasis will be placed on the disparity in percentages and type of dietary fat, the duration of intervention, and whole organism and tissue-specific changes in rodents. An evaluation of these models will help to identify a diet-induced rodent model with the greatest clinical relevance to the human T2D pathology. We propose that a 45% high-fat diet composed of approximately one-third saturated fats and two-thirds unsaturated fats may provide a diet composition that aligns closely to average Western diet macronutrient composition, and induces metabolic alterations mirrored by clinical populations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in healthcare workers: a ten-year systematic review

Background and aims: Healthcare workers (HCWs) employed in hospital settings frequently experience many occupational stressors leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Literature has increasingly highlighted PTSD as a major issue that involves both staff and healthcare organizations; the consequences of PTSD may include medication errors and lower standards of care. The current COVID-19 pandemic poses the need for preventing PTSD in HCWs working closely with COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the latest developments in assessing and managing the occupational risk of PTSD symptoms in hospital HCWs. Methods: We searched for publications in MEDLINE/Pubmed using selected keywords. Each article was reviewed and categorized into one or more of the following four categories based on its subject matter: risk assessment, risk management and occurrence rates. Results: Our search resulted in a total of 32 publications that matched our inclusion criteria. Increased years of service, older age, previous year exposure to violence, personality traits (i.e. neuroticism), history of mental disorders, being non-graduates, were found to be workers’ pre-trauma factors predicting PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to prioritize preventative interventions aimed to anticipate the effects of traumatic exposure by training HCWs in evidence based anticipatory methods of coping with stressful events. With regard to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we found evidence of the need to strength social support and training targeted at psychological skills of medical staff who treated COVID-19 patients. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Numerical Investigation on the Role of Mechanical Factors Contributing to Globe Flattening in States of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Flattening of the posterior eye globe in the magnetic resonance (MR) images is a sign associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), often seen in people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The exact underlying mechanisms of globe flattening (GF) are not fully known but mechanical factors are believed to play a role. In the present study, we investigated the effects of material properties and pressure loads on GF. For this purpose, we used a generic finite element model to investigate the deformation of the posterior eyeball. The degree of GF in numerical models and the significance of different mechanical factors on GF were characterized using an automated angle-slope technique and a statistical measure. From the numerical models, we found that ICP had the most important role in GF. We also showed that the angle-slope graphs pertaining to MR images from five people with high ICP can be represented numerically by manipulating the parameters of the finite element model. This numerical study suggests that GF observed in IIH patients can be accounted for by the forces caused by elevation of ICP from its normal level, while material properties of ocular tissues, such as sclera (SC), peripapillary sclera (PSC), and optic nerve (ON), would impact its severity.
Differences in management and outcome for colon and rectal carcinoma with synchronous liver metastases: a population‐based cohort study

Surgical treatment of colorectal cancer with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCRLM) can follow three different strategies with regard to the timing of liver resection. The aim of this study was to describe the selection of surgical strategy, focusing on differences between colon and rectal cancer with SCRLM, postoperative morbidity/mortality and survival.
Ecological Succession of Polymicrobial Communities in the Cystic Fibrosis Airways

Antimicrobial therapies against cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections are largely aimed at the traditional, well-studied CF pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex, despite the fact that the CF lung harbors a complex and dynamic polymicrobial community. A clinical focus on the dominant pathogens ignores potentially important community-level interactions in disease pathology, perhaps explaining why these treatments are often less effective than predicted based on in vitro testing. ABSTRACT Antimicrobial therapies against cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections are largely aimed at the traditional, well-studied CF pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex, despite the fact that the CF lung harbors a complex and dynamic polymicrobial community. A clinical focus on the dominant pathogens ignores potentially important community-level interactions in disease pathology, perhaps explaining why these treatments are often less effective than predicted based on in vitro testing. A better understanding of the ecological dynamics of this ecosystem may enable clinicians to harness these interactions and thereby improve treatment outcomes. Like all ecosystems, the CF lung microbial community develops through a series of stages, each of which may present with distinct microbial communities that generate unique host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions, metabolic profiles, and clinical phenotypes. While insightful models have been developed to explain some of these stages and interactions, there is no unifying model to describe how these infections develop and persist. Here, we review current perspectives on the ecology of the CF airway and present the CF Ecological Succession (CFES) model that aims to capture the spatial and temporal complexity of CF lung infection, address current challenges in disease management, and inform the development of ecologically driven therapeutic strategies.