Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19 in patients with cutaneous immune‐mediated diseases in The Netherlands: real‐world observational data

Literature about COVID-19 infections in patients with chronic inflammatory (skin) diseases treated with or without systemic therapy is scarce and controversial.1-6 Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 related symptoms and the effect on clinical and psychological symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis vulgaris (PsO).
Factors associated with mental health outcomes among patients with COVID‐19 treated in the Fangcang shelter hospital in China

Faced with surging infections and considering that 80% of cases were mild and moderate, the city government transformed stadiums and exhibition centers into the Fangcang shelter hospitals in Wuhan. The aims of this study were to evaluate mental health outcomes among patients with COVID‐19 treated in the Fangcang shelter hospitals and analyze potential risk factors associated with these symptoms, including PTSS, symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and perceived stress.
Long-term risk factors for suicide in suicide attempters examined at a medical emergency in patient unit: results from a 32-year follow-up study

Objectives The overall aim of this study is to gain greater knowledge about the risk of suicide among suicide attempters in a very long-term perspective. Specifically, to investigate possible differences in clinical risk factors at short (≤5 years) versus long term (>5 years), with the hypothesis that risk factors differ in the shorter and longer perspective. Design Prospective study with register-based follow-up for 21–32 years. Setting Medical emergency inpatient unit in the south of Sweden. Participants 1044 individuals assessed by psychiatric consultation when admitted to medical inpatient care for attempted suicide during 1987–1998. Outcome measures Suicide and all-cause mortality. Results At follow-up, 37.6% of the participants had died, 7.2% by suicide and 53% of these within 5 years of the suicide attempt. A diagnosis of psychosis at baseline represented the risk factor with the highest HR at long-term follow-up, that is, >5 years, followed by major depression and a history of attempted suicide before the index attempt. The severity of a suicide attempt as measured by SIS (Suicide Intent Scale) showed a non-proportional association with the hazard for suicide over time and was a relevant risk factor for suicide only within the first 5 years after an attempted suicide. Conclusions The risk of suicide after a suicide attempt persists for up to 32 years after the index attempt. A baseline diagnosis of psychosis or major depression or earlier suicide attempts continued to be relevant risk factors in the very long term. The SIS score is a better predictor of suicide risk at short term, that is, within 5 years than at long term. This should be considered in the assessment of suicide risk and the implementation of care for these individuals.
Fronto-striatal circuits for cognitive flexibility in far from onset Huntington’s disease: evidence from the Young Adult Study

Objectives Cognitive flexibility, which is key for adaptive decision-making, engages prefrontal cortex (PFC)-striatal circuitry and is impaired in both manifest and premanifest Huntington’s disease (pre-HD). The aim of this study was to examine cognitive flexibility in a far from onset pre-HD cohort to determine whether an early impairment exists and if so, whether fronto-striatal circuits were associated with this deficit. Methods In the present study, we examined performance of 51 pre-HD participants (mean age=29.22 (SD=5.71) years) from the HD Young Adult Study cohort and 53 controls matched for age, sex and IQ, on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Intra-Extra Dimensional Set-Shift (IED) task. This cohort is unique as it is the furthest from disease onset comprehensively studied to date (mean years=23.89 (SD=5.96) years). The IED task measures visual discrimination learning, cognitive flexibility and specifically attentional set-shifting. We used resting-state functional MRI to examine whether the functional connectivity between specific fronto-striatal circuits was dysfunctional in pre-HD, compared with controls, and whether these circuits were associated with performance on the critical extradimensional shift stage. Results Our results demonstrated that the CANTAB IED task detects a mild early impairment in cognitive flexibility in a pre-HD group far from onset. Attentional set-shifting was significantly related to functional connectivity between the ventrolateral PFC and ventral striatum in healthy controls and to functional connectivity between the dorsolateral PFC and caudate in pre-HD participants. Conclusion We postulate that this incipient impairment of cognitive flexibility may be associated with intrinsically abnormal functional connectivity of fronto-striatal circuitry in pre-HD.
Clinical profile of neonates with hypernatremic dehydration in a nephrology clinic.

AIM The aim of the study was to assess clinical profile of neonates with hypernatremic dehydration (HD) and identify risk factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study included 18 neonates with HD (serum Na ≥150 mmol/L) hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology between the years 2009-2019. RESULTS The age at presentation was 7.5±4.7 days (range 2-18), weight loss was 15.9±8.3% (range 7.1-32.6) and serum Na range was 151- 192 mmol/L (median 155.5 mmol/L). In 12 (67%) neonates, breast or mixed fed, HD occurred due to inadequate milk intake, in 6 (33%) neonates feeding difficulties were secondary to an acute infection. There was positive correlation between serum Na level and percentage weight loss at presentation (r=0.88; p<0.001). In 6 (33%) patients serious complications of HD were found: AKI in 5 patients, convulsions in one. Percentage weight loss was significantly higher in neonates with HD-associated AKI than in neonates with HD without AKI (p<0.01). Serum Na level was marginally higher in neonates with AKI than in those without AKI (p=0.08). In univariate logistic regression analysis, higher percentage of weight loss and higher serum Na level at presentation were important diagnostic factors of AKI in neonates with HD (both p<0.05). ROC analysis determined good diagnostic profile only for percentage weight loss, with a best cut-off value of 24.8%, for predicting AKI in neonates with HD (AUC 0.862, sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%). CONCLUSIONS Neonatal HD mostly occurs due to inadequate milk intake in breast or mixed fed babies, and rarely due to feeding difficulties in babies affected by an acute infection. Percentage weight loss at presentation has strong association with neonatal HD and is the most important factor of AKI in neonates with HD.
Multicenter study evaluating the impact of COVID‐19 outbreak on dermatology outpatients in Turkey

COVID‐19 pandemic has a significant impact on public health, whether directly or indirectly. The first case was seen in Turkey on March 11, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic on March 12, 2020. The study aimed to document the effect of pandemic on dermatology outpatient clinics in Turkey. Fifteen tertiary hospitals from 13 provinces were included in the study, which was conducted between January 12 and May 12, 2020. The International Codes of Diseases (ICD‐10) categories and patients' characteristics were evaluated before and after the pandemic. A total of 164 878 patients, 133 131 before and 31 747 after the pandemic, were evaluated. The daily hospital applications were found reduced by 77%. The three of the most frequent diagnoses; dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis remained unchanged after the pandemic. While the frequency of herpes zoster, scabies, urticaria, pityriasis rosea and sexually transmitted diseases increased significantly; allergic and irritant contact dermatitis decreased after the pandemic. The applications regarding cutaneous neoplasms were considerably reduced during the pandemic, and this effect was more pronounced in cities with higher COVID incidence. The pandemic caused a noteworthy reduction in the number of patients accessing dermatological care. The pandemic caused significant changes in the frequency of a wide range of dermatological diseases. The application of cutaneous neoplasms is considerably reduced after the pandemic, and this effect was more pronounced in cities where pandemics are frequent. Therefore, the pandemic has resulted on numerous impacts on many critical issues in dermatology and dermatological care.
Application of an Effects‐Based Monitoring Strategy to Assess the Impact of Contaminants on Fish Health in an Urbanized Watershed

Effects‐based monitoring frameworks that combine the use of analytical chemistry with in vitro cell bioassays, as well as in vivo whole organism tests offer an integrative approach to broadly screen for chemical contaminants and link their presence with adverse effects on aquatic organisms. California (USA) is currently evaluating the use of such a framework to assess the impact of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on biota in urbanized rivers and other waterbodies. In the present study, the occurrence and effects of contaminants found in the Los Angeles River (Los Angeles County, CA, USA) were examined using analytical chemistry and in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Male fathead minnows were deployed in field‐based exposure units and exposed to river water for 21 d. The 2 field sites (above Bull Creek [BLC] and below Glendale Water Reclamation Plant [GWR]) were selected based on their unique characteristics and different contaminant discharge sources. In addition, 2 control units (filtered city water and estrone‐spiked water) were added to the experimental design. Chemical analyses revealed differences in abundance of CECs between the 2 field sites and the controls, with GWR having the highest number and concentrations of CECs and metals. Cell bioassays screening for estrogenic, glucocorticoid, progestin, and dioxin‐like activities were near or below detection limits in all river water samples, indicating a low potential for endocrine‐related toxicity and tissue damage. Cell bioassay results were corroborated by the in vivo analyses. Field‐exposed fish exhibited no changes in plasma hormones (e.g., estradiol), vitellogenin, or gonad maturation, but gene biomarkers of chemical exposure (cytochrome p450 1A and metallothionein) were significantly elevated, confirming exposure of the fish to complex chemical mixtures. The results demonstrate the value of a tiered monitoring approach to assess the sublethal effects of chemical mixtures on aquatic life. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:402–412. © 2020 SETAC
Cosmetic skin lightening use and side effects

Abstract Cosmetic skin lightening is a growing dermatologic public health problem that affects communities of color worldwide. Despite well-documented adverse health effects, cosmetic skin lightening continues to be a popular practice among patients of color. Given the US’s changing demographics, it is critical for dermatologists to be knowledgeable about the medical impact as well as social and cultural implications of this practice. This review article aims to serve as a primer for the dermatologist on the medical and sociocultural aspects of cosmetic skin lightening, as well as an approach to discuss the issue of cosmetic skin lightening with patients. We conducted a comprehensive PubMed search using the terms ‘skin lightening agents,’ ‘skin bleaching,’ and ‘depigmenting agents,’ and reviewed the literature on cosmetic skin lightening products, active ingredients, and adverse side effects. Herein, we review the prevalence, ingredients, and health implications of cosmetic skin lightening products. We also provide recommendations for counseling patients who practice cosmetic skin lightening in a culturally sensitive manner.
Tricuspid valve diseases: Interventions on the forgotten heart valve

Over the past few decades, the tricuspid valve (TV) interventions have been relatively lower compared to other cardiac valvular disease in terms of pathophysiology and management, especially regarding surgical intervention and therapy. However, recent crucial advances in assessment and management of the TV disease have resulted in a renewed interest in the “forgotten valve. ” The medical treatment aims to cure the underlying disease and address the presentation of the right heart failure. Surgical interventions have proven to yield good outcomes for those for whom surgery is indicated. For those who are not suitable for surgery, transcatheter surgery may prove to be a suitable replacement. Best practice with regard to surgical techniques is still in question due to limited data. This has been slowing the introduction of transcatheter interventions into common practical guidelines. The aim of this literature review is to discuss new insights on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and interventions of TV disease, highlighting the surgical management and emerging transcatheter therapies. In addition, this review will provide an overview of the current state of the literature surrounding TV interventions and providing suggestions for future directives.
The value of the platelet count and platelet indices in differentiation of COVID‐19 and influenza pneumonia

It is difficult to distinguish coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) from other viral respiratory tract infections owing to the similarities in clinical and radiological findings. This study aims to determine the clinical importance of platelet count and platelet indices in the differentiation of COVID‐19 from influenza and the value of these parameters in the differential diagnosis of COVID‐19. The medical records of the patients and the electronic patient monitoring system were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, admission symptoms, laboratory findings, radiological involvement, comorbidities, and mortality of the patients were recorded. Forty‐three patients diagnosed with influenza and 54 diagnosed with COVID‐19 were included in the study. The average age of the COVID‐19 patients was lower than that of the influenza patients (influenza: 60.5 years, COVID‐19: 52.4 years; pp = 0.024),. 024), and the male gender was predominant in the COVID‐19 group (influenza: 42%, COVID‐19: 56%). According to laboratory findings, the mean platelet volume (MPV) and MPV/platelet ratio were statistically significantly lower, whereas the eosinophil count and platelet distribution width levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the COVID‐19 group. It was found that the most common symptom in both groups was dyspnea and that the symptom was more prevalent among influenza patients. In the diagnosis of COVID‐19, the platelet count and platelet indices are easily accessible, inexpensive, and important parameters in terms of differential diagnosis and can help in the differentiation of COVID‐19 from influenza during seasonal outbreaks of the latter.
COVID-19 pandemic and eating disorders: What impact on specific and general psychopathology?

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting containment measures, such as “lockdown” and “social distancing”, have had important consequences on people’s mental and physical health. Objectives We aimed to study the effect of social isolation and subsequent re- exposure and eventual changes in general and ED-specific psychopathology in people with Eating Disorders (EDs). Methods Three-hundred twelve Italian people with EDs (179 Anorexia Nervosa, 83 Bulimia Nervosa, 48 Binge Eating Disorder and 22 Other Specific Feeding Eating Disorder) were asked to fill-in an online survey to explore several dimensions such as: anxiety, depression, panic, insomnia, suicide ideation, stress, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Differences in ED specific and general symptoms among the 3 investigated time periods (before, during and after the end of lockdown) were assessed with a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Subsequently, ED diagnosis was introduced as covariate in the analysis in order to investigate the possible contribution on psychopathological changes. Results ED core symptoms increased during the lockdown but most of them returned to pre-COVID19 levels at re-opening. The severity of general psychopathology also increased during the lockdown and persisted high in the following phase, except for depression and suicide ideation. None of this symptoms was affected by ED diagnosis, participants’age and illness duration. Conclusions People with EDs showed worsening of both general and specific psychopathology; moreover, changes in general psychopathology persisted in the re-opening period suggesting a higher stress vulnerability in this kind of patients. Disclosure No significant relationships. Keyword COVID19 and Eating Disorders
In vitro test and bioassay of selected Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) by using maize seedlings

Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) plays a significant role to improve phosphate availability, in order to support the growth of maize in acid soil. The experiment aimed to investigate the capability of PSB isolates in solubilizing phosphate and their compatibility with maize seedlings which were conducted in the soil biology laboratory and greenhouse at Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. In vitro test using three isolates of PSB was done to understand the synergystic character by using streak method with natrium agar medium. Subsequently, those three isolates were used for bioassay. The bioassay experiment set up as randomized factorial design, consisted of 16 treatments (control, single and consortia of three PSB isolates in two concentrations) and provided by 3 replications. The solubilized phosphate, P uptake and plant dry weight was measured at 14 days after planting. The results revealed that three PSB isolates were synergistic and did not antagonistic to each other. The isolates either in single or consortia application were able to solubilize phosphate up to 23,23 ppm and increase P uptake up to 42%. The consortia of PSB isolates has the highest capability of increasing the growth of maize seedlings.
The Effects of Capsinoids and Fermented Red Pepper Paste Supplementation on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in order to investigate the effects of capsinoids and fermented red pepper paste (FRPP) supplementation on lipid profile. Relevant studies were identified by searches of five databases from inception to November 2021 using relevant keywords. All clinical trials investigating the effect of capsinoids and FRPP on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were included. Out of 1,203 citations, eight trials that enrolled 393 participants were included. Capsinoids and FRPP resulted in a significant reduction in TC (weighted mean differences [WMD], −9.92 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], −17.92 to −1.92; p = 0.015) but no significant changes in TG (WMD, −19.38 mg/dL; 95% CI, −39.94 to 1.18; p = 0.065), HDL-C (WMD, 0.83 mg/dL; 95% CI, −0.76 to 2.42; p = 0.305) and LDL-C (WMD, −0.59 mg/dL; 95% CI, −4.96 to 3.79; p = 0.793). Greater effects on TC were detected in trials performed on duration lasting less than twelve weeks, mean age of > 40, both sexes, and sample size of > 50. TG was reduced by using FRPP in studies conducted on mean age of > 40. HDL-C increased by using FRPP in studies conducted on duration of < 12 weeks, mean age of > 40, and sample size of ≤ 50. Overall, these data provided evidence that capsinoids and FRPP supplementation has beneficial effects on TC but not TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C.
Screening Lactobacillus strains from artisanal Turkish goatskin casing Tulum cheeses produced by nomads via molecular and in vitro probiotic characteristics.

BACKGROUND Eleven Lactobacillus (L.) strains were newly isolated from traditional Turkish Tulum cheeses and were characterized regarding their potential probiotic characteristics (bile and acid tolerance, gastric and pancreatic juice tolerance, lysozyme tolerance, adhesion ability), virulence determinants (haemolytic activity, antibiotic resistance, biogenic amine production), and functional properties (antibacterial activity, β-galactosidase activity, production of exopolysaccharides, cholesterol removal). RESULTS These isolates were identified as L. brevis, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. coryniformis, L. rhamnosus, and L. helveticus by 16S rRNA sequencing. From the safety aspects, none of the tested Lactobacillus isolates showed haemolytic activity and biogenic amine production. All the Lactobacillus isolates except isolate 24 were found to be sensitive or intermediate sensitive to penicillin which is a frequently used antibiotic. Nine Lactobacillus isolates showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 while only isolates 15 and 449 exhibited inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. All isolated strains survived even in the presence of 10.00 g L-1 bile after 48 h and exhibited good survival at pH 3 but only two isolates survived at pH 2. Among the strains, isolate 15 exhibited satisfactory auto-aggregative, cell-surface hydrophobicity features, cholesterol-lowering activity, and good acid tolerance. Isolate 15 also showed the strongest bile and simulated pancreatic juice resistance and moderate lysozyme tolerance. CONCLUSION These outcomes suggest that isolate 15 identified as a L. plantarum strain from Tulum cheese may be a promising probiotic candidate and can be suitable to be used in several fermented foods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Diet and Activity Budget in Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii at Nabugabo, Uganda: Are They Energy Maximizers?

Introduction: Colobine monkeys are specialized folivores that use foregut fermentation to digest leaves. The slow process of fermentation forces them to spend a lot of time resting and to minimize their energy expenditure to subsist on a lower-quality diet. Methods: We recorded the diet and activity budget of Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii, which form a three-tiered multi-level society, at Lake Nabugabo, Uganda, over 12 months using scan sampling on adults and subadults, to determine whether they utilize the energy minimization strategy typical of colobines. Results: We found that the annual diet was primarily comprised of high-quality food resources (young leaves 65% and fruit 31%), and fruits were the only plant part the monkeysselected when available. Both the fruits and young leaves of some species were preferred food items in some months, and mature leaf consumption correlated negatively with preferred food availability. Mature leaves appear to be a fallback food for this population but are rarely relied upon (3%). The C. a. ruwenzoriiat Nabugabo spent less time resting (40%) and more time moving (25%) than is typical for other species of black-and-white colobus. Discussion/Conclusion: The high-quality diet of this population appears to allow them to utilize an energy maximization strategy. Their reliance on food items that tend to be clumped in space and time likely explains the frequent fission-fusion behaviour that we observe between core units. Our findings demonstrate that the foraging strategies of colobines may be more flexible than was previously thought and illustrate how food availability and distribution can impact primate social organization.