Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Better Patient Knowledge Associated with Different Treatment Preferences? A Survey of Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Background In stable coronary artery disease (CAD), shared decision-making (SDM) is encouraged when deciding whether to pursue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) given similar cardiovascular outcomes between PCI and medical therapy. However, it remains unclear whether improving patient-provider communication and patient knowledge, the main tenets of SDM, changes patient preferences or the treatment chosen. We explored the relationships between patient-provider communication, patient knowledge, patient preferences, and the treatment received. Methods We surveyed stable CAD patients referred for elective cardiac catheterization at seven hospitals from 6/2016 to 9/2018. Surveys assessed patient-provider communication, medical knowledge, and preferences for treatment and decision-making. We verified treatments received by chart review. We used linear and logistic regression to examine relationships between patient-provider communication and knowledge, knowledge and preference, and preference and treatment received. Results Eighty-seven patients completed the survey. More discussion of the benefits and risks of both medical therapy and PCI associated with higher patient knowledge scores (β=0.28, p<0.01). Patient knowledge level was not associated with preference for PCI (OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.57–1.03, p=0.09). Black patients had more than four times the odds of preferring medical therapy to PCI (OR=4.49, 1.22–18.45, p=0.03). Patients preferring medical therapy were not significantly less likely to receive PCI (OR=0.67, 0.16–2.52, p=0.57). Conclusions While communicating the risks of PCI may improve patient knowledge, this knowledge may not affect patient treatment preferences. Rather, other factors such as race may be significantly more influential on a patient’s treatment preferences. Furthermore, patient preferences are still not well reflected in the treatment received. Improving shared decision-making in stable CAD therefore may require not only increasing patient education but also better understanding and including a patient’s background and pre-existing beliefs.
Clinical Characteristics and Manifestations of Fungal Esophagitis: A Single-Center Experience in South China

Fungal esophagitis is a common infectious disease, although the pathogenic clinical characteristics remain incompletely clear, especially in South China. The goal of this study was to investigate the pathogenic clinical characteristics of fungal esophagitis and the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies at a tertiary hospital in South China. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2007 to December 2017. Data from 113,390 patients who were treated in the endoscopic unit were retrieved and analyzed. To further understand the pathogen and risk factors for fungal esophagitis, we performed a case-control analysis of 101 patients and 202 controls. Of the 113,390 patients, 932 (0.82%) were positive. The annual detection rate ranged from 0.345% to 1.106%, showing an initially increasing and subsequently decreasing trend. The patients' median age was 49 years (range from 8 to 85), and most were men (615/932, 65.99%). Candida albicans was found in samples collected from 36 patients, without any drug-resistant strains. Age (P = 0.018), malignancy (OR = 4.031, 95% CI: 1.562~10.407), cigarette smoking (OR = 3.017, 95% CI: 1.645~5.533), and the use of antibiotics (OR = 2.178, 95% CI: 1.078~4.400) or immunosuppressants (OR = 6.525, 95% CI: 1.089~39.105) were independently associated with esophageal candidiasis. Fluconazole had a better curative effect than nystatin (OR = 4.047, 95% CI: 1.282~12.772) or simple observation (OR = 8.91, 95% CI: 2.61~30.49). In conclusion, fungal esophagitis primarily affects men and elderly individuals; it develops in the setting of malignancy, smoking, and certain previous medication use. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen and is sensitive to antifungal agents. Fluconazole has a good therapeutic effect.
Multi-locus sequence typing and virulence profile in Bacillus cereus sensu lato strains isolated from dairy products

Members of Bacillus cereus group are important food contaminants and they are of relevant interest in food safety and public heath due to their ability to cause two distinct forms of food poisoning, emetic and diarrhoeal syndrome. In the present study, 90 strains of B. cereus isolated from dairy products, have been typed using Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis and investigated for the occurrence of 10 enterotoxigenic genes (hblA, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, entFM, entS and bceT) and one emetogenic gene (ces), to determine their genetic diversity. A total of 58 sequence types were identified and among these 17 were signalled as new profiles. Among the virulence genes, the majority of our strains carried the entS (92%), entFM (86%), nhe (82%) and cytK (72%) genes. All remaining genes were identified in at least one strain with different prevalence, stressing the genetic diversity, how even the different grade of pathogenicity of B. cereus isolated from dairy products.
Comparison of Safety and Efficacy Between Ab Interno and Ab Externo Approaches to XEN Gel Stent Placement

Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of two different techniques for implantation of the XEN Gel Stent, a minimally invasive surgical device for the treatment of refractory glaucoma. Methods A retrospective chart review of eyes that received ab interno or ab externo XEN Gel Stent placement from February 2017 to October 2019 was conducted. A single surgeon (NMR) performed all operations. Eyes that received the XEN implant concomitant with a glaucoma drainage device insertion or that were lost to 6-month follow-up were excluded. Intraocular pressure (IOP) change, change in glaucoma medications, frequency of slit lamp revision procedures, and frequency of secondary glaucoma surgeries were the primary outcomes compared between groups. Results Fifty eyes that underwent ab interno placement and 30 eyes that underwent ab externo placement were studied. The ab interno cohort demonstrated a mean IOP reduction of 8.4 ± 1.7 mmHg (28.6% decrease) by 12 months, compared to a mean reduction of 12.8 ± 3.0 mmHg (40.1% decrease) in the ab externo group (p = 0.208). Mean reduction in medication use was 1.81 ± 0.29 medications in the ab interno group and 1.86 ± 0.37 in the ab externo group (p = 0.913). By 12 months, 58% of ab interno eyes had required 5-fluorouracil injection compared to 36.7% of ab externos (p = 0.105). Bleb needling was applied to 42% and 26.7% of the eyes, respectively (p = 0.231). A second glaucoma surgery was necessary for 20% of the ab interno cohort and 10% of the ab externo cohort (p = 0.351). Conclusion There were no differences in outcomes between ab interno and ab externo placement of the XEN Gel Stent. Both approaches are safe and effective for lowering IOP.
Endosonographic features in patients with non-alcoholic early chronic pancreatitis improved with treatment at one year follow up

Since the prevention of early chronic pancreatitis (ECP) into chronic pancreatitis might be critical for the reduction of pancreatic cancer, we tried to clarify the pathophysiology of ECP patients, focusing on ECP patients without alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. 27 ECP patients without alcoholic chronic pancreatitis and 33 patients with functional dyspepsia with pancreatic enzyme abnormalities (FD-P) were enrolled in this study. Diagnosis of ECP was made when imaging findings showed the presence of more than 2 out of 7 endoscopic ultrasound features. Duodenal degranulated eosinophils and glucagon-like peptide 1 producing cells were estimated by immunostaining. There were no significant differences in characteristics and psychogenic factors between ECP and FD-P patients. Interestingly, endoscopic ultrasound score in ECP patients significantly improved, albeit clinical symptoms in ECP patients showed no improvement at one year follow up. The extent of migration of duodenal degranulated eosinophils in FD-P patients was significantly higher compared to that in ECP patients. The levels of elastase-1 and trypsin in ECP patients with improved endoscopic ultrasound features were significantly reduced by the treatment. Further studies will be needed to clarify whether clinical symptoms and endoscopic ultrasound features in ECP patients without alcoholic chronic pancreatitis were improved in longer follow up study.
Low level of Vitamin C and dysregulation of Vitamin C transporter might be involved in the severity of COVID-19 Infection

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading around the world at an exponential pace, leading to millions of individuals developing the associated disease called COVID-19. Due to the novel nature and the lack of immunity within humans, there has been a collective global effort to find effective treatments against the virus. This has led the scientific community to repurpose Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs with known safety profiles. Of the many possible drugs, vitamin C has been on the shortlist of possible interventions due to its beneficial role as an immune booster and inherent antioxidant properties. Within this manuscript, a detailed discussion regarding the intracellular function and inherent properties of vitamin C is conducted. It also provides a comprehensive review of published research pertaining to the differences in expression of the vitamin C transporter under several pathophysiologic conditions. Finally, we review recently published research investigating the efficacy of vitamin C administration in treating viral infection and life-threatening conditions. Overall, this manuscript aims to present existing information regarding the extent to which vitamin C can be an effective treatment for COVID-19 and possible explanations as to why it may work in some individuals but not in others.
An Integrative Review of Fathers' Needs in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Having a child admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is traumatic for both parents, but mothers and fathers may have different experiences, and thus, different needs. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the needs of fathers of premature infants. A systematic review of 7 databases was conducted, and studies were evaluated by the Critical Appraisal Programme checklist. To provide structure for searching and reporting findings, the Whittemore and Knafle interpretive methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology were used. A total of 19 articles were identified. The resulting themes included: need to be close to infant and involved in infant's care; need for information; need for a better NICU environment; need for emotional support; and need for a relationship with the NICU staff.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Constituent Intermetallics in Aluminum Alloy 2024-T3 Exposed to Aqueous Vanadate Inhibitors

Experiments were conducted to determine how inhibiting forms of vanadate interact with complex Al alloy microconstituent intermetallics to impart corrosion protection. Cathodic polarization experiments on Al 2024-T3 indicate a strong correlation between inhibition and the presence of tetrahedrally coordinated vanadate. Anodic and cathodic polarization curves were measured on bulk synthesized Al 2 Cu, Al 2 CuMg, Al 7 Cu 2 Fe, and Al 20 Cu 2 Mn 3 in alkaline 0.5 M NaCl solutions with and without 10 mM NaVO 3 . Vanadate additions generally decreased E corr , increased E pit , and decreased the cathodic kinetics of all tested materials. Because of decreased cathodic kinetics, open-circuit potentials (OCPs) were shifted in the active direction in aerated solutions when vanadate was present. This shift pins the OCP just below the observed pitting potential for Al 2 CuMg in vanadate solution, effectively preventing breakdown and subsequent support of rapid oxygen reduction by Cu-enriched clusters. E corr , E pit , E rp , i corr , i pass , and i at -1.3 V SCE data from polarization experiments were summarized in cumulative distribution plots, and averages are presented in tabulated format. Scanning electron microscopy images of Al 2024-T3 used for 4 h of OCP measurement show that vanadate greatly decreased circumferential trenching around intermetallic particles in both aerated and deaerated solutions. Potentiostatic hold experiments were used to show suppression of Al 2 CuMg dissolution in vanadate solutions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell exosome delivered Zinc Finger Protein activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Abstract Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in a multi‐organ disease with progressive respiratory decline which leads to premature death. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene disrupts the capacity of the protein to function as a channel, transporting chloride ions and bicarbonate across epithelial cell membranes. Small molecule treatments targeted at potentiating or correcting CFTR have shown clinical benefits, but are only effective for a small percentage of individuals with specific CFTR mutations. To overcome this limitation, we engineered stromal‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and HEK293 cells to produce exosomes containing a novel CFTR Zinc Finger Protein fusion with transcriptional activation domains VP64, P65 and Rta to target the CFTR promoter (CFZF‐VPR) and activate transcription. Treatment with CFZF‐VPR results in robust activation of CFTR transcription in patient derived Human Bronchial Epithelial cells (HuBEC). We also find that CFZF‐VPR can be packaged into MSC and HEK293 cell exosomes and delivered to HuBEC cells to potently activate CFTR expression. Connexin 43 appeared to be required for functional release of CFZF‐VPR from exosomes. The observations presented here demonstrate that MSC derived exosomes can be used to deliver a packaged zinc finger activator to target cells and activate CFTR. The novel approach presented here offers a next‐generation genetic therapy that may one day prove effective in treating patients afflicted with Cystic fibrosis.
Sleep-disordered breathing among Saudi children seeking orthodontic treatment

Aims: The aim of this research is to assess the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and evaluate the risks and symptoms in children seeking orthodontic treatment in a Saudi dental center. Settings and Design: It is a cross-sectional survey-based study. Methods and Material: Pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) was used to survey 285 children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years old who are undergoing orthodontic screening in a Saudi Dental Center. Statistical Analysis Used: PSQ scores were tested with multiple variables including gender, parents' education, academic performance using Mann-Whitney-U test. Correlation of study sample scores with age were calculated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rho). Results: In this study 136 (47.7%) of the participants were deemed to be high risk for developing SDB and 149 (52.3%) were low risk, males were significantly at higher risk compared to females (P ≤ 0.05). Participants with previous adenoidectomy surgery were more likely to be identified as high-risk for SDB (P-value = 0.000) as well as participants with a family history of snoring (P-value = 0.000). Conclusions: Sleep disordered breathing was prevalent among Saudi children seeking orthodontic therapy, it is important to screen children and adolescents in dental pediatric and orthodontic clinics for SDB risk as this is a prevalent disorder among this population, early detection of SDB will improve patients' quality of life and prevent future complications associated to this disorder.
Postnatal newborn care practices and knowledge of newborn danger signs among mothers in rural area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The postnatal period is the most critical period for mothers and her newborn especially during the hours and days after birth. Proper utilization of postnatal care services plays a vital role in dropping the maternal mortality ratio and infant mortality rate. Methods: The community based, cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow UP. A total of 200 mothers of newborn (age 03 days to 60 days) born in the catchment area of PHC Sarojini Nagar during eight months period were included in this study. A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for interview of eligible mother. The objective of study was to assess the postnatal newborn care practices and the knowledge of newborn danger sign among mothers in rural area of Lucknow, U.P. Results: The results showed that 49.50% of mothers applied substances to the stump after birth. 52.5% of mothers applied Kajal on the eye of the baby after birth. More than half of the mothers breastfed the baby within 1-4 hours of birth and Exclusive breastfeeding were practiced by nearly half (47%) of the mothers. Less than one-third of mothers used ambulance service 102/108 as their means of transportation to the health facility. Conclusion: Unsafe and harmful traditional newborn care practices are more prevalent in the rural areas. Health education and awareness programmes are recommended to improve maternal knowledge on the various aspects of newborn care.
Feasibility of Risk Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy at the Time of Abdominal Surgery for Correction of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the perioperative outcomes when prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) is performed concomitantly with surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case–control study of patients who underwent abdominal surgery for the correction of POP and/or SUI with or without concomitant BSO at a tertiary care center. The primary outcome measures were postsurgery length of hospitalization, estimated blood loss, and 30-day readmission rate. The secondary outcome measure was detection of ovarian cancer precursor lesions. Results: We identified 734 patients who had surgery for POP and/or SUI. The control group contained 385 patients, and the BSO group contained 349 patients. There was no difference between the control and BSO groups in the postsurgery length of stay (LOS) (35.2 h vs. 34.1 h; P = 0.49), and all-cause 30-day readmission rate (14.2% vs. 11.6%; P = 0.3085). However, there was decreased blood loss (40.8 ml vs. 67.2 ml, P < 0.0001) in the BSO group compared to the control group. Sub-analysis of primary outcomes in postmenopausal women (age > 55) showed decreased postsurgery LOS (33.4 h vs. 37.4 h; P = 0.0208) and decreased blood loss (35.9 ml vs. 82.7 ml; P < 0.0001) in the BSO group compared to control. Conclusion: Secondary to the lack of additional complications, we recommend surgeons give more consideration to finding appropriate candidates for a risk reducing BSO at time of abdominal surgery to repair POP or SUI.
Risk Factors and Safety Analyses for Intrapartum Fever in Pregnant Women Receiving Epidural Analgesia During Labor

Background We aimed to explore the factors leading to epidural-related maternal fever and the influence of intrapartum fever on neonates. Material/Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on data from pregnant women who received epidural analgesia during labor. The primary aim was to determine the influence of epidural labor analgesia on the incidence of intrapartum fever in pregnant women. The secondary aim was to determine the influence of intrapartum fever on neonates. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that premature rupture of membranes (OR=2.008, 95% CI: 1.551–2.600), vaginal examination performed more than 6 times (OR=1.681, 95% CI: 1.286–2.197), long duration of labor (OR=1.090, 95% CI: 1.063–1.118), and long time from rupture of membranes to delivery (OR=1.048, 95% CI: 1.010–1.087) were all risk factors for intrapartum fever in pregnant women with epidural labor analgesia. Regarding the secondary research outcome, the incidence of intrapartum fever was significantly associated with the number of neonates with Apgar score of 10 delivered from pregnant women with epidural labor analgesia (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the transfer rate of newborns to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (P>0.05). Conclusions Premature rupture of membranes, vaginal examination performed more than 6 times, long duration of labor, and long time from rupture of membranes to delivery are all factors raising the risk of fever during epidural labor analgesia. Although intrapartum fever in the mothers had a significant influence on the number of neonates with Apgar score of 10, it did not affect the outcome of neonates in terms of NICU transfer rate.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Ameliorates Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Ankle Osteoarthritis in the Rat Model via Suppression of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Until now, there is no treatment that cause complete cure of the chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease, osteoarthritis (OA). Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of OA development and progress are not fully elucidated, and the present pharmacological treatment alternatives are restricted and associated with adverse side effects. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the remedy of OA in the rat model in terms of inflammation, ankle histopathological alterations, and oxidative stress. OA was induced in male Wistar rats by injection of MIA (2 mg)/50 µL isotonic saline in the right ankle joint for two successive days in each rat. After the 2nd MIA injection, the osteoarthritic rats were allocated into two groups such as the MIA group (group 2) and MIA + PRP group (group 3). The MIA + PRP group was treated with PRP (50 µL) by injection into the ankle joint of the right hind limb of each rat at days 14, 21, and 28 after the 2nd injection of MIA. The same equivalent volume of saline, as a substitute of PRP, was injected into the ankle joint of each rat of the normal control group (group 1) and MIA group (group 2) at the same tested periods. Swelling of joint, bodyweight, total leucocytes count (TLC), and morphological as well as histological changes of ankle joints were evaluated. Serum lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were examined as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were investigated by ELISA as biomarkers of inflammation. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out to investigate the soft tissues in joints. The obtained results revealed that PRP reduced LPO and increased GSH and GST levels in osteoarthritic rats. Also, PRP significantly diminished serum TNF-α and IL-17 levels, while it increased IL-4 serum levels in rats with MIA-induced OA. Morphological observations, histological analysis, and MRI revealed a gradual diminishing in joint inflammation and destruction of cartilage in PRP-injected osteoarthritic rats. Based on these results, it can be suggested that PRP has antiarthritic potential in MIA-induced OA, which may be mediated via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress.
A narrative review of the pathophysiology of COVID‐19 infection among cancer patients: Current evidence and research perspectives

The mechanism by which a suppressed immune system of a cancer patient makes them susceptible to COVID‐19 is still unclear. Any delay or discontinuation of cancer care due to the pandemic is expected to have a detrimental impact on the outcome of cancer. A few studies have addressed the incidence of COVID‐19 among cancer patients, but the small sample size of such studies makes it difficult to draw inference to the general population.