Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Designing Cellulose Acetate - Polyacrylamide Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and Evaluation of their Protein Retention Behavior

ABSTRACT In this work semi-IPNs of cellulose acetate (CA) – N, N’- methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) – crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAM), and native CA gel were prepared and characterized by FTIR, AFM, SEM, XRD, TGA and DSC techniques. The AFM studies revealed that addition of AM increased the symmetry of the semi-IPN surfaces whereas the XRD spectra suggested for a decrease in crystalline nature of CA. The network parameters were changed with change in concentrations of CA and AM. The prepared semi-IPNs were examined for retention of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The mechanical properties, swelling capacity, % porosity and biocompatibility were also investigated. Graphical Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression in people with dementia: A qualitative study on participant, carer and facilitator experiences

Background Depression in dementia is common and associated with negative health outcomes. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a recommended treatment of choice for recurrent depression, but its use for depression in dementia is yet to be assessed. Objective This study aimed to investigate the experiences of people with depression and dementia who participated in the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy intervention and those of their carers and facilitators. Methods This qualitative study was nested within a randomised controlled feasibility study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 people (eight people with dementia and depression, six carers and four course facilitators). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings Several beneficial effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy were described. These were a sense of shared suffering among the group, greater present moment focus and awareness, various positive emotional changes, including greater self-compassion, and benefits for carers, such as the reduction of anxiety. Specific aspects of the programme were identified as particularly useful, including facilitator characteristics and certain mindfulness practices. Carer involvement, cognitive difficulties and barriers to home practice influenced engagement with the course. Facilitators described adaptations made to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and suggested additional modifications for future groups. Conclusion Results of this process evaluation suggest that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a potentially useful intervention for people with depression in dementia, but that further adaptation of the intervention is required to make the programme suitable for this clinical population.
Impact of surgeon learning curve in minimally invasive radical hysterectomy on early stage cervical cancer patient survival

Background Recently, it has been sustained that only surgeons skilled in minimally invasive radical hysterectomy (MI-RH) could provide valuable oncological outcomes in early-stage cervical cancer. Still, literature lacks data correlating surgeon experience with patient survival rate. Objective To investigate the impact of surgeon training patient survival rate following MI-RH for early stage cervical cancer. Methods This was a retrospective study of 243 early-stage cervical cancer treated with MI-RH. Multiple regression analyses were undertaken to investigate the impact of the surgeons learning curve, according to the number of MI-RH, on patients prognosis. Results A steady trend of reduction in disease recurrence risk is associated with increased surgeon experience. The peak of the learning curve was shown at the 19th MI-RH (hazard ratio of disease-free survival: 0.321; 95%CI: 0.140-0.737; p= 0.007). The 3 years disease-free survival that a surgeon could provide to patients is significantly lower at the beginning of his/her learning path comparing to what he/she could guarantee once adequate experience had been achieved (75.4% and 91.6% respectively, p=0.005). Surgeon experience appears to be an independent prognostic factor. Conclusion The experience that a surgeon can achieve practicing in MI-RH significantly influences oncological outcomes of early-stage cervical cancer patients. Future studies comparing minimally invasive and open surgery should take this into account. It would be advisable that the scientific community precisely establishes the minimum training required in the field of MI-RH for early-stage cervical cancer.
Do high‐dose corticosteroids improve outcomes in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is characterized by dysregulated hyperimmune response and steroids have been shown to decrease mortality. However, whether higher dosing of steroids results in better outcomes has been debated. This was a retrospective observation of COVID‐19 admissions between March 1, 2020, and March 10, 2021. Adult patients (≥18 years) who received more than 10 mg daily methylprednisolone equivalent dosing (MED) within the first 14 days were included. We excluded patients who were discharged or died within 7 days of admission. We compared the standard dose of steroids (<40 mg MED) versus the high dose of steroids (>40 mg MED). Inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) was used to examine whether higher dose steroids resulted in improved outcomes. The outcomes studied were in‐hospital mortality, rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), hospital‐associated infections (HAI), and readmissions. Of the 1379 patients meeting study criteria, 506 received less than 40 mg of MED (median dose 30 mg MED) and 873 received more than or equal to 40 mg of MED (median dose 78 mg MED). Unadjusted in‐hospital mortality was higher in patients who received high‐dose corticosteroids (40.7% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.001). On IPWRA, the use of high‐dose corticosteroids was associated with higher odds of death (odds ratio [OR] 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–3.14, p < 0.001) but not with the development of HAI, readmissions, or requirement of IMV. High‐dose corticosteroids were associated with lower rates of AKI requiring hemodialysis (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18–0.63). In COVID‐19, corticosteroids more than or equal to 40 mg MED were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality.
The effect of guar gum consumption on the lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Dyslipidemia is a common encounter in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the current strategies to manage it are still suboptimal. Subsequently, identifying newer molecules with lipid-lowering effects is necessary. A great deal of attention has been given in recent years to fiber supplements, e.g., guar gum. Thus, we screened and evaluated the quality of the evidence regarding the benefits of guar gum supplementation in T2DM and conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of this compound on serum lipids in T2DM. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Embase, from the inception of these databases until January 2021. In total, 11 papers were included based on the eligible criteria in our meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the eligible trials demonstrated a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −20.32 mg/dL, 95% CI: −27.02, −13.62, P < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: −14.52 mg/dL, 95% CI: −20.69, −8.35, P < 0.001) following guar gum supplementation in T2DM patients. The subgroup analysis based on the dosage (g/day) of this compound revealed that ≥20 g/day of guar gum led to a notable decrease in triglyceride (TG) levels (WMD: −12.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: −23.72, −1.37, P = 0.02) versus < 20 g/day (WMD: −1.84 mg/dL, 95% CI: −32.18, 28.49, P = 0.90). Guar gum supplementation had no effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 0.66 mg/dL, 95% CI: −0.95, 2.28, P = 0.42). Guar gum consumption has lipid-lowering effects when administered to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and it is particularly able to reduce TC, LDL-C and TG levels. Further research is however needed to confirm our findings.
Contribution to the peripheral vasculopathy and endothelial cell dysfunction by CXCL4 in Systemic Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND CXCL4, a chemokine with anti-angiogenic property, is involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE To investigated the contribution of CXCL4 to SSc development by focusing on the correlation of circulatory CXCL4 levels with their peripheral vasculopathy, and the effect of CXCL4 on endothelial cell dysfunction and the potential signaling. METHODS We measured the plasma CXCL4 levels in 58 patients with SSc, 10 patients with the very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS), and 80 healthy controls (HCs). Then, CXCL4 concentrations were correlated with clinical features, especially the peripheral vasculopathy. These observations were further validated in an additional cohort. Moreover, we studied the anti-angiogenic effects of CXCL4 and the underlying downstream signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. RESULTS Circulating CXCL4 levels were 103.62 % higher in patients with SSc and 201.51 % higher in patients with VEDOSS than matched HCs, which were confirmed in two independent cohorts. CXCL4 levels were associated with digital ulcers (DU) and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) abnormalities in SSc. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs were inhibited by CXCL4 or SSc derived plasma, which reversed by CXCL4 neutralizing antibody, but failed by CXCR3 inhibitor. CXCL4 downregulated the transcription factor Friend leukaemia integration factor-1 (Fli-1) via c-Abl signaling. Furthermore, CXCL4 blocked the transforming growth factor (TGF) -β or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced cell proliferation of HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS CXCL4 may contribute to peripheral vasculopathy in SSc by downregulating Fli-1 via c-Abl signaling in endothelial cells and interfering angiogenesis.
The severity and frequency distribution of endometriosis subtypes at different ages: a model to understand the natural history of endometriosis based on single centre/single surgeon data

Background The natural history of endometriosis is poorly understood. Animal models are inadequate, repeat laparoscopies are not acceptable and epidemiological studies on endometriosis are complicated. Objective To study the natural history of endometriosis by reviewing the frequency distribution of clinical subtypes of endometriosis lesions at different ages in women undergoing surgery. Materials and methods Surgical findings of all women (n=2086) undergoing laparoscopy for pelvic pain and endometriosis between 1988 and 2011 at University Hospital Gasthuisberg were analysed. Main outcome measures The severity of subtle, typical, cystic and deep endometriosis in adult women, with or without a pregnancy, as estimated by their pelvic area and their volume. Results The number of women undergoing a laparoscopy increased up to 28 years of age and decreased thereafter. Between 24 and 44 years, the severity and relative frequencies of subtle, typical, cystic and deep lesions did not vary significantly. The number of women younger than 20 years was too small to ascertain the impression of less severe lesions. The severity of endometriosis lesions was not less in women with 1 or more previous pregnancies or with previous surgery. There was no bias over time since the type and severity of endometriosis lesions remained constant between 1988 and 2011. Conclusions Severity of endometriosis does not increase between 24 and 44 years of age, suggesting that growth is limited by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Severity was not lower in women with a previous pregnancy. What is new Considering the time needed for lesions to become symptomatic together with the diagnostic delay, the decreasing number of laparoscopies after age 28 is compatible with a progressively declining risk of initiating endometriosis lesions after menarche, the remaining women being progessively less susceptible.
Association Between Cognitive Trajectories and Disability Progression in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Objectives Longitudinal cognitive trajectories in multiple sclerosis are heterogeneous and difficult to measure. We aimed to identify discrete longitudinal reaction time trajectories in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using a computerized cognitive battery and to assess the association between trajectories of reaction time and disability progression. Methods All participants serially completed computerized reaction time tasks measuring psychomotor speed, visual attention, and working memory. Participants completed at least 3 testing sessions over a minimum of 180 days. Longitudinal reaction times were modeled with latent class mixed models to identify groups of individuals sharing similar latent characteristics. Optimal models were validated for consistency and baseline associations with class membership tested using multinomial logistic regression. Interclass differences in the probability of reaction time worsening and the probability of 6-month confirmed disability progression were assessed with survival analysis. Results A total of 460 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were included in the analysis. For each task of the MSReactor battery, the optimal model comprised 3 latent classes. All MSReactor tasks could identify a group with high probability of reaction time slowing. The visual attention and working memory tasks could identify a group of participants who were 3.7 and 2.6 times more likely to experience a 6-month confirmed disability progression, respectively. Participants could be classified into predicted cognitive trajectories after just 5 tests with 64% to 89% accuracy. Discussion Latent class modeling of longitudinal cognitive data collected by a computerized battery identified patients with worsening reaction times and increased risk of disability progression. Slower baseline reaction time, age, and disability increased assignment into this trajectory. Monitoring of cognition in clinical practice with computerized tests may enable detection of cognitive change trajectories and people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at risk of disability progression.
Usefulness of Cell‐Free Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Mutant DNA Quantification in Blood for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Efficacy

Although the usefulness of liquid biopsy as a biomarker in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been suggested, its usefulness in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies has not been reported in detail. In this study, we investigated the clinical value of a cell‐free (cf)DNA quantification system targeting the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter mutation in advanced HCC treatment. Plasma from 67 patients with advanced HCC, treated with TACE and TKI, was used for extraction of cfDNA. We defined cfDNA with the hTERT promoter C228T mutation as circulating mutant DNA (mutant DNA) and without the mutation as circulating wild‐type DNA (wild‐type DNA). We analyzed the changes in mutant and wild‐type DNA levels during HCC treatment and examined the relationship between changes in the cfDNA level and the clinical course. Mutant DNA was detected in 73.1% (49/67) of the patients during HCC treatment. In univariate analysis, factors associated with detection of mutant DNA before treatment were the intrahepatic maximum tumor diameter (P = 0.015) and protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKAII) (P = 0.006). The degree of mutant DNA change after TACE was significantly correlated with tumor volume (P < 0.001), reflecting the treated tumor volume. Responders with peak cfDNA levels within 1 week of TKI initiation had significantly better progression‐free survival than nonresponders (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Changes in blood hTERT promoter mutant DNA levels during TACE or TKI treatment indirectly reflect the amount of HCCs and are useful for predicting long‐term treatment responses.
Brain oxygen extraction fraction mapping in patients with multiple sclerosis

We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of whole brain oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) mapping for measuring lesion specific and regional OEF abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In 22 MS patients and 11 healthy controls (HC), OEF and neural tissue susceptibility ( χ n ) maps were computed from MRI multi-echo gradient echo data. In MS patients, 80 chronic active lesions with hyperintense rim on quantitative susceptibility mapping were identified, and the mean OEF and χ n within the rim and core were compared using linear mixed-effect model analysis. The rim showed higher OEF and χ n than the core: relative to their adjacent normal appearing white matter, OEF contrast = −6.6 ± 7.0% vs. −9.8 ± 7.8% (p < 0.001) and χ n contrast = 33.9 ± 20.3 ppb vs. 25.7 ± 20.5 ppb (p = 0.017). Between MS and HC, OEF and χ n were compared using a linear regression model in subject-based regions of interest. In the whole brain, compared to HC, MS had lower OEF, 30.4 ± 3.3% vs. 21.4 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001), and higher χ n , −23.7 ± 7.0 ppb vs. −11.3 ± 7.7 ppb (p = 0.018). Our feasibility study suggests that OEF may serve as a useful quantitative marker of tissue oxygen utilization in MS.
Head‐to‐head comparison of contemporary heart failure risk scores

Several heart failure (HF) web‐based risk scores are currently used in clinical practice. Currently, we lack head‐to‐head comparison of the accuracy of risk scores. This study aimed to assess correlation and mortality prediction performance of Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC‐HF) risk score, which includes clinical variables + medications; Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM), which includes clinical variables + treatments + analytes; PARADIGM Risk of Events and Death in the Contemporary Treatment of Heart Failure (PREDICT‐HF) and Barcelona Bio‐Heart Failure (BCN‐Bio‐HF) risk calculator, which also include biomarkers, like N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 seroprevalence study in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, India coinciding with falling trend – Do the results suggest imminent herd immunity?

Background: COVID-19 is a public health concern currently demanding continuous efforts to understand its epidemiology. Pimpri-Chinchwad township with a population of over 25 lakhs is located in Maharashtra, one of the worst affected states in India. After the incidence peaked in the township in mid-September 2020, cases started declining even as lockdown restrictions were eased. Objectives: A seroprevalence study was conducted to understand the transmission dynamics of the pandemic in this region. Methods: We carried out a population-based seroprevalence study for IgG antibodies for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) among 5000 residents 12 years and above selected by the cluster random sampling. We selected 50 clusters in slums, 80 clusters in tenements, and 70 clusters from housing societies. The field work for collection of samples was carried out from October 07 to October 17, 2020. We used kit from Abbott (SARS-CoV-2 IgG), which employs chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay technology. The prevalence of IgG antibodies was expressed as point estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). These were weighted for areas and cluster effect and further adjusted for test performance. Results: The overall seropositivity for IgG was 34.04% (95% CIl 31.3%–36.8%). Slum dwellers had 40.9% positivity rate (95% CI 37.0%–44.7%), those in tenements 41.2% (95% CI 37.7%–44.8%) and people living in housing societies had 29.8% positivity (95% CI 25.8%–33.8%). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of population had encountered the novel coronavirus approaching partial, if not complete, herd immunity, which may partly explain the declining trend in spite of easing of lockdown restrictions.
Potential use of ground brown rice for weanling pigs

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of substituting corn with ground brown rice on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota in weanling pigs. Seventy-two weanling pigs (28 d old with 6.78 ± 0.94 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments with six pens and six pigs (three barrows and gilts) per pen within a randomized complete block design. The control pigs were fed a typical diet for weanling pigs based on corn and soybean meal diet (control diet: CON), and the other pigs were fed a formulated diet with 100% replacement of corn with ground brown rice for 35d (treatment diet: GBR). Growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota of weanling pigs were measured. The substitution of corn with GBR did not affect growth performance or diarrhea frequency. Additionally, there were no differences in white blood cell number, hematocrit, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels between pigs fed CON or GBR for the first 2 wk after weaning. However, weanling pigs fed GBR had lower (P < 0.05) serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 level than those fed CON. Furthermore, weanling pigs fed GBR had increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus and Streptococcus and decreased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Clostridium and Prevotella in the gut microbiota compared with those fed CON. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in growth performance when corn was replaced with ground brown rice in diets for weanling pigs. Furthermore, the substitution of corn with ground brown rice in weaning diet modulated immune status and gut microbiota of pigs by increasing beneficial microbial communities and reducing harmful microbial communities. Overall, ground brown rice-based diet is a potential alternative to corn-based diet without negative effects on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota changes of weanling pigs.
Groove‐deepening trochleoplasty reduces lateral patellar maltracking and increases patellofemoral contact pressures: Dynamic simulation

Groove‐deepening trochleoplasty is performed to restore patellar stability by increasing the lateral constraint applied to the patella by the trochlear groove. Multibody dynamic simulation of knee function was used to characterize the influence of groove‐deepening trochleoplasty on patellar tracking and patellofemoral contact pressures. Computational models were created to represent seven knees with trochlear dysplasia, indicated by a flat trochlear groove and supratrochlear spur. The models were manipulated to remove the spur and deepen the trochlear groove to represent the average shape following a trochleoplasty. Knee squatting was simulated for the preoperative and postoperative conditions. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in output parameters were identified with repeated measures comparisons at every 5° of knee flexion. Trochleoplasty significantly decreased lateral patellar tracking, particularly at low knee flexion angles. Trochleoplasty decreased the peak lateral shift of the patella (bisect offset index) with the knee extended from 0.87 ± 0.14 to 0.75 ± 0.12. Trochleoplasty also significantly decreased the contact area and increased the maximum contact pressure at multiple flexion angles. Trochleoplasty decreased the average contact area by approximately 10% in mid‐flexion, with a corresponding increase in the average maximum contact pressure of 13%–23%. Decreased contact area and increased contact pressures are related to altered patellofemoral congruity due to reshaping the femur without a corresponding change to the patella. Clinical significance: The results indicate groove‐deepening trochleoplasty decreases lateral patellar maltracking, reducing the risk of patellar dislocations, but can elevate patellofemoral contact pressures, which could contribute to long‐term degradation of cartilage.