Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obesity and Stroke: Does the Paradox Apply for Stroke?

Historically, obesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases including stroke; however, a theory called “The Obesity Paradox” has been recently considered. The paradoxical theory is that obese or overweight patients (according to body mass index score) can have better outcomes compared to leaner or malnourished patients. The paradox was initially discovered in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this manuscript was to investigate whether this paradox also applies to stroke patients, according to information available in the current literature.
No evidence of Phago‐mixotropy in Micromonas polaris (Mamiellophyceae), the Dominant Picophytoplankton Species in the Arctic

In the Arctic Ocean, the small green alga Micromonas polaris dominates picophytoplankton during the summer months but is also present in winter. It has been previously hypothesized to be phago‐mixotrophic (capable of bacteria ingestion) based on laboratory and field experiments. Prey uptake was analyzed in several M. polaris strains isolated from different regions and depths of the Arctic Ocean and in Ochromonas triangulata, a known phago‐mixotroph used as a control. Measuring ingestion of either fluorescent beads or fluorescently labeled bacteria by flow cytometry, we found no evidence of phago‐mixotrophy in any M. polaris strain while O. triangulata was ingesting both beads and bacteria. In addition, in silico predictions revealed that members of the genus Micromonas lack a genetic signature of phagocytotic capacity.
10 km performance prediction by metabolic and mechanical variables: influence of performance level and post-submaximal running jump potentiation

ABSTRACT We aimed to develop models to explain performance and pacing during a 10-km running trial. Well-trained runners (n = 27, VO2max = 62.3 ± 4.5 mL·kg−1·min−1) divided into High (HPG, T10km = 33.9 ± 1.2 min, n = 9) and Low (LPG, T10km = 37.9 ± 1.2 min, n = 18) performers completed, in different days, the half squat and loaded squat jump (LSJ) exercises (1st day), an incremental test and a submaximal running bout to induce jump potentiation (2nd day), and a 10-km time trial (3rd day). Pacing was significantly different between performance groups (p < 0.05). The inclusion of mechanical and metabolic variables increased the explained variance in performance (LPG, r2adj = 0.87, p < 0.001; HPG, r2adj = 0.99 p < 0.01). Analysis between potentiation and non-potentiation groups revealed significant differences for the speed in the last 400 m (p = 0.02), and in the final RPE (p = 0.03). Performance and pacing can be explained by combining metabolic and mechanical variables and should be controlled by performance level. The relationship between jump potentiation and speed during the last 400 m may suggest that post-activation performance enhancement could be involved in pacing regulation.
Long-Term Effects of Tillage and Manure Applications on Soil Phosphorus Fractions

Application of manure on the basis of crop nitrogen (N) need increases the level of soil phosphorus (P), which is concern for deterioration of surface water quality. Soil samples were collected from a long-term field study to investigate the impact of crop N need–based manure application on soil P fractions and P adsorption and release kinetics. The field experiment was initiated in 1990. The soil was moderately well-drained Kennebec (fine silty, mixed, mesic Cumulic Hapludolls). No-tillage (NT) and conventional-tillage (CT) treatments were established in main plots, and subplots had five N treatments, including a control, and annual application of 84 or 168 kg N ha−1 applied as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) or beef (Bos taurus) manure. Manure at the high N application rate had significantly greater Bray 1 P under NT than under CT at 0- to 5-cm soil depth. Nitrogen fertilizer treatments were not significantly different than the control for Bray 1 P. Continuous application of manure at the high N rate significantly increased all Hedley P fractions; however, the major increase was observed in high bioavailable P pools [iron oxide (FeO) P and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Pi] and hydrochloric acid (HCl) P fractions. Soil organic P (Po) pools, including both labile (NaHCO3-Po) and resistant [sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Po], were increased by application of N from any source, suggesting biomass production and return of residue to soil surface was the responsible factor. Continuous application of manure based on N need also significantly increased FeO-P, NaHCO3-Pi, and HCl-P fractions at lower soil depths (5–15 and 15–30 cm). Results from the P-adsorption study suggest that ability of soil to adsorb additional P was decreased by manure application and that EPC0 was increased. Maximum desorbable P was observed for manure treatments under NT, although the release constant k (h−1) was significantly less than with fertilizer N treatments.
Effect of initiation of medications for opioid use disorder on hospitalization outcomes for endocarditis and osteomyelitis in a large private hospital system in the United States, 2014–18

Abstract Background and Aims Opioid use disorder (OUD) has led to not only increases in overdose deaths, but also increases in endocarditis and osteomyelitis secondary to injection drug use (IDU). We studied the association between initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and treatment outcomes for people with infectious sequelae of IDU and OUD. Design and setting This is a retrospective cohort study reviewing encounters at 143 HCA Healthcare hospitals across 21 states of the United States from 2014 to 2018. Participants Adults aged 18–65 with the ICD diagnosis code for OUD and endocarditis or osteomyelitis (n = 1407). Measurements Main exposure was the initiation of MOUD, defined as either methadone or buprenorphine at any dosage started during hospitalization. Primary outcomes were defined as patient‐directed discharge (PDD), 30‐day re‐admission and days of intravenous antibiotic treatment. Covariates included biological sex, age, ethnicity, other co‐occurring substance use disorders, and insurance status. Findings MOUD was initiated among 269 (19.1%) patients during hospitalization. Initiation of MOUD was not associated with decreased odds of PDD. Initiation of MOUD did not impact 30‐day re‐admission. Patients who received MOUD, on average, had 5.7 additional days of gold‐standard intravenous antibiotic treatment compared with those who did not [β = 5.678, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.563, 7.794), P < 0.05]. Conclusion For people with opioid use disorder hospitalized with endocarditis or osteomyelitis, initiation of methadone or buprenorphine appears to be associated with improved receipt of gold‐standard therapy, as quantified by increased days on intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Caregiver distress and quality of life in primary caregivers of oncology patients in active treatment and follow-up.

OBJECTIVE As the number of informal caregivers and their caregiving responsibilities increase, this study aims at evaluating caregiver distress, quality of life (QoL) and their predictors in informal caregivers of cancer patients during active treatment and follow-up. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study targeted primary caregivers of patients with different cancer diagnoses. Caregiver-reported outcomes were measured by the Caregiver Risk Screen (CRS), Distress Thermometer (DT) and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). RESULTS Caregivers (n = 1580) experienced a low-to-moderate risk of caregiver distress and a moderate QoL during both treatment and follow-up. About 13% reported a high caregiver risk and 20% reported severe distress. There was a strong and significant correlation between caregiver distress and caregivers' QoL (0.793). Predictive factors for higher distress and poorer QoL were: fewer emotional and practical resources, being female, non-spousal relationship or not living together (p < 0.05). Caregivers of patients with head-and-neck, skin, lung and brain cancers reported the highest distress and lowest QoL. CONCLUSION Caregiver distress is highly variable, but a minority of caregivers is at high risk for caregiver distress. Professional caregivers play an important role at supporting caregivers and detecting high-risk caregivers.
Tundra wildfire triggers sustained lateral nutrient loss in Alaskan Arctic

Climate change is creating widespread ecosystem disturbance across the permafrost zone, including a rapid increase in the extent and severity of tundra wildfire. The expansion of this previously rare disturbance has unknown consequences for lateral nutrient flux from terrestrial to aquatic environments. Lateral loss of nutrients could reduce carbon uptake and slow recovery of already nutrient‐limited tundra ecosystems. To investigate the effects of tundra wildfire on lateral nutrient export, we analyzed water chemistry in and around the 10‐year‐old Anaktuvuk River fire scar in northern Alaska. We collected water samples from 21 burned and 21 unburned watersheds during snowmelt, at peak growing season, and after plant senescence in 2017 and 2018. After a decade of ecosystem recovery, aboveground biomass had recovered in burned watersheds, but overall carbon and nitrogen remained ~20% lower, and the active layer remained ~10% deeper. Despite lower organic matter stocks, dissolved organic nutrients were substantially elevated in burned watersheds, with higher flow‐weighted concentrations of organic carbon (25% higher), organic nitrogen (59% higher), organic phosphorus (65% higher), and organic sulfur (47% higher). Geochemical proxies indicated greater interaction with mineral soils in watersheds with surface subsidence, but optical analysis and isotopes suggested that recent plant growth, not mineral soil, was the main source of organic nutrients in burned watersheds. Burned and unburned watersheds had similar δ15N‐NO3−, indicating that exported nitrogen was of preburn origin (i.e., not recently fixed). Lateral nitrogen flux from burned watersheds was 2‐ to 10‐fold higher than rates of background nitrogen fixation and atmospheric deposition estimated in this area. These findings indicate that wildfire in Arctic tundra can destabilize nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur previously stored in permafrost via plant uptake and leaching. This plant‐mediated nutrient loss could exacerbate terrestrial nutrient limitation after disturbance or serve as an important nutrient release mechanism during succession.
Response of gut microbiota to feed‐borne bacteria depends on fish growth rate: a snapshot survey of farmed juvenile Takifugu obscurus

Environmental bacteria have a great impact on fish gut microbiota, yet little is known as to where fish acquire their gut symbionts, and how gut microbiota response to the disturbance from environmental bacteria. Through the integrative analysis by community profiling and source tracking, we show that feed‐associated bacteria can impose a strong disturbance upon the hindgut microbiota of cultured fugu. Consequently, marked alterations in the composition and function of gut microbiota in slow growth fugu were observed, implying a reduced stability upon bacterial disturbance from feed. Moreover, quantitative ecological analyses indicated that homogeneous selection and dispersal limitation largely contribute to the community stability and partial variations among hosts in the context of lower degree of disturbance. While the disturbance peaked, variable selection leads to an augmented interaction within gut microbiota, entailing community unstability and shift. Our findings emphasized the intricate linkage between feed and gut microbiota and highlighted the importance of resolving the feed source signal before the conclusion of comparative analysis of microbiota can be drawn. Our results provide a deeper insight into aquaculture of fugu and other economically important fishes and have further implications for an improved understanding of host–microbe interactions in the vertebrate gastrointestinal tract.
Ryanodine receptor remodeling in cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy caused by lamin A/C gene mutation.

Mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA), which encodes A-type lamins, cause several diseases called laminopathies, the most common of which is dilated cardiomyopathy with muscular dystrophy. The role of Ca2+ regulation in these diseases remain poorly understood. We now show biochemical remodeling of the ryanodine receptor (RyR)/intracellular Ca2+ release channel in heart samples from human subjects with LMNA mutations, including protein kinase A-catalyzed phosphorylation, oxidation and depletion of the stabilizing subunit calstabin. In the LmnaH222P/H222P murine model of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy caused by LMNA mutation, we demonstrate an age-dependent biochemical remodeling of RyR2 in heart and RyR1 in skeletal muscle. This RyR remodeling is associated with heart and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Defective heart and muscle function are ameliorated by treatment with a novel Rycal small molecule drug (S107) that fixes 'leaky' RyRs. SMAD3 phosphorylation is increased in hearts and diaphragms of LmnaH222P/H222P mice, which enhances NADPH oxidase binding to RyR channels, contributing to their oxidation. There is also increased generalized protein oxidation, increased calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-catalyzed phosphorylation of RyRs and increased protein kinase A activity in these tissues. Our data show that RyR remodeling plays a role in cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle dysfunction caused by LMNA mutation and identify these Ca2+ channels as a potential therapeutic target.
Real‐world effectiveness of pharmacological treatments of alcohol use disorders in a Swedish nation‐wide cohort of 125 556 patients

Abstract Background and aim Pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is recommendable, but under‐used, possibly due to deficient knowledge of medications. This study aimed to investigate the real‐world effectiveness of approved pharmacological treatments (disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone and nalmefene) of AUD. Design A nation‐wide, register‐based cohort study. Setting Sweden. Participants All residents aged 16–64 years living in Sweden with registered first‐time treatment contact due to AUD from July 2006 to December 2016 (n = 125 556, 62.5% men) were identified from nation‐wide registers. Measurements The main outcome was hospitalization due to AUD. The secondary outcomes were hospitalization due to any cause, alcohol‐related somatic causes, as well as work disability (sickness absence or disability pension), and death. Mortality was analysed with between‐individual analysis using a traditional multivariate‐adjusted Cox hazards regression model. Recurrent outcomes, such as hospitalization‐based events and work disability, were analysed with within‐individual analyses to eliminate selection bias. Findings Naltrexone combined with acamprosate [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61–0.89], combined with disulfiram (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.96) and as monotherapy (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81–0.97) was associated with a significantly lower risk of AUD‐hospitalization compared with no use of AUD medication. Similar results were found for risk of hospitalization due to any cause. Benzodiazepine use and acamprosate monotherapy were associated with an increased risk of AUD‐hospitalization (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.14–1.22 and HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04–1.17, respectively). No statistically significant effects were found for work disability or mortality. Conclusions Naltrexone as monotherapy and when combined with disulfiram and acamprosate appears to be associated with lower risk of hospitalization due to any and alcohol‐related causes, compared with no use of alcohol use disorder (AUD) medication. Acamprosate monotherapy and benzodiazepine use appear to be associated with increased risk of AUD‐associated hospitalization.
Single-stage Orbital Decompression, Strabismus and Eyelid Surgery in Moderate to Severe Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the outcome of orbital decompression, strabismus and/or eyelid surgery in patients with moderate to severe thyroid-associated orbitopathy, when combined approach is preferred. Methods Retrospective, comparative, non-randomized review of 45 patients operated on from 2015 to 2018. Simultaneous decompression, eyelid and/or strabismus surgery was performed in 34 eyes of 20 subjects (group 1). Patients with multi-step procedures were used as control groups: group 2 included patients with staged decompression and eyelid retraction surgery (15 cases, 19 eyes); group 3 included patients with staged decompression and vertical strabismus surgery (10 cases, 13 eyes). Mean follow-up was 2.9 ± 1.8 years. Mann Whitney two-tailed test was used for paired data, and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data; p <. 05 were considered statistically significant. Results Changes in margin reflex distance were not significantly different among patients of subgroup 1A (11 patients, one-step decompression/eyelid surgery) and group 2 (p >.05). Improvement in postoperative diplopia were not significantly different among patients of subgroup 1B (9 cases, one-step decompression/strabismus/eyelid surgery) and group 3 (p >.05). One patient of group 1 had recurrent dysthyroid optic neuropathy that recovered with steroid treatment. No other complications occurred in the one-step surgery group. Conclusions Simultaneous orbital decompression, strabismus and/or eyelid surgery resolved dysthyroid optic neuropathy, decreased proptosis, improved diplopia and eyelid position with a range comparable to that of a multi-step technique. If confirmed in prospective controlled studies, a one-stage approach might be advised to reduce the costs and time needed for rehabilitation in selected patients.
Endpoint temperature, internal cooked color, and expressible juice color relationships in ground beef patties

Ground beef patties from A- and E-maturity carcasses and imported trimmings were cooked to 55 to 77 o C. Internal patty color became less red as endpoint temperature increased. However, some patties cooked to lower temperatures turned brown prematurely. Visual evaluation of internal patty color was not an accurate indicator of patty doneness. Raw material source had little effect on internal patty color. Expressible juices from imported trimmings were less red than those from A-and E-maturity carcasses. Expressible juice became less red and more yellow with increasing endpoint temperature; however, expressible juice never «ran clear. » A more appropriate guideline would be «cook until juices lack redness»
IN SITU AFM STUDY OF INTERLAYER SPACING DURING ANION INTERCALATION INTO HOPG IN AQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE

In the context of ion transfer batteries, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was studied as a model in aqueous electrolytes to elucidate the mechanism of electrochemical intercalation into graphite. The local and time-dependent dimensional changes of the host material occurring during the electrochemical intercalation processes were investigated on the nanometer scale. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), combined with cyclic voltammetry, was used as an in situ analytical tool during the intercalation of perchlorate and hydrogen sulfate ions into and their expulsion from the HOPG electrodes. For the first time, a reproducible, quantitative estimate of the interlayer spacing in HOPG with intercalated perchlorate and hydrogen sulfate ions could be obtained by in situ AFM measurements. The experimental values are in agreement with theoretical expectations, only for relatively low stacks of graphene layers. After formation of stage IV, HOPG expansion upon intercalation typically amounts to 32% when tens of l.
Two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence of atomic oxygen in the afterglow of pulsed positive corona discharge

Atomic oxygen is measured in the afterglow of pulsed positive corona discharge using time-resolved two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence. The discharge occurs in a 14 mm point-to-plane gap in dry air. After the discharge pulse, the atomic oxygen density decreases at a rate of 5×104 s−1. Simultaneously, ozone density increases at almost the same rate, where the ozone density is measured using laser absorption method. This agreement between the increasing rate of atomic oxygen and decreasing rate of ozone proves that ozone is mainly produced by the well-known three-body reaction, O+O2+M→O3+M. No other process for ozone production such as O2(v)+O2→O3+O is observed. The spatial distribution of atomic oxygen density is in agreement with that of the secondary streamer luminous intensity. This agreement indicates that atomic oxygen is mainly produced in the secondary streamer channels, not in the primary streamer channels.
Tuning the Glass Transition of and Ion Transport within Hydrogen-Bonded Layer-by-Layer Assemblies

The influence of pH and ionic strength on the structure and properties of hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is explored. The degree of inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding is estimated from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the glass transition temperature is measured using differential scanning calorimetry of bulk free-standing films, and ionic conductivity is studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results indicate that (PEO/PAA) LbL films assembled without added salt are sensitive to pH, with a Tg decrease (59−26 °C) and intermolecular hydrogen bonding increase (27 to 51% COOH groups bonding with PEO) with increasing assembly pH (2 to 3). Films assembled in the presence of 0.1 M lithium triflate exhibit properties independent of assembly pH (Tg ∼ 48 °C and 12% COOH groups bonding with PEO), presumably due to the “screening” of hydrogen bonds. Ionic conductivity is found to range from 10-6 to 10-10 S cm-1.
Intra-Articular Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections Are Not Associated with Periprosthetic Joint Infection Risk following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract This study evaluated whether the preoperative use and timing of the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) and/or corticosteroid (CS) injections were associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We tested the hypothesis that preoperative injection of HA or CS within 3 months prior to primary TKA was associated with an increased risk of PJI by specifically evaluating the association between PJI risk and (1) injection type; (2) timing; (3) patient demographic factors; and (4) surgery-related factors, such as surgeon injection volume, knee arthroscopy (pre- and postoperative), and hospital length of stay. The 5% Medicare part B claims database was queried for patients who received CS and/or HA injections. Cox proportional hazards regressions evaluated the risk of PJIs after TKA, adjusting for patient and clinical factors, as well as propensity scores. The unadjusted incidence of PJI at 2-year post-TKA was 0.75% for the CS group, 0.89% for the HA group, 0.96% for both CS and HA group, and 0.75% for those who did not use HA or CS in the 12 months before TKA. For patients who used HA and/or CS within 3 months prior to TKA, the unadjusted incidence of PJI at 2-year post-TKA was 0.75% for the CS group, 1.07% for the HA group, and 1.00% for both CS and HA group, compared with 0.77% for those who did not use HA or CS. The number of injections performed per year was inconsistently associated with PJI risk. Overall, we found that intra-articular injections given within the 4-month period prior to TKA were not associated with elevated PJI risk (evaluated at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months after the index TKA) within the elderly Medicare patient population.