Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of compensatory hyperhidrosis

Abstract Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a debilitating postoperative condition occurring in 30% to 90% of patients with primary hyperhidrosis. The most appropriate treatment for compensatory hyperhidrosis remains controversial. Between January 2018 and December 2019, 44 patients with intractable compensatory hyperhidrosis underwent diffuse sympathicotomy (DS). In the early study periods, DS was performed sparsely (limited DS) to avoid possible adverse effects (right R5/7/9/11, left R5/6/8/10). In the late study periods, levels of surgical interruption were further modified to maximize sympatholytic effects (extended DS; bilateral R5/6/7/8/9/10/11). Patients were followed up for symptom resolution. For objective evidence of improved hyperhidrosis, thermographic images were taken for 7 patients. Immediate resolution of compensatory hyperhidrosis was achieved in 81% of patients, as determined at the 1 to 2 week postoperative visit. With a median follow-up of 22.7 months, compensatory hyperhidrosis continued to be resolved in 46% (n = 20). Logistic regression analysis showed that persistent resolution of compensatory hyperhidrosis was independently predicted by extended DS (odds ratio, 25.67, 95% CI, 1.78–1047.6; P = .036). The presence of gender, BMI, isolated compensatory hyperhidrosis, distribution of sweating, prior operation type, reoperation interval, and same-day lumbar sympathectomy failed to gain statistical significance on maintaining persistent resolution of compensatory hyperhidrosis. No patients experienced surgery-related side effects. Thermographic images obtained before/after surgery in 10 patients showed successful denervation and sweat diminishment. This study shows the safeness and effectiveness of DS for treating compensatory hyperhidrosis, representing a new treatment option. Future research should be directed at confirming a promising result of extended DS with further follow-up.
Rehabilitation Improves Mitochondrial Energetics in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: The Significant Role of Robot-Assisted Gait Training and of the Personalized Intensity

Abnormal levels of pyruvate and lactate were reported in multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied the response of markers of mitochondrial function to rehabilitation in relation to type, intensity and endurance performance in severely disabled MS patients. Forty-six progressive MS patients were randomized to receive 12 walking sessions of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT, n = 23) or conventional overground therapy (CT, n = 23). Ten healthy subjects were also studied. Blood samples were collected to determine lactate, pyruvate, and glutathione levels and lactate/pyruvate ratio pre–post rehabilitation. In vivo muscle metabolism and endurance walking capacity were assessed by resting muscle oxygen consumption (rmVO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy and by six-minute walking distance (6MWD), respectively. The levels of mitochondrial biomarkers and rmVO2, altered at baseline with respect to healthy subjects, improved after rehabilitation in the whole population. In the two groups, an enhanced response was observed after RAGT compared to CT for lactate (p = 0.012), glutathione (<0.001), lactate/pyruvate ratio (p = 0.08) and rmVO2 (p = 0.07). Metabolic biomarkers and 6MWD improvements were exclusively correlated with a training speed markedly below individual gait speed. In severely disabled MS patients, rehabilitation rebalanced altered serum metabolic and muscle parameters, with RAGT being more effective than CT. A determinable slow training speed was associated with better metabolic and functional recovery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02421731.
Clinical Relevance of Unexpected Findings of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography in Hospitalized Patients: An Observational Study

Background and objective: The current literature describing the use of minimally invasive autopsy in clinical care is mainly focused on the cause of death. However, the identification of unexpected findings is equally important for the evaluation and improvement of daily clinical care. The purpose of this study was to analyze unexpected post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) findings of hospitalized patients and assess their clinical relevance. Materials and methods: This observational study included patients admitted to the internal medicine ward. Consent for PMCT and autopsy was requested from the next of kin. Decedents were included when consent for at least PMCT was obtained. Consent for autopsy was not obtained for all decedents. All findings reported by PMCT were coded with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code. Unexpected findings were identified and subsequently categorized for their clinical relevance by the Goldman classification. Goldman class I and III were considered clinically relevant. Additionally, correlation with autopsy results and ante-mortem imaging was performed. Results: In total, 120 decedents were included and evaluated for unexpected findings on PMCT. Of them, 57 decedents also underwent an autopsy. A total of 1020 findings were identified; 111 correlated with the cause of death (10.9%), 508 were previously reported (49.8%), 99 were interpreted as post-mortem changes (9.7%), and 302 were classified as unexpected findings (29.6%). After correlation with autopsy (in 57 decedents), 24 clinically relevant unexpected findings remained. These findings were reported in 18 of 57 decedents (32%). Interestingly, 25% of all unexpected findings were not reported by autopsy. Conclusion: Many unexpected findings are reported by PMCT in hospitalized patients, a substantial portion of which is clinically relevant. Additionally, PMCT is able to identify pathology and injuries not reported by conventional autopsy. A combination of PMCT and autopsy can thus be considered a more comprehensive and complete post-mortem examination.
Using Expanded Natural Killer Cells as Therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major opportunistic fungal infection in patients with haematological malignancies. Morbidity and mortality rates are high despite anti-fungal treatment, as the compromised status of immune system prevents the host from responding optimally to conventional therapy. This raises the consideration for immunotherapy as an adjunctive treatment. In this study, we evaluated the utility of expanded human NK cells as treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infection in vitro and in vivo. The NK cells were expanded and activated by K562 cells genetically modified to express 4-1BB ligand and membrane-bound interleukin-15 (K562-41BBL-mbIL-15) as feeders. The efficacy of these cells was investigated in A. fumigatus killing assays in vitro and as adoptive cellular therapy in vivo. The expanded NK cells possessed potent killing activity at low effector-to-target ratio of 2:1. Fungicidal activity was morphotypal-dependent and most efficacious against A. fumigatus conidia. Fungicidal activity was mediated by dectin-1 receptors on the expanded NK cells leading to augmented release of perforin, resulting in enhanced direct cytolysis. In an immunocompromised mice pulmonary aspergillosis model, we showed that NK cell treatment significantly reduced fungal burden, hence demonstrating the translational potential of expanded NK cells as adjunctive therapy against IA in immunocompromised patients.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy in the Netherlands: analysis of a prospective endoscopy database

Abstract Background COVID-19 has dramatically affected gastrointestinal endoscopy practice. We aimed to investigate its impact on procedure types, indications, and findings. Methods We retrospectively analyzed endoscopies performed in 15 Dutch hospitals by comparing periods 15 March to 25 June of 2019 and 2020 using the prospective Trans.IT database. Results During lockdown in 2020, 9776 patients underwent endoscopy compared with 19 296 in 2019. Gastroscopies decreased by 57 % (from 7846 to 4467) and colonoscopies by 45 % (from 12219 to 5609), whereas endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography volumes remained comparable (from 578 to 522). Although endoscopy results indicative of cancer decreased (from 524 to 340), the likelihood of detecting cancer during endoscopy increased (2.7 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.5 – 3.0] in 2019 versus 3.5 % [95 %CI 3.1 – 3.9] in 2020; P < 0.001). After lifting of lockdown, endoscopy volumes started to return to normal, except for colorectal cancer screening. Conclusions Fewer endoscopies were performed during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading to a significant reduction in the absolute detection of cancer. Endoscopies increased rapidly after lockdown, except for colorectal cancer screening.
Essen—Commando: How we do it

In rare cases of extensive aortic root or mitral valve infective endocarditis (IE), severe calcification of the aortic and mitral valves, or double‐valve procedures in patients with small aortic and mitral annuli, surgical reconstruction of the intervalvular fibrous body (IVFB) is required. A high mortality is generally associated with this procedure, and it is frequently avoided by surgeons due to a lack of experience. It is crucial to radically resect all tissues that are severely affected by IE to prevent recurrence in the patient. Our experience with the Commando procedure in patients with extensive double‐valve IE involving the IVFB is presented in this article.
Genetic and phenotypic variation, dispersal limitation and reproductive success in the invasive herb Eschscholzia californica along an elevation gradient in central Chile

Background: Reductions of genetic diversity and phenotypic changes in invasive plants are often observed to occur at high elevations. Genetic/phenotypic changes of invasive plants along elevation help to understand mechanisms of the presumed resistance of mountain ecosystems to invasion. Aims: To assess genetic variability and phenotypic plasticity along an elevation gradient of Eschscholzia californica in the Andes, central Chile. Methods: Eleven microsatellites were used to describe the genetic structure and the allelic diversity individuals, distributed at three elevations and two sites. We assessed the number of flowers per plant, floral biomass, leaf area, number of leaves, vegetative biomass and plant height of plants at each elevation. Results: Genetic diversity as genetic structure did not decrease with elevations. Plant height and flower numbers decreased while leaf number and vegetative biomass increased with elevation. The ratio of the number of flowers to vegetative biomass, decreased significantly with elevation. Conclusions: Strong genetic differences among elevations and similar genetic diversity along elevation do not suggest dispersal limitation to higher elevation. Reduction of reproductive and vegetative traits concomitantly with an increase of the reproductive cost suggests reproductive stress with increasing elevation, reducing the invasiveness of this species to higher elevation.
Clinical characteristics of inguinal bladder hernias and total extraperitoneal repair

Bladder hernia is relatively rare in cases of inguinal hernia. In some instances, bladder hernia may be treated as inguinal hernia if bladder prolapse is not recognized. Because of the rarity of inguinal bladder hernias, there are no related detailed reports from studies performed at a single institution. In our hospital, patients with suspected inguinal hernia undergo CT in the prone position, enabling the diagnosis of bladder hernia preoperatively. This study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of inguinal bladder hernias and consider noteworthy points in their laparoscopic treatment.
Quantitative analysis with volume rendering of pathological myopic eyes by high-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Discovering a relationship between axial length and vitreous volume would be helpful since the axial length is easier to measure than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters. This study aimed to analyze the topography of human eyes with pathological myopia through volume rendering images by high-resolution 3D-MRI and to establish a model to estimate the vitreous volume. This was a retrospective, non-randomized, controlled study of patients evaluated at Tongren Hospital from July 7, 2007 to December 12, 2018. The controls were emmetropic volunteers. All participants underwent ophthalmic examinations. Axial length was measured with an IOL Master. High-resolution 3D MRI and volume rendering was utilized for all the eyes. Logistic regression was used to establish a model to predict the vitreous volume. A total of 280 emmetropic eyes and 290 eyes with pathological myopia were included. Males represented 60.7% and 65.5% of the individuals. The mean axial lengths of those two groups were 23.1 ± 0.8 mm (95%CI: 22.7–23.4 mm) and 28.3 ± 2.2 mm (95%CI: 27.5–29.2 mm), respectively (P < .001). The regression model in the pathological myopic group for calculating the vitreous volume according to the axial length was: Vitreous volume = 546.27 × axial length − 6977.12. The regression model in the emmetropic group for calculating the vitreous volume according to the axial length was: Vitreous volume = 458.35 × axial length − 6331.14 (R2 = 0.360, P = .001). Elongation of the axial length is involved in eyeball enlargement in pathological myopic eyes. Measurement of the axial length could be recommended for the estimation of the vitreous volume during vitrectomy if vitreous cavity filling is needed.
Twin Domain Structure in Magnetically Doped Bi2Se3 Topological Insulator

Twin domains are naturally present in the topological insulator Bi2Se3 and strongly affect its properties. While studies of their behavior in an otherwise ideal Bi2Se3 structure exist, little is known about their possible interaction with other defects. Extra information is needed, especially for the case of an artificial perturbation of topological insulator states by magnetic doping, which has attracted a lot of attention recently. Employing ab initio calculations based on a layered Green’s function formalism, we study the interaction between twin planes in Bi2Se3. We show the influence of various magnetic and nonmagnetic chemical defects on the twin plane formation energy and discuss the related modification of their distribution. Furthermore, we examine the change of the dopants’ magnetic properties at sites in the vicinity of a twin plane, and the dopants’ preference to occupy such sites. Our results suggest that twin planes repel each other at least over a vertical distance of 3–4 nm. However, in the presence of magnetic Mn or Fe defects, a close twin plane placement is preferred. Furthermore, calculated twin plane formation energies indicate that in this situation their formation becomes suppressed. Finally, we discuss the influence of twin planes on the surface band gap.
Neuropathic pain in the community: prevalence, impact, and risk factors.

Neuropathic pain is common (7-10%), and has a high impact on individuals and society. Health-related quality of life was rated as “worse than death” by 17% of people reporting neuropathic pain. In this review we describe challenges associated with assessing neuropathic pain, particularly in primary care and population-based research. We provide an updated review of clinical, socio-demographic, psychological and genetic factors associated with its presence, severity and response to treatment, based on recent epidemiological and related research. This information adds to our understanding of the biological mechanisms of neuropathic pain clinical practice, as well as approaches to treatment and prevention. We consider some of the ways in which this will also inform clinical practice and future research directions.
Morphology, biochemistry, and management of Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) accessions in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan

Russian olive ( Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Elagnaceae) is a native multi-purpose medicinal shrub or tree of Asian regions and an integral component of high altitude terraced agroforestry systems of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. The strong increase in deforestation, urbanisation, and the loss of ethnically-based medication practices in local communities are gradually leading to depletion of its stands and knowledge of its use. In view of these circumstances, this study was undertaken to characterise Russian olive accessions as a first step towards the conservation of this important wild plant genetic resource. Ninety-three fruits (including seeds) and leaves were sampled to determine morphological variability among accessions. In addition, the phenolic composition of fruit pulp of 40 fruits was used for determination of phenolic compounds. To assess the local importance of the fruit, 42 Russian olive collectors and traders were interviewed. Data were analysed using PCA and clustering approaches. Fruit traits across groups were equally shared. Elevation had a positive effect on fruit and seed dimensions especially on length (r = 0.606 and 0.515, respectively) and weight (r = 0.618 and 0.695, respectively). Bioactive substances such as DPPH and flavonoids in the sampled fruits exceeded most values found in the literature by a factor of 100 and 30, respectively. The socio-economic household analysis highlighted that Russian olive harvest and trade is a purely additional income strategy. On average, about 90 € (ca. 16000 PKR) were earned by one household ranging from about 35 € to about 205 € per year. Data yielded a mixed picture on morphological and biochemical diversity as well as the socio-economic background, but indicated that northern regions of Pakistan might be an important centre for biodiversity of this species in Central Asia, which merits improved marketing.
Characterising the immune microenvironment in liposarcoma, its impact on prognosis and the impact of radiotherapy

Limited literature exists examining the immune microenvironment in liposarcoma, particularly with regard to the impact of radiotherapy. A major problem is the lack of scoring system for the tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in sarcoma. This study aims to describe the immune environment pre‐ and postradiotherapy and identify the optimal immune infiltrate scoring system for sarcoma.
Effect of fishing season on lipid content and composition of Antarctic krill [Euphausia superba]

(December)to 3.95%in the terminal season (February, next year). Phospholipid occupied 63.6%of total lipid in the initial season, but decreased to 44.5%in the ternunal one. Triglyceride increased from 5.5%to 30.1%. Per cent of free fatty acid in total lipid ranged from O.4 to 4. 2. Total cholesterol was constant for different fishing seasons. Fatty acid composition was different according to fishing season:C14:0,C16:1, and C17:1 increased, while C20:5 and C22:6 decreased, towazd the terminal season of fishing. Almost no differences in lipid content, lipid composition, or fatty acid composition were recognized in krill of various body length, except gravid krill, caught in the same fishing net. The lipid content of cephalothorax was about 2 tunes that of abdomen. In the lipid of cephalothorax, phospholipid was 44.0% and triglyceride was 36.0%; in that of abdomen, phospholipid was 52.0% anal triglyceride 29.1%. Astaxanthin decreased in the total lipid toward the terminal season of fishing, but ranged in 3-4mg against 100g wet weight krill through the fishing season.
Free-Range and Low-Protein Concentrated Diets in Iberian Pigs: Effect on Plasma Insulin and Leptin Concentration, Lipogenic Enzyme Activity, and Fatty Acid Composition of Adipose Tissue

Simple Summary Recently, it has been shown that reducing dietary crude-protein levels during the final fattening period prior to slaughter is a suitable strategy to increase intramuscular fat content in Iberian pig meat, without affecting pig growth. Investigating the effect of a low-protein diet on the metabolism, development, and composition of the adipose tissue of Iberian pigs, and the obese porcine breed, was the objective of this study. Three groups of pigs fed under free-range conditions and in confinement with concentrated diets with low- and standard-protein contents were studied. All three groups exhibited the same backfat thickness at the end of the fattening period. The level of hormones and activities of enzymes related to adipogenic metabolism were affected by diet, with differences between free-range and intensive feeding systems. Therefore, we suggest that feeding Iberian pigs on low-protein diets did not result in fatter carcasses, and is thus a useful strategy to improve Iberian pig meat quality. Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of diets with different protein contents on carcass traits, plasma hormone concentration, lipogenic enzyme activities, and fatty acid (FA) composition in the adipose tissue of Iberian pigs. Twenty-four castrated male Iberian pigs (eight per feeding diet) were fed under free-range conditions with acorns and grass (FR), and in confinement with concentrated diets with standard (SP) and low-protein contents (LP) from 116.0 to 174.2 kg live weight. Backfat thickness was not affected by diet. The plasma leptin concentration was higher (p < 0.001) in the FR group than in the LP and SP groups, while insulin concentration was higher in the SP group than in the LP and FR groups. The lipogenic enzyme activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were lower in the FR group compared to the LP and SP pigs. The activities of these enzymes were adipose-tissue-specific. No differences were found in FA composition of adipose tissue between the SP and LP groups, while the FR pigs had lower proportions of saturated FA and higher proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA than the SP and LP pigs. In conclusion, feeding low-protein diets in Iberian pigs does not seem to affect adipose carcass traits, strengthening previous findings that indicate that this is a good strategy to improve meat and dry-cured product quality.
Phytochrome A and its Functional Manifestations in Etiolated and Far‐red Light‐grown Seedlings of the Wild‐type Rice and its Hebiba and Cpm2 Mutants Deficient in the Defense‐related Phytohormone Jasmonic Acid

Interaction between phytochromes and hormones is becoming one of the major issues in plant photophysiology. In this work, effects of defense‐related jasmonic acid (JA) on phytochrome A (phyA) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy making use of two JA biosynthesis mutants of rice: cpm2 with the inactivated gene allene oxide cyclase and hebiba with additional genes deleted. Constant far‐red light (FRc) mediated by phyA reduced its content in the wild type (WT) and mutants, and brought about domination of its light‐stable pool (phyA″) in WT and light‐labile pool (phyA′) in the mutants. Pulsed FRp was much less effective. This FR effect classifies as primarily HIR with a low fluence threshold; it comprises inhibition of phyA biosynthesis, stimulation of phyA″→phyA′ transformation and phyA′ destruction. In the mutants, phyA suppresses [Pchlide] under FRp (VLFR) and stimulates it under FRc (HIR); these effects are lacking in WT. Similarly, phyA suppresses roots'growth under FRp in the mutants but not in WT. These JA mutant features suggest that JA reduces the phyA functional activity primarily in its phyA″ form mediating HIR. This modulating JA action on phyA functions under FR limiting their extreme manifestations may have contributed to the evolutionary advances of the land plants.
YouTube for information about side effects of biologic therapy: A social media analysis

Biologic therapies are one of the most significant breakthroughs in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, although there is still some uncertainty surrounding long‐term patient safety. Recently, a growing number of patients browse the Internet as a source of health‐related information. We aimed to assess the quality of information available on YouTube videos regarding the side effects of biologic therapy.