Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment with β-blocker nebivolol ameliorates oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Background Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a widely prescribed component in antiretroviral regimens, has been associated with nephrotoxicity. Nebivolol is a third generation selective β-1 adrenergic receptor blocker and may protect renal structure and function through the suppression of oxidative stress and enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. We aimed to investigate whether nebivolol could be an effective therapeutic strategy to mitigate tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods We allocated Wistar rats to four groups: control (C), received a standard diet for 30 days; NBV, received a standard diet for 30 days added with nebivolol (100 mg/kg food) in the last 15 days; TDF, received a standard diet added with tenofovir (300 mg/kg food) for 30 days; and TDF+NBV, received a standard diet added with tenofovir for 30 days and nebivolol in the last 15 days. Results Long-term exposure to tenofovir led to impaired renal function, induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Nebivolol treatment partially recovered glomerular filtration rate, improved renal injury, normalized blood pressure and attenuated renal vasoconstriction. Administration of nebivolol contributed to reductions in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels as well as increases in endothelial nitric oxide sintase (eNOS) accompanied by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system downregulation and decreases in macrophage and T-cells infiltrate. Furthermore, nebivolol was responsible for the maintenance of the adequate balance of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) levels and it was associated with reductions in NADPH oxidase (NOX) subunits. Conclusion Nebivolol holds multifaceted actions that promote an advantageous option to slow the progression of kidney injury in tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity.
Perinatal derivatives: How to best characterize their multimodal functions in vitro. Part C: Inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing

Perinatal derivatives (PnD) are birth-associated tissues, such as placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic and chorionic membrane, and thereof-derived cells as well as secretomes. PnD play an increasing therapeutic role with beneficial effects on the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this review is to elucidate the modes of action of non-hematopoietic PnD on inflammation, angiogenesis and wound healing. We describe the source and type of PnD with a special focus on their effects on inflammation and immune response, on vascular function as well as on cutaneous and oral wound healing, which is a complex process that comprises hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation (including epithelialization, angiogenesis), and remodeling. We further evaluate the different in vitro assays currently used for assessing selected functional and therapeutic PnD properties. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) with the intention to promote PnD into the clinics. It is part of a quadrinomial series on functional assays for validation of PnD, spanning biological functions, such as immunomodulation, anti-microbial/anti-cancer activities, anti-inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and regeneration.
Transcriptomic analysis of the tick midgut and salivary gland responses upon repeated blood-feeding on a vertebrate host

Ticks are blood-feeding arthropods that use the components of their salivary glands to counter the host’s hemostatic, inflammatory, and immune responses. The tick midgut also plays a crucial role in hematophagy. It is responsible for managing blood meals (storage and digestion) and protecting against host immunity and pathogen infections. Previous transcriptomic studies revealed the complexity of tick sialomes (salivary gland transcriptomes) and mialomes (midgut transcriptomes) which encode for protease inhibitors, lipocalins (histamine-binding proteins), disintegrins, enzymes, and several other tick-specific proteins. Several studies have demonstrated that mammalian hosts acquire tick resistance against repeated tick bites. Consequently, there is an urgent need to uncover how tick sialomes and mialomes respond to resistant hosts, as they may serve to develop novel tick control strategies and applications. Here, we mimicked natural repeated tick bites in a laboratory setting and analyzed gene expression dynamics in the salivary glands and midguts of adult female ticks. Rabbits were subjected to a primary (feeding on a naive host) and a secondary infestation of the same host (we re-exposed the hosts but to other ticks). We used single salivary glands and midguts dissected from individual siblings adult pathogen-free female Ixodes ricinus to reduce genetic variability between individual ticks. The comprehensive analysis of 88 obtained RNA-seq data sets allows us to provide high-quality annotated sialomes and mialomes from individual ticks. Comparisons between fed/unfed, timepoints, and exposures yielded as many as 3000 putative differentially expressed genes (DEG). Interestingly, when classifying the exposure DEGs by means of a clustering approach we observed that the majority of these genes show increased expression at early feeding time-points in the mid-gut of re-exposed ticks. The existence of clearly defined groups of genes with highly similar responses to re-exposure suggests the existence of molecular swiches. In silico functional analysis shows that these early feeding reexposure response genes form a dense interaction network at protein level being related to virtually all aspects of gene expression regulation and glycosylation. The processed data is available through an easy-to-use database-associated webpage (https://arn.ugr.es/IxoriDB/) that can serve as a valuable resource for tick research.
The role of grammatical role and thematic role predictability in reference form production in Mandarin Chinese

Evidence suggests that English speakers use pronouns when referring to the grammatical subject and predictable thematic role. We tested how grammatical role and thematic role predictability affect different types of referential forms, namely, overt pronouns and null pronouns in Mandarin Chinese. We found that both overt and null pronouns were sensitive to grammatical role. However, we did not find any evidence that overt and null pronouns were sensitive to thematic role predictability. Although null pronouns were influenced by grammatical role, the rate of null pronouns for subject reference was very low compared to that of overt pronouns. Given the frequent occurrence of null pronouns in Mandarin, our results suggest that the use of null pronouns may not be explained by a simple grammatical role mechanism.
Safety and efficacy of intravenous hydromorphone patient-controlled analgesia versus intramuscular pethidine in acute pancreatitis: An open-label, randomized controlled trial

Background: Hydromorphone patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) provides satisfactory postoperative pain therapy, but its effect has not been assessed in acute pancreatitis (AP). Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous hydromorphone PCA for pain relief in AP. Methods: This open-label trial included AP patients admitted within 72 h of symptom onset, aged 18–70 years old, and with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity ≥5. They were randomized to receive intravenous hydromorphone PCA (0.05 mg/h with 0.2 mg on-demand) or intramuscular pethidine (50 mg as required) for three consecutive days. Intramuscular dezocine (5 mg on demand) was the rescue analgesia. The primary outcome was the change of VAS score recorded every 4 h for 3 days. Interim analysis was conducted by an Independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (IDSMC). Results: From 26 July 2019 to 15 January 2020, 77 patients were eligible for the intention-to-treat analysis in the interim analysis (39 in the hydromorphone group and 38 in the pethidine group). Baseline parameters were comparable between groups. No difference in VAS between the two groups was found. Hydromorphone PCA was associated with higher moderately severe to severe cases (82.1% vs. 55.3%, p = 0.011), acute peripancreatic fluid collections (53.9% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.027), more cumulative opioid consumption (median 46.7 vs. 5 mg, p < 0.001), higher analgesia costs (median 85.5 vs. 0.5 $, p < 0.001) and hospitalization costs (median 3,778 vs. 2,273 $, p = 0.007), and more adverse events (20.5% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.087). The per-protocol analysis did not change the results. Although a sample size of 122 patients was planned, the IDSMC halted further recruitment as disease worsening or worse clinical outcomes between the groups in the interim analysis. Conclusion: Hydromorphone PCA was not superior to pethidine in relieving pain in AP patients and might have worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, its use is not recommended. Clinical Trial Registration: Chictr.org. cn. ChiCTR1900025971
Laugh is in the air: An exploratory analysis of laughter during speed dating

Laughter is a ubiquitous vocal behavior and plays an important role in social bonding, though little is known if it can also communicate romantic attraction. The present study addresses this question by investigating spontaneous laughter produced during a 5-min conversation in a heterosexual speed-dating experiment. Building on the posits of Accommodation Theory, romantic attraction was hypothesized to coincide with a larger number of shared laughs as a form of convergence in vocal behavior that reduces the perceived distance between the daters. Moreover, high-attraction dates were expected to converge toward the same laughter type. The results of the experiment demonstrate that (a) laughs are particularly frequent in the first minute of the conversation, (b) daters who are mutually attracted show a significantly larger degree of temporal overlap in laughs, (c) specific laughter types (classified as a nasal “laugh-snort”) prevail in high-attraction dates, though shared laughs are not consistently of the same type. Based on this exploratory analysis (limited to cisgender, heterosexual couples), we conclude that laughter is a frequent phenomenon in speed dating and gives some indication of a mutual romantic attraction.
Functional status of pediatric patients after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A five-year single-center study

Objective Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a widely used treatment for circulatory and pulmonary support in newborns and young children. Over the past decade, the number of children successfully treated with ECMO has gradually increased. However, despite an increasing number of survivors, new morbidity and long-term health issues are becoming more prevalent. A better understanding of the pediatric ECMO prognosis contributes to improved treatment and care programs and minimizes the risk of sequelae and dysfunctions. We aimed to determine the incidence of new morbidity, prognoses, and follow-up data of survivors treated with ECMO in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) using the Functional Status Scale (FSS). Methods We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data of patients in the PICU who received ECMO from January 2016 to January 2020. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed at admission and discharge using the FSS. Twenty-seven patients aged between 1 month and 14 years who received ECMO in the PICU were included. Fifty-two percent were male, and the median age was 36 months (interquartile range, 21–114 months). The patients were admitted for fulminant myocarditis (n = 13), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 11), and septic shock (n = 3). Results This study reviewed a single-center experience using the FSS for ECMO treatment in a PICU. The patients' original conditions included fulminant myocarditis, ARDS, and septic shock. Of the 27 patients who received ECMO, 9 (33%) died, 12 (67%) showed improved condition, and 6 (33%) discontinued treatment and left the hospital. Furthermore, the following adverse events were observed in the survivors who were discharged: nine (50%) cases of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, seven (39%) jugular vein thrombosis, six (33%) acute kidney injury, five (27%) intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral infarction, and one each of (6% each) pulmonary embolism and peripheral nerve injury. Of the 12 patients who survived through 1 year after discharge, five (42%) recovered completely, whereas seven (58%) showed mild to moderate communication and motor dysfunction. The short-term survival rate and 1-year survival rate of ECMO patients were 67% (18/27) and 44% (12/27), respectively. Additionally, approximately one-third of the patients developed a new morbidity after ECMO treatment (6/18). Conclusions High mortality and new morbidity were common in patients who received ECMO treatment. New morbidity increased the risk of death and exacerbated the functional state. Follow-up and rehabilitation after discharge are essential to achieve positive outcomes.
Biological aspects of phage therapy versus antibiotics against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection of chickens

Phage therapy is a promising alternative treatment of bacterial infections in human and animals. Nevertheless, despite the appearance of many bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics, these drugs still remain important therapeutics used in human and veterinary medicine. Although experimental phage therapy of infections caused by Salmonella enterica was described previously by many groups, those studies focused solely on effects caused by bacteriophages. Here, we compared the use of phage therapy (employing a cocktail composed of two previously isolated and characterized bacteriophages, vB_SenM-2 and vB_Sen-TO17) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin and colistin) in chickens infected experimentally with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. We found that the efficacies of both types of therapies (i.e. the use of antibiotics and phage cocktail) were high and very similar to one another when the treatment was applied shortly (one day) after the infection. Under these conditions, S. Typhimurium was quickly eliminated from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), to the amount not detectable by the used methods. However, later treatment (2 or 4 days after detection of S. Typhimurium in chicken feces) with the phage cocktail was significantly less effective. Bacteriophages remained in the GIT for up to 2-3 weeks, and then were absent in feces and cloaca swabs. Interestingly, both phages could be found in various organs of chickens though with a relatively low abundance. No development of resistance of S. Typhimurium to phages or antibiotics was detected during the experiment. Importantly, although antibiotics significantly changed the GIT microbiome of chickens in a long-term manner, analogous changes caused by phages were transient, and the microbiome normalized a few weeks after the treatment. In conclusion, phage therapy against S. Typhimurium infection in chickens appeared as effective as antibiotic therapy (with either enrofloxacin or colistin), and less invasive than the use the antibiotics as fewer changes in the microbiome were observed.
Participatory co-creation of an adapted physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury

Background Research about using physical activity (PA) to improve health, quality of life, and participation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is receiving growing attention. However, best-practices for maintaining PA participation after TBI have yet to be defined. In this context, a team of researchers and stakeholders with a moderate-to-severe TBI (including program participants and peer mentors) participated in a co-creation process to optimize a 9-month, 3-phased, community-based, adapted PA program named TBI-Health. Purpose The study aimed to provide a detailed account of the participation in and co-creation of a new TBI-Health Program to enhance sport and exercise participation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. Specifically, we carried out an in-depth exploration of the perceived experiences and outcomes of users over one cycle of the program to assist the co-creation process. Methods An interpretive case study approach was used to explore the experiences and outcomes of the participatory co-creation within and across phases of the TBI-Health program. A purposeful sample of fourteen adults with moderate-to-severe TBI (program participants n = 10; peer mentors n = 4) were involved in audio-recorded focus groups after each program phase. Reflexive thematic analyses within and across the phases identified three higher-order themes. Results Program Participation included barriers, facilitators, sources of motivation and suggested modifications to optimize the program; Biopsychosocial Changes highlighted perceived physical, psychological, and social outcomes, by self and others, that resulted from program participation; PA Autonomy emphasized transitions in knowledge, sex- and gender-related beliefs, and abilities related to exercise and sport participation. Conclusions Study findings suggest the TBI-Health program can increase autonomy for and reduce barriers to PA for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI, which results in increased PA participation and important physical, psychological, and social benefits. More research is needed about the TBI-Health program with larger samples.
Embodiment of a virtual prosthesis through training using an EMG-based human-machine interface: Case series

Therapeutic strategies capable of inducing and enhancing prosthesis embodiment are a key point for better adaptation to and acceptance of prosthetic limbs. In this study, we developed a training protocol using an EMG-based human-machine interface (HMI) that was applied in the preprosthetic rehabilitation phase of people with amputation. This is a case series with the objective of evaluating the induction and enhancement of the embodiment of a virtual prosthesis. Six men and a woman with unilateral transfemoral traumatic amputation without previous use of prostheses participated in the study. Participants performed a training protocol with the EMG-based HMI, composed of six sessions held twice a week, each lasting 30 mins. This system consisted of myoelectric control of the movements of a virtual prosthesis immersed in a 3D virtual environment. Additionally, vibrotactile stimuli were provided on the participant’s back corresponding to the movements performed. Embodiment was investigated from the following set of measurements: skin conductance response (affective measurement), crossmodal congruency effect (spatial perception measurement), ability to control the virtual prosthesis (motor measurement), and reports before and after the training. The increase in the skin conductance response in conditions where the virtual prosthesis was threatened, recalibration of the peripersonal space perception identified by the crossmodal congruency effect, ability to control the virtual prosthesis, and participant reports consistently showed the induction and enhancement of virtual prosthesis embodiment. Therefore, this protocol using EMG-based HMI was shown to be a viable option to achieve and enhance the embodiment of a virtual prosthetic limb.
Machine learning model for depression based on heavy metals among aging people: A study with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018

Objective To explore the association between depression and blood metal elements, we conducted this machine learning model fitting research. Methods Datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2017–2018 were downloaded (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes). After screening, 3,247 aging samples with 10 different metals [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), inorganic mercury (InHg), methylmercury (MeHg) and ethyl mercury (EtHg)] were included. Eight machine learning algorithms were compared for analyzing metal and depression. After comparison, XGBoost showed optimal effects. Poisson regression and XGBoost model (a kind of decision tree algorithm) were conducted to find the risk factors and prediction for depression. Results A total of 344 individuals out of 3247 participants were diagnosed with depression. In the Poisson model, we found Cd (β = 0.22, P = 0.00000941), EtHg (β = 3.43, P = 0.003216), and Hg (β=-0.15, P = 0.001524) were related with depression. XGBoost model was the suitable algorithm for the evaluation of depression, the accuracy was 0.89 with 95%CI (0.87, 0.92) and Kappa value was 0.006. Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.88. After that, an online XGBoost application for depression prediction was developed. Conclusion Blood heavy metals, especially Cd, EtHg, and Hg were significantly associated with depression and the prediction of depression was imperative.
Social Determinants of Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic Context of the Migrant Population Living in Settlements in Spain

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the sociodemographic profile and assess the levels of anxiety and fear, work engagement, and psychological distress on a sample of migrants living in settlements in the province of Huelva (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 623 migrants during the months of April to June 2021, based on the Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19 (AMICO) assessment scale, the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale to assess work engagement, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to analyse psychological distress. Results: A low level of education, dwelling of less than 3 m2 and the desire to return to the country of origin may be related to the presence of anxiety and fear of COVID-19 and lower levels of work engagement. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the study of the concept of health of the migrant population residing in the settlements of Huelva (Spain) and the assessment of their physical and mental health, in an official way.