Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutritive values of some edible forest tree seeds in Makurdi-Benue, Nigeria

The seeds of Adansonia digitata , Afzelia africana , Moringa oleifera , Prosopis africana and Terminalia catappa in Makurdi, Nigeria were analyzed in water-soluble forms to determine their minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium and iodine) and vitamin (A, C and E) compositions in order to investigate the possible of using seeds for human consumption due to malnutrition in Nigeria. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Titration Method showed that the seeds were good source of minerals. Potassium (7233.50 ± 3.50 mg/100 g) was the highest from Terminalia catappa seed with the lowest (502.00 ± 1.00 mg/100 g) in Moringa oleifera seed; calcium (789.61 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) in Terminalia catappa seeds while 81.08 ± 0.05 mg/100 g was the lowest from Adansonia digitata seeds; magnesium (687.58 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) as the highest in Terminalia catappa seed while 3.59 ± 0.01 as the lowest in Afzelia africana seed and iron was determined with the highest content of 422.00 ± 1.00 mg/100 g in Terminalia catappa seeds while 3.49 ± 0.03 as the lowest in Afzelia africana seeds. Vitamin A and C evaluated from the seeds were found to be higher in Adansonia digitata seeds while Prosopis africana and Terminalia catappa seeds were low; vitamin E was high (2801.50 ± 1.50 mg/100 g) in Moringa oleifera seeds while Afzelia africana seeds contain the lowest vitamin with 0.74 ± 0.01 mg/100 g. The seeds are very good sources of mineral and vitamin nutrients for human body as useful dietary supplements and good health. There is the need to assess the available of the tree seeds and possible present of anti-nutrients.
Lessons from a methanol poisoning outbreak in Egypt: Six case reports

BACKGROUND Mass methanol poisonings are challenging, especially in regions with no preparedness, management guidelines and available antidotes. CASE SUMMARY Six Ukrainian patients were referred to our emergency department in Cairo, Egypt several hours after drinking an alcoholic beverage made of 70%-ethanol disinfectant bought from a local pharmacy. All patients presented with severe metabolic acidosis and visual impairments. Two were comatose. Management was based on the clinical features and chemistry tests due to deficient resources for methanol leveling. No antidote was administered due to fomepizole unavailability and the difficulties expected to obtain ethanol and safely administer it without concentration monitoring. One patient died from multiorgan failure, another developed blindness and the four other patients rapidly improved. CONCLUSION This methanol poisoning outbreak strongly highlights the lack of safety from hazardous pharmaceuticals sold in pharmacies and limitations due to the lack of diagnostic testing, antidote availability and staff training in countries with limited-resources such as Egypt.
Synthetic Bone Grafting in Aseptic Loosening of Acetabular Cup: Good Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Contained Bone Defects at Medium-Term Follow Up

Restoring bone loss is one of the major challenges when facing hip revision surgery. To eliminate the risk of disease transmission and antigenicity of allografts and donor-morbidity of autografts, the use of synthetic bioceramics has become popular in the last decade. Our study investigated the effectiveness of impaction bone grafting (IBG) of contained acetabular defects (Paprosky 2 and 3a) using a porous ceramic-based hydroxyapatite bone substitute (Engipore, provided by Finceramica Faenza S.p.A., Faenza, Italy) mixed with a low percentage of autologous bone (obtained from reaming when available). We retrospectively assessed 36 patients who underwent acetabular revision using IBG using a porous ceramic-based hydroxyapatite bone substitute with cementless implants with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. We evaluated, at regular intervals, patients clinically (using the Hip Harris Score and Oxford Score) and radiologically to evaluate the rate of incorporation of the graft, the presence of radiolucent lines or migrations of the cup. Clinical scores significantly improved (WOMAC improved from 49.7–67.30, and the HSS from 56–89). The rate of implants’ survival was 100% at our medium follow-up (4.4 years). We reported five cases of minor migration of the cup, and radiolucent lines were visible in seven patients at the last-follow up. The graft was well-incorporated in all patients. The results presented in this study suggest the HA bone substitute is an effective and safe bone graft when facing hip revision surgery; thus, longer follow-up studies are required.
Pathophysiology and transmission of Thelohania solenopsae in the red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta

Pathophysiology and Transmission of Thelohania solenopsae in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta. (August 2004) Johnny Shou-Chung Chen, B.A., The University of Texas at Austin; M.A., University of California, Los Angeles Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. S. B. Vinson Thelohania solenopsae are intracellular pathogens found in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. These pathogens cause detrimental effects to their fire ant hosts. The present study revealed that the midgut and the meconium materials from pupating fourth instar larvae were possible vehicles for the horizontal transmission of the disease. The pathogen was further found to cause a reduction of humeral proteins. In SDSPAGE stained with silver, several proteins were observed only in controls but not in infected fire ant queens. Different queens were found to have variable proteins reduced due to infection of this pathogen. Furthermore, vitellogenin titers were found to be significantly reduced in infected fire ant queens, although the infection rates of the fat body cells was found to be less than 20%. Finally, although the pathogens did not directly induce apoptosis in infected cells, there were more infected cells undergoing apoptosis than uninfected cells. There was no evidence to support the idea that infected fat body cells became more resistant to apoptosis inducers.
Inferior Vena Cava Constriction After Liver Transplantation Is a Severe Complication Requiring Individually Adapted Treatment: Report of a Single-Center Experience

Background Reports on vena cava occlusion after liver transplantation (LT) are rare, but this finding represents a severe complication in the early postoperative period. In the context of the complex presentation of a patient after LT, symptoms are often misinterpreted and can be subtle. Material/Methods In our cohort of 138 LTs performed between 2014 and 2017 at our University’s Transplantation Department, 117 transplantations were valid for further analysis after exclusion of pediatric transplantations and transplants with primary non-function grafts. In 101 cases (73%), patients received a deceased-donor full-size organ. Living-donor LT was performed in 8 patients (6.4%) and 8 patients (6.4%) received a split graft. We report on 6 patients who had inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion and summarize the treatment choices. Results In our series, patients with positive findings (age 38–70 years) received an orthotopic full-size deceased-donor graft with end-to-end IVC anastomosis. In the subsequent period, imaging revealing IVC occlusion was done on a follow-up basis (n=2), due to dyspnea (n=1), and for progressive ascites (n=2). In 3 cases, a thrombus was found. We give detailed information on our treatment options from interventional treatment to transcardial thrombus removal and anastomosis augmentation. Conclusions IVC constriction and subsequent thrombosis are severe complications after LT that require individually adapted treatment in specialized centers. Since patients often present with subclinical symptoms, vascular diagnosis should be performed early to detect caval anastomosis pathologies. Despite regular ultrasonography, we favor CT and cavography for subsequent quantification. We also review the literature on IVC occlusion after LT.
Identifying Patients at Higher Risk of Depression Among Patients with Vitiligo at Outpatient Setting

Introduction: Chronic skin diseases including vitiligo could have profound psychological burden. The factors influencing the expression of depression in patients with vitiligo received little attention both nationally and internationally. Aim: The aim of the current study was to estimate the burden and severity of depression and to characterize their associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among patients with vitiligo. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among patients with vitiligo of both genders attending dermatology outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital during 2019. Modified Beck Depression Inventory Scale was used for screening for depression. Results: A total 308 patients with vitiligo have been included in the current analysis. The average age was 27±14.5 years. Approximately 59.7% of the patients were males and the majority (63.6%) were single. A total 168 (54.5%) patients had some depressive symptoms. The majority of these patients had mild depression (52.4%), followed by moderate (33.3%) and severe (14.3%) depression. Moderate and/or severe depression were significantly higher among children and adolescents (p=0.036), single patients (p=0.006), those with lower than high school education (p<0.001), those with shorter duration of the disease (p<0.001), and those using phototherapy (p=0.003). Depression burden and severity were not significantly associated with gender and lesion distribution. Conclusion: Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics can easily characterize the risk of depression among patients with vitiligo. The current findings may help dermatologist to pick patients at higher risk of depression early after diagnosis of vitiligo. Dermatologists should have low threshold for referring such patients to psychiatry clinics.
First Report on the Occurrence and Subtypes of Blastocystis in Pigs in Poland Using Sequence-Tagged-Site PCR and Barcode Region Sequencing

Blastocystis is an enteric microorganism commonly found in humans and animals worldwide. Its pathogenic role in humans and transmission patterns has not been fully explained. However, nine subtypes (ST1–8, ST12) are considered as potentially zoonotic. Studies from various regions of the world show that pigs are mainly infected with ST5. Although pigs are important farmed animals in Poland, the question of Blastocystis infection in these animals has not yet been investigated. Herein, 149 pig stool samples from 10 Polish pig farms were analyzed using sequence-tagged-site PCR and barcode region sequencing. The percentage of samples in which Blastocystis was identified using each method separately was similar: 38.25% and 37.58%, respectively. However, the percentage of positive results obtained by combining both methods was 46.97%, which means that, depending on the method used, the number of undetected samples varied between 8.72% and 9.39%. This shows the methodological limitations of up-to-date molecular approaches commonly used in Blastocystis research. A moderate infection rate (44.4–50%) observed in different pig age groups with a vital predominance of ST5 (94.28%) in every age group shows that pigs are a likely natural host of ST5. A small percentage of mixed infections, namely ST5/ST1 (5.26%), ST5/ST3 (1.75%), and ST3/ST1 (1.75%), was observed only in animals of older age, suggesting that ST3 and ST1 can be acquired by pigs during contact with humans. This study provides the first data on the prevalence and Blastocystis subtypes (STs) distribution in pigs in Poland. The results also highlight the need for the development of new methods capable of detecting highly genetically diverse Blastocystis isolates and mixed infections.
Associations between Paraspinal Muscle Morphology, Disc Degeneration, and Clinical Features in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar spine, paraspinal muscle morphology, and clinical features in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods: A total of 52 patients with LSS participated in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess intervertebral disc degeneration at L4/5 and to measure the standardized cross-sectional areas (SCSAs) of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles. The intensity of low back pain (LBP) and lower limb pain, the level of disability, and the quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using patient-reported outcome measures. The associations between the image findings and clinical features, including the disability score, the pain score for low back pain, and the QoL score, were calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: No associations were found between disc degeneration and clinical features. However, disc degeneration and the SCSA of the multifidus muscle (r=−0.38, P <0.01) and of the erector spinae muscle (r=−0.29, P=0.04) were significantly associated. Analysis of the associations between muscle morphology and clinical features found that the SCSA of the multifidus muscle was associated with LBP (r=0.31, P=0.03). Conclusions: These results suggest that there is some correlation between atrophy of the multifidus and pain intensity. Consequently, focusing on the CSA of the multifidus muscle may help to clarify the causes of LBP in patients with LSS. However, because of the cross-sectional nature of this study, causal relationships could not be determined and further research is needed.
Evolution of External Health Costs of Electricity Generation in the Baltic States

Implementation of strict policies for mitigating climate change has a direct impact on public health as far as the external health costs of electricity generation can be reduced, thanks to the reduction of emission of typical pollutants by switching to cleaner low carbon fuels and achieving energy efficiency improvements. Renewables have lower external health costs due to the lower life cycle emission of typical air pollutants linked to electricity generation, such as SO2, NOx, particulate matter, NH3, or NMVOC (Non-methane volatile organic compounds), which all appear to have serious negative effects on human health. Our case study performed in the Baltic States analyzed the dynamics of external health costs in parallel with the dynamics of the main health indicators in these countries: life expectancy at birth, mortality rates, healthy life years, self-perceived health, and illness indicators. We employed the data for external health costs retrieved from the CASES database, as well as the health statistics data compiled from the EUROSTAT database. The time range of the study was 2010–2018 due to the availability of consistent health indicators for the EU Member States. Our results show that the decrease of external health costs had a positive impact on the increase of the self-perceived good health and reduction of long-standing illness as well as the decrease of infant death rate. Our conclusions might be useful for other countries as well as for understanding the additional benefits of climate change mitigation policies and tracking their positive health impacts. The cooperation initiatives on clean energy and climate change mitigation between countries like One Belt One Road initiative by the Chinese government can also yield additional benefits linked to the public health improvements.
Isolation Of Epicardial Cells From The Cover Of The Heart For Assessment Of Running Exercise-Induced Gene Expression

The cover of the heart, or epicardium, consists of a single layer of mesothelial cells. During cardiac development, epicardial cells undergo Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to form multipotent precursors known as epicardial-derived cells (EPDC). The EPDC migrate into myocardial tissue (containing cardiomyocytes) and subsequently differentiate into fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. In adult hearts, a similar process of epicardial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation occurs after myocardial infarction (MI, heart attack). EPDC differentiation into vascular endothelial cells or cardiomyocytes is rare and not well understood. Recently, we observed that running (exercise) in mice promotes differentiation of EPDC into microvascular endothelial cells (CD31+). After running, EPDC appear to generate endothelial cells and not other cardiac cell types. Of interest, running promotes cardiac hypertrophy that requires additional perfusion (blood flow) and may therefore stimulate the contribution of EPDC to capillaries. We hypothesized that running exercise induces gene expression in epicardial cells that promotes endothelial specification. To test our hypothesis, we developed an efficient method to directly isolate primary adult epicardial cells from the heart cover based on their expression of integrin-β4 (CD104). After 2 hours of protease digestion, we used Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting with antibodies against CD104 (CD104 MACS) to obtain undifferentiated epicardial cells; this was confirmed by expression of Keratin-18, an epicardial-specific protein in the heart. By cDNA microarray assays and bioinformatics analysis, we compared the gene expression profile of epicardial cells isolated from running-conditioned mice with that of agematched controls (non-runners). Our data suggest that extracellular matrix remodeling in the heart is mediated, in part, by epicardial cells during running. Furthermore, we identify epicardial gene expression for cell signals/pathways and transcription factors that may enhance vascular perfusion after MI through promoting angiogenesis or endothelial specification of epicardial derivatives.
Maternal Underestimation of Child’s Weight at Pre-School Age and Weight Development between Age 5 and 12 Years: The ABCD-Study

Background: Healthcare monitoring of child growth reduces with age, which may increase parental influences on children’s weight development. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal underestimation of child’s weight at age 5/6 and weight development between 5 and 12 years. Methods: We performed univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses with data on maternal perception of child’s weight and weight development (∆SDS body-mass index; BMI) derived from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) birth-cohort study. Underestimation was defined by comparing maternal perception of child’s weight with the actual weight status of her child. Associations were studied in two groups: children with overweight (n = 207) and children with normal weight (n = 1982) at baseline (children with underweight were excluded). Results: Underestimation was 5.5% in children with normal weight and 79.7% in children with overweight. Univariate analyses in children with normal weight and overweight showed higher weight development for children with underestimated vs. accurately estimated weights (respectively: β = 0.19, p < 0.01; β = 0.22, p < 0.05). After adjusting for child sex and baseline SDS BMI, the effect size became smaller for children with a normal weight (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and overweight (β = 0.18, p > 0.05). Paternal and maternal BMI, ethnicity, and educational level explained the association further (remaining β = −0.11, p > 0.05 in children with normal weight; β = 0.06, p > 0.05 in children with overweight). Conclusions: The relationship between maternal underestimation of child’s weight and higher weight development indicates a need for promoting a realistic perception of child’s weight, this is also the case if the child has a normal weight.
Vibrational spectroscopy of HOD in liquid D2O. V. Infrared three-pulse photon echoes

Using molecular dynamics simulation and the self-consistent renormalization scheme for liquid-state vibrational spectroscopy developed earlier by us, we have calculated the infrared integrated three-pulse photon echo signal (and in particular, the peak shift) for the OH stretch of dilute HOD in D2O at 300 K. Our results are in reasonable agreement with preliminary experimental results of Tokmakoff and co-workers. We show that the second-cumulant approximation to the integrated three-pulse echo intensity works well when t1 (the delay time between the first two pulses) is less than 100 fs, even though the frequency fluctuations are not Gaussian. We discuss the reason for, and generality of, this result, and the physical origin of the non-Gaussian fluctuations. Our results indicate that the standard approaches (peak shift, initial slope, and direct determination by nonlinear fitting) for determining the frequency time-correlation function from integrated three-pulse echo data, all of which implicitly assume .
A Novel Reparability Assessment Scoring System for Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: It is difficult to predict the arthroscopic reparability of rotator cuff tears preoperatively when the repair is challenging. This can result in unsatisfactory outcomes and a high retear rate. Purpose: To develop an assessment score reflecting factors in rotator cuff tears that can predict reparability before surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 170 patients with rotator cuff tears larger than 2 cm who underwent arthroscopic repair. Patients were categorized into “complete repair” and “partial repair” groups based on the area of the exposed footprint after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In each group, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging factors (tear size, fatty infiltration, remnant tendon length, atrophy), clinical factors (range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score), and patient demographics were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to choose the optimal cutoff value. A reparability assessment score was formulated through stepwise selection using variables that showed significant between-group differences on univariate analysis. We selected 4 variables and assigned a relative score for each variable based on estimated coefficient values. The sum of the scores for each factor ranged from 0 to 5. Results: The average rotator cuff tear size was 28 × 26 mm. The torn rotator cuff was repaired completely in 74 patients (43.5%) and partially in 96 patients (56.5%). The following factors were chosen for the reparability assessment score: positive tangent sign (odds ratio [OR], 5.969; P = .001), fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus of grade ≤2 (OR, 3.537; P = .001), coronal tear size ≥26 mm (OR, 3.315; P = .002), and remnant tendon length <15 mm (OR, 2.584; P = .017). Complete repair was possible if the sum of the scores was <3 (area under curve, 0.803; 95% CI, 0.739-0.867; sensitivity, 51.0%; specificity, 95.9%). Conclusion: In patients with a score of <3 on the novel reparability assessment score, complete repair was obtainable, whereas in patients with a score of ≥3, complete repair was difficult and other methods such as biologic grafts or arthroplasty had to be considered for a favorable prognosis.
OK Cupid, Stop Bumbling around and Match Me Tinder: Using Dating Apps Across the Life Course

Social connectedness, sex, and intimacy are all factors associated with positive aging, facing individuals in society across the life course. Phenomenal technological developments in the 21st century have led to the increased use of smartphones, mobile apps, and dating apps for a myriad of services, and engagements. This paper focuses on two specific cohorts’ who have the opportunity to engage with dating apps, older adults and young citizens with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and highlights issues related to the intersection of technology, societal constructions of age, disability, and online dating.