Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new molecular nomenclature for Taenia hydatigena: mitochondrial DNA sequences reveal sufficient diversity suggesting the assignment of major haplotype divisions

Abstract Cysticercosis caused by the metacestode larval stage of Taenia hydatigena formerly referred to as Cysticercus tenuicollis is a disease of veterinary importance that constitutes a significant threat to livestock production worldwide, especially in endemic regions due to condemnation of visceral organs and mortality rate of infected young animals. While the genetic diversity among parasites is found to be potentially useful in many areas of research including molecular diagnostics, epidemiology and control, that of T. hydatigena across the globe remains poorly understood. In this study, analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of adult worms and larval stages of T. hydatigena isolated from dogs, sheep and a wild boar in China showed that the population structure consists of two major haplogroups with very high nucleotide substitutions involving synonymous and non-synonymous changes. Compared with other cestodes such as Echinococcus spp. , the genetic variation observed between the haplogroups is sufficient for the assignment of major haplotype or genotype division as both groups showed a total of 166 point-mutation differences between the 12 mitochondrial protein-coding gene sequences. Preliminary analysis of a nuclear protein-coding gene (pepck) did not reveal any peculiar changes between both groups which suggests that these variants may only differ in their mitochondrial makeup.
Resistance Exercises in Early Functional Rehabilitation for Achilles Tendon Ruptures Are Poorly Described: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES To (1) describe which resistance exercises are used in the first eight weeks of treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture and (2) assess the completeness of reporting of the exercise descriptions. DESIGN Scoping review. LITERATURE SEARCH We searched the Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane and PEDro databases. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case series (n ≥ 10 participants) that reported using resistance exercise in the immobilization period in the first eight weeks of treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture. DATA SYNTHESIS Completeness of exercise description was assessed with the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and Toigo and Boutellier's exercise descriptor framework. RESULTS 38 studies were included. Fifty-one resistance exercises were extracted and categorized as isometric exercises (n = 20), heel-rises (n = 6), strengthening with external resistance (n = 13) or unspecified (n = 12). The median CERT items reported was 8 (IQR 10;6) of a possible 19 items. The number of Toigo and Boutellier exercise descriptors described ranged from 0 to 11, of a possible 13. CONCLUSION A variety of resistance exercises targeted at the ankle plantar flexors were used as part of early functional rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture. However, most studies provided inadequate description of resistance exercise interventions. Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42017062300. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 23 Oct 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020. 9463.
Comparison of intraocular lens calculation methods after myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and radial keratotomy without prior refractive data

Aim To compare intraocular lens (IOL) calculation methods not requiring refraction data prior to myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and radial keratotomy (RK). Methods In post-LASIK eyes, the methods not requiring prior refraction data were Hagis-L; Shammas; Barrett True-K no-history; Wang-Koch-Maloney; ‘average’, ‘minimum’ and ‘maximum’ IOL power on the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) IOL calculator. Double-K method and Barrett True-K no-history, ‘average’, ‘minimum’ and ‘maximum’ IOL power on ASCRS IOL calculator were evaluated in post-RK eyes. The predicted IOL power was calculated with each method using the manifest postoperative refraction. Arithmetic and absolute IOL prediction errors (PE) (implanted–predicted IOL powers), variances in arithmetic IOL PE and percentage of eyes within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of refractive PE were calculated. Results Arithmetic or absolute IOL PE were not significantly different between the methods in post-LASIK and post-RK eyes. In post-LASIK eyes, ‘average’ showed the highest and ‘minimum’ showed the least variance, whereas ‘average’ and ‘minimum’ had highest percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ‘minimum’ had the highest percentage of eyes within ±1.0 D. In the post-RK eyes, ‘minimum’ had highest variance, and ‘average’ had the least variance and highest percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D. Conclusion In post-LASIK and post-RK eyes, there are no significant differences in IOL PE between the methods not requiring prior refraction data. ‘Minimum’ showed least variance in PEs and more chances of eyes to be within ±1.0 D postoperatively in post-LASIK eyes. ‘Average’ had least variance and more chance of eyes within ±1.0 D in post-RK eyes.
Novel application of autologous micrografts in a collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffold for diabetic wound healing

Therapeutic strategies that successfully combine two techniques—autologous micrografting and biodegradable scaffolds—offer great potential for improved wound repair and decreased scarring. In this study we evaluate the efficacy of a novel modification of a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (collagen-GAG) scaffold with autologous micrografts using a murine dorsal wound model. db/db mice underwent a full thickness 1.0 cm2 dorsal wound excision and were treated with a collagen-GAG scaffold (CGS group), a modified collagen-GAG scaffold (CGS + MG group) or simple occlusive dressing (Blank group). The modified scaffold was created by harvesting full thickness micrografts and transplanting these into the collagen-GAG membrane. Parameters of wound healing, including cellular proliferation, collagen deposition, keratinocyte migration, and angiogenesis were assessed. The group treated with the micrograft-modified scaffold healed at a faster rate, showed greater cellular proliferation, collagen deposition, and keratinocyte migration with higher density and greater maturity of microvessels. The grafts remained viable within the scaffold with no evidence of rejection. Keratinocytes were shown to migrate from the wound border and from the micrograft edges towards the center of the wound, while cellular proliferation was present both at the wound border and wound bed. We report successful treatment of diabetic wounds with a novel collagen-GAG scaffold modified with full-thickness automicrografts. Differences in cellular migration and proliferation offer maiden evidence on the mechanisms of wound healing. Clinically, the successful scaffold engraftment, micrograft viability and improved wound healing offer promising results for the development of a new therapeutic modality for wound repair.
Impact of Late Dosing on Testosterone Suppression with Two Different Leuprolide Acetate Formulations: In Situ Gel and Microsphere - An Analysis of US Clinical Data.

PURPOSE Non-adherence to dosing schedules for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) increases risk of testosterone (T) escape for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Two approved formulations of leuprolide acetate (LA), the most commonly prescribed ADT in the US, use different extended-release delivery technologies: an in situ gel and microspheres. We evaluated the prevalence and impact of late dosing on T suppression for Gel-LA and Msphere-LA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed records of PCa patients treated with Gel-LA or Msphere-LA. Analyses used 2 definitions of 'month': '28-day' (late dosing after day 28, 84, 112 or 168) and 'extended' (late dosing after day 32, 97, 128 and 194). Frequencies of late dosing and associated T values were calculated. RESULTS 2,038 patients received Gel-LA and 8,360 received Msphere-LA. More than 80% and 27% of injections were late for 28-day and extended month, respectively. For 28-day month late injections, 10% (Gel-LA) and 14% (Msphere-LA) of T values were >50ng/dL, and 25% (Gel-LA) vs. 33% (Msphere-LA) were >20ng/dL. For extended month, 18% (Gel-LA) vs. 25% (Msphere-LA) were >50ng/dL, and 34% (Gel-LA) vs. 44% (Msphere-LA) were >20ng/dL. Msphere-LA was 1.5x more likely to have T >50/20ng/dL vs. Gel-LA. Least-square mean T was 34ng/dL (Gel-LA) vs. 46ng/dL (Msphere-LA) for 28-day month, and 48ng/dL (Gel-LA) vs. 76ng/dL (Msphere-LA) for extended month. CONCLUSIONS Leuprolide acetate therapies were frequently administered late. Gel-LA demonstrated higher rates of T ≤50ng/dL and ≤20ng/dL than Msphere-LA. Optimal T suppression can impact PCa progression and patient survival and differences in extended-release technology for ADT appear relevant.
Workers’ compensation injury claims of aviation industry worker injuries in Alaska, 2014–2015

ABSTRACT Aviation operations in Alaska often occur in remote locations and during inclement weather. Limited infrastructure and staff in some locations often requires aviation workers to perform tasks outside of their specific job descriptions. Researchers identified workers’ compensation claims as a valuable data source to characterise nonfatal injuries among Alaskan aviation workers. Keyword searches of injury claim narrative fields and industry codes were used to identify potentially aviation-related workers’ compensation claims during 2014–2015. These claims were manually reviewed to verify whether aviation related and manually coded according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics’ Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System. There were 875 aviation-related injury claims accepted during 2014–2015. Ramp/baggage/cargo agents incurred the most injuries (35%), followed by mechanics/maintenance workers (15%). Among all workers, Overexertion and Bodily Reaction (40%) was most often cited as the injury event, followed by Contact with Objects and Equipment (28%), and Falls, Slips, Trips (22%). Sprains, strains, tears were the most frequent nature of injury (55%). Cargo/freight/luggage was the most frequent source of injury (24%). The 3 most frequently identified injury event types were responsible for over 90% of all injuries, which indicates that preventive interventions should be directed towards tasks rather than occupational groups.
Efficacy and Safety of Multilayer, Extended-Release Methylphenidate (PRC-063) in Children 6–12 Years of Age with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Laboratory Classroom Study

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of PRC-063, a once-daily, multilayer, extended-release (ER) formulation of methylphenidate (MPH) hydrochloride, in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, dose-optimized, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Methods: Boys and girls aged 6–12 years diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled. During a 6-week, open-label, dose-optimization phase, subjects began treatment at 25 mg/day of PRC-063 and were titrated until an optimal dose (maximum 85 mg/day) was reached. During the double-blind period, subjects were randomized to receive treatment with their optimal dose of PRC-063 or placebo for 1 week. Efficacy was assessed in a laboratory classroom setting on the final day of the double-blind treatment using the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP) Rating Scale and Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP). Safety was assessed measuring adverse events (AEs), vital signs, and electrocardiograms. Results: The study was completed by 147 subjects. In the primary efficacy analysis, significant improvements were demonstrated with PRC-063 versus placebo (p < 0.0001) when SKAMP-Combined scores were averaged over the 13-hour full-day laboratory classroom (least squares mean difference = −8.6, 95% confidence interval = −10.6 to −6.6). Mean average PERMP-Total scores were also significantly improved with PRC-063 versus placebo at all time points postdose (p < 0.01). The onset of treatment effect was present by 1-hour postdose (the first time point measured) and duration of efficacy was up to and including 13 hours postdose. AEs reported in ≥5% of subjects during the dosing optimization period were decreased appetite, abdominal pain upper, affect lability, weight decreased, headache, irritability, and insomnia. Conclusions: PRC-063 was effective in improving attention and reducing symptoms of ADHD versus placebo and had a rapid onset and extended duration of effect. AEs were consistent to those reported with other ER MPH treatments. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT03172481.
Activin A Promotes Regulatory T-cell–Mediated Immunosuppression in Irradiated Breast Cancer

Activin A and TGFβ can shape the breast cancer tumor microenvironment after radiotherapy. Dual blockade of activin A and TGFβ reverses radiotherapy-induced Treg increases and boosts antitumor responses, highlighting potential targetable factors for breast cancer treatment. Increased regulatory T cells (Treg) after radiotherapy have been reported, but the mechanisms of their induction remain incompletely understood. TGFβ is known to foster Treg differentiation within tumors and is activated following radiotherapy. Thus, we hypothesized that TGFβ blockade would result in decreased Tregs within the irradiated tumor microenvironment. We found increased Tregs in the tumors of mice treated with focal radiotherapy and TGFβ blockade. This increase was mediated by upregulation of another TGFβ family member, activin A. In vitro, activin A secretion was increased following irradiation of mouse and human breast cancer cells, and its expression was further enhanced upon TGFβ blockade. In vivo, dual blockade of activin A and TGFβ was required to decrease intratumoral Tregs in the context of radiotherapy. This resulted in an increase in CD8+ T-cell priming and was associated with a reduced tumor recurrence rate. Combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with the dual blockade of activin A and TGFβ led to the development of tumor-specific memory responses in irradiated breast cancer. Supporting the translational value of activin A targeting to reduce Treg-mediated immunosuppression, retrospective analysis of a public dataset of patients with breast cancer revealed a positive correlation between activin A gene expression and Treg abundance. Overall, these results shed light on an immune escape mechanism driven by activin A and suggest that dual targeting of activin A and TGFβ may be required to optimally unleash radiation-induced antitumor immunity against breast cancer.
Chemically Diverse Multifunctional Peptide Platforms with Antimicrobial and Cell Adhesive Properties

Bacterial infections and incomplete biomaterial integration are major problems that can lead to the failure of medical implants. However, simultaneously addressing these two issues remains a challenge. Here, we present a chemical peptide library based on a multifunctional platform containing the antimicrobial peptide LF1‐11 and the cell‐adhesive motif RGD. The scaffolds were customized with catechol groups to ensure straightforward functionalization of the implant surface, and linkers of different length to assess the effect of peptide accessibility on the biological response. The peptidic platforms significantly improved the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells and showed antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Of note is that peptides bearing spacers that were too long displayed the lowest efficiency. Subsequently, we designed a platform replacing linear RGD by cyclic RGD; this further enhanced eukaryotic cell adhesion while retaining excellent antimicrobial properties, thus being a suitable candidate for tissue engineering applications.
Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities of Ten Commercially Available Essential Oils

There is a huge concern in the medical field concerning the emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Essential oils are a source of antibacterial compounds that can overcome this problem. Ten essential oils that are commercially available were investigated in the present study: ajowan, basil, German chamomile, Chinese cinnamon, coriander, clove, lemongrass, Spanish lavender, oregano and palmarosa. Their direct, synergistic and indirect antibacterial activities were evaluated against different human pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. To evaluate their possible use in clinics, the cytotoxicity of these essential oils was also tested on keratinocyte and epithelial cell lines. Except for the Chinese cinnamon, coriander and lemongrass, all other essential oils presented no cytotoxicity at 32 and 16 μg/mL. The highest indirect antibacterial activities were observed with the palmarosa and Spanish lavender in association with penicillin V. These two associations presented a 64-fold decrease against a resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, however, at a cytotoxic concentration. It can also be highlighted that when tested at a non-cytotoxic concentration, the activity of oregano in association with penicillin V presented an eight-fold decrease. These results show the interest to use essential oils in combination with antibiotics to reduce their concentrations inside drugs.
The Use of Smartphone Fitness Applications: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation

With the popularity of the health and wellness trend in recent years, smartphone fitness applications have become more and more popular. Thus, this study explored factors affecting the behavioral intention to use and the actual usage behavior of smartphone fitness apps from technical, health, and social perspectives by integrating the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). We examined whether perceived usefulness, perceived ease-of-use, social influence, self-efficacy, goal-setting, and self-monitoring predict usage behavior. Based on the survey responses of 1066 smartphone fitness apps users, we revealed that all of the variables, except for self-monitoring, significantly influence usage behavior, while behavioral intention acts as a total mediator between perceived usefulness, perceived ease-of-use and usage behavior. Drawing on the research findings, we suggest that influencing behavioral intention to use a fitness app can be an effective method to increase its adoption. Therefore, app developers need to pay attention to interventions that seek to enhance the usefulness of the app, provide professional counseling, as well as an opportunity for effortless goal setting features.
Universal COVID-19 screening of 4040 health care workers in a resource-limited setting: an Egyptian pilot model in a university with 12 public hospitals and medical centers

Abstract Background The scale of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among health care workers (HCWs), particularly in resource-limited settings, remains unclear. To address this concern, universal (non-symptom-based) screening of HCWs was piloted to determine the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated epidemiological and clinical risk factors at a large public health care facility in Egypt. Methods Baseline voluntary screening of 4040 HCWs took place between 22 April and 14 May 2020 at 12 hospitals and medical centres in Cairo. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected using an online survey. All participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid IgM and IgG serological tests. Results Of the 4040 HCWs screened, 170 [4.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6-4.9] tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by either of the three tests (i.e. infected); 125/170 (73.5%) tested PCR-positive. Most infected HCWs were nurses (97/170, 57.5%). Median age of infected HCWs was 31.5 [interquartile range (IQR): 27.0–41.3] years. Of infected HCWs, 78 (45.9%) reported contact with a suspected case and 47 (27.6%) reported face-to-face contact within 2 m with a confirmed case. The proportion of infection among symptomatic HCWs (n = 54/616) was 8.8% (95% CI: 6.7-11.3); 6/54 (11.1%) had fever ≥38°C and 7/54 (13.0%) reported severe symptoms. Most infected HCWs were asymptomatic (116/170, 68.2%). The proportion of infection among asymptomatic HCWs (n = 116/3424) was 3.4% (95% CI: 2.8-4.0). Conclusions The high rate of asymptomatic infections among HCWs reinforces the need for expanding universal regular testing. The infection rate among symptomatic HCWs in this study is comparable with the national rate detected through symptom-based testing. This suggests that infections among HCWs may reflect community rather than nosocomial transmission during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt.
Effect of Gender and Various Diets on Bile Acid Profile and Related Genes in Mice

Diet is an important factor for many diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that several diets had remarkable effects on bile acid (BA) homeostasis, but no comprehensive information for both genders has been reported. Therefore, the current study characterized the nine most used laboratory animal diets fed to both genders of mice for a comparable evaluation of the topic. The results revealed that marked gender difference of BA homeostasis is ubiquitous in mice fed the various diets, and of the nine diets fed to mice, the atherogenic and calorie-restricted diets had the most marked effects on BA homeostasis, followed by the laboratory chow and essential fatty acid–deficient diets. More specifically, females had higher concentrations of total BAs in serum when fed six of the nine diets compared with male mice, and 26 of the 35 BA-related genes had marked gender difference in mice fed at least one diet. Although mice fed the calorie-restricted and atherogenic diets had increased BA, which was more pronounced in serum than liver, the intestinal farnesoid X nuclear receptor–fibroblast growth factor 15 axis changed in the opposite direction and resulted in different hepatic expression patterns of Cyp7a1. Compared with AIN-93M purified diet, higher hepatic expression of multidrug resistance–associated protein 3 was the only alteration in mice fed the laboratory chow diet. The other diets had little or no effect on BA concentrations in the liver and plasma or in the expression of BA-related genes. This study indicates that gender, the atherogenic diet, and the calorie-restricted diet have the most marked effects on BA homeostasis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Previous evidence suggested that various diets have effect on bile acid (BA) homeostasis; however, it is not possible to directly compare these findings, as they are all from different studies. The current study was the first to systematically investigate the influence of the nine most used experimental mouse diets on BA homeostasis and potential mechanism in both genders of mice and indicates that gender, the atherogenic diet, and the calorie-restricted diet have the most marked effects on BA homeostasis, which will aid future investigations.