Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis, Murine Models, and Clinical Implications of Metabolically Healthy Obesity

Although obesity is commonly associated with numerous cardiometabolic pathologies, some people with obesity are resistant to detrimental effects of excess body fat, which constitutes a condition called “metabolically healthy obesity” (MHO). Metabolic features of MHO that distinguish it from metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) include differences in the fat distribution, adipokine types, and levels of chronic inflammation. Murine models are available that mimic the phenotype of human MHO, with increased adiposity but preserved insulin sensitivity. Clinically, there is no established definition of MHO yet. Despite the lack of a uniform definition, most studies describe MHO as a particular case of obesity with no or only one metabolic syndrome components and lower levels of insulin resistance or inflammatory markers. Another clinical viewpoint is the dynamic and changing nature of MHO, which substantially impacts the clinical outcome. In this review, we explore the pathophysiology and some murine models of MHO. The definition, variability, and clinical implications of the MHO phenotype are also discussed. Understanding the characteristics that differentiate people with MHO from those with MUO can lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind obesity-related metabolic derangements and diseases.
The role of non-coding RNAs in myocarditis: a narrative review

Background and Objective Myocarditis is a heterogeneous disease that can lead to acute heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and sudden death. However, the knowledge of the precise molecular mechanisms of myocarditis is fairly limited. In recent years, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in many physiological and pathological processes in myocarditis and to have the potential to be used as novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for myocarditis. This review summarizes the role of ncRNAs in myocarditis and discusses their potential as noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for myocarditis. Methods Literature on ncRNAs and myocarditis published in PubMed was extensively reviewed for analysis and discussion. Key Content and Findings This review describes the roles of different ncRNAs in myocarditis and summarizes their potential in diagnosing and treating myocarditis. Multiple functions and mechanisms of ncRNAs in myocarditis have been uncovered. Conclusions Current studies show that ncRNAs are widely involved in the occurrence and development of myocarditis caused by infection, autoimmunity, and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) through their regulation of cell apoptosis, immune response, viral replication, and other aspects. Small-sample clinical studies have assessed the diagnostic value of ncRNAs. These results provide a new theoretical basis for diagnosing and treating myocarditis.
Failure mechanisms in thin electroactive polymer actuators

We propose a model to analyze the insurgence of pull-in and wrinkling failures in electroactive thin films. We take in consideration both cases of voltage and charge control, and study the role of prestretch and size of activated regions, which are essential in the analysis of realistic applications of EAPs. Based on simple geometrical and material assumptions we deduce an explicit analytical description of these phenomena, allowing a clear physical interpretation. Despite our simplifying assumptions, the comparison with experiments shows a satisfying qualitative and, interestingly, quantitative agreement. In particular our model shows, in accordance with experiments, the existence of different optimal prestretch values, depending on the choice of the actuating parameter of the EAP.
The Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Scale: Psychometric, Operative and Epidemiologic Study in a Portuguese Sample

Background: Although obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms are common in the perinatal period, measures to comprehensively assess their presence, frequency, interference and severity are lacking. The Perinatal Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (POCS) is the only self-report questionnaire with context-specific items. It includes items to assess perinatal-specific obsessions and compulsions, a severity scale and an interference scale. Objectives: (1) to analyze the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the POCS; (2) to find Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) prevalence in postpartum and determine the POCS cut-off scores and its accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) in screening for OCD according to DSM-5 criteria; (3) to describe the prevalence, content, severity, interference and onset of OC symptoms in the postpartum. Methods: 212 women in postpartum filled in a booklet, including the POCS Portuguese preliminary version, the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale; they were interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview for Psychological Distress—Postpartum. Results: Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed that POCS presented acceptable fit indexes (χ2/df = 2.2971; CFI= 0.9319; GFI = 0.8574; TLI = 0.9127; RMSEA = 0.860, p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s alphas were all > 0.800. The POCS cut-off point that maximized the Youden Index (J = 0.86, 95% CI [0.94–0.99]) was 20, corresponding to an Area Under the Curve of 0.970 (p < 0.001; Standard Error = 0.031; 95% CI: 0.937 to 0.988). The prevalence of postpartum OCD was 3.30%. The severity of thoughts and behaviors was moderate to severe for approximately 15% of women. For thirty-five percent of women, the onset of symptoms was in the first three months postpartum. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of POCS has good validity, reliability and accuracy and may be considered ready for use in both clinic and research fields. POCS provides specific information regarding symptoms and individual patterns experienced by each woman, which allows normalization, destigmatization and personalized intervention.
Tracking the upstream history of aquatic microbes in a boreal lake yields new insights on microbial community assembly

Abstract Bacterial community structure can change rapidly across short spatial and temporal scales as environmental conditions vary, but the mechanisms underlying those changes are still poorly understood. Here, we assessed how a lake microbial community assembles by following its reorganization from the main tributary, which, when flowing into the lake, first traverses an extensive macrophyte-dominated vegetated habitat, before reaching the open water. Environmental conditions in the vegetated habitat changed drastically compared to both river and lake waters and represented a strong environmental gradient for the incoming bacteria. We used amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and transcript to reconstruct the shifts in relative abundance of individual taxa and link this to their pattern in activity (here assessed with RNA:DNA ratios). Our results indicate that major shifts in relative abundance were restricted mostly to rare taxa (<0.1% of relative abundance), which seemed more responsive to environmental changes. Dominant taxa (>1% of relative abundance), on the other hand, traversed the gradient mostly unchanged with relatively low and stable RNA:DNA ratios. We also identified a high level of local recruitment and a seedbank of taxa capable of activating/inactivating, but these were almost exclusively associated with the rare biosphere. Our results suggest a scenario where the lake community results from a reshuffling of the rank abundance structure within the incoming rare biosphere, driven by selection and growth, and that numerical dominance is not a synonym of activity, growth rate, or environmental selection, but rather reflect mass effects structuring these freshwater bacterial communities.
Fibromyalgia: Associations Between Fat Infiltration, Physical Capacity, and Clinical Variables

Background Obesity is a risk factor for the development of fibromyalgia (FM) and generally most studies report increased Body Mass Index (BMI) in FM. Obesity in FM is associated with a worse clinical presentation. FM patients have low physical conditioning and obesity further exacerbates these aspects. Hitherto studies of FM have focused upon a surrogate for overall measure of fat content, ie, BMI. This study is motivated by that ectopic fat and adipose tissues are rarely investigated in FM including their relationships to physical capacity variables. Moreover, their relationships to clinical variables including are not known. Aims were to 1) compare body composition between FM and healthy controls and 2) investigate if significant associations exist between body composition and physical capacity aspects and important clinical variables. Methods FM patients (n = 32) and healthy controls (CON; n = 30) underwent a clinical examination that included pressure pain thresholds and physical tests. They completed a health questionnaire and participated in whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine body composition aspects. Results Abdominal adipose tissues, muscle fat, and BMI were significantly higher in FM, whereas muscle volumes of quadriceps were smaller. Physical capacity variables correlated negatively with body composition variables in FM. Both body composition and physical capacity variables were significant regressors of group belonging; the physical capacity variables alone showed stronger relationships with group membership. A mix of body composition variables and physical capacity variables were significant regressors of pain intensity and impact in FM. Body composition variables were the strongest regressors of blood pressures, which were increased in FM. Conclusion Obesity has a negative influence on FM symptomatology and increases the risk for other serious conditions. Hence, obesity, dietary habits, and physical activity should be considered when developing clinical management plans for patients with FM.
Development of a mix design methodology for asphalt mixtures with analytically formulated aggregate structures

This research documents an extensive study on the design and characterization of asphalt mixtures for use as road pavement material. Several aspects of asphalt mixtures were addressed using the state of the art laboratory test equipment and technical literature from different information sources. The research was divided into two phases. Phase one included the design and detailed analysis of compaction and performance characteristics of asphalt concrete mixtures with aggregate structures that were designed using an analytical method of aggregate blending. Three aggregate types were considered in this study: limestone, sandstone, and granite. All the aggregates were crushed aggregates. Three different aggregate structures were designed for each aggregate type using the Bailey method of aggregate gradation evaluation. The Bailey method is a comprehensive gradation. Sandstone and Granite mixtures had a nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 12.5mm and were designed for high traffic level, while two types of Limestone mixtures were designed (25.4 mm and 12.5 mm NMAS) for two traffic levels (high and low traffic volumes). For the heavy traffic mixtures the binder type selected was PG 76-22M while PG70-22 was used for low volume mixtures. The outcome of this research suggests that suitable mixes can be developed with dense aggregate structures using the Bailey method of aggregate gradation that provides good resistance to permanent deformation while still maintaining adequate levels of durability. A systematic, simplified design approach was recommended in which asphalt mixtures are designed based on the locking point concept, analytical aggregate gradation method and fundamental mechanistic properties that describe the behavior of asphalt mixtures based on sound engineering principles.
Monkeypox: Some Keys to Understand This Emerging Disease

Simple Summary Monkeypox has entered our lives when we have not yet fully recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This close relative of the smallpox virus was restricted to tropical Africa, except on rare occasions when it caused human cases in the US, UK, Singapore, or Israel. Cases have recently been identified in multiple countries in at least the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Fortunately, it produces much milder clinical symptoms and a much lower mortality rate than smallpox, but even so, we have learned not to overlook any possible pathogen, and there are many unknowns about the disease. What population groups does it affect? Could it cause a pandemic? What is the animal reservoir? Do animals suffer from monkeypox as much as humans? Abstract In 1958, several monkeys in a Copenhagen laboratory developed a skin rash from which an orthopoxvirus could be isolated, which was named monkeypox virus (MPXV). However, the natural animal reservoir for MPXV is thought to be a rodent. The first human case occurred in 1970, and the incidence has increased progressively throughout the years. Starting May 2022, the number of cases outside Africa has soared, especially in Western Europe. There are two clades of MPXV, Congo Basin, with higher virulence and mortality, and Western Africa (WA). MPXV from the present outbreak has been proposed to be classified as Clade 3, distinct from the WA clade by at least 50 substitutions, which may increase human-to-human transmissibility. Most cases correspond to men in their 30s who have sex with men, and the possibility of sexual transmission is under investigation. Though there is no evidence of human-to-animal transmission, pets of positive human cases may be classified as low risk, including dogs, cats, and birds, who can be quarantined at home, and high risk, such as pet rabbits or mice, who should be isolated in official laboratories for observation. The current epidemiological data do not support the risk of a pandemic.
Environmental, Climatic, and Parasite Molecular Factors Impacting the Incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Due to Leishmania tropica in Three Moroccan Foci

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurring due to Leishmania tropica is a public health problem in Morocco. The distribution and incidence of this form of leishmaniasis have increased in an unusual way in the last decade, and the control measures put in place are struggling to slow down the epidemic. This study was designed to assess the impact of climatic and environmental factors on CL in L. tropica foci. The data collected included CL incidence and climatic and environmental factors across three Moroccan foci (Foum Jemaa, Imintanout, and Ouazzane) from 2000 to 2019. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear regression model. An association was found between the occurrence of CL in Imintanout and temperature and humidity (r2 = 0.6076, df = (1.18), p-value = 3.09 × 10−5; r2 = 0.6306, df = (1.18), p-value = 1.77 × 10−5). As a second objective of our study, we investigated the population structure of L. tropica in these three foci, using the nuclear marker internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). Our results showed a low-to-medium level of geographic differentiation among the L. tropica populations using pairwise differentiation. Molecular diversity indices showed a high genetic diversity in Foum Jemaa and Imintanout; indeed, 29 polymorphic sites were identified, leading to the definition of 13 haplotypes. Tajima’s D and Fu’s F test statistics in all populations were not statistically significant, and consistent with a population at drift–mutation equilibrium. Further analysis, including additional DNA markers and a larger sample size, could provide a more complete perspective of L. tropica’s population structure in these three regions. In addition, further research is needed to better understand the impact of climatic conditions on the transmission cycle of Leishmania, allowing both for the development of effective control measures, and for the development of a predictive model for this parasitosis.
Pharmacist care in Federally Qualified Health Centers: A narrative review

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are critical to providing care to underserved populations in the United States. Their focus on interprofessional care has also made FQHCs ideal locations to integrate pharmacists into care teams and advance pharmacy practice. However, despite long‐standing involvement by pharmacists, there have been limited attempts to synthesize this literature. We conducted a comprehensive search for published literature on the roles of pharmacists in FQHCs and narrowed our search to 54 manuscripts and abstracts for inclusion in this narrative review. We found that pharmacists in FQHCs are providing care that is interprofessional, multifaceted, and evolving rapidly in response to environmental changes. Pharmacists are routinely involved in the traditional management of chronic disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, behavioral health, and respiratory conditions. In addition, pharmacists have forged roles in preventive care, infectious disease, and pain management. Models include appointment‐based approaches; however, there was also heterogeneity in approaches consistent with the dynamic nature of the healthcare system in the United States with engagement in population health, transitions of care, and telehealth, as a few examples. Collaborative practice agreements were used to deliver care in some cases, although this was not commonplace, and reimbursement by third party payers was rarely addressed. Relationships with community pharmacies, often driven by the 340B Drug Pricing Program, were also noted. Recommendations for future research in this area include increasing the rigor of future research by standardizing pharmacy interventions and including comparator groups, a greater focus on financial sustainability, and further exploration of how state laws surrounding pharmacist provider status and scope of practice impact pharmacy service development.
Description of an Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Comparison to a Blind Proximal Paravertebral Nerve Block in Cows: A Cadaveric Study

Simple Summary One of the most common surgical procedures performed in cattle is abdominal surgery, and this procedure is routinely performed in the standing adult animal. This procedure is performed using local anaesthetic techniques in order to eliminate pain and reduce the need for chemical and physical restraints. One of the most common locoregional anaesthetic techniques is the proximal paravertebral nerve block, in which a local anaesthetic is used to desensitize the nerves providing sensation to the flank region. The use of ultrasound-guided techniques has been demonstrated in multiple species, including humans, to be more accurate, safe and efficacious than traditional blind techniques. The aim of this paper was to develop an ultrasound-guided block that would target the nerves desensitized in the paravertebral nerve block of the flank. Additionally, our study aimed to evaluate the two techniques (blind and ultrasound-guided) in cow cadavers. The use of ultrasound guidance resulted in an apparent improvement in accuracy, and the blind technique remains a reliable approach. Further studies are warranted to develop and to evaluate the ultrasound-guided technique in live animals. Abstract The proximal paravertebral nerve block is commonly used to provide anaesthesia to the flank during standing surgical procedures in adult cattle. It has been reported that additional anaesthetic infiltration may be necessary to provide complete anaesthesia. In humans as well as animal species, another technique—the ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB)—has been described. The goal of the present study was to develop and investigate an US-guided ESPB in comparison to a blind proximal paravertebral nerve block (PPNB) in cow cadavers. In 10 cadaver specimens, injections of methylene blue-lidocaine (1:1) were performed at the level of T13, L1 and L2 vertebras, on one side doing an ESPB block and, on the other side, a PPNB. Five cadavers were injected with high (40 mL per injection for PPNB and 20 mL for ESPB) and five with low (20 and 15 mL, respectively) volumes of injectate. For the ESPB, the ultrasound probe was oriented craniocaudally, and the ventral-cranial aspect of the articular processes (T13, L1 and L2) was targeted for injection. The dye spreading was evaluated by dissection. The landmarks for US-guided injection were easily visualized; however, injections were accidentally performed at T12, T13 and L1. Nevertheless, L2 was stained in 60% of ESPBs. Epidural spreading was observed with both techniques and all volumes. Viscera puncture was reported in two PPNBs. The ESPB resulted in similar nerve staining compared to the PPNB while using a lower volume of injectate. Even better staining is expected with a T13-L2 instead of a T12-L1 ESPB approach. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical efficacy.
Validation of Pressure-Sensing Insoles in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease during Overground Walking in Single and Cognitive Dual-Task Conditions

There is a need for unobtrusive and valid tools to collect gait parameters in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The novel promising tools are pressure-sensing insoles connected to a smartphone app; however, few studies investigated their measurement properties during simple or challenging conditions in PD patients. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of gait parameters computed by pressure-sensing insoles (FeetMe® insoles, Paris, France). Twenty-five PD patients (21 males, mean age: 69 (7) years) completed two walking assessment sessions. In each session, participants walked on an electronic pressure-sensitive walkway (GaitRite®, CIR System Inc., Franklin, NJ, USA) without other additional instructions (i.e., single-task condition) and while performing a concurrent cognitive task (i.e., dual-task condition). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured simultaneously using the pressure-sensing insoles and the electronic walkway. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman methodology. Test–retest reliability was examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and minimal detectable changes (MDC). The validity results showed moderate to excellent correlations and good agreement between the two systems. Concerning test–retest reliability, moderate-to-excellent ICC values and acceptable MDC demonstrated the repeatability of the measured gait parameters. Our findings support the use of these insoles as complementary instruments to conventional tools during single and dual-task conditions.
The Impact of Ethnicity on Fetal and Maternal Outcomes of Gestational Diabetes

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) significantly varies across different ethnic groups. In particular, Africans, Latinos, Asians and Pacific Islanders are the ethnic groups with the highest risk of GDM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes in GDM. Patients and Methods: n = 399 patients with GDM were enrolled, n = 76 patients of high-risk ethnicity (HR-GDM), and n = 323 of low-risk ethnicity (LR-GDM). Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected during pregnancy until delivery. Fetal and maternal short-term outcomes were evaluated. Results: HR-GDM had significantly higher values of glycosylated hemoglobin checked at 26–29 weeks of gestation (p < 0.001). Gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in HR-GDM (p = 0.03). The prevalence of impaired fetal growth was significantly higher in HR-GDM than LR-GDM (p = 0.009). In logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of impaired fetal growth was seven times higher in HR-GDM than in LR-GDM, after adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (OR = 7.1 [2.0–25.7] 95% CI, p = 0.003). Conclusions: HR-GDM had worse pregnancy outcomes compared with LR-GDM. An ethnicity-tailored clinical approach might be effective in reducing adverse outcomes in GDM.