Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of 244 Cardiovascular Patients Suffering From Coronavirus Disease in Wuhan, China

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has developed into a global outbreak. Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) with COVID‐19 have different clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes. This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators of patients with COVID‐19 with CVD, especially the critically ill patients. Methods and Results This study included 244 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 and CVD (hypertension, coronary heart disease, or heart failure). The patients were categorized into critical (n=36) and noncritical (n=208) groups according to the interim guidance of China’s National Health Commission. Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were collected from the patients’ medical records and compared between the 2 groups. The average body mass index of patients was significantly higher in the critical group than in the noncritical group. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and fibrinogen, and d‐dimer levels at admission were significantly increased in the critical group. The all‐cause mortality rate among cases of COVID‐19 combined with CVD was 19.26%; the proportion of coronary heart disease and heart failure was significantly higher in deceased patients than in recovered patients. High body mass index, previous history of coronary heart disease, lactic acid accumulation, and a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen were associated with death. Conclusions All‐cause mortality in patients with COVID‐19 with CVD in hospitals is high. The high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio may be a predictor of critical patients. Overweight/obesity combined with coronary heart disease, severe hypoxia, and lactic acid accumulation resulting from respiratory failure are related to poor outcomes. Registration URL: https://www.chictr. org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000029865.
An observational, prospective study on surgical treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation: The SMR study. Rationale, purposes, and protocol

The natural history of secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is unfavorable. Nevertheless, there are no evidence that its correction can improve the outcome. If from one side the original cause of secondary MR can be such to limit the possibilities of improvement, from the other side it is possible that the surgical technique widely applied to repair, restrictive mitral annuloplasty, is not adequate to correct the regurgitation. The addition of valvular and/or subvalvular techniques has been considered a possible technical solution. However, we do not know the prevalence of each technique, how many times mitral replacement is used to correct secondary MR. This aspect is of particular importance, as we know that a successful mitral repair causes a better left ventricular systolic remodeling than a unsuccessful repair or replacement. This study is a prospective, observational registry, conceived to understand what is done in the real world. Any surgeon will use the technique he thinks the most suitable for the patient. Every year, for 5 years, patients will have a clinical and echocardiographic follow‐up, to evaluate the risk factors for a worse result (death, rehospitalization for heart failure, reoperation for MR return, moderate, or more MR return). This knowledge will give us the possibility to understand which is the technique, or the strategy, more efficient to treat this disease and the real efficacy of the surgical treatment.
Genetische Beziehungen für das Merkmal Lebenstagszunahme in einem Dreirassenkreuzungsprogramm beim Schwein

Abstract. Title of the paper: Genetic association for daily gain (lifetime) in an crossbreeding program The aim of this investigation is an analysis of the crossing structure of a three-race crossing program and the genetic relations with respect to the trait average daily gain. For this purpose we examine the genetic relations for their usefulness for a estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values. Finally a parameter estimation is carried out. The data basis consists of 1757 German Large White performances, 34980 Landrace performances and 2775 Pietrain performances in pure breed as well as 92757 performances of the crossings of the mother lines and altogether 13854 Pietrain crossings (1997 PI x DL and 11857 PI x DEDL). The heritabilities for the variable daily gain are in the range from 0.17 to 0.31. The genetic correlations between the mother races and their crossbreedings are around 0.9. Between the pure Pietrain and the Pietrain crossings these values reach only 0.7. Within the two groups of crossings with Pietrains the genetic correlations are almost one. From the genetic point of view it is possible to put together the mother races and their crossings as well as the Pietrain crossings. Thus, for this trait it is sufficient to consider a three variable model with separate investigation of the mother races, the Pietrains and the Pietrain crossings.
Pulmonary vascular enlargement on thoracic CT for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. To date, although many studies have reported on the computed tomography (CT) manifestations of COVID-19, the vascular enlargement sign (VES) of COVID-19 has not been deeply examined, with the few available studies reporting an inconsistent prevalence. We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the best available studies to estimate the prevalence and identify the underlying differential diagnostic value of VES. Methods We searched nine English and Chinese language databases up to April 23, 2020. Studies that evaluated CT features of COVID-19 patients and reported VES, with or without comparison with other pneumonia were included. The methodologic quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Meta-analyses with random effects models were performed to calculate the aggregate prevalence and pooled odds ratios (ORs) of VES. We also conducted meta-regression and subgroup analyses to analyze heterogeneity. Results VES findings from a total of 1969 patients were summarized and pooled across 22 studies. Our analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of VES among COVID-19 patients was 69.37% [95% confidence interval (CI): 57.40-79.20%]. Compared with non-COVID-19 patients, VES manifestation was more frequently observed in confirmed COVID-19 patients (OR =6.43, 95% CI: 3.39-12.22). Studies that explicitly defined distribution of VES in the lesion area demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence (P=0.03). Subgroup analyses also revealed a relatively higher VES rate in studies with a sample size larger than 50, but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference in VES rates was found between different countries (China/Italy), regions (Hubei/outside Hubei), average age groups (over/less than 50-year-old), or slice thicknesses of CT scan. Extensive heterogeneity was identified across most estimates (I2>80%). Some of the variations (R2=19.73%) could be explained by VES distribution, and sample size. No significant publication bias was seen (P=0.29). Conclusions VES on thoracic CT was found in almost two-thirds of COVID-19 patients, and was more prevalent compared with that of the non-COVID-19 patients, supporting a promising role for VES in identifying pneumonia caused by coronavirus.
The Spider Exposure Pathway and the Potential Risk to Arachnivorous Birds

There is growing concern over the health of North American birds, with evidence suggesting substantial population declines. Spiders are prominent dietary items for many bird species and mediate the transfer of contaminants to arachnivorous birds that consume them. Few studies have investigated the potential risk the spider exposure pathway poses to these birds because most studies have focused on piscivores. In the present study, we developed new chronic and acute As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Se, Zn, and MeHg spider‐based avian wildlife values (SBAWVs) for multiple adult and nestling birds (primarily passerines) and then used the newly generated SBAWVs to characterize the risk to birds across 2 study areas: 1) 5 reaches in the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area with substantial mercury deposition but minimal anthropogenic impact, and 2) 4 reaches adjacent to the Emory River, an area impacted by the largest fly coal‐ash spill in US history. We identified MeHg and Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn as contaminants of potential concern (COPC) at the Appalachian Mountain and Emory River study areas, respectively, based on dietary exposure of aquatic contaminants via riparian spiders. The identification of COPC at both study areas due to dietary spider exposure is notable not only because the spider exposure pathway has largely been uninvestigated at these sites but also because the aquatic systems in both areas have been studied extensively. Significant differences in MeHg concentrations were detected among spider taxa and suggest that the selection of spider taxa can impact risk characterization. These results indicate that the spider exposure pathway is important to consider when assessing potential risk, particularly for passerine birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2314–2324. © 2020 SETAC
The S. pombe CDK5 ortholog Pef1 regulates sexual differentiation through control of the TORC1 pathway and autophagy

ABSTRACT In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a general strategy for survival in response to environmental changes is sexual differentiation, which is triggered by TORC1 inactivation. However, mechanisms of TORC1 regulation in fission yeast remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that Pef1, which is an ortholog of mammalian CDK5, regulates the initiation of sexual differentiation through positive regulation of TORC1 activity. Conversely, deletion of pef1 leads to activation of autophagy and subsequent excessive TORC1 reactivation during the early phases of the nitrogen starvation response. This excessive TORC1 reactivation results in the silencing of the Ste11-Mei2 pathway and mating defects. Additionally, we found that pef1 genetically interacts with tsc1 and tsc2 for TORC1 regulation, and physically interacts with three cyclins, Clg1, Pas1 and Psl1. The double deletion of clg1 and pas1 promotes activation of autophagy and TORC1 during nitrogen starvation, similar to what is seen in pef1Δ cells. Overall, our work suggests that Pef1–Clg1 and Pef1–Pas1 complexes regulate initiation of sexual differentiation through control of the TSC–TORC1 pathway and autophagy. Summary: In fission yeast, sexual differentiation is important for survival in environmental changes. We found that Pef1 regulates initiation of sexual differentiation through control of the TORC1 pathway and autophagy.
Surgical Repair of Orofacial Clefts in North Kivu Province of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Background: There is a high prevalence of orofacial clefts in low- and middle-income countries with significant unmet need, despite having 50% of the population younger than 18 years in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The purpose of this article is to report on the experience of general surgeons with orofacial clefts at a single institution. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients treated for cleft lip/palate in the province of North Kivu, DRC between 2008 and 2017. Results: A total of 1112 procedures (122/year) were performed. All procedures were performed by general surgeons following training by an international nongovernmental aid organization. A total of 59.2% of patients were male and the median age was 3.4 years (interquartile range: 0.7-13 years). Average distance from surgical center to patient location was 242.6 km (range: 2-1375 km) with outreach performed for distances >200 kms. A majority (82.1%) of patients received general anesthesia (GA) with significant differences in use of GA, age, weight, and length of stay by major orofacial cleft category. Of the 1112 patients, 86.1% were reported to have cleft lip alone, 10.5% had cleft lip and palate, and 3.4% cleft palate alone. Despite this, only 5.3% of patients underwent surgical repair of cleft palate. Conclusions: Multiple factors including malnutrition, risk of bleeding, procedural complexity, and cosmetic results may contribute to the distribution of procedures performed where most cleft palates are not treated. Based on previously published estimates, unmet needs and social burden of cleft lip and palate are high in the DRC.
Multimedia based education on bowel preparation improves adenoma detection rate: Systematic review & meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer worldwide. Studies have shown a strong association between screening colonoscopy and a reduced risk of death from colorectal cancers. The incidence of poor bowel preparation has been reported in up to 25% cases. We conducted a systematic review and comprehensive meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of patient education using multimedia platforms on adenoma detection rate and adequacy of bowel preparation.
Sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of dry cured ham Speck are affected by pig dietary supplementation with antioxidant mixture.

BACKGROUND Dry cured ham named Speck is a typical Italian product, with consolidated processing techniques and specific quality parameters. It has gained importance in the international market after obtaining the Protected Geographical Indication. Recent studies indicate that dietary plant extracts in pig may affect quality of processed meats but there are no data on their effect on Speck. Consequently, the effects of dietary supplementation with antioxidant mixture, containing vitamin E and polyphenols (AOX) in pigs on the nutritional characteristics, volatile compounds, sensory properties and consumers' preference of Speck was evaluated. RESULTS The Speck weight loss during seasoning was lower in the AOX group, while products quality parameters were not affected by dietary treatments. Alcohol and terpenes concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in the AOX samples than the control. Sensory profile revealed slight differences (P < 0.05) in Speck salty and sweet taste, whereas the consumer tests showed a higher (P < 0.05) preference, with mean score of 7, for Speck from pigs fed AOX. CONCLUSION Our results provide new insights on the quality parameters of Speck. Dietary integration with antioxidant mixture decreased Speck weight losses during seasoning. Volatile compounds concentrations and sensory profile were slight affected by dietary treatment. The consumer test revealed that dietary antioxidants, increased the overall preference for Speck, and can potentially increase its consumption. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, the Virus Causing COVID-19

In December 2019, a novel beta (β) coronavirus eventually named SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, causing an outbreak of severe and even fatal pneumonia in humans. The virus has spread very rapidly to many countries across the world, resulting in the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Clinically, the diagnosis of this unprecedented illness, called coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), becomes difficult because it shares many symptoms with other respiratory pathogens, including influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Therefore, laboratory diagnosis is crucial for the clinical management of patients and the implementation of disease control strategies to contain SARS-CoV-2 at clinical and population level. Here, we summarize the main clinical and imaging findings of COVID-19 patients and discuss the advances, features, advantages, and limitations of different laboratory methods used for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.
A State-of-the-Art Review on the Wear of the Occlusal Surfaces of Natural Teeth and Prosthetic Crowns

This review focuses on the wear mechanisms of natural and restorative dental materials, presenting a comprehensive description and analysis of the works published in the last two decades on the wear at the interface of occlusal surfaces. Different groups of tribological pairs were considered: tooth-tooth, tooth-restorative material (tooth-ceramic, tooth-resin-based-materials, and tooth-metal), and restorative-restorative materials. The lack of standardization of the wear tests impairs the direct comparison of the obtained results. However, it was possible to infer about the main wear mechanisms observed on the different classes of dental materials. Concerning ceramics, their toughness and surface finishing determines the wear of antagonist tooth. Abrasion revealed to be the main wear mechanisms at occlusal interface. In the case of resin-based composites, the cohesion of the organic matrix and the nature, shape, and amount of filler particles greatly influences the dental wear. The protruding and detachment of the filler particles are the main causes of abrasion of antagonist enamel. Metallic materials induce lower wear on antagonist enamel than the other classes of materials, because of their low hardness and high ductility. Most of the studies revealed plastic deformation and adhesive wear as the main wear mechanisms. Overall, more research in this area is needed for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved at the occlusal surfaces wear. This would be essential for the development of more suitable restoration materials.
Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure of the Wild Tsushima Leopard Cat from Genome-Wide Analysis

Simple Summary The Tsushima leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, is a small regional population of the Amur leopard cat and is only found on Tsushima Island in Japan. A breeding program will require adequate information on parentage, kinship, and inbreeding for this population. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop this information in order to conserve the population and its genetic diversity. We performed GRAS-Di analysis to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the Tsushima leopard cat. We identified between 133 and 158 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in three different genotyping methods. These SNP markers can be used in identification of individuals and parentage. In addition, structure analysis using these markers demonstrated the similar genetic composition of the samples from 48 Tsushima leopard cats, and indicated Tsushima leopard cats have no subpopulations. We have provided genetic markers that are useful for conservation of the Tsushima leopard cat, such as individual identification and parentage. Moreover, we have also clarified units for conservation of the Tsushima leopard cat population from structure analysis. Abstract The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) lives on Tsushima Island in Japan and is a regional population of the Amur leopard cat; it is threatened with extinction. Its genetic management is important because of the small population. We used genotyping by random amplicon sequencing-direct (GRAS-Di) to develop a draft genome and explore single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The SNPs were analyzed using three genotyping methods (mapping de novo, to the Tsushima leopard cat draft genome, and to the domestic cat genome). We examined the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the Tsushima leopard cat. The genome size was approximately 2.435 Gb. The number of SNPs identified was 133–158. The power of these markers was sufficient for individual and parentage identifications. These SNPs can provide useful information about the life of the Tsushima leopard cat and the pairings and for the introduction of founders to conserve genetic diversity with ex situ conservation. We identified that there are no subpopulations of the Tsushima leopard cat. The identifying units will allow for a concentration of efforts for conservation. SNPs can be applied to the analysis of the leopard cat in other regions, making them useful for comparisons among populations and conservation in other small populations.
Urinalysis Using a Diaper-Based Testing Device

Urinary tract infections (UTI), one of the most common bacterial infections, annually affect 150 million people worldwide. Infants and the elderly are likely to have missed or delayed diagnosis of UTI due to difficulty clearly describing their symptoms. A rapid screening method for UTI is a critical and urgent need for these populations. The aim of our study is to develop a diaper-based testing device to assay urine biomarkers including pH, leukocyte, and nitrite level. This all-in-one device assists in urine collection and testing using a colorimetric approach to provide easily read visual results on the outside surface of a test strip-integrated diaper. In this study, we tested samples from 46 patients using testing strips and examined the results from 7 patients recruited to validate the strip-integrated diaper. In conclusion, this new diaper-based testing device is easy to use, rapid, and inexpensive, all of which imbue it with tremendous potential for development into a commercially viable UTI screening system.
Correlation between polymorphism of adiponectin gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bai and Han population at Dali area

Objective To study the correlation of T45G polymorphism of adiponectin gene(APM1)with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Bai and Han populations in Dali area. Methods The APM1 T45G polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP in nondiabetic controls and patients with T2DM. Results In Bai population,the frequencies of diversified genotypes and alleles of APM1 T45G had no significant difference between control group and T2DM group (all P0.05). In Han population,the frequency of GG genotype was higher in T2DM group than in control group(10.5% vs 1.5%,P0.05). Conclusions The correlation between APM1 T45G polymorphism and T2DM may have ethnic difference. In Bai nation,the polymorphism is not related to the occurrence of T2DM.The APM1 45 GG genotype may play a role in the occurrence of T2DM in Han populations.
Analysis of reference genes stability and histidine kinase expression under cold stress in Cordyceps militaris

The development of fungal fruiting bodies from a hyphal thallus is inducible under low temperature (cold stress). The molecular mechanism has been subject to surprisingly few studies. Analysis of gene expression level has become an important means to study gene function and its regulation mechanism. But identification of reference genes (RGs) stability under cold stress have not been reported in famous medicinal mushroom-forming fungi Cordyceps militaris. Herein, 12 candidate RGs had been systematically validated under cold stress in C. militaris. Three different algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper were applied to evaluate the expression stability of the RGs. Our results showed that UBC and UBQ were the most stable RGs for cold treatments in short and long periods, respectively. 2 RGs (UBC and PP2A) and 3 RGs (UBQ, TUB and CYP) were the suitable RGs for cold treatments in short and long periods, respectively. Moreover, target genes, two-component-system histidine kinase genes, were selected to validate the most and least stable RGs under cold treatment, which indicated that use of unstable expressed genes as RGs leads to biased results. Our results provide a good starting point for accurate reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction normalization by using UBC and UBQ in C. militaris under cold stress and better support for understanding the mechanism of response to cold stress and fruiting body formation in C. militaris and other mushroom-forming fungi in future research.