Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve block with botulinum toxin for patients with chronic headache in the occipital area: a randomized controlled trial

Background Ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve (GON) block has been frequently used to treat various types of headaches, and botulinum toxin has recently begun to be used in patients with headache. Our study presents the long-term effect of botulinum toxin on GON block using ultrasound in patients with chronic headache in occipital area. Methods Patients with occipital headache were divided into two groups (bupivacaine: BUP group [n = 27], botulinum toxin: BTX group [n = 27]), and ultrasound-guided GON block was performed at the C2 level. GON was detected with ultrasound and distance from GON to midline, from the skin surface to GON, and size of GON were measured in both groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Likert scale were assessed at pretreatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 24 weeks after treatment in both groups. Results The distance from GON to midline was 18.9 ± 4.4 mm (right) and 17.3 ± 3.8 mm (left). The depth from the skin was 12.9 ± 1.5 mm (right) and 13.4 ± 1.6 mm (left). GON size was 3.1 mm on both sides. The VAS score and patient satisfaction score (Likert scale) in 4, 8, and 24 weeks after injection were superior for the BTX than the BUP group. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided GON block using BTX is effective in reducing short-term and long-term pain in patients with chronic headache in the occipital area.
Substance use and its effect on antiretroviral treatment adherence among male fisherfolk living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Background Fisherfolk are a most-at-risk population for HIV being prioritized for the scale up of HIV treatment in Uganda. Heavy alcohol use and potential drug use may be a major barrier to treatment adherence for men in this setting. Objective This study examines the prevalence of substance use, and its influence on antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence, among male fisherfolk on ART in Wakiso District, Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study included structured questionnaires (N = 300) with men attending HIV clinics near Lake Victoria. Using generalized logistic modeling analyses with a binomial distribution and logit link, we conducted multivariate models to test the association between each alcohol variable (quantity and frequency index, hazardous drinking) and missed pills, adjusting for covariates, and tested for interactions between number of pills prescribed and alcohol variables. Results Thirty-one percent of men reported sub-optimal adherence. Half (46.7%) reported drinking, of which 64.8% met criteria for hazardous drinking. Illicit drug use was low (6%). In the multivariate model, men with greater scores on the alcohol frequency and quantity index were more likely to report missed pills compared to those reporting no drinking (AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.29–1.97). Hazardous drinking had a greater effect on missed ARV doses among men taking twice daily regimens compared to once daily (AOR: 4.91, 95% CI: 1.68–14.37). Conclusions Our findings highlight the need for targeted alcohol-reduction interventions for male fisherfolk on ART who drink at high quantities to improve ART adherence and to prevent the known negative health effects of alcohol for HIV-infected individuals.
Y chromosome gene copy number and lack of autism phenotype in a male with an isodicentric Y chromosome and absent NLGN4Y expression

We describe a unique male with a dicentric Y chromosome whose phenotype was compared to that of males with 47,XYY (XYY). The male Y‐chromosome aneuploidy XYY is associated with physical, behavioral/cognitive phenotypes, and autism spectrum disorders. We hypothesize that increased risk for these phenotypes is caused by increased copy number/overexpression of Y‐encoded genes. Specifically, an extra copy of the neuroligin gene NLGN4Y might elevate the risk of autism in boys with XYY. We present a unique male with the karyotype 46,X,idic(Y)(q11.22), which includes duplication of the Y short arm and proximal long arm and deletion of the distal long arm, evaluated his physical, behavioral/cognitive, and neuroimaging/magnetoencephalography (MEG) phenotypes, and measured blood RNA expression of Y genes. The proband had tall stature and cognitive function within the typical range, without autism features. His blood RNA showed twofold increase in expression of Yp genes versus XY controls, and absent expression of deleted Yq genes, including NLGN4Y. The M100 latencies were similar to findings in typically developing males. In summary, the proband had overexpression of a subset of Yp genes, absent NLGN4Y expression, without ASD findings or XYY‐MEG latency findings. These results are consistent with a role for NLGN4Y overexpression in the etiology of behavioral phenotypes associated with XYY. Further investigation of NLGN4Y as an ASD risk gene in XYY is warranted. The genotype and phenotype(s) of this subject may also provide insight into how Y chromosome genes contribute to normal male development and the male predominance in ASD.
An In Vitro Study of Osteoblast Response on Fused-Filament Fabrication 3D Printed PEEK for Dental and Cranio-Maxillofacial Implants

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a prime candidate to replace metallic implants and prostheses in orthopedic, spine and cranio-maxillofacial surgeries. Fused-filament fabrication (FFF) is an economical and efficient three-dimensional (3D) printing method to fabricate PEEK implants. However, studies pertaining to the bioactivity of FFF 3D printed PEEK are still lacking. In this study, FFF 3D printed PEEK samples were fabricated and modified with polishing and grit-blasting (three alumina sizes: 50, 120, and 250 µm) to achieve varying levels of surface roughness. In vitro cellular response of a human osteosarcoma cell line (SAOS-2 osteoblasts, cell adhesion, metabolic activity, and proliferation) on different sample surfaces of untreated, polished, and grit-blasted PEEK were evaluated. The results revealed that the initial cell adhesion on different sample surfaces was similar. However, after 5 days the untreated FFF 3D printed PEEK surfaces exhibited a significant increase in cell metabolic activity and proliferation with a higher density of osteoblasts compared with the polished and grit-blasted groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, untreated FFF 3D printed PEEK with high surface roughness and optimal printing structures might have great potential as an appropriate alloplastic biomaterial for reconstructive cranio-maxillofacial surgeries.
Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Solvabilities for Stochastic Linear Quadratic Optimal Control Problems

This paper is concerned with a stochastic linear quadratic (LQ, for short) optimal control problem. The notions of open-loop and closed-loop solvabilities are introduced. A simple example shows that these two solvabilities are different. Closed-loop solvability is established by means of solvability of the corresponding Riccati equation, which is implied by the uniform convexity of the quadratic cost functional. Conditions ensuring the convexity of the cost functional are discussed, including the issue that how negative the control weighting matrix-valued function R(s) can be. Finiteness of the LQ problem is characterized by the convergence of the solutions to a family of Riccati equations. Then, a minimizing sequence, whose convergence is equivalent to the open-loop solvability of the problem, is constructed. Finally, an illustrative example is presented.
Reproductive health and desire for children among young female sex workers in Bangladesh brothels

Abstract Globally, reproductive health research among female sex workers (FSWs) often focuses on pregnancy prevention, but many women who sell sex aspire to have children in the future. In Bangladesh, where early marriage and parenthood is the norm, we examine reproductive histories and childbearing desires of young women who sell sex in brothels. We interviewed 1061 FSWs aged 18 to 24 in eight brothels in three Bangladesh divisions. Interviewers elicited information on sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive use, pregnancy history, and childbearing desire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine correlates of wanting to have a child within 24 months.
Virtual Reality for Individuals With Substance Use Disorders.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain difficult to treat, with relapse rates averaging 50% despite available treatment. There is a need for new and novel treatment for treating SUDs. The use of virtual reality (VR) shows promising results as a strategy to help patients with SUDs manage cravings, say no to substance use, reduce stress and anxiety, treat pain, learn life skills, exercise, and use as a substitute for substance use. In VR, patients use a head-mounted device to experience computer-generated 360° simulated environments. Studies have shown that VR activates some of the same areas of the brain that substances activate. The science and technology of VR is evolving, resulting in more affordability, but the price is likely still a barrier for most treatment providers and patients. In addition, applications used to treat SUDs were developed for use in research and are not currently available for public use. More rigorous studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of VR as a treatment for SUDs. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(6), 15-19. ].
European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for the inclusion of patient representatives in scientific projects

Objective To develop recommendations to enable successful inclusion of the patient perspective in European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)-funded scientific research projects. Methods The EULAR standardised operational procedures for guideline development were followed. A systematic literature review was presented during a first task force meeting, including 3 rheumatologists, 1 rheumatologist/epidemiologist, 2 allied health professionals, 2 representatives of arthritis research organisations and 7 patient representatives, resulting in 38 statements. A Delphi method was carried out to reduce and refine the statements and agree on a set of eight. Next, a survey among a wider group of experts, professionals and patient representatives (n=42), was completed. Feedback from this wider group was discussed at the second meeting and integrated in the final wording of the recommendations. Subsequently, the level of agreement of the group of experts (n=81) was re-evaluated. Results The project resulted in a definition of patient research partner and agreement on a set of eight recommendations for their involvement in research projects. These recommendations provide practical guidance for organising patient participation, capturing (1) the role of patient research partners, (2) phase of involvement, (3) the recommended number, (4) recruitment, (5) selection, (6) support, (7) training and (8) acknowledgement. Conclusion Collaboration between patients and professionals in research is relatively new. Trials or effectiveness studies are not yet available. Nevertheless, it is possible to define recommendations for the inclusion of patients in research following a solid expert opinion based consensus process.
Regenerative responses after mild heart injuries for cardiomyocyte proliferation in zebrafish

Background: The zebrafish heart regenerates after various severe injuries. Common processes of heart regeneration are cardiomyocyte proliferation, activation of epicardial tissue, and neovascularization. In order to further characterize heart regeneration processes, we introduced milder injuries and compared responses to those induced by ventricular apex resection, a widely used injury method. We used scratching of the ventricular surface and puncturing of the ventricle with a fine tungsten needle as injury‐inducing techniques. Results: Scratching the ventricular surface induced subtle cardiomyocyte proliferation and responses of the epicardium. Endothelial cell accumulation was limited to the surface of the heart. Ventricular puncture induced cardiomyocyte proliferation, endocardial and epicardial activation, and neo‐vascularization, similar to the resection method. However, the degree of the responses was milder, correlating with milder injury. Sham operation induced epicardial aldh1a2 expression but not tbx18 and WT1. Conclusions: Puncturing the ventricle induces responses equivalent to resection at milder degrees in a shorter time frame and can be used as a simple injury model. Scratching the ventricle did not induce heart regeneration and can be used for studying wound responses to epicardium. Developmental Dynamics 243:1477–1486, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of plyometric jump training on the physical fitness of young male soccer players: Modulation of response by inter-set recovery interval and maturation status

ABSTRACT The effects of plyometric jump training on the physical fitness of male youth (age = 10–17 years) soccer players was examined in relation to inter-set recovery intervals and the maturity of the players in a single-blind, randomized-and controlled crossover trial. Jumping tests and kicking velocities were measured before (T0), after a 6 week control period (T1), after 6 weeks of plyometrics (T2), after 6 weeks of wash-out (T3), and after a further 6 weeks of plyometrics (T4). Subjects were divided into pre- and post- peak-height-velocity (PHV) groups, and were randomly assigned to 30 s or 120 s inter-set intervals during periods T2 and T4. Any changes in jumping and maximum kicking velocities during T1 and T3, had trivial effect sizes (0.01–0.15), but small to moderate improvements (effect size = 0.20–0.99) were observed in both groups during T2 and T4. Gains in pre-PHV players were similar for the two inter-set intervals, but gains in post-PHV players were greater (p < 0.05) with an inter-set recovery of 120 s than with a 30 s recovery. We conclude that plyometric jump training improves the physical fitness of adolescents, irrespective of their maturity, but that in older individuals gains are greater with a longer inter-set recovery interval.
Impairment of sperm maturation and capacitation due to diet‐dependent cholesterol overload

Lipid metabolic disorders (dyslipidemia) are constantly increasing in occidental societies and lead to the development of pathologies such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It has been demonstrated that dyslipidemia can alter the reproductive function. Animal models have recently been used to show that the offspring of dyslipidemic males could also develop such pathologies and that the transgenerational transmission involved post‐testicular sperm maturation. These data targeted the essential role of male gamete epididymal maturation and its importance for the health of the offspring.
Prospective observation: Clinical utility of plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA load in EBV‐associated gastric carcinoma patients

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated gastric carcinomas (EBVaGCs) may account for 8–9% of all gastric cancer (GC) patients. All previous reports on EBVaGC were retrospective. Prospective study is warranted to evaluate the exact role of EBV status in predicting the prognosis of GC. It is of special interest to figure out whether dynamic detection of plasma EBV‐DNA load could be a feasible biomarker for the monitor of EBVaGC. From October 2014 to September 2017, we consecutively collected GC patients (n = 2,760) from Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center for EBER examination. We detected EBV‐DNA load in plasma and tissue samples of EBVaGC patients at baseline. Subsequently, plasma EBV‐DNA load was dynamically monitored in EBVaGC patients. The overall prevalence of EBVaGC is 5.1% (140/2,760). The incidence rate of EBVaGC decreased with advanced AJCC 7th TNM stage (p < 0.001), with the corresponding percentages of 9.3, 9.9, 6.7 and 1.4% for Stage I, II, III and IV patients. EBVaGC patients were predominately young males with better histologic differentiation and earlier TNM stage than EBV‐negative GC (EBVnGC) patients. EBVaGC patients were confirmed to had a favorable 3‐year survival rate (EBVaGC vs. EBVnGC: 76.8% vs. 58.2%, p = 0.0001). Though only 52.1% (73/140) EBVaGC patients gained detectable EBV‐DNA and 43.6% (61/140) reached a positive cutoff of 100 copies/ml, we found the plasma EBV‐DNA load in EBVaGC decreased when patients got response, while it increased when disease progressed. Our results suggested that plasma EBV‐DNA is a good marker in predicting recurrence and chemotherapy response for EBVaGC patients.
Effect of Dietary Fiber on the Composition of the Murine Dental Microbiome

The oral cavity houses a diverse consortium of microorganisms, heavily influenced by host diet, that can mediate dental health and disease. While the impact of dietary carbohydrates to the dental microbiome has been well-documented, the effect of fiber as a mechanical influence on the dental microbiome is unexplored. We performed 16S rRNA gene analysis to investigate the response of the dental microbiome to the presence of increased fiber in terms of microbial taxonomic abundance and diversity. Dental microbial community structure was significantly different in mice fed a diet supplemented with increased fiber and/or sugar. Fiber significantly affected measures of beta diversity at the phylum and genus levels, and a strong interactive effect on alpha diversity was observed between sugar and fiber at the phylum level. The addition of fiber also induced significant variation in relative taxonomic abundance. This study demonstrates that fiber can promote significant variations in the mouse dental microbiome.
Investigation of Fugitive Aerosols Released into the Environment during High-Flow Therapy

Background: Nebulised medical aerosols are designed to deliver drugs to the lungs to aid in the treatment of respiratory diseases. However, an unintended consequence is the potential for fugitive emissions during patient treatment, which may pose a risk factor in both clinical and homecare settings. Methods: The current study examined the potential for fugitive emissions, using albuterol sulphate as a tracer aerosol during high-flow therapy. A nasal cannula was connected to a head model or alternatively, a interface was connected to a tracheostomy tube in combination with a simulated adult and paediatric breathing profile. Two aerodynamic particle sizers (APS) recorded time-series aerosol concentrations and size distributions at two different distances relative to the simulated patient. Results: The results showed that the quantity and characteristics of the fugitive emissions were influenced by the interface type, patient type and supplemental gas-flow rate. There was a trend in the adult scenarios; as the flow rate increased, the fugitive emissions and the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol both decreased. The fugitive emissions were comparable when using the adult breathing profiles for the nasal cannula and tracheostomy interfaces; however, there was a noticeable distinction between the two interfaces when compared for the paediatric breathing profiles. The highest recorded aerosol concentration was 0.370 ± 0.046 mg m−3 from the tracheostomy interface during simulated paediatric breathing with a gas-flow rate of 20 L/min. The averaged MMAD across all combinations ranged from 1.248 to 1.793 µm by the APS at a distance of 0.8 m away from the patient interface. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the potential for secondary inhalation of fugitive emissions released during simulated aerosol treatment with concurrent high-flow therapy. The findings will help in developing policy and best practice for risk mitigation from fugitive emissions.
A 22 bp cis‐acting element is necessary and sufficient for the induction of the yeast KAR2 (BiP) gene by unfolded proteins.

The KAR2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae codes for an essential chaperone protein (BiP) that is localized in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The high basal rate of transcription of KAR2 is increased transiently by heat shock: prolonged induction occurs when unfolded proteins accumulate in the ER. Three cis‐acting elements in the KAR2 promoter control expression of KAR2: (i) a GC‐rich region that contributes to the high level of constitutive expression, (ii) a functional heat shock element (HSE) and (iii) an element (UPR) that is involved in the induction of BiP mRNA by unfolded proteins. By analyzing internal deletion mutants of the KAR2 promoter, we demonstrate here that these three elements regulate transcription of KAR2 independently. Furthermore, the 22 bp UPR element causes a heterologous (CYC1) promoter to respond to the presence of unfolded proteins in the ER. Extracts of both stressed and unstressed yeast cells contain proteins that bind specifically to synthetic HSE and UPR elements and retard their migration through gels. Binding proteins specific for the UPR element can be fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Two of the proteins UPRF‐1 and UPRF‐2 (which is apparently a proteolytic degradation product of UPRF‐1) bind inefficiently to mutant versions of the UPR that are unable to confer responsiveness to unfolded proteins to the (CYC1) promoter. UPRF‐1 therefore displays the properties expected of a transcription factor that is involved in the sustained response of the KAR2 promoter to unfolded proteins in the ER. These experiments show that yeast cells can activate a transcription factor that stimulates expression of a nuclear gene in response to the accumulation of unfolded proteins in another cellular compartment.
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and peroxidase-mediated cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitory properties of Fusarium solani extract

Abstract Context: Nigerian soil fungi population is unexplored. It is hypothesized that they harbour new bioactive chemicals. This hypothesis is based on the large percentage of currently approved medicines that originated from soil-inhabiting micro-organisms Objectives: To investigate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Fusarium solani ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract selected based on its broad spectrum of antimicrobial potential in an overlay experiment with seven other soil fungi strains. Materials and methods: Fungus number 6 (F6), identified by molecular characterization as Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc (Nectriaceae) was selected for studies from eight purified soil fungi due to its superior broad-spectrum antibiotics producing potential following agar overlay experiment. F6 was fermented for 21 d and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of its EtOAc fermentation extract (dose range: 12.5–100 µg/mL) was determined using agar dilution method for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and anti-inflammatory properties determined using rat-paw (250–500 mg/kg) and xylene induced oedema (250–500 µg/kg) (in Swiss albino rats and mice) models, respectively. The ability of the extract to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme was also determined in vitro using Cayman test kit-760111. Result: The MIC of the EtOAc extract was <12.5 µg/mL for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. It inhibited xylene induced oedema by 65% compared with 61% observed for diclofenac and was significantly (p < 0.05) better than diclofenac in rat-paw-oedema model within the first phase of inflammation. The extract inhibited COX-1 peroxidase-mediated activities with an IC50 below 5 µg/mL. Conclusions: The extract exhibited strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, warranting further investigations into therapeutic potential of this fungus. This study design can be adapted in soil fungi metabolomic investigations. We report for the first time the potent anti-inflammatory property of the ethyl acetate extract of soil strain of F. solani with a possible mechanism of action that involves the inhibition of COX enzyme.