Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with brain abscess in South Korea

Background Brain abscess can be life-threatening and manifest various neurological findings, although the mortality rate has decreased recently. We investigated the risk factors for unfavorable outcomes of patients with brain abscess. Methods A retrospective cohort study examined patients with brain abscess seen from May 2005 to December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital in Seoul, South Korea. We reviewed the medical records for clinical findings, therapeutic modalities, and prognostic factors of brain abscess. Unfavorable clinical outcomes were defined as death, moderate to severe disability with neurological deficits, or vegetative state at 1 year or at the time of discharge from outpatient follow-up. Results The study enrolled 135 patients: 65.2% were males; the mean age was 56 years. 35.6% had unfavorable outcomes. In multivariate analysis, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (p < 0.001), pre-existing hemiplegia (p = 0.049), and higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p = 0.028) were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusions Higher SOFA, pre-existing hemiplegia and higher Charlson comorbidity index were significant risk factors for unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with brain abscess.
Personal Skills for Optimal Identity Development: A Person-Centered Approach in Italian Late-Adolescents

The present study examined the association between identity statuses and some competences such as creativity, personal growth initiative and agency, which can actually be considered as resources for the development of optimal identity in our de-standardized society (personal skills for optimal identity development, PSID). Participants were 250 adolescents (118 males and 132 females) attending the last two years of various high schools in Italy. We used five self-report measures of identity development, agency, creativity, and personal growth initiative, and specific psychosocial correlates (anxiety, depression and well-being) to examine the association between identity, PSID and both well- and ill-being. Based on a person-centered approach, five typologies were obtained in order to describe the differentiated interplay between identity and PSID. Our findings suggested that late adolescents showing medium/high levels of PSID seem to be more advanced in their identity definition; as a result, they show positive psycho-social functioning, supporting the hypothesis that PSID can allow the acquisition of optimal identity. Suggestions for developing interventions to foster personal resources in this age group are discussed.
Predicting COVID-19 progression from diagnosis to recovery or death linking primary care and hospital records in Castilla y León (Spain)

This paper analyses COVID-19 patients’ dynamics during the first wave in the region of Castilla y León (Spain) with around 2.4 million inhabitants using multi-state competing risk survival models. From the date registered as the start of the clinical process, it is assumed that a patient can progress through three intermediate states until reaching an absorbing state of recovery or death. Demographic characteristics, epidemiological factors such as the time of infection and previous vaccinations, clinical history, complications during the course of the disease and drug therapy for hospitalised patients are considered as candidate predictors. Regarding risk factors associated with mortality and severity, consistent results with many other studies have been found, such as older age, being male, and chronic diseases. Specifically, the hospitalisation (death) rate for those over 69 is 27.2% (19.8%) versus 5.3% (0.7%) for those under 70, and for males is 14.5%(7%) versus 8.3%(4.6%)for females. Among patients with chronic diseases the highest rates of hospitalisation are 26.1% for diabetes and 26.3% for kidney disease, while the highest death rate is 21.9% for cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, specific predictors for different transitions are given, and estimates of the probability of recovery and death for each patient are provided by the model. Some interesting results obtained are that for patients infected at the end of the period the hazard of transition from hospitalisation to ICU is significatively lower (p < 0.001) and the hazard of transition from hospitalisation to recovery is higher (p < 0.001). For patients previously vaccinated against pneumococcus the hazard of transition to recovery is higher (p < 0.001). Finally, internal validation and calibration of the model are also performed.
Clusters Across Multiple Domains of Health-Related Quality of Life Reveal Complex Patient Outcomes After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. OBJECTIVES: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ruptured brain aneurysm) often have reduced health-related quality of life at follow-up in multiple domains (e.g., cognitive function and social function). We tested the hypothesis that there are distinct patterns of patient outcomes across domains of health-related quality of life, “complex patient outcomes,” in survivors of subarachnoid hemorrhage. DESIGN: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were prospectively identified. Clinical data were prospectively recorded. Health-related quality of life was prospectively assessed at 3-month follow-up using the National Institutes of Health Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and neuro-quality of life in the domains of mobility, cognitive function, satisfaction with social roles, and depression. We used k-means clustering to analyze prospectively recorded health-related quality of life data, identifying clusters of complex patient outcomes. Decision tree analysis identified index hospital stay factors predictive of a patient having a particular complex patient outcome at follow-up. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred three survivors of subarachnoid hemorrhage. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We analyzed 103 patients, of whom 75 (72.8%) were female, and mean age was 53.6 ± 13.4 years. There were three complex patient outcomes: health-related quality of life greater than 1 sd better than the U.S. mean across all domains (n = 23, 22.3%), health-related quality of life greater than 1 sd worse than U.S. mean across all domains (n = 26, 25.2%), and satisfaction with social roles greater than 0.5 sd worse than U.S. mean with cognitive function, depression, and mobility scores near the U.S. mean (n = 54, 52.4%). In decision tree analysis, hospital disposition and Hunt and Hess Grade were associated with complex patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Complex patient outcomes across multiple domains of health-related quality of life at follow-up after subarachnoid hemorrhage are distinct and may be predictable.
The assessment of yield and quality traits of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes in middle Black Sea region, Turkey

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivation in Turkey is concentrated in one province situated in Mediterranean region only, which would not fulfill the domestic needs of the country soon. Therefore, cultivation of the crop in other provinces/climatic regions should be initiated to fulfill the domestic needs. The cultivation in other provinces requires thorough assessment of yield and quality traits of target crop. Therefore, yield and quality characteristics of four sweet potato genotypes (i.e., ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’, ‘Hatay Yerlisi’, ‘Havuc’ and ‘Kalem’) were assessed in the current study in Kazova and Niksar counties of Tokat province of the country having middle Black Sea climate in field experiments during 2018 and 2019. The cuttings of the genotypes were planted in Niksar during the second fortnight of April and first week of May in Kazova. The planting density was kept 90 × 45 cm. Data relating to number of storage roots, storage root weight, storage root yield per hill and storage root yield per hectare were recorded. Furthermore, quality traits, including dry matter ratio (%), protein ratio (%) and antioxidant ratio (%) of storage roots were also determined. The highest total storage root yield was recorded for ‘Havuc’ genotype during both years and locations, followed by ‘Hatay Yerlisi’ and ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’ genotypes. Overall, storage root yield (60.06 and 62.40 tons ha-1 during first and second year) recorded for the experiment at Niksar was higher than the storage root yield recorded for Kazova experiment (53.50 and 52.84 tons ha-1 during first and second year, respectively). The highest dry matter was produced by ‘Kalem’ and ‘Hatay Yerlisi’ genotypes during both years and at both locations, followed by ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’ and ‘Havuc’ genotypes. The storage roots of the tested genotypes accumulated higher dry matter at Kazova during both years. The highest protein content was obtained from the ‘Kalem’ genotype, and the protein contents of the ‘Hatay Yerlisi’ and ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’ genotypes were close to the ‘Kalem’ genotype. The results indicated that tested genotypes can successfully be cultivated in middle Black Sea climate. Therefore, production of sweet potato can be initiated in the future to meet the domestic needs for sweet potato in the country.
Lipid-Free PN is Associated with an Increased Risk of Hyperbilirubinemia in Surgical Critically Ill Patients with Admission Hepatic Disorder: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background To evaluate the effect of different PN types on surgical critically ill trauma/acute care surgery patients with hepatic disorders at admission. Methods This is a retrospective study. The PN types included lipid-free, soybean oil/medium-chain triglyceride, olive oil-based, and fish oil-containing PNs. Patients admitted with liver injury or liver surgery, elevated serum AST/ALT level, and elevated serum total bilirubin level were included. The exclusion criteria are as follows: 1) age <18 years, 2) severe liver disease/cirrhosis, 3) received more than one type of PN and 4) serum total bilirubin >4.9 mg/dl at admission. Demographics, severity, comorbidities, blood stream infection, hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin > 6.0 mg/dl), and mortality were collected for analysis. We also performed analysis stratified by separated lipid doses (g/kg/day). Results A total of 156 patients were enrolled. There were no demographic differences among groups. The lipid-free group was associated with the highest mortality rate and incidence of hyperbilirubinemia. Compared to the lipid-free group, the olive oil-based group had the lowest risk of hyperbilirubinemia. After being stratified by separated lipid doses, the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia decreased when the lipid dosage increased. Regarding different types of lipids, patients who received more than the median dosage of lipids showed a significantly lower risk of hyperbilirubinemia, except in the fish oil-containing group. Conclusion Our result suggested that lipid-free PN is associated with an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia in surgical critically ill patients with admission hepatic disorder. Further studies are warranted.
Disability and Self-care Living Strategies Among Adults Living With HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as physical distancing, closure of community services, postponement of health appointments, and loss of employment can lead to social isolation, financial uncertainty, and interruption of antiretroviral adherence, resulting in additional health-related challenges (disability) experienced among adults living with chronic illness such as HIV. ‘Living strategies’ is a concept derived from the perspective of people living with HIV, defined as behaviors, attitudes and beliefs adopted by people living with HIV to help deal with disability associated with HIV and multi-morbidity. Our aim was to describe disability among adults living with HIV and self-care living strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Adults living with HIV in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, including some with pre-pandemic HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ) data, completed a cross-sectional web-based survey between June-August 2020. The survey included the HDQ and questions about self-care living strategy use during the pandemic. We compared disability (HDQ) scores prior to versus during the pandemic using paired t-tests. We reported the proportion of participants who engaged in various living strategies at least ‘a few times a week’ or ‘everyday’ during the pandemic. Results Of the 63 respondents, 84% were men, median age 57 years, and 62% lived alone. During the pandemic the greatest disability severity was in the uncertainty (median 30; Interquartile range (IQR): 16, 43) and mental-emotional (25; IQR: 14, 41) domains. Among the 51 participants with pre-pandemic data, HDQ severity scores were significantly greater (worse) during the pandemic (vs prior) in all domains. Greatest change from prior to during the pandemic was in the mental-emotional domain for presence (17.7; p<0.001), severity (11.4; p<0.001), and episodic nature (9.3; p<0.05) of disability. Most participants (>60%) reported engaging a ‘few times a week’ or ‘everyday’ in self-care strategies associated with maintaining sense of control and adopting positive attitudes and beliefs. Conclusions People living with HIV reported high levels of uncertainty and mental-emotional health challenges during the pandemic. Disability increased across all HDQ dimensions, with the greatest worsening in the mental-emotional health domain. Results provide an understanding of disability and self-care strategy use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labyrinthitis: A Rare Consequence of COVID-19 Infection

Since the declaration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic, it remains a widespread infection with a major impact on global resources and health infrastructure. The hallmark of COVID-19 continues to be the well-documented effects it has on the respiratory system. With the passage of time, the involvement of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in other systems has become more apparent, with the increased incidence of thromboembolic events, cardiac involvement as well as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms secondary to the infection. Our case report demonstrates a presentation of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Our patient was diagnosed as positive for COVID-19 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) nine days prior to developing these symptoms. Her COVID-19 infection was otherwise relatively mild, for which she did not seek any medical intervention. A careful assessment ruled out cerebrovascular causes and led us to the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2-induced labyrinthitis. Our patient was successfully treated as an outpatient without unnecessary investigations and responded well to standard therapy for viral labyrinthitis as per National Health Service (NHS) guidelines. She eventually reported having made a full recovery within three weeks of the initial encounter. Audio-vestibular consequences of COVID-19 are less reported compared to other symptoms of neurological involvement, such as gustatory or olfactory dysfunction, which have become key indicators aiding in the diagnosis of the infection. Among these disorders, the commonly reported presentation is that of vestibular neuronitis. Our case report demonstrates that labyrinthitis is also among the neurological manifestations to be considered as a result of COVID-19, which can be safely managed in the community with the same strategies as those employed for other viral triggers. It also reveals the need for further research into the effects that COVID-19 may have on the audio-vestibular system.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Aglossa dimidiata (Haworth, 1809) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Aglossa dimidiata (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing. The mitogenome of A. dimidiata was 15,225 bp in length. It comprised 37 typical genes and one control region. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) were initiated with ATN, except for COX1 (TTG). All PCGs used TAN as stop codon, except for ND5 and ND4 terminated with incomplete T. Twenty-two tRNA genes ranged from 61 to 71 bp in size. The monophyly of family Pyralidae and the sister relationship between A. dimidiata and Orthopygia glanucinalis are both supported by maximum likelihood method using the nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs.
Complete chloroplast genome sequence of an endangered plant Oreocharis cotinifolia (Gesneriaceae) from Guangxi, China

Abstract Oreocharis cotinifolia is a plant herb with a small population and narrow distribution range in southeast China. It is listed as one of the class 1 key protected wild plants in China and designated as a critically endangered species. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of O. cotinifolia using data from high-throughput Illumina sequencing. The cp genome is 153,577 bp in length and includes two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,292 bp, separated by a large single-copy region (LSC) and a small single-copy region (SSC) that are 84,898 bp and 18,095 bp, respectively. The GC content is 37.42%. The genome encodes 128 functional genes, including 87 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. Maximum likelihood analysis showed that O. cotinifolia is closely related to the congeneric O. mileensis. The complete chloroplast genome will contribute to further studies on phylogeny and conservation of O. cotinifolia and related taxa in Oreocharis of Gesneriaceae.
Assessment of a Cellular Host Response Test as a Sepsis Diagnostic for Those With Suspected Infection in the Emergency Department

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objectives: Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. A reliable, rapid, and early indicator can help improve efficiency of care and outcomes. To assess the IntelliSep test, a novel in vitro diagnostic that quantifies the state of immune activation by measuring the biophysical properties of leukocytes, as a rapid diagnostic for sepsis and a measure of severity of illness, as defined by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II scores and the need for hospitalization. Design, Setting, SUBJECTS: Adult patients presenting to two emergency departments in Baton Rouge, LA, with signs of infection (two of four systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, with at least one being aberration of temperature or WBC count) or suspicion of infection (a clinician order for culture of a body fluid), were prospectively enrolled. Sepsis status, per Sepsis-3 criteria, was determined through a 3-tiered retrospective and blinded adjudication process consisting of objective review, site-level clinician review, and final determination by independent physician adjudicators. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 266 patients in the final analysis, those with sepsis had higher IntelliSep Index (median = 6.9; interquartile range, 6.1–7.6) than those adjudicated as not septic (median = 4.7; interquartile range, 3.7–5.9; p < 0.001), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 and 0.83 when compared with unanimous and forced adjudication standards, respectively. Patients with higher IntelliSep Index had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (3 [interquartile range, 1–5] vs 1 [interquartile range, 0–2]; p < 0.001) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (7 [interquartile range, 3.5–11.5] vs 5 [interquartile range, 2–9]; p < 0.05) and were more likely to be admitted to the hospital (83.6% vs 48.3%; p < 0.001) compared with those with lower IntelliSep Index. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting to the emergency department with signs or suspicion of infection, the IntelliSep Index is a promising tool for the rapid diagnosis and risk stratification for sepsis.
The AWESCORE, a patient-reported outcome measure: development, feasibility, reliability, validity and responsiveness for adults with cystic fibrosis

Background Quality of life has improved dramatically over the past two decades in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Quantification has been enabled by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); however, many are lengthy and can be challenging to use in routine clinical practice. We propose a short-form PROM that correlates well with established quality-of-life measures. Methods We evaluated the utility of a 10-item score (AWESCORE) by measuring reliability, validity and responsiveness in adults with CF. The questions were developed by thematic analysis of survey questions to patients in a single adult CF centre. Each question was scored using a numerical rating scale 0 to 10. Total scores ranged from 0 to 100. Test–retest reliability was assessed over 24 h. To determine validity, comparisons were sought between stable subjects and those in pulmonary exacerbation, and between AWESCORE and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire – Revised (CFQ-R). Responsiveness to pulmonary exacerbation in individual subjects was evaluated. Results Five domains, each with two questions, were identified for respiratory, physical, nutritional, psychological and general health. A total of 246 consecutive adults attending the outpatient clinic completed the AWESCORE. Scores were higher during clinical stability compared to pulmonary exacerbation (mean± sd): 73±11 versus 48±11 (p<0.001). Each domain scored worse during an acute exacerbation (p<0.001). No differences in reliability were observed in scores on retesting using Bland–Altman comparison. The CFQ-R scores (mean±sd: 813±125) and AWESCORE (81±13) were moderately correlated (Pearson's r=0.649; p=0.002). Conclusions The AWESCORE is valid, reliable and responsive to altered health status in CF. The AWESCORE: a new, short patient-reported outcome measure for adults with cystic fibrosis in clinical settings. It is feasible, valid, reliable and responsive to change, and developed to enhance communication and decision-making in clinical practice. https://bit.ly/2TWDaj3
Characterization of the complete mitogenome of the estuarine benthic ribbon worm Yininemertes pratensis (Sun and Lu 1998) (Nemertea: Lineidae)

Abstract The complete mitogenome of the estuarine ribbon worm Yininemertes pratensis (Sun and Lu 1998) (Nemertea: Lineidae) was sequenced for the first time in the present study. The total length of the newly sequenced mitogenome is 15,616 bp, and it includes 13 protein-coding, 2 rRNA, and 24 tRNA genes, in addition to a noncoding region of 571 bp. The phylogenetic position of Y. pratensis was examined through maximum-likelihood analysis using a concatenated dataset of 13 protein-coding genes from seven selected nemertean species. Yininemertes pratensis is placed within the pilidiophoran group and is closely related to Lineus alborostratus among the selected nemerteans. The newly determined mitogenome sequence will further our knowledge for future phylogenetic and ecological studies of this species.