Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogenous natural and radiation-induced DNA lesions: differences and similarities and possible implications for human health and radiological protection

During the last few decades, a considerable amount of work has been done to better assess the effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms. In particular a lot of attention has been focused on the consequences of modifications of the DNA macromolecule, the support of the genetic information. Detailed information is now available on the formation of radiation-induced DNA lesions at the physical, chemical and biological levels. Emphasis will be placed in this review article on the differences and similarities, in term of DNA lesions formation and outcome, between endogenous oxidative stress and ionizing radiation, both stresses that could produce oxidative DNA lesions through similar mechanistic pathways involving mostly reactive oxygen species. If the chemical nature of the generated lesions is similar, the differences in term of biological consequences could be attributed to their spatial distribution in genomic DNA, since ionizing radiations produce lesions in cluster. These clusters of lesions represent a challenge for the DNA repair machinery. In contrast, endogenous oxidative stress generates scattered lesions that could be repaired with a much higher efficacy and fidelity. Possible implication of the use of DNA damage and repair for human health purposes and radiological protection will be discussed.
ZSF1 rat: a model of chronic cardiac and renal diseases in the context of metabolic syndrome. Characterization with anti-oxidant, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and aldosterone synthase inhibitor

In the context of metabolic syndrome, development of Type 2 Diabetes is associated with (and influenced by) cardiac and renal comorbidities linked to micro- and macro-vasculature alterations. To assess the efficacy of new compounds on targeted organs in the context of metabolic syndrome, the Zucker fatty/Spontaneously hypertensive heart failure F1 hybrid (ZSF1) rat model could be suitable assuming cardiorenal alterations would develop in a short timeframe. Actually, the ZSF1 rat model recapitulates features of human metabolic syndrome, but develops relatively late (1year-time) and moderate cardiac and renal dysfunctions. The aim of our work was to exacerbate cardiorenal impairments in terms of onset and extent. Two options were explored. On one hand, unilateral nephrectomy was performed in ZSF1 rats, and cardiac and renal functions were longitudinally assessed. This surgical insult only significantly deteriorated renal function, which was prevented by standard of care, lisinopril and new renal protective agent, bardoxolone. On the other hand, subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) was used in the aim to induce hemodynamic and hormonal stress and thus to enhance cardiorenal impairments. AngII-infused ZSF1 rats displayed significant hypertension and increased levels of circulating aldosterone. Moreover, renal and cardiac functions dropped, concomitantly. We showed in this model that an aldosterone synthase inhibitor induced overall better renal protection than the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone. Our data showed that ZSF1-AngII rat is a suitable model to evaluate the cardio and renoprotective effects of drugs in the context of metabolic syndrome
Diagnostic Performance of a Combination Biomarker Algorithm for Rule-Out of Acute Myocardial Infarction at Time of Presentation to the Emergency Department, Using Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein and High-Sensitivity Troponin T tests

Background: Chest pain of suspected cardiac origin is a common complaint for presentation at the emergency department; however only 10% to 13% of patients will have acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study examined a decision support ‘rule-out’ algorithm to stratify risk of AMI in these patients. Methods: Five hundred and forty-eight patients with chest-pain of suspected cardiac origin were recruited. Blood samples were collected at presentation (t=0) and after 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h. Serum troponin I, heart-type fatty acidbinding protein (H-FABP), myoglobin, carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII), creatine phosphokinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) and glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB (GPBB) were measured using the Randox Cardiac Plus Array; Troponin T (cTnT), high sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT), high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), NT-pro-BNP, total cholesterol, and HDL were measured using a Modular P Analyser. Clinical and demographic information was recorded for each patient. Results: For biomarker analysis, STEMIs were excluded, leaving 360 patients at presentation (72 NSTEMI and 288 non-AMI) and 320 patients at 1 h (66 NSTEMI and 254 non-AMI). A rule-out algorithm was developed based on H-FABP and hs-cTnT. When the H-FABP hs-cTnT combination algorithm was applied to the data, 106 additional patients at presentation were identified as non-AMI compared to the standard ESC algorithm, 189/288 (65.6%) vs. 83/288 (28.8%) (p<0.0005), respectively. Furthermore, the H-FABP hs-cTnT combination algorithm, identified 71% of non-AMI patients at 1 hour with no false negatives. Conclusion: Deployment of the H-FABP hs-cTnT combination algorithm at the emergency department could assist in the identification of non-AMI patients at presentation with the potential to reduce the number of hospital admissions by 106/288 (36.8%). Using the H-FABP hs-cTnT combination algorithm would have a significant impact on patient health ensuring that the appropriate care and efficient use of resources are directed to patients identified as high risk.
Lung ultrasound in the assessment of hypervolemia in hemodialysis patients: Two case reports

Introduction. Hemodialysis patients often have chronic volume overload, hypervolemia, which may cause severe complications. In some patients hypervolemia is masked, without any signs and symptoms, such as hypertension, edema and bibasilar crackles on lung auscultation. Lung ultrasound can be used to detect these patients. Pre- and post-dialysis lung ultrasound can be used to quantify lung congestion using the B line score. High post-dialysis B line score can identify patients with residual hypervolemia and adequate measures can be taken (increasing ultrafiltration, extended duration of hemodialysis, additional dialysis sessions). Case Reports. The first patient was a 57-year-old male. The hemodialysis vintage was 4 years. His interdialytic weight gain was 2.8 kg. The lung ultrasound was performed before and after dialysis and B line score was calculated. The pre-dialysis score was 15 and post-dialysis score was 2. The second patient was a 72-year-old male. The hemodialysis started 5 years before. This patient was noncompliant with the medical advice of his physician regarding diet and medications. His interdialytic weight gain was 5.6 kg. His pre-dialysis score was 26 and post-dialysis score was 15. Both patients were without signs and symptoms of hypervolemia after dialysis. Nevertheless, the second patient was 1.6 kg over his dry weight after dialysis. An additional dialysis session was scheduled, after which his post-dialysis B line score fell to 5. Conclusion. Lung ultrasound can be used to assess volume status in dialysis patients. It can identify hypervolemia in asymptomatic patients and allow necessary corrections.
Health care workers' recommendations for strengthening tuberculosis infection control in the Dominican Republic

ABSTRACT Objective To describe health care workers' practical recommendations for strengthening adherence to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection control practices in their health institutions and elsewhere across the Dominican Republic. Methods In this qualitative study, 10 focus groups, with a total of 40 clinicians (24 physicians, 16 nurses), were conducted in 2016 at two tertiary-level institutions in the Dominican Republic. Grounded theory guided the analysis to expand on health care workers' recommendations for empowering clinicians to adhere to M. tuberculosis infection control practices. To ensure reliability and validity, the authors analyzed data and incorporated both peer debriefing with qualitative experts and participant feedback or validation on the final themes. Results Six emerging themes were described: 1) education and training; 2) administrative policy; 3) infrastructure policy; 4) economic allocations; 5) research; and 6) public health policy. Conclusions Future efforts may combine the health care workers' recommendations with evidence-based strategies in M. tuberculosis infection control in low-resource settings. This could pave the way for interventions that empower health care workers in their application of M. tuberculosis infection control measures in clinical practice.
Time-course changes associated with PA lumbar mobilizations on lumbar and hamstring range of motion: a randomized controlled crossover trial

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to compare the post-intervention time-course changes in active knee extension (AKE) and active lumbar flexion (ALF) range of motion in response to unilateral posterior–anterior (UPA) mobilizations of the lumbar spine (L4/5 zygapophyseal). Methods: Twenty-four asymptomatic participants (maleness: 0.58, age [mean ± standard deviation]: 32 ± 8 years, body mass index 25.9 ± 2.6 kg m2) were recruited to a fully controlled crossover trial. Following either the intervention (L4/5 zygapophyseal mobilizations) or control, participants immediately performed the AKE and ALF tests, which were also performed at baseline. Subsequent tests were made at intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45 and 60 min. Results: After adjustment for baseline (mean AKE: 37.2° from full extension, mean ALF: 14.37 cm), sex and age, UPA lumbar mobilizations had a most likely moderate effect on AKE (9.8° closer to full extension; ±1.9) and a likely moderate effect on ALF (1.34 cm; ±90% confidence limits 0.43). The magnitude of the AKE effect became most likely small 20-min posttreatment (5.3; ±1.7) and possibly small/possibly trivial 60-min posttreatment (2.1; ±1.4). For ALF, the magnitude of the effect became most likely small 15-min posttreatment (0.76; ±0.25), possibly small/possibly trivial 25-min posttreatment (0.38; ±0.18) and likely trivial 60-min posttreatment (0.26; ±1.8). Discussion: UPA lumbar mobilizations increased lumbar Range of Motion and hamstring extensibility by a moderate magnitude, with the effect reducing after 10–20-min posttreatment. Clinicians should consider these time-course changes when applying UPA lumbar mobilizations. Clinical Trials Registry: NCT03273400 Evidence Level: 2b
Advances in the Diagnosis and Detection of Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a class of hemoglobinopathies that is distinguished by the mutation-induced expression of a sickle cell variant of hemoglobin (HbS). This HbS variant triggers erythrocytes to take a characteristic sickled conformation. The complex physiopathology of the disease has led to the development and use of diverse diagnostic methodologies. This review attempts to classify the advancements in the diagnosis and detection of SCA traits.
Revealing the Molecular Mechanisms of DangguiShaoyao San in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease:A Preliminary Study Based on Network Pharmacology

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a healthcare and societal priority and the cost of care and the burden on caregivers keep increasing. Danggui-shaoyao-san (DSS), a classic formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used in the treatment of AD. Although wellpracticed in clinical medicine, its molecular mechanisms in the treatment of AD remain to be elucidated. Material and Methods: The candidate compounds of DSS were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), the pharmacological indices of each candidate including oral bioavailability and drug-likeness were analyzed, and the protein target of the candidate and corresponding genes were retrieved from TCMSP and UniProt Knowledgebase, respectively. The potential pathways associated with the genes were identified by using the functional annotation tool of The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery bioinformatics resource 6.8. Results: A total of 534 compounds were retrieved from DSS, and 31 active compounds and 58 targets relevant to AD were obtained. Further analysis of gene enrichment acquired 79 significant pathways that interacted with 53 of those AD targets, such as modulating neuroactive ligandreceptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway. Conclusions: The network pharmacology-based study reveals that DSS’s favorable potency on AD may be associated with its 31 bioactive compounds that interact on 53 targets of AD through 79 significant pathways and may provide a preliminary evidence on how DSS treat AD through multiple components, targets and pathways.
A cross sectional study to assess the oral health knowledge, attitude and practice among school children in rural field practice area of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru

Background: Oral health is an integral part of the general health and well being of an individual. Dental caries, periodontal disease and oral mucosal disease constitute the major oral health problems in developing countries. To follow healthy oral habits it is essential to have good oral health knowledge and attitude. Good oral health related knowledge among school children is considered to be an essential prerequisite for improving oral health in a community. The objective of the study was to assess the oral health knowledge, attitude and practice among school children in rural field practice area of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Bengaluru.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 140 middle school children choosen randomly from government schools of Nelamangala, Rural field practice area of BMCRI, during September - November 2016. Data was collected using semi- structured questionnaire by interview method and was analyzed by descriptive statistics.Results: Out of 140 students, 67 were males, 73 were females. 49 (35%) students knew that sweetened food or drinks causes dental caries. 60 (42.86%) of them knew that there can be decay of tooth if they do not brush daily. 120 (85.71%) agreed that self care is important to prevent dental problems. 82 (58.57%) had a practice of brushing teeth twice daily.Conclusions: In the present study, there is a gap in the oral health knowledge and practice among school children, which needs to be filled up by regular oral health education to children, parents and teachers as well.
In Vivo Elasticity Mapping of Posterior Ocular Layers Using Acoustic Radiation Force Optical Coherence Elastography

Purpose We used acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (ARF-OCE) to map out the elasticity of retinal layers in healthy and diseased in vivo rabbit models for the first time. Methods A healthy rabbit eye was proptosed and imaged using ARF-OCE, by measuring the tissue deformation after an acoustic force is applied. A diseased retinal inflammation model was used to observe the contrast before and after disease formation. Retinal histologic analysis was performed to identify layers of the retina corresponding with the optical images. Results The general trend of the retinal layer elasticity is increasing stiffness from the ganglion side to the photoreceptor side, with the stiffest layer being the sclera. In a healthy rabbit model, the mechanical properties varied from 3 to 16 kPa for the five layers that were identified via optical imaging and histology (3.09 ± 0.46, 3.82 ± 0.88, 4.53 ± 0.74, 6.59 ± 2.27, 16.11 ± 5.13 kPa). In the diseased model, we have induced optical damage in a live rabbit and observed a change in the stiffness trend in its retina. Conclusions High sensitivity elasticity maps can be obtained using the ARF-OCE system to differentiate different retinal layers. Subtle changes in the mechanical properties during the onset of diseases, such as retinal degeneration, can be measured and aid in early clinical diagnosis. This study validates our imaging system for the characterization of retinal elasticity for the detection of retinal diseases in vivo.
Effect Of Strain Counter Strain Technique And Stretching In Treatment Of Patients With Upper Trapezius Tenderness In Neck Pain

Background: Neck pain is a common disorder with a reported six-month prevalence rate of 54%. Strain/counter-strain technique and stretching are passive positional intervention aimed at relieving musculoskeletal pain and related dysfunction. The study aimed to find the effect of strain counter strain technique and to stretch on tenderness over upper trapezium of neck and neck function. Methods: This is an experimental study with comparative pre-post study design. The subjects for the study selected from KPJ University College, Nilai, Malaysia. The study conducted in the Physiotherapy department of the University College. Total 70 with 53 female and 17 male patients were selected for this study as per sample size calculation. Thirty- five (35) samples were allocated to each group. Purposive sampling method adapted to select the samples. The study samples selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria included exhibits with a tender point over upper trapezius. Dependant ‘t’ test was used to find the outcome of the study. Results: Paired t-test on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) among stretching group found significant (P< .0001) improvement in the outcome with a mean difference of 3.23 and 12.2 respectively. A paired t-test on VAS and NDI among strain counter strain group found significant (P<.0001) improvement in the outcome with a mean difference of 3.829 and 22.686 respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that both stretching and strain counter strain technique could reduce pain in the upper trapezius of the neck and improve neck function among the patients.
Community-based participatory approach to identify factors affecting diet following migration from Africa: The Hawaash study

Introduction: African women who migrate to the USA have a rich tradition of using herbs and spices to promote health. We conducted formative research on nutritional practices among East and North African women in the USA, focusing on whether traditional herbs and spices could support adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Methods: In all, 48 adult African women living in San Diego, California participated in focus groups in July 2015. Inclusion criteria were 18 years or older, and able to answer focus group questions in one of five languages: Somali, Arabic, Amharic, Swahili or English. Results: Participants identified 62 unique spices and herbs that are traditionally used in meal preparation for flavour and health benefits. Participants also reported awareness that nutrients, foods, food groups and approaches to growing and preparing foods are important considerations for healthy diet. Barriers to healthy eating included costs, constraints around growing food in a different soil and climate than Africa, family size and the widespread availability of fast food. Groups identified opportunities for collaborations with researchers through educational programmes, and recommended seed and recipe exchanges that promote healthy eating across culturally heterogeneous African communities. Conclusion: A culturally informed behavioural intervention focused on spices and herbs would be feasible and accepted by African women in San Diego. This intervention may support adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans during the nutrition transition and broader dissemination of practices that promote health across heterogeneous communities of Africans living in the USA.
Efficacy of a Web-Based Self-Management Enhancing Program for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Explorative Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Web-based self-management enhancing programs have the potential to support patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in their self-management; for example, improve their health status by increasing their self-efficacy or taking their prescribed medication. We developed a Web-based self-management enhancing program in collaboration with RA patients and professionals as co-designers on the basis of the intervention mapping framework. Although self-management programs are complex interventions, it is informative to perform an explorative randomized controlled trial (RCT) before embarking on a larger trial. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Web-based self-management enhancing program for patients with RA and identify outcome measures most likely to capture potential benefits. METHODS A multicenter exploratory RCT was performed with an intervention group and a control group. Both groups received care as usual. In addition, the intervention group received 12 months of access to a Web-based self-management program. Assessment occurred at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Outcome measures included self-management behavior (Patient Activation Measurement, Self-Management Ability Scale), self-efficacy (Rheumatoid Arthritis task-specific Self-Efficacy, Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interaction), general health status (RAND-36), focus on fatigue (Modified Pain Coping Inventory for Fatigue), and perceived pain and fatigue (Numeric Rating Scales). A linear mixed model for repeated measures, using the intention-to-treat principle, was applied to study differences between the patients in the intervention (n=78) and control (n=79) groups. A sensitivity analysis was performed in the intervention group to study the influence of patients with high (N=30) and low (N=40) use of the intervention. RESULTS No positive effects were found regarding the outcome measurements. Effect sizes were low. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, it is not possible to conclude on the positive effects of the intervention or to select outcome measures to be regarded as the primary/main or secondary outcomes for a future trial. A process evaluation should be performed to provide more insight into the low compliance with and effectiveness of the intervention. This can determine for whom this sort of program will work and help to fine-tune the inclusion criteria. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NTR4871; https://www.trialregister. nl/trial/4726.