Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Effects between Combined Lumbar-Sacral Plexus Block plus General Anesthesia and Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose Hip fracture is a common injury in geriatric populations, which is associated with poor quality of life. However, the ideal anesthesia technique for this disease is yet to be identified. This study aimed to compare the combined lumbar-sacral plexus block (CLSB) plus general anesthesia (bispectral index (BIS) 60–80) with the unilateral spinal anesthesia (SA) on activity of daily living in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods A total of 124 elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the SA group received light-specific gravity spinal anesthesia, and patients in the CLSB group received lumbar and sacral plexus block with general anesthesia (BIS 60–80). The primary outcomes were 30-day activity of daily living (ADL). The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain scores, postoperative delirium, in-hospital cost, and major complications. Results The ADL scores of postoperative day 30 (POD30) in the CLSB group are higher than those in the SA group (27.34 ± 7.01 versus 24.70 ± 6.40, P=0.045). Compared to preoperative ADL scores, there were higher increased scores in the CLSB group than in POD30 (CLSB group 8.09 ± 3.39 versus SA group 4.87 ± 3.90, P < 0.001). Mild-to-moderate pain did not have differences between the two groups (rest pain: 3 versus 2, P=0.344; motion pain: 5 versus 4, P=0.073). There were no significant differences in incidence of postoperative delirium, PONV, and other complications. Conclusion The unilateral SA can reduce the deterioration of ADL after hip fracture surgery and provide a better postoperative recovery.
Cross Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Italian Version of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Scale and Pain DETECT Questionnaire for the Distinction between Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain

Objective This study aimed to validate Italian versions of Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scale and Pain DETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) and evaluate the ability of these questionnaires to discriminate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Design Multicenter prospective validation cohort study. Subjects and Setting. One hundred patients were included with a diagnosis formulated by a specialist in outpatient settings (50 affected by knee osteoarthritis as nociceptive pain and 50 affected by trigeminal or postherpetic neuralgia as neuropathic pain). Methods The Italian versions of both questionnaires according to Italian cultural characteristics were performed according to the following steps: (1) translation of the questionnaires from English into Italian; (2) review by a bilingual individual for consistency; (3) proposed version after a mail round between experts; (4) backward translation; (5) comparison with the original English version by the experts; (6) approved version of the questionnaires. One hundred patients were enrolled and completed the two questionnaires administered by a specialist or blinded nursing staff, at the baseline and after 24/48 hours. Internal consistency, stability, validity, and discriminative power were analyzed. Results Statistically significant differences were reported about the ability of both questionnaires to discriminate between patients affected by neuropathic or nociceptive pain. Internal consistency for the Italian version of the LANSS was 0.76, and for PD-Q, it was 0.80, assessed by Cronbach's α; LANSS showed a good test-retest reliability with an ICC of 0.76, and PD-Q showed a high test-retest reliability with an ICC of 0.96. For interrater reliability, there was a concordance rate of 83.3% between reference diagnosis and LANSS (Cohen's kappa = 0.67, CI 95% 0.52–0.75). Conclusions This study validated the Italian versions of LANSS and PD-Q as reliable instruments with good psychometric characteristics, for pain evaluation, discriminating between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Our findings were similar to those observed in the original study. Furthermore, we have reported the test-retest reliability for both questionnaires, not addressed in original validation studies.
Educational Utility of Social Media for Laparoscopic Surgery in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Popular Indian Communities on Facebook

Introduction The Covid pandemic and social distancing has adversely impacted the conventional apprenticeship method of postgraduate training in laparoscopic surgery. Social media may be a useful adjunct for laparoscopic training, but its utility in developing countries like India has not been studied carefully. This paper describes an observational, cross-sectional study on the educational utility of Facebook groups based in India and which focus on laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Methods The most popular Facebook groups involving Indians and focusing on laparoscopic gynecology were identified using appropriate search terms as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data related to the groups, the authors of posts as well as descriptive statistics of all the posts during the study period were collected and appropriate statistical analysis was performed. Results All the groups in this study were large and growing steadily. Posts related to laparoscopy were more likely to be videos, dealing with operative techniques and having educational value for postgraduate residents (p value < 0.001) compared to posts unrelated to laparoscopic surgery. The majority of posts (88.2%) presented original content created by group members rather than material shared from other sources. Members preferred to share laparoscopic content using links to their personal YouTube channels rather than using institutional YouTube channels, dedicated websites for laparoscopic surgery or direct posts on Facebook. Group members liked educational content and laparoscopic surgery-related content significantly more than other content. Only 16.7% of the laparoscopic surgeons could be identified to be working in academic institutes. Conclusion Social media for medical education has inherent advantages and disadvantages. This article provides objective data regarding its utilisation in a developing country in the midst of the Covid pandemic, and provides a guide for further research and development of innovative teaching methods.
Measurement of Cellular Copper in Rhodobacter capsulatus by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

[Abstract] Copper is an essential micronutrient and functions as a cofactor in many enzymes such as heme-Cu oxygen reductases, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutases, multi-copper oxidases and tyrosinases. However, due to its chemical reactivity, free copper is highly toxic (Rae et al., 1999) and all organisms use sophisticated machineries for controlling uptake, storage and export of Cu. The strict control of the cellular Cu homeostasis prevents toxic effects but sustains synthesis of cuproproteins. Monitoring the copper levels within the cell and within different cellular compartments is an essential approach for identifying the contribution of different proteins in maintaining the cellular copper equilibrium. Therefore, whole cells and whole-cell lysates, which can be further fractionated into cytoplasm and periplasm, were digested and the protein concentration was determined by Lowry assay. Subsequently, the copper content was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and the Cu content per mg of protein was calculated. This provides a simple and cost-effective method of producing quantifiable results about the cellular Cu content. To exemplify this method, we used the phototrophic α-proteobacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus, which is commonly used as a model organism for studying Cu-trafficking in bacterial cells (Ekici et al., 2012).
Adapting the UK Biobank Brain Imaging Protocol and Analysis Pipeline for the C-MORE Multi-Organ Study of COVID-19 Survivors

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to damage multiple organs, including the brain. Multiorgan MRI can provide further insight on the repercussions of COVID-19 on organ health but requires a balance between richness and quality of data acquisition and total scan duration. We adapted the UK Biobank brain MRI protocol to produce high-quality images while being suitable as part of a post-COVID-19 multiorgan MRI exam. The analysis pipeline, also adapted from UK Biobank, includes new imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) designed to assess the possible effects of COVID-19. A first application of the protocol and pipeline was performed in 51 COVID-19 patients post-hospital discharge and 25 controls participating in the Oxford C-MORE study. The protocol acquires high resolution T1, T2-FLAIR, diffusion weighted images, susceptibility weighted images, and arterial spin labelling data in 17 min. The automated imaging pipeline derives 1,575 IDPs, assessing brain anatomy (including olfactory bulb volume and intensity) and tissue perfusion, hyperintensities, diffusivity, and susceptibility. In the C-MORE data, IDPs related to atrophy, small vessel disease and olfactory bulbs were consistent with clinical radiology reports. Our exploratory analysis tentatively revealed some group differences between recovered COVID-19 patients and controls, across severity groups, but not across anosmia groups. Follow-up imaging in the C-MORE study is currently ongoing, and this protocol is now being used in other large-scale studies. The protocol, pipeline code and data are openly available and will further contribute to the understanding of the medium to long-term effects of COVID-19.
Pharmacokinetics of zonisamide after oral single dosing and multiple‐dose escalation administration in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)

Abstract Background There are few effective drugs for treatment of seizures in avian species. Objectives To investigate the pharmacokinetics and safety of zonisamide in chickens. Methods Phase 1: chickens (n = 4) received a single oral dose of zonisamide at 20 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected intermittently for 36 hr after dosing. Phase 2: chickens (n = 8) received zonisamide in a dose escalation protocol (20, 30, 60 and 80 mg/kg orally every 12 hr). The dose was increased weekly, and peak and trough blood samples were collected on Days 1, 3, and 7 each week. Two birds were randomly euthanized at the end of each week. Plasma zonisamide concentrations were analysed using a commercial immunoassay. Drug concentration vs. time data were subjected to non‐compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Results For Phase 1, peak plasma zonisamide (Cmax) was 15 ± 3 µg/ml at 2 ± 1 hr (Tmax). The disappearance half‐life was 6.5 ± 1 hr. Mean plasma concentrations remained within the (human) therapeutic range (10–40 µg/ml) for 6 hr. For Phase 2 of the study, plasma concentrations of zonisamide remained within or close to the recommended mammalian therapeutic range for birds in the 20 and 30 mg/kg dose. Area under the curve (AUC) and Cmax were dose dependent. Two birds developed immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. Conclusions Zonisamide appears to be a viable drug for use in chickens at a dose of 20 mg/kg orally every 12 hr.
A direct excitatory action of lactate ions in the central respiratory network of bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus

ABSTRACT Chemoreceptors that detect O2 and CO2/pH regulate ventilation. However, recent work shows that lactate ions activate arterial chemoreceptors independent of pH to stimulate breathing. Although lactate rises in the central nervous system (CNS) during metabolic challenges, the ability of lactate ions to enhance ventilation by directly targeting the central respiratory network remains unclear. To address this possibility, we isolated the amphibian brainstem–spinal cord and found that small increases in CNS lactate stimulate motor output that causes breathing. In addition, lactate potentiated the excitatory postsynaptic strength of respiratory motor neurons, thereby coupling central lactate to the excitatory drive of neurons that trigger muscle contraction. Lactate did not affect motor output through pH or pyruvate metabolism, arguing for sensitivity to lactate anions per se. In sum, these results introduce a mechanism whereby lactate ions in the CNS match respiratory motor output to metabolic demands. Summary: Lactate ions stimulate central respiratory motor output in vertebrates.
Effective German and English Language mHealth Apps for Self-management of Bronchial Asthma in Children and Adolescents: Comparison Study

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps hold great potential for asthma self-management. Data on the suitability of asthma apps intended for children are insufficient, and the availability of German language apps is still inadequate compared with English language apps. Objective This study aims to identify functional asthma apps for children in German and to compare them with English language apps. In line with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the Google Play Store and Apple App Store are systematically searched to preselect the most efficient apps, which are then compared according to a self-compiled criteria catalog. Methods Both app stores were screened for the term asthma. Following a PRISMA preselection process, the apps that met the inclusion criteria (ie, available free of charge, German or English language, and suitable for children) were rated by 3 independent persons following a criteria catalog consisting of 9 categories, some conceived for this purpose (availability, child-friendly, learning factor, and range of functions) and some adopted from existing validated catalogs (functionality and design, ease of use, potential for improving asthma self-management, fun factor and incentives, and information management and medical accuracy). The highest rated apps in German and English were compared. Results A total of 403 apps were identified on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Finally, 24 apps that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. In the first step of the quality assessment, only 4 available German language asthma apps were compared with 20 English language asthma apps. The 4 German language apps were then compared with the 4 highest rated English language apps. All selected apps, independent of the language, were comparable in the following categories: availability, functionality and design, ease of use, and information management and medical accuracy. The English language apps scored significantly higher in the following categories: potential for improving self-management, child-friendly, fun factor, learning factor, and range of function. English language apps (mean total points 34.164, SD 1.09) performed significantly better than German language asthma apps (mean total points 22.91, SD 2.898; P=.003). The best rated English language app was Kiss my asthma (36/42 points), whereas the best rated German language app Kata achieved only 27.33 points. Conclusions The recommended English language apps are Kiss my asthma, AsthmaXcel, AsthmaAustralia, and Ask Me, AsthMe! , whereas the only recommended German language app is Kata. The use of apps plays an increasingly important role in patients’ lives and in the medical field, making mHealth a staple in the future of asthma treatment plans. Although validated recommendations on rating mHealth apps have been published, it remains a challenging task for physicians and patients to choose a suitable app for each case, especially in non–English-speaking countries.
High speed digital videolaringoscopy: evaluation of vocal nodules and cysts in women.

PURPOSE To evaluate and compare the parameters of Digital kymography obtained through the High-speed Videolaryngoscopy of women without laryngeal disorders, of women with vocal fold nodules and of women with vocal cysts. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study in which 60 women aged 18 years and 45 years were selected. Three study groups were formed: 20 women without laryngeal disorder forming the control group (Group 1), 20 women with diagnosis of vocal fold nodules forming Group 2 and 20 women with diagnosis of vocal cysts forming Group 3. Subsequently the participants were evaluated by High-speed Videolaryngoscopy for analysis and comparison of laryngeal images using Digital kymography. The laryngeal parameters processed by the program KIPS® were: minimum, maximum and mean opening; dominant amplitude of the left and right vocal folds; dominant frequency of the right and left vocal folds; and close. RESULTS The analysis of Digital kymography suggests that the presence of the vocal fold nodules and the vocal cysts tend to restrict more to the maximum and minimum opening of the vocal fold and the dominant amplitude of the opening variation in the middle region of the glottis. CONCLUSION Digital kymography parameters were similar in the presence of vocal fold nodules and vocal cysts lesions.
Association between iron exposures and stroke in adults: Results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2007-2016 in United States

ABSTRACT The available findings on the association between iron status and risk of stroke remain controversial. We used multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models to explore the association between iron exposures and risk of stroke in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007–2016, n = 24,627). A total of 941 (3.82%) stroke cases were identified in this study. In women, the ORs with 95% CIs of prevalence of stroke were 0.92 (0.65–1.28), 0.66 (0.44–0.98) and 0.72 (0.49–1.08) across quartiles 2–4 compared with quartile 1 of iron intake, respectively. An inverse and L-shaped association between iron intake and risk of stroke in women was observed, and the curve plateaued at 20 mg/day. However, neither serum iron concentrations nor iron intake were significantly associated with riskof stroke in men. Our study found that iron intake was inversely associated with risk of stroke in a sex-dependent fashion.
The “Alter Ego” of Albumin in Cirrhosis

Albumin is a globular, multifunctional protein that is highly conserved in nature. Alpha-fetoprotein, Vitamin D and E binding proteins are part of the albumin family and these are produced exclusively in the liver. Albumin is negatively charged and this gives it the oncotic properties it is well known for. More recently, it has become clear that albumin has clinically significant effects on antioxidant status, immune and endothelial function, capillary permeability, organ function, and metabolic homeostasis.
Increased expression of tryptophan and tyrosine tRNAs elevates stop codon readthrough of reporter systems in human cell lines

Abstract Regulation of translation via stop codon readthrough (SC-RT) expands not only tissue-specific but also viral proteomes in humans and, therefore, represents an important subject of study. Understanding this mechanism and all involved players is critical also from a point of view of prospective medical therapies of hereditary diseases caused by a premature termination codon. tRNAs were considered for a long time to be just passive players delivering amino acid residues according to the genetic code to ribosomes without any active regulatory roles. In contrast, our recent yeast work identified several endogenous tRNAs implicated in the regulation of SC-RT. Swiftly emerging studies of human tRNA-ome also advocate that tRNAs have unprecedented regulatory potential. Here, we developed a universal U6 promotor-based system expressing various human endogenous tRNA iso-decoders to study consequences of their increased dosage on SC-RT employing various reporter systems in vivo. This system combined with siRNA-mediated downregulations of selected aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases demonstrated that changing levels of human tryptophan and tyrosine tRNAs do modulate efficiency of SC-RT. Overall, our results suggest that tissue-to-tissue specific levels of selected near-cognate tRNAs may have a vital potential to fine-tune the final landscape of the human proteome, as well as that of its viral pathogens.
Decision making in the management of adults with malignant colorectal polyps: An exploration of the experiences of patients and clinicians

A diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer presents a treatment dilemma. The decision between segmental resection versus endoscopic surveillance is difficult due to a lack of good quality clinical evidence for either option. The aim of this study was to understand the decision making experiences of both clinicians and patients when faced with such a diagnosis.
Seasonality, molecular epidemiology, and virulence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A perspective into the Brazilian Influenza Surveillance Program

Background Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the main cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. The complex evolution of RSV creates a need for worldwide surveillance, which may assist in the understanding of multiple viral aspects. Objectives This study aimed to investigate RSV features under the Brazilian Influenza Surveillance Program, evaluating the role of viral load and genetic diversity in disease severity and the influence of climatic factors in viral seasonality. Methodology We have investigated the prevalence of RSV in children up to 3 years of age with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in the state of Espirito Santo (ES), Brazil, from 2016 to 2018. RT-qPCR allowed for viral detection and viral load quantification, to evaluate association with clinical features and mapping of local viral seasonality. Gene G sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated local genetic diversity. Results Of 632 evaluated cases, 56% were caused by RSV, with both subtypes A and B co-circulating throughout the years. A discrete inverse association between average temperature and viral circulation was observed. No correlation between viral load and disease severity was observed, but children infected with RSV-A presented a higher clinical severity score (CSS), stayed longer in the hospital, and required intensive care, and ventilatory support more frequently than those infected by RSV-B. Regarding RSV diversity, some local genetic groups were observed within the main genotypes circulation RSV-A ON1 and RSV-B BA, with strains showing modifications in the G gene amino acid chain. Conclusion Local RSV studies using the Brazilian Influenza Surveillance Program are relevant as they can bring useful information to the global RSV surveillance. Understanding seasonality, virulence, and genetic diversity can aid in the development and suitability of antiviral drugs, vaccines, and assist in the administration of prophylactic strategies.
Intolerance of uncertainty and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a threat to mental health worldwide. The current study aims to investigate the role of intolerance of uncertainty in cognitive, emotional and behavioral reactions to this pandemic and propose a path model of these reactions. In the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia, participants in a general sample (n = 1,011) as well as an older adult sample (n = 655) completed measures regarding intolerance of uncertainty, mental health (anxiety, well-being, perceived stress) and adherence to preventive measures. Two rounds of data collection were carried out in the first sample. Intolerance of uncertainty was found to be related to mental health indicators and the structural equation model showed a direct and indirect effect on them as well as on the adherence to preventive measures. However, the comparison of data from different time points has brought inconsistent results. The findings highlight the role of intolerance of uncertainty in reaction to threat and indicate the potential of uncertainty reduction e.g., getting clear messages from authorities, as a way of decreasing mental health problems.