Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Supraspinatus Tears: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Background: The pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears remains unclear, and there is a lack of high-quality evidence-based research on the risk factors for supraspinatus tears. Purpose: To explore 10 potential risk factors for supraspinatus muscle tears. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This review was conducted according to the MOOSE (Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies published before January 2021 on supraspinatus tears. The following potential risk factors were analyzed: age, body mass index, male sex, female sex, arm dominance, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypertension, thyroid disease, and the critical shoulder angle (CSA). Risk ratios (RRs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) of related risk were calculated. The Egger test was used to evaluate publication bias. Results: A total of 9 articles from 8 countries were included; among the 3240 patients, 687 were included in the supraspinatus tear group, and 2553 were included in the nonsupraspinatus tear group. The meta-analysis showed that older age (WMD, 3.36 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53-6.20]; P = . 02), male sex (RR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97]; P = .01), smoking (RR, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.56-3.14]; P < .00001), diabetes (RR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.03-2.70]; P = .04), hypertension (RR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.16-1.97]; P = .002), and the CSA (WMD, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.39-3.12]; P < .00001) were risk factors for supraspinatus tears. Conclusion: Older age, male sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and a higher CSA were found to be risk factors for supraspinatus tears in this meta-analysis review. Identifying risk factors for supraspinatus tears early can help clinicians identify these high-risk patients and choose appropriate treatments.
Psychometric properties of the S-Scale: Assessing a psychological mindset that mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression

Individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) are disproportionally affected by depressive disorders which are among the main causes for loss in healthy life years in adults worldwide. The main objective of the research presented here was to identify a psychological mindset of individuals with low SES and to investigate whether this mindset mediates the relationship between low SES and symptoms of depression. Towards these goals, a series of four studies was conducted: Study 1 identified a set of ten statements reflecting a psychological mindset associated with low SES using a population-based sample from Germany (N = 1,969). Study 2 cross-validated a psychometric scale (S-Scale) that was created based on these statements in a population-based sample from Germany (N = 3,907). Study 3 introduced a longitudinal perspective and showed that the S-Scale mediated the relationship between low SES and symptoms of depression assessed one year later in a German student sample (N = 1,275). Study 4 supported unidimensionality and construct validity of a unified version of the S-Scale and confirmed the mediation effect of the S-Scale for SES and depression while controlling for confounding variables (e.g., socially desirable responding) in a U.S. American convenience sample (N = 1,000). Evidence from four studies supported the reliability and validity of the S-Scale. Controlling for a psychological mindset as measured with this scale, low SES was no longer a predictor of depressive symptoms. The S-Scale can be used in clinical and research settings to assess a psychological mindset that puts individuals at risk for depression. Overall strengths of this series of studies include the use of population-based and longitudinal datasets and the application of findings to different operationalizations of SES. Future studies should investigate whether this mindset can be modified by psychological interventions and whether changes in this mindset predict improvements in depressive symptoms.
Longitudinal impact on rat cardiac tissue transcriptomic profiles due to acute intratracheal inhalation exposures to isoflurane

Isoflurane (ISO) is a widely used inhalation anesthetic in experiments with rodents and humans during surgery. Though ISO has not been reported to impart long-lasting side effects, it is unknown if ISO can influence gene regulation in certain tissues, including the heart. Such changes could have important implications for use of this anesthetic in patients susceptible to heart failure/other cardiac abnormalities. To test if ISO could alter gene regulation/expression in heart tissues, and if such changes were reversible, prolonged, or late onset with time, SHR (spontaneously hypertensive) rats were exposed by intratracheal inhalation to a 97.5% air/2.5% ISO mixture on two consecutive days (2 hr/d). Control rats breathed filtered air only. On Days 1, 30, 240, and 360 post-exposure, rat hearts were collected and total RNA was extracted from the left ventricle for global gene expression analysis. The data revealed differentially-expressed genes (DEG) in response to ISO (compared to naïve control) at all post-exposure timepoints. The data showed acute ISO exposures led to DEG associated with wounding, local immune function, inflammation, and circadian rhythm regulation at Days 1 and 30; these effects dissipated by Day 240. There were other significantly-increased DEG induced by ISO at Day 360; these included changes in expression of genes associated with cell signaling, differentiation, and migration, extracellular matrix organization, cell-substrate adhesion, heart development, and blood pressure regulation. Examination of consistent DEG at Days 240 and 360 indicated late onset DEG reflecting potential long-lasting effects from ISO; these included DEG associated with oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, angiogenesis, mitochondrial translation elongation, and focal adhesion. Together, the data show acute repeated ISO exposures could impart variable effects on gene expression/regulation in the heart. While some alterations self-resolved, others appeared to be long-lasting or late onset. Whether such changes occur in all rat models or in humans remains to be investigated.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Its Association With Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in diabetic patients. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) characterized by impaired cardiac structure and function. Hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress, which can lead to microvascular complications, macrovascular complications, and atherosclerosis. Peripheral tissues produce fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), which has anti-inflammatory properties, increases oxidation of fatty acids, and improves insulin sensitivity. Its increased levels are found in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus and may also lead to coronary heart disease. Our study sought to measure the serum FGF-21 levels and their associations with lipid profile parameters and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology One-hundred fifty (150) patients of both genders with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited along with 150 controls. Simple random sampling was done. After taking relevant history and physical examination, we drew venous blood samples of each patient and sent them to the institutional laboratory for analysis of fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), lipid profile, and FGF-21 serum levels. Oxidative stress parameter malondialdehyde (MDA) was estimated and the total antioxidant status by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) was assessed. Patients were followed up after three months to record the glycemic index, and the values were recorded. We used SPSS Software 25.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, USA) to analyze the data. For consideration of results to be statistically significant, a 𝑃 value of < 0.05 was selected. Results The levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were increased in diabetics compared to controls and were statistically significant (p<0.05). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was lower in diabetic patients as compared to the controls (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the level of MDA in diabetics compared to controls (p˂0.005). Serum levels of total antioxidant status (FRAP) were decreased in diabetics in comparison with controls (p˂0.005). Serum FGF-21 level was statistically increased in diabetics compared to controls (p˂0.005). FGF-21 and MDA are positively correlated and FGF-21 and FRAP are negatively correlated. Serum FGF-21 is positively correlated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, serum LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. Conclusion Our study concludes that there is a significant correlation between fibroblast growth factor 21, oxidative stress, and abnormal lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. FGF-21 could be the target of certain medications used to treat metabolic disorders and obesity.
LncRNA GAS5 enhances radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma and restricts tumor growth and metastasis by miR-144-5p/ATF2.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the biologic role of growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) in radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The levels of GAS5, miR-144-5p, and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) were quantified in HCC tissues and cell lines. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays were used to test the interaction between GAS5 and miR-144-5p. The regulatory relationship between miR-144-5p and ATF2 was identified by the dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assay. A nude mouse model of HCC was induced to verify the effect of GAS5 on radiosensitivity of HCC in vivo. RESULTS Lower levels of GAS5 and ATF2, and higher levels of miR-144-5p, were found in radiation-resistant human HCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of ATF2 or GAS5 enhanced the radiosensitivity of HCC cell lines, while knockdown of ATF2 or GAS5 decreased the radiosensitivity. In addition, GAS5 acted as a miR-144-5p sponge, and miR-144-5p inversely regulated ATF2. Also, GAS5 mediated ATF2 levels through miR-144-5p, and increased the radiosensitivity of HCC by suppressing miR-144-5p both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION Overexpression of GAS5 upregulates ATF2 through miR-144-5p and is able to enhance the radiosensitivity of HCC.
YouTube as a source of patient information on brain aneurysms: a content-quality and audience engagement analysis.

INTRODUCTION The internet allows patients to access a vast amount of health information. We aimed to evaluate the credibility of YouTube videos that members of the public are accessing on brain aneurysms, and to evaluate what characteristics drive audience engagement. MATERIAL AND METHODS The first 50 videos for each of the following search terms were taken for analysis: 'brain aneurysm', 'cerebral aneurysm' and 'intracranial aneurysm'. The quality of each video was evaluated by two neurosurgeons and two medical students independently using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the DISCERN instruments. Qualitative and quantitative video data was analysed for quality and audience engagement. Inter-rater agreement was ascertained. RESULTS Out of a total of 150 videos, 70 met the inclusion criteria. The mean total DISCERN score was 36.5 ± 8.4 (out of 75 points), indicating that the videos were of poor quality. The mean JAMA score was 2.7 ± 0.7 (out of 4 points). Inter-rater agreement between the four raters was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.90 for DISCERN and 0.93 for JAMA). Most videos were uploaded by hospitals (50%) or educational health channels (30%). Videos had a higher number of average daily views when they included animation (P = 0.0093) and diagrams (P = 0.0422). CONCLUSIONS YouTube is a poor source of patient information on brain aneurysms. Our quality and audience engagement analysis may help content creators (i.e. hospital staff and physicians) to create more holistic, educational and engaging medical videos concerning brain aneurysms. Physicians could usefully refer their patients to the highest quality videos that we have found.
Gallstone ileus in ileostomy: gallstone ‘Ileustomy’

Retrieval of foreign bodies from the small bowel is an uncommon circumstance and can prove challenging. We present a rare case of small bowel obstruction caused by a gallstone which was lodged in an ileostomy in a patient with Crohn’s disease. We describe the various devices and techniques which can be employed if faced with this unique situation to remove a gallstone via an ileostomy. An 83-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a 1 day history of abdominal pain around her ileostomy associated with nausea, vomiting and reduced ileostomy output. Her past history included a subtotal colectomy and end ileostomy for Crohn’s disease, rectal cancer with proctectomy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Her vital signs were stable and she was afebrile upon presentation. Examination revealed a mildly distended abdomen with right sided tenderness without peritonism. The ileostomy had a narrow opening without signs of a parastomal hernia. A finger was inserted into the ileostomy and a hard, approximately 2 cm lump was palpated. This was thought to be a faecolith. Her bloods showed a haemoglobin of 149 g/L, elevated white cell count of 15.8 x 10/L with a neutrophilia and normal liver function tests. Her C-reactive protein was elevated at 35 mg/L. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan showed dilated small bowel loops with dilation up the level of the stoma and pneumobilia. A radiopaque mass was seen at the level of the stoma. Review of a CT intravenous pyelogram from 3 months earlier showed gas in the gallbladder with a large gallstone (Fig. 1). This gallstone was now absent and appeared to have migrated to the stoma on this admission’s CT scan (Fig. 2), suggestive of a cholecystoduodenal fistula. A nasogastric tube was inserted and intravenous fluids commenced. Given the close proximity of the gallstone to the ileostomy, removal of the gallstone was attempted via the stoma in the first instance. An ileoscopy was performed through the ileostomy and a large gallstone was visualized in the ileal lumen (Fig. 3). This was
Hydraulic Robot Arm Controlled by Human Arm

The hydraulic robot arm consists of two major parts: first is a human arm movement sensing and transmitting section, and the second is a receiving section and hydraulic robot arm. For sensing, linear potentiometers have been used and the voltage drop across each potentiometer is modeled. The control signals have been generated through CC430F6137 microcontroller and sent wirelessly. On the other end, the receiver captures the respective signals for the human arm movement, decodes it and then sends to the hydraulic robot arm control section. The innovative hydraulic control section has been developed to control the robot arm movement, in which both the suction and pressure mechanism is utilized for the robot arm actions. The developed system has been tested by operating from 200 meter distance by performing the human actions and observed that the robot arm performs a similar action as that of the human arm.
Biological aspects of the nasal turbinates of the Anatolian shepherd dog captured from Egypt: Using computed tomography, histological, and scanning electron microscopic observations

The current study was designed to describe the nasal turbinates of 15 heads of Anatolian shepherd dogs using the histology and scanning electron microscope. The caudal part of the nasal cavity is almost occupied by the ethmoidal concha that is related to the high dog's smelling. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelial lining of the rostral part of dorsal and ventral concha were interdigitated with the underlying lamina propria, with numerous sebaceous and sweat glands. The pseudostratified squamous epithelium lining of the middle part of the dorsal and ventral conchae had simple seromucous glands. The caudal third of dorsal, ventral, and ethmoidal conchae covered by olfactory epithelium that had three cell types; basal, supporting, and bipolar cells with mucous glands. SEM of the vestibular region shows that the dorsal conchae had a wrinkled surface with microvilli, little olfactory buds, and small sebaceous and sweat glands openings, while the ventral conchae had a lot of filiform‐like microvilli. SEM of the respiratory region shows that the dorsal conchae had a little number of seromucous glands and a rosette‐shape cilia, while the ventral conchae had numerous cellular cilia that cover all surface. SEM of the fundus region shows that the dorsal conchae had numerous microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells, while the ventral conchae had numerous long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. SEM of the ethmoidal nasal conchae shows a dense network of long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. We concluded that the morphological features of the dog's nasal turbinates were correlated with their environmental condition.
The World Spider Trait database: a centralized global open repository for curated data on spider traits

Abstract Spiders are a highly diversified group of arthropods and play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems as ubiquitous predators, which makes them a suitable group to test a variety of eco-evolutionary hypotheses. For this purpose, knowledge of a diverse range of species traits is required. Until now, data on spider traits have been scattered across thousands of publications produced for over two centuries and written in diverse languages. To facilitate access to such data, we developed an online database for archiving and accessing spider traits at a global scale. The database has been designed to accommodate a great variety of traits (e.g. ecological, behavioural and morphological) measured at individual, species or higher taxonomic levels. Records are accompanied by extensive metadata (e.g. location and method). The database is curated by an expert team, regularly updated and open to any user. A future goal of the growing database is to include all published and unpublished data on spider traits provided by experts worldwide and to facilitate broad cross-taxon assays in functional ecology and comparative biology. Database URL: https://spidertraits.sci.muni.cz/
A mini-review on peptide-based self-assemblies and their biological applications

Peptide-based supramolecular self-assembly from peptide monomers into well-organized nanostructures, has attracted extensive attentions towards biomedical and biotechnological applications in recent decades. This spontaneous and reversible assembly process involving non-covalent bonding interactions can be artificially regulated. In this review, we have elaborated different strategies to modulate the peptide self-assembly through tuning the physicochemical and environmental conditions, including pH, light, temperature, solvent, and enzyme. Detailed introduction of biological applications and future potential of the peptide-based nano-assemblies will also be given.
Influence of epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia on thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the application value of epidural and general anesthesia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS We first retrospectively analyzed 156 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 as subjects. The control group (CG) included 86 subject who were treated with general anesthesia. The remaining 70 subjects with epidural anesthesia were divided to a research group (RG). The recovery and adverse reactions after surgery were compared. The coagulation function before and after surgery was analyzed. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery was observed. The expression of inflammatory factors and the improvement of cognitive function were assessed before surgery, followed by 6 and 12 h after surgery. The pain degree of patients was compared at 6 and 12 h after surgery. RESULTS Compared with the CG, the recovery condition after surgery in the RG were dramatically lower, the concentrations of PLT, PT, and APTT in the RG were higher, while FBG was markedly lower. The incidence of postoperative venous thrombosis in the RG was lower. The TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and VAS scores in the RG were remarkably lower at 6 and 12 h after surgery. MMSE score was significantly higher than CG score. The total incidence of adverse reactions in the RG was markedly lower. CONCLUSION Epidural anesthesia can improve blood coagulation and cognitive function in patients undergoing TKA and reduce the incidence of DVT and the degree of postoperative pain.
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans serve as alternative receptors for low affinity LCMV variants

Members of the Old World Arenaviruses primarily utilize α-dystroglycan (α-DAG1) as a cellular receptor for infection. Mutations within the glycoprotein (GP) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) reduce or abrogate the binding affinity to α-DAG1 and thus influence viral persistence, kinetics, and cell tropism. The observation that α-DAG1 deficient cells are still highly susceptible to low affinity variants, suggests the use of an alternative receptor(s). In this study, we used a genome-wide CRISPR Cas9 knockout screen in DAG1 deficient 293T cells to identify host factors involved in α-DAG1-independent LCMV infection. By challenging cells with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), pseudotyped with the GP of LCMV WE HPI (VSV-GP), we identified the heparan sulfate (HS) biosynthesis pathway as an important host factor for low affinity LCMV infection. These results were confirmed by a genetic approach targeting EXTL3, a key factor in the HS biosynthesis pathway, as well as by enzymatic and chemical methods. Interestingly, a single point mutation within GP1 (S153F or Y155H) of WE HPI is sufficient for the switch from DAG1 to HS binding. Furthermore, we established a simple and reliable virus-binding assay, using directly labelled VSV-GP by intramolecular fusion of VSV-P and mWasabi, demonstrating the importance of HS for virus attachment but not entry in Burkitt lymphoma cells after reconstitution of HS expression. Collectively, our study highlights the essential role of HS for low affinity LCMV infection in contrast to their high affinity counterparts. Residual LCMV infection in double knockouts indicate the use of (a) still unknown entry receptor(s).