Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity with cognitive impairment in peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract Background The relationship between cognitive impairment (CI) and arterial stiffness in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has not been clearly clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between CI and arterial stiffness in PD patients. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled PD patients who performed a vascular profiler test at a single PD center in China between January 2014 and June 2016. The cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). A noninvasive vascular screening device was used to assess arterial stiffness relevant indicators. Results A total of 643 PD patients with median age 45 (37–57.4) years and median duration of PD 27.8 (8.7–56.4) months were enrolled. The rate of CI was 49.9%. The mean brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was 17.2 ± 5.6 m/s. Compared with normal cognitive function group, patients with CI had higher baPWV (18.6 ± 7.0 vs. 15.8 ± 3.2 m/s), systolic blood pressure (150.3 ± 21.5 vs. 144.2 ± 20.2 mmHg), and pulse pressure (59.7 ± 14.7 vs. 52.5 ± 11.6 mmHg), and lower ankle-brachial index (ABI, 1.12 ± 0.12 vs. 1.15 ± 0.09) (all p<.05). Compared with systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and ABI in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, baPWV had better performance in predicting CI (area under curve: 0.68, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.72). BaPWV was independently associated with MoCA score (B per SD, −0.42 [95% confidence interval, −0.71 to −0.12]; p = .006) and CI (OR per SD, 1.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.11–2.17]; p = .011) in PD patients after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions Higher baPWV was independently associated with CI in PD patients.
Effect of plant origin and phenological stage on the allelopathic activity of the invasive species Oxalis pes-caprae.

PREMISE Invasion processes involve several mechanisms, some of which have received little attention. Allelopathy has been invoked as an invasion driver according to the novel weapon hypothesis (NWH), and polyploidization can also be an important factor for invasion success. However, very few studies have addressed both topics together. We analyzed the allelopathic effect of the polyploid Oxalis pes-caprae, an invader in mediterranean-climate areas worldwide, from different origins and ploidy levels (native: South Africa; invaded: Chile, Australia, California, and the Mediterranean Basin) on Lactuca sativa as a model species. METHODS We measured seed germination, initial plant height, and aboveground and belowground biomass of Lactuca grown in field soil mixed with Oxalis material and with or without activated carbon in a common garden experiment. We performed the experiment twice, when Oxalis was vigorous and when senescent. RESULTS Vigorous plants of Oxalis tended to reduce Lactuca germination, but both vigorous and senescent Oxalis plants increased Lactuca biomass, probably due to an increase in nutrients provided by plant material. The highest increase in Lactuca traits occurred with Oxalis plants from the Iberian Peninsula. Allelopathy only happened when Oxalis was senescent and was especially strong with plants from Chile. CONCLUSIONS Although we did not find broad evidence for the NWH considering all areas together, we reported differences in the allelopathic potential of Oxalis plants depending on their origin. These results highlight the independent evolution of invasiveness traits in distant introduced ranges and the importance of the invaders' origin when testing hypotheses about invasion drivers.
Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Assessed with Nuclear Cardiology for the Prediction of Major Cardiac Events after Revascularization

Objective This retrospective study was aimed at determining whether or not stress phase bandwidth (SPBW), a left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony index, predicts major cardiac events (MCEs) and stratifies the risk of those in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who undergo revascularization. Methods Patients were followed up to confirm the prognosis for at least one year. The SPBW was calculated by a phase analysis using the Heart Risk View-F software program. The composite endpoint was the onset of MCEs, consisting of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, and severe heart failure requiring hospitalization. Patients The study subjects were 332 patients with CAD who underwent coronary angiography and revascularization after confirming ≥5% ischemia detected by rest 201Tl and stress 99mTc-tetrofosmin electrocardiogram-gated single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging. Results During the follow-up, 35 patients experienced MCEs of cardiac death (n=5), non-fatal myocardial infarction (n=3), unstable angina pectoris (n=11), and severe heart failure requiring hospitalization (n=16). A receiver operating characteristics analysis indicated that the optimal cut-off value of the SPBW was 52° for predicting MCEs, and the MCE rate was significantly higher in the patients with an SPBW >52° than in those with an SPBW ≤52°. Results of the multivariate analysis showed the SPBW and estimated glomerular filtration rate to be independent predictors for MCEs. In addition, the cut-off value of the SPBW significantly stratified the risk of MCEs according to the results of the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion Evaluating the SPBW before revascularization may help predict future MCEs in patients with CAD who intended to undergo treatment.
Co-designing a Lifestyle-Focused Text Message Intervention for Women After Breast Cancer Treatment: Mixed Methods Study

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. Recovery from breast cancer treatment can be mentally and physically challenging. SMS text message programs offer a novel way to provide health information and support, but few programs are co-designed with consumer representatives. Objective This study aims to report the procedures and outcomes of a co-design process of a lifestyle-focused SMS text message program to support women’s mental and physical health after breast cancer treatment. Methods We followed an iterative mixed methods two-step process: (1) co-design workshop with consumers and health professionals and researchers to draft text messages and (2) evaluation of message content, which was scored (5-point Likert scale; 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) for ease of understanding, usefulness, and appropriateness, and readability (Flesch-Kincaid score). Additional free-text responses and semistructured interviews were coded into themes. Messages were edited or deleted based on the evaluations, with consumers’ evaluations prioritized. Results In step 1, co-designed text messages (N=189) were semipersonalized, and the main content themes were (1) physical activity and healthy eating, (2) medications and side effects, (3) mental health, and (4) general breast cancer information. In step 2, consumers (n=14) and health professionals and researchers (n=14) provided 870 reviews of 189 messages and found that most messages were easy to understand (799/870, 91.8%), useful (746/870, 85.7%), and appropriate (732/870, 84.1%). However, consumers rated 50 messages differently from health professionals and researchers. On the basis of evaluations, 37.6% (71/189) of messages were deleted, 36.5% (69/189) were edited, and 12 new messages related to fatigue, self-care, and cognition were created. The final 130 text messages had a mean 7.12 (SD 2.8) Flesch-Kincaid grade level and 68.9 (SD 15.5) ease-of-reading score, which represents standard reading ease. Conclusions Co-designing and evaluating a bank of evidence-based mental and physical health-themed text messages with breast cancer survivors, health professionals, and researchers was feasible and resulted in a bank of 130 text messages evaluated highly by participants. Some consumer evaluations differed from health professionals and researchers, supporting the importance of co-design.
Unveiling the CoA mediated salicylate catabolic mechanism in Rhizobium sp. X9

Salicylate is a typical aromatic compound widely distributed in nature. Microbial degradation of salicylate has been well studied and salicylate hydroxylases play essential roles in linking the peripheral and ring‐cleavage catabolic pathways. The direct hydroxylation of salicylate catalyzed by salicylate‐1‐hydroxylase or salicylate‐5‐hydroxylase has been well studied. However, the CoA mediated salicylate 5‐hydroxylation pathway has not been characterized in detail. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanism of the reaction in the conversion of salicylate to gentisate in the carbaryl‐degrading strain Rhizobium sp. X9. Three enzymes (salicylyl‐CoA ligase CehG, salicylyl‐CoA hydroxylase CehH and gentisyl‐CoA thioesterase CehI) catalyzed the conversion of salicylate to gentisate via a route, including CoA thioester formation, hydroxylation and thioester hydrolysis. Further analysis indicated that genes cehGHI are also distributed in other bacteria from terrestrial environment and marine sediments. These genomic evidences highlight the role of this salicylate degradation pathway in the carbon cycle of soil organic compounds and marine sediments. Our findings of this three‐step strategy enhanced the current understanding of CoA mediated degradation of salicylate.
Correlations between peripheral levels of inflammatory mediators and frontolimbic structures in bipolar disorder: an exploratory analysis

Abstract Background Altered peripheral immune/inflammatory system and brain volumetric changes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to evaluate how peripheral levels of cytokines are related to volumetric brain changes in euthymic patients with BD. Methods Euthymic patients with BD (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 22) were enrolled in this exploratory study. Blood samples were collected on the same day of clinical assessment and neuroimaging. Cytokines were measured through cytometric bead array method. Neuroimaging data were acquired using a sagittal three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging T1-weighted fast field echo sequence and was processed using FreeSurfer. Results Compared to controls, BD patients had significantly lower volumes in the cingulate, medial-orbitofrontal (MOF) and parahippocampal regions. We found a negative correlation between right MOF volume and interferon-gamma levels (β = −0.431, P = .049) and a positive correlation between interleukin-10 levels and left posterior cingulate volume (β = 0.457, P = .048). Conclusion Our results support the involvement of inflammatory pathways in structural brain changes in BD.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Parameters and Their Correlations With Psoriasis Duration, Severity, and Sleep Quality In Psoriasis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that may lead to comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective We determined the prevalence of MS and its correlation with psoriasis duration, severity, and sleep quality in psoriasis patients. Methods A total of 112 subjects with chronic plaque psoriasis were studied. Demographics, MS parameters, disease duration, severity, and sleep quality were examined. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess psoriasis severity and sleep quality, respectively. Presence of MS and its correlations with psoriasis duration, severity and sleep quality were investigated. Results Of 112 patients, 76 (67.8%) were diagnosed with MS. Of all patients, 74.1% had a high PASI, and 84.8% had a high PSQI. The mean values of psoriasis duration, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, triglyceride levels, blood pressure, PSQI, sleep latency, and daytime sleep dysfunction were significantly higher in the MS group than non-MS group, whereas the mean HDL level was lower. The prevalences of MS, high fasting glucose, and low HDL were significantly higher among female, but not male, patients with severe psoriasis (PASI >10) than those without severe psoriasis. Disease duration, high body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, triglyceride levels, low HDL, and poor sleep quality were significantly correlated with the presence of MS. However, only waist circumference, fasting glucose, blood pressure, and low HDL were predictive of the development of MS. Conclusions MS is common among psoriasis patients, and especially in females with advanced psoriasis, high fasting glucose, and low HDL levels. Besides diagnostic criteria of MS, a long duration of psoriasis, poor sleep quality and high-HOMA-IR correlate with the development of MS. High fasting glucose and low HDL levels may facilitate MS development in association with psoriasis severity in females.
Biomaterial Strategies to Bolster Neural Stem Cell-Mediated Repair of the Central Nervous System

Stem cell therapies have the potential to not only repair, but to regenerate tissue of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies demonstrate that transplanted stem cells can differentiate into neurons and integrate with the intact circuitry after traumatic injury. Unfortunately, the positive findings described in rodent models have not been replicated in clinical trials, where the burden to maintain the cell viability necessary for tissue repair becomes more challenging. Low transplant survival remains the greatest barrier to stem cell-mediated repair of the CNS, often with fewer than 1–2% of the transplanted cells remaining after 1 week. Strategic transplantation parameters, such as injection location, cell concentration, and transplant timing achieve only modest improvements in stem cell transplant survival and appear inconsistent across studies. Biomaterials provide researchers with a means to significantly improve stem cell transplant survival through two mechanisms: (1) a vehicle to deliver and protect the stem cells and (2) a substrate to control the cytotoxic injury environment. These biomaterial strategies can alleviate cell death associated with delivery to the injury and can be used to limit cell death after transplantation by limiting cell exposure to cytotoxic signals. Moreover, it is likely that control of the injury environment with biomaterials will lead to a more reliable support for transplanted cell populations. This review will highlight the challenges associated with cell delivery in the CNS and the advances in biomaterial development and deployment for stem cell therapies necessary to bolster stem cell-mediated repair.
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase regulates regional brain perfusion in healthy humans

Abstract Aims Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is highly expressed within the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Studies in genetically modified mice suggest roles in brain blood flow regulation while dysfunctional nNOS signalling is implicated in cerebrovascular ischaemia and migraine. Previous human studies have investigated the effects of non-selective NOS inhibition but there has been no direct investigation of the role of nNOS in human cerebrovascular regulation. We hypothesized that inhibition of the tonic effects of nNOS would result in global or localized changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), as well as changes in functional brain connectivity. Methods and results We investigated the acute effects of a selective nNOS inhibitor, S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (SMTC), on CBF and brain functional connectivity in healthy human volunteers (n = 19). We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study with either intravenous SMTC or placebo, using magnetic resonance imaging protocols with arterial spin labelling and functional resting state neuroimaging. SMTC infusion induced an ∼4% decrease in resting global CBF [−2.3 (−0.3, −4.2) mL/100g/min, mean (95% confidence interval, CI), P = 0.02]. In a whole-brain voxel-wise factorial-design comparison of CBF maps, we identified a localized decrease in regional blood flow in the right hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus following SMTC vs. placebo (2921 voxels; T = 7.0; x = 36; y = −32; z = −12; P < 0.001). This was accompanied by a decrease in functional connectivity to the left superior parietal lobule vs. placebo (484 voxels; T = 5.02; x = −14; y = −56; z = 74; P = 0.009). These analyses adjusted for the modest changes in mean arterial blood pressure induced by SMTC as compared to placebo [+8.7 mmHg (+1.8, +15.6), mean (95% CI), P = 0.009]. Conclusions These data suggest a fundamental physiological role of nNOS in regulating regional CBF and functional connectivity in the human hippocampus. Our findings have relevance to the role of nNOS in the regulation of cerebral perfusion in health and disease.
Prediction of delivery after 40 weeks by antepartum ultrasound in singleton multiparous women: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Objective Universal elective induction of labor (IOL) in singleton parous pregnancies has been advocated to reduce the rate of cesarean section (CD), without impacting on maternal outcome. However, about 50% of women deliver after 40 weeks; therefore, an accurate estimation of the time of delivery might avoid unnecessary early IOL. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in predicting delivery ≥40 weeks of gestation in singleton parous women. Methods Prospective cohort study of singleton parous women undergoing a dedicated ultrasound assessment at 36–38 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was spontaneous vaginal delivery ≥40 weeks of gestation. Cervical length (CL), posterior cervical angle (PCA), sonoelastographic hardness ratio (HR), angle of progression (AoP) and head perineal distance (HPD) were measured. Multivariate logistic regression and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to test the diagnostic accuracy of different maternal and ultrasound characteristics in predicting delivery ≥40 weeks. Results 518 singleton pregnancies were included in the analysis and 235 (45.4%) delivered ≥40 weeks. CL (29 vs 19 mm; p ≤ .0001) and HPD (50 vs 47 mm; p = .001) were longer, HR higher (38.9 vs 35.5; p = .04), while PCA (98° vs 104°; p ≤ .0001) and AOP narrower (93° vs 98°; p = .029) in pregnancies delivered compared to those not delivered after 40 weeks of gestation. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, CL (aOR 1.206; 95% CI 1.164–1.250), HPD (aOR 1.127; 95% CI 1.066–1.191) and HR (aOR 1.022; 95% CI 1.003–1.041 were the only variables independently associated with delivery ≥40 weeks. CL showed had an AUC of 0.863 in predicting delivery ≥40 weeks of gestation, with an optimal cutoff of 23.5 mm. Integration of HPD and HR did not significantly improve the diagnostic performance of CL alone to predict delivery ≥40 weeks (AUC 0.870; p = .472). Conclusion Cervical length at 36–38 weeks has a good diagnostic accuracy to predict spontaneous vaginal delivery at ≥40 weeks. Universal assessment of CL in the third trimester of pregnancy may help in identifying those women who may benefit of elective IOL at 39 weeks.
The Cognitive Scale of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for Multidomain Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Patients: Validation of its Extended Version

Abstract Objective: To validate an informant-based tool – the extended version of the Cognitive Scale of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADL and IADL) or Ext. Cog-ADL Scale – in a larger sample and with a broader range of cognitive-functional items related to activities of daily living (ADL). Method: The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale was administered to family informants of 42 patients with dementia, 43 patients with multidomain mild cognitive impairment (mdMCI), and 23 healthy control participants. We analyzed the convergent and concurrent validity and external validity of this scale. Results: The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. Episodic and working memory tests were the main predictors of most cognitive-functional items of the scale. While patients with dementia obtained lower scores in most error categories of the scale, affecting both BADL and IADL, mdMCI patients showed a more specific pattern of difficulties. Apart from the typical alterations in IADL, mdMCI patients also showed difficulties in several error categories related to BADL (i.e., error detection, problem solving, task self-initiation, distraction inhibition, and restore). Conclusions: The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale seems to be an adequate tool to capture the specific pattern of cognitive alterations related to IADL and BADL that differentiates dementia from mdMCI and healthy aging; it shows that mdMCI can involve specific cognitive difficulties that affect even BADL.
Risk Assessment of Norovirus Illness from Consumption of Raw Oysters in the United States and in Canada

Human norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States and Canada. Bivalve molluscan shellfish is one commodity commonly identified as being a vector of NoV. Bivalve molluscan shellfish are grown in waters that may be affected by contamination events, tend to bioaccumulate viruses, and are frequently eaten raw. In an effort to better assess the elements that contribute to potential risk of NoV infection and illness from consumption of bivalve molluscan shellfish, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada (HC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) collaborated to conduct a quantitative risk assessment for NoV in bivalve molluscan shellfish, notably oysters. This study describes the model and scenarios developed and results obtained to assess the risk of NoV infection and illness from consumption of raw oysters harvested from a quasi‐steady‐state situation. Among the many factors that influence the risk of NoV illness for raw oyster consumers, the concentrations of NoV in the influent (raw, untreated) and effluent (treated) of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were identified to be the most important. Thus, mitigation and control strategies that limit the influence from human waste (WWTP outfalls) in oyster growing areas have a major influence on the risk of illness from consumption of those oysters.
Psychosocial factors, mental health, and coordination capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction compared with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Patients with heart failure (HF) suffer from reduced quality‐of‐life (QoL). We aimed to compare QoL, depression, and anxiety scores among outpatients with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction and non‐HF controls and its relationship to coordination capacity.
Kinetics of CagA type IV secretion by Helicobacter pylori and the requirement for substrate unfolding

Type IV secretion of effector proteins is an important principle for interaction of human pathogens with their target cells. The corresponding secretion systems may transport a multitude of effector proteins that have to be deployed in the respective spatiotemporal context, or only a single translocated protein, as in the case of the CagA effector protein produced by the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. For a more detailed analysis of the kinetics and mode of action of CagA type IV secretion by H. pylori, we describe here, a novel, highly sensitive split luciferase‐based translocation reporter which can be easily adapted to different end‐point or real‐time measurements. Using this reporter, we showed that H. pylori cells are able to rapidly inject a limited amount of their CagA supply into cultured gastric epithelial cells. We have further employed the reporter system to address the question whether CagA has to be unfolded prior to translocation by the type IV secretion system. We showed that protein domains co‐translocated with CagA as protein fusions are more readily tolerated as substrates than in other secretion systems, but also provide evidence that unfolding of effector proteins is a prerequisite for their transport.