Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Methotrexate for Chinese Adults With Psoriasis With and Without Psoriatic Arthritis

Importance It is necessary to determine whether psoriasis responds to methotrexate in the same manner in patients with and without psoriatic arthritis. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of methotrexate in treating patients with psoriasis with and without psoriatic arthritis. Design, Setting, and Participants In this prospective, single-arm, interventional study, a total of 235 patients with psoriasis, 107 without psoriatic arthritis and 128 with psoriatic arthritis who were receiving methotrexate therapy from April 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, were recruited from the outpatient department of a hospital at a large Chinese university. There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between the subgroups with the exception of diabetes. Interventions A 12-week course of low-dosage oral methotrexate (7.5-15 mg weekly). Main Outcomes and Measures Changes in disease severity, adverse events, blood cell counts, and liver and renal function. Results A total of 235 patients with psoriasis (166 male [66.0%]; mean [SD] age, 49.6 [15.1] years) received methotrexate treatment for 12 weeks. The 90% reduction from baseline Psoriasis Area Severity Index response was significantly lower in patients with psoriatic arthritis than in patients without psoriatic arthritis at week 8 (4 0f 128 [3.1%] vs 12 of 107 [11.2%]; P = .02) and week 12 (19 of 128 [14.8%] vs 27 of 107 [25.2%]; P = .049). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse events, including dizziness (12 of 128 [9.4%] vs 1 of 107 [0.9%]; P = .007), gastrointestinal symptoms (32 of 128 [25.0%] vs 13 of 107 [12.1%]; P = .01), and hepatoxicity (34 of 128 [26.6%] vs 16 of 107 [15.0%]; P = .04), was significantly higher in patients with psoriatic arthritis than in patients without psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate-induced elevation of alanine aminotransferase levels was associated with body mass index (mean [SD] body mass index, 26 [4] in patients with [P = .04] vs 26 [4] in those without [P = .005] psoriatic arthritis) and smoking (17 of 34 [50.0%] in patients with [P = .02] vs 9 of 16 [56.3%] in those without [P = .04] psoriatic arthritis). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, methotrexate was well tolerated and effective in treating psoriasis. It was more effective, with fewer adverse effects, in patients with psoriasis who did not have psoriatic arthritis than in patients who presented with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, methotrexate can be recommended as first-line treatment for psoriasis without arthritis.
Motor performance during experimental pain: The influence of exposure to contact sports

Athletes who play contact sports are regularly exposed to pain, yet manage to perform complex tasks without significant decrement. Limited research has suggested that superior pain tolerance in contact athletes may be important in this context and this may be altered via experience of pain. Other psychological variables such as challenge states, pain bothersomeness and coping style may also influence skill execution during pain.
Impact of Nutritional Status on Caregiver Burden of Elderly Outpatients. A Cross-Sectional Study

The assistance to older community-dwellers provided by family caregivers is crucial for the maintenance of an acceptable quality of life, especially when dementia is present. The caregiver burden may be extremely high, but few data are available on what patient domains mainly affect the caregiver. The aim of this cross-sectional study, performed in older outpatients, was to examine the impact of cognitive, physical and nutritional status of elderly community-dwellers on the caregiver burden, as evaluated by the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). A group of 406 elderly outpatients (161 M, 245 F, mean age of 83.20 ± 6.40) was enrolled. A significant correlation was observed between Mini Nutritional Assessment Instrument-Short Form (MNA-SF) and CBI (r = −0.34; p < 0.001), suggesting that a poor nutritional status is significantly associated with the caregiver burden. There was also a significant correlation between CBI and Short Physical Performance Battery score (r = −0.29; p < 0.001), hand grip strength (r = −0.25; p < 0.001), Mini-Mental State Examination score (r = −0.39; p < 0.001), Geriatric Depression Scale (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), Body Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.01; p = 0.03), Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL/IADL) (r = −0.61 and −0.62, respectively; p < 0.001), and with the 4-m walking speed (r = −0.42; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only the relationships of the CBI (in particular the physical subcomponent) with ADL, IADL and MNA-SF remained statistically significant (β ± SE −0.89 ± 0.20, p < 0.001; −0.58 ± 0.15, p < 0.001 and −0.25 ± 0.11, p = 0.02, respectively). The relationship between CBI and BMI remained statistically significant only for the physical subcomponent (β ± SE 0.14 ± 0.05; p = 0.006). Thus, in this study, we confirmed that the impairment in the activities of daily living is associated with a significant impact on the caregiver burden, and we found also that a poor nutritional status of the older outpatient is independently more associated with the caregiver burden than cognitive and physical disability. The combined evaluation of both patients and caregivers can improve the knowledge and assistance to the elderly subjects.
Network analysis of the relationship between depressive symptoms, demographics, nutrition, quality of life and medical condition factors in the Osteoarthritis Initiative database cohort of elderly North-American adults with or at risk for osteoarthritis

Abstract Aims A complex interaction exists between age, body mass index, medical conditions, polypharmacotherapy, smoking, alcohol use, education, nutrition, depressive symptoms, functioning and quality of life (QoL). We aimed to examine the inter-relationships among these variables, test whether depressive symptomology plays a central role in a large sample of adults, and determine the degree of association with life-style and health variables. Methods Regularised network analysis was applied to 3532 North-American adults aged ⩾45 years drawn from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Network stability (autocorrelation after case-dropping), centrality of nodes (strength, M, the sum of weight of the connections for each node), and edges/regularised partial correlations connecting the nodes were assessed. Results Physical and mental health-related QoL (M = 1.681; M = 1.342), income (M = 1.891), age (M = 1.416), depressive symptoms (M = 1.214) and education (M = 1.173) were central nodes. Depressive symptoms’ stronger negative connections were found with mental health-related QoL (−0.702), income (−0.090), education (−0.068) and physical health-related QoL (−0.354). This latter was a ‘bridge node’ that connected depressive symptoms with Charlson comorbidity index, and number of medications. Physical activity and Mediterranean diet adherence were associated with income and physical health-related QoL. This latter was a ‘bridge node’ between the former two and depressive symptoms. The network was stable (stability coefficient = 0.75, i.e. highest possible value) for all centrality measures. Conclusions A stable network exists between life-style behaviors and social, environmental, medical and psychiatric variables. QoL, income, age and depressive symptoms were central in the multidimensional network. Physical health-related QoL seems to be a ‘bridge node’ connecting depressive symptoms with several life-style and health variables. Further studies should assess such interactions in the general population.
Assessing the Validity of the MyJump2 App for Measuring Different Jumps in Professional Cerebral Palsy Football Players: An Experimental Study

Background Vertical jumps can be used to assess neuromuscular status in sports performance. This is particularly important in Cerebral Palsy Football (CP Football) because players are exposed to high injury risk, but it may be complicated because the gold standard for assessing jump performance is scarce in field evaluation. Thus, field techniques, such as mobile apps, have been proposed as an alternative method for solving this problem. Objective This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the measures of the MyJump2 app to assess vertical jump performance in professional CP Football. Methods We assessed 40 male CP Football athletes (age 28.1 [SD 1.4] years, weight 72.5 [SD 6.2] kg, and height 176 [SD 4.2] cm) through the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) using a contact mat. At the same time, we assessed the athletes using the MyJump2 app. Results There were no significant differences between the instruments in SJ height (P=.12) and flight time (P=.15). Additionally, there were no significant differences between the instruments for CMJ in jump height (P=.16) and flight time (P=.13). In addition, it was observed that there were significant and strong intraclass correlations in all SJ variables varying from 0.86 to 0.89 (both P<.001), which was classified as “almost perfect. ” Similar results were observed in all variables from the CMJ, varying from 0.92 to 0.96 (both P ≤.001). Conclusions We conclude that the MyJump2 app presents high validity and reliability for measuring jump height and flight time of the SJ and CMJ in CP Football athletes.
Determining the Role of the Art Museum in Students' Perceptions of Themselves as Artists

This single case study examines the role of the art museum in relation to students’ perceptions of themselves as artists. Within the school setting students are asked to create, study and exhibit art using similar techniques and methods of adult artists within the art community. Student artwork, however, is not perceived as art that is worthy of display within that art community and is usually limited to the school context. Additionally, if students visit museums with their school, the visit is typically limited to once per school year, if the budget allows. Students are not afforded the opportunity to visit the same museum or exhibit multiple times and are therefore limited in their ability to navigate the learning possibilities of an art museum and to establish an understanding of their role within an art community outside of school. The primary goal of this study was to understand how learning and exhibiting within the museum context affects students’ perceptions of themselves as artists. Specifically, the study focused on both the unique learning environment afforded by a museum, along with student art exhibition situated in a professional, non-school context. Using a single case study design, seven elementary school students in grades three thru five participated in learning activities within the context of an art museum. Visiting the same exhibit multiple times, the students explored the galleries at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art from the perspective of a museum visitor, docent, curator and artist. They also independently produced art work outside of the museum that culminated in a student exhibition held at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. The findings of this research suggest that exhibition within the museum setting positively impacted the students but did not immediately influence their artist identity. The findings also demonstrate the value of providing students with the opportunity to visit not only the same museum multiple times but also the same exhibit in order to deepen student understanding and strengthen their awareness of the art community that exists outside of the classroom. The implications for art and museum educators are examined along with suggestions for further research. INDEX WORDS: Artistic perceptions, art museum exploration, student art exhibition, elementary artists, contextual learning DETERMINING THE ROLE OF THE ART MUSEUM ON STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THEMSELVES AS ARTISTS
GB virus type C cross‐reactivity in clinical samples with a low hepatitis C virus antibody positive response

Virological diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is established using indirect serologic assays that detect specific antibodies to HCV (antiHCV assays) while direct assays, measuring HCV RNA or detection of HCV core antigen, are mainly used to monitor therapy response or used in diagnosis of acute infection or in immunocompromised people when serologic tests can lead to false negative results. The third generation anti-HCV antibody indirect screening tests have reached high sensitivity and specificity (>99%). False positive and/or reactivities near cut-off value remain major open questions in the improvement of algorithms for accurate and cost-effective strategies in HCV diagnosis. False positive results could be due to serological cross-reactivity that may occur among different flaviviruses (1, 2). Nevertheless, there are no data concerning cross-reactivity between anti-HCV screening assays and other RNA viruses in the same Flaviviridae family as HCV, such as GB virus type C (GBV-C). GBV-C is a pegyvirus that shares the same wide diffusion and the same route of transmission as HCV (3–5). In this study, we assessed the possible role of GBV-C cross-reactivity on specimens with a weak positive signal by the ARCHITECT antiHCV chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Abbott Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany). We selected 59 serum samples showing low positive signal in Abbott anti-HCV assay (Ablow, 1 < S/ CO < 4). All Ablow samples were retested with the standard confirmatory immunoblot assay Deciscan HCV Plus (Bio-Rad, Marnes La Coquette, France) and also by two different anti-HCV screening assays: LIAISON XL Murex HCV-Ab (DiaSorin S.p.A., Saluggia, Italy) and VIDAS HCV-Ab (Biomerieux,Chemin del’Orme, France; Fig. 1). Furthermore, plasma HCV-RNA was quantified for all samples using a commercial assay (RealTimeTM HCV; Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL, USA) with a low limit of detection/ quantitation (LOD/LLOQ) of 12 IU/mL. All Ablow samples were HCV-RNA negative, thus excluding the potential for an ongoing acute infection. Six of these samples (~10%) were confirmed to be positive by the DeciScan assay. Using the LIAISON XL assay, 63% (n = 37) of the samples were positive while 57% (n = 34) were positive by the VIDAS assay. The number of Ablow samples that were HCV negative by LIAISON XL (36%) and VIDAS
Comparing UAV-Based Technologies and RGB-D Reconstruction Methods for Plant Height and Biomass Monitoring on Grass Ley

Pastures are botanically diverse and difficult to characterize. Digital modeling of pasture biomass and quality by non-destructive methods can provide highly valuable support for decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate aerial and on-ground methods to characterize grass ley fields, estimating plant height, biomass and volume, using digital grass models. Two fields were sampled, one timothy-dominant and the other ryegrass-dominant. Both sensing systems allowed estimation of biomass, volume and plant height, which were compared with ground truth, also taking into consideration basic economical aspects. To obtain ground-truth data for validation, 10 plots of 1 m2 were manually and destructively sampled on each field. The studied systems differed in data resolution, thus in estimation capability. There was a reasonably good agreement between the UAV-based, the RGB-D-based estimates and the manual height measurements on both fields. RGB-D-based estimation correlated well with ground truth of plant height (R2>0.80) for both fields, and with dry biomass (R2=0.88), only for the timothy field. RGB-D-based estimation of plant volume for ryegrass showed a high agreement (R2=0.87). The UAV-based system showed a weaker estimation capability for plant height and dry biomass (R2<0.6). UAV-systems are more affordable, easier to operate and can cover a larger surface. On-ground techniques with RGB-D cameras can produce highly detailed models, but with more variable results than UAV-based models. On-ground RGB-D data can be effectively analysed with open source software, which is a cost reduction advantage, compared with aerial image analysis. Since the resolution for agricultural operations does not need fine identification the end-details of the grass plants, the use of aerial platforms could result a better option in grasslands.
Statistical power: Before, but not after!

Before starting up a study, it is recommended to calculate the statistical power or sample size. This calculation is based on an expected effect size, or on an effect size regarded as clinically important. The statistical power is the probability that the result of a study with a given number of participants will be statistically significant (1). Alternatively, we calculate the number of participants needed to obtain a given statistical power, for example 90 %, for this effect size. The calculations are performed for a given significance level, usually 0.05.
Riverscape genetic variation, migration patterns, and morphological variation of the threatened Round Rocksnail, Leptoxis ampla

Within riverine systems, headwater populations are hypothesized to harbour higher amounts of genetic distinctiveness than populations in the main stem of a river and display increased genetic diversity in large, downstream habitats. However, these hypotheses were mostly developed with insects and fish, and they have not been tested on many invertebrate lineages. Pleuroceridae gastropods are of particular ecological importance to rivers of eastern North America, sometimes comprising over 90% of macroinvertebrate biomass. Yet, virtually nothing is known of pleurocerid landscape genetics, including whether genetic diversity follows predictions made by hypotheses developed on more mobile species. Moreover, the commonly repeated hypothesis that intraspecific morphological variation in gastropods results from ecophenotypic plasticity has not been well tested on pleurocerids. Using 2bRAD‐seq to discover single nucleotide polymorphisms, we show that the threatened, Cahaba River endemic pleurocerid, Leptoxis ampla, has limited gene flow among populations and that migration is downstream‐biased, conflicting with previous hypotheses. Both tributary and main stem populations harbour unique genomic profiles, and genetic diversity was highest in downstream populations. Furthermore, L. ampla shell morphology was more correlated with genetic differences among individuals and populations than habitat characteristics. We anticipate similar genetic and demographic patterns to be seen in other pleurocerids, and hypotheses about gene flow and population demographics that were based on more mobile taxa often, but not always, apply to freshwater gastropods. From a conservation standpoint, genetic structure of L. ampla populations suggests distinctive genetic diversity is lost with localized extirpation, a phenomenon common across the range of Pleuroceridae.
Twelve tips for distributed health professions training

Abstract Increasing numbers of health professions students are being trained in healthcare facilities that are geographically removed from central academic hospitals. Consequently, studies have evaluated this distributed training, assessed the impact that it has on student learning as well as on the facilities where the training occurs, and explored factors that enable and constrain successful clinical training at such sites. The 12 tips presented in this article have been developed from a longitudinal project that has focused on developing a framework for effective distributed health professions training through an extensive review of the literature and a national consultative process. These 12 tips should, therefore, have applicability across multiple contexts. The purpose of this article is to assist people in implementing, adapting, upscaling, maintaining, and evaluating the distributed training of students in the health professions.
Investigating healthcare brand communities: The impact of online hospital reviews

Abstract This study examines hospital brand communities to improve the understanding of what patients value and how they view the opinions and experiences of other community members. Results from the empirical analysis of brand communities of 364 hospitals involving over 22,000 patient reviews on Yelp.com show that the brand community influences patient decision making in a number of ways. While determining the usefulness of reviews, online hospital review readers consider a combination of factors like affective language, the communication, environmental conditions, and quality of care provided in the hospital, and to a lesser extent the responsiveness of the provider.
Synthesis and bioactivities of phenazine-1-carboxylic piperazine derivatives

Abstract Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) as a natural product which has significant inhibition effects against many soil-borne fungal phytopathogens in agricultural application and has been registered in China as the fungicide against rice sheath blight. In order to find new higher fungicidal activities lead compounds and develop new eco-friendly agrochemicals, we introduced substructure piperazines which also have high biological activity into PCA, designed and synthesized a series of phenazine-1-carboxylic piperazine derivatives, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS. Most compounds exhibited certain in vitro fungicidal activities. In particular, Compounds 5r exhibited the activity against all the tested pathogenic fungi, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, Pyricularia oryzac Cavgra, with the EC50 value of 24. 6μM, 42. 9μM, 73. 7μM, 73. 8μM, 34. 2μM, respectively, more potent activities than PCA (33.2μM, 81.5μM, 186.5μM, 176.4μM, 37.3μM). This result provided a highly active lead compound for the further structure optimization design. Graphical Abstract
White matter has impaired resting oxygen delivery in sickle cell patients

Although modern medical management has lowered overt stroke occurrence in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), progressive white matter (WM) damage remains common. It is known that cerebral blood flow (CBF) increases to compensate for anemia, but sufficiency of cerebral oxygen delivery, especially in the WM, has not been systematically investigated. Cerebral perfusion was measured by arterial spin labeling in 32 SCD patients (age range: 10‐42 years old, 14 males, 7 with HbSC, 25 HbSS) and 25 age and race‐matched healthy controls (age range: 15‐45 years old, 10 males, 12 with HbAS, 13 HbAA); 8/24 SCD patients were receiving regular blood transfusions and 14/24 non‐transfused SCD patients were taking hydroxyurea. Imaging data from control subjects were used to calculate maps for CBF and oxygen delivery in SCD patients and their T‐score maps. Whole brain CBF was increased in SCD patients with a mean T‐score of 0.5 and correlated with lactate dehydrogenase (r2 = 0.58, P < 0.0001). When corrected for oxygen content and arterial saturation, whole brain and gray matter (GM) oxygen delivery were normal in SCD, but WM oxygen delivery was 35% lower than in controls. Age and hematocrit were the strongest predictors for WM CBF and oxygen delivery in patients with SCD. There was spatial co‐localization between regions of low oxygen delivery and WM hyperintensities on T2 FLAIR imaging. To conclude, oxygen delivery is preserved in the GM of SCD patients, but is decreased throughout the WM, particularly in areas prone to WM silent strokes.