Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of life after stroke rehabilitation discharge: a 12-month longitudinal study

Abstract Purpose To analyse trends in quality of life (QoL) development among older stroke patients within the first year after rehabilitation discharge, and to investigate the impact of including proxy interviews in research and practice. Methods A prospective cohort study with follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months with 411 patients and proxy respondents was conducted. The EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index was used to assess QoL. By performing descriptive analyses, QoL development over time was compared among subgroups. Linear mixed models were calculated to estimate mean changes from baseline to 12-month follow-up. The effects of patient characteristics and time on QoL were investigated using comprehensive mixed models. Results One year after rehabilitation discharge, the majority of patients had neither maintained nor regained their initial QoL. Proxy respondents reported significantly lower QoL (22.6–29.5 points, p < 0.001). Characteristics associated with lower QoL were stroke severity, depression, and pain. Having a small social network was negatively associated with QoL (–1.66 points, 95%CI: –2.84/–0.48, p = 0.006). Conclusions Quality of life scores reported at the time of rehabilitation discharge are often not lasting. Including severely impaired patients via proxies reduces the risk of overestimating QoL outcomes. Outpatient’s characteristics should be taken into account when planning therapy strategies to maintain previously achieved health goals. Regular re-assessments are required. Implications for rehabilitation There should be an awareness that improvements in quality of life (QoL) achieved during rehabilitation are not sustainable. Regularly re-assessing pain status, psychological burden, and social network size could help clinicians to determine treatment strategies for maintaining and improving rehabilitation achievements. Conducting proxy interviews is required to assess disease burden of patients with severe stroke (e.g., non-linguistic patients).
Live‐Cell Copper‐Induced Fluorescence Quenching of the Flavin‐Binding Fluorescent Protein CreiLOV

CreiLOV is a flavin‐binding fluorescent protein derived from the blue‐light photoreceptor protein family that contains light‐oxygen‐voltage (LOV) sensing domains. Flavin‐binding fluorescent proteins represent a promising foundation for new fluorescent reporters and biosensors that can address limitations of the well‐established green fluorescent protein (GFP) family. Flavin‐binding fluorescent proteins are smaller than GFPs, are stable over a wider pH range, offer rapid chromophore incorporation, and are oxygen‐independent so can be applied to live anaerobic organisms. Among the flavin‐binding fluorescent proteins, CreiLOV has a high quantum yield and excellent photophysical properties, making it promising for cellular applications. Here, we investigated the suitability of CreiLOV as an intensity‐ and fluorescence‐lifetime‐based metal sensor. CreiLOV selectively binds copper(II) over other biologically relevant metals with low‐micromolar affinity, resulting in fluorescence quenching and a decrease in the fluorescence lifetime that can be observed in cuvettes and live bacterial cells.
Maintaining historic disturbance regimes increases species' resilience to catastrophic hurricanes

As habitat loss and fragmentation, urbanization, and global climate change accelerate, conservation of rare ecosystems increasingly relies on human intervention. However, any conservation strategy is vulnerable to unpredictable, catastrophic events. Whether active management increases or decreases a system's resilience to these events remains unknown. Following Hurricane Irma's landfall in our habitat restoration study sites, we found that rare ecosystems with active, human‐imposed management suffered less damage in a hurricane's path than unmanaged systems. At the center of Irma's landfall, we found Croton linearis' (a locally rare plant that is the sole host for two endangered butterfly species) survival and population growth rates in the year of the hurricane were higher in previously managed plots than in un‐managed controls. In the periphery of Irma's circulation, the effect of prior management was stronger than that of the hurricane. Maintaining the historical disturbance regime thus increased the resilience of the population to major hurricane disturbance. As climate change increases the probability and intensity of severe hurricanes, human management of disturbance‐adapted landscapes will become increasingly important for maintaining populations of threatened species in a storm's path. Doing nothing will accelerate extinction.
Use of the universal pain assessment tool for evaluating pain associated with temporomandibular disorders in youngsters.

AIM Determine, whether the UPAT could be used as an extra tool to collect data on functional TMJ pain and to assess orofacial pain levels related to temporomandibular disorder(s) (TMD) in youngsters. METHODS Patients were screened at the N1 Dental Clinic of Tbilisi State Medical University. The clinical scores of possible functional jaw pain were collected using the UPAT, to indicate pain severity on a visual scale during different jaw movements (opening, closing and lateral). STATISTICS Comparisons of categorised data have been performed by chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test (where expected values were less than 5). The P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS Two hundred and ninety-one youngsters were screened by calibrated dentists. The majority (59%) of participants were male; age distribution ranged from 8 to 15 years (mean 11.46 ± 2.11). The results of the UPAT demonstrated the existence of functional TMJ pain in 15.46% (n=45) of the patients without significant prevalence (P > 0.05) in this survey group. CONCLUSION According to the results of the present study, the UPAT demonstrated that it could be an additional tool to detect the existence of functional jaw pain possibly associated with TMD and also a valid instrument to score pain intensity associated with TMD in youngster patients.
Correlative Comparison of Three Ocular Axes to Tilt and Decentration of Intraocular Lens and Their Effects on Visual Acuity

Purpose: To evaluate which ocular axis, the corneal topographic axis (CTA), pupillary axis (PA) or line of sight (LOS), for measuring the tilt and decentration of intraocular lens (IOL) is most relevant to correct distance visual acuity (CDVA). Methods: A Scheimpflug device (Pentacam HR) was prospectively used to determine the tilt and decentration of IOLs in vivo 3 months after cataract surgery. A new method was developed to reliably measure PA and LOS. We further evaluated CTA and then used Spearman correlation coefficient and linear regression to assess the correlation between CDVA and IOL displacement based on the data of three different ocular axes. Results: Forty-six eyes from 46 patients were evaluated. The majority of decentration and tilt of IOL with reference to CTA, PA and LOS were towards the subtemporal direction. We found that the horizontal meridian data measured using CTA and PA were statistically significantly different (p = 0.011 for tilt; p = 0.005 for decentration). The correlation between CDVA and the distance of decentration temporally (r = –0.344, p = 0.035) and inferiorly (r = –0.336, p = 0.042) of the IOL with regard to CTA was significant. PA and LOS measurements had no correlation with any indices. Conclusion: Assessment of tilt and decentration of the IOL with reference to different ocular axes was markedly different. IOL tilt and decentration measured by CTA were significantly correlated with CDVA.
Omega‐3 and hemocompatibility‐related adverse events

Hemocompatibility‐related clinical adverse events (HRAEs) are major causes of readmission in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Omega‐3 is an unsaturated fatty acid that possesses anti‐inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. We aimed to investigate the impact of omega‐3 therapy on HRAEs during LVAD support.
Association between caring for grandchildren and feelings of loneliness, social isolation and social network size: a cross-sectional study of community dwelling adults in Germany

Objective The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between grandparental care and loneliness, social isolation and/or the size of an individual’s social network among community-based adults aged ≥40 years. Methods Cross-sectional data were drawn from a population-based sample of individuals aged ≥40 years living in the community in Germany. Loneliness was measured using a short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Social isolation was measured using a scale developed by Bude and Lantermann. The number of important people with whom respondents have regular contact (ie, social network size) was also used as an outcome variable. All respondents were asked whether they privately provide grandparent care (no/yes). Results Linear regressions showed reduced loneliness (β=−0.06, p<0.01) and social isolation scores (β=−0.04, p<0.05) among those undertaking care of a grandchild. Regression analysis also showed an increased number of important people with whom individuals had regular contact among those who undertook care of a grandchild (β=1.02, p<0.001). Conclusion Findings indicate a positive association between undertaking the care of a grandchild and the size of an individual’s social network, and a negative association between grandchild care and self-rated scores of loneliness and social isolation. These findings build on existing research into the social and health implications of grandchild care among grandparents. Longitudinal studies are required to strengthen the understanding of this association.
Pyrene‐Based Noncovalent Immobilization of Nitrogenase on Carbon Surfaces

Early work with viologen‐mediated nitrogenase bio‐electrochemistry focused on bio‐electrocatalysis with the enzyme in solution, but biocatalyst immobilization at electrode surfaces is favorable as it provides a high effective concentration of biocatalyst at the electrode surface. We have used a pyrene–peptide linker as a method for immobilizing nitrogenase on carbon electrode surfaces for nitrogenase bio‐electrocatalysis.
Evaluation of trabecular bone changes in patients with periodontitis using fractal analysis: A periapical radiography study.

BACKGROUND The present study was aimed to evaluate the trabecular bone changes between healthy individuals and periodontitis patients with fractal dimension analysis on digital periapical radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 35 healthy and 35 individuals with periodontitis were confirmed from the database of our faculty and included in the study. Two regions of interest (ROI) were selected belonging to mesial and distal region of mandibular first molar on periapical radiographs. The mean fractal dimension (FD) values of two regions were calculated with using box-counting method. Student's T test was used for the comparison of the FDs. RESULTS The mean FD of individuals with periodontitis was 0.97, whereas it was 1.04 for the healthy group. The mean FD values were significantly higher in the healthy group (P < 0.05). In the periodontitis group, as the FD of mesial interdental bone increased, the FD of distal interdental bone increased significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Due to FD numerically showing changes in bone trabeculation, changes in the alveolar bone can be detected quantitatively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
High-Fat Diet Affects Ceramide Content, Disturbs Mitochondrial Redox Balance, and Induces Apoptosis in the Submandibular Glands of Mice

This is the first study to investigate the relationship between ceramides, the mitochondrial respiratory system, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the submandibular gland mitochondria of mice with insulin resistance (IR). The experiment was conducted on 20 male C57BL/6 mice divided into two equal groups: animals fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) and animals fed a standard diet (10 kcal% fat). We have shown that feeding mice HFD induces systemic IR. We noticed that HFD feeding was accompanied by a significant increase in ceramide production (C18 1Cer, C18 Cer, C22 Cer, C24 1Cer, C24 Cer), higher activity of pro-oxidant enzymes (NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase), and weakened functioning of mitochondrial complexes in the submandibular glands of IR mice. In this group, we also observed a decrease in catalase and peroxidase activities, glutathione concentration, redox status, increased concentration of protein (advanced glycation end products, advanced oxidation protein products) and lipid (malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxide) peroxidation products, and enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) as well as pro-apoptotic Bax in the submandibular gland mitochondria. In summary, HFD impairs salivary redox homeostasis and is responsible for enhanced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the submandibular gland mitochondria. The accumulation of some ceramides could boost free radical formation by affecting pro-oxidant enzymes and the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Rotavirus vaccination in the neonatal intensive care units: where are we? A rapid review of recent evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Rotavirus is a leading cause of viral acute gastroenteritis in infants. Neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are at risk of rotavirus infections with severe outcomes. The administration of rotavirus vaccines is only recommended, in the United States and Canada, upon discharge from the NICU despite rotavirus vaccines being proven well tolerated and effective in these populations, because of risks of live-attenuated vaccine administration in immunocompromised patients and theoretical risks of rotavirus vaccine strains shedding and transmission.We aimed to summarize recent evidence regarding rotavirus vaccine administration in the NICU setting and safety of rotavirus vaccines in preterm infants. METHODS We conducted a rapid review of the literature from the past 10 years, searching Medline and Embase, including all study types except reviews, reporting on rotavirus vaccines 1 and 5; NICU setting; shedding or transmission; safety in preterm. One reviewer performed data extraction and quality assessment. RECENT FINDINGS Thirty-one articles were analyzed. Vaccine-derived virus shedding following rotavirus vaccines existed for nearly all infants, mostly during the first week after dose 1, but with rare transmission only described in the household setting. No case of transmission in the NICU was reported. Adverse events were mild to moderate, occurring in 10-60% of vaccinated infants. Extreme premature infants or those with underlying gastrointestinal failure requiring surgery presented with more severe adverse events. SUMMARY Recommendations regarding rotavirus vaccine administration in the NICU should be reassessed in light of the relative safety and absence of transmission of rotavirus vaccine strains in the NICU.
Phosphate rock solubilization and the potential for lead immobilization by a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (Pseudomonas sp.)

Abstract Lead (Pb) pollution is getting more and more serious in phosphate mining wastelands recently. However, seldom studies focused on the bioremediation of Pb pollution in phosphate mining wastelands by phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB). In this study, a PSB named LA with high Pb tolerance was isolated from a phosphate mining wasteland. Based on its cell morphology, physiology, and phylogenetic analysis, it was identified as Pseudomonas sp. Its capabilities to solubilize mid-low-grade phosphate rock (PR) and immobilize Pb were assessed in this study. It was found that LA could effectively solubilize PR on PKO culture medium and release soluble phosphate in the culture medium. PR solubilization and Pb immobilization were investigated at different initial Pb concentrations and pH levels. The results showed that soluble phosphate was highly effective in immobilizing Pb and that when the initial concentration of Pb2+ was 100 mg/L, the immobilization rate of Pb was enhanced. Further, the mechanisms underlying solubilization of PR and biomineralization of Pb ions in LA were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that some functional groups on the PR surface and LA were altered, and LA could form hydroxyapatite and pyrophosphate with Pb ions.
Intact rather than total circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1a is a negative indicator of growth in masu salmon.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1a is one of three major circulating forms in salmon and induced under catabolic conditions. However, there is currently no immunoassay available for this form due to lack of standard and specific antibodies. We developed a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for salmon IGFBP-1a using recombinant protein for labelling, an assay standard, and production of antiserum. The TR-FIA had a low cross-reactivity (3.6%) with IGFBP-1b, another major form in the circulation. Fasting for 4 weeks had no effect on serum immunoreactive (total) IGFBP-1a levels in yearling masu salmon, whereas 6-week fasting significantly increased it. There was a significant, but weak, negative relationship between serum total IGFBP-1a level and individual growth rate (r2 = 0.12, P = 0.01). We next developed a ligand immuno-functional assay (LIFA) using europium-labelled IGF-I to quantify intact IGFBP-1a. In contrast to total IGFBP-1a, serum intact IGFBP-1a levels increased after 4 weeks of fasting, and refeeding for 2 weeks restored it to levels similar to those of the fed control. Serum intact IGFBP-1a level showed a significant negative correlation with individual growth rate (r2 = 0.52, P < 0.001), which was as good as that of IGFBP-1b. Our findings using newly developed TR-FIA and LIFA suggest that regulation of intact IGFBP-1a level has an important effect on growth in salmon and that intact IGFBP-1a is a negative index of salmon growth.
Sarcopoterium spinosum Inhibited the Development of Non-Alcoholic Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a comorbidity of obesity, which gradually develops from hepatic steatosis into steatohepatitis (NASH) and eventually even into fibrosis or hepatic carcinoma. To date, there has been no specific and effective treatment for NAFLD. Sarcopoterium spinosum extract (SSE) was found to improve insulin sensitivity. Recognizing the intimate link between insulin resistance and NAFLD, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectivity of SSE in the prevention and management of NAFLD at various severities. SSE was given to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice (steatosis model) or to mice given a Western diet (WD) in the short or long term (NASH prevention or treatment, respectively). SSE reduced body weight accumulation, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and prevented the development of hepatic steatosis. SSE also blocked the progression of liver disease toward NASH in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant machinery was regulated by SSE in both models of steatosis and NASH development. However, SSE failed to reverse the hepatic damage in the advanced model of NASH. In summary, SSE might be considered as a botanical supplement for the prevention and treatment of hepatic steatosis, and for slowing the deterioration toward NASH.
Potato Protein Fining of Phenolic Compounds in Red Wine: A Study of the Kinetics and the Impact of Wine Matrix Components and Physical Factors

Producing wines within an acceptable range of astringency is important for quality and consumer acceptance. Astringency can be modified by fining during the winemaking process and the use of vegetable proteins (especially potato proteins) as fining agents has gained increasing interest due to consumers’ requirements. The research presented was the first to investigate the effect of a potato protein dose on the kinetics of tannin and phenolic removal compared to gelatin for two unfined Cabernet Sauvignon wines. To further understand the results, the influence of the wine matrix and fining parameters (including pH, ethanol concentration, sugar concentration, temperature, and agitation) were tested according to a fractional 25-1 factorial design on one of the Cabernet Sauvignon wines using potato proteins. The results from the factorial design indicate that potato protein fining was significantly influenced by wine pH, ethanol concentration, fining temperature as well as an interaction (pH × ethanol) but not by sugar content or agitation. Insights into the steps required for the optimisation of fining were gained from the study, revealing that potato protein fining efficiency could be increased by treating wines at higher temperatures (20 °C, rather than the conventional 10–15 °C), and at both a lower pH and/or alcohol concentration.
Patient Views on Surgeon-specific Outcome Reporting in Vascular Surgery

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Background: SSMD are used to enhance transparency, improve quality and facilitate patient choice. The use of SSMD is controversial, but patients’ views on such data are largely unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was therefore to explore the views of patients and to identify their priorities for outcome reporting in vascular surgery. Methods: A prospective questionnaire study of 165 patients receiving care in a single academic vascular unit was performed. Data on patients’ current understanding and use of SSMD, together with future priorities were collected. Results: Of the 165 patients 80% were unaware of SSMD. 72% thought they should be made aware of the data, although 63% thought they were likely to misinterpret the results. The majority recognized the utility of SSMD to inform treatment (60%) and surgeon (53%) choice. The majority prioritize the patient-surgeon relationship (90%) and past experiences of care (71%) when making treatment decisions. A significant majority (66% vs 49%; P < 0.005) would favour hospital-level to surgeon-level data. The main patient priorities for future outcome reporting were waiting list length (56%), the quality of hospital facilities (55%), and patient satisfaction (54%). Conclusions: The aims of SSMD reporting are not currently being met, and both patients and healthcare professionals have shared concerns over the nature and usefulness of the data. Patients express a preference for hospital-level outcomes and prioritize the experience of receiving care over outcomes when making treatment decisions. Future outcome reporting should include patient-directed hospital-level metrics that are readily accessible and understood by all.
Force-stabilizing synergies can be retained by coordinating sensory-blocked and sensory-intact digits

The present study examined the effects of selective digital deafferentation on the multi-finger synergies as a function of total force requirement and the number of digits involved in isometric pressing. 12 healthy adults participated in maximal and sub-maximal isometric pressing tasks with or without digital anesthesia to selective digits from the right hand. Our results indicate that selective anesthesia paradigm induces changes in both anesthetized (local) and non-anesthetized (non-local) digits’ performance, including: (1) decreased maximal force abilities in both local and non-local digits; (2) reduced force share during multi-finger tasks from non-local but not local digits; (3) decreased force error-making; and (4) marginally increased motor synergies. These results reinforce the contribution of somatosensory feedback in the process of maximal voluntary contraction force, motor performance, and indicate that somatosensation may play a role in optimizing secondary goals during isometric force production rather than ensuring task performance.