Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of prognostic values of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide to assess mortality in elderly inpatients

Background Studies have shown that increases in low-level high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the elderly population lead to high risk of adverse clinical outcomes, such as mortality. In this study, associations between the two biomarkers and long-term mortality in elderly patients hospitalized for medical conditions other than acute cardiovascular events were investigated. A comparison of the predictive value of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP for all-cause mortality was conducted. Methods A cohort of 715 elderly inpatients free of acute cardiovascular events was initially recruited. Based on tertiles of baseline hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels, the elderly were arranged into low, middle, and high groups. The mortality of each group was observed and the predictive values of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP compared. Additionally, all-cause mortality was analyzed for hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP combined. Results There were 135 (18.9%) all-cause mortality cases identified during follow-up (median 47 months). The upper tertile of hs-cTnT was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.85-5.85), even after adjustment for potential confounders. However, there were no significant differences observed in mortality rates among the three NT-proBNP groups after adjustment for potential confounders (HR 1.77, 95% CI 0.83-3.17). Compared to NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT was a better predictor of mortality, as area under curves for hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP at 60 months were 0.712 (95% CI 0.616-0.809) and 0.585 (95% CI 0.483-0.6871), respectively. Also, the combination of the two cardiac biomarkers did not render a better predictive value for mortality than hs-cTnT alone. Conclusion Unlike hs-cTnT, baseline NT-proBNP levels failed to show an independent association with all-cause mortality in hospitalized elderly without acute cardiovascular events. hs-cTnT provided significant prognostic value for mortality in the study cohort.
Fermentability of a Novel Galacto-Oligosaccharide Mixture by Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.

This study aimed to investigate the specific growth stimulation of certain desired intestinal bacteria by a novel galacto-oligosaccharide mixture, which was produced with a β-galactosidase from a potential probiotic Lactobacillus isolate that contained mainly oligosaccharides of β-1,3 and β-1,6 glycosidic linkages (termed Lb-GOS) using single-strain fermentations. The composition of this Lb-GOS mixture was 33.5% disaccharides, 60.5% trisaccharides, 4.8% tetrasaccharides, and 1.0% pentasaccharides with a negligible amount of monosaccharides, lactose, and lactobionic acid (0.3%). Eight Lactobacillus spp. strains and three Bifidobacterium spp. strains were used in single-strain fermentations to determine the fermentation activity scores of this Lb-GOS preparation compared to two commercially available prebiotic mixtures, 4′GOS-P and Vivinal GOS (V-GOS). The highest scores were obtained when L. reuteri Lb46 and the two Bifidobacterium strains, B. animalis subsp. lactis Bif1 and Bif3, were grown on these galacto-oligosaccharide mixtures. In addition, the Lb-GOS mixture was found to have higher fermentation activity scores; hence, it stimulated the growth of these probiotic strains more than 4′GOS-P and V-GOS, which may be attributed to the different glycosidic linkage types that are found in the Lb-GOS mixture compared to the other two commercial preparations. These findings suggested that the Lb-GOS mixture that is described in this work should be of interest for the formulations of new carbohydrate-based functional food ingredients.
Large-scale synthesis of monodisperse Prussian blue nanoparticles for cancer theranostics via an “in situ modification” strategy

Background The intrinsic properties of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles make them an attractive tool in nanomedicine, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and photothermal therapy (PTT) properties. However, there still remains the challenge of their poor dispersible stability in the physiological environment. In this study, we developed an efficient hydrothermal method to address the poor dispersible stability of PB nanoparticles in the physiological environment. Materials and methods The concentration of H+, the mass of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and iron sources (K3[Fe(CN)6]) are very vital in the preparation of PB nanoparticles. Through exploring the preparation process, optimized PB nanoparticles (OPBs) with excellent physiological stability were prepared. Hydrodynamic diameter and UV-vis absorption properties were measured to verify the stability of the prepared OPBs. Properties of dual-mode imaging, including MRI/PAI, and PTT of OPBs were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the in vivo biosafety of OPBs was systematically assessed. Results OPBs were stable in different environments including various media, pH, and temperatures for at least 90 days, indicating that they are suitable for biomedical application via intravenous administration and easily stored in a robust environment. Compared with other research into the synthesis of PB nanoparticles, the "in situ modification" synthesis of PB nanoparticles had advantages, including a simple process, low cost, and easy mass preparation. OPBs showed no significant signs of toxicity for 90 days. As a proof of concept, the OPBs served as dual-mode image contrast agents and photothermal conversion agents for cancer diagnosis and therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Our findings suggest a facile but efficient strategy with low cost to address the poor dispersible stability of PB nanoparticles in physiological environments. This will promote the development of further clinical transformations of PB nanoparticles, especially in cancer theranostics.
Determinants of Health Seeking Behavior among Caregivers of Infants Admitted with Acute Childhood Illnesses at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Background Poor, delayed, or inappropriate health seeking for a sick infant with acute childhood illness is associated with high morbidity/mortality. Delay in health seeking is implicated with fatal complications and prolonged hospital stay. Thus, caregivers ought to identify danger signs and promptly seek professional help for a sick infant. Objective Establish determinants of health seeking behavior among caregivers of infants admitted with acute childhood illnesses in Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods A mixed method cross-sectional study involving caregivers (n=130) of sick infants. Semistructured questionnaire and two focused group discussions were used to gather data on caregiver knowledge on danger signs, health care seeking options, and decision-making regarding health care seeking. Data was analyzed with SPSS V. 22. Results Knowledge of danger signs of infancy was poor. Immediate health seeking was associated with tertiary [P=0.009] and secondary [P=0.030] education, knowledgeability on danger signs [P=0.002], and being married [P=0.019]. Respondents who resided in urban [P=0.034] or less than a kilometer [P=0.042] from a health facility sought care immediately. Those who rated services as excellent (P=0.005) and satisfactory (P=0.025) sought care promptly. Conclusion Poor knowledge on danger signs of infancy was common among caregivers blurring the magnitude of acute illness resulting in delayed health seeking. Knowledgeability of danger signs of infancy, high educational level, and being married were associated with immediate health care seeking. Caregivers who resided in urban setting and/or near a health facility were linked to immediate health seeking. Additionally, satisfaction and perception of quality health care services were associated with immediate health seeking. Interventions with caregivers should involve capacity building through partnership with families and communities to raise awareness of danger signs of infancy. Strengthening of health care system to offer quality basic health services could improve health seeking behavior. Provision of a seamless supply system, infrastructural support, and technical support for soft skills minimize the turnaround time which is critical.
Design of Single‐Molecule Multiferroics for Efficient Ultrahigh‐Density Nonvolatile Memories

It is known that an isolated single‐molecule magnet tends to become super‐paramagnetic even at an ultralow temperature of a few Kelvin due to the low spin switching barrier. Herein, single‐molecule ferroelectrics/multiferroics is proposed, as the ultimate size limit of memory, such that every molecule can store 1 bit data. The primary strategy is to identify polar molecules that possess bistable states, moderate switching barriers, and polarizations fixed along the vertical direction for high‐density perpendicular recording. First‐principles computation shows that several selected magnetic metal porphyrin molecules possess buckled structures with switchable vertical polarizations that are robust at ambient conditions. When intercalated within a bilayer of 2D materials such as bilayer MoS2 or CrI3, the magnetization can alter the spin distribution or can be even switched by 180° upon ferroelectric switching, rendering efficient electric writing and magnetic reading. It is found that the upper limit of areal storage density can be enhanced by four orders of magnitude, from the previous super‐paramagnetic limit of ≈40 to ≈106 GB in. −2, on the basis of the design of cross‐point multiferroic tunneling junction array and multiferroic hard drive.
Endoscopic Ultrasound–Guided Creation of a Gastrogastric Conduit After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Patient with Prior Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

We present a 65-year-old man with a history of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and an ampullary adenocarcinoma, treated initially with a Whipple operation, who developed chronic left upper quadrant pain as a consequence of retained gastric contents within a dilated gastric remnant that was no longer in continuity. This was treated successfully with the endoscopic ultrasound–guided creation of a gastrogastric conduit via a covered metal stent. This represents a unique complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with a prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
PRISMA—efficacy and safety of lixisenatide for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google, Web of Science and the Chinese Science Citation Database were searched up to March 2018. Randomized controlled trials determining the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were eligible for inclusion. Two authors independently extracted the data in a prespecified Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and relative risk (RR) together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, and only the random effects model was used in order to achieve a more conservative estimate of the efficacy and safety. Results: Fourteen multicenter randomized controlled trials involving 11,947 patients were eligible for inclusion. Compared to placebo, lixisenatide could more significantly reduce the level of HbA1c (WMD=-0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.55,-0.33]), and a higher proportion of lixisenatide-treated patients achieved the HbA1c level of < 7.0% (RR = 1.89, 95% CI [1.75–2.03]) and < 6.5% (RR = 3.03, 95% CI [2.54–3.63]) than the placebo-treated patients. Lixisenatide was also associated with a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels. The risks for any adverse events, gastrointestinal adverse events, and symptomatic hypoglycemia significantly increased in the lixisenatide-treatedment group compared to those in the placebo group. However, lixisenatideit did not increase the risks of serious adverse events, death, or severe hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Lixisenatide was more effective than placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the mild-to-moderate adverse events were found to be tolerated during the follow-up.
Amelioration of drought effects in wheat and cucumber by the combined application of super absorbent polymer and potential biofertilizer

Biofertilizer is a good substitute for chemical fertilizer in sustainable agriculture, but its effects are often hindered by drought stress. Super absorbent polymer (SAP), showing good capacity of water absorption and retention, can increase soil moisture. However, limited information is available about the efficiency of biofertilizer amended with SAP. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of synergistic application of SAP and biofertilizers (Paenibacillus beijingensis BJ-18 and Bacillus sp. L-56) on plant growth, including wheat and cucumber. Potted soil was treated with different fertilizer combinations (SAP, BJ-18 biofertilizer, L-56 biofertilizer, BJ-18 + SAP, L-56 + SAP), and pot experiment was carried out to explore its effects on viability of inoculants, seed germination rate, plant physiological and biochemical parameters, and expression pattern of stress-related genes under drought condition. At day 29 after sowing, the highest viability of strain P. beijingensis BJ-18 (264 copies ng−1 gDNA) was observed in BJ-18 + SAP treatment group of wheat rhizosphere soil, while that of strain Bacillus sp. L-56 (331 copies ng−1 gDNA) was observed in the L-56 + SAP treatment group of cucumber rhizosphere soil. In addition, both biofertilizers amended with SAP could promote germination rate of seeds (wheat and cucumber), plant growth, soil fertility (urease, sucrose, and dehydrogenase activities). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that biofertilizer + SAP significantly down-regulated the expression levels of genes involved in ROS scavenging (TaCAT, CsCAT, TaAPX, and CsAPX2), ethylene biosynthesis (TaACO2, CsACO1, and CsACS1), stress response (TaDHN3, TaLEA, and CsLEA11), salicylic acid (TaPR1-1a and CsPR1-1a), and transcription activation (TaNAC2D and CsNAC35) in plants under drought stress. These results suggest that SAP addition in biofertilizer is a good tactic for enhancing the efficiency of biofertilizer, which is beneficial for plants in response to drought stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the effect of synergistic use of biofertilizer and SAP on plant growth under drought stress.
Triphala Suppresses Growth and Migration of Human Gastric Carcinoma Cells In Vitro and in a Zebrafish Xenograft Model

Objectives Triphala is an extensively prescribed traditional medicinal formula with potential therapeutic effects on various malignancies such as breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, ovarian, cervical, endometrial, and lymphatic cancer as well as melanoma. This study aimed to investigate Triphala for antitumor activities against gastric cancers. Methods In vitro tumor growth and migration of human gastric cancer cells were examined using the CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. In vivo tumor progression was studied in a zebrafish xenograft model. The anticancer activity of Triphala was quantified as growth and metastasis inhibition rate. The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated by Western blotting. Results The CCK-8 and Transwell experiments indicated that Triphala significantly decreased tumor proliferation and suppressed cell migration in vitro. The zebrafish xenograft study revealed that administration of Triphala inhibited the xenograft growth and metastasis of transplanted carcinoma cells in vivo. Western blotting analysis demonstrated an inhibition of phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, and ERK in the presence of Triphala, indicating that its antineoplastic mechanism is associated with the regulation of the EGFR/Akt/ERK signaling cascade. Conclusion Triphala is a promising antineoplastic agent for the treatment of gastric carcinomas with significant antiproliferative and antimetastatic activities.
What do European women know about their female cancer risks and cancer screening? A cross-sectional online intervention survey in five European countries

Objectives Informed decisions about cancer screening require accurate knowledge regarding cancer risks and screening. This study investigates: (1) European women’s knowledge of their risk of developing breast, ovarian, cervical or endometrial cancer, (2) their knowledge about mammography screening and (3) whether an evidence-based leaflet improves their knowledge. Design Cross-sectional online intervention survey. Setting National samples from five European countries (Czech Republic, Germany, UK, Italy and Sweden)—drawn from the Harris Interactive and the Toluna panel, respectively, in January 2017—were queried on their knowledge of age-specific risks of developing breast, cervical, ovarian or endometrial cancer within the next 10 years and of mammography screening before and after intervention. Participants Of 3629 women (inclusion criteria: age 40–75 years) invited, 2092 responded and 1675 completed the survey (response rate: 61.4%). Intervention Evidence-based leaflet summarising information on age-adjusted female cancer risks, mammography and aspects of cancer prevention. Primary outcome measures Proportion of women (1) accurately estimating their risk of four female cancers, (2) holding correct assumptions of mammography screening and (3) changing their estimations and assumptions after exposure to leaflet. Findings Across countries, 59.2% (95% CI 56.8% to 61.6%) to 91.8% (95% CI 90.3% to 93.0%) overestimated their female cancer risks 7–33 fold (mediansacross tumours: 50.0 to 200.0). 26.5% (95% CI 24.4% to 28.7%) were aware that mammography screening has both benefits and harms. Women who accurately estimated their breast cancer risk were less likely to believe that mammography prevents cancer (p<0.001). After leaflet intervention, knowledge of cancer risks improved by 27.0 (95% CI 24.9 to 29.2) to 37.1 (95% CI 34.8 to 39.4) percentage points and of mammography by 23.0 (95% CI 21.0 to 25.1) percentage points. Conclusion A considerable number of women in five European countries may not possess the prerequisites for an informed choice on cancer screening. Evidence-based information in patient leaflets can improve this situation.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Eriobotrya japonica Leaf Extract and Its Various Fractions against Carbon Tetra Chloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Eriobotrya japonica is traditionally used as an antipyretic, digestive, and diuretic agent. Its flowers possess free radical–scavenging, antioxidative, and hepatoprotective effects. We investigated the hepatoprotective potential of E. japonica leaf extract and its various fractions against hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver injury was stimulated by the oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 2.5 mL/kg b.wt.). Male albino rats (n = 55) were distributed arbitrarily into 11 groups: Group I, normal control group; Group II, CCl4 (positive control group); Group III, CCl4 + silymarin; Groups IV and V, CCl4 + two doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the 80% methanolic extract of E. japonica leaves, respectively; Groups VI and VII, CCl4 + 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate fraction, respectively; Groups VIII and IX, CCl4 + 250 and 500 mg/kg of the butanol fraction, respectively; and Groups X and XI, CCl4 + 250 and 500 mg/kg of the aqueous fraction of E. Japonica leaves, respectively. CCl4-treated rats that were given 250 or 500 mg/kg of the methanol extract of E. Japonica leaves, or its ethyl acetate, butanol, or aqueous fractions, had significantly lower levels of biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphate, total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin levels than those of the CCl4 positive group. However, the extract and fractions did not significantly affect lipid profiles. Thus, we conclude that Eriobotrya leaf extract and its fractions have a hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
Prediction of changes in functional ability of inpatients with schizophrenia using logarithmic and linear regression modelling

Background/Objective Few studies have addressed the type of time course regression that can predict changes in functional ability in inpatients with schizophrenia. This study investigated the possibility of predicting changes in functional ability by logarithmic and linear regression modelling when treating schizophrenia. Methods This longitudinal study included two analysis rounds. Analysis 1 comprised 40 inpatients (male/female: 16/24, mean age: 39.7 ± 13.5 years) for the identification of the time course of changes in functional ability based on the Activity Profile Scale for Patients with Psychiatric Disorders score from the group data. Analysis 2 comprised 17 inpatients (male/female: 9/8, mean age: 38.5 ± 9.4 years) to ensure correlation of the group data with the prediction of each individual’s degree of functional ability. Results In Analysis 1, Activity Profile Scale for Patients with Psychiatric Disorders score was assessed at the initial occupational therapy visit, one week and one month thereafter, and at discharge; logarithmic modelling using the scores at the initial visit, one month later and at discharge was more suitable (R2 = .506, p < .001) than the logarithmic and linear regression models using other score combinations. In Analysis 2, the individual’s predicted Activity Profile Scale for Patients with Psychiatric Disorders scores at discharge, as calculated by logarithmic modelling using scores from the initial visit and one month later, correlated moderately with actual Activity Profile Scale for Patients with Psychiatric Disorders scores (R2 = .574, p < .001; ICC = .747, p < .001). Conclusion Logarithmic modelling based on Activity Profile Scale for Patients with Psychiatric Disorders score accurately predicted changes in the functional ability of inpatients with schizophrenia and is sufficiently uncomplicated to be adopted in daily clinical practice.
The Importance of Intra-aortic Pulse Pressure After Anterior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective To evaluate the association of pulse pressure (PP) with mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in one-year period after anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (A-STEMI). Methods A total of 261 consecutive patients whose blood pressure was measured with the aid of a catheter before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) between August 2016 and February 2017 were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to pulse pressure (PP) (Group 1, PP<35 mmHg; Group 2, 35≤PP≤50 mmHg; Group 3, PP>50 mmHg). Results The mean age of the patients was 63.4±14.1 years, and 206 of them were male. The groups were similar in terms of age and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The ratio of female patients in Group 1 was higher, and their systolic blood pressure (SBP) was lower than those from the other groups (P=0.005 vs. P=0.042). The rates of MACE and mortality were higher in Group 1. The predictive PP values were calculated to be 42.5 mmHg for development of MACE and 41.5 mmHg for mortality. One-year survival ratio was worse in Group 1 than in the others according to Kaplan-Meier analysis (P<0.001). Conclusion The values of PP which was measured intra-aortically in patients with A-STEMI were associated with mortality and MACE in the one-year follow-up period.