Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Infection and Growth in Children under 5 Years of Age: Analyzing Data from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is one of the less focused on infections and is often associated with faulty child nutrition in the developing world. This study aimed to evaluate the association of NTS infection with growth faltering among children under the age of five. We analyzed data from 378 fecal NTS positive children with both moderate-to-severe diarrhea (MSD) and asymptomatic infection from the seven countries of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa during enrolment and on day 60 follow up in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) for the period of December 2007 to March 2011. Children not associated with fecal NTS (n = 1134) were randomly selected from the same dataset (1:3 ratio) as a comparison group. The association between an explanatory variable and the outcome variable was longitudinally tested using generalized estimating equations (GEE), where the dependent variables were height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) z-score, and the independent variable was the presence of fecal NTS. The GEE multivariable model identified a negative association between fecal NTS and WAZ (coefficient: −0.19; 95% CI (confidence interval): −0.33, −0.04, and p value = 0.010), WHZ (coef: −0.19; 95% CI: −0.34, −0.05, and p value = 0.007), and HAZ (coef: −0.13; 95% CI: −0.27, −0.01, and p value = 0.073) after adjusting for age, gender, diarrhea, breastfeeding status, mothers’ education, number of children under the age of five, household size by the number of people regularly sleep at the home, handwashing practice, source of drinking water, wealth index, presence of co-pathogens, comorbidity, and study sites. In the GEMS, where children were followed during 50–90 days of enrolment, the presence of fecal NTS harmed the child’s anthropometric outcomes. Minimizing potential exposure to NTS is needed to curb worsening child undernutrition.
Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Body Composition in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)

Abstract Context Although observational studies show inverse associations between vitamin D status and body weight/adiposity, there are few large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating this relationship. Objective To determine whether vitamin D3 supplementation lowers weight or improves body composition. Design The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCT including 25 871 US adults. This ancillary study was completed in a sub-cohort that underwent body composition assessments at baseline and 2-year follow-up (89% retention). Setting Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center in Boston. Participants 771 participants (men ≥ 50 and women ≥ 55 years). Interventions 2 × 2 factorial design of supplemental vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day). Main Outcome Measures Endpoints were 2-year changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total and/or regional fat and lean tissue measures determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Effect modification by clinical variables and total and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels was explored. Results There were no effects of supplemental vitamin D3vs placebo on weight, BMI, or measures of adiposity and lean tissue. Effects did not vary by sex, race/ethnicity, fat mass index, or baseline total or free 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D3 supplementation did slightly improve body fat percentage in participants with normal BMI at baseline, but not in the overweight or obese (P for interaction = 0.04). Conclusions Daily vitamin D3 supplementation vs placebo in the general older population did not improve weight or body composition. Whether supplemental vitamin D3 may benefit individuals with normal BMI warrants further study.
Preparation and Characterization of Ordered Nanoparticle and Polymer Composite Multilayers on Colloids

Alternating nanoparticle/polymer composite multilayers have been assembled on submicrometer-sized polystyrene (PS) latex spheres by the sequential adsorption of silica nanoparticles (SiO2) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) from aqueous solutions. Growth of the composite multilayers on the PS latices was followed by electrophoretic mobility (EPM), single-particle light scattering (SPLS), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). EPM measurements revealed a reversal in ζ-potential with deposition of each SiO2 or PDADMAC layer; negative and positive values were observed for SiO2 and PDADMAC depositions, respectively. SPLS experiments showed a linear increase in SiO2/PDADMAC multilayer film thickness with deposition layer number; approximately one monolayer of nanoparticles was deposited with each SiO2 adsorption step. Both SEM and TEM provided direct evidence of stepwise multilayer growth, and AFM revealed a uniform covering of the PS col.
CDK 4/6 inhibitors are associated with a high incidence of thrombotic events in women with breast cancer in real‐world practice

Cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are integral treatment for advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer; however, venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 1%‐5% of clinical trial patients. Thrombosis rates in the real‐world setting remain unclear. We aimed to define the rate of thromboembolic events, risk factors for thrombosis on CDK 4/6 inhibitors and evaluate the Khorana VTE risk score as a predictive tool for VTE in patients on CDK 4/6 therapy.
An Aided Navigation Method Based on Strapdown Gravity Gradiometer

The gravity gradient is the second derivative of gravity potential. A gravity gradiometer can measure the small change of gravity at two points, which contains more abundant navigation and positioning information than gravity. In order to solve the problem of passive autonomous, long-voyage, and high-precision navigation and positioning of submarines, an aided navigation method based on strapdown gravity gradiometer is proposed. The unscented Kalman filter framework is used to realize the fusion of inertial navigation and gravity gradient information. The performance of aided navigation is analyzed and evaluated from six aspects: long voyage, measurement update period, measurement noise, database noise, initial error, and inertial navigation system device level. When the parameters are set according to the benchmark parameters and after about 10 h of simulation, the results show that the attitude error, velocity error, and position error of the gravity gradiometer aided navigation system are less than 1 arcmin, 0.1 m/s, and 33 m, respectively.
Skin Commensal Fungus Malassezia and Its Lipases

Malassezia is the most abundant genus in the fungal microflora found on human skin, and it is associated with various skin diseases. Among the 18 different species of Malassezia that have been identified to date, M. restricta and M. globosa are the most predominant fungal species found on human skin. Several studies have suggested a possible link between Malassezia and skin disorders. However, our knowledge on the physiology and pathogenesis of Malassezia in human body is still limited. Malassezia is unable to synthesize fatty acids; hence, it uptakes external fatty acids as a nutrient source for survival, a characteristic compensated by the secretion of lipases and degradation of sebum to produce and uptake external fatty acids. Although it has been reported that the activity of secreted lipases may contribute to pathogenesis of Malassezia, majority of the data were indirect evidences; therefore, enzymes’ role in the pathogenesis of Malassezia infections is still largely unknown. This review focuses on the recent advances on Malassezia in the context of an emerging interest for lipases and summarizes the existing knowledge on Malassezia, diseases associated with the fungus, and the role of the reported lipases in its physiology and pathogenesis.
Resumption of Cardiac Activity after Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Measures.

BACKGROUND The minimum duration of pulselessness required before organ donation after circulatory determination of death has not been well studied. METHODS We conducted a prospective observational study of the incidence and timing of resumption of cardiac electrical and pulsatile activity in adults who died after planned withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in 20 intensive care units in three countries. Patients were intended to be monitored for 30 minutes after determination of death. Clinicians at the bedside reported resumption of cardiac activity prospectively. Continuous blood-pressure and electrocardiographic (ECG) waveforms were recorded and reviewed retrospectively to confirm bedside observations and to determine whether there were additional instances of resumption of cardiac activity. RESULTS A total of 1999 patients were screened, and 631 were included in the study. Clinically reported resumption of cardiac activity, respiratory movement, or both that was confirmed by waveform analysis occurred in 5 patients (1%). Retrospective analysis of ECG and blood-pressure waveforms from 480 patients identified 67 instances (14%) with resumption of cardiac activity after a period of pulselessness, including the 5 reported by bedside clinicians. The longest duration after pulselessness before resumption of cardiac activity was 4 minutes 20 seconds. The last QRS complex coincided with the last arterial pulse in 19% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS After withdrawal of life-sustaining measures, transient resumption of at least one cycle of cardiac activity after pulselessness occurred in 14% of patients according to retrospective analysis of waveforms; only 1% of such resumptions were identified at the bedside. These events occurred within 4 minutes 20 seconds after a period of pulselessness. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and others.).
A 10-Minute “Mix and Read” Antibody Assay for SARS-CoV-2

Accurate and rapid diagnostic tools are needed for management of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Antibody tests enable detection of individuals past the initial phase of infection and help examine vaccine responses. The major targets of human antibody response in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are the spike glycoprotein (SP) and nucleocapsid protein (NP). We have developed a rapid homogenous approach for antibody detection termed LFRET (protein L-based time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer immunoassay). In LFRET, fluorophore-labeled protein L and antigen are brought to close proximity by antigen-specific patient immunoglobulins of any isotype, resulting in TR-FRET signal. We set up LFRET assays for antibodies against SP and NP and evaluated their diagnostic performance using a panel of 77 serum/plasma samples from 44 individuals with COVID-19 and 52 negative controls. Moreover, using a previously described SP and a novel NP construct, we set up enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 SP and NP. We then compared the LFRET assays with these ELISAs and with a SARS-CoV-2 microneutralization test (MNT). We found the LFRET assays to parallel ELISAs in sensitivity (90–95% vs. 90–100%) and specificity (100% vs. 94–100%). In identifying individuals with or without a detectable neutralizing antibody response, LFRET outperformed ELISA in specificity (91–96% vs. 82–87%), while demonstrating an equal sensitivity (98%). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the applicability of LFRET, a 10-min “mix and read” assay, to detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Interspecies Correlations between Human and Mouse NR2E3-Associated Recessive Disease

NR2E3-associated recessive disease in humans is historically defined by congenital night blinding retinopathy, characterized by an initial increase in short-wavelength (S)-cone sensitivity and progressive loss of rod and cone function. The retinal degeneration 7 (rd7) murine model, harboring a recessive mutation in the mouse ortholog of NR2E3, has been a well-studied disease model and recently evaluated as a therapeutic model for NR2E3-associated retinal degenerations. This study aims to draw parallels between human and mouse NR2E3-related disease through examination of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging between different stage of human disease and its murine counterpart. We propose that SD-OCT is a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to compare human clinical dystrophy presentation with that of the rd7 mouse and make inference that may be of therapeutically relevance. Additionally, a longitudinal assessment of rd7 disease progression, utilizing available clinical data from our patients as well as extensive retrospective analysis of visual acuity data from published cases of human NR2E3-related disease, was curated to identify further valuable correlates between human and mouse Nr2e3 disease. Results of this study validate the slow progression of NR2E3-associated disease in humans and the rd7 mice and identify SD-OCT characteristics in patients at or near the vascular arcades that correlate well with the whorls and rosettes that are seen also in the rd7 mouse and point to imaging features that appear to be associated with better preserved S-cone mediated retinal function. The correlation of histological findings between rd7 mice and human imaging provides a solid foundation for diagnostic use of pathophysiological and prognostic information to further define characteristics and a relevant timeline for therapeutic intervention in the field of NR2E3-associated retinopathies.
Intraperitoneal administration of lidocaine or tramadol alone or in combination on postoperative pain after ovariohysterectomy in dogs

Abstract The present prospective randomized experimental study aimed to assess the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of lidocaine or tramadol, alone or in combination, on postoperative pain management following ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Eighteen healthy female mixed‐breed dogs, aged 1–2 years, weighed 16.7 ± 3.8 kg, were used. Animals were sedated with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg, intramuscular). Forty minutes later, anaesthesia was induced through intravenous titration with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg) and maintained with isoflurane 1.5%. Afterwards, ovariohysterectomy was performed, and prior to the closure of the linea alba, animals received lidocaine containing epinephrine (8.8 mg/kg, ip) in group L, tramadol (4 mg/kg, ip) in group T and lidocaine containing epinephrine (8.8 mg/kg, ip) plus tramadol (4 mg/kg, ip) in the LT group. Cortisol, vital signs and pain scoring systems were evaluated at different time points. Vital signs did not change among the groups. Cortisol level in the LT group significantly decreased compared to the L and T groups one, three and six hours after surgery. Pain scores also did not change among the groups based on Sammarco and Simple descriptive (SDS) scoring method. However, pain scores in the LT group were higher than the two other groups according to the University of Melbourne pain scale (UMPS) and the short form of Glasgow pain scale (CMPS‐SF). According to the obtained results, the combination of lidocaine and tramadol seemed to be able to provide better analgesia compared with their separate administration. Therefore, combined intraperitoneal administration of lidocaine (8.8 mg/kg) and tramadol (4 mg/kg) with a final volume of (0.2 ml/kg) following ovariohysterectomy is recommended.
ANCA-associated Vasculitis Management in the United States: Data From the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) Registry

Objective. The management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) has evolved substantially over the last 2 decades. We sought to characterize AAV treatment patterns in the United States. Methods. We identified patients with AAV in the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry who had at least 2 rheumatology clinician visits between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. Demographics, medications, laboratory test results, and billing codes were extracted from the medical record. Demographic and prescription trends were assessed overall and across US regions. Results. We identified 1462 patients with AAV, 259 (18%) with new or relapsing AAV. The majority were classified as having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (75%). The mean age was 59.8 years and 59% were female. The majority of patients were in the South (45%) followed by the Mid-West (32%), West (12%), and Northeast (8%). Patients had a median of 3 visits and follow-up of 579 days. The most commonly prescribed medications during the study period were glucocorticoids (86%) followed by rituximab (45%), methotrexate (33%), azathioprine (32%), and mycophenolate mofetil (18%); cyclophosphamide (CYC) was rarely used (7%). At the most recent visits in RISE, 47% of patients were on glucocorticoids. Prescription trends were similar across regions. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the demographics and management of AAV by rheumatologists outside of major referral centers. Management strategies vary widely, but CYC is rarely used. These observations can be used to inform future research priorities. Additional studies are needed to characterize AAV severity in RISE as well as patient and provider treatment preferences.
Nimotuzumab, an Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody, in the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in most of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) samples and is associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, targeting EGFR may be a promising strategy to improve patient prognosis. Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that combination nimotuzumab and induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or concurrent chemoradiotherapy confer benefits for patients with NPC. Moreover, the side effects of such regimes are tolerable. In this review, we focus on the current data of nimotuzumab in clinical trials in the treatment of NPC.
Rationale and description of BrainLevel: Computerized repeated practice with strategy use instruction for children with acquired brain injury

Objective: In this paper, we provide the rationale behind and a description of BrainLevel, a new cognitive rehabilitation intervention for children with acquired brain injury. Rationale: Children with acquired brain injury frequently report cognitive problems and consequently problems in participation, psychosocial functioning, family functioning and quality of life. Computerized repeated practice of specific cognitive tasks (so-called ‘brain training’) improves performance on those specific or highly similar tasks, but rarely leads to better daily life functioning. Adding strategy use instruction as an intervention component, with the aim to transfer task-specific effects to other contexts, may yield positive effects on cognitive and daily life functioning of children with acquired brain injury. Description of the new intervention: In BrainLevel, computerized repeated practice is offered via the online training programme BrainGymmer. For the strategy use instruction, we developed a protocol to provide and practice function-specific and metacognitive strategies. The intervention period is 6 weeks, during which children train five times per week for 30 minutes per day at home with BrainGymmer. Additionally, they attend a weekly 45-minute strategy use instruction session on the basis of our protocol with a cognitive rehabilitation specialist. Discussion: BrainLevel is innovative in combining computerized repeated practice with strategy use instruction as cognitive rehabilitation for children with acquired brain injury. Currently, we are investigating the effectiveness of BrainLevel. In this paper, possible adaptations to tailor BrainLevel to other games or contexts, or to incorporate novel scientific insights, for example regarding optimal intervention duration and intensity, are discussed.
Starch and lipid storage strategies in tropical trees relate to growth and mortality.

●Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and lipid storage in tree stems play an important role in metabolism and growth. Their spatial distribution in wood may explain species-specific differences in carbon storage dynamics, growth and survival. However, quantitative information on the spatial distribution of starch and lipids in wood is sparse due to methodological limitations. ●Here we assessed differences in wood NSC and lipid storage between tropical tree species with different growth and mortality rates and contrasting functional types. We measured starch and soluble sugars in wood cores up to 4 cm deep within the stem using standard chemical quantification methods and histological slices stained with Lugol's iodine. We also detected neutral lipids using histological slices stained with Oil-Red-O. ●The histological method allowed us to identify individuals with two starch storage strategies: fiber-storing and parenchyma-storing trees. The first group had a bigger starch pool, slower growth and lower mortality rates than the second group. Lipid storage was found in wood parenchyma in five species and was related to low mortality rates. ●The quantification of the spatial distribution of starch and lipids in wood improves our understanding of NSC dynamics in trees and elucidates an additional dimension to tree growth and survival strategies.
Initial Management of Noncastrate Advanced, Recurrent, or Metastatic Prostate Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update.

PURPOSE Update all preceding ASCO guidelines on initial hormonal management of noncastrate advanced, recurrent, or metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS The Expert Panel based recommendations on a systematic literature review. Recommendations were approved by the Expert Panel and the ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee. RESULTS Four clinical practice guidelines, one clinical practice guidelines endorsement, 19 systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, 47 phase III randomized controlled trials, nine cohort studies, and two review papers informed the guideline update. RECOMMENDATIONS Docetaxel, abiraterone, enzalutamide, or apalutamide, each when administered with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), represent four separate standards of care for noncastrate metastatic prostate cancer. Currently, the use of any of these agents in any particular combination or series cannot be recommended. ADT plus docetaxel, abiraterone, enzalutamide, or apalutamide should be offered to men with metastatic noncastrate prostate cancer, including those who received prior therapies, but have not yet progressed. The combination of ADT plus abiraterone and prednisolone should be considered for men with noncastrate locally advanced nonmetastatic prostate cancer who have undergone radiotherapy, rather than castration monotherapy. Immediate ADT may be offered to men who initially present with noncastrate locally advanced nonmetastatic disease who have not undergone previous local treatment and are unwilling or unable to undergo radiotherapy. Intermittent ADT may be offered to men with high-risk biochemically recurrent nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Active surveillance may be offered to men with low-risk biochemically recurrent nonmetastatic prostate cancer. The panel does not support use of either micronized abiraterone acetate or the 250 mg dose of abiraterone with a low-fat breakfast in the noncastrate setting at this time.Additional information is available at www.asco. org/genitourinary-cancer-guidelines.