Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnosing Tuberculous Peritonitis Early in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: Use of Xpert MTB/RIF Assay

Diagnosing tuberculous peritonitis can be challenging, with mycobacterial culture potentially taking weeks for a positive result. This report describes 2 cases where a prompt diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was made employing the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA).
RESEARCH Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology Modulating cardiac conduction during metabolic ischemia with perfusate sodium and calcium in guinea pig hearts

Poelzing S. Modulating cardiac conduction during metabolic ischemia with perfusate sodium and calcium in guinea pig hearts. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 316: H849–H861, 2019. previously demonstrated that altering extracellular sodium (Na o ) and calcium (Ca o ) can modulate a form of electrical communication between cardiomyocytes termed “ephaptic coupling” (EpC), especially during loss of gap junction coupling. We hypothesized that altering Na o and Ca o modulates conduction velocity (CV) and arrhythmic burden during ischemia. Electrophysiology was quantiﬁed by optically mapping Langendorff-perfused guinea pig ventricles with modiﬁed Na o (147 or 155 mM) and Ca o (1.25 or 2.0 mM) during 30 min of simulated metabolic ischemia (pH 6.5, anoxia, aglycemia). Gap junc-tion-adjacent perinexal width ( W P ), a candidate cardiac ephapse, and connexin (Cx)43 protein expression and Cx43 phosphorylation at S368 were quantiﬁed by transmission electron microscopy and Western immunoblot analysis, respectively. Metabolic ischemia slowed CV in hearts perfused with 147 mM Na o and 2.0 mM Ca o ; however, theoretically increasing EpC with 155 mM Na o was arrhythmogenic, and CV could not be measured. Reducing Ca o to 1.25 mM expanded W P , as expected during ischemia, consistent with reduced EpC, but attenuated CV slowing while delaying arrhythmia onset. These results were further supported by osmotically reducing W P with albumin, which exacerbated CV slowing and increased early arrhythmias during ischemia, whereas mannitol expanded W P , permitted conduction, and delayed the onset of arrhythmias. Cx43 expression patterns during the various interventions insufﬁciently correlated with observed CV changes and arrhythmic burden. In conclusion, decreasing perfusate calcium during metabolic ischemia enhances perinexal expansion, attenuates conduction slowing, and delays arrhythmias. Thus, perinexal expansion may be cardioprotective during metabolic ischemia. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates, for the ﬁrst time, that modulating perfusate ion composition can alter cardiac electrophysiology during simulated metabolic ischemia.
Determining the pharmacokinetics of nicotinic drugs in the endoplasmic reticulum using biosensors

Nicotine permeates into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it begins an “inside-out” pathway that leads to addiction. Shivange et al. develop genetically encoded nicotine biosensors and show that nicotine and varenicline equilibrate in the ER within seconds of extracellular application.
Design of a liquid nano-sized drug delivery system with enhanced solubility of rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism management in paediatric patients and emergency cases

Abstract The increasing incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in paediatric population has stimulated the development of liquid anticoagulant formulations. Thus our goal is to formulate a liquid formulation of poorly-water soluble anticoagulant, rivaroxaban (RIVA), for paediatric use and to assess the possibility of its intravenous administration in emergencies. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) were developed and characterized. SNEDDS constituents were estimated from the saturated solubility study followed by plotting the corresponding ternary phase diagrams to determine the best self-emulsified systems. Thermodynamic stability, emulsification, dispersibility, robustness to dilution tests, in vitro dissolution, particle size, and zeta potential were executed to optimize the formulations. The optimized formulation, that composed of Capryol 90:Tween 20:PEG 300 (5:45:50), increased RIVA solubility (285.7-fold than water), it formed nanoemulsion with a particle size of 16.15 nm, PDI of 0.25 and zeta potential of −21.8. It released 100.83 ± 2.78% of RIVA after 5 min. SNEDDS was robust to dilution with oral and parenteral fluids and showed safety to human RBCs. SNEDDS showed enhanced bioavailability after oral and intravenous administration than the oral drug suspension (by 1.25 and 1.26-fold, respectively). Moreover, it exhibited enhanced anticoagulant efficacy in the prevention and treatment of carrageenan-induced thrombosis rat model.
Controlled comparative clinical trial of hearing benefit outcomes for users of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor with mobile connectivity

Objectives: To assess subjective benefits and objective speech recognition performance following a take-home trial with the new Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor (SP), in experienced users of compatible cochlear implants from Cochlear Limited. Methods: A total of 37 adult participants were fitted with the Nucleus 7 SP and used the device for up to one year. Baseline speech recognition was assessed at the initial fitting session, using each participant’s own SP, and Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) goals were identified. Speech recognition was measured after 3 months of device use and outcomes of the COSI and a non-validated Processor Comparison Questionnaire (PCQ) were collected. After 11 months, a subset of subjects were tested on speech recognition delivered via direct wireless streaming from an Apple® smartphone to the SP and compatible hearing aid on the opposite side (if worn). Results: The COSI and PCQ instruments both indicated significant improvement in perceived subjective benefits in comparison to the participants’ previous SPs. Direct streaming via an Apple mobile phone showed improvements when compared with the acoustic alone condition. Standard speech recognition in quiet and noise was equivalent to that obtained using a previous generation SP which uses the same basic processing as the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor. Conclusions: The incremental refinements provided by the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor provide real-world benefits in key areas such as upgraded wireless connectivity. The COSI proved to be an effective tool for individualized assessment of specific benefits that may not be addressed by more standardized instruments.
Effect of reactive balance training involving repeated slips and trips on balance recovery among older adults: A blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background This study examined whether reactive balance training (exposures to slips and trips) could improve balance recovery and reduce perturbation-induced falls among older adults. Methods Forty-four community-dwelling older adults participated in a parallel, blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in a research institute in Sydney, Australia in 2017-2018 (ACTRN12617000564358). The intervention group (n=22) underwent three 40-min sessions (total 120 minutes) that exposed them to (1) 20 trips, (2) 20 slips and (3) 10 trips and 10 slips in mixed order, over two days. The control group (n=22) received one 40-min session of sham training. The primary outcome was falls (>30% body weight in harness) when exposed to trips and slips at post-assessment. Results At post-assessment, a total of 51 falls (23 and 27 falls from induced slips and trips, respectively) were recorded in the laboratory. Relative to the control group, the intervention group experienced fewer total falls (rate ratio [RR]=0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.22-0.76), slip falls (RR=0.33, 95% CI=0.12-0.90) and trip falls (RR=0.49, 95% CI=0.21-1.12). Eight participants reported adverse events (5 in the intervention group and 3 in the control group) which were related mainly to discomfort caused by a sub-optimal harness used in the initial stages of the trial. Conclusions The reactive balance training reduced perturbation-induced falls by 60% indicating improved balance recovery from trips and slips. A comfortable safety harness system is essential to prevent discomfort. Reactive balance training may complement traditional exercise programs in fall prevention interventions.
Electrospun Scaffolds of a Polyhydroxyalkanoate Consisting of ω-Hydroxylpentadecanoate Repeat Units: Fabrication and In Vitro Biocompatibility Studies

Electrospinning was used to fabricate fibrous scaffolds of lipase-catalyzed poly(ω-pentadecalactone) (PPDL). The slow resorbability of this biomaterial is expected to be valuable for tissue-engineering applications requiring long healing times. The effect of solvent systems and instrumental parameters on fiber morphology was investigated. PPDL electrospinning was optimized and defect-free fibers (diameter 410 ± 150 nm) were obtained by using a mixed three-solvent system. Scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS). TGA showed no residual solvent in the scaffolds. DSC and WAXS results indicated that electrospun PPDL is semicrystalline. Biocompatibility of PPDL scaffolds was evaluated through indirect cytotoxicity tests using embryonic rat cardiac H9c2 cells. The ability of PPDL electrospun mats to support cell growth was verified by culturing H9c2 cells onto the scaffold. Cell adhesion, proliferation and morphology were evaluated. The results indicated that PPDL mats are not cytotoxic and they support proliferation of H9c2 cells. The cumulative results of this study suggest further exploration of PPDL fibrous mats as scaffolds for tissue-engineered constructs.
Power-Assisted Liposuction and Lipofilling: Techniques and Experience in Large-Volume Fat Grafting.

Background Power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling (PALL) is a simple and reproducible surgical technique for large volume fat grafting. Objectives The authors share their 7-year experience with their large-volume fat transfer technique, PALL. Methods A total of 417 patients who underwent PALL-related surgeries involving the breast and buttock were evaluated in a retrospective study. Liposculpting and fat harvesting were performed with power-assisted liposuction. Fat was transferred with simultaneous power-assisted vibration and tunnelization to provoke expansion of the recipient site. Following lipofilling, additional external vibration of the recipient site was performed to enhance diffusion of the injected fat. Results Liposuction volumes up to 5000 mL were recorded, and injection volumes ranged from 300 to 900 mL per side for each session. Operating times ranged from 45 to 120 minutes. Patients were followed-up for 1 to 4 years. No major complications were recorded. Conclusions PALL is an efficient, safe, and reproducible procedure with myriad applications in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Arthroscopic treatment of iliopsoas impingement syndrome after hip arthroplasty

Background and aim of the Work: Groin pain after hip arthroplasty (HA) ranges from 0.4% to 18.3%. Defining the cause of groin pain after HA can be difficult. Iliopsoas impingement (IPI) has been reported to be the underlying cause of groin pain in up to 4.4% of cases. The purpose of this study is to present arthroscopic surgical outcomes in the treatment of IPI after HA. Methods: Between September 2013 and March 2018, 13 patients, 11 total hip arthroplasty (THA), 1 hip endoprosthesis and 1 total hip resurfacing affected by groin pain due to unceasing iliopsoas tendinopathy for impingement after HA were treated arthroscopically. The patients underwent to physical examination, blood analysis, hip X-rays, bone scintigraphy and CT assessment. We performed the arthroscopic OUT-IN access to hip joint in all patients. VAS scale, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Medical Research Council (MRC) scale were performed before surgery and during follow up at 1-3-6-12 months. Results: After 10 months of mean follow-up, average HHS and MRC scale improved significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively. No complications arose in our case series. Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy after hip arthroplasty is supported in the literature for a variety of indications. Hip arthroscopy is a viable and reproducible technique in treatment of IPI, being less invasive than the classic open technique. This simple arthroscopic release provides satisfactory results and preserves HA function. Moreover an arthroscopic OUT-IN access proves good clinical outcomes, few complications and iatrogenic lesions. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Adaptive Neural Control of a Class of Stochastic Nonlinear Uncertain Systems With Guaranteed Transient Performance

In this paper, an adaptive neural network control for stochastic nonlinear systems with uncertain disturbances is proposed. The neural network is considered to approximate an uncertain function in a nonlinear system. And computational burden in operation is reduced by handling the norm of the neural-network vector. However, it will arise chattering issue, which is a challenge to avoid it from the symbolic operation. Further, traditional schemes often view error of estimate as bounded constant, but it is a time-varying function exactly, which may lead control schemes cannot conform to practical situation and guarantee stability of systems. Thus, backstepping technology and the neural network technology combined to stabilize stochastic nonlinear systems together to handle the aforementioned issues. It is proved that the proposed control scheme can guarantee the satisfactory asymptotic convergence performance and predetermined transient tracking error performance. From simulation results, the proposed control scheme is verified that can guarantee the satisfactory effectiveness.
Experience of Family Physicians in Practice Transformation Networks

To help health care practices transition away from fee-for-service reimbursement and toward value-based payment, the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative was launched in October 2015. It was designed to provide clinicians support through peer-based Practice Transformation Networks (PTNs). A group of American Board of Family Medicine board-certified family physicians enrolled in PTNs described their expectations of and experiences with PTN participation; we analyzed open-text comments. Physicians expected and experienced PTN support in informatics and data, team building, and workflow and care coordination; however, expectations regarding patient care and engagement, costs and payment reform, and population and panel health were described less frequently.
Sialylated Oligosaccharides and Glycoconjugates of Human Milk. The Impact on Infant and Newborn Protection, Development and Well-Being

Human milk not only has nutritional value, but also provides a wide range of biologically active molecules, which are adapted to meet the needs of newborns and infants. Mother’s milk is a source of sialylated oligosaccharides and glycans that are attached to proteins and lipids, whose concentrations and composition are unique. Sialylated human milk glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides enrich the newborn immature immune system and are crucial for their proper development and well-being. Some of the milk sialylated oligosaccharide structures can locally exert biologically active effects in the newborn’s and infant’s gut. Sialylated molecules of human milk can be recognized and bound by sialic acid-dependent pathogens and inhibit their adhesion to the epithelial cells of newborns and infants. A small amount of intact sialylated oligosaccharides can be absorbed from the intestine and remain in the newborn’s circulation in concentrations high enough to modulate the immunological system at the cellular level and facilitate proper brain development during infancy. Conclusion: The review summarizes the current state of knowledge on sialylated human milk oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, discusses the significance of sialylated structures of human milk in newborn protection and development, and presents the advantages of human milk over infant formula.
A new technique of managing paravalvular leak using a folding pericardium patch

Paravalvular leakage (PVL) is one of the most well‐recognised complications of prosthetic valve replacement. The size of the leakage is usually about one to two stitches. We would like to introduce a new technique to manage this complication by using a folding pericardium patch, which can surely overcome the disadvantage of second‐time valve replacement. By now, we have applied this new technique to at least four cases, all of them worked well. Thus, we present our new technique that can be considered as a good alternative management of intraoperative PVLs, especially in aortic position.
Reduction in Exposure to Selected Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents Approaching Those Observed Upon Smoking Abstinence in Smokers Switching to the Menthol Tobacco Heating System 2.2 for 3 Months (Part 1)

Abstract Introduction The Tobacco Heating System (THS) is a “heat-not-burn” tobacco product designed to generate significantly lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) and present lower risk of harm than cigarettes. This study assessed the exposure reduction to selected HPHCs in smokers switching to menthol Tobacco Heating System (mTHS) 2.2 compared with smokers continuing smoking menthol cigarettes (mCCs) and smoking abstinence (SA) for 5 days in a confined setting, followed by an 86-day ambulatory period. Methods A total of 160 healthy adult US smokers participated in this randomized, three-arm parallel group, controlled clinical study. Biomarkers of exposure to 16 HPHCs were measured in blood and 24-hour urine. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Information was also gathered on product evaluation, product use, subjective effects, and clinical risk markers (co-publication Part 2). Results Nicotine uptake was comparable in both exposure groups (mTHS:mCC ratio of 96% on day 90). On day 5, biomarker of exposure levels to other HPHCs were reduced by 51%–96% in the mTHS group compared with the mCC group, and these reductions were sustained for most biomarkers of exposure over ambulatory period. After 90 days of use, the level of satisfaction with mTHS and suppression of urge to smoke were comparable to mCC. Conclusion Switching from mCCs to mTHS significantly reduced the exposure to HPHCs to levels approaching those observed in subjects who abstained from smoking for the duration of the study. Implications This study compared the impact of switching to mTHS on biomarkers of exposure, relative to continued smoking or SA. Clinical Significance Switching to mTHS 2.2 led to significant reductions of exposure (total NNAL, total NNN, COHb, MHBMA, 3-HPMA, S-PMA, Total 1-OHP, 4-ABP, 1-NA, 2-NA, o-tol, CEMA, HEMA, HMPMA, and B[a]P) after 5 days in confinement, which were maintained throughout the subsequent ambulatory period of 86 days. The reductions were similar to those observed upon SA. Moderate compliance in the mTHS group during the ambulatory period was indicative of dual use of mTHS and mCC. mTHS provides an acceptable alternative to mCC for adult smokers. Trial Registration NCT01989156 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
The occurrence and dynamics of polychlorinated hydrocarbons in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in South-western Slovakia

Abstract The goal of this study was to determined polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides in the depot fat of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) coming from south-western Slovakia. The mutual correlations of the organic pollutants were analyzed. The study included dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorobenzen (HCB), alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (α + β-HCH), gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-delor). The gas chromatograph with an electron capture detector ECD was used for analysis. The accumulations of organic pollutant in depot fat of roe deer were in following order: DDT > PCB-delor > α + β-HCH > HCB > γ-HCH. Among all pollutants, DDT was accumulated significantly in the highest level in the samples. The significantly higher content of DDT, HCB, α + β-HCH, and γ-HCH was detected in the adult animals when compared to the juveniles. Some strong positive correlations among pollutants, between HCB and DDT, α + β-HCH and HCB, α + β-HCH and HCB, between γ-HCH and other pollutants, and between PCB-delor and γ-HCH were found. Game animals are a part of human food chain and monitoring of the environment pollution by PCBs and other organic pollutants are worthy to study.
Drought impacts on tree phloem: from cell-level responses to ecological significance

On-going climate change is increasing the risk of drought stress across large areas worldwide. Such drought events decrease ecosystem productivity and have been increasingly linked to tree mortality. Understanding how trees respond to water shortage is key to predicting the future of ecosystem functions. Phloem is at the core of the tree functions, moving resources such as non-structural carbohydrates, nutrients, and defence and information molecules across the whole plant. Phloem function and ability to transport resources is tightly controlled by the balance of carbon and water fluxes within the tree. As such, drought is expected to impact phloem function by decreasing the amount of available water and new photoassimilates. Yet, the effect of drought on the phloem has received surprisingly little attention in the last decades. Here we review existing knowledge on drought impacts on phloem transport from loading and unloading processes at cellular level to possible effects on long-distance transport and consequences to ecosystems via ecophysiological feedbacks. We also point to new research frontiers that need to be explored to improve our understanding of phloem function under drought. In particular, we show how phloem transport is affected differently by increasing drought intensity, from no response to a slowdown, and explore how severe drought might actually disrupt the phloem transport enough to threaten tree survival. Because transport of resources affects other organisms interacting with the tree, we also review the ecological consequences of phloem response to drought and especially predatory, mutualistic and competitive relations. Finally, as phloem is the main path for carbon from sources to sink, we show how drought can affect biogeochemical cycles through changes in phloem transport. Overall, existing knowledge is consistent with the hypotheses that phloem response to drought matters for understanding tree and ecosystem function. However, future research on a large range of species and ecosystems is urgently needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the question.