Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secondary Prevention of Potentially Life-Threatening Arrhythmia Using Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients with Biopsy-Proven Viral Myocarditis and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background: Arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) are known complications of acute viral myocarditis, regardless of ejection fraction (EF) at presentation. Whether such complications confer long-term risk is unknown, especially in those who present with preserved left ventricular (LV) function. No guidelines exist to the long-term reduction of arrhythmic death in such patients. Method: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the long-term results of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treatment in patients after an acute phase of myocarditis with life-threatening arrhythmia. Results: We identified 51 patients who had ICDs implanted following life-threatening arrhythmia presentation of confirmed acute viral myocarditis, despite preserved LVEF. Overall, 72.5% of patients had a clinical history of chest pain and viral infection with fever. Viral myocarditis was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (all had late enhancement) plus endomyocardial biopsies (most frequent were Epstein-Barr virus 29.4%, adenovirus 17.6%, and Coxsackie 17.6%), and 88.2% were discharged on anti-arrhythmic drugs. Overall, 12 patients (23.5%) required ICD intervention within the first 3 months, a further 7 patients (37.3% overall) between 3 and 12 months, and a further 12 patients (60.8% overall) until 58 months. During the follow-up, 3 of 51 patients (5.9%) died—deaths were due to cardiac events (n = 1), fatal infection (n = 1), and car accidents (n = 1). Of the 31 patients who had ventricular tachycardias after the acute phase of myocarditis, 11 needed radiofrequency ablation due to a high number of events or electrical storm. No baseline variables were identified that would serve as a basis for risk stratification. Conclusion: Malignant arrhythmic events due to viral myocarditis are potential predictors of future SCD in patients not only with a reduced but also with a preserved EF.
Switching to iGlarLixi versus continuation of a daily or weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) in insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes: A LixiLan‐G trial subgroup analysis by HbA1c and GLP‐1 RA use at screening

In people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) requiring intensification beyond glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) and oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs), switching to iGlarLixi was shown to be efficacious and well‐tolerated in the LixiLan‐G trial. This exploratory analysis of LixiLan‐G assessed the efficacy and safety of switching to iGlarLixi versus continuing GLP‐1 RA therapy, stratified by screening HbA1c level (≥7.0 to ≤7.5 %; >7.5 to ≤8.0 %; >8.0 to ≤9.0 % [≥53 to ≤58 mmol/mol; >58 to ≤64 mmol/mol; >64 to ≤75 mmol/mol]) and previous GLP‐1 RA regimen at screening (once/twice daily or once weekly).
Using qualitative approaches to explore the challenges of integrated programmes for zoonosis control in developing countries: Example of hydatidosis control in Morocco

Cystic echinococcosis, rabies and bovine tuberculosis are major neglected zoonoses in many developing countries, including Morocco. A common step in their control strategies is the management of slaughterhouses and/or the control of dog populations. This study used a qualitative approach to identify the barriers to the implementation of the cystic echinococcosis control programme in Morocco that focused on slaughterhouses and dog control. This approach could be used to understand the causes leading to the defective management of other zoonoses, and to go beyond the often‐invoked ‘lack of means’ reason to explain failure in disease control in the Global South. Specifically, slaughterhouse observation and in‐depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the cystic echinococcosis control programme were carried out in five Moroccan regions (Rabat‐Sale‐Kenitra, Mellal‐Khenifra, Sous‐Masaa, Laayoune‐Sakia El Hamra and Guelmim‐Oued Noun) for 3 years (from 2014 to 2016). Interviews (n = 81) were with agents responsible of the services managing slaughterhouses and dog population control, and also with slaughterers. Recordings were fully transcribed and narratives were analysed with the RQDA package and the R software. Triangulations and the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincon were used to assess the approach validity. This analysis revealed that in addition to ‘lack of means’, zoonosis control programmes can be hindered by overlapping authority/functions among the involved authorities, conflicts of interest, lack of proper training and professional practices. Zoonosis control requires the commitment of all structures, the establishment of a national and inter‐regional strategy, and the updating of the legislative arsenal.
Modernizing Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria: Recommendations of the ASCO-Friends of Cancer Research Laboratory Reference Ranges and Testing Intervals Work Group

Purpose: In clinical research, eligibility criteria promote patient safety and optimize the evidence generated from clinical trials. However, overly stringent eligibility criteria, including laboratory requirements, may limit enrollment, resulting in delayed trial completion and potentially limiting applicability of trial results to a general practice population. Experimental Design: Starting in 2018, a working group consisting of experts in direct patient care, the FDA, industry, and patient advocacy developed recommendations to guide the optimal use of laboratory reference ranges and testing intervals in clinical trial eligibility criteria and study procedures. The working group evaluated current eligibility criteria across different clinical trial phases and performed a literature review to evaluate the impact of and justification for laboratory test eligibility requirements and testing intervals in clinical trials. Recommendations were developed on the basis of the goals of promoting safety and optimizing the evidence generated, while also expanding eligibility and applicability, and minimizing excess burden of trial participation. Results: In general, we found little variation over time and trial phase in laboratory test requirements, suggesting that these eligibility criteria are not refined according to ongoing clinical experience. We propose recommendations to optimize the use of laboratory tests when considering eligibility criteria. Conclusions: Tailoring the use of laboratory test requirements and testing intervals may increase the number and diversity of patients in clinical trials and provide clinical data that more closely represent the general practice populations. See related commentary by Giantonio, p. 2369
Ionic Liquids for Clean Technology

The use of room-temperature chloroaluminate(III) ionic liquids, specifically 1-butylpyridinium chloride–aluminium(III) chloride and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride–aluminium(III) chloride, as solvents for clean synthesis and catalytic processes, particularly those applicable to clean technology, is becoming widely recognised and accepted. The design principles for room-temperature ionic liquids, some of their properties, and the rationale for using these neoteric solvents, are discussed here, and an indication of the scope of these solvents for future industrial processes is given. © 1997 SCI.
Phenolic Derivatives from Fruits of Dipteryx lacunifera DUCKE and Evaluation of Their Antiradical Activities

The fruits of Dipteryx lacunifera, known as ‘fava de morcego’ and ‘garampara’, comprise pleasant tasting kernels that contain high amounts of fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) and are commonly consumed by inhabitants of the northeast of Brazil. In the present study, the crude EtOH extract of the fruit kernels was separated into hexane-, Et2O-, AcOEt-, and H2O-soluble fractions. The Et2O fraction was found to exhibit the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity in vitro, and was subjected to further fractionation. Column chromatography over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, followed by preparative HPLC-C18, afforded (−)-eriodictyol (1), (−)-butin (2), luteolin (3), 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyflavone (4), butein (5), and sulfuretin (6). The antiradical activities of compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6, together with the positive controls rutin, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), were evaluated with the DPPH assay and were found to decrease in the order rutin>4>1>6>2>TBHQ>BHT.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonism as a therapeutic strategy for kidney disease.

Approximately 14 percent of the general population suffer from chronic kidney disease that can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition with up to 50% mortality for which there is no effective treatment. Hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the main comorbidities, and more than 660,000 Americans have kidney failure. β2-Adrenergic Receptors (β2ARs) have been extensively studied in association with lung and cardiovascular disease, but with limited scope in kidney and renal diseases. β2ARs are expressed in multiple parts of the kidney including proximal and distal convoluted tubules, glomeruli, and podocytes. Classical and non-canonical β2AR signaling pathways interface with other intracellular mechanisms in the kidney to regulate important cellular functions including renal blood flow, electrolyte balance and salt handling, and tubular function that in turn exert control over critical physiology and pathology such as blood pressure and inflammatory responses. Nephroprotection through activation of β2ARs has surfaced as a promising field of investigation; however, there is limited data on the pharmacology and potential side effects of renal β2AR modulation. Here we provide updates on some of the major areas of preclinical kidney research involving β2AR signaling that have advanced to describe molecular pathways and identify potential drug targets some of which are currently under clinical development for the treatment of kidney-related disease.
Synthetic Calibration and Quantitative Analysis of Gas-Phase FT-IR Spectra

A method for the quantitative analysis of gas-phase infrared spectra is described in which calibration spectra are calculated from a database of absorption line parameters rather than measured in a real spectrometer. The synthetic calibration spectra are computed with the use of the program MALT (Multiple Atmospheric Layer Transmission), including environmental (pressure, temperature, pathlength, etc.) and instrumental (resolution, line shape, wavenumber shift) effects in the calculation, so that the calculated spectra closely approximate real measured spectra. The synthetic calibration spectra are then used in quantitative analysis as if they were real spectra. In conventional laboratory studies, the method circumvents the need for time-consuming collection of large sets of laboratory calibration spectra often required when many absorbing gases must be analyzed. It is particularly useful in long open-path and solar FT-IR spectroscopy when no sample cell is available for recording calibration spectra. Examples are presented from conventional laboratory spectra in a closed-cell, open-path FT-IR spectra used to determine trace gas fluxes in an open field, and solar absorption spectroscopy using ground-based FT-IR spectrometers.
Thermal and Photochemical Origin of Carbonyl Group Defects in Poly-(P-Phenylenevinylene)

Abstract The thermal stability of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV), along with its ability to form flexible devices, has sparked a considerable amount of research in the area of polymer light emitting diodes (LEDs). The presence of carbonyl groups as defects in the PPV structure has been reported elsewhere.1 An increase in carbonyl groups correlates well with a dramatic reduction in the photoluminescence and electroluminescence of this polymer. We have discovered that these carbonyl defects can be introduced thermally as well as photochemically. This paper reports the mechanisms for the thermal and photochemical oxidation of PPV. Although PPV is thermally quite stable, its hydroxy containing defects present in the precursor polymer are very susceptible to reaction with traces of oxygen at the elevated temperatures used in thermal conversion, resulting in the formation of ketone based carbonyl impurities. In addition, pristine PPV is very unstable in the presence of light and oxygen. The photooxidation of P.
Olopatadine Ameliorates Rat Experimental Cutaneous Inflammation by Improving Skin Barrier Function

Olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine) is an antiallergic agent with histamine H1 receptor antagonistic action. We investigated the possible efficacies of olopatadine on the chronic inflammatory dermatitis and the impaired skin barrier functions induced by repeated application of oxazolone in rats. Oxazolone-sensitized rats were challenged with oxazolone applied to the ear every 3 days. Olopatadine was orally administered once daily (1 and 3 mg/kg/day). The effects of the drug were quantified by measurements of ear thickness, levels of cytokines in the lesioned ear and the number of scratching episodes. As parameters of skin barrier function, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels in the lesioned ear were measured. The effect of olopatadine on the production of HA by cultured dermal fibroblasts was also measured. Repeated topical application of oxazolone to rat ears induced local inflammation that was exemplified by swelling. In inflamed ears, the amount of IFNγ increased at both the protein and mRNA level, but IL-4 levels changed minimally. Olopatadine significantly decreased ear swelling and the number of scratching episodes. The drug also significantly inhibited the increase of IFNγ and nerve growth factor production in inflamed ears. Olopatadine significantly inhibited the increase in TEWL and the decrease in HA in lesioned ears. Furthermore, the drug stimulated the production of HA by cultured dermal fibroblasts. These results suggest that olopatadine suppressed inflammation and scratching not only by inhibiting cytokine production, but also by repairing skin barrier function.
Quality-adjusted survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with fruquintinib in FRESCO trial.

Aim: To assess whether the survival benefit of fruquintinib is quality-adjusted. Materials & methods: Data of 416 metastatic colorectal cancer patients from the Phase III FRESCO trial were used. The Quality-adjusted Time Without Symptoms or Toxicity (Q-TWiST) analysis assessed the quality-adjusted survival benefit of fruquintinib versus placebo, accounting for freedom from symptomatic disease and from severe side effects of treatment. Results: Fruquintinib significantly improved patients' Q-TWiST (difference: 2.23 [1.41, 3.04] months) versus placebo. The Q-TWiST gain was 28.3% in the base case and ranged from 16.7 to 39.9% in the threshold analysis, favoring fruquintinib. The Q-TWiST benefit was observed in fruquintinib-treated patients regardless of prior targeted therapy. Conclusion: Fruquintinib provides a clinically meaningful quality-adjusted survival benefit versus placebo as a third-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
Cervical Assessment for Predicting Preterm Birth—Cervical Length and Beyond

Preterm birth is considered one of the main etiologies of neonatal death, as well as short- and long-term disability worldwide. A number of pathophysiological processes take place in the final unifying factor of cervical modifications that leads to preterm birth. In women at high risk for preterm birth, cervical assessment is commonly used for prediction and further risk stratification. This review outlines the rationale for cervical length screening for preterm birth prediction in different clinical settings within existing and evolving new technologies to assess cervical remodeling.
Application of specialized pro‐resolving mediators in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis: a review

Abstract Scaling and root planning is a key element in the mechanical therapy used for the eradication of biofilm, which is the major etiological factor for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. However, periodontitis is also a host mediated disease, therefore, removal of the biofilm without adjunctive therapy may not achieve the desired clinical outcome due to persistent activation of the innate and adaptive immune cells. Most recently, even the resident cells of the periodontium, including periodontal ligament fibroblasts, have been shown to produce several inflammatory factors in response to bacterial challenge. With increased understanding of the pathophysiology of periodontitis, more research is focusing on opposing excessive inflammation with specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs). This review article covers the major limitations of current standards of care for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis, and it highlights recent advances and prospects of SPMs in the context of tissue reconstruction and regeneration. Here, we focus primarily on the role of SPMs in restoring tissue homeostasis after periodontal infection.
Different Patterns of Mental Health Outcomes among Road Traffic Crash Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the symptoms of mental disorders following a road traffic crash (RTC). A prospective cohort of 200 people was followed for 6 months after experiencing an RTC. The cohort was comprised of uninjured survivors and injured victims with all levels of road traffic injury (RTI) severity. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between the symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety one and six months after the RTC, along with sociodemographic factors, health status before and after the RTC, factors related to the RTI and factors related to the RTC. The results showed associations of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with sociodemographic factors, factors related to the health status before and after the RTC and factors related to the RTC. Factors related to the RTI showed associations only with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Identifying factors associated with mental disorders following an RTC is essential for establishing screening of vulnerable individuals at risk of poor mental health outcomes after an RTC. All RTC survivors, regardless of their RTI status, should be screened for factors associated with mental disorders in order to successfully prevent them.
Osteopontin activates retinal microglia causing retinal ganglion cells loss via p38 MAPK signaling pathway in glaucoma

Microglia activation and release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines have been closely linked to glaucoma. However, the mechanisms that initiate these pathways remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of a pro‐inflammatory cytokine––osteopontin (OPN), in retinal microglia activation process along with the underlying mechanisms in glaucoma. A rat chronic ocular hypertension (COH) model was established presenting an increase in retinal OPN level and activation of microglia. Primary microglia cells were isolated and cultured under a pressure culture system showing heightened expressions of microglia‐derived OPN with changes in inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6). OPN and OPN neutralizing antibody (Anti‐OPN) interventions were both applied systems for comparison, and cross‐referenced with OPN knockdown in vitro. JAK/STAT, NF‐κB, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK, recognized as the primary signaling pathways related to microglia activation, were then screened on whether they can facilitate OPN to act on microglia and their impact on specific inhibitors. Thereafter, retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and flash visual evoked potentials (F‐VEP) were used to investigate neuron protection in context of each blockade. Results suggest that OPN is able to enhance the proliferation and activation of retinal microglia in experimental glaucoma which may play a role in the glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and contribute to the eventual RGCs loss and vision function impairment. Such effect may be mediated through the regulation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway drive replication repair deficient hypermutated tumors and confer sensitivity to MEK inhibition.

The RAS/MAPK pathway is an emerging targeted pathway across a spectrum of both adult and pediatric cancers. Typically, this is associated with a single, well-characterized point mutation in an oncogene. Hypermutant tumors which harbor many somatic mutations may obscure the interpretation of such targetable genomic events. We find that replication repair deficient (RRD) cancers which are universally hypermutant and affect children born with RRD cancer predisposition, are enriched for RAS/MAPK mutations (p=10-8). These mutations are not random, exist in subclones, and increase in allelic frequency over time. The RAS/MAPK pathway is activated both transcriptionally and at the protein level in patient derived RRD tumors and these tumors responded to MEK inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of patients with RAS/MAPK hypermutant gliomas reveal durable responses to MEK inhibition. Our observations suggest that hypermutant tumors may be addicted to oncogenic pathways resulting in favorable response to targeted therapies.
Understanding Vocational Students’ Motivation for Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors

Unhealthy eating behaviors and low levels of physical activity are major problems in adolescents and young adults in vocational education. To develop effective intervention programs, more research is needed to understand how different types of motivation contribute to health behaviors. In the present study, Self-Determination Theory is used to examine how motivation contributes to dietary and physical activity behaviors in vocational students. This cross-sectional study included 809 students (mean age 17.8 ± 1.9 years) attending vocational education in the Netherlands. Linear multilevel regression analyses were used to investigate the association between types of motivation and dietary and physical activity behaviors. Amotivation was negatively associated with breakfast frequency and positively associated with diet soda consumption and high-calorie between-meal snacks. A positive association was found between autonomous motivation and water intake, breakfast frequency, fruit intake, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Autonomous motivation was negatively associated with the consumption of unhealthy products. Controlled motivation was not associated with physical activity or dietary behaviors. Different types of motivation seem to explain either healthy or unhealthy dietary behaviors in vocational students. Autonomous motivation, in particular, was shown to be associated with healthy behaviors and could therefore be a valuable intervention target.