Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integration of proteomic and metabolomic analyses: New insights for mapping informal workers exposed to potentially toxic elements

Occupational exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a concerning reality of informal workers engaged in the jewelry production chain that can lead to adverse health effects. In this study, untargeted proteomic and metabolomic analyses were employed to assess the impact of these exposures on informal workers' exposome in Limeira city, São Paulo state, Brazil. PTE levels (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, and Pb) were determined in blood, proteomic analyses were performed for saliva samples (n = 26), and metabolomic analyses in plasma (n = 145) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry. Blood PTE levels of workers, controls, and their family members were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). High concentration levels of Sn and Cu were detected in welders' blood (p < 0.001). Statistical analyses were performed using MetaboAnalyst 4.0. The results showed that 26 proteins were upregulated, and 14 proteins downregulated on the welder group, and thirty of these proteins were also correlated with blood Pb, Cu, Sb, and Sn blood levels in the welder group (p < 0.05). Using gene ontology analysis of these 40 proteins revealed the biological processes related to the upregulated proteins were translational initiation, SRP-dependent co-translational protein targeting to membrane, and viral transcription. A Metabolome-Wide Association Study (MWAS) was performed to search for associations between blood metabolites and exposure groups. A pathway enrichment analysis of significant features from the MWAS was then conducted with Mummichog. A total of 73 metabolomic compounds and 40 proteins up or down-regulated in welders were used to perform a multi-omics analysis, disclosing seven metabolic pathways potentially disturbed by the informal work: valine leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, valine leucine and isoleucine degradation, arginine and proline metabolism, ABC transporters, central carbon metabolism in cancer, arachidonic acid metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism. The majority of the proteins found to be statistically up or downregulated in welders also correlated with at least one blood PTE level, providing insights into the biological responses to PTE exposures in the informal work exposure scenario. These findings shed new light on the effects of occupational activity on workers' exposome, underscoring the harmful effects of PTE.
Metabolic Profiling of Urine, Fecal, and Serum Samples and Pancreatic Tumors and Evaluation of HMGA1 Expression Levels in Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Cells in the Ptf1a-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D Transgenic Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer

METABOLIC PROFILING OF URINE, FECAL, AND SERUM SAMPLES AND PANCREATIC TUMORS AND EVALUATION OF HMGA1 EXPRESSION LEVELS IN PANCREATIC INTRAEPITHELIAL NEOPLASIA CELLS IN THE PTF1A-CRE; LSL-KRASG12D TRANSGENIC MOUSE MODEL OF PANCREATIC CANCER
In no uncertain terms: Group cohesion did not affect exploration and group decision making under low uncertainty

Group decision making under uncertainty often requires groups to balance exploration of their environment with exploitation of the seemingly best option. In order to succeed at this collective induction, groups need to merge the knowledge of all group members and combine goal-oriented and social motivations (i.e., group cohesion). This paper presents three studies that investigate whether more cohesive groups perform worse at collective induction tasks as they spend less time exploring possible options. Study 1 simulates group decision making with the ε-greedy algorithm in order to identify suitable manipulations of group cohesion and investigate how differing exploration lengths can affect outcomes of group decisions. Study 2 (N = 108, 18 groups á 6 participants) used an experimental manipulation of group cohesion in a simple card choice task to investigate how group cohesion might affect group decision making when only limited social information is available. Study 3 (N = 96, 16 groups á 6 participants) experimentally manipulated group cohesion and used the HoneyComb paradigm, a movement-based group experiment platform, to investigate which group processes would emerge during decision making and how these processes would affect the relationships between group cohesion, exploration length, and group decision making. Study 1 found that multiplicative cohesion rewards have detrimental effects on group decision making, while additive group rewards could ameliorate negative effects of the cohesion reward, especially when reported separately from task rewards. Additionally, exploration length was found to profoundly affect decision quality. Studies 2 and 3 showed that groups could identify the best reward option successfully, regardless of group cohesion manipulation. This effect is interpreted as a ceiling effect as the decision task was likely too easy to solve. Study 3 identified that spatial group cohesion on the playing field correlated with self-reported entitativity and leader-/followership emerged spontaneously in most groups and correlated with self-reported perceptions of leader-/followership in the game. We discuss advantages of simulation studies, possible adaptations to the ε-greedy algorithm, and methodological aspects of measuring behavioral group cohesion and leadership to inform empirical studies investigating group decision making under uncertainty.
Accuracy of Alvarado, Eskelinen, Ohmann, RIPASA and Tzanakis Scores in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis; a Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Many scoring systems have been developed to assist in diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA). This study aimed to compare the screening performance characteristics of Alvarado, Eskelinen, Ohmann, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPASA), and Tzanakis scores in predicting the need for appendectomy in AA patients. Methods: Our study prospectively evaluated AA patients that were treated in a tertiary hospital’s emergency department. The obtained data were used to calculate Alvarado, Tzanakis, RIPASA, Eskelinen and Ohmann scores. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their histopathological results: positive (PA) and negative appendectomy (NA). The accuracy of different scoring systems in diagnosing AA was investigated. Results: 74 patients suspected to AA with the mean age of 36.68 ± 11.97 years were studied (56.8% male). The diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed in 65 cases (87.8%). Median Alvarado, Tzanakis, RIPASA, Eskelinen and Ohmann scores were significantly higher in patients with positive appendectomy. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of Tzanakis score in the cut-off value of 8 were 0.965, 84.4%, and 100%, respectively. For Ohmann and Alvarado scores, these measures were 0.941; 71.9%, 89.9% and 0.938, 60.9%, 89.9%, respectively. Tzanakis scoring system had the best screening performance in detection of cases with AA. Conclusion: Tzanakis score is more sensitive and specific than Alvarado, RIPASA, Eskelinen and Ohmann scores in identifying AA patients needing appendectomy.
Testing a Culturally Adapted Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision Aid Among American Indians: Results from a Pre–Post Trial

Purpose: American Indian adults have not experienced decreases in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality observed in other races or ethnic groups and their screening rates are low. Decision aids that explain available CRC screening options are one potential strategy to promote screening. The goal of this study was to test the effect of a culturally adapted decision aid on CRC-related outcomes among American Indian adults, including screening-related knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, intentions, and screening modality preferences. Methods: We recruited American Indian adults aged 50–75 years who were not current with CRC screening. Participants viewed a 9-min multimedia decision aid that used narrative vignettes to provide educational information about screening along with messages to address culturally specific barriers and values uncovered in formative research. We conducted a single-arm (pre–post) study and assessed screening-related outcomes at baseline and immediately after viewing the decision aid. Results: Among n=104 participants, knowledge scores increased from a mean of 36% correct to 76% correct. Participants also had statistically significant increases in positive attitudes, perceived social norms, self-efficacy, and intent. The proportion of participants who identified a preference for a specific CRC screening modality rose from 81% identified at pre-intervention to 93% post-intervention (p=0.013). Conclusion: Our study provides promising new findings that our culturally adapted decision aid is efficacious in educating American Indian adults about CRC screening and increases their screening intentions and ability to state modality preferences. Future research is needed to test the decision aid as a component of CRC screening interventions with American Indian adults.
Gray matter asymmetry atypical patterns in subgrouping minors with autism based on core symptoms

Abnormal gray matter (GM) asymmetry has been verified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by high heterogeneity. ASD is distinguished by three core symptom domains. Previous neuroimaging studies have offered support for divergent neural substrates of different core symptom domains in ASD. However, no previous study has explored GM asymmetry alterations underlying different core symptom domains. This study sought to clarify atypical GM asymmetry patterns underlying three core symptom domains in ASD with a large sample of 230 minors with ASD (ages 7–18 years) and 274 matched TD controls from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE I) repository. To this end, the scores of the revised autism diagnostic interview (ADI-R) subscales were normalized for grouping ASD into three core-symptom-defined subgroups: social interaction (SI), verbal communication (VA), and restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB). We investigated core-symptom-related GM asymmetry alterations in ASD resulting from advanced voxel-based morphometry (VBM) by general linear models. We also examined the relationship between GM asymmetry and age and between GM asymmetry and symptom severity assessed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). We found unique GM asymmetry alterations underlying three core-symptom-defined subgroups in ASD: more rightward asymmetry in the thalamus for SI, less rightward asymmetry in the superior temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate and caudate for VA, and less rightward asymmetry in the middle and inferior frontal gyrus for RRB. Furthermore, the asymmetry indexes in the thalamus were negatively associated with ADOS_SOCIAL scores in the general ASD group. We also showed significant correlations between GM asymmetry and age in ASD and TD individuals. Our results support the theory that each core symptom domain of ASD may have independent etiological and neurobiological underpinnings, which is essential for the interpretation of heterogeneity and the future diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
A Physical Therapy–Based Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for Older Adults With Heart Failure: A Retrospective Analysis of Changes in Functional Performance

Purpose:It is recommended that individuals with heart failure (HF) participate in supervised exercise programs, given lower incidences of adverse events compared with independently initiated and progressed exercise. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effect of a physical therapy (PT)-based outpatient rehabilitation program on the functional performance of older adults diagnosed with HF. Methods:Fifty-four adults (55 years or greater) completed a 24-session exercise and educational program. The primary outcome was change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes included change in dyspnea on exertion (DOE), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), number of rest breaks, and use of an assistive device during the 6MWD assessment along with 6-minute walk work (6MWORK), body weight, body mass index (BMI), and average wattage during recumbent cycling. Results:Six-minute walk distance increased 30.2% or 109.5 m from baseline. Although there was no change in assistive device, rest breaks and DOE and RPE values during the 6MWD assessment decreased by 22%, −1.4 units, and −1.2 units, respectively. Average wattage on the cycle increased by 15.0, and 6MWORK increased by 29.7% or 10,678.6 kg·m. Weight and BMI did not change, but BMI did influence the absolute change in 6MWD. Conclusions:The PT-based outpatient rehabilitation program improved the functional performance of older adults diagnosed with HF. Further investigation is needed to explore the specific contributions the program and PT interventions have on clinical and patient-centered outcomes (ie, readmissions, survival, function, quality of life).
Anforderungen an die Hygiene bei der medizinischen Versorgung von Patienten mit Cystischer Fibrose (Mukoviszidose)

Herrn Priv. -Doz. Dr. med Arne Simon, Homburg (Koordinator der Arbeitsgruppe). Frau Priv. -Doz. Dr. med. Sabina Schmitt-Grohe, Bonn Frau Ulrike Erdmann, Bonn Herrn Priv. -Doz. Dr. med. Ralf-Peter Vonberg, Hannover Frau Prof. Dr. med. Caroline Herr, Oberschleißheim Frau Dr. rer. nat. Jutta Bend, Bonn, Mukoviszidose e.V. unter Beteiligung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie (Frau Prof. Dr. med. Roswitha Bruns und Herr Prof. Dr. med. Markus A. Rose), der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mukoviszidose der Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Pneumologie (Herr Prof. Dr. med. Frank-Michael Müller) sowie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin (Herr Dr. med. Ernst Rietschel).
Le logiciel Hy-Result® : la e-santé appliquée à l'éducation thérapeutique du patient hypertendu

Objectif : le logiciel Hy-Result® est destine a ameliorer la pratique de l’automesure tensionnelle (AMT) et l’auto-interpretation des resultats. Nous avons compare en aveugle la classification du statut tensionnel du patient par le logiciel Hy-Result® par rapport a celle du medecin specialiste de l’HTA au cours d’une consultation medicale. Methode : apres recueil des resultats d’automesure et des antecedents du patient, une courbe ainsi que des messages de prevention cardiovasculaire sont generes automatiquement par le logiciel. L’objectif principal de l’etude est la mesure de la concordance en aveugle entre la classification du statut tensionnel des 195 patients par le logiciel Hy-Result® versus la classification par le medecin en consultation (Gold-Standard). Resultats : chez les 58 patients non traites, la concordance entre la classification du statut tensionnel generee par le logiciel et la classification du medecin etait de 87,9%. Chez les 137 patients traites, la concordance etait de 91,9%. Le test kappa applique a tous les patients etait de 0,81 [IC95%:0,73-0,89]. Apres correction des erreurs identifiees dans l'algorithme au cours de l'etude, la concordance a augmente a 95,4% (? =0,9 [IC 95%: 0,84-0,97]). Pour 100 % des patients atteints de comorbidites (n=46), des messages textes ont ete generes indiquant qu'un medecin pourrait recommander une TA cible inferieure a 135/85 mmHg. Des messages textes ont egalement ete generes pour 100% des patients pour lesquels les valeurs depassaient largement les normes relatives a l'IMC, au tabac et/ou a la consommation d'alcool. Les divergences restantes etaient attribuables a des erreurs du medecin plutot qu’au logiciel. Conclusion : la classification par le logiciel Hy-Result® est au moins aussi pertinente que celle d'un medecin specialiste de l’HTA en pratique courante. Hy-Result® est le premier logiciel en acces libre, valide pour l'auto-interpretation des resultats d’automesure prenant compte a la fois des seuils cibles selon les recommandations europeennes et des caracteristiques du patient.
Trajectory of Type 2 Diabetes in Sepsis Outcome: Impacts of Diabetic Complication Burdens, Initial Glucose Level, and HbA1c: Population-Based Cohort Study Combining with Nationwide and Hospital-Based Database

Background Diabetic patients have an increased risk of infections; however, the association between type 2 diabetes and hospital outcomes of sepsis remains controversial when the diabetes severity is not considered. We examined this association using nationwide and hospital-based databases concomitantly. Methods The first part of this study was conducted using 2 nationwide databases: the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients and the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. The diabetic complication burden was evaluated using the adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index score (aDCSI score). In the second part, we used the hospital-based database with laboratory data, such as initial blood glucose and HbA1c levels, to make comparisons between surviving and dead patients with type 2 diabetes and sepsis. Results The nationwide study included 19,719 type 2 diabetic sepsis patients and an equal number of non-diabetic patients. The diabetic sepsis patients had an increased odds ratio (OR) of 1.14 (95% CI 1.1-1.19) for hospital mortality. The OR for mortality increased as the complication burden increased (diabetic sepsis patients with aDCSI scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 had ORs of 0.91, 0.87, 1.14, 1.25, 1.56, and 1.77 for mortality, respectively (all P<0.001 and P for trend <0.001)). A total of 1,054 diabetic sepsis patients were included from the hospital-based database. Initial blood glucose levels in the surviving and dead diabetic sepsis patients did not differ significantly: 273.9 ± 180.3 versus 266.1 ± 200.2 (mg/dL) (P=0.095). Moreover, the surviving diabetic sepsis patients did not have a lower HbA1c (%): 8.4 ± 2.6 versus 8.0 ± 2.5 (P=0.078). Conclusions In the case of type 2 diabetic sepsis patients, the diabetes-related complication burden is the major determinant of hospital mortality rather than the diabetes itself. Contrary to popular belief, initial blood glucose and HbA1c levels may not be as important as previously thought.
TRICLOSAN COATED POLYDIAXANONE SUTURE VERSUS NONCOATED POLYDIAXANONE SUTURE IN PREVENTING SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN PERFORATION PERITONITIS: A COMPARITIVE STUDY

Triclosan coated suture, surely, helps in preventing one of the most dreaded post operative complication i.e surgical site infection which not only increases short term morbidity of the patient but also has long term implications. The desire of a good cosmetic result post operatively both by the surgeon and the patient is hindered if postoperative surgical site infection occurs. Also, surgical site infection and consequent wound dehiscence can lead to incisional hernia which leads to long term morbidity. Triclosan coated suture cuts down the cost for management of surgical site infection though it is slightly costlier than the conventional non coated suture. So, it can be concluded that triclosan coated PDS is a new hope in the prevention of surgical site infection post operatively.
Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Purpose: Postpartum depression is one of the common complication of postpartum period and a major public health issue. It adversely affects the mother, her child, and the family. To determine the prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression in women delivered in a tertiary hospital Karachi. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a private hospital of Karachi, from 1 st February 2014 to 31 st January 2016. All women having age between 20-49 years between 4-6 weeks postpartum period consented to participate were included. Women with pre-existing co-morbid like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, physical and psychiatric illnesses, having multigestation and had the previous history of perinatal loss were excluded. A pretested research proforma was translated into local (Urdu) language and data on demographic and determinant were collected. PPD was assessed using Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale and score of >12 was considered having PPD. Results: A total of 600 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of enrolled participants was 26.2±3.2 years and mean gestational age was 38.5±1.1 weeks. One hundred and thirty-four women had an EPDS score of >12 giving the prevalence of PPD of 22.3%. Multivariable analysis adjusted for age and gestational age showed no family support OR 2.01 (95% CI: 1.07-3.75), primiparity OR 2.28 (95%CI: 1.28-4.07), uneducated women OR 1.78 (95% CI: 1.04-3.05), women experience complications at time of delivery OR 7.55 (95% CI: 2.98-19.12), unintended pregnancy OR 2.82 (95% CI: 1.59-5.02), obesity OR 3.84 (95%CI: 2.3-6.43) and financial issues OR (95% CI: 1.78-11.01) were independent determinants of postpartum depression. Conclusions: It was concluded from this study that the prevalence of post- partum depression was 22.3%. No family support, parity, educational status, complications during delivery, unintended pregnancy, obesity and financial issues are independent determinants of post-partum depression.
Circuit simulators for circuit analysis in graduate engineering courses

Circuit simulators are extensively used as an aid in many courses at the graduate level in many different engineering and applied sciences programs. SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuits Emphasis) based software programs have been used for long due to their traditional market position. If we focus on circuits analysis and linear systems subjects, the features that are required from a given simulator can be found in student/limited versions of commercial EDA (Electronic Design Automation) suites or in freeware/open source codes. In this contribution, we analyse and compare the most revelant characteristics of a representative set of the software packages that are commonly adopted in these courses, focusing on the Spanish University system. For this purpose, the analysis (transient, DC and AC) of a typical second order passive low-pass filter is approached making use of each one. Then, we give some comments and recommendations, based on our own expertise, always taking into account the particular circumstances within a given academic scenario.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Individuals With the Electrocardiographic Pattern of Right Bundle-Branch Block and ST-Segment Elevation in Precordial Leads V1 to V3

Background— The electrocardiographic pattern of right bundle-branch block with ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 is increasingly recognized among patients who have aborted sudden cardiac death, but also in asymptomatic individuals, raising questions about its prognostic significance. Methods and Results— The clinical, electrophysiological, and follow-up data of 334 patients with the Brugada phenotype were analyzed. A total of 79 women and 255 men with a mean age at diagnosis of 42±16 years were studied. The abnormal ECG was recognized after a resuscitated cardiac arrest in 71 patients (group A), after a syncopal episode in 73 patients (group B), and in 190 asymptomatic individuals (group C). Sustained ventricular arrhythmias were inducible in 83%, 63%, and 33% of patients in group A, group B, and group C, respectively. During 54±54 and 26±36 months of follow-up, respectively, 62% of patients in group A and 19% of group B patients had a new arrhythmic event. Inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias was.