Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical characteristics of chikungunya patients from six Colombian cities, 2014–2015

Abstract In 2014, the chikungunya virus reached Colombia for the first time, resulting in a nationwide epidemic. The objective of this study was to describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of suspected chikungunya cases. Chikungunya infection was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 548 patients where included in the study. Of these patients, 295 were positive for antibodies against chikungunya (53.8%), and 27.6% (151/295) were symptomatic for chikungunya infection, with a symptomatic:asymptomatic ratio of 1.04:1. Factors associated with infection included low income and low socio-economic strata (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–3.2, p = 0.003 and OR: 2.1; CI: 1.3–3.4, p = 0.002, respectively). Confirmed symptomatic cases were associated with symmetric arthritis (OR: 11.7; CI: 6.0–23.0, p < 0.001) of ankles (OR: 8.5; CI: 3.5–20.9, p < 0.001), hands (OR: 8.5; CI: 3.5–20.9, p < 0.001), feet (OR: 6.5; CI: 2.8–15.3, p < 0.001), and wrists (OR: 17.3; CI: 2.3–130.5, p < 0.001). Our study showed that poverty is associated with chikungunya infection. Public health strategies to prevent and control chikungunya should focus on poorer communities that are more vulnerable to infection. The rate of asymptomatic infections among confirmed cases was 48.8%. However, those with symptoms displayed a characteristic rheumatic clinical picture, which could help differentiate chikungunya infection from other endemic viral diseases.
PerMemDB: a database for eukaryotic peripheral membrane proteins

The majority of all proteins in cells interact with membranes either permanently or temporarily. Peripheral membrane proteins form transient complexes with membrane proteins and/or lipids, via non-covalent interactions and are of outmost importance, due to numerous cellular functions in which they participate. In an effort to collect data regarding this heterogeneous group of proteins we designed and constructed a database, called PerMemDB. PerMemDB is currently the most complete and comprehensive repository of data for eukaryotic peripheral membrane proteins deposited in UniProt or predicted with the use of MBPpred – a computational method that specializes in the detection of proteins that interact non-covalently with membrane lipids, via membrane binding domains. The first version of the database contains 231770 peripheral membrane proteins from 1009 organisms. All entries have cross-references to other databases, literature references and annotation regarding their interactions with other proteins. Moreover, additional sequence annotation of the characteristic domains that allow these proteins to interact with membranes is available, due to the application of MBPpred. Through the web interface of PerMemDB, users can browse the contents of the database, submit advanced text searches and BLAST queries against the protein sequences deposited in PerMemDB. We expect this repository to serve as a source of information that will allow the scientific community to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution and function of peripheral membrane proteins via the enhancement of proteome-wide analyses. The database is available at: http://bioinformatics.biol.uoa.gr/db=permemdb
Gender-specific experiences of serious mental illness in rural Ethiopia: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Considerable variation in the gender-specific prevalence of serious mental illness (SMI) has been reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In the rural setting of Butajira, Ethiopia, the male-to-female prevalence ratio of schizophrenia was reported to be 5:1. This qualitative study explores gender-specific experiences of SMI and the extent to which sociocultural factors may explain the observed difference in prevalence estimates. Using purposive sampling, 39 in-depth interviews were conducted with community members from Butajira, a rural district in South Central Ethiopia. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to elicit community perspectives on cultural explanatory models of SMI and experiences in this region. Gender-specific experiences were reported to differ due to visibility of symptoms, community responses, and varying levels of family support towards individuals with SMI. Overall, respondents described how various sociocultural factors subject women with SMI to higher levels of physical and social isolation compared to men, greatly affecting community health workers’ ability to identify and provide care to women with mental illness. Future case detection methods should involve family members as they interact with women with SMI early on in the development of their symptoms and play an essential role in their path to mental health care.
Copeptin Kinetics in Acute Ischemic Stroke May Differ According to Revascularization Strategies: Pilot Data.

Background and Purpose- Prognostic value of copeptin in acute ischemic stroke has been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate copeptin temporal profile according to revascularization strategies and the development of brain edema and hemorrhagic transformation. Methods- Plasma copeptin and brain edema and hemorrhagic transformation assessed by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated upon admission (T0), at 24 hours (T1), and between the third and fifth day of hospitalization (T2) in 34 acute ischemic stroke patients. Results- Median copeptin concentration was 50.71 pmol/L at T0, 18.31 pmol/L at T1, and 10.92 pmol/L at T2. Copeptin at T1 was higher in patients with medium/severe brain edema at T2 (32.25 versus 13.67 pmol/L; P=0.038) and hemorrhagic transformation at T1 (93.10 versus 13.67 pmol/L; P<0.003) and T2 (85.70 versus 14.45 pmol/L; P=0.024). Copeptin level drop (CopΔT1-T0) was significantly steeper in patients receiving revascularization, particularly in those undergoing combined therapy (-129.34 versus -5.43 pmol/L; P=0.038). ΔT1-T0 also correlated with Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (P<0.001). Conclusions- Copeptin resulted associated with brain edema and hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke, and its drop at 24 hours may mirror effective brain vessel recanalization.
Vacunaciones de recuerdo: ¿puede la memoria inmunológica adelantarse a la patogénesis de la enfermedad?

Casi todas las vacunas actuales actúan mediante la inducción de anticuerpos en el suero o en la mucosa para bloquear la adhesión de los patógenos a las células epiteliales o interferir con la invasión microbiana del torrente sanguíneo. Sin embargo, los valores de los anticuerpos suelen declinar tras la vacunación hasta cantidades indetectables si no se produce una revacunación. La persistencia de anticuerpos inducidos por la vacuna suele superar con mucho el período en que hubieran disminuido a valores indetectables a causa del sostenido refuerzo “natural” o de otros mecanismos inmunológicos. La producción de memoria de células B y T tiene una importancia evidente, pero la probabilidad de que la respuesta de la memoria será suficientemente rápida en ausencia de un valor circulante de anticuerpos protector depende, probablemente, del ritmo de la patogénesis de un organismo en concreto. Analizamos este concepto respecto al Haemophilus influenzae de tipo b, el Streptococcus pneumoniae y la Neisseria meningitidis, la hepatitis A y B; la difteria, el tétanos y la tos ferina; la poliomielitis, el sarampión, la parotiditis, la rubeola y la varicela; el rotavirus, y el virus del papiloma humano. En las enfermedades infecciosas con una patogénesis de ritmo menos rápido, algunos individuos contraerán la infección antes de que la respuesta de la memoria esté activada e instaurada por completo. En las enfermedades infecciosas con una patogénesis de ritmo lento, la memoria inmunológica debería ser suficiente para prevenir la enfermedad.
Giving Voice to Silence: Empowerment and Disempowerment in the Developmental Shift from Trauma ‘Victim’ to ‘Survivor-Advocate’

ABSTRACT In the past several years, a public conversation in the United States about interpersonal violence has flourished, sustained by the work of advocates who are themselves survivors. This surge in public sharing of trauma stories is a rhetorical form of resistance to ideologies in mainstream American culture that impose silence on survivors (e.g., the “just world” belief). However, the developmental progression from trauma ‘victim’ to empowered public ‘survivor/advocate’ accommodates to dominant American cultural preferences that stories of adversity have a redemptive story line. In a redemptive story, negative experiences are followed by something positive (e.g., personal growth, lessons learned, strength gained). In this paper, we draw from theory and the sparse relevant literature across multiple disciplines to conceptualize when and for whom the redemptive storying of trauma (or, redemptive master narrative) is available, advantageous, and systemically encouraged. Among the proposed advantages of redemptive storying are its psychological health benefits; potential to empower self and others; promotion of meaning-making, mission, and communal solidarity; and the larger social/political changes that can emerge from giving voice to silenced experiences. Proposed challenges to redemptive storying include layers of societal oppression and marginalization that shape the redemption stories of many survivor-advocates; ongoing connection to or dependence on relationships and communities that enable abuse; and the reality of historical trauma and other forms of intergenerational trauma, which complicate the linear, individualistic story of redemption. With this theory-driven framework, we wish to promote compassion for survivors, along with interdisciplinary, inclusive, and intersectional research in this understudied area.
PRO: This Patient Should Have a Liver Biopsy

The alarming increase in the incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, both in the United States and worldwide, is mirrored in the rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of NAFLD and carries the risk for advancing fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. More recently, the clinical focus in NASH has been early detection. Several noninvasive assessment tools have emerged to predict and quantify the burden of steatohepatitis and fibrosis. These tools range from serum biomarkers and scores, such as the NAFLD fibrosis score, Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) index, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, to imaging modalities, such as vibration-controlled transient elastography (TE; also known as FibroScan) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). Even though these newer noninvasive tools are rapidly gaining popularity, here is why we are not ready to shelve the liver biopsy, our current gold standard, just yet. nasH is a HisTOlOGiCal DiaGnOsis
Multicenter Study of Optimal Management Strategy in Severe Multiple Trauma

the aim of the study. The development of a triage system to implement proper treatment based on severity of injury. Material and methods. The study is based on material from three Polish Universities’ trauma departments: Cracow, Lublin, and Gdańsk. Using trauma scales, 300 of the most severely injured multiple trauma (MT) patients from 2000-2004 have been chosen for this study. Medical documentation was carefully analysed, particularly the time and extent of the surgical procedures performed as well as their potential to influence later results. Results. There are three groups of patients: 1 – critically injured, with an ISS>50, LSo>15, RTS 3 pts, two body cavity involvement, multiple long bone and/or pelvis fractures. only damage control was allowed and the definitive treatment necessary was within 48 hours. 2 – severely injured, with an unstable ISS 35-50, LSo 10-15, RTS 4-10 pts, one body cavity involvement, multiple long bone and/or pelvis fractures. Life-saving operations were possible with orthopaedic management (within 48 hours) provided using the “2+2 rule” (less than 2 hours of operation and no more than 2 units of blood transfused). 3 – moderately injured, with a stable ISS<35, LSo<10, RTS>10 pts, one body cavity involvement, a long bone or pelvis fracture. Classic surgical and orthopaedic management occurred within 48 hours. Conclusions. The history and course of post-traumatic syndrome from metabolic, immune and endocrine viewpoints requires a special strategy for repairing life –threatening trauma injures at the right time, in proper sequence, and with limited surgical activity in more severe cases.
Spousal Dementia Caregiving to Widowhood: Perceptions of Older Urban and Rural Widows

Older widows might experience poor health outcomes following their spousal dementia caregiving experience. Widows from rural areas with fewer resources may have worse health outcomes. Serial, qualitative interviews were conducted at baseline, 6-months and 12-months with 13 urban and nine rural older widows who cared for husbands with dementia. Perceptions of caregiving, widowhood, and resources were examined. Major themes were 24/7 Care, Watch the Man Go Down, Build a Network, Spiritual Support, No Regrets/Some Regrets, Time for Me Now, Loneliness, and Keep Reaching In. Compared to urban widows, rural widows had fewer emotional and tangible resources. All widows desired more support during spousal dementia caregiving and in their transition to widowhood. Nurses need to continue to support the transition from spousal dementia caregiving to widowhood and to test interventions unique to meeting the needs of urban and rural older women.
Atopic dermatitis epidemiology and unmet need in the United Kingdom

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with a significant health-related and socioeconomic burden, and is characterized by intense itch, disruption of the skin barrier, and upregulation of type 2-mediated immune responses. The United Kingdom (UK) has a high prevalence of AD, affecting 11–20% of children and 5–10% of adults. Approximately 2% of all cases of childhood AD in the UK are severe. Despite this, most AD treatments are performed at home, with little contact with healthcare providers or services. Here, we discuss the course of AD, treatment practices, and unmet need in the UK. Although the underlying etiology of the disease is still emerging, AD is currently attributed to skin barrier dysfunction and altered inflammatory responses. Management of AD focuses on avoiding triggers, improving skin hydration, managing exacerbating factors, and reducing inflammation through topical and systemic immunosuppressants. However, there is a significant unmet need to improve the overall management of AD and help patients gain control of their disease through safe and effective treatments. Approaches that target individual inflammatory pathways (e.g. dupilumab, anti-interleukin (IL)-4 receptor α) are emerging and likely to provide further therapeutic opportunities for patient benefit.
The role of circadian rhythm in male reproduction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To integrate evidence on the role of circadian rhythm in male reproduction. Several studies report on various aspects of the association between the circadian system and male reproductive function in animals and humans both in physiological condition as well as in the case of subfertility. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiological data demonstrate diurnal and seasonal changes as well as the effect of sleep/wake cycles on the quality of semen. Rare and common genetic variation in circadian clock genes in humans and animal models support the role of circadian rhythms in male fertility in humans. SUMMARY Current data support the modest effect of the circadian clock on male reproductive potential; however, the evidence available is still fragmented and inconclusive. Additional well designed and sufficiently powered studies are needed to delineate the role of the circadian clock both in cause and potential interventional and preventive approaches in male subfertility.
Shear Wave Elastographic Investigation of the Immediate Effects of Slump Neurodynamics in People With Sciatica

Neurodynamic techniques are often used to treat people with sciatica pain, but their mechanical effects on the sciatic nerve are unknown. Shear wave elastography (SWE) has been shown to effectively estimate the stiffness of peripheral nerves in real time. The aim of this study was to use SWE to assess the effects of slump neurodynamics in the sciatic stiffness of people with sciatica.
The atherogenic role of immune cells in familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that mainly occurs due to mutations in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor gene and is characterized by increased levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, leading to accelerated atherogenesis and premature coronary heart disease. Both innate and adaptive immune responses, which mainly include monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, have been shown to play a key role for the initiation and progression of atherogenesis in the general population. In FH patients, these immune cells have been suggested to play specific pro‐atherosclerotic activities, from the initial leukocyte recruitment to plaque rupture. In fact, the accumulation of cholesterol crystals and oxLDL in the vessels in FH patients is particularly high, with consequent abnormal mobilization of immune cells and secretion of various pro‐inflammatory and chemokines. In addition, cholesterol accumulation in immune cells is exaggerated with chronic exposure to relevant pro‐atherosclerotic triggers. The topics considered in this review may provide a more specific focus on the immune system alterations in FH and open new insights toward immune cells as potential therapeutic targets in FH.
"I live, I don't work, but I live a very normal life"-A qualitative interview study of Scandinavian user experiences of schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication, and personal recovery processes.

PURPOSE To illuminate user experiences of schizophrenia, reasons for receiving antipsychotic medication, and encounters with mental health services. DESIGN AND METHODS 24 semistructured qualitative research interviews with schizophrenia patients treated with 3-monthly paliperidone palmitate across Scandinavia were synthesized in qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS Participants describe considerable challenges in everyday functioning. Simultaneously, they rate their current mental and physical well-being high and seem satisfied with their lives. These pathways indicate personal recovery. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The participants emphasize the importance of trustful relations with healthcare professionals, therapeutic conversations, antipsychotic medication in a 3-monthly formulation, and support from relatives.
Neuroprotective potential of new chromones isolated from the soil actinomycete Microbispora sp. TBRC6027

Abstract Nine new chromone analogs (1–9) were isolated from the soil actinomycete Microbispora sp. TBRC6027. The chemical structures were determined based upon NMR spectroscopic methods. These compounds were evaluated in vitro by using P19-derived neurons for neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress induced by serum deprivation and showed % viability of neurons at the concentration of 1 ng/mL varied from 43.51% to 52.99% without significant neurotoxicity for P19-derived neurons at the same concentration. Moreover, all tested compounds were inactive for antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and for cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (human breast cancer) and Vero cells at maximum tested concentration 50 μg/mL. However, compounds 4, 6, and 7 displayed weak cytotoxicity against NCI-H187 (human small-cell lung cancer) cells with IC50 in a range of 87.99–91.57 μM.
The role of goal-directed therapy in the prevention of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: Substudy of the OPTIMISE trial.

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important adverse outcome after major surgery. Peri-operative goal-directed haemodynamic therapy (GDT) may improve outcomes by reducing complications such as AKI. OBJECTIVE To determine if GDT was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative AKI according to specific renal biomarkers. DESIGN Prospective substudy of the OPTIMISE trial, a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing peri-operative GDT to usual patient care. SETTING Four UK National Health Service hospitals. PATIENTS A total of 287 high-risk patients aged at least 50 years undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was AKI defined as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipase (NGAL) at least 150 ng ml 24 and 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were between-group differences in NGAL measurements and NGAL : creatinine ratios 24 and 72 h after surgery and AKI stage 2 or greater according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS In total, 20 of 287 patients (7%) experienced postoperative AKI of KDIGO grade 2 or 3 within 30 days. The proportion of patients with urinary NGAL at least 150 ng ml 24 or 72 h after surgery was similar in the two groups [GDT 31/144 (21.5%) patients vs. usual patient care 28/143 (19.6%) patients; P = 0.88]. Absolute values of urinary NGAL were also similar at 24 h (GDT 53.5 vs. usual patient care 44.1 ng ml; P = 0.38) and 72 h (GDT 45.1 vs. usual patient care 41.1 ng ml; P = 0.50) as were urinary NGAL : creatinine ratios at 24 h (GDT 45 vs. usual patient care 43 ng mg; P = 0.63) and 72 h (GDT 66 vs. usual patient care 63 ng mg; P = 0.62). The incidence of KDIGO-defined AKI was also similar between the groups [GDT 9/144 (6%) patients vs. usual patient care 11/143 (8%) patients; P = 0.80]. CONCLUSION In this trial, GDT did not reduce the incidence of AKI amongst high-risk patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. This may reflect improving standards in usual patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION OPTIMISE Trial Registration ISRCTN04386758.
Vascular endothelial growth factor enhances tendon‐bone healing by activating Yes‐associated protein for angiogenesis induction and rotator cuff reconstruction in rats

Local angiogenesis following rotator cuff reconstruction is crucial for tendon‐bone healing. The current research on the mechanism underlying angiogenesis that promotes tendon‐bone healing is scarce. This study investigates the mechanism underlying vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐Hippo signaling pathway's involvement in tendon‐bone healing following rotator cuff reconstruction. Verteporfin, the inhibitor of the Yes‐associated protein (YAP), was used to mechanically test and analyze two groups of tensile‐failure loads following rotator cuff reconstruction and to detect collagen and angiogenesis‐related marker expressions in the tendon. The interaction mechanism of the VEGF‐Hippo signaling pathway was assessed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The diameter of the supraspinatus tendon reduced following verteporfin treatment. Mechanical tests revealed that verteporfin significantly reduces the tensile‐failure load of the supraspinatus tendon. Verteporfin significantly reduces collagen 1 (Col 1), Col 3, Angiopoietin 2, CD31, Von Willebrand factor, CTGF, and CYR61 expressions. In HUVECs, VEGF activates VEGF receptors and inhibits LATS and YAP phosphorylation. YAP is then transferred to the nucleus to further activate downstream pathways. Therefore, verteporfin can inhibit VEGF‐induced YAP pathway activation by inhibiting YAP activity. Angiogenesis in tendon‐bone healing following rotator cuff reconstruction requires VEGF‐Hippo signaling pathway synergy.