Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Chironomidae (Diptera) of Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Non-biting midges of the fly family Chironomidae are extremely abundant and diverse in Arctic regions and are essential components of Arctic ecosystems. Modern identification tools based on documented records of Arctic chironomid species are therefore important for ecological research and environmental monitoring in the region. Here, we provide an updated review of the chironomid fauna of the Svalbard archipelago and the island of Jan Mayen, Norway. Our results show that a total of 73 species distributed across 24 genera in four subfamilies are known from these areas. Our review treats 109 taxa, including nomina dubia and misidentifications. It includes morphological identification keys to all known species as well as photographs of most taxa and DNA barcodes of 66 species. Taxonomic remarks are given for selected taxa, including previous misidentifications and erroneous records. Chironomus islandicus, Tvetenia bavarica, Limnophyes schnelli, Metriocnemus brusti and Metriocnemus fuscipes as well as the genera Allocladius, Corynoneura and Bryophaenocladius are reported from Svalbard for the first time, while Procladius (Holotanypus) frigidus, Stictochironomus psilopterus, Chaetocladius incertus, Orthocladius (Orthocladius) mixtus and Smittia longicosta, previously considered as junior synonyms or nomina dubia, are revived as valid species based on examination of type material or literature. Twenty species within eleven genera are introduced with interim names. Metriocnemus similis is regarded as a junior synonym of Metriocnemus ursinus, and Smittia incerta, Smittia flexinervis and Smittia spitzbergensis are regarded as nomina dubia. Valid taxa no longer considered as part of the Svalbard fauna are Parochlus kiefferi, Arctopelopia barbitarsis, Procladius (Holotanypus) crassinervis, Diamesa lindrothi, Diamesa incallida, Diamesa lundstromi, Chironomus hyperboreus, Sergentia coracina, Camptocladius stercorarius, Chaetocladius dissipatus, Chaetocladius dentiforceps, Chaetocladius laminatus, Chaetocladius perennis, Cricotopus (Cricotopus) humeralis, Cricotopus (Cricotopus) polaris, Hydrosmittia ruttneri, Limnophyes edwardsi, Metriocnemus picipes, Metriocnemus tristellus, Orthocladius (Eudactylocladius) gelidus, Orthocladius (Euorthocladius) thienemanni, Orthocladius (Orthocladius) obumbratus, Orthocladius (Orthocladius) rhyacobius, Paralimnophyes, Paraphaenocladius impensus, Psectrocladius (Monopsectrocladius) calcaratus, Psectrocladius (Psectrocladius) psilopterus, Psectrocladius (Psectrocladius) ventricosus, Smittia lasiophthalma, Smittia lasiops and Zalutschia tatrica.
Annual Observation of Changes in the Angle of Trunk Rotation. Trunk Asymmetry Predictors. A Study from a Scoliosis Screening in School Adolescents

Adolescent forms of idiopathic scoliosis are commonly encountered deformities of the thoracic and lumbar spine. They affect a significant number of adolescents, yet their cause is still unknown. The presented research is a cross-sectional analysis of 3933 volunteers (2131 girls and 1802 boys). The participants were primary school students aged 9 to 13 years old. This study determined a relationship between predictors such as: body mass, body height and body mass index (BMI) (independent variables) and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) value (dependent variable). Moreover, a stepwise multiple regression with backward selection was conducted to determine to what extent the dependent variable is explained by body mass, body height and BMI. In the group of 11,12,13-year-old girls, the analyzed results of multiple stepwise regression were statistically significant. Among the all studied predictors, it has been shown that body mass in the 11-year-old girls and body height in 12- and 13-year-old girls are major correlates of a 1-year ATR increase in proximal and main thoracic spine levels.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiac Autonomic Functions in Healthy Young Adults in Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria

Background: This study assessed the responses of Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) to change of posture, Sustained Handgrip (SH),deep breathing(DB) and Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) in order to determining the normal limits and pattern of Autonomic Cardiovascular Indices (ACI) among healthy young adults. Methods: Two hundred and four volunteer (98 men and 106 women) aged 18- 40 years (mean, 22.45 ± 4.86 years) participated in the study. After excluding systemic diseases by clinical evaluation, each participant performed five non-invasive cardiac autonomic function tests in series. Differences in supine and erect systolic BPs were assessed by sphygmomanometry, diastolic BP responses to SH were determined by dynamometry while HR variability in response to VM, DB and postural change were assessed by continuous electrocardiogram. Normal limits of ACI were determined at 5th and 95th percentiles. Results: The mean (normal limits) for SBP response to change of posture (mmHg); DBP response to sustained handgrip (mmHg); Valsalva ratio; heart rate response to deep breathing (beats per minute); PTI; tachycardia ratio; bradycardia ratio and RHR(beats per minute) respectively were: -4.26 ± 9.17(-19.00-11.00); 20.14 ± 17.35(0.00-54.00); 1.55 ± 0.40(1.10-2.40); 31.82 ± 10.81(13.0048.75); 1.41 ± 0.31(1.08-1.84); 0.80 ± 0.12(0.58-1.00); 1.21 ± 0.20(0.95-1.60) and 70.61 ± 12.23(53.00-93.00). During Valsalva maneouvre, Post-Strain Pause (PSP) which ranged from 1.2812. 76s was observed in 14(6.86%) of the participants. PSP occurred more frequently in women (9.43%) than men (4.08%). No significant gender difference in the duration of post-strain pause (t=-1.628, p=0.105). In majority of the participants (67.6%), an elevation of SBP occurred within 2minutes of rising from supine to erect position. Immediate Post-Standing Pause (IPSP) occurred among 139 (68.14%) participants. Conclusion: Non-invasive assessment of cardiac autonomic function is feasible in Nigeria. Increase rather than decrease in systolic blood pressure response occurred more frequently upon a change from supine to erect posture. IPSP was a unique pattern of cardiac autonomic functions in study population.
Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol: A Narrative Review

Resveratrol is a bioactive compound in many foods. Since its anticancer activity was reported in 1997, its health benefits have been intensively investigated. Resveratrol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, glucose and lipid regulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects, therefore, can protect against diverse chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. This review summarizes the main findings of resveratrol-related health benefits in recent epidemiological surveys, experimental studies, and clinical trials, highlighting its related molecular mechanisms. Resveratrol, therefore, has been regarded as a potent candidate for the development of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat certain chronic diseases.
Which Drugs Are Used to Treat Feline Asthma

Glucocorticoids, although nonspecific in their actions, are the mainstays of treatment for feline asthma. Glucocorticoids have potent antiinflammatory effects and are used to suppress airway inflammation and thus slow down or minimize irreversible airway-remodeling damage. Detailed explanation of the pharmacology, mechanisms of action, and resistance of glucocorticoids in the inflammatory process are beyond the scope of this article but can be found in the literature.7,8
Impact of Oral Clonidine on Duration of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Use in Mechanically Ventilated Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Long term use of opioids and benzodiazepines are associated with important untoward effects. The α2 adrenergic agonist clonidine has sedative effects. Our goal was to study clonidine addition to total doses of fentanyl and midazolam and duration of ventilation in pediatric ICU (PICU). This randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted in PICU of Mofid Children Hospital. Hundred children aged from 2 to 15 years were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive 5 μg/kg oral clonidine every 6 h or placebo plus 1-5 µg/kg/hr IV fentanyl and 0.05- 0.1 mg/kg/hr IV midazolam. Daily use of fentanyl and midazolam were measured. Ramsay sedation score was used for evaluation of sedation. A total of 96 patients were studied. The patients in placebo group received more midazolam and fentanyl compared with the patients in intervention group. Mean total dose of midazolam was 4.3 ± 2.2 mg in the placebo group and 2.7 ± 2.9 mg in the intervention group (P<0.05). Mean total dose of fentanyl was 34.4 ± 23.1 µg in the placebo group and 18.9 ± 10 µg in the intervention group (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in duration of ventilation and length of PICU stay. No case of severe adverse effects was seen. This trial showed a reduction in total doses of midazolam and fentanyl given in ventilated children who were administered clonidine as add-on therapy. Clonidine addition had no effect on duration of mechanical ventilation.
Adult Urology Oncology: Adrenal/Renal/Upper Tract/Bladder Partial Nephrectomy for Patients with Severe Chronic Kidney DiseasedIs It Worthwhile?

Purpose: Partial nephrectomy is prioritized over radical nephrectomy in patients with chronic kidney disease whenever feasible. However, we hypothesized that some patients with severe chronic kidney disease might rapidly progress to end stage renal disease, in which case the morbidity that can be associated with partial nephrectomy would not be justified. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all 62 patients with stage IV chronic kidney disease undergoing partial nephrectomy at our institution (19992015) was performed. We analyzed preoperative/intraoperative factors and postoperative outcomes. Survival-analyses evaluated factors associated with time-to-progression to end stage renal disease the primary end point. Results: Median age was 67 years, 71% of patients were male, and 84% Caucasian. Comorbidities included hypertension (94%), cardiovascular disease (53%) and diabetes (32%). Median preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 23 ml/minute/1.73 m and 73% had an open approach. Benign pathology was found in 10 (16%) patients; only 23 (37%) and 7 (11%) patients had tumor grade 3/4 or pT3a disease, respectively. Unfavorable outcomes occurred in 15 patients (24%) defined as either 90-day mortality (3%), postoperative complication Clavien IIIb or greater (14%), or positive surgical margin (12%). Median time to progression to end stage renal disease was only 27 months (58 months for preoperative glomerular filtration rate greater than 25 ml/minute/1.73 m versus only 14 months when preoperative glomerular filtration rate was less than 20 ml/ minute/1.73 m). On multivariable analysis African American race (HR 2.55 [1.10-5.95]), preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate 20 to 25 ml/ minute/1.73 m or less than 20 ml/minute/1.73 m (HR 2.59 [1.16-5.84] and 5.03 [2.03-12.4], respectively) and minimally invasive approach (HR 2.05 [1.014.19]) were independently associated with progression to end stage renal disease. Conclusions: Our data suggest that some patients with stage IV chronic kidney disease undergoing partial nephrectomy have substantial comorbidities and nonaggressive pathology, and are at risk for unfavorable perioperative outcomes and rapid-progression to end stage renal disease. Renal mass biopsy should be strongly considered to improve patient-selection. Alternate strategies (active surveillance or radical nephrectomy) may be more appropriate, particularly when partial nephrectomy is high complexity or when the patient is African American, or preoperative glomerular filtration rate is less than 25 ml/minute/1.73 m.
Treatment of Anderson-Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism that results in progressive accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids, predominantly globotriaosylsphingosine (Gb3) in lysosomes, as well as other cellular compartments of several tissues, causing multiorgan manifestations ( acroparesthesias, hypohidrosis, angiokeratomas, signs and symptoms of cardiac, renal, cerebrovascular involvement). Pathogenic mutations lead to a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). In the presence of a high clinical suspicion, a careful physical examination and specific laboratory tests are required, finally diagnosis of Fabry's disease is confirmed by the demonstration of absence or reduced alpha-galactosidase A enzyme activity in hemizygous men and gene typing in heterozygous females. Measurement of the biomarkers Gb3 and Lyso Gb3 in biological specimens may facilitate diagnosis. The current treatment of Anderson-Fabry disease is represented by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and oral pharmacological chaperone. Future treatments are based on new strategic approaches as stem cell-based therapy, pharmacological approaches chaperones, mRNA therapy, viral gene therapy. This review outlines the current therapeutic approaches, emerging treatment strategies for Anderson-Fabry disease.
A critical evaluation of pembrolizumab in addition to lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction Several modalities of immunotherapy have proved successful in multiple myeloma, including immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies directed to plasma cell surface antigens and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. The PD-1 pathway is implicated in the progression of multiple myeloma. Several properties of lenalidomide are potentially synergistic with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Areas covered Preclinical data related to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies and the results of early clinical trials of pembrolizumab single-agent and in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone are discussed. Despite promising preliminary data, the pivotal phase III trial evaluating lenalidomide and dexamethasone in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma presented unexpected safety findings and was discontinued. Differences with previous results and the findings of other trials involving pomalidomide as an immunomodulatory agent or nivolumab as anti-PD-1 antibody are discussed. Expert opinion Disappointing efficacy outcomes of the combination of checkpoint blockade antibodies and immunomodulating agents in multiple myeloma along with toxicity issues make the combination unattractive in comparison with available alternatives. It is essential to critically review preclinical and clinical datha to understand the pitfalls of lenalidomide with pembrolizumab and similar combinations in multiple myeloma to gain insight on the future role of anti-PD-1 agents in emerging therapeutic scenarios.
Health determinants among a sample of Portuguese children

Introducao: Os estilos de vida actuais podem estar associados a comportamentos de risco que estao na base do perfil de saude de um pais. Objetivos: O objectivo do estudo consiste na avaliacao dos determinantes da saude e sua associacao com variaveis sociodemograficas numa amostra de criancas portuguesas dos 3 aos 10 anos de idade. Metodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal desenhado com um total de 1617 criancas de escolas publicas, a partir dos dois principais grupos escolares de Tondela e Vouzela, Portugal. A amostra final do estudo foi construido com um total de 1365 criancas com idades compreendidas entre os 3 e 10 anos de idade. A recolha de dados foi realizada atraves da distribuicao de um questionario auto-administrado aos pais e cuidadores das criancas. Resultados: Verificou-se que as criancas mais velhas tinham uma menor adesao a habitos alimentares saudaveis e uma maior prevalencia de atividade fisica. Os meninos tinham niveis mais elevados de atividade fisica e maior prevalencia de sedentarismo, em comparacao com as meninas. A area de residencia das criancas foi associada a uma maior prevalencia de consumo de fastfood e comportamentos sedentarios. Torna-se evidente a necessidade de realizar intervencao sobre os grupos sociais mais vulneraveis para obter a igualdade em saude de forma mais eficaz. A definicao de estrategias de promocao da saude deve ser seriamente considerada nas comunidades, a fim de melhorar os estilos de vida saudaveis entre as criancas portuguesas e as suas familias.
A comprehensive evaluation of a typical plant telomeric G-quadruplex (G4) DNA reveals the dynamics of G4 formation, rearrangement, and unfolding

Telomeres are specific nucleoprotein structures that are located at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes and play crucial roles in genomic stability. Telomere DNA consists of simple repeats of a short G-rich sequence: TTAGGG in mammals and TTTAGGG in most plants. In recent years, the mammalian telomeric G-rich repeats have been shown to form G-quadruplex (G4) structures, which are crucial for modulating telomere functions. Surprisingly, even though plant telomeres are essential for plant growth, development, and environmental adaptions, only few reports exist on plant telomeric G4 DNA (pTG4). Here, using bulk and single-molecule assays, including CD spectroscopy, and single-molecule FRET approaches, we comprehensively characterized the structure and dynamics of a typical plant telomeric sequence, d[GGG(TTTAGGG)3]. We found that this sequence can fold into mixed G4s in potassium, including parallel and antiparallel structures. We also directly detected intermediate dynamic transitions, including G-hairpin, parallel G-triplex, and antiparallel G-triplex structures. Moreover, we observed that pTG4 is unfolded by the AtRecQ2 helicase but not by AtRecQ3. The results of our work shed light on our understanding about the existence, topological structures, stability, intermediates, unwinding, and functions of pTG4.
Radiotherapy Planning and Molecular Imaging in Lung Cancer

Introduction In patients suitable for radical chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer, 18F-FDG-PET/CT is a proposed management to improve the accuracy of high dose radiotherapy. However, there is a high rate of locoregional failure in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), probably due to the fact that standard dosing may not be effective in all patients. The aim of the present review was to address some criticisms associated with the radiotherapy image-guided in NSCLC. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search was conducted. Only published articles that met the following criteria were included: articles, only original papers, radiopharmaceutical ([18F]FDG and any tracer other than [18F]FDG), target, only specific for lung cancer radiotherapy planning, and experimental design (eventually “in vitro” studies were excluded). Peer-reviewed indexed journals, regardless of publication status (published, ahead of print, in press, etc.) were included. Reviews, case reports, abstracts, editorials, poster presentations, and publications in languages other than English were excluded. The decision to include or exclude an article was made by consensus and any disagreement was resolved through discussion. Results Hundred eligible full-text articles were assessed. Diverse information is now available in the literature about the role of FDG and new alternative radiopharmaceuticals for the planning of radiotherapy in NSCLC. In particular, the role of alternative technologies for the segmentation of FDG uptake is essential, although indeterminate for RT planning. The pros and cons of the available techniques have been extensively reported. Conclusion PET/CT has a central place in the planning of radiotherapy for lung cancer and, in particular, for NSCLC assuming a substantial role in the delineation of tumor volume. The development of new radiopharmaceuticals can help overcome the problems related to the disadvantage of FDG to accumulate also in activated inflammatory cells, thus improving tumor characterization and providing new prognostic biomarkers.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A moving target Insuficiência cardíaca com frac ¸ão de ejec ¸ão preservada: um alvo em movimento

The signs and symptoms associated with heart failure (HF) were traditionally considered to be the result of pump failure due to depressed cardiac contractility, which could be quantified by assessing ejection fraction. However, some patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or coronary artery disease presented normal ejection fraction and a clinical setting compatible with HF; these were considered to have diastolic HF. However, in the last twenty years, our understanding of HF has changed radically, a significant percentage of patients presenting HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), but who do not fit into previously established categories. Although such individuals account for an increasing proportion of HF patients (rising from 38% to 54% between 1987 and 2001, and increasing by around 1% a year), little is known concerning this entity. What is reasonably sure is that such patients are predominantly female and older, are more likely to have hypertension and atrial fibrillation but less likely to have coronary artery disease, and have more comorbidities,
Assessing walking adaptability in stroke patients

Abstract Purpose The ability to adapt walking is important for safe ambulation. Assessments of impairments in walking adaptability with the Interactive Walkway may aid in the development of individualized therapy strategies of stroke patients. The Interactive Walkway is an overground walkway with Kinect v2 sensors for a markerless registration of full-body kinematics, which can be augmented with (gait-dependent) visual context to assess walking adaptability. This study aims to evaluate the potential of the Interactive Walkway as a new technology for assessing walking adaptability in stroke patients. Materials and methods: 30 stroke patients and 30 controls performed clinical tests, quantitative gait assessments and various walking-adaptability tasks on the Interactive Walkway. Outcome measures were compared between stroke patients and controls to examine known-groups validity. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between walking-adaptability outcomes and commonly used clinical test scores of walking ability and spatiotemporal gait parameters of unconstrained walking. Results: Good known-groups validity for walking-adaptability outcomes was demonstrated. In addition, the vast majority of walking-adaptability outcomes did not or only moderately correlate with clinical test scores of walking ability and unconstrained walking parameters. Conclusion: Interactive Walkway walking-adaptability outcomes have good known-groups validity and complement standard clinical tests and spatiotemporal gait parameters. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The Interactive Walkway allows for a comprehensive walking-adaptability assessment. Good known-groups validity for walking-adaptability tasks was demonstrated and walking-adaptability tasks complemented clinical tests and gait parameters. The Interactive Walkway has potential for monitoring recovery of walking after stroke. Assessments of walking adaptability may contribute to individualized interventions.