Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and corticosteroid therapy in military personnel with acute acoustic trauma

Introduction Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) is a sensorineural hearing impairment due to exposure to an intense impulse noise which causes cochlear hypoxia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) could provide an adequate oxygen supply. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of early treatment with combined HBO and corticosteroid therapy in patients with AAT compared with corticosteroid monotherapy. Methods A retrospective study was performed on military personnel diagnosed with AAT between November 2012 and December 2017. Inclusion criteria for HBO therapy were hearing loss of 30 dB or greater on at least one, 25 dB or more on at least two, or 20 dB or more on three or more frequencies as compared with the contralateral ear. Results Absolute hearing improvements showed significant differences (independent t-test) between patients receiving HBO and the control group at 500 Hz (p=0.014), 3000 Hz (p=0.023), 4000 Hz (p=0.001) and 6000 Hz (p=0.01) and at the mean of all frequencies (p=0.002). Relative hearing improvements were significantly different (independent t-test) at 4000 Hz (p=0.046) and 6000 Hz (p=0.013) and at all frequencies combined (p=0.005). Furthermore, the percentage of patients with recovery to the functional level required by the Dutch Armed Forces (clinical outcome score) was higher in the HBO group. Conclusions Early-stage combination therapy for patients with AAT was associated with better audiometric results at higher frequencies and better clinical outcome score.
HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Levels and Clinical Outcome Post-Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion

Background and Purpose— We analyzed the relationship between HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) levels and clinical outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods— A total of 534 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with MT were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The primary outcome measured was the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months, according to HbA1c level. High HbA1c levels were defined as a plasma level of HbA1c >6.5%. Favorable outcomes were defined as functional independence, with modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 2. Secondary functional outcomes included mortality, early clinical outcomes, and intracranial hemorrhage. Results— The number of patients with a favorable outcome was significantly lower in patients with HbA1c >6.5% than in those with HbA1c ⩽6.5% (28.8% versus 42.1%; P=0.006). In multivariate analysis, high HbA1c levels (especially >7.0% HbA1c) were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes 3 months after AIS in patients with large vessel occlusion treated with MT. High HbA1c was also significantly associated with increased mortality and worse early clinical outcomes after AIS in patients treated with MT. Subgroup analyses showed that HbA1c >6.5% was associated with significantly lower odds of functional independence at 3 months after AIS, when comparing the recanalized group with nonrecanalized patients. Conclusions— These results suggest that high HbA1c level is an independent predictor of a poor outcome at 3 months after AIS in patients with large vessel occlusion treated with MT, particularly in those with recanalization, and may augment the risk of mortality and early clinical worsening after AIS.
Glycoprotein K8.1A of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Is a Critical B Cell Tropism Determinant Independent of Its Heparan Sulfate Binding Activity

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which KSHV infects B lymphocytes is critical for understanding how the virus establishes lifelong persistence in infected people, in whom it can cause life-threatening B cell lymphoproliferative disease. Here, we show that K8.1A, a KSHV-encoded glycoprotein on the surfaces of the virus particles, is critical for infection of B cells. This finding stands in marked contrast to previous studies with non-B lymphoid cell types, for which K8.1A is known to be dispensable. We also show that the required function of K8.1A in B cell infection does not involve its binding to cell surface heparan sulfate, the only known biochemical activity of the glycoprotein. The discovery of this critical role of K8.1A in KSHV B cell tropism opens promising new avenues to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying infection and disease caused by this viral human pathogen. ABSTRACT B lymphocytes are the major cellular reservoir in individuals infected with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and the virus is etiologically linked to two B cell lymphoproliferative disorders. We previously described the MC116 human B cell line as a KSHV-susceptible model to overcome the paradoxical refractoriness of B cell lines to experimental KSHV infection. Here, using monoclonal antibody inhibition and a deletion mutant virus, we demonstrate that the KSHV virion glycoprotein K8.1A is critical for infection of MC116, as well as tonsillar B cells; in contrast, we confirm previous reports on the dispensability of the glycoprotein for infection of primary endothelial cells and other commonly studied non-B cell targets. Surprisingly, we found that the role of K8.1A in B cell infection is independent of its only known biochemical activity of binding to surface heparan sulfate, suggesting the possible involvement of an additional molecular interaction(s). Our finding that K8.1A is a critical determinant for KSHV B cell tropism parallels the importance of proteins encoded by positionally homologous genes for the cell tropism of other gammaherpesviruses. IMPORTANCE Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which KSHV infects B lymphocytes is critical for understanding how the virus establishes lifelong persistence in infected people, in whom it can cause life-threatening B cell lymphoproliferative disease. Here, we show that K8.1A, a KSHV-encoded glycoprotein on the surfaces of the virus particles, is critical for infection of B cells. This finding stands in marked contrast to previous studies with non-B lymphoid cell types, for which K8.1A is known to be dispensable. We also show that the required function of K8.1A in B cell infection does not involve its binding to cell surface heparan sulfate, the only known biochemical activity of the glycoprotein. The discovery of this critical role of K8.1A in KSHV B cell tropism opens promising new avenues to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying infection and disease caused by this viral human pathogen.
Long-Term Results of a 2-Stage Exchange Protocol for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in 164 Hips

Background: Limited data exist that show the long-term risks of reinfection and mechanical failure with a contemporary 2-stage exchange protocol for periprosthetic joint infection following total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term reinfection and mechanical failure rates of 2-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty. Methods: We identified 164 hips (162 patients) with infection after total hip arthroplasty between 1991 and 2006 treated with a 2-stage exchange protocol with no prior treatment for periprosthetic joint infection. With regard to Musculoskeletal Infection Society diagnostic criteria, at least 1 major criterion or 4 of 6 minor criteria were fulfilled in 129 hips (79%). The cumulative incidence with a competing risk of death was calculated for reinfection, aseptic revisions, and all-cause revisions. The risk factors for reinfection were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Harris hip scores were calculated. The mean age at the time of spacer insertion was 68 years, and 35% of the patients were female. Excluding the patients with <2 years of follow-up, the mean follow-up was 12 years (range, 2 to 21 years). Results: The cumulative incidence of recurrence of infection was 10% at 1 year, 14% at 5 years, and 15% at 10 and 15 years. Seventeen patients (11%) used chronic antibiotic suppression (>6 months), with 7 (41%) of these having recurrent infection at the time of the latest follow-up. Use of chronic antibiotic suppression was the only predictive factor for reinfection (hazard ratio, 4.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9 to 10.9]; p = 0.001). The cumulative incidence of aseptic femoral and acetabular revisions was 2.6% at 5 years and 3.3% at 10 and 15 years. The cumulative incidence of all-cause revisions was 15% at 5 years and 16% at 10 and 15 years. Dislocation was the most common complication, with 28 dislocations occurring in 20 patients (12%). The mean Harris hip score improved from 52 points prior to spacer insertion to 70 points at 15 years after reimplantation (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The rate of recurrence of infection of 15% for up to 15 years after total hip arthroplasty was similar to previous shorter-term reports of 2-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection. Surgeons should anticipate mitigating instability after reimplantation. Implant survivorship free of aseptic loosening and clinical outcomes were preserved for the long term. The role of chronic antibiotic suppression in the long-term treatment of periprosthetic joint infection requires further investigation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Hypoxia attenuates inflammation-induced hepcidin synthesis during experimental human endotoxemia

Hepcidin is the central mediator of iron homeostasis that limits iron availability in the extracellular compartment and causes iron-restricted erythropoiesis. Inflammation is a strong hepcidin inducer, which can lead to anemia of inflammation, whereas hypoxia can suppress hepcidin synthesis.
An Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transcriptional Switch Triggers Evolution of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma (PSC) and Identifies Dasatinib as New Therapeutic Option

Purpose: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and aggressive form of NSCLC. Rarity and poor characterization have limited the development of PSC-tailored treatment protocols, leaving patients with inadequate therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the gene expression profile of PSCs, with the aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms responsible for their evolution and to identify new drugs for their treatment. Experimental Design: A training set of 17 biphasic PSCs was selected and tested for the expression of a large panel of 770 genes related to cancer progression using NanoString technology. Computational analyses were used to characterize a PSCs-gene specific signature from which pathways and drivers of PSC evolution were identified and validated using functional assays in vitro. This signature was validated in a separate set of 15 PSCs and 8 differentiated NSCLC and used to interrogate the cMAP database searching for FDA-approved small molecules able to counteract PSC phenotype. Results: We demonstrated that the transcriptional activation of an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) program drives PSC phylogeny in vivo. We showed that loss of the epithelial-associated transcription factor (TF) OVOL2 characterizes the transition to sarcomatoid phenotype triggering the expression of EMT promoting TFs, including TWIST and ZEB and the expression of the membrane kinase DDR2. Finally, using a drug repurposing approach, we identified dasatinib as potential inhibitor of the PSC-gene expression signature and we confirmed in vitro that this drug efficiently restrains proliferation and reverts the sarcomatoid-associated phenotype. Conclusions: Our data provide new insights into PSC evolution and provide the rationale for further clinical studies with dasatinib.
Biocompatibility Characteristics of Titanium Coated with Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes—Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites

Multi walled carbon nanotubes-hydroxyapatite (MWCNTs-HA) with various contents of MWCNTs was synthesized using the sol-gel method. MWCNTs-HA composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HA particles were generated on the surface of MWCNT. Produced MWCNTs-HA nanocomposites were coated on pure titanium (PT). Characteristic of the titanium coated MWCNTs-HA was evaluated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and XRD. The results show that the titanium surface was covered with MWCNTs-HA nanoparticles and MWCNTs help form the crystalized hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, the MWCNTs-HA coated titanium was investigated for in vitro cellular responses. Cell proliferation and differentiation were improved on the surface of MWCNT-HA coated titanium.
Short-term synaptic depression can increase the rate of information transfer at a release site

The release of neurotransmitters from synapses obeys complex and stochastic dynamics. Depending on the recent history of synaptic activation, many synapses depress the probability of releasing more neurotransmitter, which is known as synaptic depression. Our understanding of how synaptic depression affects the information efficacy, however, is limited. Here we propose a mathematically tractable model of both synchronous spike-evoked release and asynchronous release that permits us to quantify the information conveyed by a synapse. The model transits between discrete states of a communication channel, with the present state depending on many past time steps, emulating the gradual depression and exponential recovery of the synapse. Asynchronous and spontaneous releases play a critical role in shaping the information efficacy of the synapse. We prove that depression can enhance both the information rate and the information rate per unit energy expended, provided that synchronous spike-evoked release depresses less (or recovers faster) than asynchronous release. Furthermore, we explore the theoretical implications of short-term synaptic depression adapting on longer time scales, as part of the phenomenon of metaplasticity. In particular, we show that a synapse can adjust its energy expenditure by changing the dynamics of short-term synaptic depression without affecting the net information conveyed by each successful release. Moreover, the optimal input spike rate is independent of the amplitude or time constant of synaptic depression. We analyze the information efficacy of three types of synapses for which the short-term dynamics of both synchronous and asynchronous release have been experimentally measured. In hippocampal autaptic synapses, the persistence of asynchronous release during depression cannot compensate for the reduction of synchronous release, so that the rate of information transmission declines with synaptic depression. In the calyx of Held, the information rate per release remains constant despite large variations in the measured asynchronous release rate. Lastly, we show that dopamine, by controlling asynchronous release in corticostriatal synapses, increases the synaptic information efficacy in nucleus accumbens.
Effect of Compound Probiotics and Mycotoxin Degradation Enzymes on Alleviating Cytotoxicity of Swine Jejunal Epithelial Cells Induced by Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are two main kinds of mycotoxins widely existing in grain and animal feed that cause a lot of economic loss and health problems for animals and humans. In order to alleviate the cytotoxic effects of AFB1 and ZEA on swine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), the combination of a cell-free supernatant of compound probiotics (CFSCP) with mycotoxin degradation enzymes (MDEs) from Aspergillus oryzae was tested. The results demonstrated that coexistence of AFB1 and ZEA had synergetic toxic effects on cell viability. The cell viability was decreased with mycotoxin concentrations increasing, but increased with incubation time extension. The necrotic cell rates were increased when 40 µg/L AFB1 and/or 500 µg/L ZEA were added, but the addition of CFSCP + MDE suppressed the necrotic effects of AFB1 + ZEA. The viable cell rates were decreased when AFB1 and/or ZEA were added: However, the addition of CFSCP + MDE recovered them. The relative mRNA abundances of Bcl-2, occludin, and ZO-1 genes were significantly upregulated, while Bax, caspase-3, GLUT2, ASCT2, PepT1, and IL6 genes were significantly downregulated by CFSCP + MDE addition, compared to the groups containing 40 µg/L AFB1 and 500 µg/L ZEA. This research provided an effective strategy in alleviating mycotoxin cytotoxicity and keeping normal intestinal cell structure and animal health.
Semiconductor Metal Oxides as Chemoresistive Sensors for Detecting Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which originate from painting, oil refining and vehicle exhaust emissions, are hazardous gases that have significant effects on air quality and human health. The detection of VOCs is of special importance to environmental safety. Among the various detection methods, chemoresistive semiconductor metal oxide gas sensors are considered to be the most promising technique due to their easy production, low cost and good portability. Sensitivity is an important parameter of gas sensors and is greatly affected by the microstructure, defects, catalyst, heterojunction and humidity. By adjusting the aforementioned factors, the sensitivity of gas sensors can be improved further. In this review, attention will be focused on how to improve the sensitivity of chemoresistive gas sensors towards certain common VOCs with respect to the five factors mentioned above.
HIV-related Stigma Research in India: Current Knowledge, Gaps, and Recommendations

The study provides evidence in support of an effective national response to addressing stigma faced by people living with HIV and other high-risk groups and guide future research on the subject. In India, tackling stigma is yet to receive major impetus in HIV prevention and care programmes. Only a few locally developed small-scale interventions are reported so far. While some of the interventions developed in other countries may also be adapted in India, there is lack of easy access to India-specific information on stigma and discrimination, especially what interventions work or not in which situations.
Strength increase through audiovisual training program with elderly

Rosa Maria Monteiro Martins Dias Programa Strictu-Sensu em Ciencia da Motricidade Humana Universidade Castelo Branco rosa.martins@uol.com. br Fernanda Gurgel Zogaib Programa Strictu-Sensu em Ciencia da Motricidade Humana Universidade Castelo Branco fzogaib@gmail.com Vernon Furtado da Silva Programa Strictu-Sensu em Ciencia da Motricidade Humana Universidade Castelo Branco vernonfurtado@terra.com. br
Emerging diabetes and metabolic conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

The gap between the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and nonIndigenous Australians is well documented, with many policies and programs currently working towards improving outcomes. Despite these efforts, life expectancy is 10–11 years less than that of nonIndigenous Australians,1 and 65% of deaths occur before 65 years of age, compared with 19% in the nonIndigenous population.1
Socio-Demographic Factors and Body Image Perception Are Associated with BMI-For-Age among Children Living in Welfare Homes in Selangor, Malaysia

Considering the double burden of malnutrition in Malaysia, data on malnourished children living in welfare homes are limited. This study aimed to determine the body weight status of children living in welfare homes and its associated factors. A total of 307 children aged 7–17 years old living in 15 selected welfare homes completed a standardized questionnaire, and their body weight and height were measured by trained researchers. There were 54.4% orphans, 23.8% abandoned children, and 21.8% children from problematic families. There were 51.5% boys and 48.5% girls; 52.4% were Malays, followed by 31.3% Indians, 12.7% Chinese, and 3.6% from other ethnic groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (23.1%) was higher than the prevalence of thinness (8.5%). In bivariate analyses, socio-demographic factors of age (p = 0.003), sex (p = 0.0001), ethnicity (p = 0.001), and welfare home enrollment status (p = 0.003), and psychological factors of self-esteem (p = 0.003), body shape dissatisfaction (p = 0.0001), and underestimation of body weight status (p = 0.002), were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI)-for-age. In the multiple linear regression analysis, children who were either Malays (β = 0.492) or Chinese (β = 0.678), with a status of being abandoned (β = 0.409), with body shape dissatisfaction (β = 0.457), and underestimated body weight status (β = 0.628) significantly explained 39.7% of the variances in higher BMI-for-age (F = 39.550; p < 0.05). Besides socio-demographic background, the current findings emphasized the importance of incorporating body image perception in an obesity prevention intervention program in welfare homes.
Genetic variation in PLEKHG1 is associated with white matter hyperintensities (n = 11,226)

Objective To identify novel genetic associations with white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Methods We performed a genome-wide association meta-analysis of WMH volumes in 11,226 individuals, including 8,429 population-based individuals from UK Biobank and 2,797 stroke patients. Replication of novel loci was performed in an independent dataset of 1,202 individuals. In all studies, WMH were quantified using validated automated or semi-automated methods. Imputation was to either the Haplotype Reference Consortium or 1,000 Genomes Phase 3 panels. Results We identified a locus at genome-wide significance in an intron of PLEKHG1 (rs275350, β [SE] = 0.071 [0.013]; p = 1.6 × 10−8), a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is involved in reorientation of cells in the vascular endothelium. This association was validated in an independent sample (overall p value, 2.4 × 10−9). The same single nucleotide polymorphism was associated with all ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 1.07 [1.03–1.12], p = 0.00051), most strongly with the small vessel subtype (OR [95% CI] 1.09 [1.00–1.19], p = 0.044). Previous associations at 17q25 and 2p16 reached genome-wide significance in this analysis (rs3744020; β [SE] = 0.106 [0.016]; p = 1.2 × 10−11 and rs7596872; β [SE] = 0.143 [0.021]; p = 3.4 × 10−12). All identified associations with WMH to date explained 1.16% of the trait variance in UK Biobank, equivalent to 6.4% of the narrow-sense heritability. Conclusions Genetic variation in PLEKHG1 is associated with WMH and ischemic stroke, most strongly with the small vessel subtype, suggesting it acts by promoting small vessel arteriopathy.
The use of diffusion tractography to characterize a corpus callosum malformation in a dog

INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of corpus callosum malformations (CCM) is not well defined in the dog because of inherent limitations of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the white matter. We used the advanced neuroimaging technique of tractography to virtually dissect the white matter projections in a dog with a CCM and in a normal control dog. METHODS A 9-month-old male Coonhound that had a previous structural MRI diagnosis of CCM and a normal control dog underwent anesthesia and 3-Tesla MRI. Diffusion-tensor imaging and 3D T1-weighted and 2D T2-weighted sequences were acquired. Diffusion data were processed before tensor reconstruction and fiber tracking. Virtual dissections were performed to dissect out the major white matter projections in each dog. RESULTS In the dog with CCM, the corpus callosum exhibited interhemispheric crossing fibers at the level of the splenium and formed longitudinal callosal fasciculi (Probst bundles). In addition, the fornix was small and the cingula enlarged and exhibited increased dorsal connectivity relative to the normal control. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE We used tractography to describe a white matter malformation in a dog. The results suggest that, embryologically, formed axons fail to cross midline and instead create Probst bundles.