Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of olfactory related questionnaires and scales.

PURPOSE Although neglected by science for a long time, the sense of olfaction has received increasing attention from research areas including psychology, neuroscience, clinical medicine and nutrition. With the rise of psychophysical and neuroimaging re- search into olfaction, psychometric tools (e.g. questionnaires and scales) are the basis for the quantitative exploration of inter-in- dividual variability regarding olfactory related responses. The current systematic review is to summarize existing olfaction related questionnaires and/or scales. METHODS Peer-reviewed literature on scales and questionnaires related to perception of odors were searched from online databa- ses (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO). Twenty-one articles that meet the following criteria were included in the review: "hu- man species", "no physical odor stimuli" and "describing the original development of the tool", and "with specific focus on olfaction or odor related responses or behaviors". The psychometric properties, advantages and possible disadvantages were discussed. RESULTS Existing psychometric measures focus on various aspects of olfactory related responses and behaviors, including af- fective experiences of odor perception, awareness and attitude towards olfaction, olfactory function and the quality of life change due to olfactory dysfunction, and the ability to create vivid mental odor images. While most of them have been tested to have good reliability and validity, some were relatively time-consuming due to the number of questionnaire items. Besides, although many measures have been used in clinical populations, few have provided information on the predictive validity regarding effecti- veness of clinical intervention on changes of certain responses or behaviors. SUMMARY The current review provides an overview of olfactory related questionnaires and scales, highlighting the emotional and affective impact of olfaction and the impact on quality of life due to olfactory dysfunction. With growing interest in olfaction as an important sense, the development and use of psychometrically sound measurements in conjunction with objective assess- ments will advance our understanding of human olfaction and olfactory dysfunction. The review provides a guide for researchers and clinicians alike to select olfactory scales suitable for olfactory research with different experimental purposes and specific samples.
Germline testing for homologous recombination repair genes—opportunities and challenges

Pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are well known causes of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Other genes involved in the homologous recombination pathway can also be associated with increased probability of cancer development, for example, breast and ovarian cancer, prostate and pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and even childhood tumors like medulloblastoma. Traditionally, patients and families likely to harbor a genetic predisposition have been identified using personal and family history. Several checklists and risk prediction tools have proven to be useful in the clinic. Through the widespread application of next generation sequencing of tumor tissue, a growing number of individuals with genetic cancer predisposition is now identified molecularly, even in the absence of a suggestive family history. Any constitutional variant identified during molecular genetic testing has to be assessed for its relevance, both functionally and in the context of patient phenotype. Variant curation is time consuming, but has been increasingly standardized by introduction of several guidelines to allow reliable and reproducible classification of constitutional variants. Variant classification by expert panels using data mining tools, evidence‐based decision trees and gene specific criteria represents the gold standard. Participation of geneticists in molecular tumor boards facilitates the curation of potential constitutional variants, germline validation and thus directing the patient to appropriate counselling and care pathways. Due to the high relevance of germline variants for treatment and surveillance of the index patient and predictive testing and surveillance of relatives, only pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants must be used for clinical decision‐making.
GPS predicts stability of listening environment characteristics in one location over time among older hearing aid users

Abstract Objective Hearing aid technology can allow users to “geo-tag” hearing aid preferences using the Global Positioning System (GPS). This technology assumes that listening environment characteristics that affect hearing aid benefit change little in a location over time. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether certain characteristics (reverberation, signal type, listening activity, noise location, noisiness, talker familiarity, talker location, and visual cues) changed in a location over time. Design: Participants completed GPS-tagged surveys on smartphones to report on characteristics of their listening environments. Coordinates were used to create indices that described how much listening environment characteristics changed in a location over time. Indices computed in one location were compared to indices computed across all locations for each participant. Study sample: 54 adults with hearing loss participated in this study (26 males and 38 females; 30 experienced hearing aid users and 24 new users). Results: A location dependency was observed for all characteristics. Characteristics were significantly different from one another in their stability over time. Conclusions: Listening environment characteristics changed less over time in a given location than in participants’ lives generally. The effectiveness of GPS-dependent hearing aid settings likely depends on the accuracy and location definition of the GPS feature.
Treatment with interleukin‐33 is non‐toxic and protects retinal pigment epithelium in an ageing model of outer retinal degeneration

The leading cause of central vision loss, age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), is a degenerative disorder characterized by atrophy of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors. For 15% of cases, neovascularization occurs, leading to acute vision loss if left untreated. For the remaining patients, there are currently no treatment options and preventing progressive RPE atrophy remains the main therapeutic goal. Previously, we have shown treatment with interleukin‐33 can reduce choroidal neovascularization and attenuate tissue remodelling. Here, we investigate IL‐33 delivery in aged, high‐fat diet (HFD) fed mice on a wildtype and complement factor H heterozygous knockout background. We characterize the non‐toxic effect following intravitreal injection of IL‐33 and further demonstrate protective effects against RPE cell death with evidence of maintaining metabolic retinal homeostasis of Cfh+/−~HFD mice. Our results further support the potential utility of IL‐33 to prevent AMD progression.
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis of the DRYxxI Motif and Intracellular Loop 2 of Human Melanocortin-4 Receptor

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, which has been extensively studied in obesity pathogenesis due to its critical role in regulating energy homeostasis. Both the Gs-cAMP and ERK1/2 cascades are known as important intracellular signaling pathways initiated by the MC4R. The DRYxxI motif at the end of transmembrane domain 3 and the intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) are thought to be crucial for receptor function in several GPCRs. To study the functions of this domain in MC4R, we performed alanine-scanning mutagenesis on seventeen residues. We showed that one residue was critical for receptor cell surface expression. Eight residues were important for ligand binding. Mutations of three residues impaired Gs-cAMP signaling without changing the binding properties. Investigation on constitutive activities of all the mutants in the cAMP pathway revealed that six residues were involved in constraining the receptor in inactive states and five residues were important for receptor activation in the absence of an agonist. In addition, mutations of four residues impaired the ligand-stimulated ERK1/2 signaling pathway without affecting the binding properties. We also showed that some mutants were biased to the Gs-cAMP or ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In summary, we demonstrated that the DRYxxI motif and ICL2 were important for MC4R function.
Safety of furazolidone-containing regimen in Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives Furazolidone containing regimen is effectivefor Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, but its safetyremains controversial. To assess the safety of furazolidone containing regimenin H. pylori infection. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched for eligible randomised controlled trials. Eligibility criteria Studies comparing furazolidone with non-furazolidone-containing regimen, variable durations or doses of furazolidone were included. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Primary outcomes were the risk of total adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and severe AEs, expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. Secondary outcomes contained the incidence of individual adverse symptoms, AE-related treatment discontinuation and compliance. Results Twenty-six articles were identified from 2039 searched records, of which 14 studies (n=2540) compared furazolidone with other antibiotics. The eradication rates of furazolidone-containing regimen were higher than those of other antibiotics in both intention-to-treat (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12) and per-protocol analysis (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.10). Only two serious AEs were reported in furazolidone group (2/1221, 0.16%). No significant increased risk was observed for the incidence of total AEs (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.21) and severe AEs (RR 1.81, 95% CI 0.91 to 3.60). Twelve studies (n=3139) compared different durations of furazolidone, and four studies (n=343) assessed variable doses. Elevated risk of total AEs and severe AEs were only found in a high daily dose of furazolidone rather than prolonged duration. The incidence of AE-related treatment discontinuation and compliance of patients were all similar, irrespective of dose and duration adjustments. Conclusion Furazolidone-containing regimen has a similar risk of AEs and compliance as non-furazolidone-containing regimen. A low daily dose of 200 mg is well-tolerated for 14 day regimen and should be first considered. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019137247
Twelve tips for conducting a virtual OSCE

Abstract Recently many medical schools have faced the challenge of redesigning their existing assessments to run in a virtual format. We ran a virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for a group of final year students assessing clinical communication skills, written communication, practical skills, examination skills and professionalism. OSCEs provide the opportunity to test skills that written papers cannot, so it was important to include such a clinical exam in the portfolio of assessments for graduating students. The virtual OSCE ran smoothly and was successful at discriminating between candidates. In this article, we share twelve practical tips from our experience and the small body of literature on how to successfully design and deliver a virtual OSCE. This format provides an opportunity to run similar assessments in the future if remote assessments or assessments of telemedicine skills are required.
Chloroquine Potentiates Primaquine Activity against Active and Latent Hepatic Plasmodia Ex Vivo: Potentials and Pitfalls

For a long while, 8-aminoquinoline compounds have been the only therapeutic agents against latent hepatic malaria parasites. These have poor activity against the blood-stage plasmodia causing acute malaria and must be used in conjunction with partner blood schizontocidal agents. We examined the impacts of one such agent, chloroquine, upon the activity of primaquine, an 8-aminoquinoline, against hepatic stages of Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium yoelii, Plasmodium berghei, and Plasmodium falciparum within several ex vivo systems—primary hepatocytes of Macaca fascicularis, primary human hepatocytes, and stably transformed human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. ABSTRACT For a long while, 8-aminoquinoline compounds have been the only therapeutic agents against latent hepatic malaria parasites. These have poor activity against the blood-stage plasmodia causing acute malaria and must be used in conjunction with partner blood schizontocidal agents. We examined the impacts of one such agent, chloroquine, upon the activity of primaquine, an 8-aminoquinoline, against hepatic stages of Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium yoelii, Plasmodium berghei, and Plasmodium falciparum within several ex vivo systems—primary hepatocytes of Macaca fascicularis, primary human hepatocytes, and stably transformed human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Primaquine exposures to formed hepatic schizonts and hypnozoites of P. cynomolgi in primary simian hepatocytes exhibited similar 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values near 0.4 μM, whereas chloroquine in the same system exhibited no inhibitory activities. Combining chloroquine and primaquine in this system decreased the observed primaquine IC50 for all parasite forms in a chloroquine dose-dependent manner by an average of 18-fold. Chloroquine also decreased the primaquine IC50 against hepatic P. falciparum in primary human hepatocytes, P. berghei in simian primary hepatocytes, and P. yoelii in primary human hepatocytes. Chloroquine had no impact on primaquine IC50 against P. yoelii in HepG2 cells and, likewise, had no impact on the IC50 of atovaquone (hepatic schizontocide) against P. falciparum in human hepatocytes. We describe important sources of variability in the potentiation of primaquine activity by chloroquine in these systems. Chloroquine potentiated primaquine activity against hepatic forms of several plasmodia. We conclude that chloroquine specifically potentiated 8-aminoquinoline activities against active and dormant hepatic-stage plasmodia in normal primary hepatocytes but not in a hepatocarcinoma cell line.
Food consumption according to the degree of processing, dietary diversity and socio-demographic factors among pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA project)

Background: Relevant evidence has addressed the negative impact of food processing on health. However, maternal ultra-processed food consumption is poorly investigated. Aim: To analyze food consumption according to the degree of food processing, dietary diversity, and associated socio-demographic factors during pregnancy. Methods: Cross-sectional data was taken from a birth cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 142 pregnant women. We assessed diet using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire and classified food items according to the NOVA classification system as non-ultra-processed-foods and ultra-processed-foods. Non-ultra-processed-food and ultra-processed-food scores were calculated, reflecting weekly intake of more than one subgroup. Dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food diet fraction was described according to the Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The association between food consumption and socio-demographic factors were investigated using logistic regression models. Results: Over 60% of the pregnant women reported consumption of at least three non-ultra-processed-food groups. However, only 25% had adequate dietary diversity. The level of education (Complete high school: odds ratio, 5.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.73–16.65) was associated with regular intake of “meat and eggs. ” Among the ultra-processed-food score, 27% of the participants described a weekly consumption of at least two ultra-processed-food subgroups. White women (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–6.63) had a higher chance of reporting “packaged ready meals” consumption. Conclusions: This study shows a high weekly consumption of ultra-processed-food subgroups and low dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food fraction of the diet of pregnant women in Brazil. Our results elucidate the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on diet quality during pregnancy.
Access to Care as a Barrier to Mammography for Black Women

Racial disparities in breast cancer screening, morbidity, and mortality persist for Black women. This study examines Black women’s mammography beliefs and experiences with specific focus on barriers to mammography access in an urban city in the South East, United States. This retrospective, qualitative study used Penchansky and Thomas’ conceptualization of health care access as the framework for the data analysis. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 39 Black women. Structural and personal factors continue to create barriers to mammography among Black women. Barriers to mammography were identified for each of the Penchansky and Thomas five dimensions of access to care: accessibility, affordability, availability, accommodation, and acceptability. Clinical practice strategies to increase mammography screening in Black women must be multifactorial, patient-centered, and culturally congruent. Policy development must address the structural barriers to mammography screening through expansion of health insurance coverage and increased accessibility to health care.
Sex differences in body composition, metabolism‐related hormones, and energy homeostasis during aging in Wistar rats

Aging affects the body composition and balance of energy metabolism. Here, we collected in a single work several physiological parameters to show how aging and sex differences can influence energy homeostasis. Body mass index (BMI), Lee index, glucose tolerance, glycemia, and lipidogram in fasting were measured in male and female Wistar rats at the ages of 2, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months. We also measured the lipid profile, free fatty acids, glycerol, glycemia, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, corticosterone (CORT), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulated hormone, and triiodothyronine (T3) in 3‐ and 18‐month‐old rats of both sexes, fed ad libitum. Animals were classified as obese beginning at 2 months in males and 6 months in females. Aged male rats showed hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance compared to young males and old females. In the ad libitum condition, the 18‐month males presented higher serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids than females. The 18‐month‐old females had higher PRL and CORT concentration than males, but insulin and T3 were higher in 18‐month‐old males than females. Our work demonstrated that aging processes on energy metabolism in rats is sex specific, with a better lipid profile and glucose tolerance in aged females.
Communicating with Youth about Pain: Developmental Considerations

Background: Pain experiences can negatively impact children and adolescents, leading to trauma symptoms and nonadherence to important health behaviors. Developmentally-tailored communication strategies may mitigate this risk. Methods: This article reviews cognitive and linguistic developmental factors, within the familial and cultural context, that are important to consider when communicating with youth about acute, procedural, and/or chronic pain. Results: Youth undergoing acute or procedural pain benefit from pain education, truthful information about the procedure, and advance preparation. The use of analogies may be particularly helpful for patient understanding of chronic pain development, maintenance, and treatment. Youth with developmental disabilities may express pain differently than their normative peers, requiring adaptation of communication strategies. Conclusion: Developmentally-tailored pain communication is an important tool for caregivers and healthcare providers that may foster adaptive functioning in youth who experience pain.
Morphological and Biochemical Properties of Human Astrocytes, Microglia, Glioma, and Glioblastoma Cells Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Background With infiltration, high-grade glioma easily causes the boundary between tumor tissue and adjacent tissue to become unclear and results in tumor recurrence at or near the resection margin according to the incomplete surgical resection. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique has been demonstrated to be a useful tool that yields a molecular fingerprint and provides rapid, nondestructive, high-throughput and clinically relevant diagnostic information. Material/Methods FTIR was used to investigate the morphological and biochemical properties of human astrocytes (HA), microglia (HM1900), glioma cells (U87), and glioblastoma cells (BT325) cultured in vitro to simulate the infiltration area, with the use of multi-peak fitting and principal component analysis (PCA) of amide I of FTIR spectra and the use of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Results We found that the secondary structures of the 4 types of cells were significantly different. The contents of α-helix structure in glial cells was significantly higher than in the glioma cells, but the levels of β-sheet, β-turn, and random coil structures were lower. The 4 types of cells could be clearly separated with 85% for PC1 and 12.2% for PC2. Conclusions FTIR can be used to distinguish between human astrocytes, microglia, glioma, and glioblastoma cells in vitro. The protein secondary structure can be used as an indicator to distinguish tumor cells from glial cells. Further tissue-based and in vivo studies are needed to determine whether FTIR can identify cerebral glioma.
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Oil Sources With or Without Vitamin E on Body Composition and Meat Oxidation Level in Broilers

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rapeseed oil substitution and vitamin E supplemantation on performance and meat quality. 4 replacement levels of rapeseed oil with sunflower oil ( 0, 33.3 , 66.7 and 100%) and 2 levels of vitamin E (0 (50 I.U. from vitamin premix) 300 mg/kg) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement for a total of 8 treatments with 4 replicates each, containing 10 day-old male Ross 308 broilers, were examined in the experiment. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on carcass parameters, feed conversion (FCR) and mortality (p>0.05). However, a significant interaction was observed between oil replacement and vitamin E: the negative effect of 100% sunflower oil on BWG (p<0.01) was alleviated by the addition of vitamin E. On the other hand, inclusion of rapeseed oil improved BWG (p<0.01). Rapeseed oil substitution significantly increased amount of total n-3 PUFA and decreased n-6:n-3 ratio in thigh and breast meat (p<0.01). Vitamin E supplemantation contributed to deposition of n-3 PUFA (p<0.01). Replacement of rapeseed oil without vitamin E tended to increase (p<0.01) malonaldehyde production. However, the dietary supplementation of vitamin E markedly (p<0.01) decreased the susceptibility of meat to peroxidation. Inclusion of rapeseed oil did not cause any negative perception on olfactory, texture, and taste of broiler meat. So, it can be concluded that rapeseed oil substitution significantly increased n-3 PUFA deposition without altering performance and sensory properties of broiler meat and, vitamin E had strong potential to prevent the meat lipids from oxidation.