Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Glycolysis Protects against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Reducing ROS Production

After myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, fatty acid oxidation shows fast recovery while glucose oxidation rates remain depressed. A metabolic shift aimed at increasing glucose oxidation has shown to be beneficial in models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. However, strategies aimed at increasing glucose consumption in the clinic have provided mixed results and have not yet reached routine clinical practice. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the protection afforded by increased glucose oxidation may facilitate the transfer to the clinic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was involved in the protection afforded by increased glucose oxidation. Firstly, we characterized an H9C2 cellular model in which the use of glucose or galactose as substrates can modulate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. In this model, there were no differences in morphology, cell number, or ATP and PCr levels. However, galactose-grown cells consumed more oxygen and had an increased Krebs cycle turnover, while cells grown in glucose had increased aerobic glycolysis rate as demonstrated by higher lactate and alanine production. Increased aerobic glycolysis was associated with reduced ROS levels and protected the cells against simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was able to reduce the amount of ROS and to prevent cell death. Lastly, cells grown in galactose showed higher activation of mTOR/Akt signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results provide evidence indicating that metabolic shift towards increased glycolysis reduces mitochondrial ROS production and prevents cell death during ischemia-reperfusion injury.
On a Sensor Placement Methodology for Monitoring the Vibrations of Horizontally Excited Ground

In this paper, the problem of optimal sensor arrangement during vibration monitoring is analysed. The wave propagation caused by horizontal excitation is investigated to predict the areas of the largest ground and structure response. The equations of motion for a transversally isotropic elastic medium with appropriate absorbing boundary conditions are solved using the finite element method (FlexPDE software). The possibility of an amplified soil medium response is examined for points located on the ground surface and at various depths. The results are presented in the form of a dimensionless vibration reduction factor, defined as the ratio of the peak particle velocity observed at the selected depth to the corresponding value observed at the ground surface. Significant amplifications (≈50%) can be observed below the ground surface, especially in the case of a weak layer below a stiff layer. The effect of vibration amplification is most significant near the boundary surface of two layers. For the points located on the ground surface, the greatest peak particle velocities are observed in the direction perpendicular to the load direction. However, the greatest vertical velocity component at the ground surface is observed in front of the applied force.
The COVID-19 pandemic: major risks to healthcare and other workers on the front line

Since the first cluster of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection was reported in Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019, reporting of cases has spread widely over the past 3 months to become a pandemic of crisis proportions and a rapidly increasing number of deaths, affecting virtually every country across the world. As of 30 March 2020, 724 000 cases have been reported globally, with almost 35 000 deaths. These numbers are accelerating, with a doubling about every 3–4 days. The spread outside China was initially to other countries in Asia, most notably the Republic of Korea, then to the Middle East, most notably Iran, then to southern Europe, most notably Italy and Spain, then further north in Europe, the UK and then to the most recent epicentre; the USA. At the time of writing, considerably fewer cases have been reported in many low-income and middle-income countries, such as in Africa, but numbers of cases and deaths are likely to rise sharply in these countries, especially where testing and healthcare facilities are limited. While there has been regular tracking and reporting of total cases and deaths across the world, what is less well known is the contribution to these numbers from different types of workers through workplace exposure. Clearly, those workers involved in healthcare are at the front line in terms of risk of infection and death, …
Exception to the Exception Rule: Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Single Chromosome Vibrio cholerae.

The genome of Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of cholera, is an exception to the single chromosome rule found in the vast majority of bacteria and has its genome partitioned between two unequally sized chromosomes. This unusual two-chromosome arrangement in V. cholerae has sparked considerable research interest since its discovery. It was demonstrated that the two chromosomes could be fused by deliberate genome engineering or forced to fuse spontaneously by blocking the replication of Chr2, the secondary chromosome. Recently, natural isolates of V. cholerae with chromosomal fusion have been found. Here, we summarize the pertinent findings on this exception to the exception rule and discuss the potential utility of single-chromosome V. cholerae to address fundamental questions on chromosome biology in general and DNA replication in particular. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Structured review of the use of the Arizona sexual experiences scale in clinical settings

Approximately 40% of women and 30% of men describe sexual dysfunction, although recognition in medical settings is suboptimal, due to problems in reporting and eliciting concerns relating to sexual function and satisfaction. Screening questionnaires may help to support this aspect of clinical practice. The Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX) includes items that quantify sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication or penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm.
Improvement of clinical outcomes in dialysis: No convincing superiority in dialysis efficacy using hemodiafiltration vs high‐flux hemodialysis

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is not associated with lower mortality risk compared to standard hemodialysis (HD). However, there are many critical clinical outcomes in dialysis patients in addition to mortality; the impact of HDF on these other outcomes is not clear. This retrospective study included all patients referred to DaVita Clinics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. High‐flux HD was the initial modality in all patients. Those who did not achieve adequacy targets or those with poorly controlled phosphorus were switched to postdilution HDF using 18 to 23 L exchange per treatment. Patients dialyzing with a central venous catheter, patients who dialyzed less than 90 days at DaVita, and those with interrupted HDF were excluded. Of the 1115 patients, 215 (19%) were on HDF and 900 on high‐flux HD; the median follow‐up was 6 months for all patients. The HDF group showed a significant reduction in serum phosphate (P < .001), a significant increase in serum calcium (P < .012) and a significant improvement in Kt/V (P < .0001). The HDF group had significantly higher hemoglobin levels than the HD group (P = .024), with a significant reduction in weekly erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent dose after starting HDF (P < .001). A modified protocol that included prolonged dialysis duration, larger‐sized dialyzer, faster blood flow rates, and adding hemofiltration fluid may be helpful in achieving the recommended targets. Thus, HDF can enable the achievement of adequate dialysis care in some patients. Randomized‐controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings.
The Role of Environmental Distractions in the Experience of Fibrofog in Real‐World Settings

Perceived cognitive dysfunction in people with fibromyalgia (FM), “fibrofog,” is commonly reported and has been demonstrated in neurocognitive testing. Distractibility and inattention have been implicated as potential contributors to fibrofog, but the role of environmental distractions has not been explored. In this study, ambulatory assessment methods were used to examine whether FM is related to more environmental distractions and to examine the impact of distractions on subjective and objective cognitive functioning.
Randomized pilot trial for the efficacy of the MMF07 foot massager and heat therapy for restless legs syndrome

Background Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor condition with a wide range of severity. Symptoms negatively affect sleep and quality of life. Pharmacologic options are not universally effective and side effects are common. Objective data regarding non-pharmacologic treatment is limited. The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the MMF07 foot massager and heat therapy on the severity of RLS symptoms. Methods In this pilot randomized controlled trial, twenty-eight patients with diagnosed, bothersome RLS were randomized to four treatment arms: no active intervention (n = 7), foot massager (n = 8), heat therapy (n = 6), and foot massager plus heat therapy (n = 7). Participants completed the RLS Severity Scale, RLS Quality of Life questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep scale at the baseline visit and at the 4-week follow up visit. Results Four weeks post randomization, participants in the massager group had significant improvement in the RLS severity score (average difference: -9.0, 95% CI: -16.3, -1.7, p = 0.017) and sleep scale (average difference: -22.0, 95% CI: -36.5, -7.5, p = 0.005) compared to the no intervention group. The heat alone group had a significant improvement in the sleep scale compared to the no-intervention group (average difference: -17.4, 95% CI: -32.5, -2.3, p = 0.026). Quality of life improved in the massage only group compared to control (average difference 25.3, 95% CI: -2.4, 53.0, p = 0.072). Conclusions Results suggest that the MMF07 foot massage device and heat therapy may be feasible and effective treatment options to improve RSL symptoms.
Virtually home: Feasibility study and pilot randomised controlled trial of a virtual reality intervention to support patient discharge after stroke

Introduction Virtual reality has the potential to assist occupational therapists in preparing patients for discharge by facilitating discussions and providing education about relevant practical issues and safety concerns. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using a virtual reality intervention to support patient discharge after stroke and pilot its use. Method Practical aspects of delivering a virtual reality intervention prior to discharge were explored by means of a non-randomised feasibility study and a subsequent pilot randomised controlled trial. Factors considered included eligibility, recruitment, intervention delivery, attrition and suitability of outcome measures. Outcome measures included standardised assessments of stroke severity, mobility, health-related quality of life, functional ability, satisfaction with services and concerns about falling. Results Thirty-three participants were recruited in total: 17 to the feasibility study and 16 to the pilot trial. At 1-month follow-up, 14 participants (82%) were re-assessed in the feasibility study and 12 (75%) in the pilot trial. The main difficulties encountered related to recruitment, particularly regarding post-stroke cognitive impairments, the presence of mild deficits or illness. Conclusion It was feasible to recruit and retain participants, deliver the intervention and collect outcome measures, despite slow recruitment rates. These findings could inform the design of a definitive trial.
Exploring the Critical Thickness of Organic Semiconductor Layer for Enhanced Piezoresistive Sensitivity in Field-Effect Transistor Sensors

Organic semiconductors (OSCs) are promising transducer materials when applied in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) taking advantage of their electrical properties which highly depend on the morphology of the semiconducting film. In this work, the effects of OSC thickness (ranging from 5 to 15 nm) on the piezoresistive sensitivity of a high-performance p-type organic semiconductor, namely dinaphtho [2,3-b:2,3-f] thieno [3,2–b] thiophene (DNTT), were investigated. Critical thickness of 6 nm thin film DNTT, thickness corresponding to the appearance of charge carrier percolation paths in the material, was demonstrated to be highly sensitive to mechanical strain. Gauge factors (GFs) of 42 ± 5 and −31 ± 6 were measured from the variation of output currents of 6 nm thick DNTT-based OFETs engineered on top of polymer cantilevers in response to compressive and tensile strain, respectively. The relationship between the morphologies of the different thin films and their corresponding piezoresistive sensitivities was discussed.
Recommendations for laparoscopic morcellation of uterus and leiomyomas. Position paper of the SEGi (Società Italiana di Endoscopia Ginecologica)

1 Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecological and Obstetrical Clinic, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy 2 Advanced Gynecological Endoscopy Unit, “Casa di Cura Malzoni”, Avellino, Italy 3 Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, “San Carlo” Hospital, Potenza, Italy Corresponding Author: prof. Stefano Angioni, e-mail: sangioni@yahoo.it Recommendations for laparoscopic morcellation of uterus and leiomyomas. Position paper of the SEGi (Società Italiana di Endoscopia Ginecologica)
Metal Accumulation by Jatropha curcas L. Adult Plants Grown on Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil

Jatropha curcas has the ability to phytoextract high amounts of heavy metals during its first months just after seeding. Notwithstanding, there is scarce information about metal uptake by adult J. curcas plants. To shed light on this issue, 4-year-old J. curcas L. plants were planted in a soil mixture of peat moss and mining soil (high metals content), and the biomass growth and metal absorption during 90 days were compared with those of plants growing in peat moss. The main metal found in the mining soil was Fe (31985 mg kg−1) along with high amounts of As (23717 mg kg−1). After the 90-day phytoremediation, the plant removed 29% of Fe and 44% of As from the soil mixture. Results revealed that J. curcas L. translocated high amounts of metals to its aerial parts, so that translocation factors were much higher than 1. Because of the high translocation and bioaccumulation factors obtained, J. curcas L. can be regarded as a hyperaccumulator plant. Despite the great capacity of J. curcas L. to phytoremediate heavy-metal-contaminated soils, the main drawback is the subsequent handling of the metal-contaminated biomass, although some potential applications have been recently highlighted for this biomass.
Isolation and pathogenicity testing of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus from layer chickens in China

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) can cause runting, immunosuppression, acute reticulum cell neoplasia, and chronic lymphoid tumors in a variety of domestic and wild birds. We diagnosed a case of reticuloendotheliosis with obvious tumors in liver and kidney. We isolated and sequenced the virus and performed pathogenicity testing of the REV strain. Immunohistochemistry and PCR confirmed that the diseased layer chickens were infected with REV. The strain, named BJ1503, was successfully isolated from the case by inoculation of tissue homogenates onto chicken embryo fibroblasts. The length of the proviral REV genome is 8,293 nucleotides. The isolate had 99.7% identity with REV-HA9901 (AY842951.1), which was isolated from Jiangsu, China, in 1999. The chickens infected with REV-BJ1503 had depressed weight gain and lymphoid atrophy. Our findings suggest that REV isolate BJ1503 was phylogenetically close to the earlier strain found in China, with minor variations, and the virus was associated with severe production problems.
Gingival health and oral hygiene practices among high school children in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gingivitis is a site-specific inflammatory condition initiated by dental biofilm accumulation. The accumulation of dental plaque on the gingival margin triggers inflammatory effects that can become chronic. In addition to its local effect, gingival inflammation has recently been suggested to have an impact on general health. OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence of gingivitis and its relationship to oral hygiene practices in high school children in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: High schools from different regions in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Periodontal examinations were conducted on a randomly selected sample of high school children between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Gingival and plaque indices, probing depth, clinical attachment level, oral hygiene practices and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and the independent t test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence of gingivitis as defined by mean gingival index. SAMPLE SIZE: 2435 high school students. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent of the sample had slight gingivitis, 42.3% had moderate, and 1.8% had severe. Gender, toothbrushing, tongue brushing, plaque index, and the percentage of pocket depth (PD) ≥4 mm showed a significant relationship with the severity of gingivitis. Almost 39.3% of females had a healthy periodontal status when compared to males (30.7%). Thirty-five percent (35.5%) of students who brushed their teeth had a healthy periodontium compared to 26.9% who did not brush. The mean plaque index was significantly higher in students with severe gingivitis when compared to students with healthy periodontium (2.4 vs. 0.79, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gingivitis prevalence was high compared with Western countries in a nationally representative sample of high school students in Saudi Arabia and was influenced by oral hygiene practices. LIMITATIONS: The half-mouth study design may underestimate disease prevalence. Data on oral hygiene practices was self-reported and may thus have been affected by social desirability bias. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.
Age has no effect on ankle proprioception when movement history is controlled.

Ankle proprioceptive deficits can contribute to increased fall risks in the elderly population. We investigated if ankle proprioception alters with age in healthy people, n = 80, aged 19 - 80 years. Previous studies report conflicting results, but none have considered that proprioceptive performance is affected by previous muscle contractions and length changes. Participants sat with their leg extended and foot rested on a motorised foot plate. Three proprioceptive tests were performed; threshold for detection of passive movement, proprioceptive reaction time, and a test of matching joint position sense. Muscle spindle sensitivity was controlled by repetitively moving the ankle, in a set pattern, before each target angle. Reliability of these methods was tested. Linear regression of proprioceptive measures against age showed proprioceptive function was unaltered. Mean detection threshold 0.13 ± 0. 10⁰ (mean±SD; R2 = 0.009, p = 0.399). Reaction time 0.251 ± 0.054 s (R2 = 0.004, p = 0.597). Joint position sense responses were regressed against target angles for each participant; mean y-intercept -13.3±9. 4⁰ (R2 = 0.02, p = 0.19), slope 1.15±0.45 (R2 = 0.01, p = 0.36) and R2 0.78±0.12 (R2 = 0.019, p = 0.23). Most measures showed good to excellent reliability. Unexpectedly, our results suggest there is little effect of age on ankle proprioceptive performance in healthy community-dwelling people when proprioception is tested with passive movements and under controlled laboratory conditions. However, we cannot rule out that impairments in proprioceptive function may be evident in older people with poor function i.e. those classified as 'fallers'.
Temporal trends in availability and efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in a highly populated urban area.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary vein isolation has become one of core modalities of rhythm control strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). AIMS The aim of the study was to analyse temporal trends in availability and efficacy of AF/atrial flutter catheter (AFl) ablation in urban area of Upper Silesia in Poland. METHODS The source data was obtained from SILCARD database covering an adult population of 3.8 million. The final study population comprised patients referred for catheter ablation with I48 diagnosis code between 2006 and 2017. The data included total number of procedures, patients' sex, age, comorbidities, number of hospital admissions, and mortality rate. RESULTS The total number of 2745 patients were enrolled. Number of patients ablated increased > 10-fold (43 in 2006 vs.507 in 2017, P = 0.008) in the observation period. The analysis showed an upward trend in female representation (P = 0.02), hypertension prevalence (P = 0.004), percentage of patients implanted (P = 0.02) and a decrease in percentage of patients with stable angina (P < 0.005), and hospitalization length (P < 0.005). All-cause hospital readmissions rate decreased from 55.8% to 25.4% (P < 0.005). Significant reductions of 12-month all-cause mortality (2.3% in 2006 vs 0.2% in 2017, P < 0.005), stroke (2.3% in 2006 vs 0.2% in 2017, P = 0.047) and myocardial infarction rates (2.3% in 2006 vs 0.4% in 2017, P = 0.03) were reported. CONCLUSIONS Over the 12-year follow-up a considerable increase in the availability and efficacy of AF / AFl ablations was documented.
Mitophagy in the Pathogenesis of Liver Diseases †

Autophagy is a catabolic process involving vacuolar sequestration of intracellular components and their targeting to lysosomes for degradation, thus supporting nutrient recycling and energy regeneration. Accumulating evidence indicates that in addition to being a bulk, nonselective degradation mechanism, autophagy may selectively eliminate damaged mitochondria to promote mitochondrial turnover, a process termed “mitophagy”. Mitophagy sequesters dysfunctional mitochondria via ubiquitination and cargo receptor recognition and has emerged as an important event in the regulation of liver physiology. Recent studies have shown that mitophagy may participate in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, such as liver injury, liver steatosis/fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular regulations and functions of mitophagy in liver physiology and the roles of mitophagy in the development of liver-related diseases. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of targeting hepatic mitophagy to design a new strategy to cure liver diseases are discussed.
Fangs for the Memories? A Survey of Pain in Snakebite Patients Does Not Support a Strong Role for Defense in the Evolution of Snake Venom Composition

Animals use venoms for multiple purposes, most prominently for prey acquisition and self-defense. In snakes, venom composition often evolves as a result of selection for optimization for local diet. However, whether selection for a defensive function has also played a role in driving the evolution of venom composition has remained largely unstudied. Here, we use an online survey of snakebite victims to test a key prediction of a defensive function, that envenoming should result in the rapid onset of severe pain. From the analysis of 584 snakebite reports, involving 192 species of venomous snake, we find that the vast majority of bites do not result in severe early pain. Phylogenetic comparative analysis shows that where early pain after a bite evolves, it is often lost rapidly. Our results, therefore, do not support the hypothesis that natural selection for antipredator defense played an important role in the origin of venom or front-fanged delivery systems in general, although there may be intriguing exceptions to this rule.