Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effects of β‐caryophyllene on proliferative disorders and inflammation of the gerbil prostate

The prostate is susceptible to changes in androgen levels, which can play an important role in the development of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Natural compounds have beneficial properties for organisms and can be an important therapeutic strategy in the treatment of diseases. β‐Caryophyllene (BCP) is a phytocannabinoid present in several medicinal and food plants species and has shown beneficial effects in different organs. However, little is known about its effects on the prostate. The present study seeks to evaluate the effects of exposure to BCP on the morphophysiology of the ventral prostate of adult gerbils supplemented with testosterone.
Does office-based flexible cystoscopy provide better pain perception than rigid cystoscopy: a systematic review and meta- analysis.

BACKGROUND The aim of our study is to determine whether flexible cystoscopy (FC) leads to less pain perception than rigid cystoscopy (RC). METHODS Eligible studies were identified through three common databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase. We systematically reviewed studies comparing FC to RC, and extracted data from randomized trials from December 1, 1984 to January 12, 2021, with no language restrictions. Methodological rigor, and risk of bias were evaluated by two independent reviewers using Cochrane Collaboration's tools. The analysis was completed via STATA version 14.2. RESULTS We initially identified 463 studies, and four articles met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, we did not observe a significant difference between FC and RC regarding pain perception [standard mean difference (SMD): -1.19; 95% CI: -2.69 to 0.32], and there was significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 =97.6%, P<0.001). This was consistent with the results stratified by gender (male patients, SMD: -0.96, 95% CI: -2.50 to 0.59; female patients, SMD: -1.42; 95% CI: -4.49 to 1.64). CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that RC is a tolerable procedure, and FC may not be more comfortable than RC. However, further larger well-designed trials are warranted to demonstrate our findings, and explore whether FC is more beneficial to patient sexual function, anxiety, quality of life, and lower urinary tract symptoms than RC.
Is physical capacity correlated with health-related quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

BACKGROUND There have been no report about the association between physical capacity and healthrelated quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic structural scoliosis (AIS). This study aims to investigate the correlation between dynamic cardiopulmonary capacity and quality of life in AIS patients. METHODS This retrospective study involved 63 patients. Correlations between cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores were evaluated using Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS Fifty-four female patients [mean age: 14.1 (range, 10-19) years] and 9 male patients [15.9 (range, 14-19) years] with AIS (Cobb angle: 28°-86°) were included. Significant correlations were found between the peak oxygen uptake normalized by body weight and the SRS-22 scores in female patients, as reflected by the function (r=0.511, P<0.001), pain (r=0.418, P=0.002), mental health (r=0.536, P<0.001) and subtotal (r=0.618, P<0.001) scores. Significant correlations were also found between oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold normalized by body weight and the SRS-22 scores in female patients, as reflected by the function (r=0.404, P=0.002), pain (r=0.455, P=0.001), and subtotal (r=0.501, P<0.001) scores, along with respiratory exchange ratio reflected by subtotal (r=0.464, P<0.001) score. CONCLUSIONS The physical capacity and capacity for the exercise intensity and endurance correlated with quality of life among patients with AIS. Exercise may better the quality of life of patients with AIS.
Treatment optimization of maintenance immunosuppressive agents in pediatric renal transplant recipients

ABSTRACT Introduction: Graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant patients has increased significantly within the last three decades, correlating with the discovery and utilization of new immunosuppressants as well as improvements in patient care. Despite these developments in graft survival for patients, there is still improvement needed, particularly in long-term care in pediatric patients receiving grafts from deceased donor patients. Maintenance immunosuppressive therapies have narrow therapeutic indices and are associated with high inter-individual and intra-individual variability. Areas covered: In this review, we examine the impact of pharmacokinetic variability on renal transplantation and its association with age, genetic polymorphisms, drug-drug interactions, drug-disease interactions, renal insufficiency, route of administration, and branded versus generic drug formulation. Pharmacodynamics are outlined in terms of the mechanism of action for each immunosuppressant, potential adverse effects, and the utility of pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Expert opinion: Acquiring abetter quantitative understanding of immunosuppressant pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic components should help clinicians implement treatment regimens to maintain the balance between therapeutic efficacy and drug-related toxicity.
Nitrogen forms affect root growth, photosynthesis, and yield of tomato under alternate partial root‐zone irrigation

To increase efficiency of water and nitrogen (N) fertilizer use, this study was conducted with a split-root pot experiment to investigate the effects of different forms of N fertilizer on root growth, photosynthesis, instantaneous water use efficiency (IWUE), and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) under alternate partial root-zone irrigation (APRI). Three irrigation modes comprised conventional irrigation (CI) and two kinds of APRI, i.e., APRI with water content in the drying soil compartment controlled at ≥ 60% or 40% of the water-holding capacity (APRI-60, APRI-40). Two N forms included ammonium-N and nitrate-N supplied as calcium nitrate or ammonium sulfate, respectively. The results show that APRI-60 enhanced root growth and increased leaf IWUE with a slight yield reduction compared with CI regardless of the N form supplied. In contrast, APRI-40 significantly decreased root growth and inhibited photosynthesis, thereby resulting in a significant yield loss. In addition, at the flowering stage tomato plants grew better with ammonium-N than nitrate-N supply; however, at the fruit expansion stage and maturity stage, the tomato plants had a higher biomass accumulation and yield with nitrate-N than ammonium-N supply. Therefore, the application of APRI should consider the soil water condition coupled with an appropriate N form. In the present study, APRI controlled at ≥ 60% of the water-holding capacity (WHC) for the drying soil side with nitrate-N supply was the best water-fertilizer supply for tomato cultivation.
Perceived characteristics of outpatient appointment scheduling association with patient satisfaction and treatment adherence: An innovation theory application

ABSTRACT Background Despite the growing interest in Appointment scheduling (APS) in hospitals of developing countries, empirical assessment of their effectiveness in improving patients’ experiences and adherence to treatment remains limited. We drew on the attributes of an innovation theory to hypothesize and test the extent to which perceived attributes of APS: relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity influences patient satisfaction and treatment adherence in a neurology clinic of a large Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data from a sample of 295 scheduled patients visiting the clinic for follow-up care. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the hypothesized direct relationships of the APS attributes with patient satisfaction and treatment adherence, and the moderating effect of cordial doctor-patient communication in the relationships. Results While the compatibility of APS with patient preference was positively associated with patient satisfaction (p < 0.01) and adherence to treatment (p < 0.01), the reverse was observed for complexity of the APS system (p < 0.01). We also found statistically significant relationship of patient satisfaction with treatment adherence (p < 0.01) which was positively moderated by cordial doctor-patient communication. Conclusion Findings suggest that making the APS system more compatible with patient preference can greatly improve upon patient experience satisfaction and adherence to medical treatment for effective therapeutic outcomes. Practice implication In the light of its benefits to patient care and outcomes, APS should be given priority over walk-in services in specialty clinics of developing countries.
Night today, day tomorrow: how irregular work shifts interfere with our psychological health

ABSTRACT The 24/7 economic activity has led to a growing demand for shift workers who now make up about 21% of the working population in Europe. Shift work causes desynchronization of biological and social rhythms and therefore increases the risk for physiological and psychological health issues. Night shifts, but in particular irregular shifts are considered to have numerous harmful effects on health and well-being. In this investigation, 185 shift workers employed at an Austrian railway company, filled in online questionnaires, which included the PSQI, the ESS, and items assessing sleep issues, their impact on life quality, and individual shift schedules. Results show that those shift workers who rated their shifts schedules as irregular reported significantly lower sleep quality according to the PSQI Global Score and the PSQI subscales subjective sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and sleep duration. The probability of taking sleep medication was higher in shift workers whose schedules include more night shifts. In addition, participants who regularly worked on days after night shifts classified their complaints due to shift work as more severe. Future investigations should include more external and internal factors that influence the perception and handling of different working conditions. Nevertheless, our findings shed light on the particular situation of the railroad workers´population and show how important subjective perceptions are in dealing with shift work. The importance of sleep education and thematically relevant training becomes clear in order to prevent serious consequences on sleep and overall health.
Novel insights into genome-wide associations in Bos indicus reveal genetic linkages between fertility and growth

Abstract Bos indicus breed Sahiwal, famous for its optimum performance, has so far been genetically improved for performance traits based on phenotypic records and the genomic knowhow regarding genes, regions and biological processes underlying the complex quantitative traits is lacking. In this context, a Genome-wide Association Study was performed for fertility and growth traits in Sahiwal cattle to shed light on its genomic profile. A total of 46 SNPs were found associated with the traits at genome-wide suggestive threshold of P ≤ 10−4. USP32, LRPPRC, PLA2G10, RRN3 and ASAP1 were identified as putative candidate genes for body weight at different ages. However, several genes mapped for growth traits like GREB1, PLA2G10, RAD51C, BIRC6, TEX14 and PEBP4 had significant physiological underpinnings in determining fertility of the animals. Moreover, Quantitative trait loci (QTL) identification revealed potential overlaps with the already reported QTLs for both fertility and growth for most of the traits. Further, candidate SNP enrichment analysis revealed an enriched biological process for birth weight with a significant reproductive role. Based on the findings, genetic linkages underlying fertility and growth could be discerned in Sahiwal population and may be utilized for improving fertility traits in future.
A quick test of cognitive speed (AQT): regression-based norms for cognitively healthy 80 to 94-year olds

ABSTRACT Slowed processing speed is part of normal aging but also a symptom of many diseases, including dementia. A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) consists of three conditions: color naming (AQT1), form naming (AQT2) and dual color-form naming (AQT3) and offers a user-friendly assessment of processing speed that is used internationally to identify cognitive impairment in elderly patients. Appropriate age-norms have however been lacking. This study provides regression-based norms derived from a Swedish sample of 158 cognitively healthy 80 to 94-year olds. The results show age effects in all three conditions, a non-linear education effect in AQT1, and age by gender interactions in AQT2 and AQT3: men performed worse with increasing age, but women remained on a par. However, irrespective of age and gender, AQT2 and AQT3 mean raw and predicted scores were slower than the hitherto recommended cutoff criteria for suspected cognitive impairment.
An overview of cilastatin + imipenem + relebactam as a therapeutic option for hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia: evidence to date

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are prevalent nosocomial infections with a worrisomely increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant causative organisms, including those with resistance to carbapenems. The addition of relebactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor, to imipenem treatment restores the antimicrobial activity against the most of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including some carrying β‐lactamase enzyme-type carbapenemases. Areas covered: The aim of this article is to summarize the current evidence regarding imipenem/relebactam for the treatment of HAP/VAP. The authors discuss its chemistry, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, microbiology, tolerance and clinical efficacy. The results of clinical trials have demonstrated an efficacy of imipenem/relebactam similar to that of its comparator for the treatment of patients with HAP/VAP. Different studies have also shown its good safety profile, which is better than that of the combination of other β‐lactams with other antibiotics. Expert opinion: This drug should be incorporated as a new therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with HAP/VAP, especially as an alternative treatment in patients with confirmed infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negatives.
SNAP participation moderates the association between household food insecurity and HbA1c among Cambodian Americans with depression

ABSTRACT Objectives We tested whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) moderated the relation between household food insecurity and HbA1c among Cambodian Americans with depression enrolled in a diabetes prevention trial. Methods Community health workers assessed household food insecurity and SNAP participation. HbA1c was ascertained using direct enzymatic assay. Results Among the n = 189 respondents, 19% were food insecure, 41% received SNAP benefits, and mean HbA1c = 5.5%. There was a significant interaction between SNAP and food insecurity. HbA1c was highest among participants without SNAP who were food insecure. Simple effects analysis revealed a significant difference within the no SNAP group [Mean (SD): Secure = 5.38 (0.38), Insecure = 5.78 (0.36)] and no difference within the SNAP group [Secure = 5.61(0.44), Insecure = 5.61(0.55)]. Differences remained significant after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical indicators. Conclusions SNAP may protect against the deleterious association between household food insecurity and HbA1c.
Arterial Dissection in Antiphospholipid Syndrome Patients: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease which presents with thromboembolic disease, pregnancy complications and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. There are some reports of arterial dissections in different sites of the body associated with APS. We describe two patients with APS who developed ischaemic stroke as a result of vertebral artery dissection in the absence of acquired and genetic risk factors for arterial dissection. We also conducted a systematic review of the literature for cases of arterial dissection associated with APS. We suspect that APS may be a potential cause of vasculopathy and arterial dissection. Further research is needed to explore this possible association. LEARNING POINTS Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a major risk factor for stroke in young patients.APS may be associated with vasculopathy and arterial dissection.Patients should meet both clinical and laboratory criteria for a diagnosis of APS.
Improving the Delivery of High-Quality Cancer Care in Medically Underserved Communities: A Formative Evaluation Method

Background and Objectives: In 2015, the American Society of Clinical Oncology launched a new program: Improving Quality of Care in Underserved Communities with the overarching aim of serving patients with cancer who have traditionally had difficulty accessing the care they need. Cancer care requires intense coordination of complex services to provide safe, effective, timely, and equitable care. If chemotherapy and/or radiation is needed, patients must navigate a complex system of care many times, a formidable challenge for many disadvantaged patients. Many practices believe that these patients face such significant issues that it is almost impossible to provide high-quality care. A grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation allowed us to select 4 oncology practices serving high proportions of racial minorities and persons of low socioeconomic status to participate in the new American Society of Clinical Oncology program. The program had 2 objectives: (1) to improve the capacity and capability of the participating practices to provide evidence-based, high-quality care; and (2) to identify and disseminate lessons learned for improving quality of care among oncology practices serving underserved patients. Methods: The program leveraged existing programs including the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, which is a national performance measurement and improvement program that collects data about processes of care provided in the outpatient medical oncology setting, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Training Program, which provides training in how to apply the tools and methods of quality improvement in routine care settings. Training was provided in face-to-face and virtual meetings and participants were provided mentors throughout the program. At the conclusion, a formative evaluation method was used to assess whether the goals had been achieved. Objectives, activities, and desired outcomes were identified for each of the goals and thus became the framework for the evaluation. Results: The program met the stated goals and objectives. The evaluation revealed many successes, some surprises, and a list of improvements that were incorporated in the next iteration of this program. Based on data from the evaluation, the Niarchos Foundation provided funds for an additional 10 practices to participate in a similar program in 2020. Conclusion: This article outlines the evaluation of a new program demonstrating that medical oncology practices can make improvements in the care of their underserved populations if provided with the proper tools, methods, and coaching. The use of formative evaluation methodology also identified opportunities for improvement and ultimately resulted in additional funding for more practices to participate in the program.
A systematic review of longitudinal studies investigating the impact of cannabis use in patients with psychotic disorders

ABSTRACT Introduction: Research has established a link between cannabis use and adverse psychotic outcomes in psychosis patients. However, we have yet to determine if this relationship is maintained when controlling for important confounding variables. The following systematic review aims to investigate if the association between cannabis use and psychotic outcomes is preserved when accounting for important confounders, and if discontinued use mitigates any potential negative impacts. Areas covered: The authors conducted an exhaustive search of the MEDLINE database and Google Scholar to identify articles pertaining to the systematic review. Thirty-three articles were retained for meeting the eligibility criteria. Expert opinion: The evidence confirms an overarching pattern of negative psychotic outcomes of cannabis intake in psychosis populations, even when accounting for crucial confounders. Psychosis patients should be informed with evidence-based health information regarding the effects of cannabis use. Clinicians should systematically evaluate cannabis intake patterns in psychosis patients and offer intervention services geared toward reducing problematic consumption. Researchers should record confounding factors in a more systematic manner in future longitudinal investigations while paying careful attention to the potency and dose–response effects of the ingested cannabis. Deciders will need to investigate the impact of cannabis regulations on psychosis populations.
Dissection, in vivo imaging and analysis of the mouse epitrochleoanconeus muscle

Analysis of rodent muscles affords an opportunity to glean key insights into neuromuscular development and the detrimental impact of disease‐causing genetic mutations. Muscles of the distal leg, for instance the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior, are commonly used in such studies with mice and rats. However, thin and flat muscles, which can be dissected, processed and imaged without major disruption to muscle fibres and nerve‐muscle contacts, are more suitable for accurate and detailed analyses of the peripheral motor nervous system. One such wholemount muscle is the predominantly fast twitch epitrochleoanconeus (ETA), which is located in the upper forelimb, innervated by the radial nerve, and contains relatively large and uniformly flat neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). To facilitate incorporation of the ETA into the experimental toolkit of the neuromuscular disease field, here, we describe a simple method for its rapid isolation (<5 min), supported by high‐resolution videos and step‐by‐step images. Furthermore, we outline how the ETA can be imaged in live, anaesthetised mice, to enable examination of dynamic cellular processes occurring at the NMJ and within intramuscular axons, including transport of organelles, such as mitochondria and signalling endosomes. Finally, we present reference data on wild‐type ETA fibre‐type composition in young adult, male C57BL6/J mice. Comparative neuroanatomical studies of different muscles in rodent models of disease can generate critical insights into pathogenesis and pathology; dissection of the wholemount ETA provides the possibility to diversify the repertoire of muscles analysed for this endeavour.