Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of an e-learning course on patient safety: A controlled longitudinal study with medical students

Background To improve patient safety, educational interventions on all system levels, including medical school are necessary. Sound theoretical knowledge on elements influencing patient safety (such as error management or team work) is the basis for behavioral changes of health care professionals. Methods A controlled, quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was deployed. The intervention group participated in a mandatory e-learning course on patient safety (ELPAS) between October 2016 and December 2016. The control group did not receive any didactic session on patient safety. In both groups we measured technical knowledge and attitudes towards patient safety before the intervention (T0), directly after the intervention (T1) and one year after the intervention (T2). Participants were 309 third-year medical students in the intervention group and 154 first- and second-year medical students in the control group. Results Technical knowledge in the intervention group (but not the control group) improved significantly after the intervention and remained high after one year (F(2, 84) = 13.506, p < . 001, η2 = . 243). Students of the intervention group felt better prepared for safe patient practice, even one year after the intervention F(2, 85) = 6.743, p < . 002, η2 = . 137). There was no sustainable significant effect on attitudes towards patient safety. Conclusion This study shows, that eLearning interventions can produce significant long-term effects on patient safety knowledge, however, the study did not show long-term effects on attitudes towards patient safety. Our study implies two potential developments for future research: e-learning might be used in combination with face-to-face sessions, or more intensive (in terms of frequency and duration) e-learning sessions may be needed to achieve lasting changes in attitude.
Sexual satisfaction and sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer: validation of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women in Taiwan

Objective To date, there are few validated multidimensional measures of sexual satisfaction that have been translated and empirically validated among Chinese speaking women with gynecologic cancer. The study was undertaken to validate the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women and to examine sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning in a sample of women with gynecologic cancer. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 209 women, of which 106 had gynecologic cancer and 103 were in the non-cancer group with no history of cancer. Self-evaluations included the Female Sexual Function Index and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version. Analyses for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity were performed. Analysis of variance was conducted for group comparison on sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning. Results The Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version showed good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.965) and acceptable test–retest reliability (r=0.954). The confirmatory factor analysis on the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version suggested the goodness of fit indices (χ²/df, root mean square residual, goodness of fit index, normed-fit index, comparative fit index, and adjusted goodness of fit index) were good. The women with gynecologic cancer gave significantly lower ratings (mean 102.18) than those without cancer (mean 118.09) for each of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version domains and total score. Significant differences between women with cancer (mean 13.08) and without cancer (mean 22.92) were noted for each of the Female Sexual Function Index domains and total scores (all p<0.0001). Conclusions This translated version of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring multifaceted components of sexual satisfaction in the general and clinical population of women rooted in Chinese culture.
Inhibition of cardiac allograft rejection in mice using interleukin‐35‐modified mesenchymal stem cells

Interleukin‐35 (IL‐35) is a cytokine recently discovered to play a potent immunosuppressive role by intensifying the functions of regulatory T cells and inhibiting the proliferation and functions of T helper 1 and T helper 17 cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently emerged as promising candidates for cell‐based immune therapy, and our previous study showed that IL‐35 gene modification can effectively enhance the therapeutic effect of MSCs in vitro. In this study, we isolated adipose tissue‐derived MSCs in vitro and infected them with lentiviral vectors overexpressing the IL‐35 gene, thereby creating IL‐35‐MSCs. Subsequently, IL‐35‐MSCs were then injected into mice of the allogeneic heterotopic abdominal heart transplant model to determine their effect on allograft rejection. The results showed that IL‐35‐MSCs could continuously secrete IL‐35 in vivo and in vitro, successfully alleviate allograft rejection and prolong graft survival. In addition, compared to MSCs, IL‐35‐MSCs showed a stronger immunosuppressive ability and further reduced the percentage of Th17 cells, increased the proportion of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells, and regulated Th1/Th2 balance in heart transplant mice. These findings suggest that IL‐35‐MSCs have more advantages than MSCs in inhibiting graft rejection and may thus provide a new approach for inducing immune tolerance during transplantation.
Conservation of location of several specific inhibitory codon pairs in the Saccharomyces sensu stricto yeasts reveals translational selection

Abstract Synonymous codons provide redundancy in the genetic code that influences translation rates in many organisms, in which overall codon use is driven by selection for optimal codons. It is unresolved if or to what extent translational selection drives use of suboptimal codons or codon pairs. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 17 specific inhibitory codon pairs, each comprised of adjacent suboptimal codons, inhibit translation efficiency in a manner distinct from their constituent codons, and many are translated slowly in native genes. We show here that selection operates within Saccharomyces sensu stricto yeasts to conserve nine of these codon pairs at defined positions in genes. Conservation of these inhibitory codon pairs is significantly greater than expected, relative to conservation of their constituent codons, with seven pairs more highly conserved than any other synonymous pair. Conservation is strongly correlated with slow translation of the pairs. Conservation of suboptimal codon pairs extends to two related Candida species, fungi that diverged from Saccharomyces ∼270 million years ago, with an enrichment for codons decoded by I•A and U•G wobble in both Candida and Saccharomyces. Thus, conservation of inhibitory codon pairs strongly implies selection for slow translation at particular gene locations, executed by suboptimal codon pairs.
Low sulfated heparins target multiple proteins for central nervous system repair

The lack of endogenous repair following spinal cord injury (SCI) accounts for the frequent permanent deficits for which effective treatments are absent. Previously, we demonstrated that low sulfated modified heparin mimetics (LS‐mHeps) attenuate astrocytosis, suggesting they may represent a novel therapeutic approach. mHeps are glycomolecules with structural similarities to resident heparan sulfates (HS), which modulate cell signaling by both sequestering ligands, and acting as cofactors in the formation of ligand–receptor complexes. To explore whether mHeps can affect the myelination and neurite outgrowth necessary for repair after SCI, we created lesioned or demyelinated neural cell co‐cultures and exposed them with a panel of mHeps with varying degrees and positions of their sulfate moieties. LS‐mHep7 enhanced neurite outgrowth and myelination, whereas highly sulfated mHeps (HS‐mHeps) had attenuating effects. LS‐mHeps had no effects on myelination or neurite extension in developing, uninjured myelinating cultures, suggesting they might exert their proregenerating effects by modulating or sequestering inhibitory factors secreted after injury. To investigate this, we examined conditioned media from cultures using chemokine arrays and conducted an unbiased proteomics approach by applying TMT‐LC/MS to mHep7 affinity purified conditioned media from these cultures. Multiple protein factors reported to play a role in damage or repair mechanisms were identified, including amyloid betaA4. Amyloid beta peptide (1–42) was validated as an important candidate by treating myelination cultures and shown to inhibit myelination. Thus, we propose that LS‐mHeps exert multiple beneficial effects on mechanisms supporting enhanced repair, and represent novel candidates as therapeutics for CNS damage.
Bisphenol A: A notorious player in the mosaic of autoimmunity

Abstract The multifactorial etiology of autoimmune diseases has been studied at large. Genetic risk factors and environmental agents play an integral role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune processes. In recent decades, Bisphenol A (BPA), an exogenous compound found in polycarbonate plastic, has gained attention for its harmful multifocal effects on a diverse subset of systemic pathways, potentially contributing to disease onset and exacerbation. BPA is a xenoestrogen used globally in the manufacture of daily use products including plastic storage containers, water and infant bottles, and food and drink packaging. BPA exhibits immune stimulatory activity bringing into question the association between its greater global presence and the increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this multi-study analysis is to assess recent research investigating the underlying role of BPA in autoreactive mechanisms. Although research at present does not directly link BPA exposure to the development of autoimmune diseases, a large body of evidence supports the pro-inflammatory effects of BPA on the immune system. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of BPA in autoimmune pathogenesis, however caution should be taken in the use of BPA containing products by those affected or genetically susceptible to developing autoimmune diseases.
Cross-task perceptual learning of object recognition in simulated retinal implant perception

The perception gained by retina implants (RI) is limited, which asks for a learning regime to improve patients’ visual perception. Here we simulated RI vision and investigated if object recognition in RI patients can be improved and maintained through training. Importantly, we asked if the trained object recognition can be generalized to a new task context, and to new viewpoints of the trained objects. For this purpose, we adopted two training tasks, a labelling task where participants had to choose the correct label out of other distracting labels for the presented object, and a reverse labelling task where participants had to choose the correct object out of other distracting objects to match the presented label. Our results showed that, despite of the task order, recognition performance was improved in both tasks and lasted at least for a week. The improved object recognition, however, can be transferred only from the labelling task to the reverse labelling task but not vice versa. Additionally, the trained object recognition can be transferred to new viewpoints of the trained objects only in the labelling task but not in the reverse labelling task. Training with the labelling task is therefore recommended for RI patients to achieve persistent and flexible visual perception.
Ensuring Basic Competence in Thoracentesis

Background: Trocar pigtail catheter thoracentesis (TPCT) is a common procedure often performed by junior physicians. Simulation-based training may effectively train physicians in the procedure prior to performing it on patients. An assessment tool with solid validity evidence is necessary to ensure sufficient procedural competence. Objectives: Our study objectives were (1) to collect evidence of validity for a newly developed pigtail catheter assessment tool (Thoracentesis Assessment Tool [ThorAT]) developed for the evaluation of TPCT performance and (2) to establish a pass/fail score for summative assessment. Methods: We assessed the validity evidence for the ThorAT using the recommended framework for validity by Messick. Thirty-four participants completed two consecutive procedures and their performance was assessed by two blinded, independent raters using the ThorAT. We compared performance scores to test whether the assessment tool was able to discern between the two groups, and a pass/fail score was established. Results: The assessment tool was able to discriminate between the two groups in terms of competence level. Experienced physicians received significantly higher test scores than novices in both the first and second procedure. A pass/fail score of 25.2 points was established, resulting in 4 (17%) passing novices and 1 (9%) failing experienced participant in the first procedure. In the second procedure 9 (39%) novices passed and 2 (18%) experienced participants failed. Conclusions: This study provides a tool for summative assessment of competence in TPCT. Strong validity evidence was gathered from five sources of evidence. A simulation-based training program using the ThorAT could ensure competence before performing thoracentesis on patients.
The Effect of Intervention Based on Pender’s Model of Health-Promoting Self-Care Behaviors in Women who are the Head of their Household

Background: A number of studies have reported that women as the head of the household suer from poor physical health. Yet, a few studies are available on the eects of health-promoting interventions for this vulnerable group. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the eect of an intervention based on Pender's model on health- promoting behaviors in women as the head of the household. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 66 women, who were the heads of households with inappropriate physical health-promoting behaviors, selected by the consensus method and allocated to intervention and control groups using the random- ized permuted block method. The intervention group received supportive-educational intervention according to Pender's model. Posttest was carried out for both intervention and control groups two months after the end of the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including independent samples t, paired t, Chi-square, Mantel-Haenszel tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: The subjects' mean age was 39.58 6.69 years, of whom, 47% were widowed; they were mostly housewives with a mean schooling of 7.97 4.31 years, and 74.2% had insucient income. Prior to the intervention, women who were the head of the house- hold and had poor level of health-promoting behaviors were selected. There was no significant dierence between the two groups in mean score of the components of the health-promoting model (P < 0.05). The intervention group had significantly better per- formance in physical health-promoting behaviors, two months after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The supportive-educational intervention was eective on the physical health-promoting behaviors of women who were the head of the household. Thus, this model can be used as a framework for planning interventions to promote the physical health of such women.
Biliary tract cancer incidence and trends in the United States by demographic group, 1999‐2013

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare but deadly cancers (gallbladder cancer [GBC], intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ICC], extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ECC], and ampulla of Vater cancer [AVC]). A recent US study reported increasing GBC incidence among people younger than 45 years and blacks; however, it did not examine trends for other biliary tract sites.
Impact and Barriers for the Restriction of Smoking During Psychiatric Hospitalization: An Integrative Review

Objetivou-se identificar as barreiras para a implantacao da restricao ao tabagismo nos servicos de internacao psiquiatrica, seu impacto nos tabagistas internados e o posicionamento dos profissionais. Revisao integrativa de 19 artigos publicados (1989-2011) no MEDLINE e na SCOPUS. Foi realizada analise descritiva. Os estudos revelam as principais barreiras para a implantacao da restricao: crencas sobre o aumento da agressividade dos pacientes, prejuizo da relacao profissional-paciente e falta de preparo para abordar o assunto. Apos implantacao, a restricao apresenta impacto positivo: reducao do numero de cigarros fumados, aumento da motivacao para deixar de fumar e do numero de tentativas de parar de fumar. Os profissionais tabagistas e aqueles que nao acreditam que o abandono do tabagismo traga beneficios ao portador de transtorno mental sao os que menos apoiam a implantacao das restricoes. Conclui-se que a restricao ao tabagismo e eficaz na internacao psiquiatrica, pois provoca mudancas de atitudes nos portadores de transtornos mentais.
Finding Principal Paths in Data Space

In this paper, we introduce the concept of principal paths in data space; we show that this is a well-characterized problem from the point of view of cognition, and that it can lead to salient insights in the analyzed data enabling topological/holistic descriptions. These paths, interestingly, can be interpreted as local principal curves, and in this paper, we suggest that they are analogous to what, in the statistical mechanics realm, are called minimum free-energy paths. Here, we move that concept from physics to data space and compute them in both the original and the kernel space. The algorithm is a regularized version of the well-known $k$ -means clustering algorithm. The regularization parameter is derived via an in-sample model selection process based on the Bayesian evidence maximization. Interestingly, we show that this choice for the regularization parameter consistently leads to the same manifold even when changing the number of clusters. We apply the method to common data sets, dynamical systems, and, in particular, to molecular dynamics trajectories showing the generality, the usefulness of the approach and its superiority with respect to other related approaches.
Renovations of neighbourhood parks: long-term outcomes on physical activity

Background Neighbourhood parks are places designed to support physical activity, but are often underutilised. Park renovations are major improvements to the quality of these spaces and usually attract more park users. This study assessed changes in the use of six San Francisco neighbourhood parks and park-based physical activity levels over a 6-year period, during which five of the six parks were renovated. Methods We used direct observation to assess park-based physical activity. We used a stepped-wedge study design at three time points in all six parks over 6 years (before all parks were renovated, after two parks were renovated and after an additional three were renovated) to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of park renovations. Results Levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and metabolic equivalent hours expended in the parks increased overall, most immediately after renovation. Age groups responded differently with the largest increases in park use and MVPA among adults and children under age 12, with no changes among teens and seniors. Conclusions Park renovations attracted more users and increased park-based MVPA than non-renovated parks and sustained increases over time for adults and children, but not teens or seniors. Park renovations that consider and provide facilities that support varied levels of physical activity and cater to all age groups may foster increased park-based physical activity that can be sustained.
Extracting Geometric Structures in Images with Delaunay Point Processes

We introduce Delaunay Point Processes, a framework for the extraction of geometric structures from images. Our approach simultaneously locates and groups geometric primitives (line segments, triangles) to form extended structures (line networks, polygons) for a variety of image analysis tasks. Similarly to traditional point processes, our approach uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo to minimize an energy that balances fidelity to the input image data with geometric priors on the output structures. However, while existing point processes struggle to model structures composed of inter-connected components, we propose to embed the point process into a Delaunay triangulation, which provides high-quality connectivity by construction. We further leverage key properties of the Delaunay triangulation to devise a fast Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampler. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach on a variety of applications, including line network extraction, object contouring, and mesh-based image compression.
Design of hybrid protein-coated magnetic core-mesoporous silica shell nanocomposites for MRI and drug release assessed in a 3D tumor cell model

In this work, we describe the design and the use of a novel theranostic hybrid nanocomposite made of an iron oxide core and a mesoporous silica shell (IO@MS) of ca. 30 nm coated by human serum albumin (HSA) layer for magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery applications. The porosity of IO@MS nanoparticles was loaded with an antitumoral drug, Doxorubicin (Dox) reaching a high drug loading capacity (DLC) of 34 w%. To entrap the drug, a tight HSA coating held via isobutyramide (IBAM) binders was deposited. We show that this protein nanoassembly entraps the drugs efficiently and behaves as an innovative enzyme-sensitive gatekeeper that is degraded upon protease action. Finally we assess the Dox release in a 3D cell model via confocal imaging and its cytotoxicity is shown by growth inhibition studies on liver cancer cell spheroids.
Monitoring the Timing of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Apheresis: Application of the Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Analysis

Background: Determining the onset of peripheral blood stem cell apheresis is known to be associated with several advantages. The method applied most commonly so far is the immunological analysis of cells expressing the CD34 antigen by flow cytometry. In this study a new parameter for monitoring was tested: the measurement of the so-called human progenitor cell (HPC) parameter by an automated hematology analyzer. Materials and Methods: Eleven multiple myeloma patients were included in this study. Following the white blood cell nadir, monitoring of CD34+ cells by flow cytometry and of IMI-total (immature myeloid information) and HPC counts by a hematology analyzer (Sysmex SE-9000 TM ) were performed daily. The quality of the harvest product was determined by flow-cytometric analysis. Results: Monitoring was performed on 46 days (total). Comparing the IMI-total results with the immunological CD34+ cell analyses in peripheral blood, a correlation of r = 0.609 (p < 0.05) was obtained. When comparing the CD34+ cell analysis with the HPC count, a correlation of r = 0.477 (p = 0.05) resulted. A total of 16 PBSC aphereses was performed. When comparing the preapheresis peripheral blood measurements to the CD34+ cell content of the harvest product, a correlation of r = 0.383 (p = 0.14) and of r = 0.254 (p = 0.34) was calculated for the IMI-total counts, and the HPC counts, respectively. The CD34+ pre-apheresis results showed an excellent correlation with the quality of the peripheral blood stem cell apheresis product (r = 0.937; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The gold standard for determining the timing of PBSC apheresis remains the analysis of CD34+ stem and progenitor cells by flow cytometry. The determination of the timing of an apheresis is not possible with the IMI-total or HPC results. In addition, a predictive impression of the graft quality to be expected is only possible with flow cytometry. However, the HPC counts may be applicable for the determination of the onset of CD34+ cell flow-cytometric analyses. Further tests will have to be performed to prove this finding.