Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning from and Leveraging Multi-Level Changes in Responses to the COVID 19 Pandemic to Facilitate Breast Cancer Prevention Efforts

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had multilevel effects on non-COVID-19 health and health care, including deferral of routine cancer prevention and screening and delays in surgical and other procedures. Health and health care use has also been affected by pandemic-related loss of employer-based health insurance, food and housing disruptions, and heightened stress, sleep disruptions and social isolation. These disruptions are projected to contribute to excess non-COVID-19 deaths over the coming decades. At the same time municipalities, health systems and individuals are making changes in response to the pandemic, including modifications in the environmental to promote health, implementation of telehealth platforms, and shifts towards greater self-care and using remote platforms to maintain social connections. We used a multi-level biopsychosocial model to examine the available literature on the relationship between COVID-19-related changes and breast cancer prevention to identify current gaps in knowledge and identify potential opportunities for future research. We found that COVID-19 has impacted several aspects of social and economic life, through a variety of mechanisms, including unemployment, changes in health care delivery, changes in eating and activity, and changes in mental health. Some of these changes should be reduced, while others should be explored and enhanced.
Pterygium—The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Pterygium is a multifaceted pathology that displays apparent conflicting characteristics: benign (e.g., self-limiting and superficial), bad (e.g., proliferative and potentially recurrent) and ugly (e.g., signs of preneoplastic transformation). The natural successive question is: why are we lacking reports showing that pterygium lesions become life-threatening through metastasis, especially since pterygium has considerable similarities with UV-related malignancies on the molecular level? In this review, we consider how our pathophysiological understanding of the benign pterygium pathology overlaps with ocular surface squamous neoplasia and skin cancer. The three UV-related disorders share the same initial insult (i.e., UV radiation) and responsive repair mechanisms to the ensuing (in)direct DNA damage. Their downstream apoptotic regulators and other cellular adaptations are remarkably alike. However, a complicating factor in understanding the fine line between the self-limiting nature of pterygium and the malignant transformation in other UV-related diseases is the prominent ambiguity in the pathological evaluation of pterygium biopsies. Features of preneoplastic transformation (i.e., dysplasia) are used to define normal cellular reactions (i.e., atypia and metaplasia) and vice versa. A uniform grading system could help in unraveling the true nature of this ancient disease and potentially help in identifying the earliest intervention point possible regarding the cellular switch that drives a cell’s fate towards cancer.
Interventions to Improve Sexual Health in Women Living with and Surviving Cancer: Review and Recommendations

Simple Summary Sexual health, both physical and psychological, is a common concern and unmet need among women with and surviving cancer. To guide clinical care and future research to improve sexual function and satisfaction in women with cancer, we performed a narrative review of interventions for sexual health concerns including sexual function, body image, genitourinary symptoms, and hot flashes. Relevant investigations conducted in the US and abroad published between 2005 and 2020 were reviewed (n = 91). Recommendations for future research in this area are also offered. Abstract Sexual health concerns, both physical and psychological, are common and represent an unmet need among women with and surviving cancer. Sexual challenges and conditions negatively impact body image, satisfaction, relationships, well-being, and quality of life, yet are widely reported to be under-recognized and undertreated. To guide clinical care and future research on sexual function in women with cancer, we performed a scoping review of interventions for sexual health concerns, including sexual function, body image, genitourinary symptoms, and hot flashes. Relevant publications between 2005 and 2020 were identified by searching PubMed with a combination of medical subject headings and keywords. Articles were included if they focused on the aforementioned topics, were primary research publications, and included female cancer survivors. Studies focusing on women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer were also included. A total of 91 investigations conducted in the US and abroad were reviewed. Most commonly, interventions included a component of psychoeducation, although pharmacologic, exercise, and other approaches have been evaluated. Many studies have focused on survivors of breast or gynecologic cancer, among other sampling and methodological limitations. These limitations underscore the need for more work on this vital survivorship issue. Recommendations for future research in this area are also offered.
The Prevalence and Predictors of Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome in Police Personnel

Hypertension and metabolic syndrome (METSYN) are reportedly high in police forces. This may contribute to health deterioration and absenteeism in police personnel. Police forces comprise of staff in ‘operational’ and ‘non-operational’ job types but it is not known if job type is associated to hypertension and METSYN prevalence. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of hypertension and METSYN, the factors associated with the risk of hypertension and METSYN, and compare physiological, psychological, and behavioural factors between operational and non-operational police personnel. Cross-sectional data was collected from 77 operational and 60 non-operational police workers. Hypertension and METSYN were prevalent in 60.5% and 20% of operational and 60.0% and 13.6% of non-operational police personnel, respectively (p > 0.05). Operational job type, moderate organisational stress (compared with low stress) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with lower odds of hypertension, whereas increasing body mass index was associated with increased odds of hypertension (p < 0.05). None of the independent variables were significantly associated with the odds of METSYN. Operational police had several increased cardiometabolic risk markers compared with non-operational police. Given the high prevalence of hypertension and METSYN in operational and non-operational personnel, occupational health interventions are needed for the police and could be informed by the findings of this study.
A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial on the Ontario Brain Injury Association Peer Support Program

Background: The long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury can create major barriers to community integration. Peer support represents a sustainable model of support across this transition. The objective of the current study was to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial on the Ontario Brain Injury Association Peer Support Program and the preliminary effectiveness of the program on community integration, mood, health-related quality of life, and self-efficacy; Methods: A pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial with an embedded qualitative component was conducted. Mentees with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (n = 13) were randomized to a weekly intervention or waitlist control group. Interviews were conducted with a subset of mentees and peer mentors (n = 10). Integration of the quantitative and qualitative data was completed using a joint display approach; Results: No statistically significant results were found for community integration, mood, or self-efficacy; however, changes in these outcomes were accompanied by moderate-to-large effect sizes. Within health-related quality of life, the mean pain score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group at the two-month timepoint but not at completion. Interviews revealed proximal improvements in knowledge, skills, and goals, and identified two domains related to trial acceptability: (1) environmental context and resources, and (2) reinforcement; Conclusions: Given the conceivable importance of proximal improvements in domains such as knowledge, skills, and/or goals for the attainment of more distal outcomes, modifications to the existing Peer Support Program may be warranted. The introduction of program recommendations which promote discussion around particular domains may help facilitate long-term improvements in health outcomes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Steel Slag as Aggregate for Road Construction: Experimental Testing and Environmental Impact Assessment

Blast Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag represents one of the largest waste fractions from steelmaking. Therefore, slag valorisation technologies are of high importance regarding the use of slag as a secondary resource, both in the steel sector and in other sectors, such as the construction or cement industries. The main issue regarding the use of BOF slag is its volumetric instability in the presence of water; this hampers its use in sectors and requires a stabilisation pre-treatment. These treatments are also cost-inefficient and cause other environmental issues. This paper analyses the use of untreated BOF slag from a technical and environmental point of view, suggesting it as an alternative to natural aggregates in road surface layers and asphalt pavements. A comprehensive analysis of the requirements to be met by raw materials used in asphalt mixes was performed, and a pilot test was carried out with two different mixtures: one mix with limestone as coarse aggregate and another with 15% BOF slag. Furthermore, the global warming impacts derived from each mix with different aggregates were measured by Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and a transport sensitivity analysis was also performed. The results show how the utilization of BOF slag as coarse aggregate in road construction improves the technical performance of asphalt mixtures (Marshall Quotient 4.9 vs. 6.6). Moreover, the introduction of BOF slag into the asphalt mix as a coarse aggregate, instead of limestone, causes a carbon emissions reduction rate of more than 14%.
Catalytic Activity of Thermolyzed [Co(NH3)6][Fe(CN)6] in CO Hydrogenation Reaction

Currently, the processes of obtaining synthetic liquid hydrocarbons and oxygenates are very relevant. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is the most important step in these processes. The products of thermal destruction in argon of the mixture [Co(NH3)6][Fe(CN)6] and Al(OH)3 were used as catalysts for CO hydrogenation. The resulting compositions were studied using powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM micrographs. The specific surface area, pore and particle size distributions were determined. It was determined that the DCS-based catalysts were active in the high-temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The effect of aluminum in the catalyst composition on the distribution of reaction products was revealed.
A Novel Combination of Blood Biomarkers and Clinical Stroke Scales Facilitates Detection of Large Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Strokes

Acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (LVOs) is a major contributor to stroke deaths and disabilities; however, identification for emergency treatment is challenging. We recruited two separate cohorts of suspected stroke patients and screened a panel of blood-derived protein biomarkers for LVO detection. Diagnostic performance was estimated by using blood biomarkers in combination with NIHSS-derived stroke severity scales. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that D-dimer (OR 16, 95% CI 5–60; p-value < 0.001) and GFAP (OR 0.002, 95% CI 0–0.68; p-value < 0.05) comprised the optimal panel for LVO detection. Combinations of D-dimer and GFAP with a number of stroke severity scales increased the number of true positives, while reducing false positives due to hemorrhage, as compared to stroke scales alone (p-value < 0.001). A combination of the biomarkers with FAST-ED resulted in the highest accuracy at 95% (95% CI: 87–99%), with sensitivity of 91% (95% CI: 72–99%), and specificity of 96% (95% CI: 90–99%). Diagnostic accuracy was confirmed in an independent cohort, in which accuracy was again shown to be 95% (95% CI: 87–99%), with a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI: 57–96%), and specificity of 98% (95% CI: 92–100%). Accordingly, the combination of D-dimer and GFAP with stroke scales may provide a simple and highly accurate tool for identifying LVO patients, with a potential impact on time to treatment.
To Name or Not to Name: Eye Movements and Semantic Processing in RAN and Reading

This study examined the well-established relationship between rapid naming and reading. Rapid automatized naming (RAN) has long been demonstrated as a strong predictor of reading abilities. Despite extensive research spanning over 4 decades, the underlying mechanisms of these causes remain a subject of inquiry. The current study investigated the role of eye movements and semantic processing in defining the RAN-reading relationship. The participants in this study were 42 English-speaking undergraduate students at a British university. The materials included a word reading task, two conventional RAN tasks (object and digit), and two RAN-like categorization tasks (object and digit). The results obtained suggested the interdependence between rapid naming and semantic processing. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that oculomotor control remains an integral part of variability in RAN and reading performance. Taken together, our results suggest that RAN and reading measures are correlated because both require rapid and accurate retrieval of phonological representations, semantic properties of visual stimuli, and stable co-ordination of eye movements.
Salvigenin, a Trimethoxylated Flavone from Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch, Exerts Combined Lipid-Lowering and Mitochondrial Stimulatory Effects

Phytochemical analysis of the Iranian plant Achillea wilhelmsii led to the isolation of 17 pure secondary metabolites belonging to the classes of sesquiterpenoids and phenolics. Two of these compounds, named wilhemsin (7) and wilhelmsolide (9), are new sesquiterpenoids, and the first shows undescribed structural features. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis, mainly based on 1D and 2D NMR, and chemical derivatization. Starting from plant traditional use and previous reports on the activity of the plant extracts, all the pure compounds were evaluated on endpoints related to the treatment of metabolic syndrome. The sesquiterpene hanphyllin (8) showed a selective cholesterol-lowering activity (−12.7% at 30 µM), santoflavone (13) stimulated glucose uptake via the GLUT transporter (+16.2% at 30 µM), while the trimethoxylated flavone salvigenin (14) showed a dual activity in decreasing lipid levels (−22.5% palmitic acid biosynthesis at 30 µM) and stimulating mitochondrial functionality (+15.4% at 30 µM). This study further confirms that, in addition to the antioxidants vitexin, isovitexin, and isoschaftoside, A. wilhelmsii extracts contain molecules that can act at different levels on the metabolic syndrome symptoms.
Activated Alpha-2 Macroglobulin Improves Insulin Response via LRP1 in Lipid-Loaded HL-1 Cardiomyocytes

Activated alpha-2 Macroglobulin (α2M*) is specifically recognized by the cluster I/II of LRP1 (Low-density lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein-1). LRP1 is a scaffold protein for insulin receptor involved in the insulin-induced glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation to plasma membrane and glucose uptake in different types of cells. Moreover, the cluster II of LRP1 plays a critical role in the internalization of atherogenic lipoproteins, such as aggregated Low-density Lipoproteins (aggLDL), promoting intracellular cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulation mainly in arterial intima and myocardium. The aggLDL uptake by LRP1 impairs GLUT4 traffic and the insulin response in cardiomyocytes. However, the link between CE accumulation, insulin action, and cardiac dysfunction are largely unknown. Here, we found that α2M* increased GLUT4 expression on cell surface by Rab4, Rab8A, and Rab10-mediated recycling through PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling activation. Moreover, α2M* enhanced the insulin response increasing insulin-induced glucose uptake rate in the myocardium under normal conditions. On the other hand, α2M* blocked the intracellular CE accumulation, improved the insulin response and reduced cardiac damage in HL-1 cardiomyocytes exposed to aggLDL. In conclusion, α2M* by its agonist action on LRP1, counteracts the deleterious effects of aggLDL in cardiomyocytes, which may have therapeutic implications in cardiovascular diseases associated with hypercholesterolemia.
Regiospecific Positioning of Palmitic Acid in Triacylglycerol Structure of Enzymatically Modified Lipids Affects Physicochemical and In Vitro Digestion Properties

Tripalmitin-(PPP, 81.2%), 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol-(POP, 64.4%), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoylglycerol-(PPO, 86.5%), and 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol-(OPO, 50.2%)-rich lipids with different regiospecific positions of palmitic acid (P) were synthesized via acetone fractionation and lipase-catalyzed acidolysis, and their physicochemical and hydrolytic characteristics were compared. Triacylglycerols (TAGs) with higher content of P, wherein P was at the sn-1 (or 3) position, had higher melting points, crystallization temperatures, and packing densities of fat crystals compared to those with a lower content of P, and with P at the sn-2 position. The in vitro digestion degree calculated as released fatty acid (FA) (%) at 30, 60, and 120 min was in the following order: OPO-rich > PPO-rich > POP-rich lipids. At 120 min, in vitro digestion of the OPO-rich lipid released 92.6% of fatty acids, resulting in the highest digestibility, while 89.7% and 87.2% of fatty acids were released from the OPO-rich and PPO-rich lipids, respectively. Over the digestion period, the TAG and monoacylglycerol (MAG) contents decreased, while the diacylglycerol (DAG) content initially increased and then decreased, and the 1,2-DAG content exceeded the 1,3-DAG content. Therefore, the content and stereospecific position of P attached to a specific TAG affected the physicochemical and in vitro digestion characteristics of the lipids.
Evaluation of ECOSTRESS Thermal Data over South Florida Estuaries

Operational coarse-resolution satellite thermal sensors designed for global oceans are often insufficient for evaluating surface temperature of small water bodies. Here, the quality of the thermal data, collected by the ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS), over several South Florida estuaries, Chesapeake Bay, and Lake Okeechobee is evaluated using both in situ and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data. Overall, for SST between ~6 and ~32 °C, ECOSTRESS LST (Land Surface Temperature, used as a surrogate for SST in this study) appears to be slightly underestimated, with the underestimation being more severe at night (−1.13 °C) than during the day (−0.64 °C), in spring and summer (−1.25 ± 1.39 °C) than in autumn and winter (−0.57 ± 0.98 °C), and after May 2019 when two of the five bands failed. The root-mean-square uncertainties of ECOSTRESS SST are generally within 1–2 °C. Spatial analysis further suggests that ECOSTRESS SST covers waters closer to shore and reveals more spatial features than MODIS, with comparable image noise. From these observations, after proper georeferencing and empirical correction of the negative bias, ECOSTRESS SST may be used to evaluate the thermal environments of small water bodies, thus filling gaps in the coarse-resolution satellite data.
Experience of Patients with Diabetes and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors with Health Professionals and Healthcare in Spain

We aimed to evaluate the experience of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with healthcare received in Spain. This was a retrospective, observational study in patients with T2DM cared for in primary healthcare (PHC) centers. A cross-sectional analysis of the patients’ experience data was performed using the Instrument for the Evaluation of the Experience of Chronic Patients (IEXPAC). A total of 475 patients with T2DM were recruited from 36 PHC centers, of which 248 (52.2%) completed the IEXPAC questionnaire. The IEXPAC total mean score (range 0–10) was 7 points, with an average “new relational model” score of 2.5 points. The mean continuity of care score after hospital discharge was 6.2 points. The results showed that 8% of the patients always or almost always used the internet to check their medical history, appointments or other data from their healthcare service, and 15% responded that healthcare professionals always or almost always informed them of forums or other reliable internet sites to obtain information about their illness. The study results show that there is a wide margin for improvement in the experience of patients with T2DM with healthcare in Spain, especially regarding the information patients receive or can obtain.
Atelocollagen-Embedded Chondrocyte Precursors as a Treatment for Grade-4 Cartilage Defects of the Femoral Condyle: A Case Series with up to 9-Year Follow-Up

We demonstrated the safety and efficacy of autologous chondrocyte precursor (CP) cell therapy in repairing Grade 4 cartilage defects of medial femoral condyles. The autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of each participant were isolated, amplified, and then differentiated into CPs in atelocollagen. Neotissues made of CPs were implanted into cartilage defects with an average cell density of 4.9 ± 2.1 × 106 cells/cm2 through arthrotomy. The knee function was evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form. Patients’ knee functions significantly improved by the 28th week (IKDC score = 68.3 ± 12.1), relative to the initial functionality before the CP therapy (IKDC score = 46.1 ± 16.4, p-value = 0.0014). Nine of these twelve patients maintained good knee functions for 9 years post-implantation (IKDC score = 69.8 ± 12.3) at levels higher than the pre-implantation values (p-value = 0.0018). Patients were evaluated with MRI and arthroscopy, and the defective sites exhibited a smooth surface without a gap between the implant and host tissue. This study demonstrates that autologous CPs successfully engraft into the host tissue and result in the re-formation of hyaline-like cartilage, thereby improving the impaired knee functions. Most importantly, no adverse event was reported during this long-term follow-up period.