Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of minor components on lipid bioaccessibility and oxidation during in vitro digestion of soybean oil.

BACKGROUND Minor components of edible oils could influence their evolution during in vitro digestion. This might affect the bioaccessibility of lipid nutrients and the safety of the ingested food. Bearing this in mind, the evolution of virgin and refined soybean oils, which are very similar in acyl group composition, has been studied throughout in vitro digestion using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography /mass spectrometry, focusing on lipolysis and oxidation reactions. The fate of γ-tocopherol, the main antioxidant present in soybean oil, has also been analyzed with 1 H NMR. RESULTS There were no noticeable differences in lipolysis between the two oils that were studied. The extent of oxidation during digestion, which was very low in both cases, was slightly higher in the virgin type, which showed lower tocopherols and squalene concentrations than the refined one, together with a considerable abundance of free fatty acids. This can be deduced both from the appearance after digestion of conjugated hydroperoxy- and hydroxy-dienes only in the virgin oil, and from its higher levels of volatile aldehydes and 2-pentyl-furan. Under in vitro digestion conditions, the formation of epoxides seemed to be favored over other oxidation products. Finally, although some soybean oil essential nutrients like polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibited no significant degradation after digestion, γ-tocopherol concentration diminished during this process, especially in the virgin oil. CONCLUSION Although the minor component composition of the soybean oils did not affect lipolysis during in vitro digestion, it influenced the extent of their oxidation and γ-tocopherol bioaccessibility. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association between burnout and sense of coherence among speech and language therapists: an exploratory study in Italy

Background and aim: Job burnout has been recognized as a serious occupational hazard among professionals, such as health care professionals. The sense of coherence (SoC) is deemed to be a personal resource capable of reducing the impact of job stressors and, consequently, the experience of job burnout. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between SoC and job burnout among speech and language therapists. Materials and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional analysis was carried out through an online self-reported questionnaire. A total of 217 Italian speech and language therapists were involved in the study. The Anova test, T-test and logistic regression were performed to study the association between SoC and job burnout. Results: The Anova test showed that job tenure was not associated to job burnout. The T-test showed that speech and language therapists having a low SoC exhibited significantly higher emotional exhaustion, higher cynicism, and lower professional efficacy (t=-7.190 d.f.=215 p<.001) when compared to those having a high SoC. Finally, the odds ratio showed that low SoC was associated with high emotional exhaustion (OR=11.86; 95% CI=5.52-25.49; p<0.05), low SoC was associated with high cynicism (OR=4.41, CI=2.50-7.80; p<0.05), and low SoC was associated with low personal efficacy (OR=4.70; CI=2.59-8.52; p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results are in line with previous studies which showed that SoC is a fundamental personal resource which may activate workers’ reaction to various stressors, thus reducing the experience of burnout. (www.actabiomedica.it)
The association between executive functioning and parental stress and psychological distress is mediated by parental reflective functioning in mothers with substance use disorder

Abstract Mothers with a substance use disorder (SUD) have been found to exhibit heightened experience of stress and deficits in executive functioning (EF) and in parental reflective functioning (PRF). Although experiences of stress, EF and PRF are important for caregiving capacities; no studies have explored associations between the phenomena in mothers with SUD. This study aimed to examine the association between EF (working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility) and different forms of stress (parental stress, general life stress, and psychological distress) in 43 mothers with SUD with infants. We further aimed to investigate whether PRF had a mediating function between EF and the experience of stress. The mothers completed self‐report questionnaires regarding experiences of different types of stress, and we also used neuropsychological tests to assess EF and a semistructured interview to assess PRF. Results identified problems in EF were associated with higher parental stress and psychological distress but not with general life stress. Cognitive flexibility contributed uniquely to variance in parental stress, whereas working memory was a unique contributor to variance in psychological distress. PRF had a mediating function between EF and parental stress and between EF and psychological distress. Findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in PRF when targeting EF in interventions trying to reduce the experience of parental stress and psychological distress in mothers with SUD.
Genomic variants identified from whole-genome resequencing of indicine cattle breeds from Pakistan

The primary goal of cattle genomics is the identification of genome-wide polymorphism associated with economically important traits. The bovine genome sequencing project was completed in 2009. Since then, using massively parallel sequencing technologies, a large number of Bos taurus cattle breeds have been resequenced and scanned for genome-wide polymorphisms. As a result, a substantial number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been discovered across European Bos taurus genomes, whereas extremely less number of SNPs are cataloged for Bos indicus breeds. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing, reference-based mapping, functional annotation and gene enrichment analysis of 20 sires representing eleven important Bos indicus (indicine) breeds of Pakistan. The breeds sequenced here include: Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar and Cholistani (tropically adapted dairy and dual purpose breeds), Achai, Bhagnari, Dajal and Lohani (high altitude adapted dual and drought purpose breeds); Dhanni, Hisar Haryana and Gabrali (dairy and light drought purpose breeds). A total of 17.4 billion QC passed reads were produced using BGISEQ-500 next generation sequencing platform to generate 9 to 27-fold genome coverage (average ~16×) for each of the 20 sequenced sires. A total of 67,303,469 SNPs were identified, of which 3,850,365 were found novel and 1,083,842 insertions-deletions (InDels) were detected across the whole sequenced genomes (491,247 novel). Comparative analysis using coding region SNPs revealed a close relationship between the best milking indicine breeds; Red Sindhi and Sahiwal. On the other hand, Bhagnari and Tharparkar being popular for their adaptation to dry and extremely hot climates were found to share the highest number of SNPs. Functional annotation identified a total of 3,194 high-impact (disruptive) SNPs and 745 disruptive InDels (in 275 genes) that may possibly affect economically important dairy and beef traits. Functional enrichment analysis was performed and revealed that high or moderate impact variants in wingless-related integration site (Wnt) and vascular smooth muscle contraction (VSMC) signaling pathways were significantly over-represented in tropically adapted heat tolerant Pakistani-indicine breeds. On the other hand, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathways were found over-represented in highland adapted Pakistani-indicine breeds. Similarly, the ECM-receptor interaction and Jak-STAT signaling pathway were significantly enriched in dairy and beef purpose Pakistani-indicine cattle breeds. The Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was significantly enriched in most of the Pakistani-indicine cattle. Therefore, this study provides baseline data for further research to investigate the molecular mechanisms of major traits and to develop potential genomic markers associated with economically important breeding traits, particularly in indicine cattle.
Tumor-associated factors are enriched in lymphatic exudate compared to plasma in metastatic melanoma patients

Liquid biopsies allow monitoring of cancer progression and detection of relapse, but reliable biomarkers in melanoma are lacking. Because secreted factors preferentially drain to lymphatic vessels before dilution in the blood, we hypothesized that lymph should be vastly enriched in cancer biomarkers. We characterized postoperative lymphatic exudate and plasma of metastatic melanoma patients after lymphadenectomy and found a dramatic enrichment in lymphatic exudate of tumor-derived factors and especially extracellular vesicles containing melanoma-associated proteins and miRNAs, with unique protein signatures reflecting early versus advanced metastatic spread. Furthermore, lymphatic exudate was enriched in memory T cells, including tumor-reactive CD137+ and stem cell–like types. In mice, lymph vessels were the major route of extracellular vesicle transport from tumors to the systemic circulation. We suggest that lymphatic exudate provides a rich source of tumor-derived factors for enabling the discovery of novel biomarkers that may reflect disease stage and therapeutic response.
Increased mucosal neutrophil survival is associated with altered microbiota in HIV infection

Gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal dysfunction predicts and likely contributes to non-infectious comorbidities and mortality in HIV infection and persists despite antiretroviral therapy. However, the mechanisms underlying this dysfunction remain incompletely understood. Neutrophils are important for containment of pathogens but can also contribute to tissue damage due to their release of reactive oxygen species and other potentially harmful effector molecules. Here we used a flow cytometry approach to investigate increased neutrophil lifespan as a mechanism for GI neutrophil accumulation in chronic, treated HIV infection and a potential role for gastrointestinal dysbiosis. We report that increased neutrophil survival contributes to neutrophil accumulation in colorectal biopsy tissue, thus implicating neutrophil lifespan as a new therapeutic target for mucosal inflammation in HIV infection. Additionally, we characterized the intestinal microbiome of colorectal biopsies using 16S rRNA sequencing. We found that a reduced Lactobacillus: Prevotella ratio associated with neutrophil survival, suggesting that intestinal bacteria may contribute to GI neutrophil accumulation in treated HIV infection. Finally, we provide evidence that Lactobacillus species uniquely decrease neutrophil survival and neutrophil frequency in vitro, which could have important therapeutic implications for reducing neutrophil-driven inflammation in HIV and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Technology to Support Aging in Place: Older Adults’ Perspectives

The U.S. population over 65 years of age is increasing. Most older adults prefer to age in place, and technologies, including Internet of things (IoT), Ambient/Active Assisted Living (AAL) robots and other artificial intelligence (AI), can support independent living. However, a top-down design process creates mismatches between technologies and older adults’ needs. A user-centered design approach was used to identify older adults’ perspectives regarding AAL and AI technologies and gauge interest in participating in a co-design process. A survey was used to obtain demographic characteristics and assess privacy perspectives. A convenience sample of 31 retirement community residents participated in one of two 90-min focus group sessions. The semi-structured group interview solicited barriers and facilitators to technology adoption, privacy attitudes, and interest in project co-design participation to inform technology development. Focus group sessions were audiotaped and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were reviewed and coded to identify themes and patterns. Descriptive statistics were applied to the quantitative data. Identified barriers to technology use included low technology literacy, including lack of familiarity with terminology, and physical challenges, which can make adoption difficult. Facilitators included an eagerness to learn, interest in co-design, and a desire to understand and control their data. Most participants identified as privacy pragmatics and fundamentalists, indicating that privacy is important to older adults. At the same time, they also reported a willingness to contribute to the design of technologies that would facilitate aging independently. There is a need to increase technology literacy of older adults along with aging literacy of technologists.
Hotoda’s Sequence and Anti-HIV Activity: Where Are We Now?

The pharmacological relevance of ODNs forming G-quadruplexes as anti-HIV agents has been extensively reported in the literature over the last few years. Recent detailed studies have elucidated the peculiar arrangement adopted by many G-quadruplex-based aptamers and provided insight into their mechanism of action. In this review, we have reported the history of a strong anti-HIV agent: the 6-mer d(TGGGAG) sequence, commonly called “Hotoda’s sequence”. In particular, all findings reported on this sequence and its modified sequences have been discussed considering the following research phases: (i) discovery of the first 5′-modified active d(TGGGAG) sequences; (ii) synthesis of a variety of end-modified d(TGGGAG) sequences; (iii) biophysical and NMR investigations of natural and modified Hotoda’s sequences; (iv); kinetic studies on the most active 5′-modified d(TGGGAG) sequences; and (v) extensive anti-HIV screening of G-quadruplexes formed by d(TGGGAG) sequences. This review aims to clarify all results obtained over the years on Hotoda’s sequence, revealing its potentiality as a strong anti-HIV agent (EC50 = 14 nM).
A Natural 2D Heterostructure [Pb3.1Sb0.9S4][Au xTe2- x] with Large Transverse Nonsaturating Negative Magnetoresistance and High Electron Mobility.

We report the two-dimensional (2D) natural heterostructure [Pb3.1Sb0. 9S4][Au xTe2- x] ( x = 0.52-0.36) which shows anomalous, transverse nonsaturating negative magnetoresistance (MR). For x = 0.52, the material has a commensurately modulated structure with alternating [Pb3.1Sb0. 9S4] rocksalt layers and atomically thin [Au xTe2- x] sheets, as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using a (3 + 1)-dimensional space group; for other x compositions, the modulated structure is absent and the Au and Te atoms are disordered. The transport properties in this system at low temperature (<100 K) are dominated by an unusual 2D hopping mechanism, while at room temperature a high carrier mobility of ∼1352 cm2 V-1 s-1 is obtained ( x = 0.36). The confined electrons within the [Au xTe2- x] layers are also exposed to interlayer coupling with the insulating [Pb3.1Sb0. 9S4] layers, and as a result, the properties of the heterostructures emerge not only from the constituent layers but also the interactions between them. Furthermore, the various Au and Te coordination patterns found in the [Au xTe2- x] sheets as a function of x further contribute to a unique electronic structure that leads to the anomalous nonsaturating negative MR with different field dependent behaviors. First-principles calculations indicate that the [Au xTe2- x] sheets are responsible for the unusual electrical transport properties in this 2D system.
Endothelial function, adipokine serum levels and white matter hyperintesities in subjects with diabetic foot syndrome.

CONTEXT No study analysed the prevalence of white matter hyperintesities (WMHs) in subjects with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) and their relationship with adipokine serum levels and indexes of endothelial and cognitive performance. OBJECTIVE To evaluate omentin and vaspin serum levels and WMHs prevalence in subjects with DFS and to analyse their relationship with other endothelial, arterial stiffness and cognitive function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Case-control study enrolling 40 subjects with DFS, 40 diabetic subjects without foot complications, 40 controls with foot lesions without diabetes and 40 patients without diabetes mellitus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (Aix), Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), serum vaspin and omentin levels, Fazekas Score, MMSE. RESULTS Subjects with DFS showed higher mean PWV values if compared with diabetic controls, lower RHI values if compared with controls. They also showed a lower mean MMSE score, significantly lower omentin serum levels, a higher prevalence of grade 2 severity of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH). We observed a significant positive correlation between PWV and PVH, between Fazekas Score and PWV among diabetic subjects, whereas among subjects with diabetic foot we observed a significant negative correlation between PVH and RHI. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes seems to be more associated with endothelial function disturbance in comparison with patients with diabetic foot that exhibit a more strict association with microvascular brain damage as indicated by our significant finding of an association with periventricular hyperintensities.
Breastfeeding pathologies: analysis of prevalence, risk and protective factors

Background and aim of the study: Breastfeeding is essential for the health of mothers and newborns, and it is recommended by WHO-UNICEF as the sole source of nutrition and protection for the first 6 months of life and beyond. In order to fully promote this practice, it is important to recognize early conditions that can lead to pathological breastfeeding. Aim: The study aims to analyze the prevalence and the possible risk or protective factors concerning the pathology of breastfeeding. Methods: For this observational study were consulted the medical records and the files of the Breastfeeding clinic of 1065 puerperal women, of the University Hospital of Modena, from January to August 2016. The data were processed with the SPSS Software. Results: In our study population, 532 (50%) puerperal women presented a breastfeeding-related disease, of which 330 (31%) had a disease affecting the mother (breast engorgement, fissures, a-/hypo-galactia, discontinuation of breastfeeding, galactocele, mastitis and candidiasis), 105 (9.9%) of the newborn (inadequate suction, neonatal jaundice, pathological weight loss, need for admission to NICU) and 97 (9.1%) of both the mother and the newborn. Discussions: It is evident from the results that the predicting factors of pathology in breastfeeding are present in pregnant women who give birth in an early gestational age and with high age, birth rate and nationality. Conclusions: staff training courses are essential to respond to WHO-UNICEF recommendations and to improve the continuity of care for the mother-child dyad. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Managing of musculoskeletal infections in children.

OBJECTIVE Epidemiological features of musculoskeletal infections are in continuous evolution. The incidence of emerging causative pathogen is arising. Nevertheless, up to 50% of osteoarticular infections shows negative cultures. Septic arthritis, with or without concurrent osteomyelitis, are most common in newborn while osteomyelitis frequently affects older patients. We retrospectively analyzed all the children affected by musculoskeletal infections treated at the Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù in ten years, focusing on the results of an early diagnostic and therapeutic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study population consists of 150 children with acute septic arthritis, osteomyelitis and discitis, treated from 2006 to 2016, excluding patients with less than 12 months of follow-up and previous treatment sustained in others hospitals. A wide spectrum of data has been extracted from clinical charts, laboratory studies and imaging. Patients were categorized into 3 groups on the base of their age. The diagnostic and therapeutic protocol consisted of intravenous empirical treatment while diagnosis was ongoing then switched to oral treatment, according to the pathogen and the systemic symptoms. RESULTS Only 31% of pathogens were identified. The most common was Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-sensible (MSSA) but an increase of cases caused by Kingella Kingae and Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA) was observed. The mean antibiotic treatment was 6.8 weeks. It's important to underline a significant correlation between age and C-reactive protein serum levels. CONCLUSIONS Among others frequent pathogens, MRSA shows a high rate of physis involvement. Musculoskeletal infections represent a challenge in skeletally immature patients because of their potential severe complications. Timing of diagnosis and consequent targeted treatment is fundamental to avoid complications and functional sequelae.
The application value of ultra-short echo time MRI in the quantification of liver iron overload in a rat model.

Background The quantitative evaluation of liver iron concentration (LIC) is important in guiding the treatment of blood transfusion-dependent patients. Conventionally, LIC is assessed through R2*or R2 values using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, most of the studies using MRI to determine iron overload were restricted by the minimum echo time, so that severe iron overload could hardly be quantified. In our study, we demonstrate a new approach to overcome the limitation of the shortest echo time using ultra-short echo time (UTE) MRI to quantify liver iron overload of varying degrees in a rat model. Methods Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were included and randomly assigned into 10 equal groups. Group 1 was not injected with iron dextran. Groups 2 to 10 were intraperitoneally injected with iron dextran at a dose of 15 mg/kg every 3 days. On every 6th day, one group was randomly selected from groups 2 to 10 for MRI scanning and liver iron concentration (LIC) detection. For groups 1 to 10, images were acquired by UTE sequence using a 3.0T MR scanner, and the T2* value and R2* value were obtained (R2* =1/T2*). In addition, LIC was measured using an atomic absorption photometer. The correlation analysis between R2* value and LIC was performed and the regression equation of R2* and LIC was established and its reliability verified. Results For groups 1 to 10, R2* values and LIC ranged from 60.16±4.76 to 1,306.90±42.26 Hz and from 0.84±0.11 to 5.89±2.64 mg/g dry, respectively. The R2* value was linearly correlated to the LIC (r=0.897, P<0.001), and the linear regression equation was LIC = 0.005 × R2* + 1.783. The validation analysis results showed that the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC) between the predicted and measured LIC was 89.5%. Conclusions The UTE sequence could be used for quantification of varying degrees of hepatic iron overload in the rat model, and the LIC could be predicted by using the R2* value on an MR 3.0T scanner.