Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“We have two different agendas”: the views of general practitioners, social workers and hospital staff on interprofessional coordination for patients with chronic widespread pain

ABSTRACT Patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP) are often unfit for work and go through lengthy treatment. In Denmark, this includes contacts with the job center in their municipality, their general practitioner (GP) and one or more hospital units. Little is known about how coordination around patients with CWP functions and is perceived by professionals. Therefore, our aim is to explore how GPs, social workers from municipality job centers and hospital staff experience interprofessional coordination for patients with CWP. Interviews with 7 GPs, 12 social workers, and 10 hospital staff were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The participants experienced challenges with coordination, primarily in the relations between social workers and GPs. There was an over-reliance on written communication in situations where the actors had divergent agendas, opposing professional roles and conflicting approaches to time. GPs tended to lengthen the time spans for treating patients, while social workers tried to shorten them so that patients could get back to work. Applying the theory of relational coordination (RC), the findings correspond to a low level of RC, indicating a need for shared accountability, and strengthened interpersonal communication between professionals. Abbreviations: CWP: Chronic widespread pain; GPs: General practitioners; RC: Relational coordination; IPA: Interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Isoliquiritigenin Nanosuspension Enhances Cytostatic Effects in A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Abstract Isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid extracted from licorice root, has been shown to be active against most cancer cells; however, its antitumor activity is limited by its poor water solubility. The aim of this study was to develop a stable isoliquiritigenin nanosuspension for enhanced solubility and to evaluate its in vitro cytostatic activity in A549 cells. The nanosuspension of isoliquiritigenin was prepared through wet media milling with HPC SSL (hydroxypropyl cellulose-SSL) and PVP K30 (polyinylpyrrolidone-K30) as stabilizers, and the samples were then characterized according to particle size, zeta-potential, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and in vitro release. The isoliquiritigenin nanosuspension prepared with HPC SSL and PVP K30 had particle sizes of 238.1 ± 4.9 nm and 354.1 ± 9.1 nm, respectively. Both nanosuspensions showed a surface charge of approximately − 20 mV and a lamelliform or ellipse shape. The dissolution of isoliquiritigenin from the 2 nanosuspensions was markedly higher than that of free isoliquiritigenin. In vitro studies on A549 cells indicated that the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake significantly improved after treatment with both nanosuspensions in comparison to the isoliquiritigenin solution. Furthermore, cell apoptosis analysis showed a 7.5 – 10-fold increase in the apoptosis rate induced by both nanosuspensions compared with pure drug. However, the cytotoxicity of pure drug and nanosuspension on normal cells (HELF) was lower, which indicated both isoliquiritigenin nanosuspensions have low toxicity to normal cells. Therefore, the isoliquiritigenin nanosuspension prepared with HPC SSL and PVP K30 as stabilizers may be a promising approach to improve the solubility and cytostatic activity of isoliquiritigenin.
Self-assembled multiple enzyme composites for enhanced synergistic cancer starving-catalytic therapy.

Inspired by the particularity of tumor microenvironments, including acidity and sensibility to reactive oxygen species (ROS), advanced and smart responsive nanomaterials have recently been developed. The present study synthesized tumor-targeted and pH-sensitive supramolecular micelles that self-assembled via host-guest recognition. The micelles consumed intratumoral glucose and lactate via loading with glucose oxidase (GOD) and lactate oxidase (LOD). Intratumoral glucose and lactate were converted into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and were sequentially reduced to highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (▪OH) via the peroxidase (POD)-like activity of the loaded C-dot nanozymes. Tumor-killing effects were observed via cascade catalytic reactions. After intravenous injection, the nanocomposite exhibited an excellent tumor-targeted ability with good biocompatibility, which demonstrated its effective antitumor effect. The nanocomposite effectively combined starvation and catalytic therapy and exerted a synergistic anticancer effect with minimal side effects and without external addition.
Aposymbiosis of a Burkholderiaceae-Related Endobacterium Impacts on Sexual Reproduction of Its Fungal Host

Bacterial endosymbionts inhabit diverse fungal lineages. Although the number of studies on bacteria is increasing, the mechanisms by which bacteria affect their fungal hosts remain unclear. We herein examined the homothallic isolate, Mortierella sugadairana YTM39, harboring a Burkholderiaceae-related endobacterium, which did not produce sexual spores. We successfully eliminated the bacterium from fungal isolates using ciprofloxacin treatment and asexual spore isolation for germinated asexual spores. Sexual spore formation by the fungus was restored by eliminating the bacterium from isolates. These results indicate that sexual reproduction by the fungus was inhibited by the bacterium. This is the first study on the sexual spore infertility of fungal hosts by endofungal bacteria.
Out of hours, out of sight? Uncovering the education potential of general practice urgent care for UK undergraduates

ABSTRACT There is a need to increase undergraduate primary care exposure and subsequently enhance primary care recruitment. This study aimed to establish the current use and education potential of the primary care out of hours (OOH) learning environment. This was a mix methods study. A questionnaire was sent to UK primary care heads of teaching nationally to explore the current use of GP OOHs in the undergraduate curriculum and focus groups evaluated final year medical students’ experience of an OOH placement. There was a 100% response rate from primary care heads of teaching. Despite 86% being in favour of integrating OOH placements within the undergraduate curriculum, only 28% of medical schools currently offer primary care OOH placements. 36 out of 240 students volunteered for a clinical OOH session. Focus group data from 6 of these students revealed that the placements provided unique learning opportunities and allowed students to appreciate the organisational structure of the National Health Service (NHS). However, barriers included logistical difficulties with the OOH providers and inadequate supervision. It appears that we are overlooking a unique educational opportunity for medical undergraduates. With increasing demands for GP exposure within the undergraduate curriculum, GP OOH is a useful resource for UK medical schools.
A Survey on Machine Learning and Deep Learning based Computer Aided Methods for Detection of Polyps in CT Colonography.

BACKGROUND Colon cancer generally begins as a neoplastic growth of tissue, called polyps, originating from the inner lining of the colon wall. Most colon polyps are considered harmless but over time, they can evolve into colon cancer, which when diagnosed in later stages is often fatal. Hence, time is of the essence in the early detection of polyps and the prevention of colon cancer. METHODS To aid this endeavour, many computer-aided methods have been developed, which use a wide array of techniques to detect, localize and segment polyps from CT Colonography images. In this paper, a comprehensive state-of-the-art method is proposed and categorize this work broadly using the available classification techniques using Machine Learning and Deep Learning. CONCLUSIONS The performance of each of the proposed approach is analyzed with existing methods and also how they can be used to tackle the timely and accurate detection of colon polyps.
Efficient Micropropagation Protocol for the Conservation of the Endangered Aloe peglerae, an Ornamental and Medicinal Species

A number of Aloe species are facing an extremely high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and over-exploitation for medicinal and ornamental trade. The last global assessment of Aloe peglerae Schönland (in 2003) ranked its global conservation status as ‘endangered’ with a decreasing population trend. In the National Red List of South African Plants, the extremely rapid decline of this species has resulted in its conservation status being elevated from ‘endangered’ to ‘critically endangered’ based on recent or new field information. This dramatic decline necessitates the development of a simple, rapid and efficient micropropagation protocol as a conservation measure. An in vitro propagation protocol was therefore established with the regeneration of 12 shoots per shoot-tip explant within 8 weeks using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.5 µM meta-topolin riboside (an aromatic cytokinin). The rooting of the shoots with a 100% frequency on half-strength MS medium without any plant growth resulted in additional six shoots produced per cultured shoot. The resultant plantlets were successfully acclimatized with a 100% survival frequency after 6 weeks. Overall, the developed protocol can result in the production of 3906 transplantable shoots that are ready for rooting per annum from a single shoot-tip explant. It is simple and efficient for seedling production in the ex situ cultivation and conservation of the endangered A. peglerae.
Electrospinning of polyurethane/graphene oxide for skin wound dressing and its in vitro characterization

Electrospinning polyurethane has been utilized as skin wound dressing for protecting skin wounds from infection and thus facilitating their healings, but also limited by its imperfect biocompatibility, mechanical and antibacterial properties. This paper presents our study on the addition of graphene oxide to electrospinning polyurethane for improved properties, as well as its in vitro characterization. Polyurethane/graphene oxide wound dressing was electrospun with varying amount of graphene oxide (from 0.0% to 2.0%); and in vitro tests was carried out to characterize the wound dressing properties and performance from the structural, mechanical, and biological perspectives. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to confirm the interaction between graphene oxide particles and polyurethane fibers, while the scanning electron microscopy images further illustrated that the wound dressing was of a porous structure with fibre diameters depending on the amount of graphene oxide added; specifically, 20 to 180 nm were for composite polyurethane/graphene oxide fibers and 600 to 900 nm for pure polyurethane. Our results also revealed that the hydrophilicity and swelling properties of the wound dressing could be regulated by the amount of graphene oxide added to the polyurethane/graphene oxide composites. Mechanical, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity properties of the composite polyurethane/graphene oxide wound dressing were examined with the results illustrating that the addition of graphene oxide could improve the properties of the electrospun wound dressing. Combined together, our study illustrates that electrospinning polyurethane/graphene oxide composite is promising as skin wound dressing.
Speech-language pathology services for Indigenous Australian adults with acquired communication disorders: a systematic quantitative literature review

ABSTRACT This review aimed to describe: a) experiences of Indigenous Australian adults with ACDs; b) current speech-language pathology (SLP) practices with this population, and c) research methodologies employed to explore these factors in previous research. A systematic quantitative literature review was conducted across five databases using a priori search inclusion/exclusion criteria and search parameters relevant to the aims. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals up to February 2016 were considered in the review. Six studies met criteria for inclusion. Two described experiences of Indigenous Australian adults with ACDs (as well as significant others). Four studies related to current SLP practice with this population. Experiences specific to Indigenous Australian adults with ACDs living outside the state of Western Australia, or those actively engaged in the acute hospital setting have not been included in studies to date. Research relating specifically to SLP services for Indigenous Australian adults with ACDs following neurological injury is an emerging area, with all of the studies generated since 2012. SLPs report several barriers to service provision including a lack of knowledge, confidence and culturally appropriate resources; and challenges working with Indigenous Liaison Officers and interpreters. Future research should explore how speech-language pathologists diagnose and manage ACDs in this population, how SLPs engage with relevant stakeholders, and should address the specific needs of the Torres Strait Islander population. Qualitative research approaches, including collaboration with Indigenous Reference Groups and engagement of Indigenous research assistants contributes to culturally safe research approaches and is congruent with ethical guidelines for this population.
A Procedure for Analyzing Mandible Roto-Translation Induced by Mandibular Advancement Devices

Background: Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders are characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Mandibular advancement devices represent a non-invasive treatment in reducing the number of respiratory events and in decreasing symptoms. The advancement extent of these devices is responsible for the mandibular roto-translation and its effects on the temporomandibular joint. Methods: This study defined a systematic method to assess the mandible roto translation that is caused by MADs according to a scan-to-CAD approach. Starting from a closed mouth position and simulating the oral appliance at different settings it was possible to define a local reference system that is useful for the evaluation of the mandibular roto-translation. This latter was then applied to evaluate the movements of the condyle and the mandibular dental arch. Results: MAD1 resulted in a reduced mouth opening and protrusion, while MAD2 enabled a higher degree of motion of the mandible useful for patients who need an important protrusion. Conclusions: The two devices present different dynamics. Results that are achievable employing this method can be directly used by practitioners in comparing MADs, as well as by researchers in evaluating MADs effects.
Resveratrol Attenuates Aflatoxin B1-Induced ROS Formation and Increase of m6A RNA Methylation

Simple Summary Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is highly hepatotoxic in both animals and humans. Resveratrol, a naturally-occurring polyphenolic compound, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory functions and plays a critical role in preventing liver damage. However, whether N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation, which plays critical roles in regulating gene expression for fundamental cellular processes, is associated with the protective effects of resveratrol in attenuating aflatoxin B1 induced toxicity is unclear. Here, we found that AFB1-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation changed m6A modification, and the role of resveratrol in alleviating the effect on hepatic disorder induced by aflatoxin B1 may be due to the removal of ROS, followed by the decreased abundance of m6A modification, and ultimately exerting its protective role in the liver. Together, this work provides key insights into the potential avenues for the treatment of AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity and other relevant liver diseases. Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most dangerous mycotoxins in both humans and animals. Regulation of resveratrol is essential for the inhibition of AFB1-induced oxidative stress and liver injury. Whether N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation participates in the crosstalk between resveratrol and AFB1 is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of AFB1 and resveratrol in m6A RNA methylation and their crosstalk in the regulation of hepatic function in mice. Thirty-two C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to a CON (basal diet), RES (basal diet + 500 mg/kg resveratrol), AFB1 (basal diet + 600 μg/kg aflatoxin B1), and ARE (basal diet + 500 mg/kg resveratrol and 600 μg/kg aflatoxin B1) group for 4 weeks of feeding (n = 8/group). Briefly, redox status, apoptosis, and m6A modification in the liver were assessed. Compared to the CON group, the AFB1 group showed increased activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), prevalent vacuolization and cell edema, abnormal redox status, imbalance apoptosis, and especially, the higher expression of cleaved-caspase-3 protein. On the contrary, resveratrol ameliorated adverse hepatic function, via increasing hepatic antioxidative capacity and inhibiting the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 protein. Importantly, we noted that reactive oxygen species (ROS) content could be responsible for the alterations of m6A modification. Compared to the CON group, the AFB1 group elevated the ROS accumulation, which led to the augment in m6A modification, whereas dietary resveratrol supplementation decreased ROS, followed by the reduction of m6A levels. In conclusion, our findings indicated that resveratrol decreased AFB1-induced ROS accumulation, consequently contributing to the alterations of m6A modification, and eventually impacting on the hepatic function.
Genomics and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities of Primary Bone Tumors

Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma are rare diseases but the most common primary tumors of bone. The genes directly involved in the sarcomagenesis, tumor progression and treatment responsiveness are not completely defined for these tumors, and the powerful discovery of genetic analysis is highly warranted in the view of improving the therapy and cure of patients. The review summarizes recent advances concerning the molecular and genetic background of these three neoplasms and, of their most common variants, highlights the putative therapeutic targets and the clinical trials that are presently active, and notes the fundamental issues that remain unanswered. In the era of personalized medicine, the rarity of sarcomas may not be the major obstacle, provided that each patient is studied extensively according to a road map that combines emerging genomic and functional approaches toward the selection of novel therapeutic strategies.
Effect of long-term storage on induced photon emission of boar spermatozoa

The possibility of determining both fresh and preserved semen quality in vitro is of major importance to artificial insemination practice. The current methods used to evaluate semen quality allow only one characteristic, structural property or element of sperm metabolism to be investigated. Moreover, the results obtained by these methods correlate with the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa only to a certain extent. This calls for new research methods that can be used to determine
Characterization of an MLP Homologue from Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks

Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family are known to participate in muscle development in vertebrates. Muscle LIM protein (MLP) belongs to the CRP family and has an important function in the differentiation and proliferation of muscle cells. In this study, the full-length cDNA encoding MLP from Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis; HLMLP) ticks was obtained by 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). To verify the transcriptional status of MLP in ticks, HLMLP gene expression was assessed during various developmental stages by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Interestingly, HLMLP expression in the integument was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that observed in other tested tissues of engorged adult ticks. In addition, HLMLP mRNA levels were significantly downregulated in response to thermal stress at 4 °C for 48 h. Furthermore, recombinant HLMLP was expressed in Escherichia coli, and Western blot analysis showed that rabbit antiserum against H. longicornis adults recognized HLMLP and MLPs from different ticks. Ten 3-month-old rabbits that had never been exposed to ticks were used for the immunization and challenge experiments. The rabbits were divided into two groups of five rabbits each, where rabbits in the first group were immunized with HLMLP, while those in the second group were immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) diluent as controls. The vaccination of rabbits with the recombinant HLMLP conferred partial protective immunity against ticks, resulting in 20.00% mortality and a 17.44% reduction in the engorgement weight of adult ticks. These results suggest that HLMLP is not ideal as a candidate for use in anti-tick vaccines. However, the results of this study generated novel information on the MLP gene in H. longicornis and provide a basis for further investigation of the function of this gene that could potentially lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of myofiber determination and transformation
Baloxavir treatment of ferrets infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus reduces onward transmission

Influenza viruses cause seasonal outbreaks and pose a continuous pandemic threat. Although vaccines are available for influenza control, their efficacy varies each season and a vaccine for a novel pandemic virus manufactured using current technology will not be available fast enough to mitigate the effect of the first pandemic wave. Antivirals can be effective against many different influenza viruses but have not thus far been used extensively for outbreak control. Baloxavir, a recently licensed antiviral drug that targets the influenza virus endonuclease, has been shown to reduce virus shedding more effectively than oseltamivir, a widely used neuraminidase inhibitor drug. Thus it is possible that treatment with baloxavir might also interrupt onward virus transmission. To test this, we utilized the ferret model, which is the most commonly used animal model to study influenza virus transmission. We established a subcutaneous baloxavir administration method in ferrets which achieved similar pharmacokinetics to the approved human oral dose. Transmission studies were then conducted in two different locations with different experimental setups to compare the onward transmission of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus from infected ferrets treated with baloxavir, oseltamivir or placebo to naïve sentinel ferrets exposed either indirectly in adjacent cages or directly by co-housing. We found that baloxavir treatment reduced infectious viral shedding in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets compared to placebo, and reduced the frequency of transmission amongst sentinels in both experimental setups, even when treatment was delayed until 2 days post-infection. In contrast, oseltamivir treatment did not substantially affect viral shedding or transmission compared to placebo. We did not detect the emergence of baloxavir-resistant variants in treated animals or in untreated sentinels. Our results support the concept that antivirals which decrease viral shedding could also reduce influenza transmission in the community.