Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AI technology for remote clinical assessment and monitoring.

OBJECTIVE To report the clinical validation of an innovative, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, portable and non-invasive medical device called Wound Viewer. The AI medical device uses dedicated sensors and AI algorithms to remotely collect objective and precise clinical data, including three-dimensional (3D) wound measurements, tissue composition and wound classification through the internationally recognised Wound Bed Preparation (WBP) protocol; this data can then be shared through a secure General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)- and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant data transfer system. This trial aims to test the reliability and precision of the AI medical device and its ability to aid health professionals in clinically evaluating wounds as efficiently remotely as at the bedside. METHOD This non-randomised comparative clinical trial was conducted in the Clinica San Luca (Turin, Italy). Patients were divided into three groups: (i) patients with venous and arterial ulcers in the lower limbs; (ii) patients with diabetes and presenting with diabetic foot syndrome; and (iii) patients with pressure ulcers. Each wound was evaluated for area, depth, volume and WBP wound classification. Each patient was examined once and the results, analysed by the AI medical device, were compared against data obtained following visual evaluation by the physician and research team. The area and depth were compared with a Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variations in the obtained distribution (expected p-value>0.1 for both tests). The WBP classification and tissue segmentation were analysed by directly comparing the classification obtained by the AI medical device against that of the testing physician. RESULTS A total of 150 patients took part in the trial. The results demonstrated that the AI medical device's AI algorithm could acquire objective clinical parameters in a completely automated manner. The AI medical device reached 97% accuracy against the WBP classification and tissue segmentation analysis compared with that performed in person by the physician. Moreover, data regarding the measurements of the wounds, as analysed through the Kruskal-Wallis technique, showed that the data distribution proved comparable with the other methods of measurement previously clinically validated in the literature (p=0.9). CONCLUSION These findings indicate that remote wound assessment undertaken by physicians is as effective through the AI medical device as bedside examination, and that the device was able to assess wounds and provide a precise WBP wound classification. Furthermore, there was no need for manual data entry, thereby reducing the risk of human error while preserving high-quality clinical diagnostic data.
Rural Homecare Nurses’ Challenges in Providing Seamless Patient Care in Rural Japan

Homecare nurses manage patients with extreme homecare dependence through interprofessional collaboration. The quality of the collaboration depends on situations, and the difficulties of homecare nurses are complicated in rural settings because of a few healthcare resources. This study determined rural homecare nurses’ difficulties during interprofessional collaboration in providing seamless patient care. Focus groups, followed by one-on-one interviews, were conducted with 13 rural homecare nurses working in rural Japan. Using thematic analysis, four themes were extracted: collaboration with physicians, the collaboration with the government, the collaboration with care workers, and the collaboration among hospital nurses. Rural homecare nurses have difficulties in their working relationships with other professionals, with vague definitions of each professional’s roles and responsibilities, and with information-sharing. Interprofessional education and information-sharing should respect rural professional and cultural backgrounds. Respect can accomplish mutual understanding among professional care, leading to seamless patient care in rural home care.
Restraint Stress in Mice Alters Set of 25 miRNAs Which Regulate Stress- and Depression-Related mRNAs

In the present study, we aim to identify the effect of restrain stress (RS) on the expression of miRNAs in mouse serum. We used three genotypes of animals (mice with knock-out of the gene-encoding norepinephrine transporter, NET-KO; C57BL/6J, and SWR/J) which had previously been shown to display different sensitivity to RS, and focused on miRNAs which were altered by RS in the serum of all three genotypes. An analysis of miRNAs expression allowed for the identification of a set of 25 differentially expressed miRNAs; 10 were down-regulated compared to an appropriate control group of animals, while 15 were up-regulated. The application of DIANA-miRPath v. 3.0 allowed for the identification of selected pathways (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) categories that were significantly controlled by these miRNAs, while miRWalk v. 3.0—the platform that used the machine learning based algorithm, TaRPmiR—was used to find their targets. The results indicate that 25 miRNAs, identified as altered upon RS in three genotypes of mice, are responsible for regulation of mRNA-encoding proteins that are key for the main hypotheses of depression; therefore, they may help to understand the link between stress and depression at the molecular level.
Olfactory response as a marker for Alzheimer’s disease: Evidence from perceptual and frontal lobe oscillation coherence deficit

High-frequency oscillations of the frontal cortex are involved in functions of the brain that fuse processed data from different sensory modules or bind them with elements stored in the memory. These oscillations also provide inhibitory connections to neural circuits that perform lower-level processes. Deficit in the performance of these oscillations has been examined as a marker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, the neurodegenerative processes associated with AD, such as the deposition of amyloid-beta plaques, do not occur in a spatially homogeneous fashion and progress more prominently in the medial temporal lobe in the early stages of the disease. This region of the brain contains neural circuitry involved in olfactory perception. Several studies have suggested that olfactory deficit can be used as a marker for early diagnosis of AD. A quantitative assessment of the performance of the olfactory system can hence serve as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, offering a relatively convenient and inexpensive diagnosis method. This study examines the decline in the perception of olfactory stimuli and the deficit in the performance of high-frequency frontal oscillations in response to olfactory stimulation as markers for AD. Two measurement modalities are employed for assessing the olfactory performance: 1) An interactive smell identification test is used to sample the response to a sizable variety of odorants, and 2) Electroencephalography data are collected in an olfactory perception task with a pair of selected odorants in order to assess the connectivity of frontal cortex regions. Statistical analysis methods are used to assess the significance of selected features extracted from the recorded modalities as Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Olfactory decline regressed to age in both healthy and mild AD groups are evaluated, and single- and multi-modal classifiers are also developed. The novel aspects of this study include: 1) Combining EEG response to olfactory stimulation with behavioral assessment of olfactory perception as a marker of AD, 2) Identification of odorants most significantly affected in mild AD patients, 3) Identification of odorants which are still adequately perceived by mild AD patients, 4) Analysis of the decline in the spatial coherence of different oscillatory bands in response to olfactory stimulation, and 5) Being the first study to quantitatively assess the performance of olfactory decline due to aging and AD in the Iranian population.
Examining the Impacts of CO2 Concentration and Genetic Compatibility on Perennial Ryegrass—Epichloë festucae var lolii Interactions

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the most cultivated cool-season grass worldwide with crucial roles in carbon fixation, turfgrass applications, and fodder for livestock. Lolium perenne forms a mutualism with the strictly vertically transmitted fungal endophyte, Epichloë festucae var lolii. The fungus produces alkaloids that protect the grass from herbivory, as well as conferring protection from drought and nutrient stress. The rising concentration of atmospheric CO2, a proximate cause of climatic change, is known to have many direct and indirect effects on plant growth. There is keen interest in how the nature of this plant–fungal interaction will change with climate change. Lolium perenne is an obligately outcrossing species, meaning that the genetic profile of the host is constantly being reshuffled. Meanwhile, the fungus is asexual implying both a relatively constant genetic profile and the potential for incompatible grass–fungus pairings. In this study, we used a single cultivar, “Alto”, of L. perenne. Each plant was infected with one of four strains of the endophyte: AR1, AR37, NEA2, and Lp19 (the “common strain”). We outcrossed the Alto mothers with pollen from a number of individuals from different ryegrass cultivars to create more genetic diversity in the hosts. We collected seed such that we had replicate maternal half-sib families. Seed from each family was randomly allocated into the two levels of the CO2 treatment, 400 and 800 ppm. Elevated CO2 resulted in an c. 18% increase in plant biomass. AR37 produced higher fungal concentrations than other strains; NEA2 produced the lowest fungal concentrations. We did not find evidence of genetic incompatibility between the host plants and the fungal strains. We conducted untargeted metabolomics and quantitative proteomics to investigate the grass-fungus interactions between and within family and treatment groups. We identified a number of changes in both the proteome and metabalome. Taken together, our data set provides new understanding into the intricacy of the interaction between endophyte and host from multiple molecular levels and suggests opportunity to promote plant robustness and survivability in rising CO2 environmental conditions through application of bioprotective epichloid strains.
The Reinforcement of Calcium Carbonate Filled Papers with Phosphorus-Containing Polymers

Anionic polyelectrolytes bearing phosphate or phosphonate groups were compared to poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) as reinforcing polymers for paper filled with calcium carbonate. Cationic polyvinylamine, PVAm, was used to promote adsorption of the anionic polymers onto fiber and filler surfaces in the aqueous papermaking suspension. Both poly(acrylamide-co-vinyl phosphonate), PAMVP, and phosphate esters of poly(vinyl alcohol), PVAP, gave stronger paper than did the acrylate copolymers. PAMVP bound soluble calcium ions, resulting in the formation of multichain colloidal-sized clusters. Subsequent addition of PVAm produced dispersed, cationic polyelectrolyte complexes. The polyacrylates bound less soluble calcium and formed weakly scattering clusters. It is proposed that the phosphate and phosphonate groups promote polymer adhesion to the calcium carbonate surfaces, resulting in stronger paper.
Commentary: Recent advances in endothelial keratoplasty and the postoperative use of bandage contact lens.

This issue of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology contains an article evaluating the role of bandage contact lens in Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). [1] The concept of lamellar keratoplasty has dramatically changed the scope of corneal transplantation. Gone are the days of long waiting periods for visual rehabilitation and the fluctuation in vision even after the removal of sutures, especially in the scenario of endothelial keratoplasty.
Nutritional, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Toxicological Profile of Two Innovative Types of Vegan, Sugar-Free Chocolate

Increased sugar consumption and unhealthy dietary patterns are key drivers of many preventable diseases that result in disability and death worldwide. However, health awareness has increased over the past decades creating a massive on-going demand for new low/non-caloric natural sweeteners that have a high potential and are safer for consumption than artificial ones. The current study aims to investigate the nutritional properties, in vitro toxicological profile, total/individual polyphenols content, and the antioxidant, anti-cariogenic, and antimicrobial activity of two newly obtained vegan and sugar-free chocolate (VHC1 and VHC2). The energy values for the two finished products were very similar, 408.04 kcal/100 g for VHC1 and 404.68 kcal/100 g for VHC2. Both products, VHC1 and VHC2 present strong antioxidant activities, whereas antimicrobial results show an increased activity for VHC1 compared to VHC2, because of a higher phenolic content. In vitro toxicological evaluation revealed that both samples present a safe toxicological profile, while VHC2 increased cellular turnover of dermal cell lines, highlighting its potential use in skin treatments. The current work underlines the potential use of these vegetal mixtures as sugar-free substitutes for conventional products, as nutraceuticals, as well as topic application in skin care due to antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
Comparison of Two DNA Extraction Methods and Two PCRs for Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in the Stool Samples of Naturally Infected Red Foxes

Simple Summary The goal of the study was to compare the efficiency of two commercial DNA extraction kits together with two different Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocols in the detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in the feces of naturally infected foxes. Stool samples from red foxes were collected in a highly endemic area in Poland. Sedimentation and counting technique (SCT) was used as a reference method. From 48 samples, 35 were positive in SCT. Further investigations showed that 40.0% of samples (from those with SCT positive result) after Z—DNA extraction and 45.7% after Q—DNA extraction gave positive results in nested PCR. In multiplex PCR, positive results were obtained in 54.3% of samples after Z isolation and 48.6% of samples after Q. Additionally, one sample negative in SCT gave a positive result in PCR. The number of worms detected in the intestines had no influence on the PCR results. Both of the extraction methods showed similar efficiency in DNA isolation and dealing with inhibitors; however, they showed relatively low sensitivity. Abstract (1) Background: Due to the increasing distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis infections in final hosts, epidemiological investigations are important for recognizing the spreading pattern of this parasite and also to estimate risk infection for humans. (2) Methods: Investigations were conducted with two commercial kits dedicated for DNA extraction from feces: ZR Fecal DNA Mini Prep (Zymo Research, Freiburg, Germany) and QIAamp FAST DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) (marked as Z and Q), together with two common PCR protocols (nested PCR and multiplex PCR). The goal was to compare their efficiency in detecting the genetic material of E. multilocularis in the samples of feces. Stool samples from red foxes were collected in a highly endemic area in Poland. Sedimentation and counting technique (SCT) was used as a reference method. (3) Results: From 48 samples, 35 were positive in SCT. Further investigations showed that 40.0% of samples (from those with SCT positive result) after Z-DNA extraction and 45.7% after Q-DNA extraction gave positive results in nested PCR. In multiplex PCR, positive results were obtained in 54.3% of samples after Z isolation and 48.6% of samples after Q. Additionally, one sample that resulted in being negative in SCT gave a positive result in PCR. The number of worms detected in the intestines had no influence on PCR results. (4) Conclusions: Both of the extraction methods showed similar efficiency in DNA isolation and dealing with inhibitors; however, they showed relatively low sensitivity. This was probably caused by degradation of genetic material in the field-collected samples.
Probing the mechanism of peptide binding to REV response element RNA of HIV-1; MD simulations and free energy calculations

Abstract Ribonucleic acid (RNA) of HIV-1 contains a 350 nucleotide, highly structured, cis-acting element called RRE (REV-response-element RNA), essential for virus replication. REV is a natural peptide that binds to RRE and transports it from the nucleus to cytoplasm where it is expressed into a new virus. The synthetic peptide known as RSG-1.2 also binds the RRE element and competes with REV. The purpose of study is to rationally design novel peptides such as RSG peptide with improved binding affinity to prevent the transport of HIV-1 RNA and so replication of virus. Herein, we performed MD simulation and free energy calculations to evaluate the interactions and binding free energies of REV (PDB ID: 4PMI) and RSGs peptides (PDB IDs: 1G70 and 1I9F) with RRE. The protein-RNA interactions were analyzed using the MM-PBSA method. Results suggest that REV has more binding free energy −188.41 kcal/mol than two RSG peptides with total binding free energy −120.97 and −141.46 kcal/mol. The ARG and ASN were found to be important residues of REV. In the RRE sequence, the nucleotides 62–67 and 78–84 were found to be important contributors in binding free energy. This study play a major role in elaboration of binding REV and RSG1-2 with RRE element and pave the way for further synthesis of peptide that can bind with RRE element and can be selected as therapeutic agent for HIV. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Initial experiment of self‐expanding metal ureteral stent in recurrent ureteral stenosis after kidney transplantation

Ureteral stenosis(US) is one of the most common urologic complications after kidney transplantation (KT), and the incidence ranged from 2.6% to 15% among different transplant unit(1). Reoperation has a definite effect on US, but it is also associated with greater morbidity, prolonged recovery and a higher risk of more serious complications including graft loss and perioperative mortality(2).
Characterization of Lipid Membrane Properties for Tunable Electroporation

Lipid bilayers form nanopores on the application of an electric field. This process of electroporation can be utilized in different applications ranging from targeted drug delivery in cells to nano-gating membrane for engineering applications. However, the ease of electroporation is dependent on the surface energy of the lipid layers and thus directly related to the packing structure of the lipid molecules. 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) lipid monolayers were deposited on a mica substrate using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique at different packing densities and analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The wetting behavior of these monolayers was investigated by contact angle measurement and molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that an equilibrium packing density of liquid-condensed (LC) phase DPPC likely exists and that water molecules can penetrate the monolayer displacing the lipid molecules. The surface tension of the monolayer in air and water was obtained along with its breakthrough force. © 2012 ASME
Cellular Proliferation, Dermal Repair, and Microbiological Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Assisted Wound Debridement (UAW) Versus Standard Wound Treatment in Complicated Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU): An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial

We aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-assisted wound (UAW) debridement on cellular proliferation and dermal repair in complicated diabetic foot ulcers as compared to diabetic foot ulcers receiving surgical/sharp wound debridement. A randomized controlled trial was performed involving 51 outpatients with complicated diabetic foot ulcers that either received surgical debridement (n = 24) or UAW debridement (n = 27) every week during a six-week treatment period. Compared to patients receiving surgical debridement, patients treated with UAW debridement exhibited significantly improved cellular proliferation, as determined by CD31 staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and actin staining. Bacterial loads were significantly reduced in the UAW debridement group compared to the surgical group (UAW group 4.27 ± 0.37 day 0 to 2.11 ± 0.8 versus surgical group 4.66 ± 1.21 day 0 to 4.39 ± 1.24 day 42; p = 0.01). Time to healing was also significantly lower (p = 0.04) in the UAW group (9.7 ± 3.8 weeks) compared to the surgical group (14.8 ± 12.3 weeks), but both groups had similar rates of patients that were healed after six months of follow-up (23 patients (85.1%) in the UAW group vs. 20 patients (83.3%) in the surgical group; p = 0.856). We propose that UAW debridement could be an effective alternative when surgical debridement is not available or is contraindicated for use on patients with complicated diabetic foot ulcers.
Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Bovine Subclinical Mastitis in Different Regions of Brazil: Molecular Typing and Biofilm Gene Expression Analysis by RT-qPCR

Bovine mastitis is mainly caused by bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus spp. , which possess different virulence factors, including the capacity for biofilm formation that provides enhanced protection against the action of immune system components and serves as a barrier against the penetration of antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to characterize 181 Staphylococcus spp. Strains—including Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis in six Brazilian states—by molecular methods. RT-qPCR was used to verify the expression of genes of the ica operon—mainly responsible for biofilm formation—as well as bap and bhp. Chromosome similarity among the isolates was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The icaA gene was detected in 79 (43.6%) isolates, icaB in 24 (13.2%), icaC in 57 (31.4%), and icaD in 127 (70.1%). The bap gene was identified in 66 (36.4%) isolates, while the bhp gene was found in nine (4.9%). RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of the icaA gene in 60 (75.9%) isolates, of icaB in six (25%), of icaC in 26 (45.6%), and of icaD in 80 (63%). Clonal typing of the isolates by PFGE permitted the identification of eight Staphylococcus aureus clusters that simultaneously included ≥3 strains, with a similarity of ≥80%. Regarding the other species studied, three clusters were observed for Staphylococcus chromogenes and four clusters for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Only one cluster each was identified for Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus simulans, while the other species did not form any cluster. With respect to MLST, ST126 and ST1 were the prevalent sequence types in S. aureus, while in S. epidermidis all sequence types were different. These results reveal strains with the same evolutionary origin as other isolates, which might cause infections in humans and animals, suggesting their ability to spread between these species.