Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emotional self-awareness in autism: A meta-analysis of group differences and developmental effects

Emotional self-awareness is increasingly suggested to be an area of difficulty in autism that may predict socioemotional outcomes for this population. However, whether emotional self-awareness is consistently diminished in autism across age and methodology remains unclear. We systematically reviewed 47 papers measuring emotional self-awareness in autistic (n = 1387) and non-autistic (n = 1433) participants. Most studies relied on self-report. Of studies testing for group differences, the majority (32/41) found significantly poorer emotional self-awareness in autism. Meta-analyses of self-report measures found that emotional self-awareness was significantly poorer in autism (d = 1.16). However, when examining age groups individually, autistic children of age 12 years and under were not significantly different from their peers (d = 0.03). Instead, difficulties emerged during adolescence (d = 0.63) and increased with age (d = 1.16 – 1.58). The pattern of emotional self-awareness difficulties being more common in autism, and worsening with age is similar to the development of mental health difficulties in autism. However, findings rely on self-perception and so may reflect poor self-beliefs of socioemotional competence. We propose that negative self-beliefs in autistic populations may account for findings of low emotional self-awareness. Lay abstract Autistic people are thought to have difficulties with identifying and understanding their own emotions. This is referred to as emotional self-awareness. It is important to study emotional self-awareness as people who are more able to understand their own emotions, whether they are autistic or not, are more able to respond to them appropriately, as well as to identify them in other people. It has not yet been confirmed whether autistic people have difficulties with emotional self-awareness, or if any reported difficulties are actually due to the way in which emotional self-awareness is measured in autistic people. If these difficulties do exist, it is also not known when these difficulties emerge. In this research, we reviewed 47 existing studies that measured emotional self-awareness in autistic and non-autistic adults and children. We also compared studies that measured emotional self-awareness in different ways. We found that autistic adults did seem to have poorer emotional self-awareness compared to their neurotypical peers. However, this was not the case with autistic children of age 12 years and below. Instead, differences in emotional self-awareness only seemed to emerge during adolescence. Moreover, these difficulties seemed to increase with age. These results suggest that difficulties with emotional self-awareness may not be inherent in autism. Instead, they may emerge alongside the greater social and mental health difficulties that are experienced by many autistic people during adolescence. We therefore suggest that it is important to find out more about, and subsequently support, the emotional self-awareness difficulties that autistic adolescents may encounter.
DNA-protein biomarkers for immunotherapy in the era of precision oncology

The use of biomarkers to guide patient and therapy selection has gained much attention to increase the scope and complexity of targeted therapy options and immunotherapy. Clinical trials provide a basis for discovery of biomarkers, which can then aid in development of new drugs. To that end, samples from cancer patients, including DNA, RNA, protein, and the metabolome isolated from cancer tissues and blood or urine, are analyzed in various ways to identify relevant biomarkers. In conjunction with nucleotide-based, high-throughput, next-generation sequencing techniques, therapy-guided biomarker assays relying on protein-based immunohistochemistry play a pivotal role in cancer care. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding DNA and protein biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy.
Is There Any Difference in the Outcome of Geriatric and Non-Geriatric Severely Injured Patients?—A Seven-Year, Retrospective, Observational Cohort Study with Matched-Pair Analysis

Geriatric trauma is expected to increase due to the lifestyle and activity of the aging population and will be among the major future challenges in health care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate differences between polytraumatized geriatric and non-geriatric patients regarding mortality, length-of-stay and complications with a matched pair analysis. We included patients older than 17 years with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 16 or more admitted to our level 1 trauma center between January 2008 and December 2015. The cohort was stratified into two groups (age < 70 and ≥ 70 years). One-to-one matching was performed based on gender, ISS, mechanism of injury (penetrating/blunt), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), base excess, and the presence of coagulopathy (international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 1.4). Outcome was compared using the paired t-test and McNemar-test. A total of 1457 patients were identified. There were 1022 male (70%) and 435 female patients. Three hundred and sixty-four patients (24%) were older than 70 years. Matching resulted in 57 pairs. Mortality as well as length-of-stay were comparable between geriatric and non-geriatric polytraumatized patients. Complication rate (34% vs. 56%, p = 0.031) was significantly higher in geriatric patients. This indicates the possibility of similar outcomes in geriatric polytraumatized patients receiving optimal care.
Glutamatergic Receptor Trafficking and Delivery: Role of the Exocyst Complex

Cells comprise several intracellular membrane compartments that allow them to function properly. One of these functions is cargo movement, typically proteins and membranes within cells. These cargoes ride microtubules through vesicles from Golgi and recycling endosomes to the plasma membrane in order to be delivered and exocytosed. In neurons, synaptic functions employ this cargo trafficking to maintain inter-neuronal communication optimally. One of the complexes that oversee vesicle trafficking and tethering is the exocyst. The exocyst is a protein complex containing eight subunits first identified in yeast and then characterized in multicellular organisms. This complex is related to several cellular processes, including cellular growth, division, migration, and morphogenesis, among others. It has been associated with glutamatergic receptor trafficking and tethering into the synapse, providing the molecular machinery to deliver receptor-containing vesicles into the plasma membrane in a constitutive manner. In this review, we discuss the evidence so far published regarding receptor trafficking and the exocyst complex in both basal and stimulated levels, comparing constitutive trafficking and long-term potentiation-related trafficking.
Determination of exogenous prohibited flavour compounds added in coffee using gas chromatography triple quadrupole tandem massspectrometry and gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry

ABSTRACT An analytical method based on gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of exogenous prohibited flavour compounds in coffee samples. In addition, gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) was developed to determine the origin of the founded prohibited flavour compound, N-methylpyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (NMPCA). The good selectivity and sensitivity achieved in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode allowed satisfactory confirmation and quantitation for the flavour compounds. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) of these compounds were in the range of 0.0005–5.0 µg/kg and 0.002–16.0 µg/kg, respectively. The coffee samples were extracted with simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and NMPCA was analysed on a GC/C/IRMS system. The δ13C values of endogenous NMPCA in coffee beans were within a range of −35.0‰ to −31.1‰, whereas exogenous NMPCA was the range from −27.9‰ to −23.9‰. The validation results revealed that the GC-MS/MS method was sensitive and reliable, and the origin of NMPCA can be distinguished by GC/C/IRMS. Finally, this method was successfully applied to coffee samples analysis and NMPCA was found in coffee samples. Graphical Abstract
Examining Common Characteristics Among Healthcare Personnel Positive for COVID-19 and the Effectiveness of Healthcare Personnel Mask Use in Preventing COVID-19 in a Large Health System in Central Michigan

The aim of this quality improvement project was to survey commonalities among healthcare personnel (HCP) who tested positive for COVID-19 and to evaluate the effectiveness the organizational intervention to require HCP wear masks throughout their shift. Information regarding the 40 HCP who tested positive for COVID-19 between the dates of March 18, 2020 and May 13, 2020 were included in the analysis. Nurses (n = 9) made up the majority of HCP positive for COVID-19. The most common types of symptoms reported were cough (n = 26), headache (n = 20), and fever (n = 13). Fourteen days after the requirement for HCP across the organization to wear masks throughout their shift was implemented, a 67% reduction in positive tests among HCP involved in a workplace exposure was observed.
Letter: Precise Pulmonary Function Evaluation and Management of a Patient With Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome Associated With Recurrent Pneumonia and Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency (Ann Rehabil Med 2020;44:165-70)

We read with great interest the case report by Park et al. [1], titled “Precise Pulmonary Function Evaluation and Management of a Patient with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome Associated With Recurrent Pneumonia and Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency”. It is encouraging to see this exquisitely rare condition, now referred to as Freeman–Burian syndrome (FBS), accurately identified in the literature and the critical issue of restrictive pulmonary disease addressed in this context [1,2]. Unfortunately, this article is unclear to some extent, apparently resulting from the authors’ omission of relevant literature. In discussing the major clinical features of FBS, they list quite common features, including some from the diagnostic criteria [1,3]. However, they do not state the clinical diagnostic criteria [1,3]. They place a significant emphasis on distal extremity contractures, which are a non-diagnostic finding in FBS and common in several syndromic and non-syndromic entities [1–3]. Not explicitly stating the diagnostic criteria can confuse readers who are unfamiliar with FBS [2]. While FBS has had several classifications since its first description in 1938, the most reasonable seems to be as a complex congenital myopathic craniofacial syndrome [4]. Since the features of distal arthrogryposis are not required for diagnosis, FBS cannot be cogently classed as a distal arthrogryposis syndrome, though many authors and clinicians continue to do so [4]. While the authors do refer to the weakness of respiratory muscles, they, like several authors, place a greater importance on the orthopedic deformities [1]. In the syndrome, orthopedic deformities are a symptom and not a cause [2]. In FBS, white fibrous tendinous-like tissue replaces histologically normal muscle fibers to varying degrees [2]. This is correlated with in vitro molecular myophysiology observations showing problems with the metabolic process for contraction and extreme muscle stiffness that reduces the muscular work and power [2]. Previous authors have observed non-functioning interAnnals of Rehabilitation Medicine Letter to the Editor
Reading between the (Genetic) Lines: How Epigenetics is Unlocking Novel Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells destroy their insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells leading to dysregulated glycaemia. Individuals with T1D control their blood glucose through exogenous insulin replacement therapy, often using multiple daily injections or pumps. However, failure to accurately mimic intrinsic glucose regulation results in glucose fluctuations and long-term complications impacting key organs such as the heart, kidneys, and/or the eyes. It is well established that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the initiation and progression of T1D, but recent studies show that epigenetic modifications are also important. Here, we discuss key epigenetic modifications associated with T1D pathogenesis and discuss how recent research is finding ways to harness epigenetic mechanisms to prevent, reverse, or manage T1D.
A comprehensive motion analysis – consequences for high precision image-guided radiotherapy of esophageal cancer patients

Abstract Background and purpose When treating patients for esophageal cancer (EC) with photon or proton radiotherapy (RT), breathing motion of the target and neighboring organs may result in deviations from the planned dose distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and dosimetric impact of breathing motion. Results were based on comparing weekly 4D computed tomography (4D CT) scans with the planning CT, using the diaphragm as an anatomical landmark for EC. Material and methods A total of 20 EC patients were included in this study. Diaphragm breathing amplitudes and off-sets (changes in position with respect to the planning CT) were determined from delineated left diaphragm structures in weekly 4D CT-scans. The potential dosimetric impact of respiratory motion was shown in several example patients for photon and proton radiotherapy. Results Variation in diaphragm amplitudes were relatively small and ranged from 0 to 0.8 cm. However, the measured off-sets were larger, ranging from −2.1 to 1.9 cm. Of the 70 repeat CT-scans, the off-set exceeded the ITV-PTV margin of 0.8 cm during expiration in 4 CT-scans (5.7%) and during inspiration in 13 CT-scans (18.6%). The dosimetric validation revealed under- and overdosages in the VMAT and IMPT plans. Conclusions Despite relatively constant breathing amplitudes, the variation in the diaphragm position (off-set), and consequently tumor position, was clinically relevant. These motion effects may result in either treatments that miss the target volume, or dose deviations in the form of highly localized over- or underdosed regions.
Foot orthosis treatment improves physical activity but not muscle quantity in patients with concurrent rheumatoid arthritis and sarcopenia

Abstract Objectives Foot impairment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may exacerbate sarcopenia from physical inactivity because of foot pain while walking. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with RA-associated foot impairment, and whether treatment with a foot orthosis improved physical activity and muscle quantity. Methods Thirty-two patients with RA were diagnosed as sarcopenic or nonsarcopenic, and the prevalence of sarcopenia was determined. Eleven patients with sarcopenia were treated with a foot orthosis. The following parameters were compared between baseline and after 6 months of treatment: physical activity (walking, moderate-intensity activity, and vigorous-intensity activity), foot pain while walking, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, and body composition parameters, including muscle quantity. Results Sarcopenia was present in 25/32 patients (78.1%). The use of a foot orthosis improved walking activity (p = .02), foot pain while walking (p = .02), and HAQ score (p = .02). However, there were no significant changes in moderate- or vigorous-intensity activities or body composition parameters, including muscle quantity. Conclusion Patients with RA-associated foot impairment had a high rate of sarcopenia. Treatment with a foot orthosis increases light-intensity physical activity such as walking, but does not enhance moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activities or increase muscle quantity.
Peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in the survival, differentiation, growth, and plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that affects CNS function. Evidence indicates that changes in peripheral levels of BDNF may interfere with stress. However, the results are mixed. This study investigates whether blood levels of BDNF in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are different. Methods We conducted a systematic search in the major electronic medical databases from inception through September 2019 and identified Observational studies that measured serum levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. Results 20 studies were eligible to be included in the present meta-analysis. Subjects with PTSD (n = 909) showed lower BDNF levels compared to Non-PTSD controls (n = 1679) (SMD = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85). Subgroup meta-analyses confirmed higher levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to non-PTSD controls in plasma, not serum, and in studies that used sandwich ELISA, not ELISA, for BDNF measurement. Meta-regressions showed no significant effect of age, gender, NOS, and sample size. Conclusions PTSD patients had increased serum BDNF levels compared to healthy controls. Our finding of higher BDNF levels in patients with PTSD supports the notion that PTSD is a neuroplastic disorder.
Emerging Processing Technologies for the Recovery of Valuable Bioactive Compounds from Potato Peels

Potato peel (PP) is the major underutilised by-product in the potato-processing industry and a potential source of valuable bioactive molecules. Among them, glycoalkaloids and polyphenols are important precursors for steroid hormones and natural antioxidants, respectively. Moreover, the huge quantities of industrial potato-peel waste that are produced are a rich source of primary metabolites, which principally include starch as well as non-starch polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, lignin and cellulose. All carbohydrates are prone to undergo fermentation to produce ethanol, lactic and acetic acid. Finally, the main portion of PP is made up of alcohol-insoluble matter with a dietary fibre content of approximatively 40%. The present review summarises the recent advances and emerging technologies in potato-peel extraction and further valorisation processing in the food industry.
Biological Potential of Fruit and Leaves of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) from Croatia

The strawberry tree fruit and leaf are a rich source of minerals, easily digestible sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins (especially vitamin C) and many bioactive compounds of significant functional value. Due to their favorable chemical composition, fruits have recently become increasingly popular in consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the physical-chemical composition, content of bioactive compounds, and also the antioxidant capacity of the fruit and leaves of wild strawberry tree populations among the Adriatic coast in Croatia, as well as to investigate the influence of location on the content of specific bioactive compounds. According to the obtained results, both fruit and leaves are pronouncedly high in vitamin C content, the average value for fruits amounted to 224.21 mg/100 g FW, while that for leaves amounted to 138.08 mg/100 g FW. Additionally, significantly high values of total polyphenolic compounds were recorded both in fruits (average value of 637.94 mg GAE/100 g FW) and especially in leaves (average value of 2157.01 mg GAE/100 g FW). Several pigments from different categories were determined in the fruit depending on fruit maturity, including: total anthocyanins, β-carotene and lycopene; while in leaves chlorophylls and carotenoids. Given the high content of different bioactive compounds high values of antioxidant capacity were determined (the average value for fruits was 2269.96 µmol TE/kg and for leaves, 2237.16 µmol TE/kg). Location strongly influenced the physical-chemical composition and also the content of specialized metabolites; populations collected from southern areas (central and south Dalmatia) of the Adriatic coast tended to have higher amounts of vitamin C, total phenols, total anthocyanins and β-carotene.
E-cigarette use and respiratory disorders: an integrative review of converging evidence from epidemiological and laboratory studies

Background Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, but there has been limited knowledge about health consequences in human populations. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of results on respiratory disorders from studies of general-population samples and consider the mapping of these results to findings about biological processes linked to e-cigarettes in controlled laboratory studies. Method We conducted a literature search and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on the association of e-cigarette use with asthma and with COPD. We discuss findings from laboratory studies about effects of e-cigarettes on four biological processes: cytotoxicity, oxidative stress/inflammation, susceptibility to infection and genetic expression. Results Epidemiological studies, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, show a significant association of e-cigarette use with asthma and COPD, controlling for cigarette smoking and other covariates. For asthma (n=15 studies), the pooled adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.39 (95% CI 1.28–1.51); for COPD (n=9 studies) the aOR was 1.49 (95% CI 1.36–1.65). Laboratory studies consistently show an effect of e-cigarettes on biological processes related to respiratory harm and susceptibility to illness, with e-cigarette conditions differing significantly from clean-air controls, although sometimes less than for cigarettes. Conclusions The evidence from epidemiological studies meets established criteria for consistency, strength of effect, temporality, and in some cases a dose–response gradient. Biological plausibility is indicated by evidence from multiple laboratory studies. We conclude that e-cigarette use has consequences for asthma and COPD, which is of concern for respirology and public health. Epidemiological studies show a relationship of e-cigarette use with asthma and COPD, and laboratory studies show their adverse effects on four biological processes. It can be concluded that e-cigarette use is of significant concern for public health. https://bit.ly/3drH4pj