Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid PCR Method for the Selection of 1,3-Pentadiene Non-Producing Debaryomyces hansenii Yeast Strains

To prevent microbial growth and its consequences, preservatives such as sorbic acid or its salts, commonly known as sorbates, are added to foods. However, some moulds and yeasts are capable of decarboxylating sorbates and producing 1,3-pentadiene. This is a volatile compound with an unpleasant “petroleum-like “odour, which causes consumer rejection of the contaminated products. In this work, we studied the production of 1,3-pentadiene in 91 strains of the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii, and we found that nearly 96% were able to produce this compound. The sequence of the FDC1Dh gene was analysed showing differences between 1,3-pentadiene producer (P) and non-producer (NP) strains. A specific PCR assay with degenerated primers based on the gene sequence was developed to discern NP and P strains. It was tested on D. hansenii strains and on some physiologically related species frequently isolated from foods, such as D. fabrii, D. subglobosus and Meyerozyma guillermondii. This method could be applied for the selection of NP D. hansenii strains, useful in biotechnological food production and as a biocontrol agent.
App-based mindfulness meditation for psychological distress and adjustment to college in incoming university students: a pragmatic, randomised, waitlist-controlled trial

Abstract Objective and Design: In a pragmatic, randomised, waitlist-controlled trial we tracked 250 first-year university students who were randomly assigned to 3 months of a mindfulness meditation app (Headspace) to use at their discretion in either semester 1 (intervention, n = 124) or semester 2 (waitlist, n = 126). Main Outcome Measures: Students reported their distress, college adjustment, resilience, self-efficacy, and mindfulness, at 3 timepoints: the beginning of semester 1, the beginning of semester 2, and the end of the academic year. With participants’ permission, the university provided academic achievement data and Headspace provided app use data. Results: Evidence for improvements in distress at the beginning of semester 2 was weak (intervention vs. waitlist) and app use was low (M = 7.91, SD = 15.16 sessions). Nevertheless, intervention participants who used the app more frequently reported improvements in psychological distress (−5 points, R2 change = .12) and college adjustment (+10 points, R2 change = .09) when compared to non-users. App initiation and persistence beyond the first week was higher when the app was provided in semester 1 than semester 2 (66.1% vs. 44.4%; 46.0% vs. 32.5%). Conclusion: Headspace use was associated with small improvements in distress and college adjustment in first-year university students. Intervening at the beginning of the academic year may encourage uptake.
The Relationship between Coronary Artery Wall Shear Strain and Plaque Morphology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Aim: Arterial wall shear strain (WSS) has been proposed to impact the features of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the impact of different types of WSS on plaque features in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Registry, from 1989 up to January 2020 and selected clinical trials and observational studies which assessed the relationship between WSS, measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and plaque morphology in patients with CAD. Results: In four studies, a total of 72 patients with 13,098 coronary artery segments were recruited, with mean age 57.5 ± 9.5 years. The pooled analysis showed that low WSS was associated with larger baseline lumen area (WMD 2.55 [1.34 to 3.76, p < 0.001]), smaller plaque area (WMD −1.16 [−1.84 to −0.49, p = 0.0007]), lower plaque burden (WMD −12.7 [−21.4 to −4.01, p = 0.04]), and lower necrotic core area (WMD −0.32 [−0.78 to 0.14, p = 0.04]). Low WSS also had smaller fibrous area (WMD −0.79 [−1.88 to 0.30, p = 0.02]) and smaller fibro-fatty area (WMD −0.22 [−0.57 to 0.13, p = 0.02]), compared with high WSS, but the dense calcium score was similar between the two groups (WMD −0.17 [−0.47 to 0.13, p = 0.26]). No differences were found between intermediate and high WSS. Conclusions: High WSS is associated with signs of plaque instability such as higher necrotic core, higher calcium score, and higher plaque burden compared with low WSS. These findings highlight the role of IVUS in assessing plaque vulnerability.
Environmental toxin exposure in polycystic ovary syndrome women and possible ovarian neoplastic repercussion

Abstract Purpose Over the last two decades, increasing attention has been paid to environmental toxins and their effects on the female reproductive system. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances or mixtures that can mimic the action of steroid hormones and interfere with their metabolism. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are proinflammatory molecules that can interact with cell surface receptors and mediate the triggering of proinflammatory pathways and oxidative stress. The purpose of this review is to explore the effects of environmental toxin exposure in the pathogenesis of both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and OC (ovarian cancer), considered separately, and also to evaluate possible neoplastic ovarian repercussion after exposure in patients diagnosed with PCOS. Materials and methods We searched PubMed for articles published in the English language with the use of the following MeSH search terms: “polycystic ovary syndrome” and “ovarian cancer” combined with “endocrine disruptors”. Titles and abstracts were examined and full articles that met the selection criteria were retrieved. A manual search of review articles and cross-references completed the search. Results Extensive data from different studies collected in recent years concerning the effects of EDC/AGE exposure have confirmed their role in the pathophysiology of both PCOS and OC. They favor PCOS/OC development through different mechanisms that finally lead to hormonal and metabolic disruption and epigenetic modifications. Conclusions Environmental toxin exposure in PCOS women could favor neoplastic transformation by exacerbating and potentiating some PCOS features. Further research, although difficult, is needed in order to prevent further diffusion of these substances in the environment, or at least to provide adequate information to the population considered at risk.
How patient migration in bed affects the sacral soft tissue loading and thereby the risk for a hospital‐acquired pressure injury

Head‐of‐bed (HOB) elevation is a common clinical practice in hospitals causing the patient's body to slide down in bed because of gravity. This migration effect likely results in tissue shearing between the sacrum and the support surface, which increases the risk for pressure injuries. StayInPlace (HillRom Inc.) is a commercial migration‐reduction technology (MRT) incorporated in intensive care bedframes. Yet, the effects of migration‐reduction on tissue shear stresses during HOB elevation are unknown. We analysed relationships between migration and resulting sacral soft tissue stresses by combining motion analysis and three‐dimensional finite element modelling of the buttocks. Migration data were collected for 10 subjects, lying supine on two bedframe types with and without MRT, and at HOB elevations of 45°/65°. Migration data were used as displacement boundary conditions for the modelling to calculate tissue stress exposures. Migration values for the conventional bed were 1.75‐ and 1.6‐times greater than those for the migration‐reduction bed, for elevations of 45° and 65°, respectively (P < .001). The modelling showed that the farther the migration, the greater the tissue stress exposures. Internal stresses were 1.8‐fold greater than respective skin stresses. Our results, based on the novel integrated experimental‐computational method, point to clear biomechanical benefits in minimising migration using MRT.
Migrant women’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care in European countries: A systematic review

Background Across Europe there are increasing numbers of migrant women who are of childbearing age. Migrant women are at risk of poorer pregnancy outcomes. Models of maternity care need to be designed to meet the needs of all women in society to ensure equitable access to services and to address health inequalities. Objective To provide up-to-date systematic evidence on migrant women’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and maternity care in their destination European country. Search strategy CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2007 and 2017. Selection criteria Qualitative and mixed-methods studies with a relevant qualitative component were considered for inclusion if they explored any aspect of migrant women's experiences of maternity care in Europe. Data collection and analysis Qualitative data were extracted and analysed using thematic synthesis. Results The search identified 7472 articles, of which 51 were eligible and included. Studies were conducted in 14 European countries and focused on women described as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers. Four overarching themes emerged: ‘Finding the way—the experience of navigating the system in a new place’, ‘We don't understand each other’, ‘The way you treat me matters’, and ‘My needs go beyond being pregnant’. Conclusions Migrant women need culturally-competent healthcare providers who provide equitable, high quality and trauma-informed maternity care, undergirded by interdisciplinary and cross-agency team-working and continuity of care. New models of maternity care are needed which go beyond clinical care and address migrant women's unique socioeconomic and psychosocial needs.
Deep Sequencing MicroRNAs from Extracellular Membrane Vesicles Revealed the Association of the Vesicle Cargo with Cellular Origin

Extracellular membrane vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potential candidates for diagnostics and therapeutics. We have previously reported that keratinocytes release three types of EVs into the extracellular environment. Importantly, those EVs contain a large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) as cargo. In this study, we examined the expression level of keratinocyte-derived EV miRNAs, their target genes and potential functions. Next generation sequencing results showed that over one hundred miRNAs in each EV subtype exhibited greater than 100 reads per million (RPM), indicating a relatively high abundance. Analysis of the miRNAs with the highest abundance revealed associations with different keratinocyte cell sources. For instance, hsa-miR-205 was associated with the HaCaT cells whereas hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-203, hsa-miR-22 and hsa-miR-143 were associated with human primary dermal keratinocytes (PKCs). Additionally, functional annotation analysis of genes regulated by those miRNAs, especially with regard to biological processes, also revealed cell-type-specific associations with either HaCaTs or PKCs. Indeed, EV functional effects were related to their parental cellular origin; specifically, PKC-derived EVs influenced fibroblast migration whereas HaCaT-derived EVs did not. In addition, the data in this current study indicates that keratinocyte-derived EVs and/or their cargoes have potential applications for wound healing.
Development of the human heart

In 2014, an extensive review discussing the major steps of cardiac development focusing on growth, formation of primary and chamber myocardium and the development of the cardiac electrical system, was published. Molecular genetic lineage analyses have since furthered our insight in the developmental origin of the various component parts of the heart, which currently can be unambiguously identified by their unique molecular phenotype. Moreover, genetic, molecular and cell biological analyses have driven insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of the different cardiac components. Here, we build on our previous review and provide an insight into the molecular mechanistic revelations that have forwarded the field of cardiac development. Despite the enormous advances in our knowledge over the last decade, the development of congenital cardiac malformations remains poorly understood. The challenge for the next decade will be to evaluate the different developmental processes using newly developed molecular genetic techniques to further unveil the gene regulatory networks operational during normal and abnormal cardiac development.
Lead-Time Bias Confounds Association Between Duration of Untreated Psychosis and Illness Course in Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE At first hospitalization, a long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicts illness severity and worse treatment outcomes. The mechanism of this association, however, remains unclear. It has been hypothesized that lengthy untreated psychosis is toxic or that it reflects a more severe form of schizophrenia. Alternatively, the association may be an artifact of lead-time bias. These hypotheses are tested in a longitudinal study of schizophrenia with 2,137 observations spanning from childhood to 20 years after first admission. METHODS Data were from the Suffolk County Mental Health Project. The cohort included 287 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. DUP was defined as days from first psychotic symptom to first psychiatric hospitalization. Psychosocial function was assessed using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. Psychosocial function trajectories were estimated using multilevel spline regression models adjusted for gender, occupational status, race, and antipsychotic medication. RESULTS Both long- and short-DUP patients experienced similar declines in psychosocial function, but declines occurred at different times relative to first admission. Long-DUP patients experienced most of these declines prior to first admission, while short-DUP patients experienced declines after first admission. When psychosocial function was analyzed relative to psychosis onset, DUP did not predict illness course. CONCLUSIONS The association between DUP and psychosocial function may be an artifact of early detection, creating the illusion that early intervention is associated with improved outcomes. In other words, DUP may be better understood as an indicator of illness stage than a predictor of course.
Assessment of Culex pipiens bioforms in the world’s southernmost distribution limit

The mosquito Culex pipiens s.s. L. occurs as two bioforms that differ in physiology and behaviour affecting virus transmission cycles. To assess the occurrence of Cx. pipiens bioforms in the southernmost limit of its distribution, specimens were collected aboveground in southern Buenos Aires Province and east Patagonia, Argentina. Ten larvae and 25 adults were individually processed and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Ace-2 and CQ11 loci. Culex quinquefasciatus Say (one larva, two adults), Cx. pipiens f. molestus (one larva, one adult) and one adult of hybrid origin were identified in Buenos Aires Province; only Cx. pipiens f. molestus was recorded in Patagonia (eight larvae, 21 adults). The potential absence of bioform pipiens and its implications in arbovirus enzootic cycles is discussed.
Guideline adherence in the management of head injury in Australian children: A population-based sample survey

Background Head injuries in children are a common and potentially devastating presentation. The CareTrack Kids (CTK) study assessed care of Australian children aged 0–15 years, in 2012 and 2013, to evaluate the proportion in line with guideline-based indicators for 17 common conditions. Overall adherence to guideline-based recommended practice occurred 59.8% of care encounters (95% CI: 57.5–62.0), and 78.3% (95% CI: 75.1–81.2) for head injury. This paper presents results for head injury, at indicator level. Methods A modified version of the RAND-UCLA method of indicator development was used. Indicators, measurable components of a standard or guideline, were developed from international and national guidelines relating to head injury in children and were ratified by clinical experts using a Delphi process. Paediatric nurses extracted data from medical records from general practitioners (GPs), emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient wards in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, for children under 15 years receiving care in 2012–13. Our purpose was to estimate the percentage adherent for each indicator. Results The medical records of 629 children with head injury were examined. Fifty-one percent of children were under 5 years old, with more males (61%) than females. Thirty-eight indicators were assessed. Avoidance of nasotracheal airways (100%; 95% CI: 99.4–100) or nasogastric tubes (99.7%; 95% CI: 98.5–100) for children with a head injury had the highest adherence. Indicators relating to primary and secondary assessment of head injuries were mostly adhered to. However, adherence to other indicators was poor (e.g., documentation of the past history of children (e.g., presence or absence of seizures) before the injury; 29.9% (95% CI: 24.5–35.7)), and for others was difficult to estimate with confidence due to small sample sizes (e.g., Children with a head injury who were intubated had PaO2 above 80mm Hg; 56.0% (95% CI: 28.6–80.9)). Indicators guiding clinical decision making regarding the need for CT scan had insufficient data to justify reporting. Conclusion This study highlights that management of head injury in children mostly follows guidelines, but also flags some specific areas of inconsistency. Individual sites are encouraged to use these results to guide investigation of local practices and inform quality improvement endeavours.
Information Management in Healthcare and Environment: Towards an Automatic System for Fake News Detection

Comments and information appearing on the internet and on different social media sway opinion concerning potential remedies for diagnosing and curing diseases. In many cases, this has an impact on citizens’ health and affects medical professionals, who find themselves having to defend their diagnoses as well as the treatments they propose against ill-informed patients. The propagation of these opinions follows the same pattern as the dissemination of fake news about other important topics, such as the environment, via social media networks, which we use as a testing ground for checking our procedure. In this article, we present an algorithm to analyse the behaviour of users of Twitter, the most important social network with respect to this issue, as well as a dynamic knowledge graph construction method based on information gathered from Twitter and other open data sources such as web pages. To show our methodology, we present a concrete example of how the associated graph structure of the tweets related to World Environment Day 2019 is used to develop a heuristic analysis of the validity of the information. The proposed analytical scheme is based on the interaction between the computer tool—a database implemented with Neo4j—and the analyst, who must ask the right questions to the tool, allowing to follow the line of any doubtful data. We also show how this method can be used. We also present some methodological guidelines on how our system could allow, in the future, an automation of the procedures for the construction of an autonomous algorithm for the detection of false news on the internet related to health.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over 24 h: A Latin American Society of Hypertension position paper—accessibility, clinical use and cost effectiveness of ABPM in Latin America in year 2020

Accurate office blood pressure measurement remains crucial in the diagnosis and management of hypertension worldwide, including Latin America (LA). Office blood pressure (OBP) measurement is still the leading technique in LA for screening and diagnosis of hypertension, monitoring of treatment, and long‐term follow‐up. Despite this, due to the increasing awareness of the limitations affecting OBP and to the accumulating evidence on the importance of ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), as a complement of OBP in the clinical approach to the hypertensive patient, a progressively greater attention has been paid worldwide to the information on daytime and nighttime BP patterns offered by 24‐h ABPM in the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic management of hypertension. In LA countries, most of the Scientific Societies of Hypertension and/or Cardiology have issued guidelines for hypertension care, and most of them include a special section on ABPM. Also, full guidelines on ABPM are available. However, despite the available evidence on the advantages of ABPM for the diagnosis and management of hypertension in LA, availability of ABPM is often restricted to cities with large population, and access to this technology by lower‐income patients is sometimes limited by its excessive cost. The authors hope that this document might stimulate health authorities in each LA Country, as well as in other countries in the world, to regulate ABPM access and to widen the range of patients able to access the benefits of this technique.
Meditation in Medical Perspective

Beyond the target of scientific researches, meditation is now one of the main tools for palliative and integrative medicine in Western society. Despite of valuable heritages of meditation in Korea, meditation is not considered to have clinical implications as in Western medical society. It is partly due to that while myserious aspect of meditation has been emphasized, a large number of scientific researches on meditation had not been known to Korean medical society. The authors reviewed several studies that examined the clinical effect of meditation and speculated its possibility as a method of clinical intervention.
Pain Management Using Clinical Pharmacy Assessments With and Without Pharmacogenomics in an Oncology Palliative Medicine Clinic.

PURPOSE Approximately 30% of patients with cancer who have pain have symptomatic improvement within 1 month using conventional pain management strategies. Engaging clinical pharmacists in palliative medicine (PM) and use of pharmacogenomic testing may improve cancer pain management. METHODS Adult patients with cancer with uncontrolled pain had baseline assessments performed by PM providers using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Pharmacotherapy was initiated or modified accordingly. A subset of patients consented to pharmacogenomic testing. The first pharmacy assessment occurred within 1 week of baseline and a second assessment was done within another week if intervention was required. Each patient's final visit was at 1 month. Pain improvement rate (a reduction of two or more points on a 0-to-10 pain scale) from baseline to final visit was compared applying the Fisher exact test to published historical control data, and between patients with and without pharmacogenomic testing. Multivariate logistic regression identified pain improvement covariates. RESULTS Of 142 patients undergoing pharmacy assessments, 53% had pain improvement compared with 30% in historical control subjects (P < .001). Pain improvement was not different between those who received (n = 43) and did not receive (n = 99) pharmacogenomics testing (56% v 52%; P = .716). However, of 15 patients with an actionable genotype, 73% had pain improvement. Higher baseline pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.43 to 2.24; P < .001), black or other race (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.95; P = .04), and performance status 3 or 4 (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.83; P = .03) were associated with odds of pain improvement, but pharmacogenomic testing was not (P = .64). CONCLUSION Including pharmacists in PM improves pain management effectiveness. Although pharmacogenomics did not statistically improve pain, a subset of patients with actionable genotypes may have benefited, warranting larger and randomized studies.