Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The usefulness of endomyocardial biopsy in heart failure syndrome

Objective: the aim of this paper is to offer clear recommendations for the clinical utilization of endomyocardial biopsy within the context of the heart failure syndrome, laying emphasis on evidencebased medicine through a systematic review of the literature. Methods: original research papers and meta-analyses were studied. Papers were found through Medline, Google Scholarship and Cochrane, by using the terms “endomyocardial”, “biopsy”, “myocarditis” and “cardiomyopathy”. Results: thirteen very heterogeneous articles were selected. Due to their heterogeneous nature, statistical measurements were not performed. In this paper the authors present an academic discussion of some of these articles. Conclusions: histopathologic study of cardiac tissue has become a useful tool in the workup of patients with congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. The incidence of complications varies from 1 to 6%, with a mortality rate of 0.4% according to the clinical series studied. Mortality is decisively infl uenced by the operator’s experience. In order to optimize its diagnostic possibilities, biopsy should be accompanied by complete anatomopathological analysis, including conventional, special and immunohistochemical stains, as well as new techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis for most cardiotropic viruses and the expression of HLA antigens. Endomyocardial biopsy is a useful tool in the follow-up of the heart transplant
Anxiety, Depression, and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in a Community Sample of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The present study examines occurrence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), relationships between social difficulties and mental health, and application of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in this population. Ninety-eight adults with ASD completed an online survey. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations, independent samples t-tests, and simple mediational analyses. A substantial proportion reported a lifetime history of anxiety (63%), depression (55%), and suicide attempts (19%), as well as recent suicidal ideation (12%). Social difficulty was associated with higher psychiatric concerns. Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness were associated with social dissatisfaction, current suicidal ideation, and history of depression. Results suggest the need for widespread screening and intervention services for co-occurring psychiatric conditions in this population.
Detection of periodontal pathogens in mothers of preterm birth and/or low weight

Background The present study aims to estimate the possible relationship between periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity and the birth of Preterm Birth (PTB) and/or Low Birth Weight (LBW). Material and Methods It’s a case- control study with the subgengival biofilm samples were collected from four sites up deeper until 48 hours postpartum and were processes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for presence the periodontal pathogens Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) e Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). The mothers were divided into case grup (babies weighing < 2500g and/or gestational age < 37 weeks) and control group (babies weighing ≥ 2500g and gestational age ≥ 37 weeks). Chi-square test and the measure of association obtained by Odds Ratio (OR) were used to estimate the association between the variables. Results Microbial analyses results showed no significant association between PTB and LBW with most periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity, even with association with the clinical presence of periodontitis. Conclusions given the high presence of periodontal pathogens in the biofilm subgengival of recent mothers, it is suggested that the findings of this research serve as the basis for future studies on the pathophysiology involved in the relationship between periodontitis and PTB and/or LBW. Key words:Low Birth Weight Infant. Premature Infant. Periodontal Diseases. Bacteria. Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Thrombolysis in elderly stroke patients in Italy (TESPI) trial and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Since its approval, the use of alteplase had been limited to patients aged ≤80 years. Aims TESPI trial had been designed to evaluate whether alteplase treatment within 3 h in patients with acute ischemic stroke aged >80 years resulted in favorable benefit/risk ratio compared with standard care. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was updated to put findings in the context of all available evidence. Methods TESPI was a multicenter, open-label with blinded outcome evaluation, randomized, controlled trial. Main clinical endpoints were 90-day favorable functional outcome (mRS score 0–2) and mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The trial was prematurely terminated for ethical reasons after publication of IST-3 trial which provided evidence of treatment benefit in elderly. Results Of the planned 600 patients, 191 (88 assigned to alteplase) were enrolled. Overall, 24/83 (28.9%) alteplase patients had a favorable outcome compared to 22/95 (23.2%) controls (non-significant absolute difference of 5.7% for alteplase; OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.69–2.64, P = 0.381). Rates of death were non-significantly lower in the alteplase patients (18.1% vs. 26.5%); rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were similar between the two groups (5.9% vs. 5.1%). The updated meta-analysis showed consistent results with prior estimates and add weights. Conclusions The effects of alteplase observed in this interrupted trial did not reach statistical significance, probably for the small numbers, but are consistent with and add weight to the sum total of the randomized evidence demonstrating that alteplase is beneficial in patients with acute ischemic stroke aged over 80 years, particularly if given within 3 h.
An Efficient Method for the Plating of Haploid and Diploid Emiliania huxleyi on Solid Medium1

Emiliania huxleyi is a globally important coccolithophore and one of the most successful eukaryotic organisms in the modern oceans. Despite a large body of work on this organism, including the sequencing of its genome, the tools required for forward and reverse functional genetic studies are still undeveloped. Here we present an optimized method for the clonal isolation of E. huxleyi by plating on solid medium. We demonstrate the utility of this method for a variety of strains including haploid, calcifying‐diploid, and noncalcifying diploid strains. We show that, in contrast to previous studies, no changes in cell ploidy status occur when the cells are plated. Our method will greatly aid attempts to elucidate the genetic basis of the remarkable physiology of E. huxleyi by forward and reverse genetic approaches.
Improved Glycemic Control through the use of a Telehomecare Program in Diabetic Patients Treated with Insulin.

BACKGROUND With the drastic surge in the prevalence of diabetes, the use of medical resources for management of diabetic patients increased markedly. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of telehomecare (THC) use on clinical efficacy, nursing interventions and medical visits compared to the standard care in insulin-treated diabetic patients. METHODS A prospective non-inferiority clinical trial was designed. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group provided with a THC system during 3 months or to a control group. Main outcome was the difference in A1c at 3 months compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were the difference in A1c at 6 months compared to baseline, the number of medical visits during the 6-month period of the study and nursing interventions during the 3 months on THC. RESULTS A total of 92 participants completed the study. A significant decrease in A1c levels was observed in the THC group (n=45) compared to the control group (n= 47) at 3 months (-0.61% vs -0.06%, respectively, p = 0.048) and at 6 months (-0.37% vs -0.10%, respectively, p = 0.036). The THC group had an average of 0.6 medical visit compared to 1.0 in the control group (p < 0.001). An increase in nursing interventions (mainly E-mails) was noted in THC group (n=14.7) compared to control group (n=1.1). CONCLUSIONS This THC program demonstrates improvement in glycemic control and a decrease in the number of medical visits. However, it is important to consider an additional burden in nursing interventions when implementing a THC program.
Early adversity and children's regulatory deficits: Does postadoption parenting facilitate recovery in postinstitutionalized children?

Abstract Children reared in orphanages typically experience the lack of stable, reliable caregivers and are at increased risk for deficits in regulatory abilities including difficulties in inhibitory control, attention, and emotion regulation. Although adoption results in a radical shift in caregiving quality, there remains variation in postadoption parenting, yet little research has examined postadoption parenting that may promote recovery in children experiencing early life adversity in the form of institutional care. Participants included 93 postinstitutionalized children adopted between 15 and 36 months of age and 52 nonadopted same-aged peers. Parenting was assessed four times during the first 2 years postadoption (at 2, 8, 16, and 24 months postadoption) and children's regulation was assessed at age 5 (M age = 61.68 months) and during kindergarten (M age = 71.55 months). Multiple parenting dimensions including sensitivity/responsiveness, structure/limit setting, and consistency in routines were examined. Both parental sensitivity and structure moderated the effect of preadoption adversity on children's emotion regulation while greater consistency was associated with better inhibitory control and fewer attention problems. Results support the notion that postadoption parenting during toddlerhood and the early preschool years promotes better regulation skills following early adversity.
Effects of Probiotic Use on Quality of Life and Physical Activity in Constipated Female University Students: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a probiotic supplement containing two genera and five species of bacteria versus placebo on the quality of life (QoL) in female university students with intestinal constipation (IC). Design: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on female university students in a single study center. Settings/Location: Two phases of interventions were carried out, the pilot and main study. All participants were female students of Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Subjects: Female students whose ages ranged from 20 to 40 years and self-reported to be suffering from IC based on a questionnaire containing Rome III criteria were included. Interventions: Interventions occurred during a period of 30 days in the pilot phase (n = 32) and 15 days in the main study phase (n = 63). The subjects were numbered and randomly divided into experimental probiotic and placebo control groups. Therefore, neither the participants nor the researchers were aware of the allocations of the treatment groups. Outcome measures: The sociodemographic, Rome III, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) and International Physical Activity questionnaires, and anthropometric measures were utilized. The relative risk (RR) treatment effect, absolute risk reduction (ARR), RR reduction, number needed to treat (NNT), and odds ratio were calculated. Results: Improvement in the QoL (ARR = 14% and p < 0.01) and satisfaction (ARR = 44% and p < 0.01) according to the PAC-QoL questionnaire was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group. For probiotic supplementation, an NNT = 7 was obtained. This implies that for every seven constipated women treated, a worsening in the QoL is prevented in one. An NNT = 1 was obtained concerning satisfaction in the same group of women with respect to the treatment. No clinically significant observations related to the safety of the product were reported. The authors did not detect the effect of exercise intensity on the QoL of participants. Conclusion: The probiotic supplementation had a positive impact on the QoL of constipated female university students.
Factores pronósticos de muerte en pacientes operados de fractura de cadera

Introduccion: El numero de personas que alcanzan la tercera edad muestra una tendencia ascendente. En este contexto las fracturas de caderas emergen como un importante problema de salud con incidencias directas en la mortalidad y causa frecuente de incapacidad funcional en el adulto mayor. Objetivo: Identificar y cuantificar la influencia de distintos factores relacionados con el pronostico de muerte en los pacientes operados por fracturas de cadera. Metodo: Se realizo un estudio analitico de cohorte en pacientes con el diagnostico de fractura de cadera para tratamiento quirurgico, que ingresaron en el servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital Provincial «Carlos M. de Cespedes» de Bayamo durante el periodo comprendido entre Julio del 2004 y Diciembre del 2009. Resultados: De 172 casos estudiados, fallecieron 40 (23,3 %). En el analisis univariado realizado variables como el sexo y el tiempo en horas desde el ingreso hasta la intervencion quirurgica, no mostraron una influencia independiente sobre la muerte. El modelo de regresion logistica mostro que la tension arterial media elevada (RR=153.20, IC 14.897-1575,531, p=0.000), el tiempo quirurgico prologado (RR=46.79, IC 7.972-274.668, p=0.000) y el estado fisico del paciente (RR= 7.924, IC 1.718-36.548, p=0.008), fueron los factores de influencia independiente relacionados con el riesgo morir en los pacientes operados de fractura de cadera. Conclusiones: Con los valores obtenidos por el ajuste de regresion logistica para los factores de influencia independiente sobre la muerte, se podra estimar el riesgo de morir de nuestros pacientes.
Mussel-inspired polydopamine-mediated surface modification of freeze-cast poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

Abstract There are many methods used to fabricate the scaffolds for tissue regeneration, among which freeze casting has attracted a great deal of attention due to the capability to create a unidirectional structure. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-casting technology in order to create porous microstructure with oriented open-pore channels. To induce biomineralization, and to improve hydrophilicity and cell interactions, mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) was coated on the surface of the freeze-cast PCL constructs. Then, the synergistic effects of oriented microstructure and deposited layer on efficient reconstruction of injured bone were studied. Microscopic observations demonstrated that, the coated layer did not show any special change in lamellar microstructure of the scaffolds. Water-scaffold interactions were evaluated by contact angle measurements, and they demonstrated strong enhancement in the hydrophilicity of the polymeric scaffolds after PDA coating. Biodegradation ratio and water uptake evaluation confirmed an increase in the measured values after PDA precipitation. The biomineralization of the PDA-coated scaffolds was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Obtained results confirmed biomineralization of the constructs after a 28-day immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Mechanical analysis demonstrated higher compressive strength after PDA coating. L929 fibroblast cell viability and attachment illustrated that PDA-coated PCL scaffolds are able to support cell adhesion and proliferation. The increased secretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after culturing osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63) revealed the initial capability of scaffolds to induce bone regeneration. Therefore, the PDA-coated scaffolds introduce a promising approach for bone tissue engineering application.
Using N-Terminal Coordination of Cu(II) and Ni(II) to Isolate the Coordination Environment of Cu(I) and Cu(II) Bound to His13 and His14 in Amyloid-β(4-16).

The amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is a cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein and has been implicated as a central player in Alzheimer's disease. The N-terminal end of Aβ is variable, and different proportions of these variable-length Aβ peptides are present in healthy individuals and those with the disease. The N-terminally truncated form of Aβ starting at position 4 (Aβ4-x) has a His residue as the third amino acid (His6 using the formal Aβ numbering). The N-terminal sequence Xaa-Xaa-His is known as an amino terminal copper and nickel binding motif (ATCUN), which avidly binds Cu(II). This motif is not present in the commonly studied Aβ1-x peptides. In addition to the ATCUN site, Aβ4-x contains an additional metal binding site located at the tandem His residues (bis-His at His13 and 14) which is also found in other isoforms of Aβ. Using the ATCUN and bis-His motifs, the Aβ4-x peptide is capable of binding multiple metal ions simultaneously. We confirm that Cu(II) bound to this particular ATCUN site is redox silent, but the second Cu(II) site is redox active and can be readily reduced with ascorbate. We have employed surrogate metal ions to block copper coordination at the ATCUN or the tandem His site in order to isolate spectral features of the copper coordination environment for structural characterization using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. This approach reveals that each copper coordination environment is independent in the Cu2Aβ4-x state. The identification of two functionally different copper binding environments within the Aβ4-x sequence may have important implications for this peptide in vivo.
‘Examining the contribution of surrounding intact skin during cutaneous healing’ by Aljghami M et al. Journal of Anatomy (2019) 234: 523–531

Dear Editor, We have read the article ‘Examining the contribution of surrounding intact skin during cutaneous healing’ by Aljghami et al. (2019). In that paper, the authors developed a dome model to prevent skin contraction in mice for biopsies. The authors also proved that the surrounding intact skin played an important role in granulation tissue formation, myofibroblast differentiation and neovascularization in the process of mouse skin healing. The contribution of the authors to promoting wound healing is remarkable. However, we would like to raise our concerns about the inappropriate anesthetic isoflurane chosen by the authors. In their study, the authors chose to use isoflurane to anesthetize mice during wound preparation in mice. However, studies have shown that an anesthetic dose of isoflurane has a protective effect on systemic inflammation and can inhibit inflammation (Liu et al. 2017). Isoflurane inhalation may indirectly regulate expression of inflammatory factors by regulating expression of miRNA (Zhang et al. 2019). In addition to regulating inflammatory pathways, miRNA plays an important role in regulating immune response and the occurrence of autoimmunity (Pauley et al. 2009). miRNA can be fine-tuned at multiple targets of the inflammatory pathway to regulate inflammation (O’Neill et al. 2011). Isoflurane inhalation can inhibit the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-jB (Thiele Robert et al. 2019). The translocation of NF-jB p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus represents the activation of NF-jB, which is associated with inflammation and an acute immune response. Isoflurane inhalation can significantly reduce the nuclear translocation of NF-jB p65 induced by lipopolysaccharide and inhibit the activity of NFjB (Dallot et al. 2005). Inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-jB can reduce the expression of NF-jB-dependent proinflammatory mediators in order to alleviate endotoxin-associated inflammation (Moine et al. 2000). Isoflurane causes macrophage phagocytosis to increase, and promotes phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils through AMPK-mediated ADAM17/Mer signaling (Du et al. 2017). The above factors can cause an anti-inflammatory effect. Granulation tissue formed during wound healing contains a large number of inflammatory cells, including macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. The anti-inflammatory effect of isoflurane can affect wound healing. In the study of Aljghami et al., the intact skin around mice may have promoted granulation tissue formation, muscle fibroblast differentiation and neovascularization. We would appreciate more information from investigators regarding whether this conclusion was affected by the anti-inflammatory effect of isohalothane.
Influence of multi-enzyme preparation supplemented with sodium butyrate on growth performance blood profiles and economic benefit of growing rabbits.

The present study was carried out to explore the impacts of dietary supplementation of enzyme mixture with sodium butyrate on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood profile and economic benefit in two breeds of weanling rabbits adapted to survive in Egypt (New Zealand White and Rex). One-hundred and twenty weaned male rabbits (New Zealand White and Rex) of 6 weeks of age and 770.5 ± 20 g body weight were allotted randomly into four groups in a factorial arrangement. The obtained results indicated that there were non-significant differences in all growth performance traits, blood profile and economic parameters due to the breed effect. However, there were significant differences in most of carcass traits due to the breed effect except total giblets and New Zealand White breed showed the highest value of these parameters including dressing % (p < .01), forequarter and loin % (p < .001) and hindquarter % (p < .003) compared with Rex breed counterparts. The effect of the treatment and its interaction with the breed significantly (p < .05) improved body weight gain, feed consumption and carcass traits (percentage of dressing, forequarter, hind quarter and lion). However, final body weight and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced. Supplementing a diet with treatment significantly decreased blood triglycerides, cholesterol and the ratio between albumin and globulin (A/G ratio), while increased blood total protein and globulin. Although higher feed cost and total costs in treated groups than control ones in each breed, they showed higher total return and net return. Rex non-treated rabbit breed showed the lowest profitability measures compared with other groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of multi-enzyme with sodium butyrate is highly recommended in growing rabbits due to their beneficial effects on the growth performance and profitability.