Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine as an Additive to Local Anesthesia for Decreasing Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma Surgery: A Randomized Trial

Background Nowadays, the peribulbar block is used as a tool in glaucoma surgery. As a side effect, it increases intraocular pressure that raises the need for adjuvant medication to overcome this problem in the diseased eye. Dexmedetomidine has proven to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) in the non-glaucomatous eye. Objectives In a triple-blinded randomized study, dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to the peribulbar block was used to decrease IOP in the diseased eye. Methods We randomized 98 eyes to three groups, including D50 (35 eyes) with dexmedetomidine 50 µg, D25 (33 eyes) with dexmedetomidine 25 µg, or control group (C) (30 eyes) with the plain peribulbar block. The study was randomized triple-blinded, aiming at testing the effect of dexmedetomidine on IOP after block injection. Results The pre-injection IOP was 27.71 ± 2.52, 27.25 ± 3.53, and 26.2 ± 3.57 mmHg in groups D50, D25, and C, respectively, then increased to 29.71 ± 1.69, 30.25 ± 2.36 and 29.4 ± 3.756 in groups D50, D25 and C, respectively, with P >0.05. The pressure decreased after the surgery to 10.86 ± 1.478 in group D50, 10.75 ± 1.63 in group D25, and 10.6 ± 1.589 in group C, with no statistical differences (P > 0.05) between the groups. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine did not decrease IOP in the glaucomatous eye.
The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior about Healthy Dietary Habits among Adolescent Females

Background: Dietary patterns are influenced by behavioral factors in early adulthood. Nutritional education has a major role in improving health status of adolescents. Objective (s): This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and behavior about healthy dietary habits among adolescent females before and after a nutrition education program in Riyadh, KSA. Methods: An intervention study was conducted in two schools among 105 students (57 from intermediate school and 48 from high school). Nutrition-related knowledge, attitude and behavior were assessed pre-intervention and one week post-intervention using the same instrument. The nutrition education program consisted of three sessions This study was approved by Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Results: After the intervention, there was significant improvement in students’ attitude (from 21.6±5.4 to 23.7 ± 3.2) and behavior towards healthy dietary habits (from 48±12.1 to 51.5 ± 7.2) with a P-value of 0.02 and 0.006 respectively. Knowledge score did not improve after the intervention. There was a significant decrease in the total barrier score from 12.2 ± 2.7 to 11.2 ± 2.7 with a pvalue of 0.01, and significant change in the consumption of daily breakfast, fresh food and whole grain (p-value 0.01, 0.05 & 0.02 respectively) and in checking expiry date of food (p-value 0.03) The Avoidance of fatty meals also improved significantly (p-value 0.03) . Conclusion: This nutrition education program was effective in improving adolescents’ attitude and behavior in relation to healthy diet.
Risk Factors for Otitis Media in Children Referred to Abuzar Hospital in Ahvaz: A Case-Control Study

Introduction Otitis media is one of the most common causes of infection in preschool children. The most damaging complication of otitis media is temporary or permanent hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the important risk factors for otitis media. Methods In this case-control study, 625 children aged six months to seven years were examined from winter to spring 2020, and 53 children with otitis media were allocated to the case group and the same number to the control group. The chi-square test was used to identify the risk factors affecting otitis media, and the risk factors were compared between the case and control groups. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between the incidence of otitis media and risk factors. Results Bivariate analysis revealed the following primary risk factors for otitis media: using pacifiers or bottle feeding, working mother, seasonal rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, tonsillopharyngitis, rhinorrhea, and adenoid hypertrophy (P<0.05). In logistic regression analysis, using pacifiers or bottle feeding (odds ratio [OR]=0.156, P=0.000), working mother (OR=0.226, P=0.000), seasonal rhinitis (OR=0.175, P=0.000), allergic rhinitis (OR=5.20, P=0.000) and adenoid hypertrophy (OR=1.57, P=0.000) were identified as the most important risk factors. Conclusion Adenoid hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis increased the risk of otitis media more than the other risk factors. Therefore, pediatricians should increase their awareness of the existence of these risk factors in a patient, and take the appropriate diagnostic steps and implement therapeutic care to prevent language and speech complications.
Study on the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen in Teknaf

Study was conducted on the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen in Teknaf to evaluate fishermen livelihood and social status for a period of one year from March, 2014 to April, 2015. Data were collected in terms of income generation, age distribution, housing, literacy rate, health and sanitation facilities of the fishermen. Fishing was regarded as the major source of income of the traditional fishermen but occasionally they undertook a variety of non-fishery related activities, which constituted a substantial part of their annual income. Among 105 fishermen interviewed, 59.25% were below 30 years, 29.62% were between 30 and 39 years, and the remaining 11.11% were more than 40 years old, and their literacy level was 62.96% illiterate, 18.51% can write their names, 14.81% had received education up to primary level and 3.70% had received secondary education. Income distribution showed significant inequality between marginal and non-marginal fishermen from group fishing. The national and local NGO like BRAC, ASA provided credit only to the organized poor members to purchase fishing gears and boats but the amount of credit provided by the NGOs was insufficient and could not commensurate to the poor people’s actual need. The present study revealed that sanitary conditions of the fishermen were very poor that 25% fishermen have semi-constructed and 10% of the fishermen had no sanitary facilities. Most of the fishermen (65%) have un-constructed sanitary facilities. The present study suggested that there is a clear need to legalize fishing profession and their settlement as well as traditional fishing communities should be given priority in getting necessary supports from all concerns. Res. Agric. , Livest. Fish.2(3): 483-489, December 2015
Phylogeography and current patterns of genetic diversity and structure of the Mediterranean pond turtle

The complex palaeogeographic history of the Mediterranean Basin lead to the high levels of diversity and endemisms in the area, as of that, this region is now included in the 25 global hotspots of biodiversity. For instance, the Milankovitch climatic oscillations induced range retractions to the Southern European Peninsulas and the Maghreb, where temperate species found refuge, allowing them to survive the colder periods. This process also induced allopatric diversification in some species as different populations took refuge in different regions and so became isolated. Ectothermic species depend on climate induced temperatures to survive, making them more susceptible to suffer retraction/expansion events during those times of climatic instability. The Mediterranean pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa, occurs widely throughout the Iberian Peninsula and most of the Maghreb region. Currently, two subspecies are recognized: M. l. saharica (ranging from southern of the Atlas Mountains to Tunisia) and M. l. leprosa (northern of the Atlas Mountains and in the Iberian Peninsula). For this work, we aim to explore the effect that past climatic oscillations and landscape barriers produced in the current patterns of genetic diversity and structure of M. leprosa, to do so, we used two fragments of mitochondrial DNA. Also, we intend to assess population genetic patterns and structure within this species at a more recentscale. As of that, microsatellite loci were here optimized for the first time for Mauremys leprosa by cross-amplification of two closely related species. Mitochondrial DNA (cyt-b and D-loop), retrieved from 163 specimens, showed deep genetic structure and higher levels of genetic diversity in North Africa, reinforcing the hypothesis of an African origin of the Iberian populations. Moreover, a secondary contact zone within the species was found in the Rif and Middle Atlas region. Microsatellite loci (genotyped in 556 individuals) revealed lower genetic structure in Morocco than in the Iberian Peninsula. However, for the latter, no geographical patterns were found. Furthermore, the high levels of genetic diversity found in southern populations of Iberian Peninsula might indicate a late Pleistocene refugia in the area, however, further studies are needed to clarify the role of this area during climatic oscillations. Regarding the secondary contact zone, this fast evolving marker revealed gene flow between the subspecies. iv FCUP Phylogeography and current patterns of genetic diversity and structure of the Mediterranean pond turtle Overall, this study sheds new light into the role of both geographical and climatic features on the genetic diversity and structure patterns of Mauremys leprosa, complementing the current knowledge on the importance of North Africa as a refugia.
Milk fat globules in different dairy cattle breeds Part I: morphometric analysis

Riassunto Il globulo di grasso in diverse razze di bovini da latte. Nota I: Analisi morfometrica – In questo studio vengono valutate le caratteristiche morfometriche del globulo di grasso del latte bovino di tre diversi tipi genetici: Frisona Italiana, Frisona Tedesca e Jersey. Il latte della Frisona è caratterizzato da un numero medio di globuli di grasso/ml tendenzialmente superiore (4,33x109 nella Frisona Italiana e 4,19x109 per la Frisona Tedesca, 3,55x109 razza Jersey) e da un diametro medio significativamente minore (4,93 Frisona Italiana, 4,97 Frisona Tedesca vs 5,30 Jersey: P≤0,01). La percentuale dei globuli di dimensioni maggiori (>6 µm) è superiore nella razza Jersey (P≤0,01), mentre minore (P≤0,01) è quella relativa ai globuli medi (3-6 µm).
Risk factors associated with Leishmania exposure among dogs in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine risk factors (RFs) associated with the presence of antibodies against Leishmania in dogs from a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 250 dogs and tested using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs). Data concerning dogs, their environment, and their owners’ knowledge of leishmaniasis were collected using a questionnaire. To determine RFs for contact with the parasite, univariate statistical analysis based on chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests, followed by logistic regression, was used. RESULTS: It was found that 79/250 (31.6%) of the dogs were positive by IFAT, and 72/250 (28.8%) by ELISA. A total of 82/250 dogs (32.8%) were positive in at least one test. The RFs associated with occurrences of Leishmania exposure were large body size (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.26-4.04; p = 0.003), presence of chickens (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.05-3.65; p = 0.023), and lack of knowledge about Leishmania among dog owners (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 0.96-3.21; p = 0.049). After multivariate analysis, the RFs for occurrence of Leishmania exposure in dogs that remained significantly associated were the dog’s size (large dogs) (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.06-1.35; p = 0.003) and presence of chickens on the properties (small farms) (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: These results may be useful for improving preventive practices to reduce the incidence of Leishmania exposure among dogs in rural areas.
The Role of Nocturnal Blood Pressure and Sleep Quality in Hypertension Management

The accurate measurement, prediction and treatment of high blood pressure (BP) are essential to the management of hypertension and the prevention of its associated cardiovascular (CV) risks. However, even if BP is optimally controlled during the day, nocturnal high blood pressure may still increase the risk of CV events. The pattern of circadian rhythm of BP can be evaluated by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Night-time ABPM is more closely associated with fatal and nonfatal CV events than daytime ambulatory BP. However, the use of ABPM is limited by low availability and the fact that it can cause sleep disturbance, therefore may not provide realistic nocturnal measurements. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) offers an inexpensive alternative to ABPM, is preferred by patients and provides a more realistic assessment of BP during an individual’s daily life. However, until recently, HBPM did not offer the possibility to measure nocturnal (sleep time) BP. The development and validation of new BP devices, such as the NightView (OMRON Healthcare, HEM9601T-E3) HBPM device, could overcome these limitations, offering the possibility of daytime and night-time BP measurements with minimal sleep disturbance.
Effect of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on the total protein, carbohydrate and lipid in roots at different growth stages of Hibiscus esculentus

Changes in the total protein, carbohydrate and lipid in the roots of Hibiscus esculentus resulting from infection with root-knot nematodes were studied at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after inoculation. The effect of a nematicidal plant extract of Anthocephalus cadamba, applied 1.0 days after inoculation, on the test plants during their growth was also studied. The galls appeared on root within 15 days after inoculation and increased in number very rapidly as the plants grew. The treated plants had always fewer galls. The population of root-knot nematodes inside the roots rose to a peak in 45 days and declined thereafter. The treated plants had fewer nematodes at all the observed growth stages. The total protein, carbohydrate and lipid in roots increased in amount with the growth of test plants, both inoculated and uninoculated. The inoculated plants had always higher amount of protein but lower amount of carbohydrate and lipid in roots than the uninoculated ones. The effect of treatment could be measured with root-protein only. The root-carbohydrate and root-lipid, which are thought to be reduced due to feeding by nematodes, provide additional biochemical parameters for evaluating the intensity of infection with root-knot nematodes.
Acute exacerbations of COPD and risk of lung cancer in COPD patients with and without a history of asthma

ABSTRACT Rationale There is limited knowledge on the effect of acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) on lung cancer risk in COPD patients with and without a history of asthma. This study aims to examine whether AECOPD is associated with risk of lung cancer, and whether the effect depends on a history of asthma. Methods In the GenKOLS study of 2003–2005, 852 subjects with COPD performed spirometry, and filled out questionnaires on smoking habits, symptoms and disease history. These data were linked to lung cancer data from the Cancer Registry of Norway through 2013. AECOPD, measured at baseline was the main predictor. To quantify differences in lung cancer risk, we performed Cox-proportional hazards regression. We adjusted for sex, age, smoking variables, body mass index, and lung function. Measurements and results During follow-up, 8.8% of the subjects with, and 5.9% of the subjects without exacerbations were diagnosed with lung cancer. Cox regression showed a significant increased risk of lung cancer with one or more exacerbations in COPD patients without a history of asthma, HRR = 2.77 (95% CI 1.39–5.52). We found a significant interaction between a history of asthma and AECOPD on lung cancer. Conclusions AECOPD is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in COPD patients without a history of asthma.
Periodontal Status and Microbiologic Pathogens in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Periodontitis: A Case–Control Study

Purpose To evaluate clinical periodontal status and microbiologic pathogens in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and periodontitis. Patients and Methods We conducted a case–control study of 60 periodontitis patients with COPD (case group) and 60 periodontitis patients with normal pulmonary function (control group). Their periodontal status and respiratory function were clinically examined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to measure five dental pathogens and four respiratory pathogens in subgingival dental plaque. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (r2) were calculated to assess correlations of pathogens. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to assess the similarity of bacterial diversity between the two groups. Logistic regression was performed to examine the associations of periodontal variables and pathogens with COPD risk. Results COPD patients had fewer remaining teeth, higher plaque index (PLI), and more severe site percentages of clinical attachment level (CAL) than the controls. Although COPD patients tended to have relatively higher ranked means of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Treponema denticola, and Haemophilus influenza than control participants, the differences were not significant. Some periodontal pathogens and respiratory pathogens were positively correlated with each other (r2 =0.29 to 0.47, all P < 0.05). The PCA graph showed that the distributions of pathogens were more dispersed but less discriminated in the COPD group than those in the control group. PLI (P = 0.045) and CAL ≥ 5mm site percentages (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD, while pathogens were not associated with COPD. Conclusion Our results from this study do not indicate periodontal pathogens as potential predictors of COPD risk, despite significantly poor periodontal status associated with COPD.
Differential expression of Arabidopsis thaliana acid phosphatases in response to abiotic stresses

The objective of this research is to identify Arabidopsis thaliana genes encoding acid phosphatases induced by phosphate starvation. Multiple alignments of eukaryotic acid phosphatase amino acid sequences led to the classification of these proteins into four groups including purple acid phosphatases (PAPs). Specific primers were degenerated and designed based on conserved sequences of PAPs isolated from plants, fungi and animals. RNA profiles of Pi-fed and P i -starved A. thaliana roots were compared with two methods established for gene-family-directed differential display of pap genes. Having analyzed the differentially displayed fragments, seven pap encoding cDNA clones were isolated. One of the clones was a transsplicing product of two genes that encodes an acid phosphatase carrying a zinc-finger domain. Six other clones were predicted to encode secretory phosphatases. Reverse-northern blotting and semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed distinct expression patterns for each gene under diverse environmental conditions such as Pi starvation, high-salt concentration, cold shock, nitrogen and sulfur deprivation. The presented data can provide some clues for dissecting the possible roles of PAPs in P i acquisition.
Study of immune-tolerized cell lines and extracellular vesicles inductive environment promoting continuous expression and secretion of HLA-G from semiallograft immune tolerance during pregnancy

ABSTRACT An immune reaction is a protector of our body but a target to be overcome for all non-self-derived medicine. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), noted as a primary alternative to cell therapy products that exhibit immune rejection due to mismatching-major histocompatibility complex (MHC), were discovered to have excellent curative effects through the delivery of various biologically active substances. Although EVs are sure to incur immune reaction by immunogenicity due to alloantigens from their parental cells, their immune rejection is rarely known. Hence, to develop cell lines and EVs as medicines with no immune rejection, we noted the immune tolerance where the foetus, as semi-allograft, is perfectly protected from the maternal immune system. We designed the ex-vivo culture systems to simulate in-vivo environmental factors inducing extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-specific Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) expression and secretion of HLA-G-bearing EVs at the mother-foetus interface. Using them, we confirmed that immune-tolerized stem cells (itSCs) continuously expressing and secreting HLA-G like EVTs during pregnancy can be induced. Also, EVs secreted from itSCs are verified as immune-tolerized EVs (itSC-EVs) containing HLA-G and not causing immune rejection through various analytical methods. These findings can provide a new perspective on the local and extensive immune tolerance environment where HLA-G is expressed and secreted by pregnancy-related hormones and different biological conditions. Furthermore, they show the new way to develop itSCs-EVs-based therapeutics that are free from time, space, and donor limitation causing immune rejection. Abbreviations CFSE: carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester; DC: dendritic cells; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; EV: extracellular vesicles; EVT: extravillous trophoblast; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; HA: hyaluronic acid; hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin; HLA-G: human leukocyte antigen G; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cells; itSC-EVs: immune-tolerized extracellular vesicles from itSCs; itTBC-EVs: immune-tolerized extracellular vesicles from itTBCs; itSCs: immune tolerized stem cells; itTBCs: immune-tolerized trophoblast cells; LH: luteinizing hormone; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; MSC: mesenchymal stem cells; NK: natural killer cells; NTA: nanoparticle tracking analysis; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PHA: phytohemagglutinin; SP-IRIS: single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensing; STB: syncytiotrophoblast
Barriers to Condom Use Among Female Sex Workers in Tehran, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background There are many barriers for condom use, which was one of the most important methods to prevent the transmission of HIV among female sex workers. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the barriers to condom use among female sex workers in Tehran, Iran. Methods This study was conducted with a qualitative approach and conventional content analysis among female sex workers in Tehran. Twenty-two female sex workers were selected through snowball sampling and purposive sampling. The data gathering method was a semi-structured interview and the data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman method. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used for evaluating research transferability. Results The results of data analysis were categorized in three categories and seven sub-categories included 1) individual factors (not knowing HIV/AIDS properly, anti-loyalty and love, and personality traits), 2) structural factors (partner’s desire, problems with condom availability), and 3) cultural factors (cultural taboos, following the models). Conclusion The results showed that lack of condom use is the consequence of different individual, structural, and cultural factors. So, it can be useful to take some initiatives at the individual level by raising awareness and understanding of female sex workers about HIV at the structural level by lowering the price of condoms and providing them extensively and at the societal level, by changing the beliefs and taboos about condoms.