Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probable Pain on the Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition (PAIC15) Instrument: Assessing Sensitivity and Specificity of Cut-Offs against Three Standards

Observational pain scales can help to identify pain in persons with dementia who may have difficulty expressing pain verbally. The Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition-15 (PAIC15) covers 15 items that indicate pain, but it is unclear how probable pain is, for each summed score (range 0–45). We aimed to determine sensitivity and specificity of cut-offs for probable pain on the PAIC15 against three standards: (1) self-report when able, (2) the established Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) cut-off of 2, and (3) observer’s overall estimate based on a series of systematic observations. We used data of 238 nursing home residents with dementia who were observed by their physician in training or nursing staff in the context of an evidence-based medicine (EBM) training study, with re-assessment after 2 months in 137 residents. The area under the ROC curve was excellent against the PAINAD cut-off (≥0.8) but acceptable or less than acceptable for the other two standards. Across standards and criteria for optimal sensitivity and specificity, PAIC15 scores of 3 and higher represent possible pain for screening in practice, with sensitivity and specificity against self-report in the 0.5 to 0.7 range. While sensitivity for screening in practice may be too low, a cut-off of 4 is reasonable to indicate probable pain in research.
Vitamin A Plasma Levels in COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study and Hypothesis

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease that causes severe pulmonary damage and hyperinflammation. Vitamin A is a crucial factor in the development of immune functions and is known to be reduced in cases of acute inflammation. This prospective, multicenter observational cross-sectional study analyzed vitamin A plasma levels in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, and 40 hospitalized patients were included. Of these, 22 developed critical disease (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]/Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]), 9 developed severe disease (oxygen supplementation), and 9 developed moderate disease (no oxygen supplementation). A total of 47 age-matched convalescent persons that had been earlier infected with SARS-CoV-2 were included as the control group. Vitamin A plasma levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Reduced vitamin A plasma levels correlated significantly with increased levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, ferritin) and with markers of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (reduced lymphocyte count, LDH). Vitamin A levels were significantly lower in hospitalized patients than in convalescent persons (p < 0.01). Of the hospitalized patients, those who were critically ill showed significantly lower vitamin A levels than those who were moderately ill (p < 0.05). Vitamin A plasma levels below 0.2 mg/L were significantly associated with the development of ARDS (OR = 5.54 [1.01–30.26]; p = 0.048) and mortality (OR 5.21 [1.06–25.5], p = 0.042). Taken together, we conclude that vitamin A plasma levels in COVID-19 patients are reduced during acute inflammation and that severely reduced plasma levels of vitamin A are significantly associated with ARDS and mortality.
Effect of temperature and particle size on physicochemical and techno-functional properties of peach palm peel flour (Bactris gasipaes, red and yellow ecotypes)

In this study, the effect of temperature and particle size on the techno-functional properties of the flour from peach palm fruit peels (Bactris gasipaes, red and yellow ecotype) were evaluated. The flour from peach palm epicarp obtained by natural convective drying was physicochemically characterized, including the assessment of total dietary fiber determined under the gravimetric enzymatic method. The results obtained showed that temperature and particle size present a significant effect (p < 0.001) on techno-functional properties except for swelling capacity. The flour from the red ecotype presented better nutritional: total dietary fiber 47.93 ± 1.72%, protein 6.87 ± 0.15% and techno-functional properties: water retention capacity (WRC) 7.13 ± 0.29 g/g, oil retention capacity (ORC) 6.24 ± 0.08 g/g, emulsifier activity (EA) 56.84 ± 0.28%, emulsifier stability (ES) 50.33 ± 0.31% than the yellow one water absorption capacity (WAC) 5.31 ± 0.03 g/g and water solubility (WS) 59.58 ± 0.04% at 60 °C and 0.25 mm. Therefore, this study showed that the flour obtained from peach palm fruit peels contains high fiber and protein values and could be used as a promising natural additive (source of dietary fiber or emulsifier) for the food industry.
Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors towards patient safety among nurses working at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background Patient safety has been identified as a global priority area. It is one of the most health care challenges. There is a rising number of patients’ mortality in hospitals each year because of lapses in patient safety practice. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors towards patient safety among nurses working at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital. Methods Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 172 nurses working at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The data were collected from nurses from December 28, 2020 to January 05, 2021 by using a pretested questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.2. 0.0 and analyzed using the SPSS version 23.0 software. Results A total of 172 nurses were enrolled in to the study, resulting a response rate of 99.4%. The mean age of the nurses was 32.53 years. More than half 94(54.7%) of them were female. The majority 133(77.3%) of them were qualified for degrees and above. The majority 155(90.1%) of them had working experience of ≤13years. The nurse’s level of good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice towards patient safety was 58.7% (n = 101, [95% CI; 51.7, 66.7]), 52.9% (n = 91, [95% CI; 43.6, 61.4]), and 50% (n = 86, [95% CI; 43.6, 57%]) respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed; working in the operation theatre unit [AOR = 5.01, 95% CI; 1.36, 18.46], having information on patient safety during initial education [AOR = 4.99, 95%CI; 1.87, 13.31], and having information on patient safety during continuing education [AOR = 2.85, 95% CI; 1.14, 7.12] were factors significantly associated with knowledge towards patient safety. Being male [AOR = 3.09, 95% CI; 1.38, 6.95], having working experience of >13 years [AOR = 8.37, 95% CI; 1.36, 51.70], having information on patient safety during initial education [AOR = 3.36, 95%CI; 1.11, 10.15], having information on patient safety during continuing education [AOR = 3.33, 95% CI; 1.25, 8.85], and having good Knowledge towards patient safety [AOR = 2.74, 95% CI; 1.21, 6.21] were factors significantly associated with attitude towards patient safety. Having information on patient safety during initial education [AOR = 5.35, 95%CI; 1.77, 16.17] and having a positive attitude towards patient safety [AOR = 3.02, 95% CI; 1.32, 6.91] were factors significantly associated with practice towards patient safety. Conclusion In the present study, more than half of the nurse’s had good knowledge and positive attitude towards patient safety. However, only half of the nurses had good practice towards patient safety. Educational programs and training on patient safety may need to take place for nurses to abate these problems.
Normative Data for Ten Neuropsychological Tests for the Guatemalan Pediatric Population Updated to Account for Vulnerability

The Guatemalan pediatric population is affected by a high incidence of poverty and violence. The previous literature showed that these experiences may ultimately impact cognitive performance. The aim of this article is to update the standardized scores for ten neuropsychological tests commonly used in Guatemala considering vulnerability. A total of 347 healthy children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age (M = 10.83, SD = 3) were assessed, controlling for intelligence, mental health and neuropsychological history. The standard scores were created using multiple linear regression and standard deviations from residual values. The predictors included were the following: age, age squared (age2), mean parental education (MPE), mean parental education squared (MPE2), gender, and vulnerability, as well as their interaction. The vulnerability status was significant in the scores for language, attention and executive functions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that includes the condition of vulnerability in the calculation of neuropsychological standard scores. The utility of this update is to help in the early detection of special needs in this disadvantaged population, promoting more accurate interventions in order to alleviate the negative effects that living in vulnerable conditions has on children and adolescents.
Synergistic Effect of Bioactive Inorganic Fillers in Enhancing Properties of Dentin Adhesives—A Review

Dentin adhesives (DAs) play a critical role in the clinical success of dental resin composite (DRC) restorations. A strong bond between the adhesive and dentin improves the longevity of the restoration, but it is strongly dependent on the various properties of DAs. The current review was aimed at summarizing the information present in the literature regarding the improvement of the properties of DAs noticed after the addition of bioactive inorganic fillers. From our search, we were able to find evidence of multiple bioactive inorganic fillers (bioactive glass, hydroxyapatite, amorphous calcium phosphate, graphene oxide, calcium chloride, zinc chloride, silica, and niobium pentoxide) in the literature that have been used to improve the different properties of DAs. These improvements can be seen in the form of improved hardness, higher modulus of elasticity, enhanced bond, flexural, and ultimate tensile strength, improved fracture toughness, reduced nanoleakage, remineralization of the adhesive–dentin interface, improved resin tag formation, greater radiopacity, antibacterial effect, and improved DC (observed for some fillers). Most of the studies dealing with the subject area are in vitro. Future in situ and in vivo studies are recommended to positively attest to the results of laboratory findings.
Clinical Practice of Photodynamic Therapy Using Talaporfin Sodium for Esophageal Cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a conventional photosensitizer was approved for esophageal cancer in the early 1990s; however, it was replaced by other conventional treatment modalities in clinical practice because of the high frequency of cutaneous phototoxicity and esophageal stricture after the procedure. The second-generation photosensitizer, talaporfin sodium, which features more rapid clearance from the body, was developed to reduce skin phototoxicity, and talaporfin sodium can be excited at longer-wavelength lights comparing with a conventional photosensitizer. Endoscopic PDT using talaporfin sodium was initially developed for the curative treatment of central-type early lung cancer in Japan, and was approved in the early 2000s. After preclinical experiments, PDT using talaporfin sodium was investigated for patients with local failure after chemoradiotherapy, which was the most serious unmet need in the practice of esophageal cancer. According to the favorable results of a multi-institutional clinical trial, PDT using talaporfin sodium was approved as an endoscopic salvage treatment for patients with local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. While PDT using talaporfin sodium is gradually spreading in clinical practice, further evaluation at the point of clinical benefit is necessary to determine the importance of PDT in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Direct Comparison of the Lowest Effect Concentrations of Mutagenic Reference Substances in Two Ames Test Formats

The Ames assay is the standard assay for identifying DNA-reactive genotoxic substances. Multiple formats are available and the correct choice of an assay protocol is essential for achieving optimal performance, including fit for purpose detection limits and required screening capacity. In the present study, a comparison of those parameters between two commonly used formats, the standard pre-incubation Ames test and the liquid-based Ames MPF™, was performed. For that purpose, twenty-one substances with various modes of action were chosen and tested for their lowest effect concentrations (LEC) with both tests. In addition, two sources of rat liver homogenate S9 fraction, Aroclor 1254-induced and phenobarbital/β-naphthoflavone induced, were compared in the Ames MPF™. Overall, the standard pre-incubation Ames and the Ames MPF™ assay showed high concordance (>90%) for mutagenic vs. non-mutagenic compound classification. The LEC values of the Ames MPF™ format were lower for 17 of the 21 of the selected test substances. The S9 source had no impact on the test results. This leads to the conclusion that the liquid-based Ames MPF™ assay format provides screening advantages when low concentrations are relevant, such as in the testing of complex mixtures.
Systematic Review of Injuries in the Men’s and Women’s National Basketball Association

Background: Numerous studies have reported the incidence and outcomes of injuries in the men’s and women’s National Basketball Association (NBA and WNBA, respectively). Purpose: To synthesize published data regarding the incidence and outcomes of all injuries in the NBA and WNBA in a comprehensive review. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase) for studies of all levels of evidence since 1990 pertaining to injuries sustained by active players in the NBA and WNBA. Studies were excluded if the cohort of interest included ≤3 active players. Results: The initial search of the 3 databases yielded 1253 unique studies, of which 49 met final inclusion criteria for this review. Only 4 studies included athletes in the WNBA. Based on the mean annual incidence, the 5 most common orthopaedic sports injuries sustained in the NBA were concussions (9.5-14.9 per year), fractures of the hand (3.5-5.5 per year), lower extremity stress fractures (4.8 per year), meniscal tears (2.3-3.3 per year), and anterior cruciate ligament tears (1.5-2.6 per year). Cartilage defects treated using microfracture, Achilles tendon ruptures, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries were 3 injuries that led to significant reductions in performance measurements after injury. Conclusion: With advances in sports technology and statistical analysis, there is rapidly growing interest in injuries among professional basketball athletes. High-quality prospective studies are needed to understand the prevalence and effect of injuries on player performance and career length. This information can inform preventative and treatment measures taken by health care providers to protect players and guide safe return to play at a high level.
Satisfaction with Life: Mediating Role in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between fourteen coping strategies and depressive symptoms in the Portuguese population. To undertake this work, 313 Portuguese adults aged 18 to 70 years (M = 30.73; SD = 10.79) were invited to participate in this study. Their participation was completely voluntary, and participants granted and signed informed consent previously to the filling of the validated Portuguese questionnaires. These questionnaires measured depressive symptoms, coping, and life satisfaction. The results revealed that life satisfaction displayed a mediating role in the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms, specifically between active coping, planning, reinterpretation, and acceptance and depressive symptoms, showing a negative and significant indirect effect. Maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame, denial, self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use had a significant positive association with depressive symptoms, considering the mediating role of satisfaction with life. Current investigation provides initial evidence of how each coping mechanism is associated with satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. This study clearly demonstrates that not all coping strategies are capable of influencing well-being indicators and that health professionals should focus on endorsing those that are significantly associated with lowering depressive symptoms and increasing overall satisfaction with life.
Endoscopic and Histopathological Findings of the Esophagus, Stomach, and Duodenum in Patients with Crohn’s Disease from a Reference Center in Bahia, Brazil

(1) The aim of the present study was to describe the endoscopic and histopathological findings in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum in patients with Crohn’s disease. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included patients receiving treatment from the inflammatory bowel disease outpatient clinic. Esophagogastroduodenoscopies with biopsies of the stomach and proximal duodenum were performed. Presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria was assessed by Giemsa staining. (3) Results: We included 58 patients. Erosive esophagitis was identified in 25 patients (43.1%), gastritis was diagnosed in 32 patients (55.2%) and erosive duodenitis was found in eight (13.8%). The most frequent histopathological finding in the H. pylori-positive group was increased inflammatory activity in the gastric body and antrum, with a predominance of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells. In turn, the most frequent finding in the H. pylori-negative group was chronic inflammation with predominance of mononuclear cells. Focally enhanced gastritis was identified in four patients (6.9%), all of whom were negative for H. pylori. Granulomas were not observed. H. pylori infection was present in 19 patients (32.8%). (4) Conclusions: Nonspecific endoscopic and histological findings were frequent in patients with Crohn’s disease. Focally enhanced gastritis was uncommon and observed only in H. pylori-negative patients. The time from the diagnosis, patient age, and therapy in use may have influenced the nondetection of epithelioid granuloma.
Investigation on the Composition of Agarose–Collagen I Blended Hydrogels as Matrices for the Growth of Spheroids from Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems mimic the structural complexity of the tissue microenvironment and are gaining increasing importance as they resemble the extracellular matrix (ECM)–cell and cell–cell physical interactions occurring in vivo. Several scaffold-based culture systems have been already proposed as valuable tools for large-scale production of spheroids, but they often suffer of poor reproducibility or high costs of production. In this work, we present a reliable 3D culture system based on collagen I-blended agarose hydrogels and show how the variation in the agarose percentage affects the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogel. The influence of the different physical and mechanical properties of the blended hydrogels on the growth, size, morphology, and cell motility of the spheroids obtained by culturing three different breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-361, and MDA-MB-231) was also evaluated. As proof of concept, the cisplatin penetration and its cytotoxic effect on the tumor spheroids as function of the hydrogel stiffness were also investigated. Noteworthily, the possibility to recover the spheroids from the hydrogels for further processing and other biological studies has been considered. This feature, in addition to the ease of preparation, the lack of cross-linking chemistry and the high reproducibility, makes this hydrogel a reliable biomimetic matrix for the growth of 3D cell structures.
Treatment with the Bacterial Toxin CNF1 Selectively Rescues Cognitive and Brain Mitochondrial Deficits in a Female Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome Carrying a MeCP2-Null Mutation

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene and a major cause of intellectual disability in females. No cure exists for RTT. We previously reported that the behavioural phenotype and brain mitochondria dysfunction are widely rescued by a single intracerebroventricular injection of the bacterial toxin CNF1 in a RTT mouse model carrying a truncating mutation of the MeCP2 gene (MeCP2-308 mice). Given the heterogeneity of MECP2 mutations in RTT patients, we tested the CNF1 therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model carrying a null mutation (MeCP2-Bird mice). CNF1 selectively rescued cognitive defects, without improving other RTT-related behavioural alterations, and restored brain mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity in MeCP2-Bird mice. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential CNF1 effects on the behavioural phenotype, we compared treatment effects on relevant signalling cascades in the brain of the two RTT models. CNF1 provided a significant boost of the mTOR activation in MeCP2-308 hippocampus, which was not observed in the MeCP2-Bird model, possibly explaining the differential effects of CNF1. These results demonstrate that CNF1 efficacy depends on the mutation beared by MeCP2-mutated mice, stressing the need of testing potential therapeutic approaches across RTT models.
Numerical Study on the Surface Plasmon Resonance Tunability of Spherical and Non-Spherical Core-Shell Dimer Nanostructures

The near-field enhancement and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on the core-shell noble metal nanostructure surfaces are widely studied for various biomedical applications. However, the study of the optical properties of new plasmonic non-spherical nanostructures is less explored. This numerical study quantifies the optical properties of spherical and non-spherical (prolate and oblate) dimer nanostructures by introducing finite element modelling in COMSOL Multiphysics. The surface plasmon resonance peaks of gold nanostructures should be understood and controlled for use in biological applications such as photothermal therapy and drug delivery. In this study, we find that non-spherical prolate and oblate gold dimers give excellent tunability in a wide range of biological windows. The electromagnetic field enhancement and surface plasmon resonance peak can be tuned by varying the aspect ratio of non-spherical nanostructures, the refractive index of the surrounding medium, shell thickness, and the distance of separation between nanostructures. The absorption spectra exhibit considerably greater dependency on the aspect ratio and refractive index than the shell thickness and separation distance. These results may be essential for applying the spherical and non-spherical nanostructures to various absorption-based applications.