Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to Enhancement Linked Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy Using Semi-Cylindrical Ablation Pattern in Patients with Myopic Regression After Laser Refractive Surgery

Purpose We aimed to introduce a new technique to reduce regional asymmetry of corneal thickness by assessing its effectiveness in four patients with myopic regression after laser refractive surgery (LRS). Patients and Methods Four patients (four eyes) with myopic regression after LRS were included in this study. A new technique of enhancement with laser epithelial keratomileusis-linked laser asymmetric keratectomy using semi-cylindrical ablation pattern (E-LAK-SCAP) with full integration of the Vision-Up software for analyzing the corneal thickness deviation can be used to create central symmetry by blocking laser ablation on the thin cornea. It reduces the regional asymmetry of the corneal thickness, thus improving corneal symmetry and correcting the refractive power and myopic shift due to E-LAK-SCAP. We measured refraction, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal irregularities in the 3.0mm, and 5.0 zones on Orbscan maps, the sum of corneal thickness deviations in four directions (SUM), distance between the maximum posterior elevation (best-fit-sphere [BFS]) and the visual axis (DISTANCE), and angle kappa before and after LRS and E-LAK-SCAP. Blurring scores were measured before and after E-LAK-SCAP. Results The uncorrected far visual acuity (LogMAR) increased after LRS and E-LAK-SCAP. SUM (µm) increased after LRS in three cases, but decreased in all four cases after E-LAK-SCAP. DISTANCE increased after LRS, but decreased after E-LAK-SCAP. The spherical equivalent, CCT, decreased after LRS and E-LAK-SCAP. Blurring scores decreased after E-LAK-SCAP, and angle kappa was similar before and after LRS, but decreased after E-LAK-SCAP. IOP was similar before and after both LRS and E-LAK-SCAP. Conclusion E-LAK-SCAP improved corneal symmetry by reducing the SUM and DISTANCE, showing good postoperative visual acuity, and blurring was reduced postoperatively. There was no myopic regression in the one-year postoperative period.
Partial Purification and Characterisation of Pectinase Produced by Aspergillus niger LFP-1 Grown on Pomelo Peels as a Substrate

In the present study, pectinase was produced by local fungal isolate, Aspergillus niger LFP-1 grown on pomelo peels as a sole carbon source under solid-state fermentation (SSF). The purification process begins with the concentration of crude enzyme using ammonium sulfate precipitation and followed by purification using anion-exchange column chromatography (DEAE-Sephadex) and subsequently using gel filtration column chromatography (Sephadex G-100). On the other hand, the molecular weight of the purified enzyme was determined through SDS-PAGE. The findings revealed the crude enzyme was purified up to 75.89 folds with a specific activity of 61.54 U/mg and the final yield obtained was 0.01%. The molecular mass of the purified pectinase was 48 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature were 3.5 and 50°C, respectively. This enzyme was stable at a range of pH 3.5 to 4.5 and a relatively high temperature (40°C–50°C) for 100 min. The Km and Vmax were found to be 3.89 mg/mL and 1701 U/mg, respectively. Meanwhile, pectin from citrus fruit and the metal ion (Co2+) were the best substrate and inducer to enhance pectinase yield, respectively.
Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice in Relation to Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting: A Systematic Review

Aim To describe and synthesize aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and to explore associated barriers from a nurse perspective. Methods A systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge from January 2010 to October 2020 were searched. Original observational studies that were written in English and which focused on nurses' knowledge, attitudes, practice, and perceived barriers regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting in various healthcare settings were included. Results Twenty-three studies published in English from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved during the search process. Overall, in the knowledge domain, the median percentages of nurses who were aware of the definitions of ADRs were 74.1%, while only 26.3% were aware of the adverse drug reaction reporting form. In the attitude domain, 84.6% of nurses believed ADR reporting to be important for patient/medicine safety and 37.1% had a fear of legal liability following ADR reporting. Although 67.1% of nurses encountered ADRs during their professional life, only 21.2% had a history of ADR reporting. In addition, lack of knowledge/training (median: 47.1%) was identified as the most common barrier in ADR reporting from a nursing viewpoint. Conclusion Despite positive nurse attitudes, knowledge and practice in relation to pharmacovigilance activities and ADR reporting did not occur regularly or often. Improving nurses' knowledge through in-service training and degree-level education and addressing the main barriers of ADR reporting may help to achieve an improved level of reporting.
Interprofessional Collaboration in a New Model of Transitional Care for Families with Preterm Infants – The Health Care Professional’s Perspective

Background Families with preterm infants find life after hospital discharge challenging and need tailored support to thrive. The “Transition to Home (TtH)”-model offers structured, individual support for families with preterm infants before and after hospital discharge. TtH improves parental mental health and competence, promotes child development and fosters interprofessional collaboration (IPC). Aim Evaluate the TtH-models’ structure and implementation process and its associated interprofessional collaboration from the healthcare professional’s (HCP) perspective. Methods This qualitative explorative study thematically analyzed four focus group interviews (n=28 HCP) and an open-ended questionnaire with general pediatricians (n=8). Results The main themes of the thematic analysis were the benefits of the TtH-model, tailored parental support, the challenges of changing interprofessional collaboration, facilitators and barriers to successfully implementing the model, and feasibility and health economic limits. HCP acknowledge that continuous family-centered care led by an advanced practice nurse (APN) supports, strengthens, and relieves families with preterm infants in the transition from hospital to home. Families in complex situations benefit most. The TtH-model incorporates key aspects of integrated care like shared decision-making, considering family preferences, and defining the APN as the family’s main contact. HCP want network collaboration but found communication, cooperation, and reorganization challenging in the new IPC process. IPC challenges and involving many HCP in family care can create parental oversupply, negatively affect treatment outcomes, and raise health care costs. Conclusion These challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable implementation of the model. The roles and tasks of HCP should be clearly distinguished from each other, and HCP must have time to learn this new form of IPC. Learning requires time, effective communication strategies, and leadership support. Political action is also required to implement new models of care, including regulating advanced practice roles and developing new financing models.
Experiences of secondary health conditions amongst people with spinal cord injury in South Africa: A qualitative study

Background Secondary health conditions (SHCs) such as pain, pressure sores, sexual problems, bowel and bladder problems are prevalent throughout the lifespan of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Studies have reported that SHCs decrease life expectancy and increase health care costs. Studies on the lived experience of SHCs are, however, limited. Objectives To explore the experiences of SHCs amongst people with SCI in a public rehabilitation hospital in South Africa. Method Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with SCI from August 2018 to July 2019. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a content analysis approach. Results Seventeen people with SCI were interviewed. Participants experienced a range of SHCs. The most common experienced SHC was pain (94%). The main theme that emerged from the analysis was ‘the impact of secondary health conditions on health and well-being’. The categories linked to the impact were SHCs co-occurrence and how SHCs limit function, restrict participation, affect mental health and disrupt lives. Conclusion We found that SHCs were enormously impactful on our participants’ lives and health, as illustrated by their stories of fear, embarrassment and shame. Understanding people with SCI experiences of SHCs can enhance communication between people with SCI and health professionals and may help develop prevention strategies. Clinical implications To enhance patient-centred care, health professionals are encouraged to actively listen to patients’ experiences of illness and the impact on health and wellbeing.
Effect of Dexamethasone Implant on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Early Period in Vitrectomized Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema

Aim To investigate the change in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in vitrectomized eyes with intravitreal dexamethasone (IVD) implant injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Method In this prospective and controlled study, the vitrectomized eyes of diabetic patients were included. The study group (Group 1) was formed by diabetic vitrectomized eyes with DME. The control group (Group 2) was formed by diabetic vitrectomized eyes without DME. Only one intravitreal IVD implant was injected into the eyes in Group 1. In the first, second, and fourth months, choroidal layers were measured by optical coherence tomography and complete ophthalmologic examinations were performed for all cases. Results Ninety-six eyes of 96 cases were included in the study. There were 48 eyes of 48 different patients in each group. After IVD injection, statistically significant improvement was observed in the best corrected visual acuity in Group 1. The mean SFCT in eyes with DME was statistically significantly thinner (p < 0.01) and thinness became more pronounced during the four-month follow-up period after IVD implant injection (p < 0.01). Conclusion In the presence of DME in vitrectomized eyes, the thinness of the SFCT may become evident after dexamethasone implant injection.
Fisherfolk's Perception of and Attitude to Solid Waste Disposal: Implications for Health, Aquatic Resources, and Sustainable Development

The study explored fisherfolk's perception and attitude in regard to solid waste disposal and the implications of these for public health, aquatic resources, and sustainable development (SD) in a Ghanaian fishing community. Qualitative data were obtained from 37 purposively targeted participants comprising 34 fisherfolk, an environmental health expert, a water and sanitation expert, and a fisheries and aquatic sciences expert through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed thematically guided by the most significant stories. While the fisherfolk perceived waste as useless and a nuisance, the experts saw it as a nuisance and/or resource. The fisherfolk did not sort their waste in line with best practices, nor were they willing to pay for waste collection services, citing poverty as the main reason. While most fisherfolk disposed of their waste into bins as approved, others did so onto the street, into the drains, lagoon, and sea. While the fisherfolk were aware that indiscriminate waste disposal led to diseases such as malaria and cholera, their perceptions of the effect of the same on aquatic resources were mixed. The fisherfolk's conception and perception of waste led to attitudes, behaviours, and practices that polluted the environment (air, land, and water resources), resulting in public health challenges, a threat to navigation, fish population, and other biodiversity, which were inimical to livelihoods and sustainable development. The government and municipal authority should collaborate with the experts in environmental health, water and sanitation, fisheries and aquatic sciences, and traditional authorities to sensitise the fisherfolk on the sustainability implications of unapproved solid waste disposal practices to change their attitude for the better. They should also provide more waste disposal infrastructure and enforce the laws to ensure compliance with best practice for sustainable development. The study supports the compatibility and mutuality between Sustainable Development (SDG) 6 on water, sanitation, and hygiene and SDG 14 regarding sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Are Smaller Nanoparticles Always Better? Understanding the Biological Effect of Size-Dependent Silver Nanoparticle Aggregation Under Biorelevant Conditions

Purpose Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most commonly investigated nanomaterials, especially due to their biomedical applications. However, their excellent cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity is often compromised in biological media due to nanoparticle aggregation. In this work, the aggregation behavior and the related biological activity of three different samples of citrate capped silver nanoparticles, with mean diameters of 10, 20, and 50 nm, respectively, were examined. Methods Following nanoparticle synthesis and characterization with transmission electron microscopy, their aggregation behavior under various pH values, NaCl, glucose, and glutamine concentrations, furthermore in cell culture medium components such as Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium and fetal bovine serum, was assessed through dynamic light scattering and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Results The results indicated that acidic pH and physiological electrolyte content universally induce micron-scale aggregation, which can be mediated by biomolecular corona formation. Remarkably, larger particles demonstrated higher resistance against external influences than smaller counterparts. In vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays were performed by treating cells with nanoparticulate aggregates in differing stages of aggregation. Conclusion Our results revealed a profound association between colloidal stability and toxicity of AgNPs, as extreme aggregation led to the complete loss of biological activity. The higher degree of aggregation resistance observed for larger particles had a significant impact on the in vitro toxicity, since such samples retained more of their activity against microbes and mammalian cells. These findings lead to the conclusion that aiming for the smallest possible nanoparticles might not be the best course of action, despite the general standpoint of the relevant literature.
3D bioprinting of integral ADSCs-NO hydrogel scaffolds to promote severe burn wound healing

Abstract Severe burns are challenging to heal and result in significant death throughout the world. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising treatment for full-thickness burn healing but are impeded by their low viability and efficiency after grafting in vivo. Nitric oxide (NO) is beneficial in promoting stem cell bioactivity, but whether it can function effectively in vivo is still largely unknown. In this study, we bioprinted an efficient biological scaffold loaded with ADSCs and NO (3D-ADSCs/NO) to evaluate its biological efficacy in promoting severe burn wound healing. The integral 3D-ADSCs/NO hydrogel scaffolds were constructed via 3D bioprinting. Our results shown that 3D-ADSCs/NO can enhance the migration and angiogenesis of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Burn wound healing experiments in mice revealed that 3D-ADSCs/NO accelerated the wound healing by promoting faster epithelialization and collagen deposition. Notably, immunohistochemistry of CD31 suggested an increase in neovascularization, supported by the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA in ADSCs in the 3D biosystem. These findings indicated that 3D-ADSC/NO hydrogel scaffold can promote severe burn wound healing through increased neovascularization via the VEGF signalling pathway. This scaffold may be considered a promising strategy for healing severe burns.
Fasudil Dichloroacetate Alleviates SU5416/Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Ameliorating Dysfunction of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease that urgently needs therapeutic approaches. Based on the therapeutic effects of fasudil and dichloroacetate (DCA) on PAH, we aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanism of a new salt, fasudil dichloroacetate (FDCA), in a SU5416 plus hypoxia (SuHx)-induced rat model of PAH. Methods The rat model of PAH was established by a single subcutaneous injection of SU5416 (20 mg/kg) followed by hypoxia (10% O2) exposure for 3 weeks. FDCA (15, 45, or 135 mg/kg i.g. daily) or the positive control, bosentan (100 mg/kg i.g. daily), were administered from the first day after SU5416 injection. After 3-week hypoxia, hemodynamic parameters, and histological changes of the pulmonary arterial vessels and right ventricle (RV) were assessed. Additionally, in vitro, the effects of FDCA (50 μM), compared with equimolar doses of fasudil, DCA, or fasudil+DCA, on the proliferation, migration, and contraction of human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) under hypoxia (1% O2) were evaluated. Results FDCA dose-dependently attenuated SuHx-induced PAH, with significant reductions in RV systolic pressure, pulmonary artery wall thickness, pulmonary vessel muscularization, perivascular fibrosis, as well as RV hypertrophy and fibrosis. In vitro, FDCA inhibited hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation, migration, and contraction to a greater degree than fasudil or DCA alone by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing intracellular Ca2+, and inhibiting calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase (Ca2+/CaMK) activity as well as Rho-kinase activity. Conclusion FDCA ameliorates hypoxia-induced PASMC dysfunction by inhibiting both Ca2+/CaMK and Rho-kinase signaling pathways, as well as maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, thus alleviating SuHx-induced PAH.
Early Development of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Root and Shoot Using Different Propagation Medium and Cutting Types

This study aimed at determining the effects of propagation medium and cutting types on the early growth performance of fig (Ficus carica L.) root and shoot. The experiment was conducted at the Glasshouse and Nursery Complex (GNC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The split-plot design was employed with the main plot (propagation medium) and sub-plot (types of cutting). The propagation medium were sand:topsoil (1:3) (M1), topsoil:peat:sawdust (1:1:1) (M2) and peat:perlite (1:1) (M3). Two types of cutting were semi-hardwood (C1) and hardwood (C2). As a result, there were a significant effect of propagation medium on measured parameters. This study revealed that the most effective propagation medium and cutting types for the propagation of fig were a combination of peat and perlite at 1:1 ratio (M3) and hardwood cutting (C2), respectively as evidenced by significantly higher root and shoot growth quality as compared to other treatments.
Awareness on Teratogenic Effects of Isotretinoin and Compliance with Precautionary Measures among Women of Childbearing Age in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia

Acne vulgaris ranks among the most common dermatologic conditions encountered during adolescence up to adulthood. For moderate to severe cases of acne, isotretinoin is indicated as it is considered the most efficacious medication against acne. However, isotretinoin use is known to have its side effects and most importantly is the drug's teratogenic potential. As a response, programs such as the Retinoid Pregnancy Prevention Program (PPP), System to Manage Accutane-Related Teratogenicity (SMART), and iPLEDGE were put into action as attempts to promote awareness on isotretinoin's teratogenicity and reduce the incidence of exposed pregnancies. Such programs are lacking in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed, therefore, to evaluate the awareness of women of childbearing age in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia, with regards to the side effects of the medication, specifically its teratogenicity. This study also intended to assess the compliance of both doctors and patients with the recommendations and precautions associated with isotretinoin. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 766 women participants using a previously validated questionnaire. Results showed that majority of the respondents (91%) are generally aware of the side effects of isotretinoin use, particularly its teratogenicity. However, lapses have been identified with regards to the compliance of both the treating physician and the patient. Three-fourths of sexually active women did not use any form of contraception while being on isotretinoin treatment. Two-thirds of the study participants responded that they were not issued approval forms indicating their understanding of the side effects of isotretinoin and the importance of compliance to the treating physician's instructions; 11.5% claimed that their doctors did not perform any blood tests; and 67.7% claimed that no pregnancy test was performed at any time during the treatment. These findings strongly suggest a need for improvement when it comes to compliance of both doctors and patients. It is recommended that doctor-patient communication be more comprehensive and more efforts should be made to follow international guidelines in that regard.
Mineral element concentrations of common grass and shrub species on sheep winter range in Wyoming: insights for mineral supplementation strategies1

1The authors wish to thank the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center for funding this study, Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, and Wyoming sheep ranchers for their time and resources committed to the study. 2Corresponding author: whit.stewart@uwyo.edu Received May 1, 2020. Accepted June 24, 2020. Mineral element concentrations of common grass and shrub species on sheep winter range in Wyoming: insights for mineral supplementation strategies1
Serum Sulfhydryl Groups, Malondialdehyde, Uric Acid, and Bilirubin as Predictors of Adverse Outcome in Heart Failure Patients due to Ischemic or Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of oxidation-reduction (redox) markers in patients with HF due to ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. The study included 707 patients of HF allocated into two groups depending on ethology: ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (n = 435) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (nICM) (n = 272), who were followed up for one year. The endpoint occurrence (mortality or heart transplantation) in a 1-year follow-up was similar in the ICM and nICM group. The predictive value of endpoint occurrence of oxidative stress biomarkers such as the serum protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid (UA), bilirubin, and MDA/PSH ratio and other clinical and laboratory data were assessed in both groups (ICM and nICM) separately using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. In multivariate analysis, the higher concentrations of UA (p = 0.015, HR = 1.024, 95% CI (1.005-1.044)) and MDA (p = 0.004, HR = 2.202, 95% CI (1.296-3.741)) were significantly associated with adverse prognosis in patients with ICM. Contrastingly, in patients with nICM, we observed that higher bilirubin concentration (p = 0.026, HR = 1.034, 95% CI (1.004-1.064)) and MDA/PSH ratio (p = 0.034, HR = 3.360, 95% CI (1.096-10.302)) were significantly associated with increased risk of death or HT. The results showed the association of different oxidative biomarkers on the unfavorable course of heart failure depending on etiology.