Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Clinical Physiotherapist during COVID- 19 Pandemic - A Cross Sectional Study

Background: In year of 2020, The Covid 19 epidemic caused by SARS Cov 2 disturbed normal ways of living globally. Epidemic affects emotional, physical and economical issues among the various populations. Physiotherapist as a professional, it is impacting professionally and personally. Due to job instability and job viability especially for private practitioners which affecting psychological status. Essential role of physiotherapist during this Covid 19 epidemic. So this study is to Find out the Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Clinical Physiotherapist during Covid 19 Pandemic. Aims and Objectives: To find out the Prevalence of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Clinical Physiotherapist during Covid 19 Pandemic. Methodology: The cross sectional study was carried out among 130 physiotherapists. In which 107 female and 23 male who had willingness to participate in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written consent was taken by individuals. Outcome measure was DASS-21 Questionnaire and result was prepared. Result: Mean age of participants was 28.38 with involvement of 82% female and 18% male. This study showed that prevalence of Depression is 7% mild, 9% moderate, 2% Severe, Prevalence of anxiety is 4% mild, 16% moderate, 5% Severe and Prevalence of Stress is 12% mild. Study showed that epidemic affects Depression, Anxiety and Stress among clinical physiotherapist. Conclusion: Study concluded that pandemic has affected mild to moderate level of Depression & Anxiety and mild level of Stress among clinical Physiotherapist. Key words: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Physiotherapist, Covid-19.
Response Surface Method for Modelling the Effect of CO2 in Brine/Waxy Oil Interfacial Tension during LSW-WAG Enhanced Oil Recovery

Recent research on the combination of low salinity waterflood (LSW) with CO2 water-alternating gas (WAG) has received significant attention due to its effectiveness in recovering residual oil in a mature field. The solubility of CO2 increases with decreasing brine salinity; and the presence of CO2 in the injected water is expected to reduce the water/oil interfacial tension (IFT) leading to the release of trapped oil previously held in the rock by capillary forces. However, to date, little study has been done on the fluid/fluid interaction during the LSW-WAG process involving waxy crude oil and injected brine. In this study, two models have been developed from experimental IFT measurements that can facilitate the prediction of the CO2 effect in the interfacial tension between oil/water interface in the presence and absence of CO2. This objective is achieved by modelling the effect of pressure, brine salinity, and CO2 on oil/water IFT with the response surface methodology (RSM) using the modified central composite design method (CCD) for the experimental design. Based on the developed model, the optimum values of input variables were calculated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) to obtain an acceptable model. The R-squared values demonstrate that the developed models could appropriately predict the experimental results of oil/water IFT from Dulang crude oil and 7 different brine salinity. The results of this study are expected to give insights into the fluid/fluid interaction behaviour during the LSW-WAG recovery process from a mature field with waxy crude oil.
Blood Plasma Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters for Personalized Tumor Theranostics

Simple Summary Cancer is a disease that has a high fatality rate over the world. Nanotechnology is one of the most promising current approaches for developing novel diagnostic and treatment methods in accomplishing more personalized medicine. Personalized gold nanoclusters have potential to be used in cancer theranostics. We demonstrate that biocompatible gold nanoclusters could be synthesized directly in human blood plasma. Such gold nanoclusters have a wide photoluminescence band in the optical tissue window and generate reactive oxygen species under irradiation with visible light, thus are suitable for cancer theranostics. Abstract Personalized cancer theranostics has a potential to increase efficiency of early cancer diagnostics and treatment, and to reduce negative side-effects. Protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters may serve as theranostic agents. To make gold nanoclusters personalized and highly biocompatible, the clusters were stabilized with human plasma proteins. Optical properties of synthesized nanoclusters were investigated spectroscopically, and possible biomedical application was evaluated using standard cell biology methods. The spectroscopic investigations of human plasma proteins stabilized gold nanoclusters revealed that a wide photoluminescence band in the optical tissue window is suitable for cancer diagnostics. High-capacity generation of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species was also observed. Furthermore, the cluster accumulation in cancer cells and the photodynamic effect were evaluated. The results demonstrate that plasma proteins stabilized gold nanoclusters that accumulate in breast cancer cells and are non-toxic in the dark, while appear phototoxic under irradiation with visible light. The results positively confirm the utility of plasma protein stabilized gold nanoclusters for the use in cancer diagnostics and treatment.
Influence of Ripening Stage on Quality Parameters of Five Traditional Tomato Varieties Grown under Organic Conditions

Consumers demand traditional, tasty tomatoes in contrast to new hybrid cultivars that have poor sensory characteristics. Some physicochemical parameters (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color and firmness), functional properties (vitamin C, lycopene, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity) and sensory characteristics of five traditional tomato varieties (T1-T5) in three ripening stages, grown under organic conditions, were evaluated. These were compared to the commercial hybrid ‘Baghera’, grown in the same conditions. Firmness of all varieties declined and the color parameters L* and H* decreased, whereas a* and a*/b* increased progressively with ripening. Lycopene also increased with ripening in all varieties, with the highest content being 132.64 mg kg−1 fw for T4. All traditional tomato varieties were richer in lycopene than commercial ones in the two last ripening stages. Vitamin C content ranged widely between 27.33 and 267.27 mg kg−1 fw. Among the traditional varieties, T2 (BGV003524) stood out due to its highest total soluble solids and vitamin C contents, total antioxidant activity, and H* and a*/b*; this variety was also the most appreciated by panelists. These traditional varieties could be an alternative to commercial cultivars, as they have good quality characteristics and can satisfy consumer demand for organic produce.
Phenolic Compound Profile by UPLC-MS/MS and Encapsulation with Chitosan of Spondias mombin L. Fruit Peel Extract from Cerrado Hotspot—Brazil

Taperebá (Spondias mombin L.) is a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado that has shown important characteristics such as a significant phenolic compound content and biological activities. The present study aimed to characterize the phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity in taperebá peel extract, as well as microencapsulating the extract with chitosan and evaluating the stability of the microparticles. The evaluation of the profile of phenolic compounds was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. The microparticles were obtained by spray drying and were submitted to a stability study under different temperatures. In general, the results showed a significant content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The results of UPLC-MS/MS demonstrated a significant content of polyphenols in taperebá peel, highlighting the high content of ellagic acid and quercetin compounds. There was significant retention of phenolic compounds when microencapsulated, demonstrating high retention at all evaluated temperatures. This study is the first to microencapsulate the extract of taperebá peel, in addition to identifying and quantifying some compounds in this fruit.
Determining the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Tinnitus, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Tinnitus is the awareness of a sound in the absence of an external source. It affects around 10–15% of people, a significant proportion of whom also experience symptoms such as depression or anxiety that negatively affect their quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique involving constant low-intensity direct current delivered via scalp electrodes. It is a potential treatment option for tinnitus, as well as tinnitus-related conditions such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review estimates the effects of tDCS on outcomes relevant to tinnitus. In addition, it sheds light on the relationship between stimulation parameters and the effect of tDCS on these outcomes; (2) Methods: Exhaustive searches of electronic databases were conducted. Randomised controlled trials were included if they reported at least one of the following outcomes: tinnitus symptom severity, anxiety, or depression. Where available, data on quality of life, adverse effects, and neurophysiological changes were also reviewed. GRADE was used to assess the certainty in the estimate; (3) Results: Meta-analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus (moderate certainty) and depression (low certainty)-but not anxiety-following active tDCS compared to sham control. Network meta-analyses revealed potential optimal stimulation parameters; (4) Conclusions: The evidence synthesised in this review suggests tDCS has the potential to reduce symptom severity in tinnitus and depression. It further narrows down the number of potentially optimal stimulation parameters.
Medical Intern’s Knowledge Attitude and Practice towards Specializing in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery in a Tertiary Hospital

Background: Medical doctors after graduating are expected to have a year of internship in an approved training institution. During the time of internship, the medical interns are referred to as House Officers who go through different clinical rotations which may alter their interest in a field. Aim: The aim is to determine the area of interest in specialization by House Officers of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and determine their general knowledge, attitude, and practice of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery. Method: This is a facility-based cross-sectional study design. The study population was House Officers in RSUTH. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information from 150 participants after obtaining ethical approval for the study. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive frequency analysis was done for all variables. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge about ENT Surgery Result: The most common age range was 20-29 years 86 (57.3%), with equal gender distribution. The research highlighted good knowledge of ENT surgery among 110 (73.3%). Months of practice as interns and being married were significantly associated with good knowledge of ENT, p<0.05. Majority of the interns desire to specialize in ENT Surgery 24(16%) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conclusion: The findings show a growing interest in ENT specialization among interns. Increasing the exposure of interns to this area of medical specialization can enhance their knowledge and interest to specialize in ENT surgery.
Distributed Beamforming Techniques for Cell-Free Wireless Networks Using Deep Reinforcement Learning

In a cell-free network, a large number of mobile devices are served simultaneously by several base stations (BSs)/access points(APs) using the same time/frequency resources. However, this creates high signal processing demands (e.g., for beamforming) at the transmitters and receivers. In this work, we develop centralized and distributed deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based methods to optimize beamforming at the uplink of a cell-free network. First, we propose a fully centralized uplink beamforming method (i.e., centralized learning) that uses the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm (DDPG) for an offline-trained DRL model. We then enhance this method, in terms of convergence and performance, by using distributed experiences collected from different APs based on the Distributed Distributional Deterministic Policy Gradients algorithm (D4PG) in which the APs represent the distributed agents of the DRL model. To reduce the complexity of signal processing at the central processing unit (CPU), we propose a fully distributed DRL-based uplink beamforming scheme. This scheme divides the beamforming computations among distributed APs. The proposed schemes are then benchmarked against two common linear beamforming schemes, namely, minimum mean square estimation (MMSE) and the simplified conjugate symmetric schemes. The results show that the D4PG scheme with distributed experience achieves the best performance irrespective of the network size. Furthermore, although the proposed distributed beamforming technique reduces the complexity of centralized learning in the DDPG algorithm, it performs better than the DDPG algorithm only for small-scale networks. The performance superiority of the fully centralized DDPG model becomes more evident as the number of APs and/or UEs increases. The codes for all of our DRL implementations are available at https://github.com/RayRedd/Distributed_beamforming_rl.
Impact of Selected Sociodemographic and Clinical Parameters on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Paramedics in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the outbreak of the pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO, World Health Organization) on 11 March 2020, has resulted in the introduction of many restrictions worldwide to contain the rapidly spreading pathogen. A particularly vulnerable professional group are paramedics working in Emergency Medical Teams. Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate the influence of selected sociodemographic and clinical parameters on anxiety and depression symptoms in paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The study involved 387 paramedics working in Medical Rescue Teams in Poland. The majority of respondents were male (72.35%). In order to achieve the aim of the study, an online diagnostic survey was conducted using a questionnaire of the author’s own design and standardized questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and General Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7). Results: Significantly higher values were observed for all analysed scales in females compared to males. The main factors influencing the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms were gender, seniority at work, family relations, use of sleeping pills. Alcohol consumption increased in this professional group during the pandemic. Conclusions: Females and users of sleep medication who work in the emergency department during a pandemic are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. A longer length of service and satisfying relationships with family are factors in reducing these symptoms. Paramedics who are in informal relationships and single manifest more emotional problems compared to those who are married. Increased alcohol consumption can be considered as a way of coping with stress. However, further studies in this professional group are needed to assess the further impact of the pandemic on psychiatric symptoms among emergency medical workers.
A National Survey of the Prevalence of Chronic Pain in Nursing Students and the Associated Factors

Abstract Objective. To examine the prevalence of chronic pain and the associated factors among nursing students. Methods. This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional. The subjects were 1684 nursing students who were selected from the universities of medical sciences in Iran via cluster sampling in 2019. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire: a demographic characteristics survey, characteristics of chronic pain, and a pain scale. Results. The majority of the students were female (62.1%) and single (87%). The mean age of the participants was 22.4±2.96 years. The results of data analysis showed that 30.2% of the students suffered from chronic pain. The areas which were most affected by pain were: head (31.24%), abdomen (11.98%), and the back (9.23%). 56.4% of the nursing students declared the origin of their pain to be unknown, 22.7% attributed their pain to migraine, and 6.48% reported spinal disorders to be the cause of their pain. There was a significant relationship between the students’ chronic pain and the variables of age (higher in the 29-and-above age group), marital status (higher in married subjects), and education (higher in postgraduates). Conclusion. A relatively large number of nursing students suffer from chronic pains. Nursing schools should contribute to improving students' knowledge of chronic pain prevention and management.
Thyroid Dysfunction among Hypertensive Pregnant Women in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

The hypertensive pregnant woman is at a higher risk of complications either before, during or after birth and the baby can be adversely affected leading to preterm birth, low birth weight, placental separation (abruption) and other complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women with hypertension. The study participants were 150 hypertensive pregnant women, 25 non-hypertensive pregnant women and 25 non-hypertensive non-pregnant women. Exactly 5mL of blood was collected and used for the assay of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The results showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) age among hypertensive pregnant women when compared with non-hypertensive pregnant women and non-hypertensive non-pregnant women. The serum TSH was significantly higher (p < 0.035) among hypertensive pregnant women when compared with non-hypertensive pregnant women. The triiodothyronine (T3) of hypertensive pregnant women was observed to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) when compared with both non-hypertensive pregnant women and non-hypertensive non-pregnant women. Some 15/150 (10%) of hypertensive pregnant women had subclinical hypothyroidism, 13/150 (8.7%) had overt hypothyroidism, while 122/150 (81.3%) were euthyroid. Among those with thyroid dysfunction, five and four of the subjects had subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism during the second trimester, while ten and nine had subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism during the third trimester, respectively. Evaluation of hypertensive pregnant women for thyroid function may be routinely performed to enable early diagnosis and treatment.
Increased Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) Activity and Inflammatory Responses during Chikungunya Virus Infection

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection causes intense cytokine/chemokine inflammatory responses and debilitating joint pain. Indoleamine2,3–dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) is an enzyme that initiates the tryptophan degradation that is important in initial host innate immune defense against infectious pathogens. Besides that, IDO-1 activation acts as a regulatory mechanism to prevent overactive host immune responses. In this study, we evaluated IDO-1 activity and cytokine/chemokine patterns in CHIKV patients. Higher IDO-1 (Kyn/Trp ratio) activation was observed during the early acute phase of CHIKV infection and declined in the chronic phase. Importantly, increased concentrations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interferon γ (IFN-γ), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10/Interferon Protein-10 (CXCL10/IP-10) were found in the acute phase of infection, while C-C motif chemokine ligand 4/Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 β (CCL4/MIP-1β) was found at increased concentrations in the chronic phase. Likewise, CHIKV patients with arthritis had significantly higher concentrations of CCL4/MIP-1β compared to patients without arthritis. Taken together, these data demonstrated increased IDO-1 activity, possibly exerting both antiviral effects and regulating exacerbated inflammatory responses. CCL4/MIP-1β may have an important role in the persistent inflammation and arthritic symptoms following chikungunya infection.
Evaluation of the Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection Using a Serum Bile Acid Profile

Since intestinal secondary bile acids (BAs) prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), the serum BA profile may be a convenient biomarker for CDI susceptibility in human subjects. To verify this hypothesis, we investigated blood samples from 71 patients of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the time of admission (prior to antibiotic use and CDI onset). Twelve patients developed CDI during hospitalization, and the other 59 patients did not. The serum unconjugated deoxycholic acid (DCA)/[DCA + unconjugated cholic acid (CA)] ratio on admission was significantly lower in patients who developed CDI than in patients who did not develop CDI (p < 0.01) and in 46 healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Another unconjugated secondary BA ratio, 3β-hydroxy (3βOH)-BAs/(3βOH + 3αOH-BAs), was also significantly lower in patients who developed CDI than in healthy controls (p < 0.05) but was not significantly different between patients who developed and patients who did not develop CDI. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve determined a cut-off point of DCA/(DCA + CA) < 0.349 that optimally discriminated on admission the high-risk patients who would develop CDI (sensitivity 91.7% and specificity 64.4%). In conclusion, a decreased serum DCA/(DCA + CA) ratio on admission strongly correlated with CDI onset during hospitalization in patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases. Serum BA composition could be a helpful biomarker for predicting susceptibility to CDI.
Efficiency of using applicative games, relay races and tracks in teaching the handball specific curriculum for 6th grade students

: In this scientific approach, we have assumed that the use of applicative motion games, relay races and tracks in teaching handball for the 6 th grade students will lead to faster acquisition of the technical procedures specific to this game. Teaching handball content in the curriculum by using motion games with specific elements, tracks and relay races in the form of a contest, adapted to the objectives and particularities of the group, will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and will lead to a much faster consolidation of the technique of this sporting game with possible effects on the tactical training of students. The purpose of the study was to highlight the effectiveness of games in the process of learning handball specific procedures. Relay races and preparatory games awaken the interest and pleasure of children for physical education and sports, and this attractive way of training leads to a much faster acquisition of handball specific content from the curriculum. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the games in teaching handball themes, we have chosen two groups of 6 th grade boy students at “Dr. Simeon şi Metzia Hîj" Primary and Middle School of Volovăţ, aged 11 -12 years old.