Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-Time PCR for the Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Genotype T4

Acanthamoeba spp. are ubiquitous and opportunistic free-living amoebae (FLA) that can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis and other infections in the human host. A quick and efficient diagnosis is often challenging. Our study aimed to establish a qPCR assay to detect and, at the same time, quantify the predominant Acanthamoeba genotype T4. DNA from clinical corneal scrapings and Acanthamoeba reference strains, including genotypes T3, T4, T5, T6, T10, T11, and T12, were used to develop the new T4 assay and it was compared to published protocols and one commercial kit for evaluation. The T4 assay showed no amplification with Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T5, T6, T10, T11, and T12. The efficiencies ranged from 92.01 to 97.59% (R2 of 0.9768 to 0.9951). The calculated LOD range was 3.63 to 33.27 cells/µL. The protocol published by Qvarnstrom and colleagues was more sensitive compared to the other assays, and an overall good agreement was observed between the new T4 and the Qvarnstrom assays. We successfully developed and validated a genotype T4 assay that could be run in duplex with the Qvarnstrom assay to reliably and simultaneously diagnose Acanthamoeba genotype T4 and other genotypes from clinical samples.
Learning to live with illness: experiences of persons with recent diagnoses of diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND The process of learning to live with an illness is complex. By better understanding the learning process for persons with diabetes in the early stage of the illness, the role of the health care can be shown. AIM To reach an understanding of how learning to live with diabetes is experienced in the first 2 months after diagnosis. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design was used, and interviews were conducted. Thirteen participants with a recent diagnosis of diabetes were included and asked to narrate about their experience of living with diabetes. Qualitative inductive content analysis was used. FINDINGS Four themes emerged: 'taken over by a new reality', 'the body plays a role in life', 'different ways of learning' and 'the healthcare service as a necessary partner'. CONCLUSION People with short-term experience of the illness gained knowledge through personal resources such as their own experience and self-reflection. The learning process includes an inner dialogue between the self, the body and the life. Participants were concerned with grasping a new reality and understanding a different self and body where lifestyle changes and uncertainty were present. When health care was accessible and sensitive to their needs, those with short-term experience of diabetes chose the staff as key players in the early stages of their life with diabetes.
Thermal Radiation Effect on Unsteady Magneto-Convective Heat-Mass Transport Passing in a Vertical Permeable Sheet with Chemical Reaction

The unsteady magneto-convective heat-mass transport passing in a vertical porous sheet with the thermal radiation and the chemical reaction effects has been examined numerically. The governing PDEs have been transferred into ODEs by applying the local similarity transformation. The nondimensional governing equations including the boundary conditions are solved by applying the superposition method with the help of the “MATLAB ODE45” software numerically. The influence of emerging nondimensional numbers/parameters, for example, the Prandtl number (Pr), thermal radiation parameter (R), Schmidt number (Sc), and chemical reaction parameter (Kr), on fluid velocity, concentration, and thermal radiation within the boundary layer has been examined. The outcomes indicate that enhancing values of the Soret and Dufour numbers reduce the thermal boundary layer thickness. Uplifting values of the thermal radiation (0.5-3.5) enhance the local skin friction coefficient and mass transfer rate by approximately 15% and 78% but decrease the heat transfer rate by 47%. The local skin friction coefficient enhances about 21%, and the mass transfer rate reduces about 64% due to an increase in the chemical reaction parameter (0.5-2.0). Finally, we compared our numerical results with previously published literature and observed them to have a good agreement.
Circulating microRNAs: Challenges with their use as liquid biopsy biomarkers

Circulating microRNA (miRNA) is a major focus in liquid biopsy studies. The circulating levels of certain miRNAs have been suggested to reflect specific physiological conditions, and several studies have reported their potential use as biomarkers for the detection and prognosis of cancer, as well as for predicting responses to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Alongside these biomarker studies, research into the effects of specific background factors on circulating miRNA levels is progressing. Indeed, several studies have shown that a number of factors, including blood sample collection and processing methods, as well as subject-specific factors such as age, sex, and other physiological conditions, can affect the normal levels of circulating miRNAs. Unfortunately, the evidence supporting these effects is not yet strong enough to support a definite conclusion and further research is warranted. Here, we summarize the findings of several studies that have addressed these concerns and identify important topics that should be considered when analyzing circulating miRNA levels in liquid biopsy studies.
Preparation of Nanofiltration Membrane Modified with Sawdust-Derived Cellulose Nanocrystals for Removal of Nitrate from Drinking Water

In this work, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from sawdust were successfully incorporated into a nanofiltration membrane produced by the interfacial polymerization of piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The characteristics of unmodified and CNC-modified membranes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), zeta potential measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurement. The performance of the membranes in terms of nitrate removal and water flux was investigated using 60 mg/L of potassium nitrate solution in a dead-end test cell. The characteristics of the modified membrane revealed a more nodular structure, higher roughness, increased negative surface charge, and higher hydrophilicity than the pristine membrane, leading to nitrate rejection of 94%. In addition, the membrane gave an average water flux of 7.2 ± 1.8 L/m2/h/bar. This work implies that nanofiltration, a relatively low-pressure process compared to reverse osmosis, can be used for improved nitrate removal from drinking water using an NF membrane modified with sawdust-derived cellulose nanocrystals.
Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy versus Open Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) constitutes a newly developed surgical technique for the treatment of resectable esophageal cancer, aiming to further improve the high morbidity and mortality associated with open esophagectomy. We performed a systematic review of the literature and compared the outcomes of RAMIE and open esophagectomy. RAMIE is a safe and feasible procedure, resulting in decreased cardiopulmonary morbidity, wound infections, blood loss, and hospital stays compared to open esophagectomy. Abstract Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) was introduced as a further development of the conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy, aiming to further improve the high morbidity and mortality associated with open esophagectomy. We aimed to compare the outcomes between RAMIE and open esophagectomy, which remains a popular approach for resectable esophageal cancer. Ten studies meeting our inclusion criteria were identified, including five retrospective cohort, four prospective cohort, and one randomized controlled trial. RAMIE was associated with significantly lower rates of overall pulmonary complications (odds ratio (OR): 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.26, 0.56]), pneumonia (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: [0.26, 0.57]), atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: [0.29, 0.98]), and wound infections (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.57]) and resulted in less blood loss (weighted mean difference (WMD): −187.08 mL, 95% CI: [−283.81, −90.35]) and shorter hospital stays (WMD: −9.22 days, 95% CI: [−14.39, −4.06]) but longer operative times (WMD: 69.45 min, 95% CI: [34.39, 104.42]). No other statistically significant difference was observed regarding surgical and short-term oncological outcomes. Similar findings were observed when comparing totally robotic procedures only to OE. RAMIE is a safe and feasible procedure, resulting in decreased cardiopulmonary morbidity, wound infections, blood loss, and shorter hospital stays compared to open esophagectomy.
Delusional Disorder in Old Age: A Hypothesis-Driven Review of Recent Work Focusing on Epidemiology, Clinical Aspects, and Outcomes

The theme, strength, and duration of a delusion are considered important in distinguishing one psychosis of old age from another. Research results, however, are mostly based on studies conducted on one form of psychosis, namely schizophrenia. The aim of this hypothesis-driven narrative review is to gather clinically important information about the psychosis identified as delusional disorder (DD), as it affects persons of senior age. We hypothesized that DD becomes relatively prevalent in old age, especially in women; and that it is associated with demonstrable brain changes, which, in turn, are associated with cognitive defects and poor pharmacological response, thus increasing the risk of aggression and suicide. Computerized searches in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted using the following search terms: (delusional disorder) AND (elderly OR old OR aged OR psychogeriatrics). A total of 16 recent studies (including case reports) were reviewed. Our hypotheses could not be definitively confirmed because research evidence is lacking. In order to improve eventual outcomes, our literature search demonstrates the need for more targeted, well-designed studies.
Yucca schidigera Improves Performance and Lowers Oocyst Counts in Eimeria Challenged Broilers

Simple Summary Coccidiosis, caused by protozoa of the Eimeria species, is one of the most common causes of intestinal problems in poultry. In addition to economic losses and animal welfare being jeopardized, emerging resistance of the parasites against chemical and ionophore anticoccidial treatments is lurking. There is a demand for (natural) alternatives to the current treatments. In this trial, a Yucca schidigera product was tested for effectiveness in Eimeria-challenged chicken. Yucca schidigera is a plant which is native to the Mojave Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, and Sonoran Desert of southeastern California, Baja California, New Mexico, southern Nevada, and Arizona. Adding Yucca schidigera abolished the effect of the challenge, resulting in comparable or better performance results compared to the unchallenged birds. Therefore, Yucca schidigera can be considered as an effective alternative for anticoccidial treatment in broilers. Abstract Coccidiosis is one of the main challenges for the worldwide poultry industry, and several anticoccidial treatments have been used to fight these protozoa. Resistance of Eimeria parasites against anticoccidials—and the public opinion about these treatments—demands for alternatives. In this trial, we tested Yucca schidigera (500 g/T) as a natural alternative in broilers challenged with Eimeria. This treatment was compared to three other treatments: An unchallenged control, a challenged control, and a challenged anticoccidial (625 g/T) treatment with focus on performance, oocyst per gram counts (OPG), and lesion scores. Both the anticoccidial and the Yucca schidigera group showed significant improvement in body weight (2.150 and 2.058 vs. 1.998 and 1.971 kg). growth (60.2 and 57.6 vs. 55.8 and 55.1 g/d). and feed-conversion ratio (1.456 and 1.510 vs. 1.527 and 1.575), compared to both control groups. No significant differences were found between the treatments on OPG collection days 18 and 25. On day 35, lowest OPG counts were found in the unchallenged group (93), followed by the Yucca schidigera group (114), the anticoccidial group (243), and the challenged group (650). Adding Yucca schidigera abolished the effect of the challenge resulting in comparable (FCR) or better (ADG) performance results compared to the unchallenged birds. Yucca schidigera consistently showed lower numbers for OPG counts compared to the anticoccidial and challenged group. Therefore, Yucca schidigera can be considered as an effective alternative for anticoccidial treatment in broilers.
Development of a New Ego States Inventory – Report on a Brazilian Sample with a Portuguese Version

This work is part of the master's thesis of the first author supervised by the second and third authors. Graduate Program in Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. The authors thank CAPES and FAPEMIG for financial assistance and scholarship granted.
An Updated Narrative Mini-Review on the Microbiota Changes in Antenatal and Post-Partum Depression

Background: Antenatal depression (AND) and post-partum depression (PPD) are long-term debilitating psychiatric disorders that significantly influence the composition of the gut flora of mothers and infants that starts from the intrauterine life. Not only does bacterial ratio shift impact the immune system, but it also increases the risk of potentially life-threatening disorders. Material and Methods: Therefore, we conducted a narrative mini-review aiming to gather all evidence published between 2018–2022 regarding microflora changes in all three stages of pregnancy. Results: We initially identified 47 potentially eligible studies, from which only 7 strictly report translocations; 3 were conducted on rodent models and 4 on human patients. The remaining studies were divided based on their topic, precisely focused on how probiotics, breastfeeding, diet, antidepressants, exogenous stressors, and plant-derived compounds modulate in a bidirectional way upon behavior and microbiota. Almost imperatively, dysbacteriosis cause cognitive impairments, reflected by abnormal temperament and personality traits that last up until 2 years old. Thankfully, a distinct technique that involves fecal matter transfer between individuals has been perfected over the years and was successfully translated into clinical practice. It proved to be a reliable approach in diminishing functional non- and gastrointestinal deficiencies, but a clear link between depressive women’s gastrointestinal/vaginal microbiota and clinical outcomes following reproductive procedures is yet to be established. Another gut-dysbiosis-driving factor is antibiotics, known for their potential to trigger inflammation. Fortunately, the studies conducted on mice that lack microbiota offer, without a shadow of a doubt, insight. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the microbiota is a powerful organ, and its optimum functionality is crucial, likely being the missing puzzle piece in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
Passage Number of 4T1 Cells Influences the Development of Tumour and the Progression of Metastasis in 4T1 Orthotopic Mice

Background The study was aimed to elucidate the influence of passage number of 4T1 cells for the development of the ideal tumour model. Methods A total of 24 female BALB/c mice was divided equally into three groups: i) control (phosphate buffered saline [PBS] only); ii) group A (subjected to 4T1 cells of passage number 9) and iii) group B (subjected to 4T1 cells of passage number 10). The injections were introduced at the 3rd mammary pad of the mice. The net volume of the tumours was examined. Histopathological analysis was conducted to compare the extent of metastasis in the different groups of mice. Results Group B had a higher net volume of 4T1 tumour as compared to group A (P = 0.042). The coefficient of variation in the net volume of 4T1 tumour for group A was higher (135.3%) as compared to group B (40.79%). Group A only exhibited metastasis on the lungs, liver and spleen whereas group B showed metastasis to the heart, spleen, lungs and liver. Conclusion The use of 4T1 cells from passage number 10 is more ideal for the development of 4T1 tumour.
Joint Detection of Community and Structural Hole Spanner of Networks in Hyperbolic Space

Community detection and structural hole spanner (the node bridging different communities) identification, revealing the mesoscopic and microscopic structural properties of complex networks, have drawn much attention in recent years. As the determinant of mesoscopic structure, communities and structural hole spanners discover the clustering and hierarchy of networks, which has a key impact on transmission phenomena such as epidemic transmission, information diffusion, etc. However, most existing studies address the two tasks independently, which ignores the structural correlation between mesoscale and microscale and suffers from high computational costs. In this article, we propose an algorithm for simultaneously detecting communities and structural hole spanners via hyperbolic embedding (SDHE). Specifically, we first embed networks into a hyperbolic plane, in which, the angular distribution of the nodes reveals community structures of the embedded network. Then, we analyze the critical gap to detect communities and the angular region where structural hole spanners may exist. Finally, we identify structural hole spanners via two-step connectivity. Experimental results on synthetic networks and real networks demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm compared with several state-of-the-art methods.
Autoantibodies Associated with Autoimmune Liver Diseases in a Healthy Population: Evaluation of a Commercial Immunoblot Test

Autoantibodies constitute important tools for diagnosing the autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis. The EUROLINE immunoblot assay, detecting multiple specificities, is widely used, but the clinical importance of weakly positive findings is unclear. The manufacturer’s recommended cut-off was evaluated by investigating AILD-associated autoantibodies in 825 blood donors and 60 confirmed AILD cases. Positive findings were followed up with immunofluorescence microscopy on rat tissue, anti-M2-ELISA, alternative immunoblot assay, and liver function tests. Thirty-six (4.4%) blood donors were positive with EUROLINE. The most common specificities were LC-1 (1.6%), gp210 (1.3%), and AMA-M2 (1.1%). In general, the positive results were higher in patients than in blood donors, whereas anti-LC-1 was higher in blood donors. The liver function tests were slightly elevated in 2 of the 36 immunoblot positive blood donors. The majority of the positive EUROLINE findings could not be confirmed with the follow-up tests. The EUROLINE-Autoimmune Liver Diseases-(IgG) immunoblot detected autoantibodies in 4.4% of blood donors without signs of AILD. Our findings indicate that the recommended cut-off can be raised for most specificities without loss of diagnostic sensitivity. The prevalence of anti-LC-1 among blood donors indicates a problem with the antigen source.
Fluctuations in soil nutrients and physico-chemical properties following controlled fire in North-Western Himalayas

Controlled fire effect on nutrients and physico-chemical properties of soil was investigated after a span of one year of controlled fire under four land uses viz. chir pine forest (Pinus roxburghii), grassland, scrubland and non-fire site in chir pine (control). In March 2018, a controlled fire was caused, and soil samples were taken after one year of burning at different soil depths (viz. 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm). The experiment consisted of five replications in factorial randomized block design. The results revealed that in comparison to pre-fire assessment, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium slightly increased, whereas, soil organic carbon decreased slightly in post-fire assessment. The soil pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density and soil texture did not show any significant change after one year of burning. The study concludes that controlled fire did not cause any drastic fluctuations in nutrients and physico-chemical properties of soil and can be used as an effective management practice for combating the negative effects of wildfire on soil.
Design and analysis of wudu’ (ablution) workstation for elderly in Malaysia

Wudu’ (Ablution) workstation is one of the facilities used by most Muslims in all categories. At present, there are numbers of design guidelines for praying facilities but still lacking on wudu’ (ablution) area specification especially or elderly. Thus, It is timely to develop an ergonomic wudu’ workstation for elderly to perform ablution independently and confidently. This study was conducted to design an ergonomic ablution unit for the Muslim’s elderly in Malaysia. An ablution workstation was designed based on elderly anthropometric dimensions and was then analyse using CATIA V5R21 for posture investigation using RULAs. The results of the study has identified significant anthropometric dimensions in designing wudu’ (ablution) workstation for elderly people. This study can be considered as preliminary study for the development of an ergonomic ablution design for elderly. This effort will become one of the significant social contributions to our elderly population in developing our nation holistically.
Association between teachers’ resilience and emotional intelligence during the COVID-19 outbreak

Introduction/Objective: The resilience and emotional intelligence of teachers are crucial in order to face the daily educational challenges. To determine the association between teacher’s emotional intelligence and resilience during Emergency Remote Learning. Method: A quantitative approach and a cross-sectional predictive non-experimental design were used. Participants were 1329 teachers from Chilean schools. The WLEIS Emotional Intelligence Scale and the RS-14 resilience scale were used. Spearman correlation analyses and Yuen’s test were used for the comparative analysis by sex, and in the case of comparison by specialty the one-way ANOVA test was used; multiple regressions were performed. Results: High levels of resilience and between medium to high emotional intelligence; significant, positive and high relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience. Both in the emotional regulation variable and in the emotional intelligence variable significant differences were found regarding sex and specialty. The results of the predictive model with all emotional intelligence variables as predictors explained 43.5% of the observed variability of resilience. Conclusion: During the pandemic, teachers’ emotional intelligence and resilience are essential for facing the educational adversities and challenges that arise as a consequence of a context susceptible to constant and deregulatory change.