Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)-derived nanoparticles in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice: Hepatoprotective and enhancer of etiological treatment

Background Nanotechnology has been manufactured from medicinal plants to develop safe, and effective antischistosmal alternatives to replace today’s therapies. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prophylactic effect of ginger-derived nanoparticles (GNPs), and the therapeutic effect of ginger aqueous extract, and GNPs on Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice compared to praziquantel (PZQ), and mefloquine (MFQ). Methodology/principal findings Eighty four mice, divided into nine different groups, were sacrificed at 6th, 8th, and 10th week post-infection (PI), with assessment of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative stress parameters, and scanning the worms by electron microscope. As a prophylactic drug, GNPs showed slight reduction in worm burden, egg density, and granuloma size and number. As a therapeutic drug, GNPs significantly reduced worm burden (59.9%), tissue egg load (64.9%), granuloma size, and number at 10th week PI, and altered adult worm tegumental architecture, added to antioxidant effect. Interestingly, combination of GNPs with PZQ or MFQ gave almost similar or sometimes better curative effects as obtained with each drug separately. The highest therapeutic effect was obtained when ½ dose GNPs combined with ½ dose MFQ which achieved 100% reduction in both the total worm burden, and ova tissue density as early as the 6th week PI, with absence of detected eggs or tissue granuloma, and preservation of liver architecture. Conclusions/significance GNPs have a schistosomicidal, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective role. GNPs have a strong synergistic effect when combined with etiological treatments (PZQ or MFQ), and significantly reduced therapeutic doses by 50%, which may mitigate side effects and resistance to etiological drugs, a hypothesis requiring further research. We recommend extending this study to humans.
Prevalence of HCV genotypes and subtypes in Southeast Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Known for its high genetic diversity and variation in genotypic presence in different regions of the world, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to infect about 71 million people globally. Selection of an appropriate therapeutic regimen largely depends on the identification of the genotype responsible for the infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to provide a comprehensive view of HCV genotype and subtype distribution in Southeast Asia (SEA). The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). We searched five databases without year and language restrictions. Data from 90 eligible studies involving 15,089 genotypes and 9,646 subtypes representing 10 SEA countries were analyzed. The pooled estimates showed that genotype 1 (46.8%) [95% CI, 43.2–50.4; I2 = 92.77%; p < 0.001] was the most dominant HCV genotype in the region, followed by genotype 3 (23.1%) [95% CI, 19.4–27.2; I2 = 93.03%; p < 0.001], genotype 6 (16.5%) [95% CI, 13.8–19.6], genotype 2 (4.6%) [95% CI, 3.5–5.9], genotype 4 (1.1%) [95% CI, 0.7–1.5] and genotype 5 (0.8%) [95% CI, 0.4–1.3]. Philippines had the highest prevalence of genotypes 1 and 2. Genotype 6 became more prevalent after year 2000. Over 40 different subtypes were identified, with subtypes 1b (26.3%), 1a (21.3%), and 3a (14.3%) being the most prevalent of all the reported subtypes. Although on a global scale, genotype 6 is considered highly prevalent in SEA, evidence from this study reveals that it is the third most prevalent genotype within the region.
Hydrothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite powders using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Hydroxyapatite (HAp)—[Ca10 (PO4)6(OH) 2] has a similar chemical composition to bone material, making it the main mineral supplement in bone-making. Due to its high biocompatibility, hydroxyapatite is widely used in the repair of bone deficiencies and in the production of dental or orthopedic implants. In this research, hydroxyapatite nanopowder was synthesized using a hydrothermal technique. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the chemical structure and morphology of the synthesized hydroxyapatite powder. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to evaluate the phase analysis of HAp nanopowder. In addition, bioactivity HAp assessment was conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attached with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) was used in order to determine the optimal conditions for yield, size, and crystallinity. Three independent variables (pH, temperature, and hydrothermal treatment time) were investigated. The yield was observed to increase in alkaline conditions; pH showed the greatest influence on the yield, size, and crystallinity of the synthesized hydroxyapatite, based on Analysis of Variance. The results of bioactivity evaluation are showed high bioactivity due to the formation of apatite on the surface of the synthesized nanopowder.
Effects of a Debriefing Workshop for Simulation Educators in Nursing

Simulation educators play an essential role in debriefing to induce learning outcomes following a simulation activity. Training programs are needed to ensure and maintain the simulation educator's debriefing competency. This study aimed to identify the effects of a 4-hour debriefing workshop on knowledge, debriefing competency, and satisfaction. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The debriefing workshop consisted of a lecture, a practicum for debriefing competency rating (peer evaluation, learner evaluation), a presentation, and a group discussion. A convenience sample of 22 simulation educators completed a self-administered questionnaire. The pretest-posttest difference in knowledge and debriefing competency was analyzed using a paired t test. The results indicated that simulation educators had a higher posttest than pretest knowledge score. Training also significantly improved the overall elements of the perceived simulation educator debriefing competency. The simulation educators were generally satisfied with the debriefing workshop. The debriefing workshop positively affected the simulation educators' knowledge, debriefing competency, and satisfaction. Further study is needed to identify the translational effects of a faculty development program regarding debriefing on learner outcomes.
Knowledge mobilization tool to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding during COVID-19

This knowledge mobilization project was conceptualized to increase awareness among breastfeeding mothers and the general public on safe infant feeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing myths and misconceptions associated with breastfeeding practices, guiding breastfeeding mothers to make informed decisions around child feeding practices, and offering meaningful guidance in simple language through a short online animated video. This project was undertaken in four phases. During phase 1, an informal discussion was held with the breastfeeding mothers, service providers, and community partner in identifying issues surrounding lactation counselling facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. During phase 2, recommendations from 23 organizations with regard to breastfeeding during COVID-19 were reviewed and analyzed. During phase 3, using evidence from reliable sources, a 5-minute animated e-resource on breastfeeding during COVID-19 was conceptualized and developed. During phase 4, the e-resource was disseminated to the breastfeeding mothers, general public, post-secondary institutions, and organizations providing services to breastfeeding mothers in Canada. This evidence-based e-resource facilitated addressing misconceptions around breastfeeding during COVID-19 and raising public awareness on safe infant feeding practices during this pandemic. Overall, the video was described as an informative, user-friendly, useful, and easily accessible resource by breastfeeding mothers who were in self-isolation with little access to healthcare services during the pandemic. This project highlighted the importance of patient engagement and collaboration with the community partner in protecting breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. It further illustrated how informational e-resources can protect breastfeeding in situations where breastfeeding mothers’ access to healthcare services is compromised.
Irritability in developmental age: A narrative review of a dimension crossing paediatric psychopathology

Objective: Irritability is an important theme in paediatric psychiatry considering its high frequency in developmental age, its association with negative outcomes and consequently significant public health impact. Present as main or associated feature of several psychiatric diagnoses, irritability represents a challenge for clinicians who try to understand its origin and role in developmental psychopathology. In this review we try to: (1) get an overview of this dimension and its relationship with each of the main neuropsychiatric disorders in paediatric population and (2) provide a summary of currently available instruments to assess irritability in children and adolescents. Method: In this narrative review, an overview of irritability in children and adolescents is proposed focusing on selected literature. Results: Irritability as feature of many paediatric psychiatric conditions has been evaluated by many authors and included in classifications of paediatric psychiatric diseases. Framework of irritability evolved over time and dimension of irritability has been investigated using different tools and methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative. Metrics of irritability as clinical dimension are important in the diagnostic process of paediatric diseases. Conclusion: Investigating the presence of irritability in all children with related disorders is mandatory if we consider the risk for functional impairment and affective and behavioural disorders associated with high levels of irritability. Using rigid threshold in developmental age to differentiate physiological from pathological irritability could lead many children having subthreshold levels of irritability to receive no diagnosis and, consequently, no treatment where instead a dimensional approach to irritability could allow to identify prodromal phase and prevent the evolution towards clinical pathological expressions.
Testis structure, duration of spermatogenesis and daily sperm production in four wild cricetid rodent species (A. cursor, A. montensis, N. lasiurus, and O. nigripes)

Although rodents represent approximately 40% of all living mammalian species, our knowledge regarding their reproductive biology is still scarce. Due to their high vulnerability to environmental changes, wild rodents have become beneficial models for ecological studies. Thus, we aimed to comparatively investigate key functional testis parameters in four sexually mature wild rodent species (A. cursor, A. montensis, N. lasiurus, and O. nigripes). These species belong to the Cricetidae family, which is the most diverse family of rodents in South America, with a total of ~120 species in Brazil. The results found for the gonadosomatic index and the sickled sperm head shape observed strongly suggest that the species here evaluated are promiscuous, prolific, and short-lived. The duration of spermatogenesis was relatively short and varied from ~35–40 days. Both the percentage of seminiferous tubules (ST) in the testis parenchyma (~95–97%) and the number of Sertoli cells (SC) (~48–70 million) per testis gram were very high, whereas a fairly good SC efficiency (~8–13 round spermatids per SC) was observed. In comparison to other mammalian species studied, particularly the rodents of the suborder Myomorpha (i.e. hamsters, rats and mice), the rodents herein investigated exhibited very high (~62–80 million) daily sperm production per testis gram. This impressive spermatogenic efficiency resulted mainly from the short duration of spermatogenesis and quite high values found for the ST percentage in the testis and the SC number per testis gram. We expect that the knowledge here obtained will help conservation programs and the proper management of wildlife.
Capitalising on aspirations of adolescent girls and young women to reduce their sexual health risks: Implications for HIV prevention

ABSTRACT This paper explores adolescent girls’ and young women’s (AGYW) aspirations, factors that influence aspirations, and how their aspirations inform their sexual decision-making and behaviour. This study employed a qualitative design involving six participatory focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews with AGYW in – and out-of-school. Fieldwork was undertaken in rural and urban Tanzania. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVIVO software. Aspirations of AGYW’s were categorised as short and long-term. Short-term aspirations were associated with the social status derived from obtaining trendy items such as nice clothing, or smart phones. Long-term aspirations included completing secondary education, having a professional job, being respected, getting married and having children. Aspirations were influenced by aspects of the social context, such as peers and structural factors that dictated what was acceptable for respectable AGYW. AGYW lacked the independent capabilities to meet long-term aspirations such as completing education. In pursuit of their short – and long-term aspirations, AGYW engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours such as transactional sex, age-disparate sex and condomless sex. AGYW’s aspirations were important in determining their sexual decision making. Interventions should capitalise on AGYW’s aspirations when addressing their SRH risks by finding innovative ways of engaging them based on their circumstances and aspirations.
Nature relatedness as a potential factor to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in Ecuadorian children

Background Nature relatedness can be associated with health-related outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the associations of nature relatedness with physical activity and sedentary behavior. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 9–12 year old children living in Cuenca, Ecuador, was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Questionnaires were used to evaluate physical activity (PAQ-C), out-of-school sedentary behavior, nature relatedness and wellbeing. Associations of nature relatedness with physical activity, and sedentary behavior were evaluated using linear regression models or tobit regressions adjusted by age, sex, school type, wellbeing, and body mass index z-score. Results A total of 1028 children were surveyed (average age:10.4±1.22 years, 52% female.). Nature relatedness was positively associated with physical activity (β = 0.07; CI 95%: 0.05–0.09; p < 0.001) and non-screen-related sedentary leisure (β = 3.77 minutes; CI 95%: 0.76–6.68; p < 0.05); it was negatively associated with screen time (β = -5.59 minutes; CI 95%: -10.53–0.65; p < 0.05). Conclusions Findings suggest that nature relatedness is associated with physical activity and some sedentary behaviors among Ecuadorian school-age children. The promotion of nature relatedness has the potential to improve health.
Global Mediatized Death and Emotion: Parasocial Grieving—Mourning #stephenhawking on Twitter

This study examined mediatized death and emotion, specifically parasocial grieving, toward high-profile celebrity Stephen Hawking’s death from a global perspective. A thematic analysis of public tweets explored how social media mourners expressed parasocial grieving following Hawking’s death and how that shaped mediatized global flows of emotion in terms of digital affect culture. Findings showed varied forms of mediatized emotional responses associated with parasocial grievings, such as sadness, shock, confusion, love, and longing. Mourners also adopted varied coping mechanisms, including individualized tributes, reminiscing, memorializing, and advocacy. Findings suggested that Hawking’s mourners performed parasocial death rituals on Twitter as a legitimate public space of mourning. Findings contribute to parasocial grieving scholarship and mediatization of death and emotion.
Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Emtansine in Her2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Real-World Experience

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in cases with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in different lines of treatment. Method Retrospective analysis of T-DM1 results of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) positive 414 cases with mBC from 31 centers in Turkey. Findings Except 2, all of the cases were female with a median age of 47. T-DM1 had been used as second-line therapy in 37.7% of the cases and the median number of T-DM1 cycles was 9. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times were different according to the line of treatment. The median OS was found as 43, 41, 46, 23 and 17 months for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th line, respectively (p = 0.032) while the median PFS was found as 37, 12, 8, 8 and 8 months, respectively (p = 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated by the patients. The most common grade 3–4 adverse effects were thrombocytopenia (2.7%) and increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (2%). Discussion The best of our knowledge this is the largest real-life experience about the safety and efficacy of T-DM1 use in cases with mBC after progression of Her2 targeted treatment. This study suggests and supports that T-DM1 is more effective in earlier lines of treatment and is a reliable option for mBC.
Effects of bevacizumab combined with oxaliplatin intrathoracic injection on tumor markers and survival rate in patients with malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects of bevacizumab combined with oxaliplatin on patients with malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer. METHODS A total of 109 patients with malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer admitted to our hospital from March 2015 to April 2017 were selected as research objects. Among them, 59 patients treated with bevacizumab combined with oxaliplatin intrathoracic injection were enrolled in the observation group, and another 50 patients treated with oxaliplatin intrathoracic injection were enrolled in the regular group. Clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared, as well as the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and tumor markers before and after treatment. The two groups of patients were followed up for 3 years to compare their prognosis, survival and quality of life. RESULTS The cure rate of the observation group was higher than that of the regular group (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions (P > 0.05). After treatment, VEGF, VEGFR and tumor markers in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the regular group (P < 0.05), while the survival rate and quality of life of the observation group were significantly higher than those in the regular group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Bevacizumab combined with oxaliplatin intrathoracic injection is effective in treating malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer.
Factors Influencing Transcultural Self-Efficacy Among Nurses With Foreign Patient Care Experience

Introduction As the cultural diversity among patients increases, it becomes important for nurses to be prepared and efficient in providing culturally congruent care. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing transcultural self-efficacy (TSE) among Korean nurses. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used, and 131 nurses with foreign patient–care experience were recruited from a university tertiary hospital Results The mean TSE score of participants was 5.27 out of 10 (SD = 1.50). The practical subscale of TSE was the lowest, while the affective subscale was the highest. A regression analysis revealed that education level, cultural competence, and intergroup anxiety are predictors explaining 58.8% of its variance (F = 27.5, p < .001). Discussion A low level of TSE causes avoidant behavior and ineffective communication in foreign patient care, resulting in unsatisfactory clinical performance. Effective education programs and administration guidelines may be critical for nurses to improve their TSE.
Do platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have a predictive value on pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) results?

BACKGROUND It is difficult to predict the complications and prognosis of ECMO, which is gaining widespread use in patients with pediatric surgery. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are emerging inflammatory markers that can be calculated from complete blood count, which is a cheap and easily accessible laboratory analysis. The ratios between cellular elements in peripheral blood have been demonstrated to provide information on inflammation, infection, and immune response. METHODS Sixty-seven patients who needed ECMO application after undergoing pediatric cardiovascular surgery in our clinic, between May 2005 and April 2020, were included in this study. The age of patients varied between 4 days and 17 years with a mean of 30.59 ± 147.26 months. RESULTS The relationships between PLR or NLR values and various blood parameters and blood gas results were found to be statistically nonsignificant in our group of pediatric ECMO recipients. Even if the effect of PLR and NLR values on mortality and prognosis is statistically nonsignificant in patients who need ECMO after congenital heart surgery, PLR and NLR are typically elevated in the postoperative period. An increase in these values above a certain threshold may be a statistically significant indicator for the prediction of mortality. CONCLUSIONS There are few studies in the literature concerning PLR and NLR values in patients with pediatric heart surgery. We consider this study will make way for new studies in the future.
Immunity onset alters plant chromatin and utilizes EDA16 to regulate oxidative homeostasis

Perception of microbes by plants leads to dynamic reprogramming of the transcriptome, which is essential for plant health. The appropriate amplitude of this transcriptional response can be regulated at multiple levels, including chromatin. However, the mechanisms underlying the interplay between chromatin remodeling and transcription dynamics upon activation of plant immunity remain poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that activation of plant immunity by bacteria leads to nucleosome repositioning, which correlates with altered transcription. Nucleosome remodeling follows distinct patterns of nucleosome repositioning at different loci. Using a reverse genetic screen, we identify multiple chromatin remodeling ATPases with previously undescribed roles in immunity, including EMBRYO SAC DEVELOPMENT ARREST 16, EDA16. Functional characterization of the immune-inducible chromatin remodeling ATPase EDA16 revealed a mechanism to negatively regulate immunity activation and limit changes in redox homeostasis. Our transcriptomic data combined with MNase-seq data for EDA16 functional knock-out and over-expressor mutants show that EDA16 selectively regulates a defined subset of genes involved in redox signaling through nucleosome repositioning. Thus, collectively, chromatin remodeling ATPases fine-tune immune responses and provide a previously uncharacterized mechanism of immune regulation.
Functional motor improvement during inpatient rehabilitation among older adults with traumatic brain injury

Older adults comprise an increasingly large proportion of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) receiving care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF). However, high rates of comorbidities and evidence of declining preinjury health among older adults who sustain TBI raise questions about their ability to benefit from IRF care.