Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxidative DNA Damage Due to Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons among Coal Tar Workers

Introduction: Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds of occupational and environmental concern as they are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or teratogenic (causing birth defects). Occupational exposure during coal tar distillation process may cause numerous symptoms and diseases through generation of coal tar fumes that contain principally polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzopyrene is the most important member of those PAHs. Aim of work: To assess the health effect due to occupational exposure to PAHs; specifically their effects on DNA damage and oxidative stress status among coal tar workers. Materials and methods: A comparative cross sectional study was carried out on two groups, exposed and unexposed group. The exposed group was consisted of 40 coal tar workers and the unexposed group was also composed of 40 matched individuals not occupationally exposed to coal tar . All examined individuals were subjected to full occupational history and estimation of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyrene) level in urine, blood levels of Benzopyrene-DNA adducts, oxidative stress enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), Cytochrome P450 and Complete blood picture. Results: There was a statistically significant higher urinary level of 1-OHPyrene and higher blood levels of benzopyrene DNA adducts at the exposed workers compared to unexposed ones, in the other hand there were significant reduction in serum levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase among workers exposed to PAHs compared to the unexposed group that might be consumed by oxidative stress status. Conclusion: Oxidative stress and DNA damage might be one of the pathogenesis that may cause adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to PAHs among coal tar
The Pattern of Psychoactive Substance Use among Undergraduates in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: This study set out to determine the extent of use, abuse and dependence of commonly abused psychoactive substances and their correlates among undergraduates in the University of Port Harcourt. Methodology: In a cross-sectional survey, using multi-stage sampling, undergraduates in the Social sciences faculty of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria were selected. A semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO student drug survey proforma was used as an instrument for data collection. The results were analysed using EPI-info 2000 statistical package. Results: There were 352 respondents with a mean age of 24.4 ± 3.5 years. There were 203 (57.7%) males and 149 (42.3%) females. A majority of respondents (90.6%) use at least one psychoactive substance while 22.2% of them abuse substances. The male sex predominated Original Research Article Okechukwu et al.; INDJ, 15(3): 11-19, 2021; Article no.INDJ. 66556 12 among the substance abusers with a M: F ratio of 2:1. The prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranged from 1.3% to 74.9%. Alcohol (74.9%), was the most commonly used psychoactive substances while heroin (1.3%), was the least used. Abuse rates were higher in cocaine, tobacco and cannabis (66.7%, 63.6% and 55.3% respectively) while dependency rates were higher in heroin, cannabis and cocaine (100.0%, 76.2% and 50.0% respectively). The top three reasons given for starting to use psychoactive substances were experimentation (23.1%), group conformity (23.1%) and curiosity (20.5%) while the reasons given for continuing to use/abuse these substances were to feel good (37.2%), relieve stress (20.0%) and avoid withdrawal symptoms (11.5%). The majority (70.5%) of psychoactive substance users started to use substances before enrolment into the university while more than half of the substance users (56.4%) admitted that being in the university did not increase their use of psychoactive substances. Adverse effects on productivity were noted in 60.3% of substance users. Conclusion: The tendency to abuse substances may begin earlier in childhood and adolescent ages, with the male sex, more vulnerable. More efforts at public enlightenment on the detrimental effects of psychoactive substances should be strategically targeted to include the family unit, primary and secondary school children.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection: A synopsis of the host immune responses and viral immune evasion strategies involved

The novel coronavirus designated as SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which rendered the care of the global health powerless and plunged the world economy into a historic decline. This disease is characterized by different clinical pictures; ranging from asymptomatic mild phase to severe illness with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in addition to having no specific therapy. The protective immunity involving solid CD4+ T-cells, viral specific CD8+ T-cells and the neutralizing immunoglobulins have been established in most of the convalescent COVID-19 individuals. On the other hand, the host immune response to severe COVID-19 infection has been attributed to the inflammatory cytokine storm, and to influx of the activated immune cells to the lungs; leading to severe pneumonia, extensive ARDS and finally to death. Despite of this, the protective and pathogenic aspects of the human immunity have not been fully elucidated. Recent attempts conducted by several published research works have focused on information derived from the immune responses to the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus diseases (mainly; SARS and MERS). However, these works lack sufficiency due to variations in the transmissibility, virulence, host-virus interactions and the immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, adequate understanding of the host immune response mechanisms to SARS-CoV-2 will generate the impetus towards effective control and preventive measures. The objectives of this article were to provide an overview of the host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the viral immune evasion strategies, and to define certain knowledge gaps that require further studies.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Suppress Hepatic Fibrosis Via Modulating the Expression of Fibronectin and Integrin and Inhibiting DNA Fragmentation in Rats

Introduction Liver fibrosis is currently the 11th most common cause of death worldwide. Because of self-renewal, available sources for isolation, and high differentiation properties, multipotent mesenchymal stromal stem cells are suggested to be potential tool for treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we examined the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity of bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride on rats relative to silymarin as a standard drug.
A study of hematological profile in CKD patients who are undergoing hemodialysis in a tertiary health care institute

Chronic kidney disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. These patients tend to have various hematological abnormalities especially anemia which needs prompt treatment. A cross sectional observational study was conducted to study various hematological abnormalities commonly found in chronic kidney disease patients who were undergoing hemodialysis for a minimum period of three months. The principal finding in this study was prevalence of anemia in all the patients studied. There was presence of significant number of abnormal cells in the peripheral smear like Burr cells, Macroovalocytes and fragmented RBCs. However white blood cell count, Platelet count, Bleeding time and Clotting time were within normal limits. With this study we could conclude that anemia is a major comorbidity in hemodialysis patients, which require detailed evaluation and management.
Under or out of government control? The effects of individual mental health and political views on the attribution of responsibility for COVID-19 incidence rates

The paper shows the role of mental health and political views in attributing responsibility for COVID-19 incidence rates to the government and factors beyond government control. Authors' hypotheses draw on the classic and new versions of attribution theories, on literature from political psychology about the process of blaming the government for natural catastrophes, and also on local socio-political specifics (political polarization). The empirical data used in the article come from the survey carried out on-line via a professional research panel at the turn of May and June 2020, after about three months of lockdown, and during the presidential election campaign. The research sample included 850 Polish adults (aged 18 to 84) fully diversified in terms of gender, age, and education (the sample was representative for the Polish population in terms of respondents' place of residence and the country's region). To measure attribution of responsibility, the authors developed an 8-item instrument. Half of the instrument’s items indicate government and state institutions' responsibility and half describe circumstances not related to the government. The results showed that the respondents tended to attribute more responsibility for COVID-19 effects to the government than other ("non-government") factors. In explaining the government's responsibility, political views and party preferences play an incomparably more significant role than mental health symptoms. The authors interpret these results as the effect of attitudinal and affective political polarization of Polish society.
Assessment of Intravascular Volume Status by Measuring Ultrasound Guided Inferior Vena Caval Collapsibility Index in Critically ill Patients

Original Research Article Background: Accurate assessment of intravascular volume status is one of the most challenging and important tasks in the care of critically ill patients. There are some invasive and non-invasive parameters for volume status assessment. Central venous pressure (CVP) is an invasive measure for intravascular volume status assessment and has been associated with many complications. The IVC-CI can provide a useful guide for noninvasive intravascular volume status assessment of critically-ill patients. Methodology: This Cross-sectional study was carried out in the ICU, BSMMU after permission from the Institutional Review Board of BSMMU. A total 120 critically-ill patients on positive pressure ventilation in the intensive care unit was assessed for eligibility. All ultrasonographic examinations were performed in the adequately sedated mechanically ventilated patients in supine position by investigator using a portable ultrasound device sonoscape S2. Sonographic evaluation of IVC-CI was performed via an initial B-mode. The maximum and minimum IVC diameter was measured without regard to phase of the respiratory cycle. The CVP was also measured in the supine position immediately after the IVC evaluation. It was used as the reference parameter for stratifying each patient’s intravascular volume status. IVC-CI measurements was grouped by range (<0.20, 0.20 to 0.50, and >0.50) and analyzed for presence of substantial differences in CVP between the three IVC-CI groupings. IVC-CI was correlated with CVP value. Sensitivity and specificity of IVC-CI were also calculated. Results: A total of 48/110 (40%) females and 72/120 (60%) males were included in the study with a mean age of 53.3 ± 13.1 years. The mean central venous pressure maintained was 12.53±3.26 mmHg in group III, 7.05±1.43 mmHg in group I and 2.69±1.06 mmHg in group II with the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI) was 0.59±0.05 in group I, 0.34±0.09 in group II and 0.21±0.11 in group III. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) among three groups. There was a statistically significant relation among the mean CVP pressure, the IVC collapsibility index, the mean maximum and minimum IVC between groups as determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p < 0.005). There was a strong negative correlation between CVP and IVC collapsibility index, which was statistically significant (r = -0.659, n = 120, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: In the present study, it can be concluded that the IVC-CI is a better alternative tool of CVP monitoring to determine intravascular volume status assessment in critically ill patients.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKPLACE PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS AND STRESS PERCEPTION IN A SAMPLE OF SPANISH WORKERS 1 RELACIÓN ENTRE

eduPsykhé, 2013, Vol. 12, No. 2, 99-110 99 ABSTRACT This paper describes the association between several workplace psychosocial risk factors (Cognitive Demands, Control, Rewards and Organizational Support) and stress perception. A group of 1,143 Spanish employees from different activity sectors completed the DECORE Questionnaire. Results indicated that individuals perceiving their work environment as adverse reported feeling more stressed, compared to those having a more positive perception of psychosocial risk factors. Differences were evident for all four psychosocial risk factors considered in this study. RESUMEN El artículo describe la investigación que tuvo como objetivo buscar la relación entre diferentes riesgos psicosociales del trabajo (Demandas cognitivas, Control, Recompensas y Apoyo organizacional) y la percepción de estrés. Los riesgos psicosociales fueron evaluados a través del Cuestionario DECORE. Se evaluaron a 1143 trabajadores de distintos sectores de actividad. Los resultados muestran que los empleados que perciben su entorno laboral como adverso se sienten más estresados, en comparación con los trabajadores que tienen una percepción más saludable de los riesgos psicosociales. Estas diferencias se observan para todos los riesgos psicosociales. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKPLACE PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS AND STRESS PERCEPTION IN A SAMPLE OF SPANISH WORKERS RELACIÓN ENTRE FACTORES DE RIESGO PSICOSOCIAL EN EL LUGAR DE TRABAJO Y LA PERCEPCIÓN DE ESTRÉS EN UNA MUESTRA DE TRABAJADORES ESPAÑOLES
The Role of Religiosity as a Mediating Variable in the Relationship between Online Transactions and Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in Islamic Banking

The purpose of this study to determine the role of religiosity as mediation in the relationship between online transactions and customer satisfaction and loyalty in Sharia banking in the Jakarta area. The population of this research is all sharia banking customers in Jakarta. The number of samples in this study was 175 Sharia banking customers in Jakarta by sampling purposive sampling method. The research method used Structural Equation Modelling Lisrel. The results showed: 1) there is no effect of failure on the experience of online transactions; 2) there is an effect of service recovery on the customer experience of online transactions; 3) there is an influence of customer experience on customer satisfaction in online transactions; 4) there is an effect of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty using online transactions; 5) customer religiosity moderates between customer experience to satisfaction using online transactions; 6) Customer religiosity moderates the satisfaction of customer loyalty using online transactions. As for the novelty of this study, religiosity affects customers in the relationship between customer experience and customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Ameliorative Potential of Bambara Nuts against Acute Ethanol- Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

The aim of this study is to examine the ameliorative potential of Bambara nuts against acute ethanolinduced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Bambara nut, the Songkhla 1 variety were purchased at Obimze area of Owerri, Imo State Nigeria and ground into fine powder using a coffee grinder. Extraction was done using soxhlet apparatus and methanol as the solvent. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were acclimatized for seven days during which they were fed ad libitum with standard feed and drinking water. They were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each. Animals in groups A and B were administered distilled water while those in groups C and D were administered Bambara nutextract for twenty-one days at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight 12 hourly via oral route. At the end of the treatment, they were fasted overnight and animals in groups B and D were exposed to a single dose of 70% ethanol at 12 ml/kg body weight to induce oxidative stress. After 12 hours of ethanol administration, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. Oxidative stress parameters were determined using standard methods. Ethanol-induced oxidative stress significantly increased the activities of LPO, CAT, SOD and GPx but decreased GSH. Bambara nut was able to remedy these effects by regulating the oxidative stress biomarkers, thus possesses ameliorative potential against ethanolinduced oxidative stress and can protect the body against free radicals arising from oxidative stress. This also implies that it could boost the immune system. Thus, regular consumption of this nut is recommended.
Continuous Improvement and Validation with Customer Touchpoint Model in Software Development

—Experimental-driven software development approach has gained momentum as a way to incrementally build and validate customer value. In-depth understanding of customer needs and reasons behind constantly changing requirements are essential for building successful software products. However, identifying, validating and reacting to these changes is often difficult and requires short iteration cycles and feedback from customers. This paper reports a 12-month case study conducted in an agile software team following a practical customer touchpoint (CTP) model for continuous improvement and validation. The objective of the study was to implement CTP into software team practices in order to determine what kind of effect it has on the development of a web application. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, an in-depth case study is presented that identifies the practices a CTP model should adopt when implemented in the software development process. The CTP model is then extended based on the identified recommendations. Second, the benefits and challenges of the extended CTP in software development are presented. The main benefits relate to learning, decision-making, innovation, co-creation and communication. The model had a positive impact on the software development process, but some challenges, such as stakeholder availability and customer value measurement, were identified.
Evaluating the performance of different detection methods of Carbapenemase producing Gram-negative bacilli isolated from surgical site infections

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are still the most prevalent infections in health care facilities. The magnitude of the problem increased with the development of health care associated infections caused by Gram negative bacilli (GNB), which are resistant to Carbapenem antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the performance of various detection methods of carbapenemase-producing GNB; isolated from healthcare associated SSIs at different surgical units, Mansoura University Hospitals, Al- Dakahliya Governorate, Egypt. A total of 186 wound specimens were collected from patients showing symptoms and signs of SSIs; used for isolation of bacteria and then identification of these bacterial isolates according to colony morphology; microscopic examination and biochemical reactions. About 173 specimens were positive for bacterial pathogens; out of them 83 were GNB isolates. The most commonly isolated bacteria were; Klebsiella spp. 31 (37.3%), followed by Escherichia. coli 22 (26.5%), Pseudomonas. aeruginosa 17 (20.5%), Proteus spp. 10 (12.0%) and Enterobacter spp. 3 (3.6%). The antibacterial sensitivity testing of the total 178 bacterial isolates was assessed using the disc diffusion assay. Bacterial pathogens that were carbapenemase producers were tested using phenotypic, rapid colorimetric (Carba NP test) and genotypic methods. Among these isolated bacteria 31 (83.8%), 26 (70.3%) and 28 (75.7%) were carbapenem resistant; confirmed by MHT, Carba NP test and multiplex Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Continuous screening of the bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility at local level and rational use of the antibacterial agents; is essential to decrease the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial pathogens.
REALIZATION OF INTERPERSONAL MEANING IN U.S PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S SPEECH AT VIETNAM CONVENTION CENTRE: A MOOD SYSTEM ANALYSIS

This study investigated the interpersonal meaning which lies on the diplomatic speech delivered by Barack Obama at Vietnam Convention Centre. The purposes of this study were to describe the construction of the interpersonal meaning of Obama’s speech and the contribution of this construction for interpreting his attitudes towards Vietnam. This study used qualitative approach as its main method and clause was chosen as the unit of analysis. The data for this study were analyzed using the MOOD system, including Mood element, Residue, and Mood types. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that the interpersonal meaning in Obama’s speech was mainly realized through Mood types, modal auxiliary, subjects and tense shift. The dominant appearance of declarative clauses, the frequent employment of modals will, can, should and have to, the preference for the first person pronouns I and we in the speech means that Obama wanted to give information as much as possible to the audience, to shorten the distance between him (as the representative of the United States) and the audience as well as maintaining an equal, reliant relationship between them.
Continuous or intermittent walking, the effect on glycated hemoglobin in sedentary employees during 10-week intervention

To examine long term changes on glycated hemoglobin in sedentary employees exposed to two different walking programs during a 10-week intervention. A total of 68 sedentary employees participated in a 10week walking intervention and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: intermittent walking, continuous walking or control group. Hemoglobin A1cNOW+ device tested glycated hemoglobin and accelerometry assessed physical activity. Results showed glycated hemoglobin significantly decreased over the ten weeks (5.82±0.49, 5.66±0.44) F(1,64) =4.229, p=. 044) in the continuous walking group. Post-Hoc test showed the continuous walking group was significantly affected, F=8.463, p=. 009, with a large size effect n2=. 297. There were no changes within the intermittent group (5.69±0.63, 5.63±0.6) or control group (5.59±0.6, 5.6±0.54) (p>0.05). Accelerometry showed a main effect of time by group interaction F(4,124) =4.688, p=0.001). Post-Hoc indicated that the continuous walking group took significantly longer bouts of moderate to vigorous intensity walking at week-6 compared to pre-test (p=0.006) at this could have influenced the results, there were no changes in the length of bouts in the intermittent or control groups (p>0.05). Sedentary employees who perform a moderate intensity continuous walking program show benefits in controlling blood glucose, thereby, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.