Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Bill 2020: Implications for Occupational Therapists and the AIOTA

The new National Commission for Allied and Health Care professions (NCAHCP) bill 2020 is introduced by the Government of India on September 15, 2020, to streamline the cadres in the country for allied and health-care professions within its health systems for the greater public good. It is very pertinent to understand the implications of the NCAHCP bill for All India Occupational therapists Association (AIOTA) and occupational therapists in India. The implications for AIOTA are (1) development of state councils and enabling their functioning in all the states of India, (2) radical revision of the OT curriculum incorporating policies and programs of the Indian health system, and (3) developing and strengthening the existing systems for OT practice. For occupational therapists, the implications are (1) registering to independently practice OT in India and (2) documenting professional practice for ethical integrity. Forming an advisory board to develop strategies for a smooth transition to the opportunities that the NCAHCP bill provides, must hold the top-most priority for AIOTA.
Growth and yield performance of selected upland and lowland rainfed rice varieties grown in farmers and researchers managed fields at Ifakara, Tanzania

Bridging the yield gaps is of major concern to rice breeders and agronomists under rainfed rice cultivation. The yield performance of lowland and upland rainfed rice varieties was investigated in farmers’ and researchers’ field conditions at four locations in Ifakara. Selected agronomic practices namely; recommended fertilizer (80 kgN/ha), spacing of 20 cm × 20 cm, weed free fields and high yielding varieties of TXD306, Komboka and Tai for lowland rainfed, and NERICA1, NERICA2 and NERICA4 for upland rainfed rice. Moreover, farmer selected varieties Supa India and WahiPesa were used as the local control in this research. The study revealed that yield performance of lowland rainfed rice varieties and in farmers’ fields ranged between 2.9 and 6.9 t ha-1, while in the upland rainfed rice the yield ranged between 2.5 and 5.4 t ha-1. This was similar to yield that was obtained from the researchers’ fields which ranged between 2.4 and 8.5 t ha-1 in lowland and between 1.8 and 4.8 t ha-1 in upland fields. The yield gap analysis revealed that the gap of between 35 and 60% previously reported in lowland rice was narrowed to 0 to 12.1%, while in the upland rice from 24.5 to 28.6% previously reported to 0% and excess yield over the potential yields and yields previously reported by farmers. The performance of all improved rice varieties at farmers and researchers’ field were significantly higher compared to the local check varieties Supa India and WahiPesa. It was concluded that, providing farmers with selected good agronomic practices and supervision of farmers in field management activities enhanced rice productivity under farmers’ conditions and narrowed or bridged the yield gaps that existed. Key words: Upland rice, good agronomic practices (GAPs), lowland rice, productivity, yield gaps.
The Effect of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Administration on the Day of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Trigger on Assisted Reproductive Technique Outcomes in Patients Undergoing In vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aim: The aim is to study the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger on the assisted reproductive technique (ART) outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. Settings and Design: Retrospective cohort study was conducted in the ART center of our hospital. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and ninety IVF/ICSI cycles performed between September 2012 and August 2017 were included in the study. Patients who received 375 IU of FSH on the day of hCG trigger (149 cycles) were compared with those who did not receive FSH on the day of trigger (141 cycles). Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used. Results: The FSH co-administered group had a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, and fertilization rate compared to those who did not receive FSH on the day of trigger (p < 0.001). The total number of embryos, the number of grade 1 embryos and the number of embryos available for cryopreservation were also significantly higher in the FSH administered group (p < 0.001). Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: This study has shown that FSH administration on the day of the trigger may be considered in IVF cycles receiving hCG trigger to improve the oocyte recovery and maturity if the patient is not at increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and serum estradiol on the day of the trigger is <4500 pg/ml. However, there is only an increase in the total number of oocytes retrieved and the number of mature oocytes but no significant change in the implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates.
Cryogenic Processing of Materials for Enhanced Product Life, Performance and Sustainability

Cryogenic Processing of Materials for Enhanced Product Life, Performance and Sustainability I.S. Jawahir , Z. Pu, S. Yang, G. Rotella, Y. Kaynak, T. Lu A. Deshpande, D. Umbrello, O.W. Dillon Jr. Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing (ISM), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40506, USA Dept. of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino (TO), 10129, Italy Dept. of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), 87036, Italy
Periodontal Pathogens’ strategies disarm neutrophils to promote dysregulated inflammation

Abstract Periodontitis is an irreversible, chronic inflammatory disease where inflammophilic pathogenic microbial communities accumulate in the gingival crevice. Neutrophils are a major component of the innate host response against bacterial challenge, and under homeostatic conditions, their microbicidal functions typically protect the host against periodontitis. However, a number of periodontal pathogens developed survival strategies to evade neutrophil microbicidal functions while promoting inflammation, which provides a source of nutrients for bacterial growth. Research on periodontal pathogens has largely focused on a few established species: Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. However, advances in culture‐independent techniques have facilitated the identification of new bacterial species in periodontal lesions, such as the two Gram‐positive anaerobes, Filifactor alocis and Peptoanaerobacter stomatis, whose characterization of pathogenic potential has not been fully described. Additionally, there is not a full understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms used against neutrophils by organisms that are abundant in periodontal lesions. This presents a substantial barrier to the development of new approaches to prevent or ameliorate the disease. In this review, we first summarize the neutrophil functions affected by the established periodontal pathogens listed above, denoting unknown areas that still merit a closer look. Then, we review the literature on neutrophil functions and the emerging periodontal pathogens, F. alocis and P. stomatis, comparing the effects of the emerging microbes to that of established pathogens, and speculate on the contribution of these putative pathogens to the progression of periodontal disease.
Internet gaming as a coping method among schizophrenic patients facing psychological distress

Abstract Background and aims Patients with schizophrenia are known to use potentially addictive psychoactive substances as self-medication and to ease psychological distress. Other potentially addictive behaviors such as online gaming are also used to self-medicate and ease psychological distress. However, the role of online gaming and problematic gaming (in the form of internet gaming disorder [IGD]) has not previously been investigated for patients with schizophrenia facing distress. Methods One hundred and four participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited and completed a number of psychometric scales including the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSPS), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9), Self-Stigma Scale-Short (SSS-S), and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results The results showed significant negative associations between PSPS, IGDS-SF9, and DASS-21, and significant positive correlations between the IGDS-SF-9, SSS-S and DASS-21. Moreover, IGD did not mediate the association between self-stigma and depression. However, IGD significantly mediated the association between self-stigma and anxiety, and the association between self-stigma and stress. In addition, (i) age and self-stigma were significant predictors for IGD; (ii) social function and self-stigma were significant predictors for depression; (iii) social function, self-stigma, and IGD were significant predictors for anxiety; and (iv) self-stigma and IGD were significant predictors for stress. Conclusion The findings suggest that online gaming may be a coping strategy for individuals with schizophrenia with psychological stress and self-stigma and that for some of these individuals, their gaming may be problematic.
Inhibitory effect of Labisia pumila leaf extract on angiogenesis via down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor

Purpose : To investigate the anti-angiogenic activity of a methanol leaf extract of Labisia pumila (ME), and its bioactive water fraction (WF), using in vitro models. Methods : The antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of ME and WF were assessed using DPPH and Folin–Ciocalteu reagents. Antiproliferative effects of extracts towards human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated using MTT assay. Isolated rat aortic ring and matrigel tube formation assays were performed to assess the antiangiogenic potential of Me and its WF. Levels of VEGF protein in the cell lysates were measured using ELISA kit. Results : Among all the extracts prepared, ME and its WF showed higher total phenolic contents and exhibited moderate antioxidant effects. Significant (p < 0.001) suppression of microvessels outgrowth with half-maximal concentration (IC50) values of 20 and 26 μg/mL for ME and WF, was observed in rat aortic ring assay. ME and its WF halted proliferation and tube formation capacity of HUVECs in in vitro assays. Marked reduction in VEGF levels was observed in lysates of HUVECs treated with ME and its WF. Conclusion : Labisia pumila leaf extract and its water fraction halted angiogenesis by blocking VEGF secretion leading to inhibition of endothelial cells proliferation and differentiation which is suggested to be due to its phenolic antioxidant contents. Keywords : Labisia pumila, Anti-angiogenesis, Antioxidant, Tube formation, Rat aorta
The role of interleukin‐18 in the diagnosis and monitoring of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome – a systematic review

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life‐threatening, hyperinflammatory disorder, characterized by multiorgan failure, fever and cytopenias. The diagnosis of HLH and its subtype Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) remains a challenge. Interleukin 18 (IL‐18) is emerging as a potential biomarker for HLH/MAS but is currently not a part of diagnostic criteria. This systematic review aimed to assess the potential role of IL‐18 in the diagnosis and monitoring of HLH and MAS, and was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and Embase were searched on 30 January 2020. Studies included all subtypes of HLH and a range of underlying disorders in both children and adults. A total of 14 studies were included. Generally, serum IL‐18 was elevated in both primary and secondary HLH (> 1000 pg/ml) compared with other inflammatory conditions and with healthy individuals; thus, serum IL‐18 may be able to discriminate between HLH and other inflammatory conditions. Significantly increased IL‐18 (> 10 000 pg/ml) was also consistently described in MAS compared with other subtypes of HLH. The ability of IL‐18 to distinguish MAS from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is less unambiguous, as IL‐18 levels > 100 000 pg/ml were described in sJIA patients both with and without MAS. IL‐18 may help to differentiate between HLH subtypes and other inflammatory conditions. As HLH and MAS are rare disorders, only few and relatively small studies exist on the subject. Larger, prospective multi‐center studies are called for to assess the diagnostic precision of IL‐18 for HLH and MAS.
Minimally invasive esophageal sponge cytology sampling is feasible in a Tanzanian community setting

Esophageal sponge cytology is an endoscopy alternative well accepted by patients with extensive data for accuracy in the context of adenocarcinoma. Few studies have assessed its feasibility in asymptomatic community members, and fewer still in East Africa, where esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) rates are high. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a capsule‐based diagnosis of esophageal squamous dysplasia (ESD), an ESCC precursor, which may benefit epidemiological and early detection research. We collected Cytosponge collections in 102 asymptomatic adults from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Uptake, acceptability and safety were assessed. Participants scored acceptability immediately following the procedure and 7 days later on a scale of 0 (least) to 10 (most acceptable). Slides from paraffin‐embedded cell clots were read by two pathologists for ESD and other pathologies. All participants (52 men, 50 women, aged 30‐77) swallowed the device at first attempt, 100 (98%) of which gave slides of adequate cellularity. Acceptability scores were 10 (53%), 9 (24%), 8 (21%), 7 (2%) and 6 (1%), with no differences by age, sex or time of asking. Cytological findings were esophageal inflammation (4%), atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (1%), low‐grade dysplasia (1%), gastritis (22%) and suspected intestinal metaplasia (6%). Setting‐specific logistical and ethical considerations of study implementation are discussed. We demonstrate the safety, acceptability and feasibility of Cytosponge sampling in this setting, paving the way for innovative etiology and early‐detection research. Targeted sampling strategies and biomarker development will underpin the success of such initiatives. The study protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04090554).
Histone lysine demethylases and their functions in cancer

Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) are enzymes that remove the methylation marks on lysines in nucleosomes' histone tails. These changes in methylation marks regulate gene transcription during both development and malignant transformation. Depending on which lysine residue is targeted, the effect of a given KDM on gene transcription can be either activating or repressing, and KDMs can regulate the expression of both oncogenes and tumour suppressors. Thus, the functions of KDMs can be regarded as both oncogenic and tumour suppressive, contingent on cell context and the enzyme isoform. Finally, KDMs also demethylate nonhistone proteins and have a variety of demethylase‐independent functions. These epigenetic and other mechanisms that KDMs control make them important regulators of malignant tumours. Here, we present an overview of eight KDM subfamilies, their most‐studied lysine targets and selected recent data on their roles in cancer stem cells, tumour aggressiveness and drug tolerance.
Carbohydrate depletion in roots impedes phosphorus nutrition in young forest trees.

Nutrient imbalances cause the deterioration of tree health in European forests, but the underlying physiological mechanisms are unknown. Here, we investigated the consequences of decreasing root carbohydrate reserves for phosphorus (P) mobilization and uptake by forest trees. In P-rich and P-poor beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests, naturally grown, young trees were girdled and used to determine root, ectomycorrhizal and microbial activities related to P mobilization in the organic layer and mineral topsoil in comparison with those in non-girdled trees. After girdling, root carbohydrate reserves decreased. Root phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activities linking carbon and P metabolism increased. Root and ectomycorrhizal phosphatase activities and the abundances of bacterial genes catalysing major steps in P turnover increased, but soil enzymes involved in P mobilization were unaffected. The physiological responses to girdling were stronger in P-poor than in P-rich forests. P uptake was decreased after girdling. The soluble and total P concentrations in roots were stable, but fine root biomass declined after girdling. Our results support that carbohydrate depletion results in reduced P uptake, enhanced internal P remobilization and root biomass trade-off to compensate for the P shortage. Since reductions in root biomass render trees more susceptible to drought, our results link tree deterioration with disturbances in the P supply as a consequence of decreased belowground carbohydrate allocation.
Drinking water heavy metal toxicity and chronic kidney diseases: a systematic review

Abstract Heavy metals in drinking water can threat human health and may induce several diseases. The association between heavy metals exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been indicated by few epidemiological studies. We conducted a systematic review of the epidemiologic publications of the association between exposure to heavy metals through drinking water and CKD. Keywords related to heavy metals and kidney diseases on MeSH were identified and searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Ovid-Medline and Web of Science until July 2020. 14 publications met our inclusion criteria and included in the current review. The included articles were conducted on the association between arsenic, cadmium, lead and chromium in drinking water and CKD. Our study could not find strong evidence between heavy exposure to through drinking water and CKD, except for arsenic. The negative association was found between arsenic and lead and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The positive correlation was observed between cadmium exposure and urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) concentrations, and also arsenic and chromium exposure and kidney injury molecule (KIM-1). Assessment of studies showed an association between arsenic, cadmium, lead and chromium and albuminuria and proteinuria, without CKD outcomes. Current systematic study showed few evidence for exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead and chromium through drinking water and incidence of kidney problems. However, more epidemiological studies are required to confirm this association.
Evaluation of vitamin‐producing and immunomodulatory lactic acid bacteria as a potential co‐adjuvant for cancer therapy in a mouse model

To evaluate a mixture of selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (a riboflavin‐producer, a folate‐producer and an immunomodulatory strain) as co‐adjuvant for 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) chemotherapy in cell culture and using a 4T1 cell animal model of breast cancer.
Screening of Brazilian plant extracts as candidates for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda

Los efectos de extractos de las plantas Actinostemon concolor, Geonoma shottiana, Palicourea rigida y Rudgea viburnoides sobre Spodoptera frugiperda fueron evaluados en este estudio. Los extratos se incorporaron en la dieta artificial (1 mg mL-1 de la dieta) y se ofrecieron a larvas de S. frugiperda. El extracto de A. concolor causo 36,1 % de mortalidad. Se detectaron cambios ultraestructurales en los huevos de adultos alimentados en sus estados larvales con extractos de P. rigida y A. concolor. Se observo reduccion de la actividad de la tripsina de S. frugiperda despues del tratamiento con el extracto de A. concolor. Al cuantificar los fenoles totales en A. concolor, G. shottiana, P. rigida y R. viburnoides, se encontro que A. concolor fue la especie con mayor contenido. El residuo de metanol/agua extraccion, que se obtuvo del extracto crudo de A. concolor, contenia compuestos fenolicos que causan cambios en la biologia de S. frugiperda similar a los generados por el extracto crudo. En conclusion, A. concolor produce metabolitos secundarios con actividad insecticida sobre S. frugiperda.
Reaching a tipping point: Perioperative nurse managers’ narratives about reasons for leaving their employment—A qualitative study

Abstract Aim To describe reasons why nurse managers in perioperative settings decide to leave their employment. Background Current literature has shown that perioperative nurse managers’ reasons to leave their positions are formed through an interaction of factors. Methods Individual in‐depth interviews were performed with seven nurse managers, all women, in perioperative settings in Sweden. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results Five key themes were identified: (a) to end where I started, as a frontline nurse; (b) I wanted to develop further to the next level in my career; (c) I ran out of ideas; (d) I lost trust in my head manager and did not believe in the new organisation and (e) I had had enough of being offended by my superior manager and my employees. Conclusion Nurse managers experienced feeling forced into a decision to leave because of being offended by their superiors or their employees. Furthermore, the findings indicate that nurse managers should be offered support from superior managers and the organisation together with time for discussions. Implications in Nursing Management The most essential element should be the influence of caritative leadership and the obvious expectation of being treated with dignity, respect and appreciation.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Cluster Structure in Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Virtual Reality Exposure.

The emotional processing theory of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) posits that avoidance is central to PTSD development and maintenance. Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, which clinically focuses on avoidance reduction, has strong empirical support as a PTSD treatment. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) has been utilized to accelerate avoidance reduction by increasing multisensory engagement. Although some exposure therapy studies have found associations between avoidance and PTSD symptoms, others have indicated that reexperiencing or hyperarousal symptoms drive symptom trajectories. Using a cross-lagged panel design, the present secondary data analysis examined temporal associations between clinician-assessed PTSD symptom clusters during treatment with PE, VRE, or a waitlist control condition. There were no significant differences between PE and VRE regarding symptom clusters at any assessment. Compared to the waitlist condition, individuals who received VRE or PE exhibited earlier reductions in avoidance/numbing symptoms, β = -. 19, 95% CI [-. 33, -. 05], followed by reductions in hyperarousal symptoms, β = -. 21, 95% CI [-. 33, -. 09]. Hyperarousal symptoms predicted changes in later avoidance/numbing and reexperiencing outcomes across treatment: pretreatment to midtreatment, β = . 29, 95% CI [. 17, . 42]; midtreatment to posttreatment, β = . 23, 95% CI [. 07, . 39]. Reexperiencing symptoms predicted changes in hyperarousal outcomes earlier in treatment, β = . 22, 95% CI [. 02, . 37], whereas avoidance/numbing symptoms predicted changes in hyperarousal outcomes later in treatment, β = . 18, 95% CI [. 04, . 32]. These findings support the efficacy of exposure therapy in addressing avoidance/numbing symptoms and highlight the potential importance of hyperarousal symptoms in relation to other symptom clusters.