Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ginkgo biloba Extract Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Injury in Rats: Cross-talk Between Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and miRNA-29a Expression

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GIN) is a popular Chinese herbal medicine. It has a nephroprotective effect against the nephrotoxicity induced by the chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate (MTX). This work was designed to explore the testicular protective role of GIN on MTX-induced testicular injury in a rat model. The experimental protocol lasted for 10 days for the 4 studied groups. First group: received saline (normal control, NC group). The second group was administered GIN (100 mg/kg/day) orally for 10 days (GIN C). Third group: injected with MTX (20 mg/kg ip) only on the fifth day (MTX group). Fourth group: administered GIN for 10 days with MTX injection on the fifth day (GIN+MTX group). MTX induced testicular injury as evident by a marked rise in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β protein levels, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) protein expression, bcl-2 associated × protein (Bax) mRNA expression, p53 mRNA and protein expressions, and miRNA29-a expression along with a marked decline in the serum level of testosterone and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in testicular tissue in relation to the NC group. Moreover, histopathological testicular damage with a notable decrease in the Johnsen score together with a significant elevation in the testicular injury score was observed in the MTX group in comparison to the NC group. The administration of GIN ameliorated the biochemical changes as well as the testicular histopathological findings and scores. GIN could protect against MTX-induced gonadotoxicity by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic activities plus the regulation of the miRNA-29a testicular expression.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Student and Resident Teaching and Training in Surgical Oncology

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously changed private and professional interactions and behaviors worldwide. The effects of this pandemic and the actions taken have changed our healthcare systems, which consequently has affected medical education and surgical training. In the face of constant disruptions of surgical education and training during this pandemic outbreak, structured and innovative concepts and adapted educational curricula are important to ensure a high quality of medical treatment. While efforts were undertaken to prevent viral spreading, it is important to analyze and assess the effects of this crisis on medical education, surgical training and teaching at large and certainly in the field of surgical oncology. Against this background, in this paper we introduce practical and creative recommendations for the continuity of students’ and residents’ medical and surgical training and teaching. This includes virtual educational curricula, skills development classes, video-based feedback and simulation in the specialty field of surgical oncology. In conclusion, the effects of COVID 19 on Surgical Training and Teaching, certainly in the field of Surgical Oncology, are challenging.
Changes in metamorphopsia after the treat-and-extend regimen of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

This study aims to investigate the changes in metamorphopsia after administering the treat-and-extend regimen of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for branch retinal vein occlusion-associated macular edema. We retrospectively examined 27 patients (27 eyes) with macula edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion who received intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents using the treat-and-extend regimen for ≥18 months. We evaluated best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, macular edema recurrence, and amount of metamorphopsia quantified by M-CHARTS. The best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution) and central macular thickness significantly improved at 18 months compared to baseline, the median value (interquartile range [IQR]), 0.30 (0.15–0.52) and 459 (373–542) μm at baseline, and 0 (-0.08–0.16) and 267 (232–306) μm at 18 months. The M-CHARTS score (the mean of vertical and horizontal scores) significantly decreased at 1, 6, and 12 months compared to baseline, but worsened at 18 month, the median value (IQR), 0.45 (0.250–0.925), 0.4 (0.15–0.70), 0.4 (0.150–0.625), 0.4 (0.225–0.550) and 0.45 (0.225–0.750) at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months, respectively. The median cumulative number of macular edema recurrences was 2 (IQR, 0.5–3.0) at 18 months. Simple linear regression and multivariate analyses revealed that the change in the mean M-CHARTS score at 18 months was significantly correlated with the baseline score and the cumulative number of macular edema recurrences. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy using the treat-and-extend regimen improved metamorphopsia in branch retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema in the short to mid-term follow-up period, but not in the long term. Macular edema recurrence may be associated with persistent metamorphopsia.
New Insights into Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Thyroid Diseases: The Epigenetic Way

In recent years, the presence in the environment of chemical compounds with thyroid-disrupting effects is progressively increased. This phenomenon has risen concern for human health as the preservation of thyroid system homeostasis is essential for fetal development and for maintaining psychological and physiological wellbeing. An increasing number of studies explored the role of different classes of toxicants in the occurrence and severity of thyroid diseases, but large epidemiological studies are limited and only a few animal or in vitro studies have attempted to identify the mechanisms of chemical action. Recently, epigenetic changes such as alteration of methylation status or modification of non-coding RNAs have been suggested as correlated to possible deleterious effects leading to different thyroid disorders in susceptible individuals. This review aims to analyze the epigenetic alterations putatively induced by chemical exposures and involved in the onset of frequent thyroid diseases such as thyroid cancer, autoimmune thyroiditis and disruption of fetal thyroid homeostasis.
Reconfigurable phase-change optical metasurfaces : novel design concepts to practicable devices

Reconfigurable phase-change optical metasurfaces: novel design concepts to practicable devices by Carlota RUIZ DE GALARRETA Optical metasurfaces have been proven to be capable of controlling amplitude, phase and polarization of optical beams without the need of bulky geometries, making them really attractive for the development of compact photonic devices. Recently, their combination with chalcogenide phase-change materials (traditionally employed in non-volatile optical and electrical memories), whose refractive index can be reversibly and repeatedly controlled, has been proposed to yield low power consumption tunable metasurfaces having several functionalities in a single device. However, despite phase-change memories are commercially available since various decades now, the unification of phase-change materials with metasurfaces towards real life applications is becoming a formidable task, mainly due to the several engineering branches involved in this technology, which sometimes compromise each other in a non-trivial way. This includes thermo/optical, thermo/electric, and chemical incompatibilities which are typically not taken into account by researchers working in the field, resulting in devices having exciting reconfigurable properties, but at the same time, lack of practicability. This thesis is therefore dedicated to the development of novel phase-change metasurface architectures which could partially or totally address such engineering problems. Particular emphasis has been put in the realization of reconfigurable metasurfaces for active wavefront control, as such a functionality remains relatively unexplored. The first part of this thesis focuses in the first experimental demonstration of active, reconfigurable non-mechanical beam steering devices working the near-infrared.
Three new genera of the Teloschistaceae proved by three gene phylogeny

Three new for science genera, i.e.: Erichansenia S. Y. Kondr. , Kärnefelt et A. Thell for the ‘Caloplaca’ epithallina group of the subfamily Xanthorioideae, as well as Lendemeriella S. Y. Kondr. for the Caloplaca reptans group, and Pisutiella S. Y. Kondr. , L. Lőkös et E. Farkas for the Caloplaca conversa group of the subfamily Caloplacoideae of the Teloschistaceae, are described on the basis of results of the three gene phylogeny of the Teloschistaceae based on nrITS, nrLSU and mtSSU sequences. Twenty-seven new combinations, i.e.: Erichansenia epithallina (for Caloplaca epithallina Lynge), Erichansenia cryodesertorum (for Shackletonia cryodesertorum Garrido-Ben., Søchting et Pérez-Ort.), Erichansenia sauronii (for Caloplaca sauronii Søchting et Øvstedal), Fauriea mandshuriaensis (for Caloplaca mandshuriaensis S. Y. Kondr., L. Lőkös et J.-S. Hur), Fauriea trassii (for Caloplaca trassii Galanina et S. Y. Kondr.), Lendemeriella borealis (for Lecanora pyracea f. borealis Vain.), Lendemeriella dakotensis (for Caloplaca dakotensis Wetmore), Lendemeriella exsecuta (for Lecanora exsecuta Nyl.), Lendemeriella lucifuga (for Caloplaca lucifuga G. Thor), Lendemeriella nivalis (for Zeora nivalis Körb.), Lendemeriella reptans (for Caloplaca reptans Lendemer et B. P. Hodk.), Lendemeriella sorocarpa (for Placodium sorocarpum Vain.), Lendemeriella tornoensis (for Caloplaca tornoensis H. Magn.), Pisutiella congrediens (for Lecanora congrediens Nyl.), Pisutiella conversa (for Callopisma conversum Kremp.), Pisutiella furax (for Caloplaca furax Egea et Llimona), Pisutiella grimmiae (for Lecanora grimmiae Nyl.), Pisutiella ivanpisutii (for Caloplaca ivanpisutii S. Y. Kondr., L. Lőkös et Hur), Pisutiella phaeothamnos (for Caloplaca phaeothamnos K. Kalb et J. Poelt), Pyrenodesmia aetnensis (for Caloplaca aetnensis B. de Lesd.), Pyrenodesmia albolutescens (for Lecanora albolutescens Nyl.), Pyrenodesmia aractina (for Parmelia aractina Fr.), Pyrenodesmia atroflava (for Lecidea atroflava Turner), Pyrenodesmia bicolor (for Caloplaca bicolor H. Magn.), Pyrenodesmia molariformis (for Caloplaca molariformis Frolov, Vondrák, Nadyeina et Khodos.), Pyrenodesmia neotaurica (for Caloplaca neotaurica Vondrák, Khodos., Arup et Søchting), Pyrenodesmia peliophylla (for Placodium peliophyllum Tuck.) are proposed based on results from a combined phylogenetic analysis using nrITS, nrLSU and mtSSU gene sequences.
Designing paper‐based records to improve the quality of nursing documentation in hospitals: A scoping review

Abstract Background Inpatient nursing documentation facilitates multi‐disciplinary team care and tracking of patient progress. In both high‐ and low‐ and middle‐income settings, it is largely paper‐based and may be used as a template for electronic medical records. However, there is limited evidence on how they have been developed. Objective To synthesise evidence on how paper‐based nursing records have been developed and implemented in inpatient settings to support documentation of nursing care. Design A scoping review guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported using PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Eligibility criteria We included studies that described the process of designing paper‐based inpatient records and excluded those focussing on electronic records. Included studies were published in English up to October 2019. Sources of evidence PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane supplemented by free‐text searches on Google Scholar and snowballing the reference sections of included papers. Results 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. We extracted data on study characteristics, the development process and outcomes related to documentation of inpatient care. Studies reviewed followed a process of problem identification, literature review, chart (re)design, piloting, implementation and evaluation but varied in their execution of each step. All studies except one reported a positive change in inpatient documentation or the adoption of charts amid various challenges. Conclusions The approaches used seemed to work for each of the studies but could be strengthened by following a systematic process. Human‐centred Design provides a clear process that prioritises the healthcare professional's needs and their context to deliver a usable product. Problems with the chart could be addressed during the design phase rather than during implementation, thereby promoting chart ownership and uptake since users are involved throughout the design. This will translate to better documentation of inpatient care thus facilitating better patient tracking, improved team communication and better patient outcomes. Relevance to clinical practice Paper‐based charts should be designed in a systematic and clear process that considers patient's and healthcare professional's needs contributing to improved uptake of charts and therefore better documentation.
EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Eucalyptus camaldulensis L. ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.).

Effect of aqueous extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis L. was investigated on the germination and growth of maize (Zea mays L.) at the Faculty of Agriculture G.U. D.I. Khan during, 2006. The soil series used in the experiment were Tikken, Saggu and Ramak which were alkaline with deficient phosphorus. The experimental results revealed that seed germination (%) was reduced as a result of extract application. Regarding the dry wt (g) of both shoot and root, an increase over water applied seedlings was noted. Soil pH was decreased while P2O5 content of soil was increased only in Ramak soil series.
Common Adaptive Strategies Underlie Within-Host Evolution of Bacterial Pathogens

Abstract Within-host adaptation is a hallmark of chronic bacterial infections, involving substantial genomic changes. Recent large-scale genomic data from prolonged infections allow the examination of adaptive strategies employed by different pathogens and open the door to investigate whether they converge toward similar strategies. Here, we compiled extensive data of whole-genome sequences of bacterial isolates belonging to miscellaneous species sampled at sequential time points during clinical infections. Analysis of these data revealed that different species share some common adaptive strategies, achieved by mutating various genes. Although the same genes were often mutated in several strains within a species, different genes related to the same pathway, structure, or function were changed in other species utilizing the same adaptive strategy (e.g., mutating flagellar genes). Strategies exploited by various bacterial species were often predicted to be driven by the host immune system, a powerful selective pressure that is not species specific. Remarkably, we find adaptive strategies identified previously within single species to be ubiquitous. Two striking examples are shifts from siderophore-based to heme-based iron scavenging (previously shown for Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and changes in glycerol-phosphate metabolism (previously shown to decrease sensitivity to antibiotics in Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Virulence factors were often adaptively affected in different species, indicating shifts from acute to chronic virulence and virulence attenuation during infection. Our study presents a global view on common within-host adaptive strategies employed by different bacterial species and provides a rich resource for further studying these processes.
Employability as a complex problem

Introduction:This article is developed within the framework of the Emple-ap project, coordinated since 2018 by the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas in Bogotá. Problem:Recent graduates of higher education face a problem of employability that is affected by multiple interdependent and changing variables, actors and contexts, which makes it more complex in nature. However, the problem is usually approached from a simplistic perspective that prevents the construction of proposals that generate a high impact in practice. Objective: The objective of this research is to generate a proposal to study the problem of employability from the perspective of complex thinking. Methodology:The methodology used is based on a literature review and a panel of experts through structural analysis. Results:The predominance of the simplistic approach in the understanding of employability is made evident, being expressed in a limited set of variables and generally focused on the professional. In addition, the structural analysis makes it possible to highlight the high interdependence existing between the variables that encompass different actors and contexts. Conclusions: It is necessary to redirect the approach from which employability is studied, recognizing that the problem must be tackled globally and is in a state of constant change, in order to generate dynamic solutions that adapt to it. Originality:This research offers a first proposal to understand employability as a complex problem, emphasizing the interdependence of variables. Limitations:The presented results are too recent to make a generalization and although the proposed variables were verified in the panel, they have not yet been validated.
Acceptability of a Mobile Health Behavior Change Intervention for Cancer Survivors With Obesity or Overweight: Nested Mixed Methods Study Within a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background A significant proportion of cancer survivors have overweight or obesity. Although this has negative implications for health, weight management is not a standard component of oncology aftercare. Mobile health (mHealth) technology, in combination with behavior change techniques (BCTs), has the potential to support positive lifestyle changes. Few studies have been carried out with cancer survivors; therefore, the acceptability of these tools and techniques requires further investigation. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the acceptability of a behavior change intervention using mHealth for cancer survivors with a BMI of 25 or more and to gather constructive feedback from participants. Methods The intervention consisted of educational sessions and an 8-week physical activity goal setting intervention delivered using mobile technology (ie, Fitbit activity monitor plus SMS contact). In the context of a two-arm randomized controlled trial, semistructured interviews were conducted to assess the retrospective acceptability of the intervention from the perspective of the recipients. The theoretical framework for the acceptability of health care interventions was used to inform a topic guide. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. A quantitative survey was also conducted to determine the acceptability of the intervention. A total of 13 participants were interviewed, and 36 participants completed the quantitative survey. Results The results strongly support the acceptability of the intervention. The majority of the survey respondents held a positive attitude toward the intervention (35/36, 97%). In qualitative reports, many of the intervention components were enjoyed and the mHealth components (ie, Fitbit and goal setting through text message contact) were rated especially positively. Responses were mixed as to whether the burden of participating in the intervention was high (6/36, 17%) or low (5/36, 14%). Participants perceived the intervention as having high efficacy in improving health and well-being (34/36, 94%). Most respondents said that they understood how the intervention works (35/36, 97%), and qualitative data show that participants’ understanding of the aim of the intervention was broader than weight management and focused more on moving on psychologically from cancer. Conclusions On the basis of the coherence of responses with theorized aspects of intervention acceptability, we are confident that this intervention using mHealth and BCTs is acceptable to cancer survivors with obesity or overweight. Participants made several recommendations concerning the additional provision of social support. Future studies are needed to assess the feasibility of delivery in clinical practice and the acceptability of the intervention to those delivering the intervention. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/13214
How low can we go? Influence of sample rate on equine pelvic displacement calculated from inertial sensor data.

BACKGROUND Low-cost sensor devices are often limited in terms of sample rate. Based on signal periodicity, the Nyquist theorem allows determining the minimum theoretical sample rate required to adequately capture cyclical events, such as pelvic movement in trotting horses. OBJECTIVES To quantify the magnitude of errors arising with reduced sample rates when capturing biological signals using the example of pelvic time-displacement series and derived minima and maxima used to quantify movement asymmetry in lame horses. STUDY DESIGN Data comparison. METHODS Root mean square (RMS) errors between the 'reference' time-displacement series, captured with a validated inertial sensor at 100 Hz sample rate, and down-sampled time-series (8 Hz to 50 Hz) are calculated. Accuracy and precision are determined for maxima and minima derived from the time-displacement series. RESULTS Average RMS errors are <2 mm at 50 Hz sample rate, <4 mm at 40 Hz, <7 mm between 25 and 35 Hz, and increase to up to 20 mm at 20 Hz and below. Accuracy for maxima and minima is generally below 1mm. Precision is 1 mm at 50 Hz sample rate, 3 mm at 40Hz and >=9 mm at 20 Hz and below. MAIN LIMITATIONS Only sample rate, no other sensor parameters were investigated. CONCLUSIONS Sample rate related errors for inertial sensor derived time-displacement series of pelvic movement are <2mm at 50 Hz, a rate that many low-cost loggers, smartphones or wireless sensors can sustain hence rendering these devices valid options for quantifying parameters relevant for lameness examinations in horses.
Short Bouts of Physical Activity Are Associated with Reduced Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms, But Perceptions of Intensity May Be the Key

The primary aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a short bout (10 min) of moderate-intensity exercise to reduce withdrawal symptomatology, craving and negative affect; while the secondary aim was to assess how the effectiveness of a short bout of moderate exercise can be modulated by the perception of intensity in physically active and low-activity smokers. Fifty low-activity and physically active smokers were recruited (24 male and 26 female) and randomized in three different conditions. Prescribed (objective) moderate intensity (OBJ) and perceived moderate intensity (PER), and passive waiting (PW). After the intervention (T3), smokers reported less desire to smoke in the PER (p < 0.001) and OBJ (p < 0.001) conditions, relative to the PW condition. At T3 smokers in the PER condition reported less negative affect than smokers in the PW condition relative to the baseline (T1) (p < 0.007). Further, smokers in the PER condition reported less negative affect than smokers in the PW condition (p < 0.048). Physically active (PA) smokers perceived less exertion than low-activity (LA) smokers, and the effects were stronger in the PER condition relative to OBJ. Generally, our results suggest that a short bout of moderate exercise helps both LA and PA smokers. These findings provided a novel insight into the psychological mechanisms that affect the efficacy of the exercise in smoking cessation and suggest that exercise should be tailored according to individual perception of intensity.