Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating approaches to designing effective Co-Created hand-hygiene interventions for children in India, Sierra Leone and the UK

Effective and culturally appropriate hand-hygiene education is essential to promote health-related practices to control and prevent diseases such as Diarrhoea, Ebola and COVID-19. In this paper we outline and evaluate the Co-Creation processes underpinning a handwashing intervention for young children (A Germ’s Journey) developed and delivered in India, Sierra Leone and the UK, and consider the implications surrounding Imperialist/Colonial discourse and the White Saviour Complex. The paper focuses both on the ways Co-Creation was conceptualised by our collaborators in all three countries and the catalysts and challenges encountered. Qualitative data have been drawn from in-depth interviews with five key stakeholders, focus group data from 37 teachers in Sierra Leone and responses to open-ended questionnaires completed by teachers in India (N = 66) and UK (N = 63). Data were analysed using thematic analysis and three themes, each with three constituent subthemes are presented. In the theme ‘Representations of and Unique Approaches to Co-Creation’ we explore the ways in which Co-Creation was constructed in relation to teamwork, innovative practice and more continuous models of evaluation. In ‘Advantages of Co-Creation’ we consider issues around shared ownership, improved outcomes and more meaningful insights alongside the mitigation of risks and short-circuiting of problems. In ‘Challenges of Co-Creation’ we discuss issues around timing and organisation, attracting and working with appropriate partners and understanding the importance of local context with inherent social, economic and structural barriers, especially in low-and-middle-income countries. We consider how theoretical elements of Co-Creation can inform effective international public health interventions; crucial during a global pandemic in which handwashing is the most effective method to control the transmission of COVID-19. Finally we reflect on some of the methodological challenges of our own work and in managing the potentially conflicting goals of the ethical and participatory values of Co-Creation with pragmatic considerations about ensuring an effective final ‘product’.
Cooperative hunting between humans and domestic dogs in eastern and northern Australia

Abstract Context. Dogs aid hunters in many parts of Australia. Because of close proximity, transfer of zoonotic disease between hunters, hunting dogs and wildlife can, and does, occur. Knowledge about cooperative hunting between humans and domestic dogs and interactions with wildlife in Australia is limited, but is necessary to improve zoonotic-risk mitigation strategies. Aims. We aimed to describe the frequency and geographic distribution of hunting with dogs, and to document interactions between them and wildlife that could contribute to zoonosis transmission. Methods. Australian hunters were invited via web-based hunting forums, hunting supply stores and government agency communications to complete an online questionnaire about their hunting activities. Key results. Most of the 440 responding hunters resided on Australia’s eastern coast. Pest animal management and recreation were their primary drivers for hunting with dogs. Most hunters used one or two dogs, and travelled ≥500 km to target feral pigs, rabbits, birds and deer. Almost a quarter of respondents (N = 313) had lost a dog while hunting, but most (93%, N = 61) were reportedly recovered within a few hours. Half the respondents indicated that they had encountered wild dogs while hunting, and reported a range of consequences from non-contact interactions through to attacks on the hunting dog or hunter. Conclusions. Australian hunters frequently used dogs to assist in hunts of birds and introduced mammals, particularly where access was difficult because of rough terrain or thick vegetation. Interactions between hunters and non-target animals such as wild dogs were common, providing potential pathways for the spread of diseases. Furthermore, hunting expeditions >500 km from the point of residence occurred regularly, which could facilitate translocation of important zoonotic diseases between states and the creation of disparate foci of disease spread, even into highly populated areas. Implications. Our improved understanding of hunting-dog use in Australia is essential to quantify the risk of disease transmission between wildlife and humans, identify transmission pathways and devise management plans to quash disease outbreaks. To promote rapid detection of exotic diseases, hunters should be encouraged to report unusual wildlife behaviour and interactions with their dogs.
Biased Opioid Antagonists as Modulators of Opioid Dependence: Opportunities to Improve Pain Therapy and Opioid Use Management

Opioid analgesics are effective pain therapeutics but they cause various adverse effects and addiction. For safer pain therapy, biased opioid agonists selectively target distinct μ opioid receptor (MOR) conformations, while the potential of biased opioid antagonists has been neglected. Agonists convert a dormant receptor form (MOR-μ) to a ligand-free active form (MOR-μ*), which mediates MOR signaling. Moreover, MOR-μ converts spontaneously to MOR-μ* (basal signaling). Persistent upregulation of MOR-μ* has been invoked as a hallmark of opioid dependence. Contrasting interactions with both MOR-μ and MOR-μ* can account for distinct pharmacological characteristics of inverse agonists (naltrexone), neutral antagonists (6β-naltrexol), and mixed opioid agonist-antagonists (buprenorphine). Upon binding to MOR-μ*, naltrexone but not 6β-naltrexol suppresses MOR-μ*signaling. Naltrexone blocks opioid analgesia non-competitively at MOR-μ*with high potency, whereas 6β-naltrexol must compete with agonists at MOR-μ, accounting for ~100-fold lower in vivo potency. Buprenorphine’s bell-shaped dose–response curve may also result from opposing effects on MOR-μ and MOR-μ*. In contrast, we find that 6β-naltrexol potently prevents dependence, below doses affecting analgesia or causing withdrawal, possibly binding to MOR conformations relevant to opioid dependence. We propose that 6β-naltrexol is a biased opioid antagonist modulating opioid dependence at low doses, opening novel avenues for opioid pain therapy and use management.
The Effect of Food Web Structure on Teleost Fish Brain Size and Morphology in an Aquatic Ecosystem

THE EFFECT OF FOOD WEB STRUCTURE ON TELEOST FISH BRAIN SIZE AND MORPHOLOGY IN AN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM Nicholas Bryan Edmunds Co-Advisors: University of Guelph, 2015 Professors Kevin S. McCann & Frédéric Laberge Common stabilizing structures in food webs require that organisms at higher trophic positions (i.e. predators) are able to forage flexibly in diverse habitats and respond to changing resource densities. This flexible behaviour requires that organisms have the necessary cognitive abilities to acquire, process, integrate and store information about their environments to make informed behavioural decisions. By using relative brain size as a proxy for cognitive ability, this research assesses the role that cognition plays in the maintenance of food web stabilizing structures. Using 16 species of teleost fish in the Georgian Bay aquatic food web, this research evaluates the association between brain size and morphology, and pelagic-littoral habitat use, habitat coupling, and trophic position. It demonstrates that brain size and brain morphology are woven into the structure of food webs in a manner that ought to promote stability.
Dielectric and Thermal Conductivity Characteristics of Epoxy Resin-Impregnated H-BN/CNF-Modified Insulating Paper

High-voltage direct-current (HVDC) dry bushing capacitor-core insulation is composed of epoxy resin-impregnated insulating paper (RIP). To improve the thermal conductivity, breakdown strength, and space charge characteristics of RIP, 0.1 wt % nano-cellulose fiber (CNF)-modified RIP (CNF/RIP), 2.5–30 wt % hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)-modified RIP (h-BN/RIP), and 2.5–30 wt % h-BN + 0.1 wt % CNF-modified RIP (h-BN + 0.1 wt % CNF/RIP) were prepared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was implemented; the thermal conductivity, DC conductivity, DC breakdown strength, and space charge characteristics were tested. The maximum thermal conductivity of h-BN + 0.1 wt % CNF/RIP was 0.376 W/m.K with a h-BN content of 30 wt %. The thermal conductivity was 85.2% higher than that of unmodified RIP. The breakdown strength and charge suppression were the best in the case of 10 wt % h-BN + 0.1 wt % CNF/RIP. The maximum breakdown strength was 11.2% higher than that of unmodified RIP. These results can play a significant role in the research and development of insulation materials for HVDC dry bushing.
Medicolegal Implications of Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

Introduction: The syndromes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild neurocognitive disorder (MiND), often prodromal to dementia (Major Neurocognitive Disorder), are characterized by acquired clinically significant changes in one or more cognitive domains despite preserved independence. Mild impairment has significant medicolegal consequences for an affected person and their care system. We review the more common etiologies of MiND and provide a systematic review of its medicolegal implications. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed English literature on medicolegal aspects of MCI or MiND using comprehensive search terms and expanding our review to include sources cited by these reports. Results: Impairment of memory, executive function, social cognition, judgment, insight or abstraction can alter an individual’s abilities in a variety of areas that include decision making, informed consent, designation of a surrogate decision-maker such as a health care proxy, understanding and management of financial affairs, execution of a will, or safe driving. Conclusion: Even mild cognitive impairment can have significant behavioral consequences. Clinicians can assist care partners and persons with MCI or MiND by alerting them to the medicolegal concerns that often accompany cognitive decline. Early recognition and discussion can help a care system manage medicolegal risk more effectively and promote thoughtful advance planning.
Temporal and Spatial Variation in Individual Growth in the Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus jarrovi

Temporal and spatial variation in individual growth rates of Sceloporusjarrovi from three populations in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona were studied from 1973 to 1976. Annual variation in individual growth rate was observed only in the low-altitude population. Growth rates for individuals in the low-altitude population were lowest in 1974 (a year in which a drought occurred; 0.06 mm d-1), and yearlings in the low-altitude population had particularly low growth rates in 1974 relative to other years. Averaging over all years, two high-altitude populations (0.16 mm d-' in both populations) had significantly higher growth rates than the low-altitude population (0.12 mm d-'). Data on arthropod abundance and rainfall suggest that food availability can explain much of the observed temporal and spatial variation in individual growth
Non-Communicable Diseases-Related Stigma: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

This systematic review examines and consolidates existing evidence on stigma associated with the top four non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes—and its impact on the lives of people affected. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, JSTOR, Science Direct, and Web of Science for original research in English that explored health-related stigma among people living with either of the four NCDs. A three-step integrative synthesis of data was conducted. Twenty-six articles (qualitative = 15; quantitative = 11) were selected, with most (n = 15) related to cancers, followed by diabetes (n = 7), chronic respiratory diseases (n = 3), and cardiovascular diseases (n = 1). Blame, shame, and fear were the main causes of stigma, the origin and nature of which differed according to the disease-specific features. The manifestations (enacted and felt stigma) and consequences (social, behavioral, psychological, and medical) of stigma across NCDs were similar. Inconsistencies existed in the conceptualization of stigma processes. To fill this gap, we developed an NCD-related stigma framework. People living with NCDs can experience stigma, which can negatively impact their health, management of their disease, and quality of life. The new framework can help in improving the understanding of the processes and experiences of stigma related to NCDs.
Dispersal of Labops hesperius on Rangeland

In 1974 the adult population of Labops hesperius Uhler near Vale, Oregon was 43% macropterous males, 53% brachypterous females and 4% macropterous females. The macropterous adults made escape flights of 15–60 cm and migratory flights occurred at altitudes of up to 2 m, primarily in the afternoon. The maturation of ovaries of macropterous females was delayed until after a 3 week flight period. The color of trap (red, white, blue or yellow) did not influence the number of adults caught. Nymphs and adults run rapidly but do not disperse far on the ground. The dispersal capability of L. hesperius is limited so the spread to uninfested areas will probably be slow. Bug density was positively correlated with old growth wheatgrass straw but not new foliage.
Physico-chemical and Microbial Analysis of Coir Industry Effluent

The coir industry is one of the major agro-based industries contributing significantly to the national income. This work deals with the characteristics of the waste water discharged from the coir industry. The results presented here are the physical, chemical and microbiological analysis of the waste water samples collected from the coir industry. The analysis indicates the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and nutrient such as nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, calcium and magnesium were recorded high amount and a microbial populations including bacteria, fungi and algae in the waste water.
Comparative Study of the Proximate Composition of Some Wild Tilapiine Fishes in Epe Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

The proximate composition of some wild tilapiine fishes in Epe lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria was analyzed. The species were Sarotherodon melanotheron, Tilapia guineensis, Tilapia mariaei, Sarotherodon galileaus and an ecotype cichlid popularly called ‘wesafu’. Major nutrient compositions of raw muscles like protein, fat, moisture and ash were determined. Proximate compositions were found to be varied among the species. Protein was determined in Sarotherodon melanotheron (19.13%), T. guineensis (18.71%), T. mariae (18.08%), S. galileaus (18.34%) and ‘wesafu’ (21.80%) respectively. Lipid content was recorded as 0.82%, 0.40%, 0.60%, 0.65%, and 0.90% for the tilapia species. The highest level of moisture content was found in T. guineensis (81.70%) and the lowest was in ‘wesafu’ (78.50%). The percentage of ash content was highest in S. galileaus and S.melanotheron (1.75%) and lowest in T. guineensis (1.00%). The present study revealed highest protein content in the ecotype cichlid, wesafu (19.22%) and lowest value in T.mariae (18.08%) while fat was highest in ‘wesafu’ (0.90%). The results of this study reveal the nutritional significance of the ecotype cichlid, ‘wesafu’ above other cichlids of the lagoon.
Increased levels of reactive oxygen species in platelets and platelet-derived microparticles and the risk of respiratory failure in HIV/AIDS patients

Respiratory failure (RF) is the main cause of hospital admission in HIV/AIDS patients. This study assessed comorbidities and laboratory parameters in HIV/AIDS inpatients with RF (N = 58) in relation to those without RF (N = 36). Tuberculosis showed a huge relative risk and platelet counts were slightly higher in HIV/AIDS inpatients with RF. A flow cytometry assay for reactive oxygen species (ROS) showed lower levels in platelets of these patients in relation to the healthy subjects. However, when stimulated with adrenaline, ROS levels increased in platelets and platelet-derived microparticles of HIV/AIDS inpatients, which may increase the risk of RF during HIV and tuberculosis (HIV-TB) coinfection.
Reproductive morphology of Synthyris bullii, a rare Midwestern endemic species, in association with habitat degradation1

Abstract North America, prairie and savanna remnants suffer from increased habitat degradation and structural changes (e.g., woody encroachment). Plant populations in remnant habitats may be threatened over time as a result of this degradation. Past studies have explored plant responses to such changes by focusing primarily on vegetative characteristics rather than reproductive ones. Our research uses a rare Midwestern endemic, Synthyris bullii, to determine if the morphology of reproductive structures is associated with habitat quality. Study populations were visited and categorized according to the level of observed woody encroachment: shaded, semishaded, and open. From each population, 20 individuals were selected to measure inflorescence size (i.e., inflorescence height and flower number) and flower size (e.g., lengths of petals, stamens, carpels). Data were explored by canonical discriminant analysis to determine if traits were associated with particular habitat types and then analyzed by MANOVA and univariate ANOVAs to determine differences in traits among habitats. Results showed that floral morphometrics differed in open and shaded habitats, though semishaded habitats did not generally differ from the other two categories. Specifically, shaded habitats produced smaller inflorescences (e.g., fewer flowers) with larger flowers (e.g., increased lengths of petals and carpels), while the inverse pattern was observed in open habitats. Although we initially predicted consistent reductions in size across reproductive traits, we found instead inverse size patterns at the inflorescence level versus the flower level in different habitats. Our study highlights the impact of habitat changes that could ultimately affect the reproductive success of S. bullii and contribute to its decline.
A Half-Century of Evidence-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Historical Review

Objective: To review the achievements of cardiac exercise rehabilitation programs retrospectively and to identify continuing challenges to their success. Methods: A review of files accumulated while working with the Toronto Rehabilitation Center, updated by articles identified by PUB-MED, OVID, and Google Scholar through February 2019. Results: After the early lead of Israeli physicians, cardiac rehabilitation began in Ontario during the 1960s and quickly attracted a large case load. Recurrence rates of the patients recruited were low relative to those receiving standard medical treatment, even after allowing for differences in risk factors at entry to programs. Controlled trials began but were individually of insufficient in size to show a significant reduction in recurrences or mortality. Subsequently, multiple meta-analyses demonstrated a 20% to 25% reduction of all-cause and cardiac mortality over the first few years of follow-up in patients who persisted with their rehabilitation. Compliance continued a problem at many centers, but special features of the Toronto cardiac rehabilitation program sustained a compliance of 82.8% over 3 years. Although vigorous exercise increased the immediate risks of a recurrence 5- to 10-fold, this was more than offset by the long-term benefits of enhanced physical condition, and cardiac deaths were a rarity during either supervised or home-based exercise sessions. About a half of patients developed a depression immediately after infarction, but if encouraged to persist with prescribed exercise, their quality of life progressively improved. Among the wide variety of mechanisms underlying the benefits of exercise, gains of aerobic power seemed particularly important. With sustained training, the physical condition of some younger patients progressed to the point of participating successfully in marathon events. Older patients also benefited from sustained training, but for them, optimal results were likely associated with less rigorous physical demands. Conclusions: Research conducted in Toronto and elsewhere has established the benefits of exercise-centered cardiac rehabilitation. However, there remains a need to define the optimum timing of program onset, and the frequency, intensity, and duration of supervised training sessions. Return to blue-collar occupations also needs to be boosted, and the limited participation of eligible patients in available programs remains a continuing challenge.
The effect of parity on the function of pelvic floor musculature in the long term: cross-sectional study

Objective Parity is associated with an increased risk of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of parity on this musculature. Methods This cross-sectional study was completed at the Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil. In total, 143 women participated in the study and were classified into three groups according to parity: nulliparae, primiparae, and secundiparae women. All parous participants had last given birth between 1 and 6 years prior. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed through unidigital vaginal palpation using the PERFECT scheme, with the contraction grade classified according to the Modified Oxford Scale and through manometry. Results There was no difference in scores on the Modified Oxford Scale (the means and standard deviations were 2.5±0.8 in nulliparae women, 2.3±0.9 in primiparae women, and 2.2±0.9 in secundiparae women; P=0.482) and manometry findings (the means and standard deviations were 42.3±22.7 in nulliparae women, 35.0±21.8 in primiparae women, and 33.2±20.0 in secundiparae women; P=0.144) among the assessed groups. Conclusion Parity had no effect, regardless of mode of birth, on the function of pelvic floor muscles and the presence of urinary symptoms, such as long-term urinary incontinence after birth.
Exosomal miRNAs as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is linked to a variety of internal and external factors present from the early stages of the disease. There are several risk factors related to the pathogenesis of AD, among these exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) are of particular importance. Exosomes are nanocarriers released from many different cell types, including neuronal cells. Through the transfer of bioactive molecules, they play an important role both in the maintenance of physiological and in pathological conditions. Exosomes could be carriers of potential biomarkers useful for the assessment of disease progression and for therapeutic applications. miRNAs are small noncoding endogenous RNA sequences active in the regulation of protein expression, and alteration of miRNA expression can result in a dysregulation of key genes and pathways that contribute to disease development. Indeed, the involvement of exosomal miRNAs has been highlighted in various neurodegenerative diseases, and this opens the possibility that dysregulated exosomal miRNA profiles may influence AD disease. The advances in exosome-related biomarker detection in AD are summarized. Finally, in this review, we highlight the use of exosomal miRNAs as essential biomarkers in preclinical and clinical studies in Alzheimer’s disease, also taking a look at their potential clinical value.