Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Protective Role of Empathy and Emotional Self-efficacy in Predicting Moral Disengagement in Adolescents Separated from Illegal Armed Groups

The multiple scenarios of violence in Colombia expose minors to acts of abuse, violation of their fundamental rights, and forced recruitment by illegal armed groups. This article presents the results of a research regarding 35 teenagers who had been released from illegal armed groups in Colombia and are currently in process of social reintegration. The objective was to analyze the role of empathy and emotional self-efficacy in predicting moral disengagement in this population. The instruments used were the Moral Disengagement Mechanisms Questionnaire (MMDS), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Regulatory Emotional Self-efficacy Questionnaire (RESE). The empathic perspective and self-efficacy in the management of negative emotions were found to be protective factors of moral disengagement in the studied population. These potential factors become a central element for the psychosocial accompaniment of these adolescents.
Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Traits (Genetic and Phenotypic) in Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Pakistan: Identification of Significant Levels of Carbapenem and Colistin Resistance

Background The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains poses a significant public health challenge. We determined the MDR profiles, antibiotic resistance factors, virulence gene complement, and hypermucoviscous features of 200 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates from two major tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods Susceptibility profiling and phenotypic analysis were performed according to the CLSI guidelines. Genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence were detected by PCR. Biofilm formation analysis was performed by microtiter plate assay. Results The isolates displayed a high degree of antibiotic resistance: 36% MDR-CRKP; 38% carbapenem resistance; 55% gentamicin resistance; 53% ciprofloxacin resistance; and 59% aztreonam resistance. In particular, the level of resistance against fosfomycin (22%) and colistin (15%) is consistent with previous reports of increased resistance levels. Combined resistance to carbapenem and colistin was 7%. Genetic factors associated with colistin resistance (mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes) were detected in 12 and 9% of the isolates, respectively. Significant differences in resistance to gentamicin and levofloxacin were observed between the 200 isolates. Many of the isolates harbored genes specifying extended-spectrum and/or carbapenem-resistant β-lactamases: blaCTX-M-15 (46%), blaNDM-1 (39%), and blaOXA-48 (24%). The prevalence of the hypermucoviscous phenotype was 22% and 13% of the MDR isolates carried the rmpA gene (regulator for mucoid phenotype). Key virulence factor genes detected include those encoding: porins (ompK35 and ompK36; at 56 and 55% prevalence, respectively); adhesins (fimH, mrkD, and ycfM; at 19, 18, and 22% prevalence, respectively); and the polysaccharide regulator, bss, at 16% prevalence. Conclusion This report highlights carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) prevalence, emerging resistance to fosfomycin, and the presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 in colistin-resistant isolates. Further, the detection of rmpA signifies the prevalence of the hypermucoviscous trait in CRKP clinical isolates from Pakistan.
Applying Leaf Compost to Reduce Fertilizer Use In Tomato Production

For two consecutive years, one-inch (50 T/A) of leaf compost was applied to plots on a sandy terrace soil (Windsor, Connecticut) and a loamy upland soil (Mt. Carmel, Connecticut). These compost-amended plots were fertilized with 10-10-10 (N-P2O5-K2O) at three rates: 0, 650 (half), 1300 (full) lb/A and cottonseed meal at a rate of 2166 lb/A. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller) yield from compost-amended plots were compared to yield from unamended control plots fertilized with 1300 lb 10-10-10/A. In both years, at both sites, plots only amended with compost had yields equivalent to the fertilized control plots. In both years, the greatest yields at Mt. Carmel were from plots amended with compost and the full rate of inorganic fertilizer. In the second year, yields from compost-amended plots fertilized at half the rate were equivalent to compost-amended plots fertilized at full rate. The yields from the organic plots were similar to the control plots the first year and to plots amended with compost and half the rate of fertilizer the second year. At Windsor, the greatest yields for both years were from plots amended with compost and the full rate of fertilizer. The compost-amended plots fertilized with cottonseed meal produced the lowest yields, both years. Cumulative effects of compost on soils were measured by increases in pH and organic matter percentage at both sites. Tomato fruit in plots amended with compost and no fertilizer developed less blossom-end rot than fruit in all other treatments.
The Role of Neuroglial Crosstalk and Synaptic Plasticity-Mediated Central Sensitization in Acupuncture Analgesia

Although pain is regarded as a global public health priority, analgesic therapy remains a significant challenge. Pain is a hypersensitivity state caused by peripheral and central sensitization, with the latter considered the culprit for chronic pain. This study summarizes the pathogenesis of central sensitization from the perspective of neuroglial crosstalk and synaptic plasticity and underlines the related analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture. Central sensitization is modulated by the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in the ascending excitatory pathway and the descending pain modulatory system. Acupuncture analgesia is associated with downregulating glutamate in the ascending excitatory pathway and upregulating opioids, 𝛾-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the descending pain modulatory system. Furthermore, it is increasingly appreciated that neurotransmitters, cytokines, and chemokines are implicated in neuroglial crosstalk and associated plasticity, thus contributing to central sensitization. Acupuncture produces its analgesic action by inhibiting cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and upregulating interleukin-10, as well as modulating chemokines and their receptors such as CX3CL1/CX3CR1, CXCL12/CXCR4, CCL2/CCR2, and CXCL1/CXCR2. These factors are regulated by acupuncture through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (e.g., the p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase pathways), which contribute to the activation of nociceptive neurons. However, the responses of chemokines to acupuncture vary among the types of pain models, acupuncture methods, and stimulation parameters. Thus, the exact mechanisms require future clarification. Taken together, inhibition of central sensitization modulated by neuroglial plasticity is central in acupuncture analgesia, providing a novel insight for the clinical application of acupuncture analgesia.
Carbon ion triggered immunogenic necroptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells involving necroptotic inhibitor BCL-x

To explore the potential and mechanisms of necroptosis, a form of immunogenic cell death, induced by carbon ion as compared to photon beams in established photon resistant- (PR-) and sensitive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. MLKL is considered a central executor of necroptosis and phosphorylation of MLKL (p-MLKL) was a critical event of necroptosis. The clonogenic survival and DNA microarray demonstrated that after repeated photon irradiation, radiosensitive NPC cells became apoptosis-resistant but could be effectively inhibited by carbon ion irradiation. The relative biologic effectiveness (RBE) at D10 and D37 were 2.15 and 2.78 for PR-NPC cells. Carbon ion induced delayed DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest, cytogenetic damage, morphological change and cell necrosis, indicating the possibility of necroptosis in both PR- and sensitive NPC cell types. The lower expression of necroptotic inhibitors (caspase-8 and Bcl-x) and higher level of MLKL in PR-NPC cells showed it was relatively more predisposed to necroptosis compared to the sensitive cells. Subsequent experiments demonstrated the significant upregulation of p-MLKL in the PR-NPC cells treated by carbon ion (4 Gy) compared with photon irradiation at both physical (4 Gy) and RBE (10 Gy) doses (P≤0.0001). Moreover, carbon ion induced a robust (up to 28 folds) p-MLKL in the PR-NPC cells as well as sensitive cells (up to 6-fold) coupled with a lower level of BCL-x expression and increased GM-CSF implicated in resculputure of immune system. These results suggested that carbon ion could induce necroptosis of NPC cells, especially in PR-NPC cells, and its mechanisms involve BCL-x.
Clinical Management of Anemia in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: An Update on Emerging Therapeutic Options

Abstract For the majority of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS), one of the primary clinical goals is to alleviate the symptoms associated with the resultant cytopenias and to minimize the transfusion burden. While supportive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) may lead to clinical improvement, frequent transfusions are often complicated by iron overload and decreased quality of life; furthermore, most patients either do not respond to ESAs or will eventually develop resistance. As such, there is a great need for further therapeutic options in the management of anemia related to MDS. Several additional therapeutics are now available in select patients with LR-MDS and symptomatic anemia including luspatercept, lenalidomide, and immunosuppressive therapy. Furthermore, several novel agents are currently in development to address this area of clinical need such as imetelstat and roxadustat. In this article, we review the currently available therapeutic options for symptomatic anemia in LR-MDS as well as review the therapeutic agents in development.
miR-361-3p Regulates Liver Tumor-initiating Cells Expansion and Chemo-resistance

Increasing evidence shows that liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) closely associated with the progression, metastasis, recurrence and chemo-resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism for the propagation of liver T-ICs remains unclear. Here we show that miR-361-3p is upregulated in liver T-ICs. Knockdown of miR-361-3p impairs the self-renewal and tumorigenicity liver T-ICs. Conversely, forced miR-361-3p expression enhances the self-renewal and tumorigenicity liver T-ICs. Mechanistically, miR-361-3p directly targets SOX1 via binding its 3'-UTR in liver T-ICs. Moreover, miR-361-3p knockdown hepatoma cells are more sensitive to cisplatin or sorafenib treatment. Clinical cohort analysis demonstrates that miR-361-3p low HCC patients are benefited from TACE (transcatheter arterial chemoembolization) or sorafenib treatment. In conclusion, our findings revealed the crucial role of the miR-361-3p in liver T-IC expansion and TACE or sorafenib response, rendering miR-361-3p an optimal target for the prevention and intervention in HCC.
Pectin from Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Has Potential as a Drug Release Modifier in Matrix Tablets

Natural polymers have become attractive to pharmaceutical researchers and manufacturers as excipients because of the advantages they possess relative to their semisynthetic and synthetic counterparts. Although pectin from some natural sources has been investigated for use in the pharmaceutical industry as excipients, pectin from okra, which is readily available and used as food in many parts of the world, has not been extensively investigated as a potential control-releasing agent in tablets. This study thus seeks to determine the drug release modifying properties of okra pectin from 6 different genotypes of okra cultivated and available in Ghana. Pectin was extracted from different genotypes of okra, physicochemical properties were characterized, and control release matrix tablets of metformin (F1–F6) were formulated using the wet granulation method with the okra pectin as the drug release modifier, respectively. The drug content, in vitro drug release, and mathematical kinetic modeling of drug release from the matrix tablets were studied. Drug release profiles of formulated matrix tablets were compared to an existing (innovator) brand of metformin sustained-release tablet on the market using the similarity and difference factors, respectively. The extracted pectin had percentage yields ranging from 6 to 20% w/w with swelling indexes and water-holding capacities between 300–500% and 9-10 mL/g, respectively, and pH within 6.20–6.90. All the formulated batches passed the drug content test (90–105%) and produced the optimal release of metformin (>80%) after 24 hours. Different batches of formulated tablets exhibited different mechanisms of drug release with batches F1, F2, F5, and F6 being similar (ƒ2 values being >50 and ƒ1 values <15) to the innovator brand. Pectin from the 6 different genotypes of okra studied has the potential for use as drug release modifiers in pharmaceutical manufacturing of control release matrix tablets and production of more affordable medicines.
Correlation between Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2, Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels, and Local Staging in Biopsy-Proven Carcinoma Prostate: A Retrospective Study

Background: Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) is a promising tool in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer. Morphologic assessment using T2-weighted (T2W) images and functional assessment with diffusion-weighted imaging is the cornerstone for the diagnosis of prostate cancer on mp-MRI. Aim/Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of mp-MRI based prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADS v2) for the assessment of prostate cancer and its correlation with serum prostate specific antigen (S.PSA) levels, local (T) staging on MRI and histopathology. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out from June 2019 to February 2020. All patients with raised S.PSA levels and abnormal digital rectal examination who underwent mp-MRI of the prostate were included. MRI findings were characterized on the basis of PI-RADS v2 grading. All the patients underwent biopsy and histopathology. The score was correlated with S.PSA levels and the local stage of disease on MRI. Statistical analysis was performed, and results interpreted. Results: Carcinoma prostate was reported in 32/33 cases on biopsy. A significant correlation was observed between PI-RADS v2 score and S.PSA Levels and between PI-RADS v2 score and T stage of disease in our study. MRI was highly sensitive (93.75%) and specific (100%) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in our study. Conclusions: Significant correlation between lesion score on PI-RADS v2 with the local stage and S.PSA levels was seen, thus signifying the importance of mp-MRI in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer. Diffusion-weighted and T2W sequences were the primary diagnostic sequence for the prostate cancer with no additional role of dynamic contrast enhanced sequences.
Comparison between Two Low Doses of Amitriptyline in the Management of Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Comparative Study

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a major concern for pain therapists. Many drugs including antidepressants such as amitriptyline have been used in the management of CNP. This study compared the efficacy and safety of 2 different doses of amitriptyline (5 mg and 10 mg at bedtime) in patients with CNP. A total of 80 patients of both sexes with idiopathic CNP, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years, were divided into 2 groups that received 5 or 10 mg oral amitriptyline at bedtime for 120 days. The primary outcome measure was neck pain disability index (NPDI). Neck pain intensity, Athens Insomnia Scale score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), side effects of the drug, and patient satisfaction were secondary outcome measures. NPDI decreased by 71.9% ± 13.4% in the 10 mg group compared to 47.3% ± 17.3% in the 5 mg group, representing a statistically significant difference (95% confidence interval: 27.3–12.6). Additionally, the 10 mg group showed greater mean reductions in pain score and HADS scores (both the anxiety and depression subscales), as well as improvement in sleep disturbance compared to the 5 mg group. A higher dose (10 mg) of amitriptyline at bedtime significantly reduced neck pain intensity, sleep disturbance, and anxiety and depression compared to a lower dose (5 mg) in patients with idiopathic and nontraumatic CNP after 120 days of treatment, with no significant difference between groups in the rate of side effects.
Recent advancements toward gapless neural-electrode interface post-cochlear implantation

Cochlear implants (CI) are widely used to provide auditory rehabilitation to individuals with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss (Eshraghi et al., 2012). The scala tympani (ST) of the cochlea is the site of implantation of the intracochlear electrode array. In a healthy, normal ear, the cell bodies of the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) reside in Rosenthal’s canal, a small cavity adjacent to the ST. SGNs have a peripheral neurite that projects to the hair cells on the basilar membrane of the organ of Corti, and a central axon that projects to the brainstem via the auditory nerve (Landry et al., 2013). From SGN cell bodies, the dendrites extend through the modiolus and the osseous spiral lamina to make synaptic contact with hair cells in the organ of Corti (Rusznák et al., 2009). In severe to profound deafness, the cochlea has few to no hair cells (Shibata et al., 2010). A CI helps overcome the problem of functional hair cells by directly stimulating the SGNs in the inner ear via short biphasic electric pulses (Li et al., 2017).
Productivity Characteristics of the Thesis Rate of PhD Students in Biomedical Areas of the Different Doctoral Programs in Lima, Peru: A 20-year Retrospective Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the productivity characteristics related to the thesis rate of biomedical students of the PhD program in Health Sciences in Lima, Peru through a 20-year retrospective study. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, comparative, cross-sectional study. The evaluation period consisted of two time periods, 1999–2014 and 2015–2019, to differentiate thesis defense production both before and after the promulgation of the new University Law 30220 in Peru. The student population included graduates from different professional areas (Dentistry, Medicine, etc.). An electronic search for all the data was carried out by using the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) SUM (Unique Registration System) software. Results: It was found that the highest prevalence of students who entered in the doctoral programs of the UNMSM Faculty of Medicine was 26.6% in 2013, whereas the highest prevalence of graduates was 24.4% in 2016. Finally, the highest prevalence of graduates who engaged in thesis defense was 41.4% in 2017. There has been a constant increase in thesis production, with the cutoff point being from 2014 onward. The Pearson’s chi-square test showed a significant association between the type of PhD program and thesis defense (P = 0.008). Conclusion: The greatest production of thesis defense was carried out from 2014 to 2019. In addition, there was a significant association between thesis defense according to the PhD program and the professional career of the PhD student; however, none of the factors associated with the influence of obtaining a PhD degree in any of the programs evaluated was statistically significant.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Children: A Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India

Context: Cerebral venous sinus (sinovenous) thrombosis (CVST) in childhood is a rare, but under recognized, disorder, typically of multifactorial etiology, with neurologic sequelae apparent in up to 40% of survivors and mortality approaching 10%. Aim: The aim of this study was to enlist the patients diagnosed as CVST younger than 14 years of age and to diagnose the etiology along with radiological correlation. Settings and Design: This prospective clinical study was conducted for 2 years in the Department of Neurology, Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College & Hospital (SCBMCH), Cuttack, Odisha, India. Materials and Methods: All the patients were enlisted in a prestructured format with detailed clinico-radiological evaluation. Treatment was performed according to recent guidelines. Outcome after 3 months was analyzed. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional ethics committee. Statistical Analysis: Data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Results: The total number of patients included in the study was 30. Of them, six were neonates. The most common provocative factor was tuberculous meningitis. Phototherapy after neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was prominent cause in neonatal age group. Multiple sinus involvement was seen in most of the patients. Transverse sinus was the most common sinus to be involved. Conclusion: CVST is an underdiagnosed but important cause of stroke in childhood, occurring most often in the neonatal period. Mortality and morbidity are significant. Infections hyper coagulative disorders are the two primary associations. Magnetic resonance venography is the investigation of choice. Early diagnosis with management along with plan for secondary prevention can save from catastrophic consequences.