Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns and Practices of Self-Medication Among Students Enrolled at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda

Purpose Self-medication is drug use without advice from a medical professional. Proper self-medication can reduce health expenses and physician waiting time. However, prescription or over-the-counter drugs are considered unsafe when used irrationally. Presumably, university students can make informed decisions regarding their lives. However, there are limited studies documenting self-medication in Ugandan universities. This study sought to document the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with self-medication among students enrolled at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). Patients and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 385 medical and non-medical students. Data were collected by interviewer-led semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The statistical significance was considered as p < 0.05 for both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results This study showed a 63.5% prevalence of self-medication. Self-medication reasons were classifying illnesses as minor (33%), time-saving (15%), having old prescriptions (11%) and high consultation fees (9%). Not self-medicating reasons included risk of using wrong drugs (19%), insufficient knowledge (17%), fear of side effects (15%), wrong drug use (15%) and misdiagnosis (14%). Respondents accessed drugs from pharmacies (56%), friends/family (17%) or private clinics (15%). Headache relievers, pain relievers and antibiotics were most commonly self-medicated. In adjusted analysis, being female, existing allergies, and being in advanced years of study were associated with increased odds of self-medication. No statistically significant difference existed between medical and non-medical students regarding self-medication. Self-medication likelihood increased with a lack of access to medical services. Conclusion There is a high rate of self-medication amongst female students, those in advanced years of study and those with existing allergies. Medical services access significantly reduced the chances of self-medication. Vital medical services need to be extended to the university students to receive information on medicines, diagnosis, prescription and treatment. More studies should evaluate the impact of a high rate of self-medication among these students.
Diverse Role of TGF-β in Kidney Disease

Inflammation and fibrosis are two pathological features of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been long considered as a key mediator of renal fibrosis. In addition, TGF-β also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that negatively regulates renal inflammation. Thus, blockade of TGF-β inhibits renal fibrosis while promoting inflammation, revealing a diverse role for TGF-β in CKD. It is now well documented that TGF-β1 activates its downstream signaling molecules such as Smad3 and Smad3-dependent non-coding RNAs to transcriptionally and differentially regulate renal inflammation and fibrosis, which is negatively regulated by Smad7. Therefore, treatments by rebalancing Smad3/Smad7 signaling or by specifically targeting Smad3-dependent non-coding RNAs that regulate renal fibrosis or inflammation could be a better therapeutic approach. In this review, the paradoxical functions and underlying mechanisms by which TGF-β1 regulates in renal inflammation and fibrosis are discussed and novel therapeutic strategies for kidney disease by targeting downstream TGF-β/Smad signaling and transcriptomes are highlighted.
Vocal Feminization for Transgender Women: Current Strategies and Patient Perspectives

Abstract Voice feminization for transgender women is a highly complicated comprehensive transition process. Voice feminization has been thought to be equal to pitch elevation. Thus, many surgical procedures have only focused on pitch raising for voice feminization. However, voice feminization should not only consider voice pitch but also consider gender differences in physical, neurophysiological, and acoustical characteristics of voice. That is why voice therapy has been the preferred choice for the feminization of the voice. Considering gender difference of phonatory system, the method for voice feminization consists of changing the following four critical elements: fundamental frequency, resonance frequency related to vocal tract volume and length, formant tuning, and phonatory pattern. Voice feminizing process can be generally divided into non-surgical feminization and surgical feminization. As a non-surgical procedure, feminization voice therapy consists of increasing fundamental frequency, improving oral and pharyngeal resonance, and behavioral therapy. Surgical feminization usually can be achieved by external approach or endoscopic approach. Based on three factors (length, tension and mass) of vocal fold for pitch modulation, surgical procedure can be classified as one-factor, two-factors and three-factors modification of vocal folds. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies have reported positive outcomes for both the voice therapy and voice feminization surgery. The benefits of voice therapy, as it is highly satisfactory, mostly increase vocal pitch, and are noninvasive. However, the surgical voice feminization of three-factors modification of vocal folds is also highly competent and provides a maximum absolute increase in vocal pitch. Voice feminization is a long transition journey for physical, neurophysiological, and psychosomatic changes that convert a male phonatory system to a female phonatory system. Therefore, strategies for voice feminization should be individualized according to the individual’s physical condition, the desired change in voice pitch, economic conditions, and social roles.
MicroRNA-103a-3p potentiates chemoresistance to cisplatin in non-small cell lung carcinoma by targeting neurofibromatosis 1

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) contributes to ~80% of these deaths. However, both primary and acquired cisplatin resistance frequently occurs within the disease and represents a huge clinical treatment problem. The underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet completely understood, but in recent years, microRNAs (miR) have been reported to play vital roles in the development of lung cancer and chemoresistance. In the present study, it was revealed that there were increased expression levels of miR-103a-3p in both NSCLC cell lines and human NSCLC samples that exhibited resistance to cisplatin. The results also revealed that the inhibition of miR-103a-3p in A549/cisplatin cells significantly sensitized these cells to cisplatin, while inhibition of miR-103a-3p expression inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the function of cisplatin in a xenograft animal model. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that miR-103a-3p regulates cisplatin resistance by targeting neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) via activating ERK signaling in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, NF1 was identified as a special miR-103a-3p target in the present study, and it was revealed that targeting NF1 via miR-103a-3p may help reverse chemoresistance and provide a biomarker to cisplatin responsiveness in NSCLC.
Screening for Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Era of Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Context Screening for and diagnosing non classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) uses serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) thresholds established from immunoassay data; however, a new liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method results in lower 17OHP values. The evolution of immunoassays is also challenging our diagnostic cut-off for glucocorticoid insufficiency and few data re-evaluate the utility of testing for glucocorticoid insufficiency in NCCAH. Objective (1) Evaluate the 17OHP threshold that predicts NCCAH in children using LC-MS/MS, and (2) determine the prevalence of glucocorticoid insufficiency in NCCAH. Methods A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent ACTH stimulation tests with cortisol and 17OHP measurements from 2011 to 2018 for assessment of NCCAH. Other adrenal pathologies were excluded. A cortisol < 415 nmol/L defined glucocorticoid insufficiency. Published correlation data determined a 17OHP of 3.3 nmol/L by LC-MS/MS was equivalent to 6 nmol/L by immunoassay. Data analysis was by measures of diagnostic accuracy. Results Of 188 patients included, 23 (12%) had NCCAH (21/23 had genetic confirmation); the remaining 2 had peak 17OHP > 30 nmol/L. Baseline 17OHP ≥ 6 nmol/L most accurately screened for NCCAH-sensitivity and specificity 96%. Almost all genetically confirmed NCCAH (20/21) had peak 17OHP > 30 nmol/L; all subjects with other diagnoses peaked < 30 nmol/L. Glucocorticoid insufficiency was present in 55% with NCCAH. Conclusions Despite the increased specificity of LC-MS/MS, a baseline 17OHP ≥ 6 nmol/L most accurately screened for NCCAH; this supports current practice guidelines. This threshold identified all with glucocorticoid insufficiency, notably prevalent in our cohort and for whom glucocorticoid stress dosing should be considered.
Differences Between Students’ and Teachers’ Fairness Perceptions: Exploring the Potential of a Self-Administered Questionnaire to Improve Teachers’ Assessment Practices

The ability to assess learning outcomes is vital to effective teaching. Without understanding what students have learned, it is impossible to tailor information, tasks or feedback adequately to their individual needs. Thus, assessment literacy has been increasingly recognized as a core teacher competency in educational research, with many empirical studies investigating teachers’ abilities, knowledge and subjective views in relation to classroom assessment. In contrast, relatively few studies have focused on students’ perspectives of assessment. This is surprising, since gathering students’ feedback on their teachers’ assessment practices seems a logical step toward improving those practices. To help fill this gap, we present an explorative study using the recently developed Fairness Barometer as a tool to help identify specific strengths and weaknesses in individual teachers’ assessment methods. Viewing assessment through the lens of classroom justice theory, the Fairness Barometer asks students and teachers to rate aspects of procedural and informational justice in their own (teachers’) assessment practices. We examined the resulting fairness discrepancy profiles for 10 Austrian secondary school classes (177 students). Results showed wide variation in profile pattern, evidence that both students and teachers can differentiate between different aspects of assessment fairness. Further exploration of the resulting discrepancy-profiles revealed certain problem types, with some teachers differing from their students’ perception in almost every rated aspect, some showing specific assessment-related behaviors that require improvement (e.g., explaining grading criteria of oral exams), and others demonstrating almost identical responses as their students to the addressed fairness aspects. Results clearly indicate the potential of the Fairness Barometer to be used for teacher training and teacher self-development within the domain of teacher assessment literacy.
Isthmuses, accessory canals, and the direction of root curvature in permanent mandibular first molars: an in vivo computed tomography study

Objectives This study was performed to assess the anatomy of mandibular first molars. Materials and Methods In this in vivo study, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) volumes of 312 bilateral intact first mandibular molars from 156 patients (79 men and 77 women; average age, 35.6 ± 11.2 years) were investigated in terms of the direction of each canal's curvature in the buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions (direction of the position of the apex in relation to the longitudinal axis of the root), the presence of an isthmus (a narrow, ribbon-shaped communication between 2 root canals) in 3 segments (0–2, 2–4, and 4–6 mm) from the apex), and the presence and number of accessory canals (smaller canals besides the main root canals, connecting the pulp to the periodontium). Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). Results Mesiolingual canals were mostly buccally and distally inclined, while mesiobuccal and distolingual canals were mostly distally curved. Isthmuses were more common in younger patients (χ2 test, p < 0.05). The average numbers of accessory canals in the apical, middle, and coronal segments were 9.9 ± 4.2, 6.9 ± 2.9, and 9.3 ± 3.0 canals per segment, respectively (analysis of variance, p < 0.001). Age and sex were not associated with the number of accessory canals (p > 0.05). Conclusions The complex anatomy of these teeth deserves attention during non-surgical or surgical endodontic treatment. Around the apex, isthmuses might be more prevalent in younger and female individuals.
A Review of Generalizable Transfer Learning in Automatic Emotion Recognition

Automatic emotion recognition is the process of identifying human emotion from signals such as facial expression, speech, and text. Collecting and labeling such signals is often tedious and many times requires expert knowledge. An effective way to address challenges related to the scarcity of data and lack of human labels, is transfer learning. In this manuscript, we will describe fundamental concepts in the field of transfer learning and review work which has successfully applied transfer learning for automatic emotion recognition. We will finally discuss promising future research directions of transfer learning for improving the generalizability of automatic emotion recognition systems.
A Three-Dimensional Printed Polycaprolactone Scaffold Combined with Co-Axially Electrospun Vancomycin/Ceftazidime/Bone Morphological Protein-2 Sheath-Core Nanofibers for the Repair of Segmental Bone Defects During the Masquelet Procedure

Introduction Masquelet proposed a new solution for the healing of segmental bone defects, thus minimizing the disadvantages associated with traditional bone grafting. However, a major factor leading to the failure of this technique pertains to be the residual infection. Accordingly, we developed an antibiotic- and osteo-inductive agent-loaded composite scaffold to solve this problem. Methods A mesh-like polycaprolactone scaffold was prepared using a lab-exploited solution-type three-dimensional printer, and hybrid sheath-core structured poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) nanofibers were fabricated using co-axial electrospinning technology. Vancomycin, ceftazidime, and bone morphological protein (BMP)-2 were employed. The in vitro and in vivo (rabbit fracture model) release patterns of applied agents from the composite scaffold were investigated. Results The results revealed that the drug-eluting composite scaffold enabled the sustainable release of the medications for at least 30 days in vitro. Animal tests demonstrated that a high concentration of medications was maintained. Abundant growth factors were induced within the bioactive membrane stimulated by the applied scaffold. Finally, satisfactory bone healing potential was observed on radiological examination and biomechanical evaluation. Discussion The developed composite scaffold may facilitate bone healing by inducing bioactive membrane formation and yielding high concentrations of antibiotics and BMP-2 during the Masquelet procedure.
Two-Years Prospective Follow-Up Study of Subacute Thyroiditis

Purpose: The aim of the present prospective follow-up study was to explore the early indicators of hypothyroidism and the final changes in thyroid volume in subacute thyroiditis (SAT) patients. Methods: We enrolled 61 SAT patients and followed them up for 2 years to assess the incidence of hypothyroidism and changes in thyroid volume. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for data analysis. Results: During the 2 years follow-up period, we found that the volumes of the thyroid gland in SAT patients at 1 and 2 years were significantly smaller than those in the healthy control group, which were significantly smaller compared to the initial thyroid volumes after SAT onset (p < 0.001). Also, the thyroid volumes of SAT patients with hypothyroidism were significantly smaller than those of SAT patients without hypothyroidism. The early maximum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values (within 3 months after SAT onset) were closely related to the incidence of hypothyroidism at 2 years. The OR value was 1.18 (95% CI = 1.01–1.38, p = 0.032). The early maximum TSH value had a maximum area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.866 for the development of hypothyroidism 2 years after SAT onset vs. euthyroidism (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The thyroid volumes of patients increased significantly after the onset of SAT, while during the follow-up these volumes decreased; the thyroid volumes at 1 and 2 years were significantly smaller than those of normal healthy subjects, especially in SAT patients with hypothyroidism. Furthermore, the early maximum TSH value could be used as an effective indicator of the development of hypothyroidism 2 years after the onset of SAT.
DEP Domain-Containing Protein 1B (DEPDC1B) Promotes Migration and Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer Through the Rac1/PAK1-LIMK1-Cofilin1 Signaling Pathway

Background With increasing incidence, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common digestive tract tumors. However, the prognosis of PC is particularly dismal due to the highly invasive and metastatic behavior of this deadly disease. DEP domain-containing protein 1B (DEPDC1B), which is overexpressed in multiple tumors, such as breast cancer, oral cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, plays a significant role in cell movement, cell cycle and cytoskeleton reorganization. However, the function of DEPDC1B in PC remains poorly understood. Methods The function of DEPDC1B in the migration and invasion of PC was evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays in vitro and PC-derived liver metastasis models in vivo. The molecular mechanisms of DEPDC1B were investigated through cell line establishment, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, histological examination and immunohistochemistry analysis. Results DEPDC1B was overexpressed in PC cell lines. DEPDC1B regulated cell migration and invasion. DEPDC1B regulated the Rac1/PAK1-LIMK1-cofilin1 signaling pathway by interacting with Rac1. Rac1 inhibition suppressed DEPDC1B-induced migration and invasion in PC in vitro and DEPDC1B-induced liver metastasis in vivo. Conclusion DEPDC1B promoted cell migration and invasion by activating the Rac1/PAK1-LIMK1-cofilin1 signaling pathway, thus providing a potential therapeutic target against PC.
Subunit Vaccines Against Emerging Pathogenic Human Coronaviruses

Seven coronaviruses (CoVs) have been isolated from humans so far. Among them, three emerging pathogenic CoVs, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and a newly identified CoV (2019-nCoV), once caused or continue to cause severe infections in humans, posing significant threats to global public health. SARS-CoV infection in humans (with about 10% case fatality rate) was first reported from China in 2002, while MERS-CoV infection in humans (with about 34.4% case fatality rate) was first reported from Saudi Arabia in June 2012. 2019-nCoV was first reported from China in December 2019, and is currently infecting more than 70000 people (with about 2.7% case fatality rate). Both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are zoonotic viruses, using bats as their natural reservoirs, and then transmitting through intermediate hosts, leading to human infections. Nevertheless, the intermediate host for 2019-nCoV is still under investigation and the vaccines against this new CoV have not been available. Although a variety of vaccines have been developed against infections of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, none of them has been approved for use in humans. In this review, we have described the structure and function of key proteins of emerging human CoVs, overviewed the current vaccine types to be developed against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and summarized recent advances in subunit vaccines against these two pathogenic human CoVs. These subunit vaccines are introduced on the basis of full-length spike (S) protein, receptor-binding domain (RBD), non-RBD S protein fragments, and non-S structural proteins, and the potential factors affecting these subunit vaccines are also illustrated. Overall, this review will be helpful for rapid design and development of vaccines against the new 2019-nCoV and any future CoVs with pandemic potential. This review was written for the topic of Antivirals for Emerging Viruses: Vaccines and Therapeutics in the Virology section of Frontiers in Microbiology.
Using Evidence Mapping to Examine Motivations for Following Plant-Based Diets

ABSTRACT Motivations to adopt plant-based diets are of great public health interest. We used evidence mapping to identify methods that capture motivations to follow plant-based diets and summarize demographic trends in dietary motivations. We identified 56 publications that described 90 samples of plant-based diet followers and their dietary motivations. We categorized the samples by type of plant-based diet: vegan (19%), vegetarian (33%), semivegetarian (24%), and other, unspecified plant-based diet followers (23%). Of 90 studies examined, 31% administered multiple-choice questions to capture motivations, followed by rate items (23%), Food Choice Questionnaire (17%), free response (9%), and rank choices (10%). Commonly reported motivations were health, sensory/taste/disgust, animal welfare, environmental concern, and weight loss. The methodological variation highlights the importance of using a structured questionnaire to investigate dietary motivations in epidemiological studies. Motivations among plant-based diet followers appear distinct, but evidence on the association between age and motivations appears limited.
The Risk Ratio of Immune-Related Colitis, Hepatitis, and Pancreatitis in Patients With Solid Tumors Caused by PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: The meta-analysis was put into practice in evaluating the risk ratio of immune-related digestive system inflammation in patients with solid tumors caused by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Method: The process of the meta-analysis was performed by us according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: After screening and eligibility assessment, a total of 26 clinical trials involving 16,409 patients were selected for the final quantitative synthesis. Immune-related digestive system inflammations, including colitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, were evaluated separately. Compared with chemotherapy, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors led to an increase in the incidence risk of all grade colitis (RR = 2.43, 95% CI: [1.23, 4.82], P = 0.01). Similar incidence trend could also be seen when PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors were combined with chemotherapy (RR = 2.62, 95% CI: [1.25, 5.48], P = 0.01). Whether compared with Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab or Ipilimumab alone, the incidence risk of colitis in the Nivolumab group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Similar analysis results could also be seen in the incidence risk of hepatitis. We did not find a statistically significant effect on the incidence of immune-related pancreatitis after the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Conclusion: The use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors increased the incidence risk of immune-related colitis and hepatitis, but this potential to increase the incidence risk of the disease was weaker than Ipilimumab.