Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
School bag load and its effect on Erector spinae muscle and low back pain among primary school children in Malaysia

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine and evaluate the effects of school bag load on electromyography (EMG) activity of the erector spinae muscle. Methods: Eighty four primary school children were selected from two national medium primary schools in Seri Kembangan, 42 from primary two (P2) and 42 from primary five (P5), aged 8 and 11 respectively. Data were collected through interviews, anthropometrics measurements, the weight of schoolbag load and surface electromyography (SEMG) of the erector spinae using muscle tester ME20000P. Surface Ag-AgCI electrodes were used to measure: unloaded standing and walking, and loaded standing and walking. Results: The study revealed that erector spinae was found to be more efficient in loaded standing probably due to other trunk muscle co-activity compared to unloaded standing (p<0.05). However, the erector spinae was less efficient when loads were carried on the back while walking, compared to unloaded walking. When the schoolbag was carried over both shoulders, forces generated by the erector spinae were reduced and resulted In more efficient use of the erector spinae compared to other asymmetrical carrying (p<0.05). conclusion: bending slightly forward when carrying schoolbag was found to reduce the forces generated by the erector spinae compared to normal sagittal posture (p<0.05), however no significant difference was found between the different frontal posture. A significant inverse relationship (p<0.01) between the weight of schoolbag load and the average electromyography (AEMG), showed that the significance of the erector spinae muscle co-activity. The study also revealed that apart from age of school children, family history of back pain, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), weight of the schoolbag and method of carrying schoolbag also play important role as risk factors for back pain.
The Impact of Sociodemographic Characteristics on Coping Strategies Used by Nurses Working at COVID and Non-COVID Hospital Departments during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The aim of our study was to compare coping strategies applied by nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic at COVID-19 (CoV) and non-COVID-19 (non-CoV) hospital departments with regards to their sociodemographic characteristics in order that the system can provide them better support in future similar situations. Methods: A total of 380 out of 1305 nurses participated in the survey during December 2020. Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) was used. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the interaction between sociodemographic characteristics and coping strategies. Results: The CoV married nurses (62.2%) used problem- (p = 0.010) and emotion- (p = 0.003) focused coping more and avoidance coping less (p = 0.007). CoV nurses with master’s degrees (11.1%) used both problem- and emotion-focused coping less (p < 0.01), and older nurses used emotional coping more than the younger nurses (p = 0.027), whereas younger nurses used more avoidance coping (p < 0.01). CoV nurses without children (41%) used avoidance strategies more than nurses who had 2–3 children (p < 0.001). Among non-CoV nurses, less use of emotional coping was recorded in nurses with master’s degrees (4%) than in those with a high school diploma (44.2%) (p = 0.002). Avoidance coping was also used more by married non-CoV nurses (79.1%) (p < 0.001) and those without children (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors such as working experience, age, level of education and marital status influenced chosen coping strategies during the health crisis.
Effect of Orthodontic Appliances on the Oral Environment and Microbiome

Orthodontic treatment is an appliance-intensive endeavor, where an array of mechanical devices is used to bring about tooth movement. By virtue of remaining in close proximity to the enamel, gingiva and periodontal ligament intra-orally over a prolonged period of time, orthodontic appliances have a significant impact on the paradental tissues, oral environment and oral microbiome. Orthodontic appliances by acting as anchors for biofilm and plaque formation, accumulate bacteria and other micro-organisms in amounts unfavorable for maintenance of healthy equilibrium. The resulting loss of balance in the oral microbiome causes dysbiosis which manifests clinically as increased enamel demineralization, dental caries and periodontal disease. Mechanical removal of the accumulated plaque by maintaining rigorous oral hygiene has been proven to be the single most important factor to mitigate the harmful effects of dysbiosis. This review investigates how each of the various components of the orthodontic appliances, different types of appliances and unique surface properties of biomaterials have contributory effects at the interface of orthodontic biomaterials and oral biology. The information thus obtained will be critical in instituting the best diagnostic and therapeutic measures at the clinical level. It will also be instrumental in devising improvements and providing new directions for future research in general and precision orthodontics in particular.
Prevalence, species diversity, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter strains in patients with diarrhea and poultry meat samples: one-year prospective study

Background and Objectives: Source tracking of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter is useful for control measures. In this study, Campylobacter-associated diarrhea and homology in antimicrobial resistance of humans and poultry meat isolates were investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 stools of patients and 100 poultry meat samples were analyzed. Susceptibility of the isolates was detected by disk diffusion, Etest, and agar dilution methods. Mismatch amplification mutation assay was used for the detection of mutations in the gyrA quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR). Results: Campylobacter spp. , including C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari, were detected in 35% of the chicken meat and 6.75% of the stool samples, respectively. The QRDR mutation was detected in most of the stool and chicken meat samples. Although the frequency of resistance to tetracycline (53.5% and 62.8%), erythromycin (39.2% and 37.1%), and gentamicin (32.1% and 31.4%) was relatively similar, higher frequency of resistance to ciprofloxacin (51.4% vs 28.6%) and nalidixic acid (42.15% vs 28.6%) among the chicken meat, and ampicillin (50% and 17.1%) among the human stool was detected. Conclusion: High percentage of poultry meat samples is contaminated with different Campylobacter species, which shows homology with the patients’ isolates in Tehran.
Neonatal Hearing Screening, with Otoacoustic Emission, among Normal Babies in a Northeastern Nigerian Hospital

Background: Hearing is necessary for speech and language development, children with bilateral hearing loss often have impaired speech and language abilities thus limiting educational attainment. Early detection and intervention will help minimize such effects. Therefore, neonatal hearing screening program has been advocated in developing countries. Objective: TThe objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and risk factors among full-term inborn neonates delivered in a University Teaching Hospital with transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE). Materials and Methods: All full-term neonates delivered in a University Teaching Hospital were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. The hospital’s ethical committee gave approval. The researcher obtained informed consent from the parents and administered a questionnaire for demographic, prenatal, and postnatal data. A comprehensive head and neck examination preceded the preliminary otoscopy. With the help of a hand-held otodynamic otoport, Neonatal Hearing Screening Program otoacoustic emission (OAE), each ear’s hearing was assessed. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: 150 full-term neonates were screened, of which 72 (48%) were males and 78 (52%) were females. Neonates that failed the TEOAE in both ears were 12 (8%). 18 (12%) neonates had a refer in right ear only, while 24 (16%) had a refer in the left ear only. The only significant risk factor with a referral outcome of TEOAE was family history of childhood hearing loss (23.1%). Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence (8%) of failed TEOAE of full-term neonates delivered in our hospital with a significant risk factor of family history of childhood hearing loss.
The Effect of Clinical Experience on Cervical Vertebral Maturation Assessment: Is a Hand-wrist Radiograph Necessary?

Objective: To evaluate the role of hand-wrist radiographs (HWRs) in the assessment of growth and development based on the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method and to determine whether clinical experience levels would affect the decision-making process. Materials and Methods: The lateral cephalometric radiographs and HWRs of 48 patients aged 11 to 16 years were assessed in this study. The clinicians first determined the growth stage by the CVM method based on lateral cephalometric images (T1). Then, the clinicians filled out the same questionnaire with HWRs on each question (T2). Subsequently, the clinicians were divided into groups according to their experience levels. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate intraobserver agreements. The data were analyzed with chi-square or Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact tests for intergroup comparisons. Results: For all evaluators, the percentage of agreement changed minimally after T2. The most experienced clinicians demonstrated the most consistent decisions for overall CVM stages at both evaluations. Concerning each stage, the percentages of changed decisions showed no significant differences between the groups except for stages CS4 and CS5. There were significant differences between the rates of agreement for CS3 in each group from T1 to T2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: The level of orthodontic experience affects the decision-making process. The presence of HWRs provided no advantage in the assessment of CVM.
Trained athletes and cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT As trends in physical inactivity continue to increase throughout the lifespan, one prominent area of interest is the cumulative benefits of participating in physical activity. Recent literature has demonstrated the cognitive and brain benefits associated with one such population, elite athletes. However, it is unclear which aspects of the athlete experience drive this athlete–cognition relationship, which is the objective of the current study. In this study, we examine, in a quantitative meta-analysis (k = 41), the relationship between athlete experiences and laboratory-based measures of cognitive function in the following domains: attentional allocation, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Athlete groups outperform control groups on a battery of cognitive tasks, including attentional allocation (g = 1.18) and cognitive flexibility (g = 0.31). Moreover, athlete type and experience are important factors to consider when evaluating this relationship. Moderator analyses revealed that athletes trained in aerobic (g = 0.93) or HIIT team-based sports (g = 0.65), as well as child (g = 0.26), elite (g = 0.94) (semi-professional, professional, national and international) or older adult athletes (g = 0.91) were responsible for driving this effect. At a time when physical inactivity levels are increasing, these results have important societal considerations. Participating in sport-related physical activity may be a beneficial influence on cognitive development throughout the lifespan.
COVID-19 Pandemic Psychological Impact and Volunteering Experience Perceptions of Medical Students after 2 Years

Undergraduate healthcare students were mobilized to support healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have scarce information regarding their experience and its impact on their wellbeing. An anonymous online survey was conducted among undergraduate students and recently graduated physicians of a medical university in Spain, regarding their symptoms and volunteering experience during the initial months of the Spanish COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents showed a high prevalence of perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, measured by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. 14.5% reported healthcare-related volunteering tasks. Volunteering was a satisfactory experience for most of the respondents and the majority felt ready to do volunteering tasks (66.6%). Yet, 16.6% acknowledged not getting appropriate specific-task education before starting, 20.8% reported not having appropriate supervision, and 33.3% feel they did not have proper protective equipment. More than half of volunteers feared getting infected, more than 70% feared infecting their relatives or friends, and 54.2% reported stigmatization. Volunteers showed significantly higher stress, anxiety, and depression scores than the rest of the respondents, and 32% reported a highly traumatic event during volunteering, with high scores on the IES-R in the 16% of volunteers. Our results should help guide future potential volunteering processes in emergencies, enhance academic programs at medical schools and provide valuable data for psychological support services.
Emerging Therapies in Penile Cancer

Advances in the treatment of rare tumors like penile cancer were always hampered by the lack of deep comprehension of the molecular biology and genomic and epigenomic alterations involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, as well as by the difficulty in recruitment of patients for prospective clinical trials. Despite the high rates of cure in early localized penile cancers with surgery or other local procedures, locally advanced and metastatic tumors require systemic treatment, with chemotherapy being the current standard, but with high toxicity and no proven real impact on survival. Recent important findings of frequent genomic alterations and mutation signatures in penile cancer have motivated several trials in new modalities of systemic treatments, especially immunotherapy. This review aims to present the most recent advances and the prospect of new modalities of systemic therapies with ongoing studies in penile cancer.
Dietary Polyphenol, Gut Microbiota, and Health Benefits

Polyphenols, which are probably the most important secondary metabolites produced by plants, have attracted tremendous attention due to their health-promoting effects, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-adipogenic, and neuro-protective activities, as well as health properties. However, due to their complicated structures and high molecular weights, a large proportion of dietary polyphenols remain unabsorbed along the gastrointestinal tract, while in the large intestine they are biotransformed into bioactive, low-molecular-weight phenolic metabolites through the residing gut microbiota. Dietary polyphenols can modulate the composition of intestinal microbes, and in turn, gut microbes catabolize polyphenols to release bioactive metabolites. To better investigate the health benefits of dietary polyphenols, this review provides a summary of their modulation through in vitro and in vivo evidence (animal models and humans), as well as their possible actions through intestinal barrier function and gut microbes. This review aims to provide a basis for better understanding the relationship between dietary polyphenols, gut microbiota, and host health.
Usefulness of Noncontrast MRI-Based Radiomics Combined Clinic Biomarkers in Stratification of Liver Fibrosis

Purpose To develop and validate a radiomic nomogram based on texture features from out-of-phase T1W images and clinical biomarkers in prediction of liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods Patients clinically diagnosed with chronic liver fibrosis who underwent liver biopsy and noncontrast MRI were enrolled. All patients were assigned to the nonsignificant fibrosis group with fibrosis stage <2 and the significant fibrosis group with stage ≥2. Texture parameters were extracted from out-of-phase T1-weighted (T1W) images and calculated using the Artificial Intelligent Kit (AK). Boruta and LASSO regressions were used for feature selection and a multivariable logistic regression was used for construction of a combinational model integrating radiomics and clinical biomarkers. The performance of the models was assessed by using the receiver operator curve (ROC) and decision curve. Results ROC analysis of the radiomics model that included the most discriminative features showed AUCs of the training and test groups were 0.80 and 0.78. A combinational model integrating RADscore and fibrosis 4 index was established. ROC analysis of the training and test groups showed good to excellent performance with AUC of 0.93 and 0.86. Decision curves showed the combinational model added more net benefit than radiomic and clinical models alone. Conclusions The study presents a combinational model that incorporates RADscore and clinical biomarkers, which is promising in classification of liver fibrosis.
CREATIVE ACCOUNTING AND SHAREHOLDERS WEALTH MAXIMIZATION IN LISTED CONSUMER GOODS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

This study examines the effect of creative accounting practices on the shareholders wealth of 90 firm-year observations of ten (10) consumer goods companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Ex post facto research design was adopted usingdataset for the period 2011–2019 which were collated from the annual reports and financial statements of the listed consumer goods companies. Four hypotheses were proposed and tested using pooled panel data regression. Findings revealed that frequentchanges in inventory valuation method and assets valuation methods respectively have significant effect on shareholders wealth, while frequent changes in depreciation methods and liabilities valuation methods do not significantly affect shareholders’ wealth. The study recommends that external auditors should pay attention to discretionary items in the financial statements in order to ensure that the assumptions used by managers are fair. Regulators should also evaluate the adequacy of policies around inventory and assets valuation while financial analysts and shareholders should note the application and consistency of accounting policies on inventory and assets.
Explaining Customs Tax Evasion in Ethiopia: The Effect of Trade Tax, Law Enforcement, and Product Characteristics

Low-income African countries face significant customs tax evasion due to undervaluation and smuggling of imports by registered traders. This study uses trade policy, law enforcement, product misclassification, and product differentiation to examine customs tax evasion in Ethiopian imports from Kenya. Using “missing imports” data disaggregated at the harmonized system 6-digit level, the econometric model employs the trade gap as a measure of evasion. This study seeks to explain two types of evasion: undervaluation-based evasion, and smuggling- and product misclassification–based evasion. According to the econometric estimates, 1% increase in the taxes imposed on imports increases evasion by 1.12% for undervaluation-based evasion and 2% for entirely “missing imports”. Based on a quantitative measure of law enforcement, the findings show that expecting higher fee as a penalty for tax evasion is negatively associated with both forms of evasions. Regarding the extent of evasion, customs tax evasion is significantly higher for differentiated items than for homogeneous goods. Furthermore, mislabeling products from higher to lower tariff categories explains a large portion of evasion in goods that are either entirely smuggled or misclassified. The findings validate the importance of reducing evasion by judiciously lowering tariffs and enforcing the law at the border.
Supportive Therapy to Reduce Anxiety Levels of COVID-19 Nurses in Isolation ICU Room

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 for this year has had a negative impact on life, particularly the psychological impact of anxiety. Anxiety occurs in the general public and in health workers, one of which is a nurse. If anxiety continues, it will affect the quality of life and performance of nurses. Supportive therapy is one of the non-pharmacological treatments to reduce anxiety. AIM: This study was to determine the effectiveness of supportive therapy in reducing the anxiety of COVID-19 nurses in isolation ICU. METHODS: This study used quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design. The researcher wanted to know the effectiveness of a treatment, namely, supportive therapy, against the anxiety of the COVID-19 nurses of isolation ICU room. This study used a pre-post-test one-group intervention method. The therapy mechanism applied 1–4 sessions of supportive therapy by dividing each session into 3 days. Forty respondents participated in this study. The data obtained were analyzed using paired t-test. RESULTS: The results show that 55% of respondents experience moderate anxiety before supportive therapy, and 60% are not anxious after supportive therapy. It is also found that p = 0.000 is considered and lower than the alpha value of 0.05 (0.000 < 0.05). Therefore, there is a statistically significant difference before and after supportive therapy. CONCLUSION: The conclusion that can be drawn is the influence of supportive therapy on reducing anxiety in COVID-19 isolation ICU nurses.
Effects of graphene on the smectic-A to chiral smectic-C* phase transition

ABSTRACT The smectic-A to chiral smectic-C* (SmA–SmC*) phase transition in the mixture of graphene nanoparticles and ferroelectric liquid crystal is studied. Combination of Flory–Huggins free energy of isotropic mixing and Landau theory is applied to explain the effects of graphene nanoparticles on the SmA–SmC* phase transition. The temperature and concentration of graphene nanoparticles dependence of tilt angle, spontaneous polarization and dielectric susceptibility in the smectic-C* phase of the SmA–SmC* phase transition are discussed. A qualitative agreement between theoretical results and experimental results is found.
Variation in Melanin Content of Lizard Livers: Hybrids Turning to the Dark Side

Pigments such as melanin are most often associated with the surface of an organism, providing functions such as coloration and protection from UV radiation. However, the internal organs of some species also contain melanin. Internal melanin may also perform protective functions when cellular stress is experienced. We tested liver tissue of two tree lizard species that experienced introgression of their mitochondria to see whether melanin was present and whether it was at higher concentrations in the types of lizards thought to be under cellular stress. Previous work found that mitochondria from livers of hybrid tree lizards (those with introgressed mitochondrial DNA) had higher levels of ATP production at higher temperatures than both parental species and showed indications of dysfunction. Therefore, we predicted that if internal melanin functions to mediate the impact of damaging by-products of metabolism, such as excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), melanin would be highest in livers of lizards with introgressed mitochondria. To test this, we used a melanin-specific stain on liver tissue sections and measured melanin concentration with spectrophotometry of heavy-membrane fractions from whole-liver homogenates of both parental species and their hybrids with introgressed mitochondria. Slides of liver sections treated with a melanin-specific stain revealed that hybrids contained melanin and had significantly higher levels of it than either parental species. Spectrophotometry gave the same result. This distribution of internal melanin matches the pattern expected if melanin functions as a compensatory mechanism to deal with higher ATP production and the subsequent high levels of ROS expected in these hybrid lizards. Future studies will examine this mechanistically.