Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the Combination of Plain X-ray and Probe-to-Bone Test Useful for Diagnosing Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of plain X-ray and probe-to-bone (PTB) test for diagnosing diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (a prospective international register of systematic reviews; identification code CRD42023436757). A literature search was conducted for each test separately along with a third search for their combination. A total of 18 articles were found and divided into three groups for separate analysis and comparison. All selected studies were evaluated using STROBE guidelines to assess the quality of reporting for observational studies. Meta-DiSc software was used to analyze the collected data. Concerning the diagnostic accuracy variables for each case, the pooled sensitivity (SEN) was higher for the combination of PTB and plain X-ray [0.94 (PTB + X-ray) vs. 0.91 (PTB) vs. 0.76 (X-ray)], as was the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) (82.212 (PTB + X-ray) vs. 57.444 (PTB) vs. 4.897 (X-ray)). The specificity (SPE) and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) were equally satisfactory for the diagnostic combination but somewhat lower than for PTB alone (SPE: 0.83 (PTB + X-ray) vs. 0.86 (PTB) vs. 0.76 (X-ray); LR+: 5.684 (PTB + X-ray) vs. 6.344 (PTB) vs. 1.969 (X-ray)). The combination of PTB and plain X-ray showed high diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of MRI and histopathology diagnosis (the gold standard), so it could be considered useful for the diagnosis of DFO. In addition, this diagnostic combination is accessible and inexpensive but requires training and experience to correctly interpret the results. Therefore, recommendations for this technique should be included in the context of specialized units with a high prevalence of DFO.
A Pragmatist Approach to Insurgencies: Experience, Lived Situations and Public Problems

Abstract This paper reflects on the concept of insurgency. Through a review of conceptual and empirical literature, it argues that current conceptualisations limit our understanding of insurgencies by focusing on intentional, purposeful and non-evolutive practices, addressing single, external and objectified sources of oppression, considering oppressed groups as static and fixed realities, and understanding insurgencies only through thematic characterisations. Adopting a pragmatist approach, it conceptualises insurgencies as two interconnected experiences: an experience of transformation of lived problematic situations, and an experience of transformation of conventional approaches to treat public problems. The article suggests a new research agenda and critical position for scholars.
SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS OF A.R.I. IN UNDER – FIVE CHILDREN

Background: Acute Respiratory Infections are one of the leading and common causes of morbidity and mortality in human throughout the world affecting young infants, small children/under five children, elderly and person with impaired respiratory tract reserves. The incidence and prevalence of ARIs are a great burden in low-and middle-income countries in comparison to high income countries. According to WHO, the annual number of ARI-related deaths in children less than five years old (excluding death caused by measles, pertussis and neonatal deaths) was about 2.1 million i.e., about 20% of all childhood deaths. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive under analytical of observational study in the Department of Community Medicine, Nalanda Medical College, Patna, Bihar. This study was conducted on a total of 100 under five children. The study month duration was One year from November 2021 to October 2022. Simple random sampling technique was applied for the selection of the sample of the study. Only the people willing to participate and who were present during the study were included in the study. Only one respondent was taken from each household. Mothers having fewer than five children were selected using systematic random sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the parents. Ethical committee clearance was obtained before the study. Result: The total study population was 100. The respondents were mothers of children under the age of 5. The majority of the study population belonged to the age group of 36-48 months (37%). Sex wise distribution was almost equal male (49.5%) and female (50.5%). Respondents included five different castes following different religion. Most of them were Munda (30.5%) and least were Dalit (15%). Highest number of people was following Hindu religion (70.5%). Most of the respondent had nuclear family (58%). Conclusion: The prevalence of ARI was seen high in children in winter season (16%) but was not statistically proven. Also no statistically significant association was found between other demographic variable such as age, gender, religion, caste, type of family, and others.
Improved connectivity and cognition due to cognitive stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease

Background Due to the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the limited efficacy of pharmacological treatment, the interest in non-pharmacological interventions, e.g., cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), to improve cognitive dysfunction and the quality of life of AD patients are on a steady rise. Objectives Here, we examined the efficacy of a CST program specifically conceptualized for AD dementia patients and the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive or behavioral benefits of CST. Methods Using neuropsychological tests and MRI-based measurements of functional connectivity, we examined the (neuro-) psychological status and network changes at two time points: pre vs. post-stimulation (8 to 12 weeks) in the intervention group (n = 15) who received the CST versus a no-intervention control group (n = 15). Results After CST, we observed significant improvement in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subsection (ADAS-cog), and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) scores. These cognitive improvements were associated with an up-regulated functional connectivity between the left posterior hippocampus and the trunk of the left postcentral gyrus. Conclusion Our data indicate that CST seems to induce short-term global cognition and behavior improvements in mild to moderate AD dementia and enhances resting-state functional connectivity in learning- and memory-associated brain regions. These convergent results prove that even in mild to moderate dementia AD, neuroplasticity can be harnessed to alleviate cognitive impairment with CST.
CRIMINAL SPILLOVERS IN BRASILIA’S INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT REGION: AN ANALYSIS OF VIOLENT CRIME (2010-2017)

The discussion of crimes relies on a vast literature whose debates permeate several dimensions: social, spatial, economic, and demographic, among others. The objective of this article is to understand the spatial distribution of crime in Brasilia’s Integrated Development Region. It concludes that the crime rates in this region are not randomly distributed spatially, because an exploratory analysis of spatial data indicates the existence of spatial dependence. This means that the municipalities that border the Federal District are responsible for more than 80% of the crimes carried out in the period under examination. The main victims are young people, mainly black men shot by firearms, and the proportion of young people between 15 and 19 years of age was a determining factor in this positive correlation, among other significant conditions obtained by using estimates of spatial regressions using Spatial Durbin Models – SDM and data panels for the years 2010 to 2017. We detected a 51% incidence of spillovers for fatal crimes.
The immune checkpoint VISTA is associated with prognosis in patients with malignant uveal melanoma

Introduction Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare yet deadly tumor. It is known for its high metastatic potential, which makes it one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. Recently, immune checkpoints such as Programmed cell Death protein-1 (PD1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated significantly increasing patient survival in multiple human cancers, especially cutaneous melanoma. However, patients with UMs were excluded from these studies because of their molecular characteristics, which tend to be widely different from those of cutaneous melanoma. This study aimed to analyze the expression of V domain Ig Suppressor T-cell Activation (VISTA), a novel immune checkpoint, to evaluate its prognosis significance and its correlation with PD1 and CTLA-4. Methods Evaluation of VISTA, CTLA-4, and PD1 expression was performed through TCGA database analysis and immunohistochemistry using two independent cohorts with primary malignant UM. Results and discussion Our results showed that VISTA expression was associated with tumor aggressiveness, T cell exhaustion, and the shortest median overall survival among patients. Surprisingly, PD1 protein expression was negative in all patients, whereas CTLA-4 expression was high in patients with advanced stages. Our findings suggest that VISTA may be a prognostic marker and an attractive treatment strategy for immunotherapy in patients with UM. Exploring its expression profile may predict response to immunotherapy and may lead to the improvement of precision therapy in malignant uveal melanoma patients.
The susceptibility of a mosquito species (Culex pipiens quinquefasclatus) to the insecticides, malathion, DDT and UBMT in the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria

The susceptibility of adult females of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus to malathion, dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), and 1 – (- dimethylaminobenzylidene) – 3 -methylthiotriazene (DBMT) was assessed by residual application using the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard susceptibility test method on the Main Campus, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Also the susceptibility and contact bioassay studies were carried out on the larvae of this species for malathion and DBMT. The results obtained indicate that DBMT has insecticidal property on both larval and adult C.p. quinquefasciatus. Of the three insecticides tested, malathion was the most effective at high concentration while DBMT was the most effective at low concentration. C.p. quinquefasciatus has high resistance to DDT. The larvae were more susceptible to malathion than DBMT, the latter being poorly larvicidal. The results of the residual application test on a concrete wall surface indicate that malathion is much more stable than DBMT.
Effect of Diosmin on Selected Parameters of Oxygen Homeostasis

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a condition characterized by functional disturbances in the microcirculation of the superficial and deep veins, affecting up to 30% of the global population. Diosmin, a phlebotropic drug, is commonly used in the treatment of CVD, and its beneficial effects have been described in numerous clinical studies. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying the activity of diosmin is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate whether diosmin has an impact on oxygen management, as cardiovascular diseases are often associated with hypoxia. In our study, patients were administered a daily dosage of 2 × 600 mg of diosmin for 3 months, and we evaluated several factors associated with oxygen management, angiogenesis, and inflammation using biochemical assays. Our findings indicate that diosmin reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C), while increasing endostatin and angiostatin levels, suggesting a potential influence on angiogenesis regulation. Furthermore, diosmin exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), while promoting the production of interleukin 12 (IL-12). Additionally, diosmin significantly decreased the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), anion gap (AG), and lactate, indicating its potential influence on the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway. These findings suggest that diosmin may play a crucial role in modulating oxygen management and inflammation in the context of chronic venous disease.
The Long-term Impacts of Hunting on Population Viability of Wild Ungulates in Tarangire, Northern Tanzania

Hunting through illegal and legal means is increasingly recognised as a threat to the sustainability of wildlife populations in reserves throughout Africa. Despite this, in Tanzania, legal hunting has persisted and serves as a source of revenue for conserving these species. Poaching remains a major threat to wildlife populations in many parks and reserves of Tanzania and wildlife habitats are diminishing due to human activities. I examined the impacts of hunting on the long-term persistence of four wild ungulates; impala (Aepyceros melampus Matschie), Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsonii Gunther), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus Thomas) and zebra (Equus burchellii Matschie) around Tarangire National Park, in northern Tanzania. I investigated the population sizes of these species using Distance sampling method and determined there were 4534 plus or minus 1393 impala 1398 plus or minus 491 Thomson's gazelle, 5199 plus or minus 2670 wildebeest, and 11223 plus or minus 4216 zebra, in the study area. I obtained an estimate of the legal offtake over a five year period from data provided by hunting companies and districts offices in charge of hunting in the area to establish an average size of annual legal offtake of the area. I estimated the poaching levels for each species using random response method by interviewing 298 household respondents within communities living around the area. This established that illegal kill were 2-3 times higher than legal offtake for all four animal species except zebra. The total annual harvests were 6.6% for impala, 18.2% for Thomson's gazelle, 5.2% for wildebeest and 2% for zebra, of population sizes. Using literature review I obtained vital life-history parameters for each species either from within Tarangire, or elsewhere in East Africa. The long-term viability of the four species was then examined under a computer program-VORTEX by constructing a series of models to test the effects of different hunting regimes. The models integrated mortality and fecundity rates, species population sizes and harvest (legal and illegal) rates. Of the four species, impala and Thomson's gazelle fared badly under all simulations, with up to 76% and 68% respectively of the modelled populations going extinct within 100 years under present 3 hunting levels. Wildebeest and zebra were more resilient to hunting. Zebra populations remained robust under current hunting rates. However, its population will slowly decline towards extinction when the hunting exceeds the current rate of 2%. The population of wildebeest will decline towards extinction if the current offtake of 5% persists. The impacts of illegal hunting are severe. This study is the first attempt to characterise the dynamics of the harvested ungulate populations in Tarangire, Tanzania. Poor understanding of this ecosystem especially on the demographic variables of these species, limit firm conclusions. Nevertheless, the findings presented here suggest that VORTEX modelling may be a useful tool for managing hunting at Tarangire and for highlighting research priorities.
A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE AND DIAGNOSE WITH OCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the joints. The disease is chronic, devastating, and may affect multiple organs including eye. To evaluate and diagnose with ocular involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 135 subjects having rheumatoid arthritis. The patients underwent detailed ocular examination, complete hematological profile evaluation, slit lamp examination and ophthalmoscopy. The tear function was assessed by, tear film breakup time and ocular surface staining. Result: A significantly higher occlular involvement was found in the present study. Females were affected more compared to males and the bilateral involvement was common. kerato-conjunctivitis sicca was the most common finding. Conclusion: The disease must be addressed on time, as these has a very potential to cause permanent damage of the eye.
Testing the Psychometric Properties of an Arabic Version of the Brunel Mood Scale among Physical Education Students

In our study, we translated and tested the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), referred to as the Arabic Mood Scale (ARAMS), among physical education university students. A total of 681 participants completed the ARAMS in exploratory and confirmatory phases. Exploratory analyses were conducted on data from 253 students between the ages of 19 and 25 years (M = 21.14 ± 1.65 years) of whom 132 were women (52.2%) and 121 were men (47.8%). Confirmatory analyses were conducted on data from 428 students between the ages of 19 and 25 years (M = 20.93 ± 1.55 years) of whom 203 were women (52.6%) and 225 were men (47.4%). The measurement model of the ARAMS was initially evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and was subsequently tested via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA identified a 24-item, 6-factor structure that aligned with the original BRUMS measurement model, and CFA demonstrated congruence between the two models. Internal consistency of the six subscales exceeded adequacy levels with good Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega values respectively for anger (0.811; 0.812), confusion (0.830; 0.830), depression (0.858; 0.859), fatigue (0.823; 0.825), and tension (0.824; 0.825), and an acceptable value for vigor (0.749; 0.748). Findings support the factorial validity and internal consistency of the ARAMS, which appears to be a suitable measure for use in Arabic physical education contexts. Further validation studies are required before the ARAMS is used in other Arabic-language contexts.
Effects of laser induced shockwave on neurons from an Alzheimer’s mouse model

Neuronal responses to injury are of interest to the development of methods to mitigate damage and stimulate repair. We utilized a single pulse from a 1030nm laser to create a laser induced shockwave (LIS) to subject neuronal cells to injury and compare the effects of injury on neurons from an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) mouse model and wild type (WT) mice. We found differences in the calcium response to LIS in AD versus WT neurons. Additionally, we found that LIS induced cell death led to a calcium elevation which differed from that in cells that stayed alive. Therefore, the calcium response can be utilized to separate dead cells from live cells.
Exercise as the Key to Improve Cardiopulmonary Function in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background : Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a type of cardiovascular disease with abnormal heart valve structure and/or function and a rapidly growing cause of global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Physical inactivity is a problem for patients with VHD, especially after surgery. However, there is no data on the effects of exercise on VHD from large multicentre randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive analysis of small RCTs to evaluate the effects of exercise on cardiopulmonary function in patients with VHD and provide an evidence-based medicine basis for developing and guiding the clinical application of exercise in patients with VHD. Methods : We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. We systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], China Science and Technology Journal Database [VIP], WanFang Database, and SinoMed [CBM]) for all studies on exercise and VHD from their inception to January 2023. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The primary outcomes were the six-minute walk test distance (6MWD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36). Results : This systematic review included 22 RCTs with 1520 subjects (869 men and 651 women). The meta-analysis results showed that exercise significantly improved exercise capacity measured by the 6MWD (mean difference [MD] = 25.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 19.98–31.11, I 2 = 0%, p < 0.00001), LVEF (MD = 6.20, 95% CI = 4.76–7.65, I 2 = 66%, p < 0.00001), and quality of life measured by the SF-36 (physical function: MD = 3.42, 95% CI = 2.12– 4.72, I 2 = 12%, p < 0.00001; mental health: MD = 3.86, 95% CI = 0.52–7.20, I 2 = 68%, p = 0.020; social function: MD = 2.30, 95% CI = 0.64–3.97, I 2 = 45%, p = 0.007; bodily pain: MD = 2.60, 95% CI = 0.83–4.37, I 2 = 22%, p = 0.004) in patients with VHD compared to healthy controls. Conclusions : This study suggests that exercise can significantly improve cardiopulmonary function, enhance physical and social function, reduce bodily pain, and potentially improve mental health in patients with VHD, providing an evidence-based basis for better recovery in patients with VHD.
Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms in Chicken Feather Follicle Morphogenesis

In China, the sale of freshly slaughtered chickens is becoming increasingly popular in comparison with that of live chickens, and due to this emerging trend, the skin and feather follicle traits of yellow-feathered broilers have attracted a great deal of research attention. The feather follicle originates from the interaction between the epidermis and dermis in the early embryonic stage. Feather follicle morphogenesis is regulated by the Wnt, ectodysplasin (Eda), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), sonic hedgehog (Shh), Notch, and other signaling pathways that exist in epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The Wnt pathway is essential for feather follicle and feather morphogenesis. Eda interacts with Wnt to induce FGF expression, which attracts mesenchymal cell movement and aggregates to form feather follicle primordia. BMP acts as an inhibitor of the above signaling pathways to limit the size of the feather tract and distance between neighboring feather primordia in a dose-dependent manner. The Notch/Delta pathway can interact with the FGF pathway to promote feather bud formation. While not a part of the early morphogenesis of feather follicles, Shh and BMP signaling are involved in late feather branching. This review summarizes the roles of miRNAs/lncRNA in the regulation of feather follicle and feather growth and development and suggests topics that need to be solved in a future study. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms involved in feather follicle morphogenesis and analyzes the impact of SNP sites on feather follicle traits in poultry. This work may help us to understand the molecular regulatory networks influencing feather follicle growth and provide basic data for poultry carcass quality.