Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Patient Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment in Ethiopia: A Literature Review

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health problem and one of the leading causes of death among infectious diseases. Although TB can be cured with first-line antibiotics treatment of 6 months regimen, non-adherence to the treatment remains the main challenge for TB prevention and control. Interventions to promote adherence need to address multiple underlying factors linked to non-adherence, which requires a synthesis of studies to understand these factors in the local context. Our review accordingly examines these factors for TB treatment in Ethiopia. Methods: Articles were searched from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, as well as manual searches through Google and Google Scholar search engines. Both quantitative and qualitative studies that showed factors associated with or reasons for non-adherence, default or loss to follow up from TB treatment were included. A total of 276 articles were screened, and 29 articles were ultimately included in the review. Findings: The extracted factors were synthesized thematically into seven dimensions of patient-centred, social, economic, health system, therapy, lifestyle, and geographic access factors. More than 20 distinct factors were identified under these headings. Some of these factors may also apply quite widely in other settings, with greater or lesser influence, but some are particularly applicable to the Ethiopian setting. Conclusion: Helping patients to achieve full adherence to TB medication is a complex problem as it is influenced by interplay between many factors. Healthcare managers, providers, and researchers need to consider and address multiple underlying factors when designing adherence interventions. This work provides a reference set of such factors for Ethiopian interventions.
Technical Note: Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to evaluate humoral responses to vaccination against respiratory viruses in beef cattle.

This experiment evaluated humoral responses in beef calves vaccinated against parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) using via serum neutralization (SN) tests or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Blood samples were collected from 50 overtly healthy Angus-influenced steers (183 ± 3 kg of body weight, 212 ± 2 d of age) on d 0, 21, 35, and 49 of the experiment. Steers were vaccinated against respiratory viruses on d 0 and 21. Blood was processed for serum collection and frozen in duplicates. One of the duplicates was analyzed for antibodies against BRSV, PI3, and BHV-1 using commercially available ELISA (IDEXX Switzerland AG, Liebefeld-Bern, Switerland), and results reported as sample:positive control (S/P, %) ratio. The other duplicate was analyzed for antibodies against the same vaccine antigens via SN. This method report results as titers, the greatest dilution that provides complete protection of the cells, which were transformed with base 2 log for statistical analyses. Samples were classified as positive for presence of antibodies by SN if log-transformed titer ≥ 2 for all viruses, and by ELISA if S/P ratio ≥ 50% for BHV-1 or ≥ 20% for PI3 and BRSV. Day effects were detected (P < 0.01) for SN and ELISA across all vaccine antigens, as antibody levels increased after vaccine administration. Linear fits were detected (P < 0.01) across all vaccine antigens when regressing the SN and ELISA results; as SN titer increased the ELISA S/P ratio linearly increased (P < 0.01). Kendall (τ) and Spearman's rank (ρ) correlations were also detected (P < 0.01) between SN and ELISA results across all vaccine antigens. The SN and ELISA were very strongly correlated (ρ ≥ 0.83) for BHV-1 and PI3, and strongly correlated (ρ = 0.66) for BRSV. Cohen's kappa coefficient for diagnosis agreement between methods were strong for BHV-1 and PI3 (κ ≥ 0.88), but weak (κ = 0.47) for BRSV. The sensitivity of the ELISA in yielding true positive results approached 100% across all antigens. The specificity of the ELISA in yielding negative results were satisfactory for BHV-1 and PI3 assays (84.0 and 88.5%, respectively) but not for BRSV (34.4%). Despite limitations in detecting true BRSV negatives, results from this experiment indicate that the commercial ELISAs tested herein can be used as surrogate for SN tests in quantifying humoral responses to vaccination against BHV-1, PI3, and BRSV in beef cattle.
Measuring Health Literacy in Southern Italy: A cross-sectional study

Introduction Health Literacy (HL) is an important determinant of individual health. Limited HL is an increasing problem affecting the general population. This study aims to assess the level of HL in patients attending outpatient medical facilities in general medicine located in Naples and Caserta and investigate the association of HL with health behaviours and health status. Materials and methods The study involved patients attending outpatient medical facilities in general medicine. The questionnaire had four sections–the sociodemographic information, the 16-items version of the European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire, the general self-efficacy scale (GSE) and the health status scale (EQ-VAS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the sociodemographic determinants of HL. The Pearson correlation coefficients were determined to compare HL with health behaviours (GSE) and health status (EQ-VAS). Results The study showed that 61.6% of 503 patients had a low level of HL. After the multivariate analysis, HL was found to be higher among patients with higher education level and general self-efficacy score ≥30. There were no differences in HL between the age groups and people with or without chronic diseases. HL was stronger correlated with GSE than with EQ-VAS (0.53 vs 0.27). Conclusion This is the first study on HL for Southern Italy. It showed a low level of HL. As the sample was not representative of the reference population, we cannot derive a corresponding conclusion for the general population of Southern Italy. Therefore, more data in Italy are needed to plan actions for improving HL.
Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography to Assess Tissue Mechanical Properties in Somatic Dysfunction: A Feasibility Study

Abstract Context Diagnosis of somatic dysfunction is based on subjective palpatory osteopathic assessments. This subjectivity has posed a challenge for researchers in studying osteopathic medicine. The development and use of radiological imaging techniques to objectively confirm or quantify muscle tissue stiffness associated with somatic dysfunction could be of benefit in osteopathic clinical practice, training, and further research. Objectives To investigate the feasibility of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) to quantify muscle tissue stiffness in somatic dysfunction before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Methods In this prospective study, we assessed lumbar spine somatic dysfunction in 20 adult patients before and after a single OMT session using standard osteopathic palpatory assessments by osteopathic physician faculty members in the Department of Osteopathic Principle and Practice at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Utah campus). Shear wave velocity (SWV, m/s) was measured in lumbar paraspinal muscle tissue using a commercial ultrasonography scanner on all participants immediately before and after OMT. In this study, OMT techniques targeted the iliocostalis lumborum and included the articulatory technique, balanced ligamentous tension, facilitated positional release, high-velocity, low-amplitude technique, muscle energy, myofascial release, and the Still technique at the discretion of the osteopathic physician. The difference in SWV between muscle tissues with and without dysfunction, and differences in SWV of dysfunctional tissue before and after OMT were examined using unpaired and paired t tests, as appropriate. The correlation between SWV measurements and osteopathic assessments was examined by the Spearman rank correlation. Intra- and interobserver reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Results The difference in SWV between muscle tissues with and without somatic dysfunction was significant before OMT (mean [SD], 1.93 [0.44] vs 1.69 [0.19]; P=.03) and was not significant after OMT (mean [SD], 1.69 [0.19] vs 1.53 [0.31]; P=.05). The difference in SWV in the same tissue with somatic dysfunction before and after OMT was significant (mean [SD], 1.93 [0.44] vs 1.52 [0.3]; P<.001). The SWV value highly correlated with manual osteopathic assessments (r=0.72). Intra- and interobserver reliability for performing SWE in somatic dysfunction was good (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.80). Conclusions The results of this study show that ultrasound SWE can objectively assess muscle tissue stiffness for diagnosis of somatic dysfunctions and for muscle tissue stiffness changes after OMT.
EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT INSECTICIDES AGAINST MAIZE STEM BORER CHILO PARTELLUS (SWINHOE) AND MAIZE APHID RHOPALOSIPHUM MAIDIS (FITCH) INFESTING MAIZE

Studies on efficacy of different insecticides against maize stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and maize aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) infesting maize revealed that whorl application with granular formulations of chlorpyrifos 10 G @0.75 k.g a.i/ha and carbofuran 3G @ 0.3 kg a.i/ha was effective against C. partellus as the young larvae before gaining entry into the stem feed on the leaf whorl and get exposed to the insecticide placed in leaf whorls leading to their increased mortality, whereas the foliar applications with imidacloprid and cypermethrin were effective against maize aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch). These two treatments recorded significantly highest yield than rest of all the treatment applications and resulted in maximum net returns. Hence these two treatments can be suggested best for effective management of these pests infesting maize.
Clonality of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Patches in Kentucky

Abstract Pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] is a tree-fruit (see overleaf, page 2) native to the southeastern region of the United States. Kentucky State University serves as the USDA-National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw, therefore assessing genetic diversity across the pawpaw's native range is a high priority. Pawpaw is usually found in large patches as an understory tree and root suckering likely occurs. To determine if native pawpaw patches are clonal, DNA was extracted from leaf samples collected from trees in six native patches in three counties in central Kentucky. Two ISSR-PCR primers yielded three polymorphic and six monomorphic markers in the six patches. Three patches did not display any polymorphic markers in each patch, suggesting they were clonal. However, three other patches did show polymorphic markers within each patch, indicating these patches were not clonal and contained trees of at least two genotypes within each patch. This study suggests that to assess the genetic diversity of a pawpaw patch or local population, more intensive sampling strategies will be required.
A New Insertion Mutation in the β-Globin Gene [Codons 45/46 (+A)] Resulting in a β-Thalassemia Minor Phenotype

The β-globin gene of 306 newly diagnosed β-thalassemia (thal) minor patients were sequenced. Analysis revealed that only one amongst all the identified mutations had not been previously reported. This new mutation, causing a β+-thal minor phenotype, was found in a patient of Arabic origin. The insertion frameshift mutation (+A) between codons 45 and 46 [codons 45/46 (+A)] results in a premature termination signal at codon 52. No truncated β-globin or abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) was identified.
Rapid single scan ramped hybrid‐encoding for bicomponent T2* mapping in a human knee joint: A feasibility study

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of using a single scan ramped hybrid‐encoding (RHE) method for rapid bicomponent T2* analysis of the human knee joint. The proposed method utilizes RHE to acquire ultrashort echo time (UTE) and subsequent gradient echo images at 16 different echo times ranging between 40 μs and 30 ms in a single scan. In the proposed RHE technique, UTE imaging was followed by acquisition of 14 gradient recalled echo images, where an additional UTE image was obtained within the first readout by oversampling single point imaging (SPI) encoding. The single scan RHE method with a 9‐minute scan time was performed on human cadaveric knee joints from six donors and in vivo knee joints from four healthy volunteers at 3 T. A bicomponent signal model was used to characterize the short T2* and long T2* water components. Mean bicomponent T2* parameters for patellar tendon, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and meniscus were calculated. In the experimental results, the RHE technique provided bicomponent T2* parameter estimations of tendon, ACL, PCL and meniscus, which were similar to previously reported values in the literature. In conclusion, the proposed single scan RHE technique provides rapid bicomponent T2* analysis of the human knee joint with a total scan time of less than 9 minutes.
Emotional changes following discrimination induction in gender- and sexuality-diverse adolescents.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM)-identifying adolescents are particularly vulnerable to negative psychological outcomes, including engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, little is known about why these relationships exist. We used experimental methods to test the psychological mediation framework in an online sample of 328 adolescents who reported female sex at birth and a range of sexual and gender identities. Participants reported on depressive symptoms, self-criticism (both self-report and implicit), NSSI, and discrimination. They also completed a discrimination-based mood induction to test emotional reactivity. At baseline, SGM participants reported higher levels of implicit and self-reported self-criticism, depressive symptoms, discrimination, and higher rates of NSSI compared with cisgender, heterosexual participants (ps < .03). Following the discrimination induction, SGM-identifying participants exhibited larger emotional reactivity compared with cisgender heterosexual participants, as measured by change in negative mood, F(1, 326) = 7.33, p = . 01, ηp2 = . 02, and state self-criticism, F(1, 326) = 4.67, p = . 03, ηp2 = . 014, but not implicit affect toward the self. This effect was associated with baseline depressive symptoms, self-criticism, NSSI history, and discrimination. Post hoc analyses revealed that participants who tended to reframe experiences of discrimination as opportunities for growth exhibited attenuated emotional reactivity to the induction; findings remained significant after adjusting for SGM status and event severity (ps < .001). Results indicate that adolescents identifying as SGM may experience elevated psychological distress compared with their cisgender heterosexual peers and that stigma-related stressors may increase emotion dysregulation and maladaptive cognitive styles, paralleling previously proposed psychological mediation models. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Polyaniline Nanovesicles for Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Photothermal-Chemo Synergistic Therapy in the Second Near-Infrared Window.

Photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window shows promise for clinical deep-penetrating tumor phototheranostics. However, ideal photothermal agents in the NIR-II window are still rare. Here, the emeraldine salt of polyaniline (PANI-ES), especially synthesized by a one-pot enzymatic reaction on sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) vesicle surface (PANI-ES@AOT, λmax ≈ 1000 nm), exhibits excellent dispersion in physiological environment and remarkable photothermal ability at pH 6.5 (photothermal conversion efficiency of 43.9%). As a consequence of the enhanced permeability and retention effect of tumors and the doping-induced photothermal effect of PANI-ES@AOT, this pH-sensitive NIR-II photothermal agent allows tumor acidity phototheranostics with minimized pseudosignal readout and subdued normal tissue damage. Moreover, the enhanced fluidity of vesicle membrane triggered by heating is beneficial for drug release and allows precise synergistic therapy for an improved therapeutic effect. This study highlights the potential of template-oriented (or interface-confined) enzymatic polymerization reactions for the construction of conjugated polymers with desired biomedical applications.
Serotypes, molecular and antimicrobial characteristics of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from chicken meats in Northeastern Thailand during December, 2007 to June, 2008

Campylobacter species were isolated from chicken meats in northeastern Thailand from December, 2007 to June, 2008. From 1,930 samples, Campylobacter spp. were obtained from 556 (28.8%). Campylobacter species were isolated from chicken livers at higher percentages compared to the other parts of chicken meats (p<0.001). Among 294 Campylobacter isolates, 187 (63.6%) were identified as C. jejuni, and 107 (36.4%) as C. coli. The results of serotyping by Penner’s method showed that serotype L (22.7%) and serotype A (18.7%) were predominant. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that 90.7, 37.3, 29.3 and 13.3% of C. jejuni were resistant to OFLX, DOXY, EM and CP, respectively. MIC 50 /MIC 90 of OFLX, DOXY, EM and CP were 16/128, 4/256, 0.5/128 and 2/64 µg/ml, respectively. Precaution needs to be emphasized when attempt to use OFLX and DOXY for veterinary and human medicine due to the high percentage of resistance among C. jejuni isolated from chicken meat origin. These alarming figures should be notified to the general public.
Impacts of trait anxiety on visual working memory, as a function of task demand and situational stress

ABSTRACT Higher trait anxiety can impair cognitive functioning via attention, but relatively little is known about the impacts on visual working memory. These were investigated using previously validated visual feature binding tasks. In Study 1, participants' memory for visual features (shapes) and feature bindings (coloured shapes) was assessed. Stimulus presentation was simultaneous or sequential, varying attentional demand, and participants were grouped according to trait cognitive anxiety (low, moderate, high). No reliable effect of trait anxiety, either cognitive or somatic, was found on memory accuracy, but moderate trait cognitive anxiety was associated with faster correct response times (i.e. increased efficiency) when stimuli were sequentially presented. In Study 2, the role of situational stress was explored during a simultaneously presented task. Higher trait cognitive and somatic anxiety were both associated with poorer efficiency during both shape and binding memory tasks. Trait somatic anxiety also predicted poorer binding effectiveness (i.e. accuracy), in those reporting higher state cognitive anxiety. Situational stress predicted binding effectiveness, but never interacted with trait anxiety, and was therefore not necessary to observe these trait anxiety-visual working memory relationships. Trait cognitive and somatic anxiety, and situational stress, therefore each influence visual working memory performance.
Study of coronary angiographic correlation with electrocardiography in patients of acute coronary syndrome-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background: Abnormalities in the 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) are often used to localize the anatomic site of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. The same ECG findings are often assumed to correlate with anatomy of coronary arteries as well as the site of occlusion. Unfortunately, there is only limited documentation for correlation between the location of coronary artery occlusion and the finding of Q-waves during MI, thus tending to compromise the predictive value of ECG. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study is to correlate the accuracy of ECG in localization of culprit coronary vessels involved in acute coronary syndrome-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (ACS-STEMI) and to combine various ECG criteria for localization of culprit vessel and the occlusion site to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ECG as compared to coronary angiographic findings. Materials and Methods: ECGs of patients with MI events, symptomatic or silent, were analyzed for STEMI or non-STEMI. One hundred patients with STEMI satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included as participants for the study. Coronary angiography was done after an event of acute MI or within 3 months after an event. ECG changes in various leads were used to localize the vessel involved and were correlated with dominant vessel involved in coronary angiography in development of MI. ECG criteria were used to localize the vessel involved. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 16.0 software. Results and conclusions: We found that anterior wall myocardial infarction was more common than inferior wall myocardial infarction. Incidence of MI correlated positively with age. Acute MI was more common in males than females. Diabetes was more common risk factor for acute MI. ECG criteria utilized in our study were found to have high sensitivity and specificity, when combined together, in localizing culprit vessel in ACS-STEMI in left anterior descending artery, right coronary artery, and left circumflex coronary artery and this is in accordance with the studies conducted in other populations.
Nursing home leaders' perception of factors influencing the reporting of elder abuse and neglect: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence the reporting of adverse events related to elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes from nursing home leaders' perspectives. Good leadership requires in-depth knowledge of the care and service provided and the ability to identify and address problems that can arise in clinical practice. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A qualitative explorative design with data triangulation was used. The sample consisted of 43 participants from two levels of nursing home leadership, representing six municipalities and 21 nursing homes in Norway. Focus group interviews were undertaken with 28 ward leaders and individual interviews with 15 nursing home directors. The constant comparative method was used for the analyses. FINDINGS Both ward leaders and nursing home directors described formal and informal ways of obtaining information related to elder abuse and neglect. There were differences between their perceptions of the feasibility of obtaining formal reports about abuse in the nursing home. Three main categories of influencing factors emerged: (1) organisation structural factors, (2) cultural factors and (3) abuse severity factors. A main finding is that in its present form, the Norwegian adverse event reporting system is not designed to detect abuse and neglect. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This paper provides an in-depth understanding of patient safety and factors related to reporting elder abuse in nursing homes in Norway.
Roles of intestinal bacteroides in human health and diseases

Abstract Bacteroides, an abundant genus in the intestines of mammals, has been recently considered as the next generation probiotics (NGP) candidate due to its potential role in promoting host health. However, the role of Bacteroides in the development of intestinal dysfunctions such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer should not be overlooked. In the present study, we focused on nine most widely occurred and abundant Bacteroides species and discussed their roles in host immunity, glucose and lipid metabolism and the prevention or induction of diseases. Besides, we also discussed the current methods used in the safety evaluation of Bacteroides species and key opinions about the concerns of these strains for the future use.