Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Hemoglobin Derived from the Marine Worm Arenicola marina (M101): A Literature Review of a Breakthrough Innovation

Oxygen (O2) is indispensable for aerobic respiration and cellular metabolism. In case of injury, reactive oxygen species are produced, causing oxidative stress, which triggers cell damaging chemical mediators leading to ischemic reperfusion injuries (IRI). Sufficient tissue oxygenation is necessary for optimal wound healing. In this context, several hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers have been developed and tested, especially as graft preservatives for transplant procedures. However, most of the commercially available O2 carriers increase oxidative stress and show some adverse effects. Interestingly, the hemoglobin derived from the marine lugworm Arenicola marina (M101) has been presented as an efficient therapeutic O2 carrier with potential anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it has demonstrated promise as a supplement to conventional organ preservatives by reducing IRI. This review summarizes the properties and various applications of M101. M101 is an innovative oxygen carrier with several beneficial therapeutic properties, and further research must be carried out to determine its efficacy in the management of different pathologies.
Socio-Economic Context and Community Resilience among the People Involved in Fish Drying Practices in the South-East Coast of Bangladesh

The south-east coast, specifically the Cox’s Bazar region, of Bangladesh has achieved a tremendous impetus for producing a large volume of dried fish by involving thousands of marginalized coastal people. This study aimed to assess the socio-economic profile, livelihood strategies, and resilience of the communities engaged in fish drying on the south-east coast using a mixed-methods approach and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study’s findings revealed that communities involved in drying were socio-economically undeveloped due to their lower literacy, unstable incomes, and labor-intensive occupations. Apart from notable child labor employed in fish drying in Nazirertek, female workers had relatively higher participation than males. Nevertheless, the female workers had less control over their daily wages and reported working at USD 3.54–5.89 per day, which was relatively lower than male workers who received USD 4.15–8.31 per day. Through fish drying activities, very few workers, producers, and traders were found to be self-reliant. In contrast, the livelihoods of the workers were not as secure as the processors and traders. In addition to suffering from various shocks and constraints, dried fish processors and workers, dried fish traders, off-season income, an abundance of fish species, fish drying facilities, trader’s association, and social interrelationship played a significant role in maintaining community resilience. The study recommends appropriate interventions to alternative income diversification options, strong collaboration between communities, local authorities, and government for sustainable livelihoods and better community resilience.
From the Eurasian Steppes to the Roman Circuses: A Review of Early Development of Horse Breeding and Management

Simple Summary Horses were domesticated later than any other major livestock species. Their role in shaping ancient civilizations cannot be overestimated. As a primary means of transportation, an essential asset in warfare, and later one of the key elements of circus entertainment, horses quickly became luxurious goods. Vast amounts of money were invested in the horse industry resulted resulting in the rapid development of horse breeding and husbandry. This review examines paleogenetic, archeological, and classical studies on managing horses in antiquity. Many ancient approaches and practices in horse management are still relevant today and some of them, now abandoned, are worth re-examination. Abstract The domestication of the horse began about 5500 years ago in the Eurasian steppes. In the following millennia horses spread across the ancient world, and their role in transportation and warfare affected every ancient culture. Ownership of horses became an indicator of wealth and social status. The importance of horses led to a growing interest in their breeding and management. Many phenotypic traits, such as height, behavior, and speed potential, have been proven to be a subject of selection; however, the details of ancient breeding practices remain mostly unknown. From the fourth millennium BP, through the Iron Age, many literature sources thoroughly describe horse training systems, as well as various aspects of husbandry, many of which are still in use today. The striking resemblance of ancient and modern equine practices leaves us wondering how much was accomplished through four thousand years of horse breeding.
New SARS-CoV-2 Variant from Jordan

A variant of SARS-CoV-2 from Jordan was identified during the second wave of infection. The genome of this variant has a unique set of mutations that suggest local evolution. Due to the continuous emergence of new variants worldwide, molecular surveillance is crucial for fighting the pandemic. ABSTRACT A variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from Jordan was identified during the second wave of infection. The genome of this variant has a unique set of mutations that suggest local evolution. Due to the continuous emergence of new variants worldwide, molecular surveillance is crucial for fighting the pandemic.
Effectiveness and Safety of a Single-Dose Ivermectin Treatment for Uncomplicated Strongyloidiasis in Immunosuppressed Patients (ImmunoStrong Study): The Study Protocol

Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated 600 million people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Single-dose ivermectin treatment has shown to be effective among immunocompetent patients with uncomplicated strongyloidiasis. Here, we present the protocol of the ImmunoStrong study, a prospective observational study aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a single-dose ivermectin for treatment of uncomplicated strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients. The secondary objectives are to assess accuracy of molecular techniques for the follow-up of these patients and to determine the population pharmacokinetics of ivermectin. The information retrieved by this study will cover relevant information gaps in the strongyloidiasis management among immunosuppressed patients.
Fournier's Gangrene: Presentation and Predictors of Mortality in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Fournier's gangrene is an infectious urological emergency with associated morbidity and varying rates of mortality in the world. Various predictors of mortality such as advancing age, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), anatomical extent of the disease, or presence of risk factors have been studied in the literature, though with conflicting results. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the presentation and predictors of mortality in our environment, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: A review of medical records of all the patients managed from April 2012 to December 2018 at a tertiary referral center in Nigeria was conducted. Data on clinical presentation, FGSI, management, and outcome were retrieved and analyzed. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive studies using mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables, Fischer's exact test was used to compare categorical variables among survivors and nonsurvivors, and logistic regression analysis was used to describe the relationships of these variables with mortality. Results: The mean age of the 31 patients was 60 ± 12 years. All were men, with 9 (29.0%) patients without clinical evidence of immunosuppression or predisposing factor (idiopathic). Fourteen (45%) had documented evidence of immunosuppression. All the patients had a polymicrobial infection; however, Escherichia coli was the most common organism cultured seen in 26 (83.9%) patients. The initial empirical antibiotic regimen of choice was a combination of intravenous ceftriaxone and metronidazole in 26 (83.8%) patients and intravenous ciprofloxacin and metronidazole in 5 (16.1%) patients. Mortality was recorded in three patients representing a rate of 9.6%. Anatomical extent of the disease, anemia requiring blood transfusion, severity of infection, and FGSI were all found to be the statistically significant variable of mortality in these patients using the Fischer exact test. Furthermore, on regression analysis only the FGSI and blood transfusion were significant with P < 0.05. Conclusion: Fournier's gangrene is a disease of the older men with a higher mortality rate when the FGSI is >9 or anemia requiring blood transfusion is present.
Biochemical and Molecular Aspects of Phosphorus Limitation in Diatoms and Their Relationship with Biomolecule Accumulation

Simple Summary Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient involved in the transfer of energy and the synthesis of several cellular components. It has been reported that P limitation in diatoms induces the synthesis of biomolecules and the accumulation of storage compounds, such as pigments, carbohydrates and lipids, with diverse biological activities, which can be used in diverse biotechnological applications. However, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms related to how diatoms cope with P deficiency are not clear, and research into this has been limited to a few species. The integration of results obtained from omics sciences could provide a broad understanding of the response of diatoms to P limitation, and the information obtained could help to solve challenges such as biomass production, by-products yield and genetic improvement of strains. Abstract Diatoms are the most abundant group of phytoplankton, and their success lies in their significant adaptation ability to stress conditions, such as nutrient limitation. Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient involved in the transfer of energy and the synthesis of several cellular components. Molecular and biochemical mechanisms related to how diatoms cope with P deficiency are not clear, and research into this has been limited to a few species. Among the molecular responses that have been reported in diatoms cultured under P deficient conditions is the upregulation of genes encoding enzymes related to the transport, assimilation, remobilization and recycling of this nutrient. Regarding biochemical responses, due to the reduction of the requirements for carbon structures for the synthesis of proteins and phospholipids, more CO2 is fixed than is consumed by the Calvin cycle. To deal with this excess, diatoms redirect the carbon flow toward the synthesis of storage compounds such as triacylglycerides and carbohydrates, which are excreted as extracellular polymeric substances. This review aimed to gather all current knowledge regarding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of diatoms related to managing P deficiency in order to provide a wider insight into and understanding of their responses, as well as the metabolic pathways affected by the limitation of this nutrient.
Agreement of novel hemodynamic imaging parameters for the acute and chronic stages of ischemic stroke: a matched-pair cohort study.

OBJECTIVE In symptomatic patients with cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease, impaired blood oxygenation level-dependent cerebrovascular reactivity (BOLD-CVR) and increased flow velocity of the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA-P2) on transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography have been introduced as emerging clinical imaging parameters to identify patients at high risk for recurrent ischemic events. Since hemodynamic physiology differs between the acute and chronic stages of ischemic stroke, the authors sought to investigate whether those parameters have merit for both the acute and chronic stages of ischemic stroke. METHODS From a prospective database, patients who underwent BOLD-CVR and TCD examinations in the acute stroke stage (< 10 days) were matched to patients in the chronic stroke stage (> 3 months). A linear regression analysis for both groups was performed between ipsilateral PCA-P2 systolic flow velocity and BOLD-CVR of the ipsilateral (affected) hemisphere, the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, and the ipsilateral steal volume (i.e., paradoxical BOLD-CVR response). The resulting slopes and intercepts were statistically compared to evaluate differences between groups. RESULTS Forty matched patient pairs were included. Regression analysis showed no significant difference for either the intercept (p = 0.84) or the slope (p = 0.85) between PCA-P2 flow velocity and BOLD-CVR as measured for the ipsilateral (affected) hemisphere. Similarly, no significant difference was seen between PCA-P2 flow velocity and BOLD-CVR of the ipsilateral MCA territory (intercept, p = 0.72; slope, p = 0.36) or between PCA-P2 flow velocity and steal volume (intercept, p = 0.59; slope, p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS The study results indicated that the relationship between ipsilateral PCA-P2 systolic flow velocity and BOLD-CVR remains the same during the acute and chronic stages of ischemic stroke. This provides further support that these novel hemodynamic imaging parameters may have merit to assess the risk for recurrent ischemic events for a wide ischemic stroke population. PCA-P2 systolic flow velocity, in particular, may be a highly practical screening tool, independent of ischemic stroke stage.
Similarities and Differences in the Learning Profiles of Adolescents with SLD and SLI in Mathematics—A Preliminary Analysis

SLI and SLD constitute two independent neurodevelopmental disorders, which frequently cause challenges in the diagnosis process, especially due to their nature. This has caused disagreement among clinicians regarding their recognition as separate or overlapping disorders. The objective of the study was to enlighten the path of valid diagnosis and intervention during adolescence when the two disorders change their manifestation and overlap. Two hundred Greek adolescents (140 boys and 60 girls), 124 already diagnosed with SLD and 76 diagnosed with SLI, 12–16 years old, participated in the study. All participants were assessed in reading, oral and written language and mathematics (mathematical operations and mathematical reasoning) along with IQ testing. In order to determine statistically significant differences, the chi-square test, independent samples t-test, odds ratios and their 95 per cent confidence intervals were implemented. The results revealed that the SLI group presented significantly greater difficulties than SLD in their overall cognitive-mental profile and in most language and mathematical measurements (number concept, executive-procedural part of solving operations and mathematical reasoning). The similarity of the two groups was mainly detected in their deficient metacognitive, metalinguistic and metamnemonic strategies. The research concludes that SLD adolescents managed to overcome their difficulties to a significant degree, while adolescents with SLI still struggle with many learning areas.
Psychological Effects of Home Confinement and Social Distancing Derived from COVID-19 in the General Population—A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Home confinement and social distancing are two of the main public health measures to curb the spread of SARS-Cov-2, which can have harmful consequences on people’s mental health. This systematic review aims to identify the best available scientific evidence on the impact that home confinement and social distancing, derived from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have had on the mental health of the general population in terms of depression, stress and anxiety. (2) Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect between 2 January 2021 and 7 January 2021, in accordance with the recommendations of the PRISMA Declaration. The selection of studies and the evaluation of their methodological quality were performed in pairs, independently and blindly, based on predetermined eligibility criteria. (3) Results: The 26 investigations reviewed were developed in different regions and countries. Factors that are associated with poor mental health were female gender, young ages, having no income and suffering from a previous psychiatric illness. Inadequate management of the pandemic by authorities and a lack or excess of information also contributed to worse mental health. (4) Conclusions: There are groups of people more likely to suffer higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress during the restrictive measures derived from COVID-19.
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern 202012/01 (U.K. Variant) and D614G Variant Transmission by Different Routes in Syrian Hamsters.

Introduction: Many SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) have been reported recently that were linked to increased transmission. In our earlier study using VOC 202012/01 (U.K. variant) and D614G variant in the hamster model, we observed higher viral RNA shedding through nasal wash in the case of U.K. variant with lower pathogenicity in lung. In this study, we have studied transmission of these two variants by direct contact, aerosol, and fomite routes in Syrian hamsters and compared the viral load and body weight changes in hamsters exposed by both variants to understand the transmission efficiency. Methods: Nasal, throat, and rectal swabs were collected sequentially to assess viral load till 14 days. Results: Transmission could be established by direct, aerosol, and fomite contact in Syrian hamsters. Body weight loss or viral load in the contact animals exposed did not show any statistical significance. Conclusion: The study demonstrated comparable transmission of both U.K. and D614G variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters in the given conditions. Provided these data, it seems that all the routes of exposure are effective leading to higher transmission.
Designing of Co0.5Ni0.5GaxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) Microspheres via Hydrothermal Approach and Their Selective Inhibition on the Growth of Cancerous and Fungal Cells

The current study offers an efficient design of novel nanoparticle microspheres (MCs) using a hydrothermal approach. The Co0.5Ni0. 5GaxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) MCs were prepared by engineering the elements, such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and gallium (Ga). There was a significant variation in MCs’ physical structure and surface morphology, which was evaluated using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The anti-proliferative activity of MCs was examined by MTT assay and DAPI staining using human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116), human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and a non-cancerous cell line—human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). Post 72 h treatment, MCs caused a dose dependent inhibition of growth and proliferation of HCT-116 and HeLa cells. Conversely, no cytotoxic effect was observed on HEK-293 cells. The anti-fungal action was assessed by the colony forming units (CFU) technique and SEM, resulting in the survival rate of Candida albicans as 20%, with severe morphogenesis, on treatment with MCs x = 1.0. These findings suggest that newly engineered microspheres have the potential for pharmaceutical importance, in terms of infectious diseases and anti-cancer therapy.
A Mixed Methods Exploration of Surf Therapy Piloted for Youth Well-Being in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Young people in post-conflict and post-epidemic contexts such as Sierra Leone face a range of mental health challenges as part of their daily life. An innovative approach to Sport for Development that could offer support to youth mental health is surf therapy. This research used an uncontrolled mixed methods approach to explore surf therapy pilots run by five youth-focused and community development organizations around Freetown. Four sites provided useable pre/post data using the Stirling Children’s Well-Being Scale (n = 58, average age = 12.9). Three sites were associated with significant (p < 0.017) large effects (r = 0.65–0.84) on participant well-being. One site was associated with a non-significant (p < 0.380) small negative effect (r = −0.22). A synthesis of qualitative data within the five evaluations triangulated with quantitative findings and provided important context in terms of challenges to service delivery. This included low attendance as a plausible mediator for why one site saw very different results than other sites. Combined, these processes highlight the need for future research exploring possible dose-response relationships in surf therapy. This study also provides a foundation for more rigorous research in the future. These promising findings support continued and optimized delivery of surf therapy in Sierra Leone to support youth mental health.
Influence of Anatomical Parameters on the Dimensions of the Subantral Space and Sinus Mucosa Thickening after Sinus Floor Elevation. A Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Background: Various anatomical parameters might influence the surgical approach for maxillary sinus floor elevation. The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the influence of anatomical parameters on the dimensions of the subantral space and of the sinus mucosa thickening after sinus floor elevation. Material and Methods: Seventy-eight maxillary sinuses in sixty-five patients were evaluated on cone beam computed tomographies taken before surgery and after one week (t1w) and nine months (t9m). Several parameters such as the distance XF between an axis parallel to the base of the nose (X-axes) and the sinus floor (F) were correlated with the height gain (IF) at t1w and t9m and the post-surgical edema. Results: A weak significant positive correlation was observed between height gain vs. sinus height of interest (XF), the balcony, and the sinus floor angle. The post-surgical edema was influenced by the initial mucosa thickness and the xenograft used. Conclusions: Various parameters might affect height gain and sinus mucosa thickening after sinus floor elevation. The height of interest, the balcony, and the sinus floor angle showed significant correlations with height gain. The initial thickness of the mucosa and the biomaterial used influenced the post-surgical edema.