Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective strategies to improve health worker performance in delivering adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services

Abstract Background Despite recognition of the important role of health workers in providing adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services (AFSRHS), evidence on strategies for improving performance is limited. This review sought to address: (1) which interventions are used to improve health worker performance in delivering AFSRHS? and (2) how effective are these interventions in improving AFSRHS health worker performance and client outcomes? Methods Building on a 2015 review, a search for literature on 18 previously identified programs was conducted to identify updated literature and data relevant to this review. Data was systematically extracted and analyzed. Results Due to the parent review’s eligibility criteria, all programs included health worker training. Otherwise, supervision was the most frequently reported intervention used (n=10). Components and methods related to quality of trainings and supervision varied considerably in program reports. Nearly half of programs described employing processes to ensure availability of basic medicines and supplies (n=7). Other interventions (policies, standards, and job descriptions [n=5]; refresher trainings [n=5]; job aids or other reference material [n=3]) were less commonly reported to have been employed. No discernible patterns emerged in the relationship between interventions and outcomes of interest. Conclusions Multi-faceted complementary strategies are recommended to improve health worker performance to deliver AFSRHS; however, this was uncommonly reported in the programs that we reviewed. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness evaluations of interventions and intervention packages are needed to guide efficient use of limited resources to enhance health worker capacity to deliver AFSRHS. In the interim, programs should be developed and implemented based on available existing evidence on improving health worker performance within and outside adolescent health. Implications and contribution This review is the first to examine the interventions commonly used to improve health worker performance in delivering AFSRHS. The findings indicate a need for additional effectiveness and cost-effectiveness evaluations of such interventions. In the meantime, existing evidence on improving health worker performance within and outside adolescent health must be integrated more thoughtfully into program planning and implementation.
An analysis of 2‐day cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess unexplained fatigue

Two consecutive maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) performed 24 hr apart (2‐day CPET protocol) are increasingly used to evaluate post‐exertional malaise (PEM) and related disability among individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This protocol may extend to other fatiguing illnesses with similar characteristics to ME/CFS; however, 2‐day CPET protocol reliability and minimum change required to be considered clinically meaningful (i.e., exceeding the standard error of the measure) are not well characterized. To address this gap, we evaluated the 2‐day CPET protocol in Gulf War Illness (GWI) by quantifying repeatability of seven CPET parameters, establishing their thresholds of clinically significant change, and determining whether changes differed between veterans with GWI and controls. Excluding those not attaining peak effort criteria (n = 15), we calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), the smallest real difference (SRD%), and repeated measures analysis of variance (RM‐ANOVA) at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and peak exercise in 15 veterans with GWI and eight controls. ICC values at peak ranged from moderate to excellent for veterans with GWI (mean [range]; 0.84 [0.65 – 0.92]) and were reduced at the VAT (0.68 [0.37 – 0.78]). Across CPET variables, the SRD% at peak exercise for veterans with GWI (18.8 [8.8 – 28.8]) was generally lower than at the VAT (28.1 [9.5 – 34.8]). RM‐ANOVAs did not detect any significant group‐by‐time interactions (all p > .05). The methods and findings reported here provide a framework for evaluating 2‐day CPET reliability, and reinforce the importance of carefully considering measurement error in the population of interest when interpreting findings.
Small-Molecule Activity-Based Probe for Monitoring Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) Activity in Live Cells and Zebrafish Embryos

Many reagents have emerged to study the function of specific enzymes in vitro. On the other hand, target specific reagents are scarce or need improvement, allowing investigations of the function of individual enzymes in their native cellular context. Here we report the development of a target-selective fluorescent small-molecule activity-based DUB probe that is active in live cells and an in vivo animal model. The probe labels active ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), also known as neuron-specific protein PGP9.5 (PGP9.5) and Parkinson disease 5 (PARK5), a DUB active in neurons that constitutes 1 to 2% of the total brain protein. UCHL1 variants have been linked with neurodegenerative disorders Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In addition, high levels of UCHL1 also correlate often with cancer and especially metastasis. The function of UCHL1 activity or its role in cancer and neurodegenerative disease is poorly understood and few UCHL1-specific activity tools exist. We show that the reagents reported here are specific to UCHL1 over all other DUBs detectable by competitive activity-based protein profiling and by mass spectrometry. Our cell-penetrable probe, which contains a cyanimide reactive moiety, binds to the active-site cysteine residue of UCHL1 in an activity-dependent manner. Its use is demonstrated by the fluorescent labeling of active UCHL1 both in vitro and in live cells. We furthermore show that this probe can selectively and spatiotemporally report UCHL1 activity during the development of zebrafish embryos. Our results indicate that our probe has potential applications as a diagnostic tool for diseases with perturbed UCHL1 activity.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in COVID-19 infected pregnancies: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Despite the large number of pregnant women with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is not enough analytical study to compare maternal and fetal consequences of COVID-19 infected with non-infected pregnancies. This cohort study aimed to compare maternal and fetal consequences of COVID-19 infected with non-infected pregnancies. Methods We included pregnant women with and without COVID-19 who were admitted to Arash Hospital in Tehran, Iran from March 1 to Sep 1, 2020. Clinical features, treatments, and maternal and fetal outcomes were assessed. Results One hundred and ninety-nine women enrolled, including 66 COVID-19 infected and 133 non-infected pregnant women prospectively. Caesarean Section (CS) was carried out in total 105 women (52.76%). A significant difference was found in term of delivery type between COVID-19 infected and non-infected pregnant women (aRR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.65, p = 0.024). No significant association was found between COVID-19 infection and preterm birth (PB) (aRR: 1.16, 95%CI: 0.54, 2.48, p = 0.689), low birth weight (LBW) (aRR: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.55, 2.31, p = 0.723), gestational diabetes (GDM) (aRR: 1.67, 95%CI: 0.81, 3.42, p = 0.160), preeclampsia (aRR: 2.02, 95%CI: 0.42, 6.78, p = 0.315), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (aRR: 0.16, 95%CI: 0.02, 1.86, p = 0.145), preterm rupture of membrane (PROM) (aRR: 0.19, 95%CI: 0.02, 2.20, p = 0.186), stillbirth (aRR: 1.41, 95%CI: 0.08, 18.37, p = 0.614), postpartum haemorrhage (aRR: 1.84, 95%CI: 0.39, 8.63, p = 0.185), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (aRR: 1.84, 95%CI: 0.77, 4.39, p = 0.168), neonatal sepsis (aRR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.48, 1.48, p = 0.568). The percentage of patients (4/66, 6.06%) being admitted to the ICU was significantly higher than the control group (0%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Basically, although pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were not significantly different, the need for ICU care for pregnant women with COVID-19 was significantly higher compared with those without COVID-19.
Endogenous Chemerin from PVAT Amplifies Electrical Field-Stimulated Arterial Contraction: Use of the Chemerin Knockout Rat

Background: We previously reported that the adipokine chemerin, when added exogenously to the isolated rat mesenteric artery, amplified electrical field-stimulated (EFS) contraction. The Chemerin1 antagonist CCX832 alone inhibited EFS-induced contraction in tissues with but not without perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). These data suggested indirectly that chemerin itself, presumably from the PVAT, facilitated EFS-induced contraction. We created the chemerin KO rat and now test the focused hypothesis that endogenous chemerin amplifies EFS-induced arterial contraction. Methods: The superior mesenteric artery +PVAT from global chemerin WT and KO female rats, with endothelium and sympathetic nerve intact, were mounted into isolated tissue baths for isometric and EFS-induced contraction. Results: CCX832 reduced EFS (2–20 Hz)-induced contraction in tissues from the WT but not KO rats. Consistent with this finding, the magnitude of EFS-induced contraction was lower in the tissues from the KO vs. WT rats, yet the maximum response to the adrenergic stimulus PE was not different among all tissues. Conclusion: These studies support that endogenous chemerin modifies sympathetic nerve-mediated contraction through Chemerin1, an important finding relative in understanding chemerin’s role in control of blood pressure.
Key components of successful transition for adolescents born with anorectal malformations–a Nordic focus group study

Abstract Objectives Transitional care for adolescents with congenital malformations, such as anorectal malformations (ARM), is described sparsely in the literature and referred to as being inadequate. In order to organize future successful healthcare structures, knowledge of patient-reported important aspects of transition is required. The aim of the study was therefore to explore the needs and expectations of transitional- and adult healthcare among adolescents and adults born with ARM. Methods Two tertiary paediatric surgical centres, in collaboration with two tertiary pelvic floor centres, in Sweden and Norway, conducted a qualitative study, involving adolescents and adults born with ARM in focus group discussions regarding transitional care. Discussions were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Results Sixteen participants (10 women) with a median age of 24 (19–47) years, born with mixed subtypes of ARM were included in gender-divided focus groups. Participants emphasized a need for improved knowledge of ARM, both among patients and adult care providers. Participants identified a need for support with coping strategies regarding challenging social- and intimate situations due to impaired bowel function. Participants pin-pointed well-functioning communication between the patient and the paediatric- and adult care providers as a key factor for a successful transitional process. Further, participants emphasized the importance of easy access to specialized adult healthcare when needed, suggested to be facilitated by appointed patient navigators. Conclusion Adolescents and adults born with ARM identify improved knowledge of ARM, well-functioning communication and easy access to specialized adult care as key components of a successful transition.
Primary production in the Kattegat: Past and present

Abstract In recent years, symptoms of eutrophication in the form of increased frequency and intensity of oxygen depletion events in bottom waters and unusual algal blooms have been observed in the Kattegat (between the North Sea/Skagerrak and the Baltic). In general, such symptoms are believed to be responses to increases in primary production. However, for most areas, there are insufficient data to demonstrate whether or not increases in primary production have actually occurred. In this study, the evidence for increased primary production in the Kattegat is examined by comparing primary production measurements from the 1950s and measurements made in the period 1984-1993. The methods employed during the two periods differ considerably. These differences and how they may affect the validity of a comparison of the results from the studies carried out in two periods are addressed. The primary production data collected during the period 1984-1993 are calculated using the method employed in the 1950s. It is c.
HSPB8 overexpression prevents disruption of blood-brain barrier after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway

Blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a crucial factor contributing to secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) has been recently reported to confer neuroprotection against against ischaemic stroke through maintaining BBB integrity. However, the role of HSPB8 in ICH is still elusive. In this study, we found that HSPB8 was upregulated by ICH and extensively expressed in neurovascular structure including endothelial cells and astrocytes. lentivirus intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection achieved a widespread and persistent HSPB8 overexpression in brain tissues. HSPB8 overexpression significantly ameliorated neurobehavioral deficits and brain edema at 24 and 72h following ICH. Moreover, HSPB8 overexpression remarkedly inhibited BBB disruption and significantly increase the level of p-Akt, p-GSKβ and intranuclear β-catenin 24h post-ICH. This effect was obviously reversed by Akt specific inhibitor, MK2206. Based on these findings, HSPB8 exerted its protective effect on BBB, at least partly, via Akt/ p-GSKβ/β-catenin pathways.
Impact of tourism on habitat use of black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) in an isolated population in northern Germany

As many other wild living species, black grouse Tetrao tetrix has to cope with anthropogenic disturbances in many habitats. Impacts of tourism and outdoor recreation on grouse species Tetraoninae have been subject to several studies in mountainous habitats in Central Europe and the United Kingdom. The geographically isolated and critically endangered black grouse population of Lower Saxony (North Germany) has been consistently monitored but beyond that poorly studied. This also applies to the key habitats of the nature reserve Lüneburg Heath (Lüneburger Heide) which, in turn, serves as a recreational area as well. In this study, the impact of tourism activity on habitat use of black grouse was investigated using data of GPS-tracked individuals. Additionally, visitor numbers on public and (usually undisturbed) closed routes were monitored using infrared light barriers. The spatio-temporal distribution of locations and the recreational activity were evaluated by linear mixed-effects models. Tagged individuals avoided the vicinity of public routes and avoiding distances were directly related to intensity of human activity. There was no seasonal change of black grouse habitat use alongside public routes. However, towards closed routes, significantly higher distances appeared during peak phases of visitor numbers (August and September), implying temporary increased disturbance levels within a key refuge area. Diurnal adaptation of habitat use was strongly dependent on the route density within the home range. Individuals used the vicinity of public trails at night and dawn but evaded these habitats during peak human activity around noon and afternoon. Recreational disturbances appeared to significantly affect the effective habitat availability for black grouse in the nature reserve. Visual cover by vegetation, however, seemed to diminish negative effects emerging from hiking trails. This provides an effective protective measure which requires minimal effort for the local conservation management.
Average Daily Temperature Effects on Paclobutrazol Efficacy of Four Floriculture Crops

The effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ), a plant growth retardant, and average daily temperature (ADT) on geranium (Pelargonium ·hortorum), petunia (Petunia ·hybrida), marigold (Tagetes erecta), and pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens) were quantified. Treatments consisted of four PBZ spray concentrations (0, 15, 30, or 45 ppm) and three ADTs (constant day and night greenhouse temperatures set to 16, 22, or 28 C). The effectiveness of PBZ was dependent on species. Greenhouse ADT was significant for all species for both growth index (GI) and dry weight (DW). Whether the GI or DW was impacted by the interaction between ADT and PBZ levels were also species dependent. As ADT increased, the trialed levels of PBZ were less effective. Three species (all but petunia) had a significant ADT and PBZ interaction for DW. The 0 ppm PBZ treatment for geranium exhibited a larger DW at 28 C comparedwith 16 C,whereas the 30 and 45 ppmPBZ treatments each had smaller DWs at 28 C than at 16 C. However, marigold and pineapple mint generally had largerDWs at higher ADTs than lower ADTswithin a PBZ treatment.
Anxiety and depression symptoms in the same pregnant women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objectives With clinical experience from previous coronavirus infections, public health measures and fear of infection may have negative psychological effects on pregnant women. This study aimed to compare the level of anxiety and depression in the same pregnant women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The pregnant women continuing pregnancy who participated in the first study which was undertaken to clarify the factors associated with mental health of pregnant women before the COVID-19 pandemic, were included for the current study during the outbreak. Anxiety and depression symptoms of the same pregnant women were evaluated by using the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms II and Beck Anxiety Inventory twice before and during the pandemic. Results A total of 63 pregnant women completed questionnaires. The mean age of the women and the mean gestational age was 30.35±5.27 years and 32.5±7 weeks, respectively. The mean total IDAS II score was found to increase from 184.78±49.67 (min: 109, max: 308) to 202.57±52.90 (min: 104, max: 329) before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. According to the BAI scores the number of patients without anxiety (from 10 to 6) and with mild anxiety (from 31 to 24) decreased and patients with moderate (from 20 to 25) and severe anxiety (from 2 to 8) increased after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that obesity and relationship with her husband are the best predictors of IDAS II scores. Conclusions This study indicated that COVID-19 outbreak affects the mental health of pregnant women negatively which leads to adverse birth outcomes. The level of anxiety and depression symptoms of pregnant women during the COVID-19 infection significantly increased. Healthcare professionals should establish comprehensive treatment plans for pregnant women who are highly vulnerable population to prevent mental trauma during the infectious disease outbreaks.
High‐density lipoprotein‐related cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease

High‐density lipoproteins (HDL) are a heterogeneous class of molecules whose main function is to remove excess cholesterol through a mechanism called reverse transport, in which cholesterol is transported from peripheral organs and from arterial foam cells to the liver, where it is subsequently eliminated with bile. While its ability to eliminate excess cholesterol has always been viewed as its main feature, its beneficial effects go beyond this single effect. Many of the proteins that are associated with HDL are responsible for anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. These proteins that are associated with HDL during its generation and remodelling, are referred to as ‘protein cargo’, which has been extensively analysed by mass spectrometry analysis in healthy and diseased individuals. In this review, we discuss the pathway that leads to HDL formation and its subsequent remodelling and catabolism with regards to the possible involvement of HDL ‘protein cargo’ in Alzheimer's disease.
Examining the Effects of Whole Crop Wheat Silage on Ewe Performance during Late Gestation Compared to Traditional Grass Silage across Three Prolific Breed Types

Simple Summary Nutrition of the ewe during late pregnancy can impact the subsequent performance of the ewe and her lambs. In indoor lambing systems, grass silage is the predominant forage used but is of sub-optimal quality. This study examined the potential of whole crop cereal silage when offered to one of three prolific breed types in late pregnancy. With the exception of reduced crude protein intake on the whole crop wheat silage diets, nutrient intake or ewe body reserves were not affected by forage type. However, ewes offered whole crop wheat silage-based diets produced smaller lambs. Mule ewes produced lower volumes of colostrum in the first 18 h after lambing reflecting a lower nutrient intake during late pregnancy. Maternal nutrition and breed type merit careful consideration in prolific sheep production systems to ensure lamb welfare and survivability are not compromised. Abstract Provision of adequate nutrient intake in late gestation of the ewe is an important determinant of dam and offspring performance. A 2 × 3 factorial design experiment examining two forage types, whole crop wheat silage (WCWS) or grass silage (GS) offered to one of three prolific breed types, (Belclare X, Lleyn X, Mule (Bluefaced Leicester × Blackface Mountain)), was conducted. Forage type had no impact on dry matter (DM) or metabolizable energy (ME) intake, body weight and body condition score change, or colostrum production (p > 0.05). Ewes offered WCWS had lower crude protein (CP) intake (p < 0.0001) and a lower combined litter weight (p < 0.05). Mule ewes consumed less DM, CP, (p < 0.05), and ME (p < 0.01) compared to Belclare X and Lleyn X ewes however, water intake per kg DM consumed did not differ with breed type (p > 0.05). Colostrum yield over the first 18 h postpartum was lower for Mule ewes compared to other breed types (p < 0.05). In conclusion, results from this study suggest nutrient concentration and balance as opposed to forage type is important for late gestation nutrition and breed type can impact feed intake and colostrum yield.
Demographic differences in the association of traumatic brain injury with dementia

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common,1 with a significant number of TBIs occurring among active duty service members and veterans.2 The sequelae of TBI are long-lasting, and many studies have found TBI to be a risk factor for the development of dementia.3 Several studies have investigated differences in the association of TBI with dementia risk by age at injury and injury severity, reporting that TBI occurring at an older age and more severe injuries are more strongly associated with dementia risk.4 Far less is known about possible race and sex differences in dementia risk following TBI; this knowledge gap has particular importance to military populations as our service members become more diverse.5 Therefore, we urgently need to identify any sex- and race-based disparities in post-TBI dementia risk, which may inform health care for older veterans.
Statins as Anticancer Agents in the Era of Precision Medicine

Statins are widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate metabolic pathway. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that certain cancers depend on the mevalonate pathway for growth and survival, and, therefore, are vulnerable to statin therapy. However, these immediately available, well-tolerated, and inexpensive drugs have yet to be successfully repurposed and integrated into cancer patient care. In this review, we highlight recent advances and outline important considerations for advancing statins to clinical trials in oncology.