Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring factors influencing recruitment results of nurses recruiting diabetes patients for a randomized controlled trial

Background Effective recruitment of patients by health professionals is challenging but pivotal to the success of clinical trials. Many trials fail to include the required number of participants, which affects the power of the study, generalizability of results, and timely dissemination of positive outcomes. Existing research is inconclusive regarding factors influencing recruitment results, and most research does not focus on perceptions of recruiting health professionals themselves. Therefore, thorough evaluations of recruitment facilitators and barriers in trials are needed in order to optimize future patient recruitment in trials. We observed divergent recruitment results among nurses who recruited diabetes patients to our trial, which examined the effectiveness of an eHealth programme. Therefore, we aimed to describe nurses’ recruitment results and related shifts over time, and to qualitatively explore factors influencing nurses’ recruitment results. Methods Nurses’ recruitment results and related temporal shifts were derived from trial data (NTR6840). Based on their recruitment results, nurses were categorized as non-, low-, medium-, or high-recruiters. Subsequently, a subset of nurses per group participated in an individual semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews were analysed using NVivo software, applying an inductive coding approach. Results Ninety-six nurses participated in our trial and recruited on average seven patients (range: 0–32). Fifteen nurses did not recruit any patients. Most patients were recruited close to recruitment onset. Nurses who did not recruit patients close to recruitment onset generally ended up recruiting no patients. Data show a relatively high number of early recruited patients that progressively declined over time. High-recruiters were generally successful throughout the entire recruitment period. Recruitment facilitators and barriers comprised organizational, study, patient, and especially recruiter characteristics. Contrary to non- and low-recruiters, medium- and high-recruiters reported more in-depth knowledge about the study and trial requirements, expressed more personal participation-related benefits and fewer barriers, and incorporated more recruitment activities, reminders, and barrier-focused coping strategies. Conclusion and implications To optimize patient recruitment to clinical trials, suggested intervention targets include the continued inclusion of recruiters after initial recruitment onset and the encouragement of early recruitment success. A personalized approach may aid recruiters to become and remain successful. Primarily, it is important to provide recruiters with sufficient information on trial requirements and to address salient benefits for participation in the trial, both for themselves and for their patients. Finally, teaching recruiters skills on how to overcome barriers may further enhance motivation and recruitment capacities.
Characterization and Cytotoxicity of Polyprenol Lipid and Vitamin E-TPGS Hybrid Nanoparticles for Betulinic Acid and Low-Substituted Hydroxyl Fullerenol in MHCC97H and L02 Cells

Background This study demonstrated an innovative formulation including the polyprenol (GBP) lipid and vitamin E-TPGS hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) which was aimed to control the transfer of betulinic acid (BA) and low-substituted hydroxyl fullerenol (C60(OH)n). Additionally, it developed BA-C60(OH)n-GBP-TPGS-NPs delivery system and researched the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effects. Materials and Methods The NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation with ultrasonic-assisted emulsification (UAE) method. It was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectrum, size distribution and zeta potential. Physical and chemical properties were evaluated through measurement of drug release, stability studies, drug loading efficiency (DE) and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Biological activities were evaluated through measurement of MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay (LDH), cell proliferation assays, cell apoptosis analysis, comet assay, wound healing assay, cell invasion and Western blot analysis. Results and Conclusions The NPs exhibited clear distribution characteristics, improved solubility and stability. BA and C60(OH)n for the NPs displayed a biphasic release pattern with sustained drug release properties. The mixture of C60(OH)n with different hydroxyl groups may have a certain effect on the stability of the NPs system itself. The NPs could effectively inhibit MHCC97H cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Combined use of C60(OH)n and BA in GBP lipids may improve the inhibit effect of C60(OH)n or BA against HCC cells and reduce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of C60(OH)n for normal cells. We concluded that one of the important mechanisms of BA-C60(OH)n-GBP-TPGS-NPs inhibiting MHCC97H cells is achieved by up-regulating the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9.
Ethnic differences in adiposity and diabetes risk – insights from genetic studies

Type 2 diabetes is more common in non‐Europeans and starts at a younger age and at lower BMI cut‐offs. This review discusses the insights from genetic studies about pathophysiological mechanisms which determine risk of disease with a focus on the role of adiposity and body fat distribution in ethnic disparity in risk of type 2 diabetes. During the past decade, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 400 genetic variants associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. The Eurocentric nature of these genetic studies has made them less effective in identifying mechanisms that make non‐Europeans more susceptible to higher risk of disease. One possible mechanism suggested by epidemiological studies is the role of ethnic difference in body fat distribution. Using genetic variants associated with an ability to store extra fat in a safe place, which is subcutaneous adipose tissue, we discuss how different ethnic groups could be genetically less susceptible to type 2 diabetes by developing a more favourable fat distribution.
Larvicidal activities of five Kotschya species against Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Culicidae: Diptera)

Resistance of mosquito vectors to the commonly used chemical insecticides is posing threats to human health. It is becoming necessary to identify safe, eco-friendly and effective alternative sources of larvicides in order to reduce mosquito menace. HPLC profiling of the chemical constituents in the stem and root bark ethanol extracts had similar pattern of chemical constituents except for K. aeschynomenoides which indicated to have large quantity of polar compounds compared to others. In this study, the ethanolic extracts and powders of five Kotschya species were tested against Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Chemical profiling of the stem and root bark ethanol extracts from K. speciosa, K. thymodora, K. platyphylla, K. aeschynomenoides and K. strigosa did not show any major differences in terms of their chemical composition. At 0.5 mg/ml, the root and stem ethanol extracts from K. speciosa, K. thymodora and K. strigosa exhibited high larvicidal activity (≥ 70%) on the 8 th day post treatment. Stem powder of K. thymodora and root powder of K. speciosa and K. strigosa had activity comparable to their respective extracts at 0.2% w/v and 0.4% w/v at the same exposure time. This suggests that Kotschya species contain same or related compounds in varying quantities that are responsible for larvicidal activity. Keywords : Fabaceae, Kotschya strigosa, K. speciosa, K. thymodora, K. platyphylla, K. aeschynomenoides, Larvicidal, Culex quinquefasciatus
Toxicities and Residual Effects of Toxic Baits Containing Spinosad or Malathion to Control the Adult Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract An important objective of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to reduce chemical contamination of the environment and food; for example by replacing broadcast sprays with selective toxic baits. The objective of the study was to evaluate the toxicity and residual effects of the a ready-for-use commercial bait Success* 0.02 CB®, which contains 0.24 g a.i. L-1 of spinosad, and to compare it's performance to a few other formulations with spinosad and malathion mixed either in hydrolyzed corn protein (Biofruit® 3%) or in sugarcane molasses (7%) on adults Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. In the laboratory, formulations with spinosad caused mortality equivalent to malathion-based toxic baits 96 h after exposure of the insects, regardless of the attractive substance used. In the greenhouse, Success* 0.02 CB®, resulted in mortality of 81.9% of A. fraterculus adults 7 days after application of treatment; being significantly superior to either standard spinosad or malathion treatments (mortality between 44.1 to 62.1%) in the same evaluation period. In field, in the absence of rain, Success* 0.02 CB® and spinosad formulations with Biofruit® 3% or sugarcane molasses (7%) caused mortalities from 70.0 to 83.0% up to 7 DAT, not differing statistically from the malathion treatments (mortality of 100%) during this time. However, at 10 DAT only malathion formulations with Biofruit® 3% or sugarcane molasses (7%) substantial mortalities, i.e., 73.3% and 76.7%, respectively, which were superior to formulations with spinosad (mortality < 45%). However, at 14 DAT all tested formulations caused less than 40% mortality of A. fraterculus adults. One day after a rain (3.8 mm), the formulations with malathion caused mortalities between 56.7 and 81.8%, which were statistically superior to the formulations with spinosad (mortality < 20%). However, after the occurrence of an additional 0.4 mm of rain, all formulations caused mortality lower than 15%. Biofruit® 3% can be used as a replacement for sugarcane molasses (7%) in formulating toxic baits and Success* 0.02 CB® and other formulations with spinosad may be used to replace malathion to manage populations of A. fraterculus. In practical field operations, the effectiveness of toxic bait formulations may be extended by applying them to the lower canopy where they are partially protected from rain.
Tissue Culture Regeneration of Desmodium

Efficient tissue culture techniques for plant regeneration are known for many crops, but vary considerably among species. These procedures need to be investigated, however, in crops that have no known method of regeneration. Six genotypes of two species of Desmodium were evaluated for tissue culture response on two protocols, an L2 basal salts + growth regulators embryogenic protocol and an MS basal salts + growth regulators organogenic protocol(.)
High-Value Plant Species Used for the Treatment of “Fever” by the Karen Hill Tribe People

The symptom “fever” is generally not itself a terminal condition. However, it does occur with common mild to severe ailments afflicting the world population. Several allopathic medicines are available to attenuate fever by targeting the pathogen or the symptom itself. However, many people in marginal civilizations are obligated to use locally grown medicinal plants due to limited access to common pharmaceuticals. The Karen ethnic group is the biggest ethnic minority group in the hill-tribes of Thailand. They utilise a vast repertoire of medicinal plant species. Since many modern drugs were discovered out of traditional therapies, it is possible to discover new allopathic drugs in the treatment of fever and associated pathogens from the Karen people. Thus, this study aims to identify and record the ethnomedicinal plants they used for the treatment of “fever”. The names of plants used by the Thai Karen people for the treatment of fever were mined from publications on ethnomedicinal uses. Useful plant species and families were identified using the Cultural Importance Index (CI). With the mined data, 125 plant species from 52 families were identified, distributed across 25 Karen villages. A chemical cross-examination of these species provided valuable insights into chemical classes worthy of further investigation in the context of fever and associated pathogens.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With and Without Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis: 19-Year Clinical and Radiological Follow-up

Background: Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft (BTB) is a reliable surgical option for the control of anterior knee laxity after ACL injury. The addition of a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) may improve control of rotation knee laxity and improve short-term graft survival in high-risk patients. Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare long-term patient-reported outcomes, graft survival, and risk of osteoarthritis between ACLR with and without LET. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This study included 121 consecutive knees (120 patients) presenting to a single center with an ACL rupture between 1998 and 1999. In total, 61 knees were randomized to an isolated BTB ACLR, and 60 knees were randomized to a BTB ACLR with an extra-articular lateral tenodesis with gracilis tendon (modified Lemaire). Results: Eighty knees in 79 patients (66%) were available for follow-up at a postoperative mean of 19.4 years (range, 19-20.2). Of those patients, 43 had a clinical examination and completed patient-reported outcome questionnaires, and the other 37 patients were evaluated through the questionnaires alone. Standard radiographs were available for 45 patients and laximetry (TELOS) for 42 patients. Mean subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score at last follow-up was 81.8, and no differences were noted between the BTB and BTB-LET groups (P = .7). Two-thirds of patients were still participating in pivoting sports. A total of 17 knees (21%) experienced a graft failure, 5 of which (6%) underwent revision ACLR. There was no significant difference in graft failure risk between the BTB group (29%) and the BTB-LET group (13%; P = .1). Lateral tibiofemoral osteoarthritis was significantly more frequent in the BTB-LET group (59%) as compared with the BTB group (22%; P = .02). Lateral compartment osteoarthritis was correlated with partial lateral meniscectomy. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in long-term patient-reported outcomes after ACLR with or without an LET. LET may increase the risk of lateral compartment osteoarthritis at long-term follow-up. There was a trend toward decreased graft failure risk with the addition of LET but this study was underpowered to assess this outcome.
Whole-brain mapping of socially isolated zebrafish reveals that lonely fish are not loners

The zebrafish was used to assess the impact of social isolation on behaviour and brain function. As in humans and other social species, early social deprivation reduced social preference in juvenile zebrafish. Whole-brain functional maps of anti-social isolated (lonely) fish were distinct from anti-social (loner) fish found in the normal population. These isolation-induced activity changes revealed profound disruption of neural activity in brain areas linked to social behaviour, social cue processing, and anxiety/stress. Several of the affected regions are modulated by serotonin, and we found that social preference in isolated fish could be rescued by acutely reducing serotonin levels.
Combining ability for rind puncture resistance in maize

Stalk lodging of maize (Zea mays L.) may cause annual yield losses of more than 5%. Stalk strength can be improved by selecting for rind puncture resistance; however, additional information on the genetic nature of rind puncture resistance is needed. A seven-parent (B73, H111, L266, L329, L605, L668, and L729) diallel was evaluated in 1994 and 1995 with the following objectives: (i) to estimate general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effects for rind puncture resistance and (ii) to ascertain whether ear-internode data could be used in lieu of Internode 3 data. General combining ability variance was only significant at the ear internode, whereas SCA variance was not significant at either internode. Reciprocal effects were unimportant at either internode. For the ear internode, progeny performance can be adequately predicted from GCA estimates. Inbred lines L329 and L729 exhibited significant positive GCA effects at the ear internode, whereas B73 and L668 showed significant negative GCA effects at this internode. Inbred lines L329 and L729 could be used for developing hybrids or germplasm with stronger stalks. Year × genotype interactions were detected for both internodes, indicating that genotypes should be evaluated in more than one environment. Ear-internode data provided experimental precision similar to that for Internode 3, but genetic differences among crosses were detected only in the ear-internode data. The ear internode provided more convenient and useful information on rind puncture resistance. Rind puncture resistance of the ear internode would be a relatively easy trait to improve by practicing recurrent selection in a population developed from the germplasm evaluated in this study. Approved for publication by the director, Louisiana Agric. Exp. Stn. as manuscript no. 98-09-0160.
Rewiring central carbon metabolism for tyrosol and salidroside production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for high‐level production of aromatic chemicals has received increasing attention in recent years. Tyrosol production from glucose by S. cerevisiae is considered an environmentally sustainable and safe approach. However, the production of tyrosol and salidroside by engineered S. cerevisiae has been reported to be lower than 2 g/L to date. In this study, S. cerevisiae was engineered with a push‐pull‐restrain strategy to efficiently produce tyrosol and salidroside from glucose. The biosynthetic pathways of ethanol, phenylalanine, and tryptophan were restrained by disrupting PDC1, PHA2, and TRP3. Subsequently, tyrosol biosynthesis was enhanced with a metabolic pull strategy of introducing PcAAS and EcTyrAM53I/A354V. Moreover, a metabolic push strategy was implemented with the heterologous expression of phosphoketolase (Xfpk), and then erythrose 4‐phosphate was synthesized simultaneously by two pathways, the Xfpk‐based pathway and the pentose phosphate pathway, in S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, the heterologous expression of Xfpk alone in S. cerevisiae efficiently improved tyrosol production compared with the coexpression of Xfpk and phosphotransacetylase. Finally, the tyrosol yield increased by approximately 135‐folds, compared with that of parent strain. The total amount of tyrosol and salidroside with glucose fed‐batch fermentation was over 10 g/L and reached levels suitable for large‐scale production.
Incidence and survival of multiple myeloma: a population‐based study of 10 524 patients diagnosed 1982–2017

Population‐based studies from high‐quality nationwide cancer registries provide an important alternative to clinical trials in the assessment of the impact of modern myeloma treatment. Based on data from the Cancer Registry of Norway, we investigated trends in incidence and relative survival (RS) for 10 524 patients in three age groups diagnosed between 1982 and 2017. Nationwide myeloma drug consumption statistics were obtained from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Patients aged <65 years had a steady increase in both 5‐ and 10‐year RS across all calendar periods from 1982. For patients aged 65–79 years, RS was stable until the calendar period 1998–2002, followed by an improvement in both 5‐ and 10‐year RS. The 5‐year RS for patients aged ≥80 years also increased significantly between the first and the last calendar period. In conclusion, we demonstrate a significant improvement in 5‐year RS in all age groups. Improved RS in patients aged ≥80 years at the time of diagnosis is only rarely described in other population‐based studies. For patients aged ≥65 years, the improvement in RS coincides with the introduction of modern drugs, whereas patients aged <65 years had an ongoing improvement before the introduction of autologous stem‐cell transplant.
Effects of temperature in the ripening periods upon the development and qualities of lowland rice kernels.

Lowland rice plants (Norin-17) of early and sermi-late cultivations, and the ears of the same variety of late cultivation were treated during night time with high (30°C) and low (20°C) temperature (15°C -30°C for the ear treatment) for certain periods in various stages of kernel development. Investigations on maturation, fruiting and specific gravities of the seeds, and some microscopic observations on bran layer and starchy tissue of the kernels were conducted. The results are summmarized as follows: 1) High night temp. accelerated the kernel development and maturation. 2) Chalky kernels and partially-chalky kernels markedly occured in the plots of high night temp. around 1O days after flowering. That was presumably due to an unbalance in supply and demand of nutrients, and to increased consumption of storage foods in the weak kernels, which were caused by high temp. 3) Both high and low night temp. 5 to 15 days after flowering caused milky-white kernels which considered to be due to the temporary hindrance of ripening. Many of milky-white kernels due to hindrance in early ripening stages had an opaque part (white-core-like but different from that of white-core kernel in shape and location) in their tissues. 4) Measurements on specific gravities of paddy, brown rice and parts of kernel revealed insufficiency of storage matter accumulation in the outer parts of kernel under high night temp. conditions. But as for the inner parts, they had larger s.g. values than those from low temp. plots, indicating good accumulation in these parts in earlier stages of seed development. 5) High night temp. in early stages of seed growth increased aleurone cells and thickness of bran layer on back side of kernel. Low temp. decreased these measurements. 6) On the cross sections of kernels from high night temp. plots a well-ar-ranged radial starch tissue (characteristic of Koshitsu-Mai) was observed. 0n the other hand, remarkable development of flatish cells along the dorso-ventral diameter of kernel (typical for Nanshitsu-Mai) was noticed in the kernels from low night temp. plots
Guidance for the management of adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and later the disease was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced that COVID-19 had reached global pandemic status. This article summarized the understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention and control measures of COVID-19 based on the available data and anti-epidemic experience in China.