Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 lockdown does not necessarily worsen diabetes control, in spite of lower physical activity - a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION This review aimed to synthesize evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the glycaemic control, physical activity, and diet of diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched from January 2020 to February 2021. A total of 161 unique records were retrieved. Out of these, 25 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. The quality of the studies was assessed by using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for observational studies. RESULTS Out of the 25 studies included in the review, 18 (72%) were cross sectional, 5 (20%) were retrospective analyses, and 2 (8%) were cohort studies. Thirteen studies included type I diabetics, 8 studies included type2 diabetics, and 4 studies included both. In the quality assessment, 17 (68%) of the studies met the criteria of satisfactory quality. Overall glycaemic parameters were improved during the lockdown. Dietary patterns were affected during the lockdown, but the direction of change- either negative or positive- could not be inferred. However, physical activity patterns were found to be deteriorated during the lockdown. CONCLUSION The review found that lockdowns for curbing COVID-19 had no negative impact on glucose control, while there was a decline in the physical activity among diabetics. Furthermore, available studies are subject to various biases, which calls for robust studies in future with representative samples. There is also a need to promote physical activity and a healthy diet among diabetic patients, with follow-up through telemedicine during such confinement periods.
Peri-operative outcomes between primary and replacement artificial urinary sphincter surgery: An ACS-NSQIP analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate differences in perioperative clinical outcomes in men undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in primary versus replacement settings. Secondarily, we aimed to identify patient-related factors contributing to complications associated with AUS placement. Materials and Methods: A review of the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was performed between 2010 and 2018 identifying males undergoing AUS implantation. Subjects were further subdivided into primary implantation or removal/replacement of AUS simultaneously via current procedural terminology codes 53445 and 53447, respectively. 30-Day postoperative outcomes were compared between cohorts using t-test and Fisher’s exact test. The relationship between patient factors and complications was evaluated using logistic regression. Results: A total of 1,892 patients were identified: 1,445 primary AUS placement and 447 AUS replacement procedures. Patients undergoing AUS replacement were statistically older than those undergoing primary implantation (71.4 vs 69.7 years, P < .001). AUS replacement procedures were associated with an increased rate of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) compared to primary procedures (1.3% vs 0.4%, P = .042). There were no differences identified between cohorts for deep SSI, cardiopulmonary complications, reoperation, operative time, or length of stay. Logistic regression demonstrated that higher body mass index was found to be independent risk factors for any complications, and diabetes mellitus was associated with increased risk of AUS-related readmission. Conclusion: Within the perioperative period, patients undergoing replacement AUS have an increased risk of superficial SSI compared to primary AUS implantation. These findings can assist with appropriate perioperative counseling of patients undergoing primary and replacement AUS implantations.
Choroidal vascularity index and thickness in sarcoidosis

Abstract Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease which is observed worldwide. Sarcoidosis is one of the common causes of ocular inflammation. The choroidal vascularity index, defined as the ratio of the luminal area to the total choroidal area, is used as one of the biomarkers for assessing the choroid vascular state. We aimed to compare choroidal vascularity index and thickness measurements between sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls. Thirty-one patients with sarcoidosis and 31 age-gender matched healthy participants were recruited in this cross-sectional and comparative study. Choroidal vascularity index was defined as the ratio of luminal area to total choroidal area after binarization on optical coherence tomography images. Anterior segment examinations included central corneal thickness, corneal volume, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, and iridocorneal angle. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to measure peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, choroidal thickness, and retinal vessel caliber. The mean choroidal vascularity index value was 61.6% in sarcoidosis patients and 62.4% in healthy controls (P = .69). The choroidal vascularity index and thickness were significantly correlated in both sarcoidosis (r = 0.41, P = .026) and control groups (r = 0.51, P = .006). Both the sarcoidosis and control groups had similar measured values for central corneal thickness, corneal volume, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, and iridocorneal angle (P > .05). Mean retinal nerve fiber layer, retinal arteriole and venule caliber, and choroidal thickness measurements did not differ significantly between the groups (P > .05). Sarcoidosis patients in quiescent period have similar choroidal vascularity index and thickness with healthy controls.
Computational study of transient flow around Darrieus type cross flow water turbines

This study presents full transient numerical simulations of a cross-flow vertical-axis marine current turbine (straight-bladed Darrieus type) with particular emphasis on the analysis of hydrodynamic characteristics. Turbine design and performance are studied using a time-accurate Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes commercial solver. A physical transient rotor-stator model with a sliding mesh technique is used to capture changes in flow field at a particular time step. A shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model was initially employed to model turbulent features of the flow. Two dimensional simulations are used to parametrically study the influence of selected geometrical parameters of the airfoil (camber, thickness, and symmetry-asymmetry) on the performance prediction (torque and force coefficients) of the turbine. As a result, torque increases with blade thickness-to-chord ratio up to 15% and camber reduces the average load in the turbine shaft. Additionally, the influence of blockage ratio, profile trai.
Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among health professionals working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Background Health-care professions are among the highly exposed group of population affected by COVID-19 pandemic and identified as the target population to get vaccination against the spread of the infection. However, vaccine reluctance is still high, which may negatively affect the efforts to prevent the spread of the infection. Hence, this study was aimed to assess acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among health professionals working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was performed among 422 health professionals working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, from March 1 to 30, 2021. Study participants were selected through simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identified factors associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine with a p-value < 0.05 at 95% CI considered as statistically significant. Result Overall, 45.3% of health professionals accepted COVID-19 vaccine. Age (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.32–4.92), being male (AOR: 1.729; 95% CI: 1.32–2.34), had higher risk of COVID-19 (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.00–3.02), and positive attitude (AOR: 3.26, 95% CI: 2.14–4.96) were found to be statistically significant with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among health professionals was significantly low. Participant’s age, sex, high risk of COVID-19, and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Therefore, the government with respective stakeholders should emphasize addressing the concern of the health professionals and increase attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccine to scale up vaccine acceptance.
SUMMER GROUNDNUT CROP PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS UNDER MICRO SPRINKLER IRRIGATION AT VARIOUS WATER APPLICATION LEVELS

The field experiments were conducted for consecutive three years to assess the crop performance and economics of micro sprinkler system for groundnut (GG-2) during summer season (Feb. to May). Total six treatments having different water application levels based on IW/CPE like 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 and 1.2 were selected. The lowest pod yield of 1471 kg/ha and highest pod yield of 2550 kg/ha could be obtained at the IW/CPE of 0.6 and 0.9 respectively requiring 523 and 789 ha.mm/ha of irrigation water respectively. The treatment of IW/CPE of 0.8 wasfound statistically better one having the highest water use efficiency of 3.406 kg/ha.mm. The IW/CPE of 0.8 was found most economical water application level. Also, in case of excess water supply (IW/CPE=1.2) and deficit water conditions (0.6), the micro sprinkler wasnot that profitable.
Anemia Severity and the Risks of Postoperative Complications and Extended Length of Stay Following Primary Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Background: Anemia is a modifiable risk factor that may influence postoperative complications following orthopedic surgical procedures. The objective was to determine the influence of preoperative anemia severity on postoperative complications and length of stay (LOS) following total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was queried from 2006 to 2019 for patients undergoing primary TEA. Using the World Health Organization definitions of anemia, patients undergoing TEA were stratified into 3 cohorts: nonanemia (hematocrit >36% for women, >39% for men), mild anemia (hematocrit 33%-36% for women, 33%-39% for men), and moderate-to-severe anemia (hematocrit <33% for both women and men). Patient demographics, surgical time, LOS, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. A P value <. 004 was considered significant. Results: After exclusion, 589 patients, of whom 369 (62.6%) did not have anemia, 129 (21.9%) had mild anemia, and 91 (15.5%) had moderate/severe anemia, were included. Increasing severity of anemia was associated with an increased average hospital LOS (2.30 vs 2.81 vs 4.91 days, P < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in blood transfusions (1.08% vs 7.75% vs 17.58%, P < .001), major complications (9.21% vs 17.83% vs 34.07%, P < .001), any complications (11.11% vs 23.26% vs 36.26%, P < .001), and extended LOS ≥6 days (6.23% vs 6.98% vs 31.87%, P < .001) with increasing severity of anemia. Multivariate analysis identified moderate-to-severe anemia was significantly associated with major complications and extended LOS (P < .001). Conclusions: Preoperative anemia is a modifiable risk factor for medical and surgical complications within 30 days of TEA.
SAMPLE II - Studying, sAmpling and Measuring of aircraft ParticuLate Emissions II

The key objective of the SAMPLE II Study was to quantify the effects of the sample transport system on particulate matter from the exhaust of an aircraft engine to the measurement instruments. To achieve this a series of experiments were undertaken, each designed to produce realistic, quantifiable and reproducible conditions that may be used to test the particulate emissions in terms of number, size and mass from gas turbine engine exhausts. A first series of tests were conducted at the exhaust of a hot end simulator simulating aircraft engine particulate emissions. These measurements were completed with large modern engine tests.The report details the methods, results and conclusions that are used within the SAE E-31 Particulate Matter subcommittee responsible for the drafting of the ARP on mass and number measurements of non-volatile particulate matter. This ARP is needed to provide the Committee on Aviation and Environmental Protection (CAEP) within ICAO with a particulate matter certification requirement.
MAPK-mediated transcription factor GATAd contributes to Cry1Ac resistance in diamondback moth by reducing PxmALP expression

The benefits of biopesticides and transgenic crops based on the insecticidal Cry-toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are considerably threatened by insect resistance evolution, thus, deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying insect resistance to Bt products is of great significance to their sustainable utilization. Previously, we have demonstrated that the down-regulation of PxmALP in a strain of Plutella xylostella (L.) highly resistant to the Bt Cry1Ac toxin was due to a hormone-activated MAPK signaling pathway and contributed to the resistance phenotype. However, the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanism remains enigmatic. Here, we report that the PxGATAd transcription factor (TF) is responsible for the differential expression of PxmALP observed between the Cry1Ac susceptible and resistant strains. We identified that PxGATAd directly activates PxmALP expression via interacting with a non-canonical but specific GATA-like cis-response element (CRE) located in the PxmALP promoter region. A six-nucleotide insertion mutation in this cis-acting element of the PxmALP promoter from the resistant strain resulted in repression of transcriptional activity, affecting the regulatory performance of PxGATAd. Furthermore, silencing of PxGATAd in susceptible larvae reduced the expression of PxmALP and susceptibility to Cry1Ac toxin. Suppressing PxMAP4K4 expression in the resistant larvae transiently recovered both the expression of PxGATAd and PxmALP, indicating that the PxGATAd is a positive responsive factor involved in the activation of PxmALP promoter and negatively regulated by the MAPK signaling pathway. Overall, this study deciphers an intricate regulatory mechanism of PxmALP gene expression and highlights the concurrent involvement of both trans-regulatory factors and cis-acting elements in Cry1Ac resistance development in lepidopteran insects.
No Evidence of Association Between Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin and Incident Type 2 Diabetes

Mouse models suggest that undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), produced by the skeleton, protects against type 2 diabetes development, whereas human studies have been inconclusive. We aimed to determine if ucOC or total OC is associated with incident type 2 diabetes or changes in fasting glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), or beta‐cell function (HOMA‐Beta). A subcohort (n = 338; 50% women; 36% black) was identified from participants without diabetes at baseline in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study. Cases of incident type 2 diabetes (n = 137) were defined as self‐report at an annual follow‐up visit, use of diabetes medication, or elevated fasting glucose during 8 years of follow‐up. ucOC and total OC were measured in baseline serum. Using a case‐cohort design, the association between biomarkers and incident type 2 diabetes was assessed using robust weighted Cox regression. In the subcohort, linear regression models analyzed the associations between biomarkers and changes in fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, and HOMA‐Beta over 9 years. Higher levels of ucOC were not statistically associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.06 [95% confidence interval, 0.84–1.34] per 1 standard deviation [SD] increase in ucOC). Results for %ucOC and total OC were similar. Adjusted associations of ucOC, %ucOC, and total OC with changes in fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, and HOMA‐Beta were modest and not statistically significant. We did not find evidence of an association of baseline undercarboxylated or total osteocalcin with risk of incident type 2 diabetes or with changes in glucose metabolism in older adults. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The relation of childhood adversity and antisociality to suicide attempts in men admitted to forensic psychiatric hospital

Suicide is a leading cause of death in custody. Although previous studies with prison inmates suggest a strong relation between childhood adversity and suicidal behavior, as well as between childhood adversity and antisociality, this has not been explored in the forensic psychiatric system. We compared 211 men admitted to a forensic hospital having a lifetime history of suicide attempts with 275 men with no suicide history in the same institution. Data were retrospectively coded from information gathered during their assessment and medical records. We examined associations of adverse childhood events and antisociality with suicide attempt history in a series of regression analyses. Childhood adversity was present in majority of individuals and significantly more common for individuals with a history of suicide attempts (76.8%) than those with no suicide attempts (63.3%). The suicide attempt group also experienced a greater number of adverse childhood events. Physical abuse, parental separation, and parental psychiatric history during childhood were associated with suicide attempts. Men with a suicide attempt history had higher antisociality scores than the comparison group and adult antisocial behavior partially mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and suicide attempts. Men in forensic hospital who have suffered multiple experiences of childhood adversity are at increased risk for exhibiting antisocial behavior and engaging in suicidal attempts. Early interventions targeted toward antisociality and trauma‐informed care in the forensic hospital are needed to support the mental health of the forensic population.
Bicarbonate-controlled reduction of oxygen by the QA semiquinone in Photosystem II in membranes

Significance In Photosystem II (PSII), O2 reduction by QA•− is often discussed but has not been demonstrated. Here, we show in PSII membranes that QA•− can reduce O2 to superoxide, but only when bicarbonate is absent from its binding site on the nonheme Fe2+. Bicarbonate’s role in PSII was recently shown to involve a regulatory/protective redox-tuning mechanism linking PSII function to CO2 concentration. A key aspect is the presence of stable QA•− causing release of bicarbonate from its site on Fe2+. Here, we show that under these conditions, O2 binds to the empty site on the Fe2+ and is reduced by QA•−. This unexpected reaction may be a further indication of cross-talk between the regulation of PSII and CO2 fixation. Photosystem II (PSII), the water/plastoquinone photo-oxidoreductase, plays a key energy input role in the biosphere. QA•−, the reduced semiquinone form of the nonexchangeable quinone, is often considered capable of a side reaction with O2, forming superoxide, but this reaction has not yet been demonstrated experimentally. Here, using chlorophyll fluorescence in plant PSII membranes, we show that O2 does oxidize QA•− at physiological O2 concentrations with a t1/2 of 10 s. Superoxide is formed stoichiometrically, and the reaction kinetics are controlled by the accessibility of O2 to a binding site near QA•−, with an apparent dissociation constant of 70 ± 20 µM. Unexpectedly, QA•− could only reduce O2 when bicarbonate was absent from its binding site on the nonheme iron (Fe2+) and the addition of bicarbonate or formate blocked the O2-dependant decay of QA•−. These results, together with molecular dynamics simulations and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, indicate that electron transfer from QA•− to O2 occurs when the O2 is bound to the empty bicarbonate site on Fe2+. A protective role for bicarbonate in PSII was recently reported, involving long-lived QA•− triggering bicarbonate dissociation from Fe2+ [Brinkert et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 113, 12144–12149 (2016)]. The present findings extend this mechanism by showing that bicarbonate release allows O2 to bind to Fe2+ and to oxidize QA•−. This could be beneficial by oxidizing QA•− and by producing superoxide, a chemical signal for the overreduced state of the electron transfer chain.
A novel bone registration method using impression molding and structured‐light 3D scanning technology

Accurate bone registration is critical for computer navigation and robotic surgery. Existing registration systems are expensive, cumbersome, limited in accuracy and/or require intraoperative radiation. We recently reported a novel method of registration utilizing an inexpensive, compact, and X‐ray‐free structured‐light 3D scanner. However, this technique is not always practical in a real surgical setting where soft tissue and blood can obstruct the continuous line‐of‐sight required for structured‐light technology. We sought to remedy these limitations using a novel technique using rapid‐setting impression molding to capture bone surface features and scan the undersurface of the mold with a structured‐light scanner. The photonegative of this mold is compared to the preoperative computed tomography (CT)‐scan to register the bone. A registration accuracy study was conducted on 36 CT‐scanned femur sawbones, simulating typical exposure in hip/knee arthroplasty and bone tumor surgery. A cadaver experiment was also conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using the impression molding in a more realistic operating room setting. The registration accuracy of the proposed technique was 0.50 ± 0.19 mm. This was close to the reported accuracy of 0.43 ± 0.18 mm using a structured‐light scanner without impression molding (p = 0.085). In comparison, historical values for “paired‐point” and intraoperative CT image‐based registration methods currently used in modern robotic/computer‐navigation systems were 0.68 ± 0.14 mm (p = 0.004) and 0.86 ± 0.38 mm, respectively. The registration accuracy of the cadaver experiment was consistent with that of sawbone experiments. Although future studies are needed to extend to human subjects, this study shows that the impression molding method can produce comparable or better registration accuracy than the existing techniques.
Testing Efficacy of Relapse Prevention Intervention among Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia in Jordan

Abstract Background: Relapse prevention is an essential component in sustaining positive treatment outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a relapse prevention intervention on the ability of patients and their primary caregivers to self-detect and manage early warning signs of relapse, and its impact on relapse rate among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Method Quasi-experimental design; one group posttest only, repeated measure time-series design was employed. A total of 40 patients and their primary caregivers represented the sample in this study. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that the effect of relapse prevention intervention on patients and their primary caregivers’ ability to self-detect severity and manage early warning signs of relapse has sustainable and positive effect on patients and their primary caregivers from T1 to T3 (patients, M = 9.0–9.3; caregivers, M = 9.7–9.9). Also, positive effect of intervention detected on abilities of patients and primary caregivers to manage EWS from T1 to T3 (patients, M = 35–36.0; caregivers, M = 39.7–38.1). The analysis also showed a low relapse rate (14.9%). Conclusion: The study showed that relapse prevention interventions is effective and applicable approach that psychiatric nurses can use to ensure sustainable positive outcomes of psychiatric healthcare among patients with schizophrenia.