Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An amino acid substitution in HCV core antigen limits its use as a reliable measure of HCV infection compared with HCV RNA

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a viral pathogen that causes chronic hepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Detection of HCV RNA is the standard method used to diagnose the disease and monitor antiviral treatment. A quantification assay for the HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) has been proposed as a simplified alternative to the HCV RNA test for predicting active HCV infection, with the aim of achieving the global goal of eliminating hepatitis. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between HCV RNA and HCVcAg, as well as the impact of amino acid sequence heterogeneity on HCVcAg quantification. Our findings demonstrated a strong positive correlation between HCV RNA and HCVcAg across all HCV genotypes (1a, 1b, 3a, and 6), with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.88 to 0.96 (p < 0.001). However, in some cases, samples with genotypes 3a and 6 exhibited lower HCVcAg levels than expected based on the corresponding HCV RNA values. Upon the core amino acid sequence alignment, it was observed that samples exhibiting low core antigen levels had an amino acid substitution at position 49, where threonine was replaced by either alanine or valine. Core mutation at this position may correlate with one of the epitope regions recognized by anti-HCV monoclonal antibodies. The present findings suggest that the utilization of HCVcAg as a standalone marker for HCV RNA might not provide adequate sensitivity for the detection of HCV infection, especially in cases where there are variations in the amino acid sequence of the core region and a low viral load of HCV RNA.
Predictors of intention to provide abortions after OB/GYN residency training

Introduction Abortion is a common gynecological procedure and plays a central role in women’s health and autonomy. To maintain accessibility to abortion, it is important that sufficient obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) residents intend to provide abortion care after residency. This study identifies factors that influence a resident’s intention to provide abortions (IPA) post-training. Materials and methods A multiple-choice survey, addressing demographics, religious background, residency program metrics, training experience and intent to provide abortions (IPA), was answered by 409 Ob/Gyn residents. Chi-square test was performed on descriptive statistics and continuous variables were tested with ANOVA with p<0.05 considered significant. Results Residents with IPA were predominantly female (p = 0.001), training in the Northeast and West (p<0.001), identifying either as non-religious, agnostic/atheist or Jewish (p<0.01), not actively practicing their religion (p<0.001) and leaning democrats (p<0.002). Those with IPA were more likely to train at hospitals without religious affiliation (p<0.008), to train at a Ryan Program (p<0.001), to place strong emphasis on choosing a program with family planning training (p<0.001), to join programs where a significant portion of the faculty performs abortions (p<0.001) and to have completed a higher number of first trimester medical and surgical abortion procedures during the last six months of training (p<0.001). Conclusion These results suggest that factors influencing a physician’s intention to provide abortions are multifactorial, involving personal and program factors. A model predicting IPA is derived. To maximize IPA, residency programs can increase abortion volume, facilitate additional training and build a supportive faculty.
The labor market outcomes of bilinguals in the United States: Accumulation and returns effects

At least half of the world population is bilingual, but lifetime financial gains from early exposure to multiple languages are largely unknown. In this study, we analyze individual earnings of bilinguals in the US using 15 years of Census data and an augmented wage model, accounting for cognitive, manual, and interpersonal skills derived from O*NET job task descriptors via sparse principal component method. Using unconditional quantile regression, we find evidence that language skills mostly benefit individuals at the lower end of the earnings distribution. While our analysis does not establish causality, it underscores the potential of early language acquisition to mitigate income inequality by enhancing the employment prospects of low-income individuals. We also highlight the favorable cost-benefit ratio of language acquisition in childhood, when learners face no monetary opportunity costs and can achieve greater levels of fluency.
Monitoring optoporated process on mammalian cells by real-time measurement of membrane resealing time

Abstract. Significance Resealing time based loading efficiency of optoporation is the key parameter for drug or gene delivery. This work describes a comparatively simple optical approach to directly measure the cell membrane resealing time of the gold nanoparticle mediated photoporation. Aim To establish a membrane potential detection optical system, which can provide a direct measurement of resealing time of the optoporated cells. Approach Voltage sensitive dye has been used to label the gold nanoparticle covered cell before laser activation and the resealing time was estimated from the voltage change due to the fluorescence light intensity change before and after laser activation. The approach has been validated by the simulated data based on diffusion model and Monte Carlo simulation and the experimental data obtained from a flow cytometry analysis. Results The measured resealing time after perforation varied from 28.6 to 163.8 s on Hela cells when the irradiation fluence was increased, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9938. This result is in agreement with the resealing time (1-2 min) of photothermal porated Hela cells measured by electrical impedance method. The intracellular delivery efficiency of extracellular macromolecular under the same irradiation fluence depends mainly on diffusion velocity rather than pore size. Conclusion The method described here can be used to directly measure resealing time of optoporated cells for accurately estimating the loading efficiency on discovering the mechanism of optoporation.
Assessment of COVID-19 RT-PCR Positive Symptomatic Patients With Clinical, Hematological, and Radiological Parameters Among Three Groups: A Comparative Study

Background: Nearly 70.1 million individuals have been infected by the pandemic viral disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first discovered in China and is caused by a novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). This disease is responsible for the deaths of 6 million people. India ranks third in the total number of cases. The purpose of this study was to classify COVID-19 patients according to several criteria and to determine which clinical, hematological, and radiological indicators were most important in their care. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 70 symptomatic patients who tested positive for COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and were hospitalized at the Saveetha Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, for the duration of the study. Comorbidities and oxygen reliance were taken into consideration while classifying patients into one of three categories. Initial symptoms, as well as hematological (interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, serum ferritin, and total cell counts) and radiographic (X-ray and computed tomography (CT) of the thorax) characteristics, were taken and analyzed among the different groups. Results: According to our research, the symptom of fever was the most common, accounting for 84.3% of all cases. This was followed by breathlessness (55.7%), myalgia (31.4%), dry cough (27.1%), sore throat (24.3%), cough with expectoration (20%), loose stools (12.9%), loss of taste (12.9%), and smell (11.4%). Although there was a large amount of variation in D-dimer, with Category C having the highest values, there was only a minor amount of variation in ESR and CRP. The X-ray and CT scans of the chest showed substantial differences between the groups, with CT findings such as COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) and CT severity score, consolidation, crazy paving pattern, and vascular dilatation showing a wide range of differences between the groups. Conclusions: To facilitate easier treatment and place more attention on radiological characteristics using D-dimer, treating physicians are required to categorize COVID-19 patients into several groups. Patients who need oxygen support were included in this category.
Barriers to and facilitators of prostate cancer screening among men in Uganda prisons

Background Studies have shown that prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing at a rate of 5.2% per annum in Uganda and as few as 5% of men have ever been screened for PCa in Uganda. The situation may be worse among male prisoners given their ‘vulnerable status’. The goal of this study was to examine the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of men in Ugandan prisons regarding barriers to and facilitators of PCa screening. This would enable the identification of potential interventional strategies to promote PCa screening among men in Ugandan prisons. Methods This study applied the explanatory sequential mixed methods study design. We first conducted 20 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. The qualitative data were analysed to enrich a survey among 2,565 prisoners selected using a simple random sampling technique. Results Qualitatively, the belief that all cancers have no cure was a barrier against most participants considering screening to be of any value, coupled with the fear of screening positive for PCa and the associated stress. In addition, poor PCa knowledge and lack of PCa screening services in prisons were perceived as barriers to PCa screening in prison settings. The quantitative data from the survey of 2,565 participants with a mean age of 50.2 (9.8), indicated that the main barriers to PCa screening were mainly myths, beliefs, lack of screening facilities and technical capacity. The majority believed that creating PCa awareness, conducting screening outreach in prisons, and providing equipment for PCa screening in prisons health facilities will facilitate PCa screening, as well as working with the Uganda prison service to train the prison health staff to perform PCa screen to facilitate Prison Health Centres capacity to screen for PCa. Conclusion There is a need to develop interventions to increase awareness among the inmates in the prison health system, while ensuring that the prison health facilities are equipped with the required screening logistics, backed with outreaches from cancer-specialised hospitals/facilities.
The Awareness and Practice of Self-Medication Among the General Public in Jeddah and Makkah

Background Self-medication (SM) can be defined as the improper practice of obtaining and consuming a pharmaceutical drug without the consultation or prescription of a licensed physician. This includes evaluating the intensity of signs and symptoms which could lead to treating oneself with a medicine or seeking urgent medical care. Although SM can be deemed as safe for one’s health, drug accessibility accounts for an irrational choice of medicines and thus exposes oneself to the adverse effects of these medicines. Several regional studies have provided sufficient evidence about how SM has commonly been practiced and held in some settings, such as pharmacies. Aim In this study, we aimed to assess the practice and awareness of SM in the general public. Thus, we utilized a questionnaire-based survey to analyze SM awareness and practice among the general population in Jeddah and Makkah. In addition, we examined the impact of demographic variables, such as educational level, economic status, age, etc. on SM practice. Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed via social media platforms in June 2020. The study included Jeddah and Makkah's general public, all different nationalities, and both genders, and it excluded participants below the age 18-year-old and with mental and cognitive instability. After extrapolating the sample size at a 95% confidence level with an estimated 50% response distribution, a margin of error ±5%, and accounting for a 5% non-response rate, the estimated sample size was determined to be 404. Results A total of 642 participants completed the online-based survey, but only 472 responses fit the study criteria. Most of the participants (64.6%) did not consult with a physician, i.e., practiced SM, whereas (34.5%) have visited a doctor. Furthermore, people who did not visit a doctor had the commonest belief (26.1%) that they did not need a doctor to investigate their symptoms. The awareness of SM among the general public in Makkah and Jeddah was assessed by asking whether they deem this practice harmful, harmless, or beneficial. 65.9% of the participants deemed the practice of SM as harmful, and 17.6% regarded the act as harmless. Conclusion This study revealed that 64.6% of the general public of Jeddah and Makkah practice self-medication, even though 65.9% deemed this act harmful. The contradiction between the public's opinion and the actual behavior towards self-medication implies the need for more awareness of self-medication and the importance of exploring the incentives of such behavior.
Multidimensional poverty among persons with disabilities in Colombia: Inequalities in the distribution of deprivations at the municipality level

According to the national population Census of Colombia, 4.1 per cent of the population lives with a disability. Although information is available on the number of persons with disabilities in the country, little information exists on their levels of multidimensional poverty and deprivation, especially at the province of local level. Aiming to contribute to the analysis of the levels of poverty of persons with disabilities living at the municipal/province level, this study computes and analyses the levels of multidimensional poverty in households with and without members with disabilities in the 1.101 municipalities of Colombia. Using the 2018 national population census, we computed the percentage of people living with disabilities in each of the municipalities of the country, then we computed their levels of poverty and deprivation and analysed the difference between households with and without members with disabilities. We also analysed the availability of teachers and schools providing services for children living with disabilities and deprivations in terms of school attendance. The results reveal that households with members with disabilities are poorer than households without members with disabilities, These households present higher deprivations according to most indicators, and the intensity of their poverty is higher. In addition, households with members with disabilities usually present higher levels of deprivation in school attendance and live in municipalities where there is no provision of inclusive schools. These results highlight the importance of implementing specific policies designed to reduce the levels of poverty of persons with disabilities and their families and to guarantee their access to basic opportunities and services.
Source-Based EEG Neurofeedback for Sustained Motor Imagery of a Single Leg

The aim of the study was to test the feasibility of visual-neurofeedback-guided motor imagery (MI) of the dominant leg, based on source analysis with real-time sLORETA derived from 44 EEG channels. Ten able-bodied participants took part in two sessions: session 1 sustained MI without feedback and session 2 sustained MI of a single leg with neurofeedback. MI was performed in 20 s on and 20 s off intervals to mimic functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neurofeedback in the form of a cortical slice presenting the motor cortex was provided from a frequency band with the strongest activity during real movements. The sLORETA processing delay was 250 ms. Session 1 resulted in bilateral/contralateral activity in the 8–15 Hz band dominantly over the prefrontal cortex while session 2 resulted in ipsi/bilateral activity over the primary motor cortex, covering similar areas as during motor execution. Different frequency bands and spatial distributions in sessions with and without neurofeedback may reflect different motor strategies, most notably a larger proprioception in session 1 and operant conditioning in session 2. Single-leg MI might be used in the early phases of rehabilitation of stroke patients. Simpler visual feedback and motor cueing rather than sustained MI might further increase the intensity of cortical activation.
Reflective practice improves Basic Life Support training outcomes: A randomized controlled study

Introduction Practical skills training is an essential part of medical education. An important example is the training of Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, which are key to improve patient outcomes in life-threatening situations. However, despite practical training, BLS performance is often sub-optimal even among healthcare professionals and medical students. Finding more effective training methods is therefore of high importance. A promising method to enhance learning outcomes is reflective practice. The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether a short reflective practice intervention following standard BLS training (Peyton’s 4-step approach) improves BLS training outcomes, reflected in higher BLS performance and higher self-confidence to perform BLS. Method 287 first-year medical students were randomly assigned to one of two BLS training conditions: 1) standard BLS training (ST), 2) ST followed by a 15-minute reflective practice exercise. Outcome parameters included objective BLS performance data assessed by a resuscitation manikin, and students’ self-reported confidence in their BLS skills. Outcomes were assessed directly after the training (T0) and re-assessed one week later (T1). A two-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the effect of the intervention on BLS performance and self-reported confidence. Significance was determined by two-sided 95% confidence intervals. Results The intervention group performed significantly more effective compressions at T1 and began significantly faster with performing their first chest compression at T0 and T1, in comparison to the control group. No significant differences between study groups regarding their self-reported confidence to perform BLS were observed. Conclusion This research shows that standard BLS training accompanied with a simple, cost-effective reflective practice exercise can improve learners’ BLS skill acquisition and retention. This shows that reflective practice has the potential to enhance practical skills training in medicine; yet, more empirical studies are needed to examine its broader applicability.
Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey

Background Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal has been described, but literature regarding the benzodiazepine-induced neurological injury that may result in enduring symptoms and life consequences is scant. Objective We conducted an internet survey of current and former benzodiazepine users and asked about their symptoms and adverse life events attributed to benzodiazepine use. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the largest survey ever conducted with 1,207 benzodiazepine users from benzodiazepine support groups and health/wellness sites who completed the survey. Respondents included those still taking benzodiazepines (n = 136), tapering (n = 294), or fully discontinued (n = 763). Results The survey asked about 23 specific symptoms and more than half of the respondents who experienced low energy, distractedness, memory loss, nervousness, anxiety, and other symptoms stated that these symptoms lasted a year or longer. These symptoms were often reported as de novo and distinct from the symptoms for which the benzodiazepines were originally prescribed. A subset of respondents stated that symptoms persisted even after benzodiazepines had been discontinued for a year or more. Adverse life consequences were reported by many respondents as well. Limitations This was a self-selected internet survey with no control group. No independent psychiatric diagnoses could be made in participants. Conclusions Many prolonged symptoms subsequent to benzodiazepine use and discontinuation (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction) have been shown in a large survey of benzodiazepine users. Benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND) has been proposed as a term to describe symptoms and associated adverse life consequences that may emerge during benzodiazepine use, tapering, and continue after benzodiazepine discontinuation. Not all people who take benzodiazepines will develop BIND and risk factors for BIND remain to be elucidated. Further pathogenic and clinical study of BIND is needed.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of sedentary behaviour interventions in offices to reduce sitting time in Australian desk-based workers: A modelling study

Objectives Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, cancers, and premature mortality. SB interventions in workplaces are effective in reducing sitting time. Previous economic evaluations have not specifically used changes in sitting time to estimate the long-term impact of SB on chronic disease-related health and cost outcomes. This research evaluated the cost-effectiveness of three hypothetical SB interventions: behavioural (BI), environmental (EI) and multi-component intervention (MI), implemented in the Australian context, using a newly developed epidemiological model that estimates the impact of SB as a risk factor on long-term population health and associated cost outcomes. Method Pathway analysis was used to identify the resource items associated with implementing each of the three interventions using a limited societal perspective (included costs: health sector, individuals and industry; excluded costs: productivity). The effectiveness of the modelled interventions in reducing daily sitting time (informed by published meta-analyses) was modelled for the Australian working population aged 20–65 years. A multi-cohort Markov model was developed to simulate the 2019 Australian population and estimate the incidence, prevalence and mortality of five diseases causally related to excessive sitting time, over the life course. Monte-Carlo simulations were used to calculate each intervention’s mean incremental costs and benefits (quantified as health adjusted life years HALYs) compared to a do-nothing comparator. Results When implemented at the national level, the interventions were estimated to reach 1,018 organisations with 1,619,239 employees. The estimated incremental cost of SB interventions was A$159M (BI), A$688M (EI) and A$438M (MI) over a year. Incremental health-adjusted life years (HALYs) gained by BI, EI and MI were 604, 919 and 349, respectively. The mean ICER for BI was A$251,863 per HALY gained, A$737,307 for EI and A$1,250,426 for MI. Only BI had any probability (2%) of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50,000 per HALY gained from a societal perspective. Conclusion SB interventions are not cost-effective when a reduction in sitting time is the outcome measure of interest. The cost-effectiveness results are heavily driven by the cost of the sit-stand desks and the small HALYs gained from reducing sitting time. Future research should focus on capturing non-health-benefits of these interventions, such as productivity, work satisfaction, and other health benefits: metabolic, physical, and musculoskeletal outcomes. Importantly, the health benefits of simultaneously reducing sitting time and increasing standing time for such interventions should be captured with the joint effects of these risk factors appropriately considered.