Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ionic strength and pH-dependent conformation of mixed polymer brushes for cycles of protein adsorption and desorption

Protein adsorption on surfaces placed in biological fluids is a ubiquitous and mostly irreversible phenomenon, desirable or not, but often uncontrolled. Understanding and control of protein adsorption has important implications in biotechnology, food industry, biosensor design, biomaterials science etc. The aim of this thesis is to create stimuli-responsive surfaces allowing the control of protein adsorption by a simple pH and ionic strength (I) trigger. The adopted strategy consists in grafting thiol-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a protein-repellent polymer, and disulfide-modified poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), a weak polyelectrolyte able to adsorb large amounts of protein or not depending on its conformation, together on a gold substrate. The effect of pH and I on homobrushes of PEO and PAA, and on mixed PEO/PAA brush conformation as well as on protein adsorption is investigated, and repeated cycles of adsorption and desorption of proteins are performed. Simultaneous grafting allows intimate mixing of PEO and PAA in brushes with PEO mass fraction ranging from 0.35 to 0.65, depending on PEO/PAA ratio in solution. The amount of albumin adsorbed on PAA brushes is 10 times higher when adsorbed at pH 5 and I = 10-5M (swollen PAA chains) compared to pH 9 and I = 10-1M (shrunk PAA chains). Based on these results, adsorption and desorption conditions of proteins with different isoelectric points were tentatively predicted. Cycles of adsorption and desorption of albumin, lysozyme, collagen and immunoglobulin G were then successfully performed on mixed PEO/PAA brushes, with adsorbed amounts in the range of the ones measured on PAA brushes and an efficient desorption ability, close to the one of PEO brushes. The smart coating developed here open perspectives in many bioengineering fields including enzyme immobilization, drug delivery and biosensing.
Self-rated health and psychological health among hypertensive patients in Palestine

The study has investigated the self-rated psychological health of hypertensive patients in Palestine. To that end, a stratified random sample of 502 hypertensive patients (aged ⩾ 18 years) was asked to complete a validated Arabic version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). After collection, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression. In this study, it was found the mean scores for GHQ were statistically higher for females than males (p < 0.05). The females were found to be 1.701 (95% CI = 1.025–2.823) times more at risk of psychological disorders compared to males. In conclusion, improvement of social determinants of hypertensive patients can make a difference in their psychological/mental health.
Zinc utilization and associated factors among under-five children with diarrhea in East Africa: A generalized linear mixed modeling

Introduction Diarrhea is the leading cause of illness and death among under-five children in low and middle income countries. Through the provision of zinc supplements has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea, as well as the risk of mortality, the use of zinc for the treatment of diarrhea is still very low in low-income countries. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of zinc utilization among under-five children with diarrhea in East Africa. Methods A secondary data analysis of the recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of East African countries were used to determine the prevalence and associated factors of zinc utilization among under-five children with diarrhea in East Africa. A total weighted samples of 16,875 under-five children with diarrhea were included in the study. A generalized linear mixed model (using Poisson regression with robust error variance) was used. Prevalence Ratios (PR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for those variables included in the final model. Results The overall prevalence of zinc utilization among under-five children with diarrhea in this study was 21.54% (95% CI = 20.92–22.16). Of East African countries, Uganda had the highest prevalence of zinc utilization (40.51%) whereas Comoros had the lowest (0.44%). Maternal primary education (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio(aPR) = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16–1.44), secondary education (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.19–1.55) and higher education (aPR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.52–2.40), high community women education (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02–1.24), high wealth index (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01–1.24), high community media exposure (aPR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06–1.29) were associated with a higher prevalence of zinc utilization. Conclusion The prevalence of zinc utilization among under-five children was found to be low in East Africa. Maternal education, wealth index, community women education, and community media exposure were significantly associated with zinc utilization. Increased mass media exposure, maternal education and wealth index is recommended to improve zinc utilization among under-five children with diarrhea.
Determination of heavy metals and selenium contents in fish meat sold at Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Food contamination with heavy metals may pose a serious threat to human health. Fishes are the most common seafood globally. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in different fishes sold in Erbil city markets. The targeted heavy metal elements were cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). Seventeen dorsal meat samples were digested and subjected to metal analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Co, Mn, Cu and Se were detected in all samples, while cadmium was below the detectable level in all samples. The average concentrations of targeted trace elements were 0.03±0.016, 0.02±0.03, 0.07±0.08, 0.10±0.08, 0.03±0.03, and 2.90±3.33 mg/kg for cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc, respectively. Lead was only found in one sample (5.88%). On the contrary, mercury was detected in all samples but in low concentration (0.14±0.07). All detected heavy metals with specified permissible limits by FAO/WHO were significantly lower than the permissible limits. Based on detected levels of targeted heavy metals, consumption of such fish has no potential risks to human.
A rare cystic lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma: A case report and review of the literature

Background: Meningiomas are common central nervous system neoplasms, accounts for 30% of all primary intracranial neoplasms; the occurrence of meningiomas with cystic lesions is an exceptionally rare. Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LPRM) is a rare pathological entity belong to the World Health Organization Grade I meningiomas. LPRM is characterized by abundant lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates which over-shadow the underlying meningothelial component. Case Description: A 42-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a chronic headache for about 3 weeks prior to admission. His symptoms worsen, and subsequently, he experienced left extremities weakness about 1 week before admission. His brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular and heterogeneously enhancing solid lesion with intratumoral cystic changes at the temporal lobe. A gross total resection was performed; pathological examination revealed a cystic LPRM. Conclusion: This rare variant of meningioma is a benign tumor entity featured with massive inflammatory cell infiltration and often less proportion of meningothelial elements. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice. This is the first report regarding cystic LPRM from Indonesia; we also summarized relevant literature upto-date, May 2020, reported LPRM cases.
Maternal exposure to sulfonamides and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Sulfonamides are widely used to treat infectious diseases during pregnancy. However, the safety of maternal exposure to sulfonamides is controversial. This study aims to systematically review the available studies and examine the effect of maternal sulfonamides use on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI and Wanfang Database (in Chinese). The meta-analysis used random effects model or fixed effects model to obtain the total odds ratio (OR) for each outcome through Stata11.0 software. Study on the relationship between sulfonamide exposure during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study design covered randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO with protocol number CRD42020178687. Results A total of 10 studies, and 1096350 participants were included for systematic review. Maternal exposure to sulfonamides was found to be possibly associated with increased risk of congenital malformations (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.37). The use of sulfonamides in the first trimester of pregnancy and during the entire pregnancy might be associated with congenital malformations. Conclusions Maternal exposure to sulfonamides may be associated with offspring’ s congenital malformations. Prescription of sulfonamides for pregnant women is suggested to be carefully censored.
Determinants of well-being of middle-school students in Moroccan urban and rural areas: A comparative study

CONTEXT: Well-being in schools is often considered in relation to the educational and academic success of students. However, it is difficult, at present, not to consider the well-being of a student without an ecological and holistic perspective, in view of the interaction principles implemented in schools. This research aimed to identify the representations hold by Moroccan teenagers about well-being. It aimed, also, to do a comparison between two groups of teenagers: one belonging to urban and the other to rural areas. METHODS: This quantitative study concerns a sample of 1444 pupils (755 girls and 689 boys) enrolled in middle school. Research instrument for this study was questionnaire that includes 15 questions relating to well-being at school, relationships with the teacher, relationships between students, violence experienced, and coeducation. RESULTS: From the analysis of data, pupils in the rural areas seem to be most sensitive to the “emotional” aspects of the teacher–pupil relationship. The girls are more satisfied in middle school than boys. This fact seems to be a very important factor in their retention and in reducing their dropout rate. As expected, academic success is highlighted in the two groups of students as an indicator of well-being. However, the fact of not knowing which orientation to choose constitutes a factor of ill-being for pupils, especially for girls. The results show also that well-being is not taken care of in the two environments (urban and rural). This will explain the results of Moroccan students assessed by the Program for the Monitoring of Student Achievement. CONCLUSIONS: Training programs should focus on the development of teachers communication skills, ability to manage behavioral problems of their students and use teaching approaches to develop positive relationships between students.
Green tea leaf powder prevents dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-fed mice by modulating gut microbiota

Background In the past, most researchers paid more attention to the biological activity of tea infusion and tea polyphenols; however, the prebiotic role of tea leaf powder is still unknown. Green tea leaf powder is rich in dietary fiber and is suggested to be beneficial for human health. Only limited studies have looked at the effects of tea leaf powder (which mainly contains tea dietary fiber) on gut microbiota and health. Objective The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of green tea leaf powder in preventing hyperlipidemia and to understand its potential lipid-lowering mechanism. Design Mice in three treatment groups were fed high-fat diets (HFDs) by administering either 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg•d dietary fiber-enriched green tea leaf powder of low, medium, or high, respectively, for 12 weeks. Serum biochemical analyses and mRNA gene expression levels of related energy and lipid metabolism biomarkers from the liver were investigated. In addition, 16S rRNA cecal microbiota and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were tested. Results Green tea leaf powder reduced body weight and total cholesterol of HFD-fed mice in a dose-dependent manner. Green tea leaf powder also increased satiety hormone secretion and reduced systemic inflammation of HFD-fed mice. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses reconfirmed that green tea leaf powder prevented dyslipidemia by enhancing hepatic mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1 and decreasing the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and liver X receptor. Green tea leaf powder promoted the growth of Blautia, Oscillibacter, Ruminiclostridium, Alloprevotella, and Butyrivibrio and inhibited the growth of Erysipelatoclostridium, Desulfovibrio, and Candidatus_Saccharimonas in the cecum of HFD-fed mice. Conclusion In summary, our results indicate that green tea leaf powder improves lipid metabolism of HFD-fed mice in a dose-dependent manner. The potential mechanism involves a synergistic role in reprogramming gut microbiota, increasing satiety hormone secretion, and reducing systemic inflammation.
Analysis of within-individual variation in extrapair paternity in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) shows low repeatability and little effect of changes in neighborhood

Abstract Many studies investigated variation in the frequency of extrapair paternity (EPP) among individuals. However, our understanding of within-individual variation in EPP remains limited. Here, we comprehensively investigate variation in EPP at the within-individual level in a population of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Our study is based on parentage data comprising >10 000 genotyped offspring across 11 breeding seasons. First, we examined the repeatability of the occurrence of EPP, the number of extrapair offspring, the number of extrapair partners, and the occurrence of paternity loss using data from males and females that bred in multiple years. Second, we tested whether within-individual changes in EPP between breeding seasons relate to between-year changes in the local social environment. Repeatabilities were generally low but significant for the occurrence and number of extrapair young in females and for whether a male sired extrapair young or not. We found no evidence that the presence of the former social partner or changes in the proportion of familiar individuals or in phenotypic traits of the neighbors influenced changes in levels of EPP in females. However, in adult males, a decrease in the average body size of male neighbors was associated with higher extrapair siring success. If confirmed, this result suggests that the competitive ability of a male relative to its neighbors influences his extrapair mating success. We suggest that alternative hypotheses, including the idea that within-individual changes in EPP are due to “chance events” rather than changes in an individual’s social breeding environment, deserve more consideration.
Comparison of the effect of two training methods (webinar and group discussion) on improving the attitude and performance of health workers in providing counseling with fertility promotion approach

INTRODUCTION: Due to the significant decrease in fertility in recent decades and the important role of health workers and health-care providers in providing healthy reproductive counseling, their training is necessary using effective educational methods. Webinar and group discussion (GD) are effective in this regard. This study was conducted to determine the most effective method and with the aim of comparing the effect of two training methods (webinar and GD) on the attitude and performance of health workers in providing counseling with fertility promotion approach in comprehensive health centers in Mashhad. METHODS: In this randomized trial study with a control group, 108 health workers working in health centers no. 2–3 and 5 of Mashhad entered the study and were randomly divided into three groups of training by webinar, GD, and control. Intervention groups received healthy fertility counseling skills in three training sessions. Research tools were demographic information questionnaires, fertility attitudes, and performance measurement checklists for fertility counseling. The questionnaires were completed in three groups at the beginning and after the completion of the interventions. Data analysis was performed by Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS software version 16. RESULTS: The analysis of variance test showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of average scores of fertility attitude and performance scores of fertility counseling. After the interventions, the difference between the fertility attitude scores (P < 0.001) and the performance scores of fertility counseling (P < 0.001) was significant in the three groups. There was no significant relationship between demographic characteristics and attitude and performance. CONCLUSION: Teaching by webinar and GD promotes the attitude and performance of health workers in providing counseling with a fertility promotion approach. Therefore, it is recommended to use new educational methods such as webinar and GD to promote childbearing counseling, which has been emphasized in the country's population policies. Since the mean score difference for the webinar training method was the highest due to the mean scores, this method could be more effective than the GD method.
Thermal characteristics of rheumatoid feet in remission: Baseline data

Objectives Studies have shown conflicting characteristic thermographic patterns of the feet in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, to date no studies have compared thermographic patterns of patients with RA in remission and healthy controls. Thus this study aimed to investigate whether the thermal characteristics of the feet of RA patients, in clinical and radiological remission differ to those of healthy controls. Methods Using convenience sampling, RA patients were recruited upon confirmed absence of synovitis by clinical examination and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Thermal images of the feet were taken. Each foot was subdivided into medial, central, lateral, forefoot and heel regions. Subsequently, temperatures in the different regions were analyzed and compared to a cohort of healthy adults. Results Data from 32 RA patients were compared to that of 51 healthy controls. The Independent samples T-Test demonstrated a significant difference in temperatures in all the regions of the forefoot between RA participants versus healthy subjects (Table 1). Using the One-Way ANOVA test, no significant difference was found between all the forefoot regions (p = 0.189) of RA patients. Independent sample T-test found significant differences in all heel regions between the two groups (Table 2). One-Way ANOVA demonstrated no significant differences (p = 0.983) between the different foot regions (n = 192) of RA patients. Conclusion These findings suggest that RA patients in clinical and radiological remission exhibit significantly different feet thermographic patterns compared to healthy controls. This data will provide the basis for future studies to assess whether thermographic patterns change with disease activity.
The challenges of Iranian health system preparedness before earthquakes based on the World Health Organization framework

INTRODUCTION: The state of health-care disaster preparedness in Iran prior to the possible earthquakes is not well documented. This study identified the challenges of the Iranian health system before possible earthquakes in Tehran based on the World Health Organization (WHO) framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted for 17 health experts and authorities, who were selected based on purposive sampling method. The questions were designed based on the proposed framework of the WHO in six areas including policies and planning, communication, collaboration and coordination, training, volunteers and the public, and surge capability. The data were analyzed by using framework analysis. RESULTS: The main themes included weak communication infrastructures, inappropriate assessment of specialized training courses and lack of a clear scenario, integrated urban commanding, extra-sectorial coordination, and data banks for public volunteers. CONCLUSION: Iran health-care disaster preparedness was tested by many earthquakes. This research showed that disaster preparedness in Iran faces several challenges.
Profile of sexually transmitted infections causing urethritis and a related inflammatory reaction in urine among heterosexual males: A flow-cytometry study

Background Information about the use of flow cytometry in the diagnosis of male urethritis is scarce. The current study aims to evaluate the performance of flow cytometry on first-voided urine in males with infectious urethritis (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis). Methods Male patients of the Andrology Centre (Tartu University Hospital, Estonia) were recruited during the period March 2015 –January 2018. Cases included 306 patients with infectious urethritis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and/or Trichomonas vaginalis. The control group consisted of 192 patients without uro-genital complaints, negative tests for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis from first-voided urine and no inflammation in first-voided urine, mid-stream urine and urine after prostate massage. C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis were detected from first-voided urine using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. First-voided urine was analysed using urine particle analyzer Sysmex UF-500i. Results The most prevalent infection was chlamydia (64.1%), followed by Mycoplasma genitalium (20.9%), gonorrhoea (7.8%) and trichomoniasis (1.6%). Gonorrhoea caused the highest flow-cytometric leucocyte/bacteria count, followed by chlamydia and Mycoplasma genitalium. Trichomonas vaginalis showed nearly absent inflammation in first-voided urine. Using an empiric flow-cytometry diagnostic threshold for urethritis in first-voided urine (leucocytes ≥ 15/μl and bacteria ≥ 20/μl) the total calculated sensitivity was over 90%. However, when applying such criteria for deciding whether to perform first-voided urine PCR for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis or not, we could miss 23 cases with infectious urethritis that makes up 7,5% of all proven cases. Conclusions Flow cytometry of first-voided urine can be considered as a rapid and objective screening method in case of suspected male infectious urethritis.