Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unraveling enhanced brain delivery of paliperidone-loaded lipid nanoconstructs: pharmacokinetic, behavioral, biochemical, and histological aspects

Abstract Antipsychotics are accompanied by extrapyramidal side effects that deter treatment adherence and patient compliance. Paliperidone (PPD), an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic recommended for managing schizophrenia presents biopharmaceutical challenges and pharmacological constraints which dissuade it from crossing the brain barrier. The present research aimed to assess paliperidone-loaded lipid nanoconstruct (PPD-LNC) for an improved antipsychotic activity for managing schizophrenia. High % cell viability in Neuro-2a cells (70–98%) exhibited the safety of PPD-LNC. The pharmacokinetic data showed a 3.46-fold improvement in the relative bioavailability in the brain for PPD-LNC compared to a drug suspension. The pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated a significant (p < .05) reduction in cataleptic behavior, attenuated escape latency, and prolonged stay in the open arm with PPD-LNC, thus showing its effectiveness in reducing extrapyramidal symptoms. The histopathological images further validated the safety of the formulation. Reduction in NF-κB levels as identified by immunohistochemical analysis exhibited the anti-inflammatory effect of PPD-LNC. The formulation demonstrated significant (p < .01) improvement in the activity of oxidative stress parameters and attenuation of neuroinflammatory markers. Based on the study findings, it was observed that formulating LNC of PPD would surmount the pharmacological constraints, improve the in vivo performance, and diminish the associated side effects.
Equal effect of a non-custom versus a custom mandibular advancement device in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Numerous types of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are available to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), varying from non-custom to custom devices. Only a limited number of studies have been performed to determine whether a non-custom MAD could be used to predict treatment success of a custom MAD. In this study, we investigated the potential of a new generation non-custom MAD, by comparing its effectiveness with a custom MAD. We hypothesize that the effectiveness of the devices is similar with regard to both objective (polysomnography; PSG) and self-reported (questionnaires, adherence, and patient satisfaction) outcomes. METHODS Single-center prospective randomized cross-over study including a consecutive series of patients with OSA. Patients were randomized to start either with the non-custom or custom MAD. Both MADs were applied for 12 weeks, followed by a PSG with MAD in situ and questionnaires. After the first 12 weeks of follow-up, a wash out period of one week was applied. Equal effectiveness was defined as no significant differences in both objective and self-reported outcomes between both devices. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients were included; forty completed the full follow-up. The median apnea-hypopnea index significantly reduced from 16.3 [7.7; 24.8] events/h to 10.7 [5.6; 16.6] events/h with the custom MAD (p=0.010) and to 7.8 [2.9; 16.1] events/h with the non-custom MAD (p<0.001). Self-reported outcomes significantly improved in both groups. No significant differences were found between both devices. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of a non-custom and custom MAD is comparable, which suggest that a non-custom MAD can be used as a selection tool for MAD treatment eligibility to improve MAD treatment outcome. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: Netherlands Trial Register; Title: The use of a boil and bite Mandibular Advancement Device versus a custom Mandibular Advancement Device in Obstructive Sleep Apnea management; Identifier: NL64738.100. 18; URL: https://www.trialregister. nl/trial/7249.
Distribution of recesses in the olfactory organ of African lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus

In the olfactory organ of lungfish, recesses at the bases of lamellae comprise sensory and nonsensory epithelia. The sensory epithelium of the recesses, the recess epithelium, is distinguished from the olfactory epithelium covering the lamella by the absence of ciliated olfactory receptor cells. Therefore, it has been suggested that the recess epithelium is a primordium of the vomeronasal organ of tetrapods. However, developmental changes in the number and distribution of recesses in the olfactory organ of lungfish were unknown. We examined four Protopterus aethiopicus specimens of body lengths 215–800 mm to determine the localization of recesses in their olfactory organs. Histological examination showed recesses at the bases of lamellae in all individuals examined. The recesses were localized mainly in the medial and caudal parts of the olfactory organs, especially in juveniles. Compared to smaller fish, larger fish had a larger number of recesses, distributed more broadly in their olfactory organs. Significance of the recess localization and its relationship to the function of lungfish olfactory organ warrants further investigation.
Production of lactones for flavoring and pharmacological purposes from unsaturated lipids: an industrial perspective

Abstract The enantiomeric pure and natural (+)-Lactones (C ≤ 14) with aromas obtained from fruits and milk are considered flavoring compounds. The flavoring value is related to the lactones’ ring size and chain length, which blend in varying concentrations to produce different stone-fruit flavors. The nature-identical and enantiomeric pure (+)-lactones are only produced through whole-cell biotransformation of yeast. The industrially important γ-decalactone and δ-decalactone are produced by a four-step aerobic-oxidation of ricinoleic acid (RA) following the lactonization mechanism. Recently, metabolic engineering strategies have opened up new possibilities for increasing productivity. Another strategy for increasing yield is to immobilize the RA and remove lactones from the broth regularly. Besides flavor impact, γ-, δ-, ε-, ω-lactones of the carbon chain (C8-C12), the macro-lactones and their derivatives are vital in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. These analogues are isolated from natural sources or commercially produced via biotransformation and chemical synthesis processes for medicinal use or as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The various approaches to biotransformation have been discussed in this review to generate more prospects from a commercial point of view. Finally, this work will be regarded as a magical brick capable of containing both traditional and genetic engineering technology while contributing to a wide range of commercial applications. Graphical Abstract
Population risk profile analysis of acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Background Uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (unTBAD) comprises the estimated majority of type B aortic dissection (TBAD), presenting without any of the complications associated with complicated TBAD (coTBAD). Although first-line treatment for coTBAD is thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and despite the fact that TEVAR has proven its safety and effectiveness in the treatment of unTBAD, unTBAD is still being predominantly managed conservatively with medical therapy, with a small proportion of patients being offered TEVAR. Aims The main scope of this review is to highlight the evidence in the literature of the demographic characteristics and associated co-morbidities of unTBAD patients undergoing TEVAR in order to produce a risk stratification system to achieve favourable outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and EMBASE. Results Multiple demographic characteristics and associated co-morbidities of unTBAD patients affecting TEVAR outcomes were identified, assessed, and investigated, including age, gender, race, genetics, medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Most factors were associated with increased risks of mortality and morbidity, while others, such as race, were identified as being protective against those when it comes to TEVAR. Conclusion Despite the favourable results yielded by TEVAR in unTBAD, there remains a grey area concerning its management. Thus, it is important to incorporate the demographics and co-morbidities of unTBAD patients’ when into clinical judgement when assessing indications for TEVAR intervention to ensure optimum results can be achieved.
Risk Factors Associated With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias by Sex and Race and Ethnicity in the US.

Importance Previous estimates suggested that 1 in 3 cases of Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRDs) in the US are associated with modifiable risk factors, the most prominent being physical inactivity, depression, and smoking. However, these estimates do not account for changes in risk factor prevalence over the past decade and do not consider potential differences by sex or race and ethnicity. Objective To update estimates of the proportion of ADRDs in the US that are associated with modifiable risk factors and to assess for differences by sex and race and ethnicity. Design, Setting, and Participants For this cross-sectional study, risk factor prevalence and communality were obtained from the nationally representative US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data from January 2018 to December 2018, and relative risks for each risk factor were extracted from meta-analyses. Data were analyzed from December 2020 to August 2021. Respondents included 378 615 noninstitutionalized adults older than 18 years. The number before exclusion was 402 410. Approximately 23 795 (~6%) had missing values on at least 1 of the variables of interest. Exposures Physical inactivity, current smoking, depression, low education, diabetes, midlife obesity, midlife hypertension, and hearing loss. Main Outcomes and Measures Individual and combined population-attributable risks (PARs) associated with ADRDs, accounting for nonindependence between risk factors. Results Among 378 615 individuals, 171 161 (weighted 48.7%) were male, and 134 693 (weighted 21.1%) were 65 years and older. Race and ethnicity data were self-reported and defined by the US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data; 6671 participants (weighted 0.9%) were American Indian and Alaska Native, 8043 (weighted 5.1%) were Asian, 29 956 (weighted 11.7%) were Black, 28 042 (weighted 16.0%) were Hispanic (any race), and 294 394 (weighted 64.3%) were White. Approximately 1 in 3 of ADRD cases (36.9%) in the US were associated with 8 modifiable risk factors, the most prominent of which were midlife obesity (17.7%; 95% CI, 17.5-18.0), physical inactivity (11.8%; 95% CI, 11.7-11.9), and low educational attainment (11.7%; 95% CI, 11.5-12.0). Combined PARs were higher in men (35.9%) than women (30.1%) and differed by race and ethnicity: American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, 39%; Asian individuals, 16%; Black individuals, 40%; Hispanic individuals (any race), 34%; and White individuals, 29%. The most prominent modifiable risk factors regardless of sex were midlife obesity for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, Black individuals, and White individuals; low education for Hispanic individuals; and physical inactivity for Asian individuals. Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that risk factors associated with ADRDs have changed over the past decade and differ based on sex and race and ethnicity. Alzheimer risk reduction strategies may be more effective if they target higher-risk groups and consider current risk factor profiles.
Comparative histomorphological analysis of elbow ligaments and capsule

This study aimed to compare the histomorphology of the elbow capsule and its ligaments to gain a better understanding of the clinically relevant biomechanical stabilization. Eleven human elbows were dissected including the joint capsule with its anterior (AJC) and posterior (PJC) parts, the annular ligament (AL), the radial collateral ligament (RCL) and the ulnar collateral ligament with its anterior (AUCL), posterior (PUCL) and transverse (TUCL) parts. Hematoxylin–Eosin and Elastica van Gieson as conventional histology stainings were applied to determine collagenous and elastic fiber arrangements in transmission and polarization light microscopy. The radial collateral ligament and the anterior part of the ulnar collateral ligament showed significantly more densely packed parallel fiber arrangement than the anterior joint capsule, the posterior joint capsule, and the posterior part of the ulnar collateral ligament (p < 0.02, respectively). The PUCL had significantly more mixed tight and loose parallel arrangements than the PJC, the annular ligament, the RCL, the AUCL and the transverse part of the ulnar collateral ligamentp < 0.02, respectively), while the PJC showed significantly more interlaced mixed tight and loose fiber arrangement than the AL, the RCL and the AUCL (p < 0.003, respectively). The AJC had a significantly higher amount of elastic fibers as compared to the AL, the RCL, the AUCL and the TUCL in fascicular regions (p < 0.04, respectively), while the AUCL had significantly lesser elastic fibers than the AJC and the PJC (p < 0.004, respectively). The densely packed parallel fiber arrangement and few elastic fibers of the AUCL, RCL, and AL indicate a strong biomechanically stabilizing function. The fiber arrangement of the PUCL and the TUCL with few elastic fibers support the medial elbow stabilization. Crimping and elastic fibers provide the viscoelasticity of the joint capsule.
PENGARUH KINERJA PENYAMPAIAN JASA PENDIDIKAN DAN KEMAMPUAN ISTIMEWA TERHADAP KEUNGGULAN BERSAING (Suatu Survei Perguruan Tinggi Swasta di Wilayah Sumatera Bagian Selatan)

Recently, educational service sector in private higher education has been experiencing high competitiveness as the emerging of new departments which offer non-degree (D3) and under graduate degree (S1) by many universities. In additionally, quality of a university has important and critical factors in this high competitiveness. Existence of university will depend on this quality. This paper will explore student’s perception regarding to services in education performance and extraordinary competence aligned with competitive advantage of south Sumatra universities. Descriptive and verification methods were deployed in this work in addition to modeling and solution technique. The methods will be used as an analysis tool which is known as structural equation modeling (SEM). In this work, private higher education (universities) in south Sumatra used as analysis unit, whilst students as observation unit. This paper shows that in order to improve competitive advantages, there two major aspects influence to services in education performance and unusual capability variables. The result of this work also demonstrates that unusual capability was figured by intangible asset and succeeding with stakeholder consideration as well as tangible asset. Keywords: Private higher education, performance, competitive advantage
(Extra) ordinary parenting: Parents of children with disabilities in the context of disability stigma and pride

Introduction/background The research focuses primarily on how parents construct images of themselves and their children that diverge from the narrative of disability as a life tragedy and focus on emphasizing dignity and self-esteem. Methods The research was qualitative. A technique of an unstructured interview conducted with parents of people with intellectual disabilities was used to collect data. The analysis and interpretation were based on the procedures of the grounded theory. Results and conclusion Parents talk about their children as a source of pride, pointing to positive social experiences, social relationships and interactions in the public sphere. At the same time, parents emphasized the painful and exhausting experience of dealing with various types of institutions, thus highlighting the negative role of stigma in their lives and those of their children. Parents resisted framing their children’s 'deficits' and their own lives in terms of mere tragedy or misfortune.
Sleep disturbances among women in a Subarctic region: a nationwide study

Abstract Study Objectives To date, few studies have assessed sleep problems among women residing in Subarctic regions. Therefore, the aim of this large-scale population-based study was to assess the prevalence of severe sleep problems and associated factors among Icelandic women, living at 63–66°N. Methods Participants were 29 681 women (18–69 years old) who took part in the Icelandic Stress-And-Gene-Analysis study in 2018–2019. Background information, health-related behavior, and mental health symptoms were assessed with an online questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess severe sleep problems during the past month. Adjusting for age, marital status, number of children, education, personal income, work schedule, region, and response period, we used modified Poisson log-linear models to obtain prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Overall, 24.2% of women reported severe sleep problems (PSQI >10). Women responding in the winter presented with an overall higher prevalence of severe sleep problems, compared to those responding in the summer (PR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.28). Severe sleep problems were more prevalent among young and late-midlife women, those who were single, had children, socio-economic challenges, worked shifts, and flexible hours. Furthermore, obesity, suboptimal health behaviors, excessive screen time, and mental health problems were associated with severe sleep problems. Conclusion Severe sleep problems are more common among women in Subarctic regions than elsewhere, particularly during winter. These findings motivate the development of preventive strategies and interventions for women in the Subarctic who suffer from sleep problems.
Non-pharmacological integrative therapies for chronic cancer pain

Objective Chronic pain is one of the most detrimental symptoms exhibited by cancer patients, being an indication for opioid therapy in up to half of the patients’ receiving chemotherapy and in 90% of advanced cases. Various successful non-pharmacological integrative therapy options have been explored and implemented to improve the quality of life in these patients. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms implicated; assessment tools used for cancer pain and summarize current evidence on non-pharmacological approaches in the treatment of chronic cancer pain. Data sources A review of the literature was conducted using a combination of MeSH keywords including “Chronic cancer pain,” “Assessment,” “Non-pharmacological management,” and “Integrative therapy. ” Data summary Data on the approach and assessment of chronic cancer pain as well as non-pharmacological integrative options have been displayed with the help of figures and tables. Of note, non-pharmacological integrative management was divided into three subcategories; physical therapy (involving exercise, acupuncture, massage, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation), psychosocial therapy (e.g. mindful practices, supportive therapy), and herbal supplementation. Conclusions The use of non-pharmacological integrative therapy in the management of chronic cancer pain has been grossly underestimated and must be considered before or as an adjuvant of other treatment regimens to ensure appropriate care.
Nurses’ attitudes towards hospitalized older adults in a tertiary care setting in Ghana

The increasing population of older adults and rapid increases in co‐morbidities globally has necessitated the need for a healthcare delivery system that meets the multifaceted needs of the growing population of older adults. Concurrent with these rising complex health needs is the importance of positive, non‐judgmental attitudes of health services providers towards older adults. Moreover, this is particularly important in the nursing profession, given nurses' significant and crucial roles in healthcare settings.
Number of public health nurses and COVID-19 incidence rate by variant type: an ecological study of 47 prefectures in Japan

Background Community health activities by public health nurses (PHNs) are known to improve lifestyle habits of local residents, and may encourage the practice of infectious disease prevention behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the association between prefecture-level COVID-19 incidence rate and the number of PHNs per population in Japan, by the COVID-19 variant type. Methods Our data were based on government surveys where prefectural-level data are accessible to the public. The outcome variable was the COVID-19 incidence rate (i.e., the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population for each variant type in 47 prefectures). The explanatory variable was the number of PHNs per 100,000 population by prefecture. Covariates included socioeconomic factors, regional characteristics, healthcare resources, and health behaviors. The generalized estimating equations of the multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the COVID-19 cases. We performed stratified analyses by variant type (i.e., wild type, alpha variant, and delta variant). Results A total of 1,705,224 confirmed COVID-19 cases (1351.6 per 100,000 population) in Japan were reported as of September 30, 2021. The number of PHNs per 100,000 population in Japan was 41.9. Multivariable Poisson regression models showed that a lower number of PHNs per population was associated with higher IRR of COVID-19. Among all COVID-19 cases, compared to the highest quintile group of the number of PHNs per population, the adjusted IRR of the lowest quintile group was consistently significant in the models adjusting for socioeconomic factors (IRR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.55–5.54), regional characteristics (1.73, 1.28–2.34), healthcare resources (3.88, 2.45–6.16), and health behaviors (2.17, 1.39–3.37). These significant associations were unaffected by the variant type of COVID-19. Conclusion We found that the COVID-19 incidence rate was higher in prefectures with fewer PHNs per population, regardless of the COVID-19 variant type. By increasing the number of PHNs, it may be possible to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Japan and provide an effective human resource to combat emerging infectious diseases in the future. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.22-00013.