Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Awareness of Elderly Patients Regarding Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention at EL Fayoum General Hospital

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes that has a tremendous economic and social impact on individuals, families and the health system as a whole. Aims: this study aims to assess awareness of elderly patients regarding diabetic foot ulcer prevention at the EL- Fayoum General Hospital. Research design: Descriptive research design was used. Settin g: The study was conducted at the medicine outpatient clinic at EL- Fayoum General Hospital. Subjects : Purposive sample composed of 300 elderly diagnosed with diabetes. Tools for data collection : Two tools for data collection were used as follow: 1 st tool: Structured Interviewing Questionnaire include demographic characteristics of elderly diabetic patients, past and current medical history, Knowledge assessment questionnaire, patients reported practice questionnaires. 2 nd tool: Observational check list questionnaire to assess foot ulcer risk included neurological foot assessment and peripheral vascular assessment. Results: revealed that 7% and 40.30% of studied subjects respectively had total good knowledge and adequate reported practice. In addition to, 14.23±3.004, 11.38±2.57 and 11.32±2.63 respectively were total score of neurological items, right and left peripheral vascular items . Conclusion: The current study concludes that statistically significant difference between neurological risk exposure and total score of knowledge. As well as, significant difference between vascular risk exposures, total score of knowledge, total reported practice score and neurological risk Recommendations : Develop an effective health education program to improve the knowledge and practice of the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers to avoid or reduce the risk of foot ulcers.
Prognostic Models Incorporating RAS Mutation to Predict Survival in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Narrative Review

Recurrence and survival vary widely among patients who undergo curative-intent resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Prognostic models provide estimated probabilities of these outcomes and allow the effects of multiple potentially interacting variables to be adjusted and assessed simultaneously. Although many prognostic models based on clinicopathologic factors have been developed since the 1990s to predict survival after resection of CRLM, these models vary in their predictive performance when applied to contemporary cohorts. Rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) mutation status is routinely tested in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to predict response to anti-epidermal growth factor therapy. In addition, mutations in RAS predict survival and recurrence in patients undergoing hepatectomy for CRLM. Several recent prognostic models have incorporated RAS mutation status as a surrogate of tumor biology and combined revised clinicopathologic variables to improve the prediction of recurrence and survival. This narrative review aims to evaluate the differences between contemporary prognostic models incorporating RAS mutation status and their clinical applicability in patients considered for curative-intent resection of CRLM.
Complex Evaluation of Surfactant Protein A and D as Biomarkers for the Severity of COPD

Purpose Pulmonary surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are lectins, involved in host defense and regulation of pulmonary inflammatory response. However, studies on the assessment of COPD progress are limited. Patients and Methods Pulmonary surfactant proteins were obtained from the COPD mouse model induced by cigarette and lipopolysaccharide, and the specimens of peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) in COPD populations. H&E staining and RT-PCR were performed to demonstrate the successfully established of the mouse model. The expression of SP-A and SP-D in mice was detected by Western Blot and immunohistochemistry, while the proteins in human samples were measured by ELISA. Pulmonary function test, inflammatory factors (CRP, WBC, NLR, PCT, EOS, PLT), dyspnea index score (mMRC and CAT), length of hospital stay, incidence of complications and ventilator use were collected to assess airway remodeling and progression of COPD. Results COPD model mice with emphysema and airway wall thickening were more prone to have decreased SP-A, SP-D and increased TNF-α, TGF-β, and NF-kb in lung tissue. In humans, SP-A and SP-D decreased in BALF, but increased in serum. The serum SP-A and SP-D were negatively correlated with FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and positively correlated with CRP, WBC, NLR, mMRC and CAT scores (P < 0.05, respectively). The lower the SP-A and SP-D in BALF, the worse the lung function and the increased probability of complications and ventilator use. Moreover, the same trend emerged in COPD patients grouped according to GOLD severity grade (Gold 1–2 group vs Gold 3–4 group). The worse the patient’s condition, the more pronounced the change. Conclusion This study suggests that SP-A and SP-D may be related to the progression and prognostic evaluation of COPD in terms of airway remodeling, inflammatory response and clinical symptoms, and emphasizes the necessity of future studies of surfactant protein markers in COPD.
Fear of COVID-19 and Socio-cultural factors as Predictors of Sleep disturbances among Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Patients

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly impacted the course, severity and adherence to the treatment, thereby, exacerbating the preexisting conditions associated with psychological disorders. The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of fear related to COVID-19 along with other religious and socio-cultural factors such as paranormal beliefs on the sleep disturbances of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients. Purposive sampling strategy was employed in order to collect the data from a sample of 100 individuals with the age range of 20-45 diagnosed with OCD. The data was collected through online resources via google forms. Fear of COVID-19 scale, the centrality of religiosity scale, revised paranormal belief scale, PROMIS sleep disturbance scale and Yale Brown obsessive compulsive scale were used to measure the study variables. Variables were statistically analyzed by Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and t test analysis. The outcome of the present research illustrated significant positive relationship among fear of COVID-19, intense religiosity, paranormal beliefs and sleep disturbances. Moreover, results indicated that individuals with severe OCD scored higher on components of religiosity, paranormal beliefs, fear of COVID-19 and sleep disturbances as compared to patients reporting moderate level OCD symptoms. The results will help in understanding the psychological impact of COVID-19 and its associated socio-cultural and religious factors on sleep disturbances of OCD patients.
El cuidado prenatal en Brasil

This study aims to describe prenatal care provided to pregnant users of the public or private health services in Brazil using survey data from Birth in Brazil research conducted from 2011 to 2012. Data was obtained through interviews with postpartum women during hospitalization and information from hand-held prenatal notes. The results show high coverage of prenatal care (98.7%) with 75.8% of women initiating prenatal care before 16 weeks of gestation and 73.1% having six or more number of appointments. Prenatal care was conducted mainly in primary health care units (89.6%) public (74.6%) by the same professional (88.4%) mostly physicians (75.6%) and 96% received their hand-held prenatal notes. A quarter of women were considered at risk of complications. Of the total respondents only 58.7% were advised about which maternity care service to give birth and 16.2% reported searching more than one health service for admission in labour and birth. Challenges remain for improving the quality of prenatal care with the provision of effective procedures for reducing unfavourable outcomes.
Effect of Napier silage on milk production of Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cow

This work aspired to evaluate the quality of different types of silage on milk production made from whole napier grass, napier stem, and napier leaf. Napier grass (Pennisetum Purpureum) was harvested at 70 days of age and made into three types of silage in three different silo pits under proper anaerobic conditions for 45 days. A feeding program of 60 days duration was designed on nine (9) lactating (110-140 days after calving) Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy cows of 2nd parity (age 6-7 years, live weight 500±5 kg). The cows were divided into 3 groups and assigned to 3 dietary treatments, basal ingredients with whole napier grass silage (T1), basal ingredients with chopped napier leaf silage (T2), and basal ingredients with napier stem silage (T3). After ensiling, it was found that napier stem silage possesses the highest pH value indicating low-quality silage whereas napier leaf silage possesses the lowest pH value. The pH value of whole napier grass silage was slightly higher than that of napier leaf silage. Concentrations of CP and NH3-N were highest in napier leaf silage and lowest in napier stem silage. The CP value was almost similar in whole napier grass silage and napier leaf silage but the NH3-N value of whole napier grass silage was lower than that of napier leaf silage. Among the three groups, the cows of napier leaf silage group gave significantly (P<0.05) higher milk yield than the cows of whole napier grass and napier stem silage group. On the other hand, the cows of napier stem silage group gave significantly (P<0.05) lower milk yield than the cows of whole napier grass and napier leaf silage group. It can be concluded that napier leaf and whole napier grass silage are comparatively better than napier stem silage in respect to milk production of dairy cows. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 51 (2): 62-67.
Growth performance and meat quality of rice fed broiler and native chicken genotypes in Bangladesh

The study was conducted on growth and meat quality attributes of rice fed broiler and native chicken genotypes under intensive rearing. A total 360 DOC from two genotypes were reared in a common brooder house. The diet samples were divided into three treatment groups viz. T1 - corn (0% rice), T2 -50% corn replaced by rice and T3 -100% corn replaced by rice. Data were analyzed using 2×3 factorial design. Broiler showed significantly (p<0.01) higher growth performance as compared to native chicken. Cooking and drip loss were significantly (p<0.01) higher in broiler whearas WHC, ultimate pH and cooked pH were significantly (p<0.01) higher in native chicken breast meat. The diet had a significant (p<0.01) effect on water holding capacity (WHC) but the highest WHC% was found in T1 treatment. The CIE L*, a*, b*, was significantly (p<0.01) higher in broiler. The interaction between genotype and diet was found significantly (p<0.05) different in b* in breast and thigh meat; L*, b* in drumstick meat; a* in liver, respectively. The L* and b* were significantly (p<0.05) higher in broiler drumstick meat. The L* and a* values were significantly (p<0.05) higher in liver of broilers. Significantly (p<0.01) higher tenderness and juiciness were found in broiler breast meat than native chicken. This study provides an important insight on growth performance and meat quality of rice fed broiler and native chicken genotypes. Hence, rice could be used as alternative to corn in chicken ration.
Chronic Immune Platelet Activation Is Followed by Platelet Refractoriness and Impaired Contractility

Autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have a high risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications associated with altered platelet functionality. We studied platelets from the blood of SLE patients and their reactivity. The surface expression of phosphatidylserine, P-selectin, and active integrin αIIbβ3 were measured using flow cytometry before and after platelet stimulation. Soluble P-selectin was measured in plasma. The kinetics of platelet-driven clot contraction was studied, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy of unstimulated platelets. Elevated levels of membrane-associated phosphatidylserine and platelet-attached and soluble P-selectin correlated directly with the titers of IgG, anti-dsDNA-antibodies, and circulating immune complexes. Morphologically, platelets in SLE lost their resting discoid shape, formed membrane protrusions and aggregates, and had a rough plasma membrane. The signs of platelet activation were associated paradoxically with reduced reactivity to a physiological stimulus and impaired contractility that revealed platelet exhaustion and refractoriness. Platelet activation has multiple pro-coagulant effects, and the inability to fully contract (retract) blood clots can be either a hemorrhagic or pro-thrombotic mechanism related to altered clot permeability, sensitivity of clots to fibrinolysis, obstructiveness, and embologenicity. Therefore, chronic immune platelet activation followed by secondary platelet dysfunction comprise an understudied pathogenic mechanism that supports hemostatic disorders in autoimmune diseases, such as SLE.
Measurement of Ambient Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Operating Consoles of Radiation Modalities in Cancer Hospital NORIN Nawabshah, Pakistan

: Elevated exposure from background radiations and health hazards for radiation workers have recently grabbed the attention of researchers. This study targeted to measure the background radiation levels in the operating console areas radiation facilities of NORIN, Nawabshah Pakistan. Ten operating consoles of different treatment and diagnostic machines were surveyed using a calibrated RM1001-RD LAMSE radiation monitor for the period of one year periodically and AEDR was calculated using standard formulas. The organ doses were calculated using recommended occupancy and conversion factors. The highest point with increased AEDR was found to be the operating console of cobalt-60 teletherapy machine (0.876 ± 0.03 mSv/yr), while the lowest at the Digital Radiography operating console (0.730 ± 0.03 mSv/yr). The standard error ranged between 0.02-0.03 %. These findings affirm a statistically significant difference in T-test values at a level of significance of 5% (P<0.05). The testes received the maximum dose (0.718 mSv/yr) followed by bone-marrow (0.604 mSv/yr) at Co-60 Teletherapy operating console. Conclusion: Based on these results, it was deduced that radiation levels are well within the permissible radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/yr prescribed by the ICRP and hardly about 37% of UNSCEAR limit of 2.4 mSv/yr. Therefore, all radiation workers are radiologically safe in operating console areas because all radiation protection and regulatory protocols are strictly observed in the working environment. This study eliminates the undue anxiety about the hazardous nature of radiation in the radiation workers of cancer hospitals.
Stimuli-Responsive Thiomorpholine Oxide-Derived Polymers with Tailored Hydrophilicity and Hemocompatible Properties

Thermo-responsive hydrophilic polymers, including those showing tuneable lower critical solution temperature (LCST), represent a continuous subject of exploration for a variety of applications, but particularly in nanomedicine. Since biological pH changes can inform the organism about the presence of disequilibrium or diseases, the development of dual LCST/pH-responsive hydrophilic polymers with biological potential is an attractive subject in polymer science. Here, we present a novel polymer featuring LCST/pH double responsiveness. The monomer ethylthiomorpholine oxide methacrylate (THOXMA) can be polymerised via the RAFT process to obtain well-defined polymers. Copolymers with hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were prepared, which allowed the tuning of the LCST behaviour of the polymers. Both, the LCST behaviour and pH responsiveness of hydrophilic PTHOXMA were tested by following the evolution of particle size by dynamic light scattering (DLS). In weak and strong alkaline conditions, cloud points ranged between 40–60 °C, while in acidic medium no LCST was found due to the protonation of the amine of the THOX moieties. Additional cytotoxicity assays confirmed a high biocompatibility of PTHOXMA and haemolysis and aggregation assays proved that the thiomorpholine oxide-derived polymers did not cause aggregation or lysis of red blood cells. These preliminary results bode well for the use of PTHOXMA as smart material in biological applications.
Genetic diversity of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus strains in coriander in southwestern Mexico

Background Coriander, like other leafy green vegetables, is available all year round and is commonly consumed raw in Mexico as in other countries in the preparation of street or homemade food. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a microorganism that can reach coriander because it is usually found in the soil and in some regions the vegetables are irrigated with polluted water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determinate the presence of B. cereus in coriander used for human consumption in southwestern Mexico and determine the toxigenic profile, biofilm production, genes associated with the production of biofilms, sporulation rates, enzymatic profile, psychotropic properties, and genetic diversity of B. cereus. Methods Fresh coriander samples were collected from several vegetable retailers in different markets, microbiological analysis was performed. Molecular identification, genes related to the production of biofilm, and toxin gene profiling of B. cereus isolates were determined by PCR. The biofilm formation was measured by performing a crystal violet assay. The genetic diversity of B. cereus strains was determined by PCR of repetitive elements using oligonucleotide (GTG) 5. Results We found a frequency of B. cereus in vegetables was 20% (13/65). In this study, no strains with genes for the HBL toxin were found. In the case of genes related to biofilms, the frequency was low for sipW [5.8%, (1/17)] and tasA [11.7%, (2/17)]. B. cereus strains produce a low amount of biofilm with sporulation rates around 80%. As for genetic diversity, we observed that strains isolated from the same market, but different vegetable retailers are grouped into clusters. In the coriander marketed in southwestern Mexico, were found B. cereus strains with genes associated with the production of diarrheal toxins. Together, these results show actual information about the state of art of B. cereus strains circulating in the southwestern of Mexico.
Ultrastructure of Antennal Sensory Organs in Nine Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): New Insight into the Definition of Family Sarcophagidae

Simple Summary The antennal sensilla of species in all three subfamilies of Sarcophagidae are studied for the first time via scanning electron microscopy. The morphology, density, and distribution of each type are described for each species. A total of eight types of antennal sensilla (chaetic sensilla, setiferous plaques, pedicellar buttons, trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, clavate sensilla, bottle-shaped sensilla) and sensory pits are found in both sexes. The existence of bottle-shaped sensilla in the sensory pits in all three subfamilies of the sarcophagid species suggests a potential synapomorphy of sarcophagids and a new morphological diagnosis character of the family Sarcophagidae. Abstract The antennae are the main olfactory organ of flies, playing key roles in their survival and the success of all life stages. Antennal ultrastructural morphology has been well described in the representative species of most calyptrate families, yet only a few studies have focused on Sarcophagidae species, those with ecological and medical relevance. Antennal morphology and the types, shapes, distribution, and density of the antennal sensilla of nine Sarcophagidae species are studied in detail with scanning electron microscopy, including Miltogramminae: Metopia campestris (Fallén) and Mesomelena mesomelaena (Loew), Paramacronychiinae: Agria mihalyii (Rohdendorf & Verves), Wohlfahrtia bella (Macquart), and W. magnifica (Schiner); Sarcophaginae: Sarcophaga (Parasarcophaga) albiceps Meigen, S. (Bercaea) africa (Wiedemann), S. (Boettcherisca) peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy), and S. (Liosarcophaga) portschinskyi (Rohdendorf), covering all three subfamilies of this family. The morphology of the three segments of the antennae has been described. The scape has only one type of chaetic sensilla, while three subtypes of chaetic sensilla were detected on the pedicel. The postpedicel has four types of sensilla: trichoid sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, clavate sensilla, and three subtypes of basiconic sensilla. Bottle-shaped sensilla were observed in sensory pits on the postpedicel in all nine species. These sensilla have not been discovered in other calyptrate species, suggesting that they are a potential sarcophagid synapomorphy.
Pin1/YAP pathway mediates matrix stiffness‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition driving cervical cancer metastasis via a non‐Hippo mechanism

Abstract Cervical cancer metastasis is an important cause of death in cervical cancer. Previous studies have shown that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumors promotes its invasive and metastatic capacity. Alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical signaling are closely associated with cancer cell metastasis. However, it is unclear how matrix stiffness as an independent cue triggers EMT and promotes cervical cancer metastasis. Using collagen‐coated polyacrylamide hydrogel models and animal models, we investigated the effect of matrix stiffness on EMT and metastasis in cervical cancer. Our data showed that high matrix stiffness promotes EMT and migration of cervical cancer hela cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we found that matrix stiffness regulates yes‐associated protein (YAP) activity via PPIase non‐mitotic a‐interaction 1 (Pin1) with a non‐Hippo mechanism. These data indicate that matrix stiffness of the tumor microenvironment positively regulates EMT in cervical cancer through the Pin1/YAP pathway, and this study deepens our understanding of cervical cancer biomechanics and may provide new ideas for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Assessing the bearing capacity of Crestbond shear connectors to concrete pry-out

Abstract In this work, a study on failure by concrete pry-out in Crestbond shear connectors is presented. The study’s aim was the development of an expression that estimates the connection’s bearing capacity. The analyses were carried out through numerical simulations designed to reproduce the referred failure mode. Numerical and experimental results are compared and discussed in relation to the maximum force reached and the cracking aspect typical of concrete pry-out. The proposed equation corresponded well to experimental results, with a mean ratio Ptheo/Pexp equal to 0,99 and a coefficient of variation of 10%. The results found in this study indicate that the concrete pry-out expression in German Technical Approval Z-26.4-56 can also be applied to Crestbond shear connectors.