Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the wound healing effect of neomycin-silver nano-composite gel in rats

Objectives: Both nano silver and neomycin have wound healing properties. Silver nanoparticles have been used as main compounds for therapeutic drug delivery systems against various ailments. The present study aimed to prepare a neomycin silver nano-composite gel easily, rapidly, and cheaply method to improve wound healing. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats (150–200 g) divided into nine groups: wound untreated, wound fusidic acid treated, wound neomycin treated, three groups with wound and neomycin silver nano-composite gel at 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 concentrations, respectively, and three groups wound treated silver nano gel at the previous concentrations, respectively. Percentages of wound healing and histopathological examination of the wound area were assessed in all groups. Results: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated the spherical shape of neomycin silver nano-composite gel without aggregation but homogenous dispersion in a gel matrix. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed a 4 nm size of nano silver, which agrees with AFM image data analysis but not with TEM image due to the good coating of the gel matrix to silver nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering Zeta potential was −21 mV, illustrating the high bioactivity of the neomycin silver nano-composite. The groups receiving neomycin silver nano-composite gel showed a significantly higher and dose dependent wound healing compared to other treatment groups. Conclusion: The present work confirmed the potential wound healing activity of neomycin silver nano-composite gel compared to either alone.
Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents with type-1-diabetes: a qualitative interview study involving adolescents and parents

Abstract This study aims to investigate the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents with type-1-diabetes (T1D). We conducted 18 semi-structured interviews including adolescents with T1D (n = 10, 50% female, 15-18 years) and their parents (n = 8, 88% mothers). The main topics addressed were experiences during confinement regarding everyday life, lifestyle behaviors, diabetes management and treatment. We applied thematic analysis to identify common patterns of meanings. Being aware of belonging to a potential COVID-19 risk group caused worries especially in parents which resulted in strict adherence to preventive measures. Information from trustworthy sources regarding the actual risk mitigated the concerns. Digital diabetes treatment was well accepted and experienced as highly usable. The pandemic situation either facilitated or hindered the transition from parental control to diabetes self-management. While some patients managed to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors as their everyday lives seemed more predictable, others had difficulties in adapting to changed daily routines resulting in increased sedentary behavior and snacking. The perceived level of stress was directly associated with blood glucose levels. In conclusion, the implementation of psychological interventions (both for adolescents with T1D and their parents) addressing mental health literacy and media literacy seems to be important to promote positive coping skills for dealing with the pandemic situation.
In‐Memory Mathematical Operations with Spin‐Orbit Torque Devices

Analog arithmetic operations are the most fundamental mathematical operations used in image and signal processing as well as artificial intelligence (AI). In‐memory computing (IMC) offers a high performance and energy‐efficient computing paradigm. To date, in‐memory analog arithmetic operations with emerging nonvolatile devices are usually implemented using discrete components, which limits the scalability and blocks large scale integration. Here, a prototypical implementation of in‐memory analog arithmetic operations (summation, subtraction and multiplication) is experimentally demonstrated, based on in‐memory electrical current sensing units using spin‐orbit torque (SOT) devices. The proposed structures for analog arithmetic operations are smaller than the state‐of‐the‐art complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) counterparts by several orders of magnitude. Moreover, data to be processed and computing results can be locally stored, or the analog computing can be done in the nonvolatile SOT devices, which are exploited to experimentally implement the image edge detection and signal amplitude modulation with a simple structure. Furthermore, an artificial neural network (ANN) with SOT devices based synapses is constructed to realize pattern recognition with high accuracy of ≈95%.
A narrative review of efficacy of antibiotics in treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition in community based out-patient treatment

The World Health Organisation (WHO) updated guidelines on the management of severe acute malnutrition in infants and children (2013) recommends antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in the community setting. As community-based treatment is gaining ground, this evidence review looks at the emerging data to improve the decision-making process. The databases of Pubmed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review were searched for experimental and observational studies in the English literature for the period of 2011–2021. The search identified seven studies: two interventional and five observational. Six of these studies showed significant improvement in recovery rates using weight for height Z-score-2. Emerging evidence supports the continuation of antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated SAM in out-patient settings, as recommended in the WHO guideline of 2013.
Efficacy of tarsoconjunctivomullerectomy in adults with acquired aponeurogenic blepharoptosis: a large single-surgeon case-series

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the reoperation rate and symmetry after uni- or bilateral tarsoconjunctivomullerectomy (TCM) in a large, consecutive series of adult patients suffering from mild to moderate acquired aponeurogenic blepharoptosis. Methods Patients who underwent TCM because of mild to moderate acquired aponeurogenic blepharoptosis between January 2005 and September 2016 were analysed. Main outcome was reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes were eyelid symmetry and the effects of uni- or bilateral surgery, and in unilateral cases contralateral ptosis surgery. MRD-1 (Margin to Reflex Distance) similarity within 1 mm and contour of the eyelid were used for grading eyelid symmetry. Results We analysed the data of 243 patients, of whom 178 underwent unilateral, and 65 bilateral TCM. Previous ptosis surgery of the same eyelid had been performed (by another surgeon) in 44 patients. Reoperation was performed in four patients after unilateral (2.2%) and in 1 patient after bilateral surgery (1.5%) (p = 1.00). After unilateral surgery, contralateral ptosis surgery due to increased contralateral ptosis was performed in 16 patients (9.0%). We found no difference in reoperation rate between patients in whom ptosis surgery had been performed previously versus primary surgery (p = .22). Symmetry was good in 44%, acceptable in 44% and poor in 12% of the patients. Conclusions After TCM, the reoperation rate was about 2% with good or acceptable eyelid symmetry in most cases. There was no difference in reoperation results between uni- and bilateral cases. However, if we include secondary ptosis surgery of the contralateral eyelid in unilateral cases, results were better after bilateral surgery.
Predicting Metal Bioavailability and Risk of Toxicity in Nigerian Surface Waters: Are the Existing User‐Friendly Bioavailability Tools Applicable?

In the present study, we assessed the use of existing user‐friendly bioavailability tools to predict metal bioavailability and the risk of toxicity in a typical Nigerian surface water. The effect of prevailing water chemistry on toxicity of metals was also assessed in laboratory studies. Surface water samples were collected at four locations downstream in the Ogun River in Lagos State, and water chemistry analysis was carried out using standard methods. Relevant parameters were inputted into the Bio‐Met software and Metal Bioavailability Assessment Tool (M‐Bat), which are run on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, to obtain the site‐specific hazardous concentrations affecting 5% of the population (HC5)/predicted‐no‐effect concentrations (PNECs) for selected metals and risk characterization ratios (RCRs) at locations downstream in the river. Assessments using the bioavailability tools showed that two locations, Owode‐Onirin and Kara, were more sensitive to Zn and Pb inputs compared to the other locations. The RCRs for Cu, Zn, and Pb, respectively, were >1 at all locations, indicating a potential risk of toxicity to aquatic life. Results from laboratory studies conformed with predictions from the bioavailability tools because Zn and Pb were more toxic to aquatic organisms in surface water collected from Owode‐Onirin and Kara locations, respectively, compared to toxicity in surface water from other locations. The issue of bioavailability in metal pollution control is widely accepted and has been incorporated into water quality guidelines (WQGs) in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. In the absence of regulations incorporating bioavailability in developing countries including Nigeria, it is essential to assess the applicability of existing methods incorporating bioavailability to surface waters in this region. Findings from such studies will facilitate the development of region‐specific WQGs for metals which will be protective of locally relevant aquatic life. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2537–2547. © 2022 SETAC
Sexual activity and cancer: A systematic review of prevalence, predictors and information needs among female Arab cancer survivors

Abstract Introduction The objective of this review is to synthesise and present the best available evidence on the prevalence, predictors and information needs about sexual health among female Arab cancer survivors. Methods The databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from inception of the database until March 2020. The review was undertaken according to the JBI guidelines. Proportional meta‐analysis using a random effects model was used for statistical pooling through JBI SUMARI. Results Seven studies involving female Arab cancer survivors were included in the review. The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction ranged from 16.7 to 67% (pooled estimate 51%, 95% CIs 21.7% to 80.2%). Dyspareunia and erectile dysfunction were the two main types of sexual dysfunction reported after diagnosis, and the overall prevalence ranged from 42.5% to 65% and 38% to 61%, respectively. The prevalence of vaginal dryness was ranged from 19.8% to 54.2%, and dyspareunia ranged from 22.2% to 65%. The lack of sexuality information and communication with health care providers (HCPs) was also reported in the included studies. Conclusion Cancer and its treatment may result in significant difficulties with sexual activity and sexual functioning among cancer survivor. Communication between the health care professionals and cancer survivors is essential to overcome this problem and improve the quality of life of female Arab cancer survivors.
White Ignorance in Pain Research: Racial Differences and Racial Disparities

ABSTRACT:Racial disparities in pain treatment are well documented. Such disparities are explained with reference to factors related to providers, health care structures, and patient behaviors. Racial differences in pain experiences, although well documented, are less well understood. Explanations for such differences usually involve genetic or psychological factors. Here, we argue that racial differences in pain experiences might also be explained by disparities in pain treatment. Based on what we know about the nature of pain, particularly the cognitive and affective aspects of the phenomenon, it is likely that disparities in the treatment of racialized patients can lead to significant racial differences in pain experience that show up at the population level. We argue that the failure of research programs to consider this causal factor is an example of white ignorance. We also consider several implications of the link between racial disparities in pain treatment and racial differences in pain experience.
Effect of and LED light irradiation on ascorbate in broccoli

24 In the present study, the effects of red and blue light-emitting diode (LED) lights on 25 the senescence of broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. var. italica ) after harvest were 26 investigated. The results showed that irradiation with red LED light was effective for 27 delaying senescence in broccoli after harvest. Under red LED light, the yellowing 28 process was delayed, and the ethylene production and reduction of ascorbate (AsA) 29 were suppressed in broccoli after harvest. In contrast, the blue LED light treatment 30 did not significantly affect the senescence process of broccoli after harvest. As the red 31 light is inconvenient for the customers to select broccoli in the supermarket, we 32 designed a type of modified white LED light. In this modified white LED light, the 33 radio of blue light was decreased, while the radio of red light was increased. Under 34 the modified white LED light, the AsA reduction in broccoli was slightly delayed on 35 the first and second days after harvest. Moreover, the modulation of AsA reduction by 36 the modified white LED light treatment was highly regulated at the transcriptional 37 level. The up-regulation of the AsA biosynthetic genes ( BO-VTC2 and BO-GLDH ) 38 and AsA regeneration genes ( BO-MDAR1 and BO-MDAR2 ) contributed to the higher 39 AsA content in the modified white LED light treatment on the first and second days 40 after harvest. The results presented herein might provide new strategies to improve 41 the nutritional quality of broccoli after harvest. blue LED light treatment. These results suggested that red light was effective delaying senescence in Real-time RT-PCR amplification ribosomal was used to normalize the expression of the genes under identical conditions. The results shown are the mean ± SE for triplicate samples. Means denoted by the same letter did not differ significantly at P < 0.05 according to Student’s t -test. Some error bars and symbols are hidden by symbols.
DuDoUFNet: Dual-Domain Under-to-Fully-Complete Progressive Restoration Network for Simultaneous Metal Artifact Reduction and Low-Dose CT Reconstruction

To reduce the potential risk of radiation to the patient, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been widely adopted in clinical practice for reconstructing cross-sectional images using sinograms with reduced x-ray flux. The LDCT image quality is often degraded by different levels of noise depending on the low-dose protocols. The image quality will be further degraded when the patient has metallic implants, where the image suffers from additional streak artifacts along with further amplified noise levels, thus affecting the medical diagnosis and other CT-related applications. Previous studies mainly focused either on denoising LDCT without considering metallic implants or full-dose CT metal artifact reduction (MAR). Directly applying previous LDCT or MAR approaches to the issue of simultaneous metal artifact reduction and low-dose CT (MARLD) may yield sub-optimal reconstruction results. In this work, we develop a dual-domain under-to-fully-complete progressive restoration network, called DuDoUFNet, for MARLD. Our DuDoUFNet aims to reconstruct images with substantially reduced noise and artifact by progressive sinogram to image domain restoration with a two-stage progressive restoration network design. Our experimental results demonstrate that our method can provide high-quality reconstruction, superior to previous LDCT and MAR methods under various low-dose and metal settings.
Clinical utility of sFlt‐1 and PlGF in screening, prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is characterized by placental and maternal endothelial dysfunction, and associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), placental abruption, preterm delivery and stillbirth. The angiogenic factors soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are altered in pregnancies complicated by placenta‐related disorders. In this Review, we summarize the existing knowledge, examining the performance of maternal PlGF, sFlt‐1 and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio for screening PE, predicting development of PE in the short term, diagnosing PE, monitoring established PE and predicting other placenta‐related disorders in singleton pregnancy. We also discuss the performance of PlGF and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio for predicting PE in twin pregnancy. For first‐trimester screening in singleton pregnancy, a more accurate way of identifying high‐risk women than current practice is to combine maternal PlGF levels with clinical risk factors and ultrasound markers. Later in pregnancy, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio has advantages over PlGF because it has a higher pooled sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing and monitoring PE. It has clinical value because it can rule out the development of PE in the 1–4‐week period after the test. Once a diagnosis of PE is established, repeat measurement of sFlt‐1 and PlGF can help monitor progression of the condition and may inform clinical decision‐making regarding the optimal time for delivery. The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio is useful for predicting FGR and preterm delivery, but the association between stillbirth and the angiogenic factors is unclear. The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio can be used to predict PE in twin pregnancy, although different sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio cut‐offs from those for singleton pregnancy should be applied for optimal performance. In summary, PlGF, sFlt‐1 and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio are useful for screening, diagnosing, predicting and monitoring placenta‐related disorders in singleton and twin pregnancy. We propose that tests for these angiogenic factors are integrated more fully into clinical practice. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Development of an aerosol intervention for COVID-19 disease: Tolerability of soluble ACE2 (APN01) administered via nebulizer

As ACE2 is the critical SARS-CoV-2 receptor, we hypothesized that aerosol administration of clinical grade soluble human recombinant ACE2 (APN01) will neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in the airways, limit spread of infection in the lung, and mitigate lung damage caused by deregulated signaling in the renin-angiotensin (RAS) and Kinin pathways. Here, after demonstrating in vitro neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by APN01, and after obtaining preliminary evidence of its tolerability and preventive efficacy in a mouse model, we pursued development of an aerosol formulation. As a prerequisite to a clinical trial, we evaluated both virus binding activity and enzymatic activity for cleavage of Ang II following aerosolization. We report successful aerosolization for APN01, retaining viral binding as well as catalytic RAS activity. Dose range-finding and IND-enabling repeat-dose aerosol toxicology testing were conducted in dogs. Twice daily aerosol administration for two weeks at the maximum feasible concentration revealed no notable toxicities. Based on these results, a Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers has now been initiated (NCT05065645), with subsequent Phase II testing planned for individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Serum Ferritin as a Predictor of Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19 Pneumonia

Purpose: Elevated ferritin levels are associated with poor outcomes in Covid-19 patients. Optimal timing of ferritin assessment and the merit of longitudinal values remains unclear. Methods: Patients admitted to Henry Ford Hospital with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 were studied. Regression models were used to determine the relation between ferritin and mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and days on the ventilator. Results: 2265 patients were evaluated. Patients with an initial ferritin of > 490 ng/mL had an increased risk of death (OR 3.4, P < .001), admission to the ICU (OR 2.78, P < .001) and need for mechanical ventilation (OR 3.9, P < .001). There was no difference between admission and Day 1 ICU ferritin levels (611.5 ng/mL vs. 649 ng/mL respectively; P = .07). The decline in ferritin over ICU days 1-4 was similar between survivors and non-survivors. A change in ferritin levels from admission to ICU Day 1 (P = .330), or from ICU Day 1 to 2 (P = .788), did not predict days on the ventilator. Conclusions: Initial Ferritin levels were highly predictive of ICU admission, the need for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. However, longitudinal measures of ferritin throughout the hospital stay did not provide additional predictive value.
Echinacoside alleviates osteoarthritis in rats by activating the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway

Abstract Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and echinacoside (Ech) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various human diseases. This study aimed to reveal the effect and potential mechanism of Ech on OA. Materials and methods The in vitro OA model was established by rat chondrocytes treated with IL-1β, and the in vivo OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transaction. The effect of Ech on the viability, inflammatory response, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and oxidative stress of IL-1β-treated rat chondrocytes were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay. Meanwhile, the mechanism of Ech was assessed using Western blot, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunofluorescence analysis. Moreover, the function of Ech in vivo was analyzed in rat models of OA. Results Functionally, Ech enhanced the viability of rat chondrocytes, repressed the inflammatory response and ECM degradation of rat chondrocytes induced by IL-1β with restrained oxidative stress. Mechanically, Ech repressed IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, Ech alleviated the degree of articular cartilage injury in rats and exerted protective effects on the rat model of OA in vivo. Discussion and conclusions Ech alleviated OA in rats by activating the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway.
Reliability and Validity of the Self-Rating Scale as a Measure of Self-Criticism

The Self-Rating Scale (SRS; Hooley et al., 2010), a widely used measure of self-criticism in self-injury research, did not utilize conventional test development methods and has limited psychometric data. We examined the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the SRS. Participants were 295 psychology undergraduate students. The SRS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .93), adequate test–retest reliability (r = .76), and satisfactory convergent validity with other measures of self-criticism. Convergent validity was also adequate for expected dimensions of perfectionism (socially prescribed, self-oriented, concerns about mistakes, and doubts about actions), depressive symptoms, and negative and positive affect. The SRS demonstrated adequate discriminant validity with expected constructs of perfectionism (other-oriented, personal standards, and organizational perfectionism). Although the SRS appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of self-criticism, high correlations with depression and perfectionism raise questions regarding the overlap of these constructs.