Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A rapid, precise and low‐cost method to quantify silicon for the determination of food intake and utilisation for insect herbivores

Determining intake and subsequent digestion and absorption of nutrients is fundamental for understanding host plant quality for insect herbivores. This typically involves considerable time spent weighing leaf material, with various associated sources of error and inaccuracy. Biomarker techniques based on silicon (Si) for estimating food intake and utilisation are well described, but rarely used, because there is no standard technique to either extract or quantify Si, there is a lack of congruence regarding the efficacy of existing techniques, and these techniques rely on large sample sizes, slow and laborious procedures, highly hazardous chemicals and/or expensive specialized equipment. To determine Si in milligram plant and faecal samples, we adapted the molybdenum blue assay to a microplate technique. This assay determines silicon (Si in 2% NaOH) over the range 0.3–1.5 μg Si/0.18 mL (1.7–8.3 μg/mL) and was able to detect changes of 1.0 × 10−9 g Si. Four of the most commonly used digestion techniques were compared, and we found that a technique based on the autoclave‐induced digestion method allowed the rapid and precise extraction and determination of silicon found in concentrations greater than 0.001% from ca. 2.5 mg of dry ground leaf material, a level of precision that far exceeds the 0.1–10% that silicon typically contributes to dry leaf matter. Using silicon as a biomarker reduced the weighing effort involved in traditional gravimetry by up to 95% and improved the precision (±SE) of estimates of food utilisation. Both the extraction and quantification steps require relatively inexpensive equipment that is available in most laboratories, uses micromasses of plant material and chemicals and is amenable to automation and high‐throughput processing.
The Association of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width to Platelet Count Ratio and 28-Day Mortality of Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Sepsis is a life-threatening and inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality. Red blood cell distribution width to platelet count ratio (RPR) was known as an inflammatory biomarker and was related to poor outcomes of various diseases. Aim This study was intended to explore the association between RPR and mortality of sepsis patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study was undertaken in patients with sepsis, and the data were collected from a public database called Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality while the secondary outcomes were 90-day mortality and ICU mortality. Multivariable regression analyses, as well as interaction and stratified analyses, were conducted to investigate the relation between RPR and sepsis mortality. Results In total, we enrolled 7531 patients with 1316 deaths. RPR was independently correlated with 28-day mortality (per 0.1 increase: HR=1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06), 90-day mortality (per 0.1 increase: HR=1.04; 95% CI 1.03–1.06) and ICU mortality (per 0.1 increase: OR=1.06; 95% CI 1.02–1.10). Twenty-eight-day survival was worse in the high RPR (≥0.134) group according to the Kaplan–Meier curve analyses (Log rank test, p<0.001). In stratified analyses, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and length of ICU stay had interactive effects with the high RPR (≥0.134) group on 28-day mortality. Conclusion RPR is a novel biomarker that indicates poor prognosis of sepsis patients. Clinicians are required to pay more attention to those patients with high RPR.
Enlarged Brachial Plexus Nerve Found During Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Block Diagnosed as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Case Report

Abstract Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block (PNB) has become a popular anesthetic procedure. We report a case of an enlarged brachial plexus nerve noted on ultrasonographic images, as part of PNB, which was diagnosed postoperatively as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD), an inherited neurological disorder of the peripheral nerves. Although nerve enlargement is characteristic of demyelinating diseases such as CMTD, the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of neurological disorders is a developing area for neurologists and anesthesiologists can lack knowledge in this emerging field. Unusual nerve presentation on ultrasonographic images during PNB anesthetic procedures should be recognized as being indicative of underlying neurologic disorders. This case highlights that increased awareness of the diagnosis of underlying neurologic disorders by ultrasonography would assist the general practice of PNB in anesthetic medicine. This is especially important as underlying neurological conditions can have important consequences for patient-appropriate anesthesia and may inform best anesthetic practice. A new category, “neurological disorder on ultrasound image”, should be introduced to PNB knowledge in anesthetic field.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Antenatal Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women Living in an Urban Area of Thailand

Background Depression is a major public health problem in middle- and low-income countries. Depression in pregnancy has adverse effects on obstetric outcomes. Maternal depression remains under-recognized, under-diagnosed and undertreated in Thailand. Antenatal screening of depression is an important strategy to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. This problem has rarely been investigated in Thailand, especially in urban areas. Objective To discover the prevalence, associated factors, and predictive factors of depression in pregnant women living in an urban area. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study of 402 pregnant women was conducted during antenatal care at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 September to 31 November 2019. The participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that included a demographic profile, obstetric conditions, socio-cultural characteristics, and a Thai language version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale to assess depressive symptoms. Results Among a total 402 pregnant women, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in pregnant women in an urban area was 18.9%. Depressive symptoms in pregnant women were significantly associated with divorce (p < 0.001), low family income (p < 0.03), financial insufficiency (p < 0.001), extended family (p < 0.001), history of previous abortion (p = 0.033), history of previous pregnancy complications (p = 0.044), current alcohol use (p = 0.03), current tobacco use (p = 0.009), current substance abuse (p = 0.002), marital conflict (p < 0.001), and family conflict (p < 0.001). The significant factors predicting depression in pregnant women were extended family (AOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.59–5.51, p=0.001) and marital conflict (AOR 4.7, 95% CI 2.37–9.11, p<0.001). Conclusion This study revealed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms in pregnant women living in an urban area in Thailand was 18.9%. The significant associated factors of depressive symptoms were divorce, low family income, financial insufficiency, extended family, previous abortion, previous pregnancy complications, current alcohol use, current tobacco use, current substance abuse, marital conflict, and family conflict. Extended family and marital conflict were significant predictive factors for antenatal depressive symptoms.
Barriers to Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes During COVID-19 Medical Isolation: A Qualitative Study

Purpose Diabetes self-management behaviors are necessary to obtain optimum glycemic control, reduce the risk of complications, and improve health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic imposes an additional struggle for self-management by diabetes patients. Although previous studies have reported socio-demographic, behavioral, psychological, and cultural barriers to diabetes self-management, little is known about perceived barriers to diabetes self-management among patients during isolation following their recovery from COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived barriers among type 2 diabetes patients during isolation following their recovery from COVID-19. Patients and Methods A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research design was utilized. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted with 12 patients with diabetes who had been discharged from one COVID-19 designated hospital and underwent isolation in the designated facilities in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven steps. Results Barriers to diabetes self-management identified by patients with diabetes during isolation were categorized into five major themes: inadequate knowledge and behavioral beliefs, shortage of resources, suffering from health problems, negative emotions, and lack of support. Conclusion Perceived barriers to diabetes self-management described by diabetes patients indicated a lack of environmental resources and support strategies to meet their needs. Efforts to remove barriers are important in assisting patients with diabetes to improve their quality of life and health outcomes.
Revisiting CD8 T-cell ‘Memory Inflation’: New Insights with Implications for Cytomegaloviruses as Vaccine Vectors

Murine models of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have revealed an exceptional kinetics of the immune response. After resolution of productive infection, transient contraction of the viral epitope-specific CD8 T-cell pool was found to be followed by a pool expansion specific for certain viral epitopes during non-productive ‘latent’ infection. This phenomenon, known as ‘memory inflation’ (MI), was found to be based on inflationary KLRG1+CD62L− effector-memory T cells (iTEM) that depend on repetitive restimulation. MI gained substantial interest for employing CMV as vaccine vector by replacing MI-driving CMV epitopes with foreign epitopes for generating high numbers of protective memory cells specific for unrelated pathogens. The concept of an MI-driving CMV vector is questioned by human studies disputing MI in humans. A bias towards MI in experimental models may have resulted from systemic infection. We have here studied local murine CMV infection as a route that is more closely matching routine human vaccine application. Notably, KLRG1−CD62L+ central memory T cells (TCM) and conventional KLRG1−CD62L− effector memory T cells (cTEM) were found to expand, associated with ‘avidity maturation’, whereas the pool size of iTEM steadily declined over time. The establishment of high avidity CD8 T-cell central memory encourages one to pursue the concept of CMV vector-based vaccines.
Development, Characterization and Use of Liposomes as Amphipathic Transporters of Bioactive Compounds for Melanoma Treatment and Reduction of Skin Inflammation: A Review

Abstract The skin is the largest organ in the human body, providing a barrier to the external environment. It is composed of three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The most external epidermis is exposed to stress factors that may lead to skin conditions such as photo-aging and skin cancer. Some treatments for skin disease utilize the incorporation of drugs or bioactive compounds into nanocarriers known as liposomes. Liposomes are membranes whose sizes range from nano to micrometers and are composed mostly of phospholipids and cholesterol, forming similar structures to cell membranes. Thus, skin treatments with liposomes have lower toxicity in comparison to traditional treatment routes such as parenteral and oral. Furthermore, addition of edge activators to the liposomes decreases the rigidity of the bilayer structure making it deformable, thereby improving skin permeability. Liposomes are composed of an aqueous core and a lipidic bilayer, which confers their amphiphilic property. Thus, they can carry hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, even simultaneously. Current applications of these nanocarriers are mainly in the cosmetic and pharmaceutic industries. Nevertheless, new research has revealed promising results regarding the effectiveness of liposomes for transporting bioactive compounds through the skin. Liposomes have been well studied; however, additional research is needed on the efficacy of liposomes loaded with bioactive peptides for skin delivery. The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date description of existing techniques for the development of liposomes and their use as transporters of bioactive compounds in skin conditions such as melanoma and skin inflammation. Furthermore, to gain an understanding of the behavior of liposomes during the process of skin delivery of bioactive compounds into skin cells.
Prevalence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression Among Male Partners Who Came to Postnatal Follow-up Clinic with Their Partner in Selected Public Health Centers of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia, 2019

Background: Paternal postpartum depression is a serious public health problem which has a significant effect on mortality and morbidity level. Its effect is not limited to the partner, but it also affects the family, the marital relationship and development of the child. Therefore, this study was planned to assess the prevalence and predictors of paternal postpartum depression among accompanying partners in selected public health centers of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. Methodology: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 male partners. The study was conducted in 25 randomly selected health centers and samples proportionally allocated to each health center. Finally, the study participants were selected by systematic random sampling method. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.2. 0 and exported to IBM SPSS for further analysis. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was considered at a cutoff point ≥10 to detect depression. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were done. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and p -value results in multivariable logistic regression were used to declare strength and presence of association. Results: Four hundred and ten partners participated in this study making a response rate of 97%. Seventy (17%) of the participants had paternal postpartum depression. Family income (AOR=3.0; 95%CI: 1.1–8.2), substance use (AOR=4.5; 95%CI: 1.5–13.3), family support (AOR=3.9; 95%CI: 1.3–11.3), marital relation (AOR=4.1; 95%CI: 1.5–11.0), unplanned pregnancy (AOR=3.5; 95%CI: 1.4–8.7) and infant sleeping problems (AOR=10.0; 95%CI: 4.1–24.0) were variables significantly associated with paternal postnatal depression.
Predictors of (in)efficiencies of Healthcare Expenditure Among the Leading Asian Economies – Comparison of OECD and Non-OECD Nations

Purpose The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of healthcare spending among the leading Asian economies. Methods We have selected a total of nine Asian nations, based on the strength of their economic output and long-term real GDP growth rates. The OECD members included Japan and the Republic of Korea, while the seven non-OECD nations were China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Healthcare systems efficiency was analyzed over the period 1996–2017. To assess the effectiveness of healthcare expenditure of each group of countries, the two-way fixed effects model (country- and year effects) was used. Results Quality of governance and current health expenditure determine healthcare system performance. Population density and urbanization are positively associated with a healthy life expectancy in the non-OECD Asian countries. In this group, unsafe water drinking has a statistically negative effect on healthy life expectancy. Interestingly, only per capita consumption of carbohydrates is significantly linked with healthy life expectancy. In these non-OECD Asian countries, unsafe water drinking and per capita carbon dioxide emissions increase infant mortality. There is a strong negative association between GDP per capita and infant mortality in both sub-samples, although its impact is far larger in the OECD group. In Japan and South Korea, unemployment is negatively associated with infant mortality. Conclusion Japan outperforms other countries from the sample in major healthcare performance indicators, while South Korea is ranked second. The only exception is per capita carbon dioxide emissions, which have maximal values in the Republic of Korea and Japan. Non-OECD nations’ outcomes were led by China, as the largest economy. This group was characterized with substantial improvement in efficiency of health spending since the middle of the 1990s. Yet, progress was noted with remarkable heterogeneity within the group.
Identification of Novel Therapeutic Molecular Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Using Genetic Databases

Purpose Utilization of genetic databases to identify genes involved in ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), and their extra-intestinal manifestations. Methods Protein coding genes involved in ulcerative colitis (3783 genes), Crohn’s disease (3980 genes), uveitis (1043 genes), arthritis (5583 genes), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (1313 genes), and pyoderma gangrenosum (119 genes) were categorized using four genetic databases. These include Genecards: The Human Gene Database (www.genecards.org), DisGeNET (https://www.disgenet.org/), The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (http://ctdbase.org/) and the Universal Protein Resource (https://www.uniprot.org/). NDex, Network Data Exchange (http://www.ndexbio.org/), was then utilized for mapping a unique signal pathway from the identified shared genes involved in the above disease processes. Results We have detected a unique array of 20 genes with the highest probability of overlay in UC, CD, uveitis, arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and PSC. Figure 1 represents the interactome of these 20 protein coding genes. Of note, unique immune modulators in different disease processes are also noted. Interleukin-25 (IL-25) and monensin-resistant homolog 2 (MON-2) are only noted in UC, CD, pyoderma gangrenosum, and arthritis. Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) is involved in UC, CD, and arthritis. SLCO1B3 is exclusively involved with pyoderma gangrenosum, UC, and CD. As expected, TNF involvement is noted in CD, UC, PSC, and arthritis. Table 1 depicts the detailed result. Conclusion Our work has identified a distinctive set of genes involved in IBD and its associated extra-intestinal disease processes. These genes play crucial roles in mechanisms of immune response, inflammation, and apoptosis and further our understanding of this complex disease process. We postulate that these genes play a critical role at intersecting pathways involved in inflammatory bowel disease, and these novel molecules, their upstream and downstream effectors, are potential targets for future therapeutic agents.
The role of mechanical forces in bone formation : evaluation of long-term responses by osteoblasts to low fluid shear stress in vitro

Bone strength is maintained through the continuous process of bone remodelling within which bone cells work together. Mechanical loading is an important regulator of this process with bone cells being particularly sensitive to fluid shear stress (FSS). The aim of this research was to investigate long-term responses by osteoblasts to low FSS using both monolayer and 3D in vitro models. The osteoblast cell lines IDG-SW3 and MLO-A5 were cultured for 28 days or 21 days respectively in 6-well plates and were exposed to low FSS generated with a see-saw rocker (<0.05 Pa) or an orbital shaker (<0.9 Pa). There were no differences in metabolic activity, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralisation, collagen deposition and osteocytogenic differentiation between static and dynamic groups. Despite not reacting to FSS, IDG-SW3 responded to biochemical stimulation. Deposition of collagen and ALP activation were inhibited when ascorbic acid (50μg/ml) was omitted (p<0.001). Mineralisation was positively related to the concentration of β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) which also regulated osteocytogenesis. Treatment with 1 mM strontium ranelate reduced ALP activity and mineralisation (p<0.001), but enhanced expression of the osteocyte marker Dmp1-GFP (p<0.001). To investigate whether IDG-SW3 were more responsive to low FSS in a 3D environment, cells were embedded in collagen (2 mg/ml). Modification of a transwell insert enabled long-term cell culture under hydrostatic pressure-driven low fluid flow. After 21 days, cells had contracted the collagen by 50% compared to cell-free controls (p<0.001). However, no significant differences in gel contraction, cell distribution and mineralisation were detected between static and flow-stimulated groups, further confirming the results from the monolayer experiments.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Combined with Hydrogen Peroxide Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens Isolated from Dairy Farms and Beef Slaughterhouses in Egypt

Purpose The last few decades have witnessed a rapid and global increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) emergence. Methods The aim of the current study is to isolate the most common MDR bacteria from dairy farms and beef slaughterhouses followed by evaluation of their antimicrobial resistance pattern and assessment of the antibacterial activity of AgNPs-H2O2 as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. In this regard, 200 samples were collected from two dairy farms and one beef slaughterhouse located in Dakhliya Governorate, Egypt. Results Interestingly, out of 120 collected samples from dairy farms, the prevalence of the isolated strains was 26.7, 23.3, 21.7, 16.7, and 11.7% for S. typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Meanwhile, the overall prevalence was 30, 25, 22.5, 17.5, and 5% for E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae, respectively, for the 80 samples collected from a beef slaughterhouse. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern elucidated that all isolated strains exhibited resistance to at least four of the tested antimicrobials, with multiple-antibiotic resistance index values (MAR) ranging between 0.44 and 0.88. Furthermore, the commercial AgNPs-H2O2 product was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential that showed spherical particles with a surface charge of −0.192 mV. The antimicrobial activity of synergized nano-silver (AgNP) with H2O2 product toward MDR strains was assessed via measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill curve. Conclusion The present data report high prevalence rates of MDR pathogens in dairy farms and abattoirs. More importantly, AgNPs-H2O2 exerted broad-spectrum bactericidal activity toward MDR bacterial strains, suggesting their promising usage as safe, ecofriendly, cost-effective antibacterial agents. To our knowledge, this study is a pioneer in investigating the potential alternative antimicrobial role of silver nanoparticles for control of multiple drug-resistant pathogens in Egypt.