Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remote Laboratory Exercise to Develop Micropipetting Skills†

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has fundamentally transformed our educational system. The need to protect both students and instructors from exposure to viral infection has required the implementation of remote instructional models. ABSTRACT The rapid spread of COVID-19 has fundamentally transformed our educational system. The need to protect both students and instructors from exposure to viral infection has required the implementation of remote instructional models. Although this alternative delivery approach can be successfully implemented to teach the theoretical foundations of multiple disciplines, teaching technical skills poses a major challenge, particularly in various biology fields, where observation of biological safety guidelines and the high cost of analytical equipment represent major impediments for remote instruction. To overcome this problem, we have developed a laboratory exercise to teach students how to use micropipettes that can be completed remotely using materials that can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of the instructional equipment normally reserved for in-person instruction. Our evaluation of the effectiveness of this remote lab indicated that the majority of students who participated in a survey believed they attained the learning objectives and felt confident in their lab technique after completing the exercises. The simplicity, relatively low cost, and effectiveness of this approach makes it highly adaptable for other classrooms and educational settings.
Consumer Response to Standardized Tobacco Packaging in the United Kingdom: A Synthesis of Evidence from Two Systematic Reviews

Abstract Standardized packaging of tobacco products has now been fully implemented in 15 countries. However, there is limited evidence, apart from in Australia, on how consumers have responded to the policy. Two systematic reviews explored consumer, tobacco industry and retailer response to standardized packaging in the United Kingdom (UK), which became mandatory for cigarettes (factory-made and hand-rolled) from May 2017, following a twelve-month transition period. In the first review, electronic databases were searched for published primary research from January 2016 to February 2019. The second review used the same methods, with searches conducted between February 2019 and September 2020. The current study conducted a narrative synthesis of the findings exploring consumer response from these two systematic reviews. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies examined consumer response to on-pack warnings (n=7 studies), appeal of packs and smoking (n=4), perceptions of harm (n=5), and behavioral responses (n=8). There was consistent evidence that standardized packaging was associated with increased warning salience and effectiveness, and reduced appeal. Findings were mixed with respect to whether standardized packs were associated with increased perceptions of harm. Standardized packaging was generally thought to deter never or occasional smokers. Standardized packaging was associated with increased thoughts of quitting during the transition period, but no study directly explored cessation or relapse prevention. Some smokers switched to cheaper cigarettes. Standardized packaging in the UK seems to be reducing the appeal of packaging and smoking and making warnings more salient, but the behavioral impact is unclear. More consumer research is needed to assess longer-term behavioral response.
Treatment of COPD Groups GOLD A and B with Inhaled Corticosteroids in the COSYCONET Cohort – Determinants and Consequences

Background In COPD patients of GOLD groups A and B, a high degree of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has been reported, which is regarded as overtreatment according to GOLD recommendations. We investigated which factors predict ICS use and which relationship it has to clinical and functional outcomes, or healthcare costs. Methods We used pooled data from visits 1 and 3 of the COSYCONET cohort (n=2741, n=2053, interval 1.5 years) including patients categorized as GOLD grades 1–4 and GOLD group A or B at both visits (n=1080). Comparisons were performed using ANOVA, and regression analyses using propensity matching and inverse probability weighting to adjust for differences between ICS groups. These were defined as having ICS at both visits (always) vs no ICS at both visits (never). Measures were divided into predictors of ICS treatment and outcomes. Results Among 1080 patients, 608 patients were eligible for ICS groups (n=297 never, n=311 always). Prior to matching, patients with ICS showed significantly (p<0.05 each) impaired lung function, symptoms and exacerbation history. After matching, the outcomes generic quality of life and CO diffusing capacity were increased in ICS patients (p<0.05 each). Moreover, costs for respiratory medication, but not total health care costs, were significantly elevated in the ICS group by 780€ per year. Conclusion ICS therapy in COPD GOLD A/B patients can have small positive and negative effects on clinical outcomes and health care costs, indicating that the clinical evaluation of ICS over-therapy in COPD requires a multi-dimensional approach.
Experiences of involuntary job loss and health during the economic crisis in Portugal

Abstract Background: The economic recession that started in 2008 left many unemployed across several European countries. Many studies have analyzed the relationship between job loss, health, and well-being in other contexts. This study aimed to explore experiences of involuntary unemployment during the economic recession and their relationship with health, conceptualized as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being among unemployed individuals. Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews were carried out among a convenience sample of participants who became unemployed during the economic recession. The analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes. Results: Participants (n = 22; 8 men and 14 women; 23–51 years) experienced feelings of loss of identity, stress, and a sense of powerlessness due to unemployment, as well as a lack of purpose and structure in their daily lives. Six themes were identified: work as the basis for life structure and personal fulfillment; response to unemployment and the importance of its duration; unemployment leading to isolation and loss of a role in society; impact of a change in financial situation on social life and consumption patterns; the physical and psychological health consequences of unemployment; and searching for ways to cope with unemployment and to feel well. Conclusions: Losing a job is an adverse experience that impairs an individual's perception of overall health and well-being. From a public health perspective, the results of this study highlight the need for policymakers’ awareness to help mitigate the potential consequences of involuntary job loss in the short- and long-term.
Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are epithelial neoplasms with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation and the ability to synthesize and secrete variable hormones and monoamines. They are relatively rare, accounting for 2% of all malignancy cases in the United States. The most common system affected by NETs is the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical presentation depends on the organ being involved and the hormone being secreted. It can be variable from asymptomatic incidental findings on imaging to intestinal obstruction, or carcinoid syndrome (CS). Several biochemical testings are developed to help with the diagnosis of NETs including 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and chromogranin A (CgA). Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most commonly used modalities to localize the primary tumor and evaluate for metastasis. However, radionuclide imaging using somatostatin receptor-based imaging techniques has improved accuracy to detect smaller neoplasm. Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment for locoregional tumors. Several medical managements are available for non-respectable NETs which include SSAs, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), and platinum-based chemotherapy agents.
Mobile Phone Addiction Mediates the Relationship Between Alexithymia and Learning Burnout in Chinese Medical Students: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

Background Learning burnout is a passive mental state among students. It is a common phenomenon that can cause many bad outcomes in Chinese medical students, such as mental disorders and suicide, and its causes are complex. Purpose To analyze the relationship between alexithymia and learning burnout, as well as the mediating effect of mobile phone addiction, and provide clues for future interventions to deal with learning burnout among Chinese medical students. Methods In this cross-sectional study, convenience cluster sampling was used to produce a sample of 1200 medical universities in Chongqing, China. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS), and Learning Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) were used to examine participants. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the effect of alexithymia and mobile phone addiction on learning burnout. A structural equation model (SEM) with maximum likelihood was used to evaluate the mediating effect of mobile phone addiction on the relationship between alexithymia and learning burnout. The bootstrap method was used to confirm the significance of this mediating effect. Results The final sample size was 1062, with a valid response rate of 88.5%. The prevalence of learning burnout among Chinese medical students was 39.6%. Results of hierarchical regression revealed that alexithymia (ΔR2=0.198, P<0.01) and mobile phone addiction (ΔR2=0.021, P<0.01) were independent factors of learning burnout; the SEM revealed that the mediating effect of mobile phone addiction between alexithymia and learning burnout accounted for 25.16% of the total effect of alexithymia on learning burnout; the bootstrap method revealed that the bounds of the CI did not contain 0, confirming the significance of this mediating effect. Conclusion Of the medical students, 39.6% had learning burnout. Alexithymia can positively predict learning burnout, and this relationship is partially mediated by mobile phone addiction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) among Nigerians

Abstract Background: Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens and are one of the most important bacteria in hospital-acquired infections. Their resistance to antibiotics such as vancomycin has led to life-threatening and difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections. The true prevalence in clinical settings in Nigeria is not well known due to the lack of a comprehensive antibiotic surveillance system. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in clinical infections in Nigeria. Methods: Databases (PubMed, African Journal Online, and Google scholar) were searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statements for articles reporting VRE prevalence, and were published before August 5, 2020. Data from the studies were extracted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA 3.0), respectively. The pooled prevalence of VRE was estimated with the random-effects model and the 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity level was assessed using Cochran Q and I2 tests. Results: A total of 35 articles were scanned for eligibility, among which 7 were included in the study after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The studies analyzed a total of 832 enterococci isolates and 90 VRE strains. The prevalence of Enterococcus faecium and E faecalis in this study are 361 (59.3%) and 248 (40.7%), respectively, among which 41 (63.1%) of the E faecium and 24 (36.9%) of the E faecalis were vancomycin resistant. The pooled prevalence of VRE was estimated at (95% CI; 10.0–53.9%; I2 = 93.50%; P < .001). The highest prevalence of VRE was reported from western Nigeria, 14.6% (95% CI; I2 = 97.27; P < .001). Conclusion: The prevalence of VRE in Nigeria according to the reports from this study is relatively high. The report of this study should help policymakers to put in place measures that will help curb the spread of VRE and associated resistant genes to other important clinical pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus.
Urgent Need of Integrated Health and Social Care to Alleviate High Psychological Distress in People with Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional National Representative Survey in Australia

Objective To investigate factors in association with high psychological distress in people with disabilities. Methods We used the 2015 national survey on disability in Australia to derive the representative study population of 7936 people with disabilities aged 18+ years. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to define high psychological distress (scores ≥22). The explanatory variables included socioeconomic status, physical health, social relationships and environment factors. Adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were evaluated using weighted Logistic regression models with lasso techniques. Results Approximately 21 in 100 study participants experienced high psychological distress. The risk of high psychological distress decreased with age and high educational attainment. Having non-English speaking background (2.31; 1.87–2.85) and need for assistance in cognitive or emotional tasks (3.25; 2.65–3.98) were independently significantly associated with high psychological distress in people with disabilities. Delay seeing a GP was associated with a 2-fold risk increase. Conclusion Integrated healthcare and social support are warranted with appropriate targeting to improve mental health outcomes in people with disabilities.
The Inclusion of Tolfenamic Acid into Cyclodextrins Stimulated by Microenvironmental pH Modification as a Way to Increase the Anti-Migraine Effect

Purpose The poorly soluble nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), tolfenamic acid (TA), was studied to maximize its solubility, permeability through biological membranes, and pharmacological activity. Methods A mixture with magnesium stearate (MS) – microenvironment pH-modifier was prepared, as well as systems additionally containing incorporating substances methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). The identification of TA-MS-CD systems was confirmed using experimental methods: X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) with the theoretical support. Apparent solubility study was performed using the paddle apparatus, while in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were conducted by using PAMPA (Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay). The in vivo part of the study used the mouse nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine pain model. Results From practically insoluble substance, TA in TA-MS-M-β-CD system dissolved up to 80.13% ± 2.77%, and in TA-MS-HP-β-CD up to 92.39% ± 3.25% in 180 minutes. An increase in TA permeability was also obtained in the TA-MS-M-β-CD and TA-MS-HP-β-CD systems through GIT membranes (Papp values 2.057 x 10−5 cm s−1 and 2.091 x 10−5 cm s−1, respectively) and through BBB (Papp values 3.658 x 10−5 cm s−1 and 3.629 x 10−5 cm s−1, respectively). The enlargement of the solubility and permeability impacted analgesia. The dose 25 mg/kg of both TA-MS-HP-β-CD and TA-MS-M-β-CD was almost equally effective and only slightly less effective than the dose 50 mg/kg of pure TA. Both TA-MS-HP-β-CD and TA-MS-M-β-CD used at 50 mg/kg more effectively attenuated tactile allodynia in NTG-treated mice than the same dose of pure TA. None of TA forms influenced heat hyperalgesia. Conclusion Increasing solubility of TA caused an increase of its analgesic effect in an animal model of migraine pain.
Pyomyositis and Infectious Myositis: A Comprehensive, Single-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract Background Pyomyositis is a bacterial infection of skeletal muscle that classically leads to abscess formation. A related, but distinct, entity is infectious myositis. The epidemiology of these infections has changed in recent years. Methods To better characterize both pyomyositis and infectious myositis, we conducted a retrospective study at our tertiary care institution. We identified 43 cases of pyomyositis and 18 cases of infectious myositis treated between January 2012 and May 2020. Results The mean age of patients was 48 years, and 66% were male. Diabetes mellitus affected one third of patients, and 16% had other immunocompromising comorbidities. Staphylococcal species accounted for 46% of all infections, and common symptoms included muscle pain (95%) and subjective fever (49%). Altered mental status was a presenting symptom in 16% of cases. Approximately half of all patients received >1 class of antibiotic, and the median length of antimicrobial therapy was 18 days. Open and percutaneous drainage procedures figured prominently in the management of these infections, with 28% of patients requiring multiple procedures. Pathology specimens were available for 12 of 61 cases. Overall, the treatment success rate was 84%. Conclusions Gram-positive bacteria accounted for most infections at our institution, and management commonly involved open or percutaneous drainage procedures. Future studies that prospectively evaluate treatment strategies for pyomyositis and infectious myositis are warranted.
Rivaroxaban versus low-molecular weight heparin plus warfarin prevents portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy and pericardial devascularization: A randomized clinical trial

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in preventing portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) in patients with liver cirrhosis after splenectomy and pericardial devascularization. 70 cirrhotic patients undergoing splenectomy and pericardial devascularization were randomly assigned to rivaroxaban treatment (n=35) or low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) plus warfarin treatment (n=35) for 30 days in this randomized controlled trial. The primary endpoint is the PVST formation. Ultrasound doctors and radiologists were blinded to the randomization results. Both groups received routine outpatient inspection every month and were followed for one year. 17 patients (48.6 %) in rivaroxaban group developed PVST, compared with 27 patients (77.1 %) in LMWH plus warfarin group (P=0.025). The incidence of PVST during the first year postoperation was significantly lower in rivaroxaban group than in LMWH plus warfarin group (F=7.901, P=0.006). The intra-group comparisons versus baseline showed the liver function improved from POD 21 to POM 1, and coagulation function improved from POM 2, in rivaroxaban group. In contrast, the liver function improved from POM 1 to POM 2, and coagulation function improved from POM 4, in LMWH plus warfarin group. The prophylactic use of rivaroxaban significantly decreases the incidence of PVST after splenectomy and pericardial devascularization in cirrhotic patients compared to LMWH plus warfarin treatment. Besides, rivaroxaban treatment was safe and effective and associated with better liver and coagulation functions improvement than LMWH plus warfarin treatment.
Zinc-diffused silver indium selenide quantum dot sensitized solar cells with enhanced photoconversion efficiency

Alloying of quantum dots (QDs) with suitable metal ions is one of the efficient tools to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of QD sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Ternary AgInX2 (X = S, Se) based liquid-junction QDSSCs have low PCEs due to the presence of defect states at internal atom vacancies. However, Zn2+ diffusion at these vacant sites can improve the carrier mobility of the QDs. The QDSSCs with Zn2+-diffused AgInSe2 (ZAISE) QDs have a broad light harvesting range up to the near-infrared (NIR) range. PCE was enhanced from a merely 1.67% for pristine AgInSe2 QDs (AISE) to 3.07% for ZAISE with a Zn/(Ag + In) ratio of 48.2%, aided by an optimized ZnS passivation layer on the photoanode. The device efficiency was further improved to 3.57% by applying dual passivation of amorphous TiO2 and SiO2 layers. This approach could effectively suppress the recombination pathways at the QD surface and thereby minimize back electron transfer from photoexcited electrons of QDs and from the conduction band of TiO2 to the polysulfide electrolyte. The combined strategy of alloying with Zn2+ and inorganic passivation could achieve the highest ever PCE of environmentally friendly AgInX2 based QDSSCs.
Approximate Bayesian inference for joint linear and partially linear modeling of longitudinal zero-inflated count and time to event data

Joint modeling of zero-inflated count and time-to-event data is usually performed by applying the shared random effect model. This kind of joint modeling can be considered as a latent Gaussian model. In this paper, the approach of integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) is used to perform approximate Bayesian approach for the joint modeling. We propose a zero-inflated hurdle model under Poisson or negative binomial distributional assumption as sub-model for count data. Also, a Weibull model is used as survival time sub-model. In addition to the usual joint linear model, a joint partially linear model is also considered to take into account the non-linear effect of time on the longitudinal count response. The performance of the method is investigated using some simulation studies and its achievement is compared with the usual approach via the Bayesian paradigm of Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC). Also, we apply the proposed method to analyze two real data sets. The first one is the data about a longitudinal study of pregnancy and the second one is a data set obtained of a HIV study.
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are associated with minor changes in composition and diversity in gut microbiota of healthy women.

Recent human and animal studies have found associations between gut microbiota composition and serum levels of sex hormones, indicating that they could be an important factor in shaping the microbiota. However, little is known about the effect of regular hormonal fluctuations over the menstrual cycle or CHC-related changes of hormone levels on gut microbiota structure, diversity and dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CHCs on human gut microbiota composition. The effect of CHC pill intake on gut microbiota composition was studied in a group of 7 healthy pre-menopausal women using the CHC pill, compared to the control group of 9 age-matched healthy women that have not used hormonal contraceptives in the six months prior the start of the study. By analyzing the gut microbiota composition in both groups during one menstrual cycle, we found that CHC usage is associated with a minor decrease in gut microbiota diversity and differences in the abundance of several bacterial taxa. These results call for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying hormonal and hormonal contraceptive-related changes of the gut microbiota and the potential implications of these changes for women's health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Hepatic stellate cell as a Mac‐2‐binding protein‐producing cell in patients with liver fibrosis

Mac‐2 binding protein (M2BP) glycosylated isomer (M2BPGi) is a serum marker of liver fibrosis; M2BPGi is a glycosylated form of M2BP. Hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been studied to determine the source of M2BP. This study proposes to identify the origin of M2BP in fibrotic liver.