Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Key considerations for selecting instruments when evaluating healthcare professionals’ evidence‐based practice competencies: A discussion paper

AIM A discussion of key considerations related to selecting instruments and tools for evaluating healthcare professionals' evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies. DESIGN A discussion paper. DATA SOURCES Articles published in international peer-reviewed journals from January 2000 - November 2017 on validated instruments for assessing healthcare professionals' performance-based EBP competencies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Validated EBP competency instruments based on actual performance to evaluate the EBP competencies of healthcare professionals are currently available in the field of medicine. Although some of these instruments have already been adapted for use in physical and occupational therapy, their modification for use in nursing has begun only in the last few months. CONCLUSION A concerted effort on modifying and validating objective measures of actual performance for use in nursing should be commenced to evaluate directly measurable EBP competencies, instead of continuing to rely on nurses' self-assessments. Future studies focusing on development and validation of objective instruments to evaluate EBP competencies based on actual performance and exploring the modification of currently available objective instruments from medicine are urgently needed in nursing. IMPACT Instead of measuring actual EBP competencies, the majority of competency evaluations in nursing are still being conducted via self-assessments, despite growing evidence of their poor accuracy in evaluating directly measurable constructs such as evidence-based practice knowledge and skills. Accurate measurement of nurses' EBP competencies is essential to increasing systematic implementation of EBP in healthcare organizations, thus promoting the attainment of improved care quality and patient outcomes in healthcare delivery.
Cross-sectional analysis of ethnic differences in fall prevalence in urban dwellers aged 55 years and over in the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study

Objectives Falls represent major health issues within the older population. In low/middle-income Asian countries, falls in older adults remain an area which has yet to be studied in detail. Using data from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR), we have estimated the prevalence of falls among older persons in an urban population, and performed ethnic comparisons in the prevalence of falls. Design Cross-sectional analysis was carried out using the first wave data from MELoR which is a longitudinal study. Setting Urban community dwellers in a middle-income South East Asian country. Participants 1565 participants aged ≥55 years were selected by simple random sampling from the electoral rolls of three parliamentary constituencies. Outcome measures Consenting participants from the MELoR study were asked the question ‘Have you fallen down in the past 12 months? ’ during their computer-assisted home-based interviews. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the prevalence of falls among various ethnic groups. Results The overall estimated prevalence of falls for individuals aged 55 years and over adjusted to the population of Kuala Lumpur was 18.9%. The estimated prevalence of falls for the three ethnic populations of Malays, Chinese and Indian aged 55 years and over was 16.2%, 19.4% and 23.8%, respectively. Following adjustment for ethnic discrepancies in age, gender, marital status and education attainment, the Indian ethnicity remained an independent predictor of falls in our population (relative risk=1.45, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.85). Conclusion The prevalence of falls in this study is comparable to other previous Asian studies, but appears lower than Western studies. The predisposition of the Indian ethnic group to falls has not been previously reported. Further studies may be needed to elucidate the causes for the ethnic differences in fall prevalence.
Embolization of a complex coronary to pulmonary artery fistula using balloon assisted liquid embolic injection: A novel technique

Complex Coronary artery to Pulmonary artery fistulas (CPFs) can be difficult to manage with embolization or ligation. An 88‐year‐old woman with exertional angina was found to have a complex precordial CPF, severe Mitral regurgitation, and Pulmonary Hypertension. CPF treatment was recommended prior to minimally invasive mitral valve replacement (to avoid postoperative myocardial ischemia from worsened steal). The CPF was supplied by multiple branches from the LAD and RCA, and formed a complex common varicosity with multiple drainage channels to the pulmonary artery. The CPF was treated by injecting a liquid embolic agent, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx, Medtronic, MN), into two of the feeding arteries arising from the RCA through a Scepter C Dual lumen balloon micro catheter (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA. This resulted in complete obliteration of the fistula, and the patient subsequently underwent successful mitral valve replacement surgery.
F0 Timing and Tone Contrasts in Luganda

Abstract Scholars of Luganda (Bantu, Uganda) have described a contrast between falling and high tone, which is limited to syllables with a long vowel or a coda. The contrast has been represented with H on the first mora of a falling-tone syllable and on both moras in a high-tone syllable. This article explores this contrast through an instrumental study of the timing of f0 events in Luganda. It was found that the 2-tone classes differed in the timing of both the f0 rise and the subsequent f0 fall, supporting a reanalysis of the contrast as one between an early high tone and a late high tone. It was also found that for the speakers in this study, the contrast was limited to syllables with long vowels. The timing of f0 events was sensitive to the duration of segments in the CVC interval centered on the high-toned syllable, including non-moraic elements and consonants outside the syllable. The association of a tone to a syllable identifies the segments relevant for the timing of the f0 contour, but that timing is not directly sensitive to the interval of the syllable.
A simple and robust procedure for preparing graphene-oxide cryo-EM grids

Graphene oxide (GO) sheets have been used successfully as a supporting substrate film in several recent cryogenic electron-microscopy (cryo-EM) studies of challenging biological macromolecules. However, difficulties in preparing GO-covered holey carbon EM grids have limited its widespread use. Here, we report a simple and robust method for covering holey carbon EM grids with GO sheets and demonstrate that these grids are suitable for high-resolution single particle cryo-EM. GO substrates adhere macromolecules, allowing cryo-EM grid preparation with lower specimen concentrations and providing partial protection from the air-water interface. Additionally, the signal from images of the GO lattice beneath the frozen-hydrated specimen can be discerned in many motion-corrected micrographs, providing a high-resolution fiducial for evaluating beam-induced motion correction.
Neural sensitivity to personal and vicarious reward differentially relate to prosociality and well-being

Abstract Individuals stably vary in their responses to rewards, but researchers have not yet determined whether sensitivity to rewarding outcomes translates across social and non‐social contexts or whether different forms of reward sensitivity relate to distinct behavioral tendencies. We tested for responsiveness to different types of rewards by assessing individuals' neural sensitivity to personal vs. vicarious monetary reward outcomes and explored how responses to each related to prosociality and well‐being. Forty‐six participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning while winning money for themselves and observing a friend and stranger win money. All types of reward outcomes engaged the ventral striatum, but neural sensitivity to rewards for the self and for others were uncorrelated across individuals. Further, while sensitivity to rewards for the self or a close friend correlated with individuals' psychological well‐being, only sensitivity to a friend's rewards correlated with individuals' prosociality. These findings highlight the value of independently assessing responsiveness to different types of reward and illuminate affective mechanisms that may promote prosocial behavior and well‐being.
Expanded CD56superbrightCD16+ NK Cells from Ovarian Cancer Patients Are Cytotoxic against Autologous Tumor in a Patient-Derived Xenograft Murine Model

NK cells are usually ineffective as therapeutics against solid tumors. Expansion of autologous CD56bright NK cells before transfer into a mouse xenograft model effectively reduced the burden of established human ovarian tumors. Natural killer (NK) cells are useful for cancer immunotherapy and have proven clinically effective against hematologic malignancies. However, immunotherapies for poor prognosis solid malignancies, including ovarian cancer, have not been as successful due to immunosuppression by solid tumors. Although rearming patients' own NK cells to treat cancer is an attractive option, success of that strategy is limited by the impaired function of NK cells from cancer patients and by inhibition by self-MHC. In this study, we show that expansion converts healthy donor and immunosuppressed ovarian cancer patient NK cells to a cytotoxic CD56superbrightCD16+ subset with activation state and antitumor functions that increase with CD56 brightness. We investigated whether these expanded NK cells may overcome the limitations of autologous NK cell therapy against solid tumors. Peripheral blood- and ascites-derived NK cells from ovarian cancer patients were expanded and then adoptively transferred into cell-line and autologous patient-derived xenograft models of human ovarian cancer. Expanded ovarian cancer patient NK cells reduced the burden of established tumors and prolonged survival. These results suggest that CD56bright NK cells harbor superior antitumor function compared with CD56dim cells. Thus, NK cell expansion may overcome limitations on autologous NK cell therapy by converting the patient's NK cells to a cytotoxic subset that exerts a therapeutic effect against autologous tumor. These findings suggest that the value of expanded autologous NK cell therapy for ovarian cancer and other solid malignancies should be clinically assessed. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(10); 1174–85. ©2018 AACR.
Factors associated with professional identity, job satisfaction and burnout for occupational therapists working in eating disorders: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND Occupational therapists employed within eating disorder services provide unique and valuable interventions. However, existing literature suggests that occupational therapists in this area may be at substantial risk of experiencing poor work-related wellbeing (e.g., high levels of burnout and low levels of job satisfaction). Despite these risks, no previous studies have explored the work-related experiences of occupational therapists in this specialist area of practice. OBJECTIVES To explore challenges faced by occupational therapists working in eating disorders, their sense of professional identity, burnout and job satisfaction. METHOD A mixed methods sequential design was adopted. Australian occupational therapists working in eating disorder services were invited to complete a survey exploring job challenges, burnout, professional identity and job satisfaction. Follow-up interviews were conducted and analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis. RESULTS Ten occupational therapists (representing approximately 50% of the workforce in this specialist area in Australia) participated. There were strong correlations between challenges from the client group and exhaustion (a component of burnout), and moderate correlations between stronger professional identity, pressure to adopt generalist approaches and exhaustion. Qualitative analysis suggested job challenges arose from structural, personal and client-related sources, especially underutilisation of occupational therapy and pressure to adopt non-occupation-based practices. Participants reported using strategies such as maintaining an occupation focus, supervision, professional interactions and maintaining work-life balance to mitigate job stress. CONCLUSION Occupational therapists working in eating disorders do face challenges. These are particularly related to the lack of evidence base for occupational therapy in this area. Future research should focus on developing further evidence for occupational therapy in eating disorders and designing outcome measures that capture improvements in daily functioning. These efforts would strengthen the role of occupational therapy and may reduce the risk of burnout and improve job satisfaction and sense of professional identity.
The Effects of a Flavonoid-Rich Diet on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Lipid Profile after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Antioxidant-rich foods may decrease oxidative stress and have a direct impact on atherosclerosis by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Our aim was to assess the impact of a flavonoid-rich diet on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease submitted to elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Thirty-three patients submitted to elective PCI were randomly allocated to follow either a flavonoid rich antioxidant (AOX) diet or a control diet based on National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations. Patients were followed for 6 months. Dietary intake was recorded at the start and at the end of the follow-up period, as were oxidative stress markers (ferric reducing ability of plasma and protein sulphydryl) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients randomized to follow the AOX diet had a reduction in energy, carbohydrate, and lipid intake, as well as increased flavonoid intake. Compared to the control group, there were no changes in oxidative stress markers or CRP in the patients following the AOX diet, but these patients had a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that a flavonoid-based antioxidant-rich diet is not associated with reductions in oxidative stress or inflammatory markers 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention. Nonetheless, patients in the intervention group experienced significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular benefits of AOX diets despite of inflammation and oxidative stress markers.
Identification of miR-18a-5p as an oncogene and prognostic biomarker in RCC.

BACKGROUND RCC is a malignant tumor that originates from renal tubular epithelial cells, accounting for nearly 90% of renal malignancies and 3% of adult malignancies. It was reported that more than 30-40% of patients with early localized RCC still have recurrence and metastasis after receiving radical surgery. miRNAs are an endogenous non-coding small RNAs that play an important role in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. METHODS In our study, RT-qPCR, CCK-8 assay, wound scratch assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry assay were designed to identify the expression and functions of miR-18a-5p in RCC. Moreover, we collected the survival data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to predict and clarify the prognostic functions of miR-18a-5p in RCC. The correlation between miR-18a-5p expression and clinicopathological variables or overall survival was analyzed by 42 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) renal cancer samples. RESULTS The expression of miR-18a-5p in RCC tissues and cell lines was elevated. Further researches suggested that upregulation of miR-18a-5p had a positive effect on RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibition of apoptosis, while down-regulation of miR-18a-5p neutralized the effect. In addition, Data of TCGA and prognostic analysis of FFPE RCC samples revealed that high miR-18a-5p expression patients had significantly poorer survival. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that miR-18a-5p functioned as an oncogene and prognostic biomarker in RCC.
Evaluation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets Overexpressing BMP-7 in Canine Critical-Sized Bone Defects

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro osteogenic capacity of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) overexpressing adipose-derived (Ad-) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) sheets (BMP-7-CS). In addition, BMP-7-CS were transplanted into critical-sized bone defects and osteogenesis was assessed. BMP-7 gene expressing lentivirus particles were transduced into Ad-MSCs. BMP-7, at the mRNA and protein level, was up-regulated in BMP-7-MSCs compared to expression in Ad-MSCs. Osteogenic and vascular-related gene expressions were up-regulated in BMP-7-CS compared to Ad-MSCs and Ad-MSC sheets. In a segmental bone-defect model, newly formed bone and neovascularization were enhanced with BMP-7-CS, or with a combination of BMP-7-CS and demineralized bone matrix (DBM), compared to those in control groups. These results demonstrate that lentiviral-mediated gene transfer of BMP-7 into Ad-MSCs allows for stable BMP-7 production. BMP-7-CS displayed higher osteogenic capacity than Ad-MSCs and Ad-MSC sheets. In addition, BMP-7-CS combined with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) stimulated new bone and blood vessel formation in a canine critical-sized bone defect. The BMP-7-CS not only provides BMP-7 producing MSCs but also produce osteogenic and vascular trophic factors. Thus, BMP-7-CS and DBM have therapeutic potential for the treatment of critical-sized bone defects and could be used to further enhance clinical outcomes during bone-defect treatment.
Sensitivity-Improved Ultrasonic Sensor for 3D Imaging of Seismic Physical Model Using a Compact Microcavity

A sensitivity-improved ultrasonic sensor is proposed and demonstrated experimentally in this present study. The device is comprised only a fiber-optic microcavity that is formed by discharging a short section of hollow core fiber (HCF). The key to ensuring the success of the sensor relies on the preprocessing of hydrogen loading for HCF. When discharging the HCF, the hydrogen is heated up during the formation of the air bubble, which enlarges the bubble diameter, smoothens its surfaces simultaneously and decreases Young’s modulus of the material of the bubble. Ultimately, this results in the probe being highly sensitive to ultrasound with a SNR of 69.28 dB. Once the compact air cavity is formed between the end face of the leading-in fiber and the top wall of the bubble, a well-defined interference spectrum is achieved based on the Fabry–Perot interference. By using spectral side-band filtering technology, we detect the ultrasonic waves reflected by the seismic physical model (SMF) and then reconstruct its three-dimensional image.
Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy in childhood caused by duplication within the SEPT9 gene: A family study

Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA) is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with episodic, recurrent, and painful neuropathies affecting the nerves of the brachial plexus. In this study, we report on a family of Lebanese descent with HNA onset in early childhood. The affected family members presented with platelet dysfunction. Platelet aggregation was reduced after stimulation with the agonists ADP and epinephrine in all affected family members. Flow cytometric analyses revealed impaired platelet δ‐secretion. The index patient and one brother suffered from kidney cysts. Molecular genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous duplication of exon 2 within the septin 9 (SEPT9) gene in all the affected family members. Such a young child with HNA (aged 2 years) caused by SEPT9 duplication has not been described so far.
Synthesis and molecular docking studies of some novel Schiff bases incorporating 6-butylquinolinedione moiety as potential topoisomerase IIβ inhibitors

A series of novel pyranoquinolinone-based Schiff's bases were designed and synthesized. They were evaluated for topoisomerase IIβ (TOP2B) inhibitory activity, and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) for the development of novel anticancer agents. A molecular docking study was employed to investigate their binding and functional properties as TOP2B inhibitors, using the Discovery Studio 2.5 software, where they showed very interesting ability to intercalate the DNA–topoisomerase complex. Compounds 2a, 2c and 2f showed high docking score values (82.36% −29.98 kcal mol−1 for compound 2a, 78.18% −26.98 kcal mol−1 for compound 2c and 78.65, −28.11 kcal mol−1 for compound 2f) and revealed the highest enzyme inhibition activity. The best hit compounds exhibited highly potent TOP2B inhibitors with submicromolar IC50 at 5 µM compared to the reference doxorubicin.
The Effects of Lower Extremity Strengthening Delivered in the Workplace on Physical Function and Work-Related Outcomes Among Desk-Based Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a workplace leg-strengthening program on self-reported function, physical capacity, and work-related outcomes among desk-based workers. Methods: Forty-three desk-based workers were randomized to a 12-week exercise program or no exercise control. The primary outcome was change in self-reported physical function on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcomes were physical capacity (mobility, strength), self-reported outcomes (pain, depressive symptoms), and work-related outcomes (resilience, work ability). Results: The exercise group showed greater improvements in LEFS and mobility. No significant between-group differences existed in knee strength or remaining self-reported and work-related outcomes. Conclusion: Workplace implemented leg-strengthening exercises are effective at improving self-reported and physical health outcomes of desk-based workers. Moving forward, occupational exercise interventions may be essential to enhance worker longevity among the aging, sedentary workforce.
Direct Detection of penA Gene Associated with Ceftriaxone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 Strain by Using PCR

The ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 clone was first observed in Japan in 2015, and in 2017, it was documented in Denmark, Canada, and Australia. Here, we describe a PCR for direct detection of the penA gene associated with this strain that can be used to enhance surveillance activities.