Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Dietary Adherence Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients Aimed COVID-19 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Background People with diabetes are proving to be at higher risk of severe coronavirus infection than the general population. Non-adherence to dietary recommendation is a critical problem in individuals with type 2 diabetes; particularly, in the era of coronavirus. This study aimed to explore determinants that affect adherence to the recommendations of diet during coronavirus pandemic. Objective This study aimed to determine dietary adherence among diabetes type 2 patients aimed at coronavirus pandemic and its associated factors. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up. Systematic random sampling was employed to get representative study participants. Dietary adherence was dichotomized and with logistic regression analysis to assess the association between dependent and explanatory variables. The degree of association was interpreted by using both crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results In this study, 576 participants took part with a 99.3% response rate. The dietary adherence was found to be 48.3% with [95% CI (44.1–52.4)]. The educational level of College and above was [AOR=3.64, 95% CI (1.59–8.34)], being a government-employed [AOR=2.38, 95% CI (1.13–4.99)], being urban [AOR=1.30, 95% CI (1.09–2.42)], family size of less than five [AOR=1.27, 95% CI (1.08–1.97)], medium level of wealth-status[AOR=2.26, 95% CI (1.67–4.54)], family history of diabetes [AOR=2.18, 95% CI (1.14–4.19)], duration of diabetes more than 15 years [AOR=5.39, 95% CI (1.57–18.52)], and knowledge related to coronavirus [AOR=4.33,95% CI (2.71–6.92)] were significantly associated with adherence to the dietary recommendation. Conclusion The dietary adherence was relatively low aimed at coronavirus pandemic. Knowledge about COVID-19 was found significantly associated with dietary adherence. Recommendations There has to be a strong commitment to aware the community to minimize the risk of coronavirus severity among diabetes patients. This could be through adherence to dietary recommendations of particularly in the era of coronavirus pandemic.
Individualized Vancomycin Dosing with Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Pharmacokinetic Consultation Service: A Large-Scale Retrospective Observational Study

Background To date, outcome data with a large sample size and data regarding the clinical outcomes of pharmacokinetic-guided (PK) dosing of vancomycin are limited. Aim We evaluated the pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes of a PK-guided dosing advisory program, pharmacokinetic consultation service (PKCS), in vancomycin treatment. Methods We investigated vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and PKCS use through a retrospective review of patients who had serum vancomycin trough concentration data from October 2017 to November 2018. Among these patients, we selected non-critically ill adult patients satisfying our selection criteria to evaluate the effect of PKCS. Target trough attainment rate, time to target attainment, vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity (VIN), vancomycin treatment failure rate, and duration of vancomycin therapy were compared between patients whose dosing was adjusted according to PKCS (PKCS group), and those whose dose was adjusted at the discretion of the attending physician (non-PKCS group). Results A total of 280 patients met the selection criteria for the VIN analysis (PKCS, n=134; non-PKCS, n=146). The incidence of VIN was similar between the two groups (PKCS, n=5; non-PKCS, n=5); however, the target attainment rate was higher in the PKCS group (75% vs 60%, P = 0.012). The time to target attainment was similar between the two groups. Further exclusions yielded 112 patients for the clinical outcome evaluation (PKCS, n=51; non-PKCS, n=61). The treatment failure rate was similar, and the duration of vancomycin therapy was longer in the PKCS group (12 vs 8 days, P = 0.008). Conclusion In non-critically ill patients, an increase in target trough achieved by PKCS did not lead to decreased vancomycin treatment failures, shorter vancomycin treatment, or decreased nephrotoxicity in vancomycin treatment. Considering the excessive amount of effort currently put into vancomycin dosing and monitoring, more selective criteria for individualized pharmacokinetic-guided dosing needs to be applied.
Reasons for Permanent Teeth Extractions and Related Factors among Adult Patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Objective To evaluate the reasons for permanent teeth extractions and related factors among adult patients visiting dental clinics in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included data of patients who underwent teeth extractions. Data were collected from public and private dental clinics in different cities of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (January–March 2020). The demographic information of patients and their reasons for teeth extractions were obtained from participating dentists. Results The study included data of 696 patients with 55.9% of males and 44.1% of females. The mean number of teeth extractions in the sample was 1.86 ± 1.8, and it increased significantly with advancing age (P ≤ 0.001). Saudi (1.97 ± 1.98) versus non-Saudi patients (1.55 ± 1.11) (P=0.02) and patients in public practice (2.03 ± 1.95) versus patients in private practice (1.50 ± 1.38) (P ≤ 0.001) showed significantly higher teeth extractions. Dental caries was the most common reason for teeth extractions (49.1%), followed by remaining roots (18.5%), periodontal disease (18.4%), and impactions (7.2%). Most commonly extracted teeth included tooth # 30 (9.8%), followed by tooth #16 (9.6%), tooth # 1 (8.8%), tooth # 19 (8.3%), and tooth # 4 (8.3%). On the other hand, upper incisors were the least commonly extracted teeth. Conclusions Dental caries, remaining roots, periodontal disease, and impactions were the most common reasons for teeth extractions in our sample of patients. The extractions increased significantly with increasing age. Saudis and patients in public clinics underwent significantly higher teeth extractions. Measures aimed at the prevention and treatment of oral conditions can help reduce teeth extractions and improve the quality of life of patients.
SYNTHESIS AND PHOTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MICACEOUS CERIUM PHOSPHATES

: Micaceous hydrated cerium phosphate, Ce 2 (PO 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ・ H 2 O, was prepared by the hydrothermal reaction and its photochemical properties were evaluated. Ce 2 (PO 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ・ H 2 O showed excellent absorption ability of light having a wavelength less than 450 nm of wavelength and oxidation catalytic activity lower than undoped ceria. Ce 2 (PO 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ・ H 2 O was converted to a plate-like CePO 4 -CeP 2 O 7 mixture around 650 o C and CePO 4 -CeP 3 O 9 mixture around 800 o C, possessing absorption ability of UV light less than 400 nm and much lower oxidation catalytic activity than Ce 2 (PO 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ・ H 2 O. (Received
Phytomolecules-Coated NiO Nanoparticles Synthesis Using Abutilon indicum Leaf Extract: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities

Background NiO nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their unique properties. They have been synthesized using chemical and physical techniques that often need toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals cannot easily be removed from the nanoparticle’s surface, make them less biocompatible, and limit their biological applications. Instead, plants based green synthesis of nanoparticles uses phytomolecules as reducing and capping agents. These phytomolecules are biologically active with no or less toxic effects. Materials and Methods Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were synthesized employing a green route using Abutilon indicum leaf extract. For comparative study, we also have synthesized NiO nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method. Synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial activity with agar well diffusion assay against different bacteria compared to standard drug and plant extract. They are also examined for anticancer potential using MTT assay against HeLa cancer cells, and further, their antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH assay. Biocompatibility of the synthesized nanoparticles was assessed against fibroblast cells. Results Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were demonstrated superior antibacterial and anticancer performance against bacteria (E. coli, B. bronchiseptica, B. subtilis, and S. aureus) by presenting highest zone of inhibitions (18 ± 0.58 mm, 21 ± 0.45 mm, 22 ± 0.32 mm, and 23 ± 0.77 mm) and HeLa cancer cells by exhibiting the least cell viability percentage (51.74 ± 0.35%) compared to plant extract and chemically synthesized NiO nanoparticles but were comparable to standard antibiotic and anticancer drugs, respectively. Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were also demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity (79.87 ± 0.43% DPPH inhibition) and biocompatibility (> 90% cell viability) with fibroblast cells. Conclusion Nanoparticle synthesis using the Abutilon indicum leaf extract is an efficient and economical method, produces biocompatible and more biologically active nanoparticles, which can be an excellent candidate for therapeutic applications.
Determinants of Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Uptake among Women Delivering in Public Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: An Unmatched Case-Control Study

Introduction Integrated use of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices with delivery service during the immediate postpartum period is ideal for both women and health-care providers. However, utilization of intrauterine contraceptive devices during the postpartum period was rare and in Ethiopia, with information regarding uptake of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices limited. Objective Identify determinants of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices uptake among women delivering in public hospitals of South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods An unmatched case-control study was conducted in public hospitals of South Gondar, Ethiopia, from August 1, 2019, to November 10, 2019. A total of 140 cases and 280 controls have actively participated in the study. Five hospitals were selected by simple random sampling. Cases were selected consecutively, whereas two controls for each case were recruited by the lottery method. Pretested questionnaires were used to collect data and it was entered into Epidata version 4.4. 2. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the use of outcome and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association between independent and outcome variables. Results Completing secondary education (AOR = 4.5, 95%CI 2.3–8.85), having a total number of children of 3–4 (AOR = 3.6, 95%CI 1.25–10.2), having ≥ 5 (AOR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.5–15.3), attending 3 antenatal care (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI 1.44–5.6), ever hearing about postpartum IUCD (AOR = 6.6, 95%CI 2.7–16.1), and having counseling from health-care provider about a postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (AOR = 6.2, 95%CI 2.99–12.8) were significantly associated with uptake of the postpartum intrauterine contraceptive. Conclusion and Recommendation. Completing secondary education, having 3–4 and ≥5 children, attending three antenatal care, ever hearing about postpartum IUCD, and having counseling from health-care providers about the postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device among women were significantly associated with uptake of an intrauterine contraceptive device after birth. Therefore, it is better to advise women to strictly follow their antenatal care, access to information, and provide counseling.
Nomogram Based on Ultrasonography and Clinical Features for Predicting Malignancy in Soft Tissue Tumors

Purpose The objective of this study was to establish a predictive nomogram based on ultrasound (US) and clinical features for patients with soft tissue tumors (STTs). Patients and Methods A total of 260 patients with STTs were enrolled in this retrospective study and were divided into a training cohort (n=200, including 110 malignant and 90 benign masses) and a validation cohort (n=60, including 30 malignant and 30 benign masses). Multivariate analysis was performed by binary logistic regression analysis to determine the significant factors predictive of malignancy. A simple nomogram was established based on these independent risk factors including US and clinical features. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were measured by the calibration curve and the concordance index (C-index). Results The nomogram, comprising US features (maximum diameter, margin and vascular density) and clinical features (sex, age, and duration of disease), showed a favorable performance for predicting malignancy, with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 78.7%. The calibration curve for malignancy probability in the training cohort showed good agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. The C-indexes of the training cohort and validation cohort for predicting malignancy were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85–0.94) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73–0.94), respectively. Conclusion The nomogram based on US and clinical features could be a simple, intuitive and reliable tool to individually predict malignancy in patients with STTs.
PAMK Relieves LPS-Induced Enteritis and Improves Intestinal Flora Disorder in Goslings

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) is a biologically active component of Atractylodes macrocephala, which has the effect of maintaining the immune homeostasis of the body. Therefore, this study constructed a model of PAMK to relieve LPS-induced gosling enteritis and observed the morphological changes of the small intestine after HE staining. ELISA was used to detect serum CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels; immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive rate of IgA in the small intestine; TLR4, occludin, ZO-1, cytokines, and immunoglobulin mRNA expression in the small intestine were detected by qPCR; and intestinal flora of gosling excrement was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze the protective effect of PAMK on goslings enteritis and the impact on intestinal flora. The results showed that PAMK relieves LPS-induced gosling enteritis by maintaining the small intestine morphology, cytokine, tight junctions, and immunoglobulin relatively stable and improving the disorder of intestinal flora.
Double-Expressor Phenotype (BCL-2/c-MYC Co-expression) of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Its Clinicopathological Correlation

Introduction Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease, the spectrum of which is increasing with time. The 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) update on hematopoietic tumors recognized a prognostic subgroup of DLBCL called double-expressor DLBCL. Double-expressor DLBCL is defined by the co-expression of c-MYC and BCL-2 by using immunohistochemical (IHC) studies. To our knowledge, very few studies have looked into the pathological features of this newly defined prognostic category of DLBCL; therefore, in this study we evaluated the frequency of the double-expressor phenotype of DLBCL and its association with other clinicopathological parameters. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study in the Department of Histopathology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, from November 2017 till December 2020. Pathological and clinical records were retrieved from departmental archives. All cases diagnosed as DLBCL were included in the study. More than 40% c-MYC expression in the presence of more than 50% BCL-2 expression was defined as double-expressor DLBCL. Results The mean age of the patients was 52.1±16.9 years. The mean Ki67 index was 73.0±17.0%. A total of 48.6% cases were of germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype, and 59.6% cases were nodal. Double-expressor phenotype was noted in 35.8% of DLBCL cases. A significant association of double-expressor phenotype was noted with age, gender, Ki67 index and subtype of DLBCL. Double-expressor DLBCL had a higher mean age than non-double-expressor DLBCL. Similarly, double-expressor DLBCL had a higher Ki67 index. Moreover, double-expressor phenotype was associated with non-GCB subtype DLBCL. Conclusion We found a high proportion of double-expressor phenotype DLBCL in our population. Moreover, double-expressor phenotype DLBCL was associated with female gender, higher age, higher Ki67 and non-GCB subtype. The association of double-expressor DLBCL with a high Ki67 index and non-GCB subtype confers a poor prognostic significance of this variant of DLBCL, requiring more aggressive therapy.
Race and Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers

Race is a social construct with profound consequences on health. Although race does not always segregate with genetic ancestry, some genetic variants are more frequently found in certain self-identified racial and ethnic groups. Differences in the epidemiology and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions have been described in certain racial groups. Unfortunately, most studies in the field of AD have mainly included non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants, with an underrepresentation of other populations. In the past few years, however, research on race and ethnic differences in AD has grown rapidly. Some studies indicate that African Americans (AA) have a greater risk for AD than NHW.1 The reasons hypothesized to account for this higher risk are certain genetic risk factors associated with AA, the higher prevalence of vascular risk factors in AA, and socioeconomic factors.2 In addition, some studies have reported a different pathophysiology and pattern of AD biomarkers. There is evidence that AA have lower concentrations of total-Tau, phosphorylated Tau, and neurofilament light in the CSF compared with NHW.3 The differences in AD pathophysiology in racial groups can be due to various factors, such as genetic variants associated with that race, but also with other environmental factors such as socioeconomic status, diet, or medical comorbidities. Another factor that could play a role in this association is a different innate immune response to AD pathology.
X-Ray-Free Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery for Complex Proximal Ureteral Stone: A Case Report

Abstract X-ray-free endoscopic combined intra renal surgery (ECIRS) is a feasible alternative to avoid radiation exposure to both surgical teams and patients, but has not been reported prior. The aim of this report is to present our first-hand experience of performing X-ray-free ECIRS for complex ureteral stone. A 57-year-old female presented with right flank pain, fever, dysuria, and leukocytosis. The computed tomography scan showed right impacted proximal ureteral stone sized 33 ´17 mm and grade IV hydronephrosis. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed immediately. With improvement of clinical symptoms two days after nephrostomy, X-ray-free ECIRS was performed. The patient was placed in a Galdakao-modified supine position. During ureteroscopy (URS), there was noted right ureteral stenosis in the distal part of the stone, which could be passed. However, the stone was impacted and the semi-rigid URS was not able to push it. Therefore, antegrade approach with percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed. Previous nephrostomy tract was used as percutaneous access. Tract dilatation was performed under direct visualization from the URS. The 28 Fr rigid nephroscope was used during the ECIRS procedure. The stone was fragmented using shock-pulse lithotripters. There was no residual stone or infundibular laceration after the procedure. A 6 Fr double J stent was inserted retrogradely due to ureteral stenosis. There was no complication during and after the procedure. The patient was discharged on post-operative day three. X-ray free ECIRS for complex proximal ureteral stone was possible and showed good results.
Investigating Halloysite Nanotubes as a Potential Platform for Oral Modified Delivery of Different BCS Class Drugs: Characterization, Optimization, and Evaluation of Drug Release Kinetics

Purpose This study systematically investigated the potential of four model drugs (verapamil HCl, flurbiprofen, atenolol, and furosemide), each belonging to a different class of Biopharmaceutics Classification Systems (BCS) to be developed into oral modified release dosage forms after loading with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Methods The drugs were studied for their loading (mass gain %) by varying solvent system, method, pH, and ratios of loading into the nanotubes using D-optimal split-plot design with the help of Design Expert software. Drug-loaded halloysites were characterized by XRD, DTA, FTIR, SEM, and HPLC-UV-based assay procedures. Dissolution studies were also performed in dissolution media with pH 1.2, 4.5, and 6.8. Moreover, the optimized samples were evaluated under stress stability conditions for determining prospects for the development of oral dosage forms. Results As confirmed with the results of XRD and DTA, the drugs were found to be converted into amorphous form after loading with halloysite (HNTs). The drugs were loaded in the range of ~7–9% for the four drugs, with agitation providing satisfactory and equivalent loading as compared to vacuum plus agitation based reported methods. FTIR results revealed either only weak electrostatic (verapamil HCl and flurbiprofen) or no interaction with the surface structure of the HNTs. The dissolution profiling depicted significantly retarded release of drugs with Fickian diffusion from a polydisperse system as a model that suits well for the development of oral dosage forms. HPLC-UV-based assay indicated that except furosemide (BCS class IV), the other three drugs are quite suitable for development for oral dosage forms. Conclusion The four drugs investigated undergo phase transformation with HNTs. While agitation is an optimum method for loading drugs with various physicochemical attributes into HNTs; solvent system, loading ratios and pH play an important role in the loading efficiency respective to the drug properties. The study supports the capability of developing HNT-based modified release oral dosage forms for drugs with high solubility.
Nitrogen Mineralization Under Saline Conditions

Abstract The conversion of soil nitrogen (N) from its organic into inorganic forms has been the subject of several investigations, but information on N mineralization in saline soil is scanty. The study was therefore carried out to observe trends in N mineralization in saline soils amended with manure and urea. The electrical conductivity (ECe) of saline soils was 0.2 (S0), 4.1 (S1), and 11.4 dSm−1 (S2). The N sources were applied at the rate of 300 kg N ha−1 and incubated for 8 weeks at 25°C. The pattern of N mineralization was a function of both soil salinity and N sources. The amount of NH4‐N released was significantly higher in S0 than S1 or S2, especially in urea treated soils. The NH4‐N release varied in the order of urea>manure>control with a peak period of release at the 4th week of incubation. Nitrification of NH4‐N to NO3‐N was reduced by salinity treatments. Patterns of NO3‐N release during incubation were opposite that of NH4‐N. Total mineralized N was highest in the urea treatment. Manure application increased ECe of soil by 18%.