Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Activity, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Aloe (Aloe debrana) Based Packaging Films

Aims: To develop aloe based packagings films and evaluate the antimicrobial activity, physicochemical and mechanical properties at different proportions of Aloe debrana extract, papaya leaves extract, gelatin and glycerol. Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD) Place and Duration of Study: Addis Ababa University, between May 2010 and November 2012. Methodology: The Aloe and papaya leaves extracts were analyzed for their antimicrobial activity, transparencies and colours. The packaging films were developed by adding various concentrations of gelatine and glycerol into the solution of Aloe debrana and papaya extracts. Films were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, physicochemical and mechanical properties. The antimicrobial activity of Aloe based films were tested on E. coli, S. typhi, S. aureus, C. albicans, and F. xylarioides Results: All films exhibited inhibitory zones on the test microorganisms used in this study. A wide inhibition zone (6.52cm) was observed on S. typhi growth whereas the least (4.20 cm) was found on C. albicans. The developed films were soluble in water with maximum solubility (90.49%) for P1,1 and lowest (44.57%) for P0,2. The film solubility Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 3(4): 1257-1275, 2013 1258 significantly increased as the concentration of glycerol augmented and decreased as the concentration of gelatine increased. Film with P0.5,2 has revealed highest tensile strength where as the lowest was obtained by film made-up from P0.5,1. Increasing gelatine concentrations significantly increases the tensile strength but glycerol has an opposite effect on the tensile strength. Film P1,2 showed the maximum elongation (180%) and the minimum elongation (89%) was obtained for P0.5,1. Conclusion: The outcomes indicated that Aloe debrana extract and papaya leaves extract with gelatin and glycerol could be good raw materials for the development of effective antimicrobial packaging films. The developed packaging films exhibited their potential for antimicrobial activity which can be used as one of the most promising packaging systems.
On the numerical simulation of buoyant convection

The two-dimensional turbulent vortex generated by release of buoyant fluid from an instantaneous thermal line source has been simulated by machine numerical solution of a complete set of Eulerian gas equations. The equations included turbulent eddy exchange terms, similar to those used by Smagorinsky, which made possible the generation of computationally stable solutions qualitatively and quantitatively resembling the convective “thermals” studied and described by Scorer and Richards. The results of a number of numerical experiments, performed with varying computational approximations, lead to conclusions as to the importance of various sources of numerical errors and the validity of the eddy exchange formulation. The formulation leads to qualitatively good results with the resolution provided by about 1500 grid points, but it has not yet been possible to exhibit the shape-preserving stage assumed in theoretical treatments and found approximately by laboratory experiments. This is probably due in large part to the neglect of the effects of eddies in the third dimension. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1962. tb00128.x
P2Y12 Inhibitors Plus Aspirin Versus Aspirin Alone in Patients With Minor Stroke or High-Risk Transient Ischemic Attack

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and purpose: We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the effectiveness and safety of dual antiplatelet (DAPT) therapy with P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel/ticagrelor) and aspirin versus aspirin monotherapy in patients with mild ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack. Methods: Following Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis standards for meta-analyses, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials that included patients with a diagnosis of an acute mild ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack, intervention of DAPT therapy with clopidogrel/ticagrelor and aspirin versus aspirin alone from January 2012 to July 2020. The outcomes included subsequent stroke, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, hemorrhage (mild, moderate, or severe), and myocardial infarction. A DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model was used to estimate pooled risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% CI in R package meta. We assessed the heterogeneity of data across studies with use of the Cochran Q statistic and I2 test. Results: Four eligible trials involving 21 493 participants were included in the meta-analysis. DAPT therapy started within 24 hours of symptom onset reduced the risk of stroke recurrence by 24% (RR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.68–0.83], I2=0%) but was not associated with a change in all-cause mortality (RR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.90–1.89], I2=0%), cardiovascular death (RR, 1.34 [95% CI, 0.56–3.17], I2=0%), mild bleeding (RR, 1.25 [95% CI, 0.37–4.29], I2=94%), or myocardial infarction (RR, 1.45 [95% CI, 0.62–3.39], I2=0%). However, DAPT was associated with an increased risk of severe or moderate bleeding (RR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.16–4.08], I2=41%); further sensitivity tests found that the association was limited to trials with DAPT treatment duration over 21 days (RR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.75–4.67], I2=0%) or ticagrelor (RR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.16–4.08], I2=37%) but not within 21 days or clopidogrel. Conclusions: In patients with noncardioembolic mild stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack, DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel/ticagrelor is more effective than aspirin alone for recurrent stroke prevention with a small absolute increase in the risk of severe or moderate bleeding.
More Steps Forward to Optimize the Dosing of Hydroxychloroquine: Comment on the Article by Petri et al

We read with great interest the article by Petri et al demonstrating that higher hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood levels were associated with lower risk of thrombotic event in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (1) A mean blood level of 1068 ng/mL and a most recent level of 1192 ng/mL and above had a protective effect. The dose response implied a therapeutic threshold of HCQ. However, a previous study indicated a range of HCQ blood level from 1177 to 3513 ng/mL predicted later development of HCQ retinopathy. (2) Obviously, there's a great overlap between the protective level from thrombosis and toxic level of retinopathy. The optimal therapeutic range is so narrow (1068 to 1177 ng/mL) that dose titration to target this level would be difficult in clinical practice. It seems that the dilemma of avoiding retinopathy while maintaining the benefit of HCQ still exists.
Effect of 150 MeV protons on carbon nanotubes for fabrication of a radiation detector

High energy and high flux protons are used in proton therapy and the impact of proton radiation is a major reliability concern for electronics and solar cells in low earth orbit as well as in the trapped belts. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to their unique characteristics, have been considered for the construction of proton and other radiation sensors. Here, a single wall CNT based proton sensor was fabricated on FR4 substrate and its response to 150 MeV proton irradiation was studied. The change in the resistance of the nanotubes upon irradiation is exploited as the sensing mechanism and the sensor shows good sensitivity to proton radiation. Proton radiation induces dissociation of ambient oxygen, followed by the adsorption of oxygen species on the nanotube surface, which influences its electrical characteristics. Since the nanotube film is thin and the 150 MeV protons are expected to penetrate into and interact with the substrate, control experiments were conducted to study the impact on FR4 substrate without the nanotubes. The dielectric loss tangent or dissipation factor of FR4 increases after irradiation due to an increase in the cross-linking of the resin arising from the degradation of the polymer network.
Cząsteczki mikroRNA jako istotny składnik mechanizmów regulacji ekspresji genów związanych z nowotworami

W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono zalezności pomiedzy zmianami w ekspresji poszczegolnych mikroRNA a powsta­waniem i rozwojem wybranych nowotworow. Dokonano przeglądu doniesien na temat uzyteczności badan nad ekspresją mikroRNA, ktore w przyszlości mogą byc wartościowymi i poządanymi przez diagnostow i lekarzy wskaź­nikami prognostycznymi i predykcyjnymi. Mogą sie one stac podwaliną do opracowania nowych metod leczniczych z wykorzystaniem antysensownych miRNA (antagomiry) czy lekow mających na celu kompensacje ilości cząsteczek w przypadku delecji lub uszkodzen genow dla konkretnych mikroRNA. Daloby to potencjalną mozliwośc regulacji ekspresji genow o znaczeniu strategicznym w procesach związanych z powstawaniem i rozwojem nowotworow.
Survivors’ Dilemma: Young Adult Cancer Survivors’ Perspectives of Work-Related Goals

Background: Young adult cancer survivors have significant work-related challenges, including interruptions to education and employment milestones, which may affect work-related goals (WRGs). The study purpose was to explore posttreatment perspectives of WRGs in a sample of young adult hematologic cancer survivors. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used social media to recruit eligible cancer survivors (young adults working or in school at the time of cancer diagnosis). Data were collected through telephone semi-structured interviews and analyzed using directed content analysis, followed by thematic content analysis to identify themes. Findings: The sample (N = 40) were mostly female (63.5%), White (75%), and diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (57.5%); most worked in professional (40%) or health care (23%) roles. The overarching theme, “Survivors’ Dilemma,” highlights a changed perspective on work-related fulfillment and financial obligations, capturing survivors’ decision-making process regarding work. Three subthemes illustrated questions that participants contemplated as they examined how their WRGs had changed: (a) Self-identity: Do I want to do this work? (b) Perceived health and work ability: Can I do this work? and (c) Financial toxicity: Can I afford to/not to do this work? Conclusions/Application to Practice: Participants experienced a state of dilemma around their WRGs, weighing areas around self-identity, perceived health and work ability, and financial toxicity. Findings suggest occupational health nurses should be aware of challenges surrounding WRGs, including how goals may change following a cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the potential stressors involved in the Survivors’ Dilemma. Occupational health nurses should assess for these issues and refer young survivors to employee and financial assistance programs, as necessary.
Cross-cultural Validation of the Full Range Test of Visual Motor Integration Used with Children in Four Arab Countries

SIGNIFICANCE Arab countries have a shortage of culturally sensitive psychoeducational assessments. Tests of visual-motor integration are low in their linguistic demands, yet they are not culture-free. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties and the validation of the Full Range Test of Visual Motor Integration (FRTVMI) across four Arabic speaking countries, namely, Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n = 2318). METHODS The FRTVMI was administered to 2318 children from four Gulf countries. Criterion measures included the Reading Observation Scale and the achievement scores in reading. All raw data obtained for the FRTVMI were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and R package (version 3.5.1, 2018). Construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and interrater reliability of FRTVMI were also examined. RESULTS The means for Cronbach α, intraclass correlation, and test-retest reliability across the four countries were 0.87, 0.87, and 0.90, respectively. Spearman ρ correlation between FRTVMI scores and Reading Observation Scale scores ranged between 0.16 and 0.51 across the four countries and were 0.57, 0.43, and 0.45 for male and female participants and the entire sample, respectively. The Spearman ρ correlations between FRTVMI scores and reading achievement scores ranged between 0.15 and 0.20 across the four countries and were 0.27, 0.29, and 0.26 for male and female participants and the entire sample, respectively. The modified model indices showed that the FRTVMI was adequate for use in the four countries and for both male and female participants. The reliability estimates for the test were high, whereas the concurrent validity estimates were moderate. CONCLUSIONS The unidimensionality of the test should be taken with caution, as we found some indication for the multidimensionality of the test factor structure. Implications for cross-cultural assessment are discussed.
Interchromatin Granule Clusters of Mouse Preovulatory Oocytes are Enriched with Some Components of mRNA Export Machinery

At the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase, the nucleus of mouse preovulatory oocytes contains multiple and prominent interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs). IGCs, also known as nuclear speckles, splicing factor compartments, or SC35-domains, are one of the most universal nuclear organelles. We have used mouse oocytes as an experimental model to study nuclear distribution of some factors involved in mRNA export: the core protein of the exon-exon junction complex (EJC) Y14, EJC shell protein Aly, and the essential mRNA export factor NXF1/TAP. RNA export proteins were detected by confocal laser microscopy and immunogold-labeling electron microscopy. We found that Y14, Aly and NXF1/TAP are located in the same IGCs together with actin and SC35 used as an IGC marker. The relationships of these proteins with IGCs occur in an RNA-dependent manner, since RNase treatment results in disappearance of the identified antigens from IGCs. After the suppression of transcription by DRB, intranuclear localization of the studied proteins varied considerably: NXF1/TAP, Y14 and Aly were detected only in the nucleoplasm, but not in the IGCs. The concept of the formation and retention of mRNA export complex and nuclear actin in the IGCs of mouse oocyte is discussed. Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(1): 79-92, 2014 80
Advanced glycation end products and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia

Advanced glycation end products play a key role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Cognitive impairment is one of the central features of schizophrenia; however, the association between advanced glycation end products and cognitive impairment remains unknown. This study investigated whether advanced glycation end products affect the cognitive domain in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 58 patients with chronic schizophrenia were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma advanced glycation end products were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neuropsychological and cognitive functions were assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Version, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Keio-FS version. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, educational years, daily dose of antipsychotics, and psychotic symptoms revealed that processing speed was significantly associated with plasma pentosidine, a representative advanced glycation end product (standardized β = -0.425; p = 0.009). Processing speed is the cognitive domain affected by advanced glycation end products. Considering preceding evidence that impaired processing speed is related to poor functional outcome, interventions targeted at reducing advanced glycation end products may contribute to promoting recovery of patients with schizophrenia as well as cognitive function improvement.
Does Functional Somatic Symptoms Measurement Differ Across Sex and Age? Differential Item Functioning in Somatic Symptoms Measured With the CIDI

Functional Somatic Symptoms (FSS) are physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to underlying pathology. Their severity is often measured with sum scores on questionnaires; however, this may not adequately reflect FSS severity in subgroups of patients. We aimed to identify the items of the somatization section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview that best discriminate FSS severity levels, and to assess their functioning in sex and age subgroups. We applied the two-parameter logistic model to 19 items in a population-representative cohort of 962 participants. Subsequently, we examined differential item functioning (DIF). “Localized (muscle) weakness” was the most discriminative item of FSS severity. “Abdominal pain” consistently showed DIF by sex, with males reporting it at higher FSS severity. There was no consistent DIF by age, however, “Joint pain” showed poor discrimination of FSS severity in older adults. These findings could be helpful for the development of better assessment instruments for FSS, which can improve both future research and clinical care.
Taking a Stand Against Workplace Incivility.

BACKGROUND Workplace incivility is a common problem in nursing, and novice nurses are particularly vulnerable to incivility. METHOD Cognitive rehearsal training to defend against incivility was presented to resident nurses. RESULTS Three months after the educational intervention, 55% of nurses reported that they had witnessed incivility in the past month and 45% reported that they had responded to the incivility when it occurred. CONCLUSION Most of the nurses expressed that the training improved their ability to manage incivility. Responses to open-ended comments revealed that incivility adversely affects the workplace and that leaders also may benefit from education on incivility and cognitive rehearsal. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(5):232-239. ].
Locoregional Treatments for Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

The management of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis is difficult. While the 2017 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines clearly defined the use of systemic therapies for digital ulcers, little is known about the efficacy of locoregional treatments. The aim of this review is to systematically assess the spectrum of published locoregional therapies for digital ulcers. A total of 58 studies were included. Among the different locoregional treatment strategies described, injections of fat-derived cells and botulinum toxin showed promising results in the reduction of pain and the number of digital ulcers. By contrast, this review found that sympathectomy yielded disappointing results, with low rates of effectiveness and frequent recurrence. For other treatments, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, phototherapy (ultraviolet A), low-level light therapy, intermittent compression, Waon therapy, extracorporeal shockwave, vitamin E gel, and topical dimethyl sulphoxide, the conflicting results or limited published data reflected the low level of evidence. Larger randomized clinical trials are required to confirm the validity of promising techniques.
Real-Time Deformability Cytometry Detects Leukocyte Stiffening After Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent Exposure

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives Reports on gadolinium (Gd) retention in soft tissues after administration of Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs) raise concerns about Gd-induced changes in the biophysical properties of cells and tissues. Here, we investigate if clinical GBCAs of both classes of linear and macrocyclic structure cause changes in the mechanical properties of leukocytes in human blood samples. Material and Methods Real-time deformability cytometry was applied to human blood samples from 6 donors. The samples were treated with 1 mM gadoteric acid (Dotarem), gadopentetic acid (Magnevist), gadobutrol (Gadovist), or Gd trichloride at 37°C for 1 hour to mimic clinical doses of GBCAs and exposure times. Leukocyte subtypes—lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils—were identified based on their size and brightness and analyzed for deformability, which is inversely correlated with cellular stiffness. Results We observed significant stiffening (3%–13%, P < 0.01) of all investigated leukocyte subtypes, which was most pronounced for lymphocytes, followed by neutrophils and monocytes, and the effects were independent of the charge and steric structure of the GBCA applied. In contrast, no changes in cell size and brightness were observed, suggesting that deformability and cell stiffness measured by real-time deformability cytometry are sensitive to changes in the physical phenotypes of leukocytes after GBCA exposure. Conclusions Real-time deformability cytometry might provide a quantitative blood marker for critical changes in the physical properties of blood cells in patients undergoing GBCA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
Assessing the geographic range of classical swine fever vaccinations by spatiotemporal modelling in Japan

Abstract A classical swine fever (CSF) epidemic has been ongoing in Japan since September 2018. The outbreak started in Gifu Prefecture and involved 21 prefectures by the end of October 2020, posing a serious threat to pork industries. The present study was conducted to capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of CSF in Japan and assess the geographic range of the CSF vaccination on pig farms. First infection dates were collected for wild boars and on swine farms by prefecture. A simple statistical model was used to describe the spatiotemporal dynamics of CSF, describing the infection risk in wild boars and the subsequent transmission hazards to swine farms for 47 prefectures. Because the spatial transmission mechanisms and wild boar population dynamics involved substantial uncertainties, 16 models were applied to the empirical data. Estimated hazard parameters were used to predict the risk of infection on swine farms by 15 December 2020 to explicitly evaluate the governmental recommendation for vaccinations on pig farms by prefecture in light of the predicted infection risk in domestic pigs. The best‐fit model for the wild boars indicated that transmission occurred via neighbouring prefectures and involved seasonality. The estimated conditional hazard was 0.008 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001–0.014) per day for infections transmitted from wild boars to swine farms, and the median time from wild boar infection to swine farm infection was 129.4 days (95% CI: 69.5–935.0). Our prediction indicated that prefectures connected by land to those with wild boar infections had a higher risk of infection on swine farms. CSF transmission in Japan likely progressed diffusively via wild boar movement, and tracking wild boar infections may help determine the risk of infection on swine farms. Our risk map highlights the importance of deciding vaccination policies according to predicted risk.
Process Mining to Explore Variations in Endometrial Cancer Pathways from GP Referral to First Treatment

The main challenge in the pathway analysis of cancer treatments is the complexity of the process. Process mining is one of the approaches that can be used to visualize and analyze these complex pathways. In this study, our purpose was to use process mining to explore variations in the treatment pathways of endometrial cancer. We extracted patient data from a hospital information system, created the process model, and analyzed the variations of the 62-day pathway from a General Practitioner referral to the first treatment in the hospital. We also analyzed the variations based on three different criteria: the type of the first treatment, the age at diagnosis, and the year of diagnosis. This approach should be of interest to others dealing with complex medical and healthcare processes.