Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The antioxidant activity of Beta vulgaris leaf extract in improving scopolamine-induced spatial memory disorders in rats

Objective: Medicinal plants have attracted global attention due to their safety as well as their considerable antioxidant content that helps to prevent or ameliorate various disorders including memory impairments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of beet root (Beta vulgaris) leaf extract on scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairments in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10): Control (C), scopolamine 1 mg/kg/day (S), scopolamine+50 mg/kg B. vulgaris leaf extract (S+B 50), scopolamine+100 mg/kg B. vulgaris leaf extract (S+B 100) and scopolamine+200 mg/kg B. vulgaris leaf extract (S+B 200). Morris water maze task was used to assess spatial memory. Serum antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were also measured. Results: Group S spent significantly less time in the target quadrant compared to the control group, and the administration of B. vulgaris leaf extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly increased this time (p<0.05). Scopolamine decreased serum antioxidant capacity and increased serum MDA level yet insignificantly. B. vulgaris extract (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the antioxidant capacity and decreased serum MDA level in scopolamine-treated rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggested that B. vulgaris leaf extract could ameliorate the memory impairments and exhibited protective effects against scopolamine-induced oxidation. Further investigation is needed to isolate specific antioxidant compounds from B. vulgaris leaf extract with protective effect against brain and memory impairments.
Group Membership, Group Change, and Intergroup Attitudes: A Recategorization Model Based on Cognitive Consistency Principles

The present article introduces a model based on cognitive consistency principles to predict how new identities become integrated into the self-concept, with consequences for intergroup attitudes. The model specifies four concepts (self-concept, stereotypes, identification, and group compatibility) as associative connections. The model builds on two cognitive principles, balance–congruity and imbalance–dissonance, to predict identification with social groups that people currently belong to, belonged to in the past, or newly belong to. More precisely, the model suggests that the relative strength of self-group associations (i.e., identification) depends in part on the (in)compatibility of the different social groups. Combining insights into cognitive representation of knowledge, intergroup bias, and explicit/implicit attitude change, we further derive predictions for intergroup attitudes. We suggest that intergroup attitudes alter depending on the relative associative strength between the social groups and the self, which in turn is determined by the (in)compatibility between social groups. This model unifies existing models on the integration of social identities into the self-concept by suggesting that basic cognitive mechanisms play an important role in facilitating or hindering identity integration and thus contribute to reducing or increasing intergroup bias.
The clinicopathologic manifestations of Plasmodium vivax malaria in children: a growing menace.

CONTEXT Today, India faces increasing morbidity and mortality due to malaria, which is a global health burden. Plasmodium vivax which was once considered to have a benign course, is now being increasingly associated with complicated malaria. Studies which have been done on the increasing virulence of P. Vivax in children, are exceptionally rare. AIMS This study has addressed some of the hitherto unanswered questions, such as: This study has tried to explore the wide spectrum of severe illnesses which are associated with P.vivax malaria in children.Other co-morbid conditions, which include a co-infection with P.falciparum, have been excluded with great care, to assess the increased virulence of P. Vivax.The present study was focused on the paediatric population with a large sample size of 168 subjects. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This was an observational retrospective analysis on the clinicopathologic manifestations of the paediatric cases which were admitted with severe malaria due to a mono-infection with Plasmodium vivax, in a tertiary-care centre in the national capital region, India. METHODS AND MATERIAL The diagnosis of the mono-infection with P. Vivax malaria was established by making peripheral blood films (PBFs) and by doing rapid diagnostic tests. The severe forms of malaria were categorized as per the World Health Organization guidelines and the clinical and laboratory findings in these cases of complicated malaria were studied. STATISTICS A descriptive statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS software and an Excel worksheet. RESULTS This comprehensive study revealed a multisystem involvement. Abdominal manifestations were observed in 75(45.8%) cases (which included hepatosplenomegaly, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and ascites) and hepatic dysfunction and jaundice were observed in 28(16.7%) cases. The haematological tests showed moderate to severe anaemia in 151(89.9%) cases and thrombocytopaenia in 138(82.1%) cases. Petechiae were noted in 45(26.8%) cases and a gross bleeding was noted in 9(5.3%) cases. The respiratory findings which included tachypnoea, pleural effusions and ARDS were observed in 22(13.1%) cases. Renal dysfunction was noted clinically in 20(11.9%) cases and biochemically in 16(9.5%) cases. Shock was observed in 7(4.1%) cases, cerebral malaria was observed in 10(5.9%) cases and hypoglycaemia was observed in 5(3%) cases. Multi-organ dysfunction was detected in 11(6.54%) cases. The complications were more severe in the younger children (0-5 years). CONCLUSIONS A mono-infection with P. Vivax may lead to severe malaria and this increased virulence has resulted in the changing picture of P. Vivax malaria, leading to a spectrum of complications which are similar to those which are traditionally associated with P. Falciparum.
A parallel 32×32 time-to-digital converter array fabricated in a 130 nm imaging CMOS technology

We report on the design and characterization of a 32 × 32 time-to-digital converter (TDC) array implemented in a 130 nm imaging CMOS technology. The 10-bit TDCs exhibit a timing resolution of 119 ps with a timing uniformity across the entire array of less than 2 LSBs. The differential- and integral non-linearity (DNL and INL) were measured at ± 0.4 and ±1.2 LSBs respectively. The TDC array was fabricated with a pitch of 50µm in both directions and with a total TDC area of less than 2000µm2. The characteristics of the array make it an excellent candidate for in-pixel TDC in time-resolved imagers for applications such as 3-D imaging and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
Exploring Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations to Participate in a Crowdsourcing Project to Support Blind and Partially Sighted Students

There have been a number of crowdsourcing projects to support people with disabilities. However, there is little exploration of what motivates people to participate in such crowdsourcing projects. In this study we investigated how different motivational factors can affect the participation of people in a crowdsourcing project to support visually disabled students. We are developing "DescribeIT", a crowdsourcing project to support blind and partially students by having sighted people describe images in digital learning resources. We investigated participants' behavior of the DescribeIT project using three conditions: one intrinsic motivation condition and two extrinsic motivation conditions. The results showed that participants were significantly intrinsically motivated to participate in the DescribeIT project. In addition, participants' intrinsic motivation dominated the effect of the two extrinsic motivational factors in the extrinsic conditions.
Prevalence of prediabetes in HIV-1 infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Prediabetes is a substantial risk factor for developing type-2 diabetes mellitus and its sequel, which include heart disease, stroke, nephropathy and retinopathy. Apart from the genetic and lifestyle risk factors, antiretroviral drugs aggravate the predisposition. Thus, detecting this condition can allow for the provision of better care for HIV infected patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of prediabetes in HIV-1 infected patients on antiretroviral therapy. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in HIV-1 infected patients enrolled in ART program in a tertiary hospital ART clinic in Addis Ababa. Result: A total of 134 subjects taking HAART were included in the study. 61 (45.5%) were males and 73(54.5%) were females. The age of the participants range from 20-69 with a median of 40 years. The median duration of HAART intake was 58 months. The prevalence of prediabetes was found to be 22.4%. Among the total study subjects, 19.4% of them had overweight. 50.5% of males and 41% females had a WHR of ≥0.90 and ≥0.85, respectively indicating a high prevalence of central obesity and future risk of cardiovascular problem among this group. Conclusion: Pre-diabetes is common in HIV-1-infected patients receiving ART; putting this group at substantial
Professions 7-25-2009 Assessment of Depression in the Latino Community

The author conducted a comprehensive critical review of literature related to the assessment of depression within the Latino community. The first section of this literature review focuses on the properties and appropriateness of the following assessment measures of depression used with the Latino population in English and Spanish: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the BDI-II, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), The second part of the literature review focuses on reasons why culture should be more emphasized when assessing depression with the Latino population, such as: reliance on Westernized diagnostic criteria, cultural influences, protective factors, and potential misinterpretation of Spanish translated assessment measures. The third section examines the discrepancy in reported prevalence rates of depression with Latino individuals and focuses on three possible contributing factors to this discrepancy, including: a lack of assessment for culturally specific syndromes, Latino individuals’ perceptions and attitudes about depression, and barriers to treatment and potential risk factors for depression. Finally, the literature review provides some future directions for research and suggestions for improving how depression is assessed with Latino individuals.
Hospital Characteristics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Inpatient Quality Indicators: A Systematic Review

Background:The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Inpatient Quality Indicators (IQIs) include inpatient mortality for selected procedures and medical conditions. They have assumed an increasingly prominent role in hospital comparisons. Healthcare delivery and policy-related decisions need to be driven by reliable research that shows associations between hospital characteristics and quality of inpatient care delivered. Objectives:To systematically review the literature on associations between hospital characteristics and IQIs. Methods:We systematically searched PubMed and gray literature (2000–2012) for studies relevant to 14 hospital characteristics and 17 IQIs. We extracted data for study characteristics, IQIs analyzed, and hospital characteristics (e.g., teaching status, bed size, patient volume, rural vs. urban location, and nurse staffing). Results:We included 16 studies, which showed few significant associations. Four hospital characteristics (higher hospital volume, higher nurse staffing, urban vs. rural status, and higher hospital financial resources) had statistically significant associations with lower mortality and selected IQIs in approximately half of the studies. For example, there were no associations between nurse staffing and four IQIs; however, approximately 50% of studies showed a statistically significant relationship between nurse staffing and lower mortality for six IQIs. For two hospital characteristics—higher bed size and disproportionate share percentage—all statistically significant associations had higher mortality. Five hospital characteristics (teaching status, system affiliation, ownership, minority-serving hospitals, and electronic health record status) had some studies with significantly positive and some with significantly negative associations, and many studies with no association. Conclusions:We found few associations between hospital characteristics and mortality IQIs. Differences in study methodology, coding across hospitals, and hospital case-mix adjustment may partly explain these results. Ongoing research will evaluate potential mechanisms for the identified associations.
Clinical Epidemiological Study of Secondary Syphilis-Current Scenario

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major global cause of acute illness, infertility, long term disability and death, with severe medical and psychological consequences for millions of men, women and infants.Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections shows variations from country to country and in different settings. There were many reports about upsurge of syphilis after 2005 more so in MSMs and in association with HIV was also increasingly observed. Objectives:To determine epidemiological data of secondary syphilis cases, to determine the association between Secondary syphilis and HIV and MSM activity. Methodology: During the study period ( January 2013 to October 2015) all the suspected cases of secondary syphilis were interviewed and examined in detail, blood collected was screened for Syphilis ( by RPR, TPHA), Hepatitis Band , HIV. Data analyzed. Results: Out of 1,76,856 patients who attended DVL OPD, 54 cases were diagnosed as having secondary syphilis. In 2013 the cases were 6, 2014 they were19, in 2015 till October were29. Among the 54 cases 48 were males, 28 of them had associated HIV infection, 32 of 48 males had homo or bisexual activity. Majority had multisystem involvement and one pregnant woman had condylomatalata lesions. Five patients showed prozone phenomenon. Two cases showed high dilutions in both RPR (1:512dil, 1:1024 dil )andTPHA was positive. None of them showed any C.S. F. changes suggestive of asymptomatic Neurosyphilis. All the Patients responded to standard treatment given. Conclusion: Year wise increase in number of secondary syphilis cases was observed. Among these 88.89% were males, 51.85% had HIV association, 66.66% of males had history of homo and bisexual activity. As co-infection is frequent, therefore, all patients with syphilis should also be screened for HIV infection and vice versa Multi-centriclong duration studies are needed to prove the upsurge of syphilis.
Ranking the Web of Data

While a number of quality metrics have been successfully proposed for datasets in the Web of Data, there is a lack of trust metrics that can be computed for any given dataset. We argue that reuse of data can be seen as an act of trust. In the Semantic Web environment, datasets regularly include terms from other sources, and each of these connections express a degree of trust on that source. However, determining what is a dataset in this context is not straightforward. We use the concept of PayLevel Domain to differentiate datasets, and consider usage of external terms as connections among them. Using these connections we compute the PageRank value for each dataset. This process has been performed for more than 300 datasets, extracted from the LOD Laundromat.
The expression of microRNA-23a regulates acute myocardial infarction in patients and in vitro through targeting PTEN.

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one of the highest rates of fatality worldwide. The present study investigated the presence and influence of microRNA (miRNA)-23a in the regulation of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 6 patients with AMI and 6 normal volunteers without myocardial disease were included, and blood samples were taken to analyze the expression of miRNA‑23a by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. miRNA‑23a expression in patients with AMI was downregulated compared with the normal group. In H9C2 cells treated with H2O2, upregulation of miRNA‑23a expression increased the superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase activity levels, and suppressed the malonaldehyde activity level, as determined by ELISA. Western blot analysis and a caspase‑3 substrate assay demonstrated that upregulation of miRNA‑23a expression suppressed the Bcl‑2‑associated X (Bax)/Bcl‑2 protein expression ratio, caspase‑3 activity level and tumor suppressor p53 (p53) protein expression in H2O2‑induced H9C2 cells. Furthermore, downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), by the PTEN inhibitor bpV(HOpic), increased miRNA‑23a expression and suppressed the Bax/Bcl‑2 protein expression ratio, caspase‑3 activity level and p53 protein expression in H2O2‑induced H9C2 cells. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate that the expression of miRNA‑23a may regulate AMI through targeting PTEN in patients and in vitro, and PTEN/miRNA‑23a may therefore be potential targets for the clinical treatment of AMI.
Sick of deviants: How the behavioral immune system may impact responses to violated norms

In order to protect themselves from harmful pathogens, individuals have evolved a behavioral immune system (BIS) that is sensitive to disease cues (Schaller, 2006). At the cultural-level, there are variations in norms based on the prevalence of pathogens within a region (Schaller & Murray, 2008). Previous findings support the notion that the BIS promotes conformity (Murray & Schaller, 2012; Murray, Trudeau, & Schaller, 2011; Gelfand et al., 2011), as this produces an environment that is more protected against harmful pathogens. The current study attempted to provide experimental evidence for increased punishment for norm violations when the BIS was activated. Seventy-six participants were exposed to one of three photosets that were designed to elicit either BIS activation, general threat arousal, or a neutral affect. After viewing the photoset, participants took part in a fixed artificial group task in which fairness norms were violated. It was hypothesized that participants who were exposed to BIS activation would be more likely to reject unfair offers within that task. A main effect of offer fairness was found, where the more unfair an offer was, the more likely participants were to reject it. However, no significant interaction between prime and offer fairness emerged. This effect was neither moderated nor mediated by a measurement of perceived sensitivity to disease. Treating reaction time as the dependent variable, exploratory analyses revealed a similar main effect of offer fairness. Similarly, no significant interaction between prime and offer fairness emerged with reaction time as the dependent variable. Collapsing the BIS activation and general threat arousal groups did yield a moderately significant interaction between prime and offer fairness, suggesting that general threat arousal may play a role in responses to norm violation. Further exploratory findings and alternative explanations are discussed. SICK OF DEVIANTS: HOW THE BEHAVIORAL IMMUNE SYSTEM MAY IMPACT RESPONSES TO VIOLATED NORMS A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts Neal G. Pollock University of Northern Iowa July, 2017
Evolution of DWI lesions in cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Objective: To address the pathophysiologic nature of small diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) who underwent serial MRI. Specifically, we tested (1) whether DWI lesions occurred preferentially in individuals with prior DWI lesions, (2) the cross-sectional association with chronic cortical cerebral microinfarcts (CMIs), and (3) the evolution of DWI lesions over time. Methods: Patients with probable CAA (n = 79) who underwent at least 2 MRI sessions were included. DWI lesions were assessed at each available time point. Lesion appearance and characteristics were assessed on available structural follow-up images. Presence and burden of other neuroimaging markers of small vessel disease (white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, cortical superficial siderosis, and chronic cortical CMIs) were assessed as well. Results: Among 221 DWI scans (79 patients with 2 DWI scans; 40 with ≥3), 60 DWI lesions were found in 28 patients. Patients with DWI lesions at baseline were not more likely to have additional DWI lesions on follow-up compared to patients without DWI lesions at baseline. DWI lesions were associated with chronic cortical CMIs and cortical superficial siderosis, but not with other markers. For 39/60 DWI lesions, >1 MRI sequence was available at follow-up to determine lesion evolution. Twenty-four (62%) were demarcated as chronic lesions on follow-up MRI. Five appeared as cavitations, 18 as noncavitated infarcts, and 1 underwent hemorrhagic transformation. Conclusions: Based on their neuroimaging signature as well as their association with chronic cortical CMIs, DWI lesions appear to have an ischemic origin and represent one part of the CMI spectrum.
The older patient's experience of the healthcare chain and information when undergoing colorectal cancer surgery according to the enhanced recovery after surgery concept

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe how older patients experience the healthcare chain and information given before, during and after colorectal cancer surgery. BACKGROUND Most persons with colorectal cancer are older than 70 years and undergo surgery with subsequent enhanced recovery programmes aiming to quickly restore preoperative function. However, adaptation of such programmes to suit the older patient has not been made. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 16 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery at a Swedish University Hospital. The inductive content analysis was employed. RESULTS During the period of primary investigation and diagnosis, a paucity of information regarding the disease and management, and lack of help in coping with the diagnosis of cancer and its impact on future life, leads to a feeling of vulnerability. During their stay in hospital, the patient's negative perception of the hospital environment, their need for support, and uncertainty and anxiety about the future are evident. After discharge, rehabilitation is perceived as lacking in structure and individual adaptation, leading to disappointment. Persistent difficulty with nutrition delays recovery, and confusion regarding division of responsibility between primary and specialist care leads to increased anxiety and feelings of vulnerability. Information on self-care is perceived as inadequate. Furthermore, provided information is not always understood and therefore not useful. CONCLUSION Information before and after surgery must be tailored to meet the needs of older persons, considering the patient's knowledge and ability to understand. Furthermore, individual nutritional requirements and preoperative physical activity and status must be taken into account when planning rehabilitation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Patient information must be personalised and made understandable. This can improve self-preparation and participation in the own recovery. Special needs must be addressed early and followed up.