Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Predictions of Rhodesian Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness) Prevalence in Kaberamaido and Dokolo, Two Newly Affected Districts of Uganda

The continued northwards spread of Rhodesian sleeping sickness or Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) within Uganda is raising concerns of overlap with the Gambian form of the disease. Disease convergence would result in compromised diagnosis and treatment for HAT. Spatial determinants for HAT are poorly understood across small areas. This study examines the relationships between Rhodesian HAT and several environmental, climatic and social factors in two newly affected districts, Kaberamaido and Dokolo. A one-step logistic regression analysis of HAT prevalence and a two-step logistic regression method permitted separate analysis of both HAT occurrence and HAT prevalence. Both the occurrence and prevalence of HAT were negatively correlated with distance to the closest livestock market in all models. The significance of distance to the closest livestock market strongly indicates that HAT may have been introduced to this previously unaffected area via the movement of infected, untreated livestock from endemic areas. This illustrates the importance of the animal reservoir in disease transmission, and highlights the need for trypanosomiasis control in livestock and the stringent implementation of regulations requiring the treatment of cattle prior to sale at livestock markets to prevent any further spread of Rhodesian HAT within Uganda.
Formulation and Optimization of Nonionic Surfactants Emulsified Nimesulide-Loaded PLGA-Based Nanoparticles by Design of Experiments

This investigation aimed to develop nimesulide (NMS)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticulate formulations as a biodegradable polymeric drug carrier to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared with two different nonionic surfactants, vitamin E d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), using an ultrasonication solvent evaporation technique. Nine batches were formulated for each surfactant using a 32 factorial design for optimal concentration of the emulsifying agents, 0.03–0.09% for vitamin E TPGS and 2–4% for PVA. The surfactant percentage and the drug/polymer ratio (1:10, 1:15, 1:20) of the NMS-loaded NPs were investigated based on four responses: encapsulation efficiency, particle size, the polydispersity index, and the surface charge. The response surface plots and linearity curves indicated a relationship between the experiment’s responses and a set of independent variables. The NPs produced with both surfactants exhibited a negative surface charge, and scanning electron micrographs revealed that all of the NPs were spherical in shape. A narrower size distribution and higher drug loadings were achieved in PVA-emulsified PLGA NPs than in the vitamin E TPGS emulsified. Decreasing amounts of both nonionic surfactants resulted in a reduction in the emulsion’s viscosity, which led to a decrease in the particle size of NPs. According to the ANOVA results obtained in this present research, vitamin E TPGS exhibited the best correlation between the independent variables, namely drug/polymer ratio and the surfactant percentage, and the dependent variables (encapsulation efficiency R2 = 0.9603, particle size R2 = 0.9965, size distribution R2 = 0.9899, and surface charge R2 = 0.8969) compared with PVA.
Immunoglobulin D in serum, body fluids and lymphoid tissues.

Measurements of serum IgD concentrations at various ages and in a number of diseases are reported. IgD was not detected in plasma obtained during the first 6 months of life and was only very rarely found in cord plasma. Older children and adults showed a wide range of levels. IgD levels were not increased in three examples of `autoimmune' disease, but increases were noted in some patients having chronic infections. IgD was usually absent in hypogammaglobulinaemia. IgD was not detected in a variety of body fluids. Lymphoid cells containing IgD were rare in lymph nodes, spleen and intestinal mucosa compared with cells containing other classes of immunoglobulins. In adenoid tissue IgD containing cells occurred more frequently and were often similar in numbers to those containing IgM.
An Exploration of Relationships Between Leadership and Student Citizenship Outcomes in Cyprus Middle Schools

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to explore direct and indirect relationships between Leadership and Student Citizenship Outcomes in Cyprus middle schools. In the case of indirect effects the mediating role of School Academic Optimism and Instructional Quality was examined. Method: The specific study adopted a value-added quantitative design. Student achievement data were collected at the beginning and end of the term during which the subject of Citizenship Education was taught. Students also provided data about the quality of instruction, whereas teachers provided data about leadership and school academic optimism. Overall, a multistage sample of 20 middle schools, 114 classes, and 1,596 students participated in the current study. Multilevel modelling and single-level regression techniques were used to identify the relationships between the main variables of this study. Findings: A number of contextual student variables and one classroom variable were found to have a direct effect on citizenship outcomes. Neither School Leadership nor School Academic Optimism were found to have any direct or indirect effect. However, school leadership, along with a number of contextual variables, was found to have statistically significant effects on School Academic Optimism. Implications: The findings highlight the importance of the learning domain when searching for effectiveness factors at the classroom and school level. It is suggested that the subject of citizenship education is upgraded and principals as well as teachers are substantially supported to promote the subject goals.
The French airbridge for circulatory support in the Carribean.

OBJECTIVES We report the assessment and the activities for the first year of our airborne circulatory support mobile unit (CSMU) in the French Caribbean. METHODS From January 2010 to June 2011, 12 patients (mean age = 35.7 years; range: 15-62 years; sex ratio = 1:1) were attended outside Martinique by our CSMU and transferred to our unit by air. RESULTS Eight patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome and were assisted by veno-venous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) four had refractory cardiogenic shock, assisted by extra corporeal life support (ECLS). The average air transfer distance for patients was 912 km (range: 198-1585 km). The average flying time was 124 min (range: 45-255 min). The aircraft used were helicopter, military transport or private jet. The setting-up of assistance devices and transfer of patients was uneventful. One patient subsequently benefited from heart transplantation after long-term circulatory support. One patient died under ECMO support after 51 days of assistance and another died on the 60th day after withdrawal of ECLS. CONCLUSIONS CSMUs can be very efficient in providing support to patients in refractory shock, when remote from a cardiac surgery centre. The airborne transfer of patients on ECMO/ECLS can be achieved safely, even over long distances.
Meaningful professional development : perceptions of a teacher study group

The value of study groups as part of teachers' professional development is beyond dispute in the literature (Birchak et al., 1998; Florio-Ruane & Raphael, 2001; Joyce, Murphy, Showers, & Murphy, 1989). The purpose of this thesis was to examine teacher values in professional development and to determine whether responses differed between teachers in a literacy study group and teachers who did not attend the study group. Furthermore, to assist the study group with its annual feedback and evaluation process, study group members were also asked to report the extent they perceived each listed characteristic of professional development to exist in the study group. The findings of the study were based on the results from 45 surveys completed by study group members (n=26) and comparison group participants (n=19), and from seven follow-up interviews with study group members. The survey, a combination of Likert-scale and open-ended questions, and the teacher interview questions were developed from themes on teacher professional development represented in the literature. Both instruments were then validated in two stages, including input from four school district administrators. From participants' responses to the 26 Likertscale questions, six categories were developed conceptually and then tested using multiple correlations and Cronbach alpha tests. The six categories were: Learning Culture, Critical Inquiry/Application, Career Path, Relevance, Content/Methods, and Peer Learning. A Repeated Measures ANOVA found that three categories, Learning Culture, Critical Inquiry/Application, and Career Path, were rated statistically higher than categories Relevance, Content/Methods, and Peer Learning, for both study and comparison group
From the Lab to the Farm: An Industrial Perspective of Plant Beneficial Microorganisms

Any successful strategy aimed at enhancing crop productivity with microbial products ultimately relies on the ability to scale at regional to global levels. Microorganisms that show promise in the lab may lack key characteristics for widespread adoption in sustainable and productive agricultural systems. This paper provides an overview of critical considerations involved with taking a strain from discovery to the farmer’s field. In addition, we review some of the most effective microbial products on the market today, explore the reasons for their success and outline some of the major challenges involved in industrial production and commercialization of beneficial strains for widespread agricultural application. General processes associated with commercializing viable microbial products are discussed in two broad categories, biofertility inoculants and biocontrol products. Specifically, we address what farmers desire in potential microbial products, how mode of action informs decisions on product applications, the influence of variation in laboratory and field study data, challenges with scaling for mass production, and the importance of consistent efficacy, product stability and quality. In order to make a significant impact on global sustainable agriculture, the implementation of plant beneficial microorganisms will require a more seamless transition between laboratory and farm application. Early attention to the challenges presented here will improve the likelihood of developing effective microbial products to improve crop yields, decrease disease severity, and help to feed an increasingly hungry planet.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND The burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) worldwide is one of great concern to patients and healthcare agencies alike. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation aims to restore patients with heart disease to health. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (exercise training alone or in combination with psychosocial or educational interventions) on mortality, morbidity and health-related quality of life of patients with CHD. SEARCH STRATEGY RCTs have been identified by searching CENTRAL, HTA, and DARE (using The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2009), as well as MEDLINE (1950 to December 2009), EMBASE (1980 to December 2009), CINAHL (1982 to December 2009), and Science Citation Index Expanded (1900 to December 2009). SELECTION CRITERIA Men and women of all ages who have had myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), or who have angina pectoris or coronary artery disease defined by angiography. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Studies were selected and data extracted independently by two reviewers. Authors were contacted where possible to obtain missing information. MAIN RESULTS This systematic review has allowed analysis of 47 studies randomising 10,794 patients to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation or usual care. In medium to longer term (i.e. 12 or more months follow-up) exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduced overall and cardiovascular mortality [RR 0.87 (95% CI 0.75, 0.99) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.63, 0.87), respectively], and hospital admissions [RR 0.69 (95% CI 0.51, 0.93)] in the shorter term (< 12 months follow-up) with no evidence of heterogeneity of effect across trials. Cardiac rehabilitation did not reduce the risk of total MI, CABG or PTCA. Given both the heterogeneity in outcome measures and methods of reporting findings, a meta-analysis was not undertaken for health-related quality of life. In seven out of 10 trials reporting health-related quality of life using validated measures was there evidence of a significantly higher level of quality of life with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation than usual care. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is effective in reducing total and cardiovascular mortality (in medium to longer term studies) and hospital admissions (in shorter term studies) but not total MI or revascularisation (CABG or PTCA). Despite inclusion of more recent trials, the population studied in this review is still predominantly male, middle aged and low risk. Therefore, well-designed, and adequately reported RCTs in groups of CHD patients more representative of usual clinical practice are still needed. These trials should include validated health-related quality of life outcome measures, need to explicitly report clinical events including hospital admission, and assess costs and cost-effectiveness.
Perceptions of supportive communication in Chinese patients with cancer: experiences and expectations.

AIM This paper reports the findings of a study exploring the experiences and expectations of patients with cancer of supportive communication in the context of Chinese culture. BACKGROUND Patients with cancer experience psychological distress, particularly in the initial period after diagnosis. Supportive communication can positively affect their psychological adjustment. Previous studies have reported the functions, contents, types and sources of informational support for patients with cancer in Western studies, but patients from different cultural backgrounds who have cancer might have different preferences in seeking support. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a convenience sample of 20 Chinese patients with cancer during 2002. Content analysis was used to identify themes within the data. FINDINGS Chinese patients with cancer have a substantial need to receive informational and emotional support during the period of their hospitalization. Their support networks include doctors, nurses, family members, relatives and fellow patients. The expectations of support from different sources varied according to the nature of the relationship between patients with cancer and providers of support. Patients were active in seeking information and they perceived communication with doctors, nurses and fellow patients as beneficial. Most would only express emotional needs to their close family members and did not expect healthcare professionals to provide emotional support. However, interviewees perceived the caring behaviours of nurses and the emotional support of fellow patients as two important sources of support. CONCLUSION For Chinese patients, coping with illness and misfortune is largely a private and family affair, and most of them did not expect nurses to meet their emotional needs. Nurses should be aware of the type, timing and source of supportive communication that Chinese patients find valuable. This will help them to provide the appropriate support to meet patients' needs.
Osteoporotic Hip Fractures: The Burden of Fixation Failure

Osteoporotic hip fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Furthermore, reduced implant anchorage in osteoporotic bone predisposes towards fixation failure and with an ageing population, even low failure rates represent a significant challenge to healthcare systems. Fixation failure in fragility fractures of the hip ranges from 5% in peritrochanteric fractures through to 15% and 41% in undisplaced and displaced fractures of the femoral neck, respectively. Our findings, in general, support the view that failed internal fixation of these fragility fractures carries a poor prognosis: it leads to a twofold increase in the length of hospital stay and a doubling of healthcare costs. Patients are more likely to suffer a downgrade in their residential status upon discharge with a consequent increase in social dependency. Furthermore, the marked disability and reduction in quality of life evident before salvage procedures may persist at long-term followup. The risk, of course, for the elderly patient with a prolonged period of decreased functioning is that the disability becomes permanent. Despite this, however, no clear link between revision surgery and an increase in mortality has been demonstrated in the literature.
UNA VALORACIÓN DE LA FORMACIÓN INICIAL DE PROFESORES EN ESPAÑA: EL MÁSTER EN EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA

El articulo evalua el proceso de implantacion del Master en Educacion Secundaria en Espana (MAES), a partir de un estudio de caso en la Universidad de Granada. El texto analiza el contexto general en el que se enmarca la creacion del titulo, caracteriza ese proceso de creacion, organizacion y estructuracion a nivel nacional y, especificamente, de la Universidad de Granada, y hace una valoracion del mismo a partir del estudio de cuatro dimensiones fundamentales: estructura y organizacion; docencia; practicum; y trabajo de conclusion del master. El estudio concluye que el MAES es la primera gran experiencia espanola de formacion del profesorado de ese nivel con caracter de titulo oficial regulado. Como aspectos positivos del curso se identificaron: su identidad profesionalizante y proyeccion nacional; su estructura curricular que prioriza la formacion de competencias psicopedagogicas y didacticas; la valorizacion de la formacion practica en los propios institutos escolares.
Relationship between bone mineral density and the frequent administration of epidural steroid injections in postmenopausal women with low back pain.

BACKGROUND Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is one of the most common nonsurgical treatments for low back pain. In general, corticosteroid therapy often results in bone loss and osteoporosis. In previous studies, bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated after epidural injections of relatively small numbers and relatively low total doses of corticosteroids. However, the relationship between BMD and multiple ESIs remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between BMD and multiple ESIs in postmenopausal women with low back pain. METHODS Medical records of postmenopausal women with low back pain treated with or without ESIs were reviewed. BMD was measured in the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total femur after the treatments. A total of 71 patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included patients who had received non-ESI medications; and group 2 included those who had received ESIs >10 times, with a cumulative administered triamcinolone dose >200 mg. RESULTS Patients in group 2 showed lower BMD in the femoral neck and total femur. However, no significant intergroup differences in the BMD of the lumbar spine were observed. The prevalences of osteoporosis and osteopenia in the lumbar spine and femoral neck were significantly higher in group 2; these patients also had lower femoral neck BMD Z-scores. CONCLUSIONS Multiple ESIs (approximately 14 injections with a cumulative triamcinolone dose of approximately 400 mg) can reduce BMD in postmenopausal women with low back pain.
Mosaic: Processing a Trillion-Edge Graph on a Single Machine

Processing a one trillion-edge graph has recently been demonstrated by distributed graph engines running on clusters of tens to hundreds of nodes. In this paper, we employ a single heterogeneous machine with fast storage media (e.g., NVMe SSD) and massively parallel coprocessors (e.g., Xeon Phi) to reach similar dimensions. By fully exploiting the heterogeneous devices, we design a new graph processing engine, named Mosaic, for a single machine. We propose a new locality-optimizing, space-efficient graph representation---Hilbert-ordered tiles, and a hybrid execution model that enables vertex-centric operations in fast host processors and edge-centric operations in massively parallel coprocessors. Our evaluation shows that for smaller graphs, Mosaic consistently outperforms other state-of-the-art out-of-core engines by 3.2-58.6x and shows comparable performance to distributed graph engines. Furthermore, Mosaic can complete one iteration of the Pagerank algorithm on a trillion-edge graph in 21 minutes, outperforming a distributed disk-based engine by 9.2×.
Accurate Detection and Quantification of the Fish Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv) with a Two-Color Fluorometric Real-Time PCR Assay

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv) is one of the world's most serious fish pathogens, infecting >80 marine, freshwater, and estuarine fish species from Eurasia and North America. A novel and especially virulent strain – IVb – appeared in the Great Lakes in 2003, has killed many game fish species in a series of outbreaks in subsequent years, and shut down interstate transport of baitfish. Cell culture is the diagnostic method approved by the USDA-APHIS, which takes a month or longer, lacks sensitivity, and does not quantify the amount of virus. We thus present a novel, easy, rapid, and highly sensitive real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay that incorporates synthetic competitive template internal standards for quality control to circumvent false negative results. Results demonstrate high signal-to-analyte response (slope = 1.00±0.02) and a linear dynamic range that spans seven orders of magnitude (R2 = 0.99), ranging from 6 to 6,000,000 molecules. Infected fishes are found to harbor levels of virus that range to 1,200,000 VHSv molecules/106 actb1 molecules with 1,000 being a rough cut-off for clinical signs of disease. This new assay is rapid, inexpensive, and has significantly greater accuracy than other published qRT-PCR tests and traditional cell culture diagnostics.
The Need for Adequate Data on Current Illness Among Negroes

The definition of the health problems of a population with reference to the indications of its mortality and morbidity rates is recognized as the only sound basis for an effective public health program. A broad conception of the essential differences in the characteristics of the mortality rates of the white and Negro population has been made possible by the relatively complete registration of deaths which has been achieved by the expansion of the Death Registration Area. The relatively higher death rates among Negroes from the cardiovascular-renal diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia and influenza, syphilis, malaria, the diarrhoeal diseases, typhoid fever, and pellagra, and their relatively lower mortality from diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, cancer, and diabetes are generally observed. Certain differences between the two races in the variation of mortality with age are apparent, the rate of mortality among Negro infants, children and persons of the young adult ages showing a marked excess over that for white persons of the same age groups. Comparison of the age variation in mortality from certain specific diseases indicates characteristic differences, the peak of the death