Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probiotics Efficacy on Oxidative Stress Values in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are described as a chronic inflammation of the small intestine and colon, caused by a dysregulated immune response to host intestinal microbiota in genetically susceptible subjects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare probiotic therapy versus placebo in Oxidative Stress Values and clinical features in patients affected by IBD. METHOD Forty (40) patients previously diagnosed for IBD were recruited and randomized to receive probiotics (test group, n=20) or placebo (control group, n=20) administered for 90 days. Subjects in both the groups were assessed for overall oxidant ability (d-ROMs test) and for the antioxidant response (BAP test): data were reported at baseline, after 1 and 3 months. Additional data from anamnesis and haematological investigation were also reported during the study. RESULTS d-ROM assay clearly showed that the values observed in the test group were significantly improved, leading to oxidative stress values which are not pathological. The test group showed increasing BAP values, thus confirming the overall improvements of patients 'health following administration of probiotics. CONCLUSION Oral administration of the specific probiotics demonstrated its efficacy and safety on patients affected by IBD.
Effects of Follow-Up Care Model on Different Aspects of Quality Of Life of Patients: A Review Article

Background: The most important clinical goal or purpose of clinical care is to reduce the severity of symptoms and stresses caused by it, so that the quality of life is preserved. Due to the nature of chronic diseases and the inadequacy of existing programs, there is a need for pattern and follow-up care affecting the quality of life of these patients. One of these models is the follow-up care. The purpose of this study was to have an integrative review and to provide a comprehensive understanding and discovering the effects of follow-up care model on different aspects of quality of life of patients based on the studies that have been up to this day. Materials and Methods: This study is a review article which has been conducted with the use of all articles published in this regard so far (2002-2015) and the key words of follow-up care, quality of life and chronic diseases on internet search databases such as Yahoo, Google and other medical databases like Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, SID, Iranmedx; by searching and obtaining the original articles, the current article have been written. Results: That most studies had been conducted on patients with physical chronic disease, and only one study had been conducted on patients with chronic mental disorders, all studies confirm the effectiveness of follow-up care model on quality of life are of variety of chronic diseases Conclusion: Based on the results, it is suggested that more studies should be conducted on patients with chronic mental disorders so the effects of follow-up care model on all aspects of chronic mental disorders would be determined and more precise results would be obtained. On the other hand, based on its pandemic benefits of this model, and due to a need for using new care models for improving the health of patients with chronic diseases, it is suggested that follow-up care model should be used in health policies as an organized and appropriate model alongside with other care and family models. Keywords: Follow-up care model, Quality of life, Chronic diseases.
Isolated Bacterial Uropathogens among Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Harare, Zimbabwe

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify bacterial uropathogens responsible for asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women registering for antenatal care at selected clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe. Study Design: A cross sectional study design was conducted at 4 selected primary health care centres in Harare in Zimbabwe. The study period stretched for 18 weeks from 23 March to 27 June 2017. Methodology: Mid- stream urine samples for 240 pregnant women registering and visiting 4 selected clinics for antenatal care were examined for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Griess nitrate test was used to screen the samples. All samples that grew significant bacteriuria were further tested by culture test. Uropathogens isolated from urine samples which had significant growth were identified by using morphology, gram stain and several biochemical tests. Results: Out of 240 urine samples examined, 34 were significant for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Ten bacteria strains were identified. Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the most popular (29.4%) followed by Escherichia coli (23.5%). The identified species also included staphylococcus aureus (11.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.8%), and Bacillus (8.8%). Conclusion: A variety of bacterial uropathogens both gram negative and gram positive, are responsible for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the most commonly identified bacteria followed by Escherichia coli .
Teething induced fever in a 9-month old child: a case report

The association between teething and fever has attracted considerable interest because studies have reported controversial results. These discordant results have posed a challenge in the management of fever occurring during teething. The objective of this paper is to supplement previous studies which showed association between teeth eruption and fever and highlight mismanagement of teething induced fever. A 9-month old baby girl presented with fever during teeth eruption. Despite of no malaria parasites seen on blood slide and lack of features and laboratory investigations suggestive of urinary tract infection or bacteremia, the child was treated with antimalarial drugs and prescribed antibiotics. This case study demonstrates that unrecognized teething induced fever leads to unnecessary use of anti-malarial drugs and antibiotics. We recommend paediatricians to consider teething as one of the causes of fever among children.
Reversibility of Frailty after Lung Transplantation

Background Frailty contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in patients referred for and undergoing lung transplantation (LTX). The study aim was to determine if frailty is reversible after LTX in those classified as frail at LTX evaluation. Methods Consecutive LTX recipients were included. All patients underwent modified physical frailty assessment during LTX evaluation. For patients assessed as frail, frailty was reassessed on completion of the post-LTX rehabilitation program. Frailty was defined by the presence of ≥ 3 domains of the modified Fried Frailty Phenotype (mFFP). Results We performed 166 lung transplants (frail patients, n = 27, 16%). Eighteen of the 27 frail patients have undergone frailty reassessment. Eight frail patients died, and one interstate recipient did not return for reassessment. In the 18 (66%) patients reassessed, there was an overall reduction in their frailty score post-LTX ((3.4 ± 0.6 to 1.0 ± 0.7), p < 0.001) with 17/18 (94%) no longer classified as frail. Improvements were seen in the following frailty domains: exhaustion, mobility, appetite, and activity. Handgrip strength did not improve posttransplant. Conclusions Physical frailty was largely reversible following LTX, underscoring the importance of considering frailty a dynamic, not a fixed, entity. Further work is needed to identify those patients whose frailty is modifiable and establish specific interventions to improve frailty.
Lipoprotein (a) level and hsCRP as risk markers in Myocardial Ischemia

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death globally. Hyperlipidemias and hyperlipoproteinemias are the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis. Inflammation plays a major role in atherothrombosis, and measurement of inflammatory biomarkers like High Sensitive Creactive protein (hsCRP) can provide detection of high risk for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is a low density lipoprotein like particle synthesized by the liver. There is a strong association between circulating Lp(a) levels and IHD. Objectives: To estimate the serum levels of lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile in ischemic heart disease patients and healthy subjects and to show that serum hsCRP as a better predictor of ischemic heart disease than low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Materials and Methods: A total number of 100 subjects were studied comprising of 50 controls and 50 IHD subjects. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGL) and HDL-C, were estimated by enzymatic methods, LDL-C and VLDL-C were estimated by calculation, Lp(a) was estimated by immunoturbidimetric methods and hsCRP was estimated by chemiluminiscence method. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. Results: TC, TGL, LDL-C, VLDL-C, Lp(a) and hsCRP were increased whereas HDL-C was decreased in IHD subjects when compared to controls. Diagnostic validity test revealed that hsCRP to be a better discriminator of IHD than LDL-C. Conclusion: The results of the current study support the concept that the levels of Lp(a), and hsCRP are strongly related to ischemic heart disease in addition to the levels of serum lipids.
Adiposity indicators lipid accumulation product and triglyceride-glucose index as alternate criteria for the diagnosis of metabolic obesity in adult

Metabolic obesity refers to the state of having metabolic syndrome irrespective of one’s body mass index. This study was aimed to elucidate the lipid accumulation product and triglyceride-glucose index as simple and alternate criteria for detecting metabolic obesity in adult. The study was conducted in 200 adult (age range: 19-45 years). According to lipid accumulation product and triglyceride-glucose index, the prevalence of metabolic obesity was 54.0% and 53.5% respectively. With a cutoff value of 45.5, the lipid accumulation product was found good to evaluate the metabolic obesity having area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.9 (p=0.000), with sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 75.0%, positive predictive value 74.1%, and negative predictive value 91.3%. With a cutoff value of 8.7, the triglyceride-glucose index was found good to evaluate the metabolic obesity having area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.9 (p=0.000), with sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 79.5%, positive predictive value 78.5%, and negative predictive value 95.7%. In conclusion, lipid accumulation product and triglyceride-glucose index are good as alternate criteria for diagnosing the metabolic obesity in adults.
Clinical and etiological profile of children with pathological short stature

Background: Short stature is one of the common problem in child population with diverse aetiologies, half of them being physiological and another half due to pathological causes. The objective of this study was to study the clinical profile of the children with pathological short stature and to study the various causes for pathological stature Methods: Retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, where the data of Children who met the inclusion criteria were collected from the case records of 2 years period from Jan 2013 to December 2014. Data collected was tabulated and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods . Results: Commonest age group affected was 10 years. 48% were males and 52% were females. Commonest causes were Hypothyroidism and genetic disorders, followed by nutritional and musculoskeletal. 58% were proportionate and 42% were disproportionate. Conclusions: Endocrinological and genetic syndromes are most common etiologies for pathological short stature. So detailed evaluation of short stature is very important as some of the pathological causes are treatable when diagnosed at an early stage.
Width of attached gingiva in an Indian population: A descriptive study

Objectives : Attached gingiva is important for maintaining periodontium in a healthy state. The present study tries to find the normal values of width of attached gingiva in a periodontally healthy Indian population. Material and Methods : The width of attached gingiva was measured with a periodontal probe in periodontally healthy patients attending the periodontics department. Descriptive statistical analysis was done to get the mean, which will represent the normal values of width of attached gingiva for the population. Results : Female patients had a greater width than males and the 20 to 30 year old group had the greatest width of attached gingiva. The mean values of attached gingiva varied in different areas of the mouth with greatest width in maxillary central incisors and least in mandibular molars. Conclusion : Width of attached gingiva varies with age, gender and in different areas of the mouth. Key words : Periodontium, gingiva, health DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v8i3. 3985 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2009 p64-67
Milli Robotics for Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine and operate in the gastrointestinal tract. Current instruments lack ne motion control and dexterity. This report proposes solutions to remedy the problem by designing new equipment or modifying existing equipment. A background in endoscopy is presented along with an explanation of the problems experienced by surgeons. The report then describes concept design solutions to the problems described. A tendon driven manipulator is described in detail. The kinematics and dynamics are explored as well as the control of the device. This tendon driven device di ers from many tendon driven devices in that the number of degrees of freedom equals the number of tendons. Simulation results for the manipulator are given as well a brief description of the prototype.
A randomized controlled trial assessing whether listening to music at time of embryo transfer effects anxiety levels

Background: Fertility treatment may have a negative emotional impact on women. Lower levels of anxiety have been associated with improved treatment success but there is no standardised method for addressing these needs. Music is a safe and beneficial non-pharmacological intervention in a number of medical fields. It may alter subjective and objective psychological anxiety as well as physiological functioning. However, little data exists surrounding the therapeutic use of music in fertility treatment but it may attenuate anxiety. Methods: An assessor-blinded parallel case control study in an IVF center, England UK. 42 women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment were recruited between February and December 2013. Women were randomised by random envelopes containing equal sized 'music' (listened to self-selected music during embryo transfer) or 'control' (no music) groups. Participants completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to, and immediately following a post-treatment observation period. Primary outcome was change in anxiety level. Results: 32 of 42 women (76.2%) were less anxious following treatment (mean change in anxiety score 6.9 95%CI 4.2-9.6, P<0.01) without difference between the study group (7.1 95% CI 3.5-10.7) (P=0.46) and controls (6.7 95%CI 2.3-11.1). Clinical pregnancy rates (55.0%) did not differ between music and control groups (P=0.95). Conclusions: Listening to self-selected music 15 minutes before and after embryo transfer does not significantly impact on anxiety levels of women undergoing assisted conception treatment nor clinical pregnancy rates. Music therapy has not been shown to reduce anxiety at time of ET and the effects of interventions such as hypnosis, acupuncture, aromatherapy and other forms of relaxation therapy remain to be explored.
The relationship among individuals with serious mental illness, vocational rehabilitation services and outcomes /

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of vocational rehabilitation services provided through the federal/state vocational rehabilitation (VR) system to individuals with serious mental illness and the relationship of these services to employment outcomes. A sample of 658 individuals with serious mental illness who received vocational rehabilitation services during Federal Fiscal Year 1995 from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission were chosen. A cluster analysis of both individuals who were successful and unsuccessful in enç>loyment outcomes resulted in five service groupings ranging from minimal to more comprehensive services. Results from a chi-square analysis indicated a relationship between an employment outcome and the con^rehensiveness of services. A second cluster analysis on a subsample of those individuals who attained employment (n = 309) also resulted in five similar clusters. A chi-square analysis with a Cramer's V as a measure of association demonstrated a significant but moderate relationship between service clusters and occupational categories. Individuals in more skilled occupations such as professional, technical/management and ii machine trades were provided more counseling services than expected with lesser skilled occupations such as processing provided minimal vocational rehabilitation services. A one­ way amalysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a statistically significant relationship between service groups and wages. Post hoc planned contrasts resulted in service groups with more comprehensive service having significant differences in 4 mean weekly wages. This study was limited by a lack of a control group and the self-selection of individuals with serious mental illness who were determined eligible and able to receive services through the federal/state VR program. Future studies should be directed toward comparison of service models of vocational rehabilitation and their employment outcomes.
Certain Selected Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Metabolic Syndrome

The objective of this cross-sectional study of 735 adults 32 to 38 years old born in Limache Hospital in the Valparaiso region of Chile was to analyze the relationship between consumption of certain sugar-sweetened beverages (SBs) and metabolic syndrome (MS). The association with sweetened soft drinks (SDs) as part of SBs was also studied. No relationship was observed between total consumption of SBs and MS; 89% of the adults consumed SBs, with a daily median of 179 mL. However, consumption of greater than 400 mL SBs per day was associated with 1 component of MS: a high waist circumference (odds ratio [OR], 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–2.51). The median consumption of SDs was 163 mL (p25–75 = 71.4–386). An association between SD consumption and MS was found. Consumption of less than 200 mL had an OR of 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01–2.51); between 200 and 400 mL, an OR of 2.06 (95% CI, 1.20–2.51); and greater than 400 mL, an OR of 2.07 (95% CI, 1.18–3.63), compared with those who did not consume them. Although there was no association between SB intake and MS, consuming SBs in high quantities (>400 mL/d) was associated with increased waist circumference. Greater consumption of SDs was associated with MS.
Introduction of randomness in deterministic, physically-consistent descriptions of reverberation chambers and experimental verification

Reverberation chambers extensive knowledge up to now results from a somehow partial juxtaposition of four different approaches: the deterministic models, the statistical models, the empirical techniques and the computer/numerical methods. It is not possible to leave one of these approaches behind, as each one of them stands as a nonexhaustive, but necessary part of reverberation chamber description. Therefore, there is an obvious gap in knowledge which makes us change our methodology depending on what kind of result we seek. Our work focuses on building fairly simple yet physically appropriate one-, twoand three-dimensional models for a reverberation chamber which claim to be able to analytically predict the statistical behavior of such a chamber, without forsaking to the benefits of deterministic models. Several validation analysis mainly focused on the deviation of the field statistics from ideal reverberation operation (i.e. undermoded regime, vicinity to the cavity walls, loading) show agreement with other theories and measured results on real reverberation chambers. Some contributions to the field statistics under imperfect reverberation is also provided in this thesis by the derivation of novel probability density functions.
Traditional Healing in the Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

This article reviews traditional non-Western approaches to the treatment and prevention of substance abuse and dependence. Therapeutic practices reported here are based on Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Islamic and shaman ic traditions as well as on syncretistic Christianized folk beliefs. Traditional practitioners operate outside the official health care system but in some areas in collab oration with it. Analysis of these practices reveals general principles of traditional healing and permits hypotheses on the advantages and disadvantages of traditional approaches.
Mothers' Perception of Fever Management in Children

Background : Fever is a common problem in childhood. Most febrile episodes are managed at home before consultation in a health facility. Caregivers' response to fever will depend on their perception of its cause and knowledge of its management. This study aimed to evaluate mothers' perceptions of fever and its management in childhood. Methods : This was a descriptive hospital based study. It involved the distribution of 11 itemed questionnaires on fever and related questions to 151 mothers who brought their children to the Paediatrics outpatient clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 151 mothers participated with age range 19 years to 54 years with mean of 31.4±5.7SD. One hundred and thirteen (74.8%) defined fever as hotness of the body. Commonest associated symptom with fever was loss of appetite (71.5%). Commonest identified cause of fever was malaria (71 (47%) mothers). 115 (76.2%) mothers measured their children's body temperature by touching their forehead, while 21 (13.9%) used thermometer. Commonest action taken when there was fever was to administer Paracetamol (107 (70.9%)). Commonest identified complication of fever was convulsion (86(67.7%)). Conclusion: Knowledge of fever is good amongst mothers in Port Harcourt; however there is need to educate them on the use of thermometer and appropriate use of drugs. Keywords : Mothers Perception; Fever; Children