Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Review Study

Objectives: High-risk pregnancies can affect the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant women due to their complications. QOL involves different dimensions including physical, psychological, and social health of the individuals. Assessing the QOL, especially in mothers with gestational diabetes is important in planning for maternal and newborn care and understanding the need for care for policymakers and the health care association. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the effects of gestational diabetes on QOL during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this study, articles indexed in several databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran were obtained among which, those related to the QOL of mothers with gestational diabetes were extracted and evaluated based on the aim of the study. Results: The series of the reviewed studies included 10 articles on the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of the QOL of mothers with gestational diabetes. Most of the examined articles failed to find any significant change in the physical dimension of QOL of mothers with gestational diabetes. The psychological effects of gestational diabetes were diverse and less understandable, therefore, different studies obtained contradictory results in this regard. Three out of four studies examining the social dimension of QOL of women with gestational diabetes showed that mothers’ QOL could be jeopardized by social dimension. Conclusions: In general, the results revealed that gestational diabetes could affect various physical, psychological, and social dimensions of the QOL of mothers. In addition, adequate education should be provided for mothers with diabetes in order to reduce their fear, anxiety, and depression concerning gestational diabetes.
INFLUENCE OF A MICROBIAL ADDITIVE ON THE PRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF PREGNANT SOWS, AS WELL AS, HEMATOCHEMICAL AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENCE IN THEIR OFFSPRING

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive behavior in sows, as well as the hematochemical profiles and the incidence of diarrhea in piglets when using a microbial preparation fermented in byproducts of the agroindustry. We used 14 breeding sows, CC21 hybrids (Yorkshire - Landrace/L35 Duroc) and their offspring, divided into two groups: T1, Control and T2, microbial preparation A. T2, contained Lactobacilus acidophilus y Kluyveromyces fragilis L-4 (UCLV). The microbial additive was developed in a substrate composed of molasses, torula yeast and soy milk. 20 ml of microbial preparation were applied to the sows from the last third of gestation until weaning; and the piglets were supplied with 1 ml in mono dose for 2 weeks and subsequently increased to 1.5; 2 and 3 ml per animal respectively. A completely randomized design was used. The productive performance of sows and piglets was evaluated, such as weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, incidence of diarrhea and mortality, and blood profile and blood chemistry. With the use of microbial preparation weight gain, weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio varied (P<0.05) between treatments, indices of diarrhea and mortality were lower (P <0.05) in T2. Blood profiles and blood biochemistry differed (P>0.05) between treatments (T1 and T2). In conclusion, the use of microbial preparation in the diet of pigs improves the productive parameters, decreases the incidence of diarrhea and blood profiles vary in some cases in the categories studied
Role of Terrestrial Bromeliads in Nutrient Cycling, Restinga da Marambaia, Brazil

This study quantified the aboveground biomass and nutrient contents in terrestrial bromeliads in a dune forest at Restinga da Marambaia, RJ. Data of individuals in “quadrats” (4 m2) marked on a line perpendicular to the sea were collected in August 2001. Diameter (d) and height (h) were the variables that best correlated with the biomass of Quesnelia quesneliana, which presented highest biomass and concentrations of K. The total number of leaves was the variable that best correlated with the biomass of Billbergia amoena and Neoregelia cruenta. N. cruenta presented the highest concentrations of N and P. Nutrient contents were higher in Q. quesneliana.
Keeping it all natural : a research into the underlying factors influencing the intention to purchase and the intention to continue purchasing organic cosmetics among German consumers

The study did research on factors influencing the intention to purchase organic cosmetic and the intention to continue purchasing organic cosmetics among German consumers. The research model was based upon the social identity theory and the theory of planned behaviour. It suggested that intention to purchase or to continue purchasing is influenced by consumers health- and environmental related self-identity as well the variables of the theory of planned behaviour. Additionally, it was proposed that subjective knowledge towards organic cosmetics as well as attitude towards brand communication positively influence consumer’s attitude towards organic cosmetic consumption. To test these hypotheses, participants were approached using an online questionnaire. In total, data from n= 256 people was used for further analysis, which were divided into organic cosmetic purchaser (n=120) and non-purchaser (n=136). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that attitude towards organic cosmetics and perceived behavioural control positively influence the intention to continue purchasing organic cosmetics. For the non-purchaser, environmental self-identity, attitude towards organic cosmetics and subjective norm were significant predictors. Attitude towards brand communication had no influence on attitude towards organic cosmetics for both purchaser groups. In contrast, subjective knowledge was significantly and positively related with attitude towards organic cosmetics for both purchaser groups.
An empirical study on banks profitability in the KSA: A co-integration approach

This study aims to give the analysis of the determinants of banks’ profitability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) over the period 1999-2007. This paper investigates the co-integration and causal relationship between return of assets (ROA) and return of equity (ROE) of Saudi banks. The analysis employs Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test, Johansen’s cointegration test, Granger causality test. Analyzing the cointegration and other tests on Saudi Arabian banking sector over the study period, the relationships between the two variables are examined. The empirical results have found strong evidence that the variables are co-integrated. Key words: Banking, bank profitability, return on assets, return on equity, co-integration, KSA.
A Large Number of Consumer Recommendations? or A Small Number of Friend Recommendations? : Purchasing Decision Making based on SNS

Recently, there happens many purchasing cases encouraged by friends` recommendation in SNS (Social Network Service). This study investigates the effect of friend recommendation on consumers` purchasing heuristic. For this purpose, we compare the effect of friend recommendation with consumer recommendation in terms of trustworthy, specialty, relevancy. Usually, the frequency of friend recommendation is far lower than that of consumer recommendation. Hence, we examine how the effect of information source (friend recommendation or consumer recommendation) is moderated by the frequency of recommendation, as well. As results, this study finds out that, under the same frequency, friend recommendation does not have significantly stronger effect on the purchasing heuristic, although friend recommendation is evidenced as one of significant heuristic inducers. However, in terms of trustworthy, friend recommendation is significantly superior to the consumer recommendation. Moreover, under sufficiently higher frequency, friend recommendation works as better heuristic factor than consumer recommendation. The results deliver managerial implications in the perspective of understanding consumers` purchasing decisions and responding strategies of firms.
Potential use of endophytic bacteria to promote the plant growth of micropropagated banana cultivar Prata Anã

Endophytic bacteria isolated from shoot tip cultures of banana ‘Tropical’ and ‘Galil 18’ were identified at the genera and species levels by means of the profile of fatty acids test through gas chromatography and the potential of plant growth promotion of micropropagated ‘Prata Ana’ banana plantlets was evaluated. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial scheme 2 × 9, with two immersion periods (30 and 60 min), eight isolates (endophytic bacteria) plus control (saline solution; 0.85% sodium chloride) with seven replications was used. The plantlets were cultured under greenhouse conditions and the evaluations were performed at 24 (DAP1) and 48 (DAP2) days after planting. The isolates of endophytic bacteria affected significantly pseudostem height, number of leaves and pseudostem diameter. Five isolates: 03, 05, 06, 07 and 08 showed percentages of increment index over 20% for pseudostem height. Among them, the isolate 07, Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae showed the highest increment indices: 27.48, 13.68 and 13.55% for pseudostem height, number of leaves and pseudostem diameter, respectively. The results show the potential use of K. pneumoniae pneumoniae (Isolate 07) for growth promotion in micropropagated ‘Prata Ana’ banana plantlets. Keywords: Musa sp. , Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae , plant growth promoting bacteria African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(31), pp. 4915-4919
Is this Love? A Study of Deception in Online Romance in Nigeria

This work is a study of the interplay of online romance and deception among the users of social networking sites (SNS) in Nigeria, with a focus on how to avoid fake Internet love. The Interpersonal Deception theory underpinned the work while 369 copies of questionnaire were administered online to a sample drawn from a list of friends of four individual Facebook accounts, totaling 8763 participants. Findings exposed the prevalence of online romance deception and showed that users relied on a number of cues to detect deception, including verification from online friends. Inconsistencies during interactions have proved to be a good way of detecting fake lovers but it appears face-to-face meetings still hold the ace for genuine love.
Renal outcomes of radioligand therapy: experience of 177lutetium—prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand therapy in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract Background Radioligand therapy (RLT) with 177lutetium (Lu)-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands has been increasingly used in recent years for therapy of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Studies have revealed that 177Lu-PSMA ligand therapy is well tolerated and appears to cause fewer adverse effects than current standard of care third-line treatments. Notably, since 177Lu-PSMA agents are predominantly excreted by kidneys, there are concerns relating to their potential nephrotoxicity and renal outcomes. Although many recent studies have focused on mostly nephrotoxic adverse reactions at up to 3-month follow-up, assessment of renal outcomes after 177Lu-PSMA RLT in longer term follow-up is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 177Lu-PSMA RLT on renal function in patients treated for mCRPC at >3 months post-therapy. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed 195 men with progressive mCRPC who had received therapy with 177Lu-PSMA as second- or third-line after standard therapeutic interventions. Patients underwent investigations with 68Ga-PSMA-ligand positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan to confirm PSMA-expressing mCRPC. Eligible patients were required to have estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30 mL/min/1.73 m2, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score <3, no severe liver injury (as characterized by liver function tests) and no significant bone marrow dysfunction. Enrolled patients received two to five cycles of intravenous 177Lu-PSMA I&T or 177Lu-PSMA-617, at 6- to 10-week intervals. Renal outcomes were assessed according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines as incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), acute kidney disease (AKD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). All assessments and tests were undertaken between therapy cycles and at follow-up of at least 3 months. Results Of 195 assessed men with mCRPC, 110 patients aged [mean ± SD (range)] 70 ± 8 (53–92) years were recruited into this study with median follow-up of 8 (interquartile range 5–12, minimum 3, maximum 29) months and mean baseline eGFR 81 ± 13 mL/min/1.73 m2. Pre-existing CKD was identified in 12% of patients. None of the patients experienced an AKI during RLT. Two AKD and three CKD G3a cases were identified. Analysis of possible impact of prior CKD and major risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, history of AKI) on incidence of AKD or CKD demonstrated relative risk 4.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–14.29] and 1.91 (95% CI 1.14–3.12), respectively. However, Fisher’s exact test did not reveal statistical significance of the impact of both conditions. Conclusions Current Lu-PSMA RLT protocols appear to carry a mild nephrotoxic risk with the rate of about 4.5%. Prior CKD is potentially the most significant risk factor of post-RLT renal dysfunction.
A First in Class Treatment for Thrombosis Prevention. A Phase I study with CS1, a New Controlled Release Formulation of Sodium Valproate

Several lines of evidence indicate that improving fibrinolysis by valproic acid may be a fruitful strategy for thrombosis prevention. This study investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and effect on biomarkers for thrombosis of CS1, a new advanced controlled release formulation of sodium valproate designed to produce optimum valproic acid concentrations during the early morning hours, when concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and the risk of thrombotic events is highest. Healthy volunteers (n=17) aged 40-65 years were randomized to receive single doses of one of three formulations of CS1 (FI, FII, and FIII). The CS1 FII formulation showed the most favorable pharmacokinetics and was chosen for multiple dosing. Thirteen healthy volunteers received CS1 FII 276 mg once daily for 14 days, and 552 mg for a further 14 days. The mean (SD) peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of valproic acid at day 28 was 312.5 (70.0) μmol/L, and the median time to Cmax was 12 hours (range 9-16 hours). CS1 was safe well tolerated. Plasma PAI-1 concentrations decreased significantly from baseline to the end of the 28-day treatment period. Peak valproic acid concentrations were attained slightly later than peak PAI-1 levels. There was a close association (R2=0.65) between plasma PAI-1 concentrations and clot lysis time. In conclusion, this study showed that CS1 was safe and well-tolerated, showed favorable pharmacokinetics, as well as a significant reduction in PAI-1 and evidence of improved fibrinolysis. Further studies are warranted to further characterize the safety, tolerability and antithrombotic (fibrinolytic activity) of CS1.
Aspects of weather parameters at Neumayer station, Antarctica, and their representation in reanalysis and climate model data

ERA-Interim reanalysis data and data of the Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model version 2 (HadGEM2) are compared with continuous meteorological observations of near-surface wind and temperature carried out for more than 30 years at Neumayer station, situated on the Ekstrom Ice Shelf of Antarctica. Significant temperature correlations between Neumayer climate and the climate of both the interior of the Antarctic continent and oceanic regions north of Neumayer are investigated using observational data and model data. Mean sea level pressure fluctuations at Neumayer can be connected to changes in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Shortcomings in the ERA-Interim reanalysis data with spurious trends of up to 7 �C over 31 years are identified at several places in Antarctica. Furthermore, it is shown that katabatic winds in both the ERA-Interim reanalysis data and in the HadGEM2 climate model are underrepresented in frequency and speed, presumably due to the problems in representing topography in these relatively coarse resolution models. This may be one reason for the positive 2m air temperature bias of 3 �C in the models at Neumayer station. The results of this study reemphasize that climatic trends in regions with a low station density can not be assessed solely from model data. Thus, it is absolutely necessary to maintain polar observatories such as Neumayer station to quantify climate change over the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Evapotranspiration and crop coefficient for potato in organic farming

The aim of this study was to quantify the water consumption and the crop coefficients (Kc) for the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), in Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, under organic management, and to simulate the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) using the Kc obtained in the field and the ones recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The water consumption was obtained through soil water balance, using TDR probes installed at 0.15m and 0.30m deep. At the different stages of development, the Kc was determined by the ratio of ETc and reference evapotranspiration, obtained by Penman-Monteith FAO 56. The crop coefficients obtained were 0.35, 0.45, 1.29 and 0.63. The accumulated ETc obtained in the field was 109.6 mm, while the ETc accumulated from FAO's Kc were 142.2 and 138mm, respectively, considering the classical values and the values adjusted to the local climatic conditions. The simulation of water consumption based on meteorological data of historical series from 1961 to 2007 provided higher value of ETc when compared with the one obtained in the field. From the meteorological data of historical series, it was observed that the use of Kc recommended by FAO may overestimate the amount of irrigation water by 9%, over the same growing season.
The Effect of Moisture Content and Wood Density on the Preservative Uptake of Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana (Link.) Spach.) Treated with CCA

The effect of moisture content and wood density on the preservative uptake (on the basis of the percentage of void volume filled (VVF%)) of Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana (Link.) Spach. ) was studied in various levels of moisture content (MC). VVF% was measured in 11 MC regimes (7 of which were designed to be below the fibre saturation point (FSP)) consequtively nominated using a conventional kiln. All the samples were treated with CCA-tanalith C via a mild schedule of full-cell impregnation. A significant correspondence between MC and both wood density and VVF% was established and an attempt was thus made to correlate VVF% with porosity (the fractional void volume) at respective moisture contents. The significance of these changes was discussed in relation to the FSP, the activity of which was barely detectable. MC values above the FSP stimulate and decrease the retention of preservative in the wood voids, whereas MC values below the FSP influence the preservative uptake due to the effect of the voids available in wood. It was found that there were significant differences in VVF% between the regimes of MC above the FSP, whereas there was quite a different trend at MC values just below the FSP. In this range, there were no differences in VVF% (figures in parentheses) between the levels of MC at 10% (61.6) and 20% (60.3) but there was a significant difference between 22% (59.4) and 28% (56.7). These observations suggest that MC at 22% (close to 20%) could be highlighted as the exact value for Caucasian fir, and hence it may be best to preferentially kiln dry this species to a target moisture content of 22%.
In Search of Mutations of MSX1 Gene in Indian Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate Patients

Objective: To understand the role of MSX1 gene in Indian nonsyndromic cleft palate patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was devised consisting of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate and cleft palate only patients. The study was conducted in an Orthodontic Department of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital. Fifty-two patients were included in the study, inclusion criteria were: (A) nonsyndromic oral clefting, Cl/P: (B) absence of a tooth or teeth (tooth agenesis). Interventions: Case history, clinical examination and radiographic evidence of missing teeth were recorded. Blood samples, obtained after a written consent, were collected in 1.5 ml polypropylene microfuge tubes and transferred to the laboratory in dry ice. Genomic DNA was isolated and exon 1 site was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The PCR product was further subjected to restriction enzyme analysis with 0.5 units of MbO2. Main outcome measures: Mutations in exon 1 region of MSX1 gene were reported by Van den Boogard et al (2000), in a Dutch family with nonsyndromic oral clefting, this study was done to ascertain if mutation of exon 1 region could be involved in Indian nonsyndromic oral clefting. Results: There was perfect digestion of MbO2 enzyme, thus confirming the absence of mutation in the patient samples. Conclusion: The absence of mutation in the selected patient samples correlates with those reported for a Caucasian population (Lidral et al, 1998), but not with those reported from a Dutch family (Van den Boogaard et al, 2000). The findings of this study are significant as they establish the genetic diversity involved in nonsyndromic clefting. This study can be further expanded to include the noncoding regions of MSX1 gene.
Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A cost-effectiveness and value of implementation analysis

Background Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. Aims To determine the cost-effectiveness, value of future research, and value of implementation of mechanical thrombectomy. Methods Using UK clinical and cost data from the Pragmatic Ischemic Stroke Thrombectomy Evaluation (PISTE) trial, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy over time horizons of 90-days and lifetime, based on a decision-analytic model, using all existing evidence. We performed a meta-analysis of seven clinical trials to estimate treatment effects. We used sensitivity analysis to address uncertainty. Value of implementation analysis was used to estimate the potential value of additional implementation activities to support routine delivery of mechanical thrombectomy. Results Over the trial period (90 days), compared with best medical care alone, mechanical thrombectomy incurred an incremental cost of £5207 and 0.025 gain in QALY (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) £205,279), which would not be considered cost-effective. However, mechanical thrombectomy was shown to be cost-effective over a lifetime horizon, with an ICER of £3466 per QALY gained. The expected value of perfect information per patient eligible for mechanical thrombectomy in the UK is estimated at £3178. The expected value of full implementation of mechanical thrombectomy is estimated at £1.3 billion over five years. Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy was cost-effective compared with best medical care alone over a patient’s lifetime. On the assumption of 30% implementation being achieved throughout the UK healthcare system, we estimate that the population health benefits obtained from this treatment are greater than the cost of implementation. Trial registration NCT01745692.