Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Mobile App-Assisted Self-Care Interventions for Improving Patient Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and/or Hypertension: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Mobile app-assisted self-care interventions are emerging promising tools to support self-care of patients with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The effectiveness of such interventions requires further exploration for more supporting evidence. Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to examine the effectiveness of mobile app-assisted self-care interventions developed for type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension in improving patient outcomes. Methods We followed the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus for relevant studies published between January 2007 and January 2019. Primary outcomes included changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Changes in other clinical-, behavioral-, knowledge-, and psychosocial-related outcomes were included as secondary outcomes. Primary outcomes and objective secondary outcomes that were reported in at least two trials were meta-analyzed; otherwise, a narrative synthesis was used for data analysis. Results A total of 27 trials were identified and analyzed. For primary outcomes, the use of mobile app-assisted self-care interventions was associated with significant reductions in HbA1c levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.44, 95% CI −0.59 to −0.29; P<.001), SBP (SMD −0.17, 95% CI −0.31 to −0.03, P=.02), and DBP (SMD −0.17, 95% CI −0.30 to −0.03, P=.02). Subgroup analyses for primary outcomes showed that several intervention features were supportive of self-management, including blood glucose, blood pressure, and medication monitoring, communication with health care providers, automated feedback, personalized goal setting, reminders, education materials, and data visualization. In addition, 8 objective secondary outcomes were meta-analyzed, which showed that the interventions had significant lowering effects on fasting blood glucose levels and waist circumference. A total of 42 secondary outcomes were narratively synthesized, and mixed results were found. Conclusions Mobile app-assisted self-care interventions can be effective tools for managing blood glucose and blood pressure, likely because their use facilitates remote management of health issues and data, provision of personalized self-care recommendations, patient–care provider communication, and decision making. More studies are required to further determine which combinations of intervention features are most effective in improving the control of the diseases. Moreover, evidence regarding the effects of these interventions on the behavioral, knowledge, and psychosocial outcomes of patients is still scarce, which warrants further examination.
Life and death at precolumbian Lavoutte, Saint Lucia, Lesser Antilles

Abstract The Caribbean archaeological record requires immediate attention and protection. Development and natural forces have impacted archaeological sites, destroying or severely damaging them. The precolumbian site of Lavoutte, located in northern Saint Lucia, has been known as a major Late Ceramic Age (a.d. 1000–1500) settlement since the 1960s, but it has been damaged over the past decades by both natural and human processes. Multidisciplinary field and laboratory methodologies were implemented during a rescue project at the site from 2009 to 2010. This paper presents the results of collaborative efforts between local and international organizations. The first goal was to demonstrate the importance of protection and rescue of endangered archaeological sites. Secondly, we aimed to show that by adopting a multidisciplinary approach including artifact analysis, bioarchaeology, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and geochemistry, severely damaged sites can be of significant informational value.
Numerical Computation of Weil-Peterson Geodesics in the Universal Teichmüller Space

We propose an optimization algorithm for computing geodesics on the universal Teichm\"uller space T(1) in the Weil-Petersson ($W P$) metric. Another realization for T(1) is the space of planar shapes, modulo translation and scale, and thus our algorithm addresses a fundamental problem in computer vision: compute the distance between two given shapes. The identification of smooth shapes with elements on T(1) allows us to represent a shape as a diffeomorphism on $S^1$. Then given two diffeomorphisms on $S^1$ (i.e., two shapes we want connect with a flow), we formulate a discretized $W P$ energy and the resulting problem is a boundary-value minimization problem. We numerically solve this problem, providing several examples of geodesic flow on the space of shapes, and verifying mathematical properties of T(1). Our algorithm is more general than the application here in the sense that it can be used to compute geodesics on any other Riemannian manifold.
Nocifensive responses to cutaneous thermal stimuli in the cat: stimulus-response profiles, latencies, and afferent activity.

Rapid-onset thermal pulses (38 degrees C X s-1) ranging from 43 to 60 degrees C (adapting temperature, 38 degrees C) were applied by contact thermodes to the shaved outer thighs of 29 partially restrained cats while they were eating (coincident stimuli) or between eating periods (noncoincident stimuli). The stimulus-associated probability and latency of three putative nocifensor responses were determined: interruption of eating or of exploration for food, hindlimb movement, and vocalization. These behavioral responses terminated the stimulus. An analysis of response trends and latencies supports the interpretation that these are unlearned escape responses to noxious stimuli. Response threshold was defined as the lowest temperature at which the average response probabilities at the test temperature and at 38 degrees C were outside one another's 95% confidence limits. Average threshold varies with the type of response and the behavior at the time of stimulation. Noncoincident stimuli elicit both interrupt and movement responses at 47 degrees C and vocalization at 53 degrees C. Coincident stimuli also elicit interrupt responses at 47 degrees C but are associated with an increased hindlimb movement threshold (51 degrees C) and vocalization threshold (55 degrees C). The lowest threshold determined for an individual cat was 43 degrees C. Response probability increases as a nonmonotonic function of stimulus intensity. Maximum sensitivity to increases in temperature occurs at stimulus intensities between 50 and 55 degrees C. Above 55 degrees C, some cats show an attenuation of response sensitivity. Special tests failed to reveal any evidence that receptor sensitization or suppression affected the stimulus-response profiles. The average response latency for all behaviors of all cats is 2.3 +/- 0.12 (SE)s from the onset of the stimulus pulse plateau. Most responses occurred within 2.5 s. No significant relationship was found between response latency and type of response or stimulus intensity. The composition and time of onset of heat-evoked afferent activity in the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was investigated in six cats by colliding antidromic A-delta- and C-fiber volleys with the orthodromic discharge evoked by the thermodes used in the behavioral studies. There was no evidence that noxious thermal pulses evoked activity in A-delta-afferents, but C-fibers could be shown to become active at approximately 46 degrees C, at or before the onset of the thermal pulse plateau. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Comparison of different tissue cultures for isolation and quantitation of influenza and parainfluenza viruses

Rhesus and cynomolgus monkey kidney tissue cultures and two continuous lines, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and LLC-MK2, were compared in titrations and isolations of influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Tube cultures were inoculated with laboratory virus strains or stored patient specimens and observed for hemadsorption. Trypsin was added to the medium of the continuous lines to increase sensitivity. All four tissue cultures gave similar titers of influenza A/USSR (H1N1), A/Texas (H3N2), and B/HK, but lower titers of parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3 were observed with MDCK. Cynomolgus kidney was the best single tissue culture for reisolation of the six viruses, but foamy-virus contamination of many lots was a serious problem. Reisolation of influenza viruses was as successful with MDCK as with primary monkey kidney. LLC-MK2 was similar to rhesus kidney but less successful than cynomolgus kidney. For reisolation of parainfluenza viruses, LLC-MK2 was superior to rhesus monkey kidney and similar to cynomolgus kidney. MDCK was less useful for parainfluenza viruses. Thus, LLC-MK2 would be an acceptable single tissue alternative to primary monkey kidney. The combination of MDCK and LLC-MK2 would provide optimal sensitivity for isolation of all six viruses.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus SarA Binding Sites

ABSTRACT The staphylococcal accessory regulator locus (sarA) encodes a DNA-binding protein (SarA) that modulates expression of over 100 genes. Whether this occurs via a direct interaction between SarA and cis elements associated with its target genes is unclear, partly because the definitive characteristics of a SarA binding site have not been identified. In this work, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were used to identify a SarA binding site(s) upstream of the SarA-regulated gene cna. The results suggest the existence of multiple high-affinity binding sites within the cna promoter region. Using a SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) procedure and purified, recombinant SarA, we also selected DNA targets that contain a high-affinity SarA binding site from a random pool of DNA fragments. These fragments were subsequently cloned and sequenced. Randomly chosen clones were also examined by EMSA. These DNA fragments bound SarA with affinities comparable to those of recognized SarA-regulated genes, including cna, fnbA, and sspA. The composition of SarA-selected DNAs was AT rich, which is consistent with the nucleotide composition of the Staphylococcus aureus genome. Alignment of selected DNAs revealed a 7-bp consensus (ATTTTAT) that was present with no more than one mismatch in 46 of 56 sequenced clones. By using the same criteria, consensus binding sites were also identified upstream of the S. aureus genes spa, fnbA, sspA, agr, hla, and cna. With the exception of cna, which has not been previously examined, this 7-bp motif was within the putative SarA binding site previously associated with each gene.
Compartmentalization of the IgG immune response to HIV-1 in breast milk.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the IgG immune response to HIV-1 in colostrum. METHODS Paired serum and colostrum were collected from 16 asymptomatic HIV-1-infected women. IgG to gp160 and to four peptides (gp41 immunodominant DI domain, gp41/Id; EDLKWA epitope of DIII domain, gp41/K; gp120 C-terminus, gp120/Ct; V3 loop, gp120/V3) were evaluated in all samples. Functional activity of purified IgG was assessed for the ability to block transcytosis of cell-associated HIV-1 through a tight monolayer of endometrial epithelial cell line HEC1. RESULTS IgG antibody to gp160 and to the four env-encoded synthetic peptides were detected in all specimens. The mean specific activity of IgG to gp41/K was 4.2 fold higher in colostrum than in paired serum. In contrast, mean specific activities of IgG to gp160 and gp41/Id were twofold higher in serum than in paired colostrum. Mean specific activities of IgG to gp120/V3 and to gp120/Ct were similar in systemic and milk compartments. Functional activity of IgG was evaluated in six paired serum and colostrum: in two women, serum IgG was 3.0 and 7.6 fold more efficient in blocking transcytosis than colostrum IgG; in one patient, colostrum IgG exhibited a 28 fold higher inhibitory capacity than serum IgG; in the remaining patients, serum and colostrum IgG demonstrated similar inhibitory activities against transcytosis of HIV. CONCLUSION These features are consistent with a compartmentalization of the humoral IgG immune response to HIV within the mammary gland. Some HIV-1 antigens are able to induce a strong humoral mucosal immune response which may be of relevance for the design of a mucosal vaccine against HIV-1.
Evaluation of increasing levels of a microbial phytase in phosphorus deficient broiler diets via live broiler performance, tibia bone ash, apparent metabolizable energy, and amino acid digestibility

&NA; The objective was to investigate increasing concentrations of an evolved microbial phytase on male broiler performance, tibia bone ash, AME, and amino acid digestibility when fed diets deficient in available phosphorus (aP). Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of phytase during a 21 d battery cage study and Experiment 2 was a 42 d grow‐out. Experiment 1 included six treatments; negative control (NC) with an aP level of 0.23% (starter) and 0.19% (grower), two positive controls (PC) consisting of an additional 0.12% and 0.22% aP (PC 1 and PC 2), and the NC supplemented with three levels of phytase (250, 500, and 2,000 U/kg). The NC diet reduced (P < 0.05) FC, BW, and bone ash. Phytase increased (P < 0.05) BW with 2,000 U/kg phytase yielding similar results to the PC2, and improved FCR and increased bone ash was observed at all phytase levels. Amino acid digestibility coefficients were increased (P < 0.05) with phytase at 250 U/kg. Phytase at all rates increased (P < 0.05) AME to levels similar level as PC diets. Linear regression analysis indicated average P equivalency values for BW and bone ash of 0.137, 0.147, and 0.226 for phytase inclusion of 250, 500, and 2000 U/kg, respectively. Experiment 2 included a PC consisting of 0.45%, 0.41%, and 0.38% aP for the starter, grower, and finisher, respectively; NC with reduced aP of 0.17%; and phytase at 500 and 2,000 U/kg. Phytase increased BW (P < 0.05) compared to the NC as 2,000 U/kg phytase resulted in further BW increases compared to the PC (starter and grower). Phytase improved FCR to levels comparable to the PC, with supplementation at 2,000 U/kg resulting in improvements beyond the PC in the starter phase. Amino acid digestibility coefficients were increased with phytase at 2,000 U/kg to levels comparable to that of the PC. These data confirm that the inclusion of phytase improves broiler performance and bone mineralization in aP reduced diets and levels beyond the traditional 500 U/kg can result in further improvements.
Interval-Based Relaxation for General Numeric Planning

We generalise the interval-based relaxation to sequential numeric planning problems with non-linear conditions and effects, and cyclic dependencies. This effectively removes all the limitations on the problem placed in previous work on numeric planning heuristics, and even allows us to extend the planning language with a wider set of mathematical functions. Heuristics obtained from the generalised relaxation are pruning-safe. We derive one such heuristic and use it to solve discrete-time control-like planning problems with autonomous processes. Few planners can solve such problems, and search with our new heuristic compares favourably with them.
Leadership Roles, Socioemotional Communication Strategies, and Technology Use of Irish and US Students in Virtual Teams

Global virtual teams provide numerous benefits for corporations employing virtual organizational forms and for individual teams and team members. However, virtual collaboration also presents some well-recognized challenges. A growing body of research has examined the process of virtual teaming and the challenges inherent in that process. This study seeks to address some of the gaps in the existing literature. Specifically, it examines leadership roles, socioemotional communication strategies, and the use of technology to establish relational links among team members. The study focuses on virtual-team collaboration among technical communication students at the University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, and at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment among post myocardial infarction patients on lipid lowering therapy at Siriraj outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is leading cause of death in the world and third order in Thailand. A number of large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated that statins reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, in clinical practice less than 50% of these patients could achieve the LDL-C goal based on NCEP ATP III treatment goal. The objective of this study is to assess the percentages of post myocardial infarction patients who attained LDL-C goal in Siriraj Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD This is a retrospective review of all adult patients diagnosed with first event myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI) at Siriraj Hospital between 2007 and 2009. Patients were included if they were 18-75 years-old, received statins therapy before discharge and followed-up regularly at least 1 year at OPD. Patients were excluded if triglyceride > 400 mg/dL. Patient demographics, type of reimbursement and discharge medication data were collected. The goal attainment was assessed and result was demonstrated in percentages of patients who achieved LDL goal compare with all patients meeting exclusion and inclusion criteria. This goal is based on NCEP ATP III 2004 for the management of dyslipidemias treatment goal of LDL-C < 100 mg/dL. RESULTS Eight hundred and eighty eight patients were diagnosed with myocardial infarction from 2007 to 2009. One hundred seventy-nine patients meet inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seventy-three percent are male with mean age 58.64 +/- 10.21 year-old. Civil servant reimbursement is most common type of reimbursement, for about half of patients. LDL-C goal achievement based on NCEP ATP III 2004 for the management of dyslipidemia was 84.9%. The majority of prescribed lipid lowering agent was simvastatin 72.1%, and then atorvastatin 20.7% and rosuvastatin 7.3%, respectively. LDL-C goal achievement did not depend on type of statin, type of reimbursement or type of specialist follow-up at OPD. CONCLUSION Patients who were diagnosed first event of myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI) admitted in Siriraj hospital from 2007 and 2009, 84.9% of them could achieve LDL-C goal based on NCEP ATP III 2004.
Performance of Analysis Cognitive Radio with Cooperative Sensing under Malicious Attacks over Nakagami Faded Channels

The different realistic propagation channels are faced frequently the multipath fading environments. The main goal of this system design (cognitive radio network) is to improve the efficiency of spectrum access on a non-interfering basis. This system achieves high utilization for the limited spectrum in order to fulfill needs for all users’ demands which are considered as a problem in wireless communications due to rapidly increasing in wireless applications and service. This system is exposed to attack due to the vulnerabilities existence in this system. So, the main outcome of this paper is to investigate the performance of the cooperative sensing in cognitive radio networks under malicious attacks over different channel impairments, and to illustrate the most suitable individual probability of detection in real faded channel by using Nakagami model. This paper illustrates the effectiveness of the attacks and fading on the performance of spectrum sensing process.
Access to patient-centered medical home among Ohio’s Children with Special Health Care Needs

Medical homes deliver primary care that is accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family centered, coordinated, compassionate and culturally effective. Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) require a wide range of support to maintain health, making medical home access particularly important. We sought to understand independent risk factors for lacking access. We analyzed Ohio, USA data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (2005–2006). Among CSHCN, 55.6% had medical home access. The proportion achieving each medical home component was highest for having a personal doctor/nurse and lowest for receiving coordinated care, family-centered care and referrals. Specific subsets of CSHCN were significantly and independently more likely to lack medical home access: Hispanic (AOR=3.08), moderate/high severity of difficulty (AOR=2.84), and any public insurance (AOR=1.60). Efforts to advance medical home access must give special attention to these CSHCN populations and improvements must be made to referral access, family-centered care, and care coordination.
COLONIZATION AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE DYNAMICS OF PATIENTS AT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)-OUR EXPERIENCE

introduction: Multidrug resistant strains are developed day by day due to empirical therapy in intensive care unit (ICU). Both gram positive and gram negative strains are found in ICU are drug resistant bacteria. In this study, the prevalence of drug resistance bacteria in ICU were determined. Materials and Methods: The clinical samples; ascitic fluid, blood, central line tip, ET aspiration pleural fluid, pus from liver abscess, sputum, tracheal aspiration, urine and wound swabs were collected from ICU patients and cultured in specific medium. Subsequently antibiotic sensitivity pattern of isolated bacteria were carried out with disc diffusion methods. Results: A total number of 794 clinical samples were cultured in specific medium and it revealed 191 of single colonies, 145 were double colonies and 87 were 3 or multy-colonies. A total of 963 bacteria were isolated among them 180 were gram positive bacteria, BYC were 135 and rest were gram negative bacteria. There was no significantly difference in growth of microorganisms with respect to clinical samples as t test revealed P = 0.87. Among the gram negative bacteria; Klebsiela pneumonia were predominant and Proteous mirabilis was lowest. Tigecycline and colistin were most effective antibiotics agonist all bacteria. Conclusions : Urine samples of the patient’s revealed higher number of organisms where as pus from liver abscess found only one number of growths. The antibiotic stewardship programs must lead to significant decrease in all antibiotic used in the ICU setting. However, this result may be required further work to determine the fruitful necessary for success. Key words: Antibiotics, Intensive Care Unit, Bacterial infections, Drug resistance.