Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and fungal profile of pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Aspergillus is a fungus which may present an array of pulmonary manifestations, depending on the patient's immunological and physiological state. Although the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis occurs primarily in immunocompromised patients but the incidence is also rising in immunocompetent individuals, especially in developing countries. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors of pulmonary aspergillosis along with species identification. Materials and Methods: One hundred and three patients admitted to the Department of Chest and Tuberculosis and in the Department of Medicine from Jan 2012 to Jan 2013 were included in this study. The patients were epitomized on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms, physical examination, chest radiography, CT scans, histopathological examination, bronchoscopy and fungal examination including potassium hydroxide mount, fungal culture of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage. Species identification was done by colony characteristics, slide culture and Lactophenol Cotton blue mount. Results: Out of the 103 patients, (63 males and 40 females) Aspergillus species has been isolated from 17 (16.5%) males and 07 (6.79%) females. Various predisposing factors of pulmonary aspergillosis have been identified in which pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic smoking and environmental exposure to asbestos, cement its tops the list. Many of the patients had multiple predisposing factors. Aspergillus species were isolated in 24 (23.3%) cases. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species isolated in 13 (54.16%) cases followed by Aspergillus flavus in 07 (29.16%) cases, Aspergillus niger in 03 (12.5 %) and Aspergillus terrus in 1 (4.16%) cases. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of pulmonary Aspergillosis is quite high in immunocompromised individuals and low in immunocompetent individuals. An adequate and efficient evaluation of the etiological agents has a crucial role in the management of such patients.
Medication administration: acquisition of knowledge and abilities required for a group of nurses

Atualmente, sabe-se que o processo da administracao de medicamentos e multidisciplinar e exige atualizacao constante. Escassez de conhecimento, falta de reciclagem e de educacao em servico permeiam a tematica da administracao de medicamentos. Objetivos: analisar as necessidades educacionais de enfermeiros atuantes em uma instituicao hospitalar universitaria do interior do Estado de Sao Paulo, no que concerne a administracao de medicamentos e discutir sobre necessidade da aquisicao de conhecimentos e habilidades requeridos pelo grupo de enfermeiros em questao. Utilizou-se da Tecnica do Grupo Nominal por meio da seguinte questao: "O que voce necessita saber mais para complementar seu conhecimento sobre a administracao de medicamentos? " Destacaram-se oito categorias de necessidades educacionais: mecanismos de acao dos medicamentos, preparo e administracao de medicamentos, obtencao de informacoes e conhecimento, interacoes medicamentosas, estabilidade do medicamento, medicamentos especificos e quimioterapicos, efeitos colaterais dos medicamentos e outros aspectos da administracao de medicamentos. Propoem-se um curso de atualizacao, baseado nas necessidades educacionais identificadas.
No Association of the Genetic Polymorphisms of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor With Preeclampsia in Korean Populations

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is any association between preeclampsia and eNOS, DDAH, and VEGF gene polymorphisms, and also to search for a possible association between haplotypes in eNOS, DDHA, and VEGF genes and the risk for preeclampsia. DNA was extracted from whole blood of 223 preeclampsia patients and 237 healthy pregnant women. The genotypes were analyzed by a single base primer extension assay using a SNaPShot assay kit. Results were analyzed with the Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and Logistic regression analysis. Haplotype analyses were performed using Haploview 3.2 version. There were no significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of eNOS, DDAH, and VEGF gene polymorphisms between preeclampsia patients and controls. No increase in the risk of preeclampsia for those genes was observed under any model of inheritance and there were no statistically significant associations between any haplotypes and preeclampsia risk. Polymorphisms in eNOS, DDAH, and VEGF gene do not seem to be risk factors for preeclampsia.
Prevalence of Ankle Sprain and Service Utilization among Players of Punjab

Studies on the prevalence and service utilization pattern of ankle sprain in sports have mostly emerged from developed countries. However similar studies are lacking in Indian context. Punjab is a state in India that is known for its sporting talent and sports culture. Investigators could not locate any study on the prevalence of ankle sprain among players of Punjab. Such studies are required to sensitize the community about the problem and to plan intervention. Keeping this in mind the present study was undertaken with the aim to study the prevalence of ankle sprain and service utilization among players of Punjab. The point, 12 month and life-time prevalence of ankle sprain was 8.29%, 42.93% and 71.70% respectively. 82.35% players with current ankle sprain had sustained ankle sprain on previous occasions also. 58.82% ankle injured players did not seek professional help. Previous ankle sprain, reduced ankle range of motion, weak planter flexor and evertor muscles along with balance deficits were significantly associated with the occurrence of ankle sprain. The treatment provided to the players was tilted towards the use of medicines, ice application and taping/bandaging. The component of exercise therapy was found lacking in the management programme. Considering the high rate of recurrence it is imperative that the players and coaches are educated about the importance of complete phase wise management of ankle sprain.
Tumorigenesis and Neoplastic Progression Leptin Receptor Signaling Supports Cancer Cell Metabolism through Suppression of Mitochondrial Respiration in Vivo

Obesity represents a risk factor for certain types of cancer. Leptin, a hormone predominantly produced by adipocytes, is elevated in the obese state. In the context of breast cancer, leptin derived from local adipocytes is present at high concentrations within the mammary gland. A direct physiological role of peripheral leptin action in the tumor microenvironment in vivo has not yet been examined. Here, we report that mice deficient in the peripheral leptin receptor, while harboring an intact central leptin signaling pathway, develop a fully mature ductal epithelium, a phenomenon not observed in db/db mice to date. In the context of the MMTV-PyMT mammary tumor model, the lack of peripheral leptin receptors attenuated tumor progression and metastasis through a reduction of the ERK1/2 and Jak2/STAT3 pathways. These are tumor cell-autonomous properties, independent of the metabolic state of the host. In the absence of leptin receptor signaling, the metabolic phenotype is less reliant on aerobic glycolysis and displays an enhanced capacity for -oxidation, in contrast to nontransformed cells. Leptin receptorfree tumor cells display reduced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation on residue Y705 but have increased serine phosphorylation on residue S727, consistent with preserved mitochondrial function in the absence of the leptin receptor. Therefore , local leptin action within the mammary gland is a critical mediator , linking obesity and dysfunctional adipose tissue with aggressive tumor growth. (Am J Pathol 2010, 177:3133–3144; DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100595) Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in women according to the annual report of American Cancer Society. Large-scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated that obesity increases the risk of developing cancers in several different tissues, including endometrium, colon, kidney, and postmenopausal breast cancer. Furthermore, obesity has shown to be associated with a high rate of recurrence and a poor survival rate. Hyperinsulinemia, an increase in insulin-like growth factors, or dysregulation of steroid hormones observed in obese individuals have all been suggested as possible mechanisms that link obesity and cancer risk. More specifically, adipose tissue derived signaling molecules, including adipokines and matrix proteins, are emerging as key candidate molecules linking obesity to cancer. We have previously demonstrated that adipocytes are highly active endocrine cells that secrete numerous factors, which can ultimately influence stromal-epithelial cell interactions within the mammary tumor microenvironment. Since the ductal epithelium in the mammary gland is embedded in adipose tissue, adipocytes represent a prominent cell-type in this stromal environment, affecting the growth and survival of transformed mammary epithelial cells in multiple ways. This stromal microenvironment in the mammary gland is altered in obese individuals, with a general increase in
Expectant Management in Twin Pregnancies With Discordant Structural Fetal Anomalies

Objective: Routine obstetric ultrasound increasingly leads to the detection of structural fetal anomalies. In twin pregnancies with one anomalous twin, counseling on management strategies is complicated. Patients and methods: Twin pregnancies (n = 212) were referred to a tertiary center between January 2007 and July 2009. In a retrospective analysis, twins discordant for a structural fetal anomaly were compared to twins without anomalies in the prenatal ultrasound. Outcome parameters were survival and gestational age at birth. Results: Anomalies were seen in at least one fetus of 30 twin pairs. The two pregnancies in which the anomalies were concordant were terminated. Selective feticide was performed in three cases of major but non-lethal anomalies in dichorionic twins. The remaining 25 cases were managed expectantly. In three of these cases, spontaneous fetal demise of the affected fetus was observed. In five cases with major (lethal) anomalies, the pregnant women and their partners opted for non-intervention comfort care after birth for the affected fetus. Median gestational age at delivery was 257 days for twins without structural anomalies and was 254 days (n = 22) for twins with one anomalous fetus. This was not significantly different (Mann Whitney U, p = .69). Again, no difference was found for median gestational age at delivery in normal vs. discordant anomalous dichorionic twins if subdivided for chorionicity (Mann Whitney U, p = .68). Conclusion: In this cohort we describe the request for expectant management by pregnant women and their partners of those twins discordant for major (lethal) anomalies. Expectant management was not associated with increased risk of premature delivery. Fetocide was only opted for in a small number of cases with severe but non-lethal anomalies in dichorionic twins.
Toxicité des poussières rejetées par le complexe sidérurgique d’Annaba sur quelques paramètres hématologiques du lapin Europeus

Depuis le brouillard de Londres de 1952, pendant lequel plus de 4 000 personnes ont ete tuees en 4 jours, les efforts combines des scientifiques de plusieurs disciplines, y compris la sante environnementale, la medecine clinique et la recherche biomedicale, ont souleve des inquietudes serieuses concernant l’impact des polluants de l’air sur la sante humaine. Ces polluants environnementaux sont identifies comme des facteurs de risques importants et independants pour plusieurs maladies telles que les affections respiratoires, le cancer du poumon, l’atherosclerose, les maladies cardio-vasculaires et les perturbations des parametres sanguins. Dans cette etude, nous nous sommes interesses a l’action nocive des polluants atmospheriques sur l’organisme humain, particulierement sur les parametres sanguins. Annaba, capitale industrielle de l’Est algerien, est soumise depuis de nombreuses annees a l’agressivite d’un environnement pollue en particulier par les rejets metalliques du complexe siderurgique. Une recherche experimentale sur des lapins Europeus exposes a ces rejets a ete realisee. Des echantillons de sang ont ete preleves apres 3, 7 et 21 jours d’exposition journaliere a 2 grammes de poussieres recueillies au niveau du complexe siderurgique pour une etude hematologique. Les resultats montrent une diminution de l’hematocrite et de l’hemoglobine, une evolution perturbee des lymphocytes et des leucocytes, une augmentation du nombre des plaquettes et un frottis presentant des hematies avec une membrane herissee.
Women, Their Significant Others, and Crack Cocaine

The 1993 National Household Survey showed that 54,000 African American women bad smoked crack cocaine at least once in the previous month; for the first time, a larger percentage of African American women are using illicit drugs than their Euro-American counterparts. To better understand the interpersonal and family context in which African American women who smoke crack came to use drugs, the authors aimed to characterize the drug and alcohol abuse of parents, siblings, and spouses of such women. A total of 161 women who reported smoking at least SlOO/week of crack cocaine were recruited into this study. At the time of data collection, 110 women were in treatment, and 48 were still using. Sixty-five percent of the participants reported at least one parent with a drug or alcohol problem, and sibling use was equally bigb. These data are consistent with previous research with female heroin users.
Empowerment and disempowernent: Models of staff/patient interaction

This study aimed to develop valid models of empowerment and disempowerment relevant to staff/patient interaction as a means of generating a greater understanding of how these concepts are expressed in healthcare. This involved submitting the concepts of empowerment and disempowerment to an act frequency approach (Buss and Craik, 1983). Using this approach, registered nurses (n=38) were asked to nominate empowering and disempowering acts relevant to staff/patient interactions, yielding a list of 98 acts. Following this, older hospitalised people (n=20) were asked hypothetically to judge these acts as to the extent they would be 'control giving' if personally experienced. The 20 highest scoring acts for each concept were then incorporated into an act frequency observation scale. Using this composite scale, older hospitalised people (n=102) were asked to judge how often they had encountered each act over a pre-determined period of time. Act frequencies for each concept were then submitted to a principal components factor analysis. The principal components of empowerment were identified as 'promoting patient independence,' 'promoting information exchange' and 'being aware of patient needs'; and for disempowerment, 'impeding patient collaboration in care planning,' 'domination' and 'indifference to patient needs'. Models of these concepts illustrate the therapeutic and non-therapeutic aspects of interpersonal care.
Effect of intake of aqueous stem extract of Anisopus mannii on haematological parameters in rats

Summary: These studies were conducted to investigate changes in haematological parameters of rats fed with prolong graded doses of Anisopus mannii . The limit dose test of Up and Down procedure as revised by Dixon was employed to determine the acute oral toxicity of the plant. The result revealed that the Median lethal dose of the plant is greater than 3000mg/kg body weight. The repeated administration of graded doses of the extract showed a significant (P 0.05) difference in the total white blood cells and differential leukocyte count in all the treated groups of rats compared to there respective day zero and control group. These results show that the aqueous stem extract of Anisopus mannii is relatively safe following oral administration and have possible stimulatory effect on red blood cell production. Industrial relevance: Blood is a good indicator to determine the physiological and pathological status of man and animal. The parameters measured include packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell count and platelets count. The normal ranges of these parameters can be altered by the ingestion of some toxic plants. The plant Anisopus mannii (Family Asclepiadaceae), is known as ‘Sakayau’ or ‘Kashe zaki’( meaning sweet killer) among the Hausas of the northern Nigeria, where a cold decoction of the stem is traditionally used as remedy for hyperglycaemia. Despite the widespread use of this plant in this environment, there is little literature on the scientific evaluation of its haematological effect thus screening of plants for toxicity aiming at ascertaining their safety seems to be promising, as toxicity following overdose or the active principles present in the plant could pose as limitation to their potential usefulness and may even lead to death. This present study therefore investigates the changes in haematological parameters of rats fed with the aqueous extract of the stem of Anisopus mannii with a view of providing base line information on the safety of the plant used in folkloric medicine as oral hypoglycaemic agent.
Assessing the Acceptability and Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing among Student Nurses in a Private Nursing College, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if self-testing kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre- and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre- and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.
Resource aware placement of IoT application modules in Fog-Cloud Computing Paradigm

With the evolving IoT scenario, computing has spread to the most minuscule everyday activities, leading to a momentous shift in the way applications are developed and deployed. With the volume of impact increasing exponentially, a coherent approach of deploying these applications is critical for an efficient utilization of the network infrastructure. A typical IoT application consists of various modules running together with active interdependencies; traditionally running on the Cloud hosted in global data centres. In this paper, we present a Module Mapping Algorithm for efficient utilization of resources in the network infrastructure by efficiently deploying Application Modules in Fog-Cloud Infrastructure for IoT based applications. With Fog computing into picture, computation is dynamically distributed across the Fog and Cloud layer, and the modules of an application can thus be deployed closer to the source on devices in the Fog layer. The result of this work can serve as a Micro-benchmark in studies/research related with IoT and Fog Computing, and can be used for Quality of Service (QoS) and Service Level Objective benchmarking for IoT applications. The approach is generic, and applies to a wide range of standardized IoT applications over varied network topologies irrespective of load.
Contraception and Women with Intellectual Disabilities.

Background: Contraception is widely prescribed to women with intellectual disabilities, yet little is known about what the women think and feel about this. One of the aims of the study was to explore what women understood and to what extent they were able to exercise choice and control. Method: Twenty-three women with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities in South East England were interviewed about their current and past use of contraception, their knowledge of contraception more broadly, the process of being prescribed contraception and sources of information and support. Results: Knowledge of how contraception works was very limited and approximately half the women also lacked basic knowledge about reproduction. Few women attended medical appointments alone and none had been given any accessible information about contraception. Conclusions: There is a role for increased education, support and advocacy for women with intellectual disabilities when they are prescribed contraception. This would help to ensure women are prescribed methods which are best for them as individuals and to help maximize their participation in the process.