Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Follow Up Counseling on Academic Performance and Persistence.

AUTHOR Willett, Terrence TITLE Preliminary Report on the Impact of Follow Up Counseling on Academic Performance and Persistence. INSTITUTION Gavilan Coll. , Gilroy, CA. PUB DATE 2001-08-00 NOTE 11p. PUB TYPE Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) Reports Research (143) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Academic Persistence; Community Colleges; Counseling; *Counseling Effectiveness; *Educational Counseling; Grade Point Average; High Risk Students; Outreach Programs; *Potential Dropouts; School Holding Power; Two Year Colleges; *Withdrawal (Education) IDENTIFIERS *Gavilan College CA
Safety and tolerability of macitentan in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension: an update

Abstract Macitentan is a medication in the endothelin receptor antagonist class, approved for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2013 based on the results of the pivotal SERAPHIN Trial (Study with an Endothelin Receptor Antagonist in Pulmonary arterial Hypertension to Improve cliNical outcome). Macitentan was shown in initial trials to reduce the likelihood of a morbidity/mortality event. Real-world use of this medication additionally reveals a reduced risk of hospitalizations related to pulmonary arterial hypertension, improved health-related quality of life scores, potential clinical utility in other conditions (such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension related to congenital heart disease), and has a similar safety profile as demonstrated in initial trials.
Measurement properties of the minimal disease activity criteria for psoriatic arthritis

Objective To comprehensively assess evidence on the measurement properties of the minimal disease activity (MDA) criteria, a composite measure of the state of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods A targeted literature review was conducted to identify studies that informed the validity and/or ability of the MDA to detect change among patients known to have experienced a change in clinical status. The search was conducted using MEDLINE and Embase databases (published as of October 2017). Pertinent articles provided by investigators and identified from select conference proceedings were also evaluated. Results A total of 20 publications met the inclusion criteria. The MDA criteria were consistently associated with other indicators of disease activity/severity. The ability of the MDA criteria to detect change was supported in randomised controlled trials (n=10), with a greater percentage of patients randomised to active treatments achieving MDA relative to patients in comparator arms. Long-term observational studies (n=2) provided additional support for the ability of the MDA to detect within-subject change in the real-world settings. Conclusion Evidence supports the MDA as a valid measure of disease activity in PsA that can detect between-group and within-subject change. The MDA is a comprehensive measure and clinically meaningful endpoint to assess the impact of interventions on PsA disease activity.
Prognostic factors for survival in patients with gastric cancer: Single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate survival outcomes and survival-related prognostic factors in gastric cancer patients who were followed-up or received adjuvant therapy in our center. METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer treated between 2005 and 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. We included 345 non-metastatic (stage I-III) gastric cancer patients in the study. The clinical, demographic, histologic data of the patients and treatment characteristics were obtained from the patient’s files. RESULTS: While 50 patients were stage I, 94 patients were stage II, 201 patients were stage III. While 221 patients (64%) presenting with serosal or adjacent visceral organ invasion or with involved lymph nodes were treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 124 patients presenting with early-stage disease were followed after surgery. Median follow up time was 34 months (4–156 months). While the median overall survival (OS) was 51 months, median disease-free survival (DFS) was 35 months. Overall survival and disease-free survival rates for 1st, 3rd and 5th years were 85%, 55%, 45% and 72%, 49%, 38%, respectively. According to univariate analysis, tumor size, T stage (p<0.001), N stage (p<0.001), TNM stage (p<0.001), grade (p<0.001) and presence of lymphovascular invasion (p=0.005) were determined as prognostic factors that affect overall survival significantly. According to the multivariate analysis, only T and N stage (p<0.001) were determined as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: Many different prognostic factors have been defined for gastric cancer. In concordance with the literature, we found T and N stages as prognostic factors in univariate and multivariate analysis.
The effects of anxiety on relapse of patients with opioid use disorders under methadone maintenance treatment: control of the confounding variables

ABSTRACT The current study has been carried out in order to investigate the effects of anxiety on the relapse of patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs) under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). In this cross-sectional study, 2676 patients with OUDs, referred to MMT centers of Kermanshah from 2005 to 2017 were entered into the study. In order to evaluate the level of anxiety, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used. The results showed that after controlling the role of other influential variables, the age of onset of substance use has significant effect on relapse, but there were no significance relationship between gender, age of quit, income, marital status, and education level with relapse. With the increase in anxiety score, the odds of relapse increased, so that people who had severe anxiety 3.43 (2.58 – 4.55) times greater relapse than those with a low level of anxiety. Nonlinear diagram showed that the highest increase in the odds of relapse was among those who had an anxiety score of 7 to 25 and then, with a moderate slope, the odds likelihood of relapse increased. Considering the effects of anxiety on relapse, it is recommended that health-care programs in all MMT centers need to have more focus in order to address anxiety among patients, in a more effective way.
Estimation of diagnostic reference levels for children computed tomography: A study in Tehran, Iran

Background: The Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) play a critical role in the optimization of radiation dose especially, in some conditions like pediatrics. They are useful indicators by which the radiologists can be aware of delivered excess radiation doses to the patients, and take corrective actions if necessary. In order to meet some requirements for establishing the national computed tomography DRLs tables, much studies are needed all around the country. Materials and Methods: All active computed tomography (CT) scanners in public and private centers in Tehran were identified and checked for quality assurance and control certification. Eleven centers were chosen to be studied according to CT examination frequencies. Weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) and dose length product (DLP) for head, sinus, chest and abdomen/ pelvis scans of children were obtained from scanner's operator consoles and classified into four groups based on their ages (A; <1 year, B; 1-5 years, C; 5-10 years and D; 10-15 years). The 3rd quartiles of CTDIw were considered as DRLs and compared with the reported European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) ones. Results: DRLs for head, sinus, chest and abdomen/pelvis scans were found to be 86.76, 31.33, 6.33, 7.65 mGy; 43.38, 31.33, 6.33, 7.65 mGy; 43, 31.33, 6.33, 7.65 mGy and 44.53, 31.33, 6.33, 7.65 mGy in the four groups (A-D) respectively. They are lower than the reported DRLs in EU and UK. Conclusion: There are variations in the radiation dose between the CT centers and identical scanners indicating the necessity for dose optimization. The data reported in this study can be remarkably useful in this concern. © 2019 Novin Medical Radiation Institute. All rights reserved.
Relationship between performance status or younger age and osimertinib therapy in T790M-positive NSCLC: are the available data convincing?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the leading cause of death for cancer (1). In 2004, for the first time Lynch et al . demonstrated that a subgroup of NSCLC patients (10–15%), harboring somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) gene, showed sensitivity and clinical benefit to a novel class of drugs targeting the tyrosine kinase domain; the so called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (2).
Bertolotti’s syndrome: Prevalence, classification and current concepts of management: A review

Bertolotti’s Syndrome (BS) or Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra (LSTV) is the most common congenital malformation of the lumbosacral junction. It encompasses from sacralization of L5 to lumbarization of S1. The prevalence ranges from 5% to 15% in different population base. Adolescents and middle-aged people are commonly affected. Clinical spectrum can range from asymptomatic individual to a constant low Backache (LBA) with or without radicular pain in buttocks or legs. Currently, there is no consensus about its association with low back pain and its subsequent management. We thoroughly evaluated all prominent literature regarding its diagnostic methods, classification, and subsequent management.
Ethnicity: An Agenda for Mental Health

Section 1 Theoretical aspects and background: ethnicity - issues of definition DOH perspectives cultural aspects of mental disorder in primary care pathways into care for ethnic minorities epidemiological factors in research in ethnic minorities risk factors for psychosis in the UK Afro-caribbean population. section 2 Clinical aspects: common mental disorders among Afrocaribbean GP attenders ethnicity, drinking patterns and alcohol related problems practice in child psychiatry in multi-ethnic Britain Gujarati children in Manchester cross-cultural approaches to dementia and depression in older adults suicide and attempted suicide across cultures the maternal blues and postnatal depression in Japanese women forensic psychiatry. Section 3 NHS and ethnicity: ethnic group and satisfaction with mental health services purchasers' views on ethnicity a purchaser's perspective on mental health of black and ethnic minority groups NHS services for black people, Section 4 Multi-disciplinary working: the role of the GP in management of mental illness voluntary organisations perspective home treatment setting up services the way forward.
Crossing boundaries : patients' experiences of using a diabetes eHealth system

This thesis is concerned with exploring patients’ experiences of using a diabetes eHealth system. The context of the study is the growth of interest in eHealth systems that focus on patient needs, alongside increasing home computer use and the rising incidence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. I aim in this thesis to make a novel contribution to knowledge about how eHealth technology is experienced by patients with diabetes. The study takes the form of a qualitative enquiry into the use of a diabetes eHealth system by a group of patients and their healthcare practitioners at a primary care general practice in Northern England. Using symbolic interactionism as a methodological perspective and taking elements from grounded theory the study produces a theoretical framework based on a thematic analysis of participants’ descriptions of their experiences of using the eHealth system. A diabetes eHealth system was designed and built for the study, and 38 patients were recruited from a single GP practice using purposive sampling. Participants used the system for six months and were interviewed at the beginning, middle and end of the study period. Issues of surveillance, automation, endorsement and interaction influenced use and experiences of the system. Results from the study indicate that participants use and perceive the eHealth system as part of their diabetes management experience. My thesis is that the eHealth system is a boundary structure through which boundary objects, such as electronically formatted blood glucose readings, are created and shared across different social worlds. The eHealth system crosses the boundary between two spheres of an individual’s diabetes management experience, the personal sphere of self-management, and the external sphere of seeking and receiving support from medical experts and others with diabetes. The co-location of these two spheres exposes participants to scrutiny but also opens up new possibilities for collaboration and learning.
Wasting and associated factors among infants aged 0-23 months in 13 provinces in Indonesia: Evidence from Indonesia Family Life Surveys (IFLS) 2000, 2007 and 2014

Introduction: Wasting is an acute form of under-nutrition. Frequent occurrence and long-term wasting can lead to stunting. Indonesia has one of the world’s highest wasting prevalence of 12.1% and ranked the 4th highest for wasting globally in 2012. Methods: Data from Rand Corp Indonesia Family Life Survey for 2000, 2007 and 2014 were used to examine wasting trend, while data for 2000 and 2014 were used to determine the associated factors of wasting in infants aged 0-23 months. Data was analysed using SPSS. Logistic regression was used to predict the variables contributing to wasting. Results: Wasting prevalence in 2000, 2007 and 2014 were 12.0%, 11.2% and 10.1%, respectively. Birth weight correlated significantly with wasting prevalence in 2000 while in 2014, wasting prevalence correlated significantly with birth weight, birth length, poverty, and ownership of “Mother and Child Health Book”. Logistic regression showed that birth weight was an important associated factor in 2000 and 2014, while ownership of “Mother and Child Health Book” was the only important associated factor of birth weight in 2014. Conclusion: The prevalence of wasting among young Indonesian children was lower in 2014 compared to 2000, but is still at a high level. Birth weight consistently remains the significant factor affecting wasting. It is important that the nutritional status of women be taken care of before and during pregnancy for optimal birth outcomes.
Maternal and child gluten intake and risk of type 1 diabetes: The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between maternal and child gluten intake and risk of type 1 diabetes in children. DESIGN: Pregnancy cohort SETTING: Population-based, nation-wide study in Norway PARTICIPANTS: 86,306 children in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study born from 1999 through 2009, followed to April 15, 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical type 1 diabetes, ascertained in a nation-wide childhood diabetes registry. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression for the exposures maternal gluten intake up to week 22 of pregnancy and child's gluten intake when the child was 18 months old. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 12.3 years (range 0.7-16.0), 346 children (0.4%) developed type 1 diabetes (incidence rate 32.6 per 100,000 person-years). The average gluten intake was 13.6 grams/day for mothers during pregnancy, and 8.8 grams/day for the child at 18 months of age. Maternal gluten intake in mid-pregnancy was not associated with the development of type 1 diabetes in the child (adjusted hazard ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.73 to 1.43) per 10 grams/day increase in gluten intake). However, the child's gluten intake at 18 months of age was associated with an increased risk of later developing type 1 diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio 1.46 (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.01) per 10 grams/day increase in gluten intake). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the child's gluten intake at 18 months of age, and not the maternal intake during pregnancy, could increase the risk of type 1 diabetes in the child.
Autoimmune Diabetes and Transplantation Tolerance Induced by Costimulation Blockade in NOD Mice: a Dissertation

vi TABLE OF CONTENTS.viii LIST OF FIGURES.xii ABBREVIATIONS.xiv INTRODUCTION.1 OVERVIEW OF DIABETES MELLITUS.1 SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION.3 Direct and indirect pathways of allorecognition.3 Role of T cells.5 Role of NK cells.7 Role of dendritic cells.8 Role of B cells.10 Role of macrophages.10 CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL TOLERANCE.11 Central tolerance.11 Peripheral tolerance and costimulation blockade-based tolerance induction.12 CD28/B7.14 CD40/CD154.15 ICOS/B7h.16 OX40/OX40L.17 41-BB/41-BBL.18 CTLA-4.19 PD-1.20
Characterization of Late Postpartum Sleep Disturbance, Caffeine-Related Performance, and Daily Functioning

Characterization of Late Postpartum Sleep Disturbance, Caffeine-Related Performance, and Daily Functioning Kelsey K. Meekins The early postpartum period is marked by maternal sleep fragmentation and performance deficits. Although sleep gradually improves in postpartum women, reaction times gradually worsen. This performance deficit is seen beyond 6 weeks postpartum, when many women are expected to return to work, and it is unknown when (or if) new mothers’ performance deficits fully recover. The current study used existing data to characterize the late postpartum period (6 months-3 years after the child was born) in terms of recovery from sleep disturbance by monitoring the behavior of mothers on both objective and subjective measures. The current study aimed to describe the sleep and overall functioning of late postpartum women in order to better inform women and policymakers about potential performance deficits, especially regarding return-to-work. Objective measures of sleep fragmentation, recorded via actigraphy, revealed recovery of sleep quality to levels found among nulliparous control women, and late postpartum subjective mood scores on the Profile of Mood States were normal. However, objective reaction times, measured via the psychomotor vigilance test, were poor among late postpartum women compared to controls, although postpartum reaction times may be improved by caffeine. Next, objective sleepiness scores, measured using the Multiple Sleep Latency Test, for both early and late postpartum women were at normal levels; however one-third of late postpartum women experienced extreme levels of sleepiness. Early and late postpartum women reported poor subjective sleep quality on the General Sleep Disturbance Scale compared to controls, and late postpartum women reported subjective quality of life scores, measured using the Quality of Life Scale, slightly below the average among healthy populations. In sum, these data support reevaluation of maternity leave policy and further research into potential interventions for late postpartum women.
Dynamics of Submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum Infections Throughout Pregnancy: A Preconception Cohort Study in Benin

Abstract Background In the context of global malaria elimination efforts, special attention is being paid to submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections. In pregnant, sub-Saharan African women, such infections are more prevalent than microscopic infections, and are thought to have adverse effects on both mothers’ and newborns’ health. However, no study has studied the dynamics and determinants of these infections throughout pregnancy. Retard de Croissance Intra-uterin et Paludisme (RECIPAL), a preconception cohort study carried out in Benin between 2014 and 2017, represented a unique opportunity to assess this issue. Methods We used data from 273 pregnant Beninese women who were followed-up from preconception to delivery. We studied the dynamics of and factors influencing submicroscopic (and microscopic) P. falciparum infections during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, using an ordinal logistic mixed model. Results The incidence rate of submicroscopic P. falciparum infections during pregnancy was 12.7 per 100 person-months (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8–14.9), compared to 6.7 per 100 person-months (95% CI 5.5–8.1) for microscopic infections. The prevalences were highest in the first trimester for both submicroscopic and microscopic infections. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, we found that those of young age and those with a submicroscopic P. falciparum infection prior to pregnancy were at significantly higher risks of submicroscopic and microscopic infections throughout pregnancy, with a more pronounced effect in the first trimester of pregnancy. Conclusions The first trimester of pregnancy is a particularly high-risk period for P. falciparum infection during pregnancy, especially for the youngest women. Malaria prevention tools covering the preconception period and early pregnancy are urgently needed to better protect pregnant women and their newborns.
Intrathecal 1% 2-Chloroprocaine with Fentanyl in Comparison with Ropivacaine (0.5%) with Fentanyl in Day Care Perianal Surgery: Prospective Randomized Comparative Study

Background: Spinal anesthesia is a reliable and safe technique for perianal surgeries; the changing trend of surgical practice from an inpatient to outpatient has urged us to use lower dose of local anesthetic providing segmental block with adjuvants such as opioids. Ropivacaine is a long acting; amide local anesthetic, with greater sensory motor differentiation. Chloroprocaine (CP) is an amino-ester local anesthetic with a very short half-life. This study was designed to compare CP with ropivacaine for spinal anesthesia in an elective ambulatory setting. Methods: This prospective, randomized, comparative study included 60 adult patients scheduled to undergo perianal surgeries under subarachnoid block with intrathecal 3.0 mL of 1% CP with 12.5 μg fentanyl (Group C) or 1.5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with 12.5 μg fentanyl (Group R). Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test used to assess significance for qualitative data, independent t-test for significance of the mean difference between two quantitative variables. Results: Meantime of onset of sensory block at T10 in both the groups were comparable (Group C – 4.7 min, Group R – 4.8 min). Maximum upper level of sensory block was at T8 in both the groups, time for regression of sensory level to L1 was significantly longer with ropivacaine (Group R – 135 min, Group C – 76 min, P < 0.0001), and the duration of motor blockade (Group C – 81 min, Group R – 145 min P < 0.0001) was significantly short in the Group C with early ambulation (160 min). Conclusion: CP provides adequate duration and depth of surgical anesthesia for short procedures with the advantages of faster block resolution and earlier hospital discharge compared with spinal ropivacaine.
Effect of Chelation Therapy on Lead-induced Hepatotoxicity: A Case Series

Background : Opium use is one of the common causes of lead toxicity. Lead poisoning can lead to hepatic, hematologic, musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular damages. In this study, we investigated the reversibility of lead-induced liver damage following chelation therapy. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of patients with opium-induced lead poisoning regarding elevation in hepatobiliary enzymes level including Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) to normal level and recorded patients’ age, treatment regimen, liver enzymes level before and after treatment; we also investigated other laboratory findings to rule out other causes of liver enzymes increase. Results : We evaluated 10 male patients with the mean age of 48.3±7.42 years. All patients were referred with the chief complain of abdominal cramps (100%). The mean lead level in patients was 84.48±9.95 µg/dL. The mean serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP significantly decreased after the treatment with chelating agents ([ALT=117.8±60.22µg/dL-76.9±40.73µg/dL, P=0.022], [AST=100.9±63.96µg/dL-69.9±37.41µg/dL, P=0.028], [ALP=449.8±234.81 µg/dL-338.3±131.22µg/dL, P=0.037]). There was no significant correlation between patients’ lead level and liver enzymes level before and after the treatment. Conclusion : The results of this study showed that the treatment with chelating agents reverses the liver injury following the lead intoxication.