Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of processing methods on nutritional, sensory, and physicochemical characteristics of biofortified bean flour

Abstract Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are rich nutritious and affordable by vulnerable groups, thus a good choice for biofortification to address malnutrition. However, increasing micronutrients content of beans, without improving micronutrients bioavailability will not improve the micronutrients status of consumers. Effect of different processing methods on the physicochemical characteristics of biofortified bean flour was determined. Processing methods used in this study were malting (48 h), roasting (170°C/45 min), and extrusion cooking using a twin screw extruder with three heating sections, the first set at 60°C, the second at 130°C, and the last one at 150°C. The screw was set at a speed of 35 Hz (123g) and bean flour moisture content was 15%. Mineral extractability, in vitro protein digestibility, pasting properties, and sensory acceptability of porridge and sauce from processed flour were determined. All processing methods significantly increased (P < 0.05) mineral extractability, iron from 38.9% to 79.5% for K131 and from 40.7% to 83.4% for ROBA1, in vitro protein digestibility from 58.2% to 82% for ROBA1 and from 56.2% to 79% for K131. Pasting viscosities of both bean varieties reduced with processing. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between sensory acceptability of porridge or sauce from extruded biofortified bean flour and malted/roasted biofortified bean flour. Acceptability was also not affected by the bean variety used. Mineral bioavailability and in vitro protein digestibility increased more for extruded flour than for malted/roasted flours. Sauce and porridge prepared from processed biofortified bean flour had lower viscosity (extruded flour had the lowest viscosity), thus higher nutrient and energy density than those prepared from unprocessed biofortified bean flour. Estimated nutritional contribution of sauce and porridge made from processed ROBA1 flour to daily requirement of children below 5 years and women of reproductive age found to be high. These results show that processing methods enhanced nutritional value of biofortified bean flour and that processed biofortified bean flour can be used to prepare nutrient and energy‐dense gruel to improve on nutritional status of children under 5 years and women of reproductive age.
Using Motivational Interviewing to Promote HIV Testing at an American Indian Substance Abuse Treatment Facility

Abstract Alcohol and drug use are associated with increased risk of HIV/AIDS. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have high rates of alcohol and other drug use, as well as a high incidence of unsafe sex behaviors and injection drug use practices. Indicators of AI/AN HIV risks involving sexual activity include high rates of STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Despite these facts, the prevalence of HIV infection among AI/AN is not well known. The present study is part of a HRSA-funded SPNS HIV/AIDS health initiative, one goal of which is to increase the number of HIV-positive individuals who know their HIV status. To meet the goal of the SPNS project, patients in an inpatient alcohol and drug treatment center were provided with an HIV prevention educational presentation followed by one-on-one HIV counseling. Motivational interviewing was used in the counseling sessions to aid participants in recognizing their risk status and making a decision to be HIV tested. Results show that of the 134 who agreed to one-on-one HIV counseling and 105 (78%) returned for their results.
Residential outcomes for nursing facility applicants who have been diverted: where are they 5 years later?

PURPOSE The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine the length of community tenure for adults aged 60 and older after application for nursing facility (NF) admission and to examine the proportion of older adults who lost community tenure due to either (a) death while a community resident or (b) permanent NF admission. DESIGN AND METHODS In this 5-year prospective study, we tracked older adults who had applied for NF admission and were diverted (residing in the community 30 days later). Four waves of NF applicants (N = 2,882) were identified, and those diverted (n = 599) were tracked for 60 months at 3-month intervals. RESULTS Sixty months after diversion, 18.0% of older adults (n = 108) were residing in the community, 39.2% died as community residents (n = 235), and 42.7% (n = 256) became permanent NF residents. In all, 414 diverted older adults (69.1%) died during the 5 years following NF application, with the majority of deaths occurring while older adults were community residents. IMPLICATIONS This longitudinal study documents the capacity of NF applicants aged 60 and older to remain in the community long term, which was previously unknown. Policymakers now have data indicating that for many NF applicants, diversion does not simply delay NF admission; rather, diversion helps older adults avoid permanent NF placement until death.
MicroRNAs contribution in tumor microenvironment of esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND miRNAs have recently been implicated in tumor's microenvironment remodeling and tumor-stromal cells interactions. We have previously reported a signaling role for miR-21, as a secretory molecule released by cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) adjacent to esophagus tumor cells. OBJECTIVE To discover other potential signaling miRNAs, we employed a co-culture system of esophageal cancer cell line and normal fibroblasts to mimic the tumor microenvironment. METHODS We measured the expression profile of secretory miRNAs in the conditioned media (CM) of our co-culture system using a panel PCR array. We used pathway enrichment analysis to define potential pathways regulated by these miRNAs. Then using ultracentrifugation, we purified exosomes secreted to the CM of co-cultured cell lines and evaluated exosomal secretion of these miRNAs. RESULTS We found 18 miRNAs which were significantly up/down-regulated in the CM of co-culture system. Pathways related to cell adhesion, endocytosis and cell junctions were among the enriched pathways that might be related to CAF phenotype and tumor progression. Moreover, we detected higher exosomal levels of miR-33a and miR-326 in the purified exosomes both in co-cultured and untreated CM. So, these miRNAs are mainly secreted into the CM by means of exosomes. CONCLUSIONS Briefly, our data shed more light on the role of CAFs through secretion of miRNAs within tumor microenvironment and propose novel therapeutic targets for esophageal and probably other cancer types.
Release of the NILE and Other Glycoproteins from Cultured PC 12 Rat Pheochromocytoma Cells and Sympathetic Neurons

Abstract: Studies were carried out on the glycoproteins (GPs) released by cultured rat sympathetic neurons and by cultured PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells with and without nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment. Cultures were prelabeled with [3H]fucose and then incubated for 4‐8 h in fresh unlabeled medium. The material released into the medium was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and fluorography. The patterns of labeled material released by all three types of cultures were similar. One of the major components released was of apparent Mr≲ 230,000. Another major component of apparent Mr= 55,000 as well as minor components of apparent Mr≲ 180,000, 140,000, 118,000, and 105,000 were also detected. An additional peptide of apparent Mr≲ 210,000 was released only by the sympathetic neurons. The soluble released Mr≲ 230,000 component appeared to be derived from a previously characterized neuronal integral membrane GP referred to as the NILE (NGF‐inducible large external) GP. Evidence for this included recognition of the released component by a monospecific antiserum prepared against membrane‐derived NILE GP. At least several of the other released GPs appeared to be derived from membrane‐bound components with which they share immuno‐crossreactivity. Since the soluble NILE and other released GPs had somewhat faster mobilities on SDS‐polyacrylamide gels than their apparent membrane‐bound correspondents, release could either be due to, or accompanied by, minor changes in molecular structure.
Does muscle-derived interleukin-6 mediate some of the beneficial effects of exercise on cancer treatment-related fatigue?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To review evidence that muscle-derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediates some of the beneficial effects of exercise on cancer treatment-related fatigue (CTRF). DATA SOURCES Electronic nursing, psychology, and medicine databases. DATA SYNTHESIS Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom associated with cancer treatment. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying CTRF have yet to be fully elucidated, it may be akin to the fatigue associated with "sickness behavior," which is initiated by the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Physical exercise has been shown to decrease fatigue levels in patients with cancer undergoing treatment. Skeletal muscle selectively produces IL-6 during exercise, and muscle-derived IL-6 can decrease the production and activity of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha. Thus, the anti-inflammatory effects of muscle-derived IL-6 may be a mechanism underlying the observed beneficial effects of exercise on CTRF. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise underlie its beneficial effects on CTRF. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses have proven to be leaders in the field of cancer symptom management. An understanding of potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise on CTRF may help to fine-tune exercise interventions to maximize symptom control and to identify new treatment strategies for fatigued patients with cancer who are unable to participate in an exercise program.
Decreased incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high risk in-vitro fertilization patients receiving intravenous albumin: a prospective study.

The administration of human serum albumin has been reported to prevent severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) while undergoing ovarian stimulation protocols for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This prospective, randomized study investigated the effectiveness of a single dose of human serum albumin (20 g) administered i.v. immediately after oocyte retrieval. Women enrolled in the IVF programme were treated with long gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, triptorelin, and an individually-adjusted human menopausal gonadotrophin protocol. The criteria for inclusion in the study were young age, non-obesity, oestradiol concentration > 9200 pmol/l on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration and > 20 follicles > 14 mm diameter as observed by transvaginal sonography. The treatment group (n = 22) received albumin while the control group (n = 18) did not. Patients were followed-up using ultrasound every 3 days. There was a significantly higher number of severe OHSS cases in the control group (n = 4) than in the treatment group (n = 0) (P = 0.035). Where the data base was restricted to patients with an oestradiol concentration > 15,000 pmol/l, the difference between control and treatment groups was highly significant (P = 0.008). These findings support the use of i.v. albumin in preventing severe OHSS during IVF treatment.
Nutritional and physiological responses of young growing rats to diets containing raw cowpea seed meal, protein isolate (globulins), or starch.

The nutritional and physiological effects of raw cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp. ) seed meal, protein isolate (globulins), or starch on the metabolism of young growing rats have been evaluated in 14-day trials. Wet and dry weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and lipid and protein accretion were significantly reduced as a result of inclusion of seed meal, globulins, or starch in the diet, with growth retardation being most marked with the seed meal. The proportional weights of the small intestine and pancreas were increased by meal diets, and serum cholesterol levels were slightly reduced. The globulins and raw starch also increased relative small intestine weights but had no effect on the pancreas or serum constituents. The effects of cowpeas on rats appeared to be due primarily to the combined actions of globulins, resistant starches, protease inhibitors, and possibly fiber and non-starch polysaccharides on intestinal and systemic metabolism.
Induction of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase and Increase in Phenolics in Lettuce Leaves in Relation to the Development of Russet Spotting Caused by Ethylene1

Russet spotting (RS), consisting of numerous small brown spots on the midrib of head lettuce (Lactuca sativa), is a physiological disorder induced by exposure to ethylene. In leaves suffering RS, the increase in spotting was accompanied by a parallel increase in the amount of phenolic compounds. Of these, chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid were identified. Ethylene induced high phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and RS formation in the susceptible cultivar Salinas, but not in the resistant cultivar Calmar. In the absence of ethylene neither significant PAL induction nor RS occurred. No correlation was found between the increase in polyphenol oxidase or peroxidase and the development of RS. The increase in PAL activity, however, was closely correlated with the development of RS. The increase in PAL activity preceded the development of RS, and the extent of RS was directly related to the level of PAL. Three temperatures (0.5, 5.5, and 12.5 C) were compared on the basis of their influence on both RS and PAL induction. At the lowest temperature (0.5 C) neither PAL induction nor RS occurred to a significant extent. At the highest temperature (12.5 C) an initial rapid increase in PAL activity and an earlier development of spotting were observed, but subsequently there was a decrease in both PAL activity and the rate of development of RS. At the medium temperature (5.5 C) both PAL activity and RS increased progres-sively with time. The decline of PAL activity at a higher temperature might be attributed to inactivation of the enzyme. Thus, a temperature favorable for induction of PAL activity by ethylene was also favorable for RS. These observations indicate a close interrelationship between the induction of PAL activity and the development of RS in response to ethylene, and suggest a causal relationship between the two events. PAL serves as a useful biochemical marker for the RS reaction.
Planning the family.

In the United Kingdom, nurses, and especially family planning nurses, can help families live healthier lives by providing family members with appropriate family planning counseling and education. The provision of family planning education has not kept pace with the expanded availability of contraceptive supplies in the United Kingdom. Free family planning services were made available at all area health authority clinics beginning in 1974. Although contraceptive use increased considerably in the intervening years, the number of unwanted births and aboritons remains unacceptably high. The public is generally not provided with family planning education at an early enough age and family planning education for men is grossly inadequate. Groups in special need of more intensive family planning education are young people, unmarried couples, couples planning the birth of their 1st child, postpartum women, couples with completed families, women who want no more children, handicapped persons, and socially deprived groups. The choice of an appropriate method depends on the characteristics and needs of each couple. Combined oral contraceptives are highly effective and are the preferred method for many women. Natural methods can be effective if couples are willing to adhere conscientiously to all method requirements. Barrier methods, when used correctly, are also highly effective. IUDs have several disadvantages but may be an appropriate method for some women. Couples contemplating sterilization must be counseled carefully to ensure that they understand fully the implications of the methods. The use of postcoital methods, e.g., the morning after pill and IUD insertions, should be viewed only as emergency techniques. In addition to a knowledge of contraceptive methods, nurses must be sensitized to patient's contraceptive attitudes, concerns, and prejudices. Unfortunately, most nursing colleges do not provide sufficient family planning training for their students.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Fluconazole and Clotrimazole in Treating Oral Candidiasis Patients: A Comparative Study

Aims: One of the most common fungal infections infecting humans is Candidiasis. Belonging to the group of opportunistic infections, it often affects individuals with various debilitating diseases. Fluconazole and clotrimazole are two of the commonly used anti-fungal agents for the treatment of oral candidiasis. Hence, we planned this study to evaluate the effectiveness of fluconazole and clotrimazole in the treatment of patients suffering from candidiasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 participants were enrolled in the present study. All the patients of candidiasis were divided broadly into two study groups. Group I included patients who were treated with fluconazole mouthrinse whereas group II included patients who were treated with clotrimazole mouth paint. Grading of patient discomfort was done as noted from readings given by the patients. Specimen was collection by a swab from the lesional area of the oral cavity from the patients and were incubated in Sabouraud′s dextrose agar medium and assessed. All the patients were treated with medication as give to their respective groups. Patients were recalled as assessed. All the readings were recorded and analyzed. Results: For group I patients, the fungal eradication was 89.5%, whereas for group II patients, the fungal eradication was 86.7%. No significant results were obtained while comparing the mycological eradiation in patients of the two study groups. Conclusion: Approximately similar effectiveness in terms of treatment was noted with fluconazole and clotrimazole in treating patients with candidiasis.
Long-term functional outcome of patients with cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma surgically treated in childhood

Abstract Purpose: A number of studies report neurological and cognitive deficits and behavioural disorders in children after surgical treatment for a benign cerebellar tumour. The present study explores functional outcome in adolescents and adults treated for a low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma in childhood. Materials and methods: Participants were 18 adolescents and 46 adults treated for low-grade astrocytoma in childhood. Academic achievement, professional status and neurological, cognitive and behavioural disturbances were collected using self-completed and parental questionnaires for adolescents and phone interview for adults. For the adolescent group, a control group filled in the same questionnaires. Results: Mean time lapse from surgery was 7.8 years for adolescents and 12.9 years for adults. Five adults (11%) had major sequelae related to post-operative complications, post-operative mutism and/or brain stem involvement. All the other participants presented close-to-normal academic achievement and normal autonomy, despite a high rate of reported cognitive difficulties and difficulties related to mild neurological sequelae (fine motor skills, balance). Conclusion: The long-term functional outcome of low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma is generally favourable, in the absence of post-operative complications and brain stem involvement. No major impact of neurological deficits, cognitive problems and emotional disorders on academic achievement and independent functioning was observed.
Inhaled steroids reduce pain and sVCAM levels in individuals with sickle cell disease: A triple‐blind, randomized trial

Clinical and preclinical data demonstrate that altered pulmonary physiology (including increased inflammation, increased blood flow, airway resistance, and hyper‐reactivity) is an intrinsic component of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and may contribute to excess SCD morbidity and mortality. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), a safe and effective therapy for pulmonary inflammation in asthma, may ameliorate the altered pulmonary physiologic milieu in SCD. With this single‐center, longitudinal, randomized, triple‐blind, placebo controlled trial we studied the efficacy and feasibility of ICS in 54 nonasthmatic individuals with SCD. Participants received once daily mometasone furoate 220 mcg dry powder inhalation or placebo for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was feasibility (the number who complete the trial divided by the total number enrolled) with prespecified efficacy outcomes including daily pain score over time (patient reported) and change in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) levels between entry and 8‐weeks. For the primary outcome of feasibility, the result was 96% (52 of 54, 95% CI 87%‐99%) for the intent‐to‐treat analysis and 83% (45 of 54, 95% CI 71%‐91%) for the per‐protocol analysis. The adjusted treatment effect of mometasone was a reduction in daily pain score of 1.42 points (95%CI 0.61‐2.21, P = 0.001). Mometasone was associated with a reduction in sVCAM levels of 526.94 ng/mL more than placebo (95% CI 50.66‐1003.23, P = 0.03). These results support further study of ICS in SCD including multicenter trials and longer durations of treatment. www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT02061202)
Fluvoxamine in prevention of relapse in bulimia nervosa: effects on eating-specific psychopathology.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 72 patients with bulimia nervosa treated successfully with inpatient psychotherapy, the efficacy of fluvoxamine in maintaining improvement was tested. Fluvoxamine and placebo, respectively, were given over a period of about 15 weeks (2-3 weeks inpatient titration phase, 12 weeks outpatient relapse-prevention [maintenance] phase). The variables assessed concerned bulimic behavior and other aspects of eating disorders, global status, depression, anxieties, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and other aspects of psychopathology. Because the dropout rate was relatively high (N = 27 [33%]) and because it was considerably higher in the fluvoxamine group (19 out of 37 subjects), analyses were performed on the intent-to-treat sample (ideally including all 72 subjects). Results of the completer sample analyses (including only those subjects who finished the study) are briefly presented for comparison. In both the intent-to-treat and the completer analyses, the following scales showed fluvoxamine to have a significant effect in reducing the return of bulimic behavior: (1) self-ratings: Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI)-bulimia, urges to binge in previous week and the number of actual binges in the previous week; (2) expert ratings: Psychiatric Status Rating Scales for Bulimia nervosa, Structured Interview for Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa (SIAB)-"total score," SIAB-subscale "fasting," and SIAB-subscale "vomiting. " Two further variables (EDI-total score and SIAB-subscale "bulimia") showed the superior relapse prevention effects of fluvoxamine compared with placebo for the completer sample, while they did not reach significance for group-by-time interactions in the intent-to-treat sample. During a final, short (4-week) off-medication phase, no effect of the discontinuation of medication was observed.