Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility in catheter associated urinary tract infection.

Hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most Up to 25% of hospitalised patients undergo urinary catheterisation, a similar proportion of patients cared for in residential homes will have long term indwelling catheters. Although often necessary intervention, ind welling urinary catheters are a leading cause of nosocomial infections and have been associated with both morbidity and mortality. The urinary tract accounts for more than 40% of total number of nosocomial infections. Most nosocomial infections associated follow instrumentations, usually with the catheter. Results of several studies demonstrated that this antibiotic drug prophylaxis has increased the rate of isolation of resistant organisms. To ensure appropriate therapy, current knowledg is mandatory. The aim of present study was to assess the bacterial profile for catheter associated UTI and the antimicrobial sensitive to most commonly used antibiotics, used in the therapeuti prophylactic settings before the results of the urine culture are available. In our study, the incidence of infection in catheterized patients was found to be 27% which was low but comparable to studies done in India and Western studies. E. coli was t infection and hi ghest sensitivity was found to A
A matter of Motivation - The Effects of Risk Preference and Task Complexity on the Auditor’s Motivation

Abstract This article examines whether and how several audit-specific attributes influence auditor’s motivation. Following the literature, the research project focuses mainly on the impact of risk preference, task complexity and the liability situation in this issue. A 2x2 mixed-subjects case-based experiment was conducted to gain data for in-depth insights. In sum 209 master students with a major in accounting and auditing participated in the experiment. The results indicate that increased risk aversion leads to a higher observed task motivation. Regarding the task complexity, data analysis shows that increasing task complexity lowers auditor’s motivation. This study contributes to the stream of judgment and decision making literature and offers new insights in to the relationship and dependence of inherent auditor-specific factors.
Discovery of Geographically Robust Hybrid Poplar Clones

Abstract Hybrid poplar clonal growth in the states (regions) of Minnesota (MN), Indiana (IN), Michigan (MI), and New York (NY) USA was analyzed to discover 10 geographically robust (geo-robust) clones, all P. deltoides x P. nigra (D x N) hybrids previously tested and screened in MN, that were broadly adapted across latitudinal and longitudinal ranges of 9 and 20 degrees, respectively. The clonal effect for growth explained 25 to 36 % of the total variance, 2.5–4.1 times the clone x site interaction. Clone explained 24 to 46 % of total variation in canker occurrence on two sites. Genetic gain in growth was calculated relative to commercial check clones. Genetic gain in growth of geo-robust clones exceeded that of random clones by 24 to 44 %. Geo-robust clones and the best clones on each site were not significantly different on the MN sites, but best clones outperformed geo-robust clones on the other sites by 10 to 39 % genetic gain. Geo-robust clones grew faster than commercial check clones on all but the MI site. The reduction in genetic gain for growth due to using broadly adapted clones relative to the best clones has to be compared to the additional costs and benefits of multiple breeding zones.
Children’s Mental State Talk, Empathy, and Attachments to Companion Animals

Abstract Children’s emotional and mental worlds are often influenced by their experiences with companion animals. This study explored 77 (50 g; 27 b) 6- to 12-year-old children’s empathy; perceived companion animal friendship, comfort, and bonding; and mental state talk in conversations about their interactions with their companion animal. Children completed self-report questionnaires and responded to two moral stories about companion animals. Results showed that higher levels of children’s mental state talk were related with high levels of empathy for companion animals. Compared to boys, girls reported significantly stronger companion animal friendships, and that they received more comfort from their companion animals. Results also showed that, for girls only, higher levels of perceived companion animal friendship were related to higher levels of emotional comfort received. The findings can inform humane education programs that promote mental state talk, moral agency, and relationships.
CircRNA-UCK2 Increased TET1 Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Prostate Cancer Cells Via Sponge MiRNA-767-5p

Abstract A majority of the patients with advanced prostate cancer initially respond to androgen deprivation therapy and enzalutamide therapy, but eventually enter the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) phase. Some studies have shown that the activation of other signalling pathways in CRPC cells replaces the function of the androgen receptor, as well as promotes cell metastasis and progression. However, the mechanisms underlying this side effect remain unclear. The present study aims to explore the continued progression of cells after enzalutamide resistance. Low expression of circRNA-UCK2 (circUCK2) was detected in enzalutamide-resistant (EnzR) cells. Moreover, miR-767-5p was found to be resistant to EnzR cells when the level of circUCK2 is increased. The decrease in free miR-767-5p increases the expression of TET1 protein through the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA, thereby inhibiting cell invasion and proliferation. Knocking down circUCK2 in enzalutamide-sensitive cells reduces the concentration of TET1, thereby increasing cell invasion and proliferation. A preclinical study using in vivo mouse models also showed that a high expression of circUCK2 inhibited the EnzR cell growth. Thus, this study might aid in developing a novel therapy to better suppress the CRPC progression.
Association of a Common Polymorphism in the Factor XIII Gene With Venous Thrombosis

We have shown an association between a common mutation in the factor XIII a-subunit gene, coding for an amino acid change, 3 amino acids from the thrombin activation site (factor XIII Val34Leu) that may protect against myocardial infarction and predisposes to intracranial hemorrhage. To investigate the possible role of factor XIII Val34Leu in the pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and potential interactions with factor V Leiden (FV:Q506) and prothrombin G → A 20210, we studied 221 patients with a history of VTE and 254 healthy controls. Patients with VTE showed an increased frequency of the FXIII Val/Val genotype (63% v 49%) and a lower frequency of the Val/Leu genotype (31% v 42%) than controls ( P = .007). FV:Q506 heterozygotes were more frequent in VTE patients (11%) than controls (5%; P = .04). The prothrombin G → A 20210 mutation was present in only 3 patients and no controls ( P = .10). In a logistic regression model for a history of VTE, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for FXIII Val/Leu or Leu/Leu genotype was 0.63 (0.38 to 0.82) and for possession of FV:Q506 2.40 (1.17 to 4.90). There was no evidence for an interaction between factor XIII Val34Leu genotype and FV:Q506, prothrombin G → A 20210, sex, or age. It is concluded that possession of the Leu allele at factor XIII Val34Leu is protective against deep venous thrombosis.
Current distribution of Cricetus cricetus in Bohemia, Czech Republic (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Abstract During the period 2012–2016, distribution of the common hamster, Cricetus cricetus, was monitored in Bohemia, Czech Republic. Between the harvest and subsequent field ploughing, i.e. in August and September, we visited all regions in which occurrence of the species after 1990 was reported in previous studies. There, in every square of the K. F. M. E. mapping grid we checked at least four harvested crop fields, i.e., cereals (preferably wheat and barley), sometimes also alfalfa and various vegetables, and examined also field balks and road ditches. In addition, during all parts of the year we recorded hamster road casualties. Also some personal reports by experienced co-workers were used. Altogether, we recorded hamster presence in 290 sites covering 75 K. F. M. E. squares. The area of the hamster occurrence in Bohemia consists of one big and one small sub-areas, most probably isolated from each other. They form a strip ca. 250 km long and mostly ca. 30–60 km wide. It runs from the lowlands along lower reaches of the Ohře river, through the Prague Plateau, lowlands along the Labe river up to the Svitavská pahorkatina Upland. The easternmost confirmed localities were near Svitavy. The altitude of most of the hamster localities varies between 130 and 300 m, in the Pražská plošina Plateau up to 400 m (altitudes of four exceptional localities near Svitavy are between 462 and 503 m). In some lowland regions of Bohemia the hamster is still common and locally abundant. The hamster prefers deeper soils, mostly various types of chernozem, luvisol and cambisol. It avoids moist places and extensive fields of maize and rape. All our hamster localities are situated in plots of the open agricultural landscape covering several tens of square kilometers. The hamster is also able to inhabit ruderal places in the periphery of villages and towns. During the second half of August and first half of September, the number of dead hamsters in roads increased considerably, suggesting that the traffic causes a not inconsiderable portion of hamster mortality.
What Muscardinus avellanarius like but consultants don’t: performance of nest boxes vs. nest tubes for translocations (Rodentia: Gliridae)

Abstract Nest boxes and nest tubes are widely used for surveys, for both research and development purposes, to detect and survey hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius). In order to compare the performance of the two devices for translocations a study was conducted where hazel dormice had the choice between nest boxes and nest tubes. Hazel dormice preferred nest tubes over nest boxes but escaped more often from nest tubes than from nest boxes during checking. We conclude that nest boxes are the better choice for translocations as they offer the better escape ratio over nest tubes.
Methodology for evaluation of the ecotoxicological potential of raw and of cement-based construction materials. Application to concrete with recycled aggregates and fly ash

Although EUROSTAT (2014) data indicates that between 1990 and 2012 manufacturing and construction industries achieved a 38% reduction in CO2 emissions, Portland cement remains the most widely used binder in the construction industry (Gomes et al., 2013), and is responsible for the most significant part of the concrete environmental impact. According to Huntzinger and Eatmon (2009) and to JWG N013 Draft TR WI 00350023 (CEN / TC 350 / WG01, 2014), cement manufacture accounts for about 5% of global carbon emissions, being considered the third largest source of emissions in the United States. Their partial replacement by pozzolanic additions (SCM) such as FA (fly ash), silica fume, or ash from rice husks can be, therefore, a positive contribution to reduce environmental impacts (Ghannam et al., 2016). The current annual worldwide production of by-products is estimated about 700 million tons of which 70%, at least, is FA (Ondova et al., 2012). Thus, to achieve sustainable construction, it is urgent to reduce the production and consumption of cement and natural aggregates (Henriques, 2011).
RIGOROUS AND APPROXIMATE ANALYSES

The constant-head test is an essential technique of geotechnical and hydrogeological site characterization. The test is used frequently to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of relatively low permeability formations (sparsely fractured rock and clayey soils). The interpretation of these tests has traditionally been based on approximate analyses. The approximate analyses neglect storage in the formation, assume that the well penetrates the formation completely, and assume uniform material properties in the vicinity of the well. Novakowski (1993) developed a rigorous analysis for constant-head tests, considering explicitly storage in the formation, partial penetration, and the presence of a finite-thickness skin. The rigorous analysis involves a mixed boundary condition at the wellbore and cannot be solved by conventional integral transform approaches. Novakowski used a novel application of the Dirac-delta function to derive the Laplace-transform solution. In this study we check the predictions of the Dirac-delta solution against the results of high-resolution finite element analyses. We show that for cases of partial penetration, Novakowski’s solution yields erroneous results. We present a correct version of the rigorous solution for Novakowski’s problem. Finally, we use the correct, rigorous solution to examine the estimation of hydraulic conductivity from constant-head tests in partially penetrating wells. Our results show that significant errors can be made in interpreting tests when partial penetration is neglected.
Dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem em uma unidade especializada em transplante de fígado: comparação do real com o preconizado

O estudo foi desenvolvido em uma clinica cirurgica de um hospital publico universitario, onde, dentre as modalidades terapeuticas oferecidas, sao realizados transplantes de figado. Nessa clinica sao internados pacientes que necessitam de cuidados de enfermagem de diferentes complexidades, desde intermediarios ate os intensivos. Teve-se como objetivo comparar o quadro de pessoal de enfermagem existente na unidade coin o preconizado pela Resolucao COFEN no 189/ 96, onde ficou demonstrado que o quadro da unidade respeita essa Resolucao.
Induced abortion and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive behavior in abortion cases, Gambella Hospital, South West Ethiopia

A descriptive prospective study to know the prevalence of induced abortion and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and contraceptive behavior was conducted on patients admitted to the gynecology ward at Gambella Hospital southwest Ethiopia from June 1997 through May 1998. 70% (N = 167) of the patients were cases of abortion of which 35.7% and 64.3% were cases of induced and spontaneous abortion respectively. Patients with induced abortion were younger (P-value < 0.05) and were more likely to be single as compared to patients with spontaneous abortion. Most of the patients with induced abortion had a secondary education (46%) while most with spontaneous abortion were illiterate (84.2%) and housewives (64.8%). More complications were observed in induced abortion patients and pelvic infection was the most frequent one (41.6%). Metallic materials were common instruments employed (44.8%). 14 (12.2%) of the abortion patients had a history of STDs with no statistically significant difference between induced and spontaneous abortion cases. 69% of abortion patients had knowledge about at least one method of modern contraceptives of whom induced abortion cases had significantly more knowledge than spontaneous abortion cases (P-value < 0.05) and the pill was most commonly known. More than half (51%) of the patients who had contraceptive knowledge had never used any contraceptive method. Sex education cultural modification and accessing and improving health facilities are recommended. (authors modified)
The Effectiveness of Smoking Prevention Module Towards Knowledge and Smoking Refusal Skills among Adolescents in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Objective: To study the effectiveness of the smoking prevention module towards knowledge on smoking and its harmful effects and smoking refusal skills among secondary school students in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: A quasi experimental interventional study involving 166 non-smokers adolescents, aged 13 to 14 years old were carried out in two schools located in two different suburbs. Both schools had equal number of participants. One school was given the smoking prevention module for intervention while the control school only received the module after the study had been completed. The knowledge on smoking and its harmful effects and smoking refusal skill score were assessed using a set of validated Malay questionnaires at baseline, two weeks and eight weeks after the intervention. Repeated measure ANCOVA was used to analyse the mean score difference of both groups at baseline and after intervention. Result: Baseline analysis shows no significant difference in knowledge score between the study groups (p = 0.713) while post intervention, it shows significant inclination of knowledge score in intervention group and the difference was significant after controlling the gender [F(df) = 15.96(1.5), p <0.001]. The mean baseline for refusal skills score in the control and intervention groups were 30.89(6.164) and 28.02(6.241) respectively (p= 0.003). Post intervention, there is a significant difference in the crude mean and the estimated marginal means for smoking refusal skills score between the two groups after controlling for sex [F(df) = 5.66(1.8), p = 0.005]. Conclusion: This smoking prevention module increased the level of knowledge on smoking and its harmful effects and smoking refusal skill among the secondary school students. Thus, it is advocated to be used as one of the standard modules to improve the current method of teaching in delivering knowledge related to harmful effects of smoking and smoking refusal skill to the adolescents in Malaysia.
Culture of salivary methanogens assisted by chemically produced hydrogen

Methanogen cultures require hydrogen produced by fermentative bacteria such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (biological method). We developed an alternative method for hydrogen production using iron filings and acetic acid with the aim of cultivating methanogens more efficiently and more quickly (chemical method). We developed this new method with a reference strain of Methanobrevibacter oralis, compared the method to the biological reference method with a reference strain of Methanobrevibacter smithii and finally applied the method to 50 saliva samples. Methanogen colonies counted using ImageJ software were identified using epifluorescence optical microscopy, real-time PCR and PCR sequencing. For cultures containing the pure strains of M. oralis and M. smithii, colonies appeared three days postinoculation with the chemical method versus nine days with the biological method. The average number of M. smithii colonies was significantly higher with the chemical method than with the biological method. There was no difference in the delay of observation of the first colonies in the saliva samples between the two methods. However, the average number of colonies was significantly higher when using the biological method than when using the chemical method at six days and nine days postinoculation (Student’s test, p = 0.005 and p = 0.04, respectively). The chemical method made it possible to isolate four strains of M. oralis and three strains of M. smithii from the 50 saliva samples. Establishing the chemical method will ease the routine isolation and culture of methanogens.
Implication of Soluble HLA-G and HLA-G +3142G/C Polymorphism in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Therapy in Tanzania

Background: During cancer growth, immunosuppressive microenvironment is created that enables tumour cells to evade an eliminative immune response and hence manage to grow into malignancy. HLA-G, existing as either membrane-bound (mHLA-G) or soluble (sHLA-G) molecule is thought to be immunosuppressive and produced more by tumor cells. The +3142G/C polymorphism in HLA-G gene affects its expression, and G allele is considered to be a protective mutant allele associated with less expression of HLA-G. The implication of HLA-G in cancer development has been reported in different cancers and populations. But, its implication in most African populations has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the possible associations of soluble HLA-G and HLA-G +3142G/C SNP with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: 75 breast cancer patients and 84 normal controls were recruited in this study. The genotyping of HLA-G +3142G/C polymorphism was determined by LightSNiP typing assay using quantitative Real-Time PCR and sHLA-G levels were determined by ELISA. Results: The sHLA-G levels were significantly lower in breast cancer patients than in controls (p<0.001). Also, they were significantly lower in mastectomized patients compared to non-mastectomized patients (p=0.018). The ROC analysis revealed a significant ability of sHLA-G to differentiate breast cancer patients versus normal controls (AUC=0.697, 95% CI= 0.619-0.767, p<0.001) and identify mastectomized patients (AUC=0.667, 95% CI= 0.549 to 0.772, p=0.041). The assessment of +3142G/C polymorphism revealed a relatively similar distribution of frequencies of genotypes and alleles between breast cancer patients and normal controls (p>0.05) and was neither associated with sHLA-G levels. Conclusion: While the +3142G/C SNP was found not to be relevant to breast cancer, the changes of sHLA-G levels in response to medical interventions such as mastectomy may be translated into its potential prognostic utility for breast cancer. More studies are needed to provide clear evidence of sHLA-G as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of breast cancer in Tanzania.
A pilot study of self-efficacy enhancing education program on family caregivers' competencies in caring for patients with mild traumatic brain injury

Purpose: The number of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) has increased as well as the care demands requiring continuing care from family at home. To reduce the negative consequences and improve outcomes for TBI survivors, effective educational program must be targeted to family caregivers. This pilot study was conducted prior to the actual study to evaluate the feasibility of the self-efficacy enhancing education program on family caregivers’ competencies in caring for patients with mild TBI. Methods: The self-efficacy enhancing education program was developed based on Bandura’s self-efficacy concept. This program included exploring feeling, teaching, watching the media, and demonstration. Three pairs of family caregivers who cared for mild TBI patients participated in this study. The program was implemented during hospitalization and subjects were followed-up for two times by telephone. The family caregiver’s perceived confidence and performance in caring for mild TBI patients were measured at different points of time. Results: After completing the program, three family caregivers showed the perceived confidence significantly greater than before. In addition, family caregivers showed high performance and could perform symptoms assessment and management. Conclusion: The self-efficacy enhancing education program was feasible to do and apply to increase family caregivers’ confidence and performance in caring for patients with mild TBI. However, the program must be further evaluated and tested for its effectiveness compared to routine care.