Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Students’ Reflections on Vocabulary Learning through Synchronous and Asynchronous Games and Activities

Many learners are now quite digitally skilled. However, this does not entail that they know how to learn through digital technologies. Therefore, establishing an interactive virtual learning platform that connects everyone together in a classroom environment and helping learners become familiar with such media might serve a set of purposes in any educational setting. Today, with the advances in web-based learning technologies, a hybrid teaching methodology has become widespread: blended learning. It is a term used to describe the way e-learning is being combined with traditional classroom methods and independent study. Educators design online materials and utilize them in synchronous or asynchronous ways to suit the convenience of learners and instructors and program demands. In this study with a group of intermediate-level English language learners at the School of Foreign Languages of an English-medium state university, the goal was to enhance students’ vocabulary learning performance by using synchronous and asynchronous games and activities that will activate and maintain intrinsic motivation in an effort to teach parts of speech and collocations over a period of eight weeks. The data consisted of a survey of students’ reflections on their vocabulary learning experiences through digital games and activities. The findings were discussed with respect to the efficiency of incorporating synchronous and asynchronous learning materials.
Performance Analysis of Wi-Fi Indoor Localization with Channel State Information

Recently proposed Wi-Fi indoor localization systems utilizing channel state information (CSI) derived from the received signal achieve admirable accuracy. This paper presents an information-theoretical analysis in the received waveform level to explore the fundamental limits of the approach. In particular, we perform frequency domain Cram$\acute{e}$e´r-Rao bound (CRB) analysis for location estimation with CSI. Our analysis resolves the high-rank Fisher information matrix challenge, and establishes intrinsic connection between parameters to be estimated for localization and the received waveform information observable with the CSI retrieving toolkit. We also analyze the influence of the asynchronization between the transmitter and the receiver to the performance bound of the CSI approach. Moreover, we shed light on the insight into the design of the CSI localization systems. In particular, we show that the CSI approach presents varying performance for localizing targets in different distances and directions with respect to the CSI retrieving anchor point (AP), and the geometric distribution of AP antennas could fundamentally influence the localization performance. Comprehensive experimental results are demonstrated to validate our theoretical analysis.
Correlation of disease activity score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein with clinical disease activity index in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background: Most patients coming to government hospital are from lower socioeconomic class and do not always get investigations done like ESR or CRP. A purely clinical index like CDAI would be a useful measure in such resource poor settings. Also there is scarce data on patterns of DMARD use from our country. Objectives: To compare Disease Activity Score 28 using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and Disease Activity Score 28 using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) with CDAI (Clinical Disease activity index) as measures of disease activity of RA and to analyze prescription patterns in RA patients. Methods: Ours was a cross-sectional study of 4 months' duration. DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP and CDAI were calculated. The details of DMARDs used were recorded in proformas. Correlation was done using Spearman's Correlation Coefficient Test. To assess agreement between scores Cohen's kappa value was also evaluated. P value obtained <0.05 was considered significant. Results: We evaluated a total of 104 patients most of them being females with a mean age of 45 years. The mean DAS28-ESR was 4.59 ± 1.36, mean DAS28-CRP was 3.86 ± 1.25 and mean CDAI was 16.9 ± 9.26 . The correlation coefficients of DAS28-ESR with DAS28-CRP was 0.894, DAS28-ESR with CDAI was 0.886 and DAS28-CRP with CDAI was 0.910. Methotrexate was the most prescribed drug as a mono therapy or in a combination with Hydroxychloroquine followed by Leflunomide, Sulfasalazine, and Prednisolone in that order. Conclusion: The CDAI can substitute for SDAI or DAS 28 ESR/CRP and this would be very useful in a resource poor setting. Methotrexate was the most prescribed drug in our set up as mono or combination therapy.
Evaluation of anti-anxiety activity of Mucuna pruriens

Mucuna pruriens, also known as Velvet Bean, Mucuna pruriens has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic herbalists for overall wellness. Mucuna pruriens provides support for brain function, muscle health and libido. Mucuna pruriens has also been shown to have diuretic effects. It increases tissue resiliency and improves coordination. Mucuna can also increase testosterone levels, which in turn can lead to increased muscle mass and strength. It also supports the nervous and reproductive systems in the body. anti-oxidant activity of M. pruriens has been also demonstrated in vitro by its ability to scavenge DPPH radicals and reactive oxygen species. This is an excellent natural source of L-dopa and 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HT) Present study was designed to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity of Mucuna pruriens extract in Swiss albino mice. Three doses of Mucuna pruriens (100, 200,400 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard dose of Buspirone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) were used for evaluation of the anti-anxiety activity. The elevated plus maze (EPM) was used to take as a measure of antianxiety effect. Mucuna pruriens at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the time spent and no. of entries in closed arm, increased the time spent and entries into open arm in elevated plus maze (p<0.05) as compared to control group. These results indicate that MP may be possesses antianxiety property. Keywords: Anxiety, Elevated plus maze, Mucuna pruriens, Buspirone, Swiss Albino Mice.
Prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis infection among children under 5- years in Cotonou, Benin

Cryptosporidiosis is recognized as one of the leading causes of childhood diarrhea in developing countries, but no data has been published, so far, on the prevalence among children with diarrhea in Benin. The aim of the present study was to assess, for the first time, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in Cotonou, Benin. A prospective study involving children younger than 5 years of age (n = 104) hospitalized or consulted in the paediatric departments of three hospitals between September 2015 and May 2016 was carried out. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by means of a smear of sedimented stool stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and were found in 5.8% of the studied population. Neither age, non-use of drinking water, nor nutritional status influenced the presence of cryptosporidiosis in the study, but 5 of the 6 children infected were less than two years of age. In conclusion, this first study showed that infection with Cryptosporidium spp. could be a cause of diarrhea in a not insignificant proportion in Cotonou. Studies with larger numbers of patients, conducted for a longer time and in rural areas would be necessary to estimate the real prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and to assess the risk factors. Key words: Cryptosporidiosis, prevalence, children, Benin.
The investigation of radiation safety awareness among healthcare workers in an education and research hospital

Background: This study is conducted with the aim of determining the knowledge, attitude and behaviors of the personnel on radiation safety, who are exposed to radiation and working in a university hospital in Istanbul. Materials and Methods: In this research, which is descriptive, a questionnaire that consists of 20 questions conducted to 101 healthcare personnel who are working with radiation source in operating room, endoscopy, radiology units. The obtained data is analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 program and chi-square test is applied. Results: 58.4% of the participants are women and 41.6% of them are men. 32.7% of the participants stated that they got fluoroscopy education and 50.5% of them stated that they got dosimeter education. 64.4% of the participants stated that they use in fluoroscopic environment at least two times a day and 78.2% of them stated that they did not use legal ray permission. 2% of the participants stated that they do not know about the protective equipment that should be used during fluoroscopy. 74.3% of the participants stated that they do not feel qualified enough about radiation measuring and dosage units. Conclusion: Findings indicate that the healthcare personnel, who participated in this research and working with ionizing radiation sources, do not have the adequate knowledge about radiation safety. For this reason, the most important subject is that the managements of the institutions which are practicing radiation should take precautions with providing either personnel or necessary substructure in terms of equipment and necessary trainings.
Physiological response of chili piquin pepper [Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser & Pickersgill] seeds to gibberlic acid and hot water.

1Instituto Tecnológico de Roque-SEP. Carretera Celaya-J. Rosas, km 8. Celaya, Guanajuato, México. A. P. 38110. Tel. 461 6117757. (gafa6209@yahoo.com.mx). 2Campo Experimental Bajío. INIFAP. Carretera Celaya-San Miguel de Allende, km 6.5. Celaya, Guanajuato, México. A. P. 38110. Tel. 461 6115431. (monteshs@yahoo.com.mx). 3Colegio de Postgraduados. Carretera México-Texcoco, km 36.5. Texcoco, Estado de México, México. C. P. 56230. Tel. 55 55045929. (edmundo@colpos.mx). §Autor para correspondencia: arangel_l@yahoo.com.
Experiences of Patients and Registered Nurses regarding the Antiretroviral Therapy Programme

The purpose of this study was to explore and to describe the experiences of nurses and HIV-positive patients regarding the antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in primary healthcare (PHC) settings in Lesotho. A descriptive qualitative design was used to collect data which were analysed using a constant comparative analysis. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who participated in focus group discussions. Five themes and 19 sub-themes emerged from the data analysis, namely the ART programme, ART service delivery, unavailability of antiretrovirals (ARVs), staff providing ART services, and satisfaction with ART. The results showed that many HIV-positive individuals accessed ART in PHC settings. Nurses symptomatically managed patients, while patients used alternative healthcare providers owing to inadequate resources and malfunctioning equipment. Even though the nurses were proficient in ART service provision, they were few resulting in work overload and provision of inadequate services. The time taken to provide ART services was dependent on conditions of service providers, the number of patients and the availability of basic utilities such as water. Follow-up care was inadequate for HIV-positive individuals who worked in South Africa. Multiple testing was evident owing to the lack of adequate counselling and untoward incentives. ARVs purported hunger, while stigma was still evident. Conclusively, to ensure effective delivery of ART, retention in care is vital. PHC facilities must therefore be equipped adequately with sustainable equipment, and have scaled-up routine monitoring and evaluation for the effective implementation of the ART programme.
Sleepiness comorbid to musculoskeletal pain is associated with worse quality of life and mood symptoms in a general population sample

Objectives Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and hypersomnolence (HPS) are very disabling conditions that may share some pathophysiological factors. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction between MSK pain and HPS and its association with mood symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, and both objective and subjective sleep quality. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting General population based sample. Participants 510 individuals from EPISONO cohort, São Paulo (Brazil). Measurements All participants completed questionnaires, had clinical assessment and underwent a full-night polysomnography. HPS was defined according to Epworth Sleepiness Scale while the presence of MSK pain was defined by structured questionnaire. The sample was allocated into 4 groups: control (CTRL, n=281), HPS (n=141), MSK (n=50), and both conditions (HPS+MSK, n=38). Results MSK pain and HPS by themselves were associated with worse mood symptoms and quality of life. However, individuals with both associated conditions (HPS+MSK) presented higher frequencies of moderate to severe depression (44.1%) and anxiety symptoms (45.7%), as well as an additional decrease in quality of life compared to the other groups. There were no differences between HPS+MSK and MSK groups in objective sleep pattern. With regard to subjective sleep, HPS+MSK presented a higher prevalence of sleep attacks and cataplexy compared to all other groups. Conclusions The combination of MSK pain and HPS was associated with worse mood symptoms, quality of life and HPS-related features. This study suggests that sleepiness may be an important symptom to be investigated and treated in MSK pain-related conditions for a better quality of life.
The Role of the Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Cycle in Tumor Progression: Consequences in Diagnosis and Therapy

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation corresponds to the activation of EBV global replication involving not only the origin of the latent viral replication but also that of the origin of lytic replication. During this reactivation, a minority of B cells infected with EBV in its latent form enter the lytic phase. During this phase, all EBV proteins are produced, enabling the assembly of complete virions that lysate their host cells and infect neighboring cells (lytic cycle). This horizontal EBV transmission seeks to increase the pool of EBV-infected B cells. This chapter seeks to review the role of the lytic EBV proteins (particularly that of the ZEBRA protein) in tumor development . This protein is the main transcription factor of EBV, expressed during the activation of the lytic cycle. Recently, we demonstrated that this immediate early protein can be detected in the soluble state (s-ZEBRA) in the serum of patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. We highlighted the role of ZEBRA in EBV pathogenesis in transplanted subjects, not only as a key protein in the activation of EBV replication but also as a protein “toxoid” released into the extracellular milieu. This release could result in increased secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines and that of angiogenesis-promoting factors conducive to tumor progression.
Multiple Sclerosis and Evaluation of Vitamin D Effect

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. The symptoms vary depending on damage location. Some of the symptoms include cognitive disorders, anxiety and depression, visual impairment, respiratory, speech and swallowing disorders, muscle spasm and fatigue. Due to the lack of a definitive treatment method, various therapeutic approaches are proposed to control the disease. Drugs are classified into attack control drugs, complication control drugs and disease-modifying drugs. Vitamin D is a hormone-like steroidal compound with immune modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of inflammatory, neurologic and autoimmune diseases. Many studies on patients as well as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis studies have shown that the administration of vitamin D reduces inflammation in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. As argued, vitamin D level was significantly lower in MS compared to healthy subjects as controls. Also, a higher level of vitamin D is reported in relapsing-remitting MS patients compared to patients with progressive MS. It is observed that higher serum levels of vitamin D can reduce the severity of symptoms, progress, and also delays the relapses. Few studies considered vitamin D to be ineffective in stopping or inhibition the disease. Despite the controversies concerning the role of vitamin D in MS progress, there is a lot of interest in further research in this regard with the hope of reaching a common ground. Therefore, frequent reviews of past and recent studies are essential to achieve the same results.
Ganglionar Mycobacteriosis associated to Mycobacterium colombiense in a Seropositive HIV Patient

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a heterogeneous group of species found in several environmental sources and that exhibit variable degrees of pathogenicity. Among the MAC members, M. colombiense has been related to pulmonary disease and disseminated infection in HIV-infected patients in Colombia. This entity, without adequate treatment; evolves to fatal outcomes. Macrolides should not be used as monotherapy because resistance occurs rapidly. There is currently no consensus concerning the optimal duration of therapy, but several authors recommend approximately 6 months of therapy. Have been reported successful treatment with chemotherapy alone or combined with surgery.
Dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in gestational diabetes mellitus: Is it related with adverse perinatal outcomes?

Objective: Aims of the study is to specify the significance of thiol/disulfide homeostasis in the aspect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and GDM-related complications. Material and Methods: This study is a prospective review of the data of 61 healthy and non-pregnant women, 58 healthy pregnant women, and 62 pregnant women with GDM. Results: The patients with gestational diabetes mellitus had significantly higher disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol concentrations than non-pregnant patients (p<0.001 for both) and healthy pregnant patients (p: 0.015 and p: 0.018, respectively). Besides, in GDM group had significantly lower native thiol/total thiol concentrations than non-pregnant patients and healthy pregnant patients (p<0.001 and p: 0.016, respectively). There were positive and significant correlations between disulfide levels and HbA1c concentrations (r=0.26, p: 0.042), and between disulfide and oral glucose tolerance test first hour concentrations (r=0.26, p: 0.039). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide were unable to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in this cohort. Conclusion: The significantly higher concentrations of disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol in women with GDM could be considered as the presence of increased oxidative stress. However, these markers failed to predict adverse perinatal outcomes. Keywords: gestational diabetes mellitus; oxidative stress; perinatal outcome; pregnancy; thiol/disulfide homeostasis
Expression Level of Caspase-3 Gene in Colorectal Cancer Induced by Dimethylhydazine and Potential Therapeutic Role Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Curcumin.

Caspase-3 Gene is a unique protease enzyme involved in the initiation and execution of apoptosis process. The aim of this study to investigate the mRNA expressions of caspase-3 on experimentally induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in male albino rats, rats treated with adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and curcumin. Forty white male albino rats were divided into four groups 10 in each, Control group (1st): They received 0.5 ml of 25% DMSO orally once daily, while the other three groups were injected subcutaneously with dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight per week for 4 consecutive weeks. After two weeks of the last DMH dose, the 2nd Group: left injected with DMH only, the 3rd group: every rat received one million cells of MSCs interperitoneally once. The 4th Group: received oral curcumin at a daily dose 100 mg/kg body weight for two weeks. The colon tissue homogenate caspase-3 mRNA expression was assayed by (real-time PCR). Caspase-3 expression level was significantly decreased in the DMH group than that of the control group while it was significantly increased in DMH+MSCs and DMH+curcumin treated groups in comparison with a DMH group. Mesenchymal stem cells and curcumin thought to have an ameliorative effect on colorectal cancer in male albino rats. Thus the development of CRC may involve changes in the mRNA level of the caspase-3 gene.
Assessment of biochemical effect of “Power Horse” energy drink on hepatic, renal and histological functions in Sprague Dawley rats

Objective: Energy drinks are popular and widespread and raising concerns about implications on human health. Hepatological, histological and renal function tests of Sprague-Dawley albino rats were investigated in rat liver, brain and kidney by administering “power-horse” energy drink. Methodology: For this study twenty healthy adult female rats (142 – 148g) were divided into 4 groups with 5 rats in each group and they were treated as follows: Control group was given water only after acclimatization for 28 days when food and water were freely available to the four groups. Low dose group (administered energy drink of 10mg/kg body weight) and high dose group (administered energy drink of 20mg/kg body weight). Recovery groups received high dose of energy drink (20mg/kg body weight) for 14 days and allowed a recovery phase of 7 days thereafter when they received water and standard diet. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected through orbital sinus and cardiac puncture. Liver, brain and kidney tissues for all the groups were harvested. Liver and renal function parameters were analyzed while liver; brain and kidney were histologically examined. Results: Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities increased significantly (p<0.05) in the experimental groups compared with the control (49.83±0.38 U/L, 582.33±9.06 U/L vs. 44.40±0.60 U/L, 331±4.90 U/L) while the activities of ALT and AST in the recovery group reduced, although not significantly (P>0.05) compared with the high dose group. Urea concentrations in the experimental groups increased (P<0.05) significantly compared with the control (10.10±0.15mmol/L vs.3.66±0.10 mmol/L). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the concentrations of creatinine in the experimental groups compared with the control group (44.20±00 mmol/L vs. 44.20±02 mmol/L). Serum Na and HCO3 in the experimental groups increased (P<0.05) significantly when compared with the control group (141.07± 0.56, 28.03±0.09 vs. 136.62± 0.72, 23.15±0.65). Research Article Annual Review & Research in Biology, 1(3): 45-56, 2011 46 Conclusion: Data of the present study indicate that “Power Horse” consumption has adverse effects on the liver and therefore requires caution in its consumption.