Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of abdominal obesity and its correlates among adults in a peri-urban population of West Africa

Introduction Prevalence of abdominal obesity dramatically increases both in developed countries and in developing countries. In several regions in Africa, obesity (especially abdominal) is seen as a sign of affluence, dignity and respect. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of abdominal obesity and seek some factors associated in a peri-urban population of West Africa. Methods During April-May 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Anonkoi 3, a neighborhood of Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Adults of 18 years old and over, not bedridden were included. Sampling was done in two stages. First, we selected the households. Then in each household we randomly chose one adult. Abdominal obesity was measured using a measuring tape and defined by waist circumference ratio (TT) to hip circumference (TH) greater or equal to 0.80 in women and greater or equal to 0.95 in men. Data from sociodemographic, corpulence, socioeconomic level, food habit, level of physical activity and blood pressure were analyzed. Univariate analysis using the Pearson KHI-square test at a significance level of 0.05 and a logistic regression was performed. Results We visited 486 households in which 486 people aged 36.1 ± 12.83 years agreed to participate in the study. Prevalence of abdominal obesity was 50.8%. Those aged 30–45 years, women, couples, those with a primary level of education, the poor, people with high blood pressure, subjects less active and obese (general obesity) had more abdominal obesity. After logistic regression, individuals aged 30–45 years (adjusted OR = 2.35; p = 0.004) and 45 years and older (adjusted OR = 3.18; p = 0.001); females (adjusted OR = 49.05; p = 0.000); hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.26; p = 0.014) and obesity (OR = 2.94; p = 0.009). Conclusion This work allowed us to estimate a relatively high prevalence of abdominal obesity in a peri-urban African population.
Prognostic Value of Insecticide Type and Enzymatic Activities on Severity of Acute Insecticides Poisoning

Background: Insecticides poisoning is a major problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. The most extensively utilized types are pseudocholinesterase (PChE) inhibitors, predominantly organophosphorus compounds and carbamates. They are metabolized by microsomal oxidases to oxygen analogues, which are active neurotoxic metabolites. These oxygen analogues are further hydrolyzed by the serum arylesterase; paraoxonase (PON1), which appears to play a pivotal role in their detoxification. Objectives: This study aimed to 1-Identification and quantitation of common insecticides in acutely poisoned patients presented to Assiut University hospitals. 2- Detection of paraoxonase and cholinesterase levels in poisoned patients. 3- Evaluate the prognostic value of pesticide type and enzymes level in relation to the severity of insecticidal poisoning. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients who have been admitted to the Emergency Unit and Intensive Care Units in Assiut University Hospitals along with 50 controls. Age, residence and sex were matched. History and clinical data and other related laboratory investigations were gathered for each patient. Blood plasma samples (5ml) were collected from patients on admission alongside controls then analyzed for level of pseudocholinesterase (PChE) and paraoxonase (PON1) enzymes activity by a spectrophotometer. The insecticide types were identified using Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The patients were mostly males, of young age group and residing in rural areas. The mode of poisoning was mainly accidental by oral route (66%). Tachycardia, tachypnea and hypotension were most commonly presenting muscarinic signs. The detected insecticides were mainly of the organophosphate types specifically malathion. A highly significant decrease in PChE and PON1 level were detected in patients compared to controls that the decline in their levels was also significantly associated with the severity of acute poisoning. A positive correlation was also observed between PChE and PON1 levels. Conclusion: the present study identified more than one type of pesticides mainly of organophosphate category among acutely poisoned patients. Furthermore, it pointed to those persons with higher paraoxonase activity and less cholinesterase inhibition may have a better chance of toxic effects amelioration
The Effects of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency on hemogram parameters in children

Objective: According to numerous studies, bicytopenia, pancytopenia, or isolated thrombocytopenia and anemia patients have folic acid (folate) and vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of folate and B12 deficiency in childhood on several haemogram parameters such as platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and white blood cell (WBC) count. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included children who had applied to the pediatric outpatient clinic between 2015 and 2017. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to serum B12 and folate status. The results were evaluated by statistical methods. Results: PLT and WBC levels of the folate and B12 deficiency group were found to be lower than the control group (p=0.015, p<0.001 respectively), and their MPV and HCT levels were higher (p: 0.015, p<0.001 respectively). MCV levels, however, were not different (p>0.05). No effect of PLT and MCV on folate levels was seen. Similarly, any effects of MPV, PLT and MCV independent variables on B12 levels were not observed. Although platelet and leukocyte count was decreased in folate and B12 deficiency, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were observed only three patients. Conclusion: Although peripheral blood cell lines are not always seen low during folate and B12 deficiency, and there is not obvious anemia and MCV highness at a patient with neurological and psychological symptoms, folate and B12 deficiency should be thought if there are leukocyte and thrombocyte levels lower than mean reference values.
Effect of Methanol Extract of Gomphrena celesioides on Chloroquine-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Hepatic injury has been reported to be associated with chloroquine therapy. Gomphrena celesioides has been claimed to have pleiotropic protective properties in the liver by traditional herbal practitioner but there is no scientific evidence to this claim. This investigation therefore sought to evaluate the effect of Gomphrena celesioides administration on chloroquine-induced hepatic injury in rats. Forty adult male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats and were treated orally once daily. Rats in group one received 1 ml/kg body weight of 0.9% normal saline; rats in group two received 250 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine for three days; groups three, four and five rats were pre-treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of Gomphrena celesiodes for three days and on the fourth day were given 250 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine for three days. The experiment lasted for seven days. Liver injury was manifested biochemically by a significant increase in serum level or activities of hepatic markers (aminotransferases, alkaline phosphate, bilirubin, cholesterol and gamma glutamyl transferase). In addition, hepatic tissue from chloroquine-treated rats showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation with a decrease in hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reservoirs. Moreover, the liver histopathologic evaluation revealed significant in chloroquine-treated rats. Gomphrena celesioides administration significantly alleviated chloroquine-induced pathologic changes in serum biochemistry and liver tissue. The results also suggest that Gomphrena celesioides possesses protective properties against chloroquine-induced liver injury via mitigation of drug-induced oxidative stress and its consequent events.
Cultural Background and Measurement of Usage Moderate the Association Between Social Networking Sites (SNSs) Usage and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis

The present meta-analysis reviews English-language studies from 2005 to 2016 to investigate the relationship between social networking sites (SNSs) usage and mental health and to explore whether cultural background, measurement of usage, gender and age influence this relationship. A total of 63 studies and 144 effect sizes (positive indicators of mental health k = 62, negative indicators of mental health k = 82) were analyzed. We found that (1) SNSs usage was positively correlated with both positive and negative indicators of mental health, and no significant difference between these two mean correlations was found; (2) age did not moderate the relationship between SNSs usage and mental health; (3) SNSs usage was positively related to positive indicators for measures of social network size, while general use was positively related to negative indicators; (4) stronger correlations were found between SNSs usage and positive indicators of mental health in collectivist cultures than in individualistic cultures; (5) as percentage of female participants increased, a stronger relationship between social network sites and negative indicators of mental health was observed. This meta-analysis allows for integration of conclusions of past studies and establishes a clearer understanding of the relations between SNSs usage and mental health, including recognizing that complex factors (such as cultural background and gender) moderate these relations.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory measures of Cognitive Control: Investigating Changes in Physiology within the Dual Mechanisms for Control Framework

CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY MEASURES OF COGNITIVE CONTROL: INVESTIGATING CHANGES IN PHYSIOLOGY WITHIN THE DUAL MECHANISMS FOR CONTROL FRAMEWORK Michelle Dollois University of Guelph, 2019 Advisors: Dr. M. J. Fenske Dr. C. M. Fiacconi This thesis is an investigation of cognitive control strategies and how they are observable in heart rate (HR) and respiration. Cognitive control ensures that our actions align with our behavioural goals. This control can be divided into proactive and reactive control by the dual mechanisms for control framework. When using proactive control people actively anticipate goal-relevant events/actions prior to their occurrence. Those using reactive control make adjustments that are applied on-the-fly as events unfold. In this thesis, we used the AX-CPT task, which provides behavioural indices of control strategy together with physiological measures of HR and respiration to probe whether each control strategy has a unique physiological signature. Anticipatory HR deceleration was observed regardless of control strategy, but was especially sensitive to the consequences of proactive control use. Moreover, respiration appeared to more closely track global variations in control strategy.
Diagnostic value of Breast Specific Gamma Imaging with semiquantitative index (T/N) in Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Objective: The study in this part was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) by semi-quantitative method for detection of breast cancer. Methods: 400 patients with indeterminate breast tumors that underwent BSGI were enrolled in this study. All included lesions were confirmed by postoperative pathology. BSGI evaluation was based on the visual interpretation and semi-quantitative parameters of the higher tumor to non-lesion (T/N) value of CC and MLO. Compared with pathological results, the optimal visual analysis and the value of T/N were calculated through ROC curve analysis. Independent t-test and Pearson linear correlation were applied for statistical analysis. Results: Tumor to non-lesion (T/N) ratio was available for 279 out of 400 patients. This population comprised 203 patients with malignant and 74 patients with benign lesion. ROC analysis showed critical value of T/N= 1.91, AUC is 0.83 (standard error=0.014, 95% confidence interval); BSGI sensitivity is 83.71% and specificity is 76%. T/N ratio for invasive and non-invasive cancers are 2.70± 0.88, and 2.09±0.44 respectively; the difference between two have statistical significance (t=3.32, P=0.001). Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) grade I, grade II, and grade III have T/N ratio of 2.33±0.94, 2.38±0.80, 2.89±0.89 respectively. The T/N differences between grade I and grade II have no statistical significance (t=0.12, P=0.89). The T/N differences between grade I and grade III have no statistical significance (t=1.56, P=0.12). The T/N differences between grade II and grade III have statistical significance (t=3.69, P<0.001). T/N value for tumor size <1cm and >1cm were 1.97±0.79 and 2.46±0.88 respectively; the difference between two have statistical significance (t=3.27, P=0.001). Conclusion: The semi-quantitative index of T/N correlates with clinico-pathological characteristics of tumor like: size, grade, and invasiveness of breast cancer, and at certain level can be helpful to determine patient’s prognosis.
Electroacupuncture Improves Synaptic Function in SAMP8 Mice Probably via Inhibition of the AMPK/eEF2K/eEF2 Signaling Pathway

Synaptic loss and dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidence indicates that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K)/eukaryotic elongation factor-2 (eEF2) pathway was implicated in synaptic plasticity in AD. Therapeutic strategies for AD treatment are currently limited. Here, we investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on synaptic function and the AMPK/eEF2K/eEF2 signaling pathway in male senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Male 7-month-old SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice (senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1) were randomly divided into 3 groups: SAMR1 control group (Rc), SAMP8 control group (Pc), and SAMP8 electroacupuncture group (Pe). The Pe group was treated with EA for 30 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the structure of synapse. The protein and mRNA expression of synaptophysin (SYN) and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) was examined by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real-time RT-PCR. The activity of AMPK and eEF2K was studied by western blot. Our results showed that EA ameliorated synaptic loss, increased the expression of SYN and PSD95, and inhibited AMPK activation and eEF2K activity. Collectively, these findings suggested that the mechanisms of EA improving synaptic function in AD may be associated with the inhibition of the AMPK/eEF2K/eEF2 signaling pathway.
Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism with Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Sample of Egyptian Patients

Background. There are insufficient data on the association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM), and various components of metabolic syndrome among Egyptian patients. The aim of the present study was to study the association of different SNPs of VDR genes BsmI, ApaI, TaqI and FokI and components of metabolic syndrome and type 2 DM among cohort of Egyptian patients. Methods. The study is a case-control study. Patients included in the study were divided into three groups. Group 1 included 78 patients with type 2 DM; group 2 included 72 patients with metabolic syndrome and one hundred age-matched healthy subjects were served as control group. Full biochemical study and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) were done. Purified DNA was subjected to study with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for genotyping of SNPs of VDR gene. Data were presented as mean and standard deviation, and were analysed as appropriate by using the one-way ANOVA or paired t-test. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to correlate between variables. Results. Study of VDR genetic polymorphism had shown significant increase in the prevalence of Ff genotypes among diabetic patients and patients with manifestations of metabolic syndrome. There was significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D and total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels, waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion. The genetic polymorphism of VDR might play a role in the pathophysiology of type 2 DM and metabolic syndrome. , however, more longitudinal studies are still required to support these finding.
Hyperkalemia and Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Inhibitors Dose Therapy in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are known to improve outcomes in patients who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). To reduce mortality in these patients, RAASi should be uptitrated to the maximally tolerated dose. However, RAASi may also cause hyperkalemia. As a result of this side-effect, doses of RAASi are reduced, discontinued and seldom reinstated. Thus, the therapeutic target needed in these patients is often not reached because of hyperkalemia. Also, submaximal dosing of RAASi may be a result of symptomatic hypotension, syncope, hypoperfusion, reduced kidney function and other factors. The reduction of RAASi dose leads to adverse outcomes, such as an increased risk of mortality. Management of these side-effects is pivotal to maximise the use of RAASi in HFrEF, particularly in high-risk patients.
The Application of the International Consensus Criteria to Assess Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Australia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also referred to as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is receiving greater public health attention as a complex condition that results in substantial functional impairment. It is largely characterised by severe, medically unexplained fatigue and is associated with a broad range of further symptoms. Diagnosis remains a particular challenge and case definitions remain the primary tool in the absence of reliable and consistent clinical and biological markers. Several case definitions have been proposed and these differ significantly in symptom criteria, comorbid considerations and exclusion of other conditions, thus representing contrasting clinical profiles. This contributes to large differences in reported population, clinical, and laboratory findings reported for CFS/ME. A systematic review of worldwide prevalence studies was performed and demonstrated that the Fukuda et al. definition has been adopted as a standard. Furthermore, no studies had adopted the more recently proposed International definition. Despite the numerous studies demonstrating the public health impact of CFS/ME abroad, only one report was found estimating CFS/ME prevalence in the Australian population but this report predated the Fukuda and more recent case definitions. In the absence of a prevalence estimate for Australia, a meta-analysis was performed to pool worldwide prevalence figures of Fukuda defined cases. The pooled prevalence for self-reporting assessment was 3.28% (95% CI: 2.24–4.33) and 0.76% (95% CI: 0.23–1.29) for clinical assessment.
Psychometric Testing of the CHAMPS Questionnaire in French Canadians with COPD

Physical activity is an important health behaviour in reducing morbidity and mortality in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Accurate measurement of the characteristics of physical activity is essential to understanding the impact of COPD on physical activity. In a previous article, we reported on the cross-cultural adaptation of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire to produce a Canadian French version. The CHAMPS yields four summary scores: two caloric expenditure scores (moderate-intensity activities and all activities) and two frequency scores (moderate-intensity activities and all activities). The objective of this study was to evaluate test-retest reliability and convergent construct validity, in both English and French versions of the CHAMPS, in individuals with COPD. Test-retest reliability was assessed by administering the CHAMPS at two visits (2-3 weeks apart), to 19 English-speaking and 18 French-speaking participants. Validity was assessed in 56 English-speaking and 74 French-speaking participants, who completed the CHAMPS, Short Form- (SF-) 36, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) at a single visit. Results from reliability testing indicated that intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) generally met the threshold for good reliability (ICC > 0.6), with frequency scores showing greater stability than caloric expenditure scores. Validity testing yielded moderate correlations (r = 0.4-0.5) of the CHAMPS with the SF-36 domains and summary score capturing constructs of physical function, and with the SGRQ activity domain and total score. CHAMPS frequency scores for moderate-intensity activities correlated more strongly than other scores, with physical aspects of the SF-36 and SGRQ. The English and French versions of the CHAMPS did not show any substantial differences in reliability (frequency scores) or validity (frequency and caloric expenditure scores). Findings from this study support the reliability and validity of the CHAMPS. In particular, frequency scores for moderate-intensity activities can provide useful information on physical activity levels in individuals with COPD. This trial is registered with NCT00169897. ISRCTN registration number: IRSCTN32824512.
Manic-Depressive Illness. Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression. Oxford (Oxford University Press) 2007.

PART I CLINICAL DESCRIPTION AND DIAGNOSIS 1. Conceptualizing Manic-Depressive Illness: The Bipolar-Unipolar Distinction and the Development of the Manic-Depressive Spectrum 2. Clinical Description 3. Diagnosis PART II CLINICAL STUDIES 4. Course and Outcome 5. Epidemiology 6. Children and Adolescents 7. Comorbidity 8. Suicide PART III PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES 9. Neuropsychology 10. Personality, Personality Disorders, and Interpersonal Functioning 11. Assessment 12. Creativity PART IV PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 13. Genetics 14. Neurobiology 15. Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging 16. Sleep and Circadian Rhythms PART V TREATMENT 17. Fundamentals of Treatment 18. Medical Treatment of Hypomania, Mania, and Mixed States 19. Medical Treatment of Depression 20. Maintenance Medical Treatment 21. Medication Adherence 22. Psychotherapy 23. Treatment of Children and Adolescents 24. Treatment of Comorbidity 25. Clinical Management of Suicide Risk
Evaluation of the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Ectopic Pregnancies

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate hematologic parameters in ectopic pregnancy. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Education and Research Hospital between January 2016 and June 2017. The medical records of 97 patients hospitalised for ectopic pregnancy (EP) were summarised. The control group consisted of 112 women at 6 - 8 weeks, healthy, intrauterine gestations as confirmed by ultrasound (positive fetal heart rates). Hematologic parameters including white blood cells, hemoglobin and platelet counts, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) were compared. Results: In total, 209 patients were included in the study: 112 with healthy pregnancies and 97 with EPs. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding mean age, gravidity, parity, number of abortions, body mass index, history for previous cesarean deliveries, and previous EPs. The MPV level was lower in the EP group than in the control group. In addition, the mean NLR was higher in the EP group than in the controls. Conclusions: Considering the sensitivity and specificity, overall, the NLR and MPV has moderate diagnostic potential in patients with ectopic pregnancies. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2019;8(3):81-84 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo559