Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS ON LIPID PROFILE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion and insulin action or both. The chronic hyperglycemia is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of normal functioning of various organs. Hyperglycaemia generates oxidative stress and progressive inflammation due to organ damage. In this study, we have analysed the serum levels of some oxidative and inflammatory markers and Lipid profile in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: Case-control study comprising of aged-sex matched subjects: newly diagnosed T2DM cases (n=30) and controls (n=30). The serum samples of subjects were analysed for levels of CRP by turbidimetry, MDA by Buege and Aust method, while NO levels by Cortas and Wakid’s kinetic cadmium reduction method using spectrophotometer. Lipid profile was analysed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was done using Mini-tab 17 software with 95% confidence interval. Results: In comparison to healthy controls, serum levels of MDA and NO in T2DM patients were significantly increased. Serum CRP was significantly increased. The lipid profile was significantly affected with decrease in VLDL and Chylomicron, while increase in LDL levels. Levels of HDL and Lipoprotein (a) were unaffected. Conclusion: There is increased inflammatory and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes which affects the lipid profile and dysfunction of body organs causing disease progression. Lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) analysis with antioxidant supplements might help control and keep check on disease status. Keywords: Newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, MDA, Nitric Oxide, Lipoprotein (a), Lipid profile
Teaching groups as contexts for learning about teaching in higher education : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

This research proposes a new concept, called teaching groups, as approach to learning about teaching for academics in higher education. Teaching groups are defined at the outset of the research as groups of academics who have, based on their positions in their institutions, shared responsibilities in teaching. To build a theoretical foundation, the community-based approaches of communities of practice and (faculty) learning communities are investigated and links to teaching groups established. In an important departure from existing community-based approaches, the idea of voluntary participation is abandoned and, in contrast, membership in teaching groups is by default. The motivation for this step is to overcome the low participation rates in activities related to learning about teaching, ultimately aiming at participation of the vast majority of academics. An exploratory mixed-methods research design was employed. The first, qualitative research phase was conducted using focus groups. The aim of this research phase was to explore how academics relate to the concept of teaching groups, what interactions take place in these groups and how engagement with teaching, and learning about teaching, might be facilitated in the groups. Based on the results of the focus group research, hypotheses and goals for investigation in the second, quantitative research phase were developed. A survey was conducted via a questionnaire, aiming at confirmation of key findings of the first research phase. The findings across both research phases show that nearly all participants could identify and describe their teaching groups. Characteristics of teaching groups were determined and a classification into a scale from tight-knit to individualistic teaching groups was derived. The results show that tight-knit teaching groups provide academics with a community environment highly supportive of learning about teaching, whereas members of individualistic teaching groups miss out on valuable opportunities for learning from and with each other. About 40% of the teaching groups discussed in this research were classified as tight-knit,
Positive perceptions of electronic cigarettes relative to combustible cigarettes are associated with weaker support for endgame policies on combustible cigarettes: A population-based cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

INTRODUCTION Positive perceptions of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) relative to combustible cigarettes (CCs) may erode support for endgame policies on CCs through smoking renormalization (increasing public acceptance of smoking). We investigated the associations between perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to CCs and support for endgame policies on CCs in Hong Kong. METHODS Adult respondents (N=2004) were surveyed using landline random digit dialing in 2015. Perceived relative harm and relative addictiveness of e-cigarettes were combined as an overall perception of e-cigarettes relative to CCs with 5 levels and we analyzed individually ‘neutral/positive/mixed/unknown’ perceptions against the ‘negative’ perception. Five individual items with dichotomous responses assessed the support for endgame policies on CCs. Support for banning the sale/use of CCs (yes/no) was also assessed. Multivariable regressions yielded adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of supporting endgame policies (individual policy items, all 5 policy items, at least 1 policy item, banning the sale/use of CCs) in relation to perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to CCs, adjusting for age, education attainment, marital status, CC smoking status and ever e-cigarette use. RESULTS Support for individual endgame policy items (from 51.8% to 80.0%), banning the sale (63.8%) and use (67.5%) of CCs were generally high. Few respondents perceived e-cigarettes as more harmful (16.6%) or more addictive (9.3%) than CCs. Positive perceptions of e-cigarettes (24.0%) were associated with less support for ‘ban CC sales in 10 years if there is a product providing nicotine not made from tobacco’ (AOR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.40–0.97), ‘ban CC use when it’s prevalence falls below 5%’ (AOR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.44–0.98) and ‘banning the sale of CCs’ (AOR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.42–0.94). CONCLUSIONS Positive perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to CCs were associated with less support for endgame policies on CCs in Hong Kong. Public health actions are needed to disseminate evidence-based knowledge of e-cigarettes.
Preclinical evaluation of carnosine and Costus as hematological protective agents against gamma radiation

ABSTRACT Background: Carnosine is an antioxidant dipeptide and Costus speciosus is an Indian herb with powerful antioxidant activity. Purpose: Study the possibility of using Costus and carnosine to treat hemolysis concerns induced oxidative stress by irradiation. Materials and methods: A total of 28 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. First sham control group, and in the other three groups, their whole bodies were exposed to gamma irradiation with a single 7.5 Gy dose. The third and fourth groups were injection with the extract of Costus speciosus and carnosine, respectively. At the end of the experiment (on the 3rd day after irradiation) hematological parameters and related biochemical parameters such as erythrocytic LDH, G6PD, direct and indirect bilirubin were estimated. Results: Costus significantly protects all hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, RBCs, reticulocytes, hematocrit and WBCs against hemolysis-induced radiation due to its powerful antioxidant effects. Also Costus retained LDH, G6PD, and bilirubin levels to normal levels even with the exposure to irradiation. Carnosine improved all the previous hematological and biochemical parameters from γ- irradiation but carnosine showed less potency than Costus. Conclusions: Carnosine and Costus as antioxidants can protect against γ-radiation exposure and Costus speciosus was more potent than carnosine concerning hemolysis-induced gamma radiation.
Psychosocial Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Construction Workers

Several previous studies have stated that there are several risk factors that affect musculoskeletal disorders on construction workers. Most of the studies have reported the existence of individual and physical risk factors, but only few studies have focused on psychosocial risk factors. The present study included 45 construction workers of a building construction project. A self-reported measurement questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The results showed that shoulder pain was most felt by workers during the last seven days and the last 12 months. Regarding to the prevalence felt during the last seven days, factor of reward was significantly associated with knee pain (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.99). Regarding to the prevalence felt during the last 12 months, factor of weight was significantly associated with upper back (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01-1.22) and shoulder (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.00-1.18). Body mass index was significantly associated with upper back (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.01-1.22) and shoulder (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.01-1.71). Results of this study indicated that psychosocial risk factors have significant roles in developing musculoskeletal disorders.
Minimally invasive therapies for Peyronie’s disease: the current state of the art

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a relatively common condition that can result in significant penile deformity, sexual dysfunction, and psychological bother. Surgical straightening offers the highest probability of success during the stable phase of the disease. However, for men in the acute phase of PD or for those with less severe deformity who elect to avoid surgery, a variety of non-surgical treatment options are available. Oral therapies, including L-citrulline and pentoxifylline, are most useful as part of a combination regimen rather than as monotherapy. Intralesional therapy with IFN-α2b, verapamil, and collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) can cause significant reduction in penile curvature, yet these results may not be clinically significant for men with more severe curvature. Further investigation into the timing of administration and optimal patient characteristics is required. Penile traction therapy offers a clinically significant improvement in penile length and curvature. However, this has traditionally required hours of daily therapy. Overall, a combination of oral, topical, injection and traction therapies may provide the most significant benefit among the non-surgical modalities for PD.
Effect of curcumin on gene expression and protein level of methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA), SOD, CAT and GPx in Freund’s adjuvant inflammation-induced male rats

Objective Curcumin is the well-known compound which is extracted from turmeric powder, the dried rhizome of the Curcuma longa Linn. This have been used for the treatment of various disorders including inflammation. In this study we have analyzed the effect of curcumin on arthritis induced by adjuvant in rats, considering changes in methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) expression and antioxidant enzymes levels. Methods Five groups of adult male Wistar rats (n=10), were randomly selected as control, placebo, experimental 1, 2 and 3. The induction of arthritis was carried out by injection of 0.1 ml adjuvant in plantar region. The first experimental group received no curcumin treatment, whereas the experimental two and three received curcumin (1 and 2 g/kg daily) respectively, for fourteen days. MSRA gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR and protein levels of MSRA, SOD, CAT and GPx were analyzed via ELISA method. Results The results showed no significant weight changes among the groups during the experimental period and the paw swelling caused by adjuvant was recovered within fourteen days of treatment with curcumin. However, the levels of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were increased by a dose dependent manner. These results also illustrated that the gene expression and protein level of MSRA in groups treated with curcumin increased significantly (p≤0.05). Conclusion We concluded that the curcumin can be used against inflammation. The increasing level of MSRA can be due to the antioxidant effect of curcumin. The enzymatic level changes (MSRA, SOD, CAT and GPx) may interfere with the aging process and delay it.
Negotiating roles and making claims as a patient in the psychiatric consultation: a frame analysis

My thesis develops an understanding of patient role and identity performances in psychiatric consultations. Recent increased attention to shared-decision making and patient-centred care in psychiatry is in large part influenced by changing ideas about the doctor-patient relationship, challenging power discrepancies and reconsidering notions of ‘expert’ and ‘lay’ contributions. Previous work surrounding this field has mostly focused on psychiatrists’ talk, asking ‘how can psychiatrists improve shared-decision making skills? ’ While important, I argue that this focus is at odds with the principles behind shared-decision making by failing to consider patients’ own performances in their talk with psychiatrists. I re-analyse recorded interactions in 92 psychiatric consultations with patients prescribed anti-psychotic medication. Drawing on the work of Goffman, I identify frames which are negotiated throughout the consultations and explore how these shape the roles and ‘footing’ adopted by patients. I demonstrate techniques used by patients to maintain a balance between making credible and influential claims and maintaining an acceptable patient role. Finally I consider the impact of family members attending these consultations. I explore how they collaborate and compete with patients in making claims, and the impact of their presence on patients’ own performances. The thesis makes the case for considering patients as active participants in constructing the interaction in psychiatric consultations and the need to understand the work being undertaken by patients to construct their place in the immediate discourse and in their wider social connections. It moves towards developing this understanding by providing a detailed review of various techniques seen in this data set. In using a frame analysis it also provides a relatively new perspective on considering discourse and demonstrates how this kind of approach can be useful when analysing institutional talk.
Appearance related concerns across the general and clinical populations

This thesis explores appearance related concerns across the general and clinical populations. Section A briefly describes the different parts comprising this thesis and discusses the common themes emerged. In Section B, a survey of 300 young adults is reported which was conducted with an aim to identify the nature, extent and correlates of appearance dissatisfaction in this population. It was found that a surprisingly large percent of men and women were dissatisfied with their appearance and that this discontent was not limited to shape/size concerns in women and muscularity concerns in men as has been suggested by previous investigators. In terms of predictors of appearance dissatisfaction, appearance schemata, social support and psychological distress were the stronger with investment in appearance (appearance schemata) being the most significant. This survey was followed up by two qualitative studies aiming to identify and explore in more depth the factors that contribute to the development or not of appearance dissatisfaction. Themes such as parental modelling, self-esteem social support, media influence emerged in the participants' discourse as important in the development or not of their dissatisfaction with appearance. In Section C the consultation revised the existing measures of appearance (dis)satis faction and recommended the most developmentally appropriate and psychometrically rigorous for the assessment of individuals with cleft lip/palate condition. From the review of the relevant literature it became obvious that the assessment of appearance related aspects is still at an early stage. 'Me consultation also briefly summarizes the effects on body image, self-concept, and social interaction of cleft lip/palate condition. Finally in Section D, a review paper critically summarizes the literature on body image and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer and makes recommendations for further developments in research and clinical practice in this area.
A study on clinico social impact of teenage pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital

Background: In India, teenage pregnancy is an important public-health problem, although the national policy of the Government of India advocates the minimum legal age of marriage for girls to be 18 years. Data of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3 revealed that 16% of women, aged 15-19 years, have already started childbearing. Teenage pregnancies represent a high-risk group in reproductive terms because of the double burden of reproduction and growth. Complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of mortality among girls aged 15-19 years in developing countries. Aim and objective of the study was to study the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and to study the clinic social impact of teenage pregnancies.Methods: The observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Government General Hospital, Guntur in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology over three Months from August to October 2018. All pregnant women coming to either OPD or directly to the labour room were included in the study group. History was taken and examination was done.Results: Among the 709 deliveries in the institute, 138 are teenage pregnancies contributing to 19.4%. Prevalence of anaemia in teenage mothers is as high as 63.7%, pregnancy induced hypertension contributing to 26.8% and abortions 9.4%. The neonatal outcome is poor in teenage mothers, low birth weight 20.2% contributing to the main morbidity.Conclusions: Teenage pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm delivery, increased incidence of instrumental deliveries and lower segment caesarean sections due to cephalopelvic disproportion, neonatal complications, increased neonatal morbidity and mortality mainly due to low birth weight was noted in babies delivered to teenage mothers.
Comparison of Peripheral Blood Th17 Cells and Associated Cytokines in Fingolimod-Receiving and Untreated Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Introduction: Th17 cells are critical mediators of pathology in several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to quantify Th17 cells and-associated cytokines in the peripheral blood of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients (RRMS). We also aimed to compare those levels in fingolimod-treated, and untreated patients. Material and Methods: Fifteen fingolimod administered RRMS, 9 untreated-RRMS patients and 6 healthy controls were evaluated. Their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and sera separated. IL-17A+, IL-22+ and GM-CSF+ T-cells were quantified via intracellular cytokine staining after stimulation using flouresecein activated cell sorter. Serum cytokine levels from all groups were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Fingolimod-treated RRMS patients had reduced number of IL-17A+ (p=0.02), IL-22+ (p=0.05), and GMCSF+ (p=0.003) T cells in their peripheral blood compared to those of untreated RRMS patients. This is consistent with sequestration of lymphocytes in the secondary lymphoid organs after fingolimod use. However, the levels of same cytokines in the serum were statistically not different. Conclusions: Fingolimod treatment reduced circulating IL-17A+, IL-22+ or GM-CSF+ T cells in RRMS patients.
Effectiveness of different modes of school dental health education on the oral health status of children - an interventional study with 2-year follow-up

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of three modes of school dental health education (SDHE) and the two frequencies of reinforcements, on the oral health status of children. Three hundred and sixty school children aged 8 to 9 years participated in this study. Dental caries (dft/DMFT), oral hygiene (OHI-S) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) scores were recorded by a calibrated investigator. The interventions included three different modes of SDHE (drama, game and flashcards). One mode of SDHE was randomly allotted to each school. Children were randomly sub-divided based on the frequency of reinforcement provided (3 months and 6 months). Post-intervention data were collected after 2 years. There was a significant reduction in the dft [drama (p = 0.006), game (p = 0.001) and flashcards (p = 0.002)] and OHI-S scores [drama and game (p < 0.001) and flashcards (p = 0.01)] and significant improvement in the total OHRQoL scores [drama (p = 0.001), game (p = 0.016) and flashcards (p = 0.023)] in all the three modes. Children who received game mode SDHE every 3 months had a significantly higher number of filled primary teeth (p = 0.03) compared to children who received the reinforcement every 6 months. All three modes were effective in improving the oral health status of school children. Game mode had the highest impact followed by drama and flashcard modes. Reinforcements given every 3 months using the game mode had a positive influence on the oral health of these children. Health educators must focus on child-friendly modes to make the health information more retentive.
Relationship between sleep position and glaucoma progression.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW As humans spend a considerable portion of life in the horizontal position, it is vital to better understand the effect of sleep position on glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS The mean positional increase from the supine position to the lateral decubitus position (LDP) in recent literature is less than 2 mmHg for each eye in its dependent position and less than 1 mmHg in the nondependent position. The right LDP is most commonly favored sleeping position. Some evidence suggests that the positional increases persist and so could lead to worse glaucomatous progression in the dependent eye. However, multiple studies failed to find a strong association. Ideally future research will identify risk factors for higher positional increases to identify patients who may benefit from a change in sleep position. To date, medications and argon laser trabeculoplasty have been ineffective in blunting the positional increase, although glaucoma surgery does reduce it. Raising the head of the bed has been linked with blunting the increase as well. SUMMARY Certain sleeping positions appear to be associated with higher intraocular pressure, although the association between sleep position and glaucoma progression is not as clear.
Exploration on Keyes＇s Model of Mental Health for French Physically Active Adults

In France, there are relatively few studies concerning the SWB (subjective well-being) in sport field, partly because of the lack of valid and reliable scales to measure this construct. The purpose of this study was to test the validity of Keyes’s model of mental health. The sample consists of 663 French physically old adults. For positive mental health continuum, we used the MHC-SF (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form), the SVS (Subjective Vitality Scale), and the SWLS (Satisfaction With Life Scale). For evaluating the negative mental health continuum, we used the GHQ-12 (General Health Questionnaire-12). The results show a good structure validity for the French versions of MHC-SF, SVS, SWLS, and GHQ-12. They also demonstrated the bi-dimensionality of the complete mental health and confirmed positive and significant correlations among the positive well-being scales (MHC-SF, SVS, and SWLS) and negative correlation between these positive constructs and the GHQ-12.