Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electroencephalography reveals a selective disruption of cognitive control processes in craving cigarette smokers

Addiction to nicotine is extremely challenging to overcome, and the intense craving for the next cigarette often leads to relapse in smokers who wish to quit. To dampen the urges of craving and inhibit unwanted behaviour, smokers must harness cognitive control, which is itself impaired in addiction. It is likely that craving may interact with cognitive control, and the present study sought to test the specificity of such interactions. To this end, data from 24 smokers were gathered using EEG and behavioural measures in a craving session (following a three‐hour nicotine abstention period) and a non‐craving session (having just smoked). In both sessions, participants performed a task probing various facets of cognitive control (response inhibition, task switching and conflict processing). Results showed that craving smokers were less flexible with the implementation of cognitive control, with demands of task switching and incongruency yielding greater deficits under conditions of craving. Importantly, inhibitory control was not affected by craving, suggesting that the interactions of craving and cognitive control are selective. Together, these results provide evidence that smokers already exhibit specific control‐related deficits after brief nicotine deprivation. This disruption of cognitive control while craving may help to explain why abstinence is so difficult to maintain.
Clinical Practice Update: Endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia and/or early cancer.

DESCRIPTION The purpose of this best practice advice article is to describe, in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) with dysplasia/early cancer, the role of Barrett's endoscopic therapy (BET) and appropriate follow-up of these patients. METHODS The best practice advice provided in this document is based on evidence and relevant publications reviewed by the committee.
THE INCIDENCE OF CHRONIC DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS DURING A 12 YEARS PERIOD IN PATIENTS REFERRING TO CLINICS OF SHIRAZ UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES.

Background: Chronic complications of diabetes causes substantial mortality and morbidity. The incidence and rate of progression of these complications depends on ethnic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of late complications of diabetes and its relation to blood glucose control in a group of diabetic patients from South of Iran. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of all diabetic patients who were followed regularly during a 12 year period at outpatient clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were investigated. Information regarding age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of disease , mean fasting and postprandial blood sugar, complications (eye, kidneys, peripheral nerves, foot, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular), and timing of complications with regard to duration of disease were collected. Results: The study population included 392 patients (205 males and 186 females), 300 patients had type 2 and 92 had type 1 diabetes. The mean age at diagnosis was 20.4±12.8 years for type 1 and 47.5±10.4 years for type 2 patients. 95% of patients developed at least one chronic complication during the follow-up period. The incidence rates of eye , renal, and peripheral nerve complications were 51.5, 44.7, and 68.8 percent respectively. Diabetic foot problems occurred in 16.8 percent of cases and it led to amputation in 8.4 percent (33 cases) of patients. The incidence rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications were 49.7 and 15.3 percent respectively. The development of eye, renal, and peripheral nerve complications was related to blood sugar control. Conclusion: Our diabetic patients developed chronic complications early and at a higher than expected rates. Future studies and more emphasis on prevention methods are recommended.
Interleukin-18 Is a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated with CD8+ T Cell and Natural Killer Cell Infiltration in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a cytokine that enhances innate and adaptive immune responses. Although there are conflicting reports about the roles of IL-18 in melanoma progression, the clinical relevance of IL-18 expression has not been comprehensively studied. In this study, we investigated IL-18 expression and its correlation with patient survival and immune cell infiltration in melanoma using cancer gene expression data publicly available through various databases. IL18 mRNA expression was found to be significantly lower in melanoma tissues than normal tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that IL18 expression was positively correlated with patient survival. To investigate the possible mechanisms by which IL18 expression increased patient survival, we then assessed the correlation between IL18 expression and immune cell infiltration levels. Infiltration of various immune cells, especially CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells, which are cytolytic effector cells, was significantly increased by IL18 expression. Additionally, the expression levels of two cytolytic molecules including perforin and granzyme B were significantly positively correlated with IL18 expression. Collectively, this study provides the first evidence that IL18 expression has prognostic value for melanoma patient survival and is strongly correlated with CD8+ T and NK cell infiltration, suggesting the role of IL-18 as a biomarker for predicting melanoma prognosis.
Knowledge Level of Physical Educators Regarding Dental Trauma in a Brazilian Subpopulation

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of physical education professionals and athletes about dental trauma. The state of Paraiba Brazil has 3.9 million inhabitants and innumerable centers of physical activities. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 103 physical education professionals and 101 gym-goers, randomly chosen, in the city of Joao Pessoa, Brazil. The participants filled out a specific questionnaire for each group (teachers and students) regarding their knowledge about dental trauma and how they would proceed in such situations. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests were used at 1% significance to test for significant differences in the sample. Results: Most of the professionals did not have adequate knowledge about the concept of dental avulsion (77.7%), and only 14 of them reported having sought a dentist after an avulsion. Of the students, 10.9% reported having suffered any dental injury during physical activity, and only 4 of them reported having sought a dentist soon after the accident. Regarding the most appropriate means to transport an avulsed tooth, saline solution was most cited by both the physical education teachers (56.3%) and the students (60.4%). Conclusion: This study revealed a level of lay knowledge regarding dental trauma; the number of participants who knew the correct way to act in such situations was small. For most of the individuals surveyed, the dissemination of information on the subject through educational programs would contribute to knowledge on how to address dental trauma.
Oral communication apprehension in English among Jordanian postgraduate students in Universiti Utara Malaysia

This research investigated oral communication apprehension among the Jordanian postgraduate students studying in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). It was directed by two main objectives: (1) to investigate the levels of Communication Apprehension among the Jordanian postgraduate students when communicating in English in UUM and (2) to investigate the relationship between programme, age and socioeconomic status and Communication Apprehension. The sampling of this study consisted of seventy Jordanian postgraduate students in UUM. The researcher used McCroskey‟s (1981) questionnaire, Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) to measure communication apprehension levels in four different situations (groups, meetings, dyads and public speaking). The results of this study showed that the Jordanian postgraduate students had high levels of communication apprehension and there was a positive relationship between communication apprehension and age, programme, and socio-economic status.
Alteration of the Hip Joint Centre during Acetabular Reaming

Change of the hip joint centre location during preparation of the acetabular cavity for the acetabular component can affect the outcome of total hip arthroplasty. Deviations from the preoperative geometry can compromise an otherwise successful operation with regard to hip dislocations, leg length inequality and range of motion of the hip joint. Eighteen acetabula from pelvic specimens were measured before and after acetabular reaming to determine the change of hip centre location. Two different acetabular reamers were applied to the acetabular cavity: a chamfered reamer intended for minimal invasive hip surgery (MIS) and a conventional hemispherical reamer. An optical 3D scanning system created 3D models of the cavities prior to and after the reaming procedure. The two 3D models were merged into a single 3D model and displacements in all three dimensions were calculated The results showed no significant difference between MIS and conventional reaming with regard to transition vector length (p=0.9). The mean length of the transition vector was 3.6 mm (SD. 2.4 mm). Our findings suggest that the alteration of the hip centre location is not influenced by the changes made to the MIS reamers in comparison with conventional reamers. In comparison with previous studies the drift of the hip centre caused by the acetabular reaming is reduced due to new reaming techniques and prosthesis designs. (Hip International 2007; 17: 15-20)
Radiological Central Vein Treatment in Vascular Access

In the last decades, the percutaneous interventional approach for the treatment of central venous obstructions (CVO) has become increasingly popular as the treatment of first choice because of its minimal invasiveness and reported success rates. CVOs are caused by a diverse spectrum of diseases which can be broadly categorized into two principal eliciting genera, either benign or malignant obstructions. The large group of benign venous obstructions includes the increasing number of end-stage renal disease patients with vascular access related complications. Due to the invasiveness and complexity of thoracic surgery for benign CVOs, the less invasive percutaneous interventional therapy can generally be considered the preferred treatment option. Initially, the radiological intervention consisted of balloon angioplasty alone, subsequently additional stent placement was applied. This was advocated as either primary placement or secondary in cases of elastic recoil or residual stenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The efficacy of angioplasty of CVO in patients with vascular accesses, either with or without stenting, has been addressed by various studies. Overall, reports indicate an initial technical and clinical success rate above 95% and satisfactory patency rates. However, systematic follow-up and frequent re-interventions are necessary to maintain vascular patency to achieve long-term success. (J Vasc Access
Reactive Synovitis following hip Resurfacing: A Case Presentation

We report a case of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing complicated by a reactive synovitis and a large effusion resulting in dislocation, peripheral oedema and groin discomfort. Histological analysis of the retrieved specimens revealed an intense lymphocytosis. Conversion to a traditional hip replacement resulted in resolution of the symptoms. (Hip International 2008; 18: 224-7)
Effectiveness of Preschool Lessons for Active Youngsters (PLAY) curriculum on the gross motor development and physical activity level of preschool children

Presumably, energy balance can help to stabilize and ultimately reverse the rising rates of childhood obesity. Research findings generally point to a positive association between preschool children’s motor skill competence and their level of physical activity. This study was conducted as part of Project PLAY (Preschool Lessons for Active Youngsters) to objectively evaluate Project PLAY curriculum in order to provide childcare centers with an outcome-based curriculum that can improve motor skill development and positively affect physical activity level This study used a quasi-experimental, cross over design with pre-mid-post assessment of motor skills and physical activity. The study was conducted with 44 children age 3-5 years using a randomly assigned control group (n=23) and an intervention group (n=21). Upon completion of first 12-week intervention subjects were crossed over and a second 12-week intervention was offered to the control group. Physical activity (PA) levels were assessed using an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer set at 15second intervals over five days during the time spent at the child care center, collecting a minimum of three days of data. The intervention consisted of 48 lessons delivered via 30 minutes lessons, 4 days per week for 12 weeks. The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) version 2 (Ulrich, 2000) was used to assess six locomotor and six object control standard scores as well as determine a gross motor quotient (GMQ). After the first 12-week intervention a total of 23 children completed the PA assessment for mid-study results. After accounting for drop-outs, the results indicated a higher level of MVPA and VPA in the control group over the intervention group. However, the physical activity program was effective in increasing VPA levels for the intervention group. This physical activity intervention was not effective in improving the gross motor skills of the treatment group over the control. EFFECTIVENESS OF PRESCHOOL LESSONS FOR ACTIVE YOUNGSTERS (PLAY) CURRICULUM ON THE GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts Karyn K. Finn University of Northern Iowa August 2014
Therapeutic Efficacy of Probiotics during Indigestion in Cattle

Clinical trial Ecotas (combination of probiotics, prebiotics and growth stimulants) was carried out in 40 cases of animals which were off feed and thus not performing upto their full potential. All cases responded to the initial dose and started normal intake of feed. These animals returned to their initial production level and about 10 cases even showed improvement in their milk production when treatment regimen continued for 4 days instead of 2 days.
Appendix 3: Techniques for Measuring Zinc Absorption

Food and Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 25, no. 1 (supplement 2) © 2004, The United Nations University. The specific features of zinc metabolism—a high endogenous intestinal excretion, a rapid turnover of zinc in plasma, and a constant urinary excretion over a wide range of dietary intakes—limit the possible range of methods that can be used to measure zinc absorption. The conventional chemical balance technique, where the apparent absorption is calculated as the difference between dietary zinc intake and fecal zinc content, can at best give information about the overall balance of body zinc. However, long periods (> 30 days) of constant zinc intake are needed to achieve steady state conditions and gain reliable information [1]. To measure true absorption of zinc, endogenous sources of excreted zinc must be separated from unabsorbed dietary zinc, and for this determination, isotope techniques are necessary. Suitable radioand stable-zinc isotopes are available and have been used extensively to study zinc absorption from single meals and, to a limited extent, from total diets. These techniques require advanced analytic equipment and skills and are mainly suited for research laboratories and studies of small groups of subjects. Further research in this area is required to better quantify the effects of physiologic and dietary conditions that affect the efficiency of zinc absorption, particularly from total diets. These techniques will also be useful in assessing the potential efficacy of different zinc compounds for use in food fortification as well as zinc supplements.
Treatment of Pneumothorax as a Complication of Long-Term Central Venous Port Placement in Oncology Patients. An Observational Study

Background and Purpose In percutaneous placement of central venous catheters an inadvertent, direct lesion of the lung parenchyma can occur. This is a cause of iatrogenic pneumothorax, whose incidence is approximately 1 to 4%, largely dependent on the experience of the operator, the site of venipuncture and probably the technique employed. Initial treatment currently ranges from observation alone to formal tube-thoracostomy. In an attempt to define the best initial treatment, if any, we reviewed our personal series and contributions from the literature. As a result we have produced a flow-chart proposing a rational treatment of this frequent complication. Patients and Methods One thousand four hundred twenty-one ports were placed in patients at the Department of Surgery of the European Institute of Oncology in Milan through an infraclavicular standardized percutaneous subclavian approach. They were placed during the 60-month period from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2000 for long-term chemotherapy treatment of solid tumours. Chest upright X-rays were obtained post-operatively in all cases to check the correct position of the catheter tip and the presence of pneumothorax. Results Twenty-two patients out of 1421 (1.54%) experienced a radiologically-proven pneumothorax, ranging from 5 to 70% of the affected pleural space. Sixteen patients out of 22 (72.7%) with minor portions of affected pleural space received simple observation. In these patients the most common finding was an uncomplicated tachycardia (more than 100 beats/min); 8 of them did not complain of any symptoms. Six patients (27.2%) underwent an additional procedure (3 tube-thoracostomies and 3 aspirations of the pleural space), claiming symptoms of chest pain and various degrees of dyspnea. Tube thoracostomy was mainly adopted at the beginning of our experience, and in patients with a severe degree of pleural involvement (55 to 70% of the pleural space). Aspiration, instead, was used more recently and in patients with varying degrees of pleural space involved, ranging from 40 to 60%. Conclusions Looking at our own series and literature data, patients with iatrogenic pneumothorax following central venous cannulation who do not have a severe underlying pulmonary disease can be reassured, at the time of diagnosis, that surgery is usually unnecessary and tube thoracostomy is rarely needed. Simple aspiration of the pleural air by means of a central venous catheter inserted percutaneously into the pleural space under local anesthesia should be considered, even if the amount of affected pleural space is more than 50%, before opting for a formal tube-thoracostomy using small-bore tubes.
URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENTS IN SINA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Background : Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage renal disease. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common complications after renal transplantation and it has serious consequences. The aim of this study was assessing UTIs in renal transplanted patients and evaluation of risk factors associated with post-transplant UTI. Methods : In this prospective study, 173 patients (48 hospitalized patients and 125 outpatients) were enrolled in this study. These renal transplant recipients evaluated for bacterial urinary tract infection in urology research center at Sina Hospital. After collecting urine samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, urinalysis and colony count were performed. Identification of bacteria was performed by routine microbiological tests in the Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran, in 2011. Results : UTI was observed in 47 patients and the most prevalent microorganism was Escherichia coli (E.coli) 18(38.2%). Nearly 71% of UTI cases were diagnosed during the first three months post transplantation. Risk factors for post transplant UTI were female gender, age, length of hospitalization and diabetes mellitus. Female patients were more susceptible than males (OR=0.50 and P=0.047) to infection. There were no significant difference between diabetes mellitus and UTI. Most of the isolated bacteria were susceptible to imipenem and resistant to tetracycline and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion : Our study confirmed that bacterial infections remain as the most common infectious complication in the early post-transplant period, and antibiogram rather than empirical treatment is needed to find the best effective antibiotics. Moreover, risk factors such as female gender, increased age and length of hospitalization are predisposing factors to increased urinary tract infection in renal transplantation.
Washback of a high-stakes English exam on teachers’ perceptions and practices

The First Certificate in English (Cambridge ESOL) is a well-known language exam in Greece intended to have positive influence on teaching and learning. However, local practitioners believe that the FCE has negative consequences on the curriculum, teaching and learning. This paper explores the relationship between the intended influence of the FCE exam, teachers’ perceptions towards the exam and their classroom practices. The paper also identifies the existence of factors that seem to influence teaching and learning beyond the exam itself. It concludes by making recommendations for future research and for teachers and teacher educators on avoiding negative effects from high-stakes exams.
Estimation of Serial Serum Albumin Levels as Prognostic Marker in Critically Ill Patients Admitted in Medical ICU - A Cross-Sectional Study. -

Introduction: To evaluate the role of serial serum albumin concentration as a prognostic marker in critically ill patients who are on mechanical ventilator for 5 days or more. Methods: This study was carried out at a tertiary health centre over a period of 1 year amongst the 50 patients admitted in MICU who needed ventilatory support for at least 5 days or more. Serum albumin estimation was done on day when they were put on mechanical ventilator and on day 3, day 5 and day 10 of their hospital stay. Analysis was done using student’s unpaired ‘t’ test and Mann-Whitney’s ‘u’ test . Results: 31 (62%) patients were discharged from the hospital (survivors) and 19 (38%) died in the hospital (non-survivors). The total decline in serum albumin in the survivors from admission to day 10 was 0.86 g/dl. In non-survivors, it was 1.09 g/dl over a period of 10 days fall in albumin levels in non-survivors was steeper than survivors. Our study indicates that the strongest predictor of outcome of the patient is serum albumin on day three. Conclusions: Patients who have normal serum albumin level at admission are more likely to survive than those with low serum albumin level at admission, including lesser days on ventilator. A steep decline in serum albumin indicates a poor prognosis. From the above study, serum albumin level on day 3 appears to be one of the major factors determining the outcome of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation.