Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-body Examination : Instructional Guide for Early Detection of Physical and Reproductive Health Problems among Adolescent Girls

Background: Self-body examination considered one of the most important health strategies for discovery, early detection & management of many health problems among adolescent age. Aim & design: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Self-body Examination instructional guide for Early Detection of Physical and Reproductive Health Problems among Adolescent Girls. The design of the study was Quasi-experimental. Setting: The study was conducted at Technical Institute of Nursing, & Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University. The subjects involved unmarried female student nurse at first academic year 2014 – 2015. Sample: Purposive sample consisted of 63 nursing students. Tools: Data were collected through three Tools (structured interviewing questionnaire, performance check lists, and follow up card). Results: The study revealed that there was statistically significant difference between pre-intervention program compared to post 1 month and post 2 months regarding practice of selfbody exam. Many health problems discovered by adolescent girls through improvement of selfexamination for different parts of their body & referred to physicians; Breast problems, skin problems, genital infection, ENT problems, dental problems, eye problems & menstrual problems. Conclusion & recommendation: The study concluded that the positive impact of the Instructional guide on adolescent girls’ self -body examination practices for early detection of their Physical and Reproductive health problems. There searchers recommended that integrating self-body exam guideline in adolescent schools. Further researches are still needed to explore the barriers that confront practice of selfbody exam among adolescence. [Eman Mostafa Sayed Ahmed, Omaima Mohamed Esmat, Hyam Refaat Tantawi, Hala Mohamed Sanad. Self-body Examination: Instructional Guide for Early Detection of Physical and Reproductive Health Problems among Adolescent Girls. Life Sci J 2017;14(10):45-54]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 7. doi:10.7537/marslsj141017.07.
Deep DAgger Imitation Learning for Indoor Scene Navigation

The ability for robots to successfully navigate indoors is a critical step to bring the benefit of robotics to the general population. We use deep imitation learning on the THOR dataset to demonstrate the potential for deep imitation learning, in which an expert provides the learner the best routes and expects the learner to extrapolate to new situations to teach robots how to navigate indoors. Using the DAGGER algorithm, we train a neural network on one indoor scene and validate its effectiveness in a different indoor scene. We show that the DAGGER algorithm is able to substantially improve the average trajectory length compared to other potential navigation algorithms when generalizing to navigation in previously unexplored indoor scenes.
Duration-dependent effects of the BDNF Val 66 Met polymorphism on anodal tDCS induced motor cortex plasticity in older adults : a

Publisher rights © 2015 Puri, Hinder, Fujiyama, Gomez, Carson and Summers. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
The use of UV-induced fluorescence for the assessment of homogeneity of granular mixtures

Abstract This paper presents the results of fluorescence-based analysis of homogeneity of five multicomponent granular mixtures. Analyses were performed using solutions of selected substances capable of emitting light following UV irradiation, namely Tinopal 0.03% and Rhodamine B 0.01%. Mixtures were spiked with the key component consisting of maize grains coated with the fluorescent solution. The tracer content was determined on the basis of computer image analysis, and the results were compared to those obtained using the traditional weighing method. On this basis, the proposed method was verified and assessed for applicability in estimating the homogeneity of mixtures comprised of 8, 10, 11, 14, and 20 components. The results suggest that both Tinopal and Rhodamine B may be used to estimate the tracer content in the tested mixtures.
Active versus passive case finding for tuberculosis in marginalised and vulnerable populations in India: comparison of treatment outcomes

ABSTRACT Background: Community-based active case finding (ACF) for tuberculosis (TB) implemented among marginalised and vulnerable populations in 285 districts of India resulted in reduction of diagnosis delay and prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis. We were interested to know whether this translated into improved treatment outcomes. Globally, there is limited published literature from marginalised and vulnerable populations on the independent effect of community-based ACF on treatment outcomes when compared to passive case finding (PCF). Objectives: To determine the relative differences in unfavourable treatment outcomes (death, loss-to-follow-up, failure, not evaluated) of ACF and PCF-diagnosed people. Methods: Cohort study involving record reviews and interviews in 18 randomly selected districts. We enrolled all ACF-diagnosed people with new smear-positive pulmonary TB, registered under the national TB programme between March 2016 and February 2017, and an equal number of randomly selected PCF-diagnosed people in the same settings. We used log binomial models to adjust for confounders. Results: Of 572 enrolled, 275 belonged to the ACF and 297 to the PCF group. The proportion of unfavourable outcomes were 10.2% (95% CI: 7.1%, 14.3%) in the ACF and 12.5% (95% CI: 9.2%, 16.7%) in the PCF group (p = 0.468). The association between ACF and unfavourable outcomes remained non-significant after adjusting for confounders available from records [aRR: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.56, 1.21)]. Due to patient non-availability at their residence, interviews were conducted for 465 (81.3%). In the 465 cohort too, there was no association after adjusting for confounders from records and interviews [aRR: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.77)]. Conclusion: We did not find significant differences in the treatment outcomes. Due to the wide CIs, studies with larger sample sizes are urgently required. Studies are required to understand how to translate the benefits of ACF to improved treatment outcomes.
Impact of Urban Expansion on Surrounding Peasant Land the Case of Boloso Sore Woreda , Areka Town , SNNPR , Ethiopia

The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of urban expansion on surrounding peasant land in Areka town. The data were obtained from 68 randomly selected respondents by using questionnaires and interview from municipality office workers other illiterate indigenous peoples of the town as well as from secondary sources were also included. To analysis the collected data were edited, tabulated, percentage and finally descriptive method was employed. The result revealed that there are many factors causing urban expansion to surrounding peasant land: those are establishment of market, infrastructure, rural to urban migration and positive consequences of urban expansion. Such as advance in communication, eclectic power, health and education facilities and also negative consequences of urban expansion such as loss of agricultural land, expansions of crimes, urban pollution and housing problems and lastly the pattern of urban expansion are the major ones. To regulate the impacts of urban expansion that found in the town the participation of government and dwellers of the town are very necessary .
The role of zinc and copper in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is internationally ever-growing. Therefore, prevention, diagnostics, and control of insulin resistance and T2DM are of increasing importance. It has been suggested that mechanisms leading to insulin resistance and diabetes and its complications include high intake of refined and energy-rich food, which is presumed to be accompanied by suboptimal intake of trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu), which are essential and crucial for various biological processes. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of Zn, Se, and Cu in T2DM. Diabetes seems prevalent when Zn, Se, and Cu are deficient, which may result from excessive intake of refined food. The literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, supplemented with the reference lists of relevant articles and a Google Scholar search. We critically assessed all relevant citations, both review and research papers in English. The search terms that were used included Zn, Cu, diabetes, and diabetes mellitus. Research has shown that Zn, Se, and Cu are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes, but these trace elements can in excessive amounts be toxic. Zinc appears to activate key molecules that are involved in cell signaling, which maintain the homeostasis of glucose. Zinc also regulates insulin receptors, prolong the action of insulin, and promote healthy lipid profiles. Copper in excess can create oxidative stress, which is a factor in the onset and the progression of T2DM. Abnormal Zn and Cu metabolism appears to accompany and may also cause diabetes complications.
High Aβ load may cause microglial cell dysfunction and reduced nuclear repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) expression which might be ascribed to its degradation by ubiquitination.

Background This study aimed to investigate the effects of high Aβ load on the microglial function, neuronal activity, and repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) expression and nuclear localization and further explore the mechanism underlying nuclear REST deficiency and the correlation between pathology and symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods BV2 cells and N2A cells were treated with Aβ at different concentrations, and the viability, apoptosis and autophagy of these cells were further evaluated. The expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II, a marker of microglial activation), REST in the neurons and REST specific phosphorylase casein kinase 1 (CK1) were detected. Results Aβ at a low concentration (2.5 µmol/L) could alter the microglial morphology, and the proportion of amoebic microglia and protein expression of MHC-II increased in a Aβ concentration dependent manner. Aβ at a high concentration (10 µmol/L) was able to reduce REST expression, elevate the expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-autophagic genes, inhibit the expression of anti-apoptotic gene, and reduce the neuronal activity. REST expression reduced, but CK1 increased in neurons, and CK1 inhibitor significantly increased REST expression. there was co-expression of REST and CK1 in the brain of AD mice, which was characterized by reduced nuclear REST expression and elevated CK1 expression. Conclusions High Aβ load may cause microglial cell dysfunction and loss of REST expression in the neurons, resulting in dementia. The reduced nuclear REST might be ascribed to its degradation by ubiquitination. This supports the hypothesis that high plaque load may increase the risk for dementia.
Examining the community consequences of arrests for low-level criminal activity.

This study was designed to examine the effects of arrests for low-level criminal activity on key features of police-community relations and the capacity of the neighborhood to regulate behavior of residents. Multilevel mixed-effects modeling was used with residents (N = 826) living in police beats (N = 51) in Chicago to test the hypotheses that higher arrest rates were associated with less police legitimacy, less willingness to work with the police and less neighborhood informal social control. The results indicated that more aggressive enforcement was associated with less capacity for informal social control. The findings also suggested that higher arrest rates were directly related to more legitimacy and indirectly related to less legitimacy through residents' negative experiences with police. For residents affected by crime and disorder but not burdened by aggressive enforcement, the use of arrests to reduce incivilities may be viewed positively and related to stronger beliefs about legitimacy. In contrast, trust and confidence in police may be reduced for those residents who experience the costs associated with low-level arrests. Regardless of the short-term effects, if aggressive low-level policing undermines the effectiveness of social control systems in the neighborhood, communities will be less safe in the long term.
Energy demand and energy-related CO 2 emissions in Greek manufacturing : assessing the impact of a carbon tax by Nikolaos Floros and

The purpose of this paper is to study the demand for energy in two-digit manufacturing sectors of Greece and to evaluate the impact of a carbon tax on energyrelated CO2 emissions. The theoretical model utilized in the analysis is the two-stage translog cost function. The model is estimated using time series data over the period 1982-1998. The results indicate substitutability between electricity and liquid fuels (diesel and mazout), and substitutability between capital, energy and labor. A carbon tax of $50 per tone of carbon results in a considerable reduction in direct and indirect CO2 emissions from their 1998 level. This implies that a carbon tax on Greek manufacturing is an environmentally effective policy for mitigating global warming, although a costly one.
Frightening or Foolish? Gendered Perceptions of Public Intoxication Among Youths and Adults in Norway and Finland

Abstract Background: What people define as acceptable alcohol use may differ between social situations and depend upon on who is drinking as well as who is evaluating the situation. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore how Norwegian and Finnish youth and adults perceived the acceptability of situations involving public intoxication and how gender and alcohol’s harm to others were made relevant in their reflections. Methods: We conducted eight focus groups among adolescents (N = 44) and eight among adults (N = 38), using photos and stories of drinking situations as stimuli for the discussions. Results: Youths’ and adults’ perceptions of public intoxication were characterized by ambivalence: negative evaluations were often nuanced and negotiated while positive evaluations typically were followed up with reservations. To some extent, their evaluations depended upon the gender and age of the drinker. Although a norm of gender equality was emphasized, women were typically criticized for their looks and for foolish behavior when drunk, while drunk men were often perceived as frightening. Age was a prominent dimension in evaluations of the acceptability of women’s alcohol use, while it was seldom mentioned when discussing intoxicated men. Youths seemed to have somewhat more restrictive attitudes towards public intoxication than adults, reflecting perhaps how they related to the situations with more general conceptions of drinking and harms from drinking, picked up from public debate or from school. Conclusion: Perceptions of alcohol’s harm to others were clearly gendered, in that intoxicated men were seen as frightening while women were seen as foolish.
Effects of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural on Pubertal Development of Female Wistar Rats

Objective: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is formed when sugars are heated in the presence of amino acids. HMF is naturally present in many foods. To investigate the toxic effects of HMF on the reproductive system of peripubertal rats. Methods: In the study, 24 immature female Wistar rat were divided into three groups: control (CT) fed with no HMF; low dose fed with 750 mg/kg/day of HMF and high dose (HD) groups fed with 1500 mg/kg/day of HMF. All groups received these diets for three weeks from postnatal day (PND) 21. The vaginal opening (VO) was monitored daily and euthanasia occurred on PND 44. Gonadotropin, estradiol (E2), progesterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations were measured. Reproductive organ weights and ovarian follicle counts were compared. Results: The HD HMF group had earlier VO. Higher mean luteinising hormone (2.9±1.2 vs 1.3±0.3 mIU/mL) and mean E2 (34.7±8.8 vs 21.2±3.9 pg/mL) and lower mean AMH (2.7±0.5 vs 4.7±0.7 ng/mL) concentrations were found in the HD compared to the CT group. The HD group also had increased number of secondary atrophic follicles. Conclusion: These results indicate that peripubertal exposure to HMF at HD result in precocious puberty and decreased AMH levels in female Wistar rats.
Cervical cancer screening uptake and correlates among HIV-infected women: a cross-sectional survey in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

Objectives Despite the increasing number of interventions aiming to integrate cervical cancer screening into HIV clinics in sub-Saharan Africa, Women living with HIV (WLHIV) still have a high risk of developing cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the coverage of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among WLHIV in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Design Cross-sectional survey conducted from May to August 2017. Settings Outpatient setting in the four highest volume urban HIV clinics of government’s or non-governmental organisation’s sector in Côte d’Ivoire. Participants All WLHIV, aged 25–55 years, followed since at least 1 year, selected through a systematic sampling procedure. Intervention A standardised questionnaire administered to each participant by trained healthcare workers. Outcome Cervical cancer screening uptake. Results A total of 1991 WLHIV were included in the study, aged in median 42 years (IQR 37–47), and a median CD4 count (last known) of 563 (378-773) cells/mm3. Among the participants, 1913 (96.1%) had ever heard about cervical cancer, 1444 (72.5%) had been offered cervical cancer screening, mainly in the HIV clinic for 1284 (88.9%), and 1188 reported a personal history of cervical cancer screening for an overall coverage of 59.7% (95% CI 57.6 to 62.0). In multivariable analysis, university level (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.1; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.1, p<0.001), being informed on cervical cancer at the HIV clinic (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0, p=0.017), receiving information self-perceived as ‘clear and understood’ on cervical cancer (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2, p<0.001), identifying HIV as a risk factor for cervical cancer (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8, p=0.002) and being proposed cervical cancer screening in the HIV clinic (aOR 10.1; 95% CI 7.6 to 13.5, p<0.001), were associated with cervical cancer screening uptake. Conclusion Initiatives to support cervical cancer screening in HIV care programmes resulted in effective access to more than half of the WLHIV in Abidjan. Efforts are still needed to provide universal access to cervical cancer screening, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged WLHIV.
Histoarchitectural Deterioration of Lymphoid Tissues in HIV-1 Infection and in Aging.

Impaired immunity is a common symptom of aging and advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease. In both diseases, a decline in lymphocytic function and cellularity leads to ineffective adaptive immune responses to opportunistic infections and vaccinations. Furthermore, despite sustained myeloid cellularity there is a background of chronic immune activation and a decrease in innate immune function in aging. In HIV-1 disease, myeloid cellularity is often more skewed than in normal aging, but similar chronic activation and innate immune dysfunction typically arise. Similarities between aging and HIV-1 infection have led to several investigations into HIV-1 mediated aging of the immune system. In this article, we review various studies that report alterations of leukocyte number and function during aging and compare those alterations to those observed during progressive HIV-1 disease. We pay particular attention to changes within lymphoid tissue microenvironments and how histoarchitectural changes seen in these two diseases affect immunity. As we review various immune compartments including peripheral blood as well as primary and secondary lymphoid organs, common themes arise that help explain the decline of immunity in the elderly and in HIV-1 infected individuals with advanced disease. In both conditions lymphoid tissues often show signs of histoarchitectural deterioration through fat accumulation and/or fibrosis. These structural changes can be attributed to a loss of communication between leukocytes and the surrounding stromal cells that produce the extracellular matrix components and growth factors necessary for cell migration, cell proliferation, and lymphoid tissue function. Despite the common general impairment of immunity in aging and HIV-1 disease, deterioration of immunity is caused by distinct mechanisms at the cellular and tissue levels in these two diseases.
Self‐management interventions for cancer survivors: A systematic review and evaluation of intervention content and theories

Self‐management has been proposed as a strategy to help cancer patients optimize their health and well‐being during survivorship. Previous reviews have shown variable effects of self‐management on outcomes. The theoretical basis and psychoeducational components of these interventions have not been evaluated in detail. We aimed to evaluate the evidence for self‐management and provide a description of the components of these interventions.
Association of diabetes and kidney function according to age and systolic function with the incidence of sudden cardiac death and non‐sudden cardiac death in myocardial infarction survivors with heart failure

An implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) is recommended for reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in myocardial infarction (MI) patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 30%, as well as patients with a LVEF ≤ 35% and heart failure symptoms. Diabetes and/or impaired kidney function may confer additional SCD risk. We assessed the association between these two risk factors with SCD and non‐SCD among MI survivors taking account of age and LVEF.
Understanding adherence to noninvasive ventilation in youth with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked, progressive neuromuscular disorder that results in chronic respiratory insufficiency and subsequently failure requiring noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Adherence to NIV in neuromuscular disorders and related barriers are poorly described. The aim of the current study was to assess NIV adherence, adherence barriers, and identify psychosocial predictors of adherence in young boys with early DMD‐related sleep disordered breathing and recommended nocturnal NIV. This cross‐sectional study included 42 youth with DMD with prescribed nocturnal NIV, and their caregivers. Caregivers and youth completed questionnaires assessing adherence barriers, psychosocial symptoms (eg, anxiety and depressive symptoms), and stress. Medical information pertinent to cardiopulmonary health and neurologic status at both enrollment and initiation of NIV was reviewed. Adherence to NIV, defined as percent days used and days used ≥4 hours/day was 56.1 ± 38.7% and 46.2 ± 40.6%, respectively. Average duration of use on days worn was 5.61 ± 4.23 hours. NIV usage was correlated with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea but not cardiopulmonary variables. Mask discomfort was the most commonly reported adherence barrier followed by behavioral barriers (eg, refusing to use). Multiple regression analyses revealed that internalizing behaviors (eg, anxiety and depressive symptoms) and total adherence barriers significantly predicted NIV adherence. Adherence to NIV in DMD is poor and similar to other pediatric chronic diseases. Our data suggest interventions targeting adherence barriers and patient internalizing symptoms may improve adherence to NIV in DMD.