Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Childhood Obesity among African Americans in a Low-Income Community

Perceptions of Childhood Obesity among African Americans in a Low-Income Community by Cotella B. Wilkes MS, Walden University, 2013 BS, University of South Carolina-Upstate, 2006 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University January 2017 Abstract Childhood obesity is a prevalent chronic condition affecting millions of children and adolescents in the United States and is rising in record-breaking numbers among African Americans in low-income communities. Guided by the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this evidence-based project was to understand the impact of an educational intervention on parents’ perceptions of childhood obesity risk factors, weight status, andChildhood obesity is a prevalent chronic condition affecting millions of children and adolescents in the United States and is rising in record-breaking numbers among African Americans in low-income communities. Guided by the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this evidence-based project was to understand the impact of an educational intervention on parents’ perceptions of childhood obesity risk factors, weight status, and prevention strategies in a rural South Carolina community. A convenience sample of parents who attended a church-based community health promotion service in a lowincome area (n = 10), aged 28 to 54, completed The Childhood Obesity Perceptions survey before and after the completion of the educational program. The pretest and posttest responses were analyzed with paired sample t tests and frequency tables. There were several responses with a statistically significance change (p < .05), including the impact of obesity on the development of diabetes, stroke, cancer, and bone or joint problems. Survey participants strongly agreed (90%) that they could help their children live a healthier lifestyle by initiating preventive strategies which include providing healthy snacks and increasing exercise. Findings suggest that African American parents in low-income communities would benefit from regularly occurring education on the prevention of childhood obesity, including information on healthy diet choices, exercise, and the risk factors for childhood obesity. By educating parents, healthcare providers and community leaders can begin forming community health and childhood obesity prevention programs that support positive social change and help low-income families to achieve healthy lifestyles. Perceptions of Childhood Obesity among African Americans in a Low-Income Community by
Redistributive Policy and Endogenous TFP Disparity Across Countries with a Special Focus on the Us, Japan and Australia

The traditional emphasis on breaking down output growth according to growth in inputs and growth in TFP is misplaced. More appropriately, we should break it down according to changes in "efficiency" and "technology". These two are equilibrium concepts, rather than purely technical properties of production functions. The influence of redistributive taxation (on growth) is nonlinear and depends crucially on the current state of the economy. How an economy responds to changes in the average marginal tax rate of income reveals its efficiency state. We establish the above three key results in a neoclassical, dynamic general equilibrium model in which the institutional and technological factors, as well as redistributive policy, endogenously determine the total factor productivity (TFP) of a country. Economists point towards cross-country differences in TFP to explain wide differences in income per capita across countries. However, econometric exercise proves to be challenging in the absences of a theoretical model which could map institutional and policy parameters into TFP and accumulated inputs as an equilibrium outcome. In this paper, we take up this challenge. The model allows us to break down TFP into two key components: "technology" - which identifies the production possibility frontier and "efficiency" - which determines the location of the economy inside that frontier. We calibrate that model to three separate economies: the US, Japan, and Australia. The numerical analysis of the data from those three calibrated economies highlight that TFP differences play a significant role in explaining the differences in output per capita across U.S., Japan, and Australia. We then conduct simulation experiments based on random selections of a set of parameters with suitably specified distributions to match the per capita income distribution among the countries around the world and generate data for per capita output and its various components. We do a variance decomposition of analysis of that simulated data to support our key findings.
Avoiding Internal Capsule Stimulation With a New Eight‐Channel Steering Deep Brain Stimulation Lead

Novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead designs are currently entering the market, which are hypothesized to provide a way to steer the stimulation field away from neural populations responsible for side effects and towards populations responsible for beneficial effects. The objective of this study is to assess the performances of a new eight channel steering‐DBS lead and compare this with a conventional cylindrical contact (CC) lead.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Function by Transthoracic Echocardiography Following Aortic Valve Replacement

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a widely used clinical measure of right ventricular (RV) systolic performance. However, postsurgical changes in the pattern of RV contraction may limit the utility of TAPSE for assessing global RV function. We retrospectively examined pre‐ and postoperative TAPSE and RV fractional area change (FAC) in patients undergoing 3 different types of aortic valve replacement (AVR).
Effects of Treadmill Inclination on Hemiparetic Gait: Controlled and Randomized Clinical Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the effects of inclined treadmill training on the kinematic characteristics of gait in subjects with hemiparesis. DesignA blind, randomized, controlled study was conducted with 28 subjects divided into two groups: the control group, submitted to partial body weight–support treadmill gait training with no inclination, and the experimental group, which underwent partial body weight–support treadmill training at 10% of inclination. All volunteers were assessed for functional independence, motor function, balance, and gait before and after the 12 training sessions. ResultsBoth groups showed posttraining alterations in balance (P < 0.001), motor function (P < 0.001), and functional independence (P = 0.002). Intergroup differences in spatiotemporal differences were observed, where only the experimental group showed posttraining alterations in velocity (P = 0.02) and paretic step length (P = 0.03). Angular variables showed no significant differences in either group. ConclusionsIn subjects with hemiparesis, the addition of inclination is a stimulus capable of enhancing the effects of partial body weight–support treadmill gait training.
Risk-prediction model of severe postoperative complications after primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES To refine models to predict surgical morbidity and 90-day mortality after primary debulking surgery (PDS) for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS Women with stage IIIC/IV EOC who underwent PDS with curative intent between 1/2/2003 and 12/30/2011 were included. Patient characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, and vital status were abstracted. Complications were graded using the Accordion classification. Nomograms were generated based on multivariate modeling. RESULTS 138 (22.3%) of the 620 patients who underwent PDS experienced a grade≥3 complication. Age (OR 1.21 per 10 years increase in age), BMI (OR 1.35 for BMI<25 kg/m2 versus reference, OR 2.83 for BMI≥40 kg/m2 versus reference), ASA score≥3 (OR 1.49), stage (OR 1.69 stage IV) and surgical complexity (OR 2.32 high complexity versus intermediate) were predictive of an accordion grade≥3 complication Within 90 days of surgery, 55 (8.9%) patients died. A multivariable model included age (OR 1.76 per 10 year increase in age), ASA score≥3 (OR 3.28), preoperative albumin<3.5 (OR 4.31), and BMI (OR 2.04 for BMI<25 kg/m2 versus reference, OR 3.64 for BMI≥ 40 kg/m2 versus reference) was predictive of 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION Using an independent cohort we report the importance of age, ASA score, preoperative albumin, FIGO stage, and surgical complexity, and BMI, to refine a prediction model for complications after PDS for advanced EOC. This information is useful in preoperative counseling and can be utilized to aid in patient-centered decision making and risk stratification.
Intensive short courses in biostatistics for fellows and physicians

At both of our universities we teach (with colleagues) introductory courses in statistics for fellows and physicians. We do not expect that those taking these courses will be able to do their own statistical work, but rather the intention is for them to ‘learn the language’ and to facilitate future collaboration. Basic principles of study design are introduced in the courses, as well as some of the most common statistical procedures. We will discuss the factors (what works and what does not) that may contribute to a successful course, a comparison to other courses, and our self‐evaluation strategy. Finally, we will cover the financial arrangements that we have made when teaching these courses. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using silent motion pictures to teach complex syntax to adult deaf readers.

This research tested whether silent motion pictures could be a source of contexts that fostered comprehension of relative clause and passive voice sentences during reading. These two syntactic structures are chronically difficult for some deaf readers. According to the instructional strategy, while subjects watched silent comedy stories, the video display intermittently focused attention on short segments of action and then called for a decision regarding which of two sentences printed in a workbook described the action segment. After this, a display on the video screen provided feedback on the accuracy of the decision. If successful here, this approach might be applied to other areas of competence in order to elevate the generally low level of reading performance by many deaf students. The study applied a single subject design in order to measure sentence comprehension accuracy before and following use of the materials. The computerized testing procedure also measured sentence reading time, an index of attention use. Thus, these data allowed an examination of whether any increases in comprehension were associated with slower, more laborious rates of reading. The instructional approach was an indirect one sharing multiple aspects of whole language methodology, and the sample included deaf subjects at a variety of reading ability levels. This permitted examination of whether an indirect instructional approach could be successful with readers demonstrating relatively low reading ability. The central research question of the study was the following 'Can this instructional method be effective with deaf readers? '.
Cathepsin D: an Mφ‐derived factor mediating increased endothelial cell permeability with implications for alteration of the blood‐retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We have previously reported increased monocyte (Mono) trafficking into the retinas of diabetic animals. In this study, we have examined the effect of activated Monos on retinal endothelial cells (ECs). The U937 Mφ‐conditioned medium (CM) significantly decreased the transendothelial resistance of EC monolayers as measured by electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing (P = 0.007). The CM was fractioned, and the effective fraction (30–100 kDa) was analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and cathepsin D (CD) was identified as a major secreted product. Immunoprecipitated CD resulted in decreased resistance in ECs (P = 0.006). The specificity of CD in mediating alterations of the EC barrier was confirmed using small interfering RNA. The decreased resistance correlated with a significantly increased gap between ECs. CD altered the Ras homolog gene family, member A/Rho‐associated kinase pathway with increased stress actin filament formation in the EC layer. Increased CD levels were found in the retinas of diabetic mice (3‐fold) and serum samples of patients with diabetic macular edema (1.6‐fold) measured by Western blot and ELISA. These findings suggest an important role for Mφ‐derived CD in altering the blood‐retinal barrier and reveal a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of DR.—Monickaraj, F. , McGuire, P. G. , Nitta, C. F. , Ghosh, K. , Das, A. Cathepsin D: an Mφ‐derived factor mediating increased endothelial cell permeability with implications for alteration of the blood‐retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. FASEB J. 30, 1670–1682 (2016). www.fasebj. org
Long non‐coding RNA LOC554202 modulates chordoma cell proliferation and invasion by recruiting EZH2 and regulating miR‐31 expression

Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumour arising from notochordal remnants. Long non‐coding RNA LOC554202, as the host gene of miR‐31, contributes to various cancer developments. However, little is known about the biological function of LOC554202 in chordoma. Here, the relationship between LncRNA LOC554202, miR‐31 and EZH2 was elucidated in chordoma.
[Helping relationship skills in nurses: the validation of a measurement instrument].

Considering the importance of assessing nurses' helping relationship skills, it was necessary to use reliable and context-adapted instruments. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Helping Relationship Skills Inventory (Inventário de Competências Relacionais de Ajuda, ICRA), by conducting reliability and validity studies to increase the level of confidence or accuracy of the data obtained using this instrument. This quantitative study was conducted on a sample of 690 nurses who worked in six hospitals and eight health centres in Portugal. The results indicate a multidimensional structure of helping relationship skills, divided into four different dimensions (generic, empathetic, communication and contact skills) with a positive correlation between them. Cronbach's alpha for each dimension was higher than . 79, showing a good internal consistency of the items within each factor.
Analisis Efektivitas Kebijakan Publik Memihak Masyakat Miskin: Studi Kasus Pelaksanaan Program Raskin Di Provinsi Jawa Barat Pada Tahun 2007

English Objectives of the study are: (a) analysis of effectiveness of implementation of Raskin Program in the year of 2007, (b) analysis of poor families (RTM)’s perception on the perspective of increasing normative price of raskin, and (c) formulation of recommendation for more effective implementation of the Raskin program. The study reveals that the program is less effective. In all study areas, RTMs paid a much higher price for raskin than its normative price (Rp 1,000 per Kg) and received amount of rice far less than its normative rice quota (10 Kgs/RTM/month). It is also found that RTMs were willing to pay if the government increased the normative price of raskin. However, their willingness to pay is subject to two conditions, namely (a) the newly-established normative price is the price at RTM’s house, and (b) monthly quota is raised to 20 Kgs/RTM/month as previously. To make the program more effective, this study recommends the government to develop a village-level system control for the Raskin program, to raise monthly rice quota of RTM and its normative price, and to share the program’s cost with district-level governments. Indonesian Studi ini mempunyai tiga tujuan, yaitu (a) menelaah keefektifan pelaksanaan program Raskin pada tahun 2007, (b) mengkaji persepsi RTM mengenai kemungkinan peningkatan harga tebus normatif raskin di masa depan, dan (c) merumuskan rekomendasi kebijakan untuk meningkatkan efektivitas pelaksanaan program Raskin. Studi dilakukan di provinsi Jawa Barat. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan program masih belum begitu efektif. Di semua wilayah desa yang dipelajari, RTM menebus raskin dengan harga yang jauh di atas harga tebus normatifnya (Rp 1/000 per kg). Juga, RTM menerima raskin dalam kuantitas yang jauh lebih sedikit dari kuota normatifnya (10 Kg per RTM per bulan). Para RTM tidak keberatan bila pemerintah menaikkan tebus raskin, asal dua hal berikut dipenuhi oleh pemerintah. Pertama, harga tebus raskin yang baru tersebut adalah harga franco di rumah RTM. Kedua, pemerintah menaikkan kuota RTM 20 Kg per RTM per bulan seperti dulu. Untuk lebih mengefektifkan pelaksaan program Raskin, studi ini merekomendasikan agar pemerintah mengembangkan sistem kendali pelaksanaan program Raskin di tingkat desa, menaikkan harga tebus normatif raskin, dan menaikkan kuota raskin bulanan RTM menjadi 20 Kg per RTM per bulan, serta melibatkan Pemkab/Pemkot dalam menanggung pembiayaan program Raskin.
DFUNet: Convolutional Neural Networks for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Classification

Globally, in 2016, 1 out of 11 adults suffered from diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major complication of this disease, which if not managed properly can lead to amputation. Current clinical approaches to DFU treatment rely on patient and clinician vigilance, which has significant limitations, such as the high cost involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and lengthy care of the DFU. We collected an extensive dataset of foot images, which contain DFU from different patients. In this DFU classification problem, we assessed the two classes as normal skin (healthy skin) and abnormal skin (DFU). In this paper, we have proposed the use of machine learning algorithms to extract the features for DFU and healthy skin patches to understand the differences in the computer vision perspective. This experiment is performed to evaluate the skin conditions of both classes that are at high risk of misclassification by computer vision algorithms. Furthermore, we used convolutional neural networks for the first time in this binary classification. We have proposed a novel convolutional neural network architecture, DFUNet, with better feature extraction to identify the feature differences between healthy skin and the DFU. Using 10-fold cross validation, DFUNet achieved an AUC score of 0.961. This outperformed both the traditional machine learning and deep learning classifiers we have tested. Here, we present the development of a novel and highly sensitive DFUNet for objectively detecting the presence of DFUs. This novel approach has the potential to deliver a paradigm shift in diabetic foot care among diabetic patients, which represent a cost-effective, remote, and convenient healthcare solution.
Heat treatment enhances the antimicrobial activity of (+)‐Catechin when combined with copper sulphate

The aim of the study was to compare the antimicrobial activities of freshly made, heat‐treated (HT) and 14 day stored (+)‐Catechin solutions with (+)‐catechin flavanol isomers in the presence of copper sulphate. (+)‐Catechin activity was investigated when combined with different ratios of Cu2+; 100°C heat treatment; autoclaving; and 14 day storage against Staphylococcus aureus. Cu2+‐(+)‐Catechin complexation, isomer structure‐activity relationships, and H2O2 generation were also investigated. Freshly made, HT, and 14 day stored flavanols showed no activity. While combined Cu2+‐autoclaved (+)‐Catechin and ‐HT(+)‐Catechin activities were similar, HT(+)‐Catechin was more active than either freshly made (+)‐catechin (generating more H2O2) or (−)‐Epicatechin (though it generated less H2O2) or 14 day‐(+)‐Catechin (which had similar activity to Cu2+ controls—although it generated more H2O2). When combined with Cu2+, in terms of rates of activity, HT(+)‐Catechin was lower than (−)‐Epigallocatechin gallate and greater than freshly made (+)‐Catechin. Freshly made and HT(+)‐Catechin formed acidic complexes with Cu2+ as indicated by pH and UV‐vis measurements although pH changes did not account for antimicrobial activity. Freshly made and HT(+)‐Catechin both formed Cu2+ complexes. The HT(+)‐Catechin complex generated more H2O2 which could explain its higher antimicrobial activity.
Cannabis Using Schizophrenia Patients Treated with Atypical Neuroleptics: Do Their Symptoms Differ from Those of Cannabis Abstainers?

Several studies have found that symptom patterns of cannabis-using schizophrenia patients differ from those of nonusers. However, these investigations have mostly included patients treated with typical neuroleptics (TN). Since differing symptoms could also result from a TN-cannabis combination and might not be due to cannabis use per se, this study examined schizophrenia symptoms in a group of cannabis-using outpatients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Forty-two schizophrenia outpatients participated and were divided into three groups: cannabis abstainers, moderate users, and daily users. Patients with any substance use disorder other than cannabis abuse/dependence, or patients meeting criteria for schizotypal, schizoaffective, affective, anxiety, delusional, or personality disorders were excluded from the study. All patients completed a self-constructed questionnaire assessing demographic and drug use characteristics and were interviewed using the semistandardized Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Cannabis use was assessed by self-declaration. No differences were found between the abstainers, the moderate, and the daily users on the PANSS scores. Thus, schizophrenia patients treated with atypical neuroleptics do not differ in symptom patterns whether using or not using cannabis. The study's limitations are noted.
Yeast Surface Two-hybrid for Quantitative in Vivo Detection of Protein-Protein Interactions via the Secretory Pathway*

A quantitative in vivo method for detecting protein-protein interactions will enhance our understanding of protein interaction networks and facilitate affinity maturation as well as designing new interaction pairs. We have developed a novel platform, dubbed “yeast surface two-hybrid (YS2H),” to enable a quantitative measurement of pairwise protein interactions via the secretory pathway by expressing one protein (bait) anchored to the cell wall and the other (prey) in soluble form. In YS2H, the prey is released either outside of the cells or remains on the cell surface by virtue of its binding to the bait. The strength of their interaction is measured by antibody binding to the epitope tag appended to the prey or direct readout of split green fluorescence protein (GFP) complementation. When two α-helices forming coiled coils were expressed as a pair of prey and bait, the amount of the prey in complex with the bait progressively decreased as the affinity changes from 100 pm to 10 μm. With GFP complementation assay, we were able to discriminate a 6-log difference in binding affinities in the range of 100 pm to 100 μm. The affinity estimated from the level of antibody binding to fusion tags was in good agreement with that measured in solution using a surface plasmon resonance technique. In contrast, the level of GFP complementation linearly increased with the on-rate of coiled coil interactions, likely because of the irreversible nature of GFP reconstitution. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of YS2H in exploring the nature of antigen recognition by antibodies and activation allostery in integrins and in isolating heavy chain-only antibodies against botulinum neurotoxin.