Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High hemolytic markers in G6PD-deficient compared to G6PD-normal male leprosy patients

Introduction: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (Gd−) is the most common enzymopathy, which is inherited as an X-linked recessive disorder. Individuals with Gd− are prone to hemolysis upon exposure to oxidant stress. Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Both leprosy and Gd− are common in Nigeria, and treatment of leprosy with dapsone can precipitate hemolysis in Gd−. Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Gd−, and compare the hematological and biochemical indices of Gd− with G6PD-replete (Gd+) male leprosy patients in Kano, Nigeria. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 198 male participants with leprosy were recruited at the Yadakunya leprosarium in Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Relevant data were obtained through questionnaires and case notes review. Venous blood was collected for analysis. Statistical Analysis: Unpaired t test and Chi square test were used for comparison of variables. Results: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 9% in male leprosy patients. Mean Hb of Gd−(10.56 ± 2.82 g/dl) was lower than Gd+(12.9 ± 2.31 g/dl), P value < 0.001. Platelet (293.52 × ±3.19 × 109/l vs. 176.31 ± 2.83 × 109/l; P value < 0.001), reticulocytes (4.49 ± 2.72% vs. 2.01 ± 1.07%, P value < 0.001), bilirubin [1.04 ± 0.22 mg/dl vs. 0.46 ± 0.27 mg/dl; P value < 0.001], and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [269.82 ± 58.54 mg/dl vs. 130.26 ± 51.83 mg/dl; P value <0.001] were higher in Gd− than Gd+. Conclusion: Lower Hb and higher hemolytic markers in Gd− indicate ongoing hemolysis, which can be precipitated by dapsone.
A review of primary malignant cutaneous soft tissue tumors seen in a tertiary institution

Introduction: The baseline data of primary malignant cutaneous soft tissue tumors in this environment had been determined. It is important that as the years roll by, data collection and analyses are indispensable to determine the current trend of this tumor on one hand and compare it with the baseline data from previous studies on the other hand. The aim of this study is therefore to determine the frequency and the histopathological types of primary malignant cutaneous soft tissue tumors at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of all primary malignant cutaneous soft tissue tumors that were histologically diagnosed from 1st of January 2004 to 31st of December 2013 in the Department of Morbid Anatomy, UBTH. Data were obtained from departmental archives. Data analysis was done using the SPSS statistical package version 16 (V.16.0). Results: A total of 187 malignant cutaneous tumors were diagnosed over the study period, and 87 (46.52%) of these cases were primary malignant cutaneous soft tissue tumors. Their mean age was in the fourth decade of life. Females were slightly more affected with a male:female ratio of 1:1.2. The histopathological types were angiosarcomas (2.3%), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance (10.3%), and Kaposi's sarcoma (87.4%) in increasing order of frequency. Conclusion: The earlier determined reference point data of primary cutaneous soft tissue tumors in our environment were updated to include cutaneous angiosarcoma, thus bringing this rare tumor to the attention of both the pathologist and dermatologist. An increase in the frequency of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance and Kaposi's sarcoma was also noted.
Are genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-Transferase P1 gene associated with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder?

Background: Polymorphisms in genes encoding glutathione S-transferase (GST) may affect susceptibility to develop urothelial carcinomas (UCs). One of the extensively studied genes in this group is GST P1 (GSTP1), but studies of the relationship of polymorphisms of GSTP1 and UC of the bladder have been equivocal. Hence, we assessed the association between genetic polymorphism of GSTP1 gene and the development of UC of the urinary bladder. Materials and Methods: This prospective, case–control study was conducted in the departments of urology and clinical genetics at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, which included 52 patients with histopathologically confirmed UC bladder and matched with 46 controls from August 2012 to July 2013. The study participants provided a single venous blood sample for extraction of genomic DNA. Laboratory personnel was blinded to sample groups. The primary outcome of the study was to detect association of genetic polymorphism of GSTP1 gene with UC of the bladder. The secondary outcome was to assess if the risk of urothelial bladder cancer is increased in smokers with polymorphism of GSTP1 gene. Statistical Analysis Used: We used the Chi-square or Fisher's (F) exact test to compare discrete variables. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Although the heterozygous polymorphic genotype ile/val (AG) was seen more frequently in cancer group (34.6% vs. 23.9%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.202). None of the smokers had homozygous polymorphic valine allele and GSTP1 did not add to the susceptibility of UC bladder even among smokers. Conclusions: A lack of association between GSTP1 313 G/G polymorphism and urothelial cancer of bladder was observed.
Hormonal Study of Primary Infertile Women

Approximately (15 %) of couples attempting their first pregnancy meet with failure. Most authorities define these patients as being primary infertile if they unable to achieve a pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of Luteinizing hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Prolactin and Testosterone in (410) primary infertile women in Sulaimani city. The results obtained compared with that of (240) age matched fertile women. The results showed, higher incidence of primary infertility was in the age range (26-37) years and hormonal imbalance plays an important role in primary female infertility.
Outcomes and moderators of Early Start Denver Model intervention in young children with autism spectrum disorder delivered in a mixed individual and group setting

Several studies have shown the efficacy and effectiveness of the Early Start Denver Model, both in university and in community-based settings. However, a limited number of studies have investigated predictors of outcomes. In this study, we examined outcomes in 32 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after 1 year of community-based Early Start Denver Model intervention, with the aim to identify predictors of treatment objectives acquisition, as measured by the Early Start Denver Model Curriculum Checklist. At a group level, the participants demonstrated improvement in their communication as well as adaptive functioning skills, while they showed a decrease in symptom severity. The large heterogeneity in outcomes identified was related to the pre-treatment non-verbal abilities, symptom severity, action and gesture repertoire, and lexical comprehension. We discussed our results in terms of implications for developing “personalized” interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.
The multidimensional construct of resilience across the psychosis spectrum: Evidence of alterations in people with early and prolonged psychosis.

OBJECTIVE Research has demonstrated that resilience impacts functional outcomes and is often reduced among those with prolonged psychosis. However, little work has examined when during the course of psychosis resilience declines and whether resilience impacts symptoms and functioning similarly in different illness phases. This study examined whether overall resilience (a) differed between those with early compared to relatively prolonged psychosis, (b) differed between the psychosis groups and nonclinical controls, and (c) differentially related to symptoms and functioning in the psychosis groups. METHOD Participants with early (n = 30) and prolonged psychosis (n = 64) and nonclinical controls (n = 58) completed the Resilience Scale. Psychosis participants also completed clinician-rated functioning and symptom measures. Analyses of Variance were used to compare group resilience levels. Pearson's correlations identified relationships between resilience, symptoms, and functioning. RESULTS Overall resilience levels did not significantly differ between the psychosis groups, but both psychosis groups had lower resilience than nonclinical controls. Higher overall resilience was significantly associated with lower negative symptoms in the early psychosis group and lower mood symptoms in the prolonged psychosis group; greater resilience was significantly associated with higher functioning in both psychosis groups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Resilience may be reduced throughout the course of psychosis but may differentially impact symptom domains in different illness phases. Targeting resilience with psychosocial interventions may be important throughout the course of psychosis and may lead to improvements in functioning as well as negative symptoms and mood symptoms (in early and prolonged psychosis, respectively). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Exploratory Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Botulinum Therapy on Grasp Release After Stroke (PrOMBiS)

Background. OnabotulinumtoxinA injections improve upper-limb spasticity after stroke, but their effect on arm function remains uncertain. Objective. To determine whether a single treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA injections combined with upper-limb physiotherapy improves grasp release compared with physiotherapy alone after stroke. Methods. A total of 28 patients, at least 1 month poststroke, were randomized to receive either onabotulinumtoxinA or placebo injections to the affected upper limb followed by standardized upper-limb physiotherapy (10 sessions over 4 weeks). The primary outcome was time to release grasp during a functionally relevant standardized task. Secondary outcomes included measures of wrist and finger spasticity and strength using a customized servomotor, clinical assessments of stiffness (modified Ashworth Scale), arm function (Action Research Arm Test [ARAT], Nine Hole Peg Test), arm use (Arm Measure of Activity), Goal Attainment Scale, and quality of life (EQ5D). Results. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in grasp release time 5 weeks post injection (placebo median = 3.0 s, treatment median = 2.0 s; t(24) = 1.20; P = . 24; treatment effect = −0.44, 95% CI = −1.19 to 0.31). None of the secondary measures passed significance after correcting for multiple comparisons. Both groups achieved their treatment goals (placebo = 65%; treatment = 71%), and made improvements on the ARAT (placebo +3, treatment +5) and in active wrist extension (placebo +9°, treatment +11°). Conclusions. In this group of stroke patients with mild to moderate spastic hemiparesis, a single treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA did not augment the improvements seen in grasp release time after a standardized upper-limb physiotherapy program.
An Allosteric Pathway in Copper, Zinc Superoxide Dismutase Unravels the Molecular Mechanism of the G93A Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Linked Mutation

Several different mutations of the protein copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) produce the neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The molecular mechanism by which the diverse mutations converge to a similar pathology is currently unknown. The electrostatic loop (EL) of SOD1 is known to be affected in all of the studied ALS-linked mutations of SOD1. In this work, we employ a multiscale simulation approach to show that this perturbation corresponds to an increased probability of the EL detaching from its native position, exposing the metal site of the protein to water. From extensive atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identify an allosteric pathway that explains the action of the distant G93A mutation on the EL. Finally, we employ quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics MD simulations to show that the opening of the EL decreases the Zn(II) affinity of the protein. As the loss of Zn(II) is at the center of several proposed pathogenic mechanisms in SOD1-linked ALS, the structural effect identified here not only is in agreement with the experimental data but also places the opening of the electrostatic loop as the possible main pathogenic effect for a significant number of ALS-linked SOD1 mutations.
Brief Reports Does Exercise Environment Enhance the Psychological Benefits of Exercise for Women

Two experiments examined the psychological benefits of exercise environment. In Experiment 1, 128 female college students were assigned to 1 of 3 laboratory conditions that differed only in with whom they were exercising; in Experiment 2, 88 students were assigned to 1 of 4 walking conditions that differed in the environment (i.e., indoors vs. outdoors) and whom they were with. Before and after exercise, participants completed several mood and enjoyment measures. Participants in Experiment 1 were most calm when exercising alone than with others, and participants in Experiment 2 found the experience most enjoyable if outdoors. Our findings suggest that perceived enjoyment and outdoor exercise may account for some of the psychological benefits of exercise for women.
Contrast effects in backward evaluative conditioning: Exploring effects of affective relief/disappointment versus instructional information.

Past studies of backward evaluative conditioning (EC) have found an assimilation effect, in that neutral conditional stimuli (conditional stimulus [CS]) were found to acquire the valence of co-occurring unconditional stimuli (US). Recent studies employing a concurrent forward and backward conditioning paradigm with instructions suggesting a contrastive relation between the US and the backward CS have resulted in contrast effects, in that backward CSs acquired valence opposite to the US. The current research investigated whether these effects were in fact due to the instructions highlighting the contrastive relation between the US and CS, or whether affective relief/disappointment experienced at US offset could account for this result. Consistent with the hypothesized role of instructions, backward CS contrast effects occurred only when instructions highlighted the valence of the US and attributed control of that US to the CSs. In contrast to the affective relief/disappointment hypothesis, no backward CS contrast effects were found without such instructions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
The Assessment of the Follow-Up of Muslim Population during the Periodof Ramadan

Background: The main aim of this report is to assess the changes in the state of health and the nutritional status of individuals, with regards to Ramadan and the effect of this particular diet on the human body. Methods: The relevant clinical information, nutritional status and the changes which occur during Ramadan were recruited for every individual . The follow-up of persons started in the pharmacy shop 10 days prior Ramadan and finish’s 10days afterwards. Biochemical and anthropometrical parameters were evaluated for each person. Results: The following anthropometrical parameters including weight, waist, hip and abdomen perimeter decreased due to fasting in Ramadan. Cholesterol levels decreased during study period. Triglyceride and blood glucose FBS increased. Blood pressure decreased, otherwise heart rate increased. There were statistically changes in those parameters. (p<0,05) Conclusion: Ramadan fasting causes no detrimental effect on health in healthy subjects. In fact, it reduces weight and may cause improvements in cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
PTEN-Induced Putative Kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy Protects PC12 Cells Against Cisplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity

Background The pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, a dose-dependent adverse effect of cisplatin, involves mitochondrial dysfunction. PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy removes damaged mitochondria under various pathological conditions. The objective of this study was to determine mitophagy status and its effects on mitochondrial function and neuronal cell damage after cisplatin treatment using an in vitro model of cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Material/Methods PC12 cells were transfected with Parkin or Parkin siRNA using lentiviral particles and Lipofectamine 3000™, respectively, and then were exposed to 10 μM cisplatin. The expression of autophagic proteins was measured by Western blot analysis. Mitophagy in PC12 cells was detected by confocal microscopy analysis of mitochondria-lysosomes colocalization and autophagic flux. The effects of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy on cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity were assessed via mitochondrial function, neuritic length, nuclear diameter, and apoptosis. Results Cisplatin activated PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in PC12 cells. Autophagic flux analysis revealed that cisplatin inhibits the late stage of the autophagic process. The knockdown of Parkin suppressed cisplatin-induced mitophagy, aggravating cisplatin-induced depolarization of mitochondria, cellular ATP deficits, reactive oxygen species outburst, neuritic shortening, nuclear diameter reduction, and apoptosis, while Parkin overexpression enhanced mitophagy and reversed these effects. Conclusions PINK1/Parkin-regulated mitophagy can protect against cisplatin-related neurotoxicity, suggesting therapeutic enhancement of mitophagy as a potential intervention for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathies. The interference of cisplatin with autophagosome-lysosome fusion may be partly responsible for cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity.
A multiple-method review of accommodations to gross motor assessments commonly used with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum

The purpose of this study is to understand the common accommodations used during standardized motor assessment of children on the autism spectrum. This study was completed in three parts: (1) a narrative review of the literature; (2) an open-ended survey sent to the first authors of the identified articles; and (3) a descriptive analysis of responses. Results revealed that 56.7% of the identified articles did not report enough information of assessment procedures, 18.9% followed the assessment manual, 16.9% provided accommodations on a needs basis, and 7.5% used a consistent modified protocol. Individual responses showed that extra demonstrations (n = 5) were the most frequent accommodation, followed by extra breaks (n = 3), picture cards (n = 2), and hand-over-hand assistance (n = 1); some respondents stated that they did not provide accommodations. The findings indicate that a clear set of accommodation for motor skill assessments does not exist, though some commonalities were reported. Further research is necessary to understand the impact of accommodations in the assessment process, as well as which accommodations are needed and/or effective.
A decade of unmet need for contraception in Ghana: programmatic and policy implications.

This paper presents the findings of a study which focused on the unmet need for contraception in Ghana over a decade using information gathered in the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 1988 1993 and 1998. Overall the level of unmet need for family planning has changed a little in the past 10 years with 1 in 3 currently married women expressing a need for contraception. Although the proportion of demand satisfied has increased use remains low with family planning programs still not satisfying the demand for contraception of 3 in 5 persons. The need is particularly high among adolescents with almost 1 in 2 persons having unmet needs. Health concerns and fear of side effects of methods are paramount reasons for non-use among many women. At the same time women themselves are increasingly opposed to the use of contraception. An increasing number of young women believe that they face little risk of conception due to infrequent sex. Based on the findings family planning service providers should improve the provision of counseling both before and after a method has been adopted. Counseling should be accompanied by follow-up services to monitor discomfort and side effects that may arise. In addition the media should be constantly engaged in dispelling misconceptions and misinformation about specific methods. Communication strategies should also reach out to more men to inform and educate them about the alternatives to a large family and encourage spousal communication on reproductive matters.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Patients (SUDEP) in Tyrol

SUMMARY Introduction. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) accounts for up to two-third of fatalities in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Incidence rates vary between 0.3 and 10/1000 person years. Aim. We aimed to analyse SUDEP incidence and risk factors in a hospital based cohort in Tyrol, Austria. Material and methods. All patients with epilepsy (n = 3334) treated at the outpatient epilepsy clinic, Depart- ment of Neurology, Innsbruck, between January 1 st 1970 and December 31 st 2000 were included in the study. Epilepsy diagnosis was based on the classification of the International League against Epilepsy. Patients were followed until death or December 31 st 2006. A total of 48.595 person years were recorded. All deaths encoded as epilepsy (ICD-10 G40.0-G41.9) were further analysed in more detail (n = 43). SUDEP cases were classified as definite, probable, possible and non SUDEP based on the nomenclature proposed by Leestma et al. (1997). Ad- ditionally, we defined near SUDEP as definite SUDEP with successful resuscitation. The SUDEP incidence rate and proportional mortality were calculated in relation to the total mortality of the cohort in the same time period. Results. There were five definite, seven probable, and 22 possible SUDEP cases. Eight patients did not have SUDEP; one near SUDEP case was excluded from the study population. Incidence rate of SUDEP was 0.2/1000 person years. SUDEP accounted for 1.8% (12/ 648) of all deaths caused by epilepsy in Tyrol. Conclusion. In this hospital based study, the incidence of SUDEP was as low as in previous population based studies on SUDEP, reflecting the big catchment area of our centre.