Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validating Placement for Teaching and Learning

truth made it difficult, at first, for objectivity not to have primary weight, and his observation is seconded by Elliot (2005). As long as testing clung to objectivity, it could not make a turn toward recognizing the theoretical understanding of reading and writing in the field of composition which held that reading and writing were both processes involving the construction of meaning. The behaviorist and objectivist values in early psychometrics are exactly those principles that constitute P. L. Cooper’s “entrenchment” and that contribute to a resistance even to the changing definition of validity expressed within educational measurement. Additional obstacles are discussed by Elliot (2005) who showed the commitment of testers to assessments that were lower in cost and that could be administered to larger numbers of students. Elliot presented data on the increasing population of students entering higher education from 1879 to 1989, and the large population increases he outlined gives the reasoning behind testers commitment to efficiency and low cost—there were exponentially larger and larger numbers of students coming into higher education. These commitments to choosing assessments based on a serious consideration of cost and efficiency as primary concerns made it difficult to meet the demand for direct writing assessment called for by English teachers, at least not without developing some way to regulate and streamline the process. Elliot suggested, as well, that earning and profit played a role at times in motivating the kinds and types of assessments testers developed when he provided figures for the College Board’s earnings during World War II. Earning far more from work for the government on large-scale tests for soldiers than from work for colleges and universities, the College Board (and later ETS) would, of course, feel
Breast cancer screening practice and its associated factors among women in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia

Introduction Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and cause of death among women globally. Mortality due to breast cancer was higher in lower (LMICs) and middle-income countries than high income countries (HICs) mostly due to lack of timely detection and treatment. There was limited evidence related to breast cancer screening practice among women in Eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess breast cancer screening practice and its associated factors among women in this area. Methods A community based descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 422 randomly selected women in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia using systematic sampling. Data were collected using pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between the dependent and independent variables. Results The overall breast cancer screening practice among women was 6.9%. Women with the age of 26 years and above were 2.3 times more likely to have breast cancer screening practice as compared to women with age of 20-25 years (AOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.7), and women who had good knowledge on breast cancer risk factors were 3.4 times more likely to had breast cancer screening as compared to their counterpart (AOR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.3, 9.4). The women who had ever heard about breast cancer screening were 2.8 times more likely to have breast cancer screening as compared to those who had never heard about breast cancer screening (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.5). Conclusion The overall breast cancer screening practice was very low among women in the study area. Age and women's knowledge towards breast cancer risk factors and breast cancer screening information were identified as important factors for breast cancer screening practice.
PROFILE OF POISONING CASES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL , TELANGANA , INDIA

Article history: Received on: 12/12/2012 Revised on: 29/12/2012 Accepted on: 09/01/2013 Available online: 28/01/2013 Poisoning is an important public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Information available with regard to acute poisoning in adults is limited at Salem, Tamil Nadu. Hence this study was done with the above objective. It is a retrospective study conducted during Jan 2009-Jan 2012 in a tertiary care hospital. 150 cases of acute poisoning in adults due to drugs and chemicals were included. Data on age, sex, marital status, occupation, religion, locality, type of poison, time and month of intake, route of exposure, associated co-morbid conditions and outcome of poisoning were recorded and analyzed by descriptive method. Among 150 cases, 148 cases were of intentional poisoning and two cases were of accidental poisoning. In all the cases the route of exposure was oral. Males (92 cases) outnumbered females (58 cases) and 101 cases were married. Peak occurrence was in the age group of 21-30 years (47 cases). Occupation wise poisoning was commonly found among male laborers (18.66%) and farmers (13.33%) followed by house wives (28%) and students (16.66%). 147 cases (98%) were Hindus. More cases were reported during summer season (36%) and day time (80%). Organophosphorus was the commonest agent (58.66%). Associated co-morbid conditions were found in 16 cases. The incidence of poisoning and its morbidity and mortality can be reduced by developing and implementation of effective prevention strategies.
The Categorical Imperative Revisited: Implications of Categorization as a Theoretical Tool

Abstract The “categorization as a theoretical tool” framework is delineated to clarify how innovation is possible even though candidates for exchange face a “categorical imperative” – pressure from their audience to adopt the conventional practices associated with existing categories. The key insight is that categorization is generally a useful tool for sorting and screening exchange opportunities. This insight is developed to suggest how the nature of the imperative varies with the audience’s objectives and the theory of value it espouses and how the strength of the imperative varies with the social challenges and opportunities for engaging in, and learning from, experiments with unconventionality.
Pneumatosis Intestinalis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) refers to the radiographic finding of gas within the small or large bowel wall. It can be seen in association with gas in the portal venous system. The clinical significance of these findings is variable and depends on the patient's etiology and initial presentation. PI can be seen anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract distal to the stomach and is caused by a myriad of conditions. We present a case of a patient admitted to the intensive care unit with PI and portal vein gas.
Pattern of Health-Related Quality of Life and its Association among Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Aim: Research on patient-reported outcomes in colorectal cancer are scarce in Malaysia. We aimed to determine pattern of health-related quality of life and its associations among patients with colorectal cancer.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 324 patients. Data were drawn from patient’s records and interviews. Research tools included the locally validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core QLQ-C30 and colorectal-cancer specific QLQ-CR29 questionnaires.Results: The mean (±standard deviation) age of patients was 62.5 (±13.6) years. Majority of them were Chinese (62.3%) followed by Malays (19.8%), Indians (14.8%) and others (3.1%). Colon cancer was 7-fold more common than rectal cancer (87% vs 13%). Majority of them were presented at Stage II (29.6%) and III (28.1) of TNM Staging. The mean (±SD) score for global health status/quality of life (GHS/QOL) was 73.13 (±14.19). Good overall functionality (mean scores ≥80) was observed for physical, emotional, role, cognitive and social/family for QLQ-C30; body image, anxiety and weight for QLQ-CR29. The mean score for sexual functioning in men (32.95±28.81) and women (17.56±25.60) were low. Commonest symptoms were fatigue (22.29±17.40), urinary frequency (21.96 ± 24.22) and insomnia (18.42 ± 23.32). Those with lower GHS/QOL had stoma (p=0.044) and were of Chinese ethnicity (p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, ethnicity was the only independent predictor of GHS/QOL (95% confidence interval, 2.589 to 6.139, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is decrease in sexual functioning despite good overall GHS/QOL among our colorectal cancer survivors. Fatigue, sleep loss and urinary frequency were the common symptoms after cancer treatment. Chinese patients had the poorest quality of life.
Is Robotic Pancreatic Surgery A Gamechanger

Despite initial criticism directed towards the surgical pioneers who performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomies in the mid-1980s in Europe, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has taken hold and, in many instances, revolutionized the practice of general surgery. The success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in reducing post-operative pain, hospital length of stay, and the convalescence period following surgery became so overwhelming that by the mid to late 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystectomy had become standard of care. It was not long after this new era in the surgical management of gallstones had been ushered in that surgeons began applying the minimally invasive skills and principles that they had learned and developed in their experiences with laparoscopic cholecystectomy to other routinely performed surgical procedures including appendectomy, colectomy, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, herniorrhaphy, and gastric procedures (including bariatrics), among others. This shift from open to minimally invasive procedures was driven by both patient as well as surgeon preference.
Assessing Abstinence in Infants Greater Than 28 Days Old

ix Chapter One: Background.1 Opioid Dependence During Pregnancy/Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome . 1 The Finnegan Abstinence Scale . 2 The Modified Finnegan Abstinence Scoring System . 3 Other Published Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Instruments . 4 Statement of the Problem . 13 Statement of the Significance and Innovation . 14 Purpose . 15 Hypothesis.15 Study Aims.16 AIM 1 . 16 AIM 2 . 16 AIM 3 . 16 AIM 4 . 17 AIM 5 . 17 Chapter Two: Review of Literature . 18 Theoretical Framework: The Biological (Disease) Model of Addiction . 20 Definitions of NAS . 22 Congenital Morphinism . 22 Congenital Neonatal Addiction.23 Neonatal Withdrawal Syndrome . 23 Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome . 24 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome . 24 Screening & Measurement Instruments for Infants at Risk for NAS . 26 Maternal and Infant Screening for NAS . 26 Modified-Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (Modified-FNAST) . 27 Inter-rater Reliability Using the Modified-FNAST . 27 Pharmacological Treatment of NAS . 28 Opioids . 29 Buprenorphine.31 ii Second-Line Drugs (Phenobarbital and Clonidine) . 33 Non-Pharmacological Treatment of NAS . 34 Reduction of Environmental Stimuli . 35 Holding, Rocking, & Massage . 35 Non-Nutritive Sucking & Laser Acupuncture . 36 Water-Bed, Rocking Bed, VS. Standard Crib.36 Breastfeeding . 37 Rooming-In . 40 Home-Based Weaning . 40 Summary . 41 Chapter Three: Methods . 43 Institutional Approvals . 43 Funding . 43 Design . 43 Setting . 43 Sample/Sampling Plan . 44 Population (Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria) . 44 Theoretical and Operational Definition of Terms . 45 Theoretical Definition of Maternal Opioid Dependence . 45 Operational Definition of Maternal Opioid Dependence . 45 Theoretical Definition of NAS . 46 Operational Definition of NAS . 46 Measures . 46 Modified-FNAST Scores . 46 Demographic Instrument . 47 Study Procedures . 47 Data Collection . 47 Protection of Human Subjects . 48 Potential Risk to the Participants . 48 Potential Benefit to the Participants . 48 Alternatives to Participation . 48 Measures to Protect Human Subjects . 48 Data Analysis Plan . 49 AIM 1 . 50 AIM 2 . 50 AIM 3 . 50 AIM 4 . 50 AIM 5 . 50 Summary . 56 Chapter Four: Results . 58 AIM 1 . 58 AIM 2 . 58 AIM 3 . 58 AIM 4 . 59 iii AIM 5 . 59 Demographics of the Sample . 59 Infant Demographics . 60 Maternal Demographics . 61 Results of AIM 1 . 64 Results of AIM 2 and 3 . 66 Determination of Suitability of the Data Sets for Factor Analysis . 68 Results of AIM 4 . 70 Results of AIM 5 .
Influence of day of surgery on morbidity following colorectal resection for cancer: a retrospective study of 414 consecutive patients

Introduction: The “weekday effect” has been described by multiple studies, as a trend toward a higher mortality rate for patients undergoing surgery on Friday compared to earlier in the week. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of the day of surgery on post-operative course in patients undergoing colorectal resection for cancer on Fridays. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analysed 414 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery for adenocarcinoma or adenomas in a single center. The post-operative 90-day morbidity rate was compared for operations performed on Fridays versus those on Mondays through Thursdays. Results: Eighty-two (19.2%) of the 414 patients of our cohort underwent colorectal surgery on Fridays. On the univariate analysis, the overall 90-day complication rate was 44.2% (41.6% for patients who underwent surgery between Mondays and Thursdays, 54.9% for those on Fridays (p = 0.03)). It concerned mainly medical complications (19.9% vs 34.1%, p = 0.006), particularly respiratory infections (3.6% vs 11.0%, p = 0.007) and cardiac events (4.2% vs 9.8%, p = 0.04). On the multivariate analysis, 90-day complications were more frequently noted in male patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 - 2.79; p = 0.007) and patients who underwent surgery on Fridays (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.02 - 2.90; p = 0.04). Conclusion: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection on Fridays are at a higher risk of complications than those who undergo surgery earlier in the week.
Androgen Receptor Expression and Sperm Function in Male Infertility

The androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, plays important role in male reproductive functions. A functional androgen receptor is required for male embryonic sexual differentiation, pubertal development and regulation of spermatogenesis. The role of AR during spermatogenesis has been the subject of intense interest for many years. Several reports have shown that AR function is required for the completion of meiosis and the transition of spermatocytes to haploid round spermatids. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between androgen receptor expression and fertilization ability of human sperm in different andrological diseases. Eighty semen samples obtained from men attending the Andrology Outpatient Clinic, Mansoura University Hospital were included in the study . The samples were grouped into control (n=20), accessory sex gland inflammation (MAGI) ( n=18), varicocele ( n=25) and idiopathic infertility (n=17). The semen samples analyses were done according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Computer assisted semen analysis (Autosperm) was performed. The acrosome reaction of spermatozoa recovered from each sample was assessed before and after stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187 (Sigma, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) by the pisum sativum (Sigma, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) fluorescence method with simultaneous vitality stain (Hoechst 33258, Germany). RNA was extracted from sperm of all cases and controls. cDNA and amplification of a gene region from 1648 to 2055 bp corresponding to the DNA binding domain plus the hinge region of human androgen receptor was carried out by one step RT-PCR. The PCR product size of 400 bp was electrophoresed on agarose gel 2% electrophoresis. Androgen receptor expression was significantly decreased in MAGI, varicocele and idiopathic groups compared with the control (P<0.01). Furthermore, AR expression was positively correlated with grade A+B motility (r=0.476, P<0.0001, velocity (r=0.362, P<0.001), linear velocity (r=0.454, P<0.0001), αglucosidase (r= 0.420, P<0.0001) and acrosome reaction (r=0.532, P<0.0001).
Sources of medical information of patients referred to colorectal surgery outpatient clinic for hemorrhoidal disease

Background : We surveyed patients with hemorrhoids about their behavior regarding searching for information about that disease and confronted it with data obtained from Google Trends website and Google searches. We aimed to determine sources of information on hemorrhoids used by patients. Secondary aim was to assess the quality of information provided by Internet in particular. Materials and methods: We collected 78 surveys from patients of the outpatient surgical clinic at Medical University of Gdańsk, in which we asked about sources of information about hemorrhoids. We used Google Trends to analyze most often used search queries associated with that topic. In result, we analyzed the content of top 10 Google search results of that queries in order to verify reliability. Results: Over 80% of surveyed patients looked for information about that disease online, 50% of whom were satisfied with the quality of information obtained. Our Google Trends analysis showed that term hemorrhoids has overwhelming prevalence in comparison to remaining terms. Analysis of top 10 Google search results showed that 7 in 10 organic links lead to websites with professional information about hemorrhoids. Conclusions: Patients use the Internet as a source of knowledge about hemorrhoids and find it satisfactory. Mo - reover, our research indicates that this information is reliable.
Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Study of Aristolochia paucinervis Rhizomes Decoction Used in Moroccan Alternative Medicine: Histopathological and Biochemical Profiles

Ethnopharmacological Relevance Aristolochia paucinervis (A. paucinervis) (Aristolochiaceae) is a plant frequently used in Moroccan alternative medicine. The aim of the current study is to investigate the phytochemical composition of rhizomes decoction of A. paucinervis (RDA) and to evaluate its acute and subacute toxicity following the OECD guidelines. Materials and Methods The qualitative phytochemical analysis of A. paucinervis was performed using standard qualitative phytochemical procedures. The acute toxicity of rhizomes decoction of the studied plant was evaluated in mice at single doses of 1, 2, and 4 g/kg of body weight for 14 days. In subacute toxicity study, the decoction was orally administered to mice at three different doses (0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg/day) for 28 days. Histopathological and biochemical parameters were investigated. Results The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenols and the absence of anthraquinones, sterols, and terpenes. There was no mortality and no significant changes occurred in animals treated with 1 and 2 g/kg in the acute toxicity model. The signs of toxicity and morbidity were remarkable with the highest tested dose (4g/kg). LD50 (dose required to kill 50% of the test population) was determined as 4 g/kg. Repeated oral administration of 1 and 1.5 g/kg/day of RDA for 28 days induced significant disturbance of serum parameters (AST, ALT, LDH, urea, creatinine). Kidney and liver extracted from mice fed with 1 and 1.5 g/kg/day showed significant histopathological injuries as tubular necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate, tubular degeneration, necrosis, and hepatic cholestasis. Meanwhile, neither histopathological nor biochemical alterations were observed in mice treated with 0.5 g/kg/day of body weight in comparison to the control group. Conclusion RDA showed toxicity in mice at a dose of 1 g/kg/day under subacute toxicity conditions. RDA is safe at a single dose inferior to 4 g/kg of body weight. The plant extract prepared by decoction showed more poisonous effect than the extract prepared by maceration at room temperature.
Monitoring Living Activities of the Elderly Living Alone Using a Lifeline

As the population ages and the number of older people living alone in Japan increases, creating a society in which they can continue to live safely in their home environments became a pressing issue. Currently proposed IT-based monitoring systems have some drawbacks such as bothersome restrictions and psychological burden. Recently, several systems that monitor essential utilities, and that were non-restraining, non-intrusive, and automatic, have been proposed, but few reports have been made on longer-term experiments. Focusing on “tap water,” which is critical to maintain life and changes in living activities, this study conducted a one-year monitoring of the elderly living alone based on their water usage data. The subjects were 8 seniors of 75 and over living alone in a remote area (2 males, 6 females; average age 84.6±4.2; seven in treatment of cardiovascular diseases). The water flow measured in time unit of five minutes was recorded in the cloud server to monitor the elderly’s water usage. The purpose of this study was to monitor the water usage pattern of the elderly living alone and to verify the time unit proper to infer their daily living activities and patterns. Analysis was conducted to see how they use water in different time units (hour, week, month, and season). Analyzing the relations between the living activities to be studied and the time units for data aggregation identified the time units proper to infer daily living activities, indicating that the system could be effective as a tool to monitor independent living of the elderly.
CT Perfusion Imaging:A Valuable and Feasible Resolution of Pulmonary Nodules

: CT perfusion imaging, a non-invasive functional imaging method, can accurately reflect the hemodynamic changes of pulmonary nodules. It plays an important role in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment effect assessment and prognosis prediction. This article reviews the hemodynamics of pulmonary nodules, the characteristics of the blood flow of CT perfusion imaging of the pulmonary nodules, the characteristics of the CT perfusion technique of the pulmonary nodules and the status of the clinical application in the characterization of pulmonary nodules.
The Influence of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus 1 on Patients Coinfected by the Helminth Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides stercoralis is the helminth which causes strongyloidiasis, a neglected disease, with a global prevalence estimated at 60 million people infected, principally in tropical regions. The parasite’s proliferation occurs mainly in immunosuppressed hosts, in particular, patients carrying Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), which is responsible for the infection of cells of the immune system. As a result, we aimed to identify and discuss clinical and pathological aspects of infection by S. stercoralis in patients carrying HTLV-1. This is an exploratory study, of the literature review type. The search was undertaken in the PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, Science Direct and Biblioteca Virtual emSaúde (BVS) databases in August 2016. The criteria for the inclusion of articles were: Language, published in the last 20 years, and to be relevant to the guiding question. After reading of the titles, 60 articles were excluded, and after reading of the abstracts, a further 70. Of the 56 articles remaining, 16 were excluded after reading the article in full. After analysis of the material, only 40 studies met the criteria established. The studies showed that this type of coinfection is found in the same specific population groups which are vulnerable to the diseases, as well as immunomodulation of the Th2 pattern, promoted by the presence of S. stercoralis and the difficulties related to the diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis. It is concluded that it is necessary to screen for HTLV-1in cases of infection by S. stercoralis, so as to initiate fast and efficient treatment against this coinfection.