Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of low-dose CT screening in two different health care systems: Mount Sinai Healthcare System and Phoenix VA Health Care System

Implementation of lung screening (LS) programs is challenging even among health care organizations that have the motivation, the resources, and more importantly, the goal of providing for life-saving early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. We provide a case study of LS implementation in different healthcare systems, at the Mount Sinai Healthcare System (MSHS) in New York City, and at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System (PVAHCS) in Phoenix, Arizona. This will illustrate the commonalities and differences of the LS implementation process in two very different health care systems in very different parts of the United States. Underlying the successful implementation of these LS programs was the use of a comprehensive management system, the Early Lung Cancer Action Program (ELCAP) Management SystemTM. The collaboration between MSHS and PVAHCS over the past decade led to the ELCAP Management SystemTM being gifted by the Early Diagnosis and Treatment Research Foundation to the PVAHCS, to develop a “VA-ELCAP” version. While there remain challenges and opportunities to continue improving LS and its implementation, there is an increasing realization that most patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of annual LS can be cured, and that of all the possible risks associated with LS, the greater risk of all is for heavy cigarette smokers not to be screened. We identified 10 critical components in implementing a LS program. We provided the details of each of these components for the two healthcare systems. Most importantly, is that continual re-evaluation of the screening program is needed based on the ongoing quality assurance program and database of the actual screenings. At minimum, there should be an annual review and updating. As early diagnosis of lung cancer must be followed by optimal treatment to be effective, treatment advances for small, early lung cancers diagnosed as a result of screening also need to be assessed and incorporated into the entire screening and treatment program.
Comparative study of extraction yield and antioxidant property of sweet orange peels (Citrus Sinesis) essential oil

Article history: Received: September 25, 2019 Accepted: June 16, 2020 The research evaluates the extraction yield and antioxidant potentials of essential oil (EO) of sweet orange peels using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), Soxhlet (Sox) and hydro distillation (HD). The extracts were investigated to find out the antioxidant properties using 2, 2 -diphenyl-1picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2 azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonate) radical (ABTS•+). PLE and Soxhlet extracted essential oil showed additional polyphenol compounds and tannins using thin layer chromatogram (TLC) and chemical analyses, respectively. Hydrodistillation indicating a pure essential oil without identified tannins and polyphenols with the highest ABTS activity compared to other produced essential oils of PLE and Soxhlet. The major chemical constituents of the pure essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and they include limonene (90.72%), myrcene (2.82%) and octanol acetate (1.24%). PLE had moderate high yield within short extraction time and the highest antioxidant (DPPH) and can be adjusted to individual materials to maximize the extraction yield and antioxidant property.
Efficacy of Modified corticotomy technique combined with skeletal anchorage in maxillary dentoalveolar class II malocclusion correction

Aim: It was to evaluate efficacy of modified corticotomy technique (combination between vertical and perforation corticotomy) versus standard vertical corticotomy technique in canine retraction for maxillary dentoalveolar class II malocclusion correction when they were in combination with skeletal anchorage. Patients and methods: 24 patients had maxillary class II malocclusion were treated by skeletal anchorage application combined by corticotomy cuts in one side and alone in another side (control side). Groups were divided randomly into equal groups according corticotomy techniques {group I: vertical corticotomy, group II: vertical and perforation corticotomy (modified corticotomy)}. The upper arch was immediately activated bilaterally after surgical procedure for retraction of the maxillary canines. The patients were followed for 6 months. Statistical analysis was done for the duration of canine retraction, rate of canine retraction, molar anchorage loss, gingival probing depth, and canine root resorption parameters. Results : The control side took significant longer duration than the corticotomy side in all groups. Group I showed statistically significant longer duration for canine movement than groups II . Molar anchorage loss parameter during canine retraction was unsignificant in both groups. Other parameters showed no significant differences between both sides in groups. Conclusion: Modified corticotomy technique is an effective way to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, with superiority for it than vertical corticotomy in this aspect.
Efficiency Assessment of Combinations Between Rhizobium leguminosarum and Trichoderma spp. for Controlling of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Damping-off Disease

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is subjected to attack by certain soil-borne phylogenetic of fungus-like eukaryotic microorganisms such as Pythium debaryanum and soil-borne fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani which cause damping-off diseases. Isolation of associated fungi and P. debaryanum and three species of Trichoderma was carried out from soil rhizosphere of pea plants. Antagonistic effect of Rhizobium leguminosarum combined with Trichoderma lignorum, T. longibrachiatum and T. koningii against pathogenic fungi was investigated in vitro and in vivo under greenhouse conditions. The effect of combinations between the tested Rhizobium sp. and the other tested Trichoderma spp. on the disease incidence caused by the pathogenic microorganisms was evaluated when used as seed and soil treatments. Disease assessments, nitrogen fixation and yield parameters after 50 and 90 days from sowing in comparison with un-treated and fungicide treatments were recorded. Mycoparasitic activity of the tested Trichoderma spp. against each of the pathogenic fungi and Pythium debaryanum was studied using scanning electron microscope. Results showed that the soil treatments were more effective in controlling damping-off disease than seed treatments in overall experiments. Combination of R. leguminosarum with T. longibrachiatum gave the best results in reducing percentage of post-emergence damping-off (13.33 and 6.67%) and root rot (14.72 and 9.58%) caused by P. debaryanum and R. solani, respectively. Survived plants, nitrogen fixation and yield parameters were also increased. Treatment of R. leguminosarum combined with T. koningii against infection by F. solani gave the best results in reducing percentages of post-emergence damping-off (6.67%) and root rot (13.06%) with increment of survived plants, nitrogen fixation and yield parameters. In conclusion, combinations of R. leguminosarum with the Trichoderma species were effective than application of each one alone against pea damping-off disease.
LINKING PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL WITH EMPLOYEE JOB OUTCOMES: EVIDENCE FROM EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN PAKISTAN

This paper aims to investigate the impact of performance appraisal on employee job satisfaction and employee motivation through a moderation of distributive justice, in the educational institutions of Pakistan. A multi-dimensional questionnaire is designed to gauge results. A sample survey consisted 350 employees was selected through multistage sampling technique. A Descriptive, multiple regression and correlation model had been used to analyze the composed data. The study found that distributive justice has a constructive impact on motivation, job satisfaction, personal development and ultimately on employee performance appraisal. The study also recommend that the level of job satisfaction and motivation can be elevated among employees by competency based pay and incentives. Further, this research is specifically calculated to maximize the potential of
Factors Influencing Patronage and Effectiveness of Consumers’ Demographic Attributes On Preference for Foodservice Outlets in Ilorin, Kwara State

Predicting factors influencing consumers’ preference for foodservice outlets without empirical investigations could be a tough task and could yield an unreliable outcome given that such factors depend on a number of independent and dependent variables arising from consumers’ point of view. This study investigated factors influencing consumers’ preference of foodservice outlets in Ilorin, Kwara State. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 685 non-randomly selected consumers from 7 purposely selected foodservice establishments. A modified questionnaire from past studies was validated through a pilot study which resulted in a reliability value of 0.869. Results of data from the main study revealed that all the factors examined were influential to consumers’ preference for foodservice outlet. Accordingly, the top factors are the quality of food served (x̅ = 4.30 & σ = 1.14), staff courteousness and friendliness (x̅ = 4.26 & σ = 0.94), the location of the foodservice outlet (x̅ = 4.25 & σ = 1.02), affordability in terms of cost/price of food items (x̅ = 4.24 & σ = 1.03) and, cost-and-quality of food served (x̅ = 4.24 & σ = 1.02). Furthermore, consumers’ demographics do not influence the perception of factors influencing patronage of foodservice outlets in Ilorin metropolis. This study recommends that similar studies are replicated in major cities witnessing growth in foodservice business across Nigeria so that tailor-made outcomes are available for an individual situation.
Attenuation of a Turkeypoxvirus field strain as an alternative to heterologous vaccination in turkeys

Avian pox can severely impact turkey production systems. Vaccination programs in Mexico use commercially available Fowlpoxvirus vaccines, that are used across different bird species. Nonetheless, there are reports of sporadic disease outbreaks among vaccinated turkeys, which suggest that heterologous vaccines may provide limited immunity, presenting the need to develop homologous vaccines that can better protect turkeys. This study compared the protection granted to turkey chicks by a commercial Fowlpoxvirus vaccine and by a live attenuated Turkeypoxvirus vaccine after a challenge with a field isolated Turkeypoxvirus virus. Histopathology, polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of DNA were used for viral identification. A Turkeypoxvirus strain was first isolated in chicken embryo lesions, and subsequently adapted through serial passes in chorioallantoic membrane to produce the homologous vaccine. The attenuated virus was used as a vaccine when a 104.4 embryo ID50/mL titre was reached. Three groups of three-week-old turkey chicks were used for challenge experiments. Subjects in Group 1 were immunized with the attenuated Turkeypoxvirus vaccine (homologous vaccine). Chicks in Group 2 were vaccinated with the commercially available heterologous vaccine (Fowlpoxvirus). Subjects in Group 3 were not vaccinated and received only saline solution (control group). Two weeks after vaccination, animals from Group 1 reached a 97.7 ND50 seroneutralization titre, while levels reached in Group 2 birds and in control chicks were 11.7 ND50 (Group 2) and zero, respectively. At this time, all groups were challenged with a suspension of a field-isolated Turkeypox virus. The homologous vaccine afforded 100% protection in Group 1 (10/10 individuals), while only 10% (1/10) of individuals in Group 2 were protected by the commercial heterologous Fowlpoxvirus vaccine. None of the non-immunized birds in Group 3 were protected (0/10). These results show that the homologous vaccine afforded a greater protection against a Turkeypox virus infection than that observed for the heterologous vaccine, and that a homologous vaccine can be efficiently produced by isolating and attenuating the virus from turkeypox lesions, through chorioallantoic membrane serial passes.
Study of the Role of Adiponectin Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Thyroid Disorders

Background: Both hypo & hyperthyroidism are associated with some morbidity & mortality. Adiponectin is a fat cell-derived hormone that protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases through its enhancing effect on insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies investigating serum adiponectin levels in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have reported conflicting results. Objective: The study aimed to study the role of adiponectin gene polymorphism in patients with thyroid disorders either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Also, the relation of adiponectin gene polymorphism with obesity and DM. Patients and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on one hundred and fifty cases that were classified into hypothyroid group and hyperthyroid group. History, examination and investigation (adiponectin gene) was done. Results: In current study within hypothyroid & hyperthyroid group, there was non-significant relation between gene polymorphism and either total T3, free T3, free T4 or TSH. There was statistically non-significant relation between associated diabetes and either gene or allele polymorphism among patients within hypothyroid group and hyperthyroid group. There was statistically non-significant relation between patient BMI and either gene or allele polymorphism among patients within hypothyroid group and hyperthyroid group. Conclusion: There was no role of adiponectin gene polymorphism and either total T3, free T3, free T4 or TSH. In addition, there was no role of adiponectin gene polymorphism and either obesity and DM.
Teaching and Learning with Technology: Ramification of ICT Integration in Mathematics Education

The study was undertaken to determine the extent of integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to mathematics teaching and learning processes among junior and senior high school Mathematics teachers in the Division of Tanauan City. Further, the research also identified challenges encountered in ICT-based teaching and learning mathematics. This study employed mixed method of research, survey questionnaire, interview, and focus group discussion (FGD) with the 77 teachers. The respondents were determined using Raosoft at five percent margin of error and used stratified random sampling. The frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Ttest were the statistical tools used to analyse the data. Based on the findings, majority of the respondents were female, bachelor’s graduate, from teachers I to III, 15 years below in the service and not active in attending ICT-related seminars. Most of them use technology in writing lesson plans, in computing students’ results and, in teaching the lesson through power point presentations. However, due to the lack of resources and little fund from the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), the respondents rarely use telecommunication devices such as cable, satellite, fax-machine, etc. to interact with students. There is a significant difference between the extent of the use of ICT in teaching and learning mathematics and years in teaching. Lack of ICT facilities and trainings attended and confidence in the use of ICT were the commonly identified challenges. With the aforementioned, the researchers recommended that mathematics teachers must be given more opportunities to participate ICT-based seminars and trainings.
ENDOSCOPIC DCR A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL MUCOSAL FLAP, MITOMYCIN C APPLICATION AND SILICONE STENTING

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recurrent stenosis and closure of neostium is considered a major factor for surgical failure in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (Endo DCR). The main objective of this study is to evaluate the role of mitomycin c and silicone stent in maintaining the patency of the neostium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endo DCR were done in 180 patients. Group A included 40 patients where only mucosal flap was created, group B included 40 patients where silicon tube stents were used. Group C 40 included those in whom mitomycin c was applied to the neo ostium. Group D 40 included those in whom stenting along with mitomycin c was used. All the surgeries were done under general anaesthesia. RESULTS: In our study, 90% success in syringing patency was seen in group A, 85% success in syringing patency was seen in group B at 6 months of follow-up. 95% success was seen in group C. 100% success rate was seen in patients with mitomycin c application and stenting. Significant difference in success rate was seen group D. CONCLUSION: Significant difference in EDCR success rates were seen with the use of mitomycin c along with stenting in our study.
Comparison of Step-Down Versus Step-Back Hand Preparation Technique of Root Canals

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of flare-up in terms of post-operative pain and/or swelling, after step down and step back root canal preparation technique. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted from 28th October 2011 to 27th April 2012 in de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore.150 patients with irreversible pulpitis were randomly allotted in two equal groups (Group A and B) and root canals were prepared with step-down andstepback technique respectively. Pain was recorded using visual analogue scale on 1st, 7th and 14th post-operative day. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Results: In Group A, 67 patients had no flare-up and 8 patients had flare-up on 14th postoperative day. In Group B, 57 patients had no flare-up and 18 patients had flare-up on 14th postoperative day. Out of 150 patients 26 (17.33%) showed flare-up and 124 (82.66%) showed no flare-up. The overall flare-up in Group A was 10.6% and in Group B was 24% after 14 days. Conclusions: Step-down technique is better for root canal preparation as evaluated by the comparison of flare-up by step-down and step-back techniques.
Effect of Different Acute Exercise Intensities on the Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Subjects

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of different exercise intensities on modifying the inflammatory markers in overweight and obese subjects. Sixty adult males divided into: a control group (n=30) included normal weight subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and an overweight (OW) and obese group (n=30) included subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Each group was randomly subdivided into three groups (n=10 each): low, moderate and high intensity exercise groups. Anthropometric measurements obtained and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured before and thirty minutes after twenty minutes incremental exercise, at 45%, 60% or 80% of predicted maximum heart rate, on a motor driven treadmill. Following an acute bout of moderate or high intensity exercise, OW and obese subjects showed significant increase in CRP and IL-6 levels; however, TNF-α levels significantly decreased. Nevertheless, an acute low intensity exercise induced no significant changes in any of the measured markers in the OW and obese subjects. In conclusion, an acute bout of moderate or high intensity exercise, but not low intensity exercise, induces an inflammatory response, characterized by a rise in levels of CRP and IL-6, and a decrease in TNF-α level in overweight and obese subjects.
Preservation of Plant Residues in Soils Differing in Unsaturated Protective Capacity

This study tested the hypothesis that the decomposition of applied residue C in soil is not determined by soil texture per se but by the degree of saturation of the protective capacity of a soil. Soil protective capacity is defined as the maximum amount of C associated with clay and silt (<20 μm) in grassland and uncultivated soils. To test this hypothesis, 14 C-labeled ryegrass (grown in a phytotron and continuously labeled with 14 CO 2 ; specific activity 546 Bq mg -1 C) was mixed with 11 soil samples differing in texture and saturation deficit, the latter being the difference between the actual and the maximum amount of C associated with the <20-μm fraction. After 3 d of incubation, the percentage of applied 14 C that had respired showed a significant correlation (r = -0.85) with the saturation deficit. After 53 d of incubation, the amount of 14 C respired showed a significant correlation with the saturation deficit of the fine-textured soils (r = - 0.88), but not with those of coarse-textured soils. The correlation between 14 CO 2 production and soil texture was weak. The results confirm the hypothesis that the degree of saturation of the protective capacity of a soil predicts the decomposition rate of residue C better than does soil texture alone.
The Effect of Dual-Species Biofilms, Monosaccharide and D-Amino Acids on Pseudomonal Biofilm

Background: The major therapeutic failure in clinical settings is due to problematic biofilm-producingbacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study aims to investigate the effect of dual-species biofilms,monosaccharide, and D-amino acids on pseudomonal biofilm. Methodology: A total of 130 patients withcatheter-associated urinary tract and wound infections were involved in this study. Quantitative biofilmassay by alginate beads was performed. The dual-species biofilms have been done, and the effect ofciprofloxacin, monosaccharides, and D-amino acids on sessile cells was detected. Conclusion: This studysuggested that the combined action of both monosaccharides (glucose and galactose) and the combination ofeach one with ciprofloxacin is the enhancing of P. aeruginosa biofilm and increases survival strategy againstciprofloxacin. In contrast, a noticeable biofilm reduction and marked synergistic action for ciprofloxacinhave been determined in the combination of the two D-amino acid, alanine, and glycine in comparison tothe effect of each one alone. Furthermore, the dual biofilm of P. aeruginosa with each of K. pneumonia andE. coli, markedly reduced pseudomonal biofilm, while co-culture with S. aureus revealed strong support ofpseudomonal pathogenicity and increased its biofilm production.
Endophytic Colonization of tomato plants by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus and its effect on crops improvement and yield promotion

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (G.d) is a nitrogen-fixing, endophyticand non-nodulating bacterium isolated from sugarcane. The aim of thisstudy was to investigate the effect of different G.d concentrations ontomato plants grown at very low nitrogen levels to examine its ability tocolonize plant tissues and improve crop yield. Tomato seeds wereinoculated with different doses of G.d (109, 1010, and 1011 CFU/ml) andgrown in the glasshouse under nitrogen deficiency conditions. Estimationof endophytic bacterial population was performed by bio-PCRs analysisusing specific primers for G.d. Three months after sowing, significantvariations in the phenotypes and biomass production were observed: theinoculated plants with 1010 and 1011 of G.d-Nfix-3%sucrose showedincreased plant height, root length, nitrogen content, and flower number.They also exhibited a healthier phenotype and higher fruit production incomparison to 109 of G.d-Nfix-3%sucrose and non-inoculated controlplants. These results showed that coating tomato seeds with specificconcentrations of G.d-Nfix-3%sucrose (1010 and 1011 CFU/ml) was aneffective enhancer for crop production at low nitrogen levels and provedthe ability of G.d to enhance production of tomato fruits. In conclusion,this study aimed to develop a natural nitrogen fixing seed coatingtechnology to provide a sustainable solution to fertilizer overuse andnitrogen pollution. This technology is environmentally friendly because itbased on a food-grade bacterium (G.d) derived from sugarcane. It aims toaddress the need of international market for sustainable agriculturalfertilizers. Moreover, it provides a cost benefit to the farmers via reducedfertilizer costs and improved crops yields.