Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus Among Blood Donors in Sidi Bel Abbes, West Algeria

Introduction Blood transfusions can transmit various viruses. Among them, the most common are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These viruses can cause fatal and life-threatening diseases. Worldwide, many people are infected with these viruses. Blood safety has made major progress in recent years. Yet, blood-borne viruses continue to be a major concern for patients, physicians, and policymakers. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in blood donors. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to assess HIV, HBV, and HCV seropositivity in blood donors. This research was carried out at the blood bank of Sidi Bel Abbes University Hospital. This was a retrospective study based on records of blood donors. All data of 10,386 donors were analyzed from January 2015 to December 2015. Biological screening was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies and/or antigens. The combined HCV and HIV antigen and antibody ELISA test was utilized. To confirm the results, the blood bank and the virology laboratory used the same technique in duplicate. Results The overall seroprevalence of blood-borne viral infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) in blood donors was 0.8%. The prevalence of HIV was found to be 0.1%, while the prevalence of HBV and HCV was 0.4%. Coinfection was rare with only one case of HBV with HIV. There was a significant difference in seroprevalence rates among blood donors compared to the general population. Significant variations were observed between the prevalence of this study and those conducted in West, East, Central, and South African countries but not with those of neighboring North African countries. The study found no association between seropositivity in blood donors and factors like age, gender, donor status, type of donation, or site. Besides, HIV, HBV, or HCV prevalence was not influenced by ABO and Rhesus blood group. Conclusion The study showed that blood donors in Algeria have a lower prevalence of blood-borne viral infections than the general population. The seropositivity rate of viral markers was similar throughout North African countries. This rate remained low compared to other African countries. Residual risk of infection persists. There is a need to increase blood safety for recipients. This report is the first comprehensive overview of blood-borne viruses among Algerian blood donors. There is a need for further nationwide studies to get a whole picture of the situation.
Sero-prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in ophthalmic surgical patients in Uyo, South-South Nigeria.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among patients who underwent eye surgery in a tertiary facility. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study using health records of patients who underwent eye surgery over a 2 1/2 year period. Demographic information including age, sex, occupation, diagnosis, type of surgery and HIV status were extracted and analyzed with SPSS 17.0. Results: A total of 99 patients were screened, made up of 60 males and 39 females. The age range was between 5 and 83 years with mean age of 49.9 years. Seven patients (7.1%) were sero-positive for human immunodeficiency virus. Of these, five were between 3 rd and 5 th decade of life while 2 were more than sixty years old. Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of HIV is high in our series. Patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery should be counseled to accept pre-operative HIV screening and ophthalmic surgeons should take precautions to minimize the risks of transmission to self, other health workers and uninfected patients.
Selective extinction of late Neogene bivalves on the temperate Pacific coast of South America

Abstract We assessed selective extinction patterns in bivalves during a late Neogene mass extinction event observed along the temperate Pacific coast of South America. The analysis of 99 late Neogene and Quaternary fossil sites (recorded from 7°S to 55°S), yielding ∼2800 occurrences and 118 species, revealed an abrupt decline in Lyellian percentages during the late Neogene–Pleistocene, suggesting the existence of a mass extinction that decimated ∼66% of the original assemblage. Using the late Neogene data set (n = 59 species, 1346 occurrences), we tested whether the extinction was nonrandom according to taxonomic structure, life habit, geographic range, and body size. Our results showed that the number of higher taxa that went extinct was not different than expected by random. At first sight, extinction was selective only according to life habit and geographic range. Nevertheless, when phylogenetic effects were accounted for, body size also showed significant selectivity. In general, epifaunal, small-sized (after phylogenetic correction), and short-ranged species tended to have increased probability of extinction. This is verified by strong interactions between the variables herein analyzed, suggesting the existence of nonlinear effects on extinction chances. In the heavily decimated epifaunal forms, survival was not enhanced by widespread ranges or larger body sizes. Conversely, the widespread and large-sized infaunal forms tended to have lower probability of extinction. Overall, the ultimate extinction of late Neogene bivalve species along the Pacific coast of South America seems to have been determined by a complex interplay of ecological and historical (phylogenetic) effects.
Subtle changes in mature predator-prey systems; an example from Neogene Turritella (Gastropoda)

Although predator-prey escalation has been well documented in molluscan ecological systems, relatively little is known about what occurs after these systems have escalated. In order to assess potential changes in already-escalated systems, we examined bulk samples of Turritella shells collected from Neogene strata of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, U.S.A. In particular, we examined the intensity, efficiency, and stereotypy of naticid and muricid predation on Turritella as a means of discerning subtle changes in predatory behavior. As in previous studies, we observe little change in the intensity and efficiency of naticid and muricid predation on Turritella during the Neogene. Unlike previous studies, we note significant changes in prey size during this interval. Perhaps more significant is that these changes are associated with concomitant changes in predatory drilling behavior as expressed in drillhole-site selectivity and prey-size selectivity. Together, these findings suggest that escalation was still occurring in this Neogene system, with predators likely making behavioral changes in order to keep pace with morphologic changes occurring within prey populations.
Association between socio-economic status and dental caries in elderly people in Sichuan Province, China: a cross-sectional study

Objectives As a vulnerable group, the elders’ oral health gained less attention, particularly the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and dental caries. This study aimed to assess the associations and to explore the effects of confounders on the associations in elderly people. Design Cross-sectional study. Settings 3 neighbourhood committees and 3 village committees in Sichuan Province, China. Participants 744 people (362 men and 382 women) aged 65–74 years were included. Outcome measures Oral health outcomes included the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and its components. SES was assigned by educational level, household income and type of household. The bivariate association between the participants’ characteristics and DMFT was analysed using non-parametric tests. Four logistic regression models were used to analyse the associations between SES and dental caries by regulating confounders. Results Poor oral health was observed in these participants. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between SES and DMFT (p﹤0.05). Only adjusting gender, high educational level (adjusted (AOR)=0.34, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.66), high household income (AOR=0.47, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.77) were protective factors against dental caries, and living in agricultural families (AOR=1.86, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.63) was risk factor (p﹤0.05). After adjusting other confounders, SES was partly related to the dental caries. Moreover, an interaction existed among SES indicators. Conclusions SES is associated with dental caries, and older people with low SES have poor oral health. The associations were explained partly by diet, behaviour and awareness. Our results provide effective evidence in targeted policy-making and intervention measures and implicate that pertinence measures, economic assistance and medical insurance funds should be provided to older people of low SES. Furthermore, a follow-up design should attempt to confirm the causal relationship between SES and dental caries and evaluate the effect of intervention.
Association between Socioeconomic Status and Motor Skill Development among Preschool Children of Lekhnath, Pokhara: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Gross and fine motor skills are both necessary for healthy growth. According to studies, children from lower “Socioeconomic Status (SES)” families have delayed development of these fundamental motor skills, placing them at risk for delayed motor skill development. The current research’s objective was to study the occurrence of developmental risks and the variances between the gross as well as fine motor growth related to the SES of pre-schoolers in Pokhara. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One district preschool in the Lekhnath municipality of Pokhara was selected for the study. 102 elementary school students between 3-6 years were evaluated. Children’s fine and gross motor skill and SES of their parents were calibrated. The values were compared and evaluated for the various economic status and genders keeping p<0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Particularly in the area of fine motor abilities, significant variations between the SES groups were found. Gross motor growth had a greater variation and was substantial than fine motor skill. Fine motor growth risk prevalence ranged from 1.9% to 21.0%, while gross motor growth risk prevalence peaked at 14.63%. Age and sex also affected the prevalence rates. CONCLUSIONS: In pre-schoolers aged three to six, fine motor skills are strongly correlated with socioeconomic level. A correlation in gross motor skills was not established. In this study, sex had a greater impact on motor development than SES
Remdesivir-Induced Bradycardia and Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Potential Risk Factors Assessment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The efficacy of remdesivir in reducing disease severity among COVID-19-infected patients has been established, but concerns have emerged regarding the potential side effects of bradycardia. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between remdesivir-induced bradycardia and mortality, while also identifying the related risk factors. Materials and methods: The PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Central and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies were included (through 14 July 2023). The random-effects model was implemented using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0 to examine the outcomes. Results: A total of 12 prospective or retrospective studies involving 7674 patients were analyzed. The primary outcomes revealed a significant association between remdesivir administration and bradycardia development (Odds ratio = 2.556, 95% CI = 2.049–3.188, p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant increase in the mortality rate was observed among patients with bradycardia during remdesivir treatment (Odds ratio = 0.872, 95% CI = 0.483–1.576, p = 0.651). The secondary outcome demonstrated a significant association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and remdesivir-induced bradycardia (OR: 1.251, 95% CI: 1.003–1.561, p = 0.047). Moreover, patients with obesity (OR = 1.347, 95% CI = 1.098–1.652, p = 0.004) were more likely to experience remdesivir-induced bradycardia. Conclusions: Although a higher risk of bradycardia occurred during remdesivir treatment, the occurrence of remdesivir-induced bradycardia did not lead to higher mortality. Our study also identified patients with obesity and CKD as high-risk subgroups for experiencing bradycardia during remdesivir treatment.
Transiciones democráticas: entre cuestiones teóricas y análisis empírico

When analysing transitions toward democracy during the last three decades of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century, it is readily apparent that the variety of empirical processes is so wide that achieving meaningful theoretical results is extremely difficult, as shown very explicitly by the existing literature on the topic. This paper addresses the key theoretical questions that need to be dealt with by the empirical analysis of the transitional process: Are there key, recurring actors and factors that we should take into account when analysing all cases in depth? Why is a focus on installation salient? Are there recurring patterns of successful transitions? Is or are there key recurring mechanism/s that critically explain successful transitions? And are there obstacles that make it impossible to achieve a successful transition and doom such a process to failure? On the basis of existing knowledge in the subfield an attempt is made to reply to these questions, and in this way to single out the main theoretical results achieved in the field.
Political Institutions and Party-Directed Corruption in South America: Stealing for the Team

1. Institutions and political corruption: a framework 2. Institutional design and the case for mechanism-based analysis 3. Ballot structure, political corruption, and the performance of proportional representation 4. An approach to overcoming the fundamental problem of inference in corruption studies 5. Political career paths in the bureaucracy and the use of institutional resources in Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile 6. Conclusion.
The relationship between anthropometric and metabolic risk factors and testicular function in healthy young men

Objective This study investigated the relationship of anthropometric and metabolic risk factors with seminal and sex steroidal hormone parameters in a screened population of healthy males. Methods The participants were healthy young men without chronic or congenital diseases. The body composition parameters that we investigated were measured weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), as well as bioelectrical impedance analysis. Semen samples were analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology, seminal pH, and liquefaction time. Biochemistry analysis, including glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, was conducted on fasting blood samples. Testicular volume was calculated separately for each testis using ultrasonography. Results Body mass index exhibited an inverse association with total sperm count. WC showed negative correlations with numerous seminal parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm morphology, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The basal metabolic rate was associated with seminal pH, liquefaction time, and sperm motility. WC, fat mass percentage, and triglyceride levels exhibited negative correlations with sex hormone binding globulin. The measures of glucose metabolism were associated with a greater number of seminal parameters than the measures of cholesterol metabolism. C-reactive protein levels were inversely associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count. Conclusion Anthropometric and metabolic risk factors were found to predict semen quality and alterations in sex steroidal hormone levels.
European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science-2501-1235

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week whole-body vibration intervention program on muscular strength of upper extremities. Twenty-four physical educations participated in this study. Participants were separated in two equal group; the experimental group (EG), and the control group (CG). Before the inception of the intervention program all participants were evaluated with random order in the a) the circumference of each arm, b) the number of push-ups; c) grip strength; d) chest medicine ball throw and immediately after the end of intervention program and two days after. Participants applied a total of 24 sessions, three times per week at the same time of the day. The frequency and amplitude of the vibration platform were 35 Hz and 2 mm, respectively. The intervention program consisted of three different exercises which each had duration of 30 sec. A 30 sec rest was mediated between each trial and a 2 min time interval between exercises in order to avoid the fatigue effect. No significant interaction effect was found for the examined upper extremities variables (p < .05). Furthermore, no significant time and no group effect were found also (p < .05). Paired t-test comparisons revealed significant post differences in comparison to baseline values on medicine ball throw and left arm circumference. According to the results, EG showed a statistically significant improvement in medical ball throw and in left hand circumference, while improvement was also found in the other parameters considered.
European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science-2501-1235

Background: Despite well documented and widely acknowledged health benefits of physical activity (PA), no study has examined the PA levels among the Jammu & Kashmir youth. The decreasing levels of PA and increasing prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among adolescents is a major public health concern. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the activity levels, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity and to investigate the association between leisure-time activities and dietary habits among adolescents. Methods: A schoolbased cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 adolescents (14-18 years) from 16 randomly selected schools of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Height, weight, physical activity and other lifestyle habits were determined from selfreport. Genderspecific prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were calculated based on Indian Paediatrics Association (IAP) standards. Logistic regression was used to identify association between lifestyle habits and measures of overweight and obesity. Results: Of the total adolescents, 28.1% met the recommended levels of PA of 60 minutes daily, with boys meeting more than girls (41.5% vs 19.5%, p < 0.001). Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity was 11.4% and 2.7%, respectively. Logistic regression unadjusted for gender, age and location of participants shows that the odds of being overweight/obese was more among adolescents who are more involved in Raof Ahmad Bhat, Syed Tariq Murtaza PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH LIFESTYLE HABITS European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science Volume 3 │ Issue 12 │ 2017 171 sedentary pursuits and consumes higher amounts of junk food and carbonated soft drinks. Conclusion: Low PA levels and substantial prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among the participants were observed. The results also suggest that sedentary behaviours, physical inactivity and erratic food habits are strongly associated with the obesity epidemic.
European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science-2501-1235

The aims of this study were to analyze age and gender differences for health-related fitness, physical activity and gross motor coordination level in Albanian children. Data consisted of a cross-sectional study of 1176 children between first and fourth grade elementary school (618 boys and 558 girls) aged 7-10 years old). Anthropometrics (body mass and height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, % body fat), level of gross motor coordination (Korperkoordinationstest fur Kinder, KTK) and physical activity by questionnaire (PAQ-C) were assessed. Gross motor coordination and physical activity level increased until 9 years of age and then declined. Significant gender differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found for body mass, BMI and waist circumference where boys were heavier, had higher BMI scores and had greater values in waist circumference measurement then girls. Data obtained from this study showed that boys and girls in all age group fell into the normal level of physical activity. The results from this investigation study reveal strong evidence that children in Albania show motor difficulties in everyday skills (moderate motor disorder-31.2% and severe motor disorder-8%.
European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science-2501-1235

Background: Individuals who have valuable knowledge on how the importance of adequate and balanced diet and this knowledge will on their behaviors which eventually considered to be more successful in sports life. The present study aims to evaluate the nutrition and nutrients imbalance related to the health knowledge among trainers’ athletes. Methods: The study sample consists of 203 voluntary trainers from the sport clubs and gyms. Modified questionnaire was used in the study and Chi-square and Pearson correlation test was used. Results: Athletes related fields were determined to have the lack of knowledge on nutrition and also nutrients deficit related to ill-health questions. It was more likely the trainers know some aspects of foods and nutrients such as role and sources of some foods, but the overall score showed 40-50% for nutritional i Correspondence: email ali.elmabsout@uob.edu. ly Ahmed Boumaeza, Ali Ruhaet, Hassan Abdulqader, Abdelmetalab F. Tarhuni, Isam Danna, Abdulla Sheikhi, Ali Ateia Elmabsout EVALUATION OF NUTRITION AND HEALTH RELATED NUTRITIOUS INTAKE KNOWLEDGE AMONG ATHLETES’ TRAINERS European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science Volume 7 │ Issue 3 │ 2021 151 knowledge questions. Furthermore, questions related to ill-health showed poor score (< 40%). There was no gender difference in related nutrition knowledge questions and also questions for nutrient and ill-health. However, significant differences were found between education levels in which positive correlation R= 0.2 (P<0.05) between question for nutrition knowledge, nutrient related to health outcomes and high levels of education. Conclusion: The athlete’s trainers have regular nutrition knowledge and poor health related nutrients disorders knowledge. While gender differences did not influence neither nutrition knowledge nor health related nutrients deficient questions, the education levels found to have significant impact on both nutrition knowledge and health related nutrients deficient. Furthermore, dietitians with an expertise in athletes’ nutrition are qualified professionals who should be the primary source for obtaining diet information and subsequently monitoring.