Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Trabectome Outcomes in Surgery-naive Versus Previously Operated Eyes

This study aims to compare the results of trabectome surgery between surgery-naïve eyes and eyes that have previously undergone incisional surgery. Prospective data was collected on the first 20 cases of each new trabectome surgeon. This trabectome dataset was used to create two groups of subjects: surgery-naïve eyes versus eyes with prior incisional surgery. A total of 2,051 eyes were included in the study. These two groups were further broken down into the subtype of glaucoma (primary open angle glaucoma, pigmentary, pseudoexfoliation, uveitic and steroid-induced glaucoma). At 12and 36-months follow up, success rates, intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and medication usage were compared between the groups using the Tube versus Trabeculectomy Study criteria for defining success. At 36 months, the IOP of the virgin eyes and the previously operated eyes was 16.3 mmHg versus 15.8 mmHg, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Trabectome outcomes are similar in eyes with a history of prior incisional surgery (including failed glaucoma procedures) compared with those that are surgery-naive.
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain in nulliparous women in Ireland : a longitudinal mixed methods study

Objective: to explore the health-seeking behaviours of primiparous women with pelvic girdle pain persisting for more than three months post partum. Design: a descriptive qualitative design involving face-to-face semi-structured interviews following institutional ethical approval. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting: an urban hospital in Ireland. Participants: a purposive sample of 23 consenting first-time mothers with pelvic girdle pain persisting for at least three months post partum. Findings: ‘they didn't ask, I didn't tell’ was a key theme, which included emerging categories of a perceived lack of follow-up post partum, and feeling ignored by healthcare professionals. The theme ‘Seeking advice and support’ describes women's role of talking to others, and triggers and barriers to getting help. ‘Coping strategies’was the third theme emerging from the interviews, whereby participants described different strategies they used to deal with their symptoms, although many expressed uncertainty about what to do or who to see. Conclusion and implications for practice: our findings show the importance of appropriate information and follow-up care for women with pelvic girdle pain and highlight barriers they encounter in seeking help. They also question the duration of postnatal care as participants felt that postnatal care was stopped too early. The findings may assist maternity care providers in addressing mothers' expectations and needs related to persistent pelvic girdle pain. & 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Use of Tranexamic Acid to Reduce Postoperative Blood Transfusion in Total Hip Replacement Surgery: A Prospective Study

Background: Total hip replacement surgery is one of the most advanced and technically demanding surgeries in orthopaedics in which blood loss is inevitable. Most of the patients are elderly with multiple co morbidities and the estimated one-year mortality is about 25%. Objective of the study was to assess the need of post-operative blood transfusion in total hip replacement surgery in patients given tranexamic acid versus control. Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients of both sexes undergoing total hip replacement surgery included in study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion. Equal patients 30-30 (50%) divided in two groups Tranexamic Acid group and Control Group based on a computer-generated random number table. The Tranexamic Acid group received two doses of 10mg/kg body weight of tranexamic acid just before surgery and two hours later intravenously, whereas Control group received two doses of 10mg/kg body weight of normal saline at similar intervals. Numbers of blood transfusions required postoperatively were noted based on the postoperative haemoglobin readings. Results: Mean post-op haemoglobin for the Tranexamic acid group was 10.1±2.6 g/dl and for the Control group it was 9.1±2.4 g/dl. Seven patients (23%) in intervention group required blood transfusion compared to 13 (43%) in control group. Conclusions: Our study revealed that Perioperative Tranexamic acid is a safe and useful method of reducing intra op bleeding and need of post-operative blood transfusion postoperatively in THR patients.
Cytomegalovirus Infection in Multi-Transfused -Thalassemia Major Patients in Basrah. Serology and Molecular Diagnosis

The transfusion transmitted Cytomegalovirus (TTCMV) may complicate the frequent pRBC transfusion in βthalassemia major (Choobineh et al., 2009). The possibility of CMV transmission in these patients was looked up as the units of blood were neither screened for this infection nor leukoreduced. The aim of this study was to detect the seroprevalence of CMV infection in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients and its relation with the molecular study. A total of 123 children and adolescent; 50 normal and 73 were patients with β-TM on regular blood transfusion. A blood sample was taken from each individual, controls and pre-transfusion patients, and submitted to serological (ECLIA) and molecular (real tine PCR) study. The prevalence of CMV IgG specific antibody was 100% in both patients and control while no one of them showed reaction to CMV IgM specific antibody. The CMV IgG avidity index was high in all β-TM patients except for one patient (1.3%) showed low IgG avidity index, while all the control individuals (100%) have had high IgG avidity index. The viral DNA was not detected in the peripheral blood of the entire study sample. detection,
Implications of Demographic and Modifiable Risk Factors of Obesity in Municipal Adults of Enugu

Understanding the determinants of obesity in young adults is not only vital to its association with other chronic diseases but also for proper diagnosis and prognosis in clinical processes. This cross-sectional study assessed the demographic and modifiable risk factors that contribute to obesity amongst young adults of Enugu Metropolis. Four hundred and Nineteen (419) young adults (195 males and 224 females) were randomly selected. Demographic characteristics (age, gender and marital status) and modifiable risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary intake) were obtained. Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were also measured and levels of Physical activity were assessed. Using descriptive and statistical measures of correlation (Pearson’s correlation), result shows that age and marital status are positively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) with gender having no correlation with BMI and WC. Outcome of modifiable risk Original Research Article Ativie et al.; JOCAMR, 6(2): 1-11, 2018; Article no.JOCAMR. 44084 2 factors revealed that dietary intake (p < 0. 001; r = 0.343), alcohol consumption (p < 0.001; r = 0.320) and tobacco use (p < 0.001; r = 0.196) had a positive, significant correlation with BMI and WC; while physical activity level had a negative, significant correlation. Therefore, chances of being obese increases with poor dietary intake, abnormal alcohol consumption, tobacco use and low Physical activity level.
Limited Walking Abilities and Impaired Ankle Dorsiflexion Function in Children After Intense Cancer Treatment

Abstract Background With improved survival rates in pediatric oncology, the detection of adverse side- and late-effects is gaining increased interest. This cross-sectional study investigated walking abilities and ankle dorsiflexion function in children with cancer. Patients Study participants included 16 children with various cancers (4–20 years, patient group) after completion of the intense treatment and 16 age- and gender-matched healthy peers (comparison group). Method Walking speed (10-meter-walking-test, treadmill test assessing preferred transition speed), walking capacity (2-minute-walk-test), walking balance (Timed-Up-And-Go-Test), active/passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) (goniometer) and ankle dorsiflexion strength (hand-held dynamometer) were comprehensively assessed. Results Significant lower values in the patient group were found for walking capacity, maximum walking speed, ankle dorsiflexion ROM and strength. No significant differences between the groups were found for preferred walking speed and walking balance. Discussion Limited walking abilities and ankle dorsiflexion dysfunctions are prominent in children with cancer; having the potential to impact children’s community mobility and physical activity. Conclusions To provide holistic care, the development of specific supportive strategies such as exercise interventions and its translation into clinical practice needs to be accelerated.
Dietary Practices of Lactating Women and Nutritional Status of Children in Baglung District, Nepal

Introduction: Breastfeeding success depends on both mother and child. There is high energy requirement to produce breast milk, which is wholesome food for under 6 months children and then complementary foods are introduced to child. Inadequate feeding practices affect nutritional status of children. The main aim of this study was to measure the dietary practices of lactating women and nutritional status of their children.Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 343 lactating women and under two years children of Baglung district. Random sampling technique was applied to select the participants. Face to face interview was conducted among women to collect the data and anthropometric measurement was performed among the children. Data were entered in EPI-DATA version 3.2 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 17.0) for further analysis.Results: Only 5.2% of mother had taken additional two meals per day and energy intake of 31.8% of women was met. Dietary practices of mothers were not associated with nutritional status of children. Breastfeeding practice was nearly universal (99.7%). Bulks (91.8%) of children were put into breast for breast feeding within first hour of birth. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 34.5%. Bottle feeding was practiced by 15.6% of women. Less than half (40%) of 6-23 months children (n=174) had achieved satisfactory feeding practice (minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity). The rate of wasting (n=180), stunting (n=180) and underweight (n=343) was 10%, 22.2% and 9.3% respectively. Feeding practice to children was associated with wasting and stunting.Conclusion: Dietary practice of women and feeding practice to their children was not satisfactory. Dietary practice of women was not associated with nutritional status of children but feeding practice was associated with their nutritional status. The rate of stunting, wasting and underweight was high.
Low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage and neurodevelopment at 24 months of age

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage on neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants at 24 months of age.METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of infants with gestational age less than 34 weeks, admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January/2006 and December/2015. Cases were defined as those with low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (grades I or II), diagnosed by cranial ultrasonography. For each case, a control with the same gestational age but without intraventricular hemorrhage was selected. Follow-up examinations of neurodevelopment were performed at 24 months of age in cases and controls using the Griffiths Mental Development Scale. Cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental delay (developmental quotient <2 side deviations below the mean), hearing impairment and/or blindness were considered as severe neurodevelopmental impairment.RESULTS: The study included 172 preterm infants: 86 cases and 86 controls. In the univariate analysis, a difference between the two groups was identified for the following clinical findings: antenatal corticosteroid complete cycle (57% in cases vs. 80% in controls; p=0.001; OR: 0.33, 95%CI 0.17-0.64); male gender (63% cases vs. 41% controls; p=0.004; OR: 2.45, 95%CI 1.3-4.5); outborn (26% cases vs. 9% controls; p=0.005; OR: 3.3 95%CI 1.4-8.0); Clinical Risk Index for Babies higher than 5 (24% in cases vs. 12% in controls; p=0.029; OR: 2.4 95%CI 1.1-5.6); intubation in the delivery room (47% cases vs. 27% controls; p=0.007; OR: 2.38 95%CI 1.3-4.5); and neonatal sepsis (34% in cases vs. 20% in controls; p=0.039; OR: 2.1 95%CI 1.03-4.1). After logistic regression, differences were only maintained for antenatal corticosteroid (p=0.005; OR 0.34, 95%CI 0.16-0.72) and male gender (p=0.002; OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.4-5.8). A severe neurodevelopmental deficit was present in three cases (3.5%) and one control (1.2%). No statistically significant differences in outcome were found between cases and controls.CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, preterm infants with low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed by cranial ultrasonography had no difference in early neurodevelopmental outcome when compared with controls.
Do Brain Activity and Executive Function Predict Weight Loss in a 12-Month Intervention?

With almost 38% of the adult population as obese, weight loss is a public health imperative. We cannot yet predict who will succeed in losing weight through dietary interventions, though reward sensitivity and executive functioning (EF) may influence weight loss. The present study examined whether neural reward network responsivity to visual food cues or EF prior to a dietary intervention predicted weight loss in an overweight and obese sample. It also examined the relationship between brain activity during the visual presentation of food items and measures of EF, and tested whether EF statistically mediated the relationship between neural reward network activation and weight loss. 108 middle-aged, overweight and obese (mean BMI=30.93 + 3.59 kg/m2) adults completed functional neuroimaging and an EF assessment prior to a 12-month weight-loss intervention. Functional neuroimaging included a visual food cuing (VFC) task to examine neural responses to food stimuli that included high-caloric foods, low-caloric foods, and neutral images. The EF assessment included the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and Stroop task as metrics of strategic planning and inhibitory control, respectively. All analyses controlled for sex; analyses involving EF additionally controlled for years of education. Following the intervention, participants lost approximately 9% of initial body weight (9.06% + 6.86%); baseline weight was not associated with percentage of weight lost. During the visual food cue task, greater activation in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex and less activation in the right caudate, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex was predictive of more weight loss. Greater activation in the left nucleus accumbens and right caudate was also associated with better performance on the IGT. EF performance was not associated with weight loss. Reduced neural sensitivity to visual food stimuli in reward regions and increased reactivity in areas associated with EF were predictive of greater success in a dietary weight-loss intervention in overweight and obese adults. Individuals who are less sensitive to rewarding food images and who do not need to inhibit impulsivity may be those who lose more weight. These individuals may be more effective at evaluating the consequences of their dietary choices to aid their successful weight loss.
Novel TLR7/8 agonists promote activation of HIV-1 latent reservoirs and human T and NK cells

Antiretroviral therapy can successfully suppress HIV-1 replication to undetectable levels but fails to eliminate latent and persistent HIV-1 reservoirs. Recent studies have focused on the immunomodulatory agents such as Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 (TLR7 and TLR8) capable of activating, thereby rendering the reservoir susceptible to antiretroviral inhibition and immune recognition and elimination. In this context, this study focused on generating a diverse repertoire of TLR7/8 agonists to identify more potent candidates for activating latent HIV-1 and immune cells’ response. Through combinational strategies of computer-aided design and biological characterization, 159 pyrido [3,2-d] pyrimidine and pyridine-2-amine-based derivatives were synthesized. Of which, two TLR7/8 dual and one TLR8-specific agonists with exceptionally high potency in activating HIV-1 latent reservoirs in cell lines and PBMCs of patients with persistent and durable virologic controls were identified. Particularly, these agonists appeared to enhance NK and T cells activity, which were correlated with the degree of surface activation markers. The outcome of this study highlights the remarkable potential of TLR7/8 agonists in simultaneously activating HIV-1 from the latently infected cells and augmenting immune effector cells.
Structurally rich dry grasslands – Potential stepping stones for bats in open farmland

Agricultural intensification has caused decrease and fragmentation of European semi-natural dry grasslands. While a high biodiversity value of dry grasslands is acknowledged for plants and insects, locally and on landscape level, their relevance for mobile species, such as bats, is unknown. Here we investigate the use of dry grassland fragments by bats in an agriculturally intensified region in Germany and evaluate local and landscape factors influencing bat activity and assemblages. Specifically, we predicted that a combination of local dry grassland structural richness and landscape features as well as their interactions affect bat activity and foraging above dry grasslands. We also expected that these features influence compositions of local bat assemblages. We repeatedly sampled at 12 dry grassland plots with acoustic monitoring and assessed activity and foraging of bat species/sonotypes, which we grouped into guilds known for foraging in open land, at vegetation edges and in narrow spaces. We determined structural richness of the dry grassland plots in field and derived landscape features from digital landscape data. A relatively high proportion of bat species/sonotypes used dry grasslands regularly. The edge space foragers responded positively to higher local structural richness. Their dry grassland use increased when surrounding forests and woody features were less available, but they foraged more on dry grasslands closer to water bodies. Narrow space bat activity on dry grasslands decreased with less landscape connectivity. Open and narrow space foragers responded to local structural richness only in landscape context. For all bat guilds we found increased use of structurally richer dry grasslands when there was more open farmland in the surroundings. This was also the case for edge space foragers, when landscapes were more homogeneous. Lastly, with increasing structural richness, bat assemblages were more dominated by edge space foragers. We show the importance of European dry grassland fragments for the highly mobile group of bats under certain local structural and landscape compositional conditions. Our results underline the value of heterogeneous dry grassland fragments as potential stepping stones in intensively used farmland areas and contribute to evidence based decision making in dry grassland management and bat conservation.
Inflammatory processes involved in the alteration of liver function biomarkers in adult hospitalized patients treated with parenteral nutrition

Introduction Liver damage has been associated with the accumulation of phytosterols (PS) in patients treated with parenteral nutrition (PN). We aimed to study the association of inflammatory markers with liver function biomarker (LFB) alterations in patients treated with PN containing PS. Materials and methods Prospective observational study. Simple linear and stepwise multiple linear regression tests and interactions were performed. Results Nineteen patients were included. In the multivariable model, determinations based on LFBs as dependent and phytosterols (and their fractions) as independent variables showed an association between increases in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and lanosterol (p < 0.001), stigmasterol (p < 0.001), interleukin-10 (IL-10) × total phytosterols (Phyt) (p < 0.009), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) × Phyt (p < 0.002), IL-10 × sitosterol (p < 0.002), TNF-α × sitosterol (p < 0.001), IL-10 × campesterol (p < 0.033), IL-10 (p < 0.006 and p < 0.015), TNF-α (p < 0.048 and p < 0.027). Increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were associated with Phyt (p < 0.006), lanosterol (p < 0.016), C-reactive protein (CRP) × campesterol (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) × stigmasterol (p < 0.030), CRP (p < 0.08), and IL-6 (p < 0.042). Alkaline phosphatase (AP) increases were associated with CRP (p < 0.002). Discussion Inflammation in the presence of plasmatic PS seems to have a synergistic effect in impairing liver function, mainly altering GGT but also ALT.
Becoming a Gatekeeper: Recommendations for Preparing Doctoral Students in Counselor Education

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards call for doctoral preparation programs to graduate students who are competent in gatekeeping functions. Despite these standards, little is understood regarding the development and training of doctoral students in their roles as gatekeepers. We propose a call for further investigation into doctoral student gatekeeper development and training in gatekeeping practices. Additionally, we provide training and programmatic curriculum recommendations derived from current literature for counselor education programs. Finally, we discuss implications of gatekeeping training in counselor education along with future areas of research for the profession.
Diagnostic modalities for the occult scaphoid fracture

The aim of this thesis is to add new data and to review the current literature for the most appropriate diagnostic modality for detecting a scaphoid fracture that is not visible on conventional radiography (occult fracture). We found that specificity of MRI is lower than reported in literature and this has implications for all studies using MRI as a reference standard. CT may be a very practical diagnostic modality in the diagnostic workup for patients with a suspected scaphoid fractures. The fractures missed with CT and the moderate observer agreement are a problem. However, missed fractures with CT are possibly the fractures that have a very good prognosis.The radiation exposure of CT is low, especially when the scan is made without a plaster cast. For the diagnosis of the occult scaphoid fracture, MRI and bone scintigraphy can be used as well, however they also have limitations. Literature is not very consistent in results of MRI and sensitivity and specificity may be overestimated due to publication bias, no true reference standard and low prevalence of true fractures. Bone scintigraphy lacks specificity, however combined with CT (SPECT/CT) it could be the most reliable method.