Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beyond tobacco prevention: A qualitative study of a school-based life skills intervention for economically disadvantaged youth in Mumbai, India

Objective: Low socioeconomic status young people in low- and middle-income countries use tobacco at higher rates than their wealthier peers. School-based tobacco use prevention interventions that employ a life skills approach are effective at preventing tobacco use. In India, the Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF) has implemented a multiyear, multicomponent life skills education programme in Mumbai schools to prevent tobacco use. A quantitative evaluation found that SBF programme exposure was associated with not only reduced tobacco use but also improved life skills, self-esteem and self-efficacy. To illuminate how programme exposure engendered these effects, we compared the experiences and perceptions of eighth and ninth grade students (ages 13–15) between SBF and non-SBF schools. Methods: We divided Mumbai into four quadrants or regions and randomly selected one SBF and non-SBF school from each quadrant; 10 participants were then randomly selected from one class per school. A total of eight group discussions (N = 80 participants) were conducted using mind-mapping with a focus on students’ daily life, future aspirations and non-academic school programming. Researchers analysed the data thematically. Results: Despite similar home lives, SBF students were profoundly more optimistic about their future than non-SBF students. SBF students attributed this increased optimism and agency to opportunities to actively advocate against tobacco, formal recognition in a published newsletter, a sense of belonging to a ‘Super Army’ and supportive mentorship provided by their Super Army and peer leaders. The SBF programme created a safe space in which to build resilience. Conclusion: These findings can guide development of programmes for vulnerable populations with broader goals than tobacco prevention.
Clinico-Pathological Analysis of Thymic Epithelial TumoursAn Institutional Study

Background: Thymic epithelial tumours are anterior mediastinal neoplasms and they exhibit a spectrum of histomorphological features. Methods: In this study we analysed the clinico-pathological spectrum of thymic epithelial tumors at our institution. It is a retrospective and descriptive study done at our Department of Pathology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala over a period of ten years from August 2008 to August 2018. Histological sections of each case were meticulously analysed. Immunohistochemistry was done if needed. Result: In this study 17 cases of thymic epithelial tumors were analysed. A male preponderance of 58.8% was observed. Age ranged from 24 to 73 years with a mean age range of 54.4 years. Most common histological subtype of thymoma was Type B and Type AB. 4 cases were associated with myasthenia gravis. Masaoka Stage I was commonly observed. Conclusion: Thymic epithelial tumors are a unique group of anterior mediastinal neoplasms which also pose a diagnostic challenge. This study highlights the significance of clinico-pathological correlation and staging of thymic neoplasms.
Estimation of Endostatin level in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients and its relation with some parameters

Abstract Biomarkers are attractive non-invasive tools for estimating and monitoring pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) disease and for predicting survival in patients with PAH; therefore, many studies encouraged the investigation of new biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis of PAH. Endostatin (ES) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. It is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the collagen XVIII that is present in both normal and cancerous tissue. In vitro examination shows that ES can manage endothelial cells (EC) physiology in ways that could influence angiogenesis. For example, solvent ES hinders EC movement and prompts improvements of the cytoskeleton that incorporate the loss of Actin stretch strands and central grips. This effect embraces restrictions on the α5β1integrins, Tropomyosin, and putative heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Consequences for the human EC cytoskeleton include Es-induced down-regulation of Mitogen-actuated Protein Kinase (MAPK), Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) System, and the RhoA GTPase. Human ES has likewise been shown in a few investigations to repress EC multiplication. Moreover, ES-instigated cell cycle capture in the G1 stage is joined by Cyclin D1 down-regulation. Of note, ES blocks the proliferation and organization of endothelial cells into new blood vessels, and in animal studies, ES also inhibits angiogenesis and the growth of both primary tumors and secondary metastasis. ES was initially identified by its capacity to inhibit tumor angiogenesis in vitro and also in vivo. It can also be found in both healthy and patient’ serum, and has been detected in peripheral circulation. ES could be an attractive, non-invasive prognostic marker for some diseases, notably PAH. Therefore, the presented work is aimed at investigating the ES level in blood serum as a biomarker for detection, diagnosis and early treatment of PAH patients. In doing so, the association is ascertained between gender, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, smoking, types of PAH (primary and secondary) and this potential biomarker is assessed in PAH patients.
Granulometria e doses de calcário em diferentes sistemas de manejo - doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v33i2.3659

The use of limestone in no-tillage system usually causes great problems in soil management. The objective of this work was to evaluate the changes in the chemical properties of the soil under no-tillage (NTS) and conventional tillage system (CTS) due to granulometric fraction [Effective Calcium Carbonate (ECC) = 95% and 56%] and three rates (95% ECC = 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 t ha -1 and 56% ECC = 2, 4 and 6 t ha -1 ) of dolomite lime applied in surface two months prior to system implantation. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with four replications in a dystrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol) during three years, in area of pasture of ,em>Urochloa decumbens using a succession of corn and black oat. The soil chemical characteristics (pH, Ca, Mg, H+Al and base saturation) were analyzed in 12, 24 and 36 months before each sowing in the depths 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-40 cm. The results evidenced alterations in soil chemical properties with pH increase, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, base saturation, and reduction of potential acidity up to 10 cm of depth in NTS, with significant differences in relation to CTS. In the depths of 10-20 cm and 20-40 cm, there was an inversion, and the effects in the neutralization of soil acidity were more pronounced in the CTS than the NTS. The application of lime with 95% ECC showed better neutralization of soil acidity up to 10 cm of depth. The use of lime with 95% ECC provided better neutralization of the acidity of the soil up to 10 cm of depth. The corrective application in surface before the implantation of SPD was enough to elevate the base saturation for levels adapted for the corn yield.
SUB-TENON’S BLOCK ANAESTHESIA FOR OCULAR SURGERIES IN DOGS

General anaesthesia at surgical plane causes ventromedial deviation of eyeball in dogs, however, central fixation of globe is crucial for better exposure of cornea for performing corneal and intraocular surgeries. Seventeen dogs which had undergone cataract surgeries at Ophthalmology unit, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai were included in present study. Sub-Tenon’s block (STB) was performed at the dorso-lateral quadrant of the globe at 5 mm away from the limbus following general anaesthesia of these patients. Two ml of 2% lignocaine was infused into the sub-Tenon’s space and gentle digital compression was applied over the eyeball for a minute. Akinesia, mydriasis and central positioning of cornea were achieved within 10 minutes of administration of local anaesthetic in to the Sub-Tenon’s space. Post -operatively, these patients had a smooth recovery without any discomfort. In conclusion, the dorsolateral quadrant Sub-tenon’s block could produce good centration of cornea, mydriasis, post-operative analgesia for intraocular surgeries in dogs. However, use of long acting local anaesthetics would provide a better post-operative analgesia which is essential in veterinary practice.
Diabetics and Sexual Disorders: Both Men and Women with Diabetes Suffer from Impotence and Lack of Sexual Desire

The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual disorders in diabetics, owing to diabetes constitutes a growing public health problem, leading to a variety of dysfunctions such as cardiovascular, psychological, and sexual dysfunctions, that is why Diabetes is a well-known cause of SD, with prevalence rates approaching 50% in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but the determinants of SD in diabetic men include glycemic control and most of the principal cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, overweight and obesity, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Moreover, sexual disorders considered as important predictors of the development of major complaints in diabetic patients, on the other hand, the debate as to whether diabetes link with sexual dysfunction or not, is an issue of controversy, moreover, diabetic women suffer from the same neurovascular complications that contribute to the pathogenesis of SD in men, however, results of sexual functioning of diabetic women are less conclusive. Conclusion: extending beyond the specific effects on sexual dysfunction in men and women with diabetes, the adoption of these measures promotes a healthier life and increased well-being, which in turn, may help to reduce the burden of sexual dysfunction.
Potential of wheatgrass powder based feed for stinging catfish fry nursing in laboratory condition

Effectiveness of young sprouted wheatgrass powder over fishmeal for stinging catfish fry as an alternative animal protein source was assessed by this experiment. Wheat grain was sorted, washed and soaked overnight, kept in cotton bag for 24 hours darkness, sprouted for eight days on sand, cut and blanched before drying and made powder. Test diets (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) were formulated replacing fish meal with wheatgrass powder at 100, 75, 50, 25 and 0%, respectively. A sixty days trial was conducted with three replications each at a density of 10 fish/20 liter water in plastic tanks. Survival rate was 100% in all the treatments except T2 (95%). Whole fish protein was significantly higher in T2 (17.04±0.98%) than T5 (15.17±0.9%). Significantly higher fish production (1183.67 kg/ha), SGR (0.77 %/day) and lower FCR (7.18), feed cost (37.82 TK/kg) of T1 signifying wheatgrass powder as a potential substitute of fish meal.
A pilot study on the use of biolase in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcer

Recurrent Aphthous Ulcer (RAU) is a common oral pathology that produces pain which affects the lifestyle of the patient. Its aetiology and pathogenesis still remain unclear. A considerable number of treatments are available with the main goal directed towards pain relief. Previous studies on RAU treatment using low level laser therapy (LLLT) show immediate pain relief after application. Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare treatment effectiveness in relieving pain provided by Waterlase (BIOLASE) LLLT and conventional topical corticosteroid using Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% dental paste. Methods: Thirty (30) volunteered patients of age between 18-27 years old were divided into two groups. Each group consists of 15 patients with 7 males and 8 females. Group 1 patients were treated by using LLLT while group 2 patients were treated by using triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%. The patient’s details, pain intensity and clinical photographs were recorded in a specially prepared case sheet. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare significance in pain reduction provided by both methods of treatment. Results: Both groups showed significant pain reduction immediately, day 3 and day 7. Higher reduction in pain intensity was observed immediately (p=0.001) and 3 days (p=0.002) after treatment in group 1 patients (LLLT) compared to group 2 patients (triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%). Conclusion: Waterlase (BIOLASE) LLLT is clinically more effective in relieving pain compared to Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%.
Prevalence of aortic arch anatomical branching variants in Kenyan population as shown on contrast enhanced chest multidetector computed tomography

Background: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of aortic arch(AA) anatomical branching variants present in Kenyan population as shown on a chest contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Methods: The study design was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in 6 months (between May and November 2016) at the Kenyatta National Hospital(KNH) department of Radiology. Participants were recruited amongst patients referred for a chest contrast enhanced MDCT. Acquired data was subjected to volume rendering technique (VRT) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) software to define the anatomy of the AA. The type of AA branching classification used was one derived by Natsis et al. Data analysis involved calculating frequency distributions of AA variations using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 software. Results: One hundred and eighty-five subjects (86 males and 99 females) were recruited. Ninety-five participants had classical AA Natsis type I. Ninety participants had non-classical variant AA of which 83 participants had Natsis type II while 2 patients had Natsis type III. The remaining 3 had a variant AA not found in the Natsis study. Conclusions: Variations in the branching pattern of AA are very common in Kenya with the most common being Natsis type II. Keywords: aortic arch; anatomical variants; branching variation; chest multidetector computed tomography
PENGARUH DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION (DSME) TERHADAP SELF-CARE PASIEN DIABETES MELITUS DI RUMAH SAKIT KOTA PALEMBANG

Diabetes melitus (DM) is a chronic disease that requires self-care. The main problem of health care in Indonesia is the lack of optimalization on the culture of patient self-care. One program that aims to facilitate knowledge and skills for diabetes patients is self-care Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME), that based on independent nursing theory by Orem "Self-Care". This study aimed to determine the effect of knowledge post diabetes self management education (DSME) implementation to self-care on patient diabetes melitus. The study utilized quantitative post test quasi experiment design with simple random sampling technique. Total sample of intervention group which is consisted of 56 respondents who received the implementation of DSME and control group which is consisted of 44 respondents who received no implementation of DSME. The statistical analysis using Independent T test resulted significant difference in self-care patient diabetes mellitus ( p =0.000<0.05) between those two groups. It is expected that health care workers facilitate the self-care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus through the use of DSME implementation which has been shown in improving the knowledge and self-care to prevent further complications. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Self Management Education, Self-Care
Appraisal of Bioenhancers in Improving Oral Bioavailability: Applications to Herbal Medicinal Products

The oral route of administration is associated with some challenges such as poor aqueous solubility and low intestinal permeability of many active pharmaceutical ingredients resulting in decreased drug absorption and subsequent poor bioavailability. In recent years, research on bioenhancers has started receiving increased attention and this approach can complement the traditional methods of solubility enhancement. Bioenhancers boost the bioavailability of drugs when co-administered at low doses with the drug. A large variety of compounds have been clearly demonstrated to possess significant bioenhancing activity with different mechanisms of action. Some compounds considered as bioenhancers isolated from plants include piperine, gallic acid, niaziridine, sinomenine, genistein, and lysergol. There are several reports of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) that require large doses to be therapeutically effective and some studies have identified that the active compounds in such products have poor bioavailability. Thus, there is every need to optimise dosage formulations of HMPs. The application of the concept of bio-enhancement and knowledge of their mechanism of action can lead to the selective use of suitable bioenhancers Review Article Oladimeji et al.; JPRI, 24(4): 1-23, 2018; Article no.JPRI. 45330 2 resulting in reduction in therapeutic dose of the HMP, thus reducing the possibilities of toxicity. This review was aimed at updating knowledge on different natural bioenhancers and also provides an overview of currently marketed HMPs containing bioenhancers. The article highlights different strategies that can be employed to improve the bioavailability of HMPs. The bioactive constituents of the HMP were identified and facts on their physicochemical properties, metabolic fate, as well as factors that impact on their gastrointestinal absorption, were examined with a view to providing information to serve as a guide in developing suitable bioavailability enhancement strategies for other HMPs.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among People Living with HIV /AIDS Following ART Clinic in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: A Facility- Based Cross-Sectional Study

HIV care of people living with HIV /AIDS (PLWH/A) is critical for fruitful HIV inhibition, treatment and provision of quality of life. The goal of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) is to suppress viral replication, lessen morbidity and death, and improve patients’ quality of life. The quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients is not well appraised in the study area beforehand. Therefore, this study assessed the health-related quality of life and associated factors among people living with HIV /AIDS followed by ART Clinic in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.We used facility based cross-sectional study design and 351 samples selected by systematic random sampling from Jimma University Specialized Hospital ART clinic in March-2014. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0 software. Descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage) was calculated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify associated factors. The association between the explanatory and dependent variables was assessed at p-value of less than 0.05. The results were presented in a narrative form, tables and graphs.From the total respondents, 143 (40.7%) of them have low quality of life in general. Of these, 238 (67.8%) of them had low psychological domain, 136 (38.7%) had low physical domain and 223 (63.5%) low social domain. The age ≤ 39 years (AOR = 2.381 [95% CI = 1.238, 4.579]), Currently employed (AOR= 3.509 [95% CI = 1.900, 6.482]), current CD4 count ≥ 250 cell/ml (AOR = 2.663 [95% CI = 1.363,5.203]), current WHO Stage I-II (AOR = 4.772 [95% CI = 2.308, 9.865]), good general health condition (AOR = 2.609 [95%CI = 1.372, 4.961]), no comorbidity (AOR = 7.737 [95% CI = 4.146, 4.438), friendly social relationship (AOR = 5.395 [95% CI = 2.781, 10.467]), other persons reminded their drugs took time (AOR = 3.363 [95% CI = 1.629, 6.943]) and drunk alcohol (AOR = 1.915[95% CI = 1.039, 3.529]) were identified as the predictors of health related quality of life.Findings of this study indicate that the significant number of participants exists on low-level- of health related quality of life in general. The age, occupation, current CD4 count level, current WHO stage status, general health conditions, comorbidity conditions, status of their social relations, their conditions due to lack of support, reminder of drugs taking time, and alcohol drinking status have been observed to have a statistically significant association with their health-related quality of life status.
Enhancing physical activity in cardiac patients who report hopelessness: Feasibility testing of an intervention

Objective: Hopelessness is present in 27% of patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD), can persist for 12 months and is associated with lack of physical activity (PA). No interventions have been tested to increase PA in IHD patients who report hopelessness. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of the Heart Up! intervention, designed to reduce hopelessness through enhanced PA in IHD patients. It was hypothesised that increased PA would be identified in the intervention group. Setting: Patients were recruited from a large teaching hospital in the Midwestern USA. Data collection occurred in the patient’s home at 1 and 8 weeks after hospital discharge. Methods: A three-group design was used. Eligible patients were randomised to (1) motivational social support (MSS) from a nurse, (2) MSS from a nurse with social support from a significant other support (SOS) or (3) control. MSS-only and MSS-SOS recipients received motivational interviewing followed by 6 weeks of social support text messages from a nurse. MSS-SOS participants additionally received social support text messages from a significant other. Control participants received the usual care. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment and retention rates, patient acceptability and patient satisfaction. An accelerometer measured PA. Results: Of the 156 patients screened for the study, 43 met the inclusion criteria. Of eligible patients, 69.8% (n = 30) enrolled and 67% (n = 20) completed the study. Patients in the MSS and MSS-SOS groups expressed satisfaction with the intervention components (86% with motivational interviewing, 77% with nurse texts and 100% with significant other texts). Although differences were not statistically significant, a medium effect size for change in PA was identified in the MSS-SOS group compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: Study findings demonstrate the feasibility of the Heart Up! intervention and support testing its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial.
Exploring an agency-communion model of identity transformation in recovery from substance misuse

ABSTRACT Background: Narrative research shows that identity change is key to recovery from substance misuse. Theories have focused on either personal or social factors in this process. A framework encompassing Agency and Communion has been useful in understanding narratives in similar populations. Objectives: The study proposes that substance misuse and recovery can be understood from an Agency-Communion perspective. Method: The Life As A Film Task (LAAF) and repertory grids were used to explore Agency and Communion in a sample of 32 participants. Results: Smallest Space Analysis of LAAF items revealed four different narratives according to themes of Agency and Communion. Case examples indicated that Agency and Communion predicted a recovery identity, and the absence of Agency and Communion predicted substance misuse. Analysis of repertory grids showed fixed low Agency/Communion construct systems in cases of substance misuse and transformed high Agency/Communion construct systems in cases of recovery. Transformation from a low Agency/Communion substance-using identity toward a high Agency/Communion recovery identity was highlighted. Conclusions: These preliminary findings illustrate the role of Agency and Communion processes in identity-transforming recovery from substance misuse.