Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Case Series for Salmonella Carriers Who Presented with Psychosomatic Depressive Disorder and Showed Improvement after Ceftriaxone Treatment for 15 Days

Background: Based on our observations, as physicians in a Referral Hospital, we have been noticing the association between history of enteric fever and somatic disorders associated with low mood. At our hospital, Al- Hussein University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, we are receiving patients from all over Egypt, including rural areas where enteric fever is endemic. Here we report this series for 15 patients referred to us for evaluation of different somatic disorders. Clinical presentation: After extensive evaluations, the patients’ symptoms were proved to be functional, their typhoid carrier states were documented, they were evaluated for depression using Hamilton-D questionnaire and the severity of depression was recorded. All patients were treated by ceftriaxone, 2 g, IV, daily for 15 days. Clinical evaluation and Hamilton score were reassessed at the end of treatment and 6 weeks thereafter. The patients did not receive any anti-depressant nor anti-anxiety treatment during their course. Typhoid carrier was defined by documenting the history of typhoid fever that was diagnosed by culturing the Salmonella species not by serology, plus at least one occasion of Salmonella isolates from stool culture while afebrile, plus absence of fever in the past 3 weeks. The Widal test wasn’t accepted as a criterion for enrolment. Results: Patients showed clinically significant improvement in term of the presenting somatic complaints as well as their Hamilton-D score immediately post-treatment and consolidate for 6 weeks post-treatment completion. Conclusion: Typhoid carrier in our series was associated with psychosomatic depression that improved on antibiotic therapy.
Nutritional and sensory quality of complementary foods developed from bulla, pumpkin and germinated amaranth flours

Purpose Traditionally prepared enset-based products like bulla are characterised by low protein and vitamin contents and are highly viscous; this causes protein-energy malnutrition especially in infants and young children. This paper aims to improve the nutritional and sensory qualities of enset-based food with pumpkin and amaranth. Design/methodology/approach Sixteen formulations of composite flour were generated using a D-optimal constrained mixture design with a range of 50-80 per cent bulla, 10-25 per cent pumpkin and 10-40 per cent amaranth flour. Nutritional and sensory qualities of the formulations were investigated using standard methods. Findings Ash, fat and protein contents increased from 1.1-2.8 g/100 g (p < 0.001), 1.7-3.9 g/100 g (p < 0.001) and 6.1-9.0 g/100 g (p < 0.001) respectively with the increased amaranth flour. Crude fibre content increased with increasing percentage of the amaranth and pumpkin flours. On the other hand, carbohydrate content increased from 78.2 to 84.3 per cent (p < 0.001) with an increase of bulla flour. A significant increase in Fe, Zn and Ca from 6.8-10.5 (p < 0.01), 1.5-3.0 (p = 0.022) and 1.8-148.5 mg/g (p < 0.001) respectively was achieved with an increase in amaranth ratio in flour. The total carotenoid content increased with increase in the percentage of pumpkin flour. The best sensory attributes of the developed product were around the centre point of the three ingredients. Originality/value The study showed that a product with good nutritional value and sensory acceptability could be prepared from enset-based ingredients and the optimal product was obtained by blending 57.8 per cent bulla, 18.9 per cent pumpkin and 23.3 per cent amaranth flour. The enriched flour can have application for snack food preparation.
A study on giant panda recognition based on images of a large proportion of captive pandas

Abstract As a highly endangered species, the giant panda (panda) has attracted significant attention in the past decades. Considerable efforts have been put on panda conservation and reproduction, offering the promising outcome of maintaining the population size of pandas. To evaluate the effectiveness of conservation and management strategies, recognizing individual pandas is critical. However, it remains a challenging task because the existing methods, such as traditional tracking method, discrimination method based on footprint identification, and molecular biology method, are invasive, inaccurate, expensive, or challenging to perform. The advances of imaging technologies have led to the wide applications of digital images and videos in panda conservation and management, which makes it possible for individual panda recognition in a noninvasive manner by using image‐based panda face recognition method. In recent years, deep learning has achieved great success in the field of computer vision and pattern recognition. For panda face recognition, a fully automatic deep learning algorithm which consists of a sequence of deep neural networks (DNNs) used for panda face detection, segmentation, alignment, and identity prediction is developed in this study. To develop and evaluate the algorithm, the largest panda image dataset containing 6,441 images from 218 different pandas, which is 39.78% of captive pandas in the world, is established. The algorithm achieved 96.27% accuracy in panda recognition and 100% accuracy in detection. This study shows that panda faces can be used for panda recognition. It enables the use of the cameras installed in their habitat for monitoring their population and behavior. This noninvasive approach is much more cost‐effective than the approaches used in the previous panda surveys.
The validity of parental-reported body height and weight: a comparison with objective measurements of 7-8-year-old Czech children

Abstract The values of body weight and height can be recorded in various ways. Self-reports and parental-report methods are amongst the most typical ways to collect data. These methods have advantages, but also limits. Anthropometric measures are recommended to improve measurement precision. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the parental-reported body weight and height of 7-8-year-old Czech children corresponded with the measured body weight and height. Data concerning children’s body weight and body height were collected via parental informed consent and anthropometric measurements. The research sample consisted of 388 children from 7 to 8 years-old (boys, n = 176; girls, n = 162). Only children with parental informed consent were included. Correlations between parental-reported and measured data were analysed with the Pearson correlation coefficient to examine the strength of linear dependence between the two methods. The differences between parental-reported and measured data were tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. P-values below α = 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Parents manifested a tendency to underestimate body weight and especially the body height of their children. This trend was seen in boys and girls in both age groups. Out of the 338 children with parent-reported height, parents under-reported their child’s height by 1 cm or more in 37.1% of the children, 39.6% of the parents reported a height within 0.99 cm of the measured height, and 23.3% of parents over-reported their child’s height by 1 cm or more. The same number of children had parent-reported weights, parents under-reported their child’s weight by 1 kg and more in 25.2% of the children, 57.7% of the parents reported a weight within 0.99 kg of the measured weight, and 17.1% of the parents over-reported their child’s weight by 1 kg or more. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the measured and parental-reported height and weight revealed a statistically significant strong positive linear relationship in both genders (rheight = 0.912, rweight = 0.943; all p< 0.001). The differences between the measured and parental-reported height and weight were not significantly different (all p< 0.05). The high agreement and correlation between measured and parental-reported body height and weight suggest that parental-report methods can be an appropriate alternative to objective measurement and can be used as a valid tool to classify body height and weight for large population studies of Czech children in school-based research when anthropometric measures are not available.
Potential Benefit of Selective CMV Testing after Failed Newborn Hearing Screening

Evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) were recently released by two independent expert groups. Of particular emphasis was the relationship between cCMV and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), a major component of the virus’ overall disease burden. In this study, a literature review was performed to estimate the proportion of cCMV-related SNHL cases, which might be identified through selective cCMV testing following failed newborn hearing screening. Furthermore, it was of interest to estimate the potential benefit of emerging antiviral therapies. Currently, at most 10% of cCMV-related SNHL is likely to be identified clinically. Through use of a selective cCMV testing protocol, however, a significant improvement in the identification rate can be achieved. Recent expert group statements strongly recommend antiviral therapy in cases of moderate-to-severe disease, especially in the presence of central nervous system involvement. Though differences exist between recommendations in instances of isolated SNHL or SNHL in combination with only mild symptoms, the majority of experts in both groups offered at least a weak recommendation for antiviral treatment. Available results suggest antiviral treatment could therefore benefit a meaningful proportion of newborns referred for cCMV testing following failed newborn hearing screening.
Prevalence of undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus among adults in South Chennai

Background: Nearly 69.2 million people were living with diabetes as per 2015 WHO data. Prevalence of diabetes in Chennai is always on the rise and it nearly around 12%. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and also to study about the uncontrolled diabetes among known case of diabetes.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive record based study done on 1361 adult population attending medical camps in various locations of South Chennai. The data regarding capillary blood sugar (CBG), age, gender, place, type of treatment and duration of treatment were collected from the camp register. A RBS Glucometer value of >200 mg/dl was defined as having diabetic. Descriptive analysis and chi square test done to see the statistical significance between various parameters. T test was done to compare the mean RBS values between various variables.Results: Among the study population nearly 62.9% were females. The mean age of the study population was 49.8±13.3 years. Nearly 22% were known case of diabetics and 10.3% were newly diagnosed diabetics. The mean random blood sugar of the study population is 174.3±95.3 mg/dl. 65.4% of the known case of diabetics had uncontrolled sugar values of >200 mg/dl. The prevalence of diabetes in age group >50 years (43.9%) and <50 years (20.3%) [p=0.0001]. The mean blood sugar values among patients taking treatment in government (283.5 mg/dl) versus private (249.2 mg/dl) [p=0.0001, among known diabetics (262.5 mg/dl) versus new diabetics (296.6 mg/dl) [p=0.002]. Conclusions: The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes was 10.3% and uncontrolled diabetes among known case is 65.4%. So more screening camps for early detection of diabetes and organizing health awareness programmes are needed in this population to reduce the disease burden.
Facilitators and Barriers to Antibiotic Stewardship: A Qualitative Study of Pharmacists’ Perspectives

Background: The Veterans Affairs (VA) is a leader in the implementation and advancement of antibiotic stewardship programs throughout the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also led national antibiotic stewardship efforts and has outlined core elements to improve antibiotic use in hospitals, long-term care, and outpatient settings. Many facilities still face challenges to the implementation and maintenance of successful programs, particularly in nonacute care settings. The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to antibiotic stewardship within the VA medical centers through qualitative interviews with pharmacists. Methods: Eight semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with pharmacists from 6 VA medical centers within VA New England Healthcare System. Pharmacist respondents were either pharmacy champions (for medical centers with established programs) or pharmacists with responsibilities in making antibiotic recommendations (locations without established programs). All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo 8 was used for data coding and analysis. Results: Pharmacists from all 8 medical centers were contacted for interviews and pharmacists from 6 medical centers agreed to interviews (75% VA New England medical center participation). Three main themes regarding antibiotic stewardship were identified from the interviews with pharmacists. Respondents described the importance of (1) a supportive organizational culture, (2) protected time for antibiotic stewardship, and (3) a cohesive organizational structure in the success of antibiotic stewardship programs. Conclusions: Our findings support the CDC core elements for antibiotic stewardship, in particular the importance of leadership commitment in the creation of a culture that supports antibiotic stewardship and in ensuring staff are given sufficient time for antibiotic stewardship efforts. Although a strong supportive culture has been built, strategies focused on fostering increased protected time for antibiotic stewardship and a cohesive organizational structure may be helpful in advancing and sustaining successful antibiotic stewardship programs that improve patient outcomes.
Antibiogram of Staphylococcus Aureus from Healthy School Pupils in Agulu, Southeastern Nigeria

Studies have indicated that Staphylococcus aureus is a significant etiological agent of many infections in Nigerian Children. Adequate information is needed for treatment of these infections and for the purpose of formulating effective infection control measures as well as sound antibiotic-use policies. Thus this study was carried out to observe the biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility/ resistance profile of isolated S. aureus to conventional antibiotics among primary school pupils. The study population comprises of children that were between 4-8 years. A total of 100 nasal swabs were collected from primary school children from March to May 2013 following standards microbiological methods. Bacterial culture was done in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37C. Characters of these strains were determined with standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic resistance pattern analysis was performed using the standard Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 68 S. aureus isolates were recovered and characterized. Sixty nine per cent (69%) tested positive to catalase, while 32% tested positive to coagulase. Lactose fermenters were 19%, while those that tested positive to starch hydrolysis were 17.6%. The isolates were found to be very resistant to the penicillins, but very sensitive to ceftriaxone, gentamicin and the fluoroquinolones. The present study revealed that there is high prevalence of S. aureus among the healthy primary school pupils. The outcome of this form of surveillance exercises would find usefulness in shaping the existing antibiotic-use policies in order to achieve therapeutic endpoint while helping to slow down/ prevent the emergence of multiple drug-resistant strains.
Pattern of substance use among students of medical sciences in Tehran, Iran: A latent class analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Entering university is an important developmental milestone that might be associated with behavioral change. The aim of this study was to identify the subgroups of university students on the basis of substance use, and to assess the role of demographic factors, ease of access to substances, and substance use among friends and family members on membership in specific subgroups. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2012–2013 using multistage random sampling among students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (n = 1985). Anonymous, structured questionnaires were distributed to the students in each selected class. Substance use was defined according to the cultural and epidemiological features. All of the analyses were performed using proc LCA in the SAS software. Results: Three latent classes were identified; namely, 1) non users, 2) users of low-stigma substances, and 3) drug users. Notably, 14.3% and 2.3% of the students were in the classes of “users of low-stigma substances” and “drug users”, respectively. In this study, the prevalence of use of prescription-type opioids was higher than any other type of substances. Being male, having easy access to substance, cigarette or hookah smoking, and drug user among family and friends increase the odds of membership in the second and third classes compared to the first class. Conclusions: Although a small percentage of the students are in the drug users class, the prevalence of using particular drugs is quite high in this class. These results point out the critical importance of designing specific preventive interventional programs for university students.
Assessment of a measles outbreak response vaccination campaign, and two measles parameter estimation methods

Assessment of a measles outbreak response vaccination campaign, and two measles parameter estimation methods James Mba Azam Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Thesis: MSc. (Mathematics) March 2018 Measles is highly transmissible, and is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable death among children. Consequently, it is regarded as a public health issue worldwide and has been targeted for elimination by 5 out of the 6 WHO regions by 2020, the exception being the WHO Africa region. The hope of achieving this target, however, seems bleak as regular outbreaks continue to occur. Data from these outbreaks are useful for pursuing important questions about measles dynamics and control. This thesis is structured to investigate two questions: the first is on how well the time series susceptible-infectedrecovered (TSIR) model and removal method perform when they are used to estimate parameters from poor quality data on measles epidemics. We simulate stochastic epidemics for four spatial patches, resembling data that are collected in low-income countries where resources are limited for properly collecting and reporting data on measles epidemics. We then obtain from the simulated data sets, the size of the initial susceptible population S0, and the basic reproductive ratio R0 for the TSIR; and S0, and either the effective reproduction number Re f f , or the basic reproductive ratio R0 for the removal method, depending on the simulation assumptions. To assess performance, we quantify the biases that result when we tweak some of the simulation assumptions and modify the data to ensure it is in a form usable for each of the two methods. We find that ii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Quality of life after minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

Traditional open surgical technique for rectal cancer is associated with significant morbidity and impact on quality of life. Multiple structures are at risk during total mesorectal excision, which may have profound impact on sexual function, and urinary and fecal continence. In addition, having a temporary or permanent ostomy can have a significant effect on overall well-being. Patients have reported post-operative problems such as chronic wounds, poor body image, inhibited work and social function. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an evolving component of colon and rectal cancer treatment that may have benefits over open surgery. The increasing role of laparoscopy for colon and rectal cancer has been associated with decreased morbidity, improved pain control, and reduced length of stay. However, laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer remains technically difficult due to the inherent limitations of operating in the pelvis. Robotic surgery is a newer method for treating rectal cancer developed to overcome these limitations. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery and transanal MIS are techniques to achieve local excision, avoiding proctectomy in select patients, potentially improving functional outcomes. Transanal total mesorectal excision is an even newer technique to facilitate dissection of low rectal cancers. Controversy remains about equivalence in oncologic outcomes when these MIS approaches are used for rectal cancer. Even more unclear is the effect of MIS approaches on quality of life and how they compare to open surgery. This review discusses the most current evidence on the impact of various MIS techniques on quality of life after rectal cancer surgery.
Health Literacy and its Relationship with Cancer Screening Behaviors among the Employees of Guilan University of Medical Sciences

Background & objectives: Decisions and actions which people make about their lifestyle behaviors are effected by their level of health literacy. Low health literacy is associated with limited knowledge about cancer screening and lack of desire to do it. This study aimed to determine the level of health literacy and its relationship with cancer screening behaviors among employees of Guilan university of medical sciences. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study, 186 office personnel of Guilan University of Medical Sciences were selected during the year of 2015. Data were collected by using a questionnaire consisted of three parts; demographic, cancer screening behavior and health literacy (HELIA). Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 20.0. Results: The result showed that 116 personnel were female (63.3%) and 148 of them was married (82.2%). Levels of health literacy of 106 participants (57%) were good and 80 of them (43%) had moderate health literacy. Significant statistical relationships between health literacy and education level (p=0.03), insurance coverage (p=0.04) and history of Pap testing (p=0.04) were seen. Conclusions: According to the results, the health literacy level of office staffs of Guilan University of Medical Sciences was good and moderate and personnel with a higher education level and covered by supplemental insurance had higher health literacy. Moreover, women with good health literacy performed Pap test screening more than others. Informing the personnel with cancer screening tests by efficient workshops and health promotion programs can be effective steps in promoting health literacy of people.