Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adolescent substance use and risk of psychosis in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adolescent substance use and psychosis in later life, after taking into account a wide range of known confounders, using data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (N = 9432). Adolescence is a vulnerable neurodevelopmental period, during which many brain maturation processes take place. Substance use during this critical period may disrupt these processes, ultimately leading to mental health problems. Several meta-analyses have demonstrated associations between cannabis use and tobacco smoking and increased risk of psychotic disorders. However, lack of data on the temporal order of the association and uncertainty in relation to the role of confounding factors warranted further studies. Furthermore, there are no longitudinal studies on the association between adolescent inhalant use and psychotic disorders. The study sample consisted of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. There were 7344 adolescents who participated in the follow-up study in 2001-2002, when they were aged 15-16 years. Adolescents who answered the questions on substance use and psychotic experiences (PROD-screen) were included in the present study. The final sample included 6542 subjects. In this study, an increased risk of psychosis was found in those subjects who had used cannabis five times or more, smoked 10 or more cigarettes daily or had used inhalants 2-4 times or more. Each of these substances were associated with psychosis in a dose-response manner, even after adjustments for confounders. In addition, initiation of daily smoking at 13 years of age or earlier was associated with increased risk of psychosis compared to later initiation. In this comprehensive longitudinal population-based study, frequent cannabis use, daily tobacco smoking and frequent inhalant use in adolescence were independently associated with increased risk of incident psychosis, even after adjusting for confounders such as baseline psychotic experiences, other substance use and history of parental psychosis and substance abuse disorder. The results supply yet another reason to implement effective prevention strategies.
Insights on Alzheimer’s disease etiology from network approaches in healthy aging

Author(s): Arnemann, Katelyn Laurel | Advisor(s): Jagust, William J | Abstract: The etiology of Alzheimer’s disease involves the presymptomatic development and progression of amyloid-β and tau in healthy aging. Amyloid-β and tau are naturally occurring proteins that can form abnormal aggregates – amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles – which constitute the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The initial formation of these aggregates occurs decades before the onset of cognitive symptoms, in individuals otherwise considered to be healthy and unimpaired. This dissertation hinges on in-vivo PET imaging of amyloid-β and tau in humans using PIB-PET and AV1451-PET to explore this presymptomatic phase of Alzheimer’s disease – when pathology is present without detectable symptoms. I place particular emphasis on amyloid-β pathology – understanding the factors that underlie vulnerability to amyloid-β as well as identifying the initial sources and progressive spread of amyloid-β pathology in healthy aging. My focus on amyloid-β is consistent with the predominant framework for Alzheimer’s disease, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which contends that amyloid-β initiates a slow and ultimately deadly chain of events that results, decades later, in deteriorating memory and breakdown of cognition. In recognition that Alzheimer’s disease does not reflect a focal disorder, but rather network failure of large-scale brain systems, I adapt a network-based framework to account for the role of the complex interdependencies between distributed brain regions – of glucose metabolism from FDG-PET, of brain activity from resting-state functional MRI, and of amyloid-β from PIB-PET. Examining metabolic brain networks, I reveal widespread, highly systematic reorganization of glucose metabolism in old age – well beyond what has been revealed using other methods – that is more heterogeneous in those possessing both substantial amyloid-β and genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Further, I demonstrate that the topology of early-life “metabolic inefficiency” – a novel metric that removes the potential association of glucose metabolism with highly connected hubs – explains the topology of amyloid-β in healthy aging. Finally, I provide evidence that very early amyloid-β accumulation, in those without substantial amyloid-β pathology, is multifocal and broadly distributed across brain networks – consistent with shared tissue vulnerability, not transneuronal spread, being the driving force of accumulation of amyloid-β pathology. These findings support the notion that shared tissue vulnerability of a metabolic origin drives widespread, systematic accumulation of amyloid-β in healthy aging. Future work should uncover the nature and origin of metabolic tissue vulnerability to amyloid-β, exploring the complex chain of events that drive widespread age-related reorganization – especially of cerebral glucose metabolism – and its links other age-related changes and the onset of pathological accumulation of amyloid-β.
Partial nephrectomy for renal tumors: lack of correlation between margin status and local recurrence.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between a positive resection margin in partial nephrectomy (PN) and local recurrence. METHODS From January 2005 through December 2012, there were 473 PNs in 466 patients at the University of Chicago. A positive margin was defined as tumor extending to the inked specimen edge, either the parenchymal interface or the peripheral fibroadipose tissue. A local recurrence was defined as an ipsilateral tumor of identical histologic type. RESULTS Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounted for 406 tumors: 243 clear cell RCCs (CRCCs), 77 papillary RCCs (PRCCs), and 47 chromophobe RCCs (CHRCCs). Sixty-one RCCs had positive margins: 43 CRCCs, six PRCCs, nine CHRCCs, and three miscellaneous cell types. Of the 61 positive margins, four CRCCs (all originally multifocal) had a local recurrence, two of which occurred in the same patient. One translocation RCC also recurred. Six cases with negative resection margins had a recurrence. CONCLUSIONS A literature review of 3,803 cases, including our study, shows positive margins in 173, of which 13 recurred; however, 39 with negative margins also recurred. A positive margin in PN seldom correlates with a local recurrence. However, protection from recurrence is not ensured by a negative margin.
“Do the editors-in-chief of Iranian medical journals have a good Knowledge, attitude and practice of plagiarism?”

Plagiarism is one of the misconducts which are specifically observed in scientific journals. It is important to prevent and reduce it in scientific communities. The chief editors of journals can play an effective role in this regard. Therefore, this study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and the practice (KAP) of the chief editors of scholarly journals in Universities of Iran about plagiarism. The data for this descriptive survey were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire which was developed and validated in three sections of knowledge, attitude, and practice. The statistical population of the study included all the chief editors of scholarly journals in Universities of Medical Sciences in Tehran. The scores of the editors were calculated separately in each section. The data collection procedure was followed either by email or in-person. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS. The chief editors’ score is %88.8 in the section of “knowledge of plagiarism” which represents a high score. The chief editors’ “attitude toward plagiarism” indicates a high level (%61.3), which represents a negative attitude of plagiarism, and their “practice” is also at a mid-level approaching towards high level. In general, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of chief editors about plagiarism are in a better status comparing to similar studies. However, it is expected that the editors in chief achieve a more favorable level in this regard.
Association of War and Other Factors with Substance Use in a Lebanese Male Sample

Lebanon has been a conflict zone for a long period of time, with no sufficient data associating war to substance use disorder (SUD). The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with substance use among Lebanese patients who were exposed to war, either by participating in or witnessing it. A cross-sectional study, performed between June and December 2016, included 77 males. Thirty-five patients were taking substances, 22 of them had participated in war, 34 of them were member of an official organization, and 100% were males. No significant difference was found between war participation and SUD (p = .611) either with the subtype of substances. This study showed that depression was associated with a higher substance use in persons exposed to war. Health care professionals should communicate more with patients to decrease substance use and decrease the risk factors associated with it.
Would Hydroxychloroquine Be A New Promising Drug in Managing Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Once Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is diagnosed, risk profile of the patient will impact its management whether there was a previous thrombotic event or not, association with other autoimmune disorders, presence of other obstetrical complications as well as being currently pregnant. The current recommended regimen for preventing obstetrical complications. The current recommended regimen for preventing obstetrical complications includes low molecular weight Heparin and low dose aspirin. This regimen decreases the risk of miscarriage by only 54%. Here, we will review the studies that evaluated adding Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to the treatment of APS and how effective it would be.
Calcium, vitamin D and iron status of elite rugby union players during a competitive season.

Sub-optimal calcium, vitamin D and iron intakes are typical in athletes. However, quantification by dietary intake may be erroneous, with biomarkers providing a more accurate assessment. This study aimed to determine the calcium, vitamin D and iron status of 8 junior (i.e., under-18 [U18]; age 15.5 Â± 0.5 years; height 180.4 Â± 6.7 cm; body mass 81.6 Â± 14.3 kg) and 12 senior (i.e., over-18 [O18]; age 19.7 Â± 1.8 years; height 184.9 Â± 6.9 cm; body mass 97.4 Â± 14.4 kg) male rugby union players, and assess their adequacy against reference values. Fasted serum calcium, 25(OH)D and ferritin concentrations were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays during the in-season period (March-April). U18 had very likely greater calcium concentrations than O18 (2.40 Â± 0.08 vs. 2.25 Â± 0.19 mmol.l-1). Differences between U18 and O18 were unclear for 25(OH)D (20.21 Â± 11.57 vs. 29.02 Â± 33.69 nmol.l-1) and ferritin (59.33 Â± 34.61 vs. 85.25 Â± 73.53 Âµg.l-1). Compared to reference values, all U18 had adequate serum calcium concentrations, whereas 33% and 67% of O18 were deficient and adequate, respectively. All U18 and 83% of O18 had severely deficient, deficient or inadequate vitamin D concentrations. Adequate (8%) and optimal (8%) concentrations of vitamin D were observed in O18. All U18 and 75% of O18 had adequate ferritin concentrations. Potential toxicity (17%) and deficient (8%) ferritin concentrations were observed in O18. Vitamin D intake should be increased and multiple measures obtained throughout the season. More research is required on the variation of micronutrient status.
Block-Based Spatial Modulation: Constellation Design and Low-Complexity Detection

Spatial modulation (SM) uses antenna indices to transmit information, along with modulation symbols. The conventional SM scheme fixes the number of active antennas, and consequently the number of transmit symbols, in a transmit vector to avoid detection ambiguity. This work proposes a generalized block-based spatial modulation (GBSM) scheme which varies the number of active antennas in each transmit vector, but fixes their number over a transmission block. The proposed GBSM scheme, which transmits information using the spatial dimensions created over a block of transmit vector, resolves detection ambiguity as the number of transmit symbols over a block remains fixed. It crucially also has a large constellation cardinality, which we exploit by proposing novel low bit error rate (BER) constellation design algorithms. We also propose a novel low-complexity semi-definite relaxation detector, which has similar BER as that of the optimal maximum likelihood detector but with ≈ 85% lower complexity.
Principles and guidelines for managing tooth wear: a Review

Non-Carious Tooth Surface Loss (NCTSL) is considered as a current issue of concern. It’s management is challenging. Through this paper, the focus will be put on the different forms, locations and causes. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a thorough examination and indexing to assess the severity of tooth wear. A systematic and integrated approach leads to favorable and predictable prognosis. We aim to provide clear recommendations on the best treatment strategy and simplified guidelines to succeed tooth wear management? considering the patient’s expectations, the esthetic demand as well as the risk profile. The patient should be fully informed. Restoration of severe tooth wear should ideally be delayed as long as possible. The different treatment modalities will be discussed according to the localization and the severity of tooth wear. The conservative, minimally invasive restoration, should first be considered. Correspondence to: Hadyaoui D, Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of dental medicine, Monastir, Tunisia, E-mail : dalendaresearch@gamil.com Azouzi I, DDM, Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, faculty of dental medicine, Monastir, Tunisia, E-mail : inesazouzi1@gamil.com
A study on hoof abnormalities among working donkeys presented to veterinary clinics in and around Mekelle, Ethiopia

A study was conducted from November 2013 to May 2014 in three selected sites in and around Mekelle town, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of hoof abnormalities in working donkeys and to assess associated risk factors with its occurrence. Severity of lameness was also assessed in relation to types of the abnormalities. A total of 415 working donkeys were randomly selected from those donkeys that visited the stationary and mobile clinics in the study area. History taking and thorough clinical examination were used as a tool to conduct the study. The overall prevalence of hoof abnormality was found to be 14.7%. Trauma was found to be the major (52.5%) type of hoof problem, followed by hoof over growth (19.7%), hoof crack (14.8%) and thrush (13.1%). The occurrence of hoof abnormality was significantly associated with body condition scoring ( p 0.05) with the occurrence of the hoof abnormality. Hoof abnormalities identified had resulted in Grade I to IV lameness. Grade 4 lameness was mainly (94.7%) caused by trauma. Grade 3 lameness was caused by trauma (72.2%) and thrush (27.8%). Grade 2 was caused by hoof crack (50.0%), thrush (33.3%) and hoof over growth (16.7%). Grade 1 lameness was due to hoof overgrowth (61.1%) and hoof crack (33.3%) and trauma (5.6%). Generally, it was identified that hoof abnormalities due to trauma, thrush, hoof over growth and hoof crack were a health problem of working donkeys in the study area. Community awareness enhancement on prevention and management of hoof abnormalities is recommended. Keywords: Clinical examination; Hoof abnormalities; Lameness; Prevalence; Risk factors
Investigating the effect of flow experience on learning performance and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a business simulation systems context

ABSTRACT Providing teachers with innovative teaching approaches that combine simulation-based learning systems with entrepreneurship education helps create and recognize entrepreneurial opportunities. In this study, key antecedents are identified as critical drivers of flow experience and the impact of flow experience on learning performance and entrepreneurial self-efficacy is examined in order to propose a behavior model based on flow theory. Virtual Business Retailing (VBR) software, a business simulation system for convenience store operations, is used in this study to investigate the learning behavior of students and to collect data for analysis. The results reveal that challenge-skill balance and playability play a critical role in enhancing flow experience and, consequently, in improving learning performance and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The findings contribute to existing flow theory, the literature on simulation and game-based learning, and the literature on entrepreneurship education. Furthermore, the findings provide VBR education-system educators and developers with a better understanding of students’ expectations and needs when interacting with retail business simulation-based learning environments as well as with guidelines to effectively design VBR educational systems that are conducive to flow experience, which may help improve entrepreneurial self-efficacy in students.
A Comparison of Student Success Outcomes Related to the Non-Standardized and Standardized Texas Success Initiative

In 2015, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) adopted the 60x30TX plan to increase Higher Education (HE) access and completion for all state students. The target for this plan asserts that by 2030, at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 will have a certificate or degree. Among the initiatives tied to the overall goal to raise HE inclusion rates, is the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) which was formally launched a few years earlier in 2013. The TSI lays out specific requirements for uniform placement testing standards for students entering community colleges to measure college-level preparedness. The purpose of this study was to determine if placement is affected by the instrument applicants use, specifically, the non-standardized or the standardized version of the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA). Final grades of applicants placed into Freshman Composition (ENGL 1301), instead of Developmental Education (DE), served as the measure of student success appropriate for this study. The study sample was selected from two large urban community colleges in Texas. Within the parameters of this study, findings indicated that non-standardized and standardized placement tests have no effect on student success related to placement into ENGL 1301. These findings highlight the need for additional research surrounding the comparative impact between standardized and non-standardized testing, and the subsequent overall impact upon degree or certificate completion.
Trichoscopic features in diagnosis of alopecia areata and its relation to severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score

Objective To assess the trichoscopic features of alopecia areata, and determine correlation between the findings and the severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score . Methods A cross-sectional study was done on 67 patients in Amrita Institute, Kochi, who were clinically diagnosed with alopecia areata of scalp. Patients were examined using Heine Delta 20 Plus dermoscope. Results Yellow dots were the most common finding on trichoscopy, seen in 86.6% of patients. Black dots were next most common finding, seen in 68.7% of patients, followed by broken hair (59.7%), vellus hair (49.3%) and tapering hairs (25.4%). Grey hair was seen in 11.9% and coiled hair in 7.5% patients. There was a significant relationship between vellus hair and lower SALT score. This study did not find any significant association between the other trichoscopic features of alopecia areata and clinical type or SALT score. Conclusion Scalp lesions in alopecia areata show characteristic features on trichoscopy, such as yellow dots, black dots, broken hair, vellus hair and tapering hair. Trichoscopy is a quick, easy tool in the diagnosis of alopecia and it can be a non-invasive alternative to skin biopsy.
Analysis of Internal Control System on E-Commerce

The evolution that one can see in e-commerce, with the internet playing the main role as the best way to implement information and communication channels, to make the electronic transactions more effective, linking extranets and extending intranets to a commercial partnership environment has produced impact on what regards internal control. According to the specific characteristics of the Internet, the path taken by a transaction is not easily predictable nor is it possible to assure the security of all systems that participate in an electronic commercial transaction performance. Taking in consideration what has been said above, it is impossible to guarantee a safe electronic commercial transaction environment, by using only technological components (firewalls, for instance). Therefore, we have to conclude the need for the implementation of risk based internal control systems, which take in consideration the new internal control pattern, when commercial transactions are to be made electronically.nbspnbsp