Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Rural Adults with Chronic Disease

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a large-scale population of rural adults with chronic disease. Methods: Data for this study came from the CDC’s 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). A total of N=65,492 rural adults 20+ years of age were included in the analysis. The main outcome variable was HRQOL as assessed by the CDC Healthy Days Index. Adults were categorized as “meeting” PA guidelines if they reported 150+ minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week and “not meeting” PA guidelines if they reported less than 150 minutes. Multiple logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while adjusting for age, sex, race, and income. Results: Rural adults with at least one chronic disease and meeting recommended levels of PA were significantly more likely to report good HRQOL (72.5%; 70.7-74.3) than their less active counterparts (58.1%; 56.4-59.7, p<.001). Those meeting recommended levels of PA had greater odds of good HRQOL regardless of reporting diabetes (OR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.31-1.91), COPD (1.49; 1.20-1.85), cancer (1.79; 1.43-2.22), stroke (1.73; 1.30-2.31), heart disease (1.52; 1.18-1.96), or heart attack (1.68; 1.32-2.15). Additionally, the same increased odds were seen across rural adults reporting 1 (1.59; 1.34-1.88), 2 (1.64; 1.28-2.11), and 3+ (1.52; 1.13-2.05) chronic diseases. Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that meeting recommended levels of PA is strongly associated with optimal levels of HRQOL among rural adults with chronic disease.
Correlating Psychological Comorbidities and Outcomes After Spine Surgery

Study Design: Literature review. Objective: The aim of this literature review is to examine the effects of psychological disorders on postoperative complications, surgical outcomes, and long-term narcotic use. We also hope to detail the value of preoperative identification and treatment of these pathologies. Methods: A series of systematic reviews of the relevant literature examining the effects of psychological disorders and spine surgery was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases. Results: Combined, the database queries yielded 2275 articles for consideration. After applying screening criteria, 96 articles were selected for inclusion. Patients with underlying psychological disease have higher rates of delirium, readmission, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of nonroutine discharge following spine surgery. They also have higher rates of chronic postoperative narcotic use and may experience worse surgical outcomes. Because of these defined issues, researchers have developed multiple screening tools to help identify patients with psychological disorders preoperatively for potential treatment. Treatment of these disorders prior to surgery may significantly improve surgical outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with psychological disorders represent a unique population with respect to their higher rates of spinal pain complaints, postoperative complications, and worsened functional outcomes. However, proper identification and treatment of these conditions prior to surgery may significantly improve many outcome measures in this population. Future investigations in this field should attempt to develop and validate current strategies to identify and treat individuals with psychological disorders before surgery to further improve outcomes.
The Macroeconomy and the Cross-Section of International Equity Index Returns: A Machine Learning Approach

The paper evaluates the out-of-sample predictive potential of machine learning methods in the cross-section of international equity index returns using firm fundamentals and macroeconomic predictors. The relatively small number of equity indices in the cross-section compared to the multitude of predictive signals, makes this an ideal setting to examine return predictability using machine learning techniques. I find that macroeconomic signals seem to substantially improve out-of-sample performance, especially when non-linear features are incorporated via neural networks. The performance of a long-short country bet based on forecasted returns cannot be explained by standard definitions of risk.
Comparison of Practising and Student Teachers’ Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Nigeria

Background /Objective of the Study: School teachers are expected to be involved in the training of school children in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as well serve as bystander CPR providers in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims both in school environment and the larger communities. Meanwhile, Nigerian teachers are not prepared for these functions. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing the pre-training and post-training CPR knowledge of some Nigerian practising teachers and student teachers (potential teachers). Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study design involving two cohorts of 41 participants each (practising and student teachers) - 9 (21.95%) male and 36(78.05%) female in each group with age ranges of 20-50 years for practising teachers and 18-28 years for the student teachers was carried out. Using the American Heart Association protocol, each group at different times answered some questions on CPR knowledge using a self-administered questionnaire before and after CPR trainings. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the null hypotheses tested using paired T-tests with significance value set at P . 05), but the student teachers’ post-training CPR knowledge was found to be statistically significantly better than that of the practising teachers (P <.001). Conclusion: Although both cohorts had pre-training ‘poor CPR knowledge’, the student teachers showed significantly better improvement in CPR knowledge after the training, showing that they were better in understanding the subject.
Effects of whole and refined grains on the resolution of Metabolic Syndrome and the distribution of abdominal adipose tissue in overweight and obese individuals with increased waist circumference

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies have shown that higher whole grain intakes are associated with a lower prevalence of MetSyn. There is inconsistent evidence regarding the benefit of whole versus refined grains on MetSyn. We hypothesized that controlled-feeding of whole grains would improve MetSyn markers versus refined grains. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel study was conducted in 50 overweight and obese individuals who had or were at risk for MetSyn. Participants consumed an isocaloric diet containing either whole or refined grain products for 6 weeks followed by a hypocaloric version of the same diet for 6 weeks. Body composition, MetSyn criteria, and plasma alkylresorcinols (compliance marker) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Fasting plasma glucose tended to decrease more on the whole grain compared to the refined grain diet (whole: -0.24, 95%CI: -0.10 to -0.48 mmol/L, vs. refined: -0.05, 95%CI: 0.06 to -0.17 mmol/L, P=0.07). Prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL) was resolved in all participants in the whole grain group (n=9/9) and in only 13% of the refined grain group (n=1/8). Weight, waist circumference, % AT (body, trunk and abdomen), cholesterol (total, LDL, and HDL), and blood pressure were decreased on both diets (P <0.05). Alkylresorcinols increased by an average of 450% on the whole grain diet and did not change significantly on the refined grain diet (difference between diets, P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Including whole grains in the place of refined grains may contribute to improved glycemic control, particularly in individuals with prediabetes.
Exposing Impunity: Memory and Human Rights Activism in Indonesia and Argentina

ABSTRACT This article examines the impact of a new sustained focus in Indonesian human rights activism on connecting historical experiences of violence to ongoing impunity, in order to assess what forms of memory activism are effective in breaking a justice impasse. It does so by using the much more successful case of Argentinian human rights activism for justice for the 1976–83 repression as a point of comparison. Soon after the end of authoritarian rule, Argentinians held a truth commission and trials of key military leaders. Then, following a period of stalled justice, activists were able to create a new societal consensus on the need for further redress including extended trials. In Indonesia, meanwhile, a proposed truth commission was abandoned and there have been no trials of military leaders, and no other forms of redress initiated by the government for this case. Despite the limitations of almost all justice measures in fully addressing past human rights crimes, the lack of use of any measures acceptable to victims of the violence signals that the Indonesian government does not consider such cases pressing enough. In order to assess how activists might move such cases back onto a national agenda, my analysis focuses on the Argentinian group H.I. J.O. S. (Hijos por la Identidad y la Justicia contra el Olvido y el Silencio/Children for Identity and Justice against Forgetting and Silence), whose members led a successful campaign for a resumption of trials. I compare the similar emphasis in their activism on exposing impunity to that in the work of the Indonesian group KKPK (Koalisi Keadilan dan Pengungkapan Kebenaran/Coalition for Justice and Truth). I assess their efforts alongside the different political contexts of both countries, arguing that a focus on impunity may be crucial in cracking impasses in justice measures.
Beyond Telling: A Phenomenology of Adoptive Parents' Adoption Communication Openness with Early Adolescents

OF THESIS BEYOND TELLING: A PHENOMENOLOGY OF ADOPTIVE PARENTS’ ADOPTION COMMUNICATION OPENNESS WITH EARLY ADOLESCENTS Despite calls for increased Adoption Communication Openness (ACO) within the adoptive family, research indicates that families still struggle to accomplish the recommended elements and levels of openness. What could be holding families back from this key process? Three focus groups comprised of 17 adoptive parents of early adolescents (aged 10-14) who were age 0-2 at the time of placement were thematically coded. This inductive analysis revealed the complexity rooted in being —sometimes successfully and sometimes not—communicatively open. Four key themes emerged painting a vivid and rich picture of: a) the breadth and depth of this experience; b) the work entailed; c) the emotionality of it; and d) the grief and loss embedded in it. These results strengthen the understanding of the lived-experience of the adoptive parent thus magnifying the call for not only further research into what drives ACO in the family, but also consistent and supportive preand post-adoption services and clinical work.
Examining students’ feedback engagement and assessment experiences: a mixed study

ABSTRACT This study examined students’ feedback engagement and assessment experiences in a higher education teacher programme with the Assessment Experience Questionnaire (n = 182) and individual interviews (n = 14). The results suggested that quantity of effort and feedback quality were the most important predictors of variance in students’ use of feedback. Feedback quality was a stronger predictor for female students’ use of feedback compared to male students. Feedback quantity partially mediated the relationship between use of feedback and feedback quality for all students. The interviewed students emphasised that feedback had to be comprehensible, process-oriented, and dialogic to be used. On the contrary, feedback barriers were considered to occur when feedback was negative, incomprehensible, contradictory, or lacked relevance. Maladaptive feedback agency was reported to be exercised by students when teacher-student relationships were affected by mistrust, negativity, or disagreements. The results indicated a summative assessment culture with some formative traits.
Métodos não farmacológicos para o tratamento do Alzheimer: uma revisão integrativa

Objetivo: identificar, na literatura, as propostas de metodos nao farmacologicos para o tratamento da doenca de Alzheimer. Metodos: Trata-se de uma revisao integrativa realizada em tres bases de dados. Foram incluidos artigos publicados entre os anos de 2005 a 2016, na integra, nos idiomas portugues, ingles e espanhol. Foram adotados os descritores: idoso, terapeutica e doenca de Alzheimer. Os artigos foram analisados pelo titulo e resumo, estratificados pela base de dados, periodico, ano, pais, titulo, tipo de estudo, sujeitos, local pesquisa e nivel de evidencia. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma sintese do conhecimento obtido sobre os metodos nao farmacologicos utilizados no tratamento da doenca de Alzheimer. Resultados: Dez estudos foram analisados na pesquisa, sendo que as principais intervencoes nao farmacologicas identificadas foram 50% na atividade motora, 20% atividade cognitiva, 20% musicoterapia e 10% terapia multicomponente. Conclusao: Os tratamentos nao farmacologicos provaram ser eficientes, pois reduziram a dependencia para a realizacao de atividades de vida diaria e, consequentemente, melhoraram a qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenca de Alzheimer.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen: a Multifunctional Molecule in Colorectal Cancer Progression and Metastasis

AbstractColorectal cancer is a major public health problem and the majority of deaths associated with the disease are the result of metastatic spread to the liver. The biology of colorectal cancer metastasis is slowly being unraveled and involves multiple mechanisms that provide the cancer cell with an advantage for invasion, survival in the circulation and for implantation and growth in the liver. A glycoprotein tumor product that seems to offer an advantage in all these areas is carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, CEACAM5, CD66e). While the function of CEA in normal tissues is still a subject of speculation, CEA seems to play a critical role in cancer and is involved in multiple mechanisms that are designed to provide the cancer cell with an advantage to invade and metastasize. These mechanisms include induction of changes in the tumor microenvironment at both the primary and distant metastatic site, protection against both apoptosis and cytotoxicity and implementation of angiogenisis. Thus, this review is focused on the role of CEA in promoting colorectal cancer progression and metastasis especially to the liver. Keywords: carcinoembryonic antigen; liver metastasis, colorectal cancer, anoikis, angiogenesis, cytokines
Clinico-etiological profile of seizures in term and near-term neonates: tertiary care hospital based observational study

Background: Neonatal period is very important for development of immature brain and it is also most vulnerable period for development of seizures. Seizures have varied etiology as well as presentation during neonatal period. Considering this we planned this study with objective of finding incidence, etiology, type and time of onset of seizures and their correlation along with short term outcome. Methods: It is a prospective observational study done in level 2 NICU set up of Government Medical College from November 2008 to September 2009. Total 115 term and near term neonates (≥35 weeks of gestation) presenting in NICU with seizures were enrolled in study. All relevant details were recorded on performa and investigations were sent. Data was described as mean±SD and %. SPSS 13 software was used as data analysis. Results: Incidence of seizures came out to be 6.1% of total NICU admission, which was more in male appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies and those who were born vaginally, extramural and to primiparous mother. Birth asphyxia was most common etiology of seizures and majority presented within 24 hours of birth and meningitis was most important cause of seizure after 7 days of life. Subtle seizures were most common clinical type of seizure in the present study. Risk factor for poor neurological outcome came out to be Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Conclusions: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was most important etiology of neonatal seizures and most important risk factor for poor neurological outcome and subtle seizures being most common clinical type of seizure.
The Added Prognostic Value of Intracranial Artery Morphology to Predict Non-Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke

Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) is one of the most commonly used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing intracranial arterial disease. TOF-MRA is useful to detect and diagnose localized arterial disease, such as steno-occlusive lesions or aneurysms. In addition, given its relatively large field of view and high spatial resolution, TOFMRA provides a general overview of the morphological characteristics of imaged vasculature (1, 2). Information regarding morphological characteristic, such as tortuosity and dilatation, are well-known morphological characteristics of intracranial arteries (2-6). Previous studies have suggested that these morphological characteristics are important imaging phenotypes that reflect the atherosclerotic changes and aging of intracranial arteries (1-3, 5, 7). Atherosclerotic changes in intracranial arteries are important causes of acute ischemic stroke. Therefore, previous studies have suggested that there is an association between the morphological characteristics of intracranial arteries and acute ischemic stroke (3, 4, 8, 9). However, previous reports have only suggested that there is an association between them using cross The Added Prognostic Value of Intracranial Artery Morphology to Predict Non-Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke 두개내 동맥의 형태학적 특성이 비심인성 색전 뇌경색 발생 위험에 미치는 추가적 예후 가치
Peran Perempuan dalam Tradisi Sunda Wiwitan

Masyarakat suku Baduy sampai saat ini masih dianggap sebagai sebuah masyarakat yang primitif, tertinggal, tradisional, bahkan tidak beradab. Betulkah klaim semua itu layak disandang oleh mereka? Menurut peneliti tentu tidak. Menurut pengamatan peneliti, masyarakat yang dianggap primitif tersebut ternyata memiliki keadaban yang sangat luar biasa. Salah satu diantaranya adalah terkait dengan makna saling bekerjasama dalam menjalani ritual keagamaan dalam tradisi Sunda Wiwitan Baduy. Mengamati model-model ritual keagamaan yang dilakukan suku Baduy sangatlah menarik. Banyak keunikan yang kita temui. Keunikan itu mulai terasa dari proses-proses yang dijalani. Keunikan itu penting untuk dipublikasikan sebagai khazanah keragaman budaya yang dimiliki Indonesia. Dengan penelitian etnografis ditemukan beberapa hal penting: Pertama, sampai saat ini, Orang Baduy masih menganggap tradisi yang mereka laksanakan adalah kewajiban yang bernilai sakral. Kedua, dalam kehidupan Orang Baduy, eksistensi perempuan dan laki-laki bukan untuk saling mendominasi, keduanya hidup untuk saling melengkapi. Ketiga, penghayatan makna ritual di atas, disebabkan oleh kepatuhannya dalam memegang peraturan adat. Masyarakat Baduy memahami bahwa aturan adat (pikukuh) merupakan warisan leluhur Baduy yang sakral dan harus dipatuhi sampai kapanpun. Kata Kunci: Baduy, Gender, Kearifan Lokal
Is there a need to phase out replacement blood donors by voluntary blood donors in hospital based blood transfusion services?

Background: Providing safe blood for transfusion is a responsibility of every blood bank. Screening for transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI) is one of the ways to ensure safety of blood and its products. Prevalence of TTI varies in different countries. It is low in developed countries whereas it is higher in developing countries. Aims And Objectives: This study was carried out to access percentage of blood collected from the first-time voluntary blood donors (VBD) and family/replacement donors (RD) and to access safety of RD by comparing seroprevalence of TTI among voluntary and RD. Materials And Methods: Over 1 year, donors were studied for the type of donation (voluntary or replacement) made at our blood bank. All donors were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malaria. Comparison of the prevalence of TTI among voluntary and RD was done by entering data into Microsoft Excel 2007 software and using Chi-square tests. Results: Out of total 850 first-time donors, voluntary donors were 109 (12.82%) and RD were 741 (87.18%). Overall seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and malaria was 0, 23 (2.70%), 12 (1.41%), 7 (0.82%), and 0, respectively. Prevalence of TTI among voluntary donors was very low. All donors were seronegative HIV and malaria. Prevalence of HBV, HCV, and syphilis was higher in RD. Conclusion: Data highlight that RD contributed major source of blood supply in hospital-based blood transfusion services and the prevalence of TTI was higher among them in comparison to first-time voluntary donors. Thus, efforts should be made to increase the number of VBD.
Barriers to Women’s Leadership in Turkey*

Abstract Traditional notions in society are being eliminated; the idea that women can become leaders in society has gained acceptance. This study investigated women who participated in a Grundtvig project sponsored by the European Union (EU) entitled “Developing Women’s Leadership Skills in Society. ” A phenomenological model was used. Qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured survey administered to a focus group of 32 women in Hendek, Sakarya; response frequencies were analyzed. The results, which demonstrate the importance of EU projects to social development, indicate that women have an interest in developing their personal skills to become leaders in society and that women increasingly believe that they can become leaders in society. However, women also believe that there are certain barriers to women’s leadership in Turkey, including low levels of education among women, socio-cultural factors, and the responsibilities traditionally ascribed to women in a patriarchal system, such as caring for children and housework. To increase the number of women leaders in society, women should be supported and educated equally, relevant laws should be changed, prejudices that suggest that women cannot be leaders should be eliminated, and quotas for women should be implemented to increase women’s participation in politics.
Individualized Treatment of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Hypertrophic Muscular Calves With Different Bulging Units in Asian Women

BACKGROUND Dermatologic surgeons have performed botulinum toxin type A injection to treat muscular calves, with different dosages and injection sites suggested. OBJECTIVE We investigated the use of individualized botulinum toxin type A injection protocols to treat hypertrophic calves in Asian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 294 calves were examined and their bulging areas divided into 4 units (Units 1, 2, 3, 4). The rare bulging area unit 5 was only seen in 1 case. Thirty-five cases were treated using botulinum toxin type A between September 2011 and May 2016, with the treatment protocol chosen according to the assessed bulging units. Standard photo documentation was performed at each clinical visit. RESULTS The average injection dose was 187 ± 10 U per patient. The average maximum calf circumference was significantly reduced 3 months postinjection, with that of the right leg reduced from 36.48 ± 0.57 to 34.87 ± 0.44 cm, and that of the left leg from 36.26 ± 0.61 to 34.71 ± 0.53 cm (both p < .01). The overall patient satisfaction rate was 73.08%. CONCLUSION A botulinum toxin type A injection protocol tailored to the shape of the hypertrophic calf muscle can effectively improve the contour of the lower leg.