Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Albumin as a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in the Pediatric Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Background Serum albumin as an indicator of the disease severity and mortality is suggested in adult patients, but its role in pediatric patients has not been established. The objectives of this study are to investigate the albumin level as a biomarker of poor prognosis and to compare it with other mortality predictive indices in children in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods Medical records of 431 children admitted to the ICU at Severance Hospital from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Children who expired within 24 hours after ICU admission, children with hepatic or renal failure, and those who received albumin replacement before ICU admission were excluded. Results The children with hypoalbuminemia had higher 28-day mortality rate (24.60% vs. 9.28%, P < 0.001), Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM) 3 score (9.23 vs. 8.36, P < 0.001), Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score (7.0 vs. 5.0, P < 0.001), incidence of septic shock (12% vs. 3%, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (33.0 mg/L vs. 5.8 mg/L, P < 0.001), delta neutrophil index (2.0% vs. 0.6%, P < 0.001), lactate level (1.6 mmol/L vs. 1.2 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and lower platelet level (206,000/μl vs. 341,000/μl, P < 0.001) compared to the children with normal albumin level. PIM 3 (r = 0.219, P < 0.001) and PRISM III (r = 0.375, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with serum albumin level, respectively. Conclusions Our results highlight that hypoalbuminemia can be a biomarker of poor prognosis including mortality in the children in ICU.
Disease-related adult malnutrition in tertiary health care settings in Sri Lanka

Background: Despite availability of high end medical advances in tertiary care settings, diseases related malnutrition (DRM) have emerged worldwide. Published studies revealed prevalence of malnutrition in Sri Lanka ranged from 24-74%. This study aimed at screening for malnutrition using anthropometry to determine the prevalence in patients admitted to the tertiary care settings. Methods: A cross-sectional cluster study was conducted in randomly selected 6 tertiary care settings among 774 adults patients admitted from 25th October to 28th November 2016. DRM was defined as body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5kg/m2 and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) less than 22cm in women and 23cm in men. Results: Mean age was 52.5 (SD=15.5) years and 51.6% were male. Mean BMI and MUAC was 22.1 (SD=5.2)kg/m2 and 26.1 (SD=4.5)cm. The prevalence of severe malnutrition and overweight/obesity was 9.2% and 28.1% respectively. The prevalence of DRM was 25.9% (BMI definition) and 21.0% (MUAC definition). Significantly high level of DRM was observed in men and ≥70 years. Malnutrition was most common among patients with pulmonary diseases. MUAC and BMI correlated significantly (r=0.87; p=0.000) and malnutrition by the two methods showed good agreement (k=0.69; p=0.000) Conclusions: One fourth of patients are admitted to tertiary care hospitals had DRM. MUAC can be utilized as a screening tool to identify the patients after admission. Nutrition screening and assessment should be integrated in the routing care plan of patients to prevent further deterioration.
Venous ulcer treatment requires inelastic compression

Summary Leg ulcers have a venous pathophysiology in the vast majority of cases (1–4). Superficial or deep venous insufficiency and deep vein obstruction produce ambulatory venous hypertension due to venous reflux and venous pumping function impairment. The impaired venous hemodynamics is the key pathophysiologic mechanism leading to skin damage through several intermediate steps. Fibrin cuff formation around the microvessels, impairing gases (O2, CO2) exchange (5), white cells entrapment (6) causing skin necrosis, growth factors inhibition (7) producing a stagnation of the healing process have been considered involved in ulcer onset and maintenance. The treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLU) must be based on the correction of the hemodynamic impairment which can be achieved conservatively by means of compression therapy, walking and leg elevation or by means of invasive procedures (open surgery, endovascular procedures as endovenous Laser ablation, radiofrequency, foam sclerotherapy, conservative hemodynamic treatment). Compression therapy is frequently considered the first treatment option and it is the only therapeutical procedure which achieved the grade 1A in most recent guidelines or consensus documents (8–10). The crucial point is choosing the most effective compression modality. There are clear evidences that inelastic is more effective than elastic material in counteracting the venous hemodynamic impairment (11–14) that should „ensure” a superior effectiveness in promoting a higher healing rate of VLU, which are due to venous hemodynamic impairment. When looking at evidences we have some data showing that the higher the compression pressure the higher the healing rate (9, 15–17) and this is clearly in favors of inelastic bandages which exert a much higher pressure that elastic materials. On the other side we have many papers claiming a greater effectiveness of elastic stockings or elastic bandaged compared with inelastic material (18–30). Nevertheless studies comparing elastic and inelastic devices have so many flaws that their conclusions are hard to trust (31). Aim of this work is providing updated information about compression therapy effects on venous hemodynamic and the most effective compression modality to achieve the best outcome in VLU treatment.
Clinical significance of serum tumor markers for advanced gastric cancer with the first-line chemotherapy

Background Tumor markers play an important role in the diagnosis, monitoring and prognostic prediction of cancers. But the predictive value of serum tumor markers in gastric cancer is still unclear. Methods In this study, we detected serum levels of tumor markers to evaluate their relation to treatment response and prognosis in patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer. Results We collected the clinical data of 109 patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer who had received the first-line chemotherapy in Peking University Cancer Hospital from July 2013 to May 2015, and collected the value of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 72.4 (CA72.4) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) before and after chemotherapy. At diagnosis, the positive rates of CEA, CA199, CA72.4 and CA125 were 46.8%, 40.2%, 53.5% and 35.0%, respectively. And the positive rate of combined detection of the four markers was 87.2%. Although patients with prechemotherapy CA199 ≥80 U/mL (92.3% vs. 68.5%, P=0.016) or CA72.4 ≥20 U/mL (91.4% vs. 62.5%, P=0.003) had higher clinical benefit rate after chemotherapy, they showed poorer prognosis (P=0.023 and P=0.006, respectively). CA72.4 ≥20 U/mL was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor (Hazard Ratio 4.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.910–12.262; P=0.001). In patients with increased levels of tumor markers before treatment, the levels of tumor markers decreased after chemotherapy, especially in those with clinical benefit (CEA, CA72.4 reached statistical significance, P=0.013 and P=0.029, respectively). A decrease of CEA ≥35%, CA199 ≥30%, or CA72.4 ≥40% after chemotherapy had positive prediction value for the response to chemotherapy (P=0.016, P=0.029, and P=0.008, respectively). Conclusions The results showed that both high pre-chemotherapy serum levels of tumor markers (CA199 ≥80 U/mL or CA72.4 ≥20 U/mL) and a substantial decrease in tumor markers after chemotherapy (CEA ≥35%, CA199 ≥30%, or CA72.4 ≥40%) could predict a higher clinical benefit rate in patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer. However, this advantage in short-term response to chemotherapy failed to convert into prolonged survival benefits.
Factors Associated with Motorcycle Risk Behavior among Thai University Students, Khon Kaen

The aim of this research was to assess motorcycle risk behavior (MRB) among Thai students in Khon Kaen University. The research used a cross sectional study. Fifty Thai students recruited using purposive sample technique and the chi-square test was used to analyze relationship between characteristic associated with MRB. The most common MRB were making U-turn (38%), sometimes driving above the speed limit (36%), driving with more than two passanger (48%) and sometimes not wearing helmet (36%). The result showed that sex and riding history associated with MRB (Psex < 0.05; Priding history < 0.05). Sex and riding history were significantly associated with MRB. Improving knowledge is important to decrease risky motorcycle driving behavior. Additionally, the need to provide intervention programs, promotion, and awareness related to student’s safety riding behavior could be recommended, from this information.
Response to Anonymous Referee #1

Thank you very much indeed for inviting me to review this paper. Having access to highresolution drought dataset, especially in data-scarce region, is important for drought monitoring and management at watershed/ districts levels. I can be wetness that the paper “A pan-African high-resolution drought index dataset” could produce a valid significance for the African continent particularly in the drought vulnerable areas. This dataset is timely, and the paper is fully readable and has a good basis. When authors address the following comments and suggestions, I recommend acceptance.
6G subnetworks for Life-Critical Communication

Short range low power 6th Generation (6G) wireless subnetworks can support life critical services like engine and break control in intra-vehicle scenarios, or intra-body heart-rate control. Such services may target communication cycles below 0.1 ms and a wired-like reliability, translating to a multi-GHz spectrum demand in case of dense deployments (e.g., up to 40000 subnetworks per km2). We foresee the possibility for 6G subnetworks to operate as an underlay system in the below 30 GHz spectrum given its advantageous propagation condition and its limited effective utilization. 6G subnetworks should be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for healthy mutual coexistence, as well as for coexistence with other systems active in the same bands.
No Protective Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in African Americans: Average Volume of Drinking over the Life Course and CHD Morbidity and Mortality in a U.S. National Cohort

The association between average volume of drinking and coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality in African Americans compared with whites was explored, based on a representative US sample. A prospective cohort study with interview follow-up after 10 years and outcome follow-up over about 15 years was used. The sample consisted of 1,158 African Americans and 6,607 whites, all 40 years of age and older with no history of heart disease at baseline. Alcohol intake was measured with a quantity-frequency measure. Incidence of CHD was the sum of non-fatal and fatal events as determined from hospital records and death certificates. The event with the earliest date was defined as the incident event. With respect to CHD, African Americans showed markedly higher risks and significantly fewer protective effects compared with whites. Thus the cardioprotective effects of alcohol were not present in a representative sample of African Americans. On the contrary: Moderate to high average volume of alcohol was associated with increased risk of CHD in African Americans. Patterns of drinking as a potential cause for this finding are discussed.
The role of intimate partners in harm reduction for HIV positive female sex workers in Kibera, Nairobi

Supervisory Committee Dr. Eric A. Roth (Department of Anthropology) Co-Supervisor Dr. Tim Stockwell (Department of Psychology) Co-Supervisor Dr. Cecilia Benoit (Department of Sociology) Outside Member While female sex workers (FSWs) are often the focus of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) research in Kenya, little else is known about their lives, including their intimate relationships. This thesis explores the relationships between FSWs and their intimate partners in Kibera, an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. As part of the Kenya Free of AIDS (KeFA) project, previous field research found that FSWs with an intimate partner saw over 50% fewer clients per week and were statistically more likely to use a condom with clients. These findings suggested that FSWs' intimate relationships might act as a form of harm and/or use reduction. Sex work harm reduction aims to diminish the occupational harms associated with sex work, such as discrimination, violence and disease, through strategies such as empowerment and education. Use reduction aims to reduce FSWs' frequency of exposure to these occupational risks through a reduction in clients. Specifically, it is proposed that FSW intimate relationships promote harm and/or use reduction in three ways: 1) by reducing the number of clients on a weekly basis, 2) by reducing harm from the virus through adherence to antiretroviral drugs (ARV), and 3) by offering a supportive environment financially, emotionally, and in terms of health and/or childcare. To test these theories this thesis analyzed interviews with 27 HIV positive FSWs from Kibera. Results showed that HIV was normalized in intimate relationships, whereas sex work was stigmatized. As a result, FSWs in this study were more likely to tell their partners that they were HIV positive than disclose their involvement in sex work. Therefore, rather than genuine use reduction, client reduction was unintentional and, in reality associated with sex work stigmatization that prevents women from disclosing their occupation. Some intimate partnerships were found to be a source of emotional and iv health-related support for Kibera FSWs. Intimate partners provided support for participants' HIV status and adherence to ARV. Overall, this study suggested it would be difficult to include intimate partners in interventions with this particular sample of HIV positive Kibera FSWs because of the considerable, continued stigma surrounding sex work but that intimate relationships could play a positive and/or protective role.
To Sanction or Not to Sanction? Normative Dilemmas in the Promotion of LGBTI Human Rights

A rights-based approach to development, a cornerstone of the European Union’s (EU) development policy, can be interpreted as an attempt to govern development assistance through impartial rules and standards. Yet, such an approach might also run into a number of difficulties when introduced to a complex, real-world context. In this working paper, I emphasise that the practice of rights-based development policies is closely bound to the process of context-specific application. Through an examination of the path through which the EU and the United States decided on their approach to an anti-gay bill introduced in Uganda in 2014, I show that human rights conditionality is not applied in an automated fashion in accordance with impartial rules and standards. Rather, the path through which US and EU executives operate is weighing normative dilemmas connected to the unwanted consequences of human rights sanctions and public shaming. While these executives ultimately chose different responses, they arrive at their decision through weighing similar dilemmas. Accordingly, the paper highlights the importance of normative dilemmas for shaping and determining foreign policy decisions and calls for more research into this under-studied phenomenon.
Financial Knowledge and Millennials Investing Behaviors in Indonesia

This research aims to investigate investment behavior in Indonesia millennial generation. Three variables are used to explain millennial behavior to have an investment account or unit. Consistent multivariate result finds that financial knowledge is positively associated with investment behavior. The results are found personal factor such as age group and gender have relationship on investment behavior. Junior age group and female have more likely to have an investment account or unit.
Comparison of metformin and N-acetylcysteine on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, in which hyperandrogenism (HA), enlarged cystic ovaries, and chronic anovulation often coexist with obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR). The etiology of the syndrome has remained unknown although it has been revealed that IR lies at the core of its pathophysiology. Obesity in women with PCOS is rather high, ranging from 30% to 60%, whereas hyperinsulinemia is present in more than 50% of patients with PCOS. Furthermore, although about 70% of obese women with PCOS exhibit an exaggerated insulin secretion, this feature is also present in 20%–40% of lean PCOS.
A Treatment for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Patients experience more than 700,000 osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures each year in the United States, primarily because of bone brittleness and the inability of the vertebrae to resist increased forces applied to it. Patients diagnosed with this type of fracture are given the option of conservative or operative treatment approaches. Although a typical compression fracture generally heals in 6 to 12 weeks, patients may be offered the kyphoplasty procedure, which reduces the fracture and stabilizes it with cement. Although this procedure is not without risk, it is deemed a safe and effective treatment option. This article reviews the indications, implications, and care provided to patients pursuing kyphoplasty after osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.
Make or break: the role and support needs of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses

ABSTRACT The role of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses is crucial to student success, yet poorly understood. This research aimed to understand the role and support needs of academic advisors by conducting interviews, a survey, and a focus group within a service learning program in Queensland, Australia. Participants identified rewards in observing student transformation and supporting students to contribute to social justice causes. However, the role had high demands in terms of pastoral support. Although academic advisors reported strong support mechanisms, they identified gaps in supporting them to meet the needs of international students and students with mental health issues. Academic advisors need strong mentoring or supervisory support to deal with diverse student issues, clear processes for tracking and managing students, training and resources to deal with special needs students, and opportunities for team building and bonding. Supporting academic advisors could help to better support students to successfully complete internships.
Primary Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis and Comorbidity: A Population-Based Nationwide Study in Sweden

Abstract BackgroundThere have been few studies on primary upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) and the comorbidity is not very well known, in contrast to secondary UEDVT.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide, population-based case control study in Sweden using data from the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR). We examined comorbidity in 25 cases with a confirmed UEDVT with a control group (appendicitis) during the years 2001–2011 in patients over 18 years old. We defined comorbidity as the number of unique ICD codes (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) and the total number of healthcare contacts.ResultsThe number of unique ICD codes was similar between cases and controls, although they differed regarding specific diagnoses. Patients with a UEDVT were more likely to later have a diagnosis related to blood-forming organs, the endocrine system, the nervous system, the circulatory system, and to the skin and musculoskeletal systems, compared with the controls.Diagnoses for symptoms from the brachial plexus and diagnoses referring to pain and discomfort of the upper extremity were more frequent in the cases. The major difference occurred in diagnoses involving the circulatory system, which were more frequent in the cases. The most important cases and controls were similar regarding diagnoses of malignancy. The cases had a significantly higher number of healthcare contacts.ConclusionThe type of comorbidity and the number of healthcare contacts differed between patients with a diagnosis of UEDVT, compared with those with appendicitis. There was no difference regarding malignancies, which implies that primary UEDVT is a benign disorder.
Differential effects of credit risk and capital adequacy ratio on profitability of the domestic banking sector in Ghana

Abstract Examining credit risk and banks’ solvency effects on profitability are essential for overall health of the banking sector. However, earlier studies on these nexuses are not instructive given their failure to examine how credit risk and capital adequacy levels impact on profitability for the different types of banks. In addition to re-examining the effect of credit risk and capital adequacy ratio (CAR) on profitability of the overall banking sector, this study aims at determining their differential effects on profitability of local and foreign banks within Ghana’s banking sector. The study relies on data from 11 banks spanning 2006–2016 while employing the fixed effects estimation approach. Results from the study show a positive and significant effect of credit risk on profitability with huge effect for local relative to foreign banks. However, CAR negatively affects profitability of foreign banks with no apparent impact on local banks.
The impact of mouthguards usage on aerobic capacity of athletes

Introduction: The use of intraoral mouthguards is the basic method of preventing injuries of the stomato­ gnathic system while practicing extreme, contact, team and recreational sports. However, the presence of a protec­ tive splint in the mouth, especially during exercise, when increased oxygen uptake is needed, may adversely affect the level of blood oxygenation. It is also necessary to compare different types of splint as they differ in retention, size and comfort of usage. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of different intraoral mouthguard types for the cardio­ respiratory capacity of athletes. Material and methods: Thirty athletes aged 20­37, testing a total of 120 intraoral mouthguards of different types – two custom­made mouthguards prepared and two “boil and bite” splints adapted – took part in the study, in which cardiorespiratory capacity was compared using CRF, IF, METs and Watt indicators, based on tests conducted on the Fitmate device correlated with a stationary exercise bike. Results: The analysis of variance showed no differences between the compared parameters regardless of the tested mouthguard. The use of intraoral mouthguards during exercise does not affect the cardiorespiratory endurance of athletes. Conclusions: Mouthguards users, trainers and doctors should be informed about the lack of a negative impact of its usage during training and competition on cardio­respiratory endurance.