Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Th17 Cells and IL-17 As Novel Immune Targets in Ovarian Cancer Therapy

Ovarian cancer (OC) is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and is related with poor prognosis. Despite numerous studies, the pathogenesis of OC is still unknown. Recent studies indicate the role of the immune system in the development and spread of OC. The identification of factors and mechanisms involved in that process and their modulation is crucial for creating effective antitumor therapy. We investigated the potential role of Th17 cells in OC patients (n = 71) by analyzing the frequencies of Th17 cells in three different environments, i.e., peripheral blood (PB), peritoneal fluid (PF), and tissue (Th17 infiltrating cells), and the concentration of IL-17A in plasma and PF of patients in terms of their clinical and prognostic significance. Th17 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry as a percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes that expressed intracellular expression of IL-17A. The level of IL-17A in plasma and PF were determined by ELISA. Our results showed accumulation of Th17 cells among tumor-infiltrating CD4+ lymphocytes (p < 0.001 in relation to PB). Moreover, the percentage of Th17 cells in both PB and PF of OC patients was significantly lower than that in benign tumors group (n = 35). There were no significant differences in the percentage of Th17 cells in PB, PF, and tissue in relation to clinicopathological characteristics of OC patients and survival. The lower percentage of Th17 cells in the PB and PF of OC patients may promote evasion of host immune response by cancer cells. The concentration of IL-17A in plasma of OC patients was higher (p < 0.0001) than that in both benign tumors and control group (n = 10). The PF IL-17A level in OC patients was higher (p < 0.0001) than that in women with benign ovarian tumors, indicating its synthesis in OC microenvironment. Higher IL-17A level in PF is correlated with longer (median: 36.5 vs. 27 months) survival of OC patients.
MODELLING OF MODE I FRACTURE BEHAVIOUR OF ADHESIVELY-BONDED GFRP JOINTS USING VIRTUAL CRACK CLOSURE TECHNIQUE AND COHESIVE ZONE METHOD

The Mode I fracture behaviour of adhesively-bonded joints composed of pultruded glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates has been experimentally investigated using Double-Cantilever-Beam (DCB) specimens. In this study, the corresponding finite element (FE) model was established using Abaqus/Standard and the crack initiation and propagation stages were simulated using two approaches: (i) the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) and (ii) the Cohesive Zone Method (CZM). A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of FE model input parameters, including the element size (le), critical strain energy release rate (GC), interface stiffness (K) and interface strength (0), on the numerical simulation of fracture behaviour. The load-displacement response predicted by CZM agreed well with the experimental results. The other approach, VCCT, also successfully simulated the load-displacement response corresponding to crack propagation; however it could not provide an accurate prediction of the crack initiation load.
Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome among Medical Students of Karachi: An Experience from a Developing Country

Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs which gets worse in the evening or night, relieved upon movement. The aim of this study was to specify the prevalence of RLS in the group of young medical students and to assess the effect of RLS on sleep, as sleep disturbance is one of the chief complaints of RLS patients. We also studied its association with smoking as it is considered an aggravating factor. Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2017 to July 2018 in Karachi. A total of 300 students (220 females and 80 males) participated and were given questionnaires to detect RLS based on criteria proposed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Subjects who were positive for RLS were further asked questions about sleep by using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and severity of RLS by using RLS Rating Scale. They were also asked about their smoking status. Results The frequency of RLS is 8% among young adults. Out of 300 medical students, 24 students were classified positive for RLS with a female preponderance (66.7% were females and 33.3% were males). The severity of RLS was more rated to be mild to moderate. The effect of RLS on sleep was in the mild range. The p value of smoking status comparing with gender came out to be <0.001, and p value of smoking status comparing with gender came out to be <0.001, and Conclusion It is concluded that we found RLS to be present significantly in our population that is without comorbidities. Our results showed female preponderance and a mild sleep disturbance in our study population. More attention is needed to recognize RLS and to manage the aggravating factors of RLS.
Quality of life after repair of iatrogenic bile duct injury of postcholecystectomy Filipino patients

Aims: The estimated incidence of bile duct injuries (BDIs) has increased ranging from 0.4% to 0.7% since global recognition of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a standard procedure. Bile duct injuries are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as substantial health care costs, and malpractice litigation claims. This study aims to determine the quality of life (QoL) of Filipino patients after repair of BDIs incurred from their previous laparoscopic or open cholecystectomies. Methods: A total of 22 patients post-repair of BDIs and 22 ageand sex-matched patients who had unremarkable cholecystectomies from 1997 to 2017 were recruited for this study. The patients were requested to answer a survey on QoL using RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0, a validated survey which includes a multi-item scale that assesses eight health concepts. Results: Patients with BDIs had lower scores in all domains compared to non-BDI group. Physical functioning and role limitations due to physical health are statistically significant (p values 0.0473 and 0.0025). Conclusion: The effect of BDI is considerable and bears an impact on a patient’s health and well-being. Physical functioning and Crisostomo E Arcilla, Jr., MD1, Hector Paolo A Zamora, MD2, Anthony R Perez3 Affiliations: 1Chairman, Department of Surgery, University of the Philippines College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, Philippines; 2Surgical Resident, Manila Doctors Hospital, Philippines; 3Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, University of the Philippines College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, Philippines. Corresponding Author: Anthony R Perez, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, University of the Philippines College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, Philippines; Email: tonyperez92@yahoo.com Received: 16 October 2019 Accepted: 24 January 2020 Published: 11 February 2020 role limitations due to physical health were identified to be impaired among these patients and these factors should be assessed during long-term follow-up.
Impact of drug zero-mark up sale reform on drug use in public hospital

Objectives: To find out the change of drug using after implementation of "drug zero-mark up sale" in public hospital and to provide reference for relative policy makers.Method: Patients medical expense indictors,drug use ratio and medicine structure were compared before and after implementation of "drug zero-mark up sale" reform.Results: After implementation of drug zero-mark up sale reform,patients expense indictors(include outpatients average expense,the inpatients average expense and average length of stay) have been decreased in different degrees.The essential medicine use ratio has been increased and self paid drug use ratio is lower.Drug use ratio and antibiotics use ratio have been decreased significantly.Conclusions: The implementation of drug zero-mark up sale reform has a great and long-term influence on drug use of public hospital.
The Role of Probiotics in Colorectal Cancer Management

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancerous diseases worldwide and causes leading cancer-associated deaths. Several factors are related to the incidence of CRC such as unhealthy diet and lifestyle, heredity, metabolic disorders, and genetic factors. Even though several advanced medical procedures are available for CRC treatment, the survival rates are poor with many adverse treatments associated side effects, which affects the quality of life. Probiotics are a well-known bioactive candidate for the treatment of several diseases and ill-health conditions. The recent scientific evidence suggested that probiotic supplementation protects the CRC patients from treatment-associated adverse effects. The manuscript summarizes the influence of probiotic supplementation on the health status of CRC patients and discusses the possible mechanism behind the protective effect of probiotics against CRC. The literature survey revealed that beneficial impact of probiotic supplementation depends on several factors such as strain, dosage, duration of the intervention, host physiology, and other food supplements. The probiotic intervention improves the microbiota, releases antimicrobials and anticarcinogenic agents, helps to remove carcinogens, and improves the intestinal permeability, tight junction function, and enzyme activity in CRC patients. Besides, not all probiotic strains exhibit anti-CRC activities; it is necessary to screen the potent strain for the development of a probiotic-based therapeutic agent to control or prevent the incidence of CRC.
Optimal Available Phosphorus Levels in Diets Containing Different Dicalcium Phosphate Particle Sizes for Japanese Quails

I State University of Sao Paulo “Julio de Mesquita Filho”/ Faculty of Agrarian Sciences (FCAV), Department of Animal Science, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. II Federal University of Espirito Santo– Department of Animal Science, Alegre, ES, Brazil. III BM Comércio de Produtos Químicos e Biológicos Ltda. Santa Maria de Jetibá, ES, Brazil. IV Science, Technology and Innovation Agency of the state of Mato Grosso (SECITEC), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. V COOPEAVI, Santa Maria de Jetibá, ES, Brazil. VI Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
Geophysical Observations and Integrated Conceptual Models of the San Emidio Geothermal Field, Nevada

The San Emidio Desert hosts a hidden, forced-convection geothermal resource situated within a prominent right-step of the Lake Range in northwestern Nevada. The site has produced power since 1988, undergoing several phases of development since. Recent exploration drilling 1.5 to 2.5 km to the SW of the current production area has confirmed 162°C fluids 540 m below the surface with favorable permeability for development. This paper presents results from an integrated modeling study of the system that takes advantage of new geophysical data sets, including 211 broadband magnetotelluric stations, 1207 gravity stations, 176 line-km of ground magnetic data and a passive seismic experiment conducted with 1302 stations of 6 geophones each. These data are considered within the context of drilling results and other datasets to develop updated geologic and conceptual models of the geothermal system. Notable results are: (1) imaging of an extensive zone of mineralized/silicified Tertiary sediments along an outflow path and up-dip of normal faulting; (2) imaging of two distinct dome-shaped electrical conductors situated above zones of enhanced temperature and permeability; (3) coincidence of one of these zones with enhanced semblance of passive micro-seismic signals observed using a dense array; and (4) added constraints on the fault block geometry within the right step of the Lake Range, with implications for understanding the controls of deep permeability in the system.
Saudi EFL Learners’ Test Anxiety Levels during CBT and PBT

Individuals’ attitudes toward computer-based testing (CBT) can either increase or decrease their test anxiety level. As a result, they may be highly resistant to change or they may have different types of behavior. It is, therefore, pertinent to investigate individual students’ attitudes toward computers before administering CBT. This study investigated the effectiveness of CBT when compared to traditional paper-based testing (PBT) in terms of reducing test anxiety among Saudi learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants were forty undergraduate male students enrolled in a first-year preparatory EFL course at a Saudi university. The students were divided into two groups, a CBT group and a PBT group, and took the same assessment in the two test formats. The participants completed two questionnaires to examine their anxiety levels before and during each test, and to collect information regarding their prior experience with and attitudes toward either testing format. An analysis of variance comparison was used to compare anxiety levels between the CBT and PBT groups. The findings showed that students had a neutral attitude toward both types of tests. Furthermore, the students’ attitudes did not have a significant impact on anxiety levels for either testing format. Rather, anxiety levels experienced in both testing formats were significantly correlated with each other and the attitude factor. Further research is required to delineate factors that may contribute to test anxiety as well as provide further insight into the under-represented student subgroup that participated in the study.
Measurement of Sport and Exercise Imagery

Research has demonstrated that imagery can positively influence athletic performance, and recently it has been shown to also influence exercise behavior. Given the importance of imagery in sport and exercise, valid and reliable measures of imagery are necessary. This paper first outlines the questionnaires that have been developed to assess imagery ability. Next, the questionnaires constructed to measure the use of imagery in sport, exercise, and athletic injury rehabilitation are discussed. For each questionnaire, the nature and content of the instrument is described, the psychometric characteristics of the instrument are given, and research supporting the use of the questionnaire is provided. Finally, directions for future research in imagery measurement are discussed. Measurement of Sport and Exercise Imagery Applied sport and exercise psychologists have advocated the use of psychological skills for performance enhancement. One of the skills that has received considerable attention is imagery. Denis (1985) defined imagery as a psychological activity that evokes physical characteristics of any object, person, or place that is absent from our perception. Both athletes and exercisers use imagery to aid in their performances (Hall, Rodgers, & Barr, 1990; Hausenblas, Hall, Rodgers, & Munroe, 1999). Research has clearly demonstrated that imagery can positively influence athletic performance (e.g., Blair, Hall, & Leyshon, 1993; Feltz & Riessinger, 1990; Martin & Hall, 1995; Rodgers, Hall, & Buckolz, 1991), and more recently it has also been shown to be related to exercise behavior (Gammage, Hall, & Rodgers, 2000).
Measuring Turbine Abrasion and Efficiency Decrease: First Results of the Case Study at HPP Fieschertal

Besides siltation of reservoirs, wear on turbines of hydroelectric power plants (HPP) is an economically important issue related to sediment-laden natural waters. Hydro-abrasive erosion on turbines that is caused by suspended sediment may lead to considerable maintenance and repair costs as well as significant generation losses due to reduced turbine efficiency or downtimes. For Pelton turbines, the efficiency decrease caused by hydro-abrasive erosion is mainly due to geometrical changes in the bucket profile. These geometrical changes can be local or extensive area damages due to abrasion or secondary cavitation. The location of such damages is influenced by the local flow field, which itself is affected by progressive wear. 3D digitizations (measurements) of selected Pelton buckets allow quantifying material losses at relevant parts like the main splitter and the cut-out section. The paper shows different possibilities to quantify such material losses, e.g. reduction of height, increase of width and volume differences at the main splitter, and geometrical changes at the cut-outs. Erosion rates determined over one sediment season at the HPP Fieschertal lie in the range of 4 to 5 mm for the main splitter height, 2 to 3 mm for the main splitter width and 7 to 9 mm for the cutout section. The erosion is influenced by the initial geometry of the Pelton bucket and the sediment load (particle concentration, size distribution, mineral composition and particle shape) during the operating hours. Changes in efficiency were evaluated based on periodical measurements with the sliding needle index measurement method. A decrease in efficiency of 0.9 percent for a little more than half of the sediment season 2012 was observed at one runner. Due to maintenance works on that runner during the winter the efficiency increased by 0.5 percent. The index efficiency was evaluated based on each of the different discharge measurement instruments installed at HPP Fieschertal. The results with acoustic discharge measurement indicate the best reproducibility being within 0.2 percent. This paper focuses on wear at Pelton buckets and associated turbine efficiency decrease, whereas the corresponding paper by Felix et al. (2013) treats measurements of suspended sediment at the same HPP.
The Count Data Analysis of Coastal Recreation in Elmer’s Island, Louisiana

Non-negative and integer nature of recreational trip-counts appear in the form of poisson or gamma distribution suggesting count data modeling technique. Over-dispersion in the data stresses the use of negative binomial approach. In fact, the non-negative quality of trip demand results in to the truncated data sets (at zero). Therefore, we employ poisson and negative binomial on truncated and un-truncated data and random parameter approaches in estimating travel demand for coastal recreation in Elmer’s Island. We also employ ordered logit model to estimate the determinants of recreational trip demand in the past. The study result shows that the demographic and environmental variables have significant impact on demand. However, all models show statistically insignificant impacts of expenditure on recreational demand of costal wetlands. The unconvincing estimation associated with main variables, travel cost and/or income, suggest a careful attention toward the model selection.
Testing the factor structure underlying behavior using joint cognitive models: Impulsivity in delay discounting and Cambridge gambling tasks.

Neurocognitive tasks are frequently used to assess disordered decision making, and cognitive models of these tasks can quantify performance in terms related to decision makers' underlying cognitive processes. In many cases, multiple cognitive models purport to describe similar processes, but it is difficult to evaluate whether they measure the same latent traits or processes. In this article, we develop methods for modeling behavior across multiple tasks by connecting cognitive model parameters to common latent constructs. This approach can be used to assess whether 2 tasks measure the same dimensions of cognition, or actually improve the estimates of cognitive models when there are overlapping cognitive processes between 2 related tasks. The approach is then applied to connecting decision data on 2 behavioral tasks that evaluate clinically relevant deficits, the delay discounting task and Cambridge gambling task, to determine whether they both measure the same dimension of impulsivity. We find that the discounting rate parameters in the models of each task are not closely related, although substance users exhibit more impulsive behavior on both tasks. Instead, temporal discounting on the delay discounting task as quantified by the model is more closely related to externalizing psychopathology like aggression, while temporal discounting on the Cambridge gambling task is related more to response inhibition failures. The methods we develop thus provide a new way to connect behavior across tasks and grant new insights onto the different dimensions of impulsivity and their relation to substance use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Improvement of Flour and Dough Rheological Properties by Maturation Process

This work was aimed to determine the optimal storage conditions able to insure a sufficient flour maturity degree in order to improve its rheological and technological properties. To this purpose the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was successfully employed. The effects of three different parameters (storage time, temperature and environmental humidity) on flour and dough rheological characteristics that were determined by farinograph analysis: water absorption, stability time and dough softening degree were studied. The RSM established optimum conditions for wheat flour maturation process were: storage temperature: 28°C, storage time: 21 days, environmental humidity: 68-70%. Under these conditions, for tested flour, the farinograph recordings revealed that water absorption increased with 0.5% comparing with initial product (after grinding process). In terms of dough stability time an augmentation of 20% was registered. Dough softening degree at 10 and 12 min were reduced with 30% and 27.66% respectively. These data provide information about the flour quality augmentation, Farinograph® quality number increase with 18%, and an improvement in flour technological characteristics. The mathematical model describes with accuracy the rheological properties evolution and generates viable optimized values in terms of storage conditions for a wheat flour type 650 (0.65% ash wt. %) which has a good or very good water absorption capacity (57-62%), an optimum development time (1.5 to 3 min.), a stability time in normal limits (6-15 min.) and a good consistency (35-80 BU) after grinding process.
Implementing obesity management in primary care: Linking evidence based guidelines with a nurse practitioner model of care

Implementing obesity management in primary care: Linking evidence based guidelines with a nurse practitioner model of care By Lisa Cogswell, Nancy A. O’Connor, Diane Burgermeister, and Susan M. Hasenau Background Obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30, is an epidemic affecting more than one third of adults in the United States (U.S.). Obesity is a growing global concern with the worldwide prevalence doubling in the last 3 decades to the current level of around 13% (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Obesity carries significant morbidity and mortality, and is associated with conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. The estimated cost of obesity was $147 billion in the U.S. in 2008 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Focusing on the control and maintenance of obesity can have considerable effect on the health of the patient, improve or prevent chronic illness, and ultimately reduce health care expenditure.