Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Management of Sickle Cell Patients with Hydroxyurea

Background: We tried to understand whether or not there are some beneficial changes of health parameters with hydroxyurea in sickle cell diseases (SCDs) cases. Methods: All SCDs cases were enrolled, and a hydroxyurea therapy was initiated. Results: We studied 337 patients, totally. Hydroxyurea was well-tolerated with a majority of patients (80.1%). Mean number (10.3 versus 1.7 crises per year, p<0.000) and mean severity of painful crises decreased, significantly (7.8 versus 2.2, p<0.001). Although body weight and mean hematocrit (Hct) value increased, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts and total and direct bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels decreased, significantly (p<0.000 for all). On the other hand, there were avascular necrosis of bones in 18.9%, leg ulcers in 12.7%, pulmonary hypertension in 11.5%, chronic renal disease in 8.3%, coronary heart disease in 7.7%, digital clubbing in 6.5%, stroke in 6.5%, exitus in 5.3%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 4.7%, and cirrhosis in 3.2% of the patients. Conclusion: SCDs are chronic inflammatory disorders initiating at birth. Hydroxyurea decreases frequency and severity of painful crises, WBC and PLT counts, and total and direct bilirubin and LDH levels, and it increases body weight and Hct value, all of which indicate a decreased inflammatory process in patients. Thus elective surgical procedures should be performed after a few months of treatment with hydroxyurea in non-users. By this way, beside decreased requirement of blood transfusions, perioperative morbidity and mortality will also be lowered due to decreased inflammatory process on capillary endothelium all over the body.
The Effect of Active Learning Based Science Camp Activities on Primary School Students’ Opinions Towards Scientific Knowledge and Scientific Process Skills

It is important for people to be able to judge the nature while actually living in it to gain the scientific perspective which is an important skill nowadays. Within this importance, the general purpose of this study is to examine the effect of active learning based science camp activities on sixth, seventh and eighth grade students’ opinions towards scientific knowledge and scientific process skills. In order to achieve this goal, the natural, historical, archeological and the cultural sources of the Cappadocia area were used as a teaching tool. One group quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest was used in the study. 17 boarding primary school students participated to research. Opinion survey on scientific knowledge, scientific process skills scale, conceptual comprehension survey on environmental problems and observation form were used as a data collection tools. Descriptive and Man Whitney-U analysis techniques were used during assessment of the data. As a result of the study, significant difference was found supporting the students’ post-test results of scientific knowledge survey, the number of students’ postapplication explanations were more than students’ pre-application explanations of conceptual knowledge survey on environmental problems.
The Evaluation of Nursing Students’ General Health and Its Relationship with Their Grade Point Average.

Introduction: Developments of any society are driven by a trained staffs and identify the factors affecting academic performance improvement is a step towards success in the community. Students are also required dynamism and promote community and assessment of their general health status, is an essential element in the community health program. This study was designed aimed to determine the evaluation of nursing students’ qeneral health and its relationship with their grade point Average. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1391 with collaboration of Original Research Article Ayazi et al.; BJMMR, 16(4): 1-14, 2016; Article no.BJMMR. 26214 2 127 nursing students in Shahrekord University of medical sciences, after earned a grade point average, completed personal information, and the standard general health questionnaire (GHQ- 28). Data were analyzed with used descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS software (version 19) at P≤ 0.05 significant levels. Results: Results showed that the general health of 28.6% of students were normal, 51.4% relative health and 20% unhealthy. In this regard, the general health of male students was better than female. The highest prevalence of disturbances was depression and then sleeps disorders, anxiety, physical and psychological, and social dysfunction. Factors such as marital status and employment status were significantly related to students' general health status. In this study there was a significant negative correlation between general health and the average score of students (P= 0.001). Senior students (forth-year), has the highest grade point Average and third-year students, with the best general health status. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that, students with high academic performance in comparison to other students had better genaral health. Therefore, it should be more concerned to plan the high quality education for promoting life skills and designing communication programs for increase the support activities of families and authorities for psychological assessment and promote their general health.
Assessing wellbeing: an evidence review

This evidence review was conducted to explore the effectiveness of wellbeing tools that assess the needs of patients, clients and service users in times of change. This included the efficacy of existing tools to identify change needs, those that provide monitoring information to chart progress and those that can be used as a motivational tool. The recommendations from the evidence review will be used by First For Wellbeing to inform their community-based health and wellbeing initiatives, including the development of their own wellbeing tools.
Authentication and differentiation of two easily confusable Chinese material medica: Herba Solani Lyrati and Herba Aristolochiae Mollissimae

As people now use Chinese herbs worldwide, authentication of Chinese herbs is becoming a critical, international issue because mistakes can cause illness and even death. Confusion in the names is one aspect of this problem; counterfeiting is another. One example of the former, which has had serious medical consequences, involves the common name ”Bai Mao Teng”. This name has been used for both Herba Solani Lyrati (Solanum lyratum Thunb.) and Herba Aristolochiae Mollissimae (Aristolochia mollissima Hance). Apparently, these herbs belong to two different families but look similar. While S. lyratum is not harmful, A. mollissima contains a toxic substance, aristolochic acid I (AA-I), that can cause kidney failure and cancer of the urinary tract when taken inappropriately. This paper describes a systematic study of one specific example of species confusion, namely the case of S. lyratum and A. mollissima. To differentiate the two species, authentication was performed based on four criteria: taxonomy, morphology, microscopic characteristics, and chemical analysis. The methods used clearly distinguish the two species, providing specific criteria by which samples of these herbs can be identified.
MOTHER'S AND NEWBORN CHARACTERISTICS IN MAIN MUNICIPALITIES OF REGIONAL HEALTH UNITS IN THE STAT OF PARANÁ FROM SINASC'S DATA FILES

SINASC'S data were the basis to develop the profiles of newborn and mothers resident in cities which have the Health Regional Headquarters; these profiles were analyzed by the light of variables that might indicate some health disadvantages. In these cities, on average, 19,4% of mothers were teenagers, 35,9% had poor education; 26,4% had not enough prenatal consultations and 55% of the baby deliveries were performed by a C-section. Cities in Parana State are heterogeneous, with some highlights to Guarapuava, Paranagua and Umuarama which have high indication of risks for the mother and the baby. These results show that some cities need more resources and specific, decentralized and integrated public policies, involving their managers, health professionals and organized social movements, in order to mitigate health inequalities among population, specially women and children. KEYWORDS: Live births; Community health nursing care; Information systems.
Is formocresol effective on periodontal pathogens in periodontal endodontic lesions

ÖZET Periodontal endodontik lezyonlarda formokrezol kullanımı periodontopatogenlere karşı etkili mi dir ? Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı primer periodontal sekonder endodontik lezyonlarda formokrezol kullanarak/kullanmadan yapılan endodontik tedavinin periodontal cep florası üzerine etkilerinin değerlendirilmesidir. Materyal ve Metodlar: Çalışmaya klinik ve radyolojik olarak periodontal endodontik lezyonu bulunan 12 hasta dahil edilmiştir. Hastaların periodontal patolojik ceplerinden kök kanal tedavisi (KKT) öncesi, ikinci seans öncesi ve üçüncü seans öncesi, bir hafta aralıklarla olmak üzere gracey küretler yardımıyla plak örnekleri alındı. KKT sırasında ilk seansta pulpa odası boş bırakılırken ikinci seansta pulpa odasına formokrezol emdirilmiş pamuk pelet yerleştirildi. Alınan örneklerde Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Tannerella Forsythia, Provetella intermedia, Porpyhromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomicescomitans Polymerase Chain Reaction yöntemiyle değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Tedavi süresince elde edilen örneklerde mikroroganizmalar açısından hiçbir fark bulunmadı (p>0.05). Sonuç: KKT işlemleri ve formokrezol kullanımı kısa dönemde periodontal cep florasına etki etmemektedir.
Study of Unmet Need for Family Planning In ImmunisationClinic of A Teaching Hospital at Patiala, India

Background: Meeting unmet need for contraception is one of the components of Reproductive and child health (RCH) programmes . In 1994, at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, the international community set the goal of ensuring universal access to reproductive health care by 2015. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Immunization Clinic, Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala (Punjab) among 1000 married women of reproductive age group to find the extent of unmet need and factors affecting it.Results: 16% of women of reproductive age had unmet need. The overall unmet need was low at the beginning of reproductive age, but it increased and reached a peak in late twenties and then declined. Maximum unmet need was after the birth of one (19.93%) child; more in illiterate women (23.26%), in females belonging to joint family (18.49%) and in the rural areas (19.02%). Conclusion: Unmet need is higher in more fertile age group; therefore family planning programme should focus this age group, target illiterate people, and rural areas.
Monitoring Physiological Trajectories

Clinical deteriorations of hospital patients must be recognised early to maintain patient safety and minimise treatment costs. Currently early warning scores are calculated several times each day to warn of potential deteriorations. A score is calculated using parameters measured at one particular time. In contrast, clinicians often use physiological trends over time to improve their assessment. Therefore, we hypothesised that: Deterioration of inpatients could be detected earlier by monitoring their physiological trajectories. To test this hypothesis, we have constructed a database of patients’ physiology throughout their hospital stay after cardiac surgery, including continuous ECG and pulse oximetry signals. Data timestamps were misaligned during acquisition, so an algorithm has been developed to correct for this. Artefactual data was removed using signal quality indices. Initial physiological trajectories were calculated using Gaussian processes. We have implemented algorithms to estimate respiratory rate, a key indicator of deteriorations, from these signals. We have evaluated their precision in a cohort of healthy subjects. Preliminary results suggest that they are more precise in younger subjects. Therefore, further work is required to determine whether they are sufficiently precise for use with the patient population. We have identified indices of cardiovascular function which can be derived from these signals for detection of deteriorations. We hypothesised that the variability in cardiovascular state in the hours after surgery may indicate the class of trajectory which a patient is likely to follow. Therefore, we derived and evaluated the precision of cardiac output algorithms to determine their precision during changes in vascular state. Preliminary results suggest that more complex algorithms are required. Finally, we have identified the remaining steps required to test this hypothesis.
Assessment of Family Levels of Functioning Among Civil Servants in Federal Capital Territory Abuja

The family is a social institution responsible for child upbringing and economic support for its members. This study assessed levels of family functioning among civil servants in Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey. One hundred and sixty-six civil servants working in FCTA were assessed using questionnaire adapted from standardized Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES IV). Data was analyzed using descriptive and Pearson correlation test. Findings showed that 103 (62.1%) families are “connected”, 133 (80.1%) families are “flexible”, 85% of respondents reported very high levels of family communication and 56 % of respondents reported high levels of family satisfaction. There was significant positive correlation between family communication and family satisfaction (r= .676, p<.01). The families studied demonstrated high level of cohesion, flexibility and positive relationship between family satisfaction and family communication in a stressful capital city.
Comparison of Fluoride Content in Drinking Water and Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in 6 - 12-Year-Old Students in Mariwan (a Cold Region) and Behbahan (a Warm Region) during the 2013 - 2014 Educational Year

Background: Fluoride plays an important role in preventing dental caries. Low fluoride concentrations cannot prevent dental caries, but ingestion of very high concentrations of fluoride during enamel development and maturation could lead to fluorosis. Fluoridation of drinking water is the most effective and inexpensive method for preventing caries. The mandated concentration of fluoride incorporated into drinking water should consider the mean temperature of each region. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of fluorosis in children aged 6 - 12 in Mariwan and Behbahan and determine the fluoride content of drinking water in these two towns. Materials andMethods: In the present descriptive and cross-sectional study, 13 water samples were taken from homes in Behbahan, 1 sample from the town’s water reservoir, 10 samples from homes in Mariwan (5 samples for each reservoir) and 1 sample each from the town’s 2 reservoirs. The 26 samples (23 from homes and 3 from reservoirs) were taken in polyethylene containers. The SPANDS colorimetric technique was used to determine fluoride content. Homes that used home-based water purification systems were excluded from the study. In addition, 128 students (62 girls and 66 boys) in Behbahan and 90 students in Mariwan were randomly selected. Dean’s index was used to determine dental fluorosis. The mean yearly temperatures of the two towns were obtained from the metrological bureaus of the two towns. Results: The means fluoride content of water in Behbahan’s reservoir and Mariwan’s reservoirs 1 and 2 were 0.7, 0.24 and 0.036 ppm, respectively. The mean fluoride content of Behbahan’s home waterlines and in the relevant home waterlines of reservoirs 1 and 2 in Mariwan were 0.67, 0.218, and 0.054 ppm, respectively. There were no significant differences between the relevant reservoirs. The prevalence of fluorosis in Behbahan was as follows: 84.4% healthy, 10.9% questionable, 1.6% very mild, 2.3% mild, and 0.8% moderate. In Mariwan, the prevalence in areas related to reservoir 1 was 96.7% healthy and 3.3% questionable; in areas related to reservoir 2 it was 94.4% healthy and 5.6% questionable. Conclusions: The fluoride content of drinking water in reservoirs and at homes was below the optimal level in Mariwan. No differences were observed from the standard levels in Behbahan. There were no differences in fluoride content of water in reservoirs and in home pipelines, indicating no tangible changes in fluoride content from the reservoirs to the homes. In neither of the towns was severe fluorosis observed. There was no significant difference in the prevalence and severity of fluorosis between genders.
Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors

The regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities by the group I metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, mGlula and mGlu5a, has been studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, where receptor expression is under inducible control. Both mGlu receptors stimulated comparable, robust and transient increases in the activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) subgroup. Further, the mGlula, but not the mGlu5a receptor was found to mediate an increase in the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Examination of the signalling profile of mGlul/mGlu5a receptor-mediated ERK activation revealed clear differences in the G-protein subpopulations involved, with only mGlula receptor-mediated ERK responses attenuated by pertussis toxin (PTx) pre-treatment. Both mGlula and mGlu5a receptor-mediated ERK activation occurred via mechanisms dependent on the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Src, but independent of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity, PKC and intracellular and/or extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Data also demonstrate a requirement for PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity in ERK activation by the mGlula, but not the mGlu5a receptor. The mGlula receptor-mediated JNK response, unlike ERK activation by the same receptor, was insensitive to PTx pre-treatment and occurred via mechanisms independent of intracellular and/or extracellular Ca2+ concentration, Src kinase and was unaffected by PKC down-regulation. The delayed onset of JNK activation by the mGlula receptor was not found to be a result of earlier ERK activation. Stimulation of mGlula/mGlu5a receptors, did not alter cellular proliferation, as measured by DNA synthesis, or have a marked effect on cytoskeletal organisation, as measured by immunocytochemistry, indicating that the activation of mitogenic signalling by these two mGlu receptors does not result in changes in growth in these cells. These studies highlight important differences in the activation and signalling pathways utilized to regulate MAP kinases.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

Background In a recent randomized controlled trial, daily oral preexposure chemoprophylaxis (PrEP) was shown to be effective for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men (MSM). The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently provided interim guidance for PrEP use among MSM who are at high risk for acquiring HIV. Previous studies failed to reach a consistent estimate of its cost-effectiveness.
Why do patients refuse HIV testing in the emergency department? Perspectives from a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Despite support for routine testing in all health care settings, including emergency departments (EDs), there are challenges to implementing ED-based HIV testing and high refusal rates. We conducted qualitative interviews to examine reasons for refusal with 30 testing refusers in the ED of a safety net hospital. Key themes included: routine testing is positive, importance of privacy and respectful approach, ED atmosphere and environment discourage testing acceptance, importance of HIV counseling, desire to see an MD before testing staff, and who should offer testing. Results provide useful information for programs and policies of routine ED-based HIV testing to encourage testing uptake.
Patterns Of Prescription And Drug Use In A Psychiatry Out-patient Department In A Teaching Hospital In Western Nepal

Aims: A survey of drug use patterns was undertaken among out-patients attending the psychiatry OPD of the Manipal teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Methods: The patient diagnosis, duration of treatment, drugs prescribed, strength, frequency, duration of prescription and the cost of prescription were analysed. The study sample included 239 patients. Results: Mean ± SD drugs per prescription was 1.55 ± 0.79 for male patients (n=115) and 1.89 ± 0.81 for female patients (n=124). 71.3% of the drugs were prescribed by brand names. The prescribing frequency of antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antimania drugs was 45.94% (187/407), 19.41% (79/407), 8.6% (35/407) and 1.96% (8/407) respectively. Female patients were prescribed more antidepressants than the male patients. Conclusions: The issue of prescribing by brand names needs to be addressed. Studies on patient compliance and dropout rate from treatment are urgently required
Cues to action in prostate cancer screening.

PURPOSES/OBJECTIVES: To describe factors that cue men of all ages to participate in prostate cancer screening programs and to explore the relationship of age to the rating of the cues. DESIGN: Exploratory survey. SETTING: A large community prostate cancer screening program in the Midwest. SAMPLE: 127 men (mean = 66.3 years of age) who participated in community prostate screening. METHODS: Subjects completed and returned by mail the 13-item Prostate Screening Follow-Up Questionnaire developed, piloted, and refined by the investigator for measuring the rating of the cues to action. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of the rating of each cue to action, selected demographic variables, and comparison of the cue ratings by age group. FINDINGS: Appointment scheduling, reminder cards, a friend/family member with cancer, and newspaper promotion were perceived by the sample as most influential in their decision to have prostate cancer screening. No practical significant differences in cue ratings were found between the two age groups: 70 years of age and older and less than 70 years of age. CONCLUSION: Reminder cards, specific appointments, and newspaper promotion should be used when structuring community prostate cancer screening programs. Men who have a friend or family member with cancer may be more likely to participate in screening activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: By incorporating influential cues to action into their everyday practice, nurses can be instrumental in reaching the population of men who are at risk for prostate cancer. Strategies for promoting prostate cancer screening should include: educating patients and family members about prostate cancer screening guidelines, using specific influential promotional practices when setting up prostate screening programs, and networking with seniors programs in the community.
Using Mixed-Mode Contacts in Client Surveys: Getting More Bang for Your Buck

Surveys are commonly used in Extension to identify client needs or evaluate program outcomes. This article examines how available email addresses can be incorporated into mixed-mode procedures for surveys. When mail and email addresses are used to implement a sequence of email and postal invitations in a mixed-mode survey, response rates were somewhat lower than those for mail only surveys. Item nonresponse is, however, lower for questionnaires completed via the Web, and costs for postage were substantially lower for the mixed-mode groups (because 60% of the surveys were completed via the Web). The study demonstrates the benefit of using mixed-mode surveys.