Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic correlates of abnormal blood profile in tribal districts of Eastern India

Objective: To assess the correlates of sociodemographic profile with abnormal blood profile in tribal districts of Odisha. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. The abnormal blood profile cut-offs were: Random blood sugar >200 mg/dl, Triglycerides >150 mg/dl, and Cholesterol >200 mg/dl. Setting: The study was carried out in Daringbadi and Tangi (Choudwar) blocks from Kandhamal and Cuttack district, respectively, in the eastern state of Odisha in India. Participants: Data of 2,000 households selected consecutively from 30 villages was collected for persons aged more than 6 years from either block on sociodemographic aspects and food consumption by households. Anthropometric measurements were taken for persons aged 11 years and above. Approximately 10%, that is, 400 households were chosen for blood sample collection for estimation of random blood sugar (RBS) and lipid profile [Serum Triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol] in persons aged 11 years and above. Results: The blood reports revealed that out of the total samples collected, 9.2% had elevated RBS, 20.8% had elevated TG, and 8.8% had elevated cholesterol levels overall. The prevalence of elevated RBS, TG, and Cholesterol was 2.3%, 15%, and 5.3%, respectively, in Daringbadi, while in Tangi-Choudwar the elevated markers were 17%, 27.2%, and 12.8% for RBS, TG, and Cholesterol, respectively. Our study found that compared to the Daringbadi block, a significantly higher (P < 0.05) proportion of people from the Tangi-Choudwar block suffered from hyperglycemia (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.20), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.64), and hypercholesterolemia (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.59). Hence, it was observed that the population of Daringbadi was 89%, 53%, and 62% less likely to have elevated random blood sugar level, serum triglycerides, and serum cholesterol, respectively, than the population of Tangi-Choudwar block. Overall, the population of Tangi-Choudwar was found to be more predisposed to an abnormal blood profile which might be indicate a less healthy lifestyle and diet in this block as compared to Daringbadi block. Conclusions: This study found that the sociodemographic factors influencing lifestyle and diet patterns of a population have an impact on the health of a population. We found that the tribal block which was more developed and had more intake of junk food and sedentary lifestyle similar to urban areas also had a greater proportion of population with an abnormal blood profile as compared to the less-developed tribal block. Hence, health promotion for a healthy lifestyle and diet is needed as a part of national health policy to implement primordial prevention and to prevent the emergence of risk factors from an early age. The frontline health workers and family physicians can play an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a robust prognostic biomarker for predicting patient survival outcomes in many diseases. However, it remains unclear whether it can be used as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To correlate NLR with disease progression and survival in sporadic ALS, 1030 patients with ALS between January 2012 and December 2018 were included in this study. These patients were assigned into three groups according to their NLR values: Group 1 (NLR < 2, n = 544 [52.8%]), Group 2 (NLR = 2–3, n = 314 [30.5%]), and Group 3 (NLR > 3, n = 172 [16.7%]). All patients were followed up until April 2020. Patients in Group 3 had a significantly older onset age, a lower score on the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale, and rapidly progressing disease conditions. Furthermore, faster disease progression rates were associated with higher NLR values (odds ratio = 1.211, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.090–1.346, P < 0.001) after adjusting for other risk factors. Compared with Groups 1 and 2, the survival time in Group 3 was significantly shorter (log-rank P = 0.002). The NLR value was considered an independent parameter for the prediction of survival in ALS patients after normalizing for all other potential parameters (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.079, 95% CI: 1.016–1.146, P = 0.014). The effects on ALS survival remained significant when adjusted for treatment (HR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.012–1.141, Ptrend = 0.019) or when considering the stratified NLR value (HR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.009–1.232, Ptrend = 0.033). Thus, the NLR may help to predict the rate of disease progression and survival in patients with sporadic ALS. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China (approval No. 2015 (236)) on December 23, 2015.
Revisiting Cancer Cachexia: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Current Treatment Approaches

The objective of this article is to group together various management strategies and to highlight the recent treatment modifications that attempt to target the multimodal etiological factors involved in cancer cachexia. The contemporary role of nursing fraternity in psychosocial and nutritional assessment of cancer patients is briefly discussed. Cachexia is a syndrome of metabolic disturbance, characterized by the inflammation and loss of muscle with or without loss of adipose tissue. In cancer cachexia, a multifaceted condition, patients suffer from loss of body weight that leads to a negative impact on the quality of life and survival of the patients. The main cancers associated with cachexia are that of pancreas, stomach, lung, esophagus, liver, and that of bowel. The changes include increased proteolysis, lipolysis, insulin resistance, high energy expenditure, and reduced intake of food, all leading to impaired response to different treatments. There is no standardized treatment for cancer cachexia that can stabilize or reverse this complex metabolic disorder at present. The mainstay of cancer cachexia therapy remains to be sufficient nutritional supplements with on-going efforts to explore the drugs that target heightened catabolic processes and complex inflammation. There is a need to develop a multimodal treatment approach combining pharmacology, exercise program, and nutritional support to target anorexia and the severe metabolic changes encountered in cancer cachexia.
Viral characteristics and clinical presentation in dengue co-infection- Findings from a facility based observational study in Odisha, India

Background: Dengue has affected many countries globally. Two-fifths part of the world is at risk, which can be affected by dengue disease. In India, the dengue incidence has increased in the recent past and emerged as an important health problem in many states including Odisha. Dengue disease presents with atypical clinical symptoms when associated with other co-infections. Materials and Methods: A facility-based longitudinal study was carried out over a period of 1 year to determine the dengue co-infection and its outcome. The suspected cases were clinically assessed following a standard case report format and serological investigations including serotyping were carried out. Results: 33.6% samples were dengue positive of which 78.5% were positive for NS1 Ag, 26.6% positive for dengue IgM and 5.1% to both. Among the dengue positive cases, 60.9% were male and mean age was 31.52 (±17.03) years. High occurrence of cases was during May to November with maximum in August. Among the 975 dengue positives, 57 (5.8%) were found to have co-infection. Chikungunya was the most common co-infection in 71.9%, followed by herpes simplex (HSV) (7%) and other diseases. Fever was the most common presenting symptom (98.2%), followed by myalgia (91.2%), retro orbital pain (91.2%), pain abdomen (12.3%), rash/lesion (8.8%), burning micturition (5.3%), petechiae (1.7%) and pruritus (1.7%) among the co-infected cases. Conclusions: All the four dengue serotypes were found to be circulating with DEN 2 as the most predominant one. About 5.8% of dengue cases have co-infection (mainly with Chikungunya) and clinically present with atypical signs and symptoms.
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding travel health among (King Abdulaziz) international airport travelers in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2019

Background: Travelers to different countries have endemic/pandemic diseases can increase the risk of exposure to various infectious agents and can facilitate their spread across borders. Objectives: To determine the levels of travel health knowledge, attitudes and practices among travelers at international airports of KSA. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted starting from 30 September, 2019 at the departure halls of King Abdulaziz International airport (KAIA). Representative sample adult travelers who were waiting to board were recruited. Results and Discussion: Good level of knowledge regarding travel health was observed among 28.2%. The majority of the participants (84.7%) got information about their destination prior to the trip. The main reported source of information was family/friends (53.8%). Negative health seeking behavior was observed among 70.8% of the participants. Purpose of the trip and duration of destination were significantly associated with health seeking behavior. Knowledge, attitude towards health information seeking behavior and practice-related to travel health among international travelers at King Abdulaziz International airport are insufficient.
Teenage pregnancies, practices, and utilization of RCH services by the tribal and nontribal population of West and South Tripura districts: A mixed method study

Background: As per NFHS III, 4.5% of the teen aged women of Tripura were pregnant, 18.5% have begun childbearing, and 14% have given live births. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of teenage pregnancies among tribal and nontribal population of West and South districts of Tripura, to study the social practice of care during these pregnancies, and to assess the utilization of RCH services by them. Methods: A community-based mixed method study was conducted from 5th September 2014 to 4th September 2015 among 2108 tribal and nontribal women aged 15 to ≤18 years residing in the undivided West and South districts of Tripura chosen by multistage sampling. Result: Among the study women, 93.5% were married, 6.3% were unmarried, and 0.2% was either divorced or widowed. Out of total, 21.35% were pregnant and 57.92% had already delivered. ASHA services were received by 59.73% and 72.13% in West and South districts and by 68.09% and 63.69% of the tribal and nontribal, respectively. JSY registration was 53.99% and 83.43% in West and South districts and 71.56% and 66.91% among tribal and nontribal, respectively. Antenatal check-up was received by 96.26% and 90.79% in West and South districts and 89.39% and 97.66% among tribal and nontribal ever pregnant women, respectively. Home deliveries were higher among tribal and they had inadequate postnatal check-up. Practice of isolated confinement following childbirth was fewer and these rooms were unclean and ill-ventilated though normal clothing was used. Qualitative component revealed that underutilization of RCH services was mainly due to poor quality of services, ignorance, and economic constraints to reach health facility. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is prevalent in Tripura and more among tribal. Ignorance of the women and poor quality of RCH services at primary health care level are responsible for its underutilization.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in Eastern India

Statement of the Problem: Healthcare workers (HCW) are the most vulnerable group for contracting SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCW, thus can provide important data on pathogen exposure, infectivity, and adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE). The present study aimed at assessing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among HCW and exploring associations with demographics, category of exposure to COVID-19 patients, preventive measures taken and relation with COVID-19 symptoms. Method of Study: HCWs with a minimum gap 2 weeks from last duty were eligible to participate in the study. The enrolled HCW were categorized into high-risk and low-risk category based on work in COVID-19 areas. HCWs SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using rapid immunochromatography test. Results: Out of 821 randomly selected HCWs, either IgM or IgG antibody was detected in 32 HCWs (32/821, 3.9%). Only IgM antibodies were detected in 14 (1.7%), only IgG was detected in 9 (1.0%), and both IgM and IgG antibodies were present in 9 HCWs. Seropositivity was significantly higher in high-risk category (5.7% vs. 2.2.%), HCWs who ever had COVID-19 related symptoms in last 3 months (5.6% vs. 2.8%), and those who had earlier tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (36.6% vs. 3.5%). Seroprevalence was highest (6.9%) among housekeeping and sanitation staff. Conclusions: Overall, low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in our HCWs is an indicator of effective infection control practice. HCW posted in dedicated COVID ward need more stringent implementation of infection prevention measures.
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and their determinants in two Urban districts of India

Introduction: It is essential to maintain optimal nutrition during the early years of life when the growth rate is maximum. Aims and Objectives: Our study investigated the prevalence of various feeding practices. We also explored their association with different sociodemographic, biomedical variables, and childhood morbidity. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional community-based study. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey of mothers of school-going children aged 2–6 years in the districts of Anand and Vadodara, Gujarat. Results: A total of 367 mothers participated in the study. About 78% of the mothers did early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth, and 68% gave colostrum to the newborn. Around 30% of the mothers practiced bottle feeding, and 25% gave prelacteal feeds. Most mothers received good family support for breastfeeding (93.73%). On univariate analysis, we found the following associations of feeding practices—breastfeeding initiation with the gender of the baby (P value—0.006) and type of delivery (P value < 0.001); the duration of exclusive breastfeeding with the time difference between two deliveries (P value—0.027) and maternal age (P value—0.004); prelacteal feeds with the type of delivery (P value—0.034); feeding difficulty with the time difference between two deliveries (P value < 0.001) and breastfeeding at night with maternal education (P value—0.002). The time of the initiation of breastfeeding was associated with cough and cold episodes. No other association was found between breastfeeding variables and health indicators. Conclusion: Maternal age, maternal education, the time difference between two deliveries, the type of delivery, and gender of the baby were significantly associated with different Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices. Identifying these factors might help in the development of strategies for optimizing feeding practices.
Black-box Testing of Quantum Systems

Quantum Computing is a growing ﬁeld in Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics because it presents stunning results in solving very complex problems faster that any classical computer. However, the physical diﬃculties that Quantum Mechanics presents, added to the complex development of quantum algorithms, made the ﬁeld to be very prone to errors. Thus, ensuring the quality of the devices and algorithms will take a very important role in the future of the ﬁeld. In this Thesis we present a brief introduction to Quantum Mechanics, followed by a new possible testing framework based on a formalism that we call Hybrid Turing Machines . This formalism allows to design complex systems by joining quantum and classical Turing Machines. Finally, we present a study of one of the very few techniques in Quantum Testing for black boxes, called Self Testing , along with a practical experiment.
Career Advancement: The Experiences of Minority Nurses in Accessing Leadership Positions in a Tertiary Care Setting

Minority nurses are underrepresented in leadership roles in the Canadian healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to explore MNs’ perceptions and experiences with regards to career development and MNs in leadership positions. Twelve nurses, four Caucasian and eight from the Caribbean and Africa in a tertiary care setting were recruited through purposive sampling. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using critical ethnography. Findings revealed lack of social support, of equal opportunities, of recognition and of trust. Despite negative experiences, minority nurses recognized the value of their work experience at the hospital where they were employed. Committing to a diverse workforce in leadership roles can ultimately have an effect on patient care. Minority nurses’ leadership is needed to provide role models and to ensure the delivery of competent care to diverse populations.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Diseases in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aims The prevalence of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus in the Middle East region is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to understand the pooled prevalence of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus in the Middle East region. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies up to October 2020. The search strategy was conducted using both keywords and MeSH terms. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that included patients from all age groups and any study design that reported on the prevalence of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus were included. The pooled estimate for the prevalence of CKD in patients with diabetes was calculated using random-effect models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 489 citations were identified, of which only nine studies matched our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. All of the studies used an observational study design covering a total of 59,395 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pooled estimate of the prevalence of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus was 28.96% (95% CI: 19.80–38.11). Conclusions A high prevalence of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus in the Middle East region was found. Further epidemiological studies are warranted in this area to have a better estimate of the prevalence of CKD among DM in the Middle East region.
Exploring the Decision-Making Process of Pre-Service Teachers in Solving Mathematics Literacy Problems

Students’ lack of mathematical literacy skills is also accompanied by the lack of mathematical literacy skills of most pre-service teachers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the decision-making process conducted by pre-service teachers in solving mathematical literacy problems. This qualitative descriptive study involved two subjects taken from 42 pre-service mathematics teacher students. Each subject was identified based on their pattern in solving mathematical literacy problems correctly and inappropriately. Data were collected through tests of mathematical literacy problems and test-based interviews. The results showed that there were differences in the decision-making process done by the students with correct and incorrect problem solving, namely: (1) building ideas, having three vs. two solution ideas, formulating and employing correctly vs. formulating correctly and employing inappropriately; (2) clarifying ideas, giving reasons for each idea vs. having wrong reasons due to calculation errors, interpreting correctly vs. interpreting incorrectly; and (3) assessing the reasonableness of an idea, providing logical reasons with one choice vs. logical reasons with one choice but less sure. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the creativity of prospective teacher students in building ideas is still low and reasoning in expressing and choosing ideas is still weak, causing immature decision making. The finding of this study provides suggestions for educators to provide structured assignments and for other researchers to find factors influencing pre-service teachers’ decision-making in mathematics problem-solving to improve pre-service teachers’ decision-making skills.
CHITOSAN AGAINST TO BORON TOXICITY IN MAIZE

In this study; growth, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline and MDA contents, the amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (superoxide (O2 .–) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) activities and its isoenzyme profiles, (ascorbate (AsA), dehydro ascorbate (DHA) and glutathione (GSH)) quantities in maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Hido) exposed to boron toxicity (B) (8 mM B(OH)3) and B + chitosan (0.01%, foliar (A) and seed soaking (B) applications) conditions in hydroponic culture have been studied comparatively. Boron toxicity significantly reduced growth parameters, chlorophyll, carotenoid, AsA, DHA and CAT activity while increased proline, MDA, oxidants (O2 .– and H2O2), SOD, POD, APX and GR activities and GSH levels. B + Chitosan A and B applications significantly reversed the B toxicity-based inhibition in these parameters. It has been suggested that chitosan can be used as a reliable chemical for boron toxicity in maize, since chitosan applications (A and B) cause improvements in terms of all the parameters in the damage caused by B toxicty.
Effectiveness of internship program as perceived by intern nurses and its relation to their professional role at technical nursing institutes

Background: Nursing internship program is a system of instruction and experience coordinated within an academic setting and leading to the acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attributes essential to the practice of professional nursing. Aim: examine the relationship between the effectiveness of the internship program (established via intern nurse's points of view) and intern nurse's professional role at the technical institutes of nursing. Subjects and Method: Design: A descriptive research design was carried out. Setting: The study was carried out at technical nursing institutes at Damietta and associated hospitals at Damietta governorate . Subjects: All nurses 147 nurse interns from the aforementioned setting who enrolled in the internship program. Tools: Tool I: A structured questionnaire including Part 1: intern nurse personal data. Part 2: intern nurse's evaluation of the internship program, Tool II: Six-dimensions scale of nursing performance. Results: 90.5% of the nurse interns were female, the mean score of internship environment was 72.0, the internship site supervisor 80.3 , while internship learning experience was 78.3, a highly statistically significant relation was revealed between the internship program effectiveness and the professional role. Conclusion: the internship program was efficient in improving nursing intern nurses’ professional role of the intern nurses at technical institutes of nursing, the professional role of the intern nurses was good, and there was a relation between the internship program effectiveness and the intern nurses' professional role. Recommendations: more emphasis should be given to the feedback on the intern nurses' performance, leadership, mathematical skills required for the profession.