Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of liver enzymes and sonological grading in nonalcoholic fatty liver

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Bishnu Jwarchan, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Phone No: +977-9856072548. E-mail: jwarchan7@gmail.com © Copyright AJMS Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of diffuse liver disease with a global prevalence of 25.24% and progresses to fibrosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Diagnosing NAFLD requires demonstration of increased liver fat and ultrasound imaging is widely used for screening. Specific blood tests to diagnose NAFLD and NASH are not yet available and alanine transaminase (ALT) has been used as a marker in population based studies. Aims and Objective: This study was aimed to compare the liver enzymes and sonological grading in NAFLD. Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital based observational study was carried out in 85 patients presenting to medical outpatient department (OPD) with ultrasonogical evidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) from January 2016 to December 2016. The patients were sent for liver enzymes and serum ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were particularly correlated with the grade of NAFL.Data were collected on a preformed proformaand analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: In our study, mean age of the patients was 46.08 years and most of the patients were in age group of 40-60 years. Females (65.88%) were more affected than males (34.12%). There were 71 (83.5%) patients with grade 1 NAFL and 14 (16.5%) patients with grade 2 NAFL. The level of serum ALT increased with higher grades of NAFL. The mean ALT in grade 1 NAFL was 29.14±19.41 and in grade 2 NAFL was 42.19±2157; p= 0.027. Comparison of serum AST and GGT with ultrasonological grading did not show statistical difference. Conclusion: Serum ALT levels correlated with the ultrasonological grades of NAFLD (p = 0.027) whereas AST and ALT did not show statistical correlation with grades of fatty liver. Our study suggests for large sample size study for AST and GGT values relationship with ultrasonological grades.
CHANGES IN GANGLION CELL AND INNER PLEXIFORM LAYERS THICKNESS AND RETINAL MICROVASCULATURE IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF GLAUCOMA

Background: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons, which results in characteristic excavation of the neuroretinal rim with corresponding visual field (VF) deficits. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel imaging modality that can detect vascular flow of the retina and choroid in great detail. The ability to segment OCT angiograms into the different vascular layers may improve understanding of disease pathogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between Ganglion Cell and Inner Plexiform Layers thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the macular microvasculature density in different stages of primary open angle glaucoma using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Subjects and Methods: The study was performed on 80 eyes of 48 subjects including 20 eyes of 11 controls, and 60 eyes of 37 POAG cases which were divided into 3 groups according to Hodapp,Parish,Anderson (H-P-A) classification; Group1: mild glaucoma (20 eyes), Group 2: moderate glaucoma (20 eyes),Group 3: severe glaucoma (20 eyes). Results: In our study, we found that there was a significant reduction in Ganglion Cell - Inner Plexiform Layer (GCIPL) thickness and macular VD in patients with POAG which increased with increasing glaucoma severity, also we found that OCT and OCTA parametrs were significantly differentiate between normal and POAG cases and also between different stages of POAG. Also we found that an OCTA was an important diagnostic tool in diagnosing mild cases of POAG and to differentiate between mild and moderate cases of POAG,in contrast to OCT in which there was no significant differance between mild and moderate cases of POAG. OCTA seems to be a good candidate for diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma, complementing the results provided by OCT and visual field testing. Conclusion: Significant differences between eyes with POAG and normal eyes in terms of the macular GCIPL thickness and microvasculature density (VD) suggest that the macular GCIPL thickness and the retinal capillary vessel area density may be reliable indicators of glaucoma severity.
Study the Prevalence of Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Iraq

The study was done in the Hospital of Ibn-AL-Hythem for eyes infections in Baghdad from July till October of 2014. 120 conjunctiva eyes swap samples were collected from patients with pinkness or redness of the conjunctiva, which include 59 male and 61female. The diagnoses of specimens were done in the laboratories of the hospital by using the Analytical Profile Index System (API system). The results showed that 29(24.1%) samples were positive for bacterial infections while 91(75.9%) samples gave negative results, which mean conjunctivitis occurs by other causes. The study showed low in the percentage of bacterial infections that occurred in the eyes lid conjunctiva as well as in the perorbital region. The predominant isolated species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermides, Streptoccus spp, respectively.
Comparison of Gait Pattern in Athletes with ACL Deficiency and Healthy Individual using an Accelerometer

Background: In athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiencies could assess functional capabilities with different instruments such as use of a camera in vivo situation. However, these methods have suffered from a large number of limitations such as inability to be repeatable and complexity in technique. Objective: The main purpose of this study was to compare gait pattern of the athletes with ACL injury and able-bodied subjects using an accelerometer. Method: A three-dimensional accelerometer was placed over the tibia tuberosity of 20 healthy and 20 individuals with ACL-deficiencies (ACLD). After walking on the treadmill, the principal components of the acceleration data were calculated using MATLAB software. Results: In this study, Principle Component analysis was used for statistical analysis. The results indicated that subjects with ACL deficiency have different gait pattern compared to the control group. The major differences between stride trajectories of the two groups were at the end of mid-swing and the beginning of terminal swing phases in vertical axis. ACL deficient subjects exhibited different gait patterns during mid and terminal stance phases in anterior- posterior axis compared with normal controls. Conclusions: The difference in gait between subjects with ACL deficiency and healthy subjects are depends on variation in the amount of knee flexion and tibia rotation that could be altered to motor recruitment.
Share Repurchase Practices in Finland

Author: Heidi Kivi Title: Share Repurchase Practises in Finland Department: Economics and Business Administration Year: 2006 Master’s Thesis: Lappeenranta University of Technology 69 pages, 2 figures, 9 tables and 6 appendices. Examiners: prof. Minna Martikainen prof. Mika Vaihekoski
One minute preceptor as an effective teaching and learning method for pediatric internship: An interventional study

Background: Compulsory Rotating Residential Internship (CRRI) is an important learning period for medical graduates to become competent registered medical practitioners. Exclusive teaching programs for interns are scarce. During short pediatric CRRI postings, it is difficult to disseminate the necessary knowledge and skills to manage the common pediatric problems seen in the community by traditional teaching methods. We explored innovative teaching techniques to train the interns in a short time to acquire such basic skills. One minute preceptor (OMP) is a five micro skills clinical teaching, tailored to the learner’s needs by motivating them to learn. Objective: To implement OMP in our busy pediatric outpatient department (OPD) to train the interns and to know if it is an effective teaching technique. Methods: The study group included 15 interns who were posted to pediatric OPD on rotation for a month and never had earlier OMP teaching module. Their learning experience with traditional teaching method was gathered by a validated pre-project questionnaire graded on Likert scale. After 3 OMP sessions with a trained faculty, their learning experience was again collected by a post-project questionnaire. The data were compared and analyzed statistically using stata14 version software. p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The average scores of questions went up from 1.3 and 3.1 in pre-project questionnaire to average scores of 2.3 and 4.1 in post-project questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale. This shows OMP as an effective teaching method over traditional teaching method for interns at pediatric OPD. Preceptor experienced OMP as simple, individualized and focused teaching method to the interns. Conclusion: OMP should be implemented in pediatric OPD to train the interns on common pediatric problems.
Short term outcome of open reduction and internal fixation with plating in displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures

Background: Calcaneum fractures constitute the majority of the tarsal bone fractures worldwide. There is no gold standard consensus as of now for the management of the displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation with plating is one of the management options available. Methods: Authors studied the results of open reduction and internal fixation with plating in 22 calcaneal fractures in a study with a minimum follow up of 6 months. Outcome was studied using Maryland foot score. Results: Authors observed excellent results in 5 patients (22.72%), good results in 12 patients (54.54%), fair results in 4 patients (18.18%) and poor result in 1 patient (04.54%). Authors encountered wound infection in 1 patient (4.54%), heel varus in 1 patient (4.54%), heel broadening in 1 patient (4.54%), reduced range of motion at ankle in 2 patients (9.9%) and persistent heel pain in 1 patient (4.54%). Conclusions: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with calcaneum plating, through an extensive lateral approach, for displaced intra articular fractures of the calcaneum is an effective treatment modality with very good results in experienced hands.
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCES TO REPLACE FISHMEAL IN PRACTICAL DIETS FOR AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

The Efficacy of replacing fish meal with fish waste meal, crayfish meal and gambusia fish meal on an ideal protein basis in diets for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus , were evaluated under production conditions in concrete ponds. African catfish averaging 325.21±3.99 were randomly distributed among twenty outdoor concrete ponds subdivided (partitioned) by netting to 20 rearing units representing the twenty treatments studied. Each unit was 4.0 m length, 2.5m width and 1.0 m depth (10 m3)freshwater at a stocking rate of 25 fish per rearing unit. Ten experimental diets isoprotein (37%) and isocaloric diets (19KJ /g) were formulated to contain three (3) animal source protein (Fish waste meal, Crayfish meal and Gambusia fish meal) at three (3) level of substitute of fishmeal (50, 75 and 100%) and control diet in the experimental design . After 16 weeks (112 days), feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing dietary fish waste meal substitution for fishmeal. The growth parameters indicated that weight gain, specific growth rate decreased significantly with increase in crayfish meal. The fish diet containing gambusia fish meal (75%) and control diet had significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain, specific growth rate compared to other treatments. Based on the observed results, either of the tested products can be used to reduce the fishmeal content, when fish waste meal was available, 50% fish waste meal serviced as assailable partial replacement for fishmeal, though with crayfish meal was available the replacement of 50% of the fishmeal in basal diet African catfish with crayfish meal. However, the 75% gambusia fish meal in the present study is a suitable complete substitute for fishmeal in practical diets for African catfish. When three source of animal protein were availability, the gambusia fish meal (75%) a suitable substitute for fishmeal in practical diets for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).
Massal and Individual Electrical Conductivity Tests and its Relationships with the Physiological Quality of Sweet Sorghum Seeds

Rapid tests such as electrical conductivity provide fast and consistent results regarding stratification of seed lots by vigor. They are important tools used to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of several species, however, no such information was found for Sorghum bicolor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the physiological quality of the seeds by the mass and individual conductivity tests. Four plots of the Fepagro 19 cultivar were analyzed through the degree of moisture, weight of one thousand seeds, first count and germination, radicular and shoot length, dry mass, cold test and emergence of field seedlings. Subsequently, they were submitted to mass electrical conductivity experiments with variations in the imbibition time (2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours), temperature (20, 25 and 30 ÂoC), number of seeds (25 and 50), volume of water (50 and 75 mL) and individual (2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours). The design was completely randomized and the data evaluated by the Tukey test. Only the lowest physiological quality batch was detected in the 20 Â°C, 75 mL and 25 seeds for 12 hours combinations; the individual test detected the least physiological quality batch, and it was possible to perform it in 24 hours.
Examining Employee Preferences for Workplace Wellbeing Intervention Designs Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Applied Psychology at the University of Canterbury

It is widely recognised that optimising the health and wellbeing of employees has benefits at both the individual and organisational level, yet wellbeing interventions often have disappointing participation levels. Employee perceptions of interventions are understood to impact participation levels. The purpose of the current study was to explore employee perceptions of four types of wellbeing interventions, which differed from each other with regard to who leads the intervention (employee vs organisation) and if it is related to, or independent from, the work itself. 92 individuals in full-time employment in New Zealand participated in an online survey, where they rated vignettes outlining different interventions along the following evaluation criteria: intention to participate, sustained participation intention, perceived effectiveness to the individual, and perceived effectiveness to the organisation. Participants then rank-ordered the interventions in order of preference. The results show that while participants did not show any clear preference for an intervention type, the work-independent organisation-led intervention was rated significantly less favourably in comparison to the other interventions along all evaluation criteria. Furthermore, most individuals ranked work-independent organisation-led as the least preferred intervention type. These findings suggest that organisation-led work-independent interventions are not perceived as positively as other possible intervention types, which is unfavourable given these are the interventions most often implemented. Though preliminary, the findings may inform practitioners and organisations to select or design wellbeing interventions that promote buy-in and engage employees such that participation rates may increase.
EFFECT OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBIT BUCKS

This study was designed to investigate reproductive performance of adult New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit bucks as affected by oral administration of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis). Bucks were randomly distributed into 2 homogeneous groups (10 in each). The first group were orally received 3 ml distilled water (control), while those in the second group were orally treated with 3 ml distilled water containing S. platensis at a level of 700 mg/buck as daily oral for 5 weeks before semen collection period. Semen was collected twice weekly for 10 successive weeks by artificial vagina. On day of semen collection, reaction time (RT) and physical semen characteristics were determined. During the last week of collection, concentration of testosterone in blood serum (STC), and some biochemicals and antioxidant activity in seminal plasma were estimated. Results showed that the S. platensis orally administration bucks improved (P<0.01) LBW, testicular (P<0.001) and epididymal (P<0.01) weights, testicular length (P<0.01) and STC (P<0.001), and decreased RT (P<0.01) of bucks as compared to controls. Ejaculate volume and percentages of progressive sperm motility, livability, normality, and acrosomal damage as well as sperm cell concentration and total sperm output (motile, motile normal, motile live and total functional) significantly improved by S. platensis compared with controls. Also, semen pH value decreased (P<0.05) by S. platensis treatment. Concentrations of total fructose and total proteins were significantly higher in seminal plasma as affected by S. platensis treatment, while, concentrations of albumin (AL), globulin (GL) and AL: GL ratio were not affected by S. platensis treatment. Activity of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase significantly increased, while TBARS concentration significantly decreased in seminal plasma of bucks treated with S. platensis, however, glutathione concentration was not affected. Conception rate and kindling rate, litter size and average bunny weight at birth improved in doe rabbits mated with bucks treated with S. platensis. In conclusion,S. platensis at a level of 700 mg/buck as oral administration for 5 weeks period to be used in natural mating or artificial insemination is recommended to be serving as a supportive treatment in the nutritional management to improve semen production of rabbit bucks, and fertility of doe rabbits mated with these bucks.
Immunotherapy: Newer Therapeutic Armamentarium against Cancer Stem Cells

Mounting evidence from the literature suggests the existence of a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in almost all types of human cancers. These CSCs possessing a self-renewal capacity inhabit primary tumors and are more defiant to standard antimitotic and molecularly targeted therapies which are used for eliminating actively proliferating and differentiated cancer cells. Clinical relevance of CSCs emerges from the fact that they are the root cause of therapy resistance, relapse, and metastasis. Earlier, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were established as cancer treatment modalities, but recently, immunotherapy is also gaining importance in the management of various cancer patients, mostly those of the advanced stage. This review abridges potential off-target effects of inhibiting CSC self-renewal pathways on immune cells and some recent immunological studies specifically targeting CSCs on the basis of their antigen expression profile, even though molecular markers or antigens that have been described till date as expressed by cancer stem cells are not specifically expressed by these cells which is a major limitation to target CSCs. We propose that owing to CSC stemness property to mediate immunotherapy response, we can apply a combination therapy approach by targeting CSCs and tumor microenvironment (TME) along with conventional treatment strategies as an effective means to eradicate cancer cells.
Verbal Capability as A Variable Mediator The Effect Between Discipline Techniques And Mother Ability To Give Commands To Traditional Games On Down Syndrome Children’s Compliance

The purpose of this study was to obtain a discipline technique model and the ability of mothers to give orders after attending traditional game training mediated by children's verbal abilities and on the level of adherence in children with down syndrome in Indonesia. The method used in this study is a causal relationship. Respondents in this study were children with Down syndrome with their mothers. The research measuring instrument uses a scale of discipline techniques, the scale of compliance and maternal ability questionnaire. The verbal ability is measured through Weschler Preschool Primary Scale Intelligence, subtest picture naming and receptive vocabulary Data analysis techniques use path analysis techniques. The number of respondents was 81 pairs of mothers and children with Down syndrome. Based on the results of the study obtained a discipline technique model and the ability of the mother after attending the seminar the benefits of traditional games affect the self-adherence of children with Down syndrome, which is mediated by children's verbal abilities are fit with empirical data.
Investigation of Mental Toughness Levels of Individuals Who Actively Do Sports: A Sample of the City of Elazig

The aim of this study is to investigate the mental toughness levels of individuals who actively do sports in the face of events they face during sportive performances. Mental toughness is among the psychological characteristics to achieve the highest performance by athletes and coaches. Mental toughness is also important in terms of evaluating the performances of athletes and support their development. The population of the study consisted of individuals who actively do sports in the city of Elazig while the sample of the study consisted of 156 active athletes, who were chosen by the simple random sampling method. As the data collection tools, the personal information form, which was created by the researchers, and the Mental Toughness Scale (MTS), which was developed by Madrigal et al. (2013) and adapted into Turkish by Nevzat Erdogan by 2016, were used. In conclusion, of the athletes who participated in the study, it was observed that male athletes had higher levels of mental toughness compared to female athletes according to the gender variable. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in terms of the variables of marital status, age, educational status, sports experience and sports branch.