Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oropharyngeal Prolonged Dysphagia after Acute Stroke : Diagnosis and Clinical Predictors = عسر البلع في الفم و البلعوم لفترات طويلة بعد السكتة الدماغية الحادة : التشخيص و التنبوء السريري

Background: Dysphagia following acute stroke can be a serious threat to one's health because of the risk of aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and airway obstruction. There is an evidence that early enteral feeding via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is both beneficial and safe. Objectives: To predict risk factors ofprolonged dysphagia following acute stroke and proper management of similar cases. Subjects and Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study conducted on 113 patients with acute stroke admitted within 24 hours. Clinical findings and imaging results were prospectively collected, and subsequent progress was recorded. Subjects were divided into 3 groups for analysis: no dysphagia; transient dysphagia (≥14 days); or prolonged dysphagia (>14 days). Particular attention was paid to bulbar function. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission and on discharge. The water swallow test was performed to all patients who were able to attend sufficiently to follow the instructions. Modified Barium Swallow or Video-fluoroscopy test was done for some patients to detect the oropharyngeal dysphagia. Results: Significant associations for prolonged dysphagia were seen with large stroke, increased stroke severity, dysphasia and lesions of the frontal and insular cortex and presence of old vascular insult on brain imaging. Conclusion: These results indicated that it is potentially possible to identify those patients who have prolonged significant dysphagia following acute stroke at an early time point. This would allow the judicious use of early PEG to avoid aspiration pneumonia and for better nutrition.
The experiences of students in disclosing their HIV positive status at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus

The purpose of this study was to determine the experiences of students in disclosing their HIV-positive status at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus. A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological design was used to explore, describe, and understand the experiences of the students with regard to the disclosure of their HIV-positive status. A group of 20 students who belonged to the support group were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection until saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted according to Techs opencoding method. The study highlights the potential factors that might hinder access to HIV prevention, management, care, and support programmes. The findings reveal that there is a marked societal shift in the perception and understanding of HIV, resulting in disclosure being a less difficult responsibility. However, rejection by sexual partners has also been revealed. This rejection is one of the negative consequences that might hamper future disclosure. It is recommended that counsellors should be highly skilled in counselling HIV-positive people, especially about issues of disclosure. An HIV disclosure model will greatly support the work of these counsellors. KEY CONCEPTS Experiences, students, disclosure, HIV-positive status.
Retinoblastoma – pattern, presentation and management: a quintessential experience of 5 years -

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood. It accounts for 10-15% of cancers that occur in infants. Objective of the study was to determine the pattern, presentation and management of Retinoblastoma (RB) patients at a tertiary cancer care center in South India, during a period of 5 years (1 st November 2009 to 1 st December 2014). Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients diagnosed as having retinoblastoma obtained from hospital information system and our cancer registry. Data sought was demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, investigations done, the methods of management and the treatment outcome of retinoblastoma patients. Results: Total number of cases studied was 31 and total number of eyes studied was 47. Out of 31 cases, 58% were female. 52% had bilateral involvement. The median age at presentation was 24 months. The commonest mode of presentation was leukocoria (55%) followed by proptosis (22%). Out of 47 eyes studied, 87% were advanced tumours belonging to Group D or Group E. Metastasis to the central nervous system was noted in 22.6% patients belonging to either Group D or Group E. Out of the 31 patients, 64.6% patients underwent enucleation. 6 out of 31 cases succumbed to death. Conclusions: Retinoblastoma continues to be a challenge in developing countries. Lack of awareness and inaccessibility to proper healthcare facilities are major stumbling blocks in achieving high cure rates. Educating the public and healthcare professionals, importance of early diagnosis and prompt referral are vital in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
Prevalence of hypertension in mid adolescents in central India: A school based comparative study

Introduction: Hypertension among children and adolescents has increased significantly in the developed countries during the past two decades and similar trends are being observed even in the developing world. Methods: Mid adolescent boys and girls (14-16years) of three government and four private schools of Ujjain city were included with sample size of 1000. A pre designed questionnaire regarding nutritional and dietary history was prepared with measurement of anthropometry. Results: The overall prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension children in our study is 6.8% and 8.2% respectively, where as worldwide prevalence of hypertension is 7% to 19%. The prevalence of systolic pre-hypertension and systolic hypertension in children of government schools (14-16 yrs) was 7.5% and 8.5% respectively. In private schools out of 75 hypertensive students 49 (65.3%) (p=0.06) were consuming excess calorie. The incidence of systolic hypertension was low in the students with physical, activity ≥1hr/day and it was observed that both TV watching and Computer use were not associated with hypertension. Conclusion The prevalence of systolic hypertension in boys was higher in private schools as compared to government (7.8%>5.9%). Girls were more hypertensive in government as compared to private schools (12.4%>7.9%). Various factors which were found to have correlation with hypertension include calorie intake, number of meals per day, lack of physical activity in the present study.
Simple Black-Box Adversarial Examples Generation with Very Few Queries

SUMMARY Research on adversarial examples for machine learning has received much attention in recent years. Most of previous approaches are white-box attacks; this means the attacker needs to obtain before-hand internal parameters of a target classiﬁer to generate adversarial examples for it. This condition is hard to satisfy in practice. There is also research on black-box attacks, in which the attacker can only obtain partial information about target classiﬁers; however, it seems we can prevent these attacks, since they need to issue many suspicious queries to the target classiﬁer. In this paper, we show that a naive defense strategy based on surveillance of number query will not su ﬃ ce. More concretely, we propose to generate not pixel-wise but block-wise adversarial perturbations to reduce the number of queries. Our experiments show that such rough perturbations can confuse the target classiﬁer. We succeed in reducing the number of queries to generate adversarial examples in most cases. Our simple method is an untargeted attack and may have low success rates compared to previous results of other black-box attacks, but needs in average fewer queries. Sur-prisingly, the minimum number of queries (one and three in MNIST and CIFAR-10 dataset, respectively) is enough to generate adversarial examples in some cases. Moreover, based on these results, we propose a detailed classiﬁcation for black-box attackers and discuss countermeasures against the above attacks.
Knowledge and Practice of Personal Hygiene among Primary School Students in Sharjah-UAE

Proper knowledge and practices of personal hygiene plays critical role in avoiding communicable diseases and benefit the primary school children to enjoy healthy and productive school life. The present study evaluated the knowledge and practices related to personal hygiene among primary school children in Sharjah.This cross-sectional study involving 428 primary school children was conducted in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Out of 428 students, 155 were from grade 1 (27%), 164 from grade 3 (38%) and 149 from grade 5 (35%). The mean age for students was 8.61 years (SD=1.91). The ability to define personal hygiene was significantly higher among girls (95%) (N=194) as compared to boys (82%) (N= 183). Parents and teachers were the most common source of knowledge providers about personal hygiene to the participants. With the existing knowledge and practices related to personal hygiene among the students, parents and teachers can play positive and significant role to improve it further.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Adults

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in the general population, but its burden is unknown in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected adults. The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of GERD in HIV-infected adults. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 85 HIV-infected adults from 2 HIV clinics in Canada. The patients completed a validated GERD questionnaire during their scheduled clinic visits. Results Eighty-five HIV-infected adults were included in the analysis. Mean age, median body mass index, and median waist circumference were 44 years, 25 cm, and 93 cm, respectively. Sixty-eight patients (81%) had GERD, and 52 (77%) of them were male. Of the 68 adults with GERD, 36 (52.9%) were classified as frequent, and 42 (61.8%) were classified as moderate-severe. Twenty-two patients had metabolic syndrome, of whom 19 (86.4%) had GERD symptoms. The weight of patients with GERD was higher than that in patients without GERD (75 [interquartile range, 19.5] and 63.35 [interquartile range, 19.8] kg, respectively; P = 0.04). Sixty-five patients (95.6%) who had GERD symptoms were taking medications to treat it. Most patients (92.3%) were on histamine-2 receptor antagonists. Conclusions Gastroesophageal reflux disease is prevalent among HIV-infected adults, and more than half of the patients present with symptoms described as frequent and/or moderate-severe in intensity. The screening and management of GERD are important considerations as part of routine HIV care.
The relationship between unfair treatment and tobacco use: A national longitudinal Chinese sample

The aim of present study is to contribute to the literature by examining the developmental relationship between unfair treatment and tobacco use in a national longitudinal Chinese sample. Linear mixed model was used to analyze data from a national longitudinal survey, which measured unfair treatment and tobacco use in 33,600 adults in 4 waves from 2010–2016. The results showed that unfair treatment positively predicted tobacco use and the prediction was consistent over time.Our findings imply that reducing unfair treatment may be an effective way to prevent tobacco use, which is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality all over the world.
Using Aggregate Temporal Variation in Ad Awareness to Assess the Effects of the truth® Campaign on Youth and Young Adult Smoking Behavior

Mass media campaigns are one of the most effective population-level interventions for the prevention of tobacco use. However, accurately evaluating the effectiveness of these campaigns presents several challenges, particularly as campaign delivery becomes increasingly fractured across media platforms. There are a number of weaknesses associated with traditional, individual-level measures of campaign exposure in an increasingly socially networked, digital media ecosystem. This study evaluated the national truth® campaign using a novel method to measure campaign exposure through an aggregate weekly exogenous measure of awareness. We generated this exogenous measure from a continuous, cross-sectional tracking survey to predict intentions to smoke and current tobacco use among youth in the United States. Results from multi-level models indicated that weeks with aggregate campaign awareness greater than 65% were associated with lower odds of current tobacco use. We conclude with a discussion of implications and practical considerations for using this method for media campaign evaluation.
Detriments of a Self-Sacrificing Nursing Culture on Recruitment and Retention: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Aim To investigate the presence and impact of self-sacrifice within the nursing profession. Background Evidence suggests the existence of a culture of self-sacrifice within nursing, but its potential detriments to the profession have not been explored. Design A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 practicing nurses to explore the existence and potential implications of a self-sacrificing culture within nursing. Results All participants reported self-sacrifice within the nursing profession as the result of the prevailing stereotypical image of the “ideal nurse,” leading to job dissatisfaction, presenteeism, and burnout. Younger nurses reported being less willing to self-sacrifice and consequently felt unsupported by management and senior staff, resulting in job dissatisfaction and intent to leave their job. Conclusion A culture of self-sacrifice within the nursing profession may lead to job dissatisfaction, presenteeism, burnout, and retention problems, especially for younger nurses. A self-sacrificing image of nursing may also deter potential recruits from exploring a career in the profession.
Metabolic state and value-based decision-making in acute and recovered female patients with anorexia nervosa

Background Patients with anorexia nervosa forgo eating despite emaciation and severe health consequences. Such dysfunctional decision-making might be explained by an excessive level of self-control, alterations in homeostatic and hedonic regulation, or an interplay between these processes. We aimed to understand value-based decision-making in anorexia nervosa and its association with the gut hormone ghrelin. Besides its homeostatic function, ghrelin has been implicated in the hedonic regulation of appetite and reward via the modulation of phasic dopamine signalling. Methods In a cross-sectional design, we studied acutely underweight (n = 94) and recovered (n = 37) patients with anorexia nervosa of the restrictive subtype, as well as healthy control participants (n = 119). We assessed plasma concentrations of desacyl ghrelin and parameters of delay discounting, probability discounting for gains and losses, and loss aversion. Results Recovered patients displayed higher risk aversion for gains, but we observed no group differences for the remaining decision-making parameters. Desacyl ghrelin was higher in acutely underweight and recovered participants with anorexia nervosa relative to healthy controls. Moreover, we found a significant group × desacyl ghrelin interaction in delay discounting, indicating that in contrast to healthy controls, acutely underweight patients with anorexia nervosa who had high desacyl ghrelin concentrations preferably chose the delayed reward option. Limitations We probed decision-making using monetary rewards, but patients with anorexia nervosa may react differently to disorder-relevant stimuli. Furthermore, in contrast to acyl ghrelin, the functions of desacyl ghrelin are unclear. Therefore, the interpretation of the results is preliminary. Conclusion The propensity for risk aversion as found in recovered patients with anorexia nervosa could help them successfully complete therapy, or it could reflect sequelae of the disorder. Conversely, ghrelin findings might be related to a mechanism contributing to disease maintenance; that is, in acutely underweight anorexia nervosa, a hungry state may facilitate the ability to forgo an immediate reward to achieve a (dysfunctional) long-term goal.
Angiogenesis and lead (Pb): is there a connection?

Abstract Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal ubiquitously distributed around the world, especially in industrial areas. Occupational and environmental exposures to Pb have detrimental effects on human health. Pb affects functioning of many systems of the human body, including the cardiovascular system. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which makes critical contribution throughout life is deranged in various diseases. Excessive angiogenesis may result in different diseases including cancer. On the other spectrum, insufficient angiogenesis is observed in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These disorders are also associated with occupational Pb exposure. In this paper, epidemiological and experimental studies are reviewed selectively for evidence in support of this hypothesis, that is, interactions between Pb and angiogenesis. We discuss the evidence for the possible mechanism of Pb impact on concentrations of angiogenic factors. Studies suggested that Pb exposure affects the level of angiogenic factors associated with angiogenesis regulation and promotion. Further research is needed, especially in the mechanisms in which Pb-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) disregulation is present. We believe that characterizing the connection between Pb and angiogenesis will provide helpful information for the development of intervention strategies to reduce the adverse effects of Pb exposure.
Alcohol consumption of UK members of parliament: cross-sectional survey

Objectives This study examined the prevalence of risky drinking by members of parliament (MPs), as well as the relationship between risky drinking and age, years spent as an MP, working outside parliament, awareness of the Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service, and probable mental ill health. Design A survey questionnaire assessed alcohol consumption using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Risky drinking was identified by combining categories of increasing (hazardous), higher (harmful) and probable dependent drinking for those with a total score of 8 or more. Comparator groups from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) were used as controls. Setting UK House of Commons. Participants 650 MPs. Results Compared with all 650 MPs, participants (n=146) were more likely to be female (p<0.05) or have an educational qualification (p<0.05). Weighted proportions on AUDIT items were higher than the APMS comparator group for participants who had a drink four or more times a week, 10 or more drinks on a typical drinking day, six or more drinks in one occasion, or felt guilty because of drinking (p<0.01). Weighted percentages for risky drinking were higher in MPs compared with the whole English population (p<0.05), but similar when compared with socioeconomic comparator groups. The odds of risky drinking were 2.74 times greater for MPs who had an additional work role outside parliament compared with those who did not (95% CI 0.98 to 7.65) and 2.4 times greater for MPs with probable mental ill health compared with those with no evidence of probable mental ill health (95% CI 0.78 to 7.43). Conclusions A low level of awareness of the Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service has implications for improving the detection of risky drinking and improving access to this service by MPs. Possible increased likelihood of risky drinking in MPs who also had an additional work role outside Parliament and among those with probable mental ill health requires further exploration.
An assessment of bovine herpes virus 4 as a causative agent in abortions and neonatal death

Numerous viruses, including bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpes virus 4 (BoHV-4), and other pathogens are the most common causes of reproductive disorders and are responsible for huge economic losses in livestock production. This study investigates the aetiological role of BoHV-4 in fertility problems such as abortions, stillbirth and birth with unviable calves. Retrospective samples from 38 animals, including 17 aborting cows, 17 aborted foetuses, three stillborn calves and one unviable newborn calf were analysed. The BoHV-4 genome was detected in 25 (65.7%) animals by polymerase chain reaction. In 14 of these infected animals, we detected co-infection with BVDV, while the co-presence of BoHV-1 was also detected in one animal. In addition to the high prevalence of BoHV-4 genome in materials related to fertility problems, isolation of BoHV-4 from the brain of one stillborn calf indicated a causal link between BoHV-4 and fertility problems, such as abortion, stillbirths or birth with unviable calves.
Perceptible exciton-to-trion conversion and signature of defect mediated vibronic modes and spin relaxation in nanoscale WS2 exposed to γ-rays

In this work, we report manifested optical, optoelectronic and spin–spin relaxation features of a few layered tungsten disulphide (WS2) nanosheets subjected to energetic γ-photons (∼1.3 MeV) emitted from a Co60 source. Upon intense irradiation (dose = 96 kGy), a slight departure from the pure hexagonal phase was realized with the introduction of the trigonal phase at large. Moreover, in the Raman spectra, as a consequence of the radiation-induced effect, an apparent improvement of the E-to-A mode intensity and a reduction in phonon lifetimes have been realized, with the latter being dependent on the linewidths. The emergence of the new peak (D) maxima observable at ∼406 cm−1 in the Raman spectra and ∼680 nm in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra can be attributed to the introduction of defect centres owing to realization of sulphur vacancies (V S) in the irradiated nanoscale WS2. Additionally, neutral exciton to charged exciton (trion) conversion is anticipated in the overall PL characteristics. The PL decay dynamics, while following bi-exponential trends, have revealed ample improvement in both the fast parameter (0.39 ± 0.01 ns to 1.88 ± 0.03 ns) and the slow parameter (2.36 ± 0.03 ns to 12.1 ± 0.4 ns) after γ-impact. We attribute this to the finite band gap expansion and the incorporation of new localized states within the gap, respectively. A declining exciton annihilation rate is also witnessed. The isotropic nature of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra as a consequence of γ-exposure would essentially characterize a uniform distribution of the paramagnetic species in the system, while predicting a three-fold improvement of relative spin density at 96 kGy. Exploring defect dynamics and spin dynamics in 2D nanoscale systems does not only strengthen fundamental insight but can also offer ample scope for designing suitable components in the areas of miniaturized optoelectronic and spintronic devices.