Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet-rich plasma versus dry needling of myofascial meridian trigger points in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

Background Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain, which results from repetitive trauma with degenerative changes in the plantar tissue. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and dry needling showed promising results as regards pain resolution and healing effect, and hence our aim was to compare their efficacy in the treatment of chronic PF. Patients and methods Thirty patients diagnosed with unilateral PF were subjected to full clinical assessment for foot function using the foot function index (FFI) and assessment of trigger points along the meridians. Ultrasonographic examination of plantar fascia thickness, echogenicity, and power Doppler was carried out. Patients were divided randomly into two groups of 15 each: group A received a single injection of PRP at the plantar fascia, and group B was treated with dry needling protocol in myofascial meridians trigger points along the superficial back line. Follow-up after 6 and 12 weeks included clinical re-evaluation, FFI determination, and ultrasonography. Our results showed a significant improvement in the clinical outcome of the FFI in group B (P<0.03) and a highly significant improvement in the clinical outcome within the PRP group by the 12th week (P<0.009). A significant decrease in thickness, heterogeneity, and Doppler signals (P<0.04, P<0.003, and P<0.03, respectively) was observed within the PRP group at the 12th week. Conclusion PRP injection is a promising line of treatment for chronic PF with documented ultrasonographic healing effect. Dry needling is a simple and safe technique for treating pain associated with PF, yet it is more invasive and less effective compared with PRP injection.
O uso de bebida alcoólica entre gestantes adolescentes

Objetivo: identificar o consumo de bebida alcoólica entre as adolescentes gestantes. Método: estudo de abordagem quantitativa, descritiva e de corte transversal. Os participantes foram 27 adolescentes gestantes adscritas nas Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Resultados: constatou-se que 54% referiram fazer uso de bebida alcoólica nos últimos 12 meses e 7,4% apresentavam chance de ter diagnóstico de dependência alcoólica. Das 5 participantes que relataram ser a segunda gestação, 80% afirmaram ter utilizado álcool na gravidez anterior. Identificou-se que em relação de risco sobre o padrão de consumo de álcool 81,4% se enquadram na zona I, 14,8% na zona II e 7,4% na zona IV. Conclusão: reafirma-se a necessidade de ações de prevenção do uso de álcool na gestação e a relevância do papel do enfermeiro no acompanhamento integral durante o pré-natal.
Configuration and Model Order Selection of Frequency-Dependent π Models for Representing DC Cables in Small-Signal Eigenvalue Analysis of HVDC Transmission Systems

Eigenvalue-based analysis of small-signal dynamics in high-voltage direct current (HVdc) transmission systems requires cable models that are compatible with a state-space representation. While distributed parameter models accounting for frequency-dependent effects are inherently incompatible with a state-space representation, a conventional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula> model can only represent the cable behavior accurately at a single frequency. Instead, a frequency-dependent <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula> (FD-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) model consisting of a lumped circuit representation with multiple parallel <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$RL$ </tex-math></inline-formula> branches in each <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-section can be utilized to reproduce the frequency dependence of the cable characteristics in a specified frequency range. Based on an evaluation of relevant error metrics for FD-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula> models, this article demonstrates how the number of sections and the number of parallel branches in each section will influence the accuracy. From this starting point, an optimization algorithm for identifying the configuration that fulfills a specified set of accuracy requirements with the lowest possible model order is introduced. A similar algorithm for identifying the most accurate FD-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\pi $ </tex-math></inline-formula> model within a specified maximum model order is also proposed. Examples of numerical results for different cable lengths and cross sections are presented to highlight their effect on the model, and it is demonstrated how the cable model configuration can influence the results from small-signal eigenvalue analysis of HVdc transmission systems.
Effect of garlic extract on growth performances and hematological parameters of broilers

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) extracts supplementation in drinking water as a growth promoter of broiler chicken. A total of 60 one-day-old male Lohman meat broiler chicks were distributed over two groups of 30 chicks with three replicates of 10 birds. Group B was supplemented with garlic extract from water and Group A kept as a control. Weekly observations were recorded for live body weight gain up to 4 th weeks and hematological tests were performed at 30 th days. Live weight and weight gain of the treatment group were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the control group. Significant (p<0.05) higher values also observed in terms of weight of heart, liver, spleen, and pancreas for the treatment group. The value of TEC and PVC of treatment group showed significant (p<0.05) differences. The results suggest that better growth performance could be achieved in broilers with feed supplemented with garlic extract. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2017, 3(3): 317-322
Variations in the adoption and use of mobile social apps in everyday lives in urban and rural China

China has in recent years seen the rapid adoption of multifunctional social networking applications such as WeChat. This paper aims to explore if China’s social stratification has influenced the adoption and use of mobile social apps and if social apps such as WeChat can help to bridge the digital divide by providing urban and rural users equal access to diverse information and communication resources. The study is based on 4 months of fieldwork in the Henan Province of central China and combines quantitative data from surveys and qualitative data from semistructured interviews and focus groups. We found that there still exists a digital gap in the adoption and use of mobile social apps such as WeChat between rural and urban China, but such differences are also associated with demographic variables such as age, gender, and education level. Meanwhile, we found that WeChat has become more than a communication tool; it has also played an essential role in everyday problem-solving and information seeking for both rural and urban users. Our qualitative interviews and focus group studies reveal how WeChat influences various aspects of daily life in developing areas in China. We argue that although some divides in information seeking are being overcome, other new divides are emerging.
Downs syndrome and its screening: how aware are we?

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality found in live-born babies. The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of pregnant women regarding Down syndrome and its screening. Methods: This was a prospective study done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in a tertiary care hospital. All pregnant ladies who attended the antenatal clinic and consented for the study were included. A prevalidated questionnaire was given to these women and data was collected. Responses to pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes and practices were evaluated in a three-point scale of yes/no/ don’t know. All correct answers or all but one correct answer was scored good and the percentage was calculated. Results: A total of 267 pregnant women were included in the study. Of the 267 women only 156 (58.4%) had heard about Down syndrome. Eighty five percent of the women unanimously agreed that Down syndrome babies had mental impairment. But only 21.1% patients had good knowledge score on Down syndrome. Eleven percent had good knowledge regarding Down syndrome screening tests. Almost sixty five percent of the women had the right attitude towards screening tests and 46.1% patients had followed good practice. Conclusions: Informed decision making rather than imposed decision making must be practiced. Compulsory and effective education regarding Down syndrome and its screening must be provided to all patients at the earliest antenatal visit. The gap between women’s knowledge, theirs attitudes and practice has to be addressed to. Non-invasive prenatal testing might be the future and is quickly bring about a shift in the paradigm in prenatal screening.
A 30-Yr Climatology of Meteorological Conditions Associated with Lightning Days in the Interior Western United States

A 30-yr climatology of lightning days and associated synoptic meteorological patterns are characterized across the interior western United States (WUS). Locally centered composite analyses show preferred synoptic meteorological patterns with positive 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies located to the northeast and negative sea level pressure anomalies to the northwest and collocated with local lightning days. Variations in preferred patterns for local lightning days are seen across the interior WUS. Areas not commonly affected by the North American monsoon system including the western Great Basin and northern Rocky Mountains show higher-amplitude anomalies of geopotential height, moisture, and midtropospheric instability patterns suggesting the importance of episodic midlatitude dynamics to lightning days in such locations. By contrast, locations closer to the core of the North American monsoon show weaker anomalies, likely reflecting the prevalence of favorable mesoscale dynamics key to lightning production during warm-season months in locations in the interior Southwest. Meteorological patterns for select locations are explored in more detail and two case studies of notably active lightning events are presented. Results from this observational analysis provide a foundation for evaluating meteorological conditions on lightning days in climate model simulations for the interior WUS.
Anxiety and Depression among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment in Ghana

Breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience severe levels of anxiety and depression within the African context. There is a gap in the research literature from Africa, particularly Ghana, with few studies focusing on depression among patients undergoing radiation treatment. The purpose of the study was to find various interventions for depression and anxiety among breast cancer patients in Ghana. A mixed method study examined breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and their responses through a concurrent triangulation involving an interview with selected professional and a detailed patient survey. In all, 100 patients between the ages of 20-89 completed a questionnaire and individual interviews were held with 6 professionals with a minimum of 5 years of work experience. Themes were generated through open coding of the interview data, while multiple regression was performed to determine the relationship between depression and anxiety with the independent variables. In all, 89% had no family history of breast cancer, and the majority (55%) had the disease duration of one to three years. Almost 95% of patients with breast cancer had anxiety and depression in different categories. This included hair loss, discolored finger nails, cost of treatment, and fear of the unknown. Age and monthly income of patients were statistically significant in predicting the anxiety and depression among the patients. Coping mechanisms are essential for all patients undergoing treatment. This study’s implications will lead to positive change when all stakeholders assist in implementing measures to promote coping strategies for breast cancer patients in Ghana.
Emotion Regulation and Job Satisfaction as Predictors of Subjective Well-being in Doctors

This study examined the role of emotion regulation and job satisfaction in predicting affective (positive and negative affect) and cognitive (life satisfaction) components of subjective well-being (SWB) in doctors. The predictors used were the dimensions of job satisfaction—intrinsic, extrinsic job satisfaction as well as the total score of job satisfaction and the following dimensions of intra-personal emotion regulation—cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. The participants included in the study were doctors from multi-specialty hospitals in Gurgaon district of Haryana. A total of 102 doctors were included in the study using convenience sampling. Correlational and step-wise multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the predictions. The results of the analysis confirmed the predictions as intrinsic job satisfaction and cognitive reappraisal significantly and positively predicted life satisfaction. The findings were discussed in the light of available research along with implications of the study and possible avenues for future research.
The Role of Skin Resident CD4 T Cells in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease characterized by highly inflammatory, sometimes disfiguring lesions that nonetheless spontaneously resolve, resulting in robust protection against reinfection. It has been known for decades that a type 1 CD4+ T cell response is critical for both primary parasite control and subsequent protection against reinfection. However, all attempts to artificially reproduce this response have failed, suggesting there may be a gap in our understanding of the memory CD4+ T cells generated by natural infection. In this work, we use a healing mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis to explore the role of skinassociated CD4+ T cells in this disease. We demonstrate for the first time that tissue-resident memory (TRM) CD4+ T cells are generated by leishmania infection, are long-lived, and are distributed throughout the skin. We next investigate whether or not these cells contribute to immune protection, and find that leishmaniaspecific TRM cells can guide the rapid recruitment of circulating T effector cells to the site of challenge, enhancing control of infection. We go on to identify another, novel mechanism of TRM cell-driven protection, in which leishmania-specific TRM cells orchestrate the rapid infiltration and activation of inflammatory monocytes, leading to robust early control of disease even in the absence of circulating T cells. Finally, we explore the requirements for the establishment of TRM cell populations in cutaneous leishmaniasis, with the ultimate goal of understanding how to harness these cells in a potential vaccine. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Phillip Scott Subject Categories Allergy and Immunology | Immunology and Infectious Disease | Medical Immunology This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/2310 THE ROLE OF SKIN RESIDENT CD4 T CELLS IN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS
Online verbal aggression, social relationships, and self-efficacy beliefs

This study aims to understand whether the relationships adolescent bystanders of cyberbullying have with the victim and other bystanders and their self-efficacy beliefs may affect their use of aggressive language online. Students (676, Mage = 14.10, SD = 2.74, 55.5% male) answered questions about social media use, self-efficacy to solve cyberbullying situations, interpersonal relationships, and their use of verbal aggression to communicate online. Through structural equation modeling, results demonstrated that having a relationship with the victim or other bystanders mediated the relationship between observing cyberbullying behavior and bystanders’ use of aggressive language online. The effect of observing cyberbullying behavior through having a relationship with the victim or other bystanders was lower than its direct effect on adolescent bystanders’ use of aggressive language. Self-efficacy beliefs mediated the relationship between having a relationship with the victim and other bystanders and adolescents’ use of aggressive language online. Implications for intervention in interpersonal communication online are proposed.
A unique variation of superficial palmar arch

We present a unique variation in the arterial pattern of superficial palmar arch in which it was completed by one of the large terminal branches of radial artery. The origin of the arteria radialis indicis was also peculiar that it was arising from the communicating branch of the radial artery and further reinforced by the first dorsal metacarpal artery that joined it after reaching the volar aspect. Pertinent anatomical knowledge regarding the variations of the palmar arch is significant for the purposes of microvascular repairs and re-implantations.
Progression patterns at RECIST PD during EGFR-TKIs in advanced NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutation.

8078 Background: The progression patterns at RECIST PD during EGFR-TKIs in advanced NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutation are clinically heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to evaluate progression patterns at RECIST PD during EGFR-TKIs in advanced NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutation. Methods: From 2008 to 2012, 160 consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutation were treated with EGFR-TKIs (erlotinib or gefitinib) at our institution. Among these patients, 104 patients who experienced RECIST PD assessed by radiologic findings were retrospectively evaluated for initial response on EGFR-TKIs, progression sites, focus of progression (solitary lesion or multiple lesions), patients status at RECIST PD, and post progression survival (PPS) from RECIST PD. Results: In 104 patients, 96 (92%) patients had EGFR major mutation (Exon 19 deletion and L858R), and 49 (47%) received EGFR-TKIs as first-line. The overall response rate and median progression free survival on EGFR-TKIs was 69 % and 8.2.
Rheological properties of 3D printing concrete containing sisal fibres

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different parameter of mix composition on fresh and rheological properties of printable mortar. Different binders were tested such as limestone filler (LS), and fly ash (FA). The water/binder ratio of 0.50 was used in this investigation. Superplasticiser (SP), viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) and sisal natural fibres (NF) were used in the investigation at different percentage. Furthermore, positive effect of fibres can be reversed when the dosage in fibres is too high (difficulties to extrude and drainage phenomenon which led to a stiffening of the mix). VMA caused an important loss of workability and time gap which influenced the passing ability of the mix through the extruder. Adding sisal fibres led to a greater yield stress, higher cohesiveness of the mix. Increase SP led to an increase in slump flow and penetration values and reduced the yield stress which can affect the stability of the shape of printed layers.
Preservice teachers learning to teach and developing teacher identity in a teacher residency

ABSTRACT This article reported how five preservice teachers constructed and developed their teacher identity in a year-long teacher residency partnered between a university-based teacher education program and schools in Louisiana, United States. Drawing on a sociocultural approach to identity development and the ‘third space’ theory, qualitative data were collected from individual interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Findings suggested that participants experienced an ongoing teacher identity construction while learning to teach in the hybrid, in-between ‘third space’ residency. Key elements of the residency, including the mentored co-teaching experiences and learning opportunities situated in authentic school contexts, facilitated the participants’ learning about teaching and teacher identity negotiation. Implications for teacher education practice, policy, and research were discussed.
Validation of Efficiency Method for Heavy Metals Determination in Kola Nuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl.) from Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The current study targets the achievement of a reliable process for the determination of heavy metal contents in kola nuts, namely cadmium, mercury, and lead, for better appreciation of the risks incurred from the consumption of such food products. Study Design: kola nuts collected from different stakeholders (planters, collectors, stores and centers) were analyzed after the validation of the proposed analytical method. Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory for Food Hygiene and Agro-Industry, LANADA in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2018. Methodology: Two references were used for the validation of the analytical method, namely the French standard NF V 03-110 and the European directive 2001/22/EC. The assays were achieved with an flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal contents of some samples collected from different sampling place were then determined Results: From the data, a significant regression chart was recorded for the heavy metals detection graphs, with significant correlation coefficients (R²˃ 0.99). The linearity domain was validated between 0.5 μg/L and 1.5 μg/L for cadmium, 15 μg/L and 45 μg/L for lead and from 10 μg/L to 100 μg/L for mercury. In addition, the LOD were 0.03 μg/L, 1.85 μg/L and 2.92 μg/L, while the LOQ were 0.07 μg/L, 6.52 μg/L and 3.32 μg/L for cadmium, lead and mercury, respectively. The relative standard deviations of the repeatability and reproducibility assays are below 4%, whereas standard additions of heavy metals are fully recovered, with percentages close to 100%. Contents of cadmium, lead and mercury in kola nuts are respectively valued at 22.97±9.01 μg/kg, 1065.57±613.76 μg/kg and 33.88±31.58 μg/kg from the farmers and 24.99±7.79 μg/kg, 296.51±98.18 μg/kg and 39.74±34.66 μg/kg from the storage centres. Conclusion: This analytical method could help in ensuring effective sanitary control at different critical points of kola nut distribution channel for promoting a good management of the toxicity concerns in such products.
Online training for substance misuse workers: A systematic review

Abstract Effective dissemination from researchers to clinicians can improve outcomes for people using substance misuse services by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver best practice. The internet has the potential to facilitate quick, accurate and affordable learning on a large scale. However, the quality of online resources for substance misuse worker training is rarely evaluated. Aim: To review the available literature on the learning outcomes, qualitative descriptions and costs of online learning. Methods: The literature on online learning, staff training and substance misuse were reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Findings: Sixteen articles were identified with large variation in study quality and design. Descriptions of online interventions were insufficient for replication or comparison. Good quality online training should meet the needs of substance misuse workers whilst acknowledging that these needs will differ according to worker and context. Conclusions: Published research into online learning for the substance misuse workforce should be sufficient in detail to enable replication and direct comparison. More qualitative research about the needs and preferences of the workforce using online learning would fill a notable gap in the literature.