Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socio-Economic Impact through Self Help Groups

The overall objective of the present study is to analysis the economic empowerment of women though SHGs in three villages of Tuticorin District of Tamilnadu. This study is compiled with the help of the primary data covered only in a six month period (2011). Totally 238 respondents were selected from 18 SHGs of three villages by using simple random sampling method. Empowerment signifies increased participation in decision-making and it is this process through which people feel themselves to be capable of making decisions and the right to do so. Women’s participation in decision-making in family is important indicator for measuring their empowerment. The analysis shows that 66 percent beneficiaries reported decisions are being taken by their husbands, yet, more than 34 percent respondents accepted that they do participate in decision-making process. Thus, the socio-economic conditions of women have demonstrated that their status has improved since the joining of SHG’s and availing microfinance. The result of chi-square- test revealed that there is significant difference between participation in decision-making in family and SHG women members in Tuticorin District. Keywords: Self-Help Groups, women empowerment, percentage analysis, averages, chi-square tests
Functional SNPs of the CCL5 gene and non-emphysematous phenotype in patients with COPD

We previously reported that a gain-of-function -28G allele at the promoter SNP (-28C>G) in the CCL5 gene was associated with susceptibility to late-onset asthma in patients who developed asthma at age 40 or older. The clinical diagnosis of COPD includes emphysema and small airway disease, and upregulation of CCL5 has been described in the airways of patients with COPD. We hypothesized that the CCL5 gene has a genetic impact on the variable expression of emphysema in patients with COPD. We studied 267 patients with COPD. All patients underwent high-resolution lung CT scans, and visual scoring (CT score) was performed to determine emphysema severity. We genotyped 3 SNPs at the CCL5 gene, including -403G>A, -28C>G, and +375T>C. We found a significant difference in CT score according to the CCL5 genotypes; the -28G allele was inversely associated with CT score (p=0.00038). When the analysis was confined to 180 patients with bronchial reversibility less than 15%, even stronger evidence for this association was noted (p=0.00002). Functional SNPs in the CCL5 gene were associated with milder emphysema. Together with our previous findings, our studies may identify the CCL5 gene as a common pathway in the pathogenesis of late-onset asthma and COPD with milder emphysema.
The impact of cytokine modulation in acquired and inherited inflammatory disease and AA amyloidosis

Background Inflammatory disorders (IDs) cause significant morbidity. SAA and CRP are acute phase proteins used to diagnose and monitor IDs. SAA is also the precursor to AA amyloidosis (AAA), a serious complication of chronic inflammation, causing renal failure and poor quality of life (QoL). The aim of treatment is thus to prevent AAA or to halt its progression to renal failure, protect renal allografts, and restore QoL. Novel biological therapies have transformed the landscape, but their longer term effects are yet to be elucidated. Aims We set up a nurse-led clinic to explore safety and efficacy of modulation of cytokines IL-1 and IL-6 in patients with IDs and AAA, and studied the changing epidemiology of AAA. We also sought to investigate whether CRP was itself pro-inflammatory. Results Suppressing SAA using anti-IL-1 and anti-IL-6 agents resulted in stabilisation of amyloid deposits and in some, amyloid regression and improved renal function. Treatments were safe and effective in dialysis and renal transplantation, even where the underlying cause of AAA was uncertain. Improvement was seen in almost all anti-IL-1-treated CAPS patients. Common adverse events were infections. QoL improved when treatment was effective. Referral rates of AAA have remained steady whilst other types have increased. The commonest causes of AAA are changing; unknown aetiology has increased. Injection of purified CRP into volunteers did not provoke inflammation. Conclusions Suppressing SAA by effectively treating the underlying ID can lead to improved renal function and regression of amyloid, even when the cause is uncertain. Anti-cytokine agents offer the possibility of targeted therapies to suppress systemic inflammation. Work reported here shows safety, even in dialysis and transplantation. AAA is becoming less common as some IDs have become easier to control. Single cytokine blockade has proved useful in AAA of unknown aetiology and treatment generally improves symptomatology and inflammation. CRP is itself not pro-inflammatory.
Homocysteine Serum Levels and Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) C677T Genotype in Patients with Parkinson's Disease, with and without Levodopa Therapy

Both methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) C677T genotype and levodopa treatment may give rise to elevated serum homocysteine levels in parkinsonian patients. We aimed to clarify the interplay of these factors in pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related hyperhomocysteinemia. Total serum levels of homocysteine (tHcy) and MTHFR C677T genotype were investigated in levodopa-treated and -untreated parkinsonian (“de novo”) patients, as well as in control healthy subjects matched by age and gender (N=83, 30 and 53, respectively). MTHFR C677T genotypes were equally distributed in PD patients and control subjects, the T allele homozygosity being observed in app. 12-17% cases. tHcy concentrations were significantly higher in both levodopa-treated and -untreated PD patients than in control subjects, and in TT homozygotes than in CT or CC genotype carriers. tHcy levels significantly correlated with the duration of the disease in PD treated patients only, reaching the maximum after 3-6 years. However, there was no correlation between tHcy levels and total daily intake of levodopa in the same group of PD patients. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T genotype is a significant factor for hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with PD, levodopa-untreated and probably even more in levodopa-treated PD patients.
Effect of Malathion on Testicular Histology in Albino Mice and the Protective Effect of Vitamin E Melebary,

The present study shed the light on the possible preventive effect of Vitamin E against the toxicity of malathion (MP), an organophosphate pesticide, on body and testes weight, morphometry of the testes and epididymis as well as histological structure of testes in albino mice. Mice were divided into six groups: control (C), Vitamin E-treated group (VE), Low dose malathion-treated group (LD), High dose malathion-treated group (HD), Low dose malathion plus Vitamin E-treated group (LD+VE), and High dose malathion plus Vitamin E-treated group (HD+VE). The obtained results showed that the treatments with LD and HD have caused highly significant decreases in the average body weight and both right and left testes ratio weights. Furthermore, light microscopic examination disclose that a month of malathion exposure was linked with necrosis and edema in seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissues. Decaying changes in the seminiferous tubules were also noted in mice that were treated with malathion and vitamin E but histopathological alteration were clement in interstitial tissues. Based on the observation it seems that vitamins E enhance malathion testicular toxicity but still remains un-preventive to a degree. [Melebary, S.J.; Elnaggar, M.H. ; Abu-Zinadah, O.A. ; Kurdi, L.A. and Algamdi, M.S. Effect of Malathion on Testicular Histology in Albino Mice and the Protective Effect of Vitamin E. N Y Sci J 2017;10(5):97-105]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub. net/newyork. 14. doi:10.7537/marsnys100517.14.
Unnecessary Repeated Total PSA Tests and Evaluation with Minimum Retest Interval and Reference Change Value

Background: Laboratory costs are one of the fastest growing areas of health care cost. Not only the developments in education and technology cause a natural increase in the test requests but also unnecessary tests are known to have an important role in the increase in laboratory use. Aim of the study: The aim of study was to determine unnecessary repeated total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) according to minimum retest interval and to evaluate the change between consecutive measurement results with RCV. Methods: According to report of Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, when first result is raised, it is recommended to repeat tPSA once in 6 weeks to assess the trend. In March 2015-2017, tPSA of patients were evaluated. If tPSA was >2.5 ng/mL and this test was repeated in less than 6 weeks, it was determined as unnecessary repeated test. RCV was calculated. Results: The number of tPSA was 1794 and number of consecutive tPSA requested was 427 (12.5%). The first tPSA result was >2.5 ng/mL in 46.4% (198/427) of consecutive tPSA tests, 49% of these tests (97/198) were unnecessary. RCV was calculated as 51.45%. In 82.5% (80/97) of unnecessary repeated tPSA, the change between two results was smaller than RCV. Number of consecutive tests which changed below RCV was significantly lower in appropriately requested tPSA tests than unnecessary repeated tPSA. Conclusion: Absence of significant difference between two consecutive results in unnecessary repeated test suggests the importance of test requesting according to guidelines. We believe that our work will raise awareness about reducing unnecessary requests.
Zero ischemia laparoscopic microwave ablation assisted enucleation vs. laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in clinical T1a renal tumor: a randomized clinical trial

Background The study aims to evaluate efficiency, safety and the functional outcomes of zero ischemia laparoscopic microwave ablation assisted tumor enucleation (LMWATE) in comparison with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for cT1a renal tumors. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial on cT1a renal tumor patients treated by laparoscopic nephron sparing surgeries between October 2014 to September 2017 was conducted. Tumor enucleation was performed in the LMWATE group after microwave ablation (MWA) without hilar clamping. The endpoint was the affected kidney’s change of GFR measured by renal scintigraphy at the 3rd month and 12th month postoperatively. All the patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The Student t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum tests and Pearson Chi-square or Fisher exact were applied to analyse data. Results The number of patients enrolled in the LMWATE group and LPN group were 90 and 93 respectively. Patients in the LPN group showed much more decline of effect kidney glomerular filtration rate at 3 months (10.3 vs. 17.4, P<0.001) and 12 months postoperatively (8.8 vs. 10.2, P=0.023) when compared to the LMWATE group. Additionally, in the LMWATE group, considerably shorter median operation duration (91 vs. 112 minutes, P<0.001), lower median estimated blood loss (82.5 vs. 117.5 mL, P<0.001) and shorter hospital stay (5.5 vs. 6 days, P=0.013) were observed but with similar postoperative complications in both groups. There was no positive margin or local recurrence in both groups. Conclusions Zero ischemia LMWATE may provide better preservation of renal function, decrease operative time and blood loss compared to LPN with similar complication rates.
Combining Environmental Microbiology and Health Psychology to Promote Effective Handwashing

VII Acknowledgements . IX List of publications . XI Personal contribution . XIII 1 General introduction . 1 1.1 Handwashing and health . 2 1.2 Handwashing and hand contamination . 3 1.2. 1 Handwashing frequency and general hand contamination . 4 1.2. 2 Handwashing technique and handwashing effectiveness . 5 1.2. 3 Interrelation of handwashing frequency and technique . 7 1.2. 4 Research questions . 7 1.3 Behavioural factors steering handwashing . 8 1.3.1 Social-cognitive theories of health behaviours and behaviour change . 8 1.3.2 Behavioural factors steering handwashing frequency . 14 1.3.3 Behavioural factors steering handwashing technique . 17 1.3.4 Research question . 18 1.4 Changing handwashing behaviour . 19 1.4. 1 Behaviour change approaches of past handwashing campaigns . 19 1.4. 2 Modes of delivery of past handwashing campaigns . 20 1.4. 3 Target behaviours and outcome measure of past handwashing campaigns . 21 1.4. 4 Research questions . 23 2 Objectives, research questions, and expected output of the thesis 25 3 Handwashing, but how? Microbial effectiveness of existing handwashing practices in high-density suburbs of Harare . 29 3.1 Abstract . 30 3.2 Introduction . 30 3.3 Methods . 33 3.4 Results . 37
Socio – Cultural Correlates of Cognitive Style: A Study of Primary School Children

The present study was concerned with the investigation of the effect of some socio – cultural variables on cognitive style among primary school children. The sample consisted of 200 (100 boys and 100 girls) primary students, styding in class II, III and IV in various primary schools of Varanasi. The age range of the sample was 7 – 9 years. The SPEFT scale constructed and standardized by D. Sinha (1984) was administered to measure cognitive style of students. Socio – cultural variables like locale, family structure, gender, birth order, socio economic status and caste were ascertained by personal data sheet prepared by the investigators. Results indicated significant impact of locale, showing urban students more FI than rural. Other socio – cultural variables failed to yield any significant impact on cognitive style of students.
Some implication of environmental pesticides pollution on malaria control in Ghana

The exposures of anopheles mosquito (Anopheles labranchiae) larvae to sub-lethal doses of pesticides have resulted in some selective resistance of the vector to some insecticides. The study determined the levels of pyrethroid insecticide, Allethrin 1, Allethrin 2, Lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin and some organochlorine pesticides; p,p’-DDT, and o,p’-DDD in water bodies and lagoons (mosquitoes’ breeding environment) in malaria endemic areas in some communities in Ghana. Water samples collected from mosquitoes’ breeding sites were analyzed for pyrethroid insecticide and some organochlorine pesticides using standard methods. The levels recorded in this study (0.0010.009 ppm) were an indication of the presence of the mosquito insecticide in the breeding environment of the vector. The abuse of pesticides into the environment may have serious implications on malaria control due to resistance of disease causing vectors to insecticides. It is now time for malaria control strategies to integrate environmental pollution control measures in their quest to roll back malaria. This study though limited, serves as a wakeup call for all to be good stewards of the environment to ensure good health for all. Correspondence to: Essumang DK, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, E-mail: kofiessumang@yahoo.com
International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of some environmental factors on dairy production of the 6307 Holstein cows raised in private farms which were affiliated to an agricultural cooperative “COPAG”, in Souss-Massa region in south-West of Morocco. The results of the analyzed data of dairy control of these cows, collected between 2008 and 2012, were 6578.30±1619.06Kg, 7034.88±1842.07Kg and 325.10±42.96 days, respectively, for 305days milk yield (305-dMY), Total milk yield (TMY) and the Lactation length (LL). The rank of lactation (RL), the year of calving (YC) and the calving season (CS) had very highly significant effects (P˂0.001) on 305-dMY, TMY and LL. However, the analyzed effects of calving age (CA) were non-significant (P˃0.05) for all the studied parameters. The dairy production of the Holstein in semi arid climate showed a great variability. The effects were highly significant, regarding, the year and the season of calving. The production in the cold seasons was great rather than the hot ones, which confirmed a high sensitive to seasonal variations.
Clinical nursing and midwifery research in Middle Eastern and North African Countries: A Scoping Review

The professions of nursing and midwifery currently face many challenges, such as an increasing number of patients with communicable and non-communicable diseases, which strains resources and requires nurses and midwives to develop their knowledge and skills to a higher level. This is also true in the Middle East, including the Mediterranean East and North African regions, which means it is vitally important that nurses and midwives have access to and use current research to inform their practice, with research targeting the most relevant issues, including complex humanitarian emergency situations that increase health issues and challenge health infrastructure. For this to be achieved, a scoping review of the indexed clinical nursing and midwifery literature in the Middle East was performed to identify gaps in clinical nursing and midwifery research and areas requiring focus. A search of PubMed, CINAHL/EBSCO, EMBASE, the Jordanian Database for Nursing Research resulted in 210/1398 articles which met the inclusion criteria: (1) original research, (2) conducted in Middle Eastern countries as defined by the World Health Organization, (3) had at least one nurse or midwife author (but not limited to nurses in Middle Eastern countries), (4) published in an indexed, peer-reviewed journal between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, (5) included patient outcomes in the results, (6) written in English or Arabic and (7) included an abstract. Studies were found from 10 of the 22 countries; the majority (n = 199; 94.76%) was conducted in three countries: Jordan, Iran and Lebanon. Most studies (n = 158, 75.24%) used quantitative designs, primarily cross-sectional, descriptive studies (n = 106) and the most frequently researched topics were related to maternal child health and women′s health (n = 95, 48.5%). Strategies are needed to encourage collaboration between nursing and midwifery faculty members including clinicians to assure that clinical research is disseminated and used to improve patient care.
Bacterial cellulose/phytotherapic hydrogels as dressings for wound healing

Skin, the largest organ of the human body, is formed mainly by epidermis and dermis and its main functions are assurance of mechanical protection and prevention against contamination.1,2 Wound healing begins from a skin-barrier disruption and is divided into inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases. The former consists in the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of the lesion. In the proliferative phase, the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells results in reepithelization and formation of granulation tissue with a large quantity of type III collagen. Finally, in the maturation phase, most type III collagen fibers are substituted by type I fibers and the excess collagen is degraded by proteolytic enzymes that promote tissue remodeling. Despite some recent advances in the understanding of such basic processes, wound healing disorders continue to cause diseases and even death.3 Dressings play a substantial role in the conglutination of certain types of open wounds (e.g. traumatic, thermal or chronic wounds), since the moist, warm and nutritious environment of wound beds provides an ideal condition for microbial growth. The wound healing process can interfere with bacterial colonization and subsequent infection, which may cause an excessive and prolonged inflammatory response from the host tissues. The nature of lesions, patient’s physiologic state, wound degree of infection and contamination and other disease processes can interfere with the cutaneous wound healing.4 The basic requirement for a material to be used for tissue engineering purposes is biocompatibility. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made regarding the development of biodegradable polymers and biodegradability is one of the most important properties, since the scaffold should degrade with time and be replaced with newly regenerated tissues.5
Risk Factors for Febrile Seizures in Tunisian Children: A Case-Control Study

Objective: We aimed to identify the factors associated with febrile seizures (FS) occurrence. Methods: This was a case-control study. Sixty cases of FS were prospectively recorded and compared to 60 controls admitted for fever without seizures. Baseline Data were collected from all consecutive patients and laboratory hematological parameters including complete blood count, serum iron, serum ferritin and zinc levels were performed prospectively the first day of admission. The two groups were compared to identify parameters associated with FS occurrence. All statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software, version 19. Results: The mean age was 18 ± 12.7 months in cases and 20 ± 13.9 months in controls. The consanguinity rate was significantly higher in cases than in controls (p=0.028). A positive family history of febrile seizures was found in 22 cases (36.7%) which was statistically significant as compared to controls (p=0.003). In contrast, there was no significant statistical difference noted when considering the positive family history of epilepsy (p=0.43). Gestational age, weight birth and breastfeeding duration were significantly lower in cases (p=0.002, 0.023 and<0.0001 respectively). Similarly the duration of fever was lower in cases group (10.7 ± 17.4 vs. 35.6 ± 18.4 hours, p<0.001). Mean hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin and zinc were significantly lower in cases than controls. Multivariate analysis identified four factors associated with FS occurrence: family history of FS, duration of breast-feeding less than 6 months, rapid rise of body temperature and iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: in children with personal or family history of FS. Clinicians should particularly incite breastfeeding and prevent micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency.