Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of overweight and underweight in schoolchildren in Constantine, Algeria: comparison of four reference cut-off points for body mass index.

Background Algeria is experiencing a nutritional transition and increasing overweight in children. Aims This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and underweight in children aged 6-10 years in Constantine city, Algeria using four international reference cut-offs for body mass index. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2015 with a sample of 509 schoolchildren aged 6-10 years. Height and weight were measured according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The body mass index cut-offs of WHO, International Obesity Task Force, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and French national references were used to classify the sample as underweight and overweight according to age and sex. The kappa coefficient was used to assess agreement between the reference cut-offs. Results Based on the of different reference cut-offs, the prevalence of underweight in the children varied from 1.4% to 8.8%. The prevalence of overweight varied from 22.8% to 28.3%. The WHO cut-off gave a significantly higher prevalence of overweight in boys than girls (32.6% versus 24.0%, P = 0.03). The kappa values (between 0.251 and 0.954) indicated a fair to excellent agreement between the different reference cut-offs. Conclusion The prevalence of overweight and underweight differs in the Constantine children depending on the reference cut-off used, suggesting international references should be used with care to avoid potential misclassification of children's nutritional status.
Glycan characterization of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 and its identification as a novel Galectin-1 ligand.

Pregnancy-specific beta 1 glycoprotein (PSG1) is secreted from trophoblast cells of the human placenta in increasing concentrations as pregnancy progresses, becoming one of the most abundant proteins in maternal serum in the third trimester. PSG1 has seven potential N-linked glycosylation sites across its four domains. We carried out glycomic and glycoproteomic studies to characterize the glycan composition of PSG1 purified from serum of pregnant women and identified the presence of complex N-glycans containing poly LacNAc epitopes with α2,3 sialyation at four sites. Using different techniques, we explored whether PSG1 can bind to galectin-1 (Gal-1) as these two proteins were previously shown to participate in processes required for a successful pregnancy. We confirmed that PSG1 binds to Gal-1 in a carbohydrate-dependent manner with an affinity of the interaction of 0.13 μM. In addition, we determined that out of the three N-glycosylation-carrying domains, only the N and A2 domains of recombinant PSG1 interact with Gal-1. Lastly, we observed that the interaction between PSG1 and Gal-1 protects this lectin from oxidative inactivation and that PSG1 competes the ability of Gal-1 to bind to some but not all of its glycoprotein ligands.
Use of Convalescent Plasma Therapy in Two COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Korea

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 not yet has established its treatment, but convalescent plasma has been expected to increase survival rates as in the case with other emerging viral infections. We describe two cases of COVID-19 treated with convalescent plasma infusion. Both patients presented severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome and showed a favorable outcome after the use of convalescent plasma in addition to systemic corticosteroid. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 in Korea.
Venomous Loxosceles Species (Araneae, Haplogynae, Sicariidae) from Brazil: 2n♂ = 23 and X1X2Y Sex Chromosome System as Shared Characteristics

The family Sicariidae comprises the genera Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. This latter is subdivided in eight monophyletic groups based on genitalia morphology and molecular analyses: amazonica, gaucho, laeta, and spadicea (South America); reclusa (North America); rufescens (Mediterranean); spinulosa and vonwredei (Africa). In Brazil, the genus Loxosceles is represented by 50 species. The mitotic and meiotic characteristics of eight Loxosceles species were analyzed in order to discuss the chromosome evolution, as well as the correspondence between cytogenetic data and morphological/molecular data for the delimitation of the South American groups of species belonging to this genus. All species studied in this work showed 2n♂ = 23, including a X1X2Y sex chromosome system (SCS). Despite the similarity of diploid number and SCS, the species studied here differed regarding the chromosome morphology of some autosomal pairs, presence of secondary constrictions, size of X chromosomes and localization of Ag-NOR/rDNA sites. Based on all these chromosomal data, we verified a close relationship between Loxosceles species belonging to the amazonica and gaucho groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spread pachytene cells of L. gaucho showed regular synapsis between homologous autosomal chromosomes, but asynaptic behavior of the sex chromosomes. The axial elements of the sex chromosomes undergo conspicuous morphological modifications resulting in shortening of their length.
A DNA mini‐barcode for marine macrophytes

Studies focusing on marine macrophyte metabarcoding from environmental samples are scarce, due to the lack of a universal barcode for these taxa, and to their poor representation in DNA databases. Here, we searched for a short barcode able to identify marine macrophytes from tissue samples; then, we created a DNA reference library which was used to identify macrophytes in eDNA from coastal sediments. Barcoding of seagrasses, mangroves and marine macroalgae (Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta and Phaeophyceae) was tested using 18 primer pairs from six barcoding genes: the plant barcodes rbcL, matK and trnL, plus the genes ITS2, COI and 18S. The 18S gene showed the highest universality among marine macrophytes, amplifying 95%–100% of samples; amplification performance of the other barcodes was limited. Taxonomy was assigned using a phylogeny‐based approach to create an 18S DNA reference library. Macrophyte tissue sequences were accurately identified within their phyla (88%), order (76%), genus (71%) and species (23%). Nevertheless, out of 86 macrophytes tested, only 48% and 15% had a reference sequence at genus and at species level, respectively. Identification at these levels can be improved by more inclusive reference libraries. Using the 18S mini‐barcode and the reference library, we recovered eDNA from 21 marine macrophytes in sediments, demonstrating the barcode's ability to trace primary producers that contribute to blue carbon. We expect this barcode to also be useful for other ecological questions, such as tracing macro primary producers in marine food webs.
Determinant Factors on Differences in Survival for Gastric Cancer Between the United States and Japan Using Nationwide Databases

Background Although the incidence and mortality have decreased, gastric cancer (GC) is still a public health issue globally. An international study reported higher survival in Korea and Japan than other countries, including the United States. We examined the determinant factors of the high survival in Japan compared with the United States. Methods We analysed data on 78,648 cases from the nationwide GC registration project, the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association (JGCA), from 2004–2007 and compared them with 16,722 cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), a United States population-based cancer registry data from 2004–2010. We estimated 5-year relative survival and applied a multivariate excess hazard model to compare the two countries, considering the effect of number of lymph nodes (LNs) examined. Results Five-year relative survival in Japan was 81.0%, compared with 45.0% in the United States. After controlling for confounding factors, we still observed significantly higher survival in Japan. Among N2 patients, a higher number of LNs examined showed better survival in both countries. Among N3 patients, the relationship between number of LNs examined and differences in survival between the two countries disappeared. Conclusion Although the wide differences in GC survival between Japan and United States can be largely explained by differences in the stage at diagnosis, the number of LNs examined may also help to explain the gaps between two countries, which is related to stage migration.
Tiliacora triandra extract possesses antidiabetic effects in high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

The antidiabetic properties of Tiliacora triandra ethanol extract in diabetic rats induced with high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) was investigated. Rats were fed with HFD for 4 weeks to induced insulin resistance, and thereafter administered with 35 mg/kg of STZ to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats received 100 and 400 mg/kg of T. triandra daily for 30 days. The body weight, blood glucose level, food and fluid intake were monitored. Furthermore, biochemical and histological assessment was performed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the extract in the treated rats. T. triandra significantly decreased the blood glucose level, increased the body weight and insulin secretion. Furthermore, T. triandra attenuated hyperlipidemia, improved liver and kidney functions of treated diabetic rats. Thus, T. triandra could effectively attenuate diabetes and it complications. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Tiliacora triandra is a common vegetable consumed in Thailand and Laos. It is traditionally employed in the treatment of fever, cancer, malaria, and diabetes. The extract from the aerial part was investigated for its antidiabetic properties. The results obtained provides important pharmacological information that supports the use of T. triandra in management of diabetes.
Frontotemporal Dementia: Correlations Between Psychiatric Symptoms and Pathology

The pathology of frontotemporal dementia, termed frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), is characterized by distinct molecular classes of aggregated proteins, the most common being TAR DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43), tau, and fused in sarcoma (FUS). With a few exceptions, it is currently not possible to predict the underlying pathology based on the clinical syndrome. In this study, we set out to investigate the relationship between pathological and clinical presentation at single symptom level, including neuropsychiatric features.
Behavioral interventions for infant sleep problems: the role of parental cry tolerance and sleep-related cognitions.

STUDY OBJECTIVES This study tested whether parental cry tolerance (PCT) and distress-attribution cognitions predict outcomes of behavioral interventions for infant sleep problems. It additionally examined intervention effects on these parental factors. METHODS Participants were 91 infants aged 9-18 months (61% boys) with sleep related problems, and their parents. Families were randomized to one of two behavioral interventions for infant sleep problems: Checking-in or Camping-out. Assessments were completed at baseline and 1-month post-treatment. Infant sleep was assessed using actigraphy and parent reports on the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. PCT was measured using the Intervention Delay to Infant Crying Video laboratory paradigm, and parental distress-attribution cognitions were assessed via the Infant Sleep Vignettes Interpretation Scale. RESULTS Higher PCT and lower parental distress-attribution cognitions at baseline predicted greater improvement in parent-reported sleep problems at post-treatment, and higher PCT additionally predicted larger reductions in the number of reported night-time awakenings. Moreover, PCT increased, and distress-attribution decreased following the interventions. CONCLUSIONS Parent factors both predict and are predicted by behavioral interventions for infant sleep problems. This study's findings suggest that parents with low cry tolerance and high distress-attribution cognitions derive less benefit from these interventions, and may thus require augmented care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01489215). Trial name: "Interventions for sleep problems in early childhood".
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Cognitive Function in Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose— Our study aim was to assess whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a specific biomarker for myocardial injury, is associated with cognitive function in patients after mild-to-moderate first-ever ischemic stroke. Methods— We used data from PROSCIS-B (Prospective Cohort With Incident Stroke Berlin). Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental-State-Examination at baseline, and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modified after 1 to 3 years of follow-up. Patients were categorized according to hs-cTnT quartiles. We performed generalized linear regression to calculate risk ratios of cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental-State-Examination <27; Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modified <32). Association of hs-cTnT with cognitive function over time was estimated using a linear mixed model. Results— We included 555 patients (mean age, 67 years, 62% male, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 2 [interquartile range, 1–5], hs-cTnT above upper reference limit 40%, baseline cognitive impairment 28%). Baseline Mini-Mental-State-Examination score and rate of cognitive impairment were lower in patients in the highest versus lowest hs-cTnT quartile (median Mini-Mental-State-Examination 27 versus 29, and 15.3% versus 43.0%, adjusted risk ratio, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.07–2.90], respectively). If anything, cognition seemed to improve in all groups, yet Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modified scores were consistently lower in patients within the highest versus lowest hs-cTnT quartile (adjusted β, −1.33 [95% CI, −2.65 to −0.02]), without difference in the rate of change over time. Conclusions— In patients with mild-to-moderate first-ever ischemic stroke without dementia, higher hs-cTnT was associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment at baseline and lower Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modified during 3-year follow-up. Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov; Unique identifier: NCT01363856.
Mitochondrial biogenesis: An update

In response to the energy demand triggered by developmental signals and environmental stressors, the cells launch the mitochondrial biogenesis process. This is a self‐renewal route, by which new mitochondria are generated from the ones already existing. Recently, considerable progress has been made in deciphering mitochondrial biogenesis‐related proteins and genes that function in health and in pathology‐related circumstances. However, an outlook on the intracellular mechanisms shared by the main players that drive mitochondrial biogenesis machinery is still missing. Here, we provide such a view by focusing on the following issues: (a) the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in homeostasis of the mitochondrial mass and function, (b) the signalling pathways beyond the induction/promotion, stimulation and inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis and (c) the therapeutic applications aiming the repair and regeneration of defective mitochondrial biogenesis (in ageing, metabolic diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer). The review is concluded by the perspectives of mitochondrial medicine and research.
Intensive control of hypertension and risk of Alzheimer's dementia in older adults with depression

Intensive control of hypertension has been reported to decrease risk of cognitive decline. However, the effect of this in older adults with hypertension and comorbid depression is not well understood. We aim to identify whether intensive control of systolic blood pressure (BP) is associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's dementia (AD) in a clinical population.
Performance competence of pregraduate nursing students and hospital nurses: a comparison study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To compare and contrast the competence in clinical performance between pregraduate nursing students and hospital nurses. The study also explored the most difficult technical skills for the participants to perform. BACKGROUND Assessment, communication, and critical thinking are competencies that help in providing safe and appropriate care for patients. Yet, self-perceived competence was mostly measured while performance competence that reflected nurses' performance in real cases has seldom been explored in literature. DESIGN A cross-sectional design was applied. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines to improve reporting quality. METHOD Fifty-two nurses and 50 nursing students completed the Computerized Model of Performance-Based Measurement system, which measures performance competence including the steps of critical thinking, conflict resolutions, and common clinical technical problems. Six case scenarios containing 107 test questions were completed. RESULTS Only 53.85% of nurses and 20.0% of students achieved a satisfactory level of performance competence. They showed low scores on the steps of critical thinking: "collecting data from onsite physical assessment," "processing information," "recognizing/prioritizing problems," and "arranging a course of action for patient care," as well as solving common technical problems and conflicts. The three most difficult skills to perform were CPR, reading EKGs, and venipuncture/starting intravenous lines. CONCLUSIONS The study captured the participants' weaknesses in the critical thinking process and the nursing skills that were difficult to perform. These skills are imperative to nursing care and need to be strengthened in school and in-service education. The academic curriculum and course design for students as well as training programs for nurses need to be reviewed to address the challenges to be faced in a clinical setting. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Teaching-learning strategies that focus on enhancing critical thinking and performing difficult skills need to be designed and implemented in both practice and in school.
Pengaruh Terapi Akupresur terhadap Nyeri Punggung Bawah pada Ibu Hamil TM III di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Abian Semal 1

Penanganan nyeri punggung dapat diatasi secara non farmakologi yaitu dengan terapi akupresur. Terapi akupresur dapat melepaskan ketegangan otot, meningkatkan sirkulasi darah dan meningkatkan kekuatan energi tubuh. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh terapi akupresur terhadap nyeri punggung bawah pada ibu hamil TM III di Wilayah kerja Puskesmas Abiansemal I. Metode penelitian menggunakan kuasi eksperimen dengan Pre-Posttest Design With Nonequivalent Control Groups. Subjek dibagi menjadi 2 kelompok yaitu kelompok kontrol sebanyak 20 orang dan kelompok perlakuan sebanyak 20 orang. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Abiansemal I pada bulan Pebruari-Juni 2018. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh (p<0,05) terapi akupresur terhadap nyeri punggung bawah pada ibu hamil TM III. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah terapi akupresur lebih efektif dalam menurunkan tingkat nyeri punggung bawah pada ibu hamil TM III.
Cholesterolaemic Effects of the Saturated Fatty Acids of Palm Oil

Dietary saturated fats are implicated as a major risk factor in hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular disease. Palm oil is a major source of the world's supply of oils and fats, but because of its relatively high content of saturated fatty acids (principally palmitic acid), its consumption has come under intense scrutiny over the last decade owing to potential health implications. Based on studies carried out more than thirty years ago, the hypothesis was developed that lauric, myristic, and palmitic acid were the three principal cholesterol-raising saturated fatty acids. Since palmitic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the diet, the cholesterol-raising effect of all saturated fatty acids was accordingly assigned to it. However, recent studies from both humans and experimental animals suggest that not all saturated fatty acids are cholesterol-raising. When all dietary fatty acids are equalized, with the exception of the two being tested, palmitic acid appears to have no impact on the plasma cholesterol in normocholesterolaemic subjects when dietary cholesterol intake is below a certain critical level (400 mg per day). Only when cholesterol consumption exceeds this level, or when hypercholesterolaemic subjects are studied, does palmitic acid appear to increase the plasma cholesterol. These differential effects of palmitic acid on plasma cholesterol are thought to reflect differences in LDL-receptor status. Collectively these data imply that, for most of the world's population, palm oil would be an inexpensive and readily metabolized source of dietary energy with minimal impact on cholesterol metabolism.
Basic skills teacher licensure test scores as college of education admission criteria

Basic Skills Teacher Licensure Test Scores as College of Education Admission Criteria by Audrey Lawrence Dr. Kevin D. Creban. Examination Committee Chair Professor of Educational Psychology University of Nevada, Las Vegas The objective o f this paper is to analyze the criterion-related validity of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) cut-scores as teacher education program admission criteria. PPST and American College Test (ACT) scores o f 372 graduates, and PPST scores and other academic characteristics o f 1,062 graduates of a Nevada teacher education program were examined. Findings o f this study support that PPST and ACT subtests measure similar constructs, PPST scores do not predict success in student teaching, nor do they predict teacher candidates' college GPAs over and above ACT scores. In addition, over 99 percent of students who received scores o f 22 or higher on an ACT sub test achieved passing scores on the corresponding PPST subtest, and the majority o f examinees who failed the PPST received ACT scores o f 21 or lower. Findings substantiate the plausibility o f waiving the PPST requirements for applicants with ACT scores of 22 or higher.
Comparing increments in utility of health. An empirical test of the intra-person interval property

Many economic evaluations of health care changes rely on quality-adjusted life year (QALY) estimates. Notably, though, the QALY approach values health states rather than changes in health states. Hence a gain in health is only indirectly valued through ex ante preference elicitation on health states and subsequent subtraction of health state values from one another, rather than valued directly. There is therefore an underlying assumption of intra-person interval property i.e. that individuals from an ex ante perspective ceteris paribus would be indifferent between equal utility increments from health states with different baseline utilities. Using established preference elicitation methods, we set up an experiment on a sample of UK individuals. Based on the results, we can reject the notion of intra-person interval property, implying that the subtraction approach could lead to sub-optimal resource allocations. This suggests that a new approach for valuing health changes directly would better reflect individual preferences and this paper provides a viable methodology to achieve this. In Press: Value in Health (Accepted 12 December 2016)
A review on biological activities of Gelam honey

Honey has been extensively researched on their chemical and biological properties. It’s revealed the ability and capability of honey in treating or preventing many diseases. As people concerned, a safer approach using natural based product is critically needed and honey as one of the potential agent to be consider. Therefore, the information on its biological activities has to be clarify to make society understand the benefit of honey especially Gelam honey.