Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inducing positive affect and positive future expectations using the best-possible-self intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT The best-possible-self intervention has been shown to effectively increase positive affect and optimism. Differences in timing and conceptualization of outcome assessments, however, complicate interpretations regarding the practical significance of these effects. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic literature search and included 34 randomized controlled trials into several meta-analyses. We coded the exact time of measurement and how outcomes were assessed. Results reveal small overall effects on positive affect (Hedge’s g = 0.28, 95% CI [0.16, 0.41]) and optimism (g = 0.21, 95% CI [0.04, 0.38]). Effects on positive affect were strongest among studies that assessed momentary affect immediately after the intervention, whereas effects on optimism were only significant if conceptualized as positive future expectations rather than a general orientation in life. Descriptive results indicate no substantial follow-up effects. Thus, the best-possible-self intervention might be thought of as a mood/expectation induction procedure. Further development may lead to sustained effects.
Correlation between blood pressure and five food groups as a coronary heart disease risk factor in middle aged Indian male population

Background: Social and lifestyle changes are responsible for the increasing prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors. Objective of the study was to correlate blood pressure and five food group as a coronary heart disease risk factor in Indian population. Methods: 31 male executives over the age of 30 years working in industry were included in the study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured with the help of a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: Statistical analysis was carried out and Pearson Correlation was applied. The study showed significant correlation between systolic blood pressure and food group I and food group IV consumption. Conclusions: The present study highlights observation that the blood pressure as a risk factor for coronary heart disease is silently affecting the middle aged Indian male population due to unhealthy life style.
Effects of Supplemented Growth Promoters on Performance and Intestinal Morphology in Broilers Reared under Different Stocking Densities

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different growth promoters on broiler performance and intestinal morphology reared under various stocking densities. A total of 900 day old (Ross-308) straight run broilers were randomly divided into fifteen treatment groups according to a completely randomized design. A 5 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatment was employed. Treatments were consisted of four growth promoters (antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics) and a control group with three stocking densities (0.046, 0.056, 0.065m2). Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 10 birds in each. Regarding growth performance, feed intake (p=0.0008), body weight (p=0.0085) and feed conversion ratio (p=0.0001) were improved with the supplementation of symbiotic in the diet whereas lower body weight was noted in the control group. In terms of intestinal morphology, villus height (p=0.0011) and villus to crypt ratio (p=0.0001) were significantly higher in the symbiotics treatment groupas compared to the control group. Moreover, birds reared under 0.065m2 stocking density showed improvement in body weight, feed conversion ratio and livability as compared to the other treatment groups. It can be concluded that the supplementation of symbiotics in the diet of commercial broiler reared under 0.065m2 stocking density had a positive influence on overall growth performance and intestinal morphology.
The Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry on Healthcare Practitioners’ Prescribing Habits

Pharmaceutical companies invest billions of dollars annually on marketing drugs they manufacture. They use methods such as direct to consumer marketing, physician speakers, representatives and catered foods while introducing products to a target audience. A literature review of articles, books and reviews dating from 2000 to present was conducted using Google Scholar, Ovid Medline and PubMed to determine the influence the pharmaceutical industry had on healthcare professionals’ prescribing habits. The authors and researchers have concluded that there is a degree of influence that pharmaceutical companies have on providers’ prescribing habits, which have sometimes been labeled as unethical. Recently updated regulations now restrict the use of small gifts as part of their marketing strategies but this is only one of many ways used to influence. It is a collaborative effort to ensure that patients receive quality healthcare and appropriate medications.
Safety and Efficacy of Methotrexate In Unruptured Ectopic Pregnancy

Introduction: Medical management of an unruptured ectopic pregnancy with intramuscular methotrexate is a common and cost-effective alternative to surgery1. This therapeutic transition from surgical emergency to medical management has been attributed to early diagnosis through the use of sensitive assays for β-hCG and the high definition vaginal ultrasound. Objectives: The aim of the study was to observe the efficacy and safety of medical treatment either by a single or multiple dose of methotrexate to cure ectopic pregnancy. Materials and methods: A retrospective study from January 2005 – June 2008 was carried out, collecting clinical imaging data and serum β-hCG, time taken for complete β-hCG resolution was recorded and negative β-hCG result was used as an endpoint of successful outcome. Out of 14 cases, where Methotrexate (50 mg I/M) was used, two required surgery for symptom of rupture. In the remaining 12 cases, there was no side effects, complete β-hCG resolution was achieved in 10 of the12 medically treated cases (85% success rate) within 28 days. Rest of the 2 cases needed multiple doses of Methotrexate. Results: Over all success rate was 85%. In 71% cases recovery was uneventful and complete within 7 days of treatment (Table 1). Two patients needed surgical treatment and in another one case there was abdominal pain which subsided after analgesic. Ten patients were cured by single dose only and 2 patients needed multiple dose. There was no side effects or complication of drug in any case. Conclusion: Methotrexate is safe and effective for unruptured ectopic pregnancies that satisfy the strict criteria with no side effects and the advantage of avoiding invasive surgery. This small trial gave a good impression about medical treatment in selective cases. Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2013; Vol. 28(1) : 5-8
Hyperglycaemia in acute ischaemic stroke : brain imaging studies in a rodent model of stroke

Hyperglycaemia on admission is a frequent finding in acute ischaemic stroke patients. This post-stroke hyperglycaemia (PSH) is associated with a poor clinical outcome independent of age and stroke severity. Evidence from clinical stroke studies indicates that hyperglycaemia is associated with a worse outcome in non-diabetic compared to diabetic stroke patients, but the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. Previous in-house studies reported that hyperglycaemia, at clinically-relevant blood glucose levels, exacerbated the evolution of early ischaemic damage in a non-diabetic rat stroke model, indicating that the detrimental effects of hyperglycaemia occur early following the onset of focal cerebral ischaemia. In ischaemic stroke the severity and duration of ischaemia are the major determinants of acute brain damage and therefore a potential mechanism by which hyperglycaemia exacerbates ischaemic damage could be through an influence on tissue perfusion. The studies in this thesis aimed to test the hypothesis that hyperglycaemia exacerbates early ischemic damage by increasing the severity of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) deficit. Initial studies were performed to optimise a rodent model with clinically relevant blood glucose levels before and after focal cerebral ischaemia induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). This animal model was then used in subsequent studies to assess the effect of hyperglycaemia on the CBF deficit after MCAO. The CBF deficit was assessed using two different methods: 99mTc-HMPAO blood flow autoradiography and MRI perfusion imaging. Each method offered its own advantages, for example, 99mTc-HMPAO autoradiography produces blood flow images with high spatial resolution enabling detailed semi-quantitative region of interest analysis and MRI perfusion imaging allowed repeated, quantitative CBF measurements at multiple time points after stroke. In addition, the use of MRI enabled concurrent diffusion weighted images to be acquired in order to assess the evolution of acute ischaemic damage and final T2 defined infarct volume. The results demonstrate that hyperglycaemia exacerbates acute ischaemic damage induced by MCAO but not the perfusion deficit as measured by both 99mTc-HMPAO autoradiography and MRI. These findings suggest that the primary mechanism of hyperglycaemia-associated ischaemic damage is not mediated by an increase in the severity of ischaemia. Alternatively, the harmful effects of hyperglycaemia may be predominantly mediated in the brain parenchyma. However Western blot analysis of ischaemic brain tissue showed that glucose treatment resulted in only minor changes in the levels of the calpain substrates MAP2 and αII-spectrin. Thus, the predominant mechanism exacerbated by hyperglycaemia does not appear to be calpain-mediated proteolysis, raising the possibility that hyperglycaemia affects many different mechanisms simultaneously.
Deportations Near the Schoolyard: Examining Immigration Enforcement and Racial/Ethnic Gaps in Educational Outcomes

With increased tensions and political rhetoric surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, schools are facing greater challenges in ensuring support for their students of immigrant and Latino/a origin. This study examined the associations between deportations near school districts and racial/ethnic gaps in educational outcomes in school districts across the country. With data from the Stanford Educational Data Archive, the Civil Rights Data Collection, and the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, this study used longitudinal, cross-sectional analyses and found that in the years when districts had more deportations occurring within 25 miles, White-Latino/a gaps were larger in math achievement and rates of chronic absenteeism. No associations were found for gaps in English language arts achievement or rates of bullying. Implications for researchers, policymakers, and school leaders are discussed.
Role of Bcl-2 on drug resistance in breast cancer polyploidy-induced spindle poisons

Spindle poisons are chemotherapeutic drugs used in the treatment of malignant tumors; however, numerous patients develop resistance following chemotherapy. The present study aimed to induce polyploidy in breast cancer cells using the spindle poison nocodazole to investigate the mechanism of polyploid-induced tumor resistance. It was revealed that the spindle poison nocodazole induced apoptosis in HCC1806 cells but also induced polyploidy in MDA-MB-231 cells. The drug sensitivities of the polyploid MDA-MB-231 cells to paclitaxel, docetaxel, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin were lower than those of the original tumor cells; however, the polyploid MDA-MB-231 cells were more sensitive to etoposide than the original tumor cells. The expression of F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBW7) was decreased, while the expression of MCL1 apoptosis regulator BCL2 family member (MCL-1) and Bcl-2 was increased, and caspase-3/9 and Bax were not expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells. The resistance to docetaxel and etoposide was reversed, but the sensitivity of paclitaxel was not changed following Bcl-2 silencing. The formation of polyploidy in tumors may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor resistance to spindle poisons. Expression of the Bcl-2 family members, for example FBW7 and MCL-1, plays a key role in apoptosis and the cell escape process that forms polyploid cells. However, Bcl-2 silencing has different reversal effects on different anti-tumor drugs, which requires further investigation.
AI/Machine learning approach to identifying potential statistical arbitrage opportunities with FX and Bitcoin Markets

In this study, a methodology is presented where a hybrid system combining an evolutionary algorithm with artificial neural networks (ANNs) is designed to make weekly directional change forecasts on the USD by inferring a prediction using closing spot rates of three currency pairs: EUR/USD, GBP/USD and CHF/USD. The forecasts made by the genetically trained ANN are compared to those made by a new variation of the simple moving average (MA) trading strategy, tailored to the methodology, as well as a random model. The same process is then repeated for the three major cryptocurrencies namely: BTC/USD, ETH/USD and XRP/USD. The overall prediction accuracy, uptrend and downtrend prediction accuracy is analyzed for all three methods within the fiat currency as well as the cryptocurrency contexts. The best models are then evaluated in terms of their ability to convert predictive accuracy to a profitable investment given an initial investment. The best model was found to be the hybrid model on the basis of overall prediction accuracy and accrued returns.
2.2 Modest Region-Specific, Sex-Independent Aortic Remodelling when Hypertension is Superimposed on Aging

ABSTRACT Background: Aging and hypertension often co-occur, which complicates distinguishing their biomechanical effects on arteries clinically. While aortic elastin (half-life ~70 years) is reduced in human aging, in mouse aging (lifespan ~2 years) it remains mostly intact. Knock-out of elastin-associated glycoprotein fibulin-5 (Fbln5−/−) in mice however yields a biomechanical phenotype that resembles human aging. Methods: Adult male and female Fbln5+/+ and Fbln5−/− mice were studied under three conditions: untreated, after 14-day 490 ng/kg/min angiotensin-II infusion (AngII), and after 13 weeks on 8%-NaCl chow + 3 g/L L-NAME drinking water (L-NAME-NaCl). After tail-cuff blood pressure (BP) measurement and euthanasia, descending thoracic (DTA) and infrarenal abdominal (IAA) aortas were dissected and tested using a computer-controlled biaxial testing device. Results: Salt+L-NAME led to adaptive remodelling (circumferential stress homeostasis) and maladaptive remodelling (lack thereof) in the IAA and DTA, respectively (figure, males), while AngII caused luminal dilatation but little remodelling of the wall. Effects of aging (Fbln5−/−) were more dramatic than those due to induced hypertension. Consequently, superimposing hypertension on aging led to modest additional changes in luminal radius and wall thickness, though increased stress and stiffness metrics due to increased pressure loading of the wall [3] Trends in females were similar to those in males. Conclusions: Effects of hypertension on aortic remodelling are modest when superimposed on aging in mice. These findings are consistent with general observations in humans [4,5], though separated here for the first time in a rodent model characterized by a severe loss of elastic fiber integrity similar to that found in the aged human aorta.
Control of Insect Pests and Diseases in an Ohio Fruit Farm with a Laser-guided Intelligent Sprayer

Laser-guided variable-rate intelligent spray technology is designed to significantly reduce pesticide use with a positive impact on the environment. However, there have been no reports on applying this technology to commercial fruit farms. Comparative experiments of intelligent variable-rate and conventional constant-rate spray applications for pesticide use and pest control were conducted at a fruit farm in Ohio during two consecutive growing seasons. Apple (Malus pumila), peach (Prunus persica), blueberry (Vaccinium section Cyanococcus), and black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) were used for the tests. Pest severity of codling moth (Cydia pomonella), oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta), scab (Venturia inaequalis), and powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha) in apple; oriental fruit moth, brown rot (Monilinia fructicola), and powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) in peach; spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), mummy berry (Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi), and phomopsis (Phomopsis vaccinii) in blueberry; and anthracnose (Elsinoe veneta) in black raspberry were assessed. There was equal severity of pests between intelligent and conventional spray applications, whereas the intelligent spray reduced pesticide use by 58.7%, 30.6%, 47.9%, and 52.5% on average for apple, peach, blueberry, and black raspberry, respectively. These results illustrate that intelligent spray technology is more environmentally friendly than conventional standard spray technology and equally or more effective for control of insect and disease pests in fruit production.
Hubungan Teman Sebaya dengan Kebiasaan Konsumsi Makanan Cepat Saji (Fast Food) pada Siswa-Siswi Kelas XI di SMA Negeri Samarinda

Tujuan studi: Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan pengetahuan dengan kebiasaan konsumsi makanan cepat saji (fast food) pada siswa-siswi kelas XI di SMA Negeri Samarinda. Metodologi: Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan stratified random sampling. Penelitian ini dilakukan di 4 SMA Negeri Samarinda dan pada penelitian ini sampelnya adalah siswa-siswi kelas XI di SMA Negeri Samarinda sebanyak 311 siswa. Pengumpulan data diperoleh dengan wawancara dan pengisian kuesioner oleh siswa. Analisis data yang digunakan yaitu univariat dengan mencari distribusi frekuensi serta menggunakan uji statistik Rank Spearman. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan dengan kebiasaan konsumsi makanan cepat saji (fast food) dengan nilai p-value 0,000 < 0,05. Nilai korelasi sebesar 0,358 menunjukkan arah positif dengan kekuatan korelasi rendah yang artinya semakin baik pengetahuan maka semakin jarang konsumsi makanan cepat saji (fast food) pada siswa-siswi kelas XI di SMA Negeri Samarinda. Manfaat: Sebagai sumber informasi bagi siswa-siswi agar dapat menambah pengetahuan siswa khususnya bagi siswa yang memiliki kebiasaan mengkonsumsi makanan cepat saji (fast food). Serta sebagai sumber informasi kepada pihak sekolah SMA Negeri di Samarinda untuk memantau dan memberikan pengarahan berkaitan dengan siswa-siswi yang memiliki kebiasaan mengkonsumsi fast food.
Effect of debittered fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.) flour addition on physical, nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory properties of wheat flour rusk

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) is a unique legume crop having many pharmacological properties and health benefits attributed to its high soluble dietary fiber and phytochemicals. The main objective of this study was to evaluate selected functional and physical (color and pasting) properties of debittered fenugreek flour (DFF) and its addition on the nutritional value and acceptance of wheat flour rusk, prepared with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% DFF. The antioxidant potential and sensory attributes of DFF‐added rusks were also analyzed. The results revealed that with successive increase of DFF level, the nutritional, mineral, dietary fiber, and bioactive contents of the rusks were significantly (p ≤ .05) enhanced. The progressive replacement at 0% to 20% level significantly (p ≤ .05) improved the total phenolic content (157.5 to 455.8 mg GAE per 100 g), total flavonoid content (5.5 to 8.2 mg CE per 100 g), and antioxidant activity (20.4% to 45.5%). DFF incorporation significantly (p ≤ .05) increased the water and oil absorption capacity, whereas peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, and peak temperature were decreased. The color of rusks became darker, the loaf weight and hardness increased, whereas loaf volume and specific loaf volume values were decreased with DFF addition. Sensory attributes of rusks were slightly affected with DFF incorporation, and rusks with 15% DFF were found most desirable with significantly (p ≤ .05) enhanced nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics. The results of the present study demonstrated that incorporation of DFF at acceptable level could be achieved successfully for preparation of bakery product with enhanced nutritional and sensory quality.
Development of an Alpha/Beta T-Cell Depleted Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Protocol Form Matched Related and Unrelated Donor Grafts in Patients with Poor Risk Leukemia

Introduction: The outcome of allo-SCT in patients with poor risk leukemia is still hampered by GVHD and relapse. The innate immune system has been reported to contribute to tumor control, with lower incidence of GVHD. Specific depletion of αβ T- cells – key players in the development of GVHD – will render NK cells and γδ T cells within the allograft. Recently reported results have shown the great promise of this approach in haploindentical transplantations. Within this study, we aim to extend αβT- cell depleted allo-SCT to patients with a MRD or MUD. Methods: Patients with either ‘poor-risk’ or ‘very poor-risk’ leukemia were included in this phase I study. Either HLA matched siblings (MRD) or fully matched HLA matched (10/10) unrelated donors (MUD) were eligible. abT-cell reduction was performed by negative selection with anti-abTCR antibodies in combination with magnetic microbeads, using the automated CliniMACS device (Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). The maximal contamination with αβT-cells for all dose levels was 5x10 5 /kg. Three conditioning regimens have been investigated (I): fludarabine 120 mg/m2 + cyclophosfamide 4800 mg/m 2 , (II): fludarabine 120 mg/m 2 + busilvex AUC=90 and (III): ATG (Genzyme®) 4 mg/m 2 + fludarabine 120 mg/m 2 + busilvex AUC=90 followed by αβT- cell depleted grafts from matched related or unrelated donors. Within cohort II and III, no additional immune suppression was given after allo-SCT. Results: Products for 14 patients have been successfully processed and used for αβT-cell depleted allo-SCT between 2011 and 2013. A ~4 log depletion of αβT-cells has been observed in the product with a recovery of ~75% of CD34 + cells. In cohort I and cohort II, 60% and 25% primary graft failures were observed, whereas in cohort III primary engraftment (chimerism > 95%) was observed in all patients. The combination of ATG/fludarabine/busilvex was well tolerated with a hematological recovery of within 3 weeks. In all 14 patients immune reconstitution primarily consisted of innate cells (NK cells and γδ T cells) the first 6 months post transplantation. In addition, no increase in CMV or EBV reactivations has been observed so far under the profound “innate control”. Conclusion: ATG Busulfan Fludarabine is a low toxicity platform for abTCR-depleted transplantations, resulting in a swift reconstitution of innate cells (NK cells and γδ T cells) the first 6 months post transplantation. This transplantation strategy can serve as a tool for future immunological interventions such as a low dose DLI or genetically modified T cells. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.