Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bipolar Disorder and Bone Mineral Density Z-Scores in Relation to Clinical Characteristics and Lithium Medication

Bipolar disorder is associated with a long range of medical comorbidities, including migraine, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Bipolar disorder has also been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone mineral density, which leads to an increased risk for fragility fractures. Currently there is limited research on the association between bipolar disorder and osteoporosis. We aimed to study the association between high and low bone mineral density in relation to disease and treatment history in a sample of bipolar patients. We found that bipolar patients with high bone mineral density were more often on lithium medication, had a more active lifestyle and expressed lower current disease burden. Low mineral density was not associated with any of the addressed aspects of disease and treatment history. In conclusion our results support that patients on lithium treatment have higher bone mineral density; further studies are needed to address if lithium medication causes an increase in bone mineral density, and lowers the risk of bone fractures in bipolar disorder.
A Quantitative Risk Assessment of Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) in Private Groundwater Sources in the Republic of Ireland

ABSTRACT Based on the sampling of 262 private domestic wells in Ireland, mainly located in High/Extreme vulnerability areas, a quantitative model was developed for prediction of gastrointestinal infection risk attributable to verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) contamination of private wells in Ireland. Models are based on maximum likelihoods and predict an overall crude incidence rate of 28.3/100,000 well users per annum; approximately 5-6 times higher than crude incidence rates reported within the Irish population and up to 40 times higher than the current EU mean. Predicted crude incidence rates (CIR) of 21.6/100,000 and 88.7/100,000 were associated with borehole and hand-dug wells users, respectively, with predicted annual probabilities of 0.1% and 0.17%, respectively. Predicted annual infection risks associated with both (untreated) well types exceed the USEPA acceptable target of <1 infection/10,000 consumers/year. Where treatment systems are employed, models predict that a relatively small pathogen log reduction is necessary to meet health targets. Sensitivity analyses indicate that pathogen loading and dose-response are the input variables with the greatest contribution to model outputs. Using a more conservative assumption for pathogen contribution ratio, models predict a lower annual CIR of 5.56/100,000. Due to limitations in inherent assumptions, model results, while useful, should be treated with caution.
Traffic Safety Diagnostics and Application of Countermeasures for Rural Roads in Burkina Faso

The government of Burkina Faso has recently been making important macroeconomic changes to encourage the economic growth of the country. To maintain this growth, the government has implemented a transportation program to improve road network efficiency and safety. A 2000 study to improve the safety of rural roads in Burkina Faso is described. The primary objectives were to assess traffic safety problems and propose countermeasures to reduce the number and severity of collisions on rural roads. Many rural roads were evaluated on site; all accident data and important socioeconomic variables were collected; and key staff members from various governmental and private agencies were interviewed. The study has shown that traffic safety problems in Burkina Faso are multidimensional, involving inefficient traffic safety management and policy, inadequate road networks, untrained drivers, and defective vehicles. Several traffic safety countermeasures have been proposed for immediate, short-, and long-term application. The most important countermeasures are to create a new institutional framework for improving traffic safety management and train the key personnel responsible for implementing these countermeasures. For the short term, the counter-measures mainly relate to roadway infrastructure improvements and better enforcement tools. For the long term, the countermeasures include a review of current highway traffic laws and their application, evaluation of existing countermeasures, and driver training improvement.
Endogenous Clostridium perfringens Panophthalmitis with Potential Entry Port from Diverticulitis Exacerbated by Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose To report a rapid endogenous fulminating panophthalmitis from Clostridium perfringens in a patient with diverticulitis and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods A 61-year-old female with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, active proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and recent diverticulitis presented with conjunctival injection, ocular discharge, and sudden onset of painful vision loss of the left eye. Patient denied history of ocular trauma, intraocular surgery, or intravenous drug abuse. Examination revealed an erythematous, proptotic eye with restricted extraocular movements, mucopurulent discharge, diffuse corneal edema, and vitreous haze and cell. Orbital computed tomography (CT) confirmed no retained intraocular foreign body. Results Despite 48 hours of treatment with systemic broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy (vancomycin, meropenem, and amphotericin B), patient underwent enucleation due to declined condition and progressive infection. Patient's culture revealed gram-positive bacillus microbes (Clostridium perfringens). Patient's subsequent CT abdomen showed resolved diverticulitis after antimicrobial therapy. Conclusion Although rare, Clostridium perfringens infection can be a cause of rapid loss of vision from fulminate endogenous panophthalmitis. Urgent extensive systemic work-up to identify potential port of entry from visceral pathology and rapid removal of source of infection are pivotal to avoid high rate of mortality.
Justifying students' performance

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare students and instructors’ perspectives on students’ performance based on unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework. This study also aims to propose additional variables that might be used to extend the UTAUT model to make it more appropriate for the educational setting.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out using a three-pronged methodology, namely, literature review, expert interviews and self-administered survey of 430 students and 55 information and communication technology (ICT) instructors from tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Validity analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS version 24 and two structural equation models were finally obtained using AMOS version 24.FindingsThis study finds UTAUT constructs including social influence, facilitating condition and voluntariness of use to have direct and significant impact on students’ performance from the students and the instructors’ perspective. The result of the instructors’ perspective shows that ICT use behaviour of students have direct and significant impact on students’ performance, but the students’ result shows an insignificant direct effect of use behaviour on students’ performance. From the students and the instructors’ perspective, gender, age and experience have statistically significantly direct impact on performance expectancy in this study. The result also shows that additional variables including ICT instructors’ characteristics, motivation and personal environment directly affect students’ performance from the students’ perspective, but the result of the instructors’ perspective shows that the influence of ICT instructors’ characteristics, motivation and personal environment does not directly and significantly affect students’ performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Consequently, the findings of this study are limited to Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, and may not be generalised to cover other countries.Originality/valueThis research shows that the students and instructors have different views on variables that impact on students’ performance. This study finds empirical evidence to support the direct impact of use behaviour on students’ performance from the instructors’ perspective, while the students disagree but indicated an empirical evidence to show that instructors’ characteristics, environment and motivation contribute a greater impact on students’ performance. From the students and the instructors’ perspective, gender, age and experience have statistically significantly direct impact on performance expectancy in this study. This adds to the findings in the original UTAUT that indicated that performance expectancy is moderated by gender and age.
Macrofauna edáfica asociada a sistemas agroforestales en la Amazonia Colombiana

La densidad, riqueza y diversidad de la macrofauna edafica son afectadas, entre otros factores, por la con-figuracion de los agroecosistemas y la estacionalidad de la precipitacion. Con el fin de evaluar estos efec-tos en mayo y noviembre de 2011, correspondientes a epocas de maxima y minima precipitacion, respecti-vamente, se realizaron estudios sobre la composicion de la macrofauna edafica asociada con los arreglos agroforestales ubicados en el Centro de Investigaciones Macagual Cesar Augusto Estrada Gonzalez de Corpoica, Amazonia, Caqueta, Colombia. El experimento se dispuso en un diseno completo al azar bifac-torial con cuatro tratamientos (arreglos agroforestales: AB = abarco – Cariniana pyriformis; CH = caucho Hevea brasiliensis; CP = caucho-parica Schizolobium amazonicum Huber; UV = uvito Genipa Americana L.) y dos epocas (maxima y minima precipitacion), y cuatro repeticiones en parcelas divididas. Para explorar las relaciones entre los ordenes de macrofauna, se realizo un analisis de componentes principales y se evaluo el efecto de los arreglos agroforestales con una prueba de Monte Carlo. Los resultados mostraron que la densidad de la macrofauna fue mayor en el periodo de maxima precipitacion (1129 individuos) en compa-racion con el de minima (598 individuos). Los arreglos agroforestales influyen sobre la presencia o ausen-cia de algunos grupos taxonomicos (P < 0.05) como Homoptera (Insecta) y Raphidioptera (Insecta); ade-mas los UV y AB pueden favorecer a la macrofauna del estres por sequia.
Induction of fine roots in 'Leucaena leucocephala' using 'Agrobacterium rhizogenes'

Leucaena leucocephala has been previously documented to be a potential slope plant due to its prominent tap root system. However, this plant lacks of fine roots which arguably contribute to reinforce the soil. Thus, this experiment was aimed to induce fine roots of L. leucocephala by infecting Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The A. rhizogenes was cultured under optimum nutrient conditions and injected into the hypocotyls of L. leucocephala, seedlings. The infected seedlings were transplanted into PVC pipes filled with garden soil. The plant infected by A. rhizogenes having 1.09 x 109 cfu/mL (T1) concentrations showed the highest root length of 1018 cm (83.2% fine roots) as compared to the control. The increased of overall root volume provides a greater surface area which increased (55%) the Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) significantly. The number of fine roots and root tips were increased by 106 and 261%, respectively by T1 treatment. The photosynthetic and transpiration rate also exhibited significant increment (98% at p< 0.05) in T1 than the control plants. The above findings have referred a better understanding of the effects of A. rhizogenes infection on hairy root initiation, WAC and physiological aspects of the L. leucocephala, potential slope plant. Hence, it is suggested that A. rhizogenes infection can be applied to initiate extensive fine roots, enhancing the root system of potential slope plants.
The sexual other in Brazilian television

This article explores the representation of sexual others in prime-time Brazilian telenovelas. It investigates how gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) individuals have been portrayed in those media texts. It presents an account of the few images of gay males on telenovelas, with the even fewer ones of lesbian, bisexual and transgendered characters, and attempts to discuss these images in a particular historical moment in Brazil. It also looks at the impact that official censorship, audience ratings, pressure from conservative groups, such as the Catholic Church, and advertisers have on the fate and range of those images. This article ends with two case studies of recent telenovelas that included the most progressive representations in the history of the genre in Brazil.
Genetic diversity analysis of two buffalo populations of northern India using microsatellite markers

Summary The genetic diversity in two buffalo populations of northern India, the Bhadawari and the Tarai was assessed using a set of 22 heterologous (bovine) microsatellite markers. The average number of alleles across all loci in both populations was found to be 4.7, indicating that this set of 22 bovine microsatellite markers could be used to study genetic variation in buffalo species also. The overall polymorphic information content (PIC) value for these markers was 0.54. The average observed and expected heterozygosities for both populations were 0.59 and 0.64, respectively. Common alleles with varying allele frequencies in both populations also represented the genetic variability existing between Bhadawari and Tarai buffaloes. However the θ estimates for population differentiation indicated low levels of differentiation between the two populations. This was further supported by the low genetic distance (0.155) between Bhadawari and Tarai, which was calculated using Nei's standard genetic distance method. The present study on Bhadawari and Tarai populations represents a much-needed preliminary effort that could be extended to other local buffalo populations of India as well. Zusammenfassung Die genetische Diversitat in zwei nordindischen Buffelpopulationen, Bhadawari und Tarai wurde mit 22 heterologen- (bovinen) Mikrosatellitenmarkern geschatzt. Die durchschnittlich geschatzte Allelzahl uber alle Genorte in beiden Populationen betrug 4,7 und zeigt, dass diese 22 bovine Mikrosatellitenmarker auch benutzt werden konnen, um die genetische Variabilitat von Buffeln zu studieren. Der gesamte ‘‘Polymorphic Information Content’’ (PIC) fur diese Marker war 0,54. Die durchschnittlichen beobachteten und erwarteten Heterozygotiewerte fur beide Populationen waren 0,59 beziehungsweise 0,64. Gemeinsame Allele mit unterschiedlichen Frequenzen in beiden Populationen stellten auch die genetische Variabilitat dar, die zwischen Bhadawari und Tarai Buffeln besteht. Jedoch zeigten die Schatzungen fur die Populationsdifferenzierung (θ) niedrige Werte zwischen den zwei Populationen an. Dies wird auch gestutzt durch den niedrigen genetischen Abstand (0,155) zwischen Bhadawari und Tarai, der mit Nei's-Standard genetischer Distanzmethode (Ds) berechnet wurde. Die vorliegenden Untersuchungen anhand von Bhadawari- und Tarai-Populationen stellen eine dringend benotigte Basis dar, die auch auf andere lokale indische Buffelpopulationen ausgeweitet werden konnte.
Acmella oleracea (L) R. K. Jansen Reproductive Toxicity in Zebrafish: An In Vivo and In Silico Assessment

The plant species Acmella oleracea L. is used in the north of Brazil for the treatment of a range of illnesses, such as tuberculosis, flu, cough, and rheumatism and as an anti-inflammatory agent; besides, hydroethanolic formulations with this species are popularly used as a female aphrodisiac agent. However, currently, there are no studies performed evaluating its effect on embryonic development. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea (EHFAo) on the reproductive performance (parental) and embryonic development (F1 generation) of zebrafish, at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/L. Histopathology of parental gonads after 21 days of exposure to EHFAo reveals few alterations in the ovaries and testes, not impairing the reproduction; an increase of eggs deposition was observed in animals treated with EHFAo at the highest concentrations. Nevertheless, concerning the embryonic development of F1, teratogenic effects were observed including tail deformation, cardiac and yolk edema, scoliosis, and growth retardation; these alterations were more prominent in the groups born from progenitors exposed to the highest concentrations (100 and 200 μg/L.); but only the occurrence of yolk and cardiac edema had a statistically significant difference when compared to the control group. The chromatographic analysis shows that spilanthol (affinin) was the primary compound found in the EHFAo. Hence, in silico assessment was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of this molecule and 37 metabolites derived from it. Overall, our data show that the treatment caused no detrimental changes in progenitors regarding their gonads or fertility but caused some potentially teratogenic activity in embryos, which may be due to the action of spilanthol's metabolites M3, M6, M7, M8, M16, M28, and M31.
Does restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumour influence outcomes in patients treated with BCG immunotherapy? 491 cases in 20 years’ experience

Introduction Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Aim To analyse the influence of restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumour (reTURB) on outcomes in patients treated with BCG immunotherapy. Material and methods We analysed a database of 491 patients who were treated in a Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) outpatient department between 1998 and 2016. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up was required. The study included 235 patients with a history of the reTURB procedure and 256 patients without reTURB. The patients were analysed in terms of recurrence-free (RFS), progression-free (PFS), cancer-specific and overall survival. Results The RFS was significantly higher in the reTURB group for both general and subgroup analysis (T1HG, TaHG). The PFS was significantly higher in the reTURB group for both general and subgroup analysis (TaHG). In patients without lamina muscularis in the specimen there was a greater improvement in RFS due to the reTURB procedure than for other patients. ReTURB performed in T1 tumours with massive lamina propria infiltration had a positive influence on RFS. In patients with reTURB the presence of focal invasion was related to lower risk of progression. Both overall and cancer-specific survival were significantly improved by the reTURB procedure in T1HG and HG tumours. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of reTURB. It was found that the patients with TaHG tumours benefited the most in terms of RFS, PFS and cancer-specific survival. It was also demonstrated that massive lamina propria infiltration in T1 tumours is associated with the worst outcomes.
The effect of telemonitoring interventions on health outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes, heart failure and coronary artery disease : Results from three randomized controlled trials

Background: Type 2 diabetes is an individual health challenge requiring ongoing self-management. Remote patient reporting of relevant health parameters and linked automated feedback via mobile telephone have potential to strengthen selfmanagement and improve outcomes. This research involved development and evaluation of a mobile telephone-based remote patient reporting and automated telephone feedback system, guided by health behavior change theory, aimed at improving self-management and health status in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Subjects and Methods: This research comprised a randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (range, 6.5–11%) or use of oral diabetes medication, and 30–70 years of age. Intervention subjects (n= 24) participated in remote patient reporting of health status parameters and linked health behavior change feedback. Control participants (n = 24) received standard of care including diabetes education and healthcare provider counseling. Patients were followed for approximately 10 months. Results: Intervention participants achieved, compared with controls and controlling for baseline, a significantly greater mean reduction in HbA1c of 0.40% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67% to 0.14%) versus 0.036% (95% CI 0.23% to 0.30%) (P < 0.03) and significantly greater weight reduction of 2.1 kg (95% CI 3.6 to 0.6 kg) versus 0.4 kg (95% CI 1.1 to 1.9 kg). Nonsignificant trends for greater intervention compared with control improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed. Conclusions: Sophisticated information technology platforms for remote patient reporting linked with theory-based health behavior change automated feedback have potential to improve patient outcomes in type 2 diabetes and merit scaled-up research efforts.
The All–Versus–All Low Earth Orbit Conjunction Problem 1

A critical problem is emerging in the space environment. For the foreseeable future, we expect there to be a collision between a large object and a debris object every 400 days. But these collisions are hidden amongst 10,000s of close conjunctions per day and pose catastrophic threats to mission-critical payloads. This report describes work addressing the problem of systematically identifying these needles in the proverbial haystack. Several key avenues are pursued: developing a computational scheme that can rapidly estimate conjunctions for large catalogs ( ∼ 100,000 objects); improving covariance analysis to eﬀectively cull the number of encounters of critical interest; devising new covariance-based statistics such that, regardless of orbit-estimation quality, all true conjunctions of critical interest are successfully tagged; introducing an automated, adaptive tasking scheme to ascertain all potential collisions with a low false alarm rate; and providing quantiﬁ-cation for tying conjunction-prediction performance to sensor-network performance and tasking parameters. As a speciﬁc example, by taking a 50,000 object catalog in the most dangerous debris regime, we established a protocol where sensors take a series of observations over the course of 10 days to predict the 1.4 conjunctions of less than 10 m for the 11th day. Only 9 conjunctions per day need to be monitored to identify those 1.4 true conjunctions. The sensor-network load necessary is 3.8 times the loading necessary to maintain the latent day-to-day catalog.