Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An exploration of the relationship between cardiovascular health, lifestyle factors and platelet function.

Introduction Platelets are small, anucleate, cells which travel as resting discoid fragments in the blood circulation. Upon contact with an injured blood vessel, they prevent blood loss through processes of adhesion, activation and aggregation. Platelets play a central role in cardiovascular disease (CVD), both in the development of atherosclerosis and in the development of acute thrombotic events. CVD risk factors can be classed as modifiable or non-modifiable. This thesis focuses on the effect of the modifiable risk factors (physical inactivity, overweight/obesity and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)) on platelet function. We investigate the role of acute exercise on platelet function, and the impact of CRF on platelet responses to acute exercise. We also explore the role of microRNA (miRNA), a subset of small non-coding RNA, in regulating platelet function in response to physical inactivity. Hypothesis Physical inactivity, overweight/obesity and low CRF adversely impact platelet function. miRNA expression could influence and modulate the platelet function response to physical inactivity. Results We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between platelet function and lifestyle factors. High platelet counts and plateletcrit were associated with less favourable cardiovascular risk profiles, in particular with measures of overweight. Platelet adhesion was significantly increased in subjects with an overweight BMI compared to those with a healthy weight BMI. Acute strenuous aerobic exercise resulted in increased platelet adhesion and aggregation in adults and adolescents. This increase was more pronounced in those with a low CRF, particularly in adolescent subjects. Using a Dry Immersion (DI) model, we investigated the effect of acute physical inactivity on platelet function in 12 healthy males. Three days of DI resulted in significant increases in platelet count, plateletcrit, platelet adhesion, aggregation, and an elevation of platelet reactivity index (PRI) and microvesicle concentration. We identified 15 cardiovascular and inflammatory protein biomarkers whose expression levels were altered after physical inactivity. We also identified a set of 22 ‘physical inactivity’ related miRNA, which have potential targets involved in pathways associated with platelet function. Conclusion Modifiable CVD risk factors of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity elicit a prothrombotic platelet profile. CRF levels affect the platelet response to acute exercise, suggesting that habitual physical activity influences platelet function. miRNA expression can influence and modulate the platelet function response to physical inactivity by negative regulation of gene expression and could act as markers of megakaryocyte epigenetic drift.
Assessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Groups using SCARED Scores for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders

Background: Limited access and availability of behavioral health providers has led to increased interest in Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT). Recent studies have found Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy to be effective in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorders amongst children and adolescents. Objective: It was hypothesized that children who attended 4 or more of the 8 cognitive behavioral group therapy sessions would have a decreased composite score on a standardized anxiety screen after the completion of therapy sessions. Methods: A total of 9 patients aged 6 to 18 years (All with confirmed Anxiety disorder from behavioral health) and their parents completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) before and after cognitive behavioral group therapy. Results: Children and adolescents who fit the inclusion criteria displayed a decreased mean composite anxiety score on SCARED once therapy was completed, but this finding did not reach statistical significance. Parents who completed the baseline and post-therapy SCARED showed a statistically significant decrease in mean composite anxiety score. Conclusion: Children and adolescents who completed CBGT did not have a statistically significant decrease in anxiety scores; however, the parents who completed SCARED on behalf of their child did show a statically significant decrease in anxiety scores. It is still important that CBGT sessions be continued at the Penn State Hershey Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic and those children and adolescents be urged to attend as many sessions as possible when enrolled in the sessions.
Evaluation of hospital accreditation method

Background: Hospital accreditation is a systematic external evaluation of a hospital’s structures, processes and results (outputs/ outcome) by an independent professional accreditation body using pre-established optimum standards. Hospital accreditation has an important role in improving the quality, safety, effectiveness and efficacy of health care services. The effectiveness of an accreditation system depends on the quality and conformity of its methods, standards and surveyors. This study aimed to evaluate the hospital accreditation method from the perspective of Iranian hospital managers. Methods: This descriptive, applied and cross-sectional study was carried out in 2015 using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The study population consisted of 914 hospital managers. Overall 547 hospital managers were surveyed through stratified random sampling. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: Almost 71.7 percent of hospitals achieved grade one and above in the first round of national accreditation survey. The mean score of managers’ satisfaction of hospital accreditation method was 3.21±0.63 out of 5 (Average). About 38 percent of hospital managers were satisfied with the hospital accreditation method. Most complaints were related to lack of reliability among surveyors and their low knowledge, skills and experience. Hospital managers were satisfied with surveyors’ attitude and adequacy of the number of survey days. Hospital managers mostly believed that accreditation is better to be done by Ministry of Health, compulsory, and every two years. About 95 percent of hospital managers agreed that self-assessment is necessary and beneficial prior to the accreditation survey. Conclusion: Hospital managers were moderately satisfied with the national accreditation system. Developing job description and person specification for accreditation surveyors and recruiting them accordingly, and providing professional education and training for them help improve the effectiveness of Iranian hospital accreditation method. The method of hospital accreditation in Iran has to be changed. Self-assessment, unannounced surveys, review of hospital key performance indicators and patient satisfaction surveys should be added to the current scheduled on-site surveys to enhance the credibility of the accreditation result. Abstract
Amphetamine Maintenance Therapy During Intermittent Cocaine Self-Administration in Rats: Reduction of Addiction-like Behavior is Associated with Attenuation of Psychomotor and Dopamine Sensitization

Background D-amphetamine maintenance therapy shows promise as a treatment for people with cocaine addiction. Preclinical studies using Long Access (LgA) cocaine self-administration procedures suggest D-amphetamine may act by preventing tolerance to cocaine’s effects at the dopamine transporter (DAT). However, Intermittent Access (IntA) cocaine self-administration better reflects human patterns of use, is especially effective in promoting addiction-relevant behaviors, and instead of tolerance, produces psychomotor, incentive, and neural sensitization. We asked, therefore, how D-amphetamine maintenance during IntA influences cocaine use and cocaine’s potency at the DAT. Methods Male rats self-administered cocaine intermittently (5 minutes ON, 25 minutes OFF x 10) for 14 sessions, with or without concomitant D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg/day via s.c. osmotic minipump). In Experiment 1, psychomotor sensitization, responding for cocaine under a progressive ratio schedule, responding under extinction and cocaine-primed relapse were assessed. In Experiment 2, rats self-administered cocaine or saline intermittently, with or without D-amphetamine, and the ability of cocaine to inhibit dopamine uptake in the nucleus accumbens core was assessed using fast scan cyclic voltammetry ex vivo. Results IntA cocaine self-administration produced psychomotor sensitization, strong motivation to take and seek cocaine, and it increased cocaine’s potency at the DAT. The co-administration of D-amphetamine suppressed both the psychomotor sensitization and high motivation for cocaine produced by IntA experience, and also reversed sensitization of cocaine’s actions at the DAT, leaving baseline DAT function unchanged. Conclusions Treatment with D-amphetamine might reduce cocaine use by preventing sensitization-related changes in cocaine potency at the DAT, consistent with an incentive-sensitization view of addiction.
Life After Head and Neck Cancer: Navigating the Years Ahead

ABSTRACT Although much has been written about the initial impact of head and neck cancer (HNC) and its disruptive effect on the quality of people’s lives, less attention has been paid to treatment repercussions in survivorship and associated psychosocial issues. In response to this gap in the literature, cancer care social workers from a large inner-city hospital in Australia set out to qualitatively explore that phenomenon. A focus group was conducted in September 2016 with seven adult participants recruited from a well-established self-help support group of HNC survivors. Thematic analysis of the focus group discussion gives voice to the patient experience in the cancer journey. This new information can inform social work interventions to support people with the difficult repercussions of HNC and help them to move through deeply personal change processes. IMPLICATIONS Findings from this focus group study are a timely reminder of the need for social work interventions that build cancer survivors’ coping capacity. Insights highlight the importance of psychoeducation and supportive counselling to assist patients and families deal with experiences of loss in the head and neck cancer survivorship journey.
Contesting ‘bogus self-employment’ via legal mobilisation: The case of foster care workers

The rise of the ‘gig’ economy has placed a spotlight on employment status, leading to challenges over the nature of working relationships and attendant rights from increasingly diverse groups. The predominant image of the struggle against ‘bogus self-employment’ features the mostly young, male riders and drivers engaged in platform work. This article examines the distinctive campaign of foster carers to be recognised as workers, focusing upon the emergence of the campaign and the imaginative solidarities forged with seemingly disparate groups of precarious workers. Drawing from interviews and observation, this article explores the tactics used in contesting ‘bogus’ self-employment, the achievements and challenges faced. The concept of legal mobilisation is used as lens, capturing the blend of strategic litigation, organising and legal enactment. This article concludes by considering how this solidaristic project might be further broadened to provide fully inclusive protections for all those who work for a wage.
Utilising a scholarship program as a workforce strategy for the community-managed mental health sector

Purpose The community-managed mental health sector needs to meet growing workforce demands. Yet, limited research has explored professional development opportunities and effective recruitment and retention strategies to support sector growth. One strategy is the use of a scholarship program to increase skills and training, via a University qualification. The purpose of this paper is to explore the progress of 19 mental health scholarship students and the impact of the scholarship on career intentions. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach comprising scholarship applications, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was used to explore the students’ university experiences between February 2013 and January 2015. Course convenors of the Mental Health Program were interviewed. Data were collected across three time-points over 24 months, with each collection informing the next research phase. Data analysis involved thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings Deeper knowledge, recognition of experience, new career pathways and improved work practice were benefits. Managing time and study, and work-life balance were the greatest challenges. Completing students displayed a range of internal attributes and accessed external supports. At the time of the study, the scholarships maintained student motivation and intention to work in the sector. Originality/value This research provides a deeper understanding of the demographics of the sector’s workforce. Insight into the attributes of completing students was obtained. The benefits realized and the challenges faced by the scholarship recipients will inform ongoing workforce development programs for the community-managed mental health sector.
Globalization and wartime trade

This article argues that on balance globalization does not increase, and may even reduce, the opportunity cost of Militarized Interstate Disputes (MIDs), as measured by foregone merchandise trade. Specifically, globalization makes it easier for states to substitute trade partners, makes it difficult to employ trade sanctions, makes credit more available to states at conflict, and encourages trade-substituting horizontal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and sanctions-resilient vertical FDI. Hypotheses are supported using High Dimensional Fixed Effects regression, applied to a Gravity model, with two-way clustering of standard errors, and an analysis of the effect of globalization on the marginal effect of MIDs on international trade. This suggests that while wars are becoming infrequent in recent decades, due to other factors, trade’s contribution to peace is diminishing.
Evaluation of crude saponins extract from leaves of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. for topical anti-inflammatory activity

Sesbania sesban is a short-lived shrub up to 8 m tall, which belongs to the family Leguminosae. Leaves are found to be rich in saponin content. The leaves of Sesbania sesban has traditionally been used as purgative, demulcent, maturant, anthelmintic and for all pains and inflammation. This study was intended to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the crude saponins extract by carrageenan induced rat paw edema method by preparing the gel formulation. The activity was carried on Wistar albino rats, receiving two strengths of crude saponin gel at a concentration of 1% w/w and 2%w/w respectively and Diclofenac sodium gel (1%w/w) was used as reference drug. The crude saponins extract in 2% w/w gel formulation showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to control group and the results were comparable to the activity shown by reference drug.
Pedagogical Content of Spatial Thinking Geography of Prospective Teachers in AUE and YSU

The research aims to describe the level of understanding of pedagogical content of spatial thinking geography of students of prospective geography teachers in Aichi University of Education (AUE) and Yogyakarta State University (YSU). The results of the descriptive evaluation indicate that the majority of YSU and AUE students know and havea good understanding of pedagogical content knowledge of spatial thinking geography. The main obstacle faced by students deals with the teaching ability especially assessment and evaluation as a strategy to know learning outcomes.
Adult chondrogenesis and spontaneous cartilage repair in the skate, Leucoraja erinacea

Mammalian articular cartilage is an avascular tissue with poor capacity for spontaneous repair. Here, we show that embryonic development of cartilage in the skate (Leucoraja erinacea) mirrors that of mammals, with developing chondrocytes co-expressing genes encoding the transcription factors Sox5, Sox6 and Sox9. However, in skate, transcriptional features of developing cartilage persist into adulthood, both in peripheral chondrocytes and in cells of the fibrous perichondrium that ensheaths the skeleton. Using pulse-chase label retention experiments and multiplexed in situ hybridization, we identify a population of cycling Sox5/6/9+ perichondral progenitor cells that generate new cartilage during adult growth, and we show that persistence of chondrogenesis in adult skates correlates with ability to spontaneously repair cartilage injuries. Skates therefore offer a unique model for adult chondrogenesis and cartilage repair and may serve as inspiration for novel cell-based therapies for skeletal pathologies, such as osteoarthritis.
Heart Image Digital Model Building and Feature Extraction Analysis Based on Deep Learning

Heart image digital model building and feature extraction analysis based on deep learning is proposed in this research. In the cardiac MRI, the blood of high-speed movement often has artifacts, gray is uneven, causing the blood to the heart muscle contrast between the lower, inside and outside of the left ventricle contour segmentation difficult. In general, in the course of the diastolic image quality is poor; only during the diastolic and heart image quality is the best. Because you left the room filled with blood, the heart is in a relatively static state. Therefore, we use the digital system with deep learning to analyze the extracted images. Due to the threshold segmentation of the original heart image directly. The effect is very poor. The foreground and background cannot be discerned, but the threshold segmentation of the heart image is based on morphological reconstruction. Get a rough area of the heart and based on this, we carry out foreground, background mark. Experiments using a disc structure to perform morphological erosion on the above areas to obtain foreground marks. The simulation results prove the effectiveness of the model. The segmentation accuracy is higher than the other methodologies.
DEVELOPMENT OF MICROEMULSION FORMULATION FOR ORAL DELIVERY OF ROSUVASTATIN CALCIUM

The purpose of conducting this study was to prepare an oral microemulsion formulation of Rosuvastatin calcium (RC) to improve its water solubility. Oil in water microemulsion was formulated using Oleic acid, Tween 80 and Polyethylene Glycol-400(PEG-400) as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The ideal proportion of surfactant: co-surfactant (Smix) was chosen by constructing pseudoternary diagrams. The microemulsion formulations which proved to be stable after thermodynamic stability testing were further evaluated for physical characteristics. Selected formulations were evaluated for droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, viscosity and % drug content. The results were suggestive that optimized microemulsion formulation (F2) was thermodynamically stable and clear having a droplet size of 74.29 nm and zeta potential of -18.44. In vitro dissolution study for optimized microemulsion was performed using a dialysis bag method and cumulative % drug release was determined. The result from the release study was indicative of improved solubility of Rosuvastatin calcium which may serve to boost up the oral bioavailability of drug.
Applied nutritional investigation Effect of Lean System 7 on metabolic rate and body composition

Objective: This study evaluated whether a commercial weight-loss product (Lean System 7) would result in less reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) in overweight subjects on a calorie-restricted diet and exercise regimen than in subjects using diet and exercise alone. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy overweight adults were given three capsules of a commercial weight-loss product twice daily or an identical placebo and followed a calorie-restricted diet and an exercise program for 8 wk. RMR, body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were measured at baseline and week 8. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: Of 47 adults enrolled, 35 completed the study. Subjects taking the commercial weight-loss product had a significant (P 0.03) increase in RMR, 7.2% increase versus 0.7% decrease in the placebo group. Subjects taking the commercial weight-loss product also had a significant (P 0.04) decrease in hip circumference, 3.78 cm versus 2.07 cm in the placebo group. There were no other statistically significant differences in any other outcome variable, diet composition, exercise com- pliance, or adverse events. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that administration of a commercial weight-loss product to overweight adults in conjunction with a calorie-restricted diet and moderate exercise program effectively reverses the decrease in RMR associated with calorie restriction within this study population. The commercial weight-loss product was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events over the 8 wk studied. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Orthogonal persistence in nonvolatile memory architectures: A persistent heap design and its implementation for a Java Virtual Machine

Current computer systems separate main memory from storage, and programming languages typically reflect this distinction using different representations for data in memory and storage. However, moving data back and forth between these different layers and representations compromise both programming and execution efficiency. To remedy this, the concept of orthogonal persistence (OP) was proposed in the early 1980s advocating that, from a programmer's standpoint, there should be no differences in the way that short‐term and long‐term data are manipulated. However, at that time, the underlying implementations still had to cope with the complexity of moving data across memory and storage. Today, recent nonvolatile memory (NVM) technologies, such as resistive RAM and phase‐change memory, allow main memory and storage to be collapsed into a single layer of persistent memory, opening the way for more efficient programming abstractions for handling persistence. In this work, we revisit OP concepts in the context of NVM architectures and propose a persistent heap design for languages with automatic memory management. We demonstrate how it can significantly increase programmer and execution efficiency, removing the impedance mismatch of crossing semantic boundaries. To validate and demonstrate the presented concepts, we present JaphaVM, an implementation of the proposed design based on JamVM, an open‐source Java Virtual Machine. Our results show that JaphaVM, in most cases, executes the same operations between one and two orders of magnitude faster than regular database‐based and file‐based implementations, while requiring significantly less lines of code.