Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of balance training with kinesthetic ability trainer (KAT 2000) in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain: a randomised controlled study

Objectives: The aim of this study isto determine the effectiveness of balance training with Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT 2000) in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain related balance disorder. Methods: Sixty patients were included into this controlled prospective study and randomized into either balance exercises group (Group 1) or KAT 2000 exercises group (Group 2). Balance exercises were given to all patients. Also, KAT 2000 balance exercises were given all patients in Group 2 (n = 30). All patients received 45-min individualized training session for three times a week for 4 weeks. Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire for neuropathic pain; visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain severity; KAT 2000 for static and dynamic balance; Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) for Quality of Life (QoL) was used. Dynamic balance and mobility also was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Time Up and Go (TUG) test. Patients were evaluated at baseline and the end of the 4-week exercise program. Results: At the end of the treatment; VAS, BBS, KAT 2000, TUG, NHP, physical activity , NHP pain, NHP social isolation and NHP emotional reactions scores improved significantly in both groups ( p 0.05). Statistical differences in VAS pain on movement, global assessment of patient, global assessment of doctor, NHP energy level scores were found between the groups ( p 0.05). Conclusion: When combined with the KAT 2000 device, positive effects of balance-coordination exercises on pain on movement and energy level are more evident in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.
Three stages in the development of DNA evidence in Australia

ABSTRACT DNA evidence continues to make a significant contribution to the Australian criminal justice system. The techniques used by forensic scientists, and the legal principles governing the collection of DNA evidence and its use in court by law enforcement, have developed considerably since they were first introduced. DNA evidence is continually evolving as new scientific techniques are applied to investigations and presented in court, and new database infrastructure is introduced by government agencies. This paper examines the development of DNA evidence in Australia over the last 30 years. It proposes that this development can be understood as a three-stage process: the first stage, from 1989 to 2000; the second, from 2001 to 2014; and the third, from 2015 to the present. In delineating the development of DNA evidence into three stages, a holistic approach has been taken to describe the scientific development of DNA evidence throughout this period, as well as the associated legal and regulatory framework.
Effects of Concomitant Decompression Adjacent to a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Segment on Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes: Comparative Analysis 5 Years After Surgery

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: To examine the effects of concomitant decompression adjacent to the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) segment on the clinical and radiological outcomes 5 years after surgery. Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients who had undergone L3/4 decompression with L4/5 PLIF for multilevel stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), and were followed for 5 years, were enrolled (group D). As a control group, 45 age-, sex- and preoperative disc height at L3/4–matched patients who had undergone L4/5 PLIF alone for L4/5DS were randomly selected (group A). Disc height, vertebral slippage, range of motion, posterior opening angle, segmental lordotic angle, presence of the intradiscal vacuum phenomenon (IVP) at the L3/4 level were measured on radiographs. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the requirement for additional L3/4 surgery were evaluated. Results: In terms of pre-/postoperative radiographic changes between the groups, significant differences were detected regarding disc height narrowing of ≥3 mm (group D 31%, group A 9%) and IVP (group D 33%, group A 11%). There were no significant differences in other radiological parameters. The recovery rate of the JOA score (group D 58%, group A 61%) and reoperation rate (group D 2.2%, group A 6.7%) were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: Concomitant decompression adjacent to the PLIF segment accelerated adjacent disc degeneration compared to PLIF alone, but it did not predispose to the development of instability 5 years after surgery. Moreover, the JOA score and reoperation rate were not significantly different between groups D and A.
NeuroGrow Concussion Recovery Program 1 A comprehensive “Concussion Recovery Program” with emphasis on brain coaching and EEG-based neurofeedback therapy: A retrospective analysis

1 A comprehensive “Concussion Recovery Program” with emphasis on brain coaching and EEG-based neurofeedback therapy: A retrospective analysis Fotuhi, Majid1,2,* mfotuhi@neurogrow.com Dwivedy, Pritty1 pdwivedy@neurogrow.com Yeom, Lauren1 yeom.lauren@gmail.com Nadeem, Ifrah1 ifrah97@vt.edu Ebadi, Ali1 ebadiay@mymail.vcu. edu Miles, Maddison1 milesmm@dukes.jmu. edu Tittle, Rachel1 racheltittleconsulting@gmail.com
The world of synbiotics: a review of literature and clinical evidence in diarrhoea from the lens of a paediatrician

The concept of synbiotics is exciting and the clinical application of synbiotics in the management of acute diarrhoea in children is becoming a common practice in our country. However, it is not without some amount of skepticism on the scientific rationale and presumed lack of documented evidence on clinical efficacy and safety in the target population and indications. In addition, most synbiotics carry a combination of multiple probiotics along with a prebiotic. There is also a need to understand if a combination of probiotics performs better than single probiotics, hence justifying the underlying rationale for combination and also understanding the mechanisms for achieving the same. Hence, this review aims to address the following questions on synbiotics and combination probiotics and thereby clarify and establish the role of synbiotics in the context of management of diarrhoea, with special focus on paediatric age group.
Inactivation of the SGS1 and EXO1 Genes Synergistically Stimulates Plasmid Integration in Yeast

Summary Different procedures used for targeted genetic manipulations are based on homologous recombination between chromosomal and exogenous DNA. A double-strand break (DSB) present on the plasmid molecule stimulates and directs plasmid integration to the homologous sequence in the yeast genome and we wondered whether this process could be further enhanced in selected DNA repair mutants. In order to compare the results obtained in different yeast strains, the efficiency of transformation with a linear integrative plasmid was compared to that obtained with a circular replicative plasmid. With respect to the wild type, the relative efficiency of transformation was increased in the sgs1 and exo1 mutants and decreased in the rad1 and srs2 mutants. Inactivation of the SGS1 or EXO1 gene stimulated plasmid integration 4- to 5-fold, while 15-fold increase was observed in the double sgs1 exo1 mutant. This result indicates that the two proteins participate in different cellular processes that limit plasmid integration in the wild type yeast. Southern blot analysis of 20 transformants obtained in the double mutant confirmed that they occurred by homologous integration to the target sequence. Homologues to both EXO1 and SGS1 genes have been found in other organisms and we suggest that their inactivation may also lead to enhanced gene targeting.
Umbilical endometriosis in a 42 years old parous woman: A Case Report

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition and presents mainly with involvement of the pelvic organs. However umbilical endometriosis is uncommon. A correct differential diagnosis can be difficult and the use of epiluminescence and MRI is suggested for the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. This case report was experienced at a tertiary care hospital at Rajshahi. The patient was 42 years old multigravid woman presented with umbilical swelling and pain during menstruation for last 6 years with cyclical bleeding from the umbilical region for same duration. The patient had regular menstrual bleeding since the time of menarche. The patient had no previous history of endometriosis, dysmenorrhea or dyspareunia. Physical examination showed a hyperpigmented tender paraumbilical swelling with bloody discharge through umbilicus. Clinical examination together with the use of high resolution ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology led to an accurate pre-operative diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis. The surgical approach to umbilical endometriosis represented an important step in achieving a satisfying result. The lesion to be excised and adequate umbilical repositioning was done. The patient was asymptomatic at the follow-up visit (12 months after surgery). A natural-looking umbilicus was observed with minimal visible scars.TAJ 2015; 28(1): 48-51
Communication about genetic testing and hereditary cancer management with breast and ovarian cancer patients

Background: Women with breast or ovarian cancer (patients) are increasingly offered genetic testing shortly after diagnosis to guide management and identify future cancer risks. As a result, new approaches to communication about hereditary cancer are needed to inform decision-making amongst patients and their relatives. Aims: This thesis aimed to investigate expert opinion and guideline recommendations about the communication needs of patients undergoing genetic testing, the information communicated by genetics health professionals and recalled by patients and their relatives and the experience of patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who undergo genetic testing. Methods: A scoping review and five studies were conducted using UK data from patients and health professionals: an observational study, a Delphi survey, a content analysis, a document analysis and mixed methods matrix and a qualitative study. Results: Accuracy of information recall was low amongst patients and relatives following genetic counselling, especially about hereditary cancer management. Expert health professionals and service users agreed on the key messages required by patients to inform decision-making for themselves and their relatives. However, during genetic counselling, half of the key messages were communicated to patients and fewer key messages were communicated about hereditary cancer management than genetic testing. Recommended information to communicate to patients was identified from international genetics guidelines. Recommendations about hereditary cancer management were infrequently reflected in expert opinion, communicated by genetics health professionals or recalled by patients. Newly diagnosed patients experienced growing uncertainty and concern about inheritance and surgical decision-making, especially when their genetic test result was unexpected. Conclusions: Patients received insufficient information to understand their future cancer risks and make informed decisions about managing hereditary cancer. Steps are needed to improve information provision, especially when results are unexpected. These findings can help guide refinements to communication as genetic testing is integrated into mainstream oncology.
Resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Isolated from Marine and Freshwater Fishes towards Carbapenems

The carbapenems are beta-lactam antimicrobial agents with an exceptionally broad spectrum of activity and are active against most Enterobacteriaceae including those that produce ampC b-lactamase. Resistance to carbapenems, especially carbapenems-resistant- Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a serious issue worldwide as it is extremely difficult to combat bacteria resistant to carbapenems. Fifty two isolates of Escherichia coli and twelve isolates of Salmonella ( invA and stn gene positive) isolated from marine fish and freshwater fish were tested for their susceptibility to carbapenems namely meropenem, imipenem and ertapenem. A low percentage (3.9%) of E.coli showed resistance to meropenem, while 11.5 & 17% of E.coli and 8.3 & 25% of Salmonella showed intermediate sensitivity to meropenem and ertapenem, respectively. However, 100% of E. coli and Salmonella were sensitive to imipenem. Importantly, meropenem resistant E.coli was also found to be resistant to other antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin and tetracycline. The results indicate that carbapenem resistance in E. coli and Salmonella isolated from fish was marginal but nevertheless needs continuous monitoring.
Pattern, Precipitants and Short Term Outcome of Heart Failure Patients Managed at Federal Medical Centre Nguru, a Tertiary Health Centre in Yobe State Northeastern Nigeria

Heart Failure (HF) is a syndrome characterized by typical symptoms (e.g. breathlessness, ankle swelling and fatigue) that may be accompanied by signs (e.g. elevated jugular venous pressure, pulmonary crackles and peripheral oedema) caused by a structural and/or functional cardiac abnormality, resulting in a reduced cardiac output and/or elevated intracardiac pressures at rest or during stress. Clinical studies investigating the aetiological patterns of heart failure in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) revealed that hypertension, cardiomyopathy and rheumatic heart disease account for more than two-thirds of cardiac disease cases. The objective of this study therefore is to assess the pattern, precipitating factors and short term outcome of heart failure among patients admitted into our hospital. Method: The study was a prospective cross-sectional type conducted among in patients with heart failure in the medical ward of the hospital. Results: A total of three and fifty four (354) subjects were recruited into the study, comprising one hundred and twenty nine males (36.4%) and two hundred and twenty five (63.4%) females. Majority of the patients were admitted in NYHA functional class IV. This however improved to class II at discharge though few were discharged in NYHA class III. Heart failure secondary to progressive hypertensive heart disease was the most common (39.0%) followed by peripartum cardiomyopathy (22.6%) while idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (11.0%) and rheumatic heart disease (7.3%) were the third and fourth causes of heart failure respectively. The most common precipitating factor for heart failure in this study was chest infection (44.9%). In conclusion, the study revealed that progressive hypertensive heart disease was the leading cause of heart failure, followed by peripartum cardiomyopathy while idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and rheumatic heart disease were ranked third and fourth causes of heart failure respectively. Though myocardial infarction is on the increase, it was found to be the fifth cause of heart failure. The study also identified the following precipitants of heart failure in decreasing order of occurrence: chest infection, non-adherence to prescription, and urinary tract infection.
Use of an Instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) for Fall Risk Classification

Abstract Aim: To determine if an instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) can accurately classify older adult recurrent fallers and non-fallers who are age and sex-matched. Methods: iTUG data from older adult recurrent fallers (n = 25) and age and sex-matched non-fallers (n = 25) were selected for comparison from a pool of participants (n = 148) that were involved in a larger age and mobility related study. Results: All of the iTUG measures demonstrated a low level of accuracy in classifying recurrent fallers from non-fallers (AUC = 0.49–0.56) and there were no significant differences in any of the iTUG performance measures between groups. Conclusion: The iTUG was unable to appropriately classify or differentiate older adult recurrent fallers from non-fallers who were both age and sex-matched. The role and usefulness of body-worn sensors for assessing mobility and fall risk require further investigation.
Bioinformatics assembly and analysis and annotation of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 5036 genome

Plants are essential for both human and animal life, several agricultural practices have been adopted or are being developed in order to improve crop production by preventing or mitigating effects of biotic and abiotic stresses faced by plants. Biocontrol is a promising technique being cost effective, environment friendly and able to target pathogens difficult to control through traditional means. Bacteria that are associated with plant roots and exert beneficial effects on plant development are known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Compared to plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas rhizobacteria, Bacillus species are advantageous due to their ability to form spores, which enable survival at high temperature, extreme pH, drought or mechanical and chemical stress and thus ideal for use as commercial biocontrol products. A PGPR may serve both as a biofertilizer and as a biological antagonist to pathogens. PGPR can be used for seed treatment supporting colonization in the rhizosphere on emerging roots. The mechanisms of protection may vary among different bacteria and include alteration of plant cell walls, production of biofilm on plant roots that prevent infection, competition for nutrients and space for growth and production of antibiotics and other damaging compounds to the pathogens. The Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain UCMB-5036 has potential to serve as a biocontrol agent. This genome was assembled from short paired-end reads of 75bp size generated by Illumina multiplexed technology using a mapping assembly technique against the already published complete genome of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42. The total size of draft genome is 3918701 bp, containing 4209 genes and 29 identified ribosomal RNA genes. After annotating the draft genome, it was observed that most of the genes responsible for colonization and plant growth-promotion in FZB42 also are present in UCMB-5036. De novo assembly for unmapped reads indicate the presence of some novel genes i.e. genes which are present in UCMB-5036 but not in reference genome of FZB42.
Enhancing Care Transitions for Older People through Interprofessional Simulation: A Mixed Method Evaluation

Introduction: The educational needs of the health and social care workforce for delivering effective integrated care are important. This paper reports on the development, pilot and evaluation of an interprofessional simulation course, which aimed to support integrated care models for care transitions for older people from hospital to home. Theory and methods: The course development was informed by a literature review and a scoping exercise with the health and social care workforce. The course ran six times and was attended by health and social care professionals from hospital and community (n = 49). The evaluation aimed to elicit staff perceptions of their learning about care transfers of older people and to explore application of learning into practice and perceived outcomes. The study used a sequential mixed method design with questionnaires completed pre (n = 44) and post (n = 47) course and interviews (n = 9) 2–5 months later. Results: Participants evaluated interprofessional simulation as a successful strategy. Post-course, participants identified learning points and at the interviews, similar themes with examples of application in practice were: Understanding individual needs and empathy; Communicating with patients and families; Interprofessional working; Working across settings to achieve effective care transitions. Conclusions and discussion: An interprofessional simulation course successfully brought together health and social care professionals across settings to develop integrated care skills and improve care transitions for older people with complex needs from hospital to home.
The Divorced Family–Focused Care Model: A Nursing Model to Enhance Child and Family Mental Health and Well-Being of Doubly Bereaved Children Following Parental Divorce and Subsequent Parental Cancer and Death

The experience of parental death concomitant with parental divorce occurs for 46% of Danish children and 50% of American children who lose a parent to death. This experience of loss and double bereavement compounds increased risk of mental health problems. The aim of this study was to explore nursing interventions for double bereaved children that promoted their well-being. A phenomenological–hermeneutic approach was used to conduct 20 interviews with nurses in family cancer care. Ricoeur’s theoretical framework was followed with naïve reading, structural analysis, and critical interpretation, resulting in the formulation of a new model of nursing care for these children: the Divorced Family–Focused Care Model. Four themes were apparent: (a) collection of information about family structure, (b) assessment of support needs, (c) initiation of well-being support, and (d) coordination and follow-up focused on the child’s well-being. The new intervention model has implications for health care education and implementation of health care policies.
Symposium: Insect Behavioral Ecology--'89: Antipredator Mechanisms in Arthropods: A Twenty Year Literature Survey

Sixteen ecological and entomological journals were surveyed from 1969-1989 for articles concerning defensive mechanisms in arthropods. Predators and prey are listed taxonomically by family, and grouped according to the specific defensive mechanism employed by the prey. A dichotomous categorization scheme is proposed which primarily reflects the hypothesized energetic costs of various antipredator mechanisms. In total, 354 papers were examined involving 555 potential or real predator/prey interactions. It is concluded that certain defensive mechanisms are prevalent in particular taxonomic groups as indicated by the literature. Several predator/prey pairs occur together in interactions more frequently than would be expected by chance (up to 39 times in one case). Most pairs (71 percent) occur together ten or fewer times. Thirty-four pairs (nine percent) occurred only once. It is questionable whether this phenomenon is an accurate representation of the natural distribution of defensive mechanisms in arthropods because of the potential and real bias involved in the investigative process. Many studies assume but do not demonstrate the efficacy of the alleged defensive mechanism. Of 555 real or potential interactions, a defensive function was demonstrated 354 times (64 percent). No defensive function was demonstrated 201 times (36 percent). It is suggested that whenever possible, future investigations incorporate tests of the hypothesized defensive function against sympatric, and therefore ecologically relevant predators.
School-to-work transitions and the life-course : an ecosystems analysis of a cohort of at-risk youths in Malta

The manner in which school to work transitions are approached by young people is a significant aspect of their educational experience because of the implications that this transition has on their overall socialisation as members of society. This exploration is focused upon how a cohort of young men who attended a second opportunity all-boys’ school for at-risk students in Malta, in the early to mid 1990s, engage in these transitions. It is aimed at defining how influential the participants perceive their relationships with their primary carers or families-oforigin during their upbringing years to have been in their defining occupational or career outcomes, whether their schooling influenced these beliefs, and how this was further evolved as they gathered increased work-experience over time.