Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of collimator hole dimensions on parallel and cone-beam brain SPECT

This study assesses the influence of collimator hole dimensions on the accuracy of brain SPECT. To this end, four low energy, parallel hole (PH) collimators and four low energy, half cone beam (CB) collimators with different hole dimensions were simulated. The simulated projection data were representative of Ultra High Resolution (UHR), High Resolution (HR), Medium Resolution (MR), and General Purpose (GP) collimators. Reconstruction was performed with the Ordered Subsets Expectation Maximization (OS-FM) algorithm with and without correction for the camera response (CRC and NCRC, respectively). The distance-dependent blurring kernel used in CRC matched the blurring used in the simulations. Image accuracy was assessed by calculating contrast-to-noise ratios (CTN) in a phantom containing cold spheres and by calculating Mean Squared Errors (MSE) between the true 3D Hoffman brain phantom and its reconstructions. For the accuracy of PH collimators, results indicate that when NCRC is applied, the UHR collimator results in better CTN ratios and lower MSE than the collimators with lower resolution. However, when CRC is applied, the GP collimator outperforms the higher resolution collimators. For the CB collimators, the low resolution collimators (GP and MR) result in the best CTN ratios and the lowest MSE, regardless if CRC is applied.
Effect of Counseling on Self-Efficacy in Iranian Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Attentiontowomen’shealthisconsideredahealthpriorityineverycountry. Oneof thefactorsthatpromotewomen’s general health is self-eﬃcacy. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the eﬀect of counseling on the self-eﬃcacy of middle-aged women. Methods: The present randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 102 middle-aged women (51 women in each group) and was covered by health centers in Tabriz in 2015 - 16. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (one group received counselingandanotherdidnot)usingtheblockrandomizationstratiﬁedbasedonage(40to50and50to60)inblocksizesof 4and 6. Theinterventiongroupreceivedcounselingonhealthpromotionoverthree45-minutesessions. Shereretal’sgeneralself-eﬃcacy scale was completed in both groups before the intervention, and four and eight weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Before the intervention, no signiﬁcant diﬀerence was observed between the two groups in terms of self-eﬃcacy. Four and eightweeksafterintervention,mean(SD)of self-eﬃcacyscoreswere69. 0(11.4)and71.7(11.1)respectivelyinthecounselinggroupand 65.7 (13.2) and 64.9 (11.3) respectively in the control group. After the intervention, and with adjusting the baseline values, repeated measuresANOVAtestshowedasigniﬁcantlyhighermeanself-eﬃcacyscoreinthecounselinggroupcomparedtothecontrolgroup (Adjusted mean diﬀerence = 5.3; 95% conﬁdence interval = 2.1 to 8.5; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Counselinginmiddle-agedwomencanleadtoimprovedself-eﬃcacy,resultinginimprovedhealthinthisagegroup.
An Empirical Study on Human Leptospirosis Cases in the Western Province of Sri Lanka

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infectious disease in the world. It is growing as a major public health threat in Sri Lanka. The records in Sri Lanka show that, over 4000 cases were reported in the year 2016 in which nearly one fourth of total cases was reported only from the Western province. The objective of this study is to model leptospirosis cases in Western province of Sri Lanka using time series analysis. Since the purpose of forecasting is to plan the future activities, this study will support in term of planning the programmes of control for future. Appropriate tests were employed for the preliminary analysis to study the behavior of provinces-wise and district-wise distribution of leptospirosis cases in Sri Lanka. Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models were developed using standard techniques. Diagnostic tests for tentatively fitted models were checked. In addition, for the purpose of selecting the best model, usual selection criteria were used. Finally, mean absolute percentage error was used to measure the accuracy of forecasting. The results show that, Western province (28.41%) is the mostly affected part of the island by human leptospirosis. Moreover, Gampaha (10.78%), Kalutara (9.59%) and Colombo (8.04%) districts in Western province are ranked among the first 5 districts of Sri Lanka based on average number of recorded cases. The accuracy of the fitted SARIMA(1, 0, 0)(0, 1, 1)12 model is over 85%. Therefore, it can be used to forecast future leptospirosis cases in the Western province. Based on the fitted model, the expected number of new cases in the Western province for the year 2017 is estimated to be 1168.
Thermal limits in native and alien freshwater peracarid Crustacea: The role of habitat use and oxygen limitation

Abstract In order to predict which species can successfully cope with global warming and how other environmental stressors modulate their vulnerability to climate‐related environmental factors, an understanding of the ecophysiology underpinning thermal limits is essential for both conservation biology and invasion biology. Heat tolerance and the extent to which heat tolerance differed with oxygen availability were examined for four native and four alien freshwater peracarid crustacean species, with differences in habitat use across species. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) Heat and lack of oxygen synergistically reduce survival of species; (2) patterns in heat tolerance and the modulation thereof by oxygen differ between alien and native species and between species with different habitat use; (3) small animals can better tolerate heat than large animals, and this difference is more pronounced under hypoxia. To assess heat tolerances under different oxygen levels, animal survival was monitored in experimental chambers in which the water temperature was ramped up (0.25°C min−1). Heat tolerance (CTmax) was scored as the cessation of all pleopod movement, and heating trials were performed under hypoxia (5 kPa oxygen), normoxia (20 kPa) and hyperoxia (60 kPa). Heat tolerance differed across species as did the extent by which heat tolerance was affected by oxygen conditions. Heat‐tolerant species, for example, Asellus aquaticus and Crangonyx pseudogracilis, showed little response to oxygen conditions in their CTmax, whereas the CTmax of heat‐sensitive species, for example, Dikerogammarus villosus and Gammarus fossarum, was more plastic, being increased by hyperoxia and reduced by hypoxia. In contrast to other studies on crustaceans, alien species were not more heat‐tolerant than native species. Instead, differences in heat tolerance were best explained by habitat use, with species from standing waters being heat tolerant and species from running waters being heat sensitive. In addition, larger animals displayed lower critical maximum temperature, but only under hypoxia. An analysis of data available in the literature on metabolic responses of the study species to temperature and oxygen conditions suggests that oxygen conformers and species whose oxygen demand rapidly increases with temperature (low activation energy) may be more heat sensitive. The alien species D. villosus appeared most susceptible to hypoxia and heat stress. This may explain why this species is very successful in colonizing new areas in littoral zones with rocky substrate which are well aerated due to continuous wave action generated by passing ships or prevailing winds. This species is less capable of spreading to other waters which are poorly oxygenated and where C. pseudogracilis is the more likely dominant alien species. A http://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.13050/suppinfo is available for this article.
Impact of IL-32 on Histamine Release by Human Derived Umbilical Cord Blood Mast Cells

IL-32 is onae of the last important cytokines discovered, produced mainly by T cells, natural killer cells, and epithelial cells. Probably many other different cells are a source of IL-32, which has been found to be a powerful pro-inflammatory mediator. Here we studied the effect of IL-32 on histamine release by human-derived cord-blood mast cells. In these studies we found that IL-32 significantly stimulates the release of histamine only at high concentrations (100 ng/ml) while at 10 or 50 ng/ml it had no effect. These results were found for the first time and demonstrate that IL-32 may play an important role in allergic and inflammatory diseases.
The relationship between omega‐3 fatty acids and blood pressure

Omega‐3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a critical role in the human body. The three main types of omega‐3 fatty acids are alpha‐linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. This review describes characteristics of omega‐3 fatty acids and their ability to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
Olaparib as maintenance treatment in relapsed platinum-sensitive BRCA mutated ovarian cancer: real world experience in two Italian cancer Centers

Background In 2014, after FDA approval, the therapeutic armamentarium of relapsed platinum-sensitive (RPS) ovarian cancer has been enriched by the introduction of a new drug, belonging to the class of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), olaparib. This oral PARPi demonstrated to significantly prolong progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo as maintenance in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent (PSR) BRCA mutated serous ovarian cancer in the pivotal phase II trial. Olaparib is actually used in daily practice, but very few data are available about its safety and activity out of clinical trials. The aim of this paper is to describe the early data on this agent according to its approval in two clinical cancer care Institutions in Italy. Materials and Methods This is an observational, retrospective study, carried out in two Italian Hospitals (National Cancer Institute of Naples and National Cancer Institute of Milan). Archival medical records of all the BRCA mutated relapsed ovarian cancer patients treated with olaparib in two Italian centers from September 1st, 2015 to March 14th, 2017 were analyzed. The primary endpoint is to describe the percentage of patients that received olaparib for ≥6 months and ≥12 months. Secondary endpoints include: the description of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), PFS and safety profile of olaparib treatment. Olaparib 400 mg twice daily capsules was given orally according to indication. Results From September 1st, 2015 to March 14th, 2017 twenty-two patients with RPS ovarian cancer were considered eligible for the analysis. At the time of data cut off point, about 55% of patients were receiving olaparib for at least 6 months, and 27.2% for 12 or more months. Actually, most of the patients (77.3%) is still on treatment with the PARPi. Only 3 progressions of disease (PD) were registered, therefore the median PFS has not been reached. The ORR was 33.4% and the DCR was 75%. Olaparib was globally manageable and well tolerated. Safety data were consistent with previously reported findings in literature. Most common adverse events were: fatigue (63.3%); nausea (77.3%); anemia (54.5%); thrombocytopenia (18.1%); leucopenia (36.4%). All the events were mainly of grade 1 and were transient and managed with supportive care. Conclusions Our preliminary analysis suggests a good benefit/toxicity ratio of olaparib also in unselected population out of clinical trials. The need to evaluate the reproducibility of literature findings in heterogeneous patients require further studies.
It takes two? : exploring the manual handling myth

The objective of this report is to investigate and question the prescription of double handed care (the use of two carers) with clients who require manual handling. There are significant implications of single versus double-handed care and therefore it is imperative that we fully understand the relevant key drivers that determine which care package is right for the client. Offering double handed care unnecessarily for example has a major cost implication and, within the current context of an increasing number of clients and ever tightening budgets, it is more important than ever that we challenge and fully understand our decision making process. Our research shows that misconceptions regarding moving and handling, insufficient knowledge of specialist equipment and an often outdated and inflexible approach has led to too much generalisation regarding the perceived need for two carers as opposed to one. This has led to a culture of ‘proving’ the case for one carer rather than the other way around. Furthermore making the correct choice has major implications not only in terms of cost but also the number of carers required, the impact upon the client’s privacy and their general well-being. Add to this the increasing difficulty of recruiting and retaining carers and the proven long term cost benefits of providing suitable equipment for the client’s needs and the argument for thoroughly challenging the perceived need for double-handed care is strong. In order to conduct a balanced, holistic study of the subject matter we have involved a number of sector experts, all of whom have contributed their different experiences and opinions. We feel that this input from a range of specialists has been extremely beneficial and has given the report a thorough and rounded argument. The case studies included as Appendices I-IV are examples of independent pieces of project work unrelated to this study but all of them draw the same conclusions about the need to re-evaluate the perceived need for double-handed care. We hope that the breadth of research contained within this report and the conclusions that we have drawn will serve to challenge the status quo and seriously question our current thought processes ultimately to the benefit of carers, clients and cost.
Hudson, Sue M. and Beutel, Denise A. (2007) Teacher induction: What is really happening?. In Proceedings Australian Teacher Education Association, Wollongong, Australia. Copyright 2007 (please consult author) Teacher induction: What is really happening?

Retention rates and stress levels of beginning teachers are of concern. There is evidence to suggest that well-planned induction programs can assist beginning teachers to make the transition successfully into the profession, which may increase retention rates. This qualitative, year-long study aims to explore and describe the induction experiences of eight beginning teachers as they negotiated their first year of teaching. The participants of this study represented 10% of the final cohort who attended the same regional university and completed a four-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree. Data were gathered through email correspondence at the commencement of term one and then at the end of each of the four school terms. Data also included telephone interviews and a questionnaire at the conclusion of term four focusing on these first-year beginning teachers’ perceptions of their induction into the profession. At the beginning of their first year of teaching these beginning teachers indicated they may require assistance in teaching to cater to individual difference, assessing in terms of outcomes, relating to parents, relating to the wider community, and understanding school policies; yet most commented they would not require assistance in relating to students and understanding legal responsibilities and duty of care. At the conclusion of their first year only one beginning teacher was assisted by a mentor (veteran teacher) on whole school programming, and planning for improving teaching with opportunities to visit classrooms of more experienced teachers. This was also the only beginning teacher who received a reduced workload in order to meet with the mentor to discuss pedagogical developments. The inadequate support provided to beginning teachers in this study highlights the need for principals and school staff to re-assess their contribution to beginning teachers’ development within the school context, which includes providing time, funding, and clear guidelines for a quality induction.
Speech Mechanism Screening Test for Children: An Evaluation of Performance in 3- to 12-Year-Old Normal Developing Children

배경 및 목적: 본 연구는 정상 발달 아동에게 ‘아동용 조음기관 구조 및 기능 선별검사(Speech Mechanism Screening Test for Children, SMST-C)’를 실시하여 성별과 연령별 표준화된 점수를 제시하고자 하였다. 방법: 만 3-12세 236명(남아 111명, 여아 125명)의 정상 발달 아동을 대상으로 SMST-C를.
Prevalence of diarrhoea and related risk factors among children aged under 5 years in Sana'a, Yemen

Background: Diarrhoeal disease is one of the most common problems affecting children across the world. This study assessed the prevalence of diarrhoea and related risk factors among children aged <5 years. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 8 months at Sam Specialized Paediatric Centre and Al-Mamoon Diagnostic Medical Centre, Yemen, involving 1570 children aged <5 years with diarrhoea. Detailed data regarding age, sex, diarrhoeal episodes, family size, education level of mother or female caregiver, breastfeeding and weight were collected. Results: Of 5400 patients seen for different causes, 1570 patients were children aged <5 years presenting with diarrhoea, giving a prevalence of 29.07%. A total of 850 children were boys and 720 were girls, with ages ranging from 6 to 60 months. There were 1325 children aged <12 months, 160 aged 1–2 years and 85 aged 3–5 years. There were 700 (44.59%) children from small families and 870 (55.41%) from large families. A total of 922 (58.73%) children were malnourished and 648 (41.27%) were not. There were 1125 (71.66%) children whose mothers or female caregivers had no or low-level formal education and 445 (28.34%) whose mothers or female caregivers had secondary or high-level education. A total of 651 (41.46%) children were breastfed, 735 (46.82%) were mixed fed and 184 (11.72%) were bottle-fed. Conclusion: The prevalence of diarrhoea in children was high; it was highest in those who were aged <12 months, from a large family, malnourished and not exclusively breastfed, and in those whose mother or female caregiver had no or low-level education. It is important to encourage family planning, a balanced diet, exclusive breastfeeding and maternal education, and to strengthen health intervention programmes, in order to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea.
Resilience in Maltreated Children (PN #25)

Practice Notes #25 was created in partnership with The Institute for Translational Research in Children’s Mental Health (ITR). ITR advances quality research, evidence-based clinical training, and information dissemination focused on children’s mental health and development ages 0 to 18. Practice Notes is published by the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. This issue was supported, in part, by grant #GRK%80888 from Minnesota Department of Human Service, Children and Family Services Division. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Center, School, College, University or their funding source.
Review of biosand water filters

Diarrhoeal diseases are a global public health burden, killing 1.8 million people annually. Diarrhoea disproportionately affects children and those in poverty. Most diarrhoeal cases can be prevented through safe drinking water and basic hygiene and sanitation measures, with drinking water interventions having the most impact on reducing diarrhoeal disease. A meta-evaluation of studies assessing a specific household water treatment method, the biosand water filter, was completed. Results from the meta-evaluation illustrated that biosand water filters improve drinking water quality and reduce diarrhoeal disease. However, short follow-up times and inconsistent measures are a concern. Furthermore, there is no generally accepted field method for determining biosand water filter effectiveness that is useable in low-resource communities. This study adds to understanding of biosand water filters.
Total hip arthroplasty and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a high dependency unit

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing lower limb arthroplasty present an increased risk for intra- and postoperative respiratory complications. The aim of our study is to determine disturbances in arterial blood gases (ABGs) that might occur during and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedure in a high dependency unit (HDU). We present the cases of 23 patients with a mean age 71±2 years, grouped in class II and III, according to ASA Physical Status Classification System, who underwent THA under epidural anesthesia. Our study reveals that in the case of patients with COPD who underwent THA, reduction of pO2 was statistically important during and immediately after the surgical intervention, while an important concurrent change of pH and pCO2 was not observed. For a better outcome in patients with COPD who undergo THA, both intra- and postoperative respiratory care in the HDU, with hemodynamic monitoring and avoidance of hypotension and hypoxemia, are essential.
Machine learning to assist risk-of-bias assessments in systematic reviews

Abstract Background: Risk-of-bias assessments are now a standard component of systematic reviews. At present, reviewers need to manually identify relevant parts of research articles for a set of methodological elements that affect the risk of bias, in order to make a risk-of-bias judgement for each of these elements. We investigate the use of text mining methods to automate risk-of-bias assessments in systematic reviews. We aim to identify relevant sentences within the text of included articles, to rank articles by risk of bias and to reduce the number of risk-of-bias assessments that the reviewers need to perform by hand. Methods: We use supervised machine learning to train two types of models, for each of the three risk-of-bias properties of sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding. The first model predicts whether a sentence in a research article contains relevant information. The second model predicts a risk-of-bias value for each research article. We use logistic regression, where each independent variable is the frequency of a word in a sentence or article, respectively. Results: We found that sentences can be successfully ranked by relevance with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) > 0.98. Articles can be ranked by risk of bias with AUC > 0.72. We estimate that more than 33% of articles can be assessed by just one reviewer, where two reviewers are normally required. Conclusions: We show that text mining can be used to assist risk-of-bias assessments.