Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Abilities of Fasting Plasma Glucose and Haemoglobin A1c in Predicting Metabolic Syndrome among Apparently Healthy Normoglycemic Ghanaian Adults

There are arguments as to whether haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) better predicts Metabolic syndrome (MetS) than fasting plasma glucose. The aim of the study was to explore the comparative abilities of HbA1c and Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in predicting cardiometabolic risk among apparently healthy adults in the Tamale metropolis. This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Tamale metropolis from September, 2017, to January, 2018, among one hundred and sixty (160) apparently healthy normoglycemic adults. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to gather sociodemographic data. Anthropometric and haemodynamic data were also taken and blood samples collected for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipid profile. MetS was classified using the harmonised criteria as indicated in the joint interim statement (JIS). Out of the 160 participants, 42.5% were males and 57.5% were females. FPG associated better with MetS and other cardiovascular risk markers, compared to HbA1c. FPG had the largest area under curve for predicting MetS and its components. This study shows a stronger association between FPG and MetS compared with haemoglobin A1c; it also provides evidence of a superior ability of FPG over HbA1c in predicting MetS and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in apparently heathy normoglycemic individuals.
Continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of thrombosed hemodialysis reliable outflow grafts

Aims: To determine the safety and feasibility of continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy (CAT) for restoring patency to thrombosed hemodialysis reliable outflow (HeRO) arteriovenous grafts. Subjects and Methods: Between December 2016 and August 2017, eleven consecutive patients (average age 63, range 39–80 years) with thrombosed HeRO grafts underwent percutaneous thrombectomy procedures (n = 21) using the Penumbra Indigo® CAT 8 or CAT D (Alameda, CA, USA) thrombectomy catheter as the primary device to clear the venous outflow tract before removing the arterial plug with a compliant balloon. A total of 21 hemodialysis declot procedures using CAT were documented and analyzed. Average procedure length and fluoroscopy time, length of thrombus cleared, blood loss, complications, and time between thrombectomy procedures were recorded and compared to the same patient's previous three thrombectomy procedures. Results: All procedures were technically successful (100%) at restoring graft patency; however, reocclusion within 5 days occurred in four (19.0%) cases. Three (14.3%) interventions required additional balloon maceration or sweep to clear the venous outflow following thrombectomy. Average thrombus length treated by suction thrombectomy measured 23.15 cm (range 2.2–65 cm). Average blood loss was 162.6 mL (range 50–250 mL). No procedure-related complications were recorded. The average procedure length and fluoroscopy time using suction thrombectomy was 74.7 and 14.2 min, respectively, compared with 82.0 and 14.0 min, respectively, in the previous thrombectomy procedures using standard methods (P > 0.05). Seventeen (81%) HeRO grafts treated by CAT presented with rethrombosis at a mean of 42.47 days (range 1–208 days, median 22 days, standard deviation [SD] 28.2 days) since CAT procedure compared to patients treated by conventional methods who presented for rethrombosis at a mean of 55.33 days (range 1–321 days, median 34 days, SD 43.1 days) since standard thrombectomy – no statically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: CAT is a safe and feasible method for removing thrombus and restoring patency to thrombosed HeRO grafts. Further studies are required to elucidate the advantages of CAT over standard thrombectomy techniques.
Dosimetric investigation of image-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer using cone-beam computed tomography

Objectives: 1. To survey the current practice of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for prostate cancer in the United Kingdom. 2. To validate a practical dose calculation strategy on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) 3. To assess the effect of CBCT verification imaging frequency on actual dose delivered to target volume and organs at risk during a course of image-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer. 4. To compare the dosimetric effects of reduction of CTV-PTV margin with daily imaging. / Material and Methods: 59 radiotherapy centres in the United Kingdom were included in an online survey of IGRT practice. The survey covered details of verification strategy during prostate radiotherapy, with specific questions on imaging frequency. A validation study of the CBCT dose calculation strategy was evaluated on 37 fractions using Bland-Altman plots. The study technique was compared to the density-override technique. A pilot comparison of CTV coverage with bone matching to soft tissue matching was performed. For the principal dosimetric analysis, 844 cone-beam CT (CBCT) images from 20 patients undergoing radical prostate radiotherapy were included. Patients received a dose of 74 Gy in 37 fractions using 7-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Target volume and organs at risk were contoured manually on each CBCT image. A daily online CBCT verification schedule was compared with a protocol of day 1-3 followed by weekly imaging. 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm CTV-PTV margins were compared for daily imaging. / Results: CBCT is the principal verification imaging modality in the UK for prostate cancer, used by 66% of centres. There is no consensus on optimal imaging schedule, with 2 main strategies used. These are the daily online schedule and the day 1-3 followed by weekly schedule. Use of CBCT contours on planning CT showed good agreement with the density-override technique, provided multifield IMRT was used. There were clear drops in target coverage if a bone match strategy was used in comparison to soft tissue matching. 90% of patients had improved target coverage with daily online in comparison to weekly online soft tissue match. A median of 37 fractions achieved CTV coverage with daily imaging compared with 34 fractions with a weekly online protocol. 80% of patients had a reduction in rectal dose with the daily protocol. Margin reduction to 5 mm with adequate target coverage was feasible with daily imaging. / Conclusions: Daily online CBCT verification improves CTV coverage and reduces rectal dose during IGRT for prostate cancer. Daily CBCT imaging allows reduction of CTV-PTV margin for radiotherapy.
Peculiarities of phytotherapy of diabetes mellitus through the prism of comorbidity and prevention of complications (review of literature)

The article presents the modern literature data about phytotherapy of patients with diabetes mellitus through the prism of comorbid processes and the prevention of complications. The article focuses on the review of the plant components that responsible for hypoglycemic action. Target ways of herbal influence are discussed, as well as the basic principles and pathogenetic mechanisms of the pharmacological effects of phytotherapy in diabetes mellitus. It is emphasized on the complexity of anti-glycemic action, which is due to the interaction of various substances. The authors further focused on the individual representatives of medicinal plants that are most often used in the treatment of diabetes, in particular, Vaccinium myrtillus L. , Galega officinalis L. , Phaseolus vulgaris L. , Sambucus nigra L. , Aralia mandshurica, Taraxacum officinale Wigg. , Inula helenium L. , Linum usitatissimum L. , Momordica charantia, Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum graecu, Ginkgo biloba. The main combined preparations, antidiabetic phytospecies composition, dietary supplements, which are presented on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, are considered. The main approaches to the use of herbal medicines and their role in the treatment and long-term rehabilitation of patients with diabetes are highlighted. The necessity of carrying out scientific researches on creating polycomponent herbal medicine with multipurpose action and improving treatment and preventive measures by means of phytotherapy are emphasized.
A Metagenomics Study on Hirschsprung's Disease Associated Enterocolitis: Biodiversity and Gut Microbial Homeostasis Depend on Resection Length and Patient's Clinical History

Objectives: Since 2010, several researches demonstrated that microbiota dynamics correlate and can even predispose to Hirschsprung (HSCR) associated enterocolitis (HAEC). This study aims at assessing the structure of the microbiota of HSCR patients in relation to extent of aganglionosis and HAEC status. Methods: All consecutive HSCR patients admitted to Gaslini Institute (Genova, Italy) between May 2012 and November 2014 were enrolled. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained. Stools were sampled and 16S rDNA V3-V4 regions were sequenced using the Illumina-MiSeq. Taxonomy assignments were performed using QIIME RDP. Alpha diversity indexes were analyzed by Shannon and Simpson Indexes, and Phylogenetic Diversity. Results: We enrolled 20 patients. Male to female ratio was 4:1. Six patients suffered from Total Colonic Aganglionosis (TCSA). Considering sample site (i.e., extent of aganglionosis), we confirmed the known relationship between sample site and both biodiversity and composition of intestinal microbiota. Patients with TCSA showed lower biodiversity and increased Proteobacteria/Bacteroidetes relative abundance ratio. When addressing biodiversity, composition and dynamics of TCSA patients we could not find any significant relationship with regard to HAEC occurrences. Conclusions: The composition of HAEC predisposing microbiota is specific to each patient. We could confirm that total colon resections can change the composition of intestinal microbiota and to dramatically reduce microbial diversity. The subsequent reduction of system robustness could expose TCSA patients to environmental microbes that might not be part of the normal microbiota. Future long-term studies should investigate both patients and their family environment, as well as their disease history.
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF SERUM TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM DIABETES IN AIIMS, PATNA

India leads the world with largest number of diabetic patients and is often referred to as the diabetes capital. Diabetic dyslipidemia in India is one of the main causes for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) mortality of the world. Dyslipidemia are disorders of lipoprotein metabolism, including lipoprotein overproduction or deficiency. It is a preventable risk factor which is mostly observed in diabetes patients and that may precipitate the cardiovascular disorders. Our aim of the study is to determine the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on lipid profile of diabetic patients. The present study was planned in Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna from july 2018 to December 2018.For the present study total 60 patients were selected. Out of 60 patients total 30 patients were enrolled in the group A as diabetic group and remaining 30 patients were enrolled in group B as normal patients. The biochemical parameters like Fating glucose level, Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipid, and Low Density Lipid were estimated. As diabetes is a disease of self-management, appropriate nutrition (low calories, low carbohydrates, and low fat with high fiber diet) regular physical activity and proper medication to achieve good glycaemic control have to be followed. Patients of diabetes with obesity- weight management are a key factor. The diabetic patients had elevated serum total cholesterol, elevated triglyceride. The slightly elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and reduced levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) indicating that diabetic patients were more prone to cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes has now become a global endemic in both developing and developed countries. Hence it is the need of the hour for early detection and prevention of this non-communicable disease. Keywords: Serum Triglyceride, Diabetes, LDL, HDL, etc.
A Systematic Review on the Risk Factors of Congenital Hypothyroidism

1. Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 2. Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, EmamHossein Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 3. Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 4. Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, EmamHossein Children’s Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 5. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, The United States
Factores de susceptibilidad y condiciones modificables asociados a recesiones gingivales en pacientes que asisten a la clínica de periodoncia de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, seccional Bogotá de septiembre a diciembre de 2018.

Introduccion: La alta prevalencia recesiones gingivales en poblacion adulta se relaciona con factores susceptibles y condiciones modificables, esto conlleva a la aparicion de alteraciones esteticas con hipersensibilidad en las raices de los dientes modificando los habitos alimenticios de los pacientes y afectado su calidad de vida. Objetivo: analizar factores de susceptibilidad y condiciones modificables asociados a las recesiones gingivales. Metodo: se diseno un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, se evaluaron 508 recesiones gingivales de 59 pacientes. Se evaluaron factores de susceptibilidad (biotipo periodontal, textura, color y consistencia del aspecto gingival) y condiciones modificables (abfraccion, indice de Placa, anatomia y posicion de los frenillos, presencia de protesis, coronas, entre otros). Se aplico estadistica descriptiva para la caracterizacion de las recesiones gingivales y Chi cuadrado para explorar sus factores asociados. Resultados: la clasificacion de Miller tipo I predomino en un 78%. Los factores de susceptibilidad mas frecuentes fueron los biotipos periodontales inferior y superior grueso (49% y 58%) y encia con punteado gingival (69,5%). El 51% presentaron un indice de Placa regular. La edad estuvo significativamente asociada con obturaciones desbordantes, presencia de protesis con ganchos y coronas desadaptadas. Se encontro relacion entre sexo, biotipo periodontal y clasificacion de Miller. Conclusiones: el biotipo periodontal y clasificacion de Miller I estan significativamente asociada con las recesiones gingivales. Las condiciones modificables significativas para la edad corresponden a la existencia de obturaciones desadaptadas o desbordantes en la region cervical.
Colestasis intrahepática: un desafío diagnóstico Intrahepatic cholestasis: a diagnostic challenge

Arch Med Interna 2014 - 36(1): 33-38 Cholestasis, a term coined by Hans Pooper anatomic pathologist in 1956, is a real analytic clinical syndrome that includes a wide spectrum of pathological severity and outcome variable. Major clinical manifestations of cholestasis arising from the accumulation of plasma substances normally excreted in the bile, linked to decreased biliary excretion into the digestive tract, pathophysi- ological basis of this syndrome. Overall, cholestasis can be classified into intra or extrahepatic, icteric or anicteric and acute or chronic, also from an etiological view can be categorized as congenital, inflammatory, mechanical, toxic, metabolic, or neoplastic. In this article, and from clinical case report, we analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic cholestatic syndrome, proposing an algorithm of action, according to the best evidence available to date.
SARA: Videojuego Para el Aprendizaje Agrícola Soportado en Dinámica de Sistemas (DS)

SARA is a videogame for the learning of agricultural production systems, in which the player simulates the decisions that would take in a greenhouse and concentrate them in a web portal for its subsequent follow-up, traceability and contrast of results in a way that favors the learning process. The game rules are supported in a simulation model elaborated with Systems Dynamics (SD). Keywords: Serious Videogame, Learning, Agriculture, Systems Dynamics, Web Information System, Knowledge Representation
Apalutamide for the Treatment of Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Abstract Prostate cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in the United States. Treatment of this oncologic disease involves a variety of different modalities including surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy. Systemic therapy is used for locally advanced and metastatic disease, and primarily involves hormonal blockade as a mechanism of disease control. Apalutamide is a nonsteroidal androgen receptor inhibitor that binds directly to the androgen receptor ligand binding-domain to prevent androgen receptor translocation. This agent is used in combination with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists to shut down the production of testosterone through the reproductive system. It is the first drug to receive U.S. Food & Drug Administration approval for the treatment of nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. This article reviews the pharmacology of apalutamide along with its current place in therapy and management of associated adverse events.
Modified Triple P Approach by Gynecologic Oncologist-Led Team for Placenta Accreta Spectrum Improves the Outcome: Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The ideal conservative management still does not exist. We aimed to compare the outcome of cesarean section for PAS by a gynecologic oncologist-led team using the modified triple P approach and by a non-gynecologic oncologist-led team. Material and Methods: This is non-randomized controlled trial. Group A had Cesarean Section by gynecologic oncologist. Gynecologic oncologist-led team did all Cesarean Section following a modified triple P approach. The first P is for “Plan” the uterine incision. The second P for “Pelvic” devascularization by internal iliac artery ligation. The third P is for Placenta non-separation with resection of the myometrium. Group B had Cesarean Section by non-gynecologic oncologist-led team. The main outcome measures were the need for hysterectomy, amount of blood loss, and the management-related complications. Results: Group A had significantly less estimated blood loss, and received less number of backed RBCs units, and less operative time than group B. The uterus is preserved in all cases of group A and in 50% of cases of group B. The overall maternal morbidity rate was 17.5% in group A and 72.2% in group B. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the modified triple P approach for PAS by gynecologic oncologist-led team presents lower maternal morbidity in comparison to surgery by non-gynecologic oncologist-led team.
Toward a real time SIMO channel emulator

Experience shows that the fading channel is one of the most time consuming element of a wireless system simulation, especially when dealing with multiple antennas. Any method that reduces this simulation time is thus welcomed. As an interesting solution, real time simulation using an hardware platform is the most commonly used, especially with the help of high level synthesis tools which will shrink the gap between system level simulations, written in C or C++, and hardware level. In this paper, we extend an existing model of Rayleigh faders with interesting complexity to a SIMO case. We show, analytically and by simulation, that the spatial correlation of our simplified channel model are in accordance with the expected one. For a more realistic model, we take into account the existence of angle spread scenarii.
The role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous group of gastrointestinal disorders, including two major subgroups such as Crohn’s disease (chL-C) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These diseases belong to the group of idiopathic, chronic and recurrent inflammatory states of the gastrointestinal tract, the incidence of which has been increasing in recent decades. Numerous studies have shown that intestinal microflora and interactions between microflora and the immune system are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. There are also supportive therapeutic strategies in IBD based on intestinal microflora modulation, the most popular of m
The relation between somatotype with aerobic capacity and balance in the boys 11 - 13 years

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Somatotype with aerobic capacity and balance in males of 11-13 years. The random-volunteer sampling method was employed in this study to select 90 male students of 11 to 13 years of age. Height, weight, BMI, BF%, the thickness of subcutaneous fat in four areas of the body, the area of the body in two points, the width of the arm and thigh bones, and the aerobic capacity and balance were calculated and somatotypes were determined using Heath-Carter somatotype method. The data were then analyzed through SPSS 18 software, using Spearman correlation method. The results indicated a significant relationship between the aerobic capacity and the values of ectomorphy (r = -0.59), endomorphy (r = 0.69), and mesomorphy (r = 0.57). In other words, the greater the values of endomorphy and mesomorphy got, the greater the record of the 540-meter test got, which means the lesser the aerobic capacity got. However, the opposite was true regarding the value of ectomorphy. Inclination towards endomorph-mesomorph somatotypes is a factor that affects the cardiorespiratory system and balance. Thus, on the one hand, decreasing the amount of fat in individuals with obesity can improve their move and dynamism, and on the other, increasing the weight in thin individuals without increasing their body fat, or more accurately, increasing their muscle tissue can lead to their fitness, which in case results in an increased self-confidence and increased desire and inclination towards exercising and working out, leading to increased efficiency of their physiologic and metabolic systems.