Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regression for Pooled Testing Data with Biomedical Applications

Since first introduced by Dorfman in 1943, pooled testing has been widely used as a cost and time effective testing protocol in the variety of applications. This dissertation consists of three projects that reveal the use of pooling techniques in the disease prevention from the perspective of regression. For disease monitoring and control, individual covariates information are often of practical interest and yield meaningful interpretations. It is natural to model the outcome of interest, which can be either a disease status (binary) or a biomarker concentration index (continuous), with individual-specific covariates through a regression analysis. Chapter 2 focuses on the pooled biomarker assessment, where a pooling procedure is implemented to measure a continuous outcome of interest. A semi-parametric single-index model is developed to model the mean trend of biomarker concentration. In spite of pooled biomarker assessment, this dissertation also focuses on the group testing problems in infectious disease studies. In Chapter 3, we propose a multivariate logistic regression model for the multiple-infection group testing data. To facilitate the variable selection and model interpretation, we further develop a regularized approach which selects the active risk factors for each infection. Other than significant cost savings, pooling strategy provides more precise biomarker mean curve estimations (in Chapter 2), and more accurate variable selections (in Chapter 3). With these cheerful benefits from pooling strategy, for the purpose of promoting group testing to laboratories, in Chapter 4, we further discuss how to simplify the pooled testing routine realistically without significant impairments on regression estimation.
Caracterización de la población con anemia en el embarazo y su asociación con la morbimortalidad perinatal

la anemia es el trastorno nutricional más frecuente en el mundo y en el embarazo constituye un riesgo para la madre, el feto o recién nacido, desencadenando complicaciones como IVU, aborto, RCIU, parto prematuro, preeclampsia, bajo peso al nacer, RPM, etc. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la anemia en el embarazo y el desenlace perinatal de las pacientes atendidas en el Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano de Neiva en el periodo de junio de 2012 a junio de 2016. Metología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, en gestantes atendidas en consulta de alto riesgo obstétrico durante el periodo e institución mencionados, con cruce de variables para determinar la relación entre la gravedad de la anemia y sus complicaciones mediante el cálculo del Chi-cuadrado Resultados: De 1.493 pacientes, 101 mujeres embarazadas entre los 16 a 34 años fueron incluidas en el estudio. La prevalencia de anemia fue de 32.01% y las complicaciones identificadas fueron: Infección de vías urinarias (8,91%), restricción de crecimiento intrauterino (7,9%), bajo peso al nacer (6,9%), preeclampsia (4,95%), parto prematuro (3,96%), ruptura prematura de membranas (3,03%) y un solo caso de aborto. El 10,89% de los recién nacidos requirieron hospitalización, de los cuales 2 presentaron hipoglicemia y 5 ictericia neonatal. Conclusiones: La anemia es una patología subdiagnosticada que afecta a mujeres entre los 16 y 30 años cuyas complicaciones como bajo peso al nacer, restricción de crecimiento intrauterino e ictericia neonatal resultan dependientes de la gravedad de la anemia.
Dyspnea in Heart Failure with a Preserved Ejection Fraction

Dyspnea is a common, debilitating symptom of heart failure. African Americans, despite having the highest mortality rates for heart failure, have been underrepresented in clinical trials. To our knowledge there is limited information about dyspnea in African American patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure and even less in patients with preserved ejection fraction. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective study was to describe and compare the occurrence and level of dyspnea in African American patients with preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction heart failure before and after the 6-minute walk test. A convenience sample of African Americans over 50 years of age (N = 45; preserved n = 19; reduced n = 26) was recruited from an outpatient clinic. Patients, randomly selected, participated in a substudy using brachial artery ultrasound to assess flow-mediated dilation (n = 13; preserved = 6; reduced = 7). Baseline dyspnea was measured using four dyspnea tools: Modified Research Council, Visual Analogue, 7-point Likert and Borg scales. During the 6-minute walk test dyspnea was measured using the Borg scale. Upon completion of the walk test dyspnea was measured using the Visual Analogue, 7-point Likert and Borg scales. The ultrasound substudy was performed before and after the walk test. Dyspnea scores were analyzed categorically using the Chi Square test and continuously using repeated measures analysis of variance to determine within and between group differences. There were no significant differences in age, gender, or co-morbidities between groups. At baseline the majority of the preserved group reported dyspnea across measures while the majority of the reduced group reported dyspnea with the Visual Analogue Scale. Both groups reported a significant increase in Borg scores from baseline to completion of the walk test (F1,43 = 40.8; p<.001) and from baseline to 3-minutes after the walk. Between group differences were insignificant. Using the Likert scale, 57% of preserved group reported less dyspnea, after walking while 46% of the reduced group reported their dyspnea level unchanged. Most patients selected walking as the most dyspnea-producing activity using the Medical Research Council scale. Both groups showed an abnormal response to ischemia during ultrasound.
Cardiovascular Effects of Olive, a Qur’anic Fruit: a Systematic Review

Abstract Background and Objective: Today, much attention is being paid to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In some parts of the world, the rate of cardiovascular disease is low due to a Mediterranean diet containing olive oil. This systematic review examined the verses and traditions in order to express opinions on olive and compare it with the findings of modern medicine. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative systematic review of studies in which data were collected from Qur'an, traditions, and related articles on the internet, limited to English and Persian and without time limitation by using the keywords olive, heart disease and Mediterranean diet . Results: This systematic review demonstrated that olive in the Quran is a clear sign to scientists. Moreover, its use is recommended in the authentic traditions. Conclusion: Based on the results, olive has been found to be effective in reducing mortality and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Key words: Olive oil, Quran, systematic review
La résistance à l'aspirine chez le patient diabétique : découverte de laboratoire ou réalité clinique ?

L'aspirine est la molecule anti-agregante de choix en prevention primaire et secondaire des maladies cardio-vasculaires (CV). Son efficacite en termes de preventiondes evenements CV a bien ete demontree dans la population generale, mais elle semble inferieure chez le patient diabetique. Cette diminution de protection est peut-etre associee a la plus grande prevalence de resistance a l'aspirine mesuree lors de tests in vitro chez ces patients. La frequence exacte de cette resistance, les mecanismes impliques et les consequences cliniques ne sont pas bien connus, raison pour laquelle nous avons fait une revue de la litterature. Notre analyse confirme la prevalence plus elevee de resistance a l'aspirine chez le patient diabetique. Celle-ci merite de plus amples investigations, car elle pourrait etre associee a un plus grand nombre d'evenements et a un moins bon pronostic CV.
Caracterización de Staphylococcus aureus obtenido del ambiente hospitalario y del personal de salud en un hospital de la ciudad de Cali

La colonización nasal de Staphylococcus aureus en el personal de salud y la contaminación de superficies hospitalarias puede preceder a la infección nosocomial. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los aislamientos de S. aureus que se encuentran en el ambiente hospitalario y en el personal de salud de un hospital de Cali. Material y Métodos: Se empleó un total de 164 muestras (86 del personal de salud y 78 de las salas del hospital). Se realizó antibiograma y se amplificó por PCR los genes mecA y agr. El S. aureus resistente a meticilina asociado al hospital (SARM-AH) o el SARM asociado a la comunidad (SARM-AC) se estableció mediante el análisis de estos genes. Resultados: El S. aureus registró un 21,3% de prevalencia, se detectó en el personal de salud (9,1%) y en el ambiente hospitalario (12,2%). El S. aureus en la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue significativo, con un riesgo mayor de tres (6,1%; OR=3,143, min=1,086, max=9,099; P=0,031). Se identificaron tres perfiles de resistencia (I, II y III), el ambiente hospitalario presentó mayor riesgo de presentar aislamientos con perfil I (20%; OR= 3,500; IC 95% min= 0,050; max = 16,430; p= 0,147). Sin embargo, los aislamientos con el perfil III con multirresistencia a los antibióticos, fueron los más prevalentes en el personal de salud (25,7%) y el ambiente hospitalario (20%). Los aislamientos SARM se encontraron colonizando al 11,4% del personal de salud y en el 17,1% de las superficies del ambiente hospitalario. Todos los aislamientos SARM fueron SCCmec tipo II, compatible con un origen hospitalario. Según el análisis del locus agr, se identificaron tres grupos agr, el 51,4% de los aislamientos pertenecen al grupo agr 1, el 22,8% al agr 2 y el 25,7% al agr 3. Conclusión: Se evidenció la presencia de SARM en el personal y en diferentes salas del hospital. Esta condición podría ser un factor de riesgo para desarrollar infecciones adquiridas en el hospital.
Musculoskeletal pain in hairdressers- a study in Durban

Introduction:Research on occupation related pain and dysfunction is gaining momentum. Hairdressing salons are now owned by small entrepreneurs. The occupation related musculo-skeletal pain in hairdressers has not received attention in South Africa. This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal pain in hairdressers in the Durban area.Methods:A cross sectional survey allowed 110 consenting hairdressers to participate. A questionnaire captured all relevant demographic and pain /dysfunction information. Height and weight of each hairdresser was taken using a tape measure and bathroom scale. Data was analysed using Pearsons correlation and predictors identified by linear regression.Results:Response was 68%. Musculokeletal pain was prevalent in 60% of the participants and 89% of this was mechanical. Forty percent reported low back pain. Type of bending, and position of arms were significantly correlated with the presence of pain and predictors of pain. Conclusion:Musculoskeletal pain is significantly prevalent in the study population.
Leptospirosis after Typhoon in Taiwan

Background: Leptospirosis, an infectious disease that affects humans and animals, is a common zoonosis with a variety of clinical manifestations. Taiwan is one of the countries with a high incidence of leptospirosis. It is important to recognize the clinical features and risk factors of this disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of patients with leptospirosis and correlate the onset of symptoms with exposure to a typhoon. Methods: We report 6 cases of serologically confirmed leptospirosis who required hospitalization during the past 5 years. The clinical characteristics, history of exposure to contaminated water and soil, and association with the occurrence of a typhoon were reviewed. Results: All patients were found to have a history of contact with contaminated soil or water. Five of these patients (83%) suffered from the disease just after a typhoon. Fever was the most common symptom in all cases (100%), followed by chills (83%) and myalgia (67%). Acute renal failure was the most common complication in these cases (83%), followed by jaundice (67%), acute respiratory failure (50%), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (33%). Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions were seen in three cases (50%). All cases were successfully treated with antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: Most (83%) patients suffered from leptospirosis after a typhoon. In order to prevent leptospirosis in Taiwan, it is important to educate the people on avoiding contact with contaminated water, moist soil, vegetation, and wearing protective clothing and footwear in areas suspected to be contaminated during the typhoon season. Educating the physicians on the early diagnosis of leptospirosis is also crucial in Taiwan.
THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE PERCEPTIONS OF MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN ABOUT HIV/AIDS-RELATED HEALTHCARE POLICIES, SERVICES, AND INTERVENTIONS TARGETING THEM

1 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . 2 LIST OF FIGURES . 7 LIST OF TABLES . 8 CHAPTER ONE . 9 Introduction . 9 1.0. Background and Context. 9 1.1. Rationale and Significance of the Study. 11 1.2. Problem Formulation . 12 1.2.1. The Goal of study . 12 1.2.2. Specific Research Objectives . 13 1.2.3. Main Research Questions. 13 1.3. Concept clarification/Definition of Terms . 14 1.3.1. Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) . 14 1.3.2. HIV . 14 1.3.3. AIDS . 14 1.3.4. “MSM friendly” services . 14 1.3.5. Policy . 15 1.3.6. Perception . 15 1.7. Structure of Report . 15 1.8. Conclusion . 15 CHAPTER TWO . 16 Literature Review . 16 2.0. The Global HIV Epidemic . 16 2.0. 1. History of HIV/AIDS in Africa . 17 Un ive rsi ty of Ca pe To wn Page | 4 2.0. 2. Changing HIV/AIDS trends in South Africa . 19 2.1. Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) . 20 2.1.1. History of homosexuality in South Africa . 21 2.1.2. HIV/AIDS trends amongst MSMs in South Africa . 22 2.1.3. HIV/AIDS Policies, Strategies and Interventions targeting MSMs in South Africa . 24 2.1.3.1. The South African HIV & AIDS and STI National Strategic Plan 20072011.24 2.1.3.2. The National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS, STIs and TB 2012 – 2016.25 2.1. 4. Barriers to the Effective Implementation of MSM Interventions . 27 2.1. 5. HIV/AIDSrelated Stigma. 28 2.1. 6. MSM perceptions about strategies to address HIV/AIDS . 30 2.1.7. Global responses to the plight of MSM . 31 2.2. Theoretical Framework . 32 2.2.1. Role Theory: A Structural-Functional Perspective . 32 2.2.2. The Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour . 34 2.2.3. Heterosexism Theory . 37 2.2. 4. The Minority Stress Perspective/Theory . 38 2.2. 5. Social Inclusion and Exclusion Theory/Framework . 39 2.3. Conclusion . 41 CHAPTER THREE . 42 Methodology . 42 3.0. Research Design . 42 3.1. Population and Sampling . 43 3.2. Data Collection . 44 3.2.1. Data Collection Approach . 44 3.2.2. Data Collection Tools . 45 3.3. Data Analysis . 46 3.4. Data Verification . 46 Un ive rsi ty of Ca pe To wn Page | 5 3.5. Limitations of the study . 48 3.6. Ethical Considerations . 49 3.6. 2. Informed Consent . 50 3.6. 3. Voluntary Participation . 51 3.6. 4. Privacy Issues . 51 3.6. 5. Anonymity and Confidentiality . 51 3.6. 6. Debriefing of Respondents. 52 3.7. Reflexivity . 52 3.8. Conclusion . 53 CHAPTER FOUR . 54 Presentation and Discussion of Findings . 54 4.0. Profile of Respondents . 54 4.1. Framework for Analysis . 56 4.2. Awareness of MSM about HIV/AIDS-related policies targeting them . 57 4.2.1. Lack of Awareness . 57 4.3. MSM’s Understanding of HIV/AIDS-related healthcare services and interventions targeting them . 59 4.3.1. Limited and under-resourced healthcare facilities . 59 4.3.2. Lack of Privacy and Confidentiality . 60 4.3.3. Inadequate Information and Services . 62 4.4. Perceptions of MSM about HIV/AIDS-related policies targeting them . 64 4.4.1. Lack of visibility and involvement by the government . 64 4.4.2. Ineffective and insufficient .
Intravenous immunoglobulin in community acquired pneumonia

Immunity disorders play an important role in the inflammatory formation in patients with lung diseases. The aim was to study the efficacy of i.v. immunoglobulin immunovenin (IMV) in patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: The study included 35 patients with CAP. The patients blood was tested to estimate the level of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD20+ lymphocytes, the content of A,G,M immunoglobulins (Ig), circulating immunocomplexes (CIC), γ-interferon and TNFa. 17 patients with CAP were treated with standard therapy. The other 18 patients received combined treatment with IMV. Results: Compared to healthy subjects in patients with CAP the level of CD3+,CD4+,CD8+, CD16+ lymphocytes was lower by 1,2-1,4 times, the content of IgA, IgG and γ-interferon was lower by 1,3 times. Conversely, the level of CD20+ lympocytes, IgM, CIC was higher by 1,3-1,8 times, and the level of TNFa was higher by 1,9 times. Symptoms of inflammation and impairment of the immune status have been found in patients who received standard therapy. The use of IMV in patients with CAP eliminated immunity disorders, improved the results of the treatment. Conclusion: In patients with CAP immunovenin improved the immunity status and increased the treatment efficacy.
The physico-chemical and biological analysis of microbial biosurfactants (BSs) for applications towards cancer therapies, wound healing dressings and drug delivery

Microbial biosurfactants (BSs) are secondary metabolites with a broad-spectrum of therapeutic applications including possible cancer therapy, chronic wound healing and nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. However, due to their individual complexities, there is limited physico-chemical analysis relevant to their drug delivery applications. The aims of this research are the systematic investigation of free BSs in cancer therapy as well as the formulation of free BSs and niosomes encapsulating BSs incorporated into lyophilised composite polymeric wound dressings for potential chronic wound healings. The physico-chemical characteristics of four selected BSs 95Dd rhamnolipids (BS1a), 95/90 rhamnolipids (BS1b), surfactin (BS2) and 1′, 4″-sophorolactone 6′, 6″-diacetate (BS3) were investigated through LC-MS, ATR-FTIR and surface tension analysis. This was followed by examination of cytotoxic activities determined via MTT assay following cell line-specific optimisation at intervals of 24, 48 and 72 h treatment on non-cancerous human embryo kidney (HEK 293), human Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and human leukaemia monocyte (THP-1) cell lines. The BSs were subsequently formulated in the form of niosomes initially in deionised water, which was followed by formulation of R-90 rhamnolipids (BS1c), REWOFERM SL ONE (BS4a), REWOFERM SL 446 (BS4b) and BS2 in PBS buffer and characterised for size, size distribution, zeta potential, ATR-FTIR, XRD and SEM in transmission mode. Once optimised, free BSs and BSs based niosomes were loaded into composite lyophilised wafer dressings comprising k-carrageenan (CARR) and sodium alginate (SA) as bioactive (medicated) wound dressings to potentially target the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Both wafer formulations were functionally characterised for hardness, ATR-FTIR, XRD, mucoadhesion and exudate handling properties. Anticancer activity was successfully detected and compared in all BSs selected for investigation in cancerous cells, additionally, all BSs had higher selectivity index than doxorubicin (DOX) and therefore have potential application as an anticancer agents. Novel, durable, porous, composite advanced wound dressings incorporating free BSs and niosome encapsulated BSs were developed for potential delivery of microbial BSs in chronic wounds.
Physical Activity and Pulmonary Function in Youth: The Quebec Family Study

The relationship between habitual physical activity and pulmonary function were considered in 424 boys and 366 girls, 9–18 years of age. Indicators of habitual physical activity were assessed using a 3-day activity diary and included estimated daily energy expenditure (EE) and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (METs ≥ 4.8). Pulmonary function was measured according to standard procedures. Relationships were examined with partial correlations and ANCOVA, comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of EE and MVPA. When age and stature are statistically controlled, relationships between EE, MVPA, and pulmonary function was generally low and not significant, with the exception of FEV1% in 16–18-year-old girls (r ≤ −0.28). Youth in the highest and lowest quartiles of EE and MVPA do not differ in pulmonary function, except for PEER in 9–12-year-old boys, and FEV1% in 16–18-year-old boys, which are slightly greater (1–3%) in the less active group. These findings indicate that lung volume.
Estudo clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes com lupus eritematoso sistêmico, em uma população da Amazônia Oriental

Objetivo: caracterizar clinica e epidemiologicamente os pacientes portadores de lupus eritematoso sistemico (LES), atendidos em um hospital universitario, na cidade de Belem, Para. Metodo: realizado estudo transversal dos pacientes portadores de LES internados no Hospital Universitario Joao de Barros Barreto, periodo de 1999 a 2006, incluindo individuos com idade superior a 12 anos e com 4 ou mais criterios propostos pelo Colegio Americano de Reumatologia, coletando os dados pela analise dos prontuarios. Resultados: a maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (87,5%), pardos (59,7%), solteiros (65,3%), faixa etaria de 20 a 30 anos, procedentes da regiao metropolitana de Belem. Os criterios para LES mais frequentes foram: FAN positivo (75%), disturbio hematologico (66,7%) e disturbio renal (62,5%). A evolucao a obito ocorreu em 15,3%. Conclusao: na populacao estudada, os casos de LES eram caracteristicos de mulheres jovens, pardas, procedentes da regiao metropolitana, sendo a positividade do FAN, a presenca de disturbios hematologicos e renais, os criterios mais frequentes, com mortalidade de 15,3 %. Objective: to characterize the epidemiological and clinical patients with SLE treated at a university hospital in the city of Belem, Para. Method: a retrospective study was conducted of patients with SLE interned at the University Hospital Joao de Barros Barreto, from 1999 to 2006, including individuals aged 12 years, with 4 or more criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology, making data collection through the analysis of medical records. Results: Most patients were female (87.5%), brown (59.7%), single (65.3%), aged 20 to 30 years, from the metropolitan region of Belem Criteria LES for most frequent were: ANA positive (75%), hematological disorders (66.7%) and renal disorder (62.5%). The evolution to death occurred in 15.3%. Conclusion: the population studied, cases of lupus were characteristic of young women, brown, from the metropolitan region, and the positivity of ANA, the presence of haematological and renal disorders, the most common criterias, with a mortality of 15.3%.
Safe port in a storm

Supporting students during their most vulnerable times can make all the difference in young people's lives. So who are the brave souls that put their hands up to do this job on a daily basis? IE Journalists Tara de Boehmler and Fiona Stutz hear from three school counsellors about the nature of their roles and how they avoid burn-out.