Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health literacy support for Australian home-based care recipients: A role for homecare workers?

ABSTRACT Clear links have been established between low health literacy (HL) levels and poor health outcomes. One means of improvement may be found in the rapidly growing paid home care workforce, whose direct and frequent contact with aged/disabled care recipients positions them to provide HL support. This study examines Australian homecare worker (HCW) experiences in HL when providing assistance to their care recipients. A self-reported cross-sectional survey collected data from 75 HCWs. They reported concerns about their clients’ HL, yet were cautious about providing support in this area. HL levels of the HCWs themselves were unconvincing, and the majority requested targeted education and training. Further research is needed into HL levels of both HCWs and care recipients, client demographics, the types of HL support being requested of HCWs, a more detailed scoping of the HCW role, and the curriculum and pedagogies which may comprise a HL education and training program for HCWs.
Network control principles for identifying personalized driver genes in cancer

To understand tumor heterogeneity in cancer, personalized driver genes (PDGs) need to be identified for unraveling the genotype-phenotype associations corresponding to particular patients. However, most of the existing driver-focus methods mainly pay attention on the cohort information rather than on individual information. Recent developing computational approaches based on network control principles are opening a new way to discover driver genes in cancer, particularly at an individual level. To provide comprehensive perspectives of network control methods on this timely topic, we first considered the cancer progression as a network control problem, in which the expected PDGs are altered genes by oncogene activation signals that can change the individual molecular network from one health state to the other disease state. Then, we reviewed the network reconstruction methods on single samples and introduced novel network control methods on single-sample networks to identify PDGs in cancer. Particularly, we gave a performance assessment of the network structure control-based PDGs identification methods on multiple cancer datasets from TCGA, for which the data and evaluation package also are publicly available. Finally, we discussed future directions for the application of network control methods to identify PDGs in cancer and diverse biological processes.
ACADEMIC STAFF PERCEPTIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE QUALITY AT UNIVERSITIES A refereed full-paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education

Gives direction as to how administrative quality at a university can be measured on an interval scale. The measure is based on a model of academic staff perceptions in relation to central, faculty or school administration (as the case may be). The Australian Government set up a new Australian University Quality Agency in 2001 and one of its objectives is to measure quality in administration (management). Proposes that academic staff perceptions of administrative quality consist of two first order aspects, operationally defined by a number of second order aspects. The 21 stem‐items measuring each second order aspect are set up in Guttman patterns, conceptually ordered by increasing “difficulty”. Academics are asked to respond to each of the 21 stem‐items in two parts, conceptually ordered from “easy” to “hard”. This model has been pilot tested successfully with a small sample (N = 27) and is now ready for a full test.
Alcohol Excess Is an Insufficiently Considered Cause of Malignant Refractory Hypertension

Alcohol, as a well-documented vasodilator, can result in a decreased blood pressure (BP), but in excess, this is not the case as described in a 2019 brief report that suggested a dose– response relationship of the percent of hypertension increases with higher intake levels of alcohol. Actually, specific numbers that have been reported for a long time are significant but not as impressive as in a 1987 report of mean systolic BP 9.1 mm Hg and mean diastolic BP 5.6 mm Hg higher in white men ingesting 6 to 8 daily drinks versus abstainers. Malignant refractory hypertension usually brings to mind clinical entities such as renal artery stenosis, hyperaldosteronism, or pheochromocytoma. However, this editorial was inspired by a mid-50s white male attorney with a previous stroke and uncontrolled severe hypertension with no so-called cause of curable hypertension which was finally controlled after the addition of aliskiren. However, one Monday, he appeared with BP 190/130 mm Hg, minor medication changes were made, and on followup on Friday, his BP was 125/70 mm Hg. Alcohol status was questioned and it involved 12 beers watching US football on Saturday before his visit on Monday with obvious resolution of his severe malignant hypertension by Friday with little alcohol intake during the working week. Awareness of this possible cause of severe malignant hypertension needs to be increased.
ICT ADOPTION AND EFFECTIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION IN EKITI-STATE

This study examined ICT adoption and effective secondary school administration in Ekiti-state. A sample of one hundred and eighty secondary school administrators was drawn from the three senatorial districts in the state. A questionnaire tagged "ICT and Secondary School Administration" was used to collect the data needed for the study. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentage score, t-test and Pearson Product moment Correlation. The study revealed that the level of ICT awareness by the secondary school administrators was low. The study also revealed that many of the secondary schools understudied were not provided with ICT facilities. It was also found out in the study that a significant relationship existed between ICT adoption and effective secondary school administration. However, administrators gender difference have no influence on their attitude towards ICT and effective secondary school administration. It was therefore recommended that adequate provision of ICT facilities should be made into secondary schools by the governments and private individuals. Also the secondary school administrators should be encouraged to be ICT driven so as to boost their productivity.
The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on insurance coverage and cancer‐directed treatment in HIV‐infected patients with cancer in the United States

To the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on people living with HIV and cancer (PLWHC), who have lower cancer treatment rates and worse cancer outcomes. To investigate this research gap, the authors examined the effects of the ACA on insurance coverage and receipt of cancer treatment among PLWHC in the United States.
A Minimum Distance Criterion Based Constellation Design for Uplink NOMA

Motivated by the future scenarios of ultra- reliability and low latency communications (URLLC) and integrated access and backhaul (IAB) that are currently discussed in 3GPP, we propose a novel parallelogram-structured constellation design based on minimum distance (MD) criterion for powerdomain uplink NOMA system. In comparison with previous work, which maximizes MD of the superimposition of the usual constellations, such as QPSK and 16 QAM, by inter-constellation rotation, the incorporation of parallelogram- structure into the NOMA constellation design can achieve a much better MD. Since the proposed constellations can be parameterized as a function of the power ratio î±, the signaling overhead for a base station to designate the constellations to be used by each user equipment is minimized. Simulation results show that our proposed constellation design can further improve the symbol error rate, as well as the achievable rate, of the inter-constellation-rotated superposition of usual square constellations.
Can skeletal surface area predict in vivo foot surface area?

The surface area of feet in contact with the ground is a key morphological feature that influences animal locomotion. Underfoot pressures (and consequently stresses experienced by the foot), as well as stability of an animal during locomotion, depend on the size and shape of this area. Here we tested whether the area of a skeletal foot could predict in vivo soft tissue foot surface area. Computed tomography scans of 29 extant tetrapods (covering mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians) were used to produce models of both the soft tissues and the bones of their feet. Soft tissue models were oriented to a horizontal plane, and their outlines projected onto a surface to produce two‐dimensional silhouettes. Silhouettes of skeletal models were generated either from bones in CT pose or with all autopodial bones aligned to the horizontal plane. Areas of these projections were calculated using alpha shapes (mathematical tight‐fitting outline). Underfoot area of soft tissue was approximately 1.67 times that of skeletal tissue area (~ 2 times for manus, ~ 1.6 times for pes, if analysed separately). This relationship between skeletal foot area and soft tissue area, while variable in some of our study taxa, could provide information about the size of the organisms responsible for fossil trackways, suggest what size of tracks might be expected from potential trackmakers known only from skeletal remains, and aid in soft tissue reconstruction of skeletal remains for biomechanical modelling.
Nomograms Predict Survival in Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

Background Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a very rare, highly lethal malignant cancer. Our aim in this study was to develop nomograms that predict survival in ATC patients. Material/Methods ATC incidence and mortality were assessed via joinpoint regression analysis of 567 ATC patients selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 Registries Research database. Predictive models were established via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of potential risk factors and used to produce nomograms. Performance of the nomograms in terms of discrimination ability and calibration was evaluated by determining the concordance index (C-index) and by generating calibration plots, respectively. Results The incidence and mortality rates for ATC increased from 2000 to 2015 according to the collected data (p<0.05). Two nomograms were constructed based on 2 predictive models: nomogram 1 considered age, tumor size, and metastasis (all before surgery), and nomogram 2 considered age, tumor size, metastasis, surgery, and extrathyroidal extension (all after surgery). Both nomogram 1 (C-index, 0.6803; 95% confidence interval, 0.6517–0.7089) and nomogram 2 (C-index, 0.7064; 95% confidence interval, 0.6783–0.7345) had good discrimination ability. The validated C-index values were 0.6783 and 0.7029 for nomogram 1 and 2, respectively. The observed values were in agreement with the calibration curves. Conclusions Nomogram 1 can assist in preoperative prediction of survival time in ATC patients, whereas nomogram 2 can provide additional outcome-related information.
Ventilation in Prone Position in Acute Lung Failure

gas exchange which – depending on the severity of lung damage – reflects varying degrees of impairment of pulmonary distribution of ventilation and perfusion (1). Under physiological conditions, the ratio of ventilation (VA) to perfusion (Q) in the large gas exchange area of the lung (about 300 million alveoli with accompanying capillaries in adults) is finely tuned to ensure an optimal ratio of alveolar ventilation to pulmonary perfusion, and hence an effective exchange of the respiratory gases oxygen and carbon dioxide. Severe disturbances of the VA/Q ratio develop in acute pulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia, edema, lung contusion or aspiration. Extrapulmonary diseases such as massive transfusion, trauma, sepsis, "neurogenic" lung edema secondary to cerebral lesion, acute peritonitis or pancreatitis can also cause these disturbances. The main mechanisms implicated in the impairment of pulmonary function are shown in diagram 1. Following an American-European Consensus Conference (2), the severity of pulmonary failure is classified according to the degree of oxygenation impairment into two categories (box 1) on which specific therapeutic strategies are based. The acute onset, extent of hypoxemia and the absence of acute cardiac insufficiency are common to both forms of respiratory insufficiency. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the more severe form of acute lung failure, which is characterized pathophysiogically by endothelial and epithelial damage to the alveolocapillary structures with consecutive influx of fluid, loss of surfactant and destruction of the alveolar architecture (3). Acute respiratory failure is one of the main admission diagnoses to intensive care units (ICUs). The most important therapeutic principles currently implemented for acute lung failure include differentiated ventilation strategies, fluid and dietary management, adequate antibiotic therapy, pharmacological interventions and special positioning
Current Literature

A major challenge in understanding complex idiopathic generalized epilepsies has been the characterization of their underlying molecular genetic basis. Here we report that genetic variation within the GABRD gene, which encodes the γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor δ subunit, affects GABA current amplitude consistent with a model of polygenic susceptibility to epilepsy in humans. We have found a GABRD Glu177Ala variant that is heterozygously associated with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus. We also report an Arg220His allele in GABRD that is present in the general population. Compared with wild-type receptors, α1ß2Sδ GABAA receptors containing δ Glu177Ala or Arg220His have decreased GABAA receptor current amplitudes. As GABAA receptors mediate neuronal inhibition, the reduced receptor current associated with both variants is likely to be associated with increased neuronal excitability. Because δ subunit–containing receptors localize to extraor perisynaptic membranes and are thought to be involved in tonic inhibition, our results suggest that alteration of this process may contribute to the common generalized epilepsies.
Positive Effects of Acupuncture on Menstrual Irregularity and Infertility in a Patient with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an important health problem seen in fertile women. Treatment in women with PCOS is commonly symptomatic. Positive effects of acupuncture on menstrual frequency and androgenic hormone levels have been demonstrated, as well as in some diseases with endocrinological disorders such as PCOS. Here, a patient who had presented with menstrual irregularity and infertility and had regular menstruations and pregnancy after acupuncture treatment is presented. Case Report: A 32-year-old female presented to receive acupuncture treatment for menstrual irregularity, obesity, and infertility. She was diagnosed with PCOS ten years ago. The patient had menstrual irregularity for five years and amenorrhea for the last one year, and discontinued using combined oral contraceptives due to weight gain. Her body mass index (BMI) was 32.9 kg/m2. Her laboratory values were FSH: 4.34 mIU/ml, LH: 5.15 mIU/ml, and TSH:1.87 uIU/ml. Patient was given 24 acupuncture treatment sessions twice a week in three months. Bilateral we selected LI4, ST36, SP6, GB34, CV5, CV6, CV12, GV4, Yintang, Taiyang acupuncture points, also ear shenmen, ear gastric point. The patient started to have regular menstruation during her follow-up. She lost 8 kg in three months and her BMI was 29.7 kg/m2. She became pregnant after two months and could not continue acupuncture treatment. Discussion: Acupuncture is thought to provide ovulation through its effects on the neuroendocrine system, metabolism, and ovarian blood flow in anovulatory conditions, such as PCOS. In addition, it provides good results for infertility through its effects on immune function and mood. Our patient, who was infertile, got pregnant after acupuncture. Conclusion: This case demonstrated that the use of acupuncture seemed to be helpful for menstrual irregularity and infertility in a patient with PCOS.
Two-Year Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Mild Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in the Era of Therapeutic Hypothermia.

Importance Therapeutic hypothermia reduces risk of death and disability in infants with moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Randomized clinical trials of therapeutic hypothermia to date have not included infants with mild HIE because of a perceived good prognosis. Objective To test the hypothesis that children with mild HIE have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes than their healthy peers. Design, Setting, and Participants Analysis of pooled data from 4 prospective cohort studies in Cork, Ireland, and Stockholm, Sweden, between January 2007 and August 2015. The dates of data analysis were September 2017 to June 2019. Follow-up was performed at age 18 to 42 months. In this multicenter cohort study, all children were born or treated at the tertiary centers of Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland, or Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. In all, 690 children were eligible for this study. Exposures At discharge, all children were categorized into the following 5 groups using a modified Sarnat score: healthy controls, perinatal asphyxia (PA) without HIE, mild HIE, moderate HIE, and severe HIE. Main Outcomes and Measures Cognitive, language, and motor development were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSITD-III). The BSITD-III scores are standardized to a mean (SD) of 100 (15), with lower scores indicating risk of developmental delay. Results Of the 690 children eligible for this study, 2-year follow-up data were available in 471 (mean [SD] age at follow-up, 25.6 [5.7] months; 54.8% male), including 152 controls, 185 children with PA without HIE, and 134 children with HIE, of whom 14 had died. Infants with mild HIE (n = 55) had lower cognitive composite scores compared with controls, with a mean (SD) of 97.6 (11.9) vs 103.6 (14.6); the crude mean difference was -6.0 (95% CI, -9.9 to -2.1), and the adjusted mean difference was -5.2 (95% CI, -9.1 to -1.3). There was no significant difference in the mean cognitive composite scores between untreated children (n = 47) with mild HIE and surviving children with moderate HIE (n = 53) treated with therapeutic hypothermia, with a crude mean difference for mild vs moderate of -2.2 (95% CI, -8.1 to 3.7). Conclusions and Relevance This study's findings suggest that, at age 2 years, the cognitive composite scores of children with a history of mild HIE may be lower than those of a contemporaneous control group and may not be significantly different from those of survivors of moderate HIE treated with therapeutic hypothermia.
Measuring patient-specific outcomes in musculoskeletal clinical practice: a pilot study.

Capturing and reporting on clinical outcomes in a meaningful way are essential components of evidence-based practice. There are many challenges to achieving this in a busy clinical setting, including the extra time required by clinicians, patients and administration staff. In response to the increasing number of region-specific or condition-specific outcome measurement tools to choose from, this pilot study looked at the feasibility of using two easy to administer, patient-specific outcome measures: the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Physiotherapists working in four School of Physiotherapy Clinics across three New Zealand cities were asked to administer the outcome measures to all consecutive patients over a three month period. Data were analysed for the ten most commonly seen conditions. Two hundred and thirteen patients (70%) completed both the PSFS and the NPRS both at the initial assessment and at discharge for these ten conditions. Overall mean improvement in function was 71% (SD 12%) and overall mean pain reduction was 75% (SD 9%). The overall mean number of visits was 3.7 (SD 0.25). This preliminary evidence indicates that it is feasible to use the NPRS and PSFS in routine clinical practice, and these outcome measures may be useful for detecting change in pain and function for patients attending musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinics. Further research is required to establish whether the PSFS has good construct validity, reliability and responsiveness across all musculoskeletal conditions. This report provides valuable information for the planning of further research particularly regarding the administration, capture and reporting of outcome measures data. Hefford C, Lodge S, Elliott K, Abbott JH (2008): Measuring patient-specific outcomes in musculoskeletal clinical practice:
Antimicrobial usage in pig production: Effects on Escherichia coli virulence profiles and antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobials (AM) are used for growth promotion and therapy in pig production. Its misuse has led to the development of resistant organisms. We evaluated Escherichia coli virulence genes, and compared phenotypic–genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of faecal E. coli from pigs receiving routine farm treatment without antimicrobial agents against pigs treated routinely with AM over 70 days. Recovered E. coli were tested for AMR using disk diffusion and polymerase chain reaction. Virulence genes were detected in 24.8% of isolates from antimicrobial group and 43.5% from non-antimicrobial group (p = 0.002). The proportion of virulence genes heat-stable enterotoxins a & b (STa, STb), enteroaggregative heat stable enterotoxin 1 [EAST1] and Shiga toxin type 2e [Stx2e]) were 18.1%, 0.0%, 78.7% and 3.0% for antimicrobial group and 14.8%, 8.5%, 85.1% and 12.7% for non-antimicrobial groups, respectively. Resistance to oxytetracycline was most common (p = 0.03) in samples collected between days 10 and 21. Resistance shifted to amoxicillin on days 56–70, and trimethoprim resistance was observed throughout. Seventeen phenotypic AMR combinations were observed and eight were multidrug resistant. At least one tetracycline resistance gene was found in 63.9% of the isolates. tet (A) (23.3%) was most common in the antimicrobial group, whereas tet (B) (43.5%) was prevalent in the non-antimicrobial group. Usage or non-usage of antimicrobial agents in growing pigs does not preclude virulence genes development and other complex factors may be involved as previously described. Heavily used AM correspond to the degree of resistance and tetracycline resistance genes were detected during the growth phase.