Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Educational interventions for patients with heart failure: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background: Patient education is an important intervention for the management of heart failure; however, in practice patient education varies considerably. The purpose is to systematically review educational interventions that have been implemented for heart failure patients and assess their effectiveness.Method and Material: Randomized controlled trials from 2008 to 2018 in MEDLINE were reviewed using the following search terms: nursing teaching, education, intervention, patients with heart failure, hospital. From the Randomized controlled trials 26 abstracts were reviewed.Results: A total of 2484 patients were included in the 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Commonly, the initial educational intervention was a one-on-one didactic session conducted by nurses supplemented by written materials and multimedia approaches. One study referred to a theoretical model as a framework for their educational intervention. Studies used a variety of outcome measures to evaluate their effectiveness. Of the studies reviewed, 17 demonstrated a significant effect from their intervention in at least one of their outcome measures.Conclusions: Despite improvements in knowledge, we have variable results in outcomes and this is very likely related to the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review. It was difficult to establish the most effective educational strategy as the educational interventions varied considerably in delivery methods and duration as well as the outcome measures that were used for the evaluation. A patient-centered multidisciplinary approach based on educational theory and evaluated appropriately may assist to develop an evidence base for patient education.
Anterior Knee Pain reduction by patellar thickness reduction in Total Knee Replacement

Background: Anterior knee pain(AKP) was a common complication after total knee replacement(TKR). This condition can be occurred in both patellar resurfacing and non-resurfacing technique. An increase in patellar thickness 1 mm or more postoperatively was associated with lower gain in WOMAC score.
Outcome Measures Used in Ocular Gene Therapy Trials: A Scoping Review of Current Practice

Multiple gene therapy trials are occurring for a variety of ophthalmic diseases around the world. The safety of gene therapy in the eye has been established, and the next step is to reliably assess efficacy. This is primarily done through the use of imaging techniques and visual function measures. Standardized visual function assessments, however, were originally developed for a clinical setting and may not be suitable for detecting and quantifying therapeutic changes. This scoping review takes a comprehensive look at current practice in terms of the outcome measures defined at trial registration. These were compared to the outcome measures reported in the literature. All published trials reported the pre-registered primary outcome measure. A range of additional secondary outcomes were reported that were not originally planned. Gaps in gene therapy assessment exist and further discussion are required to find a way forward, particularly as more conditions progress to phase 2 and 3 trials. Several factors impacting on trial design and outcome measure choice are discussed.
Interleukin-6, Interleukin-17 and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta are Overexpressed in Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis Patients; Potent Biomarkers of Mycobacterial Infection

Background: Cytokines, as key regulators of immune responses, are imbalanced in tuberculosis (TB) which may reflect the status of the disease. Therefore, cytokines could be introduced as potential diagnostic and prognostic TB biomarkers. Objectives: Here, we examined the plasma levels of IL-17, IL-6, and TGF-β among newly diagnosed patients with TB in comparison to normal subjects and analyzed the diagnostic utility of each cytokine to introduce a novel TB biomarker. Methods: A total of 105 smear-positive, including 78 newly diagnosed (ND) and 27 under treatment (UT) patients with pulmonary TB and 111 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were recruited. ELISA cytokine assay was used to determine the plasma levels of IL-17, IL-6, and TGF-β. Results: IL-6 plasma level was higher in the ND patients than healthy subjects (P = 0.002) and the UT patients (P < 0.0001). Also, IL-17 and TGF-β were significantly overexpressed among both groups of patients with TB compared with healthy subjects. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic utility of the evaluated cytokines. Area under the curve (AUC) for IL-6 was 0.5598 (P = 0.129). Regarding the diagnostic value of IL-6 to distinguish between the ND and UT patients, AUC for IL-6 was 0.8139 (P < 0.0001). Setting the optimal cut-off value at 23.75 gave a sensitivity of 77.78% and a specificity of 74.36%. AUC for IL-17 was 0.9148 (P < 0.0001), while AUC for TGF-β was 0.8877 (P < 0.0001). Setting the optimal cut-off value at 14.05 for IL-17 gave a sensitivity of 81.90% and a specificity of 79.28%, while setting the optimal cut-off value at 51.20 for TGF-β resulted in a sensitivity of 82.69% and a specificity of 72.73%. Conclusions: All evaluated cytokines were overexpressed in newly diagnosed TB patients with different diagnostic utilities. IL-6 is more convenient in distinguishing the ND from UT patients. IL-17 is more specific in distinguishing TB infection and TGF-β represented a higher sensitivity. It is suggested that multiple cytokine assay should be conducted to have a better diagnostic performance rather than individual cytokine evaluation.
Evaluation of genetic diversity of iranian turnip accessions (Brassica rapa L.) based on morphological characteristics

The current study, was educated for evaluation of genetic diversity of 11 Iranian turnip accessions with one British cultivar "Top Milan" cultivar, under field condition in Karaj. Twelve quantitative and Four qualitative traits were evaluated. Result revealed high variability among accessions. There were significant positive correlations between weight root and yield. Mean comparison of accessions showed that, Neyshaboor accession had the highest yield (2666.400 gr/m2) and weight root (177.760 gr) in compare with other accessions. In component analysis, five independent major factors explained 89.560 of total variance. based on cluster analysis Accessions were seprated into three groups. Morphological traits were useful for assessing the diversity and relationships in Iranian turnip accessions. In addition Accessions with desirable charachteristics can be identified to improve traits and use in breeding programs including increasing yield, improving agronomic charachteristics and improving quality.
Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of frozen and chilled chicken meat

With this study we aimed to evaluate and compare physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of frozen and chilled chicken meat. Only the prime cuts (breast, thighs, and drumsticks) were considered for the analysis of chemical composition, pH, color, water-holding capacity (WHC), thawing-cooking loss (TCL), and shear force (SF). For microbiological analysis, mesophilic bacteria, thermotolerant coliforms, and Salmonella spp. were considered. The frozen and chilled chicken meat showed no PSE (pale, soft, and exudative) or DFD (dark, firm, and dry) type of anomalies. The chromaticity showed higher redness in the breast (a* = 0.23) and yellowness in the thigh (b* = 5.64) for the frozen meat. The chilled meat showed better values for water-holding capacity in the thigh (69.19%) and thawing-cooking loss in the breast meat (18.84%). Samples of frozen and chilled chicken meat showed unconformities as to the percentage of occurrence of Salmonella spp. , since the Brazilian legislation determines the absence of these pathogens. Both forms of preservation by freezing and chilling are recommended to maintain the physicochemical characteristics. In turn, we observed that the microbiological patterns can be maintained by the both forms of meat preservation by cold, mainly by freezing, provided there are satisfactory sanitary conditions in handling pre and post-slaughter of poultry.
Dynamic Modeling of Signal Transduction by mTOR Complexes in Cancer

Signal integration in the mTOR pathway plays a vital role in cell fate decision making in cancer cells. As a signal integrator, mTOR shows a complex dynamical behavior which determines the cell fate at different cellular processes levels including cell cycle progression, cell survival, cell death, metabolic reprogramming, and aging. The dynamics of the complex responses to rapamycin in cancer cells have been attributed to its differential time-dependent inhibitory effects on mTORC1 and mTORC2, the two main complexes of mTOR. Two explanations were previously provided for this phenomenon: 1-Rapamycin does not inhibit mTORC2 directly, whereas it prevents mTORC2 formation by sequestering free mTOR protein. 2-Components like Phosphatidic Acid further stabilize mTORC2 compared with mTORC1. To understand the mechanism by which rapamycin differentially inhibits the mTOR complexes, we present a mathematical model of rapamycin mode of action based on the first explanation, i.e., Le Chatelier’s principle. Translating the interactions among components of mTORC1 and mTORC2 into a mathematical model revealed the dynamics of rapamycin action in different doses and time-intervals of rapamycin treatment. The model shows that rapamycin has stronger effects on mTORC1 compared with mTORC2, simply due to its direct interaction with free mTOR and mTORC1, but not mTORC2, without the need to consider other components that might further stabilize mTORC2. Based on our results, even when mTORC2 is less stable compared with mTORC1, it can be less inhibited by rapamycin.
The twenty‐first‐century Arctic environment: accelerating change in the atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial spheres

The Arctic possesses distinctive environmental characteristics that act as strong, positive feedbacks on atmospheric warming; in fact, it is almost uniquely susceptible to rapid change brought about through climate warming from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The aim of this commentary is to outline recent and probable future environmental changes in the Arctic. It commences with a consideration of rates of change through the satellite era in air temperatures, sea ice extent, snow cover and the state of balance of the Greenland Ice Sheet. This is subsequently set against fluctuations over previous centuries and millennia. From this observational basis, the commentary moves on to consider factors which particularly amplify rates of change in high northern latitudes, before addressing further feedbacks which may become important, and how Arctic changes may proceed up to the year 2100.
Occurrence of canine distemper virus infection in guwahati (Assam)

In this study, a total of 167 clinical samples were screened by cytological examination, where 58 cases (34.73%) were found positive. The most common clinical signs recorded in the positive cases were pyrexia (102.8-105°F), mucopurrulent ocular and nasal discharges, hyperkeratosis of the digital pads, vesiculo-pustular dermatitis and nervous disorders. The variable neurological signs were chorea, paddling and cycling movement, muscle tremor, epileptic seizure with facial twitching. Occurrence of Canine Distemper (CD) was recorded highest in young dogs 0-6 months (55.17%) of age group. Season-wise more occurrence rate was recorded in winter (48.81%) months. Highest occurrence was also recorded in local non-descript (43.10%), unvaccinated (72.41%) and male (58.62%) pups. Canine distemper infection based on age, season, breed, sex and vaccination status were found significant (P
Non-audit Services and Audit Quality: Evidence from Private Firms

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between audit quality in private firms and the provision of non-audit services (NAS) – an issue that has rarely been considered in prior research. The threats to auditor independence are different in private firms compared to public firms. The same is true of the opportunities to use the same knowledge for audit and for NAS. Therefore, the effect of the provision of NAS on audit quality is also likely to be different. In this study, audit quality is measured by discretionary accruals, as well as by managers' perceptions of the extent to which the audit improves accounting quality. The regression analysis is based on 420 surveyed private firms in Sweden and suggests that audit quality is positively associated with NAS in general and accounting services in particular. The findings indicate that the joint provision of audit and NAS do not necessarily result in impaired auditor independence, but rather support the existence of knowledge spillover between the services.
Neutron diffraction residual stress mapping in same gauge and differential gauge tailor-welded blanks

Neutron diffraction has been used to determine the residual stresses in the weld region of laser-welded tailor-welded blank (TWB) samples. Residual stresses in same gauge and differential gauge TWB samples are examined in the as-welded condition as well as after uniaxial loading to 0.5, 3.0 and 7.0% strain. Results indicate that stress distributions can be quite complex, particularly following deformation. Overall, however, two major conclusions were drawn: first, residual stresses around laser welds in these TWBs tend to be small compared with stresses reported for conventional welding processes. Secondly, in most cases the peak residual stresses tend to remain the same or diminish with subsequent deformation. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Associations of maternal diet with infant adiposity at birth, 6 months and 12 months

Objectives To assess associations between maternal prenatal diet quality and infant adiposity. Design The design was a prospective birth cohort. Setting We used data from the Nurture study, a cohort of women and their infants residing in the southeastern USA. Participants and exposure assessment Between 2013 and 2015, we enrolled 860 women between 20 and 36 weeks’ gestation. After reconsenting at delivery and excluding women with implausible calorie intakes, we measured dietary intake using the Block food frequency questionnaire, and assessed diet quality using a modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), which assessed intake of 10 food categories, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts/legumes, fats, meats, beverages and sodium (excluding alcohol). Outcomes We assessed birth weight for gestational age z-score, small and large for gestational age, low birth weight and macrosomia. Outcomes at 6 and 12 months were weight-for-length z-score, sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness (SS+TR) and subscapular-to-triceps skinfold ratio (SS:TR). Results Among mothers, 70.2% were black and 20.9% were white; less than half (45.2%) reported having a high school diploma or less. Among infants, 8.7% were low birth weight and 8.6% were small for gestational age. Unadjusted estimates showed that a higher AHEI-2010 score, was associated with a higher birth weight for gestational z-score (β=0.01; 95% CI 0.002 to 0.02; p=0.02) and a greater likelihood of macrosomia (OR=1.04; 95% CI 1.004 to 1.09; p=0.03). After adjustment, maternal diet quality was not associated with infant adiposity at birth, 6 or 12 months. Conclusions Although poor maternal diet quality during pregnancy was not associated with infant adiposity in our study, maternal diet during pregnancy may still be an important and modifiable factor of public health importance.
Exposure to environmental radionuclides is associated with altered metabolic and immunity pathways in a wild rodent

Wildlife inhabiting environments contaminated by radionuclides face putative detrimental effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, with biomarkers such as an increase in DNA damage and/or oxidative stress commonly associated with radiation exposure. To examine the effects of exposure to radiation on gene expression in wildlife, we conducted a de novo RNA sequencing study of liver and spleen tissues from a rodent, the bank vole Myodes glareolus. Bank voles were collected from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), where animals were exposed to elevated levels of radionuclides, and from uncontaminated areas near Kyiv, Ukraine. Counter to expectations, we did not observe a strong DNA damage response in animals exposed to radionuclides, although some signs of oxidative stress were identified. Rather, exposure to environmental radionuclides was associated with upregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation in the livers – an apparent shift in energy metabolism. Moreover, using stable isotope analysis, we identified that fur from bank voles inhabiting the CEZ had enriched isotope values of nitrogen: such an increase is consistent with increased fatty acid metabolism, but also could arise from a difference in diet or habitat between the CEZ and elsewhere. In livers and spleens, voles inhabiting the CEZ were characterized by immunosuppression, such as impaired antigen processing, and activation of leucocytes involved in inflammatory responses. In conclusion, exposure to low dose environmental radiation impacts pathways associated with immunity and lipid metabolism, potentially as a stress‐induced coping mechanism.
A Simple Bounded-Rationality Life Cycle Model

Life cycle saving decisions belong to the most complex financial decisions that we are faced with in our life. Psychologists have found that when making complex decisions people use short-cuts in the form of minimum requirements for particular attribute categories of choice options. This paper presents a new simple life cycle model where agents do invoke such minimum requirements. The model is highly tractable and parsimonious. Calibrations show that it allows us to better understand important data on saving and asset allocation. It is shown that the model is much better able to explain these data than standard workhorse models even when generously controlling for subtle differences in the “degrees of freedom” between the new and existing models.
Effects of Extent of Chlorination, Extraction Rate, and Particle Size Reduction on Flour and Gluten Functionality Explored by Solvent Retention Capacity (SRC) and Mixograph

The effects of extraction rate, extent of chlorination, and particle size distribution on flour and gluten functionality were explored using solvent retention capacity and mixograph for the soft wheat cultivar, Croplan 594W. The SRC results showed dramatic effects of milling extraction and chlorination extent, but less significant effects of additional milling to reduce particle size. With increasing extent of chlorination, SRC analysis showed increases in water, sodium carbonate and sucrose SRC values, but a decrease in lactic acid SRC values. The ratio LA/(NaC + Suc) SRC values decreased significantly with increasing extent of chlorination and the effect was greater when the milling yield decreased from 74 to 55%.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF STAVUDINE MICROSPHERES PREPARED USING ETHYLCELLULOSE ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH EUDRAGIT RS100

Stavudine microspheres were prepared using ethylcellulose alone and in combination with Eudragit  RS100 by emulsion solvent diffusion method to sustain the release of drug from microspheres. The effect of drug-polymer ratio and stirring speed on percentage yield, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, in vitro release profiles and kinetics of drug release of microspheres were evaluated. The size distribution of the prepared microspheres was done by microscopic method and in vitro dissolution studies were carried out in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) as the dissolution media to study the drug release profile of the microspheres. Surface topography of microspheres was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed to evaluate interaction between drug and polymer(s) which revealed to be compatible. The encapsulation efficiency was found satisfactory and it decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in drugpolymer concentration. Both the drug-polymer ratio and stirring speed affects the physicochemical properties and release of drug from microspheres. The prepared microspheres satisfactorily released the drug in a sustained and uniform rate following Higuchian kinetics. Sustained release microsphere of stavudine has a potential for oral administration at least once every 12 h.
A Cointegration Analysis of Air Travel Demand: The Case of International Air Travel Demand between Morocco and European Union

Europe is the most important source of tourism for Morocco. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the short and long-run determinants of air travel demand from European Union to Morocco. In order to analyze the air travel demand, the authors used the relevant macroeconomic variables, such as the origin countries’ income, i.e. Europe and the real exchange rate between the origin and host country. Annual data from the two countries, covering the period 1970-2012, are used. The ADF unit root test was used to examine the degree of variables integration. The Johansen maximum likelihood procedure was used to determine the number of co-integrating vectors in the VAR model. An error correction model was estimated to explain the air travel demand determinants between Morocco and the EU both in short and long-run. The estimated error correction model provides strong evidence that European GDP, real exchange rate fluctuations and regulatory environment are the main factors affecting air travel demand in Morocco.
A quantitative neuropathological assessment of translocator protein expression in multiple sclerosis

Radioligands targeting the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) are increasingly used to visualise inflammation in the brain. Nutma et al. report that TSPO expression in multiple sclerosis lesions originates mainly from astrocytes and microglia, but is not restricted to cells with a specific pro-inflammatory phenotype.
Kinesin and dynein use distinct mechanisms to bypass obstacles

Kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein are microtubule (MT) motors that transport intracellular cargoes. It remains unclear how these motors move along MTs densely coated with obstacles of various sizes in the cytoplasm. Here, we tested the ability of single and multiple motors to bypass synthetic obstacles on MTs in vitro. Contrary to previous reports, we found that single mammalian dynein is highly capable of bypassing obstacles. Single human kinesin-1 motors fail to avoid obstacles, consistent with their inability to take sideways steps on to neighboring MT protofilaments. Kinesins overcome this limitation when working in teams, bypassing obstacles as effectively as multiple dyneins. Cargos driven by multiple kinesins or dyneins are also capable of rotating around the MT to bypass large obstacles. These results suggest that multiplicity of motors is required not only for transporting cargos over long distances and generating higher forces, but also for maneuvering cargos on obstacle-coated MT surfaces.