Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Childbearing through the Lens of Women with Minor Thalassemia: A Qualitative Study

Background: It is essential to provide key information and support to every woman regarding pregnancy and childbirth to enable all women to make a fully informed decision regarding their choice to reproduce. Of particular importance; however, is that women who suffer from a specific condition that increases risks associated with reproduction, to receive specific information regarding such risks and health complications regarding pregnancy and childbirth. This study aims to explore the feelings, experiences, and needs of women with minor thalassemia in relation to childbearing. Materials and Methods: This sample comprised of 12 Iranian women with minor thalassemia who attended to local health centers in Minudasht, Golestan province, from October 2017 to January 2018. The purposeful sampling technique was employed. The data were collected through deep semi-structured interviews, analyzed using conventional content analysis and processed by using the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: The findings were based on the participants’ experiences of pregnancy and fertility. Three major themes emerged; ‘Emotional and Physical Experience,’ ‘Satisfaction’ and ‘Social and Cultural Issues. ’ The most common problem identified was the impact of emotional problems and difficulties regarding the negative implications of thalassemia on reproduction as well as the views and perceptions of family members and those within the community. Conclusion: From the findings, it is evident that thalassemia imposes a heavy psychosocial burden on those women who suffer from the condition. Local health centers in areas most affected by thalassemia would be considered the most suitable venues to introduce key health educational interventions.
Cytochemical investigation of resistance to root-knot nematode Meloidogyne naasi in cereals and grasses using cryosections of roots

Summary - Some enzymes and plant constituents mobilized in the development of hypersensitive reactions were localized in healthy and infected roots of rwo plants fully resistant to Meloidogyne naasi (the grass Aegilops variabilis, and the wild barley Hordeum chilense), as weil as from susceptible wheat and barley (Triticum aeslivum cv. Chinese Spring and Hordeum vulgare cv. Doublet). Soon after infection, resistant roots showed induced reactions due to increased peroxidase activity and production of free radicals. Acid phosphatase activity in necrotic sites was detected after disruption of lyric vacuoles. Callose was mobilized early in A. variabilis, whereas Iignin accumulated in H. chilense. ln both cases, phenol oxidation was an early response to nematodes, whereas suberization was found later in cells contacting the endodermis. The role of these substances in the resistance of graminaceous hosts is discussed. Resume - Recherchesur la cytochinzie de la resistance au nenzatode a galle Meloidogyne naasi chez les cereales et les granzineessauvages- La localisation histologique de certaines enzymes et constituants vegetaux generalement mobilises dans les reactions d'hypersensibilite a ete etudiee sur du materiel sain et infeste provenant de deux plantes totalement resistantes a iVfeloidogyne naasi -les graminees sauvages Aegilops variabilis et Hordeum chilense - ainsi que sur les plantes sensibles - Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Spring et Hordeum vulgare cv. Doublet. Chez les plantes resistantes, et contrairement aux plantes sensibles, certains changements sont observes peu de temps apres ['infestation: activite de la peroxidase et production de radicaux libres accrues aux sites de reaction induite. Dans les jours suivants, apres rupture des vacuoles lyriques, une activite de la phosphatase acide a ete decelee dans les cellules necrotiques. Chez A. variabilis, un depot rapide de callose dans les parois des cellules au contact des nematodes intervient alors que chez H. chilense on assiste a une accumulation de lignine. Dans les deux cas, une oxydation precoce des phenols se produit dans les cellules hypersensibles ainsi qu'une suberisation tardive au contact de l'endoderme. Le role de ces substances dans la resistance des graminees est discute.
Preparation and characterization of biocomposite films of carrageenan/locust bean gum/montmorrillonite for transdermal delivery of curcumin

Introduction: Skin can be used as a site for local and systemic drug administration. Diffusion of drugs through the skin has led to the development of different transdermal drug delivery systems. Curcumin is a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin was incorporated into biocomposite films of carrageenan (κC)/locust bean gum (LBG)/ montmorillonite (MMT) prepared by a solvent casting method. Methods: Film-forming solutions were prepared by adding and 2.5% v/v of propylene glycol and MMT (30% w/w). The curcumin loaded polymer composite transdermal films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength and extensibility were studied. Films were also evaluated for moisture content, moisture uptake, thickness, folding endurance, swelling ratio and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Results: κC and κC/L40 showed the highest percent cumulative release of 80.42±1.61% and 69.38±1.26% among all of the polymer composite transdermal films in 8 hours and 24 hours respectively. Conclusion: In vitro release profiles showed that increasing concentration of LBG and MMT sustained the release of the drug from the polymer composite transdermal films. Decreased percent cumulative release as the concentration of LBG and MMT increases in polymer composite transdermal film.
Performance measures to evaluate the impact of best practices

Business process redesign best practices help to generate alternative process redesigns. Best practices are often used by practitioners to repeat design techniques that have proven effective in practice, but it is not clear why they are the best, and in what respect. More importantly, it is unclear why a best practice might be “best” for one process and not for another. In this paper, we propose a framework for performance measures that can be used to evaluate the effect of a redesign with the dimensions of time, cost, quality and flexibility. For each dimension we propose a set of measures, which have been operationalized as much as possible. We conclude that a simulation approach is very well applicable to estimate the impact of redesign best practices, especially for the time, cost and flexibility measures. For quality measures additional methods are necessary to complement the estimation.
Interpretation of hemoglobin A1C in primary care setting

ABSTRACT Diagnostic tests for diabetes have evolved with the emphasis shifting from blood glucose levels and/or oral glucose tolerance test to measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. With the advent of modern and standardized methods assaying the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin, clinicians are relying more and more on HbA1c for the management of diabetic patients. A brief review of literature shows, although HbA1c is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of diabetes, it is still far from being perfect. Clinicians need to be more aware about these limitations and take extra steps to avoid medical errors.
Modulation of in vitro proliferation and cytokine secretion of human lymphocytes by Mentha longifolia extracts

Objective: Mentha longifolia L. Hudson has been used in folk medicine for various purposes especially for its anti-inflammatory effects. Lymphocytes play a central role in development of inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of different extracts of M. longifolia on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), as main players in development of inflammation. Materials and Methods: PBLs stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were cultured in the presence of the plant extracts. The effects of the extracts on activation of cells were determined by BrdU assay. The viability of cells was examined by flow cytometry using propidium iodide staining. Also, IFN-γ (T helper 1, TH1) and IL-4 (TH2) secretion was measured by ELISA. Results: Except for the water extract which had a weak inhibitory effect, treatment of cells with more than 1μg/ml of butanol, hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts resulted in strong inhibition of cells proliferation (IC50 4.6-9.9 µg/ml). Flow cytometry analysis showed that these extracts at ≤10μg/ml were non-cytotoxic. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts at 10 μg/ml decreased IFN-γ production in a dose-dependent manner from 919±91.1 pg/ml in PHA-only-treated cells to 568±22.6 pg/ml (in dichloromethane-treated cells) and 329±12.3 pg/ml (in ethyl acetate-treated cells) (p<0.001). At 10 μg/ml, the ethyl acetate extract increased IL-4 secretion compared to PHA-only-treated cells (p<0.05). The hexane extract decreased IFN-γ level but did not affectIL-4 production. Conclusion: Reduction of IFN-γ and augmentation of IL-4 secretion induced by the extracts suggested the potential of M. longifolia to inhibit TH1 inflammatory responses toward a TH2 dominant response.
Performance of a Counterflow Virtual Impactor in the NASA Icing Research Tunnel

Abstract A counterflow virtual impactor (CVI) designed for aircraft use was evaluated at the NASA Icing Research Tunnel in Cleveland, Ohio. Tests were conducted for tunnel speeds of 67 and 100 m s−1, for liquid water contents of 0.23–1.4 g m−3, and for a wide range of droplet median volume diameters (MVDs). For droplet distributions with MVDs between about 30 and 240 μm, liquid water content (LWC) measured by the CVI agreed with reference values within the uncertainty of the measurements. For a range of LWCs at 30-μm MVD, the relationship was near 1:1, and no systematic dependence of CVI results on LWC or airspeed was observed. For smaller MVDs, the CVI underestimated LWC. Decreased collection efficiency for small droplets can partially explain this effect, but the difference from reference values was larger than expected based on previous calibrations and comparisons with in situ data. Tunnel runs conducted with a flow-straightening shroud around the CVI inlet produced approximately 20% enhancements in L.
Salinity effect on plant growth at the seedling stage of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

Soil salinity is a serious threat in many parts of the world in general and of Tunisia in particular, which negatively affects plant production. In this experiment, response of durum wheat to salinity in seven genotypes namely; four local cultivars (Azizi, Jenah Khotifa, Hmira and Swebâa Eljia), two improved varieties (Karim and Om Rabia) and an algerian cultivar (Oued Zeneti)] to salinity (0 and 100 mM of NaCl) was investigated in hydroponic conditions. Salinity induced no effects in all genotypes on the maximal efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) photochemistry. The Fv/Fm showed that Jenah Khotifa and Karim were the most tolerant genotypes under saline conditions (100 mM of NaCl). This may be associated with higher chlorophyll (a and b) contents. Results also depicted that all genotypes showed higher content proline as well as lower sodium content as compared with Jenah Khotifa with a reduction of 68.53% under 100 mM NaCl. It was concluded that high chlorophyll content and the proline accumulation in plant will improve the salt tolerance of wheat genotypes in breeding programs.
Effekte eines Multimodalen Therapieprogramms bei Patienten mit Rückenbeschwerden zur Prävention der Sarkopenie

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Sarkopenie ist eine Erkrankung des älteren Menschen, und bezeichnet im muskuloskelettalen System den zunehmenden Verlust der Qualitäten Muskelmasse, Muskelkraft und Muskelfunktion. Einhergehend mit der Ausprägung der Sarkopenie zeigt sich eine vermehrte Frailty (Gebrechlichkeit), deren Folgen durch die altersbedingt herabgesetzte Belastbarkeit sowie einem additiv verminderten Kraftzustand gravierende Einschnitte in die Lebensqualität der betroffenen Menschen haben kann. Positiv beeinflussen lässt sich das Eintreten und Voranschreiten der Alterungsprozesse aktiv durch körperliches Training, womit der Abnahme der neuromuskulären Leistungsfähigkeit entgegengewirkt werden kann. Es besteht Konsens, dass hier ein Hypertrophietraining mit dem Training situationsspezifischer Bewegungsaufgaben der einzelnen Muskelgruppen empfohlen wird. Fragestellung In dieser Studie soll nachgewiesen werden, dass ein multimodales Therapiekonzept ebenso wie ein Hypertrophietraining in der Rückenmuskulatur zu einem signifikanten Muskelzuwachs in der Bereichen Extension und Flexion sowie Lateralisation und Rotation beidseits führt. Material und Methoden Es wurden 52 Patientinnen zwischen 50 und 65 Jahren mit der Primärerkrankung eines „Rückenleidens“ prospektiv untersucht. Sie absolvierten ein 3-wöchiges stationäres multimodales Therapieprogramm, bei dem 2 isometrische Kraftmessungen der Rückenmuskulatur durchgeführt wurden, die erste (T0) am ersten Therapietag und die zweite (T1) am letzten Therapietag. Die Ergebnisse wurden mittels SPSS als Mittelwert (M) und Standardabweichung (SD) beschrieben. Die Normalverteilung wurde verifiziert (Kolmogorov-Smirnov-Test). Ergebnisse Es zeigen sich signifikante Verbesserungen der Kraft bei der Extension sowie der Lateralkraft und Rotation rechts. Kraftzuwächse bei der Flexion sowie der Lateralkraft und Rotation links konnten ebenfalls nachgewiesen werden, aber im Vergleich zu den anderen 3 Kraftrichtungen mit verminderter Stärke. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Es konnte aufgezeigt werden, dass anstelle eines reinen Hypertrophietraining auch ein multimodales Therapieprogramm zu einem Kraftzuwachs führt. Da reines Hypertrophietraining gerade für den älteren Menschen eine große Herausforderung darstellt, zeigt sich durch das untersuchte multimodale Therapiekonzept ein weiterer erfolgversprechender Ansatz, um gerade den älteren Menschen den oft schwierigen Einstieg in die Behandlung der Sarkopenie zu erleichtern. Auffällig ist der deutlich höhere Kraftzuwachs bei der Extension sowie der Rotation und Lateralisation rechts. Hier besteht weiterer Forschungsbedarf, um diesbezügliche Erklärungen zu erhalten. Eine erhebliche Schwäche der Studie ist das Fehlen einer Kontrollgruppe, weswegen die erzielten Effekte des Kraftzuwachses nicht zweifelsfrei der Intervention zugerechnet werden können. Die Durchführung weiterer Studien erscheint hier sinnvoll, bestenfalls im Rahmen eines randomisierten Kontrollstudiendesigns mit verschiedenen Altersgruppen.
StoryPrint: an interactive visualization of stories

In this paper, we propose StoryPrint, an interactive visualization of creative storytelling that facilitates individual and comparative structural analyses. This visualization method is intended for script-based media, which has suitable metadata. The pre-visualization process involves parsing the script into different metadata categories and analyzing the sentiment on a character and scene basis. For each scene, the setting, character presence, character prominence, and character emotion of a film are represented as a StoryPrint. The visualization is presented as a radial diagram of concentric rings wrapped around a circular time axis. A user then has the ability to toggle a difference overlay to assist in the cross-comparison of two different scene inputs.
Indicators of oral health in older adults with and without the presence of multimorbidity: a cross-sectional study

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the distribution of various indicators of oral health among elderly people with and without multimorbidity (ie, two or more chronic diseases). Subjects and methods A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted using a sample of Mexican elderly individuals aged ≥60 years. The average age of the cohort was 79.06±9.78 years, and 69.1% were women. The variables indicating oral health were as follows: functional dentition, edentulism, hyposalivation, xerostomia, root caries and periodontitis. The multimorbidity variable was operationally categorized as follows: 0= subjects with no chronic disease or one chronic disease and 1= subjects with two or more chronic diseases. Questionnaires were used to collect information on various variables regarding general health. Likewise, the participants underwent a clinical oral examination. The analysis was performed using Stata 11.0. Results The overall prevalence of multimorbidity was 27.3%. The prevalences of various oral health indicators were as follows: without functional dentition 89.9%; hyposalivation 59.7%; edentulism 38.9% and self-reported xerostomia 25.2%. Dental caries were observed in 95.3% of the subjects, and the prevalence of severe periodontitis was 80%. We found a significant difference only in edentulism; its prevalence was higher among subjects with multimorbidity (55.3% vs 32.7%, P=0.015) than among those without multimorbidity. Conclusion The presence of edentulism in this sample of Mexican older adults was higher in subjects with multimorbidity. Multimorbidity and oral diseases constitute a true challenge in elderly people, because they affect quality of life and are associated with high health care costs.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of the GOLO weight management program with and without Release supplement on weight and metabolic parameters in subjects with obesity

Objective: To determine the effects of the GOLO weight management program with Release supplement versus placebo on weight and metabolic parameters in subjects with obesity. Methods: Sixty-eight (68) subjects with obesity were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the GOLO weight management program with Release supplement versus placebo at a single clinical site. Subjects were obese (average BMI 38.82 kg/m2, SD 6.15) with evidence of insulin resistance at baseline (average HOMA-IR 3.06, SD 1.9, normal 0.5-1.9). The primary endpoint was the change in weight at end of the 13-week treatment period. Secondary endpoints included changes in body measurements, vital signs and laboratory measurements of obesity and metabolic syndrome at the end of treatment. Results: Subjects allocated to the GOLO weight management program with Release supplement lost statistically significant more weight [-6.07 kg (SD 4.63)] than the subjects allocated to placebo [-3.38 kg (2.81)] (p = 0.047). Subjects receiving Release supplement also demonstrated a statistically significant greater reduction in waist circumference than those on placebo [placebo -2.37 cm (5.12); treatment -7.26 cm (6.43); p = 0.019]. In addition, subjects allocated to Release supplement demonstrated significantly lower triglyceride levels compared to placebo [placebo 19.47 mg/dl (28.04); treatment -35.21 mg/dl (43.29); p < 0.001]. Markers of insulin resistance also demonstrated significant improvements in subjects allocated to Release supplement as compared to placebo, including reductions in fasting insulin levels [placebo 1.03 mIU/ml (6.17); treatment -4.22 mIU/ml (5.42); p = 0.022] and HOMA-IR (placebo 0.42 (2.18); treatment -1.44 (2.04); p = . 025). Conclusions: Treatment with the GOLO weight management program with Release supplement compared to placebo for 13-weeks resulted in statistically significant greater weight loss and improvement in metabolic parameters including insulin resistance in patients with obesity. *Correspondence to: Robert J Buynak, Buynak Clinical Research, Valparaiso, 55 University Suite 106, Valparaiso, USA, Tel: 219-464-8302, E-mail: rbuynak@ att.net
Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells with Polyethylenimine Ethoxylated Interfacial Layer Using Lamination Process

SUMMARY Semitransparent organic solar cells were fabricated using lamination process. The devices were realized by using two independent substrates with transparent indium-tin-oxide electrode. One substrate was coated with poly(ethylenedioxy-thiophene) / poly(styrenesulfonate) layer and active layer of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and (6,6)- phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester mixture. Another substrate was coated with ultra-thin polyethylenimine ethoxylated. The two substrates were laminated using hot press system. The device exhibited semitrans-parency and showed typical photovoltaic characteristics with open voltage of 0.59 V and short circuit current of 2.9 mA / cm 2 .
The serological markers TIMP-1, PAI-1, MASP-2 and CRP are independent predictors of colorectal cancer-specific death.

5723 Introduction: The prognostic value of serological markers sampled preoperatively in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has been established. This study combines a panel of these markers in order to select a prognostic profile independent of the clinical baseline covariates: stage, localization, gender and age at diagnosis. The markers selected for this study are plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), tetranectin, YKL-40, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), molecules of the mannan-binding lectin (MBL) pathway of innate immunity and its associated serine protease MASP-2, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and the acute phase response marker C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods: Six-hundred and fifty-four CRC patients undergoing elective surgery were followed for 7.9 years (median, 6.8–9.1 years). The primary end-point was cancer-specific death and 308 patients were registered with CRC as primary cause of death. Multiple imputations were used for missing values and the time to cancer-specific death was subsequently analyzed with the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Serological markers were entered into the statistical model as continuous variables on the log scale with the exception of CEA and CRP which were scored using conventional cutpoints. Results: The mannan-binding lectin pathway molecules were not associated to the other markers. Univariable analysis of the serological markers showed all to be significant predictors of cancer-specific death with the exception of MBL (p=0.36). All markers were entered into the multivariable analysis and the final model was selected including only covariates which are significant in the analysis including the baseline clinical characteristics. The final multivariable analysis showed that TIMP-1 (p
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluative Education Model

Evaluating educational programs and interventions is generally considered a normal part of curriculum development and improvement, and published findings are readily accessible through peer-reviewed journals. Recently, however, researchers and practicing educators have identified a lack of evaluative research regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) educational practices in the peer-reviewed literature. Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has an established evidence-informed ASD curriculum that is constantly reviewed and updated to meet the needs of the students in Aspect schools and classes. Through a methodical evaluative process, all educational interventions and support processes and devices undergo a series of Evidence-Based Research Trials and evaluations before they are implemented in classes. This article demonstrates how a workflow model can deliver a systematic method for identifying, evaluating, implementing, and disseminating the research findings of a program or support intervention. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluative Education (ASDEE) model is discussed.