Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with occurrence of placental malaria in a population of parturients in Abeokuta , Ogun State , Nigeria

Background. Placental malaria has long been acknowledged as a complication of malaria in pregnancy, and has been associated with poor pregnancy outcome in malaria-endemic areas. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with occurrence of placental malaria in a population of parturients in Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. Maternal and placenta blood samples were collected from 211 parturients. Blood films were prepared, stained with 10% Giemsa and microscopically analysed for the presence of parasites. Demographic characteristics were recorded in case record forms. Chi-square tests and a regression model were computed to analyse risks, using SPSS version 16.0. Results. Overall, 40.8% (86 of 211) of the parturients had malaria at the time of delivery, with 19.0% (40 of 211) having placental malaria. We identified being within the age range of 18-22 years [OR = 4.4, 95% CL = 1.1-17.4, P = 0.046], being primigravid [OR = 2.1, 95% CL = 0.9-5.1, P = 0.028] and living in a congested apartment [OR = 1.6, 95% CL = 0.4-6.0, P = 0.029] as significant risk factors for placental malaria. Non-usage of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) [OR = 2.6, 95% CL = 1.2-5.4, P = 0.018], long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) [OR = 2.7, 95% CL = 1.3-5.5, P = 0.005] were also risk factors for placental malaria. Conclusions. In Abeokuta, the proper use of LLIN and IPT for pregnant women is essential to curb the scourge of malaria, associated risks and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Looking at Filipino Pre-service Teachers ’ Value for Education through Epistemological Beliefs about Learning and Asian Values

The present study investigated the contribution of epistemological beliefs about learning and Asian values on pre-service teachers’ value for education. The relationship of epistemological beliefs and valuing education is based on Schwartz and Bilsky’s (1987; 1990) theory of human values. The participants were 362 pre-service teachers from different universities in Manila, Philippines. It was found in a standard regression analysis that both complexity and structured belief about learning significantly predicted valuing one’s education. Higher expectation for achievement, filial piety, and emotional restraint were also significant. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the order of contribution of Asian values (filial piety, hierarchical family structure, collectivism, emotional restraint, perseverance and hard work, higher expectation for achievement, respect for authority, and respect for education) on valuing education. The results showed that the order of Asian values based on the theory of Schwartz and Bardi (2001) significantly explained the variation on valuing education (Adjusted R2=.35). The contribution of each Asian value increased the variation on valuing education but it remained stable with the inclusion of respect for education and respect for authority.
Canyon formation constraints on the discharge of catastrophic outburst floods of Earth and Mars

Catastrophic outburst floods carved amphitheater‐headed canyons on Earth and Mars, and the steep headwalls of these canyons suggest that some formed by upstream headwall propagation through waterfall erosion processes. Because topography evolves in concert with water flow during canyon erosion, we suggest that bedrock canyon morphology preserves hydraulic information about canyon‐forming floods. In particular, we propose that for a canyon to form with a roughly uniform width by upstream headwall retreat, erosion must occur around the canyon head, but not along the sidewalls, such that canyon width is related to flood discharge. We develop a new theory for bedrock canyon formation by megafloods based on flow convergence of large outburst floods toward a horseshoe‐shaped waterfall. The model is developed for waterfall erosion by rock toppling, a candidate erosion mechanism in well fractured rock, like columnar basalt. We apply the model to 14 terrestrial (Channeled Scablands, Washington; Snake River Plain, Idaho; and Ásbyrgi canyon, Iceland) and nine Martian (near Ares Vallis and Echus Chasma) bedrock canyons and show that predicted flood discharges are nearly 3 orders of magnitude less than previously estimated, and predicted flood durations are longer than previously estimated, from less than a day to a few months. Results also show a positive correlation between flood discharge per unit width and canyon width, which supports our hypothesis that canyon width is set in part by flood discharge. Despite lower discharges than previously estimated, the flood volumes remain large enough for individual outburst floods to have perturbed the global hydrology of Mars.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline ZnO Doped with Al 3+ and Ni 2+ by a Sol–Gel Method Coupled with Ultrasound Irradiation

: Zinc oxide is one of the most important semiconducting metal oxides and one of the most promising n-type materials, but its practical use is limited because of both its high thermal conductivity and its low electrical conductivity. Numerous studies have shown that doping with metals in ZnO structures leads to the modiﬁcation of the band gap energy. In this work, Al-doped ZnO, Ni-doped ZnO, and undoped ZnO nanocrystalline powders were prepared by a sol–gel method coupled with ultrasound irradiation, and the results show the inﬂuence of Al 3+ and Ni 2+ ions in the ZnO network. The doping concentrations in ZnO of 0.99 atom % for ZnO–Al and 0.80 atom % for ZnO–Ni were obtained by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy showed a decreased intensity and broadening of main peaks, indicating metallic ions. The crystallite size of the sample was decreased from 24.5 nm (ZnO) to 22.0 nm (ZnO–Al) and 21 nm (ZnO–Ni). The textural and morphological properties were analyzed via Nitrogen Adsorption (BET method) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). g cm − 3 [34]. For ZnO, this was calculated to be 48.6 nm; the value for ZnO–Al is 46.50 nm and the value for ZnO–Ni is 118.8 nm. These results show a signiﬁcant difference between the average pore diameter and the average particle diameter due to the development of plate-like particles in aggregates of shape semispherical of and slit-shaped spaces, according to the results obtained by SEM.
Dynamic Mechanisms without Money ∗ Comments welcome.

We analyze the optimal design of dynamic mechanisms in the absence of transfers. The designer uses future allocation decisions as a way of eliciting private information. Values evolve according to a two-state Markov chain. We solve for the optimal allocation rule, which admits a simple implementation. Unlike with transfers, efficiency decreases over time, and both immiseration and its polar opposite are possible long-run outcomes. Considering the limiting environment in which time is continuous, we show that persistence hurts.
IRAK 4 gene polymorphism and odontogenic maxillary sinusitis

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate whether a specific interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 (IRAK4) gene polymorphism had any influence on the development of changes in maxillary sinus, particularly in the presence of etiological factors of dental origin. Materials and methods The study population included 153 Portuguese Caucasians that were selected from a database of 504 retrospectively analysed computed tomography (CT) scans. A genetic test was performed, and a model was created through logistic analysis and regression coefficients. The statistical methodologies included were the independent Chi test, Fisher’s exact test, binary logistic regression and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The estimated prevalence of IRAK4 gene polymorphism found in a Portuguese Caucasian population was 26.8 % (CI 95 %) [20.1, 34.7 %]. A model to predict the inflammatory response in the maxillary sinus in the presence etiological factors of dental origin was constructed. This model had the following as variables: previously diagnosed sinusitis, sinus pressure symptoms, cortical bone loss observed on CT, positive genetic test result and radiographic examination that revealed the roots of the teeth communication with the maxillary sinus, which are interpreted as risk factors. Conclusions The constructed model should be considered an initial clinical tool. The area under the ROC curve found, AUC=0.91, revealed that the model correctly predicts the outcome in 91.1 % of cases. Clinical relevance The clinical relevance of this study lies in trying to achieve a potential tool (a model) that may assist the clinician in the implementation of suitable dental treatment plans in complex cases, with probable involvement of the maxillary sinus.
Prognostic Value of Total Lesion Glycolysis by 18F-FDG PET/CT in Surgically Resected Stage IA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Despite the favorable prognosis of stage IA non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the disease recurs after complete surgical resection in 20%–30% of patients. This study determined the prognostic value of various metabolic parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT in surgically resected stage IA NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 248 patients with stage IA NSCLC who underwent lobectomy and complete lymph node dissection after PET/CT. A region of interest was drawn on the primary lesion, and metabolic indices such as metabolic tumor volume, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured using an SUV cutoff of 2.5. Results: The patients included 134 men and 114 women, and the mean age was 63.03 ± 10.01 y; 129 were stage T1a (≤2 cm) and 119 were T1b (>2 cm). The median follow-up period was 36.6 mo. Recurrence took place in 15 patients. The mean (±SD) SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume, and TLG were 4.55 ± 3.75, 5.92 ± 5.57, and 14.42 ± 17.35, respectively. The cutoffs of SUVmax and TLG were 3.7 and 13.76, respectively. The 5-y overall survival (OS) was 95.1% in low-SUVmax patients and 82.2% in high-SUVmax patients (P = 0.02). The 5-y OS was 93.7% in low-TLG patients and 78.3% in high-TLG patients (P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, TLG was a risk factor for OS (hazard ratio, 3.159; P = 0.040), but SUVmax showed marginal significance (P = 0.064). The concordance index of the TLG model was 0.676 (95% CI, 0.541–0.812). Conclusion: TLG was a significant prognostic factor for OS in patients with stage IA NSCLC.
Discriminant canonical correlation analysis for interactive satellite image change detection

Satellite image change detection consists in defining criteria that localize relevant changes while discard irrelevant ones. This problem is known to be challenging due to several factors including illumination changes, occlusion and also subjectivity of users. In this paper, we introduce a novel change detection algorithm based on relevance feedback and a new variant of canonical correlation analysis (CCA), referred to as discriminant CCA. The contribution of this work includes: i) a relevance feedback method that adapts change detection criteria to content and acquisition conditions of satellite images as well as the user's intention, and ii) a novel discriminant CCA approach that further enhances the performance of relevance feedback by designing accurate and resilient change detection criteria. Conducted change detection experiments show a clear gain of our discriminant CCA approach compared to related methods.
Electrical impedance measurement as an endpoint detection method for routine coagulation tests

Abstract A whole-blood platelet aggregometer is adapted to measure electrical impedance changes in plasma during prothrombin time (PT) estimations. The impedance curve shows an acceleration phase, which is comparable to the absorbance curve acceleration phase associated with the onset of coagulation. The amplitude of the impedance change correlates with the fibrinogen concentration of the plasma. Statistical analysis of PT derived by absorbance and impedance changes shows a significant difference between the two methods but a good correlation. The method is reproducible but laborious and requires attention to technique. Further investigation of the method utilising a more sensitive instrument and redesigned electrodes is indicated. It may also be possible to modify reagent systems to optimise impedance changes.
Role of TGFβ signaling in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); being associated with conspicuous changes on microglia activation. Aged microglia exhibit an increased expression of cytokines, exacerbated reactivity to various stimuli, oxidative stress, and reduced phagocytosis of β-amyloid (Aβ). Whereas normal inflammation is protective, it becomes dysregulated in the presence of a persistent stimulus, or in the context of an inflammatory environment, as observed in aging. Thus, neuroinflammation can be a self-perpetuating deleterious response, becoming a source of additional injury to host cells in neurodegenerative diseases. In aged individuals, although transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is upregulated, its canonical Smad3 signaling is greatly reduced and neuroinflammation persists. This age-related Smad3 impairment reduces protective activation while facilitating cytotoxic activation of microglia through several cellular mechanisms, potentiating microglia-mediated neurodegeneration. Here, we critically discuss the role of TGFβ-Smad signaling on the cytotoxic activation of microglia and its relevance in the pathogenesis of AD. Other protective functions, such as phagocytosis, although observed in aged animals, are not further induced by inflammatory stimuli and TGFβ1. Analysis in silico revealed that increased expression of receptor scavenger receptor (SR)-A, involved in Aβ uptake and cell activation, by microglia exposed to TGFβ, through a Smad3-dependent mechanism could be mediated by transcriptional co-factors Smad2/3 over the MSR1 gene. We discuss that changes of TGFβ-mediated regulation could at least partially mediate age-associated microglia changes, and, together with other changes on inflammatory response, could result in the reduction of protective activation and the potentiation of cytotoxicity of microglia, resulting in the promotion of neurodegenerative diseases.
Clinical efficacy of one-stage anterolateral surgical treatment for lumbosacral spine tuberculosis by bilateral pedicle-screw internal fixation

Objective: To investigate and evaluate the clinical efficacy of one-stage anterolateral surgical treatment for lumbosacral spine tuberculosis by bilateral pedicle-screw internal fixation. Methods: A total of 8 patients with lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis whose lesion location was between L4-5 and L5-S1 and who were admitted and treated in our hospital from October 2014 to December 2015 were selected as the research subjects. After receiving standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment for more than 4 weeks, the patients with lumbosacral spine tuberculosis were treated with the one-stage anterolateral surgery by the bilateral internal fixation. After operation, they also underwent the conventional anti-tuberculosis treatment, then their erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, lumbosacral angles, intervertebral altitude and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were compared and analyzed and the follow-up visits were carried out to observe their surgical results, clinical functions, complications and recurrences until December 2016. Results: The operation was successful for all patients and the follow-up visits were carried out for 12-24 months with an average of 16 months. Compared with the preoperative condition, the ESR and CRP level were decreased significantly one month after operation (all P<0.05), and returned to normal value after the reexamination at postoperative 6 months. Compared with the preoperative condition, the VAS score were improved obviously 6 month after operation (P<0.05), and patients’ persistent low back pain was significantly relieved. In addition, patients’ lumbosacral angles were also improved distinctly at postoperative 6 months (P<0.05). The average intervertebral space height was 10.5 mm 6 months after surgery, whose average altitude brace was 2.6 mm compared with the preoperative, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Moreover, patients’ postoperative bone graft fusion and internal fixation were favorable, all of which achieved satisfying functional recovery results. The average time of bone graft fusion was 7-8 months. And during the follow-up period, there were no complications (such as screw rapture, breakage, and looseness) occurring and no tuberculosis recurrence. Conclusion: The efficacy of one-stage anterolateral surgery by the bilateral internal fixation in the treatment of lumbosacral spine tuberculosis is significant, with advantages of less postoperative complications and lower recurrence rate. Therefore, it is a safe and effective method for treating the lumbosacral spine tuberculosis.
Coronary artery calcification scoring in low-dose ungated CT screening for lung cancer: interscan agreement.

OBJECTIVE In previous studies detection of coronary artery calcification (CAC) with low-dose ungated MDCT performed for lung cancer screening has been compared with detection with cardiac CT. We evaluated the interscan agreement of CAC scores from two consecutive low-dose ungated MDCT examinations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The subjects were 584 participants in the screening segment of a lung cancer screening trial who underwent two low-dose ungated MDCT examinations within 4 months (mean, 3.1 +/- 0.6 months) of a baseline CT examination. Agatston score, volume score, and calcium mass score were measured by two observers. Interscan agreement of stratification of participants into four Agatston score risk categories (0, 1-100, 101-400, > 400) was assessed with kappa values. Interscan variability and 95% repeatability limits were calculated for all three calcium measures and compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS An Agatston score > 0 was detected in 443 baseline CT examinations (75.8%). Interscan agreement of the four risk categories was good (kappa = 0.67). The Agatston scores were in the same risk category in both examinations in 440 cases (75.3%); 578 participants (99.0%) had scores differing a maximum of one category. Furthermore, mean interscan variability ranged from 61% for calcium volume score to 71% for Agatston score (p < 0.01). A limitation of this study was that no comparison of CAC scores between low-dose ungated CT and the reference standard ECG-gated CT was performed. CONCLUSION Cardiovascular disease risk stratification with low-dose ungated MDCT is feasible and has good interscan agreement of stratification of participants into Agatston score risk categories. High mean interscan variability precludes the use of this technique for monitoring CAC scores for individual patients.
Impact of a Designed Head Trauma Nursing Management Protocol on Critical Care Nurses' Knowledge and Practices at Emergency Hospital Mansoura University

Background: Literature review cited that, Traumatic head injury (THI) is one of the major causes of disability, death and health related costs. The primary goal of nursing management in traumatic head injury is to maintain adequate cerebral tissue perfusion. Nursing and medical management are overlapped, with the special focus on nurses' knowledge and practices. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are responsible for the continuous monitoring and maintenance of physiological, psychosocial, injury prevention, and therapeutic environment values associated with THI. Thereby, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a designed head trauma nursing management protocol on critical care nurses' knowledge and practices at Emergency University Hospital. Material and methods a quasi experimental (pre/post-test design) research design was utilized. The study was conducted on convenience sample of 50 nurses who provide direct care for traumatic head injury patients at ICUs at Emergency Hospital Mansoura University. Data were obtained using two main tools; head trauma care knowledge assessment questionnaire with the socio-demographic data sheet, and head trauma care practice observational checklists. The instructional protocol was designed based on an extensive revision of the related, recent literature. The protocol was delivered throughout ten weeks. Each week involved three sessions. Every session lasts about forty to sixty minutes. Nurses were divided into 10 groups, 5 nurses each. Results revealed that the mean knowledge and practice scores of nurses are increased immediately after implementation of the protocol with a significant statistical difference. This increased level slightly decreased following two months of protocol implementation. Also, a positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores of the study subjects. Therefore, the two stated research hypothesis were supported Conclusion intensive care unit nurses were lacking some knowledge and practices regarding head trauma management. The simple educational handout, demontrations and the designed protocol showed a positive impact in improving nurse's knowledge and practices. The study recommended that establishing a written updated head trauma nursing management protocol to ensure enough knowledge and safe nursing practice. Moreover, Periodical evaluation should be conducted by the nurse educator to ensure that the standards of knowledge & practices regarding head trauma nursing management are maintained. (Amina M. A. Seliman; Warda Y.M. Morsy; Mohamed A. A. Sultan; Karima F.S. Elshamy; and Hanaa H.E Ahmed. Impact of a Designed Head Trauma Nursing Management Protocol on Critical Care Nurses' Knowledge and Practices at Emergency Hospital Mansoura University. J Am Sci 2014;10(12s):13-25). (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org . 2
Disappointing Facts about the Black-White Wage Gap

More than half a century since the Civil Rights Act became law, U.S. workers continue to experience different levels of success depending on their race. Analysis using microdata on earnings shows that black men and women earn persistently lower wages compared with their white counterparts and that these gaps cannot be fully explained by differences in age, education, job type, or location. Especially troubling is the growing unexplained portion of the divergence in earnings for blacks relative to whites.