Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of iron supplementation on growth, gut microbiota, metabolomics and cognitive development of rat pups

Background Iron deficiency is common during infancy and therefore iron supplementation is recommended. Recent reports suggest that iron supplementation in already iron replete infants may adversely affect growth, cognitive development, and morbidity. Methods Normal and growth restricted rat pups were given iron daily (30 or 150 μg/d) from birth to postnatal day (PD) 20, and followed to PD56. At PD20, hematology, tissue iron, and the hepatic metabolome were measured. The plasma metabolome and colonic microbial ecology were assessed at PD20 and PD56. T-maze (PD35) and passive avoidance (PD40) tests were used to evaluate cognitive development. Results Iron supplementation increased iron status in a dose-dependent manner in both groups, but no significant effect of iron on growth was observed. Passive avoidance was significantly lower only in normal rats given high iron compared with controls. In plasma and liver of normal and growth-restricted rats, excess iron increased 3-hydroxybutyrate and decreased several amino acids, urea and myo-inositol. While a profound difference in gut microbiota of normal and growth-restricted rats was observed, with iron supplementation differences in the abundance of strict anaerobes were observed. Conclusion Excess iron adversely affects cognitive development, which may be a consequence of altered metabolism and/or shifts in gut microbiota.
Evaluating the use of a general-purpose benchmark suite for domain-specific SMT-solving

Benchmark suites are an important resource in validating performance requirements for software. However, generalpurpose suites may be unsuitable for domain-specific purposes, and may provide an incorrect indication of the software performance. This paper uses SMT-solvers (Satisfiability Modulo Theories) as a case-study. Taking deductive software verification as a specific application domain for SMT-solvers, we present an approach to quantifying the difference between generalpurpose and domain-specific benchmark suites. We show that workload-based clustering of benchmark programs increases the specificity of features tested by the suite compared to the inherent hierarchy of a general-purpose suite.
Allied healthcare undergraduate education: international students at the clinical interface

The global movement of students in higher education is a relatively recent phenomenon, which has gained momentum in the last 30 years. Much research has been focused on the experiences of this population. Relatively little is known about international allied healthcare students who undertake clinical placements as part of their undergraduate course. This study explores students’ perceptions of their clinical experience. The chosen focus group method was prefaced by a pilot study; both were conducted within the allied healthcare school of a university in the UK. Four themes emerged from the study: communication, cultural differences, relationships with professionals and survival strategies. Communication referred to both the interaction with and between the students, their patients and fellow members of the multidisciplinary team. Cultural differences were expressed in the negotiation of differing cultures at the patient interface. A third theme was the students’ relationship with clinical professionals; within this, the relationship with the student’s clinical educator was paramount. Finally, survival strategies represented the advice students wished to impart to future international students to facilitate their clinical placement abroad.
The Basal Thermal Sensitivity of the TRPV1 Ion Channel Is Determined by PKCβII

Peripheral nociceptors are excited by the activation of membrane receptors and ion channels. The heat-sensitive TRPV1 ion channel responds to various noxious chemical and thermal stimuli, causing pain and itch. Here, we show that TRPV1 is coexpressed with PKCβII in a subset of mouse sensory neurons and that, in these neurons, TRPV1 binds directly to PKCβII, leading to the activation and translocation of PKCβII. Activated PKCβII, in turn, significantly increases the responsiveness of TRPV1 by phosphorylating Thr705. The heat sensitivity of TRPV1 is almost eliminated by either knocking down PKCβII or mutating Thr705; however, neither of these manipulations affects the potentiation of TRPV1 caused by the activation of PKCε. PKCβII thus acts as an auxiliary subunit of TRPV1 by forming a population-dependent TRPV1 ion channel complex controlling the sensitivity of TRPV1 and setting the threshold for pain and itch.
Absence of cross-reactivity between sulfonamide antibiotics and sulfonamide nonantibiotics.

BACKGROUND The safety of sulfonamide nonantibiotics is unclear in patients with prior allergic reactions to sulfonamide antibiotics. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the General Practice Research Database in the United Kingdom, examining the risk of allergic reactions within 30 days after the receipt of a sulfonamide nonantibiotic. Patients with evidence of prior hypersensitivity after the receipt of a sulfonamide antibiotic were compared with those without such evidence. Similar analyses were also performed with the use of penicillins instead of sulfonamides, to determine whether any risk was specific to sulfonamide cross-reactivity. RESULTS Of 969 patients with an allergic reaction after a sulfonamide antibiotic, 96 (9.9 percent) had an allergic reaction after subsequently receiving a sulfonamide nonantibiotic. Of 19,257 who had no allergic reaction after a sulfonamide antibiotic, 315 (1.6 percent) had an allergic reaction after receiving a sulfonamide nonantibiotic (adjusted odds ratio, 2.8; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.1 to 3.7). However, the risk of allergic reactions was even greater after the receipt of a penicillin among patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to a sulfonamide antibiotic, as compared with patients with no such history (adjusted odds ratio, 3.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 3.5 to 4.3). Furthermore, among those with a prior hypersensitivity reaction after the receipt of a sulfonamide antibiotic, the risk of an allergic reaction after the subsequent receipt of a sulfonamide nonantibiotic was lower than the risk of an allergic reaction after the subsequent receipt of a penicillin (adjusted odds ratio, 0.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.5 to 0.9). Finally, the risk of an allergic reaction after the receipt of a sulfonamide nonantibiotic was lower among patients with a history of hypersensitivity to sulfonamide antibiotics than among patients with a history of hypersensitivity to penicillins (adjusted odds ratio, 0.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.5 to 0.8). CONCLUSIONS There is an association between hypersensitivity after the receipt of sulfonamide antibiotics and a subsequent allergic reaction after the receipt of a sulfonamide nonantibiotic, but this association appears to be due to a predisposition to allergic reactions rather than to cross-reactivity with sulfonamide-based drugs.
The influence of age, sex, and race on the incidence of esophageal cancer in the United States (1992–2006)

Abstract Background. There is a striking male predominance in esophageal cancer patients. Sex hormones have been suggested as a contributing factor and these are influenced by age and race. In this study, we examined the male-to-female incidence rate ratios of esophageal cancer in the United States. Methods. We used data from 13 registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to calculate male-to-female incidence rate ratios of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) diagnosed during 1992–2006 in different age and race groups. Results. For EA, all races had similar sex and age-specific incidence patterns showing a peak in the male-to-female incidence rate ratio in the age group 50–59, and an age-related decline thereafter. The highest male-to-female ratio was seen in Hispanics (20.5) and the lowest in Blacks (7.0) compared with 10.8 in Whites. By contrast, the male-to-female incidence rate ratios were low and fairly stable throughout the different age groups in ESCC. Conclusion. The male-to-female incidence rate ratios in esophageal cancer vary considerably according to histology, age, and race. The highest sex ratios were seen in EA in the age group 50–59, rendering plausibility to the hypothesis that female sex hormone exposure may play a protective role in the development of this cancer.
Effect of chronic and acute administration of fluoxetine and its additive effect with morphine on the behavioural response in the formalin test in rats

Serotonergic systems are involved in the central regulation of nociceptive sensitivity. Fluoxetine, a selective inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT), was administered orally (0.16, 0.32, 0.8 mg kg−1 daily for 7 days), intraperitoneally (0.04, 0.08, 0.16 mg kg−1 day−1 for 7 days and a single dose of 0.32 mg kg−1) and intracerebroventricularly(10 μg/rat) to rats and nociceptive sensitivity was evaluated using the formalin test (50 μL of 2.5% formalin injected subcutaneously). The effect of fluoxetine was also studied in the presence of 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine creatinine sulfate (5,7‐DHT) and after co‐administration with morphine. Oral (0.8 mg kg−1), intraperitoneal (0.16 and 0.32 mg kg−1) and intracerebroventricular (10 μg/rat) fluoxetine induced antinociception in the late phase of the formalin test. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of 5‐HT (100 μg/rat) induced an analgesic effect. The analgesic effect of fluoxetine (0.16 and 0.32 mg kg−1, i.p.) and 5‐HT (100 μg/rat, i.t.) was abolished by pre‐treatment with 5,7‐DHT (100 μg/rat, i.t.). In addition, the analgesic effect of 5‐HT (100 μg/rat, i.t.) was decreased by pre‐treatment with naloxone(2 mg kg−1, i.p.). Morphine (5 mg kg−1, i.p.) induced analgesia that was increased by fluoxetine (0.32 mg kg−1, i.p.). These results suggest that fluoxetine has an antinociceptive effect in tonic inflammatory pain through functional alteration of the serotonergic system and also potentiates the analgesic effect of morphine.
Impact of viral load and the duration of primary infection on HIV transmission: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives:HIV ‘treatment as prevention’ (TasP) describes early treatment of HIV-infected patients intended to reduce viral load and transmission. Crucial assumptions for estimating TasP's effectiveness are the underlying estimates of transmission risk. We aimed to determine transmission risk during primary infection, and describe the relation of HIV transmission risk to viral load. Design:A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods:We searched PubMed and Embase databases for studies that established a relationship between viral load and transmission risk, or primary infection and transmission risk, in serodiscordant couples. We analysed assumptions about the relationship between viral load and transmission risk, and between duration of primary infection and transmission risk. Results:We found 36 eligible articles, based on six different study populations. Studies consistently found that higher viral loads lead to higher HIV transmission rates, but assumptions about the shape of this increase varied from exponential increase to saturation. The assumed duration of primary infection ranged from 1.5 to 12 months; for each additional month, the log10 transmission rate ratio between primary and asymptomatic infection decreased by 0.40. Conclusion:Assumptions and estimates of the relationship between viral load and transmission risk, and the relationship between primary infection and transmission risk, vary substantially and predictions of TasP's effectiveness should take this uncertainty into account.
Pretty as a website: examining aesthetics on nonsurgical cosmetic procedure websites

Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures have increased 356 per cent from 1997 to 2011 (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 2011) and are now one of the fastest growing medical specialties in the US. Although these procedures may seem deceptively simple, they harbor serious potential for health complications. Yet, even though the majority of patients report turning to media, particularly websites, as a significant source of procedure information, little scholarly research has been devoted to nonsurgical cosmetic procedure marketing. Because these websites sell beauty, the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) suggests that aesthetics may play a crucial role in swaying potential patients. Sampling from the top 10 cities for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, this study conducted a content analysis of 285 nonsurgical cosmetic procedure (NCP) websites to examine their use of aesthetics on the homepage and the top five procedure pages (Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels). Findings revealed the popularity of graphic elements (particularly a variety of logos), photographs (especially of people), cool and neutral colors and sans serif typefaces. The results also indicated that NCP websites vary their aesthetics based on the page type, with homepages displaying significantly more photos than individual procedure pages. Interestingly, differences were also found based on city ranking. NCP websites from cities ranked 1–5 used more dynamic visuals, logos, cool colors and people photographs, while websites from cities ranked 6–10 used more procedure photographs and warm colors. These findings may indicate the amount of local competition could influence NCP website aesthetics.
Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Diabetic Patients at Mekelle City, North Ethiopia

Background: Coexistence of mental health problems on diabetes mellitus can result in poor management of the illness, poor adherence to treatment, and low quality of life. Therefore, it is highly crucial to assess these problems; thus we carried out this study with the aim of determining the prevalence of depression and identifying related factors among diabetic patients at city of Mekelle, North Ethiopia. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed among 264 diabetic patients, and participants were selected through systematic random sampling technique. We used local language versions of Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Morisky 8 Item Medication Adherence Scale to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and medication adherence, respectively. Socio-demographic and clinical factors were also assessed. We accomplish data entry, cleaning, and analysis through Statistical Package for Social Sciences window 20; also the level of significance was determined using adjusted odds ratio (OR). Results: The prevalence of depression among diabetic patients is 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [12.9%, 21.6%]). In addition, 28% and 18.2% has low medication adherence and comorbid anxiety, respectively. We identify anxiety disorder (AOR = 10.52, 95% CI: [4.56, 24.28]), poor medication adherence (AOR = 4.38, 95%CI: [1.98, 9.64]), and coexistence of other physical illness (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: [1.11, 8.34]) as risk factors for depression. Conclusions: Depression is a common mental health problem among diabetic patients which is related to poor treatment adherence coexistence of other physical illness and anxiety disorder. This emphasizes to formulate a mechanism for early detection and appropriate intervention.
Teaching inclusive religious education impartially: an English perspective

The article draws on experience of teaching, teacher education and qualitative research related to an impartial approach to inclusive religious education (including pupils from families who identify with or do not identify with religion or belief groups), in publicly funded schools in England. Such religious education is considered to be intrinsically worthwhile and instrumentally important in contributing to pupils’ personal and social development. The approach considered is hermeneutical, bringing reliable information into relationship with knowledge and experience of pupils and teacher through active learning, including dialogue. Qualitative research on student and early career teachers suggests that appropriate skills and attitudes supporting an impartial approach can be developed, facilitating a relationship of trust between teacher and students. A condition is the development of teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the stances of pupils in their classes. However, some student teachers or teachers with very firmly held views find it very difficult to adopt an impartial approach. On the basis of examples from qualitative research, it is argued that good quality teacher education can assist in developing appropriate skills and attitudes for those wishing to take an impartial approach. Further research, ideally involving partnership between researchers and practitioners, is recommended.
Platelet response to corneal abrasion is necessary for acute inflammation and efficient re-epithelialization.

PURPOSE Adhesion molecules play a critical role in leukocyte emigration to wound sites, but differences are evident in different vascular beds. In this study, the contributions of P-selectin to neutrophil emigration into the cornea after central epithelial abrasion were investigated. METHODS Re-epithelialization, neutrophil influx, and platelet accumulation were assessed in C57BL/6 mice after removal of a 2-mm diameter area of central corneal epithelium that did not directly injure the limbal vessels or the avascular stroma of the cornea. Comparisons were made between wild-type (WT) mice and mice with targeted deletions of genes for P-selectin, CD18, or CD54, or mice with antibody-induced neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. RESULTS After central corneal epithelial abrasion, platelets localized in the limbal vessels and neutrophils emigrated from the limbal vessels to the region of the epithelial wound. There was temporal correspondence of platelet and neutrophil localization, peaking within 12 hours of wounding. Platelet accumulation, neutrophil emigration and corneal epithelial healing as measured by wound closure, basal epithelial cell density, and epithelial cell division were significantly reduced in P-selectin-deficient mice (P-sel(-/-)). Anti-GP1balpha antibody-induced thrombocytopenia in WT mice significantly reduced platelet and neutrophil accumulation and wound healing. Passive transfer of wild-type platelets into P-sel(-/-) mice significantly restored platelet localization in limbal vessels, neutrophil emigration, epithelial cell division, and epithelial cell migration into the abraded region of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS Platelet localization in the limbus of abraded corneas contributes to re-epithelialization, and P-selectin provides a necessary step in this process.
Social perception in children born at very low birthweight and its relationship with social/behavioral outcomes

Background Research has shown that children born very prematurely are at substantially elevated risk for social and behavioral difficulties similar to those seen in full-term children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Methods To gain insight into core deficits that may underlie these difficulties, in this study, we assessed the social perceptual skills of 8- to 11-year-old children born at very low birthweight (VLBW) (<1,500 g) and age-matched, full-term controls, using the Child and Adolescent Social Perception Measure. We also assessed social and behavioral outcomes with two parent-report measures used in ASD screening. Results Children in the preterm group had normal range estimated verbal IQ. However, we found that they were impaired in their ability to use nonverbal cues from moving faces and bodies, and situational cues, to correctly identify the emotions of characters depicted in videotaped social interactions. Their performance on this task was related to the number of ‘autistic-like’ traits they displayed. Conclusions This research highlights links between social perceptual deficits and poor social and behavioral outcomes in children born very prematurely. The results also suggest that even those who have escaped major intellectual/language problems are at risk for social and behavioral problems that can be of clinical concern.
Photoluminescence Excitation Spectroscopy of Diffused Layers on Crystalline Silicon Wafers

Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectroscopy is applied to observe the evolution of the luminescence spectra from dopant-diffused crystalline silicon wafers with varying excitation wavelength. Utilizing the micrometer-scale spatial resolution achievable with confocal optics in a micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy system, along with the well-resolved luminescence peaks at cryogenic temperatures from various defects and structures in a single-silicon substrate, we are able to examine the doping densities and junction depths of various boron-diffused wafers, as well as the distribution of defects induced underneath the wafer surface by the post-diffusion thermal treatment. Our conclusions are validated by photoluminescence scans and transmission electron microscopy applied to vertical cross sections, which confirm the presence of dislocations below the diffused regions.
Terminal innervation of female genitalia, cutaneous sensory receptors of the epithelium of the labia minora

Little information is available regarding the sensory nerve endings within the glabrous skin of the external female genitalia. The diversity of possible sensations suggests a variety of receptor types. Comprehensive knowledge of the sensory stimuli, including stimulus position, changes in temperature, pressure and pain, is critical for addressing pain and sexual function disorders clinically. The aim of this neuro‐histological study is document the presence and characteristics of cutaneous sensory receptors in female genital tissue.
Optimizing the Input Covariance for MIMO Channels

A multivariate Gaussian input density achieves capacity for multiple-input multiple-output flat fading channels with additive white Gaussian noise and perfect receiver channel state information. Capacity computation for these channels reduces to the problem of finding the best input covariance matrix, and is in general a convex semi-definite program. This paper presents Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions for this problem, and iterative algorithms for determination of the optimal covariance matrix. For channels with a separable covariance structure, the optimal eigenvectors are known, and only the eigenvalues need to be determined. In the completely general case, both the eigenvectors and the eigenvalues must be found by numerical solutions. Large systems asymptotics are also considered.