Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians ‘Abiy Tsom’ (Lent fasting) on Metabolic Syndrome Indices and Serum Electrolytes

Article type: Research Paper Introduction: Fasting, the voluntary abstention from all restricted foods, is a feature of many religions, and the putative health benefits have attracted both scientific and popular interest. There is no clear understanding that religious fasting has great effects on metabolic syndrome. There is little data available that provides information concerning Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fasting influence on metabolic syndrome indices and serum electrolytes to date. To determine the effect of ‘Abiy tsom’ (lent fasting) of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians on metabolic syndrome indices and serum electrolytes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: 88 Study subjects were included conveniently who were followers of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity faith and fasting “lent” and longitudinal cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected twice, the first during last week of the fasting months and the second during the last week of two months’ time after returning to usual diet. The data and sample were collected, analyzed, interpreted and was displayed by using descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: Our study found that Ethiopian Orthodox lent fasting had clear and significant effects on Anthropometric measurements, systolic blood pressure, lipid profiles, and Urea. It was also found that this fasting decreased the levels of Calcium and Chloride ions while Serum sodium and potassium were influenced insignificantly. Conclusion: Ethiopian Orthodox Christians lent fasting is beneficial for weight loss and fighting metabolic syndrome. Article History: Received: 16 Oct 2018 Accepted: 03 Dec 2018 Published: 26 Dec 2018
Dependence of avalanche breakdown on surface & buffer traps in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

For the very first time, influence of traps on avalanche breakdown of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is discussed. Impact of surface and bulk traps on breakdown voltage and device scaling is discussed with associated physics. Surface trap's were found to cause distinct breakdown characteristics with breakdown point varying from gate edge to drain edge, depending on nature, type and concentration. Buffer traps too influence the electric field near gate edge and leakage through the device, thereby affecting breakdown voltage accordingly.
Serum lycopene decreases the risk of stroke in men

Objective: Intake of fruits and vegetables and levels of serum carotenoids have been associated with decreased risk of stroke, but the results have been inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to examine whether serum concentrations of major carotenoids, α-tocopherol and retinol, are related to any stroke and ischemic stroke in men. Methods: The study population consisted of 1,031 Finnish men aged 46−65 years in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor cohort. Serum concentrations of carotenoids retinol and α-tocopherol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The association between the serum concentrations of lycopene α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and retinol and the risk of strokes was studied by using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A total of 67 strokes occurred, and 50 of these were ischemic strokes during a median of 12.1 follow-up years. After adjustment for age, examination year, BMI, systolic blood pressure, smoking, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes, and history of stroke, men in the highest quartile of serum lycopene concentrations had 59% and 55% lower risks of ischemic stroke and any stroke, compared with men in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25−0.95, p = 0.036 for any stroke and HR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.17−0.97, p = 0.042 for ischemic stroke). α-Carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and retinol were not related to the risk of strokes. Conclusions: This prospective study shows that high serum concentrations of lycopene, as a marker of intake of tomatoes and tomato-based products, decrease the risk of any stroke and ischemic stroke in men.
Integrated Micro-Optics for Microfluidic Detection

A method of embedding micro-optics into a microfluidic device was proposed and demonstrated. First, the usefulness of embedded right-angle prisms was demonstrated in microscope observation. Lateral-view microscopic observation of an aqueous dye flow in a 100-μm-sized microchannel was demonstrated. Then, the embedded right-angle prisms were utilized for multi-beam laser spectroscopy. Here, crossed-beam thermal lens detection of a liquid sample was applied to glucose detection.
Maternal serum angiopoietin‐2 at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

In women with preeclampsia (PE), the serum concentration of the growth factor angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) is significantly lower than in unaffected controls. The objective of this study is to determine if the decrease in serum Ang‐2 is evident from the first trimester of pregnancy before the clinical onset of PE.
The Nature of the Interior of Uranus Based on Studies of Planetary Ices at High Dynamic Pressure

Data from the Voyager II spacecraft showed that Uranus has a large magnetic field with geometry similar to an offset tilted dipole. To interpret the origin of the magnetic field, measurements were made of electrical conductivity and equation-of-state data of the planetary "ices" ammonia, methane, and "synthetic Uranus" at shock pressures and temperatures up to 75 gigapascals and 5000 K. These pressures and temperatures correspond to conditions at the depths at which the surface magnetic field is generated. Above 40 gigapascals the conductivities of synthetic Uranus, water, and ammonia plateau at about 20(ohm-cm)-1, providing an upper limit for the electrical conductivity used in kinematic or dynamo calculations. The nature of materials at the extreme conditions in the interior is discussed.
Immediate force loss after eccentric contractions is increased with l‐name administration, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor

Nitric oxide (NO) signaling regulates many biological processes in skeletal muscle, wherein aberrant signaling contributes to myopathic conditions (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy). NO has been shown to play a role in muscle regeneration after injury. However, less is known about its role during injury. In this study we aimed to determine whether NO synthase (NOS) inhibition exacerbates functional deficits immediately after the performance of eccentric contractions.
Clinical interest of autoantibodies directed against citrullinated peptides in Indian patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatology Department, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France Correspondence: Dr Vincent Goëb Service de Rhumatologie, CHU-Hôpitaux de Rouen, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France. E-mail: goebvince@yahoo.fr An early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is crucial in order to begin the most appropriate and effective therapies to prevent deÞ nitive structural damage and obtain a sustained remission of the disease.
Regulation of Neuronal Differentiation in Human CNS Stem Cell Progeny by Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

The generation of diverse types of neural cells during development occurs through the progressive restriction of the fate potential of neuroepithelial progenitor cells. This process is controlled by factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the cell. While the effect of extrinsic cues on multipotent stem cells of the murine central nervous system (CNS) is becoming clearer, little is known of neural stem cells of human origin. We sought to establish the roles played by two cytokines, leukemia inhibitory (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and by nerve growth factor (NGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in regulating neuronal and astroglial differentiation in cultured embryonic diencephalic human stem cells. While NGF did not influence either neuronal or glial formation, PDGF surprisingly decreased the percentage of stem cell-generated neurons, an effect opposite to that observed in murine progenitors. Furthermore, while we confirmed the known ability of LIF and CNTF to support astroglial differentiation, we also observed that, in contrast with their murine counterparts, the fraction of CNS stem cell-generated neurons in human cultures was enhanced twofold in the presence of both cytokines. These findings highlight important differences between humans and rodents in regard to the way epigenetic cues regulate the function of neural stem cells.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Poly(hexamethylene-urethane) and PEG-Poly(hexamethylene-urethane) and Their Cholesteryl Oleyl Carbonate Composites for Human Blood Biocompatibility

Two new urethane-based acrylates (UAA and PEG-UAA) were synthesized as polymer blocks. The chemical composition of the two monomers was confirmed by IR and NMR. After cross-linking these blockers by radical polymerization, “hexamethylene PU” [poly(hexamethylene-urethane)] and “PEG-hexamethylene PU” [PEG-poly(hexa-methylene-urethane)] were obtained. The platelet adhesion and platelet activation of these polymers were evaluated in the presence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) blood. The relative blood clotting indexes of the polymers were determined to measure their capability of reducing thrombogenicity. The hemolysis of red blood cells was also assessed to examine the haemocompatibility of the polymers. The hexamethylene PU and PEG-hexamethylene PU showed less platelet adhesion, platelet activation, blood clotting and hemolysis than a commercial PU (Tecoflex). The liquid crystal molecule, cholesteryl oleyl carbonate (COC), showed further improved biocompatibility to human blood, after COC was embedded in the PU polymers. PEG-hexamethylene PU + 10% COC demonstrated the best activity in reducing thrombogenicity and the best haemocompatibility. The inclusion of PEG segments into the PEG-UAA structure increased its hydrophilicity. The methylene bis(cyclohexyl) segments in Tecoflex PU decreased haemocompatibility. These observations are in good agreement with performed contact angle measurements. The PEG-hexamethylene PU loaded with COC might be a promising material for applications in bioengineering.
Association between gender and marital status and confidence in remaining abstinent among alcohol abusers in treatment.

AIMS To assess the importance of gender and marital status on self-efficacy expectancies of alcohol abusers in treatment. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Cross-sectional study with a group of alcohol abusers in treatment (n = 259, 56 women) at the Bergen Clinics Foundation, Norway. MEASUREMENTS The Situational Confidence Questionnaire was applied for the self-efficacy assessment. FINDINGS Self-reports of significant life problems were associated with low self-efficacy expectancies. Controlling for this, female abusers scored significantly higher than their male counterparts on risk of relapse in "positive emotional state" and "pleasant emotional states with others". CONCLUSIONS Situations perceived as being at high risk for relapse were associated with gender and significant life problems. The findings have implications for a more differentiated approach in the relapse prevention treatment programmes.
An extensive thermodynamic characterization of the dimerization domain of the HIV‐1 capsid protein

The type 1 human immunodeficiency virus presents a conical capsid formed by several hundred units of the capsid protein, CA. Homodimerization of CA occurs via its C‐terminal domain, CA‐C. This self‐association process, which is thought to be pH‐dependent, seems to constitute a key step in virus assembly. CA‐C isolated in solution is able to dimerize. An extensive thermodynamic characterization of the dimeric and monomeric species of CA‐C at different pHs has been carried out by using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), absorbance, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Thermal and chemical denaturation allowed the determination of the thermodynamic parameters describing the unfolding of both CA‐C species. Three reversible thermal transitions were observed, depending on the technique employed. The first one was protein concentration‐dependent; it was observed by FTIR and NMR, and consisted of a broad transition occurring between 290 and 315 K; this transition involves dimer dissociation. The second transition (Tm ∼ 325 K) was observed by ANS‐binding experiments, fluorescence anisotropy, and near‐UV CD; it involves partial unfolding of the monomeric species. Finally, absorbance, far‐UV CD, and NMR revealed a third transition occurring at Tm ∼ 333 K, which involves global unfolding of the monomeric species. Thus, dimer dissociation and monomer unfolding were not coupled. At low pH, CA‐C underwent a conformational transition, leading to a species displaying ANS binding, a low CD signal, a red‐shifted fluorescence spectrum, and a change in compactness. These features are characteristic of molten globule‐like conformations, and they resemble the properties of the second species observed in thermal unfolding.
A VITAMIN K ANTAGONIST RAPIDLY REVERSES A BLUE TOE SYNDROME IN A PATIENT WITH LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT AND ANTIPROTHROMBIN ANTIBODIES

Abstract A 30-year old male was admitted to the hospital with extremely painful blueish discoloration of his toes. After clinical and laboratory evaluation the diagnosis of a blue toe syndrome due to primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was made. Complete resolution of the blue toe syndrome occurred within 72 hours following 9 mg phenprocoumon. APS consists of the association of lupus anticoagulant or antiphospholipid antibodies with arterial or venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and spontaneous abortion. The exact pathways leading to thrombosis are still unknown. Our group has previously proposed that membrane-associated immune complexes contribute towards clinical symptoms in the antiphospholipid syndrome. The case presented strengthens that concept.
The ambiguity of altruism in nursing: A qualitative study

Background: For a long time, altruism was the basis for caring. Today, when society is more individualized, it is of interest to explore the meaning of altruism in nursing. Methods: In all, 13 nurses from a Swedish acute care setting participated in two focus group interviews performed as Socratic dialogues. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutical method. Ethical considerations: Ethical issues were considered throughout the process according to established ethical principles. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, confidentiality regarding the data was guaranteed and quotations anonymized. Findings: Altruism created a sense of ambivalence and ambiguity, described as a rise of sovereign expressions of life caused by “the other’s” need, but also unwillingness to take unconditional responsibility for “the other. ” Conclusion: Society’s expectations of altruism and nurses’ perception of their work as a salaried job collide in modern healthcare. Nurses are not willing to fully respond to the ethical demand of the patients. In case of a disaster, when nurses personal safety, life and health may be at risk, there might be reasons to question whether the healthcare organization would be able to fulfill its obligations of providing healthcare to an entire population.
The Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Proteinuria and Markers of Tubular Injury in Non-Diabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and/or angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor antagonists (ARB) constitutes a strategy in the management of patients with chronic kidney disease. There is still no optimal therapy which can stop the progression of chronic kidney disease. Antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been reported as a promising strategy in this field. Methods: In a placebo-controlled, randomized, open, 2-period cross-over study, we evaluated the influence of NAC (1,200 mg/day) added to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade on proteinuria and surrogate markers of tubular injury and renal fibrosis in 20 non-diabetic patients with proteinuria (0.4–6.36 g/24 h) with normal or decreased kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate 61–163 ml/min). Subjects entered the 8-week run-in period during which the therapy using ACEI and/or ARB was established with blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. Next, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment sequences: NAC/washout/placebo or placebo/washout/NAC. Clinical evaluation and laboratory tests were performed at the randomization point and after each period of the study. Results: No significant changes in laboratory tests were observed. Conclusion: NAC had no effect on proteinuria, surrogate markers of tubular injury or renal fibrosis in non-diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease.
The Effect of a Flipping Classroom on Writing Skill in English as a Foreign Language and Students＇ Attitude Towards Flipping

This study aimed at investigating the effect of a flipping classroom on writing skill in English as a foreign language and students’ attitude towards flipping. The study sample consisted of 60 students at Qassim University and was divided into two groups: 30 students for the experimental group and 30 students for the control group. The instruments of the study are an EFL writing test and a questionnaire to measure students’ attitude towards flipping. Students in both the experimental and the control group were pre-tested using the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) writing test. Then, the questionnaire was pre applied for the experimental group only before the experiment. After that the experimental group was taught using flipping while the control group was taught using the traditional method. Finally, students in both groups were post-tested using the EFL writing test while the questionnaire was post applied for the experimental group only. Results of the study showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the post-test of EFL writing. Second, there was statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the pre and post application of the questionnaire of the experimental group in favor of the post application. This difference can be attributed to using flipping.
Patterns of Work and Retirement Among Pediatricians Aged ≥50 Years

OBJECTIVE: This study examined patterns of work and retirement among older pediatricians, including the determinants of part-time work and retirement, as well as extended participation in the pediatrician workforce. METHODS: A mail survey regarding recent and expected workforce participation was distributed to American Academy of Pediatrics members who were aged ≥50 years. A total of 1158 (72%) responded, 1114 (70%) of whom were included in these analyses. Analyses examined levels of engagement in medicine, retirement plans, and differences between men and women and primary care pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. RESULTS: Providing or planning to provide patient care past age 65 was reported by 45% of the respondents. Engaging in part-time work was increasingly more common with age and may represent a step toward retirement for many. In this sample, women were more likely to work part-time (32% vs 18% of men) and less likely to work past age 65 (26% vs 57% of men). When compared with primary care pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists worked more hours per week (59 vs 53) but spent a smaller percentage of their time on patient care (63% vs 82%). CONCLUSIONS: Part-time work and reduced work hours in anticipation of retirement are options that are used and desired by older pediatricians. Results of this study suggest that making provisions for gradual reduction in work hours or other forms of phasing out of the workforce could benefit the practice of pediatrics by extending the career length of the most experienced pediatricians.
Favourable response to therapy with the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab in primary chronic cold agglutinin disease

The ‘primary’ form of chronic cold agglutinin disease is a clonal B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder that is notoriously difficult to treat with drugs, including corticosteroids, alkylating agents, alpha‐interferon and purine analogues. We performed a small, open, uncontrolled, prospective study to evaluate the effect of therapy with the monoclonal anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab. Six patients with clonal CD20+κ+ B‐cell proliferation received seven courses of rituximab 375 mg/m2, d 1, 8, 15, and 22. One patient achieved a complete response. Four partial responses were observed, including a response to re‐treatment in one patient. Two patients were categorized as non‐responders. Haemoglobin levels increased by a median of 4·1 g/dl in the total group and 4·7 g/dl in the responders, who also experienced a substantial improvement of clinical symptoms. The treatment was well tolerated. We discuss the effect of rituximab therapy compared with other treatment options, and try to explain why two individual patients did not respond. Despite the small numbers, the results are very encouraging. Further studies of rituximab therapy for chronic cold agglutinin disease are warranted.
A New Low-Light Image Enhancement Algorithm Using Camera Response Model

Low-light images are not conducive to human observation and computer vision algorithms due to their low visibility. To solve this problem, many image enhancement techniques have been proposed. However, existing techniques inevitably introduce color and lightness distortion when increasing visibility. To lower the distortion, we propose a novel enhancement method using the response characteristics of cameras. First, we investigate the relationship between two images with different exposures to obtain an accurate camera response model. Then we borrow the illumination estimation techniques to estimate the exposure ratio map. Finally, we use our camera response model to adjust each pixel to its desired exposure according to the estimated exposure ratio map. Experiments show that our method can obtain enhancement results with less color and lightness distortion compared to several state-of-the-art methods.
Comparison of xylazine, lidocaine and the two drugs combined for modified dorsolumbar epidural anaesthesia in cattle

Twenty-four Holstein cattle scheduled for flank surgery in a standing position were randomly assigned to four groups of six. A 16 G, 120 mm Tuohy needle was inserted into the first interlumbar epidural space and its position was confirmed by the hanging drop technique. After air had been allowed to enter freely for approximately one minute, the epidural needle was slowly inserted 7 to 10 mm deeper to penetrate the epidural fat, and anaesthetic solution containing either 0˙05 mg/kg bodyweight xylazine hydrochloride (xylazine), 0˙025 mg/kg xylazine, 0˙025 mg/kg xylazine and 0˙1 mg/kg lidocaine hydrochloride (lidocaine), or 0˙2 mg/kg lidocaine alone was administered. Signs of sedation were observed in the three groups treated with xylazine and the number of spinal segments involved in the area of analgesia when the anaesthetic contained xylazine was significantly greater than with 0˙2 mg/kg lidocaine alone (P<0˙01). After the treatment with 0˙025 mg/kg xylazine and 0˙1 mg/kg lidocaine, flank surgery was performed successfully without additional line block or side effects.