Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexual Maturation and Psychiatric Morbidity among Persons with Sickle Cell Anaemia in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA), an inherited HbSS disease, is common in Nigeria with attendant high morbidity and mortality most especially in the setting of poor health care services. Impaired physical and sexual development is one of the prominent complications of SCA; and with attendant secondary psychiatric sequelae. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the haematology clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), among adolescent attendees (10–19 years) with SCA. Age and sex-matched controls were recruited from Action Health Incorporated (AHI), an NGO to promote adolescent health advocacy. The haemoglobin genotypes SS for subjects and AA for controls were confirmed with gel electrophoresis. Each subject and control was physically examined for the assessment of external genitalia (sexual) maturation using Tanner Staging Method, and were also evaluated with General Health Questionnaire—version 12 (GHQ-12). Results: In all, 136 adolescents with SCA and of equal sex distribution and equal number of controls were studied, with mean ages of 14.3 α 2.8 and 13.5 α 2.6 years, respectively. On GHQ assessment, 113 (83%) subjects and 25 (18.4%) controls had GHQ scores of ≥ 5, indicating probable presence of psychopathology. For both males and females, the subjects significantly lagged behind the controls in different areas of sexual maturation, with corresponding significant higher GHQ scores among the subjects. For example, in sexual maturation rate (SMR) stage 1 of pubic hair development, the mean ages for male subjects and controls were 11.9 α 1.5 and 10.7 α 0.9 years, respectively, with significant “t” of 5.06 at p < 0.03*; for females: 13.0 α 2.6 and 10.4 α 0.6 years for subjects and controls respectively with significant “t” of 4.36 at p < 0.04*. The corresponding GHQ scores were for subjects: < 5 for 6 and ≥ 5 for 20 of the subjects respectively; and for controls, the GHQ scores were < 5 for 9 and nil of controls for ≥ 5 score. The difference in GHQ scores for subjects and controls in this stage 1 pubic hair maturation was significant with χ2 = 16.15, df = 1, p = 0.00*. Conclusion: It is concluded that SCA subjects had significantly delayed sexual maturation and increased risk of psychiatric morbidity when compared to controls. The need for genetic counseling to reduce the prevalence of SCA was emphasized.
Synaptic responsiveness of cortical and thalamic neurones during various phases of slow sleep oscillation in cat.

1. The fluctuations during various phases of the slow sleep oscillation (< 1 Hz) in synaptic responsiveness of motor cortical (Cx), thalamic reticular (RE) and thalamocortical (TC) neurones were investigated intracellularly in cats under ketamine‐xylazine anaesthesia. Orthodromic responses to stimuli applied to brachium conjunctivum (BC) axons and corticothalamic pathways were studied. The phases of slow oscillation consist of a long‐hyperpolarized, followed by a sharp depth‐negative EEG deflection and a series of faster waves that are associated with the depolarization of Cx and RE neurones, while TC cells display a sequence of IPSPs within the spindle frequency. 2. BC‐evoked bisynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in Cx and RE neurones were drastically reduced in amplitude during the long‐lasting hyperpolarization and the early part of the depolarizing phase. By contrast, the BC‐evoked monosynaptic EPSPs of TC cells were not diminished during the depth‐positive EEG wave, but the hyperpolarization during this phase of the slow oscillation prevented TC neurones transferring prethalamic signals to the cortex. 3. At variance with the diminished bisynaptic EPSPs evoked in response to BC stimuli during the long‐lasting hyperpolarization, Cx‐evoked monosynaptic EPSPs in Cx cells increased linearly with hyperpolarization during this phase of the slow oscillation. Similarly, the amplitudes of Cx‐evoked EPSPs in RE and TC cells were not diminished during the long‐lasting hyperpolarization. 4. The diminished responsiveness of Cx and RE neurones to prethalamic volleys during the long‐lasting hyperpolarization is attributed to gating processes at the level of TC cells that, because of their hyperpolarization, do not transfer prethalamic information to further relays.
Percepciones sobre la calidad del servicio en instituciones de educación superior: el caso de una universidad colombiana

Service quality perceptions in higher education institutions: the case of a colombian university Estudios Gerenciales, Clasificación JEL: M31 Palabras clave: Educación superior Satisfacción del estudiante Calidad de servicio Factores de calidad A B S T R A C T Recognizing that higher education institutions (HEI) are currently competing aggressively through competitive advantages and high service quality, the assessment of the service quality is essential to provide information on the effectiveness of educational plans and improvement programs. This article presents a study which tests the 5Q's model proposed by Zineldin (2007), and examines the service quality factors that most impact on student satisfaction. Factor analysis and regression analysis showed significant variables in explaining student satisfaction as: trust developed toward the university and the academic program , and the perception they have of assessment techniques as a challenge to improve intellectual growth.
Changes in appearance and schizotypy in normal subjects

Background: Anecdotal reports suggest that drastic changes in physical appearance may signal psychotic decompensation in schizophrenic patients. Objective: The current study sought to explore the association between changes in appearance and psychotic vulnerability in a more systematic fashion. Methods: A sample of undergraduates (n = 171) completed the Changes in Appearance Scale (CAS), which assesses frequency and nature of changes in outlook, along with a Schizotypy Scale (STA), the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), the Fear Questionnaire (FQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: A modest but significant correlation was found between the CAS and STA scores. For the other symptom measures (MOCI, FQ, and BDI), no association with self-reported changes in physical appearance emerged. Conclusions: Changes in physical appearance are found to be significantly associated to mild (pre)psychotic symptoms.
Body mass index associated to rs2021966 ENPP1 polymorphism increases the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of impaired glucose tolerance occurring in 1–14% of all pregnancies. This wide range reflects pathological involvement of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and maternal weight as risk factors. This study evaluated the association of genetic component and maternal factors to identify women with higher risk of developing GDM. About 240 pregnant women characterized by negative Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (−OGTT) and 38 with positive OGGT (+OGTT) were enrolled. SNPs for ENPP1, NRF1, VEGFA, CEBPA, and PIK3R1 were analyzed by SNP genotyping. An association study was performed and differences in genotype and allele frequencies between cases and controls were analyzed by χ2 test. +OGTT was associated to high values of pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) and age. SNP for ENPP1 gene was associated to +OGTT, while genetic variants for other genes did not correlate to GDM. ENPP1 homozygous for A allele and heterozygous showed altered frequencies in +OGTT when compared with −OGTT. Association of both pre-gestational BMI and age with AA homozygous genotype increased significantly the risk to +OGTT. Our results demonstrate that correlation of age and pre-gestational BMI with homozygous for A allele increased significantly the risk of impaired glucose tolerance and GDM. Chinese abstract 妊娠期糖尿病（GDM）是糖耐量受损的一种状况，妊娠期发病率为1%∼14%。 发病率变化范围大是涉及单核苷酸多态性病理与母体体重为危险因素的反映。 本研究对遗传组份和母体因素进行评估，从而确定发展为GDM较高风险的妇女。 实验中240名妇女口服葡萄糖耐量试验阴性（—OGTT），38名妇女OGTT阳性（+OGTT）。 通过SNP基因分型方法对单核苷酸多态性基因组ENPP1、NRF1、VEGF、CEBPA和PIK3R1进行分析，并进行了相关性研究，同时通过χ2检验分析病例组和对照组间基因型和等位基因频率的差异。 OGTT阳性与孕前高体重指数和年龄密切相关。 SNP中ENPP1基因与OGTT阳性相关，而其他变异基因与GDM无关联。 与OGTT阴性相比，OGTT阳性患者中ENPP1纯合子和杂合子A等位基因频率不同。 因此孕前体重指数（BMI）、年龄与A等位基因纯合基因型表达可显著增加OCTT阳性的风险。 我们的研究结果表明年龄、孕前BMI与A等位基因的纯合型相关，这种相关性可显著增加糖耐量受损和GDM的发病风险。
Genotyping of Hepatitis B Virus by Multiplex PCR in Sistan and Baluchestan Province

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified into 8 genotypes (A - H) according to at least 8% dierence in complete nu- cleotide sequences or more than 4% in S gene. Dierent genotypes of HBV have important roles in development of certain disorders as: hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, knowing the distribution of HBV genotypes, have considerable impacts on treatment strategies, vaccination program, diagnosis and prevention. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV genotypes in patients infected with the virus in Sistan and Baluches- tan province (south-east Iran). Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study, 163 patients infected with HBV were selected over the first 6 months (beginning from March 2012 onward). All the patients were HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) and HBeAg (extracellular form of HBcAg) positive along with viral load > 10000 copies/mL. After DNA extraction from the patients' sera, viral genotypes were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using special primers for each genotype. Results: From 163 samples, 154 samples (94.5%) had D genotype which was dominant genotype; and 9 samples (5.5%) had mixed genotype of C/D. Conclusions: This study showed that in Sistan and Baluchestan, like other regions of Iran as well as Mediterranean countries, D genotype is dominant genotype. In additional, C/D mixed genotype is also seen less frequently in this province.
Clinical and Radiographic outcomes of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty at a Minimum follow-up of 10 Years: Results from an Independent Centre

Background Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MoMHR) has been proposed as an effective surgical treatment for young and active patients with symptomatic hip disease. Recently, good clinical and radiographic outcomes have been reported by the designer surgeons at a 15.3 years follow-up; however, results at long follow-up by non-designer surgeons are less satisfactory. The aim of the study was to investigate if MoMHR can produce satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and if survival rate can be high even if the procedure is performed by non-designer surgeons. Methods All patients were assessed about implant survival. All patients completed an Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and a University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score preoperatively, at 1 year and at last available follow-up; at this time, a standard anteroposterior weight-bearing radiograph was performed. Results The survival rate with revision for any reason is 96%, similar to those obtained by designer surgeons. All the clinical scores improved over time: according to the OHS the survivors are asymptomatic and according to the UCLA maintain a high level of function. 6 remodellings of the femoral neck and 2 heterotopic bone formations were seen, but they were asymptomatic. Conclusions As designer surgeons have already shown, MoMHR can provide in active patients a durable treatment for hip arthritis, with low risk of revision and good results at 10 years follow-up, even if the procedure is performed by non-designer surgeons.
Effects of lameness on the behaviour of cows during the summer

The welfare implications of lameness in dairy cattle are considerable, and in addition to causing great pain and discomfort to the animals it is detrimental to productivity. This study investigated the differences in behaviour of lame and normal cows during the summer. Their rank of entry and behaviour in the milking parlour were examined. Lame cows entered the parlour later than normal cows (P < 0.01), and were significantly more restless on their feet while being milked (P < 0.01). When cows were at pasture the lame cows lay down for longer (P < 0.01) and grazed for shorter periods than the normal cows (P < 0.01). All cows ruminated for longer periods when lying down than when standing, but the difference was significant only for the lame cows (P < 0.01). In addition, lame cows had significantly lower bite rates than normal cows (P < 0.01). The behavioural differences between lame and normal cows indicated that lameness had serious effects on the welfare and productivity of lame cows.
Acrylic Copolymers as Candidates for Drug-Eluting Coating of Vascular Stents

The aim of the present work is the synthesis and characterization of polymer materials showing good adhesion, drug loading, and delivery properties, for potential cardiovascular application. In particular, poly(methylmethacrylate-co-acrylic acid) copolymers are prepared in different compositions by a radical polymerization and investigated as potential materials to coat metallic stents and to carry out a local drug release. Films obtained by dissolving the copolymer in an appropriate organic solvent (also loaded with an anti-restenosis drug, such as tacrolimus) are investigated: physicochemical properties, adhesiveness to metallic stent material, and kinetics of drug release in physiological environment are studied.
Vasopressors in septic shock: a possible deadly intervention.

I am a critical care clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in a 400-bed community medical center. During interdisciplinary rounds, I have observed several heated debates regarding the choice of vasopressors in sepsis. Often, there are significant deviations in practice from the recommendations put forth from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Is there a preferred vasopressor in sepsis? Howmuch adherence is there to the surviving sepsis guidelines?
Later-onset rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): a unique patient group?

OBJECTIVES To determine the two-year outcome of patients with later-onset polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF) negative (-) juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and predictors of outcome. METHODS All patients ages 10 to16 years diagnosed and followed in the Rheumatology Clinic at SickKids Hospital with the diagnosis of polyarticular RF- JIA were eligible for study. A retrospective chart analysis was performed and number of active joints, medications, laboratory information and childhood health assessment questionnaire scores were recorded at diagnosis, and 6, 12, and 24 months following diagnosis. RESULTS As early as 6 months after diagnosis the mean number of active joints decreased from 16 to < 10, with 50% of the patients having < 5 active joints. The predominant joints affected were the wrist, knee, and small joints of the hand. The only predictor of active joint count at the 2-year follow-up was initial presenting active joint count as classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Sex, age, and laboratory results at presentation did not show any correlation with active joint count at 2 years. Majority of patients were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (98%) and at least one disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (56%). CONCLUSIONS The two-year outcome of patients with late-onset RF- polyarticular JIA was very good with the majority of patients having minimally active disease at last follow-up. Presence of significant polyarthritis at presentation was the only feature associated with long-term joint activity. Sex and lab results did not show any correlation with active joint in this cohort of RF-JIA patients.
Phase II multi-institutional study of docetaxel plus aflibercept (AVE0005, NSC# 724770) in patients with recurrent ovarian, primary peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancer.

5017 Background: Aflibercept is a novel fusion protein rationally designed to provide high affinity binding for ligands VEGF-A (all isoforms), -B and PlGF. Based on highly promising pre-clinical and phase I efficacy of aflibercept, we launched an NCI-sponsored phase II trial of aflibercept in combination with docetaxel in recurrent ovarian cancer patients (pts). METHODS Eligible pts had measurable recurrent disease and had received no more than 2 prior chemotherapeutic regimens. We established the phase II dose of aflibercept and docetaxel at 6 mg/kg and 75 mg/m2, respectively, IV every 21 days. Statistical design followed a two-stage efficacy decision algorithm. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate (ORR, RECIST v1.0). Secondary endpoints were progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival, and toxicity. RESULTS 49 pts were enrolled; 2 were inevaluable for toxicity (withdrawal of consent), 1 for response (insurance denial). 46 evaluable pts, received a median 6 cycles of therapy (1-22 cycles); 33 were platinum resistant (PR: Treatment-free interval (TFI) <6 months [mos]), including 15 refractory pts progressing during platinum/taxane therapy. 13 pts were considered platinum sensitive (PS) with a median TFI: 10 mos. ORR was confirmed in 25/46 patients (54%, 95%CI: 39%-69%) including 10 complete responders, 4 of whom have not recurred a median 12 mos (5-22 mos) off treatment. One of 5 patients previously treated with bevacizumab had complete response. Median time to response was 48 days; median duration of response was 6.0 mos (5 pts still on treatment). Response by sensitivity, PS: 10/13 (77%) vs PR: 15/33 (45%), p= 0.1. Median PFS and OS was: 6.2 mos and 24.3 mos, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities observed in more than 5% were: ANC: 72%, fatigue: 50%, dyspnea: 22%, stomatitis: 7%. Grade 1-2 hypertension: 11%; Grade 2 proteinuria: 2%. On patient had reappearance of a previously repaired (remotely) maxillary-cutaneous fistula. CONCLUSIONS The compelling clinical efficacy of combination aflibercept and docetaxel merits further clinical development in women with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Syndrome of palatal myoclonus and progressive ataxia

Two patients are reported with palatal myoclonus, progressive ataxia, and dysarthria, unresponsive to treatment with trihexyphenidyl or L-5-hydroxytryptophan. MRI showed enlargement of the inferior olives in one patient, consistent with the pathology usually associated with palatal myoclonus. The syndrome of progressive ataxia and palatal myoclonus should be distinguished from other ataxias and degenerations that affect the brainstem and cerebellum. Pathology and specificity of site of the lesions are distinctive.
Some Details of Nonlinear Estimation

The traditional view adopted by statistics and econometrics texts is that, in order to solve a nonlinear least squares (NLS) or nonlinear maximum likelihood (NML) problem, a researcher need only use a computer program. This point of view maintains two implicit assumptions: (1) one program is as good as another; and (2) the output from a computer is reliable. Both of these maintained assumptions are false. Recently the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the “Statistical Reference Datasets” (StRD), a collection of numerical accuracy benchmarks for statistical software. It has four suites of tests: univariate summary statistics, one-way analysis of variance, linear regression, and nonlinear least squares. Within each suite the problems are graded according to level of difficulty: low, average, and high. NIST provides certified answers to fifteen digits for linear problems, and eleven digits for nonlinear problems. Complete details can be found at http://www.nist. gov/itl/div898/strd. Nonlinear problems require starting values, and all the StRD nonlinear problems come with two sets of starting values. Start I is far from the solution and makes the problem hard to solve. Start II is near to the solution and makes the problem easy to solve. Since the purpose of benchmark testing is to say something useful about
Variables in organ donors that affect the recovery of human islets of Langerhans.

In an attempt to reduce the variability in the yields of human islets isolations and to identify donor factors that were potentially deleterious, we retrospectively reviewed 153 human islets isolations in our center over a 3-year period. Isolations were performed using controlled collagenase perfusion via the duct, automated dissociation, and Ficoll purification. Factors leading to successful isolations (recovery of >100,000 islet equivalents at a purity >50%) were analyzed retrospectively using univariate and multivariate analysis. Critical factors in the multiorgan cadaveric donors that were identified using univariate analysis included donor age (P<0.01), body mass index (BMI)(P<0.01), cause of death (P<0.01), and prolonged hypotensive episodes (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure <60 mmHg for > 15 min) requiring high vasopressors (>15 microgram/kg/min dopamine or >5 microgram/kg/min Levophed) (P>0.01). Independent analysis of 19 donor variables using multivariate logistic stepwise regression showed six factors were statistically significant. Odds ratio (OR) showed that donor age (OR 1.1, P<0.01), local procurement team (OR 10.9, P<0.01), and high BMI (OR 1.4, P<0.01) had a positive correlation with islet recovery. In contrast, hyperglycemia (all blood glucose >10 mmol/L) (OR 0.63, P<0.01), frequency and duration of cardiac arrest (OR 0.7, P<0.01), and increased duration of cold storage before islet isolation (OR 0.83, P<0.01) had negative correlation. Using these combinations of factors, the prediction of success was 85% accurate. By donor age, success was 13% for 2.5- to 18-year-old donors (n=23), 37% for 19- to 28-year-old donors (n=30), 65% for 29- to 50-year-old donors (n=70), and 83% for 51- to 65-year-old (n=29) donors. However, when vitro function was assessed by perifusion, the insulin secretory capabilities of islets isolated from the >50-year-old donor group was significantly reduced as compared with the 2.5- to 18-year-old group (P<0.02). Multiple regression analysis using postdigestion and postpurification islet recovery as outcome variables identified BMI, procurement team, pancreas weight, and collagenase digestion time factors tht can affect the recovery of human islets. Locally procured pancreases and donors with elevated minimum blood glucose levels were identified as factors that affect the insulin secretory capabilities of the isolated islets. This review of parameters suggests an improved approach to the prediction of successful islet isolation from human pancreases. Selection of suitable pancreases for processing may improve consistency in human islet isolation and thereby decrease costs.