Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subclinical hypothyroidism with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a multi-systemic disorder, unique to pregnancy, that may complicate 5-10% of all pregnancies . It has a multi factorial theories regarding its etiology that is why it can affect many organs in the body including thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism Complicates 1% of pregnancies, most commonly due to iodine deficiency so it is more likely to occur in women in areas of endemic iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in developed world. Subclinical hypothyroidism is an entity when thyroid function is only mildly affected, indicated by normal level of thyroxin and elevation of TSH. This cross-sectional study was carried out in AL-Zahra maternity and pediatric teaching hospital in AL-NAJAF city during the period between 1 st of May, to 10 th of October 2015.The patients were recruited from Labor room as a total of 128 patients (30 with no history of hypertension, 45severe preeclampsia, 53 mild preeclampsia). For each patient proper history was taken regarding age, gestational age, parity, previous history of thyroid disorder, current history of hypertension and past medical history. The participants were divided into 3 groups with (no, mild, and severe) PE. There was no statistically significant difference among groups regarding age ,gestational age (P>0.001)while the difference was significant difference among them in relation to Systolic BP, Diastolic BP, BMI, Platelet, SGOT, SGPT, B. urea, S. uric acid and S. Creatinine ( P<0.001). Highly significant difference in weight of neonate and APGAR score was observed among women with high TSH than women with normal TSH (P value< 0.001). The level of TSH is increasing significantly with increasing maternal age and with increasing severity of PE (P<0.001). The 3 groups showed no statistically significant difference in the level of free T4. It was observed that there was strong association between high TSH level and development of PE (100% association). Cases with severe PE were found to be associated with subclinical hypothyroidism(elevated TSH level) rather than mild cases.
Is milk responsible for male reproductive disorders?

The role of environmental compounds with estrogenic activity in the development of male reproductive disorders has been a source of great concern. Among the routes of human exposure to estrogens, we are particularly concerned about cows' milk, which contains considerable amounts of estrogens. The major sources of animal-derived estrogens in the human diet are milk and dairy products, which account for 60-70% of the estrogens consumed. Humans consume milk obtained from heifers in the latter half of pregnancy, when the estrogen levels in cows are markedly elevated. The milk that we now consume may be quite unlike that consumed 100 years ago. Modern genetically-improved dairy cows, such as the Holstein, are usually fed a combination of grass and concentrates (grain/protein mixes and various by-products), allowing them to lactate during the latter half of pregnancy, even at 220 days of gestation. We hypothesize that milk is responsible, at least in part, for some male reproductive disorders.
Role of the Transverse‐Axial Tubule System in Generating Calcium Sparks and Calcium Transients in Rat Atrial Myocytes

Cardiac atrial cells lack a regular system of transverse tubules like that in cardiac ventricular cells. Nevertheless, many atrial cells do possess an irregular internal transverse‐axial tubular system (TATS). To investigate the possible role of the TATS in excitation‐contraction coupling in atrial myocytes, we visualized the TATS (labelled with the fluorescent indicator, Di‐8‐ANEPPS) simultaneously with Ca2+ transients and/or Ca2+ sparks (fluo‐4). In confocal transverse linescan images of field‐stimulated cells, whole‐cell Ca2+ transients had two morphologies: ‘U‐shaped’ transients and irregular or ‘W‐shaped’ transients with a varying number of points of origin of the Ca2+ transient. About half (54 %, n=289 cells, 13 animals) of the cells had a TATS. Cells with TATS had a larger mean diameter (13.2 ± 2.8 μm) than cells without TATS (11.7 ± 2.0 μm) and were more common in the left atrium (n= 206 cells; left atrium: 76 with TATS, 30 without TATS; right atrium: 42 with TATS, 58 without TATS). Simultaneous measurement of Ca2+ sparks and sarcolemmal structures showed that cells without TATS had U‐shaped transients that started at the cell periphery, and cells with TATS had W‐shaped transients that began simultaneously at the cell periphery and the TATS. Most (82 out of 102 from 31 cells) ‘spontaneous’ (non‐depolarized) Ca2+ sparks occurred within 1 μm of a sarcolemmal structure (cell periphery or TATS), and 33 % occurred within 1 pixel (0.125 μm). We conclude that the presence of a sarcolemmal membrane either at the cell periphery or in the TATS in close apposition to the sarcoplasmic reticulum is required for the initiation of an evoked Ca2+ transient and for spontaneous Ca2+ sparks.
The effects of five‐year growth hormone replacement therapy on muscle strength in elderly hypopituitary patients

Objective Little is known of the long‐term effects of GH replacement therapy on muscle strength in elderly adults with adult onset GH deficiency (GHD). In this study, the effects of 5 years of GH replacement therapy on muscle function were determined in adults over 60 years of age with adult onset GHD.
Tracing the External Origin of the AGN Gas Fueling Reservoir

Near-infrared observations of the active galaxy MCG--6-30-15 provide strong evidence that its molecular gas fuelling reservoir is of external origin. MCG--6-30-15 has a counter-rotating core of stars within its central 400 pc and a counter-rotating disc of molecular gas that extends as close as ~50 - 100 pc from the central black hole. The gas counter-rotation establishes that the gas reservoir in the centre of the galaxy originates from a past external accretion event. In this contribution we discuss the gas and stellar properties of MCG--6-30-15, its past history and how the findings on this galaxy can be used to understand AGN fuelling in S0 galaxies with counter-rotating structures.
Spinal cord blood flow after intrathecal injection of ropivacaine and bupivacaine with or without epinephrine in rats

Background: Ropivacaine is a new local anaesthetic available for spinal and epidural anaesthesia. When new drugs are being introduced for spinal application, their effect on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) should be studied for safety and toxicological aspects. In the present study, SCBF was studied after intrathecal (i. t.) application of ropivacaine and bupivacaine with and without epinephrine.
Optimización mediante técnicas de teoría gris de la combustión de biomasa en un drop furnace

El creciente desarrollo que ha experimentado el mercado de la biomasa conlleva que la investigacion (I+D) se enfoque en la seleccion de las condiciones optimas de combustion de los biocombustibles. La complejidad del proceso de combustion de biomasa, en el que existen parametros divergentes, hace necesario el uso de metodos de analisis avanzados. Asi, en esta investigacion se propone un nuevo metodo multi-objetivo de seleccion de condiciones optimas de combustion, basado en la combinacion del analisis relacional gris (GRA) y la teoria de propagacion de errores (EPT). En base al metodo propuesto, se estudiara el comportamiento individual de diferentes combustibles propios del area sur de Europa (Espana), identificando los principales factores que influyen en la velocidad de propagacion del frente de ignicion y la temperatura maxima alcanzada en el lecho de un dispositivo tipo drop-furnace. Los resultados mostraron que la combinacion de GRA y EPT en el analisis de fenomenos termoquimicos en fase solida, permite de una forma rapida y sencilla seleccionar la mejor configuracion para cada combustible.
Community-Based Long-Term Care Services

Objective: This study examines the relationship between caregivers’ perception of community-based long-term care (CBLTC) services and the service use. Method: We used first two waves of the longitudinal data set of 1,416 dyads of care recipients and their caregivers in Singapore. Four perceived attributes of LTC services—service quality, convenience, social connectedness, and affordability—were measured on a 5-point scale. Results: Among the four perceived attributes, perceived affordability was significantly associated with future utilization for all types of CBLTC services. Perceived service quality and convenience was significantly associated with center-based LTC services use. Discussion: Caregivers are critically involved in the decision of using CBLTC services, and their perception of service characteristics is significantly associated with the uptake of CBLTC services. It is important to incorporate both care recipients’ and caregivers’ needs and preferences when designing and promoting integrated health care delivery models.
La normativa ISO 9000 como herramienta para incrementar el valor percibido por el cliente en las entidades financieras españolas

La presente tesis doctoral tiene como objetivo profundizar en la aportacion de la adhesion por las entidades financieras a la normativa iso 9000, como "herramienta" para la "gestion de procesos" dentro de un marco global de gestion de la calidad, para contribuir al logro del fin basico derivado de la concepcion moderna del marketing antes citada, que no es otro que la obtencion de elevados niveles de satisfaccion, a partir del valor aportado al consumidor por las soluciones ofrecidas para cubrir sus necesidades detectadas. En definitiva se trata de averiguar si esta "herramienta" contribuye a la mejora del nivel de fidellzacion de los clientes de dichas entidades, y por lo tanto de ratio de retencion y de la cuota [je negocio (share wallet) con los mismos, lo que en ultimo termino redundara en un crecimiento, sostenible en el tiempo, de los resultados financieros de la entidad de que se trate. Para ello se han investigado diferentes aspectos entre los que cabe destacar: las motivaciones de las entidades financieras para su adhesion a la normativa iso 9000: externas e internas. Los beneficios se estan derivando de dicha adhesion: externos e internos. Los elementos que han dificultado la obtencion de los mismos. Asi mismo, se ha analizado si se cumple lo que determinan ciertos autores, en el sentido de que la adpleslon a normas iso 9000 puede considerarse un primer escalon dentro de la escalera de la desde el que es mas factible dar un salto a otros modelos de calidad mas globales (TQM, EFQM). Por ultimo se han establecido una serie de conclusiones validas sobre la relacion entre la adhesion a la normativa iso 9000 y la percepcion de valor por el cliente. Como resumen de sus conclusiones se puede afirmar que la asuncion de la normativa iso 9000 por parte de las instituciones financieras produce una mejora en la calidad percibida por el cliente, y por lo tanto tambien del valor percibido y
Sejarah Tasawuf dengan Pendekatan Arkeologi

Tasawuf, sebagai ilmu, tidaklah lahir dengan mulus dan berkembang dengan pesat tanpa pertentangan di sana-sini. Kelahirannya, sebagaimana ilmu yang lain, diikuti dengan penolakan, mulai dari yang bernada biasa sampai yang cukup keras (diharamkan untuk dipelajari sebagai bagian dari ilmu keislaman, seperti ilmu-ilmu keislaman yang lain, karena dianggap sesat dan bid’ah). Namun, penolakan atau pertentangan ini tidak sepenuhnya harus dianggap membahayakan bagi keberlangsungan tasawuf. Sebab, dalam Filsafat Ilmu, penolakan itu dapat disebut sebagai proses falsifikasi. Jika suatu ilmu mampu bertahan di tengah terjangan falsifikasi, maka ilmu tersebut akan semakin mapan atau sempurna. Demikianlah yang dialami tasawuf. Buku yang ditulis doktor di bidang filsafat Islam dan tasawuf ini, mengetengahkan sejarah pemikiran tasawuf, mulai dari awal kelahirannya, perkembangannya, dan pertentangan yang menyertainya. Melalui metode arkeologi, dalam arti menggali kembali ide-ide atau pemikiran tasawuf yang terdapat pada tokoh-tokoh penting tasawuf, dan dibalut dengan pendekatan historis, penulis menjelaskan dengan renyah dan lincah pemikiran tasawuf dari awal lahirnya, ketersambungan idenya dari satu tokoh ke tokoh lain, dari tanah kelahirannya di Timur Tengah sampai menjejakkan kaki di Nusantara.
A Model Application of Two Phase Commit Protocol in Wireless DTN

The requirements of high band width data spectrum and its efficient high speed transmission is the challenge which is exponentially rising due to the automation of all kinds of electrical and electronic gadgets. Currently most of the local area networks are adhoc due to which connectivity is a serious problem. The currently used DTN has several problems of call drop and data failure. Recently two phase commit protocol has been proposed which has high potential to overcome the problems of call drop. Two phase commit protocol on deployment in real time scenario has been analyzed for the DTN networks and we found most astonishing results in the improvement of the routing paradigm as compared to DSR and AODV protocols for routing throughput and for average end to end delay. This paper analyzes two phase commit protocol running in two different phases on deploying the DTN wireless scenario for heterogeneous network infrastructure and measures the effects successfully.
Phospholipase Cdelta1 is a guanine nucleotide exchanging factor for transglutaminase II (Galpha h) and promotes alpha 1B-adrenoreceptor-mediated GTP binding and intracellular calcium release.

Effectors involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling modulate activity of GTPases through GTPase-activating protein or guanine nucleotide exchanging factor (GEF). Phospholipase Cdelta1 (PLCdelta1) is an effector in tissue transglutaminase (TGII)-mediated alpha1B-adrenoreceptor (alpha(1B)AR) signaling. We investigated whether PLCdelta1 modulates TGII activity. PLCdelta1 stimulated GDP release from TGII in a concentration-dependent manner, resulting in an increase in GTPgammaS binding to TGII. PLCdelta1 also inhibited GTP hydrolysis by TGII that was independent from the alpha(1B)AR. These results indicate that PLCdelta1 is GEF for TGII and stabilizes the GTP.TGII complex. When GEF function of PLCdelta1 was compared with that of the alpha(1B)AR, the alpha(1B)AR-mediated GTPgammaS binding to TGII was greater than PLCdelta1-mediated binding and was accelerated in the presence of PLCdelta1. Thus, the alpha(1B)AR is the prime GEF for TGII, and GEF activity of PLCdelta1 promotes coupling efficacy of this signaling system. Overexpression of TGII and its mutants with and without PLCdelta1 resulted in an increase in alpha(1B)AR-stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in a TGII-specific manner. We conclude that PLCdelta1 assists the alpha(1B)AR function through its GEF action and is primarily activated by the coupling of TGII to the cognate receptors.
Hypoxia mimetic deferoxamine influences the expression of histone acetylation- and DNA methylation-associated genes in osteoblasts

Abstract Purpose of the study: Sufficient oxygen supply to bone tissue is essential for normal bone development and efficient bone repair. Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) signaling pathway have been shown to exhibit profound effects on proliferation, differentiation as well as gene and protein expression in osteoblasts, osteoclasts and mesenchymal stem cells; however, as epigenetic mechanisms also perform an important regulatory role in these cells, our aim was to elucidate whether hypoxia mimetic deferoxamine could influence epigenetic mechanisms in bone cells by modulating the gene expression levels of chromatin-modifying enzymes. Materials and methods: Osteoblast cell line HOS was exposed to deferoxamine, a widely used hypoxia mimetic, and expression profile of 40 genes associated with histone acetylation, deacetylation and DNA methylation was determined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) array followed by individual qPCR analyses. In addition, genes associated with hypoxia response, RANK/RANKL/OPG system, WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and oxidative stress were also analyzed. Results: We observed induced expression of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) and suppressed expression of K(lysine) acetyltransferase 5 (KAT5) and DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) demonstrating for the first time that expression of genes encoding chromatin-modifying enzymes could be influenced by hypoxia mimetic in HOS cells. Conclusions: Based on our results we can conclude that hypoxia mimetic deferoxamine influences expression of histone acetylation- and DNA methylation-associated genes in osteoblasts and that further studies of hypoxia-induced epigenetic changes in bone cells should be undertaken.
[Colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis].

Colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis. Jayne Eaden, Gastrointestinal Research Unit, Leicester General Hospital. The magnitude of the colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in ulcerative colitis (UC) was determined in the first meta-analysis of all 116 studies reporting the risk. For any patient with UC the risk was 2% at ten years, 8% at twenty years and 18% after thirty years. The risk was greater in children, varied geographically and has fallen since 1955. A case-control study of 204 patients across the United Kingdom demonstrated regular aminosalicylate therapy reduced cancer risk by 75% (p<0.00001). Mesalazine was particularly effective reducing risk by 81% (p=0.006). Visiting a hospital doctor more than twice a year and attending regular colonoscopies also reduced risk (84% and 78%). A family cancer history increased risk five fold. A reliable, self administered questionnaire measuring patient knowledge was developed. No correlation was found between patient knowledge and the risk of developing CRC. A randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of a video (scripted and produced by the author) vs. an information leaflet on patient knowledge. This established that both media improved knowledge (71% and 49%) but neither intervention was significantly more effective than the other. The first nationwide audit of surveillance practices amongst gastroenterologists ascertained 94% of consultants practiced surveillance but it was extremely disorganized and considerable disagreement existed concerning the management of dysplasia. An inter-observer variation study (examining histological slides) found specialist gastrointestinal and general pathologists were equally poor at grading dysplasia (Kappa =0.30 and 0.28 respectively). A new immunohistochemical marker for dysplasia (CYP1B1) was investigated. Although CYP1B1 showed faint staining in dysplastic tissues, it was inconsistent and presently would not improve identification of dysplasia. The CRC risk in UC is significant and may be modified through regular consumption of aminosalicylates. Resources may be better allocated at improving compliance with such medication and targeting surveillance on high risk patients. Standardization of surveillance through national guidelines is needed urgently.
Parent-Progeny Relationships and Genotype × Environment Effects for Factors Associated with Grass Tetany and Forage Quality in Russian Wildrye

Grass tetany (hypomagnesemia) has caused severe economic losses in ruminant animals grazing cool-season grasses, including Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski]. The malady has been associated with deficiencies in Mg, Ca, and carbohydrates, and high levels of K. The K/(Ca + Mg) ratio (KRAT), expressed as moles of charge, is often used to express the grass tetany potential of forage. Development and use of new cultivars with an improved balance of the associated minerals would be an economical approach to reduce the incidence of grass tetany. Objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic variability, genotype by environment interactions, and intercharacter relationships for P, K, Ca, Mg, KRAT, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), among 21 clonal lines of Russian wildrye and their polycross progenies. Evaluations were made for 2 yr at three diverse locations in the USA and Canada. The clonal lines were derived from cultivars and plant introductions. Although the clone x location interaction was usually significant, differences among the clonal lines were significant for K, Ca, Mg, and KRAT, and three forage quality estimates of CP, NDF, and true IVDMD. Although the magnitude of the genetic variability among the progenies was substantially less than that found among the clonal lines, we conclude that the grass tetany potential, CP, NDF, IVDMD, and P concentration of this breeding population can be altered through breeding. Opportunities for genetic improvement in forage quality were particularly favorable for CP. Genetic correlations among the clonal lines suggested that selection for higher levels of CP would be accompanied by increased K, Ca, Mg, and IVDMD and reduced KR AT and NDF. DUSSIAN WILDRYE is a caespitose, cool-season, perennial grass that is widely used in range improvement
Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis in the United Kingdom

Aims Tuberculosis (TB) infection of bones and joints accounts for 6.7% of TB cases in England, and is associated with significant morbidity and disability. Public Health England reports that patients with TB experience delays in diagnosis and treatment. Our aims were to determine the demographics, presentation and investigation of patients with a TB infection of bones and joints, to help doctors assessing potential cases and to identify avoidable delays. Patients and Methods This was a retrospective observational study of all adults with positive TB cultures on specimens taken at a tertiary orthopaedic centre between June 2012 and May 2014. A laboratory information system search identified the patients. The demographics, clinical presentation, radiology, histopathology and key clinical dates were obtained from medical records. Results A total of 31 adult patients were identified. Their median age was 37 years (interquartile range (IQR): 29 to 53); 21 (68%) were male; 89% were migrants. The main sites affected were joints (10, 32%), the spine (8, 26%) and long bones (6, 19%); 8 (26%) had multifocal disease. The most common presenting symptoms were pain (29/31, 94%) and swelling (26/28, 93%). ‘Typical’ symptoms of TB, such as fever, sweats and weight loss, were uncommon. Patients waited a median of seven months (IQR 3 to 13.5) between the onset of symptoms and referral to the tertiary centre and 2.3 months (IQR 1.6 to 3.4.)) between referral and starting treatment. Radiology suggested TB in 26 (84%), but in seven patients (23%) the initial biopsy specimens were not sent for mycobacterial culture, necessitating a second biopsy. Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction‐based testing for TB using Xpert MTB/RIF was performed in five patients; 4 (80%) tested positive for TB. These patients had a reduced time between the diagnostic biopsy and starting treatment than those whose samples were not tested (median eight days versus 36 days, p = 0.016). Conclusion Patients with bone and joint TB experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, some of which are avoidable. Maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion and sending specimens for mycobacterial culture are crucial to avoid missing cases. Rapid diagnostic tests reduce delays and should be performed on patients with radiological features of TB.