Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Vitamin D Status and Growth Parameters in Thalassemia Major Patients

Background: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has been frequently reported in thalassemic patients in many countries despite the presence of good sunshine. Adequate circulating level of vitamin D is essential for optimal skeletal growth and reducing fracture risk. Objective: To assess Vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus status and growth parameters in thalassemia major patients Methodology: This study, a hospital based case control study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2016 in Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi. In this study, 60 patients of beta thalassemia major (aged from 8 months to 12 years) were compared with 60 sex and age matched children serving as control group. Anthropometric measurement, serum level of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D (25 hydroxy cholecalciferol) were estimated for all patients & controls. Results: 25 hydroxy vitamin D deficiency was present in 82% of the patients and in 47% of the controls. Difference in mean vitamin D levels between cases and controls was statistically significant (p<0.05). Weight and body mass index were also significantly lower (p<0.05) in cases. Conclusion: Thalassemia is associated with increased prevalence of 25 hydroxy vitamin D deficiency which may be responsible for poor growth and quality of life in these children. Monitoring and maintaining normal serum level of 25-OH vitamin D through oral intake of vitamin D and early correction of Vitamin D deficiency by oral or parenteral use of vitamin D may significantly improve bone mineral deposition and improved quality of life in these children.
Determinants of suboptimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months in seven francophone West African countries.

Suboptimal complementary feeding practices play a crucial role in the health and development of children. The objective of this research paper was to identify factors associated with suboptimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months in seven francophone West African countries, namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Senegal. This study covered 22 376 children aged 6-23 months from the seven countries surveyed (Benin: 3732 children; Burkina Faso: 4205 children; Cote d'Ivoire: 2109 children, Guinea: 1944 children, Mali: 3798 children, Niger: 3451 children and Senegal: 3137 children). The most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets of the various countries were used as data sources. A set of individual-, household- and community-level factors were used to examine the four complementary feeding indicators. Multivariate analysis revealed that the youngest age bracket (6-11 months) of children, administrative/geographical region, mother's limited or non-access to the mass media, mothers' lack of contact with a health facility, rural residence, poor households and non-working mothers were the main factors associated with suboptimal complementary feeding in the countries surveyed. Our findings highlight the need to consider broader social, cultural and economic factors when designing child nutritional interventions.
Religion and Emotional Compensation: Results from a Prospective Study of Widowhood

Based on recent applications of attachment theory to religion, the authors predicted that the loss of a spouse would cause widowed individuals to increase the importance of their religious/spiritual beliefs. This hypothesis was examined using the Changing Lives of Older Couples sample from which preloss measures of religiosity were available for widowed individuals and matched controls. A total of 103 widowed individuals provided follow-up data, including reports of religious beliefs and grief, at 6 months, 24 months, and 48 months after the loss. Results indicated that widowed individuals were more likely than controls to increase their religious/spiritual beliefs. This increase was associated with decreased grief but did not influence other indicators of adjustment such as depression. Finally, insecure individuals were most likely to benefit from increasing the importance of their beliefs. Results are discussed in terms of the potential value of applying psychological theory to the study of religion.
Improvement of the Frequency Characteristics of Graphene Field-Effect Transistors on SiC Substrate

Analog applications attract increasing interest for graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs). GFET with a cutoff frequency of up to 427 GHz has been reported; however, the device suffered from the large parasitic parameters and poor drain current saturation, which made their maximum oscillation frequency lower than the cutoff frequency. In this letter, quasi-free-standing bilayer graphene transistors with a gate length of 60 nm and ultra-thin gate dielectric are fabricated by an improved, self-aligned, process. Good gate coupling is achieved, and parasitic parameters are suppressed to a significant extent. The as-measured extrinsic cutoff frequency reaches 70 GHz and the maximum oscillation frequency reaches 120 GHz, which are the highest extrinsic frequencies reported for graphene transistors to date. Our results show the application potential of graphene RF devices in future high-speed electronic systems.
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism: Focus on Mechanical Prophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a leading health-care problem whose pathogenesis is usually related to the so-called Virchow's triad and involves a variety of factors classified as inherited or acquired, predisposing, or triggers. The main goal of thromboprophylaxis is to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with VTE risk factors. Although striking evidence now indicates that the various pharmacological anticoagulant therapies can substantially lower the risk, this benefit might be offset by a small but definite risk of hemorrhage in some circumstances. Mechanical prophylaxis methods have been suggested because they counteract most of the components of the Virchow's triad and are not associated with any bleeding risk. Although early and frequent ambulation has been historically advised for preventing VTE, this measure is inadequate per se and frequently not feasible as the sole means of mechanical thromboprophylaxis. Accordingly, additional measures are being used in clinical practice, including graded compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and venous foot pumps. Although the efficiency of these measures has been extensively assessed in several clinical studies, there remain unanswered questions, including their suboptimal use and the lack of unequivocal clinical evidence supporting real benefits for preventing VTE. Overall, mechanical compression methods can reduce the risk of VTE by nearly two thirds when used as the only form of thromboprophylaxis and by about half when combined with a pharmacological approach. The main mechanism of action appears to be related to a milking (wavelike) effect to evacuate leg veins and reduce venous stasis because an effect on the enhancement of fibrinolysis remains unproven. Although the biological and clinical evidence suggests that graduate compression stockings are an effective, relatively cheap, and more comfortable thromboprophylactic measure, they appear less effective overall than intermittent pneumatic compression. In conclusion, although the preventive benefits of mechanical prophylaxis on VTE might be circumscribed to select medical and surgical settings, there appears to exist no clinical reason to discourage adoption of these measures when indicated.
Unsaturated long-chain N-acyl-vanillyl-amides (N-AVAMs): vanilloid receptor ligands that inhibit anandamide-facilitated transport and bind to CB1 cannabinoid receptors.

We investigated the effect of changing the length and degree of unsaturation of the fatty acyl chain of N-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxy)-benzyl-cis-9-octadecenoamide (olvanil), a ligand of vanilloid receptors, on its capability to: (i) inhibit anandamide-facilitated transport into cells and enzymatic hydrolysis, (ii) bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, and (iii) activate the VR1 vanilloid receptor. Potent inhibition of [(14)C]anandamide accumulation into cells was achieved with C20:4 n-6, C18:3 n-6 and n-3, and C18:2 n-6 N-acyl-vanillyl-amides (N-AVAMs). The saturated analogues and Delta(9)-trans-olvanil were inactive. Activity in CB1 binding assays increased when increasing the number of cis-double bonds in a n-6 fatty acyl chain and, in saturated N-AVAMs, was not greatly sensitive to decreasing the chain length. The C20:4 n-6 analogue (arvanil) was a potent inhibitor of anandamide accumulation (IC(50) = 3.6 microM) and was 4-fold more potent than anandamide on CB1 receptors (Ki = 0.25-0.52 microM), whereas the C18:3 n-3 N-AVAM was more selective than arvanil for the uptake (IC(50) = 8.0 microM) vs CB1 receptors (Ki = 3.4 microM). None of the compounds efficiently inhibited [(14)C]anandamide hydrolysis or bound to CB2 receptors. All N-AVAMs activated the cation currents coupled to VR1 receptors overexpressed in Xenopus oocytes. In a simple, intact cell model of both vanilloid- and anandamide-like activity, i.e., the inhibition of human breast cancer cell (HBCC) proliferation, arvanil was shown to behave as a "hybrid" activator of cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors.
Activation of Bcl-2 promoter-directed gene expression by the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 Tat protein.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat transcriptionally activates expression from a number of viral and cellular promoters. Recent studies demonstrate the ability of Tat to differentially modulate cellular responses to apoptotic signaling. The antiapoptotic effects of Tat appear to correlate with increased expression of Bcl-2, a cellular protein that enhances cellular survival. Here, endogenous expression of HIV-1 Tat in HeLa and Jurkat cells elevates levels of Bcl-2. Transient expression assays performed in HeLa cells demonstrate that Tat directly or indirectly enhances Bcl-2 promoter-directed gene expression by more than 10-fold. Analyses of Tat mutants demonstrate that two noncontiguous regions in the N- and C-termini of Tat mediate maximal transactivation of the Bcl-2 promoter. The requirement for C-terminal sequences contrasts with transactivation of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat in which the N-terminal 57 amino acids are required but downstream residues are not. Bcl-2 promoter analyses suggest that sequences required for Tat responsiveness are located upstream of P1 and between the P1 and P2 promoter units. Results from these studies reveal effects of HIV-1 Tat on Bcl-2 expression and provide a putative mechanism by which endogenously expressed Tat affects cellular survival through the up-regulation of Bcl-2.
Licorice-induced hypermineralocorticoidism.

EXCESSIVE ingestion of licorice may result in sodium and water retention, hypertension, hypokalemia, and suppression of the renin-aldosterone system.1 , 2 It was thought for years that licorice produced these effects through the binding of its active components, glycyrrhizic acid and its hydrolytic metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, to mineralocorticoid receptors. Two findings, however, argue against this proposed mechanism. First, the affinity of glycyrrhetinic acid, the most active component of licorice, for mineralocorticoid receptors is 0.01 percent of that of aldosterone.3 Second, licorice, or glycyrrhetinic acid, does not have mineralocorticoid effects in patients with Addison's disease2 or adrenalectomized rats1 unless cortisone or hydrocortisone is .
Differences in mRNA levels in Anabaena living freely or in symbiotic association with Azolla.

Azolla is a small water fern in whose leaf cavities the filamentous nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae is symbiotically associated. Using cloned genes from Anabaena 7120 for glutamine synthetase (GS), ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase, nitrogenase and the 32‐kd protein of photosystem II, mRNA levels of the corresponding genes in the Anabaena endosymbiont were studied by Northern hybridization. In RNA isolated from the endosymbiont there is a 10‐fold reduction of GS transcript levels, a greater than 5‐fold increase in 32‐kd transcript levels and a greater than 5‐fold decrease in RuBP carboxylase transcript levels, compared with levels in the free‐living Anabaena azollae. In the endosymbiont and in heterocysts of the free‐living Anabaena azollae the nif H, nif D, and nif K genes are transcribed from a single nif HDK operon.
Oestrogen receptors in feline mammary carcinomas

Twenty primary or metastatic felline mammary tumours were assayed for the presence of oestrogen receptors by the dextran-coated charcoal method. In only two of the tumours was the presence of specific oestrogen binding protein demonstrable. The high negative rate in comparison with human and canine mammary tumours assayed under similar conditions seemed to be a peculiar feature of the feline tumours and suggested a lack of oestrogen dependency. The possibility remains that other hormones may be concerned with the growth of feline mammary tumours and further work is in progress.
Percutaneous Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting with the Use of Gadolinium in Lieu of Iodinated Contrast Medium: Technical Case Report and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE We describe a patient who underwent percutaneous transluminal carotid angioplasty and stent placement with the use of intra-arterial gadolinium (Gd-DTPA) instead of iodinated contrast medium. This represents one of the first published reports of the use of Gd-DTPA as an angiographic contrast agent for an interventional neuroradiological procedure. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 75-year-old man with renal insufficiency and multiple comorbidities developed amaurosis fugax. Doppler examination revealed high-grade stenosis of the right internal carotid artery. INTERVENTIONThe patient underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty with endovascular stent placement for 95% narrowing of the proximal right internal carotid artery. Because of his impaired renal function, the procedure was performed with the use of Gd-DTPA as the sole contrast agent. Approximately 60 ml of contrast medium (twice the volume typically used for a magnetic resonance imaging study) was used. There were no neurological, renal, or other complications. CONCLUSIONIntra-arterially administered Gd-DTPA may be substituted for iodinated contrast agents in complex neuroendovascular procedures. This capacity expands the armamentarium for interventional neuroradiological procedures.
The effect of hue and brightness on the size-illusion of concentric circles.

Since Delboeuf (1893), it has been noticed that the inner circle of concentric circles such as B in Fig. 1 appears larger than the circle such as A which is physically the same in size and that the outer circle of B appears smaller than circle C which is again physically the same in size. Morinaga (1935) and Ogasawara (1952) found in their systematic studies that both these size-illusions are maximal when the size ratio between the outer and inner circles is 3 : 2, regardless of their absolute size (Oyama, 1960 a). Oyama (1962) studied the effect of hue and brightness on the overestimation of size of inner circle, and reached the following conclusions: 1. The similarity or dissimilarity in hue and brightness between the two concentric circles has no effect on this illusion. 2. The illusion increases as the brightness-difference of the outer (inducing) circle from background increases, and it decreases as the brightness-difference of the inner
Are breastfeeding problems related to incorrect breastfeeding technique and the use of pacifiers and bottles?

BACKGROUND In Western countries during the 1960s and 1970s, sore nipples and insufficient milk were common problems that made it hard for mothers to maintain breastfeeding for long. This study investigated the relationship of breastfeeding problems to nursing behavior and pacifier use. METHODS Fifty-two healthy mother-infant pairs with breastfeeding problems were referred for observation of nursing behavior to a breastfeeding clinic at the Department of Pediatrics of Malmö General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden, from August 1987 to July 1989. The infants ranged in age from 1 to 17 weeks. A faulty nursing pattern was corrected as necessary. Forty mother-infant pairs with no breastfeeding problems provided a control group. RESULTS In most cases the nursing problems were related to incorrect sucking technique. The difference in technique of the study group compared with the control group was significant (p = 0.0001). The continuation of breastfeeding was poorer if the infant already had become used to bottle-feeding. Pacifier use was more common in conjunction with breastfeeding problems and in cases with a faulty superficial nipple-sucking technique. CONCLUSION Breastfeeding problems may be prevented by the adoption of hospital routines that do not interfere with the start of breastfeeding and by the avoidance of extensive use of pacifiers.
How precise are monetary representations of environmental improvements

Subjects valued environmental goods using a response mode expressing willingness to pay as a multiplier or divider of a purported "budgetary unit. " Hypothetical willingness to pay was found to be highly dependent on the size of the budgetary unit. Rejecting two other interpretations, we believe the results suggest that people's contingent values are only vaguely represented in monetary terms; any dollar amount within a broad range is considered an acceptable expression of value. Although the procedures differ from those of a typical contingent valuation survey, the results demonstrate some of the difficulties in discovering precise monetary values for environmental resources.
Sensitivity of mottled sculpins (Cottus bairdi) and rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) to acute and chronic toxicity of cadmium, copper, and zinc

Studies of fish communities of streams draining mining areas suggest that sculpins (Cottus spp.) may be more sensitive than salmonids to adverse effects of metals. We compared the toxicity of zinc, copper, and cadmium to mottled sculpin (C. bairdi) and rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) in laboratory toxicity tests. Acute (96‐h) and early life‐stage chronic (21‐ or 28‐d) toxicity tests were conducted with rainbow trout and with mottled sculpins from populations in Minnesota and Missouri, USA, in diluted well water (hardness = 100 mg/L as CaCO3). Acute and chronic toxicity of metals to newly hatched and swim‐up stages of mottled sculpins differed between the two source populations. Differences between populations were greatest for copper, with chronic toxicity values (ChV = geometric mean of lowest‐observed‐effect concentration and no‐observed‐effect concentration) of 4.4 μg/L for Missouri sculpins and 37 μg/L for Minnesota sculpins. Cadmium toxicity followed a similar trend, but differences between sculpin populations were less marked, with ChVs of 1.1 μg/L (Missouri) and 1.9 μg/L (Minnesota). Conversely, zinc was more toxic to Minnesota sculpins (ChV = 75 μg/L) than Missouri sculpins (chronic ChV = 219 μg/L). Species‐average acute and chronic toxicity values for mottled sculpins were similar to or lower than those for rainbow trout and indicated that mottled sculpins were among the most sensitive aquatic species to toxicity of all three metals. Our results indicate that current acute and chronic water quality criteria for cadmium, copper, and zinc adequately protect rainbow trout but may not adequately protect some populations of mottled sculpins. Proposed water quality criteria for copper based on the biotic ligand model would be protective of both sculpin populations tested.
Sleep in the Wistar‐Kyoto rat, a putative genetic animal model for depression

The Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rat exhibits several behavioral and hormonal abnormalities often associated with depression. One of the hallmarks of depression consists of alterations in the sleep–wake cycle, particularly in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. If the WKY rat is indeed an animal model for depression, we hypothesized that it should also show sleep abnormalities relative to the control strain, the Wistar (WIS) rat. Under baseline conditions, WKY rats showed a 50% increase in total REM sleep time during the 12 h light phase and an increase in sleep fragmentation during both the light and dark phase. The WKY rats also exhibited lower EEG power densities over the entire frequency range (0.2–25.0 Hz) during REM sleep. After a 6 h sleep deprivation, the REM sleep rebound was more pronounced during the dark but not the light phase in the WKY rats. Since the WKY rat represents a genetic model for depression with altered EEG sleep patterns, this strain may be particularly useful for investigating the relationship between depression and sleep abnormalities.
Value-Driven Data Quality Assessment

: Techniques for assessing data quality along different dimensions have been discussed in the data quality management (DQM) literature. In recent years, researchers and practitioners have underscored the importance of contextual quality assessment, highlighting its contribution to decision-making. The current data quality measurement methods, however, are often derived from impartial data and system characteristics, disconnected from the business and decision-making context. This paper suggests that with the increased attention to the contextual aspects, there is a need to revise current data quality measurement methods and consider alternatives that better reflect contextual evaluation. As a step in this direction, this study develops content-based measurement methods for commonly-used quality dimensions: completeness, validity, accuracy, and currency. The measurements are based on Intrinsic Value , a conceptual measure of the business value that is associated with the evaluated data. Intrinsic value is used as a scaling factor that allows aggregation of quality measurements from the single data item to higher-level data collections. The proposed value-based quality measurement models are illustrated with a few examples and their implications for data management research and practice discussed.