Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The natural history of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Accurate prenatal diagnosis of complex anatomic connections and associated anomalies has only been possible recently with the use of ultrasonography, echocardiography, and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To assess the impact of improved antenatal diagnosis in the management and outcome of conjoined twins, the authors reviewed their experience with 14 cases. METHODS A retrospective review of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins referred to our institution from 1996 to present was conducted. RESULTS In 14 sets of conjoined twins, there were 10 thoracoomphalopagus, 2 dicephalus tribrachius dipus, 1 ischiopagus, and 1 ischioomphalopagus. The earliest age at diagnosis was 9 weeks' gestation (range, 9 to 29; mean, 20). Prenatal imaging with ultrasonography, echocardiography, and ultrafast fetal MRI accurately defined the shared anatomy in all cases. Associated anomalies included cardiac malformations (11 of 14), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (4 of 14), abdominal wall defects (2 of 14), and imperforate anus (2 of 14). Three sets of twins underwent therapeutic abortion, 1 set of twins died in utero, and 10 were delivered via cesarean section at a mean gestational age of 34 weeks. There were 5 individual survivors in the series after separation (18%). In one case, in which a twin with a normal heart perfused the cotwin with a rudimentary heart, the ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure (EXIT) was utilized because of concern that the normal twin would suffer immediate cardiac decompensation at birth. This EXIT-to-separation strategy allowed prompt control of the airway and circulation before clamping the umbilical cord and optimized control over a potentially emergent situation, leading to survival of the normal cotwin. In 2 sets of twins in which each twin had a normal heart, tissue expanders were inserted before separation. CONCLUSIONS Advances in prenatal diagnosis allow detailed, accurate evaluations of conjoined twins. Careful prenatal studies may uncover cases in which emergent separation at birth is lifesaving.
Optimization of Effective Minerals on Riboflavin Production by Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis ATCC 6051 Using Statistical Designs

Background: Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential component of the basic metabolism, and an important nutritional and growth factor in humans, animals, plants and micro-organisms. It has been widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, feed and food additives. The industrial production of riboflavin mostly relies on the microbial fermentation. Designing an appropriate fermentation medium is of crucial importance to improve the riboflavin production. Methods: In this study, sequential methodology combining a screening test of minerals by Plackett-Burman (PB) and an optimization test by Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to enhance riboflavin production by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 in shake flasks. Results: Initially, one-factor-at-a-time approach was applied to evaluate the effect of different carbon sources. The results showed that fructose was significantly most effective on biomass and riboflavin production. After that, 13 minerals [CaCl2, CuCl, FeCl3, FeSO4, AlCl3, Na3MoO4, Co(NO3)2, NaCl, KH2PO4, K2HPO4, MgSO4, ZnSO4, and MnSO4] were studied with the screening test. The results revealed that concentration of MgSO4, K2HPO4, and FeSO4 had greater influence on riboflavin production (p< 0.05). A CCD with five factors (concentration of fructose, MgSO4, K2HPO4, FeSO4, and yeast extract) at five levels was then used to determine the maximum riboflavin concentration. The optimal concentrations (g/l) of these variables determined by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were fructose, 38.10; MgSO4, 0.85; K2HPO4, 2.27; FeSO4, 0.02; and yeast extract, 4.37. Conclusion: Statistical experimental design offers a practicable approach to the implementation of medium optimization. From an industrial view point, our optimum medium, besides fructose and a small amount of yeast extract, is mainly composed of common and cheap inorganic salts, which are available to the industrial riboflavin production.
Chest X-ray and Etiological Orientations of Respiratory Diseases in Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Pediatric Hospital in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

To determine the etiologic orientations lung damage associated with HIV infection in children, we performed a prospective cross-sectional study in 91 patients followed at the Pediatric Hospital Charles de Gaulle to Ouagadougou from 1 January 2012 to 31 July 2013. It consisted in the clinical-radiological analysis of the different lesions observed before pulmonary call signs in children followed for HIV infection. The observed radiological lesions were most often diffuse and bilateral. This was broncho- pneumonia in 87.9% of cases and pleuro-pneumonia in 12.1% of cases. Parenchymal damages were dominated by interstitial opacities alveolar and alveolar-interstitial damages in respectively 29.7%, 24.2% and 12.1% of cases. The etiologies were mostly suspected bacterial pneumonia (62.8%), lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (17.6%), tuberculosis (4.4%) and pneumocystosis (3.3%). Chest radiography accessible to most patients should keep a place in the diagnostic approach. But in many cases it should be complemented with other complementary explorations in order to achieve a specific etiologic diagnosis and improve the treatment of pediatric AIDS.
The anxiolytic-like effects of allopregnanolone vary as a function of intracerebral microinfusion site: the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, or hippocampus

Allopregnanolone is a 5&agr;-reduced metabolite of progesterone that potentiates &ggr;-aminobutyric acid type-A (GABAA) receptor activity and produces anxiolytic effects in animal models. Little is, however, known about the brain regions that mediate its anxiolytic effects. In this study Sprague–Dawley rats were microinfused with allopregnanolone into the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, or hippocampus – brain regions that have been previously implicated in the control of anxiety in animal models. After the microinfusion, the animals were tested on the elevated plus-maze and the shock-probe burying test. In the amygdala, allopregnanolone produced anxiolytic-like effects in both tests; in the medial prefrontal cortex, allopregnanolone produced anxiolytic effects restricted to the plus-maze test; in the hippocampus, allopregnanolone was ineffective in both tests. The results were discussed in terms of differences in the control of specific fear reactions within subregions of each brain area, differences in the ‘sensitivity’ of behavioral tests to the anxiolytic effects of allopregnanolone, and finally, regional differences in the subunit composition of GABAA receptors and their possible relationship to the relative efficacy of steroidal and nonsteroidal GABAA agonists.
Analysis of preexisting baseline kidney lesions revealed by biopsy in living kidney donors: relationship with clinical parameters at the time of donation

Okamoto M, Koshino K, Nobori S, Ushigome H, Okajima H, Urasaki K, Yoshimura N. Analysis of preexisting baseline kidney lesions revealed by biopsy in living kidney donors: relationship with clinical parameters at the time of donation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24 (Suppl. 22): 27–30. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Floppy Eyelid Syndrome

Purpose: To determine corneal biomechanical properties in patients with floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) and to compare them with eyes of controls. Methods: This case–control study included 208 eyes (72 eyes with FES and 136 without FES) of 107 patients (37 patients with FES and 70 without FES). Patients underwent a complete clinical eye examination that included corneal biomechanical evaluation carried out with the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer. Results: Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), central corneal thickness (CCT), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were evaluated. Mean CH was significantly lower in patients with FES than in those without FES (9.51 ± 1.56 vs. 11.66 ± 9.11; P < 0.001). These results remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and apnea–hypoapnea index (AHI) (P = 0.028). Mean CRF was 10.02 ± 2.08 in the group of patients with FES and 11.21 ± 5.36 in the group of patients without FES (P = 0.001). Mean IOPcc was 17.7 ± 4.8 in patients with FES and 16.3 ± 4.4 in those without FES (P = 0.036). After adjusting for age and AHI, these differences in CRF and IOPcc were not statistically significant (P = 0.26 and P = 0.87, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between patients with and without FES for Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure or CCT. Conclusions: Patients with FES had statistically lower CH values. Our findings suggest that corneal biomechanical properties could be changed in patients with FES, reflecting additional structural changes in FES.
Xylanase activity of an endo-cellulase of carboxymethyl-cellulase type from Irpex lacteus (Polyporus tulipiferae).

An endo-cellulase [EC 3.2. 1.4. ] of carboxymethyl-cellulase type (F-1) which was fractionated from culture filtrate of Irpex lacetus and purified to electrophoretic and ultracentrifugal homogeneity, was found to show xylanase [EC 3.2. 1.8. ] activity. The activity was not removed from any of the intermediate fractions during the purification of the initial F-I peak, and the radio of xylanase to cellulase activity remained almost unchanged through the purification processes. The xylanase activity of F-I showed not only the same optiomal pH, heat stability, and pH stability as its cellulase activity, but also the same mobility as the cellulase activity upon cellulose acetate film and starch zone electrophoreses. The overall rates of hydrolysis of mixtures of variouis concentrations of CM-cellulose and xylan by F-1 coincided well with those calculated from the Michaelis-Menten treatment of two substances competing for the same active site of the enzyme. These results indicate that the xylanase activity of F-1 is intrinsic to the cellulase itself.
Regional Comparison of Nitrogen Export to Japanese Forest Streams

Nitrogen (N) emissions in Asian countries are predicted to increase over the next several decades. An understanding of the mechanisms that control temporal and spatial fluctuation of N export to forest streams is important not only to quantify critical loads of N, N saturation status, and soil acidification N dynamics and budgets in Japanese forested watersheds is not clear due to the lack of regional comparative studies on stream N chemistry. To address the lack of comparative studies, we measured inorganic N (nitrate and ammonium) concentrations from June 2000 to May 2001 in streams in 18 experimental forests located throughout the Japanese archipelago and belonging to the Japanese Union of University Forests. N concentrations in stream water during base flow and high flow periods were monitored, and N mineralization potential in soil was measured using batch incubation experiments. Higher nitrate concentrations in stream water were present in central Japan, an area that receives high rates of atmospheric N deposition. In northern Japan, snowmelt resulted in increased nitrate concentrations in stream water. The potential net N mineralization rate was higher in surface soil than in subsurface soil, and the high potential for N mineralization in the surface soil partly contributed to the increase in nitrate concentration in stream water during a storm event. Regional differences in the atmospheric N deposition and seasonality of precipitation and high discharge are principal controls on the concentrations and variations of nitrates in stream water in forested watersheds of Japan.
Early and late effects of prenatal corticosteroid treatment on the microRNA profiles of lung tissue in rats

Glucocorticoids have been administered to mothers at risk of premature delivery to induce maturation of preterm fetal lungs and prevent the development of respiratory distress syndrome. Micro (mi)RNAs serve various crucial functions in cell proliferation, differentiation and organ development; however, few studies have demonstrated an association between miRNAs and lung development. The aim of the present study was to investigate alterations in the miRNA profiles of rat lung tissue following prenatal glucocorticoid therapy for fetal lung development. The differences in miRNA expression profiles were compared between postnatal days 7 (D7) and 120 (D120) rat lung tissues, followed by validation using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The miRNA profiles of rat lung tissues following prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) therapy were also investigated. miRNAs with 2-fold changes were selected for further analysis. At D120, 6 upregulated and 6 downregulated miRNAs were detected, compared with D7. Among these differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-101-3p and miR-99b-5p were associated with the lowest and highest expressions of miRNA at D7, respectively. A limited impact on the miRNA profiles of rat lung tissues was observed following prenatal DEX treatment, which may help to further clarify the mechanisms underlying normal lung development. However, the results of the present study cannot entirely elucidate the effects of prenatal DEX treatment on the lung development of premature infants, and further studies investigating the impact of prenatal corticosteroids on fetal lung miRNA profiles are required.
Inflammatory bowel disease and oral health: systematic review and a meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND The objective of this systematic review was to systematically investigate whether there is an association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and oral health. METHODS Literature searches for randomized and non-randomized studies were performed up to January 2017. Risk of bias within studies was assessed with the Downs and Black checklist. Across-studies risk of bias was assessed with the GRADE framework. Quantitative synthesis was conducted with random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of 9 cross-sectional studies including 1297 patients were included. IBD was associated with increased risk of periodontitis (332 more patients per 1000 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI): 257-388 patients; p < 0.001) compared to non-IBD patients. Additionally, the Decayed-Missing-Filled-Teeth index of IBD patients was significantly worse than non-IBD patients (mean difference: 3.85; 95% CI: 2.36-5.34; p = 0.005). Patients with ulcerative colitis had considerably worse oral health for most of the assessed factors, while the quality of overall evidence ranged from high to low, due to the observational nature of contributing studies. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory bowel disease was associated with significantly higher risk of periodontitis and worse oral health compared to non-IBD patients. However, longitudinal studies are needed in order to establish a causality link between IBD and periodontal disease.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Plasma Concentration in Allergic Asthma Patients during Allergen Challenge

Background: The –675 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) polymorphism is linked with asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of allergen challenge on plasma PAI-1 concentration in relation to the –675 4G/5G PAI-1 gene polymorphism in house dust mite-allergic asthma patients (HDM-AAs). Materials and Methods: The study was performed in 54 HDM-AAs and 54 healthy nonatopic controls (HCs). Plasma samples were collected in HDM-AAs before, as well as 30 min, 6 h and 24 h after allergen challenge and at corresponding time points in sham-challenged HCs. Results: In subjects carrying the individual PAI-1 genotype, the mean baseline plasma PAI-1 concentration was greater in HDM-AAs than in HCs. At 30 min the mean increase in plasma PAI-1 concentration was significantly greater in HDM-AAs (14.4 ± 12.9 ng/ml) than in HCs (3.4 ± 3.2 ng/ml; p < 0.001). At 6 h, plasma PAI-1 concentration greater than before challenge was found in only 4 HCs (7.4%) but in 48 HDM-AAs (88.9%; p < 0.0001). An increase in plasma PAI-1 concentration at 6 h was found in all HDM-AAs carrying the 4G allele but only in 33.3% of the 5G homozygotes (p < 0.0001). The strongest correlation was found between log PC20 and PAI-1 plasma concentration over the period of 24 h (r = –0.507; p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Changes in plasma PAI-1 concentration associated with allergen-induced bronchoconstriction are modulated by the –675 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene. Allergen-induced upregulation of PAI-1 synthesis may participate in the development of bronchial hyperreactivity in HDM-AAs.
Mutation analysis of connexin 26 gene and del(GJB6- D13S1830) in patients with hereditary deafness from two provinces in Iran

Mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) gene at the DFNB1 locus on chromosome 13q12 are associated with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL). There are many known mutations in this gene that cause hearing loss. A single frameshift, at position 35 (35delG) accounts for 50% of mutations in the Caucasian population with carrier frequencies of 1.5-2.5%. In this study we investigated the prevalence of Cx26 gene mutations by directly sequencing the coding exon of this gene belonging to ARNSHL individuals from 53 families in Qom and Markazi provinces of Iran. Seven different Cx26 variants were identified. Five Cx26 mutations including 35delG, 233delC, 176del16, W24X, L90P were found in 10 of 53 families (18.87%). One polymorphism V153I was also found. One variant A171T with unknown effects was also detected. Six of the 53 families were observed to have GJB2 mutations in both alleles (11.32%). The most common mutation was 35delG. Three out of 10 families (30%) with GJB2 variants contained 35delG mutation in both alleles and the frequency of 35delG allele was 0.50 among 10 out of 53 families. Also screening for the 342-kb GJB6 deletion mutant did not reveal any large deletion among families studied. Thus, in the two provinces, contribution of GJB2 (Gap Junction Protein Beta 2) mutations to familial deafness appears to be less significant. This necessitates further assessment of the other known genes regions as well as a search for new genetic factors in hereditary deafness in the Iranian population.
Laboratory testing of a lethal ovitrap for Aedes aegypti

Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of making the mosquito ovitrap lethal to Aedes aegypti (L.) when they attempt to oviposit in the trap. Heavy‐weight velour paper strips (2.54 × 11 cm) were used as an alternative to the wooden paddle normally provided as a substrate for mosquito oviposition. The paper strips were pretreated with insecticide solutions and allowed to dry before being used in oviposition cups of 473 ml capacity, filled with water initially to within 2.5 cm of the brim. Insecticides chosen for their quick knock‐down efficacy were bendiocarb 76% WP (1.06 mg a.i./strip) and four pyrethroids: permethrin 25% WP (0.16 mg a.i./strip), deltamethin 4.75% SC (0.87 mg a.i./strip), cypermethrin 40% WP (2.81 mg a.i./strip), and cyfluthrin 20% WP (0.57 mg a.i./strip).
Evidence-Based Practices in Interventions for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ABSTRACT Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are the basis on which teachers and other service providers are required to design educational programs for learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As part of their work with the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on ASD, researchers developed a process for reviewing the research literature and established criteria for identifying EBPs. In their review, they identified 24 focused intervention practices having sufficient evidence. In this article, the authors describe procedures for selecting specific EBPs appropriate for addressing specific IEP goals for learners with ASD. The authors emphasize the importance of systematic implementation of practices.
The Multipartite Mitochondrial Genome of Enteromyxum leei (Myxozoa): Eight Fast-Evolving Megacircles

Myxozoans are a large group of poorly characterized cnidarian parasites. To gain further insight into their evolution, we sequenced the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Enteromyxum leei and reevaluate the mt genome structure of Kudoa iwatai. Although the typical animal mt genome is a compact, 13-25 kb, circular chromosome, the mt genome of E. leei was found to be fragmented into eight circular chromosomes of ∼23 kb, making it the largest described animal mt genome. Each chromosome was found to harbor a large noncoding region (∼15 kb), nearly identical between chromosomes. The protein coding genes show an unusually high rate of sequence evolution and possess little similarity to their cnidarian homologs. Only five protein coding genes could be identified and no tRNA genes. Surprisingly, the mt genome of K. iwatai was also found to be composed of two chromosomes. These observations confirm the remarkable plasticity of myxozoan mt genomes.
Preferential selection of deletion mutations of the outer membrane lipoprotein gene of Escherichia coli by globomycin

Globomycin is an antibiotic which inhibits the processing of the prolipoprotein. Eighty globomycin-resistant mutants were independently isolated from Escherichia coli K-12 which had a deletion mutation in chromosomal lipoprotein gene (lpp), but contained a plasmid carrying the wild-type lpp gene. Twenty-six of the mutants did not have the lipoprotein in the membrane fractions. From the analysis of the plasmids of these mutants, all of the lipoprotein-deficient mutations were found to be due to deletion mutations around the lpp gene.
The Impact of Social Relationships on Online Word-of-Mouth and Knowledge Sharing in Social Network Sites: An Empirical Study

This study provides insight into how social relationships perspective influence on online Word-of-Mouth and knowledge sharing on social networking sites SNSs. By using the sample from 385 Egyptian college students-who spend more time on SNSs, this study investigates the relationship among the use of SNSs, users' social Relationships, online Word-of-Mouth, and knowledge sharing. Partial Least Square PLS was utilized to examine the hypotheses through a questionnaire designed on the Likert seven-point scale. The results indicated that the intensity of usage of SNSs is a positively related with social relationship factors which has a positive effect on online WOM; in addition, online WOM has positively significant influence on knowledge sharing. The results also indicated that male students are found to have more social relationship than female counterparts do. Male students feel more strongly about knowledge sharing when they perceive that online WOM communication is good.