Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of pain scores and medication use in patients undergoing single-bundle or double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND No gold standard exists for the management of postoperative pain following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We compared the pain scores and medication use of patients undergoing single-bundle (SB) or double-bundle (DB) ACLR in the acute postoperative period. Pain and medication use was also analyzed for spinal versus general anesthesia approaches within both surgery types. METHODS We assessed 2 separate cohorts of primary ACLR patients, SB and DB, for 14 days postoperatively. We used a standard logbook to record self-reported pain scores and medication use. Pain was assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Medications were divided into 3 categories: oral opioids, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and acetaminophen. RESULTS A total of 88 patients undergoing SB and 41 undergoing DB ACLR were included in the study. We found no significant difference in VAS pain scores between the cohorts. Despite similar VAS pain scores, the DB cohort consumed significantly more opioid and analgesia medication (p = 0.011). Patients who underwent DB with spinal anesthesia experienced significantly less pain over the initial 14-day postoperative period than those who received general anesthesia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Adequate pain relief was provided to all ACLR patients in the initial postoperative period. Patients in the DB cohort experienced more pain, as evidenced by the significant diffrence in consumption of opioids and acetaminophen, than the SB cohort. Patients who underwent spinal anesthesia experienced less pain in the acute postoperative period than those who received general anesthesia.
Severity of Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Objectives. The authors aimed at investigating the occurrence of depression and the level of quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an incurable neurodegenerative disease leading to progressive motor paralysis. They further wished to elucidate correlates of depression and quality of life, such as physical impairment, time since diagnosis, age, sex, and education. Additionally, the authors attempted to confirm previous studies that had shown quality of life to be underestimated by partners or caregivers. Methods. To assess severity of depressive symptoms, the authors used Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the ALS-Depression Inventory. To assess the patients’ quality of life, they used the Scales to Assess Quality of Life. The same questionnaire was presented to partners or caregivers to estimate the patients’ quality of life. Results. Severity of depressive symptoms was everything from not depressed to clinically relevant depressed. On average, quality of life was rated as satisfactory. Severity of depressive symptoms and quality of life showed a moderate positive relation to physical impairment and a weak negative relation to time since diagnosis. Partners or caregivers rated patients’ quality of life significantly lower than did the patients. Conclusions. Although depression occurs among ALS patients, it is not inevitable. Patients can remain free of depression and maintain a good quality of life. Depression should be treated, and patients have to be provided with unbiased information, including their medical and palliative care options.
Risk factors of caesarean section due to cephalopelvic disproportion.

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors of cesarean section due to cephalopelvic disproportion SETTING Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital. STUDY DESIGN Case-control study. MATERIAL AND METHOD One hundred and three singleton, viable, term pregnant women in cephalic presentation delivered by cesarean section due to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) and 105 controls gave normal birth just before or after the study case. Demographic, anthropometric data, labor characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were obtained from medical records. The expected risk indicators of the case and control groups were compared by using independent unpaired T-test and exact probability test as appropriate. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significant risk factors (p < 0.05). RESULTS Significant independent risk factors of cesarean section due to CPD were: estimated fetal weight (EFW) > 3,000 g (OR = 3.96, 95% CI = 2.06, 7.63), pre-pregnancy BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 (OR = 5.06, 95% CI = 1.67, 15.34), nulliparity (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.31, 6.78) and the inadequacy of clinical pelvimetry (OR = 8.49, 95% CI = 1.01, 71.78), (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Risk factors for cesarean section due to CPD were EFW > 3,000 g, pre-pregnancy BMI > or = 25 kg/m2, nulliparity and the inadequacy of clinical pelvimetry. They are useful in the categorization of individual women into high and low CPD-risk groups.
Productivity of farmer-preferred maize varieties intercropped with beans in semi-arid Kenya

Farmers in the semi-arid regions grow drought tolerant maize varieties and practice maize-legume intercropping. A study was conducted in Machakos, Mwea and Waruhiu in 2008 short rains and 2009 long rains to determine the performance of maize varieties currently grown in semi-arid regions and their compatibility with beans. Sixteen maize varieties were grown as sole crops or intercropped with beans. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement and replicated three times. Maize variety and maize plus beans intercrop system were assigned to main and sub-plots, respectively. Using land equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary advantage (MA) indices, productivity of intercropping was evaluated. Results indicated that varieties KCB, Katumani, DHO 1, DHO 2, DK 8031 and Duma 43 were suitable for Mwea and Waruhiu. They tolerated or escaped drought by maturing early. Further, these varieties were compatible with beans in an intercrop system. However, bean yield was significantly affected by maize component in intercrop system and declines of 52% to 59% were observed. Despite the yield reduction of beans in intercropping, this system was shown to be economically viable according to LER and MA indices. All maize varieties failed to produce a crop in Machakos in two seasons. Increased food production in semi-arid areas requires adoption of drought escaping and tolerant varieties and maize-bean intercropping systems. However, areas with severe droughts like Machakos and adjoining regions of south-eastern Kenya require alternative maize varieties or crop species that are more drought tolerant than those currently recommended.
[Feasibility study on liver CT contrast-enhanced scan with low dose of radiation and contrast agent].

OBJECTIVE To explore the feasibility for liver contrast-enhanced CT scan with low dose of radiation and contrast agent in clinical. METHODS A total of 180 cases were randomly divided into group I (low concentration of contrast agent, 270 mgI/mL of iodixanol) and group II (high concentration of contrast agent, 320 mgI/mL of iodixanol). Three scan conditions (A: 120 kV, 300 mA; B: 100 kV, 400 mA; and C: 100 kV, 300 mA) were randomly distributed in 3 phases (arterial phase, venous phase and delay phase) for liver scans in each group. The effective radiation dose (ED), image CT values and quality of images (image of noise (NI), the image signal to noise ratio (SNR), contrast to noise ratio (CNR), and overall image quality (OIQ) scores were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS ED values for the group C in the total samples were decreased by 38%, 40% and 41%, respectively compared to the group A in contrast-enhanced scan for 3 phases. The image quality was significantly different (P<0.05); ED values in the group B were decreased by 18%, 20% and 20%, respectively compared to group A in contrast-enhanced scan for 3 phases, and there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in image quality. There were significant differences between the group I and the group II in CT values at the same scanning parameters and scanning phases (P<0.05), but the image quality was not obviously different; there was no significant difference between the group A-II and the group B-I as well as the group C-I in image CT values, and there was also no significant difference between the group A-II and the group B-I in image quality (P>0.05); however the differences in image quality were statistically significant between the group A-II and the group C-I (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Reduction of the tube voltage (to improve the tube current) combined with the low-dose contrast agent can not only reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dose but also meet the needs of double-low liver contrast-enhanced CT scan.
GROWTH , PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS ( COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA ) IN HUMID ENVIRONMENT

ABSRACT: This study was undertaken on Japanese quails to evaluate their growth, production and reproductive performance in a Humid environment of central Nigeria. One hundred and sixty nine (169) pedigrees hatched day-old Japanese quail chicks from 10 sires were used for this study. The traits studied include body weight, morphological traits, feed and reproductive traits. Results show that hatch weight and mature body weight of Japanese quails were 5.74±1.10g and 89.81±1.20g, respectively. At maturity, mean shank length, body length, wing length and breast girth were 3.93±0.15, 18.0±0.16, 15.00±0.17 and 6.51±0.07cm, respectively. Growth rate was highest (3.02±0.11g) at 4-5 weeks of age. Feed intake increased with age from 3.12±0.09g (week 0-1) to 15.16±0.08g at 5-6 weeks while feed conversion ratio was best (3.01±0.18g) at 1-2 weeks. Mortality decreased with age. Mean age at sexual maturity (AFE), was 54.49±0.20 days while body weight at first egg (BWFE) and weight of first egg were 138.91±0.64 and 7.83±0.08g, respectively. Hen-day and Hen-house egg production were 25.77 and 17.57%, respectively at the 3 month of lay while part-period egg number was 62.43±0.23 eggs per hen. Percentage mean fertility was 80.72±1.03 while that of the hatchability of eggs was 70.48±1.74. It was concluded that given the productive and reproductive estimates, Japanese quail can serve as an alternate livestock species that can ameliorate shortage of protein intake in environment studied.
Do obese children become obese adults? A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Obese children may be at increased risk of becoming obese adults. To examine the relationship between obesity in childhood and obesity in adulthood, we reviewed the epidemiologic literature published between 1970 and July 1992. Comparison between studies was complicated by differences in study design, definitions of obesity, and analytic methods used. Although the correlations between anthropometric measures of obesity in childhood and those in adulthood varied considerably among studies, the associations were consistently positive. RESULTS About a third (26 to 41%) of obese preschool children were obese as adults, and about half (42 to 63%) of obese school-age children were obese as adults. For all studies and across all ages, the risk of adult obesity was at least twice as high for obese children as for nonobese children. The risk of adult obesity was greater for children who were at higher levels of obesity and for children who were obese at older ages. CONCLUSION The wide range of estimates in this literature are, in part, due to differences in study designs, definitions of obesity, ages at which participants were measured, intervals between measurements, and population and cultural differences.
Bounded Cocycles and Combings of Groups

We adopt the notion of combability of groups defined in [12]. An example is given of a (bi-)combable group which is not residually finite. Two of the eight 3-dimensional geometries, and ℍ2×ℝ, are quasiisometric. Seifert fibred manifolds over hyperbolic orbifolds have bicombable fundamental groups. Every combable group satisfies an exponential isoperimetric inequality.
Extension of the clinical and molecular phenotype of DIAPH1‐associated autosomal dominant hearing loss (DFNA1)

In about 20% of non‐syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) cases, inheritance is autosomal dominant (ADNSHL). DIAPH1 mutations define the ADNSHL locus DFNA1. We identified two new families with heterozygous truncating DIAPH1 mutations (p.Ala1210Serfs*31 and p.Arg1213*). In contrast to the extensively studied original DFNA1 family, hearing loss was not confined to low frequencies, but congenital manifestation and rapid progression were confirmed. In line with a recent unrelated study, we identified an association with thrombocytopenia, reclassifying DFNA1 as a syndrome. Consequently, we suggest to include the blood count into the initial clinical workup of patients with autosomal dominant hearing loss to guide the genetic diagnosis. We provide the first data on DIAPH1 expression in the organ of Corti, where it localizes to the inner pillar cells, at the base of the outer hair cells. Homozygous truncating DIAPH1 mutations located N‐terminally to the DFNA1 mutations have recently been identified in autosomal recessive microcephaly. It is therefore noteworthy that we found DIAPH1 expression also in spiral ganglion neurons and in the barrier between the myelinating glia of the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes that form the myelinating glia of the central nervous system (CNS).
Effect of Substrate on the Fatty Acid Composition of Hydrocarbon-Utilizing Filamentous Fungi

The fatty acid pattern in hydrocarbon-utilizing filamentous fungi was determined after growth on acetate, propionate, n-alkanes (C13 to C15), and alk-1-enes (C14 to C18). The fatty acid profile of Cunninghamella elegans and Penicillium zonatum after growth on acetate shows a predominance of even-carbon fatty acids (C16, C18:1, C18:2), whereas cells grown on propionate showed significantly higher levels of odd-carbon fatty acids (C15, C17, C17:1). Growth on n-alkanes resulted in the incorporation of fatty acids homologous to the growth substrate. Cunninghamella elegans grown on the alk-1-enes from C14 to C18 incorporated the unsaturated substrate into cellular fatty acid after oxidation at the saturated end of the molecule. Regardless of substrate these fungi contain, predominantly, fatty acids 18 carbons in length.
Subcutaneous Panniculitislike T‐Cell Lymphoma Appearing as a Breast Mass

Subcutaneous panniculitislike T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of cutaneous lymphoma. It appears clinically with erythematous, subcutaneous infiltrates and recurrent papulonodules. It is rare in young patients, with only a few reported cases. We report the case of a 23-year-old healthy woman with an atypical appearance of SPTCL. She initially came to our institution with a 3-month history of a left breast mass. Biopsy showed scattered reactive macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and mixed lymphoid infiltrates suggestive of acute panniculitis. 1 Her condition improved clinically with conservative treatment. More than 3.5 years later, multiple painful, self-remitting crops of skin nodules developed over her extremities, associated with intermittent low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The diagnosis of SPTCL was finally made from a skin biopsy obtained from her forearm. Hemophagocytosis, a known, often fatal complication, was not evident. She received combination chemotherapy with fludarabine, mitoxantrone, and dexamethasone with good response. The initial breast biopsy specimens were reexamined. Deeper sections revealed the presence of some atypical lymphoid cells but with inadequate features for the diagnosis of SPTCL. However, the clinical improvement of her breast condition with combination chemotherapy is supportive of involvement of a lymphomatous process. We review her clinical appearance, radiologic findings, histologic features, treatment, and outcome. To the best of our knowledge, SPTCL appearing as a breast mass has not been reported previously, and this report stresses the importance of repeated biopsy when SPTCL is suspected.
Jitter analysis of high-speed sampling systems

The jitter of such practical sampling systems as analog-to-digital converters, sample-and-hold circuits, and samplers is discussed. A model for estimating jitter is proposed. In this model, total jitter is composed of sampling circuit jitter, analog input signal jitter, and sampling clock jitter. Using this model, jitter is broken up into three components. To evaluate the model, a precise method for measuring jitter is devised. This method, based on sampling sine-wave signal-to-noise ratio calculations, enables separation of jitter and amplitude noise. The performance limit of converters as evaluated by the model is discussed. >
Cloning and characterization of a second member of the mouse mdr gene family

The mammalian mdr gene family comprises a small number of closely related genes. Previously, we have shown that one member, mdr1, has the capacity to convey multidrug resistance to drug-sensitive recipient cells in a gene transfer protocol. However, the functional characteristics of other members of this gene family have not been examined. In this report, we characterize a second member of the mdr gene family which we designated mdr2. We determined the nucleotide sequence corresponding to the complete coding region of this mdr2 transcript. The predicted amino acid sequence of this protein (1,276 amino acids) showed that it is a membrane glycoprotein highly homologous to mdr1 (85%), strongly suggesting that both genes originate from a common ancestor. Regions of divergence between mdr1 and mdr2 proteins are concentrated in two discrete segments of the predicted polypeptides, each approximately 100 residues in length. The mdr2 protein appears to be formed by the duplication of a structural unit which encodes three putative transmembrane loops and a predicted nucleotide-binding fold and is highly homologous to bacterial transport proteins such as hlyB. This strong homology suggests that mdr2 also participates in an energy-dependent membrane transport process. However, the direct relationship, if any, of this new member of the mdr family to multidrug resistance remains to be established. Knowledge of the complete nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid sequence of the mdr2 gene product will enable the preparation of gene-specific probes and antibodies necessary to study the functional role of this gene in multidrug resistance and normal physiological processes.
Amyloid, Presenilins, and Alzheimer’s Disease

The regulated intramembrane proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that results in the generation of a toxic 40 to 42 amino acid fragment, Aβ, and a C-terminal intracellular fragment stands central in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The fibrillar Aβ peptide is extracellularly deposited in plaques in the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the neocortex of affected individuals. The APP intracellular fragment binds to transcription factors and is translocated to the nucleus, where it influences transcription. Regulated intramembrane proteolysis of APP is dependent on the activity of a multimeric protein complex of which the essential components are presenilin, nicastrin, PEN-2, and APH-1. Further research into this emerging field of presenilin-dependent APP proteolysis within the plane of the membrane might reveal the necessity of an additional transport step—bringing substrate and enzyme together—before APP can actually be processed. NEUROSCIENTIST 9(2): 117–126, 2003.
Crosstalk effect and its mitigation in thermal emissive bands of remote sensors

It has been found that there is severe electronic noise in the Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) bands 27-30 which corresponds to wavelengths ranging between 6.7 μm to 9.73 μm. The cause for the issue has been identified to be crosstalk, which is significantly amplified since 2010 due to severe degradation in the electronic circuitry. The crosstalk effect causes unexpected discontinuity/change in the calibration coefficients and induces strong striping artifacts in the earth view (EV) images. Also it is noticed, that there are large long-term drifts in the EV brightness temperature (BT) in these bands. An algorithm using a linear approximation derived from on-orbit lunar observations has been developed to correct the crosstalk effect for them. It was demonstrated that the crosstalk correction can remarkably minimize the discontinuity/change in the calibration coefficients, substantially reduce the striping in the EV images, and significantly remove the long-term drift in the EV BT in all these bands. In this paper, we present the recent progresses in the crosstalk effect analysis and its mitigation. In addition, we will show that besides these four bands, the TEBs in other satellite remote sensors also have significant crosstalk contaminations. Further, it will be demonstrated that the crosstalk correction algorithm we developed can be successfully applied to all the contaminated TEBs to significantly reduce the crosstalk effects and substantially improve both the image quality and the radiometric accuracy of Level-1B (L1B) products for the bands.
Integrated multistack waveguide polarizer

Waveguide polarizers based on embedded thin metallic stacks are proposed. Highly efficient TM polarization is obtained for metal thicknesses smaller than the optical skin depth. The optimal single-metal-layer waveguide is found to yield an extinction ratio better than 12.2 dB/mm and a linear loss below 0.075 dB/mm. Experimental confirmation for this structure is also obtained in polymeric waveguides. Polarization efficiencies better than 100 dB/mm with linear losses below 2 dB/mm are calculated for multi-stack waveguides. This high performance is found to hold even if oxidation at metal-core boundaries is considered.
Impact of Fatigue in Rheumatic Diseases in the Work Environment: A Qualitative Study

Fatigue is a symptom of arthritis that causes difficulty at work. An improved understanding of this symptom could assist its management in the work environment. The aim of this study was to explore people with rheumatic diseases’ experiences of fatigue in work. A qualitative descriptive design was used with semi-structured interviews and a constant comparative method of data analysis. There were 18 participants, the majority of them female with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and working full-time. Three themes were identified: “Impact of fatigue on work performance” with cognition, mood and physical abilities being the main difficulties reported. In the second theme “Disclosure at Work” participants discussed disclosing their disease to employers but reported a lack of understanding of fatigue from colleagues. The final theme “work-based fatigue management strategies” included cognitive strategies and energy management techniques, which were mainly self-taught. In this study, fatigue was reported to impact on many areas of work performance with limited understanding from colleagues and employers. Interventions from health professionals to assist with development of work-related self-management skills are required to assist with symptom management in the work place. Such interventions should include education to employers and colleagues on the nature of fatigue in Rheumatic diseases.