Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The interplay between CD 4 cell count , viral load suppression and duration of antiretroviral therapy on mortality in a resource-limited setting

objective To examine the interaction between CD4 cell count, viral load suppression and duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on mortality. methods Cohort analysis of HIV-infected patients initiating ART between April 2004 and June 2011 at a large public sector clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. A log-linear model with Poisson distribution was used to estimate risk of death as a function of the interaction between current CD4 count, current viral load suppression and duration on ART in 12-month intervals. We calculated predicted mortality using estimated coefficients within combinations of predictors. results Amongst 14 932 ART patients, 1985 (13.3%) died. Current CD4 was the strongest predictor of death (<50 vs. 550 cells/mm – RR: 46.3; 95% CI: 26.8–80), while unsuppressed current viral load vs. suppressed (RR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5–2.1) and short duration of ART (0–11.9 vs. 66–71.9 months RR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.3) also predicted death. Our interaction model showed that mortality was highest in the first 12 months on treatment across all CD4 and viral load strata. As current CD4 and duration on ART increased and viral load suppression occurred, mortality dropped. CD4 count was the strongest predictor of death. The relative effect of current CD4 count varied strongly by viral load and duration of ART (from 1.3 to 55). Lack of suppression increased the risk of mortality upwards of six-fold depending on time on ART and current CD4. conclusions Our findings show that while CD4 count is the strongest predictor of death, the effect is modified by viral load and the duration of ART. Assessment of risk should take into account all three factors. keywords current CD4 count, current viral load, antiretroviral therapy, mortality, resource-limited setting
Loss of low-level antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae due to env mutations

Mutations (env) which resulted in increased sensitivity of gonococci to diverse compounds were studied by transformation. Strains carrying an env mutation were more sensitive than wild-type strains to several antibiotics, dyes, and detergents. The env mutations resulted in complete phenotypic suppression of low-level resistance to these same drugs determined by mutation at ery. Recombination was observed in transformation crosses between various env mutants. The env locus was not linked to the cluster of antibiotic resistance genes near str and spc.
SEED GERMINATION BIOASSAY USING MAIZE SEEDS FOR PHYTOXICITY EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT COMPOSTED MATERIALS

In this paper we evaluated the phytotoxicity of different composts obtained by two different composting methods using seed germination bioassay. Seeds of Zea mays were sown in 1:5 extract of composts and these were compared with the control (100% distilled water) for each type of material. Composting of herbal pharmaceutical solid waste (HPSW) was carried out using both conventional bin and pit method. HPSW was mixed separately with poultry manure, cow-manure and goat manure in three different ratios. Uncomposted and composted HPSW were tested to study the Phytotoxicity on Zea mays seed germination, after composting increase in percent germination as well as germination index (GI) values were observed in all combinations regardless, composted by pit or bin method. The results clearly showed that composting reduced Phytotoxicity. The results showed that use of completely composted organic waste reduces the phytotoxicity and is better than the use of uncomposted waste. It was found that pit method was more suitable than bin method. Herbal waste with goat manure in 1:1 ratio was found to be the most effective combination as compared to other combinations here. Germination was 100% and the germination index was 1.4 whereas uncomposted HPSW showed the lowest percent germination i.e., 77% and germination index 52.31 respectively
Is Arginine Oral Supplement Effective on Wound Healing in Adult Patients With Stage II, III and IV Pressure Ulcers?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the addition of arginine protein supplementation is effective in wound healing of adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies. One observation controlled study and two randomized controlled studies all published between 20102012. DATA SOURCES: Two double blind randomized controlled trials and one observational controlled trial comparing the efficacy of arginine supplementation in wound healing of adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers. All research articles were found using Cochrane Library EMB, Dynamed and Pubmed databases. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pressure ulcer healing size and time were documented and compared using The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (PUSH) tool. The PUSH tool measures length x width, exudate amount and tissue type. Patients’ nutritional status and intake are also monitored throughout the studying using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool. RESULTS: Two studies demonstrated significant decline in the ulcer size and healing time with the addition of arginine supplement. Brewer el al. showed patients receiving 9g of arginine daily has a mean healing time of 10.5 ±1.3 weeks compared to the historical group without arginine, which has mean healing time of 21.1±3.7 weeks. Van Anholt et al. demonstrated the intervention group receiving 9g of arginine has a significant decreased PUSH score, and faster healing time (p≤0.012). The p-value calculated for the intervention group is p=0.006 and for the control group is p=0.016. Leigh et al. showed similar wound healing size and time for the 4.5g arginine control group and the 9g arginine intervention group. The PUSH score for the 4.5g arginine group is 8.9±0.7, and for the 9g arginine group is 8.1±1.0. There is no significant difference in healing rate overall between the two groups, p=0.991. However, the time-to-heal rate decreased by half when compared both groups to historical data group receiving no supplement decreases the healing time. CONCLUSIONS: All three studies showed that arginine oral supplementation is effective in decrease pressure ulcer healing time and size in adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers. And one study showed no significant differences between the different dosing of the supplement.
Do COMT, BDNF and NRG1 polymorphisms influence P50 sensory gating in psychosis?

Background Auditory P50 sensory gating deficits correlate with genetic risk for schizophrenia and constitute a plausible endophenotype for the disease. The well-supported role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1) genes in neurodevelopment and cognition make a strong theoretical case for their influence on the P50 endophenotype. Method The possible role of NRG1, COMT Val158Met and BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphisms on the P50 endophenotype was examined in a large sample consisting of psychotic patients, their unaffected relatives and unrelated healthy controls using linear regression analyses. Results Although P50 deficits were present in patients and their unaffected relatives, there was no evidence for an association between NRG1, COMT Val158Met or BDNF Val66Met genotypes and the P50 endophenotype. Conclusions The evidence from our large study suggests that any such association between P50 indices and NRG1, COMT Val158Met or BDNF Val66Met genotypes, if present, must be very subtle.
Orbital emphysema following nose blowing as a sequel of a snowboard related head injury

A case of orbital emphysema as a sequel of a snowboard related head injury is reported. It is believed that a fracture of the medial orbital wall was caused by the increased intraorbital pressure when the patient hit his forehead on the snowy ground, allowing air to enter the orbit when he blew his nose. Wearing goggles may prevent this type of sports related injury.
Prevalence of Health-risk Behaviors among Government Schools’ Students in Jordan

Background: Adolescence is a developmental stage associated with many behavioural fluctuations and health risks behaviours. In this study, various health risk behaviours among Government school students in Jordan were assessed. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited 1256 students from 20 secondary schools all over the country. Students completed the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS, 2009–2012). The study was conducted in the period between Feb 2016 and Aug 2016. Chi-square (x2) was used to examine differences among the demographic variables. Results: Students scored low in eating breakfast, eating fruit, vegetables, and milk products. However, students scored moderately in hand and mouth hygiene. Students showed minimal incidences of physical attack and physical fight. Although suicidal attempts were not significantly reported, complaining from worries, feeling of sadness and hopelessness were moderately scored. The majority of physical activities were reported from walking or riding bicycles. However, three hours per day was the average of time spent on sitting activities. Students scored lowest in school absenteeism and the majority described their classmates as kind and helpful. Parental control on students’ home activities was regarded. Conclusion: In comparison with 2004 and 2007 statistics, students revealed improvements in physical activity, and reduced physical attacks and injuries. Future researchers are encouraged to discover factors associated with these changes.
Development of the 2.8 microm emission doubly shifted Raman laser using stimulated Brillouin scattering in a cascaded cavity.

A doubly shifted Raman laser using CH(4) gas has been developed for 2.8 microm generation, pumped by a Nd:YAG laser with 65.5 mJ at 17 ns. A dichroically coated meniscus-type lens is modified to utilize the backward stimulated Brillouin scattering and backward Stokes beams from a previous laser design [Appl. Opt.46, 5516-5521 (2007)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.46. 005516]. A maximum output energy of 4.76 mJ at 2.80 microm wavelength has been achieved in the cascaded resonator. A maximum conversion efficiency of 8.9% has been achieved at a CH(4) gas pressure of 600 psi. The obtained spatial beam profile is quite smooth, and its output pulse width is 10 ns.
Towards a Fuller Understanding of Residential Mobility: A Case Study in Northampton, England

The results of two questionnaire surveys of migrant owner-occupiers in Northampton, England, are reported. The major focus of interest is the importance of changes in the family life cycle in promoting mobility as a consequence of changing housing needs. It is demonstrated that demographic changes did not necessarily predispose households to move to acquire more space. Households which moved because of increased pressure on their housing space were significantly less well provided with space, but they had not experienced greater demographic change. They had always been relatively less well provided. It is suggested that this is because they opted to substitute either a newer or a more detached house for more space when they purchased the property. The behavioural model of residential mobility is reassessed in the light of these findings.
Optical measurements on oriented thin YBa2Cu3O7- delta films: Lack of evidence for excitonic superconductivity.

Optical transmission and reflection spectra (mid IR through uv) and Raman spectra of superior-quality 90-, 180-, 400-, and 1000-nm-thick superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O films are reported. Characteristic excitonic bands, and in particular the absorption band at \ensuremath{\simeq}0.37 eV reported earlier, are not observed. It therefore seems unlikely that the high-${T}_{c}$ superconductivity in cuprates could arise from exciton-mediated electron pairing.
Changes in mRNA Expression of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunits during Embryonic Development of Mouse Masseter Muscle

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) switch from the embryonic-type (α2βγδ subunits) to the adult-type (α2βεδ subunits), and disappear besides the neuromuscular junctions with the development of trunk and limb skeletal muscles. However, little is known about this process during the embryonic development of masseter muscle. To identify the time course of the nAChR transition from embryonic day (E) 11 to the newborn stage in mouse masseter muscle, we analyzed the expression level of δ, ε, and γ subunit mRNAs by competitive polymerase chain reaction in combination with reverse transcription as well as distribution of δ subunit protein by immunohistochemistry. The nAChR δ subunit mRNA was initially detected at E11, showed an approximately 25-fold increase (p<0.0001) between E11 and E17, and plateaued thereafter until the newborn stage. Immunostaining for δ subunit was observed in the whole portions of masseter myofibers at E17 and birth, suggesting that the nAChR elimination does not begin even at the newborn stage. The ε subunit mRNA initially appeared at E17, and increased in quantity by 144% (p<0.0001) up to the newborn stage. The quantity of γ subunit mRNA increased by approximately 240% (p<0.0001) between E11 and E17, and then decreased by 22% (p<0.05) from E17 value at the newborn stage. The beginning of the expression of the ε subunit mRNA was coincident with the beginning of the decrease in the quantity of the γ subunit mRNA, suggesting that the nAChR subunit switch begins at E17.
Ambulatory varicosity avulsion later or synchronized (AVULS): a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE A randomized clinical trial assessing the difference in quality of life and clinical outcomes between delayed and simultaneous phlebectomies in the context of endovenous truncal vein ablation. BACKGROUND Endovenous ablation has replaced open surgery as the treatment of choice for truncal varicose veins. Timing of varicosity treatment is controversial with delayed and simultaneous pathways having studies advocating their benefits. A previous small randomized study has shown improved outcomes for simultaneous treatment. METHODS Patients undergoing local anesthetic endovenous thermal ablation were randomized to either simultaneous phlebectomy or delayed varicosity treatment. Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year with clinical and quality of life scores completed, and were assessed at 6 weeks for need for further varicosity intervention, which was completed with either ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or local anesthetic phlebectomy. Duplex ultrasound assessment of the treated trunk was completed at 6 months. RESULTS 101 patients were successfully recruited and treated out of 221 suitable patients from a screened population of 393. Patients in the simultaneous group (n = 51) showed a significantly improved Venous Clinical Severity Score at all time points, 36% of the delayed group required further treatment compared with 2% of the simultaneous group (P < 0.001). There were no deep vein thromboses, with 1 superfificial venous thrombosis in each group. CONCLUSIONS Combined endovenous ablation and phlebectomy delivers improved clinical outcomes and a reduced need for further procedures, as well as early quality of life improvements.
The role of apoptosis in the initiation of the autoimmune response in Sjögren's syndrome

The aetiopathogenesis of autoimmune disorders has remained elusive despite much effort over many years devoted to possible genetic, viral and hormonal mechanisms [1,2]. Although genes, viruses, and sex hormones are no doubt involved, a key factor analogous to the role of oncogenes in cancer has escaped detection in autoimmunity. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD), a critical mechanism preserved throughout evolution to assure both morphologic modelling in fetal life as well as elimination of damaged cells throughout life, may be that key factor in development of autoimmunity [3].
Diagnostic and Clinical Management of Skull Fractures in Children

Objective: The indications of routine skull X-rays after mild head trauma are still in discussion, and the clinical management of a child with a skull fracture remains controversial. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate our diagnostic and clinical management of children with skull fractures following minor head trauma. Methods: We worked up the medical history of all consecutive patients with a skull fracture treated in our hospital from January 2009 to October 2014 and investigated all skull X-rays in our hospital during this period. Results: In 5217 skull radiographies, 66 skull fractures (1.3%) were detected. The mean age of all our patients was 5.9 years (median age: 4.0 years); the mean age of patients with a diagnosed skull fracture was 2.3 years (median age: 0.8 years). A total of 1658 children (32%) were <2 years old. A typical boggy swelling was present in 61% of all skull fractures. The majority of injuries were caused by falls (77%). Nine patients (14%) required a computed tomography (CT) scan during their hospital stay due to neurological symptoms, and four patients had a brain magnetic resonance imaging. Nine patients (14%) showed an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; mean age: 7.3 years); one patient had a neurosurgery because of a depressed skull fracture. Nine patients (14%) were observed at our pediatric intensive care unit for a mean time of 2.9 days. The mean hospital stay was 4.2 days. Conclusions: Our findings support previous evidence against the routine use of skull X-rays for evaluation of children with minor head injury. The rate of diagnosed skull fractures in radiographs following minor head trauma is low, and additional CT scans are not indicated in asymptomatic patient with a linear skull fracture. All detected ICHs could be treated conservatively. Children under the age of 2 years have the highest risk of skull fractures after minor head trauma, but do not have a higher incidence of intracranial bleeding. Neuroobservation without initial CT scans is safe in infants and children following minor head trauma and CT scans should be reserved for patients with neurological symptoms.
Early childhood caries and feeding practices in kindergarten children.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) and its relation to feeding practices in Syria. METHOD AND MATERIALS A total of 400 children aged 3 to 5 years (mean age ± SD, 4.2 ± 0.5) were screened from 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Latakia, Syria. Dental examinations were carried out by a specialist in pediatric dentistry using DMFT and DMFS indices and an ECC scoring system. Information regarding feeding practices during early childhood was also collected. RESULTS Caries was seen in 70% of the children, with a total mean DMFT value of 4.25 ± 4.2 per child. The mean values increased from 2.4 ± 3.2 DMFT at age 3 to 5.6 ± 4.9 at age 5 (4.1 ± 6.3 and 12.8 ± 12.0 DMFS, respectively). Age and feeding practices showed statistically significant associations with caries (P < .001). The mean DMFT in the bottlefed children was 5.33 ± 4.6 compared with only 3.27 ± 3.5 in predominantly breastfed children. Forty-eight percent of the children had ECC, and 24% showed a severe degree with carious defects and open caries lesions. A significantly higher prevalence and severity of ECC was observed in children who were bottlefed (z-statistic, -2.1; P = .036) compared with breastfed children. CONCLUSION In addition to a high prevalence of caries and ECC in preschool children, bottlefeeding led to even higher caries rates in Syria. Since the caries was largely untreated, preventive and restorative dental programs should be implemented.
When Subgroups Secede: Extending and Refining the Social Psychological Model of Schism in Groups

This article is about a field study (N = 1,080) concerning the secession of a subgroup from the Church of England, and it is aimed at extending and refining the existing social psychological model of schisms in groups. It was found that the first step toward a schism is the belief that the group identity has been subverted. This belief will prompt negative emotions (i.e., dejection and agitation) and decrease both group identification and perceived group entitativity (i.e., cohesion, oneness). In turn, low group entitativity will reduce the level of group identification. Finally, low group identification and high negative emotions will increase schismatic intentions. It is also demonstrated that the negative impact of group identification, and the positive impact of negative emotions, on schismatic intentions is moderated by the perceived ability to voice dissent (i.e., the greater the perceived voice, the weaker the impact).
Laryngeal cancer: epidemiological data from Νorthern Greece and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Cancer of the larynx accounts for 1% to 2.5% of all human neoplasms and is the most common malignancy of the Head and Neck region. The purpose of this study is to analyze epidemiological data of patients with laryngeal cancer and to point out the geographical variations. METHODS This is the first systematic recording of the laryngeal cancer epidemiological data in Northern Greece. During the period 1992-2010 1,638 patients were diagnosed with and treated for malignant head and neck tumors. One thousand one hundred and four cases (67.4%) were malignant laryngeal tumors, 98.4% of which (1,088 cases) were squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Only 16 patients (1.5%) presented with other types of malignancies. RESULTS The average age of the SCC patients was 62.1 years. Only 35 patients were women (3.2%). More than 60% of the patients were farmers or labor workers, 86.9%, were smokers, 43.2% were consuming alcohol on a daily basis and 36.1% had a positive family history of malignancy. Concerning tumor location, 60.2% were glottic cancers. T staging revealed that 1.2% of the cases were carcinomas in situ, 28% T1 tumors, 19% T2, 32 % T3, and 20% T4. Tumor grading showed that 43% of the cases were G1, 42.1% were G2, and 11.8% were G3. CONCLUSIONS The pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma is the result of the combined action of endogenous and environmental factors. The recording and analysis of the epidemiology of the disease is important for its better study and understanding.
Copper coordination in low chalcocite and djurleite . and other copper-rich sulfides

The new structure determinations of low chalcocite, CurS, and djurleite' Cup e3sS, have provided a large number ofobservations ofthe coordination behavior ofcopper vrith sulfur in copper-rich sulfides. Ranges of Cu-S bond lengths are 2.18 to 2.244 in linear CuS, groups; 2.21 to 2.60Ain triangular CuS3 groups; 2.23 to 2.904 in tetrahedral CuSa groups. Cu-Cu distances range from 2.45A upward, the most common around 2.77A. These observations are compared with structural data from other copper-rich sulfides, in which the tetrahedral, triangular and linear Cu-S bond configurations frequently show large distortions and wide variations in bond lengths.