Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Investigations in Geophagia

Biochemical investigations in geophagia Woywodt and Kiss’ historical review of geophagia1 prompts us to report a study illustrating how, through absorption or liberation of essential minerals, earth when consumed habitually can be either harmful or, possibly, nutritious. The amount of material ingested probably contributes as well. An African woman admitted to hospital with limb paralysis had a serum potassium of 1.3 mmol/L (reference range, 3.5–5.0). Other serum electrolytes were normal. The hypokalaemia and a concurrent iron deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin 7.9 g/dL, serum iron 3.5 mmol/L) remained unaccounted for. Further enquiry disclosed a 10-year history of geophagia. The earth she ingested was obtained from her garden. It was black with white speckles, malleable, rough in texture and composed of granular particles (‘black earth’). Earth excavated locally for eating was obtained from a nearby market. This was dusky pink, firm, fine in texture and composed of flaky particles (‘red earth’). Samples of black earth and red earth weighing 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g were mixed with 5 mL iron-enriched Ringer-lactate. Studies were done at both pH 2.0 (addition of 6 mol/L HCl) and pH 6.2. Analyses were performed on a standard system. Black earth absorbed sodium, potassium and iron. It also liberated calcium and magnesium. These effects were present at either pH. Red earth absorbed potassium, slightly, at either pH. Iron was liberated at pH 2.0 and absorbed at pH 6.2. Other elements showed small differences only. Changes for black earth and for red earth were proportionate to mass concentration. (Full details can be had from RFG.) Our patient’s intake of potassium conformed to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and that of iron was deficient (44% of RDA). The demonstrated absorbent properties for potassium and for iron of black earth indeed could thereby have caused her hypokalaemic paralysis and contributed to her iron deficiency anaemia. Absorbent properties for sodium of black earth, though notable, were not homoeostatically significant. Intake was estimated at only 7.5% of dietary guidelines, yet the serum concentration was normal. The same applies to magnesium. This was liberated from black earth in quite large amounts, dietary intake exceeded the RDA (120%) and yet the serum concentration again was normal. Intake of calcium was below the RDA (43.5%), while the serum concentration was normal. Possibly, the calcium liberated from black earth actually functioned as a dietary supplement.2–4 The local African population believes that ingestion of earth benefits women when they become pregnant. Red earth indeed had properties that might prevent iron deficiency anaemia, though the bioavailability of this (nonhaem, contaminant) iron may be limited.5 Before attributing any adverse or beneficial consequences to geophagia, the ion-exchange capacity6 of the substance in question should be evaluated. That is within the scope of most hospital laboratories.
Pain related aspects of neck muscle performance, functioning and psychosocial factors in individuals with cervical radiculopathy

Aim: The overall aim of the work presented in this thesis was to describe and explore painrelated aspects of neck muscle performance, functioning and psychosocial factors in individuals with cervical radiculopathy (CR). Methods: Participants were 157 patients with CR. Also Study II included 33 asymptomatic age-and gender-matched controls. Study I, a prospective randomized controlled pilot trial, investigated outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with interbody cage with (n=17) or without (n=16) cervical collar in CR. In Study II and III, ventral and dorsal neck muscle fatigue was recorded with surface electromyography (EMG) during isometric endurance (NME) tests. Study II compared a CR group (n=46) with healthy controls (n=34). In Study III, results after neck-specific training or prescribed physical activity (n=50) were analyzed. Pain was estimated using visual analogue scales (VAS) and perceived fatigue rated with Borg CR-10 scales before, during and after the tests. Crosssectional, Study IV, identified dimensions underlying measures of impairments, disability, personal factors, and health status in patients with CR (n=124). Results: Study I, Both groups improved in all outcome measures, with a significant improvement from baseline to two years after surgery. Cervical collar worn for six weeks postoperatively, were associated with enhanced neck function and less neck pain even at long-term. Study II showed altered neck muscle endurance investigated with greater negative median frequency slope, variability, side imbalance, lower endurance time, and higher experience of fatigue among in the CR group compared to the healthy controls. Patients with CR had significantly shorter endurance time. In Study III, significant improvement in flexor NME was found after training, but with no difference between training groups. For the neckspecific training group only, there less activation of the splenius capitis during neck flexion after 14 weeks and one year, indicating reduced co-activation of the neck muscles. In Study IV, the PCA model provided three-components: Pain and functioning, Health, beliefs, and kinesiophobia, and Mood state and catastrophizing. These accounted for 73% of the cumulative percentages. Conclusions: Cervical collar post-surgery can help deal with initial post-operative pain and reduce disability. Shorter endurance and higher experience of fatigue was perceived among patients with CR compared to healthy subjects. Exercises increased flexor NME regardless of exercise group. The neck-specific group indicated reduced compensation of antagonist muscles during flexion contraction. To capture a broad picture of patients with CR pain, their functioning, fear avoidance beliefs, and anxiety are important factors in a clinical perspective.
Measuring inter epidemic risk in a dengue endemic rural area using Aedes larval indices

A Premises index of 12% and Breteau index of 13.4% during the inter-epidemic period is adequate to cause further outbreaks in this area given suitable climatic conditions. It can be assumed that in seasons of adequate humidity rainfall and ambient temperature the vector density in these breeding sites could increase many times. However the risk of transmission of dengue can be assessed accurately only when entomological studies are combined with studies on the immunological status of the population. The later however was beyond the scope of this study. Breeding sites like discarded mud pots cement tanks and grinding stones retained water for long periods of time and that made them ideal breeding sites for the aedes mosquito. Moreover fewer containers with high densities of larvae pose a greater risk for outbreaks than the presence of many containers with low larval densities. Although the study area did not have high Container and House Indices there were a few cement tanks used to store water with high vector densities. (excerpt)
Prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls belonging to different economic group.

Prevalence of anaemia is very high in India particularly among pregnant and lactating women and preschool children. Limited data on the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in western M.P. show very high prevalence. Present study was undertaken to find out prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls of Ujjain city belonging to different socioeconomic groups. A school based survey was carried out. Four government and four private schools were selected randomly from northern and southern part of the city. Students of the government schools belong to the weaker economic group and students of the private schools belong to the middle or higher middle income group. Girl students who had written permission of their parents were selected for the study. Total 459 girls from government schools and 455 girls from private schools participated in the study. (excerpt)
Dietary habits and nutrient intake of South Asian children (1-3 years) living in the UK.

This cross-sectional study is the first study to be carried out in the UK that explored and assessed the dietary habits and nutrient intakes of pre-school South Asian (SA) children (1 to 3 years old) living in the UK. A cohort of SA mothers completed a questionnaire with questions about their children dietary habits, sleeping habits and mothers’ nutritional knowledge (n=160). Food intake information was gathered by three 24-hour multiple pass recalls (MPRs). Household measurements and a newly developed food photograph booklet for SA food were used to estimate food portion sizes. All foods were analysed for nutrient composition using the WinDiets software and the latest available data on SA foods generated by the FSA and EuroFIR. A questionnaires regarding factors influencing SA mothers’ weaning practices was administered through in-depth interviews (n=30). The results suggest that there were various dietary habits and practices to be found amongst SA children. These habits were found to be influenced by the mother’s religion, culture and beliefs. In addition, the study has shown that milk and milk products was the largest food group that contributed towards the daily diet. SA children have energy intakes significantly lower than the EAR when compared to the UK recommendations, both amongst boys (1126.4 kcal/d ±197.75) and girls (1106.2 ± 225.86). They are most likely to have adequate intakes of most nutrients except for vitamin A, vitamin D, Fe and Zn; mean intakes were found to be below the RNI (96%, 18.7%, 89.5% and 95.5% of the RNI, respectively). Furthermore, it was found that a 24-hour MPR was an appropriate tool to be used with SAs and that participants can enhance their estimation of portion sizes using food photographs. These findings enhance our understanding of SA dietary habits and can serve as a basis for future studies.
What Is the Impact of AIDS on Cross-Country Income So Far? Evidence from Newly Reported AIDS Cases ∗

This paper sheds new light on the impact of AIDS on cross-country income levels. We consider new UNAIDS/WHO data on officially reported AIDS cases for a panel of 89 countries over a 15 year period from 1986-2000 during which AIDS has spread across the world. These data are used to estimate cross-country level regressions employing panel data techniques. Our fi ndings are as follows: First, when using the entire sample of countries wefind that AIDS has a negative albeit marginally significant effect on the level of income. Second, when we control for regional effects we show that this negative effect is primarily driven by the sub-Sahara Africa and Latin America subsamples. Third, using AIDS data by age group, we find that the disease has a significantly negative impact on income only via infected people between the ages 16 and 34. Finally, while the economic impact of AIDS is negative and statistically significant, its economic significance measured by the estimated size of the AIDS coefficient is quite small.
A comparison of acoustic far-field prediction methods for turbulent flows

Spurious wave contaminations may occur in the computations of acoustic far-field directivities in turbulent flows with only surface integrations. Two methods could be used to tackle the problem: (1) to take average of the solutions using multiple integration surfaces based on the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings equation that was widely applied to various aeroacoustics problems, and (2) to use the generalized sound extrapolation method based on an indirect acoustic variable to filter out the non-acoustic fluctuations in turbulent flows. The performances of the two methods are investigated by applying to the representative broadband airfoil leading edge noise and turbulent jet noise problems. For the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings approach, the prediction accuracy is sensitively influenced by the number and location of the integration surfaces. It often requires more than 10 well-configured surfaces to yield a convergent solution compare to the indirect acoustic variable method. The properties of robust and low computation cost of the indirect acoustic variable method suggest that it is potentially useful for the far-field computations of the aeroacoustics problems.
Bone-resorbing Activity from Cholesterol-exposed Macrophages due to Enhanced Expression of Interleukin-lα

The presence of cholesterol crystals, macrophages, and foreign giant cells has been associated with impaired bone healing of periapical lesions. Therefore, we investigated whether macrophages exposed to cholesterol crystals can release factors changing the activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Mouse peritoneal macrophages treated with cholesterol crystals in vitro produced factor(s) that stimulated the release of, 45Ca and 3H from mouse calvariae pre-labeled with 45Ca(CaCl2) or [3H]-proline, respectively. No bone-resorbing activity was released by epithelial cells, fibroblasts, or osteoblasts exposed to cholesterol crystals. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein and antiserum neutralizing mouse interleukin-1α (IL-1α) inhibited 45Ca release induced by cholesterol-activated Macrophages. The addition of cholesterol to the macrophages augmented the release of IL-1α protein and the expression of IL-1α mRNA. These findings indicate that frustrated phagocytosis by macrophages exposed to cholesterol crystals results in release of factors stimulating osteoclastic bone resorption, primarily due to increased transcription of the IL-1α gene.
A BURNED CHILD'S PAIN DURING TREATMENT AS ASSESSED BY THE CHILD, CAREGIVER AND THE NURSE

Background: Burn injuries in children remain a significant public health concern in Tanzania, where research and interventions to decrease risk are lacking or inadequate. Pain is the most common symptom experienced in these children. The extent to which burn pain is undertreated in under-ten year old children with burn injuries is unknown in Tanzania. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess pain management in children with burn injuries admitted at KCMC hospital Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at KCMC hospital, in May and June, 2013. Information about the child was obtained from the caretakers by using semistructured questionnaire. Also all 47 caretakers of recruited children were requested to rate the child‟s pain. Interview by using unstructured questionnaire was conducted in 23 nurses caring for children with burn injuries and they were also requested to rate the child‟s pain on a VAS scale. Pain was measured by using VAS for children 6 years and above, nurses and caretakers and FLACC for children below 6 years old. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Most children were under 4 years old, where 20(42.54%) were aged 1-2 years 3-4 years 10(21.3%) and 0-1 years 6(12.76%) years and most of them 30(63.8%) were males. A vast majority 40(85.1%) were from rural areas. All burns in these children were nonintentional and occurred at home mostly 33(70.2%) in the kitchen. Scald was the most common cause of burns in 33(70.2%). Burns between 10% and 20% constituted 29(61.7%) TBSA and above 20% constituted 18(38.3) TBSA. Most burns 31(66.0) were deep burns and 14(29.8) were full thickness burns. The most common agent of burn in these children 33(70.2%) were hot fluid or food. All children in the study were taken to hospital within 24 hours after sustained burn injury. A vast majority had local agents applied on the wound as a first aid treatment provided by parents or caretakers at home.
Role of a Medical Doctor at Scene of Crime

Is it logical to include a doctor in scene of crime investigation team in the given framework of criminal investigation in India? No simple answers are available to the question making rounds during scientific deliberations on ways & means to improve quality of criminal investigation in India. Proponents of the notion argue that a medical doctor at scene of crime is best equipped with the knowledge essentially needed to assist the investigators to make optimum use of scanty resources available with regards to analysis of biological evidences. They also claim that the doctors are always helpful in solving medico-legal intricacies inherent in majority of criminal cases. However, others feel that on account of improper training, poor motivation & dedication on the part of investigators & doctors both, lack of sufficient manpower etc. if implemented the idea is doomed to fail miserably in India.
Comparison of different non-pharmacological preoperative preparations on gastric fluid volume and acidity: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Aspiration of gastric contents is one of the major causes of general anesthesia related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare the effects of using different non-pharmacological preparations preoperatively on gastric fluid volume and pH. Methodology: This randomized, controlled trial was conducted at a teaching hospital in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Overall, 150 patients were randomly selected from elective surgery candidates, who were 17-95 years old, fulfilled the criteria of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade-I or II, and in which tracheal intubation was indicated. The patients were allocated randomly to one of the following five groups: Group A: continuously chewed bicarbonate-containing gum for 2 hours before anesthesia induction until premedication. Group B: continuously chewed standard sugar free gum 2 hours before anesthesia induction until premedication. Group C: sucked lollipop 2 hours before anesthesia induction. Group D: drank pure water 10 ml/kg 2 hours before anesthesia induction. Group E (control group): without any intervention. Results: The mean volume of gastric fluid was not significantly different among the study groups. In the group who chewed bicarbonate gum, the mean±SE gastric fluid pH was significantly higher than in other groups [5±1 vs. 3±1 respectively, P<0.001]. Conclusion: Increased gastric fluid pH following the use of bicarbonate gum for pre-operative preparation may have implications for preventing aspiration and enhancing anesthesia care.
Study of Various Development Media for Standardization of Immature Embryo Culture in Capsicum annuum L.

It was undertaken to standardize the necessary cultural conditions for immature embryo culture of Capsicum annum. Chilly variety Kashi Anmol embryoes excised from seeds. Amongst the various combinations of embryo development media MED 6 medium supplemented with low concentration of auxin (NAAA 0.1 mg L−1) plus a relatively high concentration of gibberellic acid (GA3 0.5 mg L−1) was the best medium for development of embryos.
Evaluation of the relationship between age, gender, and body mass index, and lumbar facet joint pain

Introduction: Lumbar facet joint pain accounts for 5-15% of the cases of chronic, axial low back pain. Most commonly, facetogenic pain is the result of repetitive stress and/or cumulative low level trauma, leading to inflammation and stretching of the joint capsule. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study 76 patients who were diagnosed, after a diagnostic block, as having lumbar facet joint pain were evaluated by their age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Data were collected according to a checklist and entered to SPSS version 16. Results: The mean age of the participants was 48.53 years; the participants included 44 women and 32 men. Lumbar facet joint pain was more frequent in the age range of 40-55 years. With respect to BMI, lumbar facet joint pain was most frequently seen in patients with BMI of 24.5-29.5 kg/m 2 (40.8%). Conclusion: Based on our findings, the chances of developing lumbar facet joint pain is more in women who are between 40 years and 55 years of age and whose BMI is 24.5-29.5 kg/m 2 .
Treatment adherence: An examination of why OEF/OIF/OND veterans discontinue inpatient PTSD treatment

Abstract Treatment noncompletion is common among Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) veterans obtaining treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study examined causes of inpatient PTSD evidence-based treatment (EBT) discontinuation among 69 male OEF/OIF/OND veterans. Findings revealed a number of factors leading to noncompletion, including inpatient environment, EBT content, family obligations, medication use concerns, rule violations, treatment noncooperation, psychotic symptoms, and decompensation in functioning. Overall, these findings reveal clinically relevant causes of inpatient EBT discontinuation that may contribute to a shorter duration of treatment and potentially less beneficial clinical outcomes.
An assessment of leadership and mentorship activities within an accelerated baccalaureate nursing program

Accelerated second-degree baccalaureate nursing programs are a common feature in schools of nursing, therefore it is essential that schools of nursing examine the attributes of these programs and these graduates as they transition into practice. It was found that accelerated students assume leadership roles in the nursing workforce and benefit from continued peer mentorship post- graduation. Graduates expressed the preference that accelerated students form a separate cohort, rather than being integrated with basic baccalaureate students for upper division nursing courses. Faculty perceived the need for some adaptation of pedagogical approaches that reflect the needs of these more advanced learners.
Welfare Analysis under Probabilistic Choices in a Rational Expectations Equilibrium Model

We introduce information acquisition uncertainty into an otherwise standard CARA-normal rational expectations equilibrium model with asymmetric information, and analyze the channel through which more informed trading can lead to an overall welfare improvement in the economy. Traders make strategic probabilistic choices about observing a costly private signal of the fundamental value of the risky asset. More informed trading, by resolving payoff uncertainty, makes price more informative but reduces the Sharpe ratio and distorts risksharing. However, due to information acquisition uncertainty, traders who become informed receive a net benefit in expected utility, which can dominate the aforementioned negative effects and improve welfare under certain market conditions.
The influence of dialects on the sociolinguistic perception of Dutch accents

This thesis investigates the influence of dialect on accent perception in the Netherlands, by trying to answer the following research question: ‘what are the differences in the sociolinguistic judgement of Northern and Southern accents in the Netherlands between speakers of Tweants and Limburgish, and what causes these differences? ’ Previous research has mainly focussed on the perception of accents within the Netherlands, but has not considered the role of dialects in this sociolinguistic topic. To elaborate on the previous findings, this thesis is set out to look into the influence of dialect usage frequency on the perception of accents by looking at the Dutch dialects Tweants and Limburgish, in combination with the accents spoken in the North and the South of the Netherlands. The hypotheses are tested through a speaker evaluation test. The data that emerged from this test are analysed through a means comparison. Results show that the frequency of dialect usage does play a role in accent perception. People who do not speak a dialect are more likely to reject non-standard varieties of Dutch, whilst people who often speak a dialect are more positive towards these varieties. Further research should be conducted with a larger sample, more background information of participants, and with more variables, such as different accents and dialects.