Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation has Greater Impact on Birthweight than Supplementation with Iron and Folic Acid: A Cluster-Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Programmatic Study in Rural Niger

Background Micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including reduced birthweight. Low birthweight is associated with increased risk of infant mortality and growth failure. Objectives To assess the effects of prenatal supplementation with UNIMMAP (United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Preparation) compared with iron/folic acid on average birthweight and incidence of low birthweight. Methods Pregnant women from 78 villages in Niger were included in a cluster-randomized, double-blinded, controlled supplementation trial. Baseline, monthly follow-up, and birth data were collected. Cluster analysis was conducted to assess differences in mean birthweight and incidence of low birthweight between groups using multiple linear regression models. Analyses were stratified by nutrition status and duration of supplementation. Results Of the 3,670 women recruited, 2,550 completed the study and provided complete birthweight data (1,328 received multiple micronutrients and 1,222 received iron/folic acid). Mean birthweight was significantly higher (67 g, p < .001) with multiple micronutrients (3,092 ± 190 g) than with iron/folic acid (3,025 ± 205 g); this corresponded to a 14% fall in the incidence of low birthweight (from 8.4% with multiple micronutrients to 7.2% with folic acid fortification). The impact of multiple micronutrients was greater when the supplements were taken for more than 150 days. The incidence of low birthweight was further reduced in women who entered pregnancy with a poorer nutrition status. Conclusions Prenatal supplementation with multiple micronutrients had a greater positive impact on birthweight than supplementation with iron/folic acid. Our data suggest that prenatal supplementation with multiple micronutrients as part of a prenatal care package in addition to interventions to promote improved maternal prepregnancy nutrition status is an important strategy to increase birthweight and reduce the incidence of low birthweight.
THE CAPITAL FLIGHT FROM INDIA: A CASE OF MISSING WOODS FOR TREES?

The surge of capital inflow into emerging markets since the 1990s has attracted much research, but capital flight from these economies has received scant attention in research and policy debates, despite its severe implications. The present study attempts to address the issue of capital flight and gap in the literature. Our estimates show a steep increase in the magnitude of capital flight from India since 2003, and empirical results suggest that the significant determinants of capital flight are GDP and exchange rate. We find that higher interest rates discourage capital flight; while keeping interest rates high may partially restrict capital flight, it is infeasible, and may impede future economic growth. Our findings suggest the need for interventions and changes in the current policy framework to improve investment opportunities for residents and arrest capital flight.
Successful treatment of acute myelomonocytic leukaemia with NUP98–HOXD11 fusion transcripts and monitoring of minimal residual disease

Summary. Patients with haematological malignancies involving the NUP98 gene have been reported to have an aggressive clinical course and a poor outcome. We report successful treatment of a 15‐year‐old Japanese boy with acute myelomonocytic leukaemia having t(2;11)(q31;p15) and a novel fusion transcript, NUP98–HOXD11. He achieved complete remission by combined chemotherapy, and underwent unrelated cord blood transplantation 4 months after diagnosis. He is in complete remission 24 months after diagnosis. Monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) showed the absence of fusion transcript 12 months after transplantation. This is the first report of monitoring MRD in a patient with haematological malignancy involving NUP98 fusion transcripts.
Sarcoma survivors’ perspectives on their body image and functional quality of life post‐resection/limb salvage surgery

&NA; Sarcomas often occur in patients’ extremities and treatment typically involves bone resection/limb salvage surgery. Such treatments leave survivors with physical disfigurements, functional disabilities, and/or emotional traumas. Our post‐surgery psychological intervention investigated how these experiences impinge on sarcoma survivors’ lives. Twenty‐three survivors aged 19‐60 years (M = 36 years) participated in a tri‐disciplinary (rehabilitative exercise, plastic surgery and psychological) intervention. Of these, 17 participated in psychodynamic counselling, 10 completed a mental‐health questionnaire and seven kept a reflective journal. An exemplar case study research design was employed and data were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings reveal that survivors typically experience a number of body image issues and mobility difficulties, which they are reluctant to share with their oncologist in case they are viewed as being ungrateful or vain. In instances where such issues remain unaddressed, then sarcoma survivors have a tendency to adopt avoidant coping strategies and social isolation practices. These practices negatively impact on their mental health and functional quality of life. Hence, it is suggested that a short three part (body image, mobility, and coping strategy) screen be devised and used at all sarcoma 2‐year follow‐up assessment consults to identify which survivors are in need of psychological assistance.
Antimicrobial activity of esomeprazole versus omeprazole against Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVE Esomeprazole is an enantiomorph of omeprazole, which inhibits gastric acid secretion more effectively than omeprazole. As proton pump inhibitors also exert an antibacterial activity, we aimed to compare esomeprazole and omeprazole for their antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori in vitro. METHODS We studied 52 H. pylori isolates obtained from gastric biopsies and inoculated onto agar plates containing the acid-converted drugs at different concentrations. The minimal concentrations that inhibited the growth of 50% and 90% of isolates were defined as MIC(50) and MIC(90). RESULTS The MIC(50) and MIC(90) of esomeprazole were 16 and 32 mg/L; and those of omeprazole were 32 and 64 mg/L. Overall, 63.5% of isolates showed the same susceptibility to both drugs; 17 isolates were two- to 64-fold more susceptible to esomeprazole and two isolates were two-fold more susceptible to omeprazole. CONCLUSIONS The increased antimicrobial activity in vitro of esomeprazole against H. pylori could contribute to improving the outcome of the eradication treatment of such an infection.
The role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of obliterative bronchiolitis after lung transplantation

Abstract: Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) represents the most important long‐term complication after lung transplantation. Elevated numbers of neutrophils within the airways are a hallmark of OB. It is unclear what causes the recruitment and activation of neutrophils in the airways of patients with OB: the process of chronic rejection itself or infection, which may (especially in latent virus infection) often be overlooked by the currently applied diagnostic procedures. It is well known that besides their physiologic functions in the clearance of invading micro‐organisms, activated neutrophils have a remarkable potential to cause damage to lung tissue. This is attributable to their capability to generate reactive oxygen species and to release potentially toxic proteases. It has been shown that the increased numbers of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation are associated with elevated levels of interleukin‐8, the predominant neutrophil chemotactic factor in the lung. As evidence for the impact of neutrophils on the pathogenesis of BOS, there is significant oxidative stress within the airways of patients with BOS. In addition, the milieu within the airways is characterized by an imbalance between neutrophil elastase (NE) and molecules that inhibit NE as a result of an increased burden of NE released by neutrophils. A defective antiprotease shield due to the loss of secretory leukoprotease inhibitor could be demonstrated in BOS. These mechanisms may provide possible targets to develop new therapeutic strategies that either prevent neutrophil sequestration and activation, or inhibit neutrophil products in order to prevent or attenuate airway damage.
CYTOTOXICITY OF DAUNORUBICIN IN TRISOMIC (+21) HUMAN FIBROBLASTS: RELATION TO DRUG UPTAKE AND CELL MEMBRANE FLUIDITY

The influence of daunorubicin (DNR) on survival of human normal (S‐126) and trisomic, with respect to chromosome 21 (T‐164; S‐240), skin fibroblasts and some parameters related to it, such as intracellular drug accumulation, distribution and interaction with cell membrane, were studied. The in vitro growth‐inhibition assay indicated that DNR was less cytotoxic for trisomic than for normal cells. Comparison of kinetic parameters and intracellular distribution of this compound showed that the uptake and the amount of intracellular free DNR were greater in normal than in trisomic cells. Contrary to this, there were no significant differences between the amount of DNA‐bound drug in both types of cells. TMA‐DPH and 12‐AS fluorescence anisotropy measurements demonstrated that DNR decreased lipid fluidity in the inner hydrophobic region of plasma membrane in both cell types, but did not influence the fluidity of the outer surface of membrane. We conclude that fibroblasts derived from individuals affected with Down's syndrome are better protected from the damage induced by DNR than normal cells.
Overexpression of marA, soxS and acrB in veterinary isolates of Salmonella enterica rarely correlates with cyclohexane tolerance.

OBJECTIVES To determine the contribution of the AcrAB efflux system to cyclohexane tolerance in Salmonella enterica. METHODS The expression of the efflux pump gene, acrB, and regulators marA and soxS from 46 isolates of S. enterica of 14 different serovars was determined by comparative RT-PCR and denaturing HPLC analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one of the 46 isolates were cyclohexane tolerant, a phenotype associated with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) and overexpression of efflux pumps. Of the cyclohexane-tolerant isolates 81% were MAR, whereas only 44% of the cyclohexane-susceptible isolates were MAR, confirming the association between cyclohexane tolerance and MAR. However, there was no correlation between cyclohexane tolerance or MAR and overexpression of acrB, soxS or marA. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that cyclohexane tolerance in S. enterica can be mediated by an acrB-independent mechanism.
Revisiting Malaysia's Population-Development Nexus: The Past in Its Future.

The primary objective of development is to satisfy the basic needs of the population. For effective planning, there is a need to have a good knowledge of the size and characteristics of the target population. Hence, population projections are essential for development and business planning. The accuracy of population projection depends on the quality of data on the current population, and how accurately one can predict the demographic processes. We provide population projection up to year 2040, based on the most likely demographic scenarios bearing in mind the socio-economic changes. The population projection is then used to estimate the requirements for education, health and economic sectors up to 2020, covering the 11th Malaysia Plan period. These projections at the national level are meant to be illustrative as there is a need to have more detailed breakdown for the various sub-groups and regions in the country. Functional population projections must be updated from time to time to take into account the changing socio-economic conditions of the country.
Correlation between maximum phonetically balanced word recognition score and pure-tone auditory threshold in elder presbycusis patients over 80 years old

Abstract Conclusions: The maximum phonetically balanced word recognition score (PBmax) showed poor correlation with pure-tone thresholds in presbycusis patients older than 80 years. Objectives: To study the characteristics of monosyllable recognition in presbycusis patients older than 80 years of age. Methods: Thirty presbycusis patients older than 80 years were included as the test group (group 80+). Another 30 patients aged 60–80 years were selected as the control group (group 80–) . PBmax was tested by Mandarin monosyllable recognition test materials with the signal level at 30 dB above the averaged thresholds of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz (4FA) or the maximum comfortable level. The PBmax values of the test group and control group were compared with each other and the correlation between PBmax and predicted maximum speech recognition scores based on 4FA (PBmax-predict) were statistically analyzed. Results: Under the optimal test conditions, the averaged PBmax was (77.3 ± 16.7) % for group 80– and (52.0 ± 25.4) % for group 80+ (p < 0.001). The PBmax of group 80– was significantly correlated with PBmax-predict (Spearman correlation = 0.715, p < 0.001). The score for group 80+ was less statistically correlated with PBmax-predict (Spearman correlation = 0.572, p = 0.001).
Solid−liquid critical behavior of water in nanopores

Significance It is commonly believed that the solid−liquid critical point does not exist, because of the famous symmetry argument and the lack of experimental observation so far. However, recently, the intriguing possibility of the critical point has been suggested for strongly confined substances. Here we perform molecular dynamics simulations of water confined in carbon nanotubes and provide unambiguous evidence of the solid−liquid critical point for water in the hydrophobic nanopore: macroscopic solid–liquid phase separation below a critical temperature Tc, diverging heat capacity and isothermal compressibility at around Tc, and the loci of response function maxima above Tc. We also give a molecular level explanation for how liquid water continuously freezes to ice along a thermodynamic path avoiding the first-order phase boundary. Nanoconfined liquid water can transform into low-dimensional ices whose crystalline structures are dissimilar to any bulk ices and whose melting point may significantly rise with reducing the pore size, as revealed by computer simulation and confirmed by experiment. One of the intriguing, and as yet unresolved, questions concerns the observation that the liquid water may transform into a low-dimensional ice either via a first-order phase change or without any discontinuity in thermodynamic and dynamic properties, which suggests the existence of solid−liquid critical points in this class of nanoconfined systems. Here we explore the phase behavior of a model of water in carbon nanotubes in the temperature−pressure−diameter space by molecular dynamics simulation and provide unambiguous evidence to support solid−liquid critical phenomena of nanoconfined water. Solid−liquid first-order phase boundaries are determined by tracing spontaneous phase separation at various temperatures. All of the boundaries eventually cease to exist at the critical points and there appear loci of response function maxima, or the Widom lines, extending to the supercritical region. The finite-size scaling analysis of the density distribution supports the presence of both first-order and continuous phase changes between solid and liquid. At around the Widom line, there are microscopic domains of two phases, and continuous solid−liquid phase changes occur in such a way that the domains of one phase grow and those of the other evanesce as the thermodynamic state departs from the Widom line.
Increased rainfall is associated with increased risk for legionellosis

SUMMARY Legionnaires' disease (LD) is caused by Legionella species, most of which live in water. The Mid-Atlantic region experienced a sharp rise in LD in 2003 coinciding with a period of record-breaking rainfall. To investigate a possible relationship, we analysed the association between monthly legionellosis incidence and monthly rainfall totals from January 1990 to December 2003 in five Mid-Atlantic states. Using negative binomial model a 1-cm increase in rainfall was associated with a 2·6% (RR 1·026, 95% CI 1·012–1·040) increase in legionellosis incidence. The average monthly rainfall from May to September 1990–2002 was 10·4 cm compared to 15·7 cm from May to September 2003. This change in rainfall corresponds to an increased risk for legionellosis of approximately 14·6% (RR 1·146, 95% CI 1·067–1·231). Legionellosis incidence increased during periods of increased rainfall; identification of mechanisms that increase exposure and transmission of Legionella during rainfall might lead to opportunities for prevention.
Influenza 2010–2011: Lessons from the 2009 pandemic

Much was learned about the diagnosis, management, and pathogenesis of influenza from the 2009 pandemic of influenza A (H1N1). This knowledge can be applied to the management of people affected by seasonal infection and to future pandemics. The 2009 pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) was less severe than some others, thanks in part to advances in diagnosis, treatment, and public health.
Regulation of Membrane Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor by Agonists Enables Classification of Partial Agonists as Biased Agonists*

Given the importance of G-protein-coupled receptors as pharmacological targets in medicine, efforts directed at understanding the molecular mechanism by which pharmacological compounds regulate their presence at the cell surface is of paramount importance. In this context, using confocal microscopy and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, we have investigated internalization and intracellular trafficking of the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) in response to both natural and synthetic ligands with different pharmacological features. We found that CCK and gastrin, which are full agonists on CCK2R-induced inositol phosphate production, rapidly and abundantly stimulate internalization. Internalized CCK2R did not rapidly recycle to plasma membrane but instead was directed to late endosomes/lysosomes. CCK2R endocytosis involves clathrin-coated pits and dynamin and high affinity and prolonged binding of β-arrestin1 or -2. Partial agonists and antagonists on CCK2R-induced inositol phosphate formation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation did not stimulate CCK2R internalization or β-arrestin recruitment to the CCK2R but blocked full agonist-induced internalization and β-arrestin recruitment. The extreme C-terminal region of the CCK2R (and more precisely phosphorylatable residues Ser437-Xaa438-Thr439-Thr440-Xaa441-Ser442-Thr443) were critical for β-arrestin recruitment. However, this region and β-arrestins were dispensable for CCK2R internalization. In conclusion, this study allowed us to classify the human CCK2R as a member of class B G-protein-coupled receptors with regard to its endocytosis features and identified biased agonists of the CCK2R. These new important insights will allow us to investigate the role of internalized CCK2R·β-arrestin complexes in cancers expressing this receptor and to develop new diagnosis and therapeutic strategies targeting this receptor.
Estimation of Attitude and External Acceleration Using Inertial Sensor Measurement During Various Dynamic Conditions

This paper proposes a Kalman filter-based attitude (i.e., roll and pitch) estimation algorithm using an inertial sensor composed of a triaxial accelerometer and a triaxial gyroscope. In particular, the proposed algorithm has been developed for accurate attitude estimation during dynamic conditions, in which external acceleration is present. Although external acceleration is the main source of the attitude estimation error and despite the need for its accurate estimation in many applications, this problem that can be critical for the attitude estimation has not been addressed explicitly in the literature. Accordingly, this paper addresses the combined estimation problem of the attitude and external acceleration. Experimental tests were conducted to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm in various dynamic condition settings and to provide further insight into the variations in the estimation accuracy. Furthermore, two different approaches for dealing with the estimation problem during dynamic conditions were compared, i.e., threshold-based switching approach versus acceleration model-based approach. Based on an external acceleration model, the proposed algorithm was capable of estimating accurate attitudes and external accelerations for short accelerated periods, showing its high effectiveness during short-term fast dynamic conditions. Contrariwise, when the testing condition involved prolonged high external accelerations, the proposed algorithm exhibited gradually increasing errors. However, as soon as the condition returned to static or quasi-static conditions, the algorithm was able to stabilize the estimation error, regaining its high estimation accuracy.
[Changes in hematologic and hemostatic parameters after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation].

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of thrombocyte- and leukopenia associated with liver cirrhosis is far from being understood. Hypersplenism is considered to play a major role in this hematologic complication. The effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation--a more recent technique in portal decompression--on platelet count is controversial in the literature. One of the main problems related to TIPS is the frequent occurrence of shunt malfunctions. There have been no reports on consistent clinical or biochemical parameters being able to predict the occlusive and rebleeding episodes after TIPS implantation. AIM AND METHOD Platelet counts, white blood cell counts and different haemostatic data (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen level) of the 24 patients undergoing TIPS placement were analyzed retrospectively prior to the procedure, after one month, after 3 months and 3 monthly thereafter for 18 months. RESULTS The portal pressure gradient decreasing below the desired 12 mmHg after TIPS placement seems to be the only factor, which can result in moderate but significant increase in platelet counts. There was no significant alteration in white blood cell counts during the follow-up period. The different haemostatic parameters scattered in a wide range, no real tendency was demonstrable. Patients in whom recurrent variceal bleeding occurred, the platelet count at the 3rd month was significantly lower compared to the basal platelet count. The decrease in the platelet count preceded shunt malfunction detected with color-Doppler or the appearance of the clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION Monitoring platelet count may be of prognostic interest in the assessment of the shunt function and the risk of imminent variceal rebleedings during the follow-up period.