Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL , ODISHA

Introduction-There is high incidence of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) in babies who have got thick Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid (MSAF). Materials and methods-This was a observational prospective study conducted to evaluate the incidence, prevalence and outcome of babies with meconium stained amniotic fluid. ResultsAmong patients of MSAF, maximum were stained with thick meconium stain, most of them had cord staining with meconium. When APGAR score was considered at first one minute, most of them had score less than 3. Most common associated risk factors were maternal anaemia, neonatal birth asphyxia, hyperbilirubinaemia. ConclusionMSAF is a very important burden over the treating pediatricians and obstreticians and possesses several complications. Its incidence and prevalences are known. But, lacks recent overview on this emerging burden. So, this study enumerates different epidemiological parameters of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MASF) newborns as wee as the symptomatic meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)babies. Keywords-MASF,MAS INTRODUCTIONMeconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) is defined as development of respiratory distress in newborns soon after birth, who have got radiological evidence of aspiration pneumonitis along with meconium staining of liquor and staining of nails or staining of umbilical cord or skin. Meconium seems to be toxic to the lungs.MSAF is comparatively more common in primi gravidas when compared to multi gravidas. Postdates, Eclampsia, Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), Oligohydramnios, Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) are main associating factors with occurrence of MSAF, infact Regular antenatal check ups do not alter this high rates [1]. India has high rate of claiming more than quarter of neonatal deaths of the total cases of neonatal mortality in the world (2]. One of the main contributors is meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) accounting for approximately 8% 15% of live birth complications following delivery (3]. It has been seen that thick MSAF is mostly associated with maternal age >30, postdated pregnancy (>40weeks), and fetal distress [4] . There is lack of update of incidence and complications associated with MAS. So, this study was undertaken. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is an observational prospective study of two years duration. Incidence, Prevalence and Outcome of Babies presenting with Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid Presenting in the Department of Pediatrics, M.K. C.G. Medical College, Berhampur Indian Journal of Basic and Applied Medical Research; June 2017: Vol.-6, Issue3, P. 209-216
Direct Marketing: An Imperative In Building Effective Comunication In Hospitality Enterprises

The role of marketing in tourism and hospitality cannot be overemphasized due to the experience of countries with a developed sector of tourism and hospitality. Marketing, which entails the communication process with clients and the market, is very important. A form of communication aimed towards the promotion of enterprises is regarded as direct marketing. Hence, this is the subject of analysis in this paper. Direct marketing supports an enterprise in establishing closer relations, understanding, and in creating loyalty among clients. Therefore, recognizing the benefits of direct marketing is a great achievement. This is because it enables the enterprise to create a good image for its service. In addition, it also helps the enterprise, in general, to increase its awareness and in achieving better results in business.
Selective E2F‐dependent gene transcription is controlled by histone deacetylase activity during neuronal apoptosis

The alteration of chromatin through histone acetylation and deacetylation participates in the regulation of gene expression. We have investigated the effects of histone deacetylase inhibition on neuronal fate. We show that treatment of primary neurones with trichostatin A (TSA) or sodium butyrate (NaBu) induces typical features of apoptosis, a cell death that relies on specific genetic programmes. We have further explored the molecular mechanisms implicated in the TSA response and demonstrated that TSA‐induced apoptosis is partly dependent on the activation of the transcription factor E2F‐1, which has pro‐apoptotic functions in these neurones. Furthermore, the increased e2f‐1 transcriptional response is probably the result of mechanisms occurring through E2F‐responsive elements. Histone acetylation also takes place at the e2f‐1 promoter, but this modification is neither required nor by itself sufficient to induce increased transcription at the e2f‐1 promoter. Activation might thus occur through acetylation of non‐histone proteins binding this regulatory element. Finally, we show that TSA induces the transcription of E2F‐dependent genes, such as its cell cycle target cyclin E, but also pro‐apoptotic genes, such as Apaf1. Taken together, our results suggest that, in neuroprotective conditions, histone deacetylase activity allows a constitutive repression of the e2f‐1 gene in mature neurones in order to ensure survival. Deregulation of this repression will ultimately lead to an E2F‐dependent cell death.
Effects of Sympathetic Nerves on Cerebral Vessels during Acute, Moderate Increases in Arterial Pressure in Dogs and Cats

We studied: (1) the effects of an abrupt, moderate increase in arterial pressure on total and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and (2) whether sympathetic stimulation attenuates the transient hyperemia that occurs during a sudden increase in pressure within the physiological range of pressure. Abrupt increases in arterial pressure were produced by occlusion of the descending aorta. Cerebral blood flow was determined in dogs and cats using radioactive microspheres. In dogs, blood flow to all regions of the brain increased by 35-55% at the onset of hypertension and returned to normal by 60 seconds. Electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves did not attenuate the transient rise in CBF in dogs. In cats, blood flow increased by 40-60% in cerebrum (cortical grey matter), cerebellum, and brainstem at the onset of hypertension and was still moderately elevated after 2.5 minutes. Electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves in cats attenuated the initial rise in CBF. At the onset of hypertension in cats, the increase in blood flow to the unstimulated cerebrum was 42% greater than on the stimulated side. Blood flow to cortical grey matter was 71% and 65% greater on the unstimulated side than on the stimulated side at the onset and after 20 seconds of hypertension, respectively. We conclude that an abrupt, moderate increase in arterial pressure within the physiological range produces a transient increase in CBF and, furthermore, that stimulation of sympathetic nerves attenuates the increase in flow in cats. Circ Res 46: 696-702, 1980
PIV study of fractal grid turbulence

The present work describes an experimental investig ation of the decay of the wind tunnel turbulence generated b y space filling fractal square grids by means of stereoscop i Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). PIV is severely challenged by measurements of power spectra and measurements of l ow turbulence intensity flow, and this application inv olves both. Good statistics require averages over large numbers of f ames, and the authors discuss the statistical convergence . Among the quantities to be analysed from the obtained velocit y fields are the longitudinal integral length scale, Taylor micr o-scale, streamwise two-point correlation functions, and ene rgy spectra.
Proposed Model: Mechanisms of Immunomodulation Induced by Probiotic Bacteria

The mammalian microbiota comprises several hundred different bacterial species, many of which have a beneficial effect on the host. For example, they are involved in preventing colonization of the gut by pathogens and maintaining the gut mucosal immunity (85). The gut microbiota is more abundant in the large intestine of mammals, with densities rising to over 10 11 organisms/g intestinal content (84, 86). The number of bacterial cells in the entire gut exceeds the number of eukaryotic cells in the host, but under normal circumstance they coexist without any adverse effect on the host. The influence of the resident microflora on mucosal immune function and gut health has become an area of scientific and clinical importance (22, 26). There is an active dialogue between the commensal microorganisms and the host mucosal immune system (21, 48). This cross talk elicits different host responses to commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Commensal bacteria may even share molecular patterns recognized by toll-like receptors (TLRs), which can recognize patterns associated mainly with pathogens. However, the mucosal immune system of the healthy intestine allows the persistence of this microbiota associated with the intestine and avoids immunological tolerance, maintaining the intestinal homeostasis. Now, there is acceptance of the concept that oral tolerance is not generated by commensal intestinal bacteria; the host would ignore or fail to recognize the presence of indigenous microorganisms (49). The healthy host is able to elicit a good mucosal immune response against luminal antigens and to maintain a “physiological state of inflammation” in the gut, but it is also capable of responding to invading commensal organisms or pathogens. In the healthy host the penetration of the commensal bacteria is usually prevented by the barrier afforded by the intestinal epithelium and the immune cells associated with the mucosa, which are highly adapted to the presence of the normal microbiota (71). The signals sent by these microorganisms prevent their penetration and keep them outside the intestinal tissue. If the commensal microorganisms invade the host tissues, the innate immune mechanisms contribute to their rapid clearance, but when pathogens enter the intestine, innate and adaptive mechanisms are coordinately stimulated to respond to the danger signals (38, 60). Although mucosal epithelial tissues form an efficient barrier that prevents the entrance of the environmental pathogens and the external antigens into the host internal milieu, mucosal tissues represent the main sites of infection by pathogens. Many attempts have been made to understand the gut immunomodulation by pathogenic bacteria but not the mechanisms involved in the modulation of the gut immune system by commensal bacteria and by nonpathogenic microorganisms present in many foods included in the daily diet.
Thermoelectric energy harvesting with quantum dots

We review recent theoretical work on thermoelectric energy harvesting in multi-terminal quantum-dot setups. We first discuss several examples of nanoscale heat engines based on Coulomb-coupled conductors. In particular, we focus on quantum dots in the Coulomb-blockade regime, chaotic cavities and resonant tunneling through quantum dots and wells. We then turn toward quantum-dot heat engines that are driven by bosonic degrees of freedom such as phonons, magnons and microwave photons. These systems provide interesting connections to spin caloritronics and circuit quantum electrodynamics.
Biomineralization of Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate Minerals Induced by Bacillus licheniformis and Its Application in Water Softening

Reducing the hardness of hard water is of great concern nowadays due to some adverse effects on water pipes, boilers and soap consumption. Using the method of biomineralization to precipitate calcium and magnesium ions to become carbonate minerals was one of the most important innovations for reducing the hardness of hard water. The present study sought to explore the physical and chemical conditions of carbonates bio-precipitation and the potential use of Bacillus licheniformis SRB2 strain (GenBank: KM884945.1) isolated from sludge sample of Moshui River (Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China) in reducing the hardness of hard waters by the induction of carbonate minerals. In this study, B. licheniformis SRB2 strain was identified based on the morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA gene sequence homology analysis. The carbonate minerals induced by B. licheniformis bacteria in the liquid culture medium with 3% NaCl and Mg/Ca molar ratio of 0, 6, 8, 10 and 12 were investigated. The culture medium was inoculated with the bacterial liquid seed was set as the experimental group and the other culture medium was inoculated with the same volume of distilled water was set as the control group. The mineral phases, micromorphologies, and crystal structures were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray detector, high resolution transmission electron Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 22 January 2017 doi:10.20944/preprints201701.0096. v1
Effect of zeranol implants in ram and wether lambs on performance traits, carcass characteristics, and subprimal cut yields and distribution.

In two separate 2 x 2 factorial arrangements, 69 male, crossbred lambs were allotted randomly to the following treatments: 1) nonimplanted (NI) rams, 2) implanted (I) rams, 3) NI wethers, and 4) I wethers. In Trial 1, 36 lambs were allotted to treatment groups at birth (n = 9) and I lambs were implanted with 12 mg of zeranol between 1 and 3 d of age and again at weaning (average age of 62 d). Lambs were slaughtered at three time-constant end points of 78, 93, and 107 d on feed postweaning (average age of 155 d). Rams grew faster postweaning, were more efficient in their feed conversion, were heavier at slaughter, and had lower numerical yield grades than did wethers (P less than .05). Implanted lambs tended (P = .08) to grow faster and were (P less than .05) more efficient in their feed conversion than NI lambs. Rams produced heavier (P less than .05) trimmed subprimal shoulders, loins, and legs and had (P less than .05) a higher percentage of their carcass weight in the subprimal shoulder than did wethers. During Trial 2, NI rams (n = 8), I rams (n = 8), NI wethers (n = 8), and I wethers (n = 9) were allotted to treatment groups, and I lambs were implanted at average ages of 14, 55, and 98 d. After weaning, lambs were weighed every 14 d and were slaughtered 7 d after reaching a minimum weight of 50 kg (average age of 148 d). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Clinical impact of delaying initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE For patients with breast cancer (BC), the optimal time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy (TTC) after definitive surgery is unknown. We evaluated the association between TTC and survival according to breast cancer subtype and stage at diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women diagnosed with BC stages I to III between 1997 and 2011 who received adjuvant chemotherapy at our institution were included. Patients were categorized into three groups according to TTC: ≤ 30, 31 to 60, and ≥ 61 days. Survival outcomes were estimated and compared according to TTC and by BC subtype. RESULTS Among the 6,827 patients included, the 5-year overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and distant RFS (DRFS) estimates were similar for the different TTC categories. Initiation of chemotherapy ≥ 61 days after surgery was associated with adverse outcomes among patients with stage II (DRFS: hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.43) and stage III (OS: HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.46; RFS: HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.76; and DRFS: HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.80) BC. Patients with triple-negative BC (TNBC) tumors and those with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -positive tumors treated with trastuzumab who started chemotherapy ≥ 61 days after surgery had worse survival (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.18 and HR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.49 to 6.39, respectively) compared with those who initiated treatment in the first 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSION TTC influenced survival outcomes in the overall study cohort. This finding was particularly meaningful for patients with stage III BC, TNBC, and trastuzumab-treated HER2-positive tumors who experienced worse outcomes when chemotherapy was delayed. Our findings suggest that early initiation of chemotherapy should be granted for patients in these high-risk groups.
Phase I study of combined 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine and chlorambucil in chronic lymphoid leukemia and low-grade lymphoma.

PURPOSE We conducted a dose-escalation study of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) added to a standard fixed dose of chlorambucil to evaluate the toxicity of the combined regimen in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and low-grade lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 15 adults with relapsed or refractory CLL or low-grade lymphoma were to receive chlorambucil orally (30 mg/m2) every 2 weeks. Also, groups of three patients were to receive escalating doses of continuous intravenously administered 2-CdA at 1, 2, or 4 mg/m2/d for 7 days repeated at monthly intervals. All patients had pharmacokinetic studies during the first cycle of 2-CdA therapy; the results were compared with other institutional phase I studies in which comparable amounts of 2-CdA were administered by bolus infusion for 5 days. RESULTS The maximal-tolerated dose of 2-CdA that could be combined with chlorambucil was 2 mg/m2/d for 7 days for a maximum of two courses. At a higher dose level of 2-CdA or at the maximal-tolerated dose level given for more than two courses, severe and protracted pancytopenia, sometimes associated with life-threatening infections, was noted. Nonhematologic toxicities were limited to moderate degrees of nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue. Results of the pharmacologic studies suggested that 2-CdA clearance was independent of administration schedule and was unaffected by concomitant administration of chlorambucil. CONCLUSION These observations suggest the possibility of combining two cycles of continuous intravenously administered 2-CdA (2 mg/m2/d for 7 days) with standard doses of oral chlorambucil to test the efficacy of the combination regimen in phase II trials.
Effect of tryptophan administration on circulating levels of melatonin and phagocytic activity

Our research group has previously studied the role of melatonin in the immune system of birds and mice, finding that incubation with both pharmacological and physiological doses of melatonin augmented the activity of phagocytes from these animals, and that this activity was lowered in pinealectomized animals. Since melatonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan, the aim of the present work was to determine whether the administration of tryptophan might affect the plasma levels of melatonin and the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages over the course of a circadian cycle. The study animals were 14-week-old male Wistar rats. They were administered tryptophan orally in a daily single dose of 125 mg/kg at 19:00 h for 21 days. Prior to beginning this treatment, the circadian rhythms of plasma melatonin and phagocytic activity were evaluated under basal conditions over a 24-h period, taking blood and cell suspension samples each 2 hours during the light period (08:00–20:00) and each hour during the dark period (20:00–08:00), since it is during this latter period that the secretion of melatonin is maximum. The results showed that, under basal conditions, the rats' plasma melatonin levels and phagocytic activity peaked at 02:00. After the tryptophan administration, there were increases in plasma melatonin levels with respect to basal and control-group values, with a peak at 21:00, and in the phagocytic activity of the peritoneal macrophages, which peaked at 02:00. This suggests that the tryptophan administration stimulated melatonin synthesis, leading to increased and earlier peaking plasma levels of this hormone, and augmented the innate immune response carried out by the peritoneal macrophages as a result of the immunoregulatory action of melatonin.
Adequacy of a single visit for classification of hypertensive status in a Nigerian civil servant population.

BACKGROUND Concern has been expressed regarding the adequacy of classifying individuals as hypertensive based upon a single blood pressure determination and/or the average of readings taken at a single visit and the appropriateness of these determinations in cross-cultural comparisons of rates of hypertension. METHODS This analysis investigated the potential classification variability by comparing hypertensive status determined by 1) a single reading, 2) an average of the second and third determination at the first visit, and 3) an average of the second and third determinations obtained at each of three visits according to a standardized protocol. Kappa statistic, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess the agreement of hypertension classification for 804 subjects in the Health Survey in Nigerian Civil Servants, Benin City, 1992. Data were also compared to other published studies for variability in hypertension classification with repeated blood pressure determinations. RESULTS Good to excellent agreement was observed for the entire population between the single blood pressure determination, the average of the first visit, and the average of three visits. Sensitivity and specificity measures were also acceptable for the entire population. Further analysis by sex and staff status (a measure of socioeconomic status) found no apparent distinctions between the groups. CONCLUSION Contrasting the data with other published studies, conducted in both developed and developing countries, we note no greater variability in repeated blood pressure measurements, and conclude that the average of blood pressure determinations at a single visit in this working urban population is adequate for determining hypertensive status for comparisons with hypertension rates in Westernized populations.
Assessment of DNA Damage in WBCs of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Fumes and Aerosols of Bitumen

We conducted a cross-shift study with 66 bitumen-exposed mastic asphalt workers and 49 construction workers without exposure to bitumen. Exposure was assessed using personal monitoring of airborne bitumen exposure, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), and the sum of 1-, 2 + 9–,3-,4-hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPH). Genotoxic effects in WBC were determined with nonspecific DNA adduct levels of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) and the formation of DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites. Concentration of fumes and aerosols of bitumen correlated significantly with the concentrations of 1-OHP and OHPH after shift (rs = 0.27; P = 0.03 and rs = 0.55; P < 0.0001, respectively). Bitumen-exposed workers had more DNA strand breaks than the reference group (P < 0.0001) at both time points and a significant correlation with 1-OHP and OHPH in the postshift urines (rs = 0.32; P = 0.001 and rs = 0.27; P = 0.004, respectively). Paradoxically, we measured higher levels of DNA strand breaks, although not significant, in both study groups before shift. 8-OxodGuo adduct levels did not correlate with DNA strand breaks. Further, 8-oxodGuo levels were associated neither with personal exposure to bitumen nor with urinary metabolite concentrations. Significantly more DNA adducts were observed after shift not only in bitumen-exposed workers but also in the reference group. Only low-exposed workers had significantly elevated 8-oxodGuo adduct levels before as well as after shift (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.02, respectively). Our results show that exposure to fumes and aerosols of bitumen may contribute to an increased DNA damage assessed with strand breaks. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):645–51)