Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food intake and meal pattern of adolescents in school in Ila Orangun, south-west Nigeria

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to assess the food intake and describe the meal pattern of adolescents attending public secondary schools in Ila Orangun, south-west Nigeria. Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that used a pretested, interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic data. A food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall was used to collect information on food intake and meal patterns. Setting: The setting was Ila Orangun town, located in Osun State in south-west Nigeria. Subjects: The sample (n = 302) comprised adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years, attending public schools. Outcome measures: Socio-demographic characteristics, meal patterns, food intake and frequency of consumption were assessed. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis, and chi-square to test for any association between the variables. Results: The daily energy intake was higher than that recommended in 66% of the adolescents, carbohydrate intake higher in 62%, and fat and protein intake lower in 51% and 42%, of the adolescents, respectively. Low iron intake was significantly higher in females than in males (p-value < 0.05). One third (38%) skipped breakfast, and while the majority consumed supper, most participants ate snacks instead of lunch. A large proportion consumed fruit and vegetables, as well as milk and milk products, infrequently. The proportion of females who missed breakfast was significantly higher than that of the males (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: A high daily energy intake was reported in the adolescents. There was inadequate consumption of calcium and iron. A flawed meal pattern was observed, characterised by skipping breakfast and replacing lunch with snacks. Consuming breakfast, improving fruit and vegetable intake, and eating animal sources of protein should be encouraged in adolescents, and especially in females. This could assist in preventing the development of diseases associated with an inadequate intake of nutritious food.
Immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and clinical features of 113 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients in China.

INTRODUCTION The analysis of immunophenotype of the leukaemic cells has been of great importance for the diagnosis, classification and prognosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and thirteen Chinese patients with ALL were immunophenotyped by fl ow cytometry and 74 cases were also subjected to karyotype analysis by G-banding technology. RESULTS Of the 113 Chinese ALL patients, 14.2% were identified as T-ALL and 85.8% as B-ALL. Myeloid antigen (MyAg) expression was documented in 34.9% of the cases analysed and CD13 was most commonly expressed MyAg in ALL patients (23.6%). MyAg positivity was higher in adult with ALL (47.6%) than in children with ALL (26.6%). Abnormal karyotypes were detected in 39 out of 74 (52.7%) cases. The clinical and biological characteristics of ALL patients between MyAg+ and MyAg- groups showed that increased white blood count (WBC) (>50 x 109/L), higher CD34 positivity and higher percentage of adult patients were found to be correlated with MyAg+ ALL. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the immunophenotype did have relevance to the abnormal cytogenetic changes and clinical features in ALL. Flow cytometry immunophenotype has become the most important method for diagnosis and typing of ALL.
Development of an on-line system for precision dimensional measurements in electrical steels using approach to ferromagnetic saturation

A system based on a measurement technique magnetisation near saturation is presented that allows high precision measurement of dimensional parameters of iron alloys. Extensive measurements in electrical steel laminations show high accuracy in measurement of cross section area of the strips. The technique uses approach to saturation magnetisation which has previously been shown to be dependent on alloying content of the materials. This system is proposed for on-line measurement of cross sectional area and thickness of electrical steels, and other types of ferromagnetic strip metals.
Bridging the Gap: Gerontology and Social Work Education

ABSTRACT The following study was implemented to explore the potential for a four-week curriculum module in gerontological social work education to positively impact students' practice-related knowledge concerning older adults, as well as their attitudes toward elderly persons and interest in working with them. Pertinent literature was reviewed to conceptualize the building of a gerontology curriculum module that could be integrated into a pre-existing social work course. The module's design and content were reflective of its primary goal, which was to educate students about salient aspects of social work knowledge, skill, and practice with older adults utilizing experiential methods. Data analysis revealed a significant increase in students' knowledge of aging (t = 12.23, df = 106, p < 0.01), significant decline in students' ageist attitudes (t = 3.34, df = 106, p < 0.01), and an increased interest in working with older adults as clients (z = 3.162, p < 0.05). Given the pending unprecedented growth in the older adult population and the lack of gerontology education in social work programs, this study attempts to bridge this gap.
Interferon Action against Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3: Involvement of a Novel Antiviral Pathway in the Inhibition of Transcription

ABSTRACT Interferon (IFN)-induced 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase)/RNase L, PKR, and Mx proteins are considered to be the principal antiviral protein pathways through which IFN induces an antiviral state. It was previously reported that human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) multiplication was inhibited by IFN-α in human lung epithelial cells A549 and that MxA was found to contribute to the inhibition process (Zhao et al., Virology 220:330–338, 1996). Viral primary transcription was dramatically inhibited in A549 cells after IFN-α treatment, but a step following primary transcription was inhibited in U87-MxA cells constitutively expressing MxA. Here we have investigated the role of MxA, believed to be cell type specific, and other antiviral pathways in the inhibition of viral primary transcription. Our data indicate that a novel IFN-induced pathway(s) is involved in the inhibition of primary transcription. This is based on the following findings: (i) IFN-α inhibited viral primary transcription in U87-MxA and other cell types including cells lacking MxA; (ii) cells constitutively expressing 2-5A synthetase had no antiviral effect against HPIV3; and (iii) primary transcription occurred in the absence of protein synthesis, a step of PKR target. The novel antiviral pathway(s) was induced by both IFN-α and IFN-γ to establish an effective antiviral state against HPIV3. By using IFN-α-signaling mutant cells, we found that IFN-γ could elicit antiviral effect against HPIV3 without cross talk with the IFN-α-signaling pathway. These data provide the first evidence that a novel antiviral pathway(s) contributes to the antiviral action of IFN against a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus by targeting the primary transcription.
CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL E CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL DE IDOSOS: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA

O envelhecimento populacional e uma realidade mundial que demanda cada vez mais eficiencia no cuidado ao idoso. Sabe-se que o envelhecimento esta associado ao aumento da pressao arterial. Paralelamente a esse processo ocorre um aumento da inatividade fisica e funcional entre os idosos. Objetivamos buscar em bases da literatura cientifica, estudos que venham analisar a correlacao entre capacidade funcional e pressao arterial entre idosos. A busca foi realizada nas bases: PUB MED/MEDLINE;SCIELO; GOOGLE ACADEMICO. Os descritores usados foram consultados na Biblioteca Virtual em Saude, foram eles:“Hypertension”; “Blood Pressure”;“Frail Elderly”, alem do termo “Functional Capacity”. Apos leitura dos titulos e resumos foi feita avaliacao semântica dos artigos selecionados. Foram selecionados 18 manuscritos pertinentes ao tema proposto. Todos os estudos analisados encontraram uma relacao entre hipertensao arterial e incapacidade funcional. Contudo, poucos estudos buscaram ser conclusivos com relacao as possiveis causas dessa relacao, ou mesmo determinar quais niveis de hipertensao seriam capazes de influenciar negativamente na capacidade funcional. Os estudos mostraram uma associacao entre hipertensao arterial e incapacidade funcional de idosos, o que traz repercussoes diretas na qualidade de vida desse grupo, bem como um incremento nos gastos com saude para esta faixa etaria. Novos estudos sao necessarios para explicar melhor as causas dessa relacao.
Toothbrush age, wear, and plaque control.

OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the effect of toothbrush age and wear on plaque control. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 dental students were recruited for the 3-month double blind trail. Each participant received commercially purchased soft toothbrush and nonfluoridated toothpaste. Group I (n= 18) used the same brush for 3 months and Group II (n=18) replaced the brush every month. Toothbrush wear was recorded using Rawls formula (1989) and Plaque score was recorded using Patient Hygiene Performance index (1968). Recalls for the participants were scheduled after 1 (T1), 2 (T2) and 3 months (T3). OBSERVATIONS Results indicated that the toothbrush wear varied widely amongst the participants. 25-62% wear was observed in Group I and 6-24% in Group II. The participants using the same toothbrush for 3-months did not exhibit statistically significant different plaque scores compared to those who replaced their toothbrush every month. Toothbrush age and wear was not related to plaque control.
Meniscal Extrusion Progresses Shortly after the Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear

Purpose Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT) induce medial meniscus extrusion (MME). However, the time-dependent extent of MME in patients suffering from the MMPRT remains unclear. This study evaluated the extent of MME after painful popping events that occurred at the onset of the MMPRT. Materials and Methods Thirty-five patients who had an episode of posteromedial painful popping were investigated. All the patients were diagnosed as having an MMPRT by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 12 months after painful popping. Medial meniscus body width (MMBW), absolute MME, and relative MME (100×absolute MME/MMBW) were assessed among three groups divided according to the time after painful popping events: early period (<1 month), subacute period (1–3 months), and chronic period (4–12 months). Results In the early period, absolute and relative MMEs were 3.0 mm and 32.7%, respectively. Absolute MME increased up to 4.2 mm and 5.8 mm during the subacute and chronic periods, respectively. Relative MME also progressed to 49.2% and 60.3% in the subacute and chronic periods, respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrated that absolute and relative MMEs increased progressively within the short period after the onset of symptomatic MMPRT. Our results suggest that early diagnosis of an MMPRT may be important to prevent progression of MME following the MMPRT.
Comparison of classic hypoadrenocorticism with glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: 46 cases (1985-2005).

OBJECTIVE To compare dogs with glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (GDH) with those with mineralocorticoid- and glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (MGDH) and determine prevalence, historical and clinicopathologic markers, and outcome of dogs with GDH. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 46 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES Records in the veterinary medical database at Purdue University were searched for dogs in which hypoadrenocorticism had been diagnosed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1985 to 2005. Data pertaining to signalment, history, a minimum clinicopathologic database, treatment, and outcome were collected. Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism were classified as having MGDH if hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or both were detected and as having GDH if hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were absent. Dogs were excluded if they had ever been treated with mitotane or had been treated with > 1 dose of corticosteroids within a month prior to the ACTH-stimulation test. RESULTS 35 dogs with MGDH and 11 dogs with GDH met the inclusion criteria. Dogs with GDH were older at the time of diagnosis and had a longer duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis than those with MGDH. Dogs with GDH were more likely to be anemic, hypoalbuminemic, and hypocholesterolemic than dogs with MGDH. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE GDH was more common than reported in a referral hospital population of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. Definitive diagnosis of GDH remains a clinical challenge. Absence of a stress leukogram in dogs with signs of illness (especially relating to the gastrointestinal tract) warrants further investigation. Most dogs with primary cortisol deficiency do not develop mineralocorticoid deficiency.
A Conformational Change in the Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 Capsid Leads to the Exposure of Hidden VP1 N Termini

ABSTRACT The complex infection process of parvoviruses is not well understood so far. An important role has been attributed to a phospholipase A2 domain which is located within the unique N terminus of the capsid protein VP1. Based on the structural difference between adeno-associated virus type 2 wild-type capsids and capsids lacking VP1 or VP2, we show via electron cryomicroscopy that the N termini of VP1 and VP2 are involved in forming globules inside the capsids of empty and full particles. Upon limited heat shock, VP1 and possibly VP2 become exposed on the outsides of full but not empty capsids, which is correlated with the disappearance of the globules in the inner surfaces of the capsids. Using molecular modeling, we discuss the constraints on the release of the globularly organized VP1-unique N termini through the channels at the fivefold symmetry axes outside of the capsid.
Interface-Confined Ferrous Centers for Catalytic Oxidation

Catalysis at the Edge Many catalysts in solution, such as metalloenzymes and homogeneous metal complexes, create active sites where the metal ion is available to bind and activate reactants. Such coordinately unsaturated ferrous sites, or CUFs, have been created in a supported heterogeneous catalyst by Fu et al. (p. 1141). Ferrous oxide islands grown on platinum single-crystal surfaces were much more reactive for CO oxidation at low temperatures than more oxidized ferric islands. This difference arose from sites at the interface between the islands and the Pt surface that activated oxygen. Silica-supported Pt-Fe catalysts were active for CO removal from hydrogen streams, a reaction critical for maintaining the activity of fuel cells. The interface between ferrous oxide islands and a platinum support contains sites that activate dioxygen for catalytic reactions. Coordinatively unsaturated ferrous (CUF) sites confined in nanosized matrices are active centers in a wide range of enzyme and homogeneous catalytic reactions. Preparation of the analogous active sites at supported catalysts is of great importance in heterogeneous catalysis but remains a challenge. On the basis of surface science measurements and density functional calculations, we show that the interface confinement effect can be used to stabilize the CUF sites by taking advantage of strong adhesion between ferrous oxides and metal substrates. The interface-confined CUF sites together with the metal supports are active for dioxygen activation, producing reactive dissociated oxygen atoms. We show that the structural ensemble was highly efficient for carbon monoxide oxidation at low temperature under typical operating conditions of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell.
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Drugs (SCAR): Definitions, Diagnostic Criteria, Genetic Predisposition

This paper is a review of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria and main drug causes of the severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCAR) that are studied by the RegiS-CAR-group. These include acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (also called drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Quality-improvement strategies for the management of hypertension in chronic kidney disease in primary care: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively recently recognised condition. People with CKD are much more likely to suffer from cardiovascular events than progress to established renal failure. Controlling systolic blood pressure should slow the progression of disease and reduce mortality and morbidity. However, no systematic review has been conducted to explore the effectiveness of quality-improvement interventions to lower blood pressure in people with CKD. AIM To assess the effectiveness of quality-improvement interventions to reduce systolic blood pressure in people with CKD in primary care, in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and slow the progression of renal disease. METHOD Papers were identified from the trial data bases of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group (EPOC) and Cochrane renal groups. In a three-round process, at least two investigators read the papers independently. Studies were initially excluded based on their abstracts, if these were not relevant to primary care. Next, full papers were read, and again excluded on relevance. Quantitative and, where this was not possible, qualitative analyses of the findings were performed. RESULTS The selected studies were usually carried out on high-risk populations including ethnic minorities. The interventions were most often led by nurses or pharmacists. Three randomised trials showed a combined effect of a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 10.50 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.34 to 18.41 mmHg). One non-randomised study showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 9.30 mmHg (95% CI = 3.01 to 15.58 mmHg). CONCLUSION Quality-improvement interventions can be effective in lowing blood pressure, and potentially in reducing cardiovascular risk and slowing progression in CKD. Trials are needed in low-risk populations to see if the same improvements can be achieved.
The Beyond 12/23 Restriction Is Imposed at the Nicking and Pairing Steps of DNA Cleavage during V(D)J Recombination

ABSTRACT The beyond 12/23 (B12/23) rule ensures inclusion of a Dβ gene segment in the assembled T-cell receptor (TCR) β variable region exon and is manifest by a failure of direct Vβ-to-Jβ gene segment joining. The restriction is enforced during the DNA cleavage step of V(D)J recombination by the recombination-activating gene 1 and 2 (RAG1/2) proteins and the recombination signal sequences (RSSs) flanking the TCRβ gene segments. Nothing is known about the step(s) at which DNA cleavage is defective or how TCRβ locus sequences contribute to these defects. To address this, we examined the steps of DNA cleavage by the RAG proteins using TCRβ locus V, D, and J RSS oligonucleotide substrates. The results demonstrate that the B12/23 rule is enforced through slow nicking of Jβ substrates and to some extent through poor synapsis of Vβ and Jβ substrates. Nicking is controlled largely by the coding flank and, unexpectedly, the RSS spacer, while synapsis is controlled primarily by the RSS nonamer. The results demonstrate that different Jβ substrates are crippled at different steps of cleavage by distinct combinations of defects in the various DNA elements and strongly suggest that the DNA nicking step of V(D)J recombination can be rate limiting in vivo.
Characterizing galaxy groups: spectroscopic observationsof the Shakhbazyan sample

Groups of galaxies are the most common cosmic structures. However, due to the poor statistics, projection effects and the lack of accurate distances, our understanding of their dynamical and evolutionary status is still limited. This is particularly true for the so-called Shakhbazyan groups (SHK) which are still largely unexplored due to the lack of systematic spectroscopic studies of both their member galaxies and the surrounding environment. In our previous paper, we investigated the statistical properties of a large sample of SHK groups using Sloan Digital Sky Survey data and photometric redshifts. Here we present the follow-up of five SHK groups (SHK 10, 71, 75, 80, 259) observed within our spectroscopic campaign with the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, aimed at confirming their physical reality and strengthening our photometric results. For each of the selected groups, we were able to identify between 6 and 13 spectroscopic members, thus confirming the robustness of the photometric redshift approach in identifying real galaxy over-densities. Consistently with the finding of our previous paper, the structures studied here have properties spanning from those of compact and isolated groups to those of loose groups. For what the global physical properties are concerned (total mass, mass-to-light ratios, etc.), we find systematic differences with those reported in the literature by previous studies. Our analysis suggests that previous results should be revisited; we show in fact that if the literature data are re-analysed in a consistent and homogeneous way, the properties obtained are in agreement with those estimated for our sample.
Effect of Decompressive Craniectomy on Perihematomal Edema in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background Perihematomal edema contributes to secondary brain injury in the course of intracerebral hemorrhage. The effect of decompressive surgery on perihematomal edema after intracerebral hemorrhage is unknown. This study analyzed the course of PHE in patients who were or were not treated with decompressive craniectomy. Methods More than 100 computed tomography images from our published cohort of 25 patients were evaluated retrospectively at two university hospitals in Switzerland. Computed tomography scans covered the time from admission until day 100. Eleven patients were treated by decompressive craniectomy and 14 were treated conservatively. Absolute edema and hematoma volumes were assessed using 3-dimensional volumetric measurements. Relative edema volumes were calculated based on maximal hematoma volume. Results Absolute perihematomal edema increased from 42.9 ml to 125.6 ml (192.8%) after 21 days in the decompressive craniectomy group, versus 50.4 ml to 67.2 ml (33.3%) in the control group (Δ at day 21 = 58.4 ml, p = 0.031). Peak edema developed on days 25 and 35 in patients with decompressive craniectomy and controls respectively, and it took about 60 days for the edema to decline to baseline in both groups. Eight patients (73%) in the decompressive craniectomy group and 6 patients (43%) in the control group had a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 4) at 6 months (P = 0.23). Conclusions Decompressive craniectomy is associated with a significant increase in perihematomal edema compared to patients who have been treated conservatively. Perihematomal edema itself lasts about 60 days if it is not treated, but decompressive craniectomy ameliorates the mass effect exerted by the intracerebral hemorrhage plus the perihematomal edema, as reflected by the reduced midline shift.