Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Growth of Children Aged 12-24 Months in the Tanga Region, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND The first 1000 days of life, from conception to the second birthday, offer a unique window of opportunity for optimal growth, critical for future health. The primary aim of this study was to analyze growth of children between 12 and 24 months age in Tanzanian children, and to explore possible predictors for growth. METHODS Observational, cross-sectional study performed between March and April 2017. Eligible children, and their mothers, attended routine follow-up at two health clinics in Tanga, Tanzania. At the study day, the child's weight and height were recorded. The mothers answered a structured interview regarding breastfeeding, immunization and socioeconomic conditions. RESULTS We recruited 300 mother-child pairs. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] age at study visit was 16 (14-20) months. Mothers reported that 170 (57%) of their children were exclusively breastfed for a minimum of 6 months; median (IQR) 6 (4-6) months. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) standard growth curves, mean weight-for-age Z-score was -0.30 and mean length-for-age Z-score was -0.47. Children whose mothers had higher education had higher Z-scores for weight and length compared to children of mothers with lower education. Education remained the most important predictor for growth also after adjusting for other variables. Overall, 48/300 (16%) were moderate-severe stunted and 25/300 (8.4%) had moderate-severe underweight. CONCLUSION Children aged 12-24 months in this region of Tanzania had weight and height below the WHO standard. Higher educated mothers had children with better growth parameters. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding was long, but did not predict growth parameters.
MicroRNAs, Hypoxia and the Stem-Like State as Contributors to Cancer Aggressiveness

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play key regulatory roles in cancer acting as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Due to their potential roles in improving cancer prognostic, predictive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, they have become an area of intense research focus in recent years. Several studies have demonstrated an altered expression of several miRNAs under hypoxic condition and even shown that the hypoxic microenvironment drives the selection of a more aggressive cancer cell population through cellular adaptations referred as the cancer stem-like cell. These minor fractions of cells are characterized by their self-renewal abilities and their ability to maintain the tumor mass, suggesting their crucial roles in cancer development. This review aims to highlight the interconnected role between miRNAs, hypoxia and the stem-like state in contributing to the cancer aggressiveness as opposed to their independent contributions, and it is based in four aggressive tumors, namely glioblastoma, cervical, prostate, and breast cancers.
FATHERS AND TRAUMATIC CHILDBIRTH 1 Paternal Mental Health Following Perceived Traumatic Childbirth  

Objective: the objective behind the current study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of fathers after childbirth trauma, an area of minimal research. This is part two of a two-part series conducted in 2014 researching the mental health of fathers after experiencing a perceived traumatic childbirth. Design: qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews and reporting of qualitative questions administered in part one’s online survey (Author, 2014). Setting: interviews conducted face-to-face at an Australian University or on Skype. Participants: sixty-nine responded to the online qualitative questions and of these seven were interviewed. Measurements: thematic analysis of verbal and written qualitative responses. FATHERS AND TRAUMATIC CHILDBIRTH 2 Findings: thematic analysis of qualitative survey data and interviews found a global theme ‘standing on the sideline’ which encompassed two major themes of witnessing trauma: unknown territory, and the aftermath: dealing with it, and respective subthemes. Key Conclusions: according to the perceptions and experiences of the fathers, there was a significant lack of communication between birthing teams and fathers, and fathers experienced a sense of marginalisation before, during, and after the traumatic childbirth. The findings of this study suggest that these factors contributed to the perception of trauma in the current sample. Whilst many fathers reported the negative impact of the traumatic birth on themselves and their relationships, some reported post-traumatic growth from the experience and others identified friends and family as a valuable source of support. Implications for practice: improved communication between midwifery staff and fathers before, during and after childbirth may reduce the rates of paternal postpartum mental health difficulties and experiences of trauma.
Butyrate Improves the Metabolic Disorder and Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Mice Induced by a High-Fat Diet

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is one of the major causes of coronary artery diseases (CAD). Gut microbiome diversity and its natural fermentation products are not only correlated with MS and CAD, but their correlations also appear to be stronger than the associations with traditional risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a new potential pathway for the natural fermentation product butyrate to improve MS and to examine whether it is associated with serum metabolic profiles and gut flora composition. Methods: C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with 400 mg/kg of sodium butyrate for 16 weeks. Blood and fecal samples were collected, and the metabolite concentrations and 16s rRNA were measured with liquid chromatography–MS and Illumina platform, respectively. The plasma differential metabolites and gut microbiome composition were analyzed with XCMS online and QIIME 2, respectively. Results: Gut microbiome-derived butyrate reduced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, resisting HFD-induced increase in the relative abundance of f_Lachnospiraceae, f_Rikenellaceae, and f_Paraprevotellaceae. Meanwhile, sodium butyrate increased the levels of α-linolenate, all-trans-retinal, resolvin E1, and leukotriene in the plasma, and the differential pathways showed enrichment in mainly resolvin E biosynthesis, histidine degradation, lipoxin biosynthesis, and leukotriene biosynthesis. Moreover, sodium butyrate increased the levels of phosphorylated-adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and facilitated glucose transporter member 4 (GLUT4) in the adipose tissue. Conclusion: Butyrate can induce AMPK activation and GLUT4 expression in the adipose tissue, improving cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related metabolic disorder, resisting HFD-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis, and promoting resolvin E1 and lipoxin biosynthesis. Oral supplement of the natural fermentation product butyrate can be a potential strategy for preventing CVD.
Optimisation of Sample Preparation for Direct SPME-GC-MS Analysis of Murine and Human Faecal Volatile Organic Compounds for Metabolomic Studies

The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from biological fluids such as blood, urine, breath and faeces, has been receiving more attention from researchers and clinicians due to their contribution to the metabolome and potential use as diagnostic tools in clinical settings. The faecal metabolome represents the final product of a complex interaction involving the gut microbiota and cell metabolism and an accurate measurement of the faecal volatile organic metabolome enables a better understanding of disease-related metabolic pathways and, eventually, identifying potential biomarkers. However, there is a lack of published evidence evaluating the sample preparation steps for faecal metabolome analysis and no well-defined protocol has been established. Consequently, different research groups employ diverse methodologies, which, ultimately, prevent comparison of results between laboratories. We evaluated different aspects of sample preparation when processing murine and human faecal samples through a pipeline involving solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We identified the sample volume, the SPME fibre coating, the extraction conditions and the vial volume that produce the most accurate and reproducible results. Finally, we propose an optimized method for the direct SPME-GC-MS analysis of VOCs in murine and human faecal samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work evaluating different aspects of sample preparation for direct SPME-GC-MS analysis of VOCs and the first method proposed for the analysis of murine and human faecal samples. In addition, our proposed method can be coupled to the Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS) and the R software package, Metab, in order to produce results in a reliable and high-throughput manner.
Prenatal Protein Malnutrition Produces Resistance to Distraction Similar to Noradrenergic Deafferentation of the Prelimbic Cortex in a Sustained Attention Task

Exposure to malnutrition early in development increases likelihood of neuropsychiatric disorders, affective processing disorders, and attentional problems later in life. Many of these impairments are hypothesized to arise from impaired development of the prefrontal cortex. The current experiments examine the impact of prenatal malnutrition on the noradrenergic and cholinergic axons in the prefrontal cortex to determine if these changes contribute to the attentional deficits seen in prenatal protein malnourished rats (6% casein vs. 25% casein). Because prenatally malnourished animals had significant decreases in noradrenergic fibers in the prelimbic cortex with spared innervation in the anterior cingulate cortex and showed no changes in acetylcholine innervation of the prefrontal cortex, we compared deficits produced by malnutrition to those produced in adult rats by noradrenergic lesions of the prelimbic cortex. All animals were able to perform the baseline sustained attention task accurately. However, with the addition of visual distractors to the sustained attention task, animals that were prenatally malnourished and those that were noradrenergically lesioned showed cognitive rigidity, i.e., were less distractible than control animals. All groups showed similar changes in behavior when exposed to withholding reinforcement, suggesting specific attentional impairments rather than global difficulties in understanding response rules, bottom-up perceptual problems, or cognitive impairments secondary to dysfunction in sensitivity to reinforcement contingencies. These data suggest that prenatal protein malnutrition leads to deficits in noradrenergic innervation of the prelimbic cortex associated with cognitive rigidity.
Applying Turner's Three-Process Theory of Power to the Study of Power Relations in a Troubled Information Systems Implementation

This paper explores the nature and exercise of power in an interpretive case study of a troubled information systems (IS) implementation in a university in the Asia Pacific region using Turner’s Three-Process Theory of Power based on Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorisation Theory. The findings demonstrate the value of Turner’s theoretical lens as well as its insufficiency for explaining all power related activities. This research has led to the development of an extended Three-Process Theory of Power by adding the alternative components that emerged from the data in the case study in relation to the nature and exercises of power. Based on the findings, we further recommend specific guidelines for IS theoreticians and practitioners including advice to project managers on a range of key issues. Thus, this paper contributes theorising the sources of power and tactical applications of power in given situations, particularly in IS implementation projects.
Association of Patients' Characteristics with Acupuncture Treatment Outcomes in Treating Bell's Palsy: Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial

Background Acupuncture has been found to be effective for treating Bell's palsy (BP). However, which class of BP patients will have a better response to acupuncture remains uncertain and requires investigation. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. BP patients were randomly divided into five acupuncture treatment groups. The degree of facial nerve recovery was assessed according to the House–Brackmann grading system (HB grade). Grade I was defined as complete recovery (CR), and grades II–VI were defined as incomplete recovery (IR). The relevant patient characteristics were collected and compared between CR and IR groups by univariate and logistic regression analyses. Results Eight-hundred twenty-six subjects were analyzed. Among these, 698 (85%) subjects had a good prognosis. No significant difference in the effectiveness of the five treatments was observed (all P > 0.05). The likelihood of IR increased by 2.2% with each one-year increase in age (odds ratio (OR) 1.022, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005–1.038; P=0.009). The likelihood of IR increased by 9% with each kg/m2 increase in BMI (OR 1.090, 95% CI 1.019–1.165; P=0.012). The likelihood of IR at the recovery stage was higher than that at the acute stage (OR 7.996, 95% CI 4.570–13.991; P < 0.001), and the likelihood of IR of patients with lesions at or above the chorda tympani was higher than that of patients with lesions below the chorda tympani (OR 1.989, 95% CI 1.256–3.150; P=0.003). The likelihood of IR increased by 281.7% with each unit increase in the HB grade (OR 2.817, 95% CI 2.113–3.756; P < 0.001). Conclusions Younger patients at the acute stage of the disease with low BMIs, low initial HB grades, and lesions below the chorda tympani were more likely to respond to acupuncture.
Evaluation of Low Power Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNFET) Master-Slave Latches

This paper presents evaluation and analysis of Master Slave Latches using Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors (CNFETs). Four different Master Slave Latches are implemented. Circuit performance of CNFET laches have been compared to silicon based CMOS latches in terms of Clk-Q delay, average power, power delay product (PDP), setup time and area. CNFET Master Slave Latches have shown superior performance over CMOS latches in simulations for most performance parameters.
Alleviation the adverse effects of salinity stress in sunflower cultivars using nicotinamide and α-tocopherol.

A possible survival strategy of plants under saline conditions is to use some compounds that could alleviate salt stress effect. The effect of exogenously application of α-tochopherol or nicotinamide as seed soaking prior to sowing in saline soil with different salinity levels (EC 1.56, 4.68 and 7.83 ds/m) to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars (Hysun 336 and Euroflor) was investigated. Salinity stress decreased total soluble sugars content concomitantly with increasing proline, free amino acids and total phenol contents in both cultivars. The activities of CAT, POX, PPO and PAL were decreased with increasing salinity level. In addition, the content of Na + was increased significantly under salinity stress, while, N, P, K and Mg contents were decreased with increasing salinity levels. Also, salinity stress decreased the contents of some microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) at both cultivars. Soaking sunflower seeds with different concentrations of α-tocopherol or nicotinamide could alleviate the harmful effects of salinity stress.
Evidence for shrunken pore syndrome in children

Abstract The link between cystatin C and mortality independent of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adults has prompted the “Shrunken Pore Syndrome” (SPS) hypothesis, where high serum cystatin C with normal creatinine is explained by smaller glomerular pores, through which creatinine can pass freely, while the larger cystatin C, beta-trace protein (BTP) and pro-inflammatory molecules are retained. This study set out to apply the definition of SPS to children. In 294 children who underwent inulin clearance (Cin) test, serum creatinine, cystatin C and BTP were measured. For all three markers eGFRx was calculated using the full age spectrum equations. The ratio eGFRcys/eGFRcrea was plotted against the error of eGFRBTP(%) (i.e. eGFRBTP-Cin)/Cin*100%). Patients with and without SPS according to different cut-off points of eGFRcys/eGFRcrea and eGFRcys/Cin (i.e. ≤0.6,0.7,0.8) were compared in terms of eGFRx, Cin, error of eGFRx(%) and eGFRBTP/eGFRcrea-ratio. The ratio eGFRcys/eGFRcrea and error of eGFRBTP(%) were positively correlated. The prevalence of SPS by eGFRcys/eGFRcrea with a cut-off of 0.6 was 4.8%. Patients with SPS had a more negative error of eGFRcys(%) and eGFRBTP(%) and higher Cin regardless of the definition. Overestimation of eGFRcrea in patients with SPS was only present when using the eGFRcys/eGFRcrea rather than the eGFRcys/Cin definition. Cystatin C and BTP are related independent of creatinine, suggesting glomerular pore size as a common denominator. The prevalence of SPS in children is comparable to adults. For research in SPS, a definition based on eGFRcys/exogenous clearance study may be useful to study the effect of SPS on creatinine metabolism.
Correlation between the Severity and Outcome of Acute Calculous Cholecystits According to Tokyo Guidelines

Introduction: Acute Calculous Cholecystitis is a condition in which the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to cholelithiasis. Early diagnosis, severity grading and appropriate intervention reduce both morbidity and mortality. The aim of this prospective study is to correlate the severity with the outcome of acute calculous cholecystitis according to Tokyo Guidelines. Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study conducted in the Department of Surgery, Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital for a period of two years from April 2017 to March 2019. The patients were classified into three groups according to the severity grading in the Tokyo guidelines (TG18/ TG13). Clinical characteristics among these patients were analyzed for comparison. Results: Among all diagnostic criteria, right upper quarter (RUQ)h abdominal pain (94%) Murphy's sign (94%) and thickened gallbladder wall (80%) had the highest sensitivity rates (p<0.032), whereas elevated white cell count (32%) and RUQ abdominal mass (32%) had the lowest sensitivity rates (p<0.035). Higher sensitivity rates of diagnostic criteria were related to severe cholecystitis, except for Fever (46%) and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (32%). All the 28 patients in grade I and selected patients 3 out of 6in grade II underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) without any conversion and increased morbidity and mortality. Out of16 patients in grade III there was 2 mortalities due to ARDS, 1 needed Ultrasonography (USG) guided cholecystostomy, 1 underwent emergency cholecystectomy. 16 patients, 3 in grade II and 13 in grade III underwent interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy safely. There were no major postoperative morbidities except for superficial surgical site infection (SSI) in 1 patient in grade III who underwent emergency cholecystectomy Higher grade of severity was associated with increased morbidity and mortality (p<0.03). Conclusion: A combination of diagnostic criteria with different path physiologic findings, as noted in the Tokyo guidelines, can help clinicians make the correct diagnosis for patients with acute cholecystitis and there was strong correlation between the severity and outcomes of acute cholecystitis.
Impact on Readmission Reduction Among Heart Failure Patients Using Digital Health Monitoring: Feasibility and Adoptability Study

Background Heart failure (HF) is a condition that affects approximately 6.2 million people in the United States and has a 5-year mortality rate of approximately 42%. With the prevalence expected to exceed 8 million cases by 2030, projections estimate that total annual HF costs will increase to nearly US $70 billion. Recently, the advent of remote monitoring technology has significantly broadened the scope of the physician’s reach in chronic disease management. Objective The goal of our program, named the Heart Health Program, was to examine the feasibility of using digital health monitoring in real-world home settings, ascertain patient adoption, and evaluate impact on 30-day readmission rate. Methods A digital medicine software platform developed at Mount Sinai Health System, called RxUniverse, was used to prescribe a digital care pathway including the HealthPROMISE digital therapeutic and iHealth mobile apps to patients’ personal smartphones. Vital sign data, including blood pressure (BP) and weight, were collected through an ambulatory remote monitoring system that comprised a mobile app and complementary consumer-grade Bluetooth-connected smart devices (BP cuff and digital scale) that send data to the provider care teams. Care teams were alerted via a Web-based dashboard of abnormal patient BP and weight change readings, and further action was taken at the clinicians’ discretion. We used statistical analyses to determine risk factors associated with 30-day all-cause readmission. Results Overall, the Heart Health Program included 58 patients admitted to the Mount Sinai Hospital for HF. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was 10% (6/58), compared with the national readmission rates of approximately 25% and the Mount Sinai Hospital’s average of approximately 23%. Single marital status (P=.06) and history of percutaneous coronary intervention (P=.08) were associated with readmission. Readmitted patients were also less likely to have been previously prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (P=.02). Notably, readmitted patients utilized the BP and weight monitors less than nonreadmitted patients, and patients aged younger than 70 years used the monitors more frequently on average than those aged over 70 years, though these trends did not reach statistical significance. The percentage of the 58 patients using the monitors at least once dropped from 83% (42/58) in the first week after discharge to 46% (23/58) in the fourth week. Conclusions Given the increasing burden of HF, there is a need for an effective and sustainable remote monitoring system for HF patients following hospital discharge. We identified clinical and social factors as well as remote monitoring usage trends that identify targetable patient populations that could benefit most from integration of daily remote monitoring. In addition, we demonstrated that interventions driven by real-time vital sign data may greatly aid in reducing hospital readmissions and costs while improving patient outcomes.
External and Internal Factors in Bilingual and Bidialectal Language Development: Grammatical Gender of the Dutch Definite Determiner

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