Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observation of twist-induced geometric phases and inhibition of optical tunneling via Aharonov-Bohm effects

A new type of geometric phase in twisted optical fibers enables optical tunneling suppression via the Aharonov-Bohm effect. Geometric phases appear ubiquitously in many and diverse areas of the physical sciences, ranging from classical and molecular dynamics to quantum mechanics and solid-state physics. In the realm of optics, similar phenomena are known to emerge in the form of a Pancharatnam-Berry phase whenever the polarization state traces a closed contour on the Poincaré sphere. While this class of geometric phases has been extensively investigated in both free-space and guided wave systems, the observation of similar effects in photon tunneling arrangements has so far remained largely unexplored. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that the tunneling or coupling process in a twisted multicore fiber system can display a chiral geometric phase accumulation, analogous to the Aharonov-Bohm effect. In our experiments, the tunneling geometric phase is manifested through the interference of the corresponding supermodes. Our work provides the first observation of Aharonov-Bohm suppression of tunneling in an optical setting.
Folic acid receptor-targeted human serum albumin nanoparticle formulation of cabazitaxel for tumor therapy

Background We previously developed cabazitaxel (CTX)-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles (NPs-CTX) via a self-assembly method, and these NPs showed efficacy in prostate cancer therapy. Many studies have shown that the levels of folic acid (FA) receptor on the surface of various tumor cells are high. Therefore, FA-modified NPs-CTX may have enhanced antitumor effects compared with unmodified NPs-CTX. Methods NPs-CTX were first prepared via self-assembly, and FA was conjugated on the surface of NPs-CTX through the -NH2 groups of the NPs to produce FA-NPs-CTX. The FA-NPs-CTX were evaluated in tumor cells with high FA receptor (FR) expression in vitro and in vivo. Results Both NPs-CTX and FA-NPs-CTX exhibited good stability and morphology. Drug release from the NPs was not affected by FA conjugation. Compared with CTX dissolved in a mixture of Tween 80 and 13% ethanol (w/w) at a ratio of 1:4 (v/v) (Tween-CTX), the two nanoformulations had lower lytic activity against normal red blood cells. However, FA-NPs-CTX showed greater inhibition of tumor cells with overexpressed FR, compared with NPs-CTX, in the cytotoxicity experiments. Moreover, the cellular uptake of FA-NPs-CTX was enhanced through FR-mediated endocytosis in HeLa cells in vitro and HeLa xenograft tumors in vivo. Although Tween-CTX exhibited tumor growth inhibition similar to FA-NPs-CTX in vivo, this inhibition also caused adverse side effects; the median lethal dose (LD50) of Tween-CTX to mice was 5.68 mg/kg, while FA-NPs-CTX-treated mice survived at doses exceeding 400 mg/kg. Conclusion The results showed that FA-NPs-CTX caused inhibition of tumor growth in a manner similar to that of Tween-CTX; however, the safety and tolerability of CTX were greatly improved by FA conjugation compared with those of Tween-CTX. In summary, FA-NPs-CTX have great potential in CTX delivery, and this formulation is a promising candidate for the treatment of cancers with high FR levels.
Independent predictors for longer radiographic resolution in patients with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a prospective cohort study

Objectives To examine prospectively the radiographic clearance of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in immunocompetent children, and to identify independent predictors of time to complete radiographic resolution in patients with RMPP. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, China. Participants A total of 187 patients with RMPP treated with bronchoscopy were prospectively enrolled in the study between January 2012 and December 2015. Methods Serial chest radiographs were obtained after discharge every 4 weeks up to a maximum of 24 weeks after diagnosis or until large infiltration on chest radiographs had resolved. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of time to complete radiographic resolution. Results Of the 187 patients with RMPP, bronchial mucus plug formation was detected in 73 (39.0%). C reactive protein (CRP) ≥50 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥480 U/L, total fever duration ≥10 days and presence of mucus plugs were associated with longer time to radiographic clearance (all p<0.01). Compared with children without mucus plugs, those with mucus plugs were significantly more likely to have longer time to radiographic clearance (adjusted OR: 11.5; 95% CI 2.5 to 45.7; p<0.01). Conclusion Clinicians might use duration of fever, CRP, LDH and presence of mucus plugs as parameters to identify children at a longer time to radiographic clearance in patients with RMPP.
Effect of methadone and acepromazine premedication on tear production in dogs

Objectives To evaluate the combined effect of intramuscular acepromazine and methadone on tear production in dogs undergoing general anaesthesia for elective, non-ocular procedures. Design Prospective, non-randomised, pre-post treatment study. Setting Patients were recruited from a referral practice in the UK. Methods Thirty client-owned dogs were enrolled in this study and received a combined intramuscular premedication of methadone (0.3 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg) before general anaesthesia for elective, non-ocular procedures. Full ophthalmic examination was performed and tear production was quantified using the Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1). On the day of general anaesthesia, an STT-1 was performed before (STT-1a) and after (STT-1b) intramuscular premedication with methadone/acepromazine. Results Using a general linear model, a significant effect on STT-1 results was found for premedication with methadone/acepromazine (P=0.013), but not eye laterality (P=0.527). Following premedication, there was a significant reduction observed in the mean STT-1 readings of left and right eyes between STT-1a (20.4±2.8 mm/min) and STT-1b (16.9±4.1 mm/min; P<0.001). Significantly more dogs had an STT-1 reading less than 15 mm/min in one or both eyes after premedication (30 per cent; 9/30 dogs) compared with before premedication (6.7 per cent; 2/30 dogs; P=0.042). Conclusions An intramuscular premedication of methadone and acepromazine results in a decrease in tear production in dogs before elective general anaesthesia. This may contribute to the risk of ocular morbidities, such as corneal ulceration, particularly in patients with lower baseline tear production.
Willingness to quit tobacco smoking and its correlates among Indian smokers – Findings from Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2009–2010

Background: In the stages of change model for smoking cessation, “willingness to quit” forms the starting point. Objective: To determine the prevalence and correlates of willingness to quit among smokers in India from Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2009–2010. Methods: Secondary data analysis of GATS, 2009–10, was done to find the correlates of willingness to quit among smokers. All the sociodemographic variables, smoking-related factors such as frequency, previous attempt to quit, and also effect of antitobacco messages delivered to various media were tested for association using multivariable analysis. Results: Of 9627 current smokers analyzed, 50.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.9–51.9] were willing to quit smoking. Multivariable analysis showed that younger age groups [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05–1.65], individuals who have their first smoke after 60 min of wakeup (PR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05–1.36), those living in a house with smoking restriction (PR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.17–1.42), those who received advice to quit from doctor, those who attempted to quit in the past 12 months (PR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.60), having knowledge about illness caused due to smoking, and those who have noticed antismoking messages in billboards/hoardings were willing to quit smoking compared to their counterparts (PR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.23). Conclusion: Enforcing social restrictions like smoking restriction at house and also brief advice by doctors to quit smoking during any contact with the tobacco user could improve quit rate especially in young tobacco users and those who have attempted to quit before.
Genetic and pharmacological interventions in the aging motor nervous system slow motor aging and extend life span in C. elegans

Inhibiting the BK channel SLO-1 in the aging nervous system promotes both life span and health span in C. elegans. As animals and humans age, the motor system undergoes a progressive functional decline, leading to frailty. Age-dependent functional deteriorations at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) contribute to this motor aging. However, it is unclear whether one can intervene in this process to slow motor aging. The Caenorhabditis elegans BK channel SLO-1 dampens synaptic transmission at NMJs by repressing synaptic release from motor neurons. Here, we show that genetic ablation of SLO-1 not only reduces the rate of age-dependent motor activity decline to slow motor aging but also surprisingly extends life span. SLO-1 acts in motor neurons to mediate both functions. Genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of SLO-1 in aged, but not young, worms can slow motor aging and prolong longevity. Our results demonstrate that genetic and pharmacological interventions in the aging motor nervous system can promote both health span and life span.
Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and associated risk factors among geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of rural Uttarakhand, India

Background: Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) both are rapidly emerging as public health problems among geriatric population in developing countries. HTN can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases among geriatric population. DM increases the risk of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy among geriatric population. Methodology: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015–2016 in District Nainital, Uttarakhand. A list of all villages with their population in the district was developed. From this list, 30 villages were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. From each village, 30 geriatric subjects were selected. A total of 1003 geriatric subjects age 60 years and above were included in the study. Data were collected on sociodemographic profile, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, anthropometry, and lipid profile from all the enrolled subjects. The prevalence of HTN and DM was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with HTN and DM. Results: The prevalence of HTN and DM was found to be 54.5% and 14.6%, respectively. For HTN, advancing age, high educational level and body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2) and for DM higher education level and BMI (≥25 kg/m2) were found to be significant risk factors. Conclusion: A high prevalence of HTN and DM was found in geriatric population residing in rural area of Uttarakhand.
A comparative study of dental fluorosis and non-skeletal manifestations of fluorosis in areas with different water fluoride concentrations in rural Kolar

Background: Fluorosis is an endemic disease which results due to excess exposure to high fluoride from different sources. The climatic factors and dependency on ground water add to the risk of fluorosis in Kolar. In addition to it, the epidemiological studies conducted on fluorosis in Kolar are very few. Aims: (1) To estimate age-specific prevalence of dental fluorosis in the study population. (2) To determine the proportion of study subjects with non-skeletal manifestations of fluorosis (3) To assess and compare the influence of various socio-epidemiological factors in the occurrence of dental fluorosis among the study population in areas with high and normal fluoride. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of three randomly selected villages, Thimmasandra and Batwarahalli (high fluoride) and Maddinayakanahalli (normal fluoride) belonging to Bangarpet taluk, Kolar for 1 year. Dental fluorosis was assessed by the Dean's grading. Non-skeletal manifestations were elicited based on clinical features. Fluoride levels of drinking water sources were estimated by ion-electrode method. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to see the difference in proportions and a P value of <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of dental and non-skeletal fluorosis in the study groups with high and normal fluoride groups were 13.17%, 5.5%, 3.84%, 1.9%, respectively. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was significantly higher among the children and adolescents compared to adults (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dental fluorosis is a public health problem mainly affecting children and adolescents in Bangarpet.
CD44ICD promotes breast cancer stemness via PFKFB4-mediated glucose metabolism

CD44 is a single-pass cell surface glycoprotein that is distinguished as the first molecule used to identify cancer stem cells in solid tumors based on its expression. In this regard, the CD44high cell population demonstrates not only the ability to regenerate a heterogeneous tumor, but also the ability to self-regenerate when transplanted into immune-deficient mice. However, the exact role of CD44 in cancer stem cells remains unclear in part because CD44 exists in various isoforms due to alternative splicing. Methods: Gain- and loss-of-function methods in different models were used to investigate the effects of CD44 on breast cancer stemness. Cancer stemness was analyzed by detecting SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG expression, ALDH activity, side population (SP) and sphere formation. Glucose consumption, lactate secretion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected to assess glycolysis. Western blot, immunohistochemical staining, ELISA and TCGA dataset analysis were performed to determine the association of CD44ICD and PFKFB4 with clinical cases. A PFKFB4 inhibitor, 5MPN, was used in a xenograft model to inhibit breast cancer development. Results: In this report, we found that the shortest CD44 isoform (CD44s) inhibits breast cancer stemness, whereas the cleaved product of CD44 (CD44ICD) promotes breast cancer stemness. Furthermore, CD44ICD interacts with CREB and binds to the promoter region of PFKFB4, thereby regulating PFKFB4 transcription and expression. The resultant PFKFB4 expression facilitates the glycolysis pathway (vis-à-vis oxidative phosphorylation) and promotes stemness of breast cancer. In addition, we found that CD44ICD and PFKFB4 expressions are generally up-regulated in the tumor portion of breast cancer patient samples. Most importantly, we found that 5MPN (a selective inhibitor of PFKFB4) suppresses CD44ICD-induced tumor development. Conclusion: CD44ICD promotes breast cancer stemness via PFKFB4-mediated glycolysis, and therapies that target PFKFB4 (e.g., 5MPN therapy) may lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
Making Neonatal Intensive Care Units More Visually Appealing

A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides a series of impressions that impact behavior and attitudes of staff, families, visitors, and donors. The value of incorporating nature, artistic features, daylight, creative themes, and special furnishings should not be diminished. These efforts have the potential to support families' ability to cope, increase job satisfaction, increase donor appeal, and enhance recruitment. Clear guiding principles, research, and a collaborative process are essential to creating and maintaining a visually appealing NICU that makes these types of differences.
Dutch Painting, 1600-1800

Dutch painting in its prime is one of the great achievements in the history of art. Painters described their life and their environment, their country and their city sights so thoroughly that their work seems to provide a nearly complete pictorial record of Dutch culture. This book explores all the aspects of a truly creative period when sureness of instinct and quality of performance held a safe balance. The work of the great masters - including Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer, Ruisdael - and their impact on others are analyzed and set in the context of a period when government, religion and social structures were all reestablishing themselves after significant changes. Slive discusses the kinds of painting that became Dutch specialities: genre scenes, landscape, marines and still lifes, portraiture and architectural painting, as well as examining patronage, trends in art theory and criticism, and collecting.
Landscape analysis on countries' readiness to accelerate action in nutrition.

The Landscape Analysis assess countries' readiness to accelerate action in nutrition, with a focus on the 36 highburden countries where 90% of the world's stunted children live. "Readiness analysis" is frequently used in the private sector for assessing where investing resources is likely to give the greatest return and for determining how best to invest in order to yield the maximum benefits. An analysis of readiness to act had not been systematically developed across a broad spectrum of countries in the area of food and nutrition programmes before. The Landscape Analysis was therefore developed to systematically assess the readiness of stakeholders' commitment and capacity to implement the evidence-based interventions in the high-burden countries. It builds on the work and experiences of countries in developing and implementing national nutrition policies and plans developed as a follow-up to the 1992 International Conference on Nutrition (ICN) and follows the Lancet Nutrition Series on maternal and child undernutrition (January 2008) which identified a set of interventions proven to be effective in addressing maternal and child undernutrition.
Radiologic staging of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma

textabstractPretreatment radiologic staging can, theoretically, improve the effectiveness and results of surgical treatment in esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma. Ideally, on these studies it is possible to select only patients with limited local disease for surgery, whereas those with nonresecta.ble tumors or metastases to distant sites are excluded from surgery and submitted to other treatment modalities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of CT, US and US-guided FNAB for pretreatment staging of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma. In assessing distant metastases, these techniques were evaluated at different sites, Because little has been published regarding the examination of supraclavicular lymph nodes in esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma, a retrospective stndy was first performed to determine the number of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the intrathoracic esophagus in whom supraclavicular metastases could be demonstrated with us and usguided FNAB (Chapter 2), Subsequently, palpation, CT and US were prospectively evaluated for assessing supraclavicular metastases in patients with either esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma (Chapter 3). Accuracy of either CT, US, or a combination of both studies, to assess distant metastases in general and at the various sites was determined (Chapter 4). The utility of US-guided FNAB for diagnosing metastases was evaluated (Chapter 5). Assessment of resectability of the primary tnmor was analyzed on CT stndies alone because, generally, this cannot be displayed on US stndies (Chapter 6). Finally a survival analysis was performed to estimate the influence on survival of distant metastases, assessed on US or CT studies, or diagnosed by means of US-guided FNAB and cytologic stndy (Chapter 7).
Validation of the Korean Version of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) and Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire

Background: The object of this study was to assess the validity and reliab ility of the Korean versions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) and Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire for patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). Methods: For the 127 COPD patients, we obtained the Korean versions of the 3 questionnaires being tested: St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), CAT, and Dyspnea-12 with spirometric measurements. To assess the validity of CAT and Dyspnea-12, their correlation with SGRQ was evaluated. To assess the reliability of CAT and Dyspnea-12, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was evaluated. Results: The mean age of patient participants was 68.6±7.5 years; 97.6% were male. The SGRQ score was correlated with the scores of the Korean version of CAT (r=0.71, p＜0.0001) and Dyspnea-12 (r=0.73, p＜0.0001). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the CAT and Dyspnea-12 were 0.77 and 0.78, respectively. Conclusion: The Korean versions of CAT and Dyspnea-12 were shown to be valid and reliable for the Korean COPD patients.
Variation of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate with Body Mass Index in Medical Students of Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of our study was to assess the variation of PEFR with BMI in normal medical students of Karachi, Pakistan DESIGN: Cross-sectional study Setting: Medical students of Karachi Medical and Dental College Participants: 138 non-smoker healthy medical students composed of 111 females and 27 males. VARIABLE PARAMETERS: They include mean age, body height and body weight and PEFR. They were marked separately for each gender RESULTS: The mean BMI in females was found out to be 18.54±2.10 corresponding with that of mean PEFR value 431.62±56.62 whereas in males the mean BMI was 25.07±2.96 corresponding with that of mean PEFR value 533.70±23.22. Also there is a statistically significant variation in PEFR with an increase in BMI . CONCLUSION: The study concludes that PEFR is affected positively by variation in BMI. Also young males have more BMI and PEFR values than their young female counterparts. A large sample size with accurate peak flow meter is required along with ethnic consideration of the study population for better and accurate results
Suicide in Bangladesh: a Mini Review -

Background: Suicide is a public health problem too often neglected by researchers, health policy makers, and the medical profession. Objective: It was aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of existing literatures reporting suicide rates, and other suicide metrics, in Bangladesh. Method: Search was done in PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar & banlajol with searching key words ranging date from January 2000 to December 2015. Finally 13 articles were selected for review. Result: The average suicide rate was found 39.6/100000 population/year and most common method is hanging and poisoning with most prevalent age group is age under 40 years. More common in female, low socioeconomic condition with low literacy, in married persons, in housewives and discord with spouse is the most common associated factor. It’s a criminal offence in Bangladesh; source of information is mainly police and forensic reports and nationwide survey is yet to conducted and there is no suicide surveillance strategy. Conclusion: Suicide is a neglected and under attended public health problem in Bangladesh with few research and paucity of literature. Nationwide survey conduction and establishment of national suicide surveillance is now a time demanded step.
On the Characteristics of the Demand for On-line Higher Education*

Despite the growth of e-learning, in Italy the number of students enrolling in university on line courses still remains very low. In this paper we report on the methodology and the results of a survey carried out at the Institute for Educational Technology of the Italian National Research Council, involving 1100 students in the final year of secondary school. The investigation was aimed at analysing how high school pupils perceive e-learning, how many of them really consider on line courses a valid choice for their university study and the reasons of their vision. (J.E.L.: I21)