Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Exon 2 and Intron 2 of Leptin Gene in Indian Goats

Leptin, the hormonal product of the leptin (obese) gene (LEP), has multiple physiological effects and plays a pivotal role in the control of body growth, immune function, and reproduction. LEP gene polymorphism has been analyzed in cattle, buffalo, and pigs, and the polymorphic pattern has been associated with energy balance, milk production, and live weight and fertility trait in different livestock species. The present study has been designed to analyze polymorphism in exon 2 and intron 2 region of leptin gene in Indian goats. Genotyping was carried out in 111 kids including 70 samples from Barbari and 41 samples from Jamunapari breeds. The amplified product of exon 2 and intron 2 region of leptin gene was 152 bp and 400 bp, respectively, in both breeds. Sequencing of the exon 2 and intron 2 region of leptin gene and restriction analysis were carried out to analyze the polymorphism in goats. Five major haplotypes were observed in exon 2 region and six major haplotypes observed in intron 2 region in both breeds. Restriction fragment analysis and sequence analysis confirmed the mutation at 60 bp position of exon 2 and 100 bp position in intron 2 in all the analyzed samples. Sequences of exon 2 region of goats were unique as compared to other livestock species in BLAST analysis.
The Clinical Role of Nitric Oxide and L-arginine in Asthma

NO is an important biological marker in the activity of the inflammatory process and endothelial dysfunction in bronchopulmonary diseases. Endothelial dysfunction appears as a primary element for vessel wall lesion that causes formation of the cardiovascular effects in asthma. Cardiovascular effects are considered as system displays of various diseases, among which endothelial dysfunction appears as the primary element of a vessel wall lesion. Studying NO metabolites and L-arginine content plays an important role for required correction in the respiratory system endothelium.
An Arabic Morphological System

Nowadays, computers are used in every field in the Arab countries of the middle east. Software systems developed for the European languages are not convenient for the use of Arabic because of the nature of the language and its writing system. Problems arise when trying to use existing software systems, such as spell-checkers and business and office systems, with the Arabic language. These problems are attributable to the fact that the difference between Arabic and the European languages exists not only in character shapes and direction of writing, but also in language structure. In order to successfully use Arabic in software systems, we must, then, analyze the Arabic language word structure—that is, carry out a morphological analysis. Most of the written Arabic texts are nonvowelized, which may lead to ambiguity in meaning or mispronunciation. Moreover, vowelization cannot be avoided in many applications, such as speech synthesis by machines and educational books for children. A two-way Arabic morphological system (analysis/generation) capable of dealing with vowelized, semivowelized, and nonvowelized Arabic words was developed at the IBM Cairo Scientific Center. The system also has the ability to vowelize nonvowelized words. This system consists of three separate modules: computational lexicon, Arabic grammar model module, and analyzer/generator module. The grammar module contains, among others, morphophonemic and morphographemic rules formulated using the conventional generative grammar. Moreover, the developed system covers all of the Arabic language.
Importance of epoch length and registration time on accelerometer measurements in younger children.

AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of epoch length on accumulation of minutes of physical activity per day over a spectrum of intensities, and the effect that selection of number of hours of acceptable registration required per day had on number of days that were considered acceptable. METHODS Participants were 696 children (369 boys and 327 girls) aged 6.7±0.4 yrs, from a population-based cohort. Physical activity was assessed by the Actigraph accelerometer for four days. RESULTS Main findings were that epoch length had a profound impact on accumulation of minutes of physical activity per day for higher intensities, whereas it had no effect on mean counts per minute. The chosen number of hours for an acceptable registration per day heavily influenced the number of days that were considered acceptable. CONCLUSION The findings in the present investigation should be taken into consideration when planning objective measurements of daily physical activity in younger children, and highlight the need for setting international recommendations for physical activity measurements with accelerometers, if different studies are to be comparable.
The Effects of Propofol on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Cerebral Oxygen Extraction During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

We investigated the effects of burst-suppression doses of propofol on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), cerebral oxygen extraction (COE), and dynamic autoregulation in 20 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The experimental procedure was performed during nonpulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with stable hypothermia (32[degree sign]C) in fentanyl-anesthetized patients. Middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler flow velocity, right jugular bulb oxygen saturation, and jugular venous pressure (JVP) were continuously measured. Dynamic autoregulation was tested by stepwise changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) within a range of 40-80 mm Hg by sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine before (control) and during propofol infusion, with a stable plasma concentration (approximately 9 [micro sign]g/mL). Propofol induced a 35% decrease in CBFV (P < 0.0001) and a 10% decrease in COE (P < 0.05) compared with control. The slopes of the curves relating CBFV and COE to cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MAP - JVP) were less pronounced with propofol (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). We conclude that propofol decreases CBFV and improves dynamic autoregulation during moderate hypothermic CPB. Furthermore, during propofol infusion, cerebral blood flow was in excess relative to oxygen demand, as indicated by the decrease in COE. Implications: In this study, we evaluated the effects of propofol on continuously measured cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and cerebral oxygen extraction as a function of perfusion pressure. Propofol induced 35% and 10% decreases in CBFV and cerebral oxygen extraction, respectively. The slope of the curve relating cerebral perfusion pressure to CBFV decreased with propofol. (Anesth Analg 1998;86:1201-6)
A lower bound to the distribution of computation for sequential decoding

In sequential decoding, the number of computations which the decoder must perform to decode the received digits is a random variable. In this paper, we derive a Paretian lower bound to the distribution of this random variable. We show that P [C > L] L^{-\rho} , where C is the number of computations which the sequential decoder must perform to decode a block of \Lambda transmitted bits, and is a parameter which depends on the channel and the rate of the code. Our bound is valid for all sequential decoding schemes and all discrete memoryless channels. In Section II we give an example of a special channel for which a Paretian bound can be easily derived. In Sections III and IV we treat the general channel. In Section V we relate this bound to the memory buffer requirements of real-time sequential decoders. In Section VI, we show that this bound implies that certain moments of the distribution of the computation per digit are infinite, and we determine lower bounds to the rates above which these moments diverge. In most cases, our bounds coincide with previously known upper bounds to rates above which the moments converge. We conclude that the performance of systems using sequential decoding is limited by the computational and buffer capabilities of the decoder, not by the probability of making a decoding error. We further note that our bound applies only to sequential decoding, and that, in certain special cases (Section II), algebraic decoding methods prove superior.
The Effect of Addition of Calcium Hypochlorite Disinfectant on Setting Expansion and Surface Hardness of Dental Stone

Background and Aim: Addition of disinfectants to dental stones is one method to pre- vent cross-contamination between patients and laboratory personnel. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of addition of calcium hypochlorite disinfectant on setting expansion and surface hardness of dental stone. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, calcium hypochlorite aqueous solu- tion with 0.5% concentration was added to type V dental stone. Setting expansion was measured by extensometer in millimeter and surface hardness was measured by Rockwell hardness test machine. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test with 0.05 level of sig- nificance. Results: The mean setting expansion values were 2.49±0.0017 mm and 0.27±0.0094 mm in the test and control groups, respectively and had a statistically significant difference. The mean Rockwell hardness number was 74±1.93 and 85±3.09 in the test and control groups, respectively with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Setting expansion and surface hardness of type V dental stone increased and decreased, respectively by the addition of 0.5% calcium hypochlorite. Thus, this disinfec- tion method needs modification for routine use in the laboratory setting.
Pathophysiology of ischaemic acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury is common, dangerous and costly, affecting around one in five patients emergency admissions to hospital. Although survival decreases as disease worsens, it is now apparent that even modest degrees of dysfunction are not only associated with higher mortality but are an independent risk factor for death. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury secondary to ischaemia – its commonest aetiology. The haemodynamic disturbances, endothelial injury, epithelial cell injury and immunological mechanisms underpinning its initiation and extension will be discussed along with the considerable and complex interplay between these factors that lead to an intense, pro-inflammatory state. Mechanisms of tubular recovery will be discussed but also the pathophysiology of abnormal repair with its direct consequences for long-term renal function. Finally, the concept of ‘organ cross-talk’ will be introduced as a potential explanation for the higher mortality observed with acute kidney injury that might be deemed modest in conventional biochemical terms.
3D models retrieval by using characteristic views

In this work we introduce a new method for indexing 3D models. This method is based on the characterization of 3D objects by a set of 7 characteristic views, including three principals, and four secondaries. The primary, secondary, and tertiary viewing directions are determined by the eigenvector analysis of the covariance matrix related to the 3D object. The secondary views are deduced from the principal views. We propose an index based on "curvature scale space", organized around a tree structure, named M-Tree, which is parameterized by a distance function and allows one to considerably decrease the calculating time by saving the intermediate distances.
Thin is going to win? : Disordered eating in sport

Research has shown that exercise for weight control is associated with disordered eating indices in older adolescent or adult exercisers in fitness centers. This study examined whether these relationships could be replicated in a more general sample of 140 Dutch adolescent girls between 13 and 18 years old. Questions about sport participation, items from the multidimensional Body Image Questionnaire and BULIT-R, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were completed. The girls were categorized as sport-participants with or without weight-related motives or as non-sport-participants. Weight-related sport participation was significantly associated with body dissatisfaction, more weight control and lower self-esteem. In conclusion, it is important to consider motives for sport participation when studying relationships between sport and well being.
GALAXY EVOLUTION IN OVERDENSE ENVIRONMENTS AT HIGH REDSHIFT: PASSIVE EARLY-TYPE GALAXIES IN A CLUSTER AT z ∼ 2

We present a study of galaxy populations in the central region of the IRAC-selected, X-ray-detected galaxy cluster Cl J1449+0856 at z = 2. Based on a sample of spectroscopic and photometric cluster members, we investigate stellar populations and the morphological structure of cluster galaxies over an area of ∼0.7 Mpc2 around the cluster core. The cluster stands out as a clear overdensity both in redshift space and in the spatial distribution of galaxies close to the center of the extended X-ray emission. The cluster core region (r < 200 kpc) shows a clearly enhanced passive fraction with respect to field levels. However, together with a population of massive, passive galaxies mostly with early-type morphologies, the cluster core also hosts massive, actively star-forming, often highly dust reddened sources. Close to the cluster center, a multi-component system of passive and star-forming galaxies could represent the future brightest cluster galaxy still forming. We observe a clear correlation between passive stellar populations and an early-type morphology, in agreement with field studies at similar redshift. Passive early-type galaxies in this cluster are typically a factor of 2–3 smaller than similarly massive early types at z ∼ 0. On the other hand, these same objects are on average larger by a factor of ∼2 than field early-types at similar redshift, lending support to recent claims of an accelerated structural evolution in high-redshift dense environments. These results point toward the early formation of a population of massive galaxies, already evolved both in their structure and stellar populations, coexisting with still actively forming massive galaxies in the central regions of young clusters 10 billion years ago.
Variations in Size Judgements as a Function of Surface Texture

Adult subjects made monocular size judgements in two experiments in which the independent variables of surface texture and restrictions on viewing conditions were manipulated. Texture density gradients of stimulation had a significant influence of size judgements only under the less reduced conditions of observation when subjects could see other textured surfaces beyond the surfaces over which judgements were made. Identical manipulations of surface texture had earlier been found to have a highly significant influence on relative distance judgements (Newman, 1971). The principally negative results were thus taken to imply that subjects extract different information from the texture density gradient when judging size from that extracted when judging relative distance.
Role of valproate across the ages. Treatment of epilepsy in the elderly

In June 2005, a team of experts participated in a workshop with the objective of reaching agreement on several important aspects of valproate in the treatment of elderly patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy in the elderly is relatively common and its incidence increases for each decade after age 60. The aetiology and manifestations of epilepsies in the elderly are complex because of comorbidity and other underlying risk factors. A consensus was reached that elderly patients who present with a seizure disorder should be referred rapidly to a specialist and that diagnosis should be improved by using a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, neurologists and epilepsy experts (syncope, falls and seizure specialists). This is especially important to avoid mistreatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). There was consensus that the elderly are generally more susceptible to the adverse effects of AEDs than younger adults. For these reasons, in older persons AEDs should be started at low dosages, and titrated slowly according to clinical response. Some of the most troublesome side effects of AEDs in the elderly include sedation and cognitive side effects, as well as osteoporosis. Drug–drug interactions should be given special consideration. There was consensus that the pharmacokinetics of all AEDs are altered in the elderly, and that the most significant change common to all AEDs is a moderate reduction in renal and metabolic clearance. Predicting pharmacokinetic changes in the individual, however, can be very difficult because multiple factors contribute to a high inter‐patient variability. There was agreement on the advantages and disadvantages of the use of valproate in the elderly, and consensus that valproate is a useful option in this population. There was no consensus, however, on whether valproate should be considered among the preferred first‐line treatments in the elderly.
Therapy‐related lymphomas in patients with autoimmune diseases after treatment with disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs

Ten patients developing lymphomas after disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARD) (methotrexate, n = 3, mean cumulative dose = 3.4 g; cyclophosphamide, n = 2, mean dose = 70 g; azathioprine, n = 6, mean dose = 243 g) were investigated. Methotrexate‐related lymphomas were Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive, had infrequent aberrant methylation of p15 and p16, and responded well to methotrexate withdrawal or anti‐CD20 antibody (rituximab) alone without concomitant chemotherapy, implying that defective immunosurveillance was important in lymphomagenesis. However, 75% of cyclophosphamide/azathioprine‐related lymphomas were EBV‐negative, had frequent p15 and p16 methylation, and responded poorly to drug withdrawal and chemotherapy, implying that direct drug‐induced mutagenesis might be involved in lymphomagenesis. Am. J. Hematol. 81:5–11, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determinants of Quality of Life Among Gynaecological Cancer Patients on Follow Up at a Referral Hospital in Kenya

Various factors influence the quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. This study sought to determine the predictors and factors associated with quality of life among gynaecological cancer patients on follow up at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between April and June 2014, involving both outpatient and inpatient gynaecological cancer patients receiving care at the palliative care unit. A structured questionnaire adopting the Missoula Vitas Quality of Life Index was used to collect information on socio-demographics, clinical characteristics and their perceptions about quality of life. The association between socio-demographic and clinical factors with QOL was analyzed using one way ANOVA and linear regression analysis to identify the predictors of QOL. A total of 108 study patients were interviewed. Their mean age was 48 years with a range of 18 to 72 years. Age, level of education, marital status, occupation and monthly income were the socio-demographic factors significantly associated with QOL scores, (p<0.05). The patients’ type of cancer, type of cancer treatment, duration of illness and palliative care services were the clinical characteristics significantly associated with QOL scores, (p<0.05). Age, level of education, occupation, average monthly income, type of cancer treatment, duration of illness and type of cancer were the independent predictors of QOL. Vulnerable patients were those who were less educated, peasant farmers or casual workers, had a long duration of illness and underwent combined therapy. Age, education, occupation, income, type of cancer, type of cancer treatment and duration of illness were the determinants of quality of life among gynaecological cancer patients in the study. Sufficient attention should be given to the more vulnerable gynaecological cancer patients in identifying and addressing their specific needs by the palliative care team.
First Record of a Digenean from Invasive Lionfish, Pterois cf. volitans, (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean

abstract: Adults of Lecithochirium floridense (Digenea: Hemiuridae) parasitized the stomach in each of 22 necropsied lionfish, Pterois cf. volitans (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) (prevalence = 100%, mean intensity = 11), captured in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean off Beaufort, North Carolina (34°14.83′N, 76°35.25′W). This is the first report of a digenean from the invasive lionfish and that of L. floridense from a species of Pterois. The leech specimen previously identified as Myzobdella lugubris from P. volitans in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean is re-identified as Trachelobdella lubrica based on a study of the original voucher specimen.
Bone Loss at the Os Calcis Compared with Sone Loss at the Knee in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Background/Objective: The objective of this study was to document acute bone loss at the os calcis and compare it with bone lossat the knee following spinal cord injury (SCI) as a potential proxy for bone loss in individuals with SCI. Methods: Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the knee and os calcis, whichalso was assessed by ultrasound in 6 individuals-5 with complete SCI and 1 with incomplete SCI-at means of 33.5 and 523 daysfollowing injury. Results: Bone mineralwas progressively greater as measured from proximal to distal sites. The net average BMD of the knee declined24% (P = 0.017). The distalfemurlost 27% (P = 0.03 8) and the proximal tibia lost 32% (P = 0 .015) , whereas the os calcis lost3 8% (P = 0.001) as measured by DEXA and 49% (P<0.001) as estimated from ultrasound. The mean loss of 24'7'o at the kneewas significantly different from the loss percentages at the os calcis as measured by both techniques: DEXA (P = 0.036) andultrasound (P = 0.043). Differences between annualized loss rates at the knee and the os calcis measured by both techniques alsowere significant: DEXA (P = 0.032) vs ultrasound (P = 0.038). However, annualized loss rates demonstrated the same trend fordifferentiallass at the sites examined in the 5 individuals with complete injuries but not for the 1 participant with an incomplete injury.The loss rates were similar for the complete and incomplete participants at the os calcis, but not at the knee. Conclusion: The BMD of the os calcis declined 3 8% by DEXA and 49% by ultrasound compared with 24% at the knee whenmeasured 1 to 1.5 years after injury. BMD of the os calcis and distal femur measured by DEXA in persons with complete SCI werehighly correlated (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001 ).