Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
6 Comparing echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance measures of ejection fraction: implications for HFMRF research

Introduction Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) is the gold standard for calculation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Echocardiography (echo) has been shown to consistently underestimate LVEF when compared to CMR. However, this has not been demonstrated for different categories of LVEF. Methods This was an observational study of patients with both CMR and echo studies, between May and October 2017, identified via local UK National Heart Failure Audit data or CMR records. Patients were excluded if the imaging tests were performed >60 days apart or if they had a diagnosis that would predictably change between tests. LVEF categories were defined according to ESC guidelines. Results 103 cases with both imaging modalities were included. Overall, echo underestimated LVEF compared to CMR (CMR 46.5%±1.8%, echo 37.33%±1.4%, p<0.0001). There was no significant variation in discrepancy over time (r2 0.04). Subgroup analysis according to echo technique (Simpson’s vs 3D) and underlying diagnosis (where at least n=10 available) did not alter the overall trend. Importantly, echo underestimated LVEF compared to CMR for all categories of LVEF (<40% CMR 34.0±1.7% vs echo 26.1%±1.0%, p<0.0001; 40%–50% CMR 60.1±2.8% vs 40%–50% echo 45.7%±0.7%, p<0.0001;>50% CMR 63.7±2.1% vs echo 56.4%±0.9%, p=0.0019). Using echo as the default measurement, CMR LVEF assessment would result in 36 patients (35.0%) being reclassified. Conclusion Echo underestimates LVEF compared to CMR across all LVEF subgroups and diagnoses, regardless of technique used. This is of interest in HFmrEF trials where, if echo is used for LVEF assessment, many included patients may have normal systolic function.
Factors influencing dentists’ choices of restorative materials in Saudi Arabia: a web-based online cross-sectional study

Background: There is a variety of restorative materials, from dental amalgam to the more recent introduction of resin and tooth-colored restorations, which makes choosing the most suitable restorative material a complex task for dentists. Dentists evaluate each case individually and make their selection decision based on several factors which have different degrees of clinical significance. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the patients’ teeth, and dentist’s factors related to the selection of restorative materials among dentists working in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using simple random sampling method in Saudi Arabia in 2018. The questionnaire was adopted from other studies, which were pretested using pilot studies to ensure reliability. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data, multiple-choice questions measuring the most commonly used materials and the reasons behind that, along with 5-point Likert-scale questions identifying the attitudes of dentists regarding the factors influencing their choices of restorative materials. The questionnaire was completed by 229 dentists. Using IBM-SPSS version, the data were analyzed in descriptive statistics and Chi square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in examining the study hypotheses. Results: Composite was the most commonly used material to restore primary carious lesions in class I, class II and class V. Conservative preparation was the main reason for using composite (55.9%). Esthetics was the main limitation of using amalgam (52%). The number of male dentists not using amalgam was significantly higher than their female peers (p=0.032). Conclusion: The trend of using composite is increasing in Saudi Arabia and has been reported worldwide in various conditions even in the more challenging circumstances such as large cavities and molars, mainly because its preparation is conservative. However, composite is still not preferred for patients with high caries activity and poor oral hygiene. Further research is required to negotiate more factors such as the material factors and socioeconomic status of the patient.
Inertial Navigation and Position Uncertainty During a Blind Safe Stop of an Autonomous Vehicle

This work considers the problem of position and position-uncertainty estimation for atonomous vehicles during power black-out, where it cannot be assumed that any position data is accessible. To tackle this problem, the position estimation will instead be performed using power separated and independent measurement devices, including one inertial 6 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) measurement unit, four angular wheel speed sensors and one pinion angle sensor. The measurement unit's sensors are initially characterized in order to understand conceptual limitations of the inertial navigation and also to be used in a filtering process. Measurement models are then fused together with vehicle dynamics process models using the architecture of an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Two different EKF filter concepts are developed to estimate the vehicle position during a safe stop; one simpler filter for smooth manoeuvres and a complex filter for aggressive manoeuvres. Both filter designs are tested and evaluated with data gathered from an experimental vehicle for selected manoeuvres of developed safe-stop scenarios. The experimental results from a set of use-case manoeuvres show a trend where the size of the position estimation errors significantly grows above an initial vehicle speed of 70 km/h. This paper contributes to develop vehicle dynamics models for the purpose of a blind safe stop.
Determination of Critical Overload Transmission Line Using Novel Maximum Power Line Stability Index

Recent years, a larger number of DG’s are being employed especially at the critical load ends to reduce the burden on the main feeder. One of the benefits of employing DG that it improves the system voltage stability even with load increment. The primary focus of this paper rests on creating a novel line voltage stability index. The line stability index approach is proposed based on Thevenin theory to gauge the DG level impact on transmission line. Transmission issues due to the overloading of lines in high DG penetration areas during the outage scenarios taking place earlier. The rationale for the proposed strategy will be experimented on a standard IEEE 30 bus test system compared with other line voltage stability indexes.
Fournier’s gangrene: prospective study of 34 patients in South Indian population and treatment strategies

Introduction Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia. The objective of this study was to study the etiology and microbiology associated with FG and to study the debridement and reconstructive procedures required in these patients. Methods This was a prospective follow up study conducted from September 2011 to November 2012 at Coimbatore medical college hospital, Coimbatore, India. Patients presenting to the outpatient department and emergency department with the clinical diagnosis of FG were included in the study. Results A total of 34 patients were studied in the study period. The mean age of presentation in years was 50±11.13. The male to female ratio was 33:1. The source of the infection was most commonly anorectal. Diabetes mellitus was the most common co morbid factor associated. Most commonly the disease was polymicrobial with escherichia coli being the commonest grown organism. The average number of wound debridement required was 2.9±1.42. Primary closure of the scrotal skin defect was the most common reconstructive procedure performed. Mortality associated with the disease in our series was 11.8%. Conclusion Although FG is a relatively rare disease, it is still prevalent in Indian population. Incidence of FG in HIV patients is high, even though it is not the commonest of the co morbid condition. The mortality can be kept to minimal with aggressive medical and surgical management. Extensive raw area following the infection and wound debridement can be managed by simple reconstructive procedures with good outcome.
Comparing Efficacy In English Language Spelling Accuracy Cover, Copy, And Compare Versus The Assignand-Test Method

The purpose of the current study is to compare the accuracy achieved by using the cover, copy, and compare (CCC) method as a class-wide spelling strategy with that achieved using the assign-and-test method. Four eighth–grade classrooms consisting of 122 total students participated in the study. The quasiexperimental 2-group pretest/posttest design was used . The following materials were utilized: CCC worksheet, students' training script, procedural integrity checklist, and inter-scorer agreement data collection form. The intervention lasted for 12 sessions that were each 15 minutes in duration. Data were collected through an investigator-prepared spelling test used as a preand posttest. Results revealed significant differences between the research groups’ mean scores on the spelling posttest in favor of the CCC group. Discussion focuses on the applicability of CCC as a class-wide strategy to teach spelling to students learning EFL and the positive features of CCC. Limitations, future directions for research, and implications for practice are offered.
Constructing an Explanation of Illness with Children: A Sample Case Study of Juvenile Arthritis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to create a book to explain juvenile arthritis to newly diagnosed children, starting with the narratives of currently ill children. The development of the book followed a socio-constructivist approach and occurred over several stages, including: design of a comic-based workbook; conducting a workshop with ill children to listen to their experiences; collecting and organising the narratives into a children's book; adding physician explanations; consulting with parents and medical practitioners; and design of the final product. All stages led to meaningful enhancements to the book. The socio-constructivist approach and the workshop's open and friendly climate allowed children to express their conception of the illness, and to listen to and understand their peers’ points of view. Paediatric practitioners contributed to the project, providing clarity to the book and ensuring it would be scientifically sound and usable within the paediatric setting. In conclusion, written material addressed to children needs to be developed with a systematic methodology which takes a proper account of children's voices. This can be achieved using a socio-constructivist approach and through an appropriate listening setting.
The Effect of Interval and Continued Trainings with Crocin on Apoptotic Markers in the Heart Tissue of High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disease that has a close relationship with increased physical disabilities and muscle tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of interval and continued trainings with crocin consumption on Bcl-2, Bax and P53 gene expression of heart tissue in high-fat dietand streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 49 adult high-fat dietand streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were selected and randomly assigned to 7 groups (1) high intensity interval training (HIIT) (2) low intensity continued training (LICT) (3) HIIT with crocin consumption, (4) LICT with crocin consumption, (5) crocin consumption, (6) sham and (7) control. HIIT and LICT groups ran the treadmill for eight weeks, three sessions per week with intensity 8085 and 5055 percent of maximum running speed, respectively, and crocin consumption groups received crocin 25 mg/kg per week for eight weeks. To analyze the research findings, paired sample t-test, twoway ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test were used (p≤0.05). Results: Eight weeks of HIIT and LICT had significant effect on reduction of Bax gene expression in heart tissue of diabetic rats (p≤0.05), and HIIT had significant effect on reduction of P53 gene expression in heart tissue of diabetic rats (p≤0.05), crocin consumption had significant effect on reduction of P53 gene expression in heart tissue of diabetic rats (p≤0.05), endurance training with crocin consumption had interaction effect on increase of Bcl-2 gene expression and reduction of P53 gene expression in heart tissue of diabetic rats (p≤0.05). Conclusion: It seems that interval and continued with crocin consumption in highfat dietand streptozotocin induced diabetic rats have interaction antiapoptotic effects.
Decoding rank errors beyond the error-correcting capability

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Decoding rank errors beyond the error-correcting capability Pierre Loidreau
Flora e estrutura da vegetao arbustivo-arbrea de uma rea de caatinga do Serid, RN, Brasil

ABSTRACT – (Flora and structure of the tree and shrub vegetation of the caatinga at Serido, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil). Aphytosociological survey was conducted at one area belonging to the Serido Ecological Station to test the hypothesis that the vegetationat the Serido region is open and low. All woody plants with stem perimeter at breast height ≥3 cm were counted, within 100 plots,10×10€m, and each one had its height, stem perimeter, and crown projection diameters measured, and its aboveground biomass estimated.Fifteen species were found, belonging to 15 genera and 10 families, with a Shannon diversity index of 1,94 . These values are below thoseof most of caatinga places elsewhere. Mimosoideae was the family with most species (three). All structural variables, except density,(3,250 plant ha -1 , basal area 6.1 m 2 ha , maximum height 9.5 m, maximum stem diameter 37 cm, total crown area 8,723 m 2 ha -1 , biomass25 mg ha -1 ) had lower values than caatinga elsewhere. Aspidosperma pyrifolium
Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy

This investigation is a pilot study assessing the feasibility of implementing a double-blinded randomized control trial of folic acid (FA) supplementation in a prenatal clinic setting. The research question asks if there is a difference in infant birth outcomes in response to 400 μg or 800 μg FA supplementation throughout pregnancy. The hypothesis is being tested in pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Athens Regional Midwifery Clinic. Thus far, 12 participants have completed the study. Mean cord blood serum and RBC folate concentrations are available for 7 infants (77.8 nmol/L ± 20.2 and 1408.1 ± 573.8, respectively). No differences in gestation age, length, weight, head circumference, or Apgar scores have been observed between both groups. This pilot study provided valuable data regarding the feasibility of conducting a controlled FA intervention study in a prenatal clinic setting and will aid in planning a larger-scale study
AIDS Effects in Liver and Biliary Tract by using Ultrasound in Sudan

Salman bin Abdul-Aziz University, College of Applied Medical Science, Radiology and Medical Imaging Department, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Sudan University of Science and Technology, College of Medical Radiological Science, Fundamental Medical Radiologic Sciences Department, Khartoum, Sudan. Sudan University of Science and Technology, College of Medical Radiological Science, Radiotherapy Department, Khartoum, Sudan. Alzaeim Alazhari University, Faculty of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging, Khartoum North, Sudan.
Toxicity of the mixotrophic chrysophyte Poterioochromonas malhamensis to the cladoceran Daphnia ambigua

The toxicity of the mixotrophic chrysophyte Poterioochromonas malhamensis to the common cladoceran Daphnia ambigua was investigated with laboratory survivorship experiments and observations of feeding behavior. When cultured autotrophically in an inorganic medium, P. malhamensis provided sufficient nutrition for survival and reproduction by D. ambigua. However, P. malhamensis grown heterotrophically on an organic medium (osmotrophically) in the dark or light was toxic to D. ambigua, killing all experimental animals within five days. Toxicity was not caused by the organic medium since daphnids fed the autotroph Chlamydomonas reinhardi that was grown in the organic medium had high survivorship. Changes in feeding behavior supported the results from the survival studies. Daphnids feeding in suspensions of heterotrophically cultured P. malhamensis exhibited significantly greater food rejection rates than animals fed autotrophically cultured P. malhamensis or C. reinhardi. Differences in the growth rate or biochemical pathways of heterotrophically versus autotrophically grown P. malhamensis likely influenced toxin production. Poterioochromonas may affect zooplankton feeding and behavior in nature if heterotrophic toxin production is comparable between phagotrophic and osmotrophic nutritional modes.
Nodular typhlitis of pheasants caused by Heterakis isolonche: further evidence of a neoplastic nature.

Four cases of nodular typhlitis caused by Heterakis isolonche were observed in a mixed flock of pheasants (Crossoptilon aritum, C. mantchuricum, and Syrmaticus soemmerringii) from the Santillana del Mar Zoo. Some of the nodules presented a sarcomatous appearance, and special staining procedures, including immunoperoxidase to S-100 protein and desmin, were performed. The whorllike pattern formed by pleomorphic spindle-shaped cells, the absence of cross striations, collagen, and elastic fibers, and a negative immunostaining for S-100 protein and positive immu nostaining for desmin are evidence of a benign neoplasm of smooth muscle origin (leiomyoma).
Factors affecting performance of Sahiwal cattle - a review.

Sahiwal cattle of Pakistan is one of the best zebu cattle breed that can potentially play the same role as Holstein for tropical environment. The environmental factors are generally influenced the Sahiwals' performance as well as other breeds. The performance traits reviewed were age at first calving, milk yield, lactation length, dry period, calving interval, and service period of Sahiwal cows. The average age at first calving among Pakistani Sahiwals ranged from 1242±6.7 to 1358±7.9 days. It was 1094 to 1263 days in Indian Sahiwals while Kenyan herd was reported to have 1293±9.3 days of age at first calving. Lactation milk yield have been reported 1474±15.4 kg to 2058.3±9.25 kg in 247 to 318 days longer lactations in Pakistani Sahiwals. Reports on dry period have a range of 148 to 245 days while the lactation milk production for Indian Sahiwals was almost in the same range 1455±10 to 2177.8±40.8 kg in 274±0.8 to 372±8 day long lactations. All the productive and reproductive traits were affected by herd, year, season of calving and parity. The phenotypic correlations among various performance traits have also been reported. Phenotypic deterioration in milk yield was noted over the years.
Some Growth Regulator Effects on Fruit Quality, Mesocarp Composition, and Susceptibility to Postharvest Surface Marking of Sweet Cherries1

Gibberellic acid (GA3) sprays applied approximately 4 weeks before harvest reduced postharvest surface marking of ‘Van’ and ‘Lambert’ sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.). Surface pitting was reduced more consistently than was visible bruising. GA3-treated fruits were larger and firmer when harvested at a prescribed color maturity. Mesocarp tissue of treated fruits was higher in alcohol insoluble solids, higher in dry weight and contained less nitrogen per unit of fresh or dry weight. Ethephon applied a few days before harvest reduced fruit removal force but did not consistently reduce the incidence of bruising or surface pitting. ‘Lambert’ fruits picked without stems developed more surface pitting than stemmed fruits. It is proposed that GA3 improves postharvest fruit condition by more than one mechanism. Increased fruit firmness may reduce the tendency to bruise but pitting appears to be suppressed by some other physiological effect of the GA3 treatment.
A comparative study between laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) vs. non descent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH) in patients with benign gynecological pathology

Objective: To find out the intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and Non descent vaginal hysterectomy. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken in patients undergoing Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and Non descent vaginal hysterectomy in patients with benign gynecological pathology. Results: Operating time was lesser in Non descent vaginal hysterectomy group. Operating time was (87.36+/16.32 minutes in Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and 67.38+/-16.77 minutes in Non descent vaginal hysterectomy p-value =0.001). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in Non descent vaginal hysterectomy group (269.85+/-103.85ml in Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy group and 219.05+/-84.37 ml in Non descent vaginal hysterectomy group p-value =0.026). Postoperative pain was also less in women undergoing Non descent vaginal hysterectomy group. Pain score was in the immediate postoperative period was 7.04+/0.46 in the Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy group and 6.12+/-0.72 in the Non descent vaginal hysterectomy group (p-value=0.001). Complications like bladder hematoma and paralytic ileus were seen was seen only in Laparoscopic hysterectomy. Funding: No funding received for the study. Conclusion: Non descent vaginal hysterectomy should be the preferred route of hysterectomy in benign Gynaecological pathology.