Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intermediate weight changes and follow-up of dietetic treatment in primary healthcare

Background: Primary health care data have shown that most patients who were treated for overweight or obesity by a dietitian did not accomplish the recommended treatment period. It is hypothesised that a slow rate of weight loss might discourage patients from continuing dietetic treatment. This study evaluated intermediate weight changes during regular dietetic treatment in Dutch primary health care, and examined whether weight losses at previous consultations were associated with attendance at follow-up consultations. Methods: This observational study was based on real life practice data of overweight and obese patients during the period 2013 – 2017, derived from Dutch dietetic practices that participated in the Nivel Primary Care Database. Multilevel regression analyses were conducted to estimate the mean changes in body mass index (BMI) during six consecutive consultations and to calculate odds ratios for the association of weight change at previous consultations with attendance at follow-up consultations. Results: The total study population consisted of 25,588 overweight or obese patients, with a mean initial BMI of 32.7 kg/m 2 . The BMI decreased between consecutive consultations, with the highest weight losses between the first and second consultation. After six consultations, a mean weight loss of − 1.5 kg/m 2 was estimated. Patients who lost weight between the two previous consultations were more likely to attend the next consultation than patients who did not lose weight or gained weight. Conclusions: Body mass index decreased during consecutive consultations, and intermediate weight losses were associated with a higher attendance at follow-up consultations during dietetic treatment in overweight patients. Dietitians should therefore focus on discussing intermediate weight loss expectations with their patients.
Isoﬂurane and coronary heart disease

Summary Early studies indicated that isoﬂurane caused coronary steal and should therefore be avoided in patients with coronary heart disease. Subsequently, more detailed trials have disputed this and have shown that as long as coronary perfusion pressure is maintained, isoﬂurane does not cause coronary steal or myocardial ischaemia. There is now growing evidence, initially in animal work but more recently in human studies, that isoﬂurane has myocardial protective properties, limiting infarct size and improving functional recovery from myocardial ischaemia. The mechanism for this protection mimics ischaemic preconditioning and involves the opening of adenosine tripho-sphate-dependent potassium channels. The few studies comparing the myocardial protection offered by individual anaesthetic agents indicate that isoﬂurane represents the anaesthetic agent of choice for patients with coronary heart disease.
Functional Similarity and Differences Between Selection-Independent CD4−CD8− αβ T Cells and Positively Selected CD8 T Cells Expressing the Same TCR and the Induction of Anergy in CD4−CD8− αβ T Cells in Antigen-Expressing Mice

In TCR-αβ transgenic mice, CD4−CD8− TCR-αβ+ (αβ DN) cells arise in the absence of positively selecting MHC molecules and are resistant to clonal deletion in Ag-expressing mice. In this study the activation requirements and functional properties of αβ double-negative (DN) cells were compared with those of positively selected CD8+ cells expressing equivalent levels of the same MHC class I-restricted transgenic TCR. We found that positively selected CD8+ cells required a lower density of the antigenic ligand for optimal proliferative responses compared with αβ DN cells derived from nonpositively selecting mice. However, when the CD8 coreceptor on CD8+ cells was blocked with an anti-CD8 mAb, both αβ DN and CD8+ cells exhibited the same dose-response curve to the antigenic ligand and the same dependence on CD28/B7 costimulation. Positively selected CD8+ cells also differed from αβ DN cells in that they differentiated into more efficient killers and IL-2 producers after Ag stimulation, even after CD8 blockade. However, Ag-activated αβ DN and CD8+ cells were equally efficient in producing IFN-γ, suggesting that this functional property is independent of positive selection. We also found that αβ DN cells recovered from the lymph nodes of Ag-expressing mice were functionally anergic. This anergic state was associated with defective proliferation and IL-2 production in response to Ag stimulation. These observations indicate that αβ DN cells can be anergized in vivo by physiological levels of the antigenic ligand.
Summary Reduction of triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) by tissue to the red-colored insoluble triphenylforma-

(TTC) by tissue to the red-colored insoluble triphenylformazan (TF) is directly linked to the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Thus, only living tissues should reduce TTC to TF. However, TF production can be detected when the TTC test is applied to control tissues boiled in water. This artifact is mainly the result of the hot ethanol extraction step, which is used to disintegrate the cells and solubilize the TF. We observed that cell wall materials such as cellulose and pectin interact with TTC at temperatures above 60 °C, reducing the TTC to TF. By replacing the hot ethanol extraction step with an extraction procedure that involved grinding the boiled tissues and extracting the TF with ethanol at room temperature, the formation of TF was almost entirely eliminated. Application of the modified TTC assay to fine roots of Norway spruce from forest topsoil indicated that the extent of TTC reduction was related to root morphological class as: white fine roots > brown fine roots > black fine roots > boiled fine roots, corresponding to formation of 10.8, 6.1, 0.2 and 0.1 mM TFgDW –1 , respectively. No significant differences in TTC reduction were recorded between fresh and frozen tissues (frozen in liquid N2) for any fine root class. Application of the modified TTC assay to seedling roots stressed either by drying or by exposure to the toxic metals Cd or Al resulted in significant decreases in TF formation that were related to both the duration of stress and the concentrations of toxic substances, indicating that the modified TTC assay can be used to assess the physiological condition of roots.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for the Treatment of Pure Native Aortic Valve Regurgitation

OBJECTIVES This study sought to summarize available evidence on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for the treatment of native pure aortic regurgitation (AR). BACKGROUND Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the gold standard for the treatment of AR. However, case series of high-risk patients undergoing TAVR for native pure AR were reported. METHODS We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Scopus for reports of at least 5 patients with native pure AR undergoing TAVR. Patients ’ and procedural characteristics were summarized. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016038422). RESULTS Thirteen reports including 237 patients were included in the analysis. Self-expandable prostheses were used in 79% of patients, whereas 21% of the patients were treated with a balloon-expandable valve. Device success ranged between 74% and 100%. Seventeen patients (7%) required the implantation of a second valve. Conversion to SAVR was reported in 6 (2.5%) cases. The rate of all-cause mortality at 30 days amounted to 7% (95% con ﬁ dence interval [CI]: 3% to 13%; I 2 ¼ 37%). Cerebrovascular events were rare (0%, 95% CI: 0% to 1%; I 2 ¼ 0); major bleeding and vascular complications occurred in 2% (95% CI: 0% to 7%; I 2 ¼ 41%), and 3% (95% CI: 1% to 7%; I 2 ¼ 0%), respectively. Permanent pacemaker implantation was required in 11% of patients (95%
Spatial Visibility Clustering Analysis in Urban Environments Based on Pedestrians' Mobility Datasets

— In this paper, we propose a Spatial Visibility Clustering (SVC) method estimating the number of clusters (groups) k, based on 3D visible volumes analysis in urban environments. We extend our previous work and propose fast and exact 3D visible volumes analysis in urban scenes based on an analytic solution. We test and analyze the SVC method by using real records of pedestrians' mobility datasets from the city of Melbourne and by setting control points for efficient monitoring and control using a K-means clustering algorithm. By testing large databases, we also propose time zones division for optimal control points.
Acquired Sturge Weber Syndrome due to Methotrexate Induced Folic Acid Deficiency in an Adult Patient

We present a 64 year old female patient with blurred vision, impaired visual field and episodes of migraine aura like optical illusions. MRI of the brain showed bi-occipital calcification, similar to Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS). Histopathological analysis confirmed cortical vascular malformation with vast calcifications. Since the patient was treated with methotrexate for years but with limited adherence to folic acid intake, we diagnosed an acquired Sturge Weber syndrome due to methotrexate induced folic acid deficiency. ataxia to the left. There were no nevi on the patient’s face or in her eyes. An intellectual disability or hemi paresis could not be observed. Family history showed no neurological diseases. The blood tests on admission showed low levels of folic acid (3.9µg/ ml). Levels of folic acid were not measured prior to presentation at hospital. Blood samples from the past years showed continuously increased values for Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) up to 103fl and 35pg, respectively. Anti-gliadin antibodies were negative. EEG showed abnormal slow brain activity with delta waves over the right parieto-occipital lobe. MRI (Figure 1A-D) revealed a considerable, bilateral growth of the occipital lesions with a significant swelling of the right occipital lobe, progressive cortical calcifications and enhancement. No diffusion restriction was found. 1H-Proton Spectroscopy at 3T detected an increased choline peak and reduced levels of creatine and N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA). The additionally performed angiography (Figure 1F) did not show any abnormalities in the arterial or venous phase, but showed a patchy pattern in the parenchymatous phase. A biopsy was performed from the right occipital lobe and
Factors that Contribute to Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Hospital Nurses in Trinidad and Tobago

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that may motivate the nurses in Trinidad and Tobago following an earlier study that the satisfaction levels of the nurses in Trinidad and Tobago is low. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was undertaken. It attempted to document the responses from nurses who gave their consent at a particular point in time. The population was from four selected major hospitals in the Island nation using an adapted instrument from Society of Human Resource Management Foundation (SHRM), Employee Engagement Survey Template Software (2014). Result: Results showed that nurses in Trinidad and Tobago were from of varied ethnicity, mostly females, have different employment statuses. They also showed that the nurses‟ motivation/ satisfaction are not related to their gender, and age. Results found that aspects of ethnicity, institution of employment, level of education and employment statuses among others, are significantly related to some of the motivation factors for the nurses in Trinidad and Tobago. Discussion: These results were discussed based on their relatedness with literature. Conclusion: This study has documented some of the motivational factors for the nurses in this Island state. It is hoped that this will provide the impetus for the policy makers to begin to address this perennial problem that arguably contributes to dissatisfaction, attrition and acute shortages of this important health personnel in the Twin Island state of the Caribbean.
RMHP_A_290763 2171..2180

*These authors contributed equally to this work Background: This prospective research aimed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for localized pain at the epidural insertion site following nonobstetric surgery performed with epidural anesthesia. Methods: A total of 5083 surgical inpatients at the teaching hospital undergoing epidural anesthesia were included in the study. The characteristics of the patients, preoperative basic diseases, details of the epidural techniques, surgical procedures and complications were recorded pre-anesthesia until the complications resolved. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of localized pain at the epidural insertion site. Results: In our analysis, target complications were reported in 532 (10.5%) patients; localized pain at the epidural insertion site occurred in 460 (9.05%) patients, while other major complications occurred in 72 (1.45%) patients. A total of 334 patients had mild pain, and 126 patients had moderate pain. The incidence of localized pain at the epidural insertion site was highest among all complications, and the identified risk factors in the multivariate analysis were as follows: lumbar insertion (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI 1.33–2.35), age less than 50 years old (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% CI 1.29–1.89), multiple block attempts (odds ratio, 3.39; 95% CI 2.68–4.31), and postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% CI 0.33–0.63). Conclusion: Localized pain at the epidural insertion site is the most common complaint after epidural anesthesia and requires adequate clinical attention. Improving the proficiency of anesthesiologists to avoid repeated punctures is the best way to reduce injuries.
Electromagnetic Field Control and Optimization Using Metamaterials

Abstract : Transformation optics has shown the ability to cloak an object from incident electromagnetic radiation is possible. However, the material parameters are inhomogeneous, anisotropic, and, in some instances, singular at various locations. In order for a cloak to be practically realized, simplified parameter sets are required. However, the simplified parameters result in a degradation in the cloaking function. Constitutive parameters for simplified two-dimensional cylindrical cloaks have been developed with two material property constraints. It was initially believed satisfying these two constraints would result in the simplified cylindrical cloaks having the same wave equation as an ideal cloak. Because of this error, the simplified cloaks were not perfect. No analysis was done to determine all material parameter constraints to enable a perfect two-dimensional cylindrical cloak. This research developed a third constraint on the material parameters. It was shown as the material parameters better satisfy this new equation, a two-dimensional cylindrical cloak's hidden region is better shielded from incident radiation. Additionally, a novel way to derive simplified material parameters for two-dimensional cylindrical cloaks was developed. A Taylor series expansion dictated by the new constraint equation leads to simplified cloaks with significantly improved scattering width performances when compared to previous published results. During the course of this research, it was noted all cloak simulations are performed using finite element method (FEM) based numerical methods. A Green's function was used to accurately calculate scattering widths from a two-dimensional cylindrical cloak with a perfect electrically conducting inner shell.
Stress-Induced (cid:2) -Lactam Antibiotic Resistance Mutation and Sequences of Stationary-Phase Mutations in the Escherichia coli Chromosome (cid:1)

In some enterobacterial pathogens, but not in Escherichia coli , loss-of-function mutations are a common route to clinically relevant (cid:1) -lactam antibiotic resistance. We previously constructed an assay system for studying enterobacterial (cid:1) -lactam resistance mutations using the well-developed genetics of E. coli by inte-grating enterobacterial ampRC genes into the E. coli chromosome. Like the cells of other enterobacteria, E. coli cells acquire (cid:1) -lactam resistance by ampD mutation. Here we show that starvation and stress responses provoke ampD (cid:1) -lactam resistance mutagenesis. When starved on lactose medium, Lac (cid:2) strains used in mutagenesis studies accumulate ampD (cid:1) -lactam resistance mutations independent of Lac reversion. DNA double-strand break repair (DSBR) proteins and the SOS and RpoS stress responses are required for this mutagenesis, in agreement with the results obtained for lac reversion in these cells. Surprisingly, the stressinduced ampD mutations require DinB (DNA polymerase IV) and partially require error-prone DNA polymerase V, unlike lac mutagenesis, which requires only DinB. This assay demonstrates that real-world stressors, such as starvation, can induce clinically relevant resistance mutations. Finally, we used the ampD system to observe the true forward-mutation sequence spectrum of DSBR-associated stress-induced mutagenesis, for which previously only frameshift reversions were studied. We found that base substitutions outnumber frameshift mutations, as seen in other experimental systems showing stress-induced mutagenesis. The important evolutionary implication is that not only loss-of-function mutations but also change-of-function mutations can be generated by this mechanism.
WIP Statics Abroad: Lessons in Pedagogy from a Short-Term Study Abroad Mechanics Course

the implementation of select emergent pedagogies and their effects engineering. philosophy intersecting Krousgrill’s research include the vibration, nonlinear dynamics, friction-induced oscillations, gear rattle vibrations, dynamics of clutch and brake systems and damage detection in rotor systems. Krousgrill the American Society for Engineering Abstract In the Summer of 2019, instructors from a large midwestern university led the inaugural instance of a short-term study abroad trip to Western Europe. This four-week program included 12 intensive, 4-hour class meetings designed to teach students a full semester of Statics content knowledge. The course was originally designed to include active, blended, and collaborative learning elements in both its instruction and learning resources, bringing demonstrations, videos, and group activities into the students’ learning environment. The process of adapting this research-based Statics curriculum, built around a typical 16-week semester, to fit its new international setting was impacted by the timeline, the student population, their social context, and the resources available abroad. For example, the weekly instructor office hours held during a typical semester became daily office hours while abroad, combining a week’s worth of course content and instructional resources into a single day. Engineering researchers and administrators have frequently highlighted the benefits of experiential learning, including the international educational experiences afforded by study abroad programs. These study abroad experiences provide engineering students with unique opportunities to develop their professional skills and global competencies, while simultaneously promoting student success and fulfilling key standards for program accreditation. This work-in-progress paper describes our initial observations and their implications from the study abroad course in question by combining reflections from the lead instructor with semi-structured interviews from student participants. The paper specifically outlines the decisions that were made when transitioning the existing statics class and environment to its abbreviated format, examines the implications of those decisions using qualitative analysis of interviews and comparison to published study abroad and accelerated learning research, and conveys general insights and lessons learned from the study abroad program. Our emergent findings highlight the importance of student collaboration and community, emphasize the need for culturally embedded learning activities, and note how active, blended, and collaborative learning methods can easily translate to an accelerated classroom environment. As a work-in-progress, the paper concludes by laying the groundwork for subsequent qualitative and quantitative inquiry as well as future instruction in the course.
DMSO_A_283993 4839..4847

School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, MizanTeferi, Ethiopia Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic degenerative disease associated with a high risk of chronic complications and comorbidities. According t the World Health Organization, 16.7 million people worldwide die of cardiovascular diseases each year. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate determinants of statin initiation among diabetic patients. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate statin initiation and determinants in Gebre Tsadik Shewa General Hospital, Bonga, Ethiopia. This hospital covers a catchment population of about 1.4 million and offers diagnosis and treatment in outpatient and inpatient settings in different departments. Epi data 4.0. 2.49 and STATA 14.2 were used for data entry and analysis. Before analysis, presence of co-linearity and model fitness were checked. Chi-square statistics were used to check adequacy of cells for binary logistic regression. Bivariate analysis was done and p <0.25 was included in a multivariate model. Finally p-value less than 0.05 was considered a significant predictor. Results: A total of 120 patients were included in this study, of which 77 (64.17%) were males. The mean age and standard deviation was 47.04 ± 12.13 years with 75% of patients ≥40 years. The mean duration of illness was 10.26 ± 0.6 years. Ninety-eight (81.67%) patients had varying comorbidities. Sixty-four (53.33%) patients developed complications. The majority of patients were evaluated by a general practitioner (GP). Fifty-one (42.5%) patients started statins. Of them, 31 (60.78%) started for secondary prevention. The majority of patients had atorvastatin with moderate dosage. Government insurance (p=0.029), polypharmacy (0.008), physician level of training (0.023) and previous counseling of patients about the importance of statins (p<001) were significantly associated with initiation of statins. Conclusion: Only near to 40% of patients started statins. Physician reluctance and unavailability of drugs were the most common reasons not to initiate statins. The hospital tries to provide medication. Physicians should evaluate patients in need of cardio-protective drugs.
Process analysis of cattle slaughtering in two abattoirs: influence of process stages on the microbiological contamination of carcasses

At selected stages of slaughter (skinning, evisceration, trimming, washing, blast chilling), 100 cattle carcasses from two abattoirs were examined for total viable counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae by swabbing at the neck, brisket, flank and rump. After skinning, average TVC on carcasses was 1.5 log 10 CFU cm -2 and Enterobacteriaceae frequencies at sites were ≤6%. From skinned to washed carcasses, levels tended to slightly increase. Blasting clearly reduced microbiological results (TVC and Enterobacteriaceae) on carcasses from abattoir B, but reductions were limited or lacking in abattoir A. In addition, 100 hides and corresponding chilled carcasses were examined. On hides, average TVC was 5.6 log 10 CFU cm -2 and Enterobacteriaceae were commonly detected. Average carcass– hide ratios of the two abattoirs were comparable for TVC (abattoir A: 0.0182%; abattoir B: 0.0202%) but differed for Enterobacteriaceae counts (abattoir A: 0.4627%; abattoir B: 0.0941%). Such ratios allow comparing process performance between abattoirs in the daily practice.