Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of serum level and selective blood indices in children with feberile seizures in Chittoor district, India

A seizure or convulsion is a paroxysmal, time-limited change in motor activity and/or behavior that result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are common in the pediatric age group and occur in approximately 10% of children. Most seizures in children are provoked by somatic disorders originating outside the brain, such as high fever, infection, syncope, head-trauma, hypoxia, toxins, or cardiac arrhythmias. Other events, such as breath-holding spells and gastroesophageal reflux, can cause events that simulate seizures. A few children also exhibit psychogenic seizures of psychiatric origin. Less than one-third of seizures in children are caused by epilepsy, a condition in which seizures are triggered recurrently from within the brain. For epidemiological classification purposes, epilepsy is considered to be present when two or more unprovoked seizures occur at an interval greater than 24 hr apart. The cumulative lifetime incidence of epilepsy is 3% and more than half of cases begin in childhood. However, the annual prevalence of epilepsy is lower (10.5-0.8%) because many children outgrow epilepsy. Although the outlook for most children with symptomatic seizures or those associated with epilepsy is generally good, the seizures may signal a potentially serious underlying systemic or central nervous system (CNS) disorder that requires thorough investigation and management. For children with epilepsy, the prognosis is generally good, but 1020% have. persistent seizures refractory to drugs, and those cases pose a diagnostic and management challenge. Seizures have been recognized since ancient ABSTRACT
The prevalence, risk factors and antifungal sensitivity pattern of oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients in Kumba District Hospital, South West Region, Cameroon

Introduction Oral candidiasis is one of the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patient and it is caused by Candida species. The low absolute CD4+T-lymphocyte count has traditionally been cited as the greatest risk factor for the development of Oral Candidiasis. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patients, to determine their in vitro antifungal susceptibility and to investigate the possible risk factors associated with oral candidiasis. Methods This was a hospital based cross sectional study that was carried out for a period of 3 months amongst HIV/AIDS patients in Kumba District Hospital, whether on HAART or not. Mouth swabs were collected from 378 participants using sterile cotton wool swabs and 5ml venous blood were collected for determination of CD4 cell. Candida species were isolated and identified. Antifungal sensitivity testing was performed using modified kirby-bauer susceptibility testing technique. Results Candida species were present in 42.86% of the samples and Candida albicans was the most prevalent (60.2%) amongst the six Candida isolates identified, followed by Candida glabrata (16.9%), Candida krusei (12.3%), Candida tropicalis (6.4%), Candida parapsilosis (2.3%) and Candida pseudotropicalis (1.8%). Pregnancy, oral hygiene and antibiotic usage were significantly associated with oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients (P<0.05). Oral candidiasis was mostly frequent in HIV/AIDS patients between 21-40 years. A CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl was a significant risk factor for acquiring oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients (P<0.001). Nystatin was the most sensitive drug (83.6%) meanwhile ketonazole was the most resistant drug (29.2%), followed by fluconazole (24.6%) to all oral Candida isolates. Conclusion Oral Candida colonization occurs more frequently in HIV/AIDS patients and the is a need for the government to implement regular checks for opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients, including oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients to monitor disease progression and prevent subsequent complications such as candidemia and diarrhea.
National Scale Spatial Variation in Artificial Light at Night

The disruption to natural light regimes caused by outdoor artificial nighttime lighting has significant impacts on human health and the natural world. Artificial light at night takes two forms, light emissions and skyglow (caused by the scattering of light by water, dust and gas molecules in the atmosphere). Key to determining where the biological impacts from each form are likely to be experienced is understanding their spatial occurrence, and how this varies with other landscape factors. To examine this, we used data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band and the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, to determine covariation in (a) light emissions, and (b) skyglow, with human population density, landcover, protected areas and roads in Britain. We demonstrate that, although artificial light at night increases with human density, the amount of light per person decreases with increasing urbanization (with per capita median direct emissions three times greater in rural than urban populations, and per capita median skyglow eleven times greater). There was significant variation in artificial light at night within different landcover types, emphasizing that light pollution is not a solely urban issue. Further, half of English National Parks have higher levels of skyglow than light emissions, indicating their failure to buffer biodiversity from pressures that artificial lighting poses. The higher per capita emissions in rural than urban areas provide different challenges and opportunities for mitigating the negative human health and environmental impacts of light pollution.
Effect of heat treatment and evaporation on patulin and some other properties of apple juice

Patulin, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), colour and clarity values of 20 apple juice samples with different Brix contents were determined after heat treatment (90 and 100 °C for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min under atmospheric pressure) and evaporation (70 and 80 °C for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min) processes. As the heating and evaporation times increased, the concentration of patulin in the apple juice samples decreased. The 90 and 100 °C heat treatments resulted in reductions in patulin concentration of 18.81 and 25.99% respectively after 20 min; the corresponding values were 9.40 and 14.06% for 70 and 80 °C evaporation respectively. The increase in HMF was higher with heat treatment than with evaporation. Evaporation decreased the colour values of the samples, whereas heat treatment increased them. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Gender, Democracy, and National Development in Nigeria

This study examines the relationship among gender, democracy, and national development in Nigeria. This translates to a discussion of the possible linkages among gender identity, gendered representation, and national development in the country. Beyond the typical gender theorization, this article squarely focuses on women’s political representation within the Nigerian state and the power implications of the inherent challenges. The work reechoes the issue of underdevelopment as a societal phenomenon. The methodology of the contribution is normative argumentation. The theoretical framework is the power theory. The study concludes that the disarticulations between gendered representation and democracy have invariably led to contentious national development in Nigeria.
Genetic variation and host specificity of Phytophthora cactorum isolated in Europe

Analysis of Phytophthora cactorum using Random Amplified Microsatellites (RAMS) revealed considerable variation among isolates, most of which correlated with the original host plants. The lack of variation among isolates originating from strawberry suggests that crown rot of strawberry is caused by a single clone within the geographical area studied. It was also shown that P. cactorum isolates form a unique group different from other Phytophthora spp. from Group I. P. cactorum isolates from necrotic stem lesions on Betula pendula seedlings or Fragaria x ananassa plants suffering from crown rot were highly pathogenic to their original host plants. P. cactorum isolates from strawberry inoculated via wounds also caused necrotic lesions on B. pendula. On the other hand isolates from B. pendula did not cause disease symptoms on strawberry plants. On Alnus glutinosa the percentage of successful inoculations with a birch isolate was 40.
Structure, electric and dielectric properties of PbFe1/3Ti1/3W1/3O3 single perovskite compound

A conventional solid-state method was used to prepare Pb(Fe1/3Ti1/3W1/3)O3 single perovskite material. The sample sintered at 900°C was studied by XRD and after Rietveld refinement the orthorhombic structure with Pbam space group was confirmed. The FTIR frequency bands corresponding to Pb-O, Ti-O, O-lattice, W- O-W and Fe-O stretching vibrations together with the XRD data also confirmed that Fe2+ and W6+ ions are incorporated in the structure and most probably substituted Ti4+ ions at the B site of the perovskite ABO3 structure. The average grain size of the perovskite ceramics, estimated from SEM micrograph, was 1 to 2 μm. Variation of dielectric properties and AC conductivity with frequency and temperature revealed that the material had semiconducting nature and negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR). The Nyquist plots were modelled with an equivalent circuit consisted of parallel capacitance, resistance and constant phase element corresponding to the grains (bulk) and grain boundaries. It was observed that grain resistance (Rb) of the sample decreases with the rise of temperature, which supports the NTCR behaviour. The semi-circular arcs of the Nyquist and Cole-Cole plots confirm the semiconducting nature of the sample.
Defensin-like Genes : Genomic Perspectives on a Diverse Superfamily in Plants

Defensins represent a diverse set of antimicrobial peptides found in almost all multicellular organisms. These small proteins can be characterized by an N-terminal signal sequence, a highly divergent mature protein with the exception of conserved cysteine residues, presence of defensin motifs, and a tissue-specifi c expression pattern. Defensin expression can be induced by pathogen inoculation and environmental stress. Until recently, defensins in plants were thought to be members of small gene families. However, the advent of expressed sequence tag (EST) and genome sequencing coupled with novel bioinformatic techniques has allowed researchers to recognize the size and diversity of the family. Recent research has identifi ed over 300 defensin-like (DEFL) genes in each of the genomes of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. and Medicago truncatula Gaertner. In addition, over 1000 DEFL genes have been identifi ed from the plant EST projects. The identifi cation of such a broad family involved in defense against pathogens and environmental stress provides new opportunities for crop improvement. This review focuses on genome level analyses of DEFL genes in plants. All species are confronted with a barrage of
Biological control of the potato tubers dry rot caused by Fusarium roseum var. sambucinum under greenhouse, field and storage conditions using Bacillus spp. isolates

Selected isolates of Bacillus spp. from salty soils were evaluated for their ability to suppress a dry rot disease on potato tubers caused by Fusarium roseum var. sambucinum. Greenhouse trials undertaken in pots demonstrated that bacterial antagonists stimulated the emergence of potato tubers. Evaluation of yield parameters showed the efficiency of isolates 132 of B. licheniformis and X16 of B. cereus to reduce disease severity. Field experiments showed that the isolate X16 of B. cereus seems to be the most effective to control Fusarium rot on seed tubers and increase yield parameters. The seed tuber colonization by bacteria increased until 61 days after planting with a rate significantly higher for B. cereus X16 (2 ×10 3 CFU/cm 2 ). After 75 days, it decreased for all the treatments applied. Moreover, traditional and cold storage assays run during 6 and 8 months respectively, showed that dry rot incidence was significantly lower in potato boxes treated with each antagonist alone or by the mixture (X16 + B. thuringiensis var. galleriae 55T and Trichoderma viride + 55T) as compared with pathogen inoculated control boxes and to those treated with the fungicide carbendazim.
A Sex-Determining Gene (sdY) Assay Shows Discordance between Phenotypic and Genotypic Sex in Wild Populations of Chinook Salmon

AbstractSex is determined genetically in most fishes, but the gene responsible for sex determination is not known for the vast majority of fish species, including Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. The purpose of this study was to characterize a putative sex-determining gene (“sexually dimorphic on the Y-chromosome” [sdY] gene) in Chinook Salmon and develop a method to test genomic DNA (gDNA) samples for genetic sex assignment. Using next-generation sequencing and salmonid DNA sequence data from GenBank, the entire genomic organization of Chinook Salmon sdY was described. The corresponding full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence generated from total RNA was determined by using a combination of genomic-based primers and “rapid amplification of cDNA ends” (RACE) PCR assays. A phylogenic analysis was conducted by comparing the Chinook Salmon sdY cDNA sequence with sdY sequences (GenBank) from 10 other teleost species. A multisequence alignment was performed, and a phylogenetic tree was inferred f.
Stent versus Balloon Dilation for the Treatment of Dominant Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims The endoscopic management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-associated dominant strictures remains challenging. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare balloon dilation and stent placement in the treatment of dominant strictures among PSC patients. Methods Literature searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and Lilacs/Bireme were performed for studies published until December 2020. Measured outcomes included clinical efficacy, stricture recurrence, cumulative recurrencefree rate, transplant rate, 5-year survival rate, and adverse events (i.e., pancreatitis, cholangitis, bleeding, perforation and death). Results A total of 5 studies (n=467) were included. Based on pooled analyses, there were no differences in clinical efficacy (risk difference [RD], -0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.58 to 0.33; I2=93%) or transplant rates (RD, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.19 to 0.01; I2=0%); however, the risk of occurrence of adverse events was lower with balloon dilatation than with stent placement (RD,-0.34; 95% CI, -0.45 to -0.23; I2=61%). Among the types of adverse events reported, only the rates of cholangitis/bacteremia were significantly lower in balloon dilation patients (RD, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.13; I2=51%). Conclusions Compared to balloon dilation, stent placement for dominant strictures in PSC appeared to have higher complication rates without significant differences in efficacy.
Late Holocene sea-level changes and vertical land movements in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Coasts in tectonically active regions face varying threat levels as land subsides or uplifts relative to rising sea levels. We review the processes influencing relative sea-level change in New Zealand, and the geological context behind ongoing land movements, focussing on major population centres. Whilst Holocene sea levels have been reconstructed using a variety of techniques, recent work uses salt-marsh microfossil assemblages to reconstruct relative sea-level changes over the past few centuries. For the twentieth century, these proxy-based studies often show enhanced rates of sea-level rise relative to tide-gauge observations. The effects of tectonic subsidence must be considered, alongside vertical and dating uncertainties in the sea-level reconstructions. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) observations for the past few decades show that vertical land movement (VLM) may be influencing rates of relative sea-level rise. However, the short period of GPS observations, during which trends and rates have varied at some localities, raises questions over the longer-term contribution of VLM to sea-level change over the past few centuries and for future projections. We argue that high-resolution palaeo-sea-level reconstructions from salt-marsh sedimentary sequences can help to answer these questions regarding the interplay between sea-level change and VLM at key locations.
Levels of TB-IGRA may help to differentiate between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease in patients with positive results

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of positive tuberculosis interferon gamma release assay (TB-IGRA) in the differential diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, and to find a suitable threshold to help distinguishing CD from tuberculosis (TB), so as to provide better recommendations for clinical treatment. Methods: A retrospective study was performed including 484 patients who underwent TB-IGRA testing for suspected CD or ITB treated in the Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University between January 2015 and May 2018. According to the diagnostic criteria, 307 patients, including 272 CD and 35 ITB patients, were recruited for the final analysis. We comprehensively and systematically collected their clinical manifestations, and analyzed the influence of TB-IGRA values referring to diagnosis criteria, and the possible causes of false positives. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and the cut-off value were applied to distinguish between ITB and CD patients. Results: Of the 56 patients with suspected CD enrolled, 23 were finally diagnosed with CD and 33 with ITB. In patients with TB-IGRA ⩾ 100 pg/ml, 4 cases were CD and 29 cases were ITB, while 19 cases were CD and 4 cases were ITB in patients with TB-IGRA < 100 pg/ml (p < 0.05). TB-IGRA ⩾ 100 pg/ml indicated a high possibility of TB infection, with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 74%. Three out of the four CD patients with TB-IGRA ⩾ 100 pg/ml had a history of tuberculosis, while only 1 of the 19 CD patients with TB-IGRA < 100 pg/ml had a history of tuberculosis (p < 0.05). The average duration of ITB was 7 months, and that of CD was 46.8 months, thus a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed. Perianal lesions such as anal fistula or abscess were found in all CD patients. Among ITB patients, 8 out of 15 patients with TB-IGRA ⩾ 400 pg/ml experienced weight loss, while only 1 out of 18 patients with TB-IGRA < 400 pg/ml underwent weight loss (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with CD have longer duration of disease, and perianal lesions are more common in CD. ITB patients with TB-IGRA ⩾ 400 pg/ml experience weight loss more readily, which indicates that TB-IGRA value may be correlated positively with the severity of ITB. In patients with CD and ITB, TB-IGRA = 100 pg/ml may be a cut-off value of TB-IGRA. For patients with TB-IGRA ⩾ 100 pg/ml, it is recommended to use diagnostic anti-TB treatment first. Comprehensive analysis and judgment are required for patients with TB-IGRA from 14 pg/ml to 99 pg/ml. TB-IGRA false positivity may occur in patients with a history of TB infection.
Effect of Combined Use of Benzothiadiazole and Methyl Jasmonate on Volatile Compounds of Monastrell Wine

One effect of applying elicitors to plants is an increase in phenolic and volatile compound content. In this study, grapes treated at veraison with a combination of benzothiadiazole (BTH) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were vinified and the volatile composition of the resulting wines was analyzed. Results indicate that the combined application of BTH and MeJA to the grapes led to wines with a similar composition in higher alcohols and esters as wines made with untreated grapes. Treated grapes led to wines with a significantly higher concentration of terpenes, with some of the terpenes only detected in wines from treated grapes. A descriptive sensory analysis indicated that these differences in volatile composition could be detected in wines, with wines made from treated grapes having significantly greater fruity notes, aroma, and mouthfeel quality.
Civil Servant Borrowing Practices: A Determinant of Poverty in Zimbabwe

In assessing microfinance institutions (MFIs) and civil servants' perspectives on borrowing in Zimbabwe, we examine the purpose and rationale of MFIs establishments. Thus, in an attempt to understand the reason behind high borrowing, we also considered loan terms, the nature of loans issued, and the uses of MFIs borrowed funds among households. Driven by the exploratory approach, qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews and observation methods were applied in this study. Using, the purpose of the loan, pricing of loans, repayment terms, and loan terms, interview questions were designed and conducted. Our results show that MFIs loans are: short term loans, income (salary) based; and, these loans are mainly for immediate household consumption needs not an investment. This study also indicates that loan application requirements are more favorable for employed households, especially public sector employees. Even though civil servants have a better advantage in accessing MFIs loans, in the long run, they are likely to remain in poverty; since their purpose of borrowing is geared towards family expenses. Also, MFIs prevailing interest rates (high), evidenced with shorter repayment periods, reflect their failure to pull borrowers out of poverty; however, creating an interdependence syndrome of continuous borrowing. Since we focused on lending practices of households, our results serve as a basis of a joint policy formulation in combating poverty. Thus, understanding poverty through the borrowing of employed citizens aids in grasping the interconnectedness of sectors; which, is an essential tool for sustainable development and strategic planning.
Placentae for Low Birth Weight Piglets Are Vulnerable to Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Impaired Angiogenesis

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with fetal mortality and morbidity. One of the most common causes of IUGR is placental insufficiency, including placental vascular defects, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, a high level of oxidative stress induces placental vascular lesions. Here, we evaluated the oxidative stress status, mitochondrial function, angiogenesis, and nutrient transporters in placentae of piglets with different birth weights: <500 g (L), 500–600 g (LM), 600–700 g (M), and >700 g (H). Results showed that placentae from the L group had higher oxidative damage, lower adenosine triphosphate and citrate synthase levels, and lower vascular density, compared to those from the other groups. Protein expression of angiogenic markers, including vascular endothelial cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, was the lowest in the L group placentae compared to the other groups. In addition, the protein levels of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 were downregulated in the L group, compared to the other groups. Furthermore, oxidative stress induced by H2O2 inhibited tube formation and migration in porcine vascular endothelial cells. Collectively, placentae for lower birth weight neonates are vulnerable to oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired angiogenesis.