Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary non-digestible carbohydrates and the resistance to intestinal infections

Keywords: Non-digestible carbohydrates, prebiotics, inulin, FOS, calcium, microflora, short-chain fatty acids, mucin, intestinal permeability, salmonella, infection, rat, humanDietary non-digestible carbohydrates and the resistance to intestinal infectionsNon-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) stimulate the protective gut microflora resulting in increased production of organic acids. This may result in increased luminal killing of acid-sensitive pathogens and hence reduce intestinal colonisation and translocation of a pathogen. However, host defence against invasive pathogens like salmonella also depends on the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa. High concentrations of organic acids may induce injury to the intestinal mucosa and impair the barrier function. The aim of this thesis was to determine the effects of NDC's on the intestinal barrier in rats and humans.In rats, well fermentable NDC (resistant starch, inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides and lactulose) stimulated the protective endogenous gut microflora and subsequently increased faecal lactate concentrations and lowered intestinal pH. However, in contrast to cellulose, wheat fiber and resistant starch, the rapid fermentable NDC inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and lactulose drastically stimulated mucosal translocation of invasive salmonella and the subsequent mucosal inflammation. Before infection, they increased luminal cytotoxicity and mucus secretion. This likely indicates that the fermentation-induced irritating luminal components can impair the intestinal barrier. Indeed, fermentable NDC increased intestinal permeability. Dietary calcium phosphate counteracted most adverse effects of well fermentable NDC. In humans, FOS also stimulated the endogenous gut microflora and increased faecal lactate concentrations. Moreover, FOS increased mucus secretion, indicating mucosal irritation. However, FOS consumption did not significantly affect luminal cytotoxicity and intestinal permeability.Stimulating the endogenous microflora by intestinal NDC fermentation is often assumed to be beneficial for intestinal health and resistance to infections. However, the work presented in this thesis does not support this concept.
Cosmic Rays and 11-Year Solar Modulation

The proposed model generalizes the differential D(E) and integral D(>E) spectra of galactic (GCR) and anomalous (ACR) cosmic ray protons and heavier elements during the 11-year solar cycle. The model takes into account the cosmic ray (CR) modulation by the solar wind in the heliosphere. The measurements with the CAPRICE94 and IMAX experiments are examined with numerical solutions of the model equations. We analyze variations of the parameters during the solar activity for outer and Earth planets. The radial gradient G0 of GCR is relatively small in the inner heliosphere. After a transition region between 10 and 20 AU, G0 increases to a much larger value that remains constant between ~25 and 80 AU. This shows that the contribution of GCRs and ACRs to the ionization of the atmospheres of outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will be increased drastically. We discuss here the errors in the predictions of the model and we compute the limits on estimated model parameters.
Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor and Interleukin-1a on Plasminogen Activator Secretion and Decidualization in Rat Endometrial Stromal Cells1

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases decidualization and net plasminogen activator (PA) activity in the medium of cultured endometrial stromal cells from ovariectomized rats sensitized for the decidual cell reaction. Because interleukin-1a (IL-1a) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulate PGE2 production by these cells, the present study determined their effects on decidualization and on the levels of PA activity in the medium. Cells were treated with or without IL-1a (20 ng/ml) and EGF (40 ng/ml) for up to 72 h, and net PA activity in the medium and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (a marker for decidualization) in the cells were measured. After 48 and 72 h of treatment with IL-1a, net PA activity levels decreased by 60% and 85%, respectively. EGF significantly increased net PA activity at 24, 48, and 72 h. ALP activity in the cells at 24, 48, and 72 h increased in response to IL-1a but not EGF. These results indicate that IL-1a, but not EGF, enhances decidualization of the cells as indicated by ALP activity. Moreover, they suggest that net PA activity in the medium is not a useful marker of decidualization.
Problemas de salud y calidad de vida en estudiantes de odontología - Health and quality of life problems in Dentistry students

Objective: To associate health and quality of life problems related to health (QLRH) in Dentistry students at a public university in Cartagena, Colombia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study in 202 female students and 125 men was conducted. An instrument to investigate sociodemographic variables, health problems (presence of diseases in the last month) and quality of life related to health (WHOQOL-BREF) was designed and applied. The analysis included frequencies, proportions, Poisson regression with robust variance to associate domains and total score of the WHOQOL-BREF with sociodemographic variables and health problems. Results: 35.4% of students are sick and 61.8% present gastrointestinal diseases; according to WHOQOL-BREF, 55.3% perceive a state of good health and very good quality of life related to health. Being an adolescent student impacts positively on quality of life related to health. However, in the multivariate analysis, the variables that showed a negative impact were: depression, genitourinary and muscle skeletal alterations, chickenpox and skin problems (X2: 80.4, p= 0.001). Conclusions : Depression, genitourinary and muscle skeletal alterations, in addition to varicella and skin problems negatively impact on QLRH in dentistry students. It is required that the schools of dentistry promote healthy life styles that have an impact on the students’ quality of life.
Awareness and Knowledge of Pharmacists toward Biosimilar Medicines: A Survey in Jordan

Aims Pharmacists in all clinical settings are recognized drug experts and integral educators of biosimilar medicines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess pharmacists' knowledge, predictors of knowledge, and views toward biosimilar medicines in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan during October–December 2020. An Internet-based self-administrated questionnaire on knowledge and views was distributed using social media groups to the pharmacists among different areas in Jordan. A descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors of knowledge including all variables with p < 0.20 on univariate analysis. Results A total 536 responses were received, 502 of which were completed (93.7% response rate). A total of 52.6% of the pharmacists were knowledgeable about biosimilar medicines and the mean of knowledge level was 6.47 ± 1.62 (range 2–10). Multivariate analysis identified that respondents who had heard about biosimilars before (OR = 1.942, 95% CI = 1.231–3.063, p < 0.05) was more likely to be knowledgeable. Respondents who had not taken the course or the postgraduating training course about biosimilars that were less likely to be knowledgeable (OR = 0.548, 95% CI = 0.357–0.839, p < 0.05). A positive response was noted in pharmacist's view regarding the implementation of biosimilar medicines in healthcare setting, biosimilar medicine prescription related to decreased costs, self-study about biosimilar medicine, and incorporating biosimilar education program at the pharmacy school curriculum universities level. Conclusions Pharmacists' views and knowledge vary regarding the particularities and key issues on biosimilar medicines in Jordan. Incorporating biosimilar course in pharmacy school curriculum could improve their acceptance for future pharmacy jobs.
Total Phenolic Content and DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Young Turmeric Grown in Southern Thailand

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a member of Zingiberacaeae, is used for Thai traditional medicine, flavoring, preservative, and coloring agent. In Southern Thailand, turmeric is a famous ingredient for food recipes. Not only is the ripened rhizome used for cuisine, but also the young rhizomes. Previous studies have indicated that a variety of turmeric products from the ripened rhizome are valuable source of antioxidant compounds. However, there are ambiguous data regarding the level of antioxidant activity of the young rhizome. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the young rhizomes by comparing to the ripened rhizome. TPC and antioxidant activity of aqueous and 80% methanolic extracts from the young turmeric grown in Southern Thailand were estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA) assay, respectively. Results showed that the concentration of TPC determined in methanolic extract (19.80±0.25 mg GAE/ g extract) from the young rhizome was significantly higher than the corresponding aqueous extract (18.38±0.41 mg GAE/ g extract). The aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited significant inhibition in DPPH-RSA with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 5.88±0.70 mg/mL and 3.00±0.31 mg/mL, respectively. However, in comparison with the ripened rhizome, TPC and DPPH-RSA of the young rhizome were lower. These results indicate that the young rhizome grown in Southern Thailand could be a source of antioxidant compounds, but the ripened rhizome provides better antioxidant properties than the young rhizome.
Relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipid-lowering agents and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of observational studies (n = 355,591) and randomized controlled trials (n = 165,988)

Introduction The impact of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on the risk of different types of strokes is unclear. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the impact of LDL-C levels (cohort studies) and lipid-lowering agents (LLAs) (randomized controlled trials) on the different types of stroke. Material and methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched up to 1st September 2019. The DerSimonian-Laird method and generic inverse variance methods were used for quantitative data synthesis. The leave-one-out method was performed as sensitivity analysis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate the optimal sample size to detect a 35% reduction in outcomes after administration of LLAs. Results Participants in the highest category of LDL-C had a lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85–0.98, I2 = 0%) compared with the lowest category of LDL-C. Subjects with the highest category of LDL-C had a higher risk of ischemic stroke (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.14, I2 = 0%) compared to the lowest LDL-C category. LLAs decreased the risk of all types of strokes for those who achieved LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/l (< 70 mg/dl; RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.96, absolute risk reduction (ARR): 0.7%, number needed to treat (NNT): 143, I2 = 53%, n = 13). Statin therapy decreased the risk of all strokes (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.97, ARR = 0.6%, NNT = 167, I2 = 56%). With regard to ischemic stroke only, LLAs decreased the risk of ischemic stroke for those who achieved LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/l (< 70 mg/dl; RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67–0.83, ARR = 1.3%, NNT = 77, I2 = 0%); the same was observed for statins (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69–0.84, ARR = 1.3%, NNT = 77, I2 = 32%). TSA indicated that both benefit boundaries and optimal sample size were reached. There was no significant effect of LLAs regardless of the achieved level of LDL-C on the risk of hemorrhagic stroke; however, TSA indicated that further studies are needed to settle the question and most of the effects were subject to high levels of heterogeneity. Conclusions Our study sheds light on the debatable association between low LDL-C and different type of strokes. This information can help determine the optimal LDL-C range for stroke prevention, and help plan future LLA studies.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Outcome of Anti-Helicobacter pylori Therapy in Patients with Reflux Laryngopharyngitis

Objectives This study was designed to explore the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and reflux laryngopharyngitis (RLP) and to evaluate the outcome of anti-Hp therapy in improving RLP symptoms. Methods A total of 410 patients with RLP were enrolled and tested for Hp infection. The association of Hp infection with reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) was determined. Hp-positive patients received either a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole alone (control group) or a combination regimen (experimental group) consisting of omeprazole, mosapride citrate, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. Therapeutic outcomes were compared 4 weeks later. Results Of the 410 participants, 290 were Hp-positive and 120 Hp-negative. Both RSI and RFS were significantly higher in Hp-positive patients than in Hp-negative patients. Hp infection status was positively correlated with RSI (P < 0.05) and RFS (P < 0.05). The overall response rate was higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Both the groups had a significant reduction in RSI and RFS after therapy, with a greater improvement in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings establish a link between Hp infection and RLP. Anti-Hp therapy improves RSI and RFS in RLP patients. Therefore, Hp eradication drugs may be added to the PPI-based regimen in the treatment of RLP.
Constraints on a MOND effect for isolated aspherical systems in the deep Newtonian regime from orbital motions

The dynamics of non-spherical systems described by modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) theories arising from generalizations of the Poisson equation is affected by an extra MONDian quadrupolar potential ϕQ even if they are isolated (no external field effect) and if they are in the deep Newtonian regime. In general MOND theories quickly approaching Newtonian dynamics for accelerations beyond A0, ϕQ is proportional to a coefficient α ∼ 1, while in MOND models becoming Newtonian beyond κA0, κ ≫ 1, it is enhanced by κ2. We analytically work out some orbital effects due to ϕQ in the framework of QUMOND and compare them with the latest observational determinations of Solar System’s planetary dynamics, exoplanets, double lined spectroscopic binary stars and binary radio pulsars. The current admissible range for the anomalous perihelion precession of Saturn −0.5 mas cty−1 ≤Δϖ&a.dot;≤0.8? > mas cty−1 yields |κ| ⩽ 3.5 × 103, while the radial velocity of α Cen AB allows us to infer |κ| ⩽ 6.2 × 104 (A) and |κ| ⩽ 4.2 × 104 (B).
Effects of Different Balance Training Volumes on Children's Dynamic Balance

Concerning balance training, the most effective design of several load dimensions (e. g., training frequency, volume) is unclear. Thus, we determined the effects of different balance training volumes on dynamic balance in healthy children. Three groups of 20 children (age: 11.0±0.7 years; 47% females) were randomly assigned to a balance training group using a low or a high training volume or an active control group that performed regular physical education lessons. All groups trained for 8 weeks (2 sessions/week), whereby balance training volume amounted to 4 min/session and 18–24 min/session for the low- and high-volume group, respectively. Pre- and post-training, balance performance was assessed using the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test and the Timed-Up-and-Go Test. Fifty-five children completed the study and significant Test x Group interactions were detected for both outcome measures in favor of the two balance training groups. Additionally, improvements in the high-volume group were significantly larger for some measures (Y-balance test anterior reach distance: p <.001, d =.94; Timed-Up-and-Go time: p =.003, d =.81) compared to the low-volume group. The results indicate that balance training is effective to improve balance performance in healthy children and it seems that a 36–48 min/week compared to an 8 min/week training volume provides additional effects.
SIMPLE CROSSED PRODUCTS OF ＄C^{*}＄ -ALGEBRAS BY LOCALLY COMPACT ABELIAN GROUPS

ABSTRACT: We introduce a new invariant $\tilde{\Gamma}(\alpha)$ , a closed subsemigroup of the dual of $G$, of a $c*$-dynamical system $(\mathfrak{a}, G, \alpha)$ where $\mathfrak{a}$ is a $C^{*}$-algebra, and $G$ is a locally compact abelian group with an action $\alpha$ on $\mathfrak{a}$ . We show that the crossed product $a\times.G$ is simple if and only if $\mathfrak{a}$ is $\alpha$-simple (i.e. $\mathfrak{a}$ does not have any non-trivial a-invariant ideals) and $\tilde{\Gamma}(\alpha)$ equals the dual of $G$. We discuss some cases where $\tilde{\Gamma}(\alpha)$ coincides with the Connes spectrum $\Gamma(\alpha)$ . Finally we give examples of simple crossed products of Cuntz algebras by locally compact abelian groups.
100 Years of Mie Scattering Theory: Expanded Size Range by Extreme Precision Calculations

Exactly 100 years after the publication of the fundamental light scattering theory by Gustav Mie in 1908, this theory has significant interest in the field of particle characterisation, especially in particle size analysis. Mie scattering calculations were limited in the past by calculation accuracy, instability problems and calculation time for large particles by former computer systems. Today, more powerful computers allow for extreme precision calculation tools, and enable expansion of the particle size range covered by Mie scattering calculations from submicron sized materials up to particles in the millimetre range. In this paper we describe an extended precision analysis of Mie scattering theory for use in particle size analysis which extends the particle size range and increases accuracy of calculation. Based on this precision analysis a Mie validation data set has been created for different Mie parameter sets, which could be used for internal optimisation and accuracy checks of Mie light scattering calculations. This enables the evaluation of particle size distributions from submicron to millimetre particles, for transparent spherical or reflecting materials, expanding the existing particle portfolio and size range.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients in Northern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an emerging global public health problem. The disease is believed to affect older people and is accompanied by clinical features such as fever, shortness of breath, and coughing. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding the characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Patients and Methods A total of 6,637 symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients collected from six isolation and treatment centers in Tigray between May 7 and October 28, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients as appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of the patients was 31.3±12.8. SARS-CoV-2 infects men more than women with a ratio of 1.85:1. About 16% of the patients were symptomatic, of which 13.3% (95% CI=11.3–15.4%) were admitted to intensive care units and 6.1% (95% CI=4.5–7.6%) were non-survivors. The mortality rate was increased up to 40.3% (95% CI=32.1–48.4%) among patients with severe illness. A higher proportion of deaths were observed in men (73.2%) and 55.4% were in the age group of ≥50 years. About 4.3% (282 of 6,637) had one or more coexisting comorbidities; the most common being cardiovascular diseases (30.1%) and diabetes mellitus (23.8%). The comorbidity rate in the non-survivor group was significantly higher than in the survivor group (p-value <0.001). Conclusion The proportion of symptomatic patients was low. Non-survival was linked with old age and the existence of comorbidities. The findings of this study can help in the design of appropriate management strategies for COVID-19 patients, such as giving due emphasis to COVID-19 patients who are old and with comorbidities.
Respectful Maternity Care in South Asia: What Does the Evidence Say? Experiences of Care and Neglect, Associated Vulnerabilities and Social Complexities

Background Respectful maternity care encompasses the right to continuity of care and dignified support for women during the reproductive period, enabling informed choice. However, the evidence is limited in the context of South Asia region where maternal, perinatal and newborn mortality is still a critical challenge to health systems. Evidence is required to better understand the context of respectful maternity care to inform directions for appropriate policy and practice. Objective The objective of this scoping review was to explore facilitators and barriers of respectful maternity care practice in South Asia. Design CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS and Cochrane databases were used to identify related studies. Data were systematically synthesized and analysed thematically. Findings There was considerable heterogeneity in the 61 included studies from seven South Asian countries, with most of the research conducted in Nepal and India. While the experience of abuse and neglect was common, 10 critical themes emerged related to neglected choices and compromised quality of care (particularly where there were health inequities) in the context of institutional care experiences; and the imperative for improved investment in training and significant policy and legislative change to enforce equitable and respectful maternity care practice. Conclusions and Implications for Practice Evidence about respectful maternity care in South Asia indicates that women accessing professional and facility-based services experienced high levels of disrespect, abuse and maltreatment. Women from vulnerable, socially disadvantaged and economically poor backgrounds were more likely to experience higher level abuse and receive poor quality of care. There is an urgent need for a well-resourced, sustained commitment to mandate and support the provision of respectful and equitable maternity care practice in South Asia.
Feature Valuation An Algorithm for Evaluating Features’ Importance in Convolutional Neural Networks

Neural networks can be viewed as black boxes where it is hard to understand the networks’ complex behaviors. The ﬁeld of visualization in neural networks tries to combat this problem by interpreting the model’s behavior. It also provides an analysis tool that can be used to improve a neural network’s architecture. Among the visualization techniques, there are deconvolutional networks which visualize features found by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Although they help explain the behavior of CNNs, the technique doesn’t indicate whether a feature inﬂuenced the classiﬁcation positively or negatively. We present a way to rank which features are most inﬂuential for a classiﬁcation which can be used to get a deeper understanding of how a CNN makes a decision