Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Palustrine forested wetland vegetation communities change across an elevation gradient, Washington State, USA

Background Forested wetlands support distinct vegetation and hydrology relative to upland forests and shrub-dominated or open water wetlands. Although forested wetland plant communities comprise unique habitats, these ecosystems’ community structure is not well documented in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Here I surveyed forested wetland vegetation to identify changes in community composition and structure across an elevation gradient that corresponds to flooding stress, asking: (1) How do forested wetland plant communities change across an elevation gradient that corresponds to flood frequency and duration? (2) At what relative elevations do different plant species occur within a wetland? Methods I measured overstory tree basal area and structure and understory vascular plant composition in three zones: wetland buffers (WB) adjacent to the wetland, an upper wetland (UW) extent, and a lower wetland (LW) extent, surveying individual trees’ root collar elevation relative to the wetland ordinary high-water mark (OHWM). I estimated understory plant species abundance in sub-plots and surveyed these plots’ height above the OHWM. I used non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination to identify patterns in vegetation communities relative to wetland elevation, and tested for compositional differences between the WB, UW and LW zones using PERMANOVA. I calculated overstory and understory indicator species for each wetland zone using indicator species analysis. Results Forest overstory composition changed across the elevation gradient, with broad-leaved trees occupying a distinct hydrologic niche in low-lying areas close to the OHWM. Conifer species occurred higher above the OHWM on drier microsites. Pseudotsuga menziesii (mean elevation = 0.881 m) and Tsuga heterophylla (mean elevation = 1.737 m) were overstory indicator species of the WB, while Fraxinus latifolia (mean elevation = 0.005 m) was an overstory indicator for the upper and lower wetland. Understory vegetation differed between zones and lower zones’ indicator species were generally hydrophytic species with adaptations that allow them to tolerate flooding stress at lower elevations. Average elevations above the OHWM are reported for 19 overstory trees and 61 understory plant species. By quantifying forested wetland plant species’ affinities for different habitats across an inundation gradient, this study illustrates how rarely flooded, forested WB vegetation differs from frequently flooded, LW vegetation. Because common management applications, like restoring forested wetlands and managing wetland responses to forest harvest, are both predicated upon understanding how vegetation relates to hydrology, these data on where different species might establish and persist along an inundation gradient may be useful in planning for anticipated forested wetland responses to restoration and disturbance.
Probabilistic numerics and uncertainty in computations

We deliver a call to arms for probabilistic numerical methods: algorithms for numerical tasks, including linear algebra, integration, optimization and solving differential equations, that return uncertainties in their calculations. Such uncertainties, arising from the loss of precision induced by numerical calculation with limited time or hardware, are important for much contemporary science and industry. Within applications such as climate science and astrophysics, the need to make decisions on the basis of computations with large and complex data have led to a renewed focus on the management of numerical uncertainty. We describe how several seminal classic numerical methods can be interpreted naturally as probabilistic inference. We then show that the probabilistic view suggests new algorithms that can flexibly be adapted to suit application specifics, while delivering improved empirical performance. We provide concrete illustrations of the benefits of probabilistic numeric algorithms on real scientific problems from astrometry and astronomical imaging, while highlighting open problems with these new algorithms. Finally, we describe how probabilistic numerical methods provide a coherent framework for identifying the uncertainty in calculations performed with a combination of numerical algorithms (e.g. both numerical optimizers and differential equation solvers), potentially allowing the diagnosis (and control) of error sources in computations.
Glimpse into the electrocardiographic changes in patients of anemia at a younger age A hospital-based observational study

Page | 179 decreased O2 carrying capacity of Hb which, in turn, lead to myocardial insult as a result of supply-demand mismatch, thereby contributing to myocardial ischemia or infarction. [5,6] Multiple physiological mechanisms are unleashed by the heart to compensate this mismatch like increase in cardiac output (CO) and decreasing circulation time. [7] Most of these changes are reversible and attempt to restore the cardiac physiology with the treatment of anemia. However, if left untreated for longer duration, the ill effects like hyperdynamic circulation occur which may lead to dilation and hypertrophy of the heart, but fortunately, the same is also reversible with treatment. [8,9]
: Is there a correlation between the biceps brachii muscle stiffness measured by elastography and severity of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema?

Amac: Meme kanseri iliskili lenfodem (MKIL) etkilenen el ve kolda sisme, agirlik hissi, katilik, agri, uyusukluk ve hareket kisitliligina neden olur. MKIL bu olgularda fibrozis, selulut, lenfadenit ve sepsise yatkinlik yapar. Bu calismanin amaci biseps kasinda “makaslama dalgasi elastografi” (SWE) ile olculen sertlik ve lenfodem siddeti arasindaki korelasyonu degerlendirmektir. Yontemler: Ust ekstremitede MKIL olan 20 olgu ( ortalama yas; 54,6±5,4 yil) prospektif olarak calismaya dâhil edilmistir. Biseps kasi sertligi SWE ile degerlendirilmistir. Her bir olguda etkilenen taraftaki biseps kasinda “makaslama dalgasi” hiz degerleri olculmustur. Lenfodem siddetine lenfodemden etkilenen tarafla etkilenmeyen taraf arasindaki hacim ve cap farki hesaplanilarak karar verilmistir. Her olguda biseps kasinda “Shear Wave” hiz degeri (SWH) olculmustur. SWE ile olculen biseps kasi sertligi ve etkilenen tarafla etkilenmeyen taraf arasindaki hacim ve cap farklari arasindaki korelasyon degerlendirilmistir. Bulgular: Etkilenen kolda biseps kasinda olculen SWH degerleri ile etkilenen ve etkilenmeyen ekstremiteler arasindaki hacim ve cap farki arasinda orta derecede bir korelasyon saptanmistir (0,70≥ r≥ 0,51). Sonuc: Calismamizda lenfodem siddeti arttikca biseps kasi sertliginde artis oldugunu gosterdik. SWE ile olculen biseps kasi sertligi MKIL tanili olgularda takipte kullanilabilecek kantitatif bir metot olabilir.
THE ROLE OF THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST IN THE TREATMENT OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

concern for most of the population of the developed world. Overweight is reached when body mass index (BMI) is situated between 25 and 29.9 and obesity when BMI is over 30. From a health perspective there is ample evidence relating BMI increase with morbidity increase (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia or surgical-risk increase) and with the increase of mortality attributable to all causes (e.g., cardiovascular or cancer). The problem shows a very noteworthy pattern of increase. In Spain, in 2003 49.23% of the population had excess weight to a certain degree (13.32% were obese and 36.91% were overweight). In 2006, according to a National Poll on Health, 15.25% and 37.4% of adults presented obesity and overweight, respectively. The preview results of the ENRICA study conducted by the Autonomous University of Madrid show that 62% of Spaniards over 18 have excess weight (23% obesity and 39% overweight). However, regarding this topic, it is necessary to take into account two important facts. On the one hand, the statistical relationship between excess weight and illness is purely correlational and not causal. This would explain that 20% of diabetics, 40% of individuals with hypertension and 50% of those with high cholesterol have a normal weight. And on the other hand, the relationship between BMI and mortality is not lineal but rather it adopts a U form. This means that the risk of dying increases in both people with obesity and in people with low BMI levels (Allison, Zhu, Plankey, Faith and Heo, 2002). And, surprisingly, it has also been shown in one of the best studies on the topic that the mortality rate is even lower in the overweight range (25-26.9) than in the normal weight range (18.5-24.9) (Flegal, Graubard, Williamson and Gail, 2005). These data are of great importance in the sense that many people who seek help to lose weight do not do it so much for health reasons but rather due to the preoccupation with body image demanded by society and that is broadcast by the media. This implies that many women, in particular, with an adequate BMI and who do not present any health problems reiteratively attempt to lose weight. At present, a BMI of 25 is not considered aesthetically adequate. For example, many people believe that a woman of 1.65 m should weigh between 60 and 63 kg; this means a BMI between 21 and 23, between two and four points (i.e., at least 5 kg) below the limit of what is completely healthy. The objective of this paper is, first, to present the physiological and psychological barriers to weight loss and its long-term maintenance, and then, to describe the THE ROLE OF THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST IN THE TREATMENT OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
Chronic liver inflammation modifies DNA methylation at the precancerous stage of murine hepatocarcinogenesis

Chronic liver inflammation precedes the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Here, we explore the connection between chronic inflammation and DNA methylation in the liver at the late precancerous stages of HCC development in Mdr2−/− (Mdr2/Abcb4-knockout) mice, a model of inflammation-mediated HCC. Using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation followed by hybridization with “CpG islands” (CGIs) microarrays, we found specific CGIs in 76 genes which were hypermethylated in the Mdr2−/− liver compared to age-matched healthy controls. The observed hypermethylation resulted mainly from an age-dependent decrease of methylation of the specific CGIs in control livers with no decrease in mutant mice. Chronic inflammation did not change global levels of DNA methylation in Mdr2−/− liver, but caused a 2-fold decrease of the global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine level in mutants compared to controls. Liver cell fractionation revealed, that the relative hypermethylation of specific CGIs in Mdr2−/− livers affected either hepatocyte, or non-hepatocyte, or both fractions without a correlation between changes of gene methylation and expression. Our findings demonstrate that chronic liver inflammation causes hypermethylation of specific CGIs, which may affect both hepatocytes and non-hepatocyte liver cells. These changes may serve as useful markers of an increased regenerative activity and of a late precancerous stage in the chronically inflamed liver.
Perception and Experiences of Infection Control Practices among Professional Nurses in Secondary Health Facilities in South-South Nigeria: A Qualitative Approach

Infection control practice is a fundamental operational guiding principle in the delivery of modern health care. However, there is minimal qualitative investigation into professional nurses’ perception of infection control practices and how the experiences affect compliance with recommended infection control procedures. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe professional nurses’ impressions and experiences about infection control practices. A descriptive qualitative research design was used as the research framework. In-depth Interviews (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were completed with a sample of 54 nurses. The findings highlight the importance of both individual and organisational factors in determining Nurses’ compliance with recommended workplace safety practices. Four major themes emerged from the data, namely knowledge, infection surveillance, safety practices, and workplace policy. The findings indicate individual and organisational factors associated with compliance which are useful in developing strategies to facilitate long-term compliance with infection control practices among nurses.
An evaluation of rational prescribing in hospital outpatient practice in Sierra Leone and assessment of affordability of a prescription as an outcome

Introduction Medicines are the most frequently used intervention in healthcare. Rational and cost-effective prescribing is especially important in countries where access to effective medicines may be challenged by affordability issues. This study describes the prescribing patterns of doctors in government hospitals in Freetown, Sierra Leone, considering the scope for rationalising prescribing and reducing cost to the patient. Methods A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at four hospitals, using selected World Health Organisation (WHO) indicators applied to 600 prescriptions, after systematic random sampling. The data was analysed using SPSS.16 and the Index of Rational Drug Prescrib-ing (IRDP) calculated. The Spearman's rank coefficient was used to examine possible associations between the number of medicines prescribed as generics and from the National Essential Medicines List (NEML) and cost of the prescription respectively. Affordability was determined from the average number of days of work required to purchase a prescription, based on the minimum wage of the lowest paid government worker in Sierra Leone. Results The mean number of medicines per prescription from the four hospitals was 4.37(range 4.18-4.56) with 57% prescribed generically and 64% from the NEML. An antibiotic and injection were found on 72% and 26% of prescriptions respectively. The overall IRDP was 2.65/5. The aver-age cost per prescription was Le. 29,376.30 ($6.78), equivalent to 43 days of work of the lowest paid government worker. Conclusion In this study, opportunities were identified for significant rationalisation and improvement in cost-effective prescribing.
EYE DERMOID IN A THARI BREED CATTLE CALF AND ITS SURGICAL MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY

A white colored 1-month-old Thari breed cattle calf was brought in the Veterinary Surgery Clinic of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam for surgery (Surgical manipulation), because of dermoid tissue development on both the eyes by birth. The physical examination of eye showed a dermoid tissue development on both eyes. Dermoid tissue of approximately 1cm size was formed on lower part of eye lid in cornea, causing irritation of eye ball and mild signs of pain on direct palpation. The calf was sedated with 20% Xylazine HCl @ 0.05 mg/kg body weight intravenously. The animal was placed in right lateral position for surgical intervention on a table. Local anesthetic 2% Lidocaine HCl @ 4ml per side was injected locally at site of incision and manipulation. The surgical site was washed with disinfectant and, hairs around eye were removed. Dermoid tissue on lower eye lid was grasped with curved artery forceps and was excised gently by superficial keratectomy procedure. There was no bleeding and then wound was closed with Safil 5/0 (Polyglycolic acid) absorbable suture. It is reported that eye dermoid is genetically transmitted diseases in animals. In conclusion corneal dermoid surgery can be performed using Xylazine and lidocaine by superficial keratectomy procedure.
Short-Term Clinical and Oncological Outcome of Prolonging Operation Interval After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Middle and Low Rectal Cancer

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term clinical and oncological outcome of prolonging operation interval to 11 weeks after the end of radiotherapy for locally advanced middle and low rectal cancer. Methods A total of 123 patients with stage II/III (cT3/T4 or N+) low and middle rectal cancer who had undergone operation after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were selected. According to the interval time between the last radiotherapy and operation, they were assigned to a short-interval group (SG, <11 weeks, n=66) and long-interval group (LG, ≥11 weeks, n=57). The relations among interval time and short-term clinical outcome and oncological outcome were analyzed. Results The analysis found that basic information, clinical characteristics, and preoperative treatment between the two groups had no significant difference. There were no differences in operation time, estimated intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications. The rate of sphincter preservation in the low and middle rectum was 66.7% in the short-interval group and 59.7% in the long-interval group (P=0.42). The incidence of anastomotic leak in the long-interval group was higher than that in the short-interval group (P=0.08). There was no significant difference in the recovery time of intestinal function and median duration of hospitalization between the two groups. The pathological complete remission rate was 17.07%. Multivariate analysis showed interval time had no influence on pathological complete remission. There was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival and 3-year disease-free survival between the two groups. The risk of recurrence and metastasis in patients with positive lymph nodes was higher than those with negative lymph nodes (P<0.05), HR=4.812 (95% CI 2.4–9.648). Conclusion Prolonging the interval time of operation to 11 weeks after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for middle and low rectal cancer does not improve the pathologic complete remission, morbidity, and mortality. There was no significant effect on oncologic outcome after prolonging the operation interval. Therefore, it is safe to prolong the interval of operation to 11 weeks.
APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA Scoring Systems Used for Predicting Outcome in Acute Organophosphate Intoxicated Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit-Poison Control Center Ain Shams University Hospitals (A Prospective Study)

Acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning accounts for a large number of intoxication cases treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA scoring systems for predicting mortality of OP poisoned patients admitted to the ICU. Subjects and methods: Seventy three OP intoxicated patients admitted to the ICU of the PCC-ASUH during the period from June 2013 to June 2015 were prospectively evaluated through a cross sectional hospital based study. Results: An APACHE II score of 10.5 or more was predictive of mortality, with 53.57 % sensitivity and 97.78% specificity. A SAPS II score of 25 or more was predictive of mortality, with 75.00 % sensitivity and 84.44% specificity. A SOFA score of 2.5 or more was predictive of mortality, with 75.00 % sensitivity and 91.11 % specificity. Conclusion:The three scoring systems, APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA, were more precise in differentiating the survivors from the non survivors than plasma butyrylcholinesterase.
Acceptability of fall prevention strategies for older people with vision impairment

Abstract Despite the high risk of falls for older people with vision impairment, adherence to exercise-based fall prevention programs is low. We investigated the attitudes of older people with vision impairment to fall prevention programs as well as home modifications. This was completed through focus group and semi-structured interviews with 19 community-dwelling people aged ≥63 years with vision impairment. The results indicated that participants did not attribute falls to vision impairment, nor consider themselves appropriate candidates for a fall prevention program. Participants also reported such barriers as competing priorities, transport issues and comorbidities. It is recommended that exercise-based fall prevention programs cater to the unique challenges of this population, such as delivery in home by Orientation and Mobility Specialists.
Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Growth of Mycotoxigenic Mould

The nanoparticles of ZnO (ZnO-NPs) were prepared by wet reaction of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The prepared ZnO-NPs were identified and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer (EDX), Fourier Transmitter Infra Red (FT-IR) and UV-visible spectrometry. From cases of dairy cattle that suffered from symptoms of toxicities as vomition, diarrhea, and loss of weight and decreased milk production, samples of milk and feed remnants were collected and tested for mycotoxigenic fungi and their toxins. The commonly isolated fungi were identified as A. flavus, A. ochraceus and A. niger. Significant levels of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1 were detected in raw milk samples (5.9±0.98 ppb of AFM1; 6.5±0.35 ppb of OA and 0.0 level of FB1 ) and cattle feeds (21±1.5 and 30±3.1 ppb of AFB1; 18.5±0.55 ppb of OA and 3.1± 1.89 ppb of Fumonisins). The effect of prepared ZnO- NPs on the growth and mycotoxins production by mycotoxigenic moulds were evaluated which was concentration dependent. The levels of produced mycotoxins were decreased when the concentration of ZnONPs increased. The growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxins production were inhibited by addition of 8 µg/ml of ZnO-NPs; while that of ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1 producing moulds and mycotoxins production were inhibited by addition of 10 µg/ml of ZnO-NPs to tested medium. When the treated mycotoixigenic fungal cells were subjected to SEM, the damage and rupture of fungal cell wall were detected in the area of surrounding growth media. Therefore, it is suggested that the application of ZnO-NPs in food systems is effective in inhibiting the growth of fungi and mycotoxins production.
Eosinophilic Fasciitis in a Patient with Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Coincidence or Association?

Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by symmetrical and painful swelling with a progressive induration and thickening of the skin and soft tissues. Its etiology is unknown, but possible causes or associated conditions include drugs, physical exercises, autoimmune diseases, neoplasia and infections.