Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Our Experience with the Treatment of Hydrocephalus in infants: Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy versus Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt: A retrospective comparative study

Background: Hydrocephalus is the commonest pediatric neurological disorder and usually treated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. This diversion accomplished by third ventriculostomy or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. However, the optimal management is still controversial. Aim of the work: To compare the endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) to ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt in management of Infantile hydrocephalus. Patients and Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis for 40 infants with hydrocephalus. The treatment used was CSF diversion by ETV or VP shunt. Results: oth treatment groups were comparable regarding age, gender, cause of hydrocephalus, incidence of postoperative re-obstruction, OFC change, hematoma, revision surgery, mortality or success rate. However, the operative time was significantly reduced among ETV when compared to VP shunt group (48.80±9.13 vs 66.75±7.65 minutes, respectively). The rate of postoperative infection was significantly decreased in ETV when compared to VP shunt groups (15.0% vs 45.0% respectively). Finally, the overall mortality during postoperative one year follow up duration was 42.5% with no significant difference between ETV and VP shunt groups (35.0% vs 50.0% respectively). In addition, the overall failure rate was 50.0%, which was lower among ETV when compared to V shunt groups (35.0% vs 65.0% respectively) with no significant difference. Conclusion: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is effective and safe intervention for treatment of infantile hydrocephalus (for infants between 6 and 3 years of age). It is superior to VP shunt as it is associated with lower postoperative infection and shorter operation time, when compared to shunt.
Effect of extraction conditions on ultrasonic-assisted extraction of
 polyphenolic compounds from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
 leaves

The effects of extraction conditions on ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenolic compounds from okra leaves (OKL) were investigated. Dried OKL powder was extracted using different conditions, including ethanol concentration (20-100%), sample-to-solvent ratio (1:10-1:40 g/mL), UAE temperature (10-70°C) and time (15-75 min); and their effects on total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, as well as the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities, were examined via a single-factor design. The principal component analysis (PCA) was useful in indicating the optimal extraction parameters and aided a clearer understanding of correlative relationships between the extraction variables. The results showed all extraction conditions to have significant effects on OKL polyphenolics yield and antioxidant activities. The extraction conditions of 60% ethanol, 1:40 g/mL solid-to-solvent, at 70°C for 30 min, favored OKL polyphenolics recovery and antioxidant stability. At this optimal condition, the values for OKL extract yield, TPC, TFC, DPPH, and ABTS were 31.50%, 13.21 mg GAE/g, 29.57 mg RE/g, 16.86 mg AAE/g and 31.90 mg AAE/g, respectively. PCA result substantiated the results obtained for optimal extraction conditions and informed a close correlation between OKL polyphenolics and antioxidant activity. Moreover, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric, and catechin were identified as the major polyphenols in OKL. Conclusively, optimal UAE conditions for OKL polyphenols were obtained, and this could provide a basis for the utilization of OKL as a potential functional material.
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Plant Essential Oils Against Listeria monocytogenes 1.

The antimicrobial activity of 32 plant essential oils commonly used in food industry was examined against four strains of Listeria monocytogenes and one strain of Listeria innocua . Two different procedures were carried out to test the essential oils, a paper disc diffusion method and an inhibition curve. In the former procedure an absolute ethanolic solution (1:5 v/v) of each oil was tested on the plates inoculated with a bacterial concentration of 106 CFU/ml. Five of the 32 essential oils (cinnamon, clove, origanum, pimento, and thyme) showed antibacterial activity. Some of the five oils were also tested at lower concentration (1:50 v/v). The inhibition curve to study antilisteric efficacies of the five oils in a saline solution system was examined. Pimento oil showed marked and rapid activity (generally within 1 h of exposure), whereas clove, origanum, and thyme oils showed a more slow activity. The antilisteric activity of the tested oils seems to be strain dependent. A L. monocytogenes strain was also tested in a food matrix (minced pork meat) against thyme essential oil. Minced pork meat with thyme oil reduced the L. monocytogenes population by ca. 100-fold over the first week of storage.
Enhancing the Quality of a Higher Education Course: Quality Function Deployment and Kano Model Integration

only in the business world but also in higher education. To catch up with the competition, higher education institutions focus on adapting to the developments in science and technology (Sagnak, Ada, Kazanço¤lu, & Tayaksi, 2018). Quality has now become a key competitive weapon to serve and attract primary customers (e.g. students, parents) in education due to the challenge arising from the increasing Küresel ekonomide özellikle geliflmekte olan ekonomiler için lisans e¤itiminin kalitesi ile rekabet edebilirlik aras›nda önemli bir iliflki vard›r. Kalite Fonksiyon Göçerimi (KFG), müflteri gerekliliklerini teknik gerekliliklere dönüfltürmek için Toplam Kalite Yönetiminde (TKY) kullan›lan önemli yöntemlerden biridir. Bu çal›flman›n amac›, yüksekö¤retimde bir lisans dersinin kalitesini art›rmak için müflterilerin ihtiyaçlar›n› belirlemek ve öncelik s›ras›na koymak için Bat› tarz›, üçüncü nesil KFG yöntemini Kano modeli ile birlikte uygulamakt›r. Bilinebildi¤i kadar›yla, literatürde belirtilen yöntemlerin yüksekö¤retim alan›nda birlikte kullan›ld›¤› ampirik bir çal›flmaya rastlanmam›flt›r. Yöntemlerin birlikte kullan›lmas› sonucunda sadece en önemli ö¤renci ihtiyaçlar›n› ve teknik ihtiyaçlar› içerecek flekilde bir odaklanm›fl kalite evi oluflturulmufltur. Sonuçlar, tek boyutlu ihtiyaçlar olarak da adland›r›lan önde gelen ö¤renci gereksinimlerinin, ö¤retim eleman›n›n teorik ve sektörel bilgisi gibi ço¤unlukla ö¤retim üyelerine yönelik özellikler oldu¤unu göstermektedir. Cazip ihtiyaçlar olarak adland›r›lan teknik geziler ve davetli konuflmac›lar gibi endüstri ile etkileflimin, ö¤renci memnuniyetini art›rd›¤› tespit edilmifltir. Odaklanm›fl kalite evine göre, öne ç›kan teknik gereksinimler bütçe/fon, derse kay›tl› ö¤renci say›s›, ö¤retim eleman›n›n ifl yükü, fabrika gezisi, iyi iletiflim/empati, ö¤retim eleman›n›n niteli¤i ve ö¤retim yeterlili¤i olarak bulunmufltur. Çal›flmada önerilen bütünleflik çerçeve, e¤itim kalitesini art›rmak yönünde ana ö¤renci gereksinimlerini tan›mlamak ve karfl›lamak için e¤itim alan›ndaki karar al›c›lara katk› sunabilir.
Biogas Investment Intention of Large-Scale Pig Farmers Under the EmissionTrading System

Based on the field research data of 424 large-scale pig farmers in Zhejiang Province, this paper takes the biogas fermentation as the main adoption behaviour of pollution treatment, and make the quantitative analysis on the biogas investment intention and its influencing factors on large-scale pig farmers under the emission trading system. The research shows that the emission trading system can encourage large-scale pig farmers to adopt biogas fermentation to deal with pollution and make environmental protection investment for waste resources utilization, which mainly depends on the pig breeding scale, the biogas digesters purchased or not, the benefit evaluation of biogas fermentation and the biogas fermentation technology service existed or not, rather than environmental awareness. Therefore, it is feasible to introduce the emission trading system into the agricultural non-point source pollution control with pig breeding pollution as the typical example. For the pig breeding industry, emission trading can be transformed from the traditional redistribution of environmental capacity to the redistribution of production scale.
Scattering GCN: Overcoming Oversmoothness in Graph Conv. Networks

Graph convolutional networks (GCNs) are widely used for semi-supervised node classiﬁcation on graphs today. The graph structure is however only accounted for by considering the similarity of activations between adjacent nodes, in turn degrading the results. In this work, we augment GCN models by incorporating richer notions of regularity by leveraging cascades of band-pass ﬁlters, known as geometric scatterings. We introduce a new hybrid architecture for the task and demonstrate its potential on multiple graph datasets, where it outperforms leading GCN models.
Alterations in Serum Magnesium Levels in Hyperbili-rubinemic Neonates Before and After Phototherapy

Background: Bilirubin binds to cell membrane phospholipids, including N-methyl D-aspartate receptor, and causes excessive activation that can lead to neurotoxic effects. Since magnesium is an important inhibitor of this receptor, a comparison can be made between the physiological effects of magnesium and the neurological effects of bilirubin. This study aimed to compare changes in serum magnesium levels before and after phototherapy in hyperbilirubinemic newborns.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined full-term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. These newborns were admitted between 2012 and 2014 to the Neonatal Unit of Children’s Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. Based on the amount of bilirubin upon admission, participants were divided into three groups of mild (20 mg/dl). The total serum magnesium levels were measured before and 12-24 h after phototherapy.Results: A total of 143 newborns were included in this study. A significant difference was observed between serum magnesium levels before (2.42±0.46 mg/dl) and after (2.07±0.32 mg/dl) phototherapy (P<0.001). This difference was observed in all etiologies of icterus.Conclusion: The magnesium level decreased significantly after the completion of jaundice treatment for all causes of the condition. These findings raise the hypothesis that an increase in the level of extracellular magnesium is a defense mechanism that reduces the neurotoxic effects of bilirubin.
A randomized comparative study of two different concentrations of ketamine and propofol combination in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures

Background Ketofol is a mixture of ketamine and propofol. It is one of the agents known to achieve procedural sedation and analgesia. Aim of the study This prospective randomized study compared the effectiveness and safety of two doses of ketofol in morbidly obese patients undergoing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods The study included 100 adult patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists II and III. The patients were divided into two equal groups; group I in which the ketamine dose equal the propofol dose (k/p 1:1), n=50, and group II in which ketamine dose equal ¼ of the propofol dose (k/p 1:4), n=50. In separate syringes, ketamine 1mg/kg plus propofol 1mg/kg were injected intravenously in group I. In group II, patients are given ketamine 0.25 mg/kg plus propofol 1mg/kg. The bispectral index values, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, respiratory profiles, visual analogue scale pain score, and adverse events were recorded. Results No statistically significant difference between both groups regarding bispectral index values, Hemodynamics, respiratory profiles, and visual analogue scale pain score. The time needed to discharge patients from the postanaesthesia care unit was prolonged in group I (39 min) compared with group II (32 min). Recovery agitation was reported in 5 patients in group I. Conclusion Both concentrations of ketamine and propofol are effective and safe in the sedation of obese patients. It is recommended to use the combination of ketamine and propofol (k/p 1:4) because this concentration is associated with a short recovery and less psychotomimetic side effects.
The Comparison of Direct Laryngoscopy and Video Laryngoscopy in Pediatric Airways Management for Congenital Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Airway management in patients with hereditary heart disease is an important therapeutic intervention. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare direct laryngoscopy (DL) with video laryngoscopy (VL) in pediatric airways management for congenital heart surgery. Methods This study was designed as a prospective randomized clinical trial. Two consecutive groups of 30 patients undergoing elective noncyanotic congenital heart surgery. The patients were divided into direct laryngoscopy versus video laryngoscopy for intubation of the trachea. The main outcomes were the number of success rate in the first attempt, and the secondary outcomes were the duration of successful intubation and complications, such as desaturation and bradycardia. Results Intubation procedure time was measured as 51.13 ± 17.88 seconds for the group with direct laryngoscopy and 59.66 ± 45.91 seconds for group with VL that was significant (P = 0.006). In DL group, 22 patients were intubated on the first attempt, 8 patients on the second attempt, and 6 patients on the third attempt, compared to 24, 6, and 2 respectively, in VL group. The differences were significant only in the third attempt between groups (P = 0.033). The important difference established in heart rate (HR) and SpaO2 amounts between the two groups at any time (P < 0.05). Conclusions VL can produce better visualization for intubation of trachea in congenital heart disease, but this is time-consuming. Indeed, training in the use of the VL should be increased to reduce the time required for performance. Moreover, further studies are recommended to approve these helpful findings.
A novel three step protocol to isolate extracellular vesicles from plasma or cell culture medium with both high yield and purity

ABSTRACT Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane encapsulated nanoparticles that can function in intercellular communication, and their presence in biofluids can be indicative for (patho)physiological conditions. Studies aiming to resolve functionalities of EV or to discover EV-associated biomarkers for disease in liquid biopsies are hampered by limitations of current protocols to isolate EV from biofluids or cell culture medium. EV isolation is complicated by the >105-fold numerical excess of other types of particles, including lipoproteins and protein complexes. In addition to persisting contaminants, currently available EV isolation methods may suffer from inefficient EV recovery, bias for EV subtypes, interference with the integrity of EV membranes, and loss of EV functionality. In this study, we established a novel three-step non-selective method to isolate EV from blood or cell culture media with both high yield and purity, resulting in 71% recovery and near to complete elimination of unrelated (lipo)proteins. This EV isolation procedure is independent of ill-defined commercial kits, and apart from an ultracentrifuge, does not require specialised expensive equipment.
The Impact of Obesity on Various Semen Parameters and Sex Hormones in Iranian Men with Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the correlations between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and semen parameters (semen volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology) and sex hormones in Iranian men with infertility. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 119 male patients who had lived as a partner in an infertile couple for at least 1 year, after regular unprotected sexual intercourse in their married life were investigated. BMI and WC were assessed, and a morning blood sample was taken assessing serum levels of testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and leptin. Semen-analysis parameters were also measured. Results Based on BMI and WC, the sperm count, total motility and progressive sperm were significantly lower in overweight and obese infertile males compared to that in normal weight infertile males and those with WC<102 cm. In addition, the fraction of sperm with abnormal morphology was significantly higher in infertile men with WC>102 cm compared to that in those with WC<102 cm. Moreover serum levels of LH, FSH, and leptin were significantly higher in overweight and obese infertile males compared to that in normal weight infertile males and those with WC<102 cm. Moreover serum level of E2 was significantly higher in obese infertile males compared to the normal weight infertile males and in those with WC>102 cm compared to the WC<102 cm. Furthermore, serum level of T was significantly lower in obese infertile males compared to the overweight infertile males and in those with WC>102 cm compared to the WC<102 cm. The mean of T/E2 ratio also was significantly lower in obese infertile males vs overweight and normal weight infertile males and in those with WC>102 cm compared to the WC<102 cm. Conclusion We concluded that overweight and obesity in infertile men compared to those with normal weight may worsen the infertility situation.
Emergence of NDM-5-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and SIM-Producing Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Aseptic Body Fluid in a Large Tertiary Hospital, 2017–2018: Genetic Traits of blaNDM-Like and blaSIM-Like Genes as Determined by NGS

Purpose To characterize the clinical, resistance, and virulence features of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonaie (CRKP) and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) and also provide an effective selection of drug in CRKP and hvKP treatment. Materials and Methods Twelve strains were collected and investigated these isolates for their antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular features. Resistance mechanisms, virulence-associated genes, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and serotypes were detected by PCR and sequencing. Next general sequencing (NGS) was carried out to determine the features of carbapenem resistance and virulence. The synergistic activity of tigecycline–imipenem (TGC+IPM), tigecycline–meropenem (TGC+MEM), and tigecycline–aztreonam (TGC+ATM) combinations were performed by microdilution checkerboard method. Results Eleven CRKP and one hvKP strains were collected. All strains showed highly sensitive rates to tigecycline (TGC) and amikacin (AMK). NDM (33.3%, 4/12) was the main resistance mechanism and MLST assigned 3 of them to ST11. CTX-M-producing (n = 1) and KPC-2-producing (n = 1) isolates belonged to ST147 and ST11, respectively. The MICs of ATM and quinolones in NDM-1 CRKP and NDM-5 CRKP strains were different. The serotype of the majority strains was KL22KL137 (58.3%, 7/12), hvKP stain belonged to K64. CRKP strains harbored plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (oqxA, oqxB, qnrS, qnrB), β-lactams (blaCTX-M-3), aminoglycosides, type I and type III fimbriae genes, siderophore genes, and transporter and pumps. SIM-producing ST1764 K64 showed typical features of hvKP, showing hypermucoviscosity phenotype. The virulence genes, including rmpA2, alls and aerobactin genes, linked to hvKP, were found in ST1764 hvKP. hvKP was sensitive to quinolone; also, oqxA gene was detected. All TGC combinations showed highly synergistic effects and TGC+IPM was more effective treatment. Conclusion We first identified the NDM-5-producing ST690 CRKP and SIM-producing ST1764 hvKP strains in Shanxi province. Tigecycline-carbapenem combinations were available treatments for CRKP.
On (Correctly Representing) Comprehension-Based Monitoring in Speaking: Rejoinder to Nozari (2020)

Misunderstanding exists about what constitutes comprehension-based monitoring in speaking and what it empirically implies. Here, I make clear that the use of the speech comprehension system is the defining property of comprehension-based monitoring rather than conscious and deliberate processing, as maintained by Nozari (2020). Therefore, contrary to what Nozari claims, my arguments in Roelofs (2020) are suitable for addressing her criticisms raised against comprehension-based monitoring. Also, I indicate that Nozari does not correctly describe my view in a review of her paper. Finally, I further clarify what comprehension-based monitoring entails empirically, thereby dealing with Nozari’s new criticisms and inaccurate descriptions of empirical findings. I conclude that comprehension-based monitoring remains a viable account of self-monitoring in speaking.
Immature Stages and Biology of Atheas austroriparius and Leptoypha costata (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Eggs and 5 nymphal instars of Atheas austroriparius Heidemann and Leptoypha costata Parshley are described and illustrated. The following life history information was obtained from correlations of field and lab data: A. austroriparius —2 generations a year; 8–15 days incubation; 1st-generation nymphal stadia averaged 5 days, 2nd generation nymphal stadia averaged 2 days. L. costata —3 generations a year; 9–10 days incubation ; nymphal stadia in all generations averaged 5 days. Both species overwinter as adults. A cecidomyiid parasite, Endopsylla sp. , was reared from a 5th-instar L. costata .
Burden and prevalence of risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease in the ageing European population - A SHARE-based analysis

Aim: International health authorities suggest that individuals aged 65 years and above and people with underlying comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity are at increased risk of severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the prevalence of risk factors is unknown in many countries. Therefore, we aim to describe the distribution of these risk factors across Europe. Subject and Methods: Prevalence of risk factors for severe COVID-19 was identified based on interview for 73,274 Europeans aged 50+ participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2017. Burden of disease was estimated using population data from Eurostat. Results: A total of 75.3% of the study population (corresponding to app. 60 million European men and 71 million women) had at least one risk factor for severe COVID-19,45.9% (app. 36 million men and 43 million women) had at least two factors and 21.2% (app. 17 million men and 20 million women) had at least three risk factors. The prevalences of underlying medical conditions ranged from 4.5% for cancer to 41.4% for hypertension, and the region-specific prevalence of having at least three risk factors ranged from 18.9% in Northern Europe to 24.6% in Eastern Europe. Conclusions: Information about the prevalences of risk factors might help authorities to identify the most vulnerable subpopulations with multiple risk factors of severe COVID-19 disease and thus to decide appropriate strategies to mitigate the pandemic.