Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relation to the use of metformin

Background. The use of metformin has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective. The present study evaluates the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and its risk factors. Moreover, it investigates the relationship between established deficiency and clinically detectable periph­eral neuropathy. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study involving patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were assisted at a public health care service, which is a reference center in Diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy was detected by Neuropathy Symptom Score, Vibration Sensitivity Test, Achilles Reflex and Monofilament Test. Vitamin B12 levels were determined by means of two laboratory measurements. Results. The study included 316 subjects, from which 91% were metformin users. Vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 14% of participants in the study. All patients with vitamin B12 deficiency used metformin, with an odds ratio of 2.6 for those using doses higher than 1000 mg/day (95% confidence interval: 1.3–5.3, p = 0.009). Vitamin B12 deficiency was also statisti­cally related to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p = 0.02). Peripheral neuropathy was observed in 41% of patients and was not related to vitamin B12 deficiency. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was lower among metformin users (39% vs. 60%; p = 0.04). Conclusions. This study demonstrated a dose-depend­ent association between metformin use and vitamin B12 deficiency, in addition to an association with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In contrast, Vitamin B12 deficiency was not related to clinically detected neuropathy.
Regulation of Adaptive Immunity in the Lung by the Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cell and Surfactant Protein a

REGULATION OF ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY IN THE LUNG BY THE ALVEOLAR EPITHELIAL TYPE II CELL AND SURFACTANT PROTEIN A by Bernice Lo Department of Cell Biology Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Christopher V. Nicchitta, Chair ___________________________ Jo Rae Wright, Advisor ___________________________ Marcella Sarzotti-Kelsoe ___________________________ Thomas J. McIntosh ___________________________ Michael S. Krangel An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Cell Biology in the Graduate School of Duke University 2008 Copyright by Bernice Lo 2008
Adaptations to a variable environment - feeding ecology, survival and physiology of southern rockhopper penguins

Southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome) have a strongly synchronised breeding cycle with a fixed pattern of nest attendance for males and females. We studied leucocyte profiles and the development of granulocyte/lymphocyte (G/L) ratios as an indicator of stress. Variation in G/L ratios were related to sex and breeding stage, but not individual body condition. G/L ratios were similar for males and females during the first part of the incubation period (“shared incubation”, when males and females both attend the nest), but in the second part of the incubation (“single incubation”, only one adult attends the nest), females had significantly higher G/L ratios and lower body condition than males. The lowest G/L ratios were registered during the crèche of the chicks at the end of the breeding season. Our results show that G/L ratios in breeding southern rockhopper penguins on the population-scale reflect the temporally and sexually different timing of fasting and refeeding related to the breeding cycle. However, this measurement was not subtle enough to reveal an effect of body condition on G/L ratios on an individual scale.
Evaluation of Fixation of Mastectomy Flaps in Reduction of Seroma Formation in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Seroma is the most common complication following modified radical mastectomy (MRM), as post mastectomy dead space left between skin and anterior chest wall where seroma is formed causing multiple health issues. Aim of the Work: Is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of fixation of skin flaps to anterior chest wall for closing postoperative space with drainage as an alternative to the classic form of mastectomy closure with closed suction drain for MRM for female patients with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients, admitted to the following hospitals: Sydnawy Insurance Hospital, and Ain Shames University Hospitals with a diagnosis of breast cancer and were treated by modified radical mastectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups group A (n=30) were flap fixing group and group B (n=30) were non flap fixing group all patient were presented with breast cancer with age range of 32 to 75, postoperative patients were followed and their data were collected and compared. Results: All 60 patients were evaluated as we had no patients who were lost in follow up. Patients’ demographics were not different in the two groups. We reported less overall complication in group A than group B, also reduced total seroma volume in group A and reduced number of drain days in group A than B. Conclusions: Fixation of skin flaps to chest wall and closure of dead space post modified radical mastectomy actually reduce incidence of seroma formation
Assessment of the“Post-Acute Care Discharge Scores”(PACD) [Translated from the Original Article in German Published in Pflegewissenschaft 2015; 11: 582-95]

A systematic and early biopsychosocial assessment of older patients in acute care hospitals is necessary for a proactive and effective discharge plan in order to identify patients at risk for a care deficit after hospitalization. Our study aim was to adapt the, “Post Acute Care Discharge“ (PACD) Scores developed in Geneva for use in the Cantonal Hospital of Aarau and evaluate as screening instruments in selected medical patients in a medical university clinic. Among 308 patients admitted from home with urinary tract infections, falls, syncope or heart failure day 1 PACD ≥ 8 had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 62% and day 3 PACD ≥ 8 a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 60% to identify a nursing care deficit. The PACD is used as a screening instrument to identify patients at risk and therefore facilitate a structured, interdisciplinary and patient-centered analysis of the situation and discharge plan.
Atrial Electromechanical Function in Middle-Aged Endurance Athletes with and without Atrial Fibrillation

Highly endurance trained athletes have an elevated risk for developing paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF). The cardiac response to exercise is unknown in this population. Fourteen endurance-trained (H-EA) males (56.6 ± 5.1 years) were compared to eight endurance-trained males with PAF (EA-AF) (52.5 ± 6.8 years) during cycle-ergometry at light (100 bpm) and moderate (130 bpm) exercise. Resting atrial volumes did not differ between H-EAs and EA-AFs. Left ventricular EDV, LA reservoir and LA booster volumes were significantly lower in EA-AFs during light and moderate exercise, and there was a trend for greater passive emptying during light exercise. There were no differences in phasic strain, diastolic function, or atrial electro-mechanical delay. The findings of the present study suggest that resting measures of volume and function are inadequate to identify markers of PAF in athletes. Evidence of reduced atrial phasic volumes during elevated demands may be indicative of atrial stiffening in PAF athletes.
Nonreciprocal transport in gate-induced polar superconductor SrTiO3

Characteristics of gate-induced 2D superconductor SrTiO3, a possible Rashba superconductor, are studied via nonlinear transport. Polar conductors/superconductors with Rashba-type spin-orbit interaction are potential material platforms for quantum transport and spintronic functionalities. One of their inherent properties is the nonreciprocal transport, where the rightward and leftward currents become inequivalent, reflecting spatial inversion/time-reversal symmetry breaking. Such a rectification effect originating from the polar symmetry has been recently observed at interfaces or bulk Rashba semiconductors, while its mechanism in a polar superconductor remains elusive. Here, we report the nonreciprocal transport in gate-induced two-dimensional superconductor SrTiO3, which is a Rashba superconductor candidate. In addition to the gigantic enhancement of nonreciprocal signals in the superconducting fluctuation region, we found kink and sharp peak structures around critical temperatures, which reflect the crossover behavior from the paraconductivity origin to the vortex origin, based on a microscopic theory. The present result proves that the nonreciprocal transport is a powerful tool for investigating the interfacial/polar superconductors without inversion symmetry, where rich exotic features are theoretically prognosticated.
A case of Brachygnathia Inferior (Micrognathia) in a Calf

Bu calismada, Elazig’da suni tohumlama sonrasinda gebe kalan Isvicre Esmeri bir duveden dogan 7 gunluk disi bir buzagida Brachygnathia inferior (Micrognathia, Parrot-Mouth) olgusu sunuldu. Yapilan inspektif muayenede buzagidaki dogmasal anomali Brachygnathia inferior olarak tanimlandi. Buzagida alt cenenin ust ceneye gore 9 cm kisa oldugu, kesici dislerin carpik oldugu, ust damagin normal oldugu ve dilin buyuk kisminin disarida kaldigi gozlendi. Dilin uc kisimlarinda kuruma sonucu renk degisimi gozlendi. Buzaginin annesini ememedigi ve biberonla beslendigi goruldu. Ellibes gun sonra yapilan kontrolde buzagida yeterli beslenememeye bagli olarak gelisim geriligi tespit edildi. Sonraki takiplerde buzaginin 70. gune kadar biberon araciligiyla sadece sutle beslendigi ve uc aylikken oldugu bilgisi alindi. Brachygnathia inferior olgusu 7 ve 55. gunlerde fotograflandi
Development of an Education Program for Registered Nurses Related to the Use and Function of Mechanical Prophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism events (VTE) are one of nine hospital-acquired events monitored by organizations, such as The Joint Commission, that are considered preventable when the proper safeguards are in place. Practice recommendations by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and The American College of Chest Physicians include adhering to pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy for at risk patients. In patients with contraindications to pharmacological prophylaxis, mechanical therapy provides adequate protection against VTE when used correctly. Registered nurses within the acute care setting are key players in ensuring that mechanical therapy is implemented and maintained at the bedside. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess nurse understanding on the use and function of mechanical prophylaxis. The project included a pretest, educational program, and posttest design on a surgical unit at Rhode Island Hospital. The Logic Model Framework guided the quality improvement project. Twenty-one nurses completed the pretest (66%) and 21 attended the educational sessions and completed the posttest (66%). Pretest scores ranged from 2.4 to 4.2 out of a possible 5 points for each question, with a mean response rate of 3.6. In comparison, posttest scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.6, with a mean response rate of 4.3. The average posttest response rate increased by 0.7 points. Seventeen nurses completed a program evaluation (n=17; 60%). Three themes were derived after analysis of open ended responses by nurses from the program evaluation. Overall, the findings supported increased understanding on the use and function of mechanical prophylaxis by nurses after attending the educational program. Further research is needed to determine if incorporating this educational program in new hire orientation or developing a formal nursing policy on mechanical prophylaxis would increase nurse and patient compliance.
Psychological Changes in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

1. Student Research Committee, Midwifery (BSc.), Khalkhal Medical College, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. 2. Nursing (BSc.), Student Research Committee, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Critical Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. 4. Associate Professor, Educational Development Professor, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease in Pregnancy: Incidence, Temporal Trends, and Risk Factors

Background and Purpose— Few studies have examined the epidemiology of stroke in pregnancy, despite the high associated burden of death and disability. We aimed to quantify the incidence, temporal trends, risk factors, and case fatality associated with stroke and cerebrovascular disease in pregnancy. Methods— All antepartum, peripartum, and postpartum hospitalizations and readmissions within 42 days of delivery in Canada (except Quebec) were obtained from the Canadian Institute of Health Information for the years 2003 to 2016. We assessed temporal trends in stroke and quantified associated risk factors using logistic regression. Results— Five hundred twenty-four stroke cases were identified among 3 907 262 deliveries (13.4 per 100 000). The majority of cases were hemorrhagic strokes (307 cases, 58.6%) and most occurred in the postpartum period (270 cases, 51.5%). The case fatality rate was 7.4%. Stroke incidence rose from 10.8 per 100 000 in 2003 to 2004 to 16.6 per 100 000 deliveries in 2015 to 2016 (P=0.002). Risk factors for stroke included older maternal (age ≥40 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6), preeclampsia (AOR, 7.1; 95% CI, 5.3–9.6), eclampsia (AOR, 65.9; 95% CI, 43.6–99.6), maternal congenital heart disease (AOR, 38.1; 95% CI, 22.1–65.8), connective tissue disorders (AOR, 12.6; 95% CI, 6.1–26.9), sepsis (AOR, 7.6; 95% CI, 3.6–16.2), severe postpartum hemorrhage (AOR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.8–8.0), and thrombophilia (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5–12.1). Conclusions— The rising incidence of stroke in pregnancy, especially during the postpartum period, and its strong association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (especially preeclampsia) suggest that follow-up of severe hypertensive patients is required after delivery.
Evaluation of some male types as pollinators for Barhi date palm cv. grown in Egypt.

Four different date palm male types were chosen to evaluate which male could be recommended to use as a pollinator for Barhi date palm cv. grown in Egypt. Three male types namely Ghanamy, Fard and Boyr were grown in the Fruit Trees Experimental Station at Dibba, Fojaira, UAE, and the fourth male was an individual Sewy satellite seedling grown in Egypt. Number of spathe/palm; spathe weight, length, & width ; pollen grains weight / spathe ; average of strand length as well as pollen grains germination % were determined for each male date palm tree from each male type . Moreover, pollen grains from each male type were used as a pollinator to evaluate their effect on fruit set and fruit quality of Barhi date palm cv. This study was carried out during both 2004&2005 seasons. Data showed that both Ghanamy and Fard male type were superior in their morphological characters as compared with Boyr or Sewy satellite seedling male type. Boyr male type showed the lowest values of morphological characters. On the other hand, there were no great differences in pollen grains germination percentage. Moreover, the results clearly indicated that Ghanamy pollen recorded the highest significant fruit set percentage and bunch weight (Kg) in both seasons of study. While, Fard pollen produced the highest fruit weight (g), length, diameter, flesh weight& thickness and flesh %. Boyr and Sewy pollen showed the highest ratio of fruit length / diameter in both seasons. Data also revealed that dates that were picked from bunches pollinated with Fard pollen had the highest total soluble salts (T.S.S) value and the lowest tannins content.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Concha Bullosa and Nasal Septum Deviation with Diameter of Nasolacrimal Duct

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concha bullosa (CB) and nasal septal deviation (NSD) on the diameter nasolacrimal duct (NLD). Material and Methods: A total of 103 patients who underwent paranasal sinus (PNS) computed tomography (CT) between January 2018 and May 2018 were included in the study. Coronary and axial CT images of the patients were evaluated for the presence of CB and NSD. Left and right NLD diameters were measured from axial CT plane. To ensure standardization, the NLD diameters measurement was performed from the CT sections at the level of the inferior border of bilateral bulbusoculi in all patients. The relationship between the CB, NSD and NLD was statistically analyzed. Results: Of the 103 patients included in the study, 51 (49.5%) were males and 52 (50.5%) were females. The minimum age of the patients was 18 years, the maximum age was 79 years and the median age was 38 years. Forty patients (38.8%) had CB and 63 patients (61.2%) had no CB. Nasal septum was in the midline in 39 patients (37.9%) and NSD was present in 64 patients (62.1%). The median NLD diameter was 5.8 mm on the right and left side. NLD diameter was significantly smaller in females than males(p<0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between CB, NSD and the NLD diameter. Conclusion: In our study, there was no significant effect of the presence of concha bullosa and nasal septum deviation on the nasolacrimal duct diameter
Metastatic Carcinomatosis Cirrhosis: A Rare Pattern of Metastasis

Metastatic carcinomatosis cirrhosis is a pattern of metastasis in which malignancy infiltrates the liver and provokes hepatic fibrosis. It is an especially rare complication of several malignancies, including breast cancer. We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with lobular carcinoma of the breast who presented with confusion and rising serum tumor markers without evidence of disease recurrence on imaging. She subsequently developed clinical evidence of hepatic dysfunction and a liver biopsy revealed diffuse infiltration of the liver by breast carcinoma with surrounding fibrous tissue deposition, consistent with metastatic carcinomatosis cirrhosis. This case highlights a rare and clinically significant pattern of metastasis and is the first to describe lobular carcinoma of the breast causing metastatic carcinomatosis cirrhosis.
Language influences music harmony perception: effects of shared syntactic integration resources beyond attention

Many studies have revealed shared music–language processing resources by finding an influence of music harmony manipulations on concurrent language processing. However, the nature of the shared resources has remained ambiguous. They have been argued to be syntax specific and thus due to shared syntactic integration resources. An alternative view regards them as related to general attention and, thus, not specific to syntax. The present experiments evaluated these accounts by investigating the influence of language on music. Participants were asked to provide closure judgements on harmonic sequences in order to assess the appropriateness of sequence endings. At the same time participants read syntactic garden-path sentences. Closure judgements revealed a change in harmonic processing as the result of reading a syntactically challenging word. We found no influence of an arithmetic control manipulation (experiment 1) or semantic garden-path sentences (experiment 2). Our results provide behavioural evidence for a specific influence of linguistic syntax processing on musical harmony judgements. A closer look reveals that the shared resources appear to be needed to hold a harmonic key online in some form of syntactic working memory or unification workspace related to the integration of chords and words. Overall, our results support the syntax specificity of shared music–language processing resources.
Evaluation of chickpea lines for resistance to dry root rot caused by Rhizoctonia

Twenty-nine chickpea germplasm accessions and 10 cultivars were screened for resistance to dry root rot, caused by R. bataticola [Macrophomina phaseolina]. Eight advanced breeding lines that were identified during trials at ICRISAT to have field resistance ( 1 and ≤3), moderately resistant (DS>3 and ≤5), susceptible (DS>5 and ≤7) and highly susceptible (DS>7). Of the 47 lines, none was immune to dry root rot. One germplasm accession (ICC 14395), a cultivar (ICCV 2) and an advanced breeding line (ICCX830203-BH-BH-11H) were resistant to dry root rot. Of the remaining lines, 22 were moderately resistant, 19 susceptible and 3 highly susceptible. The disease severity in the 2 susceptible lines (BG 212 and ICC 12267) used as the controls was rated 9.
Periodontal Condition in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effect of Anti-rheumatic Drugs

Statement of the Problem: Rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis are chronic inflammatory diseases with a possible bidirectional relationship. This link may be affected by many factors like drug consumption. Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the periodontal condition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, considering the effect of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Materials and Method: This case-control study included 25 newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients with negative history of taking anti-rheumatic drugs, 25 patients who received anti-rheumatic drugs for more than three years and 50 healthy individuals as a control group. Periodontal indices, including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and rheumatologic indices were recorded and compared between these groups. Results: Rheumatoid arthritis patients were significantly more affected by periodontitis compared with healthy subjects (p= 0.006). There was no significant difference in rheumatologic indices between patients with and without periodontitis. Clinical attachment loss in old rheumatoid arthritis patients and gingival index in newly diagnosed ones were significantly more compared to the control group (p= 0.003 and p< 0.001 respectively). We could not find a linear relationship between the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis (p= 0.1, r= -0.224). Conclusion: Periodontitis and clinical attachment loss were more in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than the healthy group, especially in drug consumers. Gingival index in patients without the history of consuming anti-rheumatic drugs was significantly higher than those who were drug consumers, indicating the effect of the medications on the signs of inflammation.