Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Gene Variants in Patients without Severe Deficiency Diagnosed with Pulmonary Emphysema on Chest CT

Introduction Although pulmonary involvement due to alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency has been widely described, most studies focus on the genotypes causing severe deficiency (<60 mg/dL). Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of the different AAT gene variants that do not cause severe deficiency in patients with pulmonary emphysema diagnosed by thoracic computed tomography (CT). Furthermore, we assessed the risk associated with a non-severe decrease in AAT values in the pathogenesis of emphysema. Methods Case-control study design that included patients who had a CT scan available of the entire thorax. In total, 176 patients with emphysema (cases) and 100 control subjects without emphysema were analyzed. Results The prevalence of variants was higher among cases (25.6%; 45/176) than controls (22%; 22/100), although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.504) when analyzed globally. In the control group, all the variants detected were MS. Excluding this variant, statistically significant differences were observed in the remaining variants (MZ, SS and SZ). Only 18% of the controls (all MS) presented values below our limit of normality, and all had values very close to the reference value (90 mg/dL). In contrast, 76% of patients with the other variants presented pathological levels. In a logistic regression model, both smoking and a non-severe reduction in AAT (60 to 90 mg/dL) increased the probability of emphysema. Conclusion Our study confirms an association between certain variants in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene that do not cause severe deficiency and the presence of pulmonary emphysema. This association with variants that are associated with reductions in serum AAT values is statistically significant and independent of smoking habit.
Chemical Composition, Olfactory Evaluation and Antimicrobial Activities of Jasminum grandiflorum L. Absolute from India

The chemical composition of a sample of Jasminum grandiflorum L. absolute from India was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major compounds identified were benzyl acetate (23.7%), benzyl benzoate (20.7%), phytol (10.9%), linalool (8.2%), isophytol (5.5%), geranyl linalool (3.0%), methyl linoleate (2.8%) and eugenol (2.5%). The odor of this absolute sample was olfactorically evaluated as intense and heavy floral-flowery, with penetrant-animalic and fruity side-notes. Some main and minor compounds were found to be responsible for the aroma impression of this sample. The antimicrobial activities of the J. grandiflorum sample and of some of its main and minor compounds were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as against the yeast Candida albicans, using agar dilution and agar diffusion methods. The jasmine absolute showed medium to high activity (reference compounds: eugenol and three synthetic antibiotics) against the Gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella sp. , as well as against the yeast Candida albicans. A comparison of these biological data with those of some constituents of the jasmine absolute is also given.
Application of the Bair Hugger™ core body temperature at wrist region with upper body warming blanket: a prospective observational study

Background Body temperature monitoring is essential during the perioperative period. However, core body temperature measurement requires invasive device that may cause complications. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of non-invasive Bair Hugger™ core body temperature monitoring system (BHTMS) at the wrist compared with esophageal temperature under general anesthesia. Methods Twenty adult patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled. BHTMS sensor was applied at wrist region. After tracheal intubation, an esophageal probe was inserted. Bair Hugger™ upper body warming blankets were used. Esophageal temperature (Teso) and BHTMS at wrist (Twrist) were recorded every 10 min. Results Total of 257 pairs of data sets were analyzed: Teso and Twrist had no statistically significant difference (P = 0.103). Median of Teso and Twrist were 36.5℃ and 36.4℃. Bland-Altman analysis showed Teso – Twrist of 0.14℃ ± 1.44. Subsequently, 99 pairs of 0–40 min data set were analyzed and showed significant difference at 0 and 10 min (P < 0.001) but no significant difference at 20, 30 and 40 min. Bland–Altman plot by times showed difference (Teso - Twrist) of 1.49℃ ± 2.00, 0.82℃ ± 1.30, 0.29℃ ± 1.32, –0.03℃ ± 0.84, and –0.12℃ ± 0.82 at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 min respectively. Conclusions BHTMS at wrist area under the upper body warming blanket is a potential alternative other than esophageal temperature for monitoring body temperature after 30 min of anesthesia induction.
Inpatient Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted versus Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: A National Inpatient Sample Database Study

Background: Bladder cancer is a common urinary tract malignancy. Minimally invasive radical cystectomy has shown oncological outcomes comparable to the conventional open surgery and with advantages over the open procedure. However, outcomes of the two main minimally invasive procedures, robot-assisted and pure laparoscopic, have yet to be compared. This study aimed to compare in-hospital outcomes between these two techniques performed for patients with bladder cancer. Methods: This population-based, retrospective study included hospitalized patients aged ≥ 50 years with a primary diagnosis of bladder cancer who underwent robot-assisted or pure laparoscopic radical cystectomy. All patient data were extracted from the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2008–2018 and were analyzed retrospectively. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and postoperative complications. Results: The data of 3284 inpatients (representing 16,288 US inpatients) were analyzed. After adjusting for confounders, multivariable analysis revealed that patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy had a significantly lower risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.90) and prolonged LOS (aOR, 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49–0.80) than those undergoing pure laparoscopic cystectomy. Patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy had a lower risk of postoperative complications (aOR, 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54–0.88), including bleeding (aOR, 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54–0.99), pneumonia (aOR, 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28–0.86), infection (aOR, 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.85), wound complications (aOR, 0.33, 95% CI: 0.20–0.54), and sepsis (aOR, 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34–0.69) compared to those receiving pure laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Conclusions: Patients with bladder cancer, robot-assisted radical cystectomy is associated with a reduced risk of unfavorable short-term outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, prolonged LOS, and postoperative complications compared to pure laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
The grain size(s) of Black Hills Quartzite deformed in the dislocation creep regime

Abstract. General shear experiments on Black Hills Quartzite (BHQ) deformed in the dislocation creep regimes 1 to 3 have been previously analyzed using the CIP method (Heilbronner and Tullis, 2002, 2006). They are reexamined using the higher spatial and orientational resolution of EBSD. Criteria for coherent segmentations based on c-axis orientation and on full crystallographic orientations are determined. Texture domains of preferred c-axis orientation (Y and B domains) are extracted and analyzed separately. Subdomains are recognized, and their shape and size are related to the kinematic framework and the original grains in the BHQ. Grain size analysis is carried out for all samples, high- and low-strain samples, and separately for a number of texture domains. When comparing the results to the recrystallized quartz piezometer of Stipp and Tullis (2003), it is found that grain sizes are consistently larger for a given flow stress. It is therefore suggested that the recrystallized grain size also depends on texture, grain-scale deformation intensity, and the kinematic framework (of axial vs. general shear experiments).
Analysis of pool-riffle dynamics through numerical morphological modelling

An issue that has puzzled geomorphologists for a long time is the ubiquity and persistence of pool-riffle sequences in rivers over a wide range of slope and substrate conditions. In particular, the mechanisms responsible for the self-maintenance of pools and riffles have been the subject of intense research and controversy. Most of the investigation has focused on inferring the observed morphological dynamics based on some characteristics of both the spatial and temporal variability of the flow, often overlooking intermediate sediment transport processes that are responsible for the link between flow and morphology. The main reason of this omission is the inherent difficulty in measuring and predicting transport variables (e.g. fractional transport, bed grain size distribution) over a range of time and spatial scales, even under controlled laboratory conditions. This paper analyses some important aspects of poolriffle dynamics through continuous simulations of a coupled unsteady 1D flow-morphologybed sorting model. The model is used to simulate the evolution of a reach with pools and riffles on the Bear Creek, Arkansas, for a one-year period. Based on the detailed model prediction regarding the time and spatial distribution of fractional sediment transport (bedload by size class), bed composition and topography, some important mechanisms controlling pool-riffle maintenance that so far have been omitted in the literature are unveiled and used to propose a more complete explanation for this phenomenon.
The Heterogeneity of Soil Nutrients and Their Influencing Factors in Peak-Cluster Depression Areas of Karst Region

【Objective】In selecting a typical peak–cluster depression in karst region in Northwest Guangxi, we have evaluated the effects of land use and topographic factors on soil nutrients. 【Method】Grid and line sampling methods were used to sample soils respectively, and classical statistical tools were applied to analyze the spatial variability characters of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), pH, and C/N. 【Result】 Land use was the dominant factor that affected SOC, TN, TP, TK, AN and AP. SOC, TN, AN decreased with the increase of land-use intensity. Due to the difference of fertilizer input, TP and AP in tillage field were higher than the other land-use type. TK had no obvious change trend among various land-use types. Topographic factors had a significant effect on SOC, TN, TP, AN, AP, AK and pH. Habitat factor was the dominant factor that affected AK, and altitude factor was the dominant factor for pH. However, all of these factors had no significant effect on C/N. 【Conclusion】Tillage practice had important effect on soil nutrients loss and soil degradation in the fragile karst ecosystem. An increased input of organic manure in this region is recommended.
Dendrogeomorphic chronologies of landslides: Dating of true slide movements?

Dendrogeomorphic chronologies of landslide movements are frequently used to investigate past landslide activity. Slide areas are often affected by other slope movements (e.g. creep) simultaneously. Trees growing on landslides record all types of ground movements, which potentially creates significant noise in tree ring based chronologies of landslide movements. The effect of creep movements on dendrogeomorphic landslide chronologies was evaluated in a block‐type landslide in the south‐western foreland of the Orlické hory Mountains. In total, 272 trees (Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica) were sampled (1088 increment cores) on the sub‐horizontal surfaces of rotated slide blocks, which were presumably created only by slide movements, and on the steep internal scarps separating landslide blocks, which were presumably created and affected by a combination of slide and creep movements. Ground movements were dated based on growth disturbances identified in an analysis of eccentric tree growth.
Viral Interference between the Insect-Specific Virus Brejeira and the Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus In Vitro

The Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is an encephalitogenic arbovirus (Flaviviridae family) that has a wide geographical distribution in the western hemisphere, especially in the Americas. The negevirus Brejeira (BREV) was isolated for the first time in Brazil in 2005. This study aimed to verify the existence of a possible interfering effect of BREV on the course of SLEV infection and vice versa. We used clone C6/36 cells. Three combinations of MOIs were used (SLEV 0.1 × BREV 1; SLEV 1 × BREV 0.1; SLEV 1 × BREV 1) in the kinetics of up to 7 days and then the techniques of indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), a plaque assay on Vero cells, and RT-PCR were performed. Our results showed that the cytopathic effect (CPE) caused by BREV was more pronounced than the CPE caused by SLEV. Results of IFA, the plaque assay, and RT-PCR showed the suppression of SLEV replication in the co-infection condition in all the MOI combinations used. The SLEV suppression was dose-dependent. Therefore, the ISV Brejeira can suppress SLEV replication in Aedes albopictus cells, but SLEV does not negatively interfere with BREV replication.
Catatonia Induced by First-Time Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Case Report

We present the case of a 32-year-old woman who developed life-threatening catatonia in the setting of synthetic cannabis use. She was treated with high doses of lorazepam (up to 26 mg) and eventually transferred to receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Synthetic cannabis poses a unique risk as it is widely available, difficult to regulate, and with adverse effects that are not well understood due to the presence of ever-changing chemical compounds. In this case report, we present one of the first cases of catatonia induced by first-time synthetic cannabinoids with no previous history of cannabis use disorder.
SOIL LOSS ESTIMATION OF S7-2 CATCHMENT OF THE SHIRINDAREH WATERSHED, IRAN USING THE RIVER BASIN MODEL

This study aims to estimate the soil loss of S7-2 Watershed of Shirindareh River Basin in Iran, using a simple but comprehensive “River Basin” model for erosion classification and prediction of erosion potential. Peak discharge from the S7-2 Watershed was calculated on 65 m3s-1 for the incidence of 100 years; the net soil loss on 4397 m³km-², specific 178 m³ km-² per year. The results of the research and earlier application of the “River Basin” model in the studied area of the Shirindareh River Basin in Iran shown that this approach is a good tool for rapid assessment of erosion risk to support decision-making and policy development.
Iron Deficiency: A Silent Threat in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background Iron deficiency is a prevalent and clinically significant comorbidity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Despite its high prevalence, its impact on clinical outcomes, mortality, and various physiological parameters remains a subject of ongoing investigation. The findings of this study are anticipated to contribute valuable insights into the management and prognosis of patients with HFrEF, potentially informing future interventions and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile of iron deficiency and its implications on morbidity and mortality in patients with HFrEF. Methodology A prospective cohort study was conducted at King Edward Memorial Hospital, India, involving 371 patients with HFrEF. Participants underwent comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessments, evaluating iron deficiency with signs, symptoms, comorbidities, dyspnea, elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP), past medical history, and various hematological and biochemical parameters. Results Overall, 50% of HFrEF participants were iron deficient (n = 185), of whom 80% (n = 148) had anemia against 43% (n = 81) anemics in iron repletes (n = 186). Of the 185 iron-deficient patients, 44 (11.86%) had absolute iron deficiency and 141 (38%) had functional iron deficiency. Iron deficiency significantly correlated with increased mortality in HFrEF patients (χ2 (1, N = 371) = 3.88, p = 0.048). A large positive correlation was observed between absolute iron deficiency and dyspnea severity (r2 = 0.949, p = 0.026). Statistically significant differences were found in hemoglobin (anemia), serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation between iron-deficient and iron-replete patients (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction between iron-deficient and replete patients was noted. Conclusions Iron deficiency emerges as more than a mere comorbidity in heart failure, becoming a prognostic factor with multifaceted outcomes. Its impact extends beyond cardiovascular consequences, encompassing adverse manifestations such as anemia, ascites, edema, dyspnea, elevated JVP, and a heightened risk of mortality. This intricate interplay positions iron deficiency as a critical determinant, significantly influencing the clinical trajectory and outcomes for patients with HFrEF.
Quantifying displacement on the South Tibetan Detachment normal fault, Everest massif, and the timing of crustal thickening and uplift in the Himalaya and South Tibet

Lithospheric convergence of India and Asia since collision has resulted in horizontal shortening, crustal thickening and regional metamorphism in the Himalaya and beneath southern Tibet. The boundary between the High Himalaya and the Tibetan plateau is a large scale, north-dipping, low-angle normal fault termed the South Tibetan Detachment (STD) which was active contemporaneously with the Main Central Thrust (MCT) bounding the southern margin of the High Himalaya. Previous studies have estimated minimum northward displacement along the STD of 35km along the Everest profile. Here, we demonstrate approximately 200 km of southward displacement of footwall sillimanite + cordieterite gneisses (minimum 90-108 KM), formed at 600-630C and pressure of 4.0-4.9 kbar (14-18 km depth), beneath the STD which acted as a passive roof fault during southward flow of the got, viscous, ductile middle crust. U-TH-Pb dating of gneisses, sheared and cross-cutting leucogranites inducates that ductile shearing was active at 17-16 Ma, and later brittle motion at 620C) were maintained for #14 Ma along the top of the High Himalayan slab metamorphism and melting in the Himalaya and ductile shearing along the STD coincides with the initiation of strike-slip faulting in SW Tibet and E-W extension in south Tibet.
Factor Affecting the Quality of Work Life Among Nurses: A Systematic Review

Objective This literature review evaluates the factors that affect nurses’ quality of work life with the goal of enhancing their overall well-being, work experience, and creating a more supportive and satisfying work environment in the nursing field. Methods A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, SAGE Journal, and Springer were searched for scientific articles on the quality of work life among nurses. After screening and removal of duplicates, we analyzed the full text of the articles to identify potentially relevant studies for eligibility, and then we extracted data from the articles that matched. Results The search of the literature resulted in 68 articles. Only 20 articles that met all inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review after full text review. Conclusion The literature indicates that nurses’ work life quality is affected by three primary factors: personal (socio-demographic), occupational, and psychological. Identifying the factors is critical to finding the right solution for improving work life quality and overcoming factors that decrease nurses’ work life quality.
First observations on zooplankton and optical properties in a glacial North Patagonian lake (Tagua Tagua Lake, 41°S Chile)

The Patagonian lakes are of glacial origin and some of these are associated with glaciers that generate specific optical properties such as water colorations due to glacier sediments. These lakes also are oligotrophic with a low crustacean zooplankton species number. The aim of the present study was to analyze potential associations between optical properties and zooplankton communities in Tagua Tagua Lake (41°S). The results revealed inverse associations in reflectance of bands 3 and 7 of LANDSAT TM+ with Daphnia ambigua, Mesocyclops araucanus, and nauplius, and direct Neobosmina chilensis and Cyclopoids copepodites, whereas it was inverse relations between bands 5 and 2 with B. gracilipes and calanoid copepodites that make this zooplankton assemblage similar to Nord Patagonian oligomesotrophic lakes. These results would agree with few reports for other similar Patagonian lakes of glacial origin reported for Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. Nevertheless, it is necessary for more studies to find potential associations between limnological characters and optical properties.
Distribution of 5 heavy metals with relations to environmental factors in surface sediments of Dongshan Bay

Based on the investigation on 5 heavy metals at 12 sites in Dongshan Bay in August 2011,the distribution and the influencing factors of heavy metals with relations of environment in the surface sediments were discussed and the risk by heavy metal pollution was evaluated with the standard of ecological risk coefficient(Ei r). The results showed that copper(Cu)content were measured between 5. 53 and 22. 40 mg / kg with average 15. 10 mg / kg,lead(Pb)content between 28. 9 and 42. 6 mg/kg with average 35. 0 mg/kg,zinc(Zn)content between 34. 8 and 133. 9 mg / kg with average 95. 9 mg / kg,cadmium(Cd)content between 0. 031 and 0. 078 mg / kg with average 0. 059 mg / kg, chromium(Cr)content between 19. 2 and 91. 8 mg / kg with average 62. 5 mg / kg. Higher concentrations were found in the top of Dongshan Bay,and lower values were found outside the bay. Organic matters in the sediments played an important role in the distribution of heavy metals. Heavy metals(Cu,Zn,Cr)presented negative correlation with the sand(%)of big size(63 ~ 2 000 μm),while Cr showed positive correlation with clay(%)of fine particle( 1 μm). Except for Cr(91. 8 mg/kg)at the site of bay top,all heavy metals were fit in class I of the national marine sediment standard. Ecological risk coefficient(Ei r)of heavy metals were in sequences of Cd Pb Cu Cr Zn andthe Risk Index(RI)was lower than 90 at all sites sampled. It suggested that the sediments environment of Dongshan bay was in a good quality of low ecological risk.