Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF EROSION WEAR AND PRESSURE DROP FOR TURBULENT MULTIPHASE SLURRY FLOW OF BOTTOM ASH-WATER IN SLURRY PIPE

The disposal of ash in a thermal plant through the slurry pipe is subjected to some erosion wear due to the abrasive characteristics of the slurry. A simulation study of particle-liquid erosion of mild steel pipe wall based on CFD-FLUENT that considers the solid-liquid, solid-solid and solid-wall interaction is presented in this work. The multi-phase Euler-Lagrange model with standard k- (cid:15) turbulence modeling is adopted to predict the particulate erosion wear caused by the ﬂow of bottom ash-water suspension. Erosion rate for diﬀerent particle size and concentration is evaluated at variable ﬂow rate. It is observed that the pressure drop and erosion rate share direct relationships with ﬂow velocity, particle size and concentration. The ﬂow velocity is found to be the most inﬂuencing parameter. A model capable of predicting the erosion wear at variable operating conditions is presented. The simulation ﬁndings show good agreement with the published ﬁndings.
Origins of Vulcanello based on the re-examination of historical sources (Vulcano, Aeolian Islands)

The lava platform and the three pyroclastic cones of Vulcanello constitute the northernmost volcanic structure of the island of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands). The sandy isthmus connecting the platform to the main island was definitively formed in the first half of the 1500s; before then, Vulcano and Vulcanello were two close but separate islands. For a long time, the interpretation of the sources of the II-I century BC, had considered the islet as built up about 2200 years ago. This belief, which proliferated among naturalists from the 17 th century, is not confirmed in the ancient texts or even in the geographical documents of the time, which do not indicate the presence of Vulcanello as a new and stable island near Vulcano. The islet would only be mentioned at the dawn of the second millennium, and named in Arabic “Gabal’ al Burk ā n”, meaning Mount of Vulcano; shortly thereafter the toponym changed to the Latin “Insulam Vulcanelli” and then, towards the 15 th century, finally to Vulcanello. Since the creation of a volcanic island certainly occurred in the Aeolian Islands in the classical era, but traces of it were quickly lost, the most plausible hypothesis is that it was formed in the area of the current Vulcanello, to be subsequently erased by the sea. The shallow, flat seabed, likely remaining as a result of sea abrasion, might have represented the morphological element on which the circular lava platform we know today was formed sometime between 950 and 1000 AD.
Gastroschisis at the León University Hospital, Nicaragua

Abstract Objective: The prevalence of midline birth defects, such as gastroschisis, has increased worldwide, over the last few decades. This study aims to explore the prevalence, maternal epidemiological characteristics, and natural history of neonates affected by gastroschisis at the University Hospital of León city, Nicaragua. Methods: Data were collected from the birth defect surveillance system of the Hospital Oscar Danilo Rosales (HEODRA). The analysis included all pregnancies that had gastroschisis complications between January 1 and December 31, 2020. The prevalence of gastroschisis was calculated according to maternal age. The mothers were interviewed, and the clinical records of the newborns were reviewed. Results: Among the 4,460 deliveries included in this study, four cases of gastroschisis were identified, including three live births and one stillbirth. The gastroschisis rate was 8.9 per 10,000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–17.8). The prevalence among mothers younger than 20 years and those older than 20 years was 26.4 (95% CI: –3.43 to 56.25) and 3.01 (95% CI: 2.89–8.90)/10,000 births, respectively. Mothers of gastroschisis-affected fetuses were of rural origin (n = 3), had normal body mass indexes (n = 3), were exposed to tobacco and wood smoke (n = 2), and one was exposed to pesticides during the periconceptional period. Primary closure of the gastroschisis was performed on one patient, and complex gastroschisis for intestinal perforation was observed in another patient. The mean hospitalization duration was 33 days, and two patients were discharged alive. Conclusions: Gastroschisis was a significant birth defect among children delivered at HEODRA in 2020. Its prevalence in Nicaragua was higher than that in other countries in the region. All complicated pregnancies were young women with unplanned pregnancies, from rural areas, with exposure to secondhand smoke, and without vitamin supplements before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Only 67% of infants survived after hospital discharge.
Microcephaly prevalence after the 2015 to 2016 Zika outbreak in Tangará da Serra, Brazil: a population-based study

Abstract Objective: Prenatal infection with the Zika virus (ZIKV) can lead to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), characterized by microcephaly and brain injury. However, there are questions regarding the prevalence of microcephaly/CZS after the ZIKV outbreak in defined geographic areas. This study aimed to identify adverse outcomes in live births of fetuses exposed in utero to the ZIKV, compared to unexposed births, as well as maternal sociodemographic, delivery, and birth characteristics. Methods: Here, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study to investigate the characteristics of all live births in the city of Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso, Brazil, in 2016, after the outbreak of ZIKV infection in late 2015. All live births of children to women residing in the municipality of Tangará da Serra between January 1 and December 31, 2016, were evaluated, and head circumference was measured at birth and after 24 hours. Children born with microcephaly or a maternal history of confirmed or suspected prenatal ZIKV infection were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. The outcomes of the exposed and non-exposed children were compared. Prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated for sociodemographic, delivery, and live birth characteristics. Results: Of 1,441 live births, 106 (7.3%) were from mothers with confirmed or highly probable exposure to ZIKV. The prevalence of severe congenital microcephaly (41.7/10,000) in Tangará da Serra in 2016 was ten-fold higher than that in Latin America before 2015. Conclusion: This study may serve as a model to investigate possible outbreaks of infections in a defined geographical space in the future.
Gastrointestinal effects of diets low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols

Purpose of review Food ingestion is an exacerbator of gastrointestinal symptoms, regardless of origin. Sufferers mistakenly assume that they have suffered an allergic reaction to a given food. Although classical IgE-mediated allergic reactions are rarely culpable, evidence for a role for intolerance to certain carbohydrates in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and related conditions increases. This review assesses the status of a commonly implicated group of poorly absorbed carbohydrates (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols – FODMAPs) in gastrointestinal pathophysiology. Recent findings Although evidence of efficacy for low FODMAP diets in IBS accumulates, the magnitude of this effect has declined in recent studies. Comparisons to other dietary approaches have revealed conflicting results; some suggest superiority, others find parity. Concerns had been raised regarding long-term nutritional, psychological and microbiological impacts of FODMAP restriction; providing that the diet is administered in the recommended manner, these do not appear to be clinically important. The mechanisms whereby FODMAPs cause gastrointestinal symptoms continue to be explored. Summary FODMAPS induce gastrointestinal symptoms in susceptible individuals and their restriction provides clinical benefits. The magnitude of these benefits, the superiority of FODMAP restriction over other dietary approaches and the mechanisms of its effects continue to be defined.
Sirtuin1 inhibitor attenuates hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of Giα proteins and nitroxidative stress

Background: We recently showed that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit overexpression of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) that contributes to the enhanced expression of Giα proteins implicated in the development of hypertension in SHR. Method: The present study investigated if the inhibition of Sirt1 could also ameliorate hypertension in SHR and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. For this study, a selective inhibitor of Sirt1, EX-527 (5 mg/kg of body weight), was injected intraperitoneally into 8-week-old SHR and age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats twice per week for 3 weeks. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate was measured twice a week by the CODA noninvasive tail cuff method. Results: The high BP and augmented heart rate in SHR was significantly attenuated by EX-527 treatment, which was associated with the suppression of the overexpression of Sirt1 and Giα proteins in heart, VSMC and aorta. In addition, the enhanced levels of superoxide anion, NADPH oxidase activity, overexpression of NADPH oxidase subunits and FOXO1 were attenuated and the decreased levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide and increased levels of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and tyrosine nitration in VSMC from SHR were restored to control levels by EX-527 treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of FOXO1 by siRNA also attenuated the overexpression of Giα-2 and NADPH oxidase subunit proteins and restored the decreased expression of eNOS in VSMC from SHR. Conclusion: These results suggest that the inhibition of overexpressed Sirt1 and its target FOXO1 through decreasing the enhanced levels of Giα proteins and nitro-oxidative stress attenuates the high BP in SHR.
Extended Work Shifts Increase Subjective Pain Complaints Among Cabin Crewmembers, but Not Among Airline Pilots or Healthcare Workers

To the authors’ knowledge, assessing subjective pain complaints in a real-life working situation among airline personnel has never been investigated. The present findings indicate that consecutive long working days may increase subjective pain complaints, but that this is depending on occupation. Optimally designed ergonomic work environment may have reduced complaints among healthcare workers. Objective To determine whether four consecutive extended work shifts are associated with an increased risk of subjective pain complaints, sleep duration, and sleep disturbances. Methods Forty-three healthcare workers, 41 cabin crewmembers, and 18 airline pilots working 4 consecutive extended workdays reported subjective pain complaints and sleep after the 1st and 4th workday. Results The risk of headache (odds ratio [OR] 21.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85 to 246.5) and pain in the hands, arms, or wrists (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.84 to 7.76) increased after workday 4 versus workday 1 in cabin crewmembers. Sleep duration was longer (0.6 to 1.1 hours), and sleep disturbances fewer, the night before the fourth extended workday, compared with before the first workday, in all occupations. Conclusions We found no general support for an association between extended work shifts and subjective pain, whereas sleep duration was improved, and sleep disturbances reduced after 4 consecutive extended workdays.
Blood pressure management through application-based telehealth platforms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectives: Hypertension management has several challenges, including poor compliance with medications and patients being lost to follow-up. Recently, remote patient monitoring and telehealth technologies have emerged as promising methods of blood pressure management. We aimed to investigate the role of application-based telehealth programs in optimizing blood pressure management. Methods: Searches were performed in December 2020 using three databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Ovid MEDLINE. All randomized controlled trials that included remote blood pressure management programmes were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if blood pressure data were available for both the intervention and control groups. Following PRISMA guidelines, data were independently collected by two reviewers. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary study outcomes were mean SBP and DBP changes for the intervention and control groups. Results: Eight hundred and seventy-nine distinct articles were identified and 18 satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, a mean weighted decrease of 7.07 points (SBP) and 5.07 points (DBP) was found for the intervention group, compared with 3.11 point (SBP) and 3.13 point (DBP) decreases in the control group. Forest plots were constructed and effect sizes were also calculated. Mean change effect sizes of 1.1 (SBP) and 0.98 (DBP) were found, representing 86 and 85% of the intervention group having greater SBP or DBP changes, respectively, when compared with the control group. Discussion: Remote patient monitoring technologies may represent a promising avenue for hypertension management. Future research is needed to evaluate the benefits in different disease-based patient subgroups.
Long-Term Outcomes of Round Window Reinforcement for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Objective To report long-term patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) after standardized round window rein-forcement (RWR) with thin cartilage and perichondrium for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SSCDS). Methods Cross-sectional survey in 2020 and retrospective longitudinal study of outcomes at 3 months, 1 year, and last follow-up after 28 consecutive RWRs. Endpoints were the last follow-up for PROMs and 1 year postoperatively for audiometry and cVEMP. Results At the last follow-up (mean 2.4 years postoperatively), improvement was reported for 19/28 ears (68%) in symptoms overall; for 17/27 ears (63%) in auditory symptoms, and for 12/24 (50%) in vestibular symptoms. Nine ears (32%) required further surgery. No major complications occurred. On the group level, postoperative improvement at 3 months declined significantly for auditory and vestibular symptoms over time, and stayed stable beyond 1 year. Improved ears had on average 2.9 years follow-up. Improvement correlated significantly with SSCD length, and was associated with contralateral dehiscence. Thirteen ears (46%) had another potential cause of vestibular symptoms. This group showed significantly less improvement. Audiometric test results did not predict PROMs. Conclusions Since long-term outcomes do not compare with those reported for plugging and repair, RWR is not suggested as a first line intervention for SSCDS. Considering the stable rates of improvement on average 2.9 years postoperatively and the absence of major complications, RWR may be an alternative to plugging or repair in fragile patients who do not accept the risk of complications with more invasive surgery, and who accept that results may deteriorate over time.
Malpractice lawsuits in orthopedic trauma surgery: a meta-analysis of the literature

Abstract Introduction: The objectives for this study were to identify whether diagnostic or procedural errors more commonly resulted in lawsuit, as well as to elucidate how specific variables affected mean indemnity. Methods: Systematic review of English-language articles in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases (through 2020) using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate measures of proportions and differences in mean indemnity. Results: The estimated probability of lawsuits related to orthopedic trauma in overall studies was 23.3%. There were no significant rate differences between main causes of claims (diagnostic vs procedural errors) and areas of injury (upper vs lower). There was no significant difference of mean indemnity between the probabilities of trauma-related claims, diagnostic error, and procedural error. Conclusion: Non-trauma cases were more likely to result in lawsuit than trauma cases. Procedural errors accounted for most malpractice claims. The average indemnity increased according to the higher diagnostic errors, while the indemnity was lower with a relatively higher proportion of procedural errors. The most common cause of litigation varied between studies; however, among the most cited reasons were missed diagnosis/error in diagnosis, improper/substandard surgical performance, and, though not specifically studied in this analysis, errors of informed consent. Level of Evidence: Economic and Decision Analyses Level VI
Transcriptomics of angiotensin II-induced long noncoding and coding RNAs in endothelial cells

Objective: Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as systemic hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and atherosclerosis. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play an essential role in the pathobiology of cardiovascular diseases; however, the effect of Ang II on lncRNAs and coding RNAs expression in endothelial cells has not been evaluated. Accordingly, we sought to evaluate the expression profiles of lncRNAs and coding RNAs in endothelial cells following treatment with Ang II. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and treated with Ang II (10−6 mol/l) for 24 h. The cells were then profiled for the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs using the Arraystar Human lncRNA Expression Microarray V3.0. Results: In HUVECs following Ang II treatment, from a total of 30 584 lncRNA targets screened, 25 targets were significantly upregulated, while 69 were downregulated. In the same HUVECs samples, from 26 106 mRNA targets screened, 28 targets were significantly upregulated and 67 were downregulated. Of the differentially expressed lncRNAs, RP11-354P11.2 and RP11-360F5.1 were the most upregulated (11-fold) and downregulated (three-fold) lncRNAs, respectively. Assigning the differentially regulated genes into functional groups using bioinformatics reveals numerous genes involved in the nucleotide excision repair and ECM-receptor interaction. Conclusion: This is the first study to profile the Ang II-induced differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in human endothelial cells. Our results reveal novel targets and substantially extend the list of potential candidate genes involved in Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.
Spot urinary sodium to monitor relative changes in population salt intake during the UK salt reduction programme

Objectives: The most accurate method to measure population salt intake is to collect the complete 24-h urinary sodium excretion (24-h UNa) but it is resource intensive and is rarely carried out frequently. We, therefore, assessed the use of spot urinary sodium concentration to monitor relative changes in population salt intake in between 24-h urine surveys. Methods: We used 24-h (n = 2020) and spot urine (n = 21 711) samples drawn from adult participants in separate, cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys in England, repeated between 2006 and 2014. Results: As population average 24-h UNa fell from 2006 to 2014 (from 8.7 to 7.6 g/day, i.e. by 12%) with the ongoing salt reduction programme, spot sodium concentration fell by a similar extent (from 106.1 to 93.1 mmol/l, i.e. by 13%). The regression slopes of 24-h UNa and spot sodium concentration ran parallel (P value = 0.1009) in a linear regression modelling the difference in their year-on-year changes [by regressing the 24-h UNa or sodium concentration values on time, estimation method (24-h versus spot), and their interaction term]. In contrast, when 24-h UNa was estimated by applying the Kawasaki, Tanaka, or INTERSALT formulas to spot sodium concentrations, almost no change was detected from 2006 to 2014 (±1%) and their regression slopes were significantly different from that of the measured 24-h UNa (all P values <0.0001). Conclusion: Spot urinary sodium concentration drawn from random and representative samples of the population accurately reflected relative changes in population average 24-h UNa, and can therefore, be used in between 24-h urine surveys to monitor population salt reduction programmes. Formulas commonly used to estimate 24-h UNa were unsuitable to do so.
Protease from Paddy Oats ( Gnetum gnemon L . ) Seed Peel and Its Potential for Extracting Virgin Coconut Oil

— This study investigates the possibility of agricultural waste, paddy oats fruit peel, as a source of protease especially for extracting virgin coconut oil from coconut milk. Efficacy of protease from paddy oats was compared to efficacy of various treatments. Paddy oats protease showed the high performance for extracting virgin coconut oil since it resulted in high yield (25.7%) and good quality oil with free fatty acids of 0.092%, density of 0.924 g/mL, and also consistently ranked high for all evaluated sensory parameters. Virgin coconut oil produced from protease treatment resulted in aroma score of 7.6, taste score of 7.3 and color score of 9.2. In overall, the result of this study revealed that paddy oats fruit peel, especially the ripe peel, has great potential as a source of protease for extracting virgin coconut oil.
An tool for identification in

Laryngeal teflonoma identified by Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy after forensic autopsy: interesting foreign material forensic cases Abstract: Forensic pathologists are sometimes confronted with microscopic foreign bodies mixed in soft tissues surrounding wounds and which are difficult to identify. This identification , however, could be primordial to investigate a crime and to determine the weapon used. A case of a fatal respiratory distress syndrome due to conjoining suicidal drug intoxication and laryngeal obstruction by a voluminous foreign body giant cell granuloma is presented. The classical histological examination showed exogenous particles in the vocal cord tumor with birefringent qualities. Their analysis with Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry coupled with infrared microscope allows the determination of their chemical nature as polytetrafluoroethylene and to diagnose a teflonoma. This case report put the stress on the forensic interest of the FTIR imaging.