Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of posterior cervical laminectomy vs facet fixation without laminectomy for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Objective The aim was to compare facet fixation operation as the sole management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) vs posterior cervical laminectomy without facet fixation. Background CSM is a chronic spinal cord dysfunction in the cervical region due to cervical spondylosis, which is an age-related degenerative disorder of the cervical spine components. It is caused by a combination of static and dynamic degenerative factors in the adult population of more than 50 years. Surgical decompression of the spinal canal is the primary treatment of choice, which can be done directly by eliminating the static factors as in posterior cervical laminectomy or indirectly by eliminating the dynamic factors as in facet fixation leading to regression of the spondylotic process. Patients and methods This comparative prospective study involved 40 patients with CSM, who were randomly distributed into two equal groups. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Results Among the 40 patients, two groups were described. Group 1 included 20 patients who underwent posterior cervical laminectomy without fixation. Group 2 included 20 patients who underwent facet fixation without laminectomy. Postoperative neurological recovery rate at the end of the follow-up period was satisfactory (excellent and good) in 55% in group 1 and 70% in group 2. Conclusion Both facet fixation and posterior cervical laminectomy techniques are simple, safe, and effective procedures in achieving relief and improvement in patients with multilevel CSM. Facet fixation provided better postoperative Nurick's grades, Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, and better postoperative neurological recovery rate (NRR) without significant complications while postoperative instability and kyphosis remains the main drawback of posterior cervical laminectomy.
Assessment of rhesus and kell blood group antigens, phenotypes, and their allelic frequencies in North Indian blood donors

Background: Prevalence of rhesus (Rh) and Kell antigens in a population vary with race, ethnicity, and geographical location. With advances in immunohematology, non-D antigens, and their corresponding antibodies are increasingly being found to be culprits for alloimmunization. Materials and Methods: Assessment of the phenotype of Rh and Kell blood group antigen in the healthy donor population from North India was done, and estimation of the frequencies of these alleles in our population was performed. Results: The most common antigen in the North Indian donor population was “e” (95.6%) followed by “C” (89.6%), “c” (57.7%), and “E” (17.29%) in that order. The most prevalent phenotype in the Indian population was found to be “CDe” followed by “CcDe” and “CcDEe. ” “K” antigen was found to be positive in 1.81% of the population. Discussion: Knowledge of the Rh antigen profiles in a given population can be very helpful in formulating transfusion guidelines specific to a particular population with an aim to minimize the cost and maximize the benefits. With this aim in mind and considering the problems encountered in developing countries like ours, we conducted Rh and Kell antigen profiling of donors. Comparative analysis with other population studies and implications for transfusion protocols is evaluated. Conclusion: Assessment of Rhesus antigen profile of a particular population is useful to develop cost effective ways of providing maximum benefits of blood transfusion with least resources.
Comparative Assessment of The Goldmann Applanation and Noncontact Tonometers in Intraocular Pressure Measurements in a Sample of Glaucoma Patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the usage of the Goldmann applanation tonometry and noncontact tonometry interchangeably in the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 441 clinically diagnosed glaucoma patients receiving care at a referral facility. IOP measurements were obtained using both the Noncontact tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometer The repeatability of the measures was analyzed by comparing the repeated measures of the devices using paired t-test and calculating the correlation coefficient. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to determine the limits of agreement between the two procedures. Results: There were 271 (61.5%) males and 170 (38.5%) females and their age ranged from 18 to 73 years (mean age = 49.37; standard deviation ± 14.81 years). The findings of the study showed significantly lower readings (P < 0.001) of the GAT (right eye = 17.40 ± 7.48 mmHg; left eye = 16.80 ± 7.49 mmHg) compared to the NCT (right eye = 20.15 ± 8.30 mmHg; left eye = 19.74 ± 8.31 mmHg). There was a strong positive correlation between the GAT and NCT findings in the right eye (r = 0.871, n = 441, P < 0.001) and in the left eye (r = 0.887, n = 441, P < 0.001). There was a wide limit of agreement between NCT and GAT measurements. Conclusion: There was statistically significant higher measures obtained with NCT than the GAT but did not exceed the allowable inter-device difference. There was a strong positive correlation between GAT and NCT measurements. However, it is strongly recommended that these devices are not used interchangeably in the monitoring of IOP in glaucoma due to the wide range of limits of agreement.
Critical analysis of two cases of major crossmatch incompatibility in tertiary care hospital in Delhi

Rh blood group is one of the most complexes of the human blood groups system. RHD gene encodes the D antigen, and the RHCE encodes the C, c, E, and e antigens. Out of these, Rh D antigen is the most immunogenic while e antigen is the least immunogenic. Rh antibodies are produced in Rh-negative individuals following sensitization which occurs either through pregnancy or during blood transfusion. We hereby report two cases of anti-e antibody, both presenting as major crossmatch incompatibility.
Study of Anterior Commissure-Posterior Commissure Distance among Nepalese Cohort

Introduction: The main aim of this study is to determine the anterior commissure-posterior commissure (AC-PC) distance in Nepalese cohort and has comparison of intercommissural distance of Nepalese cohort with some other races. Materials and Methods: The 47 patients, with mean age of 50 years, included in the study had undergone DBS or lesioning (Pallidotomy). Data were collected through the magnetic resonance imaging under DBS protocol and the manipulation, marking of AC and PC was done in Inomed Planning Software (IPS). Results: The data revealed average AC-PC distance of Nepalese cohort to be 24.86 ± 2.08 mm, ranging from 16 mm to 30 mm. The study among 29 males and 18 females illustrated male to have longer AC-PC as compared to female (25.38 mm male and 24.02 mm female). The results also confirmed age related changes in AC-PC distance which was linearly increasing with the age. Conclusion: Comparison of data from other studies revealed Nepalese cohort to have almost similar AC-PC distance with Asian population, while that was longer in Caucasian and shorter in Hispanic Population.
Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Clipping: Experience at a Tertiary Care Center with Respect to Intraoperative Rupture

Context: The incidence of anterior communicating artery (Acomm) aneurysm is high and it is associated with high risk of rupture. Aims: The aim is to evaluate various factors (size, wall morphology, and fundus direction) associated with intraoperative rupture (IOR) of Acomm aneurysm. Settings and Design: Retrospective cohort study. Subjects and Methods: Our study includes 25 operated patients diagnosed to have ruptured Acomm aneurysm in the Department of Neurosurgery of Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, between January 2016 and July 2020. Our study included all patients with ruptured Acomm aneurysm who received clipping as method of treatment. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used for analysis. Values with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Statistical tests were done using GraphPad Prism version 8.3. 0 software. Results: None of the patients with <4 mm, 6 patients of >4–10 mm, and 2 patients of >10 mm aneurysm size experienced IOR. IOR was seen in 2 patients with smooth wall and 6 in irregular aneurysm wall. All patients with posterior, 1 patient with inferior, 2 patients with anterior, and 1 patient with superior directing aneurysm experienced IOR. Patients with bilaterally clipped A1 experienced no IOR, while in unilaterally clipped aneurysm only 2 patients experienced IOR. Glasgow outcome score was better in patients with no IOR. Conclusion: The factors associated with high risk of IOR are: Aneurysm size >4 mm, multilobulated or irregular aneurysm wall, posteriorly and inferiorly directed aneurysms. Patients in whom Both A1 was temporarily clipped, experienced no IOR and better outcome.
Effect of Oral Isotretinoin on Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Acne

Objective: To study the side effect profile of systemic isotretinoin (ITT) and its association with anxiety and depression in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 300 patients of either gender, aged >12 years, taking oral ITT were evaluated for severity of acne by the visual analog scale (VAS) and psychiatric side effects with the Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A) and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating scale (MADRS) at baseline up till the fourth visit. Software R version 3.6. 0. was employed to analyze the data. Results: A significant improvement in VAS score was observed at baseline to final visit (P = 0.001). Significant increase in MADRS score was observed at baseline to final visit (P < 0.05) with mild and moderate depression in four (1.3%) and two patients (0.6%), respectively. On the contrary, a significant decrease in HAM-A score was observed over the visits (P < 0.05). Xerosis-Pruritus (79.7%) and cheilitis (82.7%) were the most common side effects observed. A trend from regular menstrual cycles to irregular menstrual cycles was found with ITT. With respect to lipid profile, a significant difference was observed at baseline values to the final visit (P < 0.05). Conclusion: ITT has proven its efficacy in reducing the severity of acne. Although it showed an improvement in anxiety, a negligible association was found with depression. Hence, ITT can be used safely as its benefits outweigh its side effects.
Targeting Oxidative Stress, Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1, and the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin by Valproic Acid to Ameliorate Bleomycin-Induced Scleroderma

Objective: To explore the possible ameliorative effect of valproic acid on the experimental model of skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Materials and Methods: Forty male BALB/c mice were divided into four equal groups as follows: control group, bleomycin group, bleomycin + Valproic acid group, and Valproic acid group. Mice were assessed for their body weight every 3 days throughout the whole study. Skin tissues were used to evaluate the oxidative stress parameters, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 15, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Skin fibrosis was evaluated by measuring dermal thickness and staining the skin tissues with Masson trichrome stain. Furthermore, the skin tissues were immunostained with alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Results: Administration of Valproic acid to bleomycin-treated mice resulted in the restoration of the body weight with significant decrease in the dermal thickness, amelioration of oxidative stress, suppression of TGF-β1 and mTOR expression, and significant reduction of the percentage of α-SMA immunostaining and the proinflammatory cytokine levels compared to mice treated with bleomycin alone. Conclusion: Valproic acid has an antifibrotic effect on skin fibrosis which may represent a beneficial therapeutic modality for the management of scleroderma.
Development and Optimization of the Electrostatic Precipitator with Superhydrophobic Surface (EPSS) Mark II for Collection of Bioaerosols

We recently developed an electrostatic collector for bioaerosols that electrostatically deposits biological particles onto a 3.2 mm electrode covered by a superhydrophobic substance. The deposited biological particles are removed and collected by rolling water droplets (20 or 40 microliter) which results in high concentration rates. The collector has been improved further by integrating it with an electrical charger. Here, we describe the development and optimization of the charger and collection chamber, while maximizing collection efficiency and minimizing particle loss. The resulting sampler is made of static dissipative material (e.g., Delrin), is shaped as a closed half cylinder, and is integrated with a charger. The sampler's round top section contains eight carbon fiber brushes (ion sources to charge particles), while its flat bottom section holds a rectangular collection electrode (254 × 3.2 mm) made of pressed carbon fiber and coated with a superhydrophobic material. The optimized configuration of the EPSS Mark II had a collection efficiency of up to 84% when sampling airborne Escherichia coli at 10 L/min and for 10 min. The bacteria were accumulated in rolling water droplets as small as 20 microliters, and the sampler achieved sample concentration rates of up to 4.2 × 105/min. When the sampler was operated for a longer time period (60 min), its collection efficiency was 72%. The efficiency decrease was most likely due to a reduced particle removal from the electrode, but the difference was not statistically significant. Since the EPSS Mark II shows satisfactory collection efficiency and high sample concentration rate, it could serve as a basis for developing a field-deployable version of the sampler. Copyright 2015 American Association for Aerosol Research
Serum interleukin-22 and C-reactive protein in patients with vitiligo: a case–control study on 35 Egyptian patients

Background Vitiligo is a chronic depigmentary skin disorder caused by destruction of epidermal melanocytes. Various cytokines play an important role in its pathogenesis. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is one of the cytokines produced by multiple immune cells such as lymphocytes and natural killer cells. It has a role in the proinflammatory process, and also it can induce production of C-reactive protein (CRP). The role of IL-22 has been studied and evaluated in many chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Aim This study was planned to study the effect of serum IL-22 and CRP in patients with vitiligo and to correlate their level with the severity of the disease using vitiligo area severity index, vitiligo extent score, and vitiligo disease activity score. Patients and methods A prospective case–control study was conducted on 35 patients with vitiligo and 35 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Both disease severity and disease activity were estimated using vitiligo area severity index and vitiligo disease activity score, respectively. All participants were subjected to measurement of serum IL-22 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and measurement of serum CRP level by rate nephelometry. Results We found that the most common type of vitiligo was the generalized type (88.6%), followed by segmental vitiligo (5.7%) and focal vitiligo (5.7%). We found that both IL-22 and CRP are significantly higher in patients with vitiligo compared with healthy participants (P=0.001), with a positive correlation with the disease activity. Conclusion Both IL-22 and CRP have a role in vitiligo pathogenesis as their presence intensifies the severity of the disease. They could be considered useful tools for evaluating the disease activity.
Fluxes of Fine Particles Over a Semi-Arid Pine Forest: Possible Effects of a Complex Terrain

Semi-arid forests are of growing importance due to expected ecosystem transformations following climatic changes. Dry deposition of atmospheric aerosols was measured for the first time in such an ecosystem, the Yatir forest in southern Israel. Size-segregated flux measurements for particles ranging between 0.25 μm and 0.65 μm were taken with an optical particle counter (OPC) using eddy covariance methodology. The averaged deposition velocity (Vd ) at this site was 3.8 ± 4.5 mm s−1 for 0.25–0.28 μm particles, which is in agreement with deposition velocities measured in mid and northern latitude coniferous forests, and is most heavily influenced by the atmospheric stability and turbulence conditions, and to a lesser degree by the particle size. Both downward and upward fluxes were observed. Upward fluxes were not associated with a local particle source. The flux direction correlated strongly with wind direction, suggesting topographical effects. We hypothesize that a complex terrain and a patchy fetch affected the expected dependence of Vd on particle size and caused the observed upward fluxes of particles. The effect of topography on the deposition velocity grows greater as particle size increases, as has been shown in modeling and laboratory studies but had not been demonstrated yet in field studies. This hypothesis is consistent with the observed relationship between Vd and the friction velocity, the topography in the area of the flux tower, and the observed correlation of flux direction with wind direction. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Aerosol Science and Technology to view the free supplementary files. ] Copyright 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research
Phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Opuntia Ficus Indica cladodes extracts

Nowadays, plants with strong antimicrobial agents are becoming important alternatives to treat several infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Opuntia ficus indica cladodes extracts against some selected bacterial isolates. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals in the extracts was done using methanol, ethanol and chloroform solvents. Antibacterial activity of the extracts against bacteria isolates Escherichia coli (ATCC2592), Staphylococcus pneumonia (ATCC63), Salmonella typhi (B2836) and Bacillus subtilis (S456) were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The extracts showed the presence of phenolic substances, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, alkaloids and amino acids. The highest inhibition zone recorded was by methanol extract against S. pneumonia (ATCC63) (10.29±0.96) followed by chloroform extract against B.subtilis (10.23±0.66). This finding indicated that Opuntia ficus indica cladodes have great antibacterial effects against bacteria isolates and needs further investigations to unveil their antimicrobial potential against other multidrug resistant microbial species.
Influence of Morphometry and Airway Patency on Response to Inhaled Methacholine

For some individuals, the degree of response to inhaled allergens or the efficacy of inhaled pharmaceuticals may be influenced by their lung morphometry. Fourteen healthy, nonsmoking subjects received a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan just prior to performance of a methacholine challenge. Following the methacholine challenge, subjects were given a bronchodilator and received a second HRCT scan. HRCT scans were reconstructed and measurements of airway length, diameter, branch angle, and inclination to gravity were made for the first six tracheobronchial airway generations. The average length (L) and diameter (d) of each airway generation were used to calculate the average airway generation circumference (πd) and surface area (πLd). The product of airway circumference and surface area was incorporated into an airway volume factor (Ld2 ), inversely proportional to the fractional decrease in airway circumference due to deposited methacholine. Ld2 was used to compare methacholine challenge responders with nonresponders. Six subjects did not respond to the methacholine challenge, while eight subjects responded with a greater than 3% decrease in their forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Compared with the nonresponders, these responders had smaller airway volume factors (from about the same in airway generation 1 to 36% smaller in airway generation 5). They also entered the study with less airway patency (the largest difference was in airway generation 5; 28% compared with 13% in the nonresponsive). Comparison of first and second (after bronchodilation) CT scans indicated that all subjects started the study with each airway generation having a unique degree of airway patency (2–33%). Copyright 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research
EFFECT OF LED AND HALOGEN LIGHTS ON THE GROWTH OF TWO LOCAL MICRO ALGAE AND SOME OF THEIR MEDICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

In the current study, two types of algae Spirulina platensis and Coelastrella terrestris were exposed to two different types of lighting, LED and Halogen with different light intensities, to identify the effect of lighting on the growth of algae and their production of chlorophyll-a, protein, carbohydrates and lipids, as well as investigating anti-properties. Bacterial to these algae extracts. The study showed that there are differences in the growth rates of the algae under study and exposed to the two types of lighting, as the intensity of illumination 2000 LED was the best when it recorded the highest concentration of the chlorophyll tincture for both algae while the lighting intensity was 2500 and 3000 lux for the source of halogen lighting is the best in the production of chlorophyll for algae r, Q, respectively, with respect to proteins, the highest concentration of 0.48 mg/ml was recorded by algae spirulina at the intensity of illumination of the 2000 lux LED and 0.501 mg/ml at the intensity of illumination of 3000 lux halogen. The highest concentration of carbohydrates was 0.288 mg/ml, which was recorded by the alga C. terrestris at the intensity of illumination of 3000 Lux LED, while the type of halogen lighting was the highest concentration of carbohydrates recorded by the same alga and the same intensity of illumination. The highest concentration of lipids was recorded by S. platensis, and it reached 0.196 mg/ml when exposed to the intensity of illumination of 2000 lux type LED. As for exposure to halogen lighting, the same algae gave the highest concentration of lipids and when the intensity of illumination was 3000 lux. In the current study, the inhibitory efficacy of extracts was examined Algae under study on three types of pathogenic bacteria, namely E. coli, Psedumonas aeuruginosa and Staphyllococcus aeureus. The results indicated that treatment with a concentration of 1000 mg/ml of algae extracts gave the highest inhibitory efficacy as the percentage of sensitivity to bacteria E. coli 97% and 36%, respectively.
The Determinants of Corporate Hedging and Firm Value: An Empirical Research of European Firms

This paper seeks to identify 1) the determinants of corporate hedging and 2) test the hypothesis that whether corporate hedging by using derivatives can add value to European firms. In the sample of 253 European non-financial firms on the FTS Euro First Index ranked by the market capitalization as of year-end 2003, we find strong evidences in support for the relationship between financial distress and corporate hedging. We also find that firm size has significantly positive relation with corporate hedging. When we measure the relation between liquidity and corporate risk management, the empirical results provide weak evidence to support that liquidity reduce costs of bankruptcy and financial distress. Finally, to examine the debt capacity and tax shield effects of corporate hedging for European firms, we follow Graham and Rogers (2002) and use two-stage estimation technique, the empirical results show that corporate hedging does create value for European firms by increasing their debt capacity leading to 2.10% increase in firm value.