Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Higher Odds of Type 2 Diabetes for Some Blood Groups

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases in humans that cause disruption in glucose and fat metabolism. The determination of the ABO blood group system is hereditary and both diabetes and blood groups have a genetic basis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the odds of type 2 diabetes for some blood groups. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in hospitals of Kermanshah in 2018. The case group consisted of patients with diabetes admitted to hospital and the control group of nondiabetic patients hospitalized in the surgical ward. Information such as age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes and blood group is collected and analyzed by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression method. Results: A total of 750 patients were enrolled in this study. The number of participants in both groups was 375. The average ages of the participants were 50.51 and 51.62 years, respectively. 67.5% of the patients in the case group were female in comparison with 73.6% of those in the control group. The value of Rh+ in the case and control groups was 94.4 and 93.6%, respectively (p = 0.645). The chance of having diabetes for patients with blood group A was 76% higher than for those with blood group O (p = 0.006). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the odds of type 2 diabetes for people in blood group A was higher than for those in other blood groups. It is recommended that blood group A be considered as a risk factor in the screening of type 2 diabetes.
Extraction of recombinant periplasmic proteins under industrially relevant process conditions: Selectivity and yield strongly depend on protein titer and methodology

In this work, we attempted to identify a method for the selective extraction of periplasmic endogenously expressed proteins, which is applicable at an industrial scale. For this purpose, we used an expression model that allows coexpression of two fluorescent proteins, each of which is specifically targeted to either the cytoplasm or periplasm. We assessed a number of scalable lysis methods (high‐pressure homogenization, osmotic shock procedures, extraction with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and extraction with deoxycholate) for the ability to selectively extract periplasmic proteins rather than cytoplasmic proteins. Our main conclusion was that although we identified industrially scalable lysis conditions that significantly increased the starting purity for further purification, none of the tested conditions were selective for periplasmic protein over cytoplasmic protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that efficient extraction of the expressed recombinant proteins was largely dependent on the overall protein concentration in the cell.
Coagulation Changes in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia during Painful Crises and Steady State at Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Nigeria

Background: The pathophysiology of vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is multifactorial and hypercoagulability is believed to play a role. The association between hypercoagulabilty and vaso-occlusive disease has been extensively studied in adult SCA patients, there is however paucity of data on the subject regarding paediatric SCA. Objective: This study set out to determine the presence of hypercoagulable states specifically in paediatric SCA subjects through quantification of specific coagulation markers during painful crises and steady state. Methodology: The study was a hospital- based longitudinal study carried out between May and October 2015 at Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Fifty SCA subjects were consecutively recruited during painful crises and followed up into their respective steady states. Twenty-five subjects with HbAA phenotype served as controls. Assays of coagulation markers, D-dimer and prothrombin fragment (F1 2) were carried out by sandwich ELISA method using MyBiosource？ D-dimer and F1 2 ELISA kits. Results: Mean D-dimer level was 7358 ± 4354.33 ng/ml in the SCA subjects during painful crises, 5509 ± 3506.2 ng/ml during steady state, and 800 ± 1874.14 ng/ml in HbAA controls. Mean (F1 2) level was 0.84 ± 0.43 nmol/l in the SCA subjects during painful crises, 0.64 ± 0.25 nmol/l during steady state, and 0.41 ± 0.28 nmol/l, in HbAA controls. The mean values of both coagulation markers assayed were significantly higher during painful crises than at steady state (P = 0.002), while steady state values were also significantly higher than that of haemoglobin AA individuals (P = 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests the presence of hypercoagulable states in paediatric SCA during steady state which is exacerbated during painful crises. The clinical imports of this finding require further elucidation.
An Introduction to Assessing Dental Fear and Anxiety in Children

Fear and anxiety constitute an important theme in dentistry, especially with children. Anxiety and the fear of pain during dental treatment can lead to avoidance behaviour, which contributes to perpetuating fear and anxiety of dental care. Understanding and assessing dental fear and anxiety in children is important for delivering successful dental care with high satisfaction in this age group. Among the vast assessment method options available today, self-report assessment, parental proxy assessment, observation-based assessment, and physiological assessment are the four major types for dental fear and anxiety in children. Each method has its own merits and limitations. The selection of a method should be based on the objectives, validity, and setting of the assessment. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss the assessment methods for dental fear and anxiety in children.
Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation amongst Patients with Facial Dermatoses (Acne, Rosacea, Perioral Dermatitis, and Folliculitis) in Lithuania

Background/Objective: Skin diseases, especially those with visible manifestation, are considered to cause a major influence on global mental health. Therefore, we determined the prevalence and severity of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in a large sample of patients with facial dermatoses, namely acne, rosacea, folliculitis, and perioral dermatitis. Methods: The mental health of patients with facial dermatoses and respective controls was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and questions concerning suicidal ideation. Results: The study included 543 patients with facial dermatoses and 497 healthy individuals. Anxiety was present in 37.6% of the patients (14.9% of controls), depression in 21.7% (6.8%), and suicidal thoughts in 9.8% (3.2%) (p < 0.001). Acne patients demonstrated the highest anxiety and depression subscale scores (mean ± standard deviation: 7.1 ± 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.58–7.56; controls: 5 ± 0.23, 95% CI: 4.57–5.49). In rosacea 30% of the patients had depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 7.216, 95% CI: 4.122–12.632, p < 0.001), while in folliculitis patients 15.4% (OR: 3.138, 95% CI: 1.241–7.936, p = 0.016) had suicidal thoughts. Patients with anxiety symptoms and suicidal thoughts were on average younger than those without (28.3 ± 0.76 vs. 31.2 ± 0.66 years, p = 0.001 and 25.3 ± 0.98 vs. 30.5 ± 0.55 years, p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: Acne and rosacea are associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in Lithuanian patients. Younger patients are more prone to report such symptoms than older ones.
The effect of endometriosis on live birth rate and other reproductive outcomes in ART cycles: a cohort study

Abstract Study question What is the effect of endometriosis compared to unexplained subfertility on live birth rate in women undergoing IVF and embryo transfer (ET)? Summary answer Endometriosis decreases live birth rate in women undergoing IVF-ET treatment, particularly with increasing severity of the disease. What is known already Endometriosis affects up to 50% of women seeking fertility treatment and is known to reduce fecundity. There remains a debate as to effects of endometriosis on the outcomes of IVF treatment, with live birth being a secondary outcome or not reported in most studies. Study design, size, duration A retrospective cohort study analyzing data of IVF treatment cycles from January 2000 to December 2014 was carried out. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women with endometriosis (n = 531) and women with unexplained subfertility (n = 737) undergoing a first cycle of IVF-ET in a tertiary fertility treatment center were included in the study. The primary outcome was live birth. Other outcome measures were response to ovarian stimulation, embryo development and implantation rate. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed and differences compared using Chi squared test of Student’s t-test as appropriate. Main results and the role of chance Women with endometriosis had 24% less likelihood of a live birth when compared to those with unexplained subfertility [odds ratio (OR) 0.76 (95% CI, 0.59–0.98) P = 0.035]. This effect became more apparent with increasing severity of endometriosis. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, the trend for lower live birth rate remained but did not reach statistical significance [adjusted OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.56–1.03), P = 0.078]. Women with endometriosis were as likely as those with unexplained subfertility to have a singleton live birth when two embryos were transferred as opposed to a single ET [OR 1.38 (95% CI 0.73–2.62), P = 0.32 and OR 3.22 (95% CI 1.7–6.05), P = 0.0003, respectively]. Compared to women with unexplained subfertility, those with endometriosis had fewer oocytes retrieved [(10.54 (95% CI 10.13–0.95) and 9.15 (95% CI 8.69–9.6), respectively], lower blastocyst transfer [OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.12–0.5), P = 0.0001] and a significantly reduced implantation rate [OR 0.73 (0.58–0.92), P = 0.007]. Limitations reasons for caution The study is limited by a retrospective design. By limiting the study to a single ET cycle, it was not possible to assess the cumulative outcome including use of all frozen embryos. Wider implications of the findings Endometriosis has similar phenotypes among women in different populations and would be expected to have a similar effect on fertility. These results are therefore generalizable to other populations of women. Study funding/competing interest(s) None. Trial registration number Not applicable.
Dietary inclusion of Antarctic krill meal during the finishing feed period improves health and fillet quality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Abstract There is an urgent need to find alternative feed resources that can further substitute fishmeal in Atlantic salmon diets without compromising health and food quality, in particular during the finishing feeding period when the feed demand is highest and flesh quality effects are most significant. This study investigates efficacy of substituting a isoprotein (35 %) and isolipid (35 %) low fishmeal diet (FM, 15 %) with Antarctic krill meal (KM, 12 %) during 3 months with growing finishing 2·3 kg salmon (quadruplicate sea cages/diet). Final body weight (3·9 (se 0·04) kg) was similar in the dietary groups, but the KM group had more voluminous body shape, leaner hearts and improved fillet integrity, firmness and colour. Ectopic epithelial cells and focal Ca deposits in intestine were only detected in the FM group. Transcriptome profiling by microarray of livers showed dietary effects on several immune genes, and a panel of structural genes were up-regulated in the KM group, including cadherin and connexin. Up-regulation of genes encoding myosin heavy chain proteins was the main finding in skeletal muscle. Morphology examination by scanning electron microscopy and secondary structure by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy revealed more ordered and stable collagen architecture of the KM group. NEFA composition of skeletal muscle indicated altered metabolism of n-3, n-6 and SFA of the KM group. The results demonstrated that improved health and meat quality in Atlantic salmon fed krill meal were associated with up-regulation of immune genes, proteins defining muscle properties and genes involved in cell contacts and adhesion, altered fatty acid metabolism and fat deposition, and improved gut health and collagen structure.
Direct Rapid Left Ventricular Wire Pacing during Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Background: Rapid ventricular pacing is mandatory for optimal balloon positioning during aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of direct left ventricular (LV) guidewire pacing in comparison with regular pacing induced by temporary pacemaker (PM) placement in the right ventricle. Methods: Direct rapid LV pacing was provided with a 0.035″ guidewire. Baseline clinical characteristics, echocardiographic and procedural data, as well as complication rates, were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 202 patients undergoing BAV were enrolled (49.5% with direct LV guidewire pacing). The pacing success rate was 100%. In the direct LV guidewire pacing group, we found a lower radiation dose, shorter fluoroscopy and overall procedural time (0.16 vs. 0.28 Gy, p = 0.02; 5.4 vs. 10.3 min, p = 0.01; 17 vs. 25 min, p = 0.01; respectively). In addition, the complication rate was lower in that group (cardiac tamponades, vascular access site complications, blood transfusions rate, and in-hospital mortality: 0% vs. 3.9%; 4.0% vs. 15.7%; 2.0% vs. 12.7%; 2.0% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.01 for all, respectively). Conclusions: Direct rapid LV guidewire pacing is a simple, safe and effective option for BAV with a reduced complication rate compared to a temporary PM placed in the right ventricle.
Remediation of Cr(VI)-Contaminated Soil by Nano-Zero-Valent Iron in Combination with Biochar or Humic Acid and the Consequences for Plant Performance

Nano-scale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is among the most common nanoparticles widely used for the treatment of various environmental contaminants. However, little is known about the combined effects of nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) and other soil amendments on soil remediation and plant performance. For the first time, we studied the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil using bare nZVI (B-nZVI) and starch-supported nZVI (S-nZVI) in combination with either biochar (BC) or humic acid (HA), and the consequent effects on plant growth and Cr accumulation. Both S-nZVI and B-nZVI decreased the contents of Cr(VI) and available Cr in soil, but increased available Fe content, with S-nZVI generally showing more pronounced effects at a higher dose (1000 mg/kg). B-nZVI exerted no inhibition and even stimulation on plant growth, but 1000 mg/kg S-nZVI produced significant phytotoxicity, resulting in decreased plant growth, low chlorophyll content in leaves, and excessive accumulation of Fe in roots. Each nZVI decreased shoot and root Cr concentrations. BC and HA produced synergistic effects with nZVI on Cr(VI) removal from soil, but HA decreased soil pH and increased the availability of Cr and Fe, implying a potential environmental risk. Addition of BC or HA did not alter the effects of either nZVI on plant growth. In conclusion, combined application of 100 mg/kg nZVI and BC could be an ideal strategy for the remediation of soil contaminated with Cr(VI), whereas high-dose S-nZVI and HA are not recommended in the remediation of agricultural soils for crop production or in the phytostabilization of Cr(VI).
Ex vivo comparison of leakage pressures and leakage location with a novel technique for creation of functional side-to-side canine small intestinal anastomoses.

OBJECTIVE To determine the ability of functional side-to-side small intestinal anastomoses (FSS-SIA) created with an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) device to resist leakage. STUDY DESIGN Experimental, ex vivo. SAMPLE POPULATION Jejunal segments (n = 130) from 10 healthy canine cadavers. METHODS Four types of anastomoses were created (two segments/construct and 15 constructs/group): EBVS (group A), EBVS + transverse stapling (group B), stapled (group C), and EBVS + suture augmentation (group D). Initial leakage pressure (ILP), initial leakage location (ILL), and maximal intraluminal pressure were compared between groups, and five group A constructs were analyzed histologically. RESULTS Initial leakage pressure was greater in group D than in groups A, B, and C (P < .011). There was a difference in ILL among groups (P = .003). Leakage occurred at the side-to-side intestinal anastomosis fusion line in 13 of 15 (87%) constructs for groups A and B and in nine of 15 (60%) constructs for group D. Maximal intraluminal pressure was greater in group C than in groups A, B, and D (P < .004). Histological examination was consistent with collagenous fusion without cavitation defects. CONCLUSION Functional side-to-side small intestinal anastomosis was consistently achieved with an EBVS device. Augmentation of EBVS anastomoses with simple interrupted sutures along the anastomotic fusion line increased ILP compared with stapled anastomoses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Despite the success and feasibility of creating an FSS-SIA with an EBVS device, additional in vivo studies are required to determine the effectiveness of intestinal fusion prior to clinical implementation.
An Assessment of the Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Blood Pressure among Polokwane Private School Children

High blood pressure (HBP) among children and adolescents has been associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and blood pressure among Polokwane private school children. Mean body fat % was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in girls (23.74) than the boys (16.77). There was a significant (P < 0.05) association between systolic blood pressure (BP) and waist circumference (WC) unadjusted (OR = 1.125) and adjusted (OR = 1.097) for age and gender. This study included a total of 1665 children and adolescents (846 boys and 819 girls) aged 5 to 15 years old. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, hip circumference (HC) and waist circumference (WC) were taken according to standard procedures. Descriptive statistics were done to determine the prevalence of hypertension and mean of all the variables. Pearson correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were all done to determine the association between blood pressure (BP) and the anthropometric measurements. All statistical analysis were done using SPSS. There was a significant association between body composition and blood pressure among Polokwane Private School children. Lowering the risk factors of high BP in children and adolescents will lower their risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.
Are Students Really Cautious about Food Waste? Korean Students’ Perception and Understanding of Food Waste

The amount of food wasted by Korean households is significant and to some extent could be preventable. It is not well illustrated how Korean students perceive food waste and how much they know about the consequences of food waste. This study aimed to examine Korean students’ perception of food waste. Overall, results show that students’ perception of food waste varies in different clusters. Considerate food wasters (cluster 1) are knowledgeable and have much information regarding food waste. This paper suggests that additional information about how to preserve food and about issues related to food wastes, which cause a bigger environmental problem over the long term, could influence the behavior of this cluster, reducing perhaps further food waste. On the other hand, unwitting and ruthless food wasters, who are in clusters 2 and 3, need extra attention. Marketers should initiate educational campaigns to raise awareness of food waste for students and youth. Students who fall under these two clusters may need to pay extra attention to their shopping behavior. They should be more connected to their food, and to their purchase behavior, which may reduce food waste.
Cooking Effect on the Bioactive Compounds, Texture, and Color Properties of Cold-Extruded Rice/Bean-Based Pasta Supplemented with Whole Carob Fruit

Pasta is considered as the ideal vehicle for fortification; thus, different formulations of gluten-free pasta have been developed (rice 0–100%, bean 0–100%, and carob fruit 0% or 10%). In this article, the content of individual inositol phosphates, soluble sugars and α-galactosides, protease inhibitors, lectin, phenolic composition, color, and texture were determined in uncooked and cooked pasta. The highest total inositol phosphates and protease inhibitors contents were found in the samples with a higher bean percentage. After cooking, the content of total inositol phosphates ranged from 2.12 to 7.97 mg/g (phytic acid or inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) was the major isoform found); the protease inhibitor activities showed values up to 12.12 trypsin inhibitor (TIU)/mg and 16.62 chymotrypsin inhibitor (CIU)/mg, whereas the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed the elimination of lectins. Considering the different α-galactosides analyzed, their content was reduced up to 70% (p < 0.05) by the cooking process. The total phenols content was reduced around 17–48% after cooking. The cooked samples fortified with 10% carob fruit resulted in darker fettuccine with good firmness and hardness and higher antioxidant activity, sucrose, and total phenols content than the corresponding counterparts without this flour. All of the experimental fettuccine can be considered as functional and healthy pasta mainly due to their bioactive compound content, compared to the commercial rice pasta.
Full Thickness versus Partial Thickness Tragal Cartilage Graft Compared with Temporalis Muscle Fascia Graft in Myringoplasty

Background: tympanoplasty aims to create an intact tympanic membrane and to improve hearing. Temporalis fascia is commonly used but may undergo atrophy and re-perforation. Cartilage is a good graft due to its stability and resistance to negative pressure but may interfere with sound transmission. Thinning of cartilage counteracts the disadvantage effect of the full thickness graft on sound transmission. We aimed to present our experience in comparing full thickness, partial thickness tragal cartilage and temporalis fascia as grafting materials in myringoplasty type 1 concentrating on graft uptake, hearing gain and tinnitus improvement. Patients & Methods: Sixty patients presented with chronic supportive otitis media with perforation of tubo-tympanic type were subjected to prospective study. (Group A) and (Group B) underwent full thickness and partial thickness tragal cartilage tympanoplasty respectively while (Group C) underwent temporalis fascia. The three groups were evaluated after 3 months from surgery as regarding to graft take, hearing improvement and tinnitus. Results: There were statistically significant increase in post-operative hearing gain in all groups. P value were <0.001. There were statistically insignificant difference between the 3 groups as regarding to the successful graft take up (P value = 0.791). THI questionnaire showed statistically insignificant difference (p= 0.194) between pre and postoperative results in group A while in group B and C showed statistically significant difference (P <0.001). Conclusion: Partial thickness cartilage counteracts the disadvantage effect of temporalis fascia and full thickness cartilage as graft material.