Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric analysis of multiple-choice questions in an innovative curriculum in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background and Aims: Worldwide, medical education and assessment of medical students are evolving. Psychometric analysis of the adopted assessment methods is thus, necessary for an efficient, reliable, valid and evidence based approach to the assessment of the students. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of psychometric analysis of our courses conducted in the academic year 2018-2019, in an innovative curriculum. Methods: It was a cross-sectional-design study involving review of examination items over one academic session -2018/2019. All exam item analysis of courses completed within the three phases of the year were analyzed using SPSS V20 statistical software. Results: There were 24 courses conducted during the academic year 2018-2019, across the three academic phases. The total examination items were 1073 with 3219 distractors in one of four best option multiple choice questions (MCQs). The item analysis showed that the mean difficulty index (DIF I) was 79.1 ± 3.3. Items with good discrimination have a mean of 65 ± 11.2 and a distractor efficiency of 80.9%. Reliability Index (Kr20) across all exams in the three phases was 0.75. There was a significant difference within the examination items block (F = 12.31, F critical = 3.33, P < 0.05) across all the phases of the courses taken by the students. Similarly, significant differences existed among the three phases of the courses taken (F ratio = 12.44, F critical 4.10, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The psychometric analysis showed that the quality of examination questions was valid and reliable. Though differences were observed in items quality between different phases of study as well as within courses of study, it has generally remained consistent throughout the session. More efforts need to be channeled towards improving the quality in the future is recommended.
Size and scale effects as constraints in insect sound communication

For optimal transfer of power to the surrounding medium, a sound source should have a radius of 1/6 to 1/4 of the sound wavelength. Sound-waves propagate from the source as compressions and rarefactions of the fluid medium, which decay by spreading and viscous losses. Higher frequencies are more easily refracted and reflected by objects in the environment, causing degradation of signal structure. In open air or water, the sound spreads spherically and decays by the inverse square law. If the sound is restricted to two dimensions rather than three, it decays as the inverse of range, whereas waves within a rod decay largely due to viscous losses; such calls are usually rather simple pulses and rely on the initial time of arrival because of multiple pathlengths or different propagation velocities in the environment. Because of the relationship between calling success and reproductive success, singing insects are under selective pressure to optimize the range, and to maintain the specificity, of their calls. Smaller insects have less muscle power; because of their small sound sources, higher frequencies will be radiated more efficiently than lower frequencies, but in order to produce brief loud pulses from a long-duration muscle contraction they may use both a frequency multiplier mechanism and a mechanical power amplifier. Airborne insect sounds in the range from 1 to 5 kHz tend to have sustained puretone components and a specific pattern of pulses which propagate accurately. Where the song frequency is higher, the pulses tend to become briefer, with a rapid initial build-up that gives a reliable time of onset through obstructed transmission pathways. These scale effects may be related both to the sound-producing mechanism and the auditory system of the receiver. Tiny insects have the special acoustic problem of communicating with only a small amount of available power. Some, such as fruit flies, communicate at low frequencies, at close range, by generating air currents; these currents may also be used to waft specific pheromones. Other small insects, such as Hemiptera, beetles, etc., communicate using substrate vibration. This enables long-range communication, but signal structure degrades with distance from the source; vibration signals tend to be confined to certain types of linear substrate, such as vegetation.
Curriculum Evaluation of Physiology subject of medical undergraduate using ‘FIPO model’

Background: After the formal process of developing/revising and implementing the curriculum, the need arises for its ‘Evaluation'. A plan of evaluation is an integral part of the process of curriculum development, which ultimately yields an evaluation report, giving us the directives for the curriculum reforms in the future. ‘Curriculum Evaluation’ is one of the six steps of curriculum development as given by David E Kern. Objective: The present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the whole process of curriculum revision and effectiveness of the Physiology curriculum in achieving the goals, objectives, and outcomes. Methodology: A framework or model is developed named ‘FIPO model’ of curriculum evaluation. According to this, all four components (Formative phase, Input, Process, Output and Outcome) are evaluated for the ‘Curriculum'. In addition, the model also states the key/concerned person/persons responsible and the assessment/monitoring modality for each component. Result: All parameters included in the ‘Formative phase’ of the model, helped to evaluate the initial preparation for carrying out the curriculum revision. For ‘Input’ evaluation, various resources of Physiology department for curriculum revision, implementation, and evaluation, were assessed. It includes Manpower, Infrastructure, Material, Time, Money, etc. The third component of the FIPO model, i.e. process evaluation dealt with two processes, i.e. curriculum revision and curriculum implementation. Evaluation of ‘Output and Outcome’ of the entire exercise of undertaking curriculum revision was undertaken. Conclusion: The curriculum evaluation report stated that the curriculum of Physiology subject of MBBS (Phase I) is revised, implemented and evaluated systematically as per the prescribed guidelines using the available resources in an effective and efficient manner. The demonstrable output for the same was the document of ‘Revised Curriculum’ and significant outcomes were in the form of satisfactory result and distinctions for the subject Physiology.
Situation of labour room documentation at secondary level public health facilities of Cuttack district, Odisha, India – A SWOT analysis

Background: Poor documentation practices in labour rooms have been a challenge especially in resource limited countries. This hinders the efforts towards improving quality of maternal healthcare services. Little effort has been made on this regard in many countries including India. SWOT analysis on labour room documentation would be the first step in understanding the situation, barriers and to formulate strategies for improvement. Materials and Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study was carried out in five secondary health facilities of Cuttack district, Odisha, India. A qualitative method using in-depth interviews among 26 healthcare providers was adopted for data collection and inductive content analysis approach for analysis. Strategies like pioneering, positive, conservative and resistive were formulated under each of the three major components identified. Results: Three major components emerged were i) Adherence and completeness of labour room records and reports, ii) Status of the monitoring and supervision and iii) Utilization of labour room data. Improving knowledge and skill through training and supportive supervision, adopting computer-based application for data management, better coordination among supervisors and labour room staff, infrastructural strengthening for documentation and its security, making documentation a priority, more accountability would improve the documentation. Ensuring data analysis and interpretation, discussion in review meetings and regular monitoring and supervision will improve performance. Conclusion: Ensuring documentation of labour room records, regular quality monitoring and supervision, and analysis and interpretation of data are critical to improve labour room performance. Making it a priority and adopting the strategies will achieve the same, thereby better labour outcome.
Visual morbidity in thyroid eye disease in Asian Indian patients

Purpose: To describe visual morbidity in thyroid orbitopathy in Asian Indians and the factors influencing its onset. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with thyroid related orbitopathy seen between May 2014 and April 2019. Three hundred and one patients were included in the study. Relevant history, clinical findings, investigations, and treatment were documented. Results: Nineteen percent of patients had at least 1 visual morbidity feature such as compressive optic neuropathy, exposure keratopathy or diplopia, requiring intravenous glucocorticoid. Male gender, older age, and diabetes were the significant risk factors for high visual morbidity (all P < 0.05). Systemic thyroid status, degree of proptosis, and duration of disease were not significant. Average dose of intravenous glucocorticoid needed was 3.8 g; 24 (7.9%) patients required orbital decompression, and 13 (4.3%) needed eyelid surgery. At the last follow-up, 97% of patients had vision 6/12 or better in both eyes. Conclusion: There is significant visual morbidity found in Indian patients with TED, even with moderate proptosis and systemic control of thyroid status. This is the first set of data on the subject.
Assessment of pulmonary functions among traffic police personnel in Chennai city - A comparative cross-sectional study

Background: Air pollution due to road traffic is a solemn health hazard and vehicular emissions due to huge population in the cities are the main reason for the air quality crisis. The study was conducted to assess the degree of impairment in lung function in traffic police personnel exposed to traffic pollution compared to less-exposed healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 traffic police personnel, aged 20–55 years, working in Chennai city, as compared to a matched control group, consisting of 250 less-exposed subjects. Measurement of pulmonary function testing was done with an RMS Helio 401. Statistical analysis was carried out with R statistical software. Results: The traffic police personnel had significantly (P < 0.05) declined FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF 25–75% (L/s) as compared to controls. Traffic personnel with longer duration of exposure showed significantly (P < 0.05) reduced lung functions than those with shorter duration. We have found a significant negative correlation with all pulmonary function parameters such as FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, and FVC 25%–75% among the traffic police personnel. Conclusion: The impairment of pulmonary function among the traffic police personnel might be due to the effect of pollution by vehicular exhausts and they should be offered personal protective or preventive measures.
American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) in solid organ transplantation

This review addresses relevant aspects of Chagas disease in the solid organ transplantation setting. This trypanosomiasis was geographically restricted to America, but migration has turned Chagas disease into a global public health concern. Parasite persistence in chronically infected individuals entails the potential of transmission with organ donation and the potential for reactivation under immunosuppression. Prospective monitoring with real‐time PCR or direct methods for detection of parasitemia and treatment of documented episodes of transmission/ reactivation (rather than prophylactic treatment) is the recommended approach for managing patients at risk. Chagas disease is an important cause of terminal cardiomyopathy. Clinical results demonstrate that with adequate monitoring and treatment, patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy benefit from heart transplantation, with long‐term results even better than patients who underwent heart transplantation due to other conditions. Kidney and liver (and possibly other solid organs) transplantation can be safely performed in chronically infected patients with adequate management. Chronically infected patients are also suitable for organ donation (with the exception of the heart and intestines). Although reactivations and transmissions are observed, serious clinical disease is rare, and they are usually successfully managed with benznidazole or nifurtimox.
Dental anthropology of the Upper Palaeoli­thic remains from Romito cave at Papasidero (Cosenza, Italy)/Anthropologie dentaire du Paléolithique supérieur, Grotte del Romito à Papasidero (Cosenza, Italie)

ANTHROPOLOGIE DENTAIRE DU PALEOLITHIQUE SUPERIEUR GROTTE DEL ROMITO A PAPASIDERO COSENZA (ITALIE) Resume. — Les dents des six individus retrouves dans la Grotte del Romito a Papasidero (Cosenza) et dates de la fin du Paleolithique superieur (environ 11000 B.P.), ont ete analysees du point de vue metrique, morphologique et paleopathologique. Le groupe comprend trois femmes (Rom 1, 4 et 5), deux hommes (Rom 3 et 6) et un individu dont le sexe est peut-etre masculin (Rom 2). Tous les sujets sont adultes (Rom 1, 3, 5 et 6) ou sub-adultes (Rom 2 et 4). La comparaison des dents du Romito avec un echantillon du Paleolithique superieur italien, montre qu'elles ont tendance a se grouper dans des secteurs determines a l'interieur de la variabilite de l'echantillon meme. Nous supposons que cela est le reflet d'une certaine endogamie qui caracterise les sujets du Romito. La remarquable homogeneite morphologique va dans le sens de la meme hypothese. Parmi les signes pathologiques, nous observons des lignes d'hypoplasie de l'email chez Rom 4, une carie chez Rom 1, trois fistules chez Rom 5 et des traces de periodontite pour les deux derniers individus.
Early events in the activation of plant defense responses

Resistance in many plant-pathogen interactions is accompanied by the rapid deployment of a multicomponent defense response. The individual compo­ nents of this include the hypersensitive response (HR)! , chemical weapons such as antimicrobial phytoalexins and hydrolytic enzymes, and structural defensive barriers such as lignin and hydroxyproline-rich cell wall proteins. Signals for activation of these various defenses are thought to be initiated in response to recognition of pathogen avirulence determinants (elicitors) by plant receptors. The defense response may be induced specifically (deter­ mined by the avirulent genotype of the pathogen race and the resistant genotype of the host cultivar) or nonspecifically by a range of biotic and
Prophylactic administration of oral calcium carbonate during plateletpheresis: A bicentric prospective study

Background: Administration of anticoagulant citrate and dextrose (ACD-A) chelates ionized calcium in blood and causes hypocalcemia in plateletpheresis donors. The aim of the study was to observe the effects of oral calcium (Ca) supplementation during plateletpheresis on various parameters related to calcium metabolism. Materials and Methods: This study was performed between January 2014 and December 2014 on 200 plateletpheresis donors.They were divided into two groups. In group A donors (n=100), no prophylactic oral calcium supplementation was given. In group B (n=100) donors, 2000 mg of calcium was given one hour before the start of the procedure, 500 mg was given at the start of the procedure and 500 mg calcium was given just before the end of procedure. Biochemical parameters like serum total calcium (T Ca), serum total magnesium (T Mg) and ionized calcium level (iCa) were measured before and after the procedure. Relative risk of citrate toxicity was measured between the two groups. Results: There was a significant fall in total calcium (pre 9.02 mg/dl, post 8.23 mg/dl,), ionized calcium level (pre 1.14 mmol/L, post 0.91 mmol/L) and total magnesium (pre 1.92 mg/dl, post 1.79 mg/dl) amongst the donors who did not receive prophylactic calcium supplementation. Despite calcium intake, in prophylactic calcium intake group, we did observe a significant drop in total magnesium (pre 2.04 mg/dl, post 1.94 mg/dl) and ionized calcium level (pre 1.25 mmol/L, post 1.12 mmol/L, p<0.01). We did observe a drop in total calcium level, however, this observation was not statistically significant. The risk (RR=5.44) of citrate toxicity was higher among group A donors. Conclusion: Prophylactic oral calcium carbonate supplementation would help in to reduce the risk of citrate toxicity. Therefore, we suggest for prophylactic oral administration of 3000 mg elemental calcium carbonate in three divided doses to make PP procedures uneventful.
Latitudinal and Longitudinal Adaptation of Switchgrass Populations

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm- season native grass, used for livestock feed, bioenergy, soil and wildlife conservation, and prairie restoration in a large portion of the USA. The objective of this research was to quantify the relative importance of latitude and longitude for adaptation and agronomic performance of a diverse group of switchgrass populations. Six populations, chosen to represent remnant prai- rie populations on two north-south transects, were evaluated for agronomic traits at 12 loca- tions ranging from 36 to 47°N latitude and 88 to 101°W longitude. Although the population × location interactions accounted for only 10 to 31% of the variance among population means, many signifi cant changes in ranking and adap- tive responses were observed. Ground cover was greater for northern-origin populations evaluated in hardiness zones 3 and 4 and for southern-origin populations evaluated in har- diness zones 5 and 6. There were no adaptive responses related to longitude (ecoregion). Switchgrass populations for use in biomass production, conservation, or restoration should not be moved more than one hardiness zone north or south from their origin, but some can be moved east or west of their original ecore- gion, if results from fi eld tests support broad longitudinal adaptation.
Origine et état de la population de Crepidula fornicata (Gastropoda Prosobranchia) sur le littoral français

Origin and present state of the slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) population, (Gastropoda Proso branchial on French coasts Introduction on French coasts of the slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata took place with several steps of inequal levels. The two main ones are due to accidentaI transport on allied ships' hulls, at the end of last world war, and to the voluntary introduction during the 1970's of the Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas. This species is now distributed from North Sea to the Mediterranean coasts, and generates often local conflicts because of its high densities.
Estrogen regulation of placental alkaline phosphatase gene expression in a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line.

A human endometrial tumor (Ishikawa) cell line in culture responded to estradiol stimulation, as measured by growth and alkaline phosphatase activity. These effects were similar whether the medium was enriched with serum or was serum-free. Estradiol increased placental alkaline phosphatase activity 2–3-fold over control in these Ishikawa cells. The mechanism for this increase appeared to be at the level of transcription, at least in part, since there was an increase in the concentration of placental alkaline phosphatase mRNA. The administration of tamoxifen or 4-hydroxytamoxifen was unable to antagonize the estradiol-stimulated alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity or mRNA expression. The administration of tamoxifen alone had no effect on alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, but tamoxifen did stimulate the steady state concentration of alkaline phosphatase mRNA. In contrast, a new antiestrogen, ICI 164,384, was able to antagonize both of these estradiol-stimulated effects.
Variabilidad temporal de la abundancia de Coralliophila abbreviata y Coralliophila caribaea (Mollusca, Coralliophilidae) en un arrecife coralino del Parque Nacional Morrocoy, Venezuela

Temporary abundance variation of Coralliophila abbreviata and Coralliophila caribaea (Mollusca, Coralliophilidae) in a coral reef at Morrocoy National Park. The mollusks Coralliophila abbreviata and C. caribaea are coral predators in the Caribbean Sea . We evaluated the temporal variabil- ity of abundance and size structure of C. abbreviata and C. caribaea in Cayo Sombrero, Morrocoy National Park, Venezuelar (September 2004 - August 2005). The density of C. abbreviata and C. caribaea was evalu- ated monthly by means of two 50- meter long transects paralell to the coast line, at 3 m and 6 m deep; adi- tionally, 30 individuals of C. abbreviata were collected to measure size. The densities of C. abbreviata at the shallow transect fluctuated between 1.78 ind/m2 in September and 6.26 ind/m2 in May. The densities at the deep transect fluctuated between 4.23 ind/m2 in January and 7.66 ind/m2 in May. The densities of C. caribaea at the shallow transect fluctuated between 0 ind/m2 (except in September) and 0.03 ind/m2 (September) and the densities at the deep transect fluctuated between 0 ind/m2 (October to March and July) and 0.1 ind/m2 (April). Most individuals of C. abbreviata and C. caribaea measured between 12 and 16 mm and between 10 and 15 mm long respectively. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 501-511. Epub 2008 June 30.
Genetic evaluation for cow fighting ability in the Valdostana breed

Abstract This study aimed to exploit the genetic components of cow fighting ability in Valdostana breed. Data from 41 knockout competitions in three different weight categories (WC) performed over two years were used. Two different variables to express fighting ability were considered: 1) a “placing score” (PS) dependent on the position reached in each WC, and 2) a “relative placing score” (RPS), calculated as relative position within WC. A complete data set (COMP) accounting for all fights (n=7157) or a reduced data set (REDU) considering only the best annual PS or RPS for each cow (n=4563), were also compared through ANOVA, REML variance components’ estimates and EBVs’ correlation. The PS in the COMP showed the highest R2 (0.44), and h2 resulted 0.163. The PS in the REDU showed a lower R2 (0.25), similar h2 value (0.189), but higher repeatability than PS in the COMP (0.373 vs. 0.294). The RPS variable in both data sets gave similar genetic parameters, but the R2 models resulted very low (0.02-0.04). The use of the PS variable and the COMP seems the most promising system to evaluate cow fighting ability in Valdostana breed, and a substantial genetic component for this ability seems to exist.
Species diversity in the Monodelphis brevicaudata complex (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) inferred from molecular and morphological data, with the description of a new species

The Monodelphis brevicaudata complex comprises the short-tailed opossum M. brevicaudata and allied forms that inhabit northern and middle South America. We studied the systematics of this complex through a combination of molecular (cytochrome b and 16S rDNA) and morphological (external and craniodental) characters. Our evidence shows that M. brevicaudata as currently recognized comprises three different species: M. brevicaudata; Monodelphis touan, resurrected from the synonymy of M. brevicaudata; and a new species described here. Other species formally recognized in the M. brevicaudata complex include Monodelphis palliolata, Monodelphis glirina, Monodelphis maraxina, Monodelphis domestica, and two additional forms for which formal descriptions are still missing. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 165, 190–223.