Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis with Peptic Ulcer Disease with and without Symptoms in a Rural Tertiary Care Centre in South India *

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is a major health problem world-wide and peptic ulcer is a condition that is commonly seen in patients with liver cirrhosis. Helicobacter pylori infection remains one of the most common conditions in Liver cirrhosis patients. This study was done to ascertain the presence of H. pylori in patients with liver cirrhosis being treated a tertiary care hospital in rural part of South India, in both symptomatic and asymptomatic peptic ulcer disease patients. Methodology: All consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis with or without obvious symptoms of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), attending the gastroenterology department of a rural tertiary care center in Southern India was serially recruited after taking written informed consent to join the study. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed by history, clinical examination, deranged liver function tests (LFT), prolonged prothrombin time (PT), Ultrasound abdomen and upper GI endoscopy showing varices and/or portal gastropathy. The severity of liver disease was classified as per Child -Pugh criteria. The etiology of liver disease was documented. Duodenal ulcer was diagnosed by endoscopy (well defined defect in the first or second part of the duodenum). Gastric ulcer was diagnosed by endoscopy (well-defined defect in the antrum, pylorus or body of the stomach). Results: Primary end point of our study, prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients with liver cirrhosis attending to the gastroenterology department in a rural tertiary care centre in South India with peptic ulcer disease both in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients was 53.6 % (52). Our secondary end point, prevalence of endoscopy proved peptic ulcer in patients with liver cirrhosis, was found to be 10.3% . Surprisingly all the 10 patients with ulcers were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Significant prevalence of asymptomatic peptic ulcer disease and also the prevalence of H.Pylori in patients with liver disease. Bleeding peptic ulcer can cause significant mortality and morbidity in these patients and efforts must be made to treat peptic ulcer disease before complications occur.
Increased risk of developing acute leukemia after employment as a painter

A case‐control interview study of 125 adult patients with acute leukemia and 125 controls matched with respect to age (± four years), sex, and residence was carried out in central Sweden during the period from September 1980 to May 1983. Their history of organic solvent exposure is described. A significant overrisk of developing acute leukemia was found when comparison between patients and controls revealed a difference in the solvent exposure rate, which was significantly higher in patients than in controls, with an estimated odds ratio (OR) of 4.9, 95% CI (2.2 to 12.1). The most frequently exposed profession, painters, exhibit a relative risk of 13 (2.0 to 554). These results suggest that an etiologic relationship exists between organic solvent exposure and the development of acute leukemia in man.
POSTMASTECTOMY LIFE QUALITY IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER IN KHARTOUM

Background: Mastectomy affects female’s life quality and females after mastectomy require long term support. The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the quality of life and achievements in patients with breast cancer after mastectomy and to throw some light on the prognosis of breast cancer in Sudanese patients. Methods: One hundred sixty two patients were enrolled during the period 1995- 2008. Quality of life questionnaire was used for data collection. Patients were followed for 1- 14 years with a mean of 4± 2 years. Results: The overall 5-year survival was 90%. Overall satisfaction was good (75%). However, seventy-seven percent (77%) were unsatisfied with their body image in the first month of follow up but this improved gradually. Depression and anxiety occurred in 25% but decreased to 15% after 3 years. Sexuality was not affected by mastectomy. A good number of patients had good achievements in terms of child birth and spiritual achievements. Conclusion: The quality of life was affected negatively in patients with mastectomy in terms of body image but the overall quality of life was not affected significantly.
Concordance of allozyme and microsatellite differentiation in a marine fish, but evidence of selection at a microsatellite locus

Previous studies have reported higher levels of divergence for microsatellites than for allozymes in several species, suggested to reflect stabilizing selection on the allozymes. We compared the differentiation patterns of 11 allozyme and nine microsatellite loci using 679 spawning Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) collected in the Baltic and North Seas to test for differential natural selection on these markers. Observed distributions of F statistics for the two types of markers are conspicuously dissimilar, but we show that these differences can largely be explained by sampling phenomena caused by different allele frequency distributions and degrees of variability. The results show consistently low levels of differentiation for both marker types, with the exception of one outlier microsatellite locus with a notably high FST. The aberrant pattern at this locus is primarily due to two alleles occurring at markedly high frequencies in the Baltic, suggesting selection at this locus, or a closely linked one. When excluding this locus, the two marker types show similar, weak differentiation patterns with FST values between the Baltic and the North Seas of 0.001 and 0.002 for allozymes and microsatellites, respectively. This small heterogeneity, and weak isolation by distance, is easier to distinguish statistically with microsatellites than with allozymes that have fewer alleles and skewed frequency distributions. The allozymes, however, also detect surprisingly low levels of divergence. Our results support suggestions that previously described differences between marker types are primarily caused by a small number of outlier loci.
Reviving a neglected celestial underwater polarization compass for aquatic animals

Substantial in situ measurements on clear days in a variety of marine environments at depths in the water down to 200 m have demonstrated the ubiquitous daytime presence of sun‐related e‐vector (= plane of polarization) patterns. In most lines of sight the e‐vectors tilt from horizontal towards the sun at angles equal to the apparent underwater refracted zenith angle of the sun. A maximum tilt‐angle of approximately 48.5°, is reached in horizontal lines of sight at 90° to the sun's bearing (the plane of incidence). This tilt limit is set by Snell's window, when the sun is on the horizon. The biological literature since the 1980s has been pervaded with assumptions that daytime aquatic e‐vectors are mainly horizontal. This review attempts to set the record straight concerning the potential use of underwater e‐vectors as a visual compass and to reopen the field to productive research on aquatic animals' orientation and navigation.
Association between psychosocial factors and periodontitis: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE This case-control study investigated the association between life events, anxiety, and depression with periodontitis. METHODOLOGY The study counted with 165 individuals, both sexes, 35-60 years of age. Case group included 96 individuals suffering from periodontal disease; and in control group 69 subjects with no history of periodontitis. Clinical examinations were performed by a single examiner. Psychological assessment included four inventories: Life Events Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compare cases and controls. RESULTS Mean probing depth and clinical attachment level were 3.44+/-0.80 and 4.01+/-1.61 in the case group and 1.96+/-0.19 and 0.95+/-0.50 in the control group, respectively (p<0.05). Positive association of periodontitis with age (odds ratio (OR)=1.15 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.24), male gender (OR=2.71, CI: 1.13-6.49), smoking (OR=6.05, CI: 1.67-21.94) and educational level (OR=6.49, CI: 1.14-36.95) was confirmed. Bivariate analysis did not demonstrate significant mean differences in life events, anxiety symptoms, trait or state of anxiety, or depression symptoms between cases and controls. Multivariate logistic regression, controlling for confounding factors, demonstrated no significant association between psychosocial factors and periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of this study it is possible to conclude that there was no significant association between periodontitis and the psychosocial factors analysed.
Influence of beer marinades on the reduction of carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines in charcoal-grilled pork meat

The effect of beer marinades on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs) was examined in charcoal-grilled pork. Pilsner, non-alcoholic pilsner and black beers (coded respectively as PB, P0B and BB) were assayed and unmarinated samples cooked under similar conditions provided reference HAs levels. Two thermic (PhIP and 4,8-DiMeIQx) and three pyrolytic HAs (Trp-P-1, AαC, MeAαC) were quantified in unmarinated meat samples. Marinating meat in beer resulted in a significant decrease of PhIP, Trp-P-1 and AαC (p < 0.05). 4,8-DiMeIQx formation was inhibited only by BB marinade. No significant effect was observed on MeAαC formation. All beers reduced total HA formation in charcoal-grilled pork, black beer being the most efficient with a level of 90% inhibition. A strong positive correlation was observed between the inhibitory effect of beer on total HA formation and their antioxidant activity. Beer marinades mitigate the impact of consumption of well-done grilled pork meat reducing the formation of cooking carcinogens. Graphical Abstract
Smart Charging Strategies for Optimal Integration of Plug-In Electric Vehicles Within Existing Distribution System Infrastructure

In this paper, smart charging strategies incorporating a unified grid-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-grid charging framework are proposed for optimal integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) within the existing distribution system infrastructure. Two smart strategies with objective functions considering minimization of total daily cost and peak-to-average ratio, respectively, are developed to study the impact on PEV charging from an economic and technical perspective. The proposed strategies are implemented for PEV charging at workplace car parks located in a 37-bus distribution system and an analytical study is presented to evaluate the maximum possible PEV penetration that the existing distribution infrastructure can accommodate corresponding to the two strategies. A comparative analysis of the two strategies is performed in terms of various economic and technical benefits that are derived. Moreover, a performance comparison of the two strategies in presence of slow and fast charging of PEVs is also presented. Finally, an investigative study is conducted for both the strategies to evaluate the maximum PEV penetration that can be integrated in the upcoming years without infrastructure reinforcement. The simulation results present a comprehensive evaluation of the two proposed strategies.
Aspirin resistance in vitro and hypertension in stroke patients

P 1⁄4 0.01). This difference appeared stronger in controls than in cases (Table 1), even though the interaction did not reach significance (P 1⁄4 0.38). As two studies have suggested a threshold effect in which low levels of protein Z increased the risk of thrombosis [4,6], we have stratified the population into two groups according to the 10th percentile of the distribution in controls. In the whole cohort, 10 percent (n 1⁄4 58) of healthy controls had protein Z levels below 0.93 mg L (10th percentile 1⁄4 0.93 mg L). Eleven percent (n 1⁄4 32) of the patients had protein Z levels below this cut-off (P 1⁄4 0.58), which means that protein Z below 0.93 mg L was not a risk factor for coronary disease. This was homogeneous across countries as 12% (n 1⁄4 21) and 10% (n 1⁄4 12) of the patients, in France and Northern Ireland, respectively, had protein Z levels below the 10th percentile which was set in controls for each country separately (P 1⁄4 0.47 and 0.80 for case-control difference in France and Northern Ireland, respectively). In conclusion, antigenic protein Z levels do not seem to have a major effect on the risk of coronary heart disease in healthy men followed for 5 years.
Violência silenciosa: violência psicológica como condição da violência física doméstica

Trata-se de reflexao sobre a violencia domestica, com especial enfoque na violencia psicologica. Esta se desenvolve como um processo silencioso, que progride sem ser identificado, deixando marcas em todos os envolvidos. Pela sua caracteristica, a violencia psicologica no interior da familia, geralmente, evolui e eclode na forma da violencia fisica. Com base neste entendimento destaca-se a importância de identificar as violencias sutis que ainda se encontram em estagio embrionario. No entanto, aponta-se como um grande problema a dificuldade na identificacao da violencia psicologica domestica, em razao de esta aparecer diluida em atitudes aparentemente nao relacionadas ao conceito de violencia.
Discrete Wavelet Transform Based Spectrum Sensing in Futuristic Cognitive Radios

With the advent of an era of wireless communication, the number of users is on the rise, the result of which is spectral congestion. Cognitive Radio systems provide an intelligent and an attractive solution to this technical crisis. Spectrum Sensing is indispensable for the functioning of Cognitive Radio and helps in efficient spectrum utilization. In this paper, a wavelet based approach to spectrum sensing is dealt with. Wavelets provide a new dimension to tackle spectrum sensing. This method is comparatively easier and more reliable than the conventional energy detector. An algorithm for spectrum sensing has been proposed and the results obtained for various scenarios are tabulated. A comparison with the conventional energy detector has been performed to substantiate the proposal. Some important conditions are also specified.
Differences of the ipsilateral silent period in small hand muscles

The ipsilateral silent period (iSP) is thought to depend on activity transmitted by the corpus callosum but ipsilateral corticospinal pathways may also contribute. Because the presence of ipsilateral corticospinal pathways differs between small hand muscles, we compared the iSP in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscles. The iSP was elicited in 20 healthy subjects by focal transcranial magnetic stimulation of one primary motor cortex during maximal voluntary contraction of the ipsilateral target muscle. The iSP duration was significantly longer in the FDI than APB because of an irregularly occurring second phase of inhibition in the FDI that was absent in the APB. Although the first phase of inhibition is transmitted by the corpus callosum, we provide evidence that the second phase is mediated through ipsilateral corticospinal pathways. Therefore, for specific assessment of callosal conduction, the iSP should be measured in the APB rather than FDI. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Refractory hypotension after induction of anesthesia in a patient chronically treated with angiotensin receptor antagonists.

An increasing number of patients scheduled for surgery are chronically treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARA). These drugs interfere with the renin-angiotensin system by inhibiting the angiotensin II (AII) binding to its receptor, resulting in increased AII- and normal bradykinin blood levels (1). By contrast, AII synthesis inhibition by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), results in increased bradykinin- and low AII blood levels (2). The arterial blood pressure response to induction documented in patients treated with ACEI (3,4) may not be similar in patients chronically treated with ARA. We report the management of a patient, chronically treated with an ACEI (enalapril) and thereafter with an ARA (irbesartan), who developed a severe hypotension refractory to ephedrine and phenylephrine in response to induction.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a brief school-based group programme for parents of children at risk of ADHD: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend a stepped care approach for the identification and management of children with, or at risk of, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of a group parenting intervention programme (+/- a teacher session) for children at risk of ADHD. METHODS In a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial, 12 primary schools were randomly assigned to control, parent-only and combined (parent + teacher) intervention arms. Eligible children had high levels of parent-rated hyperactivity/inattention (n = 199). At 6 month follow-up, the primary outcome measure was the parent-completed Conners' Rating Scale - Revised (ADHD index). Secondary outcomes included the Conners' sub-scales (hyperactivity, cognitive problems/inattention and oppositional behaviour), the teacher-completed Conners' Rating Scale - Revised, child health-related quality of life, parental burden and parental mental health. The cost-effectiveness analyses reflected a health and personal social services perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN87634685. RESULTS Follow-up data were obtained from 76 parents and 169 teachers. There was no effect of the parent-only (mean difference = -1.1, 95% CI -5.1,2.9; p = 0.57) or combined interventions (mean difference = -2.1, 95% CI -6.4,2.1; p = 0.31) on the ADHD index. The combined intervention was associated with reduced parent-reported hyperactivity symptoms (mean difference = -5.3; 95% CI -10.5,-0.01; p = 0.05) and the parent-only intervention with improved parental mental health (mean difference = -1.9; 95% CI -3.2,-0.5; p = 0.009). The incremental costs of the parent-only and the combined interventions were £73 and £123, respectively. Above a willingness-to-pay of £31 per one-point improvement in the ADHD index, the parent-only programme had the highest probability of cost-effectiveness. Participants found the interventions acceptable. CONCLUSIONS For children at risk of ADHD, this school-based parenting programme was not associated with improvement in core ADHD symptoms. Secondary analyses suggested a possible reduction in parent-reported hyperactivity and parental mental health problems. Future research should compare targeted interventions against watchful waiting and specialist referral.
Alberta Feedlot Management Guide 2 P 1 : 1 INDEXTOC Bovine Viral Diarrhea ( BVD )

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an economically important pathogen of cattle and it occurs worldwide. The biology of this virus is complex because it is associated with many diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from mild acute infections to fatal mucosal disease. BVDV can infect cattle at all ages including the fetus (1-3). Serological evidence shows that BVDV is a common infectious agent in beef cattle herds and feedlots (4). Major economic losses lately in Saskatchewan have been mucosal disease and calf mortality of persistently infected animals (5, 6) . Furthermore, BVDV probably plays together with other infectious agents a role in calf pneumonia (‘shipping fever’; 1, 2, 7). Thus it is important to control and prevent BVDV infections by vaccination and by identification and elimination of persistently infected cattle, which are the major source of infection.
Expression switching in the stevor and Pfmc‐2TM superfamilies in Plasmodium falciparum

Plasmodium falciparum possesses two multigenic families, var and rif, the products of which are expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes, where via antigenic variation they contribute to malaria pathogenesis and evasion of antibody‐mediated host immunity. The products of two smaller gene families, stevor and Pfmc‐2TM, also localize to the erythrocyte membrane, although it is not known if they undergo antigenic switching. Herein we use gene‐specific quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to investigate the transcription pattern of the stevor and Pfmc‐2TM gene families, in both primary and second generation clonal lines of the P. falciparum isolate, NF54. We show that: (i) the expression of stevor and Pfmc‐2TM families is clonally variant, (ii) the expression of stevor and Pfmc‐2TM families undergoes switching, and (iii) switching rates vary among different variants and different isogenic clones at rates higher than 2% per generation. In addition, we show that chromosomal telomeric deletions are common in clonal lines and result in a spectrum of deletion genotypes. These findings provide evidence that the stevor and Pfmc‐2TM gene families play a role in P. falciparum antigenic variation.
Columnar packing of telomeric nucleosomes.

Telomeres belong to the key functional elements of eukaryotic chromosomes. Like all the other parts of the genome, they exist and function as complexes of DNA with histones and various nonhistone proteins, including specific telomere-binding proteins. Studies of telomeric chromatin have shown on the one hand a lack of nucleosome positioning and on the other hand a specific nucleosome spacing as revealed by micrococcal nuclease digestion. Based on these properties and on accumulated experimental data, we present a model for a columnar packing of nucleosomes in telomeric chromatin.
Structure and Function of the 10 S Conformation of Smooth Muscle Myosin*

Smooth myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) was exchanged with RLC labeled with benzophenone-4-iodoacetamide at Cys-108. Irradiation under conditions that favor the folded (10 S) conformation resulted in 10 S cross-linked myosin that could not unfold. Purified 10 S cross-linked myosin was cross-linked between the RLC of one head to light meromyosin between leucine 1554 and glutamate 1583, adjacent to a predicted noncoiled region, approximately 60 nm from the tip of the tail. At high ionic strength without actin, product release from one-half of the heads was slow (like 10 S) whereas the other half were activated. This suggests that tail binding to the RLC carboxyl-terminal domain stabilizes ionic interactions important to slow nucleotide release. With actin, product release from both (un)phosphorylated 10 S cross-linked myosin was from one slow population similar to unphosphorylated filaments. 10 S cross-linked myosin weakly bound actin (dissociation constant > 500 μM) and did not move actin in vitro. Single-headed myosin did not fold or trap nucleotide. These and other data suggest that “trapping” occurs only with both heads and the tail binds to a newly formed site, which includes the RLC carboxyl-terminal domain, once trapping has occurred.