Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profil clinique et facteurs associés au syndrome de l’intestin irritable chez les étudiants en médecine à Cotonou, Bénin

Introduction Le syndrome de l'intestin irritable (SII) est un trouble fréquent qui motive souvent une consultation en médecine générale et en gastroentérologie. L'objectif de l'étude était de déterminer la prévalence du SII, décrire ses caractéristiques cliniques, déterminer ses facteurs associés et la répercussion sur la scolarité chez les étudiants en médecine de Cotonou. Méthodes Cette étude transversale descriptive et analytique était menée au cours de la période du 1er août au 29 septembre 2017, chez les étudiants en médecine. Les critères diagnostiques étaient ceux de Rome IV, l'échelle de Bristol, échelle de Cungi et HADS score. L'analyse des données était effectuée grâce au logiciel SPSS 20.0. Résultats Sur un total de 315 étudiants inclus, 44 (14%) avaient un SII. Les facteurs associés du SII étaient le sexe féminin (OR [IC95%] = 2,4 [1,2-4,7]; p = 0,00), la prise régulière d'aliment gras (OR [IC95%] = 2,0 [1,1-3,9]; p = 0,03), un état de stress élevé à sévère (OR [IC95%] = 2,2 [1,1-4,7]; p = 0,02) et un état d'anxiété modéré à sévère (OR [IC95%] = 1,9 [0,9-3,6]; p = 0,04). L'absentéisme pour SII était rare (1 cas; 2,3%). Conclusion Le SII est fréquent chez les étudiants en médecine de Cotonou. Les facteurs associés modifiables identifiés étaient le stress, l'anxiété et la consommation régulière des aliments gras. Aucune répercussion notable sur la scolarité n'était notée.
Sequence of emergence of the permanent teeth in Macaca, Pan, Homo, and Australopithecus: Its evolutionary significance

There are two main questions about the sequence of emergence of the permanent teeth in humans: 1) Why is there so much variation in sequence within human populations? (2) What is the adaptive or evolutionary significance of emergence sequence? Here, the human condition is considered by comparing us to other living primates and to our evolutionary past and considered in the light of Schultz's hypothesis that sequence of tooth emergence is adapted to rate of postnatal growth (Schultz AH. In JM Tanner (ed.) Human Growth, pp 1–20, 1960). Frequencies of individual pairwise sequences (e.g., M1I1 vs. I1M1) in the emergence of the permanent dentition are described for N = 110 Macaca nemestrina, and compared to N = 157 Pan troglodytes and ≥6,000 Homo sapiens. In addition, sequences of gingival emergence are reconstructed for Australopithecus and early Homo. Trends observed across these catarrhine primates suggest that sequence and variability in sequence can be understood by a simple model of adaptation of tooth emergence to growth rate. As rate of postnatal growth slows, molars drift to later positions in sequence, either by always emerging late in sequence, or by varying in the direction of late emergence. “Augmented sequences” (sequences written with notations about variability) are important in recognizing evolutionary trends; further, they often alter perception of similarities and differences among taxa. Although samples are small, Australopithecus africanus resembles the rapidly developing genera Macaca and Pan more than it resembles Homo sapiens. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stability and maturity of maize stalks compost as affected by aeration rate, C/N ratio and moisture content

To estimate the order of importance of factors affecting the stability and maturation of compost, cow feces and maize stalks were co-composted at different aeration rates "AR" (22, 44 and 66 L kg-1 DM . min-1) of C/N ratios (16, 19, 22), and moisture contents "MC" (60 %, 65 %, 70 %). A composting process was monitored by physical and chemical methods. The thermophilic phase with all treatments was long enough to meet sanitation requirements. The emitted carbon dioxide and the losses total organic carbon and total extractable carbon increased with increasing aeration rate, there was a significant difference between the treatments with low and high aeration rate, but no significant differences between those two treatments and the moderate aeration rate. The total nitrogen contents of all treatments decreased during the thermophilic phase, while it was increased after that for all treatments except T8. The compost with the highest initial C/N ratio was significantly different from the other treatments and had the highest values of humic substances, degree of humification and humification rate. The compost with the lowest initial C/N ratio was significantly different from the other treatments and had the lowest germination index (57-67%). Aeration rate was the main factor influencing compost stability, while the C/N ratio mainly contributed to compost maturity, and the moisture content had an insignificant effect on the compost quality. The recommended parameters for composting are an aeration rate of 0.44 L kg-1 DM. min-1 and a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 19 with moisture content of 60-70%.
Does this adult patient have a blunt intra-abdominal injury?

CONTEXT Blunt abdominal trauma often presents a substantial diagnostic challenge. Well-informed clinical examination can identify patients who require further diagnostic evaluation for intra-abdominal injuries after blunt abdominal trauma. OBJECTIVE To systematically assess the precision and accuracy of symptoms, signs, laboratory tests, and bedside imaging studies to identify intra-abdominal injuries in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. DATA SOURCES We conducted a structured search of MEDLINE (1950-January 2012) and EMBASE (1980-January 2012) to identify English-language studies examining the identification of intra-abdominal injuries. A separate, structured search was conducted for studies evaluating bedside ultrasonography. STUDY SELECTION We included studies of diagnostic accuracy for intra-abdominal injury that compared at least 1 finding with a reference standard of abdominal computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, laparotomy, autopsy, and/or clinical course for intra-abdominal injury. Twelve studies on clinical findings and 22 studies on bedside ultrasonography met inclusion criteria for data extraction. DATA EXTRACTION Critical appraisal and data extraction were independently performed by 2 authors. DATA SYNTHESIS The prevalence of intra-abdominal injury in adult emergency department patients with blunt abdominal trauma among all evidence level 1 and 2 studies was 13% (95% CI, 10%-17%), with 4.7% (95% CI, 2.5%-8.6%) requiring therapeutic surgery or angiographic embolization of injuries. The presence of a seat belt sign (likelihood ratio [LR] range, 5.6-9.9), rebound tenderness (LR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.8-24), hypotension (LR, 5.2; 95% CI, 3.5-7.5), abdominal distention (LR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.9-7.6), or guarding (LR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.3-5.9) suggest an intra-abdominal injury. The absence of abdominal tenderness to palpation does not rule out an intra-abdominal injury (summary LR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.80). The presence of intraperitoneal fluid or organ injury on bedside ultrasound assessment is more accurate than any history and physical examination findings (adjusted summary LR, 30; 95% CI, 20-46); conversely, a normal ultrasound result decreases the chance of injury detection (adjusted summary LR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.19-0.34). Test results increasing the likelihood of intra-abdominal injury include a base deficit less than -6 mEq/L (LR, 18; 95% CI, 11-30), elevated liver transaminases (LR range, 2.5-5.2), hematuria (LR range, 3.7-4.1), anemia (LR range, 2.2-3.3), and abnormal chest radiograph (LR range, 2.5-3.8). Symptoms and signs may be most useful in combination, particularly in identification of patients who do not need further diagnostic workup. CONCLUSIONS Bedside ultrasonography has the highest accuracy of all individual findings, but a normal result does not rule out an intra-abdominal injury. Combinations of clinical findings may be most useful to determine which patients do not require further evaluation, but the ideal combination of variables for identifying patients without intra-abdominal injury requires further study.
Antibodies of sharks: revolution and evolution

Summary: The combinatorial immune response is restricted to jawed vertebrates with cartilaginous fishes being the lowest extant species to have the mechanism for diversification and an extensive panoply of immuno‐globulins, T‐cell receptors and MHC products. Here, we review the molecular events of the “big bang” or rapid evolutionary appearance of the functionally complete combinatorial immune system coincident with the appearance of ancestral jawed vertebrates, suggesting that this event was catalyzed by horizontal transfer of DNA processing systems. We analyze the nature and extent of variable and constant domain diversity among the distinct immunoglobulin sets of carcharhine sharks focusing upon the X‐like light chains and the u and CO heavy chains. The detection and isolation of natural antibodies from the blood of unimmunized sharks illustrates a surprising ratige of recognition specificities and the existence of polyspecificity suggests that the antibody‐forming system of sharks offers unique opportunities for studies of immunological regulation. Although the homologies between shark and mamma an immunoglobulins are unequivocal, major differences in segmental gene organization present challenges co our understanding of basic immunological phenomena such as clonal restriction.
[Status of meat consumption patterns of the residents aged 18-59 in 15 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) of China in 2015].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the difference of meat intake caused by demographic and economic factors among adults in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) in China. METHODS A total of 10 367 adults aged 18-59 years old who have complete meals and relevant data of Nutritional Status and Health Transition of Chinese Residents in 2015 were selected as object of study. Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was adopted, and the neighborhood committees of county and urban, villages, and suburban villages were taken as the basic investigation points. 20 households were randomly selected from each investigation point, and all family members in the households were taken as the investigation objects. The 3-consecutive day-24-hour dietary recall was used to the dietary survey. Adults who consumed livestock or poultry on any of the three days in the survey were seen as corresponding meat consumers. The consumption rate and average daily intake of class(total population and consumer) were calculated by using the three days of meat food intake. Evaluate all kinds of meat intake accounted for the proportion of total meat intake and analyze the difference of meat consumption on different characteristics(gender, age, income, education level, urban and rural, regional). RESULTS In 2015, the total consumption rate of adult meat in 15 provinces of China was 86. 0%, and that of livestock and poultry was 83. 6% and 30. 0%, respectively. The average intake of adult meat was 94. 0 g/d, with the average intake of livestock meat and poultry being 77. 4 g/d and 16. 7 g/d, respectively. Consumer of meat, livestock and poultry intake was 109. 8 g/d, 92. 5 g/d and 55. 6 g/d, respectively. Pork accounts for 73. 9% of total meat intake and 86. 3% of livestock intake. Compared with the recommended dietary guidelines, 49. 9% and 32. 2% of adults consumed more or less than the recommended amounts. The meat intake and consumption rate and the proportion more then recommended amount in western regions, high income and high education level was higher than another group. (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION In 2015, the consumption pattern of adult meat in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipality) of China is not very reasonable, the excessive consumption is relatively serious, and the proportion of pork intake is high.
Photosynthesis in modulated light: Quantitative dependence of photosynthetic enhancement on flashing rate

In order to predict the potential benefit associated with mixing devices designed to introduce periodic light modulations in dense cultures of microalgae, it is necessary to develop a quantitative understanding of the relationship between the frequency of the modulations and the resulting photosynthetic efficiency enhancement. To explore this relationship, the photosynthetic rate of cells of Phaeodactylum tricornutum from a dense steady state culture was determined as a function of modulation frequency, intensity of light received, and the proportion of the total cycle period during which the cells were illuminated. At high flash frequencies, the photosynthetic rate was determined by the average intensity received by the cells (full light intensity integration), while at low frequencies the cells responded to the instantaneous intensity (no light intensity integration). Full integration was approached asymptotically with increasing flash frequency. The frequency response could be described by a rectangular hyperbola, and the parameters of this hyperbola were nearly independent of the illumination intensity and the flash proportion. The saturation constant of the hyperbola, at which the response is one‐half of the maximum, was 0.67 Hz.
The Behavioral Phenotype in Fragile X: Symptoms of Autism in Very Young Children with Fragile X Syndrome, Idiopathic Autism, and Other Developmental Disorders

This study was designed to explore the behavioral phenotype of autism in a group of young children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Twenty-four children with FXS, ages 21 to 48 months, were compared with two well-matched groups: 27 children with autism (AD) and 23 children with other developmental delays (DD), on two standardized autism instruments, as well as on measures of development and adaptive behavior. Two FXS subgroups emerged. One subgroup (n = 16) did not meet study criteria for autism. Their profiles on the autism instruments and the developmental instruments were virtually identical to the other DD group. The other FXS subgroup (n = 8, or 33% of the total FXS group) met study criteria for autism. Their profiles on the autism instruments were virtually identical to the group with autism. The finding of two FXS subgroups raises a hypothesis of additional genetic influences in the FXS autism group, warranting further genetic studies.
High-speed and highly efficient Si optical modulator with strained SiGe layer

We developed a high-speed and highly efficient depletion-type Si optical modulator (Si-MOD) with a pn junction by applying a p-type-doped strained SiGe layer, which was stacked on a lateral pn junction-type Si-MOD. We designed an optimum Si-MOD, which is one of the most efficient Si-MODs with a pn junction, and demonstrated highly efficient modulations of 0.67 and 0.81 V·cm for VπL at dc reverse bias voltages of −0.5 and −2 Vdc, respectively. We also demonstrated a high-speed operation of 25 Gbps for the Si-MOD at a wavelength of around 1.3 µm.
Influence of the interfacial transition zone and microcracking on the diffusivity, permeability and sorptivity of cement-based materials after drying

Available experimental investigations on the effect of the aggregate–paste ‘interfacial transition zone' (ITZ) on mass transport properties of cement-based materials appear to be ambiguous. While some studies have found a deleterious effect of the ITZ, results from others seem to suggest otherwise. The present study examines the relative influences of ITZ and microcracking on the oxygen diffusivity, oxygen permeability and water sorptivity, to further enhance understanding of the links between microstructure and transport properties. Specimens of several neat cement pastes, mortars and concretes were prepared and tested. Variables include water/cement (w/c) ratio (0·3 and 0·5), binder type (CEM I and CEM II with 8% silica fume), curing period (3 and 90 days), aggregate volume fraction (0–70%) and preconditioning temperature (50°C and 105°C). 105°C drying was adapted to induce microcracking. Backscattered electron microscopy and image analysis were applied to characterise the microstructure, in particular .
Induction of p16ink4a and p19ARF by TGFβ1 contributes to growth arrest and senescence response in mouse keratinocytes

TGFβ1 acts as a potent negative regulator of the cell cycle and tumor suppressor in part through induction of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p15ink4b, p21, and p57. We previously showed that primary mouse epidermal keratinocytes (MEK) expressing a v‐rasHa oncogene undergo hyperproliferation followed by growth arrest and senescence that was dependent on TGFβ1 signaling and associated with increased levels of p16ink4a and p19ARF. Here we show that the induction of both p16ink4a and p19ARF in v‐rasHa expressing keratinocytes is dependent on TGFβ1 signaling, as TGFβ1 treatment or Smad3 overexpression induces both p16ink4a and p19ARF protein and mRNA, while Smad3 depletion or Smad7 overexpression blocks induction. Genetic ablation of the cdkn2a (ink4a/arf) locus reduced sensitivity to TGFβ1 mediated cell cycle arrest and induction of senescence suggesting that alteration of TGFβ1 responses may be an additional pathway impacted by the inactivation of cdkn2a locus during tumor development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extended high dose letrozole regimen versus short low dose letrozole regimen as an adjuvant to gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol in poor responders undergoing IVF-ET*

Objective. To compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of extended high dose letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) protocol with short low dose letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol in poor responders undergoing IVF-ET. Methods. In this randomized controlled trial, 136 women who responded poorly to GnRH agonist long protocol in their first IVF cycle were randomized into two equal groups using computer generated list and were treated in the second IVF cycle by either extended letrozole regimen (5 mg/day during the first 5 days of cycle and 2.5 mg/day during the subsequent 3 days) combined with HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol or short letrozole regimen (2.5 mg/day from cycle day 3–7) combined with HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol. Results. There were no significant differences between both groups with regard to number of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancy rate (5.39 ± 2.08 vs. 5.20 ± 1.88 and 22.06% vs. 16.18%, respectively). The total gonadotropins dose and medications cost per cycle were significantly lower in extended letrozole group (44.87 ± 9.16 vs. 59.97 ± 14.91 ampoules and 616.52 ± 94.97 vs. 746.84 ± 149.21 US Dollars ($), respectively). The cost-effectiveness ratio was 2794 $ in extended letrozole group and 4616 $ in short letrozole group. Conclusion. Extended letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol was more cost-effective than short letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol in poor responders undergoing IVF-ET.
Physical activity, obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged men during a median of 30 years of follow-up

Background We aimed to investigate associations between combinations of body mass index (BMI)-categories, levels of physical activity and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. Method and results At age 50 years, cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 2196 participating men of the ULSAM-study. This investigation was repeated at age 60, 70, 77 and 82 years. Being physically active (PA) was defined as three hours of recreational or hard physical training per week. The men were categorized according to BMI/PA-status, as PA/normal weight (n = 593 at baseline), non-PA/normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 580), PA/overweight (n = 418), non-PA/overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2, n = 462), PA/obese (n = 62), non-PA/obese (BMI >30 kg/m2, n = 81). We used updated data on BMI and physical activity obtained at all examinations. During follow-up (median 30 years) 850 individuals suffered a cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure). Using updated data on BMI/PA categories, an increased risk for cardiovascular disease was seen with increasing BMI, but a high physical activity was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease within each BMI category: non-PA/normal weight (hazard ratio (HR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.66), PA/overweight (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.20–1.94), non-PA/overweight (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.31–2.07) PA/obese (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.44–2.92) and non-PA/obese (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.74–3.29), using PA/normal weight men as referent. Conclusions Although physical activity was beneficial at all levels of BMI regarding the risk of future cardiovascular disease, there was still a substantial increased risk associated with being overweight or obese during 30 years of follow-up.
Efectos de las intervenciones públicas en regeneración urbana: un modelo para evaluar su eficiencia

En el presente articulo se analizan los efectos que los programas de regeneracion urbana, principalmente financiados con fondos publicos, tienen sobre el mercado inmobiliario en la zona de intervencion. Estudiamos la evolucion temporal de los precios y proponemos un modelo de precios hedonicos que relaciona las inversiones en las distintas intervenciones y los valores de mercado observados. Los resultados indican que los valores obtenidos por el metodo de los precios hedonicos son bastante representativos de los valores observados en el mercado de los bienes inmuebles. Al aislar el impacto de estas intervenciones en el valor de los bienes inmuebles de la zona de influencia, tenemos una estimacion del beneficio social derivado de la intervencion, que puede ser empleado como medida de la eficiencia de la rehabilitacion publica llevada a cabo en los centros historicos.
Crisis financiera global y nuevas arquitecturas financieras para el desarrollo (Segunda de dos partes)

In the second of two parts, this article paints a financial panorama of the institutional agreements for financial integration in Africa through the East African Community. The Arab Monetary Fund is the determinant influence in this economic zone. The author highlights how before the current crisis, the Asian Development Bank already lent more in the region than the World Bank, much as the Inter-American Development Bank and the Fondo Latinoamericano de Reservas were providing more crisis-related financing in South America than the International Monetary Fund. The multilateral regional development banks and bilateral financial initiatives in the developing world, like the bilateral currency swaps, along with other types of official development assistance to countries in development, have overtaken in size international financial organisms such as the World Bank. This has created a countercyclical role whose importance could represent a great transformation in the financial architecture for countries in the global south.
The origin of a developmentally regulated Igh replicon is located near the border of regulatory domains for Igh replication and expression

The 3′ Ig heavy chain locus (Igh) regulatory region is the most downstream known element of the murine Igh gene cluster. We report here that the nearest non-Igh genes—Crip, Crp2, and Mta1—are located ≈70 kb further downstream and are beyond the end of the domain of Igh transcriptional regulation. We have localized an origin of replication in MEL cells to a 3-kb segment located between the 3′ Igh regulatory region and Crip. Sequences downstream of this origin are replicated by forks that move in both directions. Sequences upstream of this origin (Igh-C, -D, and -J) are replicated in a single direction through a 500-kb segment in which no active bidirectional origins can be detected. We propose that this origin may lie at or near the end of the Igh regulation domain.