Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipids in Health and Disease

Aim: Once considered a problem of developed countries, obesity and obesity-related complications (such as metabolic syndrome) are rapidly spreading around the globe. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of metabolic syndrome, particularly weight loss and central obesity. Methods: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 123 overweight and obese persons (47.2% male; 52.8% female; ages 19–50). The 92 obese (BMI >30) participants were randomized into three groups; placebo, formulation/no diet, and formulation/diet (2100–2200 calories/day). The 31 overweight participants (BMI = 25–29) formed a fourth (no diet) treatment group. All participants received two daily doses of the formulation or placebo and remained on a normal or calorie-controlled diet for 8 weeks. Results: At the end of the trial period, statistically significant net reductions in weight and central obesity, as well as in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and Creactive protein were observed in participants who received the formulation, regardless of diet. Conclusion: Cissus quadrangularis formulation appears to be useful in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Background Although still defined in diverse terms, metabolic syndrome is a common disorder arising as a result of the increased prevalence of obesity throughout the world [1]. Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome and Syndrome X, has 3 main potential etiologic categories: obesity and disorders of adipose tissue; insulin resistance; and a constellation of independent factors (e.g., molecules of hepatic, vascular, and immunologic origin) that mediate specific components of the metabolic syndrome [2]. In the United States, over 60% of the adult population is now overweight or obese [3] and 47 million people have metabolic syndrome, which will soon overtake cigarette smoking as the number one risk factor for heart disease [4,5]. Globally, the disorder has become a major public Published: 02 September 2006 Lipids in Health and Disease 2006, 5:24 doi:10.1186/1476-511X-5-24 Received: 14 July 2006 Accepted: 02 September 2006 This article is available from: http://www.lipidworld. com/content/5/1/24 © 2006 Oben et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effect of Ti and W on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of 12% Cr Base Mechanical-alloyed Nano-sized ODS Ferritic Alloys

In recent years, research and development of high-temperature structural materials for ultra-super critical pressure plant with increased energy efficiency have actively been in progress so as to solve global environmental pollution and resource exhaustion issues. Oxide-dispersed-strengthened (ODS) ferritic alloys produced by mechanical alloying (MA) have been developed as alternative materials with very high-temperature strength at the ultra-super critical pressure. In this study, Fe-12%Cr ODS based alloys containing Ti and W have been made and the effects of Ti and W on the high-temperature strength of the alloys were investigated. The results show that high-temperature tensile strength and creep rupture strength of the 12YWT steel containing 0.4% Ti and 3 % W were the highest. This is mainly due to the formation of fine complex oxides of Ti-Y-O by the addition of T and their homogeneous distribution. It is also suggested that solid solution hardening by W occurs as a result of uniform distribution of W in solution.
Four-way waveguide power dividers with integrated filtering function

A novel power divider with filtering function has been proposed in this work. A coupled-resonator structure is utilized to realise the dual functions. This eliminates the need for conventional transmission-line based splitting networks. The corresponding coupling matrix has been synthesised. A four-way filtering power divider was designed with an equal power division at X-band using rectangular waveguide cavities. A return loss of 20 dB and a bandwidth of 500 MHz with a fourth-order Chebyshev filtering response were demonstrated. The design has been verified by measurements, which show good agreements with simulations.
Thermal Sensations of Surgeons During Work in Surgical Gowns

Standards for surgical procedures and medical clothing, designed for use in the operating theatre, have been gradually developed with the progress in science and technology. Standard No. EN 13795:2011, determining the requirements concerning materials for production of surgical gowns, was introduced in 2003. It concerns, e.g., resistance to microbial penetration. Little attention is given to thermal comfort, even though it is well known that thermal discomfort can have an adverse effect on the quality and efficiency of work. During a real-life test and laboratory tests, 2 male surgeons and 8 male volunteers were asked to describe their subjective sensations before and after work. The results of the real-life test and the laboratory tests are comparable. They show a clear lack of thermal comfort when medical clothing designed for the operating theatre is used.
Switching behavior in Peramlloy/Niobium/Permalloy trilayer

We have investigated the effect of temperature and bias current on the stability of the inverse spin-switch effect in Permalloy(Py)/Nb/Permalloy pseudo spin-valves. The inverse spin-switch operates between two orientations of the ferromagnetic moments of Py layers; parallel (ON) and antiparallel-domain (OFF) state. Measuring time scans of the resistance changes between the ON and OFF state, , while alternating magnetic fields between the two states at various temperatures and bias currents, revealed that enhancement of is a key factor to achieve successful operation of superconducting spin switch.
DNA Analysis of Herbarium Specimens of the Grass Weed Alopecurus myosuroides Reveals Herbicide Resistance Pre-Dated Herbicides

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) alleles carrying one point mutation that confers resistance to herbicides have been identified in arable grass weed populations where resistance has evolved under the selective pressure of herbicides. In an effort to determine whether herbicide resistance evolves from newly arisen mutations or from standing genetic variation in weed populations, we used herbarium specimens of the grass weed Alopecurus myosuroides to seek mutant ACCase alleles carrying an isoleucine-to-leucine substitution at codon 1781 that endows herbicide resistance. These specimens had been collected between 1788 and 1975, i.e., prior to the commercial release of herbicides inhibiting ACCase. Among the 734 specimens investigated, 685 yielded DNA suitable for PCR. Genotyping the ACCase locus using the derived Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence (dCAPS) technique identified one heterozygous mutant specimen that had been collected in 1888. Occurrence of a mutant codon encoding a leucine residue at codon 1781 at the heterozygous state was confirmed in this specimen by sequencing, clearly demonstrating that resistance to herbicides can pre-date herbicides in weeds. We conclude that point mutations endowing resistance to herbicides without having associated deleterious pleiotropic effects can be present in weed populations as part of their standing genetic variation, in frequencies higher than the mutation frequency, thereby facilitating their subsequent selection by herbicide applications.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Cancer

The oxidative stress is considered to be involved in the pathophysiology of cancers. In the current study we explored the oxidative stress in patients with different cancers and corresponding benign diseases by evaluation of the level of lipid peroxidation products (MDA level) in the plasma and the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant defense enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Significantly higher plasma levels of lipid peroxidation products were detected in patients with early and advanced cancers in comparison to the healthy volunteers (mean 3.1 µmol/l and 2.3 µmol/l, p = 0.0003 and p = 0.029, respectively, t -test). In addition, 10–20 days after radical operations of cancer patients with normal postoperative recovery period, the plasma levels of MDA decreased and reached values close to the controls (mean 2.0 µmol/l). SOD in erythrocytes of patients with benign diseases and malignant solid tumors before and after surgery did not differ from that of the controls. In contrast, CAT activity of patients with early cancers was found to be significant higher than that of the controls (mean 22157.2 U/gHb vs. 12832.0 U/gHb, p = 0.032, t -test). A decrease of CAT activity was observed after surgery (mean 15225.0 U/gHb). In conclusion, our results suggest the presence of an increased oxidative stress accompanied by a lack of changes of erythrocyte SOD activity and an adaptive increase of CAT activity.
Progressive Aortic Root Dilatation in Adults Late After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

Background—Aortic valve or aortic root (AoRo) replacement is occasionally required because of AoRo dilatation and aortic regurgitation (AR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We evaluated AoRo size and possible factors associated with its dynamic nature in adults with repaired TOF. Methods and Results—Of 216 patients with TOF repair who underwent echocardiography in 1997, we identified 32 patients (mean age, 36±8.0 years) with AoRo dilatation, defined as ratio of observed to expected AoRo size by standard nomogram >1.5 (group A), and 54 TOF controls, matched for age with AoRo ratio <1.5 (group B), who underwent at least 1 previous echocardiogram in the preceding 10 years. Mean indexed AoRo size (cm/m2) in 1997 was 2.5±0.5 in group A and 1.7±0.2 in group B (P <0.0001). AoRo rate of change (mm/year) from the first to 1997 study (mean interval, 5.2±3.8 years) was 1.7±3.8 in group A and 0.03±1.6 in group B (P =0.001). Patients from group A had a longer shunt-to-repair interval (P =0.048) with a higher prevalence of pulmonary atresia (P <0.0001), right aortic arch (P =0.03), moderate to severe AR (P =0.002), aortic valve replacement (P =0.02), larger cardiothoracic ratio (P =0.02), and increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (P =0.002). Conclusions—A subset of adult TOF exhibits ongoing dilatation of AoRo late after repair. This dilatation relates to previous long-standing volume overload of AoRo and possibly to intrinsic properties of AoRo and may lead to AR. Meticulous follow-up of AoRo after TOF repair is recommended.
Off-Label Use of Ondansetron in Pregnancy in Western Australia

Aims. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is the most common medical condition in pregnancy. There is an increasing trend to prescribe ondansetron although its safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. Methods. Exposed pregnancies were all births in Western Australia, 2002–2005, where the mother was dispensed ondansetron under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, compared with all other births during the same period. Outcomes investigated include maternal and child characteristics, birth defects, pregnancy, and delivery characteristics. Results. There were 96,968 births from 2002 to 2005. Ondansetron was dispensed to 251 pregnant women during this period. The women dispensed ondansetron were more likely to be privately insured (OR: 5.8; 95% CI: 4.3–7.9), to be Caucasian (3.3; 1.9–5.7), not to smoke during their pregnancy (2.9; 1.8–4.7), to have a multiple birth (2.7; 1.5–5.0), and to have used fertility treatment (1.8; 1.0–3.4). There was a small but not significantly increased risk of a major birth defect with first trimester exposure (1.2; 0.6–2.2). Conclusions. Our study did not detect any adverse outcomes from the use of ondansetron in pregnancy but could not conclude that ondansetron is safe to use in pregnancy.
C4d immunohistochemistry in membranous nephropathy

Background: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephropathy in adults. The diagnosis is based on characteristic light microscopic, electron microscope and immunofluorescence (IF) findings. In early MN, the light microscopic findings may be difficult to differentiate from minimal chain disease. In the absence of fresh frozen tissue for IF, immunohistochemistry with C4d aids in the diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A total 48 cases of MN diagnosed on renal biopsy were analyzed. The formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues were stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains along with periodic acid-Schiff and silver methenamine stains to highlight the basement membrane. Fresh frozen tissues were available for IF in 40 cases. Immunostaining with C4d was done on paraffin-embedded sections by polymer-Horse Radish Peroxidase (HRP) technique using polyclonal antiserum to C4d (Biogenex, India). Results: There were 25 cases of idiopathic MN, 17 cases of Class V lupus nephritis and 2 cases were secondary to hepatitis C infection with cirrhosis. The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) was diffusely thickened with formation of spikes in 28 cases. In 11 cases the capillary loops were rigid but spikes were not seen and in 9 cases there was no apparent thickening of the basement membrane. All the cases showed diffuse positivity for C4d along the GBM. Conclusion: C4d is a reliable method to establish the diagnosis of MN and also a sensitive marker of complement activation reflecting the pathogenesis of MN.
Notes on the Scenario Design Approach

The scenario optimization method developed in is a theoretically sound and practically effective technique for solving in a probabilistic setting robust convex optimization problems arising in systems and control design, that would otherwise be hard to tackle via standard deterministic techniques. In this note, we explore some further aspects of the scenario methodology, and present two results pertaining to the tightness of the sample complexity bounds. We also state a new theorem that enables the user to make a-priori probabilistic claims on the scenario solution, with one level of probability only.
Improving the performance of cold bituminous emulsion mixtures (CBEMs) incorporating waste materials

There exists no universally accepted Cold Bituminous Emulsion Mixtures (CBEMs) design procedure. Three design procedures, based on AASHTO and Asphalt Institute guidelines were studied and tested in this investigation. The main obstacles that restrict the adoption of CBEMs as a first option for all road layers include high porosity, low early life strength and long curing times. The main aim of this investigation was to investigate ways of improving CBEMs volumetric and mechanical properties. Five different waste materials were incorporated into the cold mixture, i.e. PFA, Red Porphyry Sand, Synthetic Aggregates, Steel Slag and Crumb Rubber. The aggregate gradation was determined using a modified Fuller's curve. Improvements in all mixture properties were accomplished by increasing the compaction effort and incorporating cement. Three types of cements were tested, namely, OPC, Rapid Setting Cement and Natural Cement. It was found that the Rapid Setting Cement gave higher and faster rates of strength development. Additionally, attempts to accelerate curing times were made by compacting the CBEM specimens in two layers thus allowing the moisture to escape and reducing curing time. These trials provided encouraging results. The mix design procedure initially adopted in this investigation was found to be complicated, a more simplified cold mixture design procedure is also introduced in this paper. It was concluded that heavier compaction effort and incorporation of cement are very essential for improving the performance of CBEMs. When CBEMs are carefully designed and are allowed to achieve full curing, they become comparable to hot mixes. For the covering abstract see ITRD E117840.
The incidence and etiology of community-acquired pneumonia in fever outpatients

The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence, etiology and clinical characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among outpatients with sore throat and/or cough, and thus to provide theoretical basis for timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment for CAP. We used chest X-rays for fever (a temperature greater than 37.58C) patients, who were recruited since 2007, presenting with sore throat and/or cough. The patients’ age, gender, days of fever, respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough and sputum), peripheral blood count and etiology (pathogens) of CAP were recorded. Of all the 6539 fever outpatients, those aged 10-39 and above 60 years old accounted for 61.0% and 15.6%, respectively. In total, 402 were diagnosed with CAP with an incidence rate of 6.1%. Among them, 38.1% were above 60 years old. The prevalence increased with age. Of the 402 CAP patients, 36.8% (148/402) presented no respiratory symptoms and 30.1% (121/402) had positive etiology. The top three pathogens were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (23.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (17.3%) and Haemophilus influenzae (9.1%). Among the 121 etiology-positive patients, 14 cases were mixed infections (at least one atypical pathogen). Nine cases were M. pneumoniae mixed with bacterial/virus infection, and five cases were Chlamydia pneumoniae mixed with other bacteria/ mycoplasma infection. We found that fever outpatients have a higher prevalence of CAP, which increases with age, i.e. older people are more susceptible to CAP. S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae are common pathogens in CAP; however, atypical pathogens, especially M. pneumoniae, remain the most common pathogens in CAP.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of P23H Line 1 Rat Model

Rod-cone dystrophy, also known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), is the most common inherited degenerative photoreceptor disease, for which no therapy is currently available. The P23H rat is one of the most commonly used autosomal dominant RP models. It has been created by incorporation of a mutated mouse rhodopsin (Rho) transgene in the wild-type (WT) Sprague Dawley rat. Detailed genetic characterization of this transgenic animal has however never been fully reported. Here we filled this knowledge gap on P23H Line 1 rat (P23H-1) and provide additional phenotypic information applying non-invasive and state-of-the-art in vivo techniques that are relevant for preclinical therapeutic evaluations. Transgene sequence was analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Using quantitative PCR, transgene copy number was calculated and its expression measured in retinal tissue. Full field electroretinography (ERG) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed at 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-months of age. Sanger sequencing revealed that P23H-1 rat carries the mutated mouse genomic Rho sequence from the promoter to the 3’ UTR. Transgene copy numbers were estimated at 9 and 18 copies in the hemizygous and homozygous rats respectively. In 1-month-old hemizygous P23H-1 rats, transgene expression represented 43% of all Rho expressed alleles. ERG showed a progressive rod-cone dysfunction peaking at 6 months-of-age. SD-OCT confirmed a progressive thinning of the photoreceptor cell layer leading to the disappearance of the outer retina by 6 months with additional morphological changes in the inner retinal cell layers in hemizygous P23H-1 rats. These results provide precise genotypic information of the P23H-1 rat with additional phenotypic characterization that will serve basis for therapeutic interventions, especially for those aiming at gene editing.
Microbial contamination of fruit and vegetables and the behaviour of enteropathogens in the phyllosphere: a review

Consumption of fruit and vegetable products is commonly viewed as a potential risk factor for infection with enteropathogens such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157, with recent outbreaks linked to lettuce, spinach and tomatoes. Routes of contamination are varied and include application of organic wastes to agricultural land as fertilizer, contamination of waters used for irrigation with faecal material, direct contamination by livestock, wild animals and birds and postharvest issues such as worker hygiene. The ability of pathogens to survive in the field environment has been well studied, leading to the implementation of guidelines such as the Safe Sludge Matrix, which aim to limit the likelihood of viable pathogens remaining at point‐of‐sale. The behaviour of enteropathogens in the phyllosphere is a growing field of research, and it is suggested that inclusion in phyllosphere biofilms or internalization within the plant augments the survival. Improved knowledge of plant–microbe interactions and the interaction between epiphytic and immigrant micro‐organisms on the leaf surface will lead to novel methods to limit enteropathogen survival in the phyllosphere.
Ectoparasitic species of the genus Trichodina (Ciliophora: Peritrichida) parasitising British freshwater fish.

Seven species of the genus Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1838 were identified during a sampling programme of twenty freshwater fish species from approximately sixty sites in Scotland, England and Wales. Species found include: Trichodina acuta Lom, 1961 from Cyprinus carpio L. , Carassius auratus L. , Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), Salmo trutta L. and Phoxinus phoxinus L. ; Trichodina domerguei Wallengren, 1897 from Gasterosteus aculeatus L. ; Trichodina tenuidens Faure-Fremiet, 1944 from Gasterosteus aculeatus; Trichodina pediculus Ehrenberg, 1838 from Gasterosteus aculeatus; Trichodina modesta Lom, 1970 from Abramis brama L. ; Trichodina nigra Lom, 1960 from Cyprinus carpio, Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss; and Trichodina intermedia Lom, 1960 from Phoxinus. Morphological variation within and between host populations and host specificity of the Trichodina species recovered are described.
Diagnosis of Occult Scaphoid Fractures: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

BACKGROUND Scaphoid fractures are common but may be missed on initial radiographs. Advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved diagnostic accuracy, but at an increased initial cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of immediate advanced imaging for suspected occult scaphoid fractures. METHODS A decision analysis model was created to evaluate three diagnostic strategies for patients with concerning history and examination but negative radiographs: (1) empiric cast immobilization with orthopaedic follow-up and repeat radiography at two weeks post-injury, (2) immediate CT scanning, or (3) immediate MRI. Prevalence of occult scaphoid fracture, sensitivity and specificity of CT and MRI, and risks and outcomes of a missed fracture were derived from published clinical trials. Costs of imaging, lost worker productivity, and surgical costs of nonunion surgery were estimated on the basis of the literature. RESULTS Advanced imaging was dominant over empiric cast immobilization; advanced imaging had lower costs and its health outcomes were projected to be better than those of empiric cast immobilization. MRI was slightly more cost-effective than CT on the basis of the mean published diagnostic performance, but was highly sensitive to test performance characteristics. Advanced imaging would have to increase in cost to more than $2000 or decrease in sensitivity to <25% for CT or <32% for MRI for empiric cast immobilization to be cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Given its relatively low cost and high diagnostic accuracy, advanced imaging for suspected scaphoid fractures in the setting of negative radiographs represents a cost-effective strategy for reducing both costs and morbidity. The decision to use CT compared with MRI is a function of individual institutional costs and local test performance characteristics.