Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pre-ischemic exercise preserves cerebral blood flow during reperfusion in stroke

Abstract Introduction: The neuroprotective nature of exercise has been well established and the mechanisms of this protection are still a subject of much research. This study aims to determine if cerebral blood flow is constituently higher during the ischemia or reperfusion events in stroke. Materials and methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into exercise or non-exercise (control) groups. Exercised rats underwent 30 minutes of running on a treadmill for 3 weeks. A 2 hour unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion using an intraluminal filament was performed to induce ischemic stroke, followed by a 24 hour reperfusion. A sham control without exercise and middle cerebral artery occlusion was used. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and 15O-H2O positron emission tomography (PET) were used to determine cerebral blood flow, respectively. 18F-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose was used to determine cerebral metabolism in some animals. Histological analysis determined infarct volume in the same animal after blood flow examination. Results: LDF and PET both indicated that middle cerebral artery occlusion significantly (p<0·05) reduced cerebral blood flow during ischemia and reperfusion in association with reduced cerebral metabolism after stroke. However, pre-ischemic exercise significantly (p<0·05) improved cerebral blood flow during reperfusion, although cerebral blood flow remained at a similar level to that of the non-exercise stroke group during the middle cerebral artery occlusion. This improved cerebral blood flow during reperfusion was associated with decreased brain infarct volume. Conclusions: This study revealed that pre-ischemic exercise in rats improved cerebral blood flow during reperfusion, suggesting that exercise provides neuroprotection by partially ameliorating the 'no reflow' phenomenon in stroke.
Efficacy and Safety of Intraarticular Sodium Hyaluronate in Knee Osteoarthritis

A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted in 226 patients with knee osteoarthritis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraarticular injections of sodium hyaluronate. Patients were randomized to three weekly injections of 30 mg sodium hyaluronate or physiologic saline (control) and were observed for an additional 25 weeks. In comparison with the control group, among patients who completed at least 15 weeks of the study and whose Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score for the contralateral knee was less than 12 at baseline, sodium hyaluronate injection resulted in improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score, patient and investigator global assessments, and pain on standing from Weeks 7 to 27. Fifty-eight percent of patients treated with sodium hyaluronate achieved a 5-unit or greater improvement in mean pain score from Weeks 7 through 27, compared with 40% of control patients. In addition, nearly twice as many patients treated with sodium hyaluronate as with saline (30% versus 17%, respectively) achieved a net improvement of at least 7 units. In contrast to treatment with saline, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score for the contralateral knee was inversely related to the magnitude of improvement after treatment with sodium hyaluronate. Few side effects were attributed to treatment, and no differences between treatment groups were seen in this respect (sodium hyaluronate, nine [8%]; saline, 11 [10%]). The incidence of injection site reactions was low (sodium hyaluronate, 1.2%; saline, 1.5%). The results indicate that sodium hyaluronate treatment is well tolerated and produces statistically and clinically significant improvement of symptoms in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis in whom pain in the contralateral knee is relatively modest.
Survey of GPs’ understanding of tobacco and nicotine products

Purpose – Despite substantial declines in cigarette smoking in England since the 1970s, around 20 per cent of the adult population still smokes. In Sweden, 10 per cent of adult males and 12 per cent of adult females smoke cigarettes, while snus use is prevalent among 19 per cent of adult males and 4 per cent of adult females. Traditional cessation‐only approaches may need to be supplemented with broader tobacco harm reduction measures to reduce smoking prevalence further. General practitioners (GPs) are well placed to give patients advice on tobacco harm reduction. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – The authors administered an online survey to assess knowledge, perceptions and attitudes to tobacco and nicotine products to 220 GPs (100 in England and 120 in Sweden). Findings – Most GPs (96 [96 per cent] England, 115 [98 per cent] Sweden) addressed smoking cessation with patients as part of their regular practice. Most GPs (87 [87 per cent] England, 102 [85 per cent] Swede.
Impact of the Confused Elderly on the Lucid Aged in a Nursing Home

A descriptive survey of 18 elderly residents in a Canadian nursing home examined the effect of the confused on lucid residents. Results indicate the majority held a positive perspective of their aging process but reported great fears of becoming senile. Although most acknowledged the confused had negatively altered the quality of life at the home, only half admitted to be personally affected. However, considering the subjects' official and unofficial side remarks, a larger percentage were both adversely affected by he sight of the confused, as well as having negative reactions towards them. Finally, only one-third desired additional programs but refused integrated activities with the confused. Overall, although the policy of the home advocated segregation, demands for increased segregation was the consistent theme. The results lend support for the segregation policy between the confused and the lucid in institutions. This may have implications for such a policy to be implemented in other nursing homes.
Sensory Motor Issues in Autism

Interestingly, sensory motor issues in autism that you really wait for now is coming. It's significant to wait for the representative and beneficial books to read. Every book that is provided in better way and utterance will be expected by many peoples. Even you are a good reader or not, feeling to read this book will always appear when you find it. But, when you feel hard to find it as yours, what to do? Borrow to your friends and don't know when to give back it to her or him.
Minimal residual disease and normalization of the bone marrow after long-term treatment with alpha-interferon2b in polycythemia vera. A report on molecular response patterns in seven patients in sustained complete hematological remission

Abstract Polycythemia vera (PV) is characterized by the presence of the JAK2V617F mutation in virtually all patients. Several studies have shown that the JAK2V617F mutational load decreases during treatment with alpha-interferon 2. We report on molecular and histomorphological bone marrow responses in seven PV patients with profound molecular responses during and after long-term treatment with alpha-interferon 2b. All patients obtained a major molecular response (MMR). Subsequently all patients discontinued alpha-interferon and sustained complete hematological remission with a follow-up period of median 10 months (range 4–30 months). Complete normalization of the bone marrow was seen in three of five patients. Long term treatment with IFN2b is able to induce 'minimal residual disease' with very low JAK2 V617F allele burden and may induce profound, and in some patients total, regression of histomorphological bone marrow features of PV. Finally, hematological remissions and major molecular responses can be sustained after discontinuation of long-term treatment with IFN2b.
Health Status and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II of North Korean Immigrants

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between health status including objective health status and subjective health perception and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II in North Korean immigrants. Methods: During August 2011 to November 2011, a convenience sample of 96 subjects aged 19 to 65 years were recruited from two centers and one public health center in Gyeongnam. The subjects were interviewed face to face by trained people with a survey questionnaire. Results: Approximately 40% of North Korean immigrants rated their health status as 'poor', and the prevalence of health problems in them was 81.3%. The average level of health-promoting lifestyle profile II was 1.78±0.35. Females with normal weight or overweight, and have stayed for over 1 year in South Korea were related to the lower score of health-promoting lifestyle profile II. Conclusion: Considering North Korean immigrants' health background and health behaviors, customized health care program focusing on musculoskeletal disorder and psychological problems are required, and at the same time health behavior change program to achieve lifetime wellness should be developed.
Diet and iron deficiency in the first year of life: a retrospective study

Abstract In an observational cohort of 385 infants, we have investigated the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and iron stores and the type of milk feeding [breast milk (BM), formula milk (FM), cow's milk (CM), age and type of weaning, and socioeconomic status] at 8 and 12 months of age. Levels of Hb<11 g/dl and iron stores <15 ng/ml were significantly more frequent in BM and CM groups than in FM group (P<0·05). Significant differences of Hb mean were observed among the three groups, while ferritin mean were lower in BM and CM groups than in FM group (P<0·05). Socioeconomic factors also influenced Hb levels and iron stores through differences in diet. Deprived infants were 23·1% of cohort and many of them received BM (43·5% at 8 months versus 38·5% at 12 months) or CM (42·6% at 8 months versus 47% at 12 months), while >50% were weaned before 6th month of age. FM feeding and weaning <6 months of age are related with better Hb levels and iron stores. Analysis of the impact of weaning on Hb levels and iron stores showed that infants weaned <6 months of life had, regardless of milk feeding, higher Hb and ferritin levels than weaned >6 months.
Patient expectations of benefit from common interventions for low back pain and effects on outcome: secondary analysis of a clinical trial of manual therapy interventions

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this secondary analysis was 1) to examine patient expectations related to a variety of common interventions for low back pain (LBP) and 2) to determine the influence that specific expectations about spinal manipulation might have had on self‐report of disability. Methods: We collected patients' expectations about the benefit of specific interventions for low back pain. We also collected patients' general expectations about treatment and tested the relationships among the expectation of benefit from an intervention, receiving that intervention and disability‐related outcomes. Results: Patients expected exercise and manual therapy interventions to provide more benefit than surgery and medication. There was a statistical association between expecting relief from thrust techniques and receiving thrust techniques, related to meeting the general expectation for treatment (chi‐square: 15·5, P = 0·008). This was not the case for patients who expected relief from thrust techniques but did not receive it (chi‐square: 6·9, P = 0·4). Logistic regression modeling was used to predict change in disability at treatment visit 5. When controlling for whether the general expectations for treatment were met, intervention assignment and the interaction between intervention assignment and expectations regarding thrust techniques, the parsimonious model only included intervention as the significant contributor to the model (P < 0·001). The adjusted odds ratio of success comparing thrust techniques to non‐thrust in this study was 41·2 (11·0, 201·7). Discussion: The findings of this secondary analysis indicate that patients seeking intervention for LBP expect active interventions and manual therapy to significantly help improve their pain more than interventions like traction, rest, surgery, or medication. Additionally, in patients who meet the clinical prediction rule for good prognosis when managed with thrust techniques, treating with thrust techniques is more important than matching treatment to patient expectation.
Clustered clinical findings for diagnosis of cervical spine myelopathy

Abstract Cervical spine myelopathy (CSM) is a clinical diagnosis made with imaging confirmation. At present, most clinical tests used to identify CSM are specific and no clusters of tests have proven more beneficial than stand alone tests in guiding treatment decision making. This study endeavored to produce a cluster of predictive clinical findings for a sample of patients using a clinical diagnosis/imaging confirmation as the reference standard for cervical spine myelopathy. Data from 249 patients with various conditions associated with cervical spine dysfunction were analyzed to determine which clinical tests and measures, when clustered together, were most diagnostic for CSM. Using multivariate regression analyses and calculations for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios, a definitive cluster was identified. Thirteen clinical findings were investigated for capacity to diagnosis CSM. Five clinical: (1) gait deviation; (2) +Hoffmann's test; (3) inverted supinator sign; (4) +Babinski test; and (5) age >45 years, were demonstrated the capacity when clustered into one of five positive tests to rule out CSM (negative likelihood ratio=0.18; 95% CI=0.12–0.42), and when clustered into three of five positive findings to rule in CSM (positive likelihood ratio=30.9; 95% CI=5.5–181.8). This study found clustered combinations of clinical findings that could rule in and rule out CSM. These clusters may be useful in identifying patients with this complex diagnosis in similar patient populations.
Betaxolol and Restrictive Airway Disease

To the Editor. —Betaxolo hydrochloride, a β 1 adrenergic receptor blocking agent, has a low incidence of systemic effects and has been shown to be clinically safe and effective for the treatment of glaucoma. 1 However, a recent case report has documented respiratory problems with the use of topical betaxolo. 2 We wish to report a case of reduction in pulmonary capacity following the use of topical betaxolol, as well as the failure of systemic therapy to alleviate symptoms, in a patient with minimal reactive airway disease. Report of a Case. —A 71-year-old woman had pseudoexfoliative glaucoma of the right eye. Ocular tensions in this eye ranged from 25 to 30 mm Hg. The optic disc had a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.9. A superior paracentral scotoma was present in the right eye. The left eye had a normal intraocular pressure, cup-to-disc ratio, and visual field. She was allergic to pilocarpine
Extended-spectrum and metallo-beta-lactamases among ceftazidime-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract We investigated the extended-spectrum (ESBLs) and metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in Saudi Arabia. Disc susceptibility testing was performed on 200 P. aeruginosa isolates collected during 2010 at the Armed Forces Hospital in Riyadh, with MIC testing and phenotypic screening for ESBLs and MBLs carried out on those found to be ceftazidime resistant. Genes for ESBLs and MBLs were sought by PCR. Thirty-nine (19·5%) P. aeruginosa isolates were ceftazidime resistant, mostly with considerable resistance to other antibiotics except colistin. Twenty-three of these 39 (59%) appeared ESBL positive and 16 (41%) had MBLs. blaVEB, and blaGES genes were found in 20 (86·95%), and 5 (21·74%) of 23 ESBL-positive isolates, respectively whilst blaVIM was detected in all 16 MBL-producers. blaOXA-10-like often accompanied blaVEB, blaVIM or blaGES. Several isolates had similar antibiogram and β-lactamase profiles, and may represent outbreaks; nevertheless, the collection was not dominated by any single clone. This dominance of acquired ceftazidime-inactivating beta-lactamases, often in combination is in contrast to the situation in Europe and the USA, where most ceftazidime resistance in P. aeruginosa is attributable to AmpC and efflux.
Sodium nitroprusside induces mild oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Nitric oxide is known to be a messenger in animals and plants. It may act either as a pro-oxidant or antioxidant. In the present work, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was treated under aerobic conditions with the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), at concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 mM. The activities of antioxidant enzymes as well as concentrations of protein carbonyls and cellular thiols were measured. Yeast incubation with SNP increased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of translation, blocked SNP-induced catalase activation, but not SOD activation. Incubation with SNP increased the activity of peroxisomal catalase, whereas cytosolic catalase was not affected. SNP treatment inactivated aconitase in a dose-dependent manner. Surprisingly, in cells incubated with 1 mM SNP, the levels of low-molecular weight thiols were significantly higher, whereas the concentrations of protein carbonyl groups were lower than those in untreated cells. The incubation of yeast cells either with decomposed SNP or with SNP under anaerobic conditions did not result in SOD and catalase activation. It is suggested, that under aerobic conditions, the SNP effects are connected with induction of mild oxidative/nitrosative stress.
Review on Nutritional, Medicinal and Pharmacological Properties of Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort)

Abstract Centella asiatica is commonly known for its medicinal and nutritional values throughout the world. The medicinal properties of Centella root, leaf and other parts of the plant are also well known in traditional system of medicine. During the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their traditional use in different parts of India. In the present review the chemical composition, food and nutritional value, ethno medicinal and pharmacological activities of Centella asiatica have been discussed to provide collective information on its multi purpose commercial values.
Ameliorating effects of troxerutin on nickel-induced oxidative stress in rats

Abstract Objective This study investigates the effects of troxerutin on nickel (Ni)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Methods Nickel as nickel sulfate (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) was administered intraperitoneally for 20 days to induce toxicity in the subject rats. The levels of stress markers AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and GGT in the hepatic tissue were significantly increased while a decrease in the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants was observed in Ni intoxicated rats. Results Oral administration of troxerutin along with Ni for 20 days in a dose-dependent manner significantly reverted the stress markers in the liver tissue to near normal level. Troxerutin exhibited significant protection at 100 mg/kg b.w. Histopathological studies also supported the above findings. Conclusions Thus, we conclude that troxerutin preserved the histo-architecture and ameliorated stress markers in the liver tissue of Ni-intoxicated rats.
Pharmacy Students' Attitudes Toward Pharmaceutical Care in Qatar

Abstract Background: Pharmacy practice has recently shifted from medication supply to pharmaceutical care (PC). Pharmacy educators must prepare students to provide PC. Their responsibilities are not only limited to give students knowledge and communication skills but to motivate them to perform PC. The study objectives were to investigate Qatar pharmacy students' attitudes toward PC, to identify the factors that influence their attitudes toward PC, and to recognize their perceived barriers for PC provision. Method: Qatar University college of pharmacy is the only pharmacy college in Qatar. A cross sectional survey of Qatar University pharmacy students was made. The students completed an online anonymous survey designed based on Standard Pharmaceutical Care Attitudes Survey (PCAS). Data was descriptively analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18. Influence of sociodemographic characteristics on students' attitudes was assessed using Kendall's tau_b test. Result: Over 4 weeks, 46 .
Application of a new oxidation-reduction potential assessment method in strenuous exercise-induced oxidative stress

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to test a novel method for assessing oxidative stress, the RedoxSYS™ diagnostic system, a holistic, fast, minimally invasive, and requiring small sample volume method, that measures two parameters, the static (sORP) and the capacity (cORP) oxidation-reduction potential. Methods The redox status of 14 athletes participating in a mountain marathon race was assessed. Redox status in blood obtained 1 day before the race and immediately after the race was assessed using the RedoxSYS diagnostic system as well as conventional oxidative stress markers such as glutathione levels (GSH), catalase activity (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (CARB), and total antioxidant activity. Results The results showed that after the race, the sORP was increased significantly by 7% indicating oxidative stress induction, while cORP was decreased by 14.6% but not significantly. Moreover, the conventional oxidative stress markers GSH and CAT were decreased significantly by 13.1 and 23.4%, respectively, while TBARS and CARB were increased significantly by 26.1 and 15.6%, respectively, after the race indicating oxidative stress induction. Discussion The present study demonstrated for the first time that the RedoxSYS diagnostic system can be used for evaluating the exercise-induced oxidative stress in athletes.
Cryptosporidium species causing acute diarrhoea in children in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Abstract A 13-month study of children presenting with acute diarrhoeal disease at hospitals and rehydration clinics in Antananarivo, Madagascar, was undertaken between May 2004 and May 2005. Cryptosporidiosis accounted for diarrhoea in 12 (5.6%) of the 215 children investigated. Cases of cryptosporidiosis were detected only in the rainy season, and the median age of cases was 13.5 months (range=1 day–27 months). As 11 of the cases of cryptosporidiosis were caused by Cryptosporidium hominis and only one by C. parvum, most of the cases were probably the result of anthroponotic transmission. GP60/45/15 gene polymorphisms indicated that the causative pathogens were of subtypes Ia, Id, Ie and IIc.
An Approach to Software Performance Evaluation on Customized Embedded Processors

Evaluation of software performance on a given customized embedded processor is an important step in the design space exploration of embedded system architectures. Such evaluations help system designers in taking early design decisions regarding the hardware architecture most suitable for the target application. Simulation based performance evaluations, although very accurate, can be prohibitively slower. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid approach consisting of an initial simulation run (one time) followed by analysis of intermediate level (IR) application code by an evaluation engine. Our results show that the evaluation engine can accurately (more than 95%) estimate the excecution cycles of application or application task on a given customized embedded processor while it is at least an order of magnitude faster in terms of time taken.