Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring workload of ICU nurses with a questionnaire survey: the NASA Task Load Index (TLX)

High workload of nurses in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) has been identified as a major patient safety and worker stress problem. However, relatively little attention has been dedicated to the measurement of workload in healthcare. The objectives of this study are to describe and examine several methods to measure workload of ICU nurses. We then focus on the measurement of ICU nurses’ workload using a subjective rating instrument: the NASA TLX. We conducted secondary data analysis on data from two, multi-site, cross-sectional questionnaire studies to examine several instruments to measure ICU nurses’ workload. The combined database contains the data from 757 ICU nurses in eight hospitals and 21 ICUs. Results show that the different methods to measure workload of ICU nurses, such as patient-based and operator-based workload, are only moderately correlated, or not correlated at all. Results show further that among the operator-based instruments, the NASA TLX is the most reliable and valid questionnaire to measure workload and that NASA TLX can be used in a healthcare setting. Managers of hospitals and ICUs can benefit from the results of this research as it provides benchmark data on workload experienced by nurses in a variety of ICUs.
A2‐purinoceptor‐mediated relaxation in the guinea‐pig coronary vasculature: a role for nitric oxide

1 The Langendorff heart preparation was used to investigate the mechanism of action of the endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation evoked by adenosine and its analogues in the guinea‐pig coronary vasculature. 2 The relative order of potency of adenosine and its analogues in causing a reduction in perfusion pressure was d‐5′‐(N‐ethylcarboxamide)adenosine (NECA) = 2‐[p‐(2‐carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680)>R‐N6‐(2‐phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R‐PIA) = adenosine = 2‐chloroadenosine (2‐CA)>S‐N6‐(2‐phenylisopropyl)adenosine (S‐PIA) = N6‐cyclopentyl‐adenosine (CPA); thus suggesting the presence of A2‐purinoceptors in this preparation. 3 8‐(p‐Sulphophenyl)theophylline (8‐PSPT; 3 × 10−5 m) significantly reduced both the maximum amplitude and area of the vasodilatation produced in response to adenosine (5 × 10−10 − 5 × 10−8 mol) without having any effect on the response to the P2‐purinoceptor agonist, 2‐methylthioATP. The relaxation induced by adenosine (5 × 10−12 − 5 × 10−8 mol) was unaffected by the selective A1‐purinoceptor antagonist 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 10−8 m). This antagonist profile suggests that only A2‐purinoceptors are present in the guinea‐pig coronary vasculature. 4 The areas of the vasodilator response to adenosine (5 × 10−10 − 5 × 10−7 mol), NECA (5 × 10−12 − 5 × 10−7 mol) and CGS 21680 (5 × 10−12 − 5 × 10−10 mol) were significantly reduced by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 3 × 10−5 m). The amplitude of the responses to low concentrations of adenosine (5 × 10−10 − 5 × 10−9 mol), NECA (5 × 10−11 mol) and CGS 21680 (5 × 10−11 − 5 × 10−9 mol) were significantly reduced by l‐NAME (3 × 10−5 m). 5 l‐Arginine (1.5 × 10−3m) significantly reversed the inhibition, by l‐NAME (3 × 10−5m), of the relaxant response to adenosine (5 × 10−8 mol), NECA (5 × 10−9 mol) and CGS 21680 (5 × 10−11 mol). 6 Indomethacin (10−6 m) did not inhibit the response to adenosine, except at low doses (5 × 10−11 − 5 × 10−10 mol). 7 It is concluded that in the guinea‐pig coronary vasculature, while a major part of the vasodilator action of adenosine is probably directly via A2‐receptors on the smooth muscle, activation of a subpopulation of A2‐purinoceptors on endothelial cells by adenosine and its analogues induces relaxation via production of nitric oxide; prostanoids appear to play a minimal role in the relaxation induced by adenosine as in most other preparations.
The cellular transcription factor E2f requires viral E1A and E4 gene products for increased DNA-binding activity and functions to stimulate adenovirus E2A gene expression

Whereas a wide variety of cellular proteins interact with the cis-regulatory elements of the adenovirus E1A and E2A genes, only the DNA-binding activity of the cellular E2f factor is modulated by viral early-gene expression. An analysis of cellular E2f protein levels and adenovirus early-gene expression in a panel of independently cloned virus-transformed rodent cell lines and in virus-infected rodent cells has established that both the E1A 289-amino-acid (289R) protein and a yet-to-be-defined E4 gene product are required for maximal E2f DNA-binding activity. To distinguish between the multiple roles the E1A protein could serve in this process, the E2f DNA-binding activity was determined in a virus-transformed cell line which contains a conditional-lethal mutation affecting the 289R protein. Since E4 gene expression was not altered by the incubation conditions, the observation of reduced cellular E2f activity at the nonpermissive temperature suggests a direct role for the E1A 289R protein in E2f activation. When a virus containing a deletion in the E4 gene was introduced into cell lines which can complement the E4 gene defect, a correlation between high cellular E2f levels and increased rates of E2A gene transcription was observed. A time course analysis of the viral infection revealed that E2f functions catalytically to stimulate viral E2A gene transcription. These observations have led to several hypotheses concerning possible mechanisms by which elevated E2A gene expression, which leads to cytotoxicity, might be avoided in the transformed cell.
Web Security: Detection of Cross Site Scripting in PHP Web Application using Genetic Algorithm

Cross site scripting (XSS) is one of the major threats to the web application security, where the research is still underway for an effective and useful way to analyse the source code of web application and removes this threat. XSS occurs by injecting the malicious scripts into web application and it can lead to significant violations at the site or for the user. Several solutions have been recommended for their detection. However, their results do not appear to be effective enough to resolve the issue. This paper recommended a methodology for the detection of XSS from the PHP web application using genetic algorithm (GA) and static analysis. The methodology enhances the earlier approaches of determining XSS vulnerability in the web application by eliminating the infeasible paths from the control flow graph (CFG). This aids in reducing the false positive rate in the outcomes. The results of the experiments indicated that our methodology is more effectual in detecting XSS vulnerability from the PHP web application compared to the earlier studies, in terms of the false positive rates and the concrete susceptible paths determined by GA Generator.
Characterization and modelling of differential sensitivity of nanoribbon-based pH-sensors

We report accurate characterization, modelling and simulation of SOI nanoribbon-based pH sensors and we compare operation in air (dry) and electrolyte (wet) environments. We find remarkably different current density distributions and geometry scaling rules, but similar series resistances and active trap state densities in the two configurations. Calibrated TCAD based simulations implementing an original approach to model the site-binding charge, and in good agreement with experiments, provide the necessary insights to interpret the non trivial dependence of the threshold voltage and current sensitivity on pH.
Long-term results and quality of life of patients undergoing sequential surgical treatment for severe acute pancreatitis complicated by infected pancreatic necrosis.

BACKGROUND Infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is one of the most severe complications of acute pancreatitis (AP). Sequential surgical debridement represents one of the most effective treatments in terms of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to describe the quality of life and long-term results (e.g., nutritional, muscular, and pancreatic function) of patients treated by sequential necrosectomy at the Department of Surgery of the University of Insubria (Varese, Italy). METHODS Data were collected on patients undergoing sequential surgical debridement as treatment for IPN. The severity of AP was evaluated using the Ranson criteria, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) Score, and the Sepsis Score, as well as the extent of necrosis. The surgical approach was through a midline or subcostal laparotomy, followed by exploration of the peritoneal cavity, wide debridement, and peritoneal lavage. The abdomen was either left open or closed partially with a surgical zipper, with multiple re-laparotomies scheduled until debridement of necrotic tissue was complete. The long-term evaluation focused on late morbidity, performance status, and abdominal wall function. RESULTS In the majority of patients (68%), mixed flora were isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the microorganism identified most commonly (59%), often associated with Candida albicans or C. glabrata. The mean total hospital stay was 71+/-38 days (range 13-146 days), of which 24+/-19 days (range 0-66 days) were in the intensive care unit. Eight patients died, the deaths being caused by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in seven patients and hemorrhage from the splenic artery in one. Normal exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function was observed in 28 patients (88%). At discharge, four patients had steatorrhea, which was temporary. Eight patients (23%) developed pancreatic pseudocysts, and in six, cystogastostomy was performed. Most patients (29/32, 91%) developed a post-operative hernia, but only five required surgical repair. All patients had a Short Form (SF)-36 score>60%, and 20 of the 32 patients (68%) had scores>70-80% (good quality of life). The worst scores were related to alcoholic pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS The degree of pancreatic failure (exocrine and endocrine function) is not related to the amount of pancreatic necrosis. Even with a need for repeated laparotomy and multiple surgical procedures, the abdominal wall capacity as well as long-term quality of life remain excellent.
Molecular mechanisms for the hepatic uptake of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

The mechanisms were investigated for the hepatic transport of 4 different gadolinium complexes used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In basolateral rat hepatocyte plasma membrane vesicles, Gd-DTPA uptake was indistinguishable from non-specific binding to vesicles; Gd-BOPTA and Gd-EOB-DTPA entered plasma membrane vesicles following a linear, concentration-dependent mechanism up to 1.5 mM of substrate. By contrast, Gd-B 20790 uptake followed a saturative kinetic with an apparent Km of 92 +/- 15 microM and a Vmax of 143 +/- 42 pmol/mg prot/15 sec, and it occurred into an osmotic-sensitive space. Sulfobromophthalein ant taurocholate, but not unconjugated bilirubin inhibited the uptake rate of Gd-B 20790 but not that of the other three compounds. Injection into Xenopus laevis oocytes of 5 ng of human OATP cRNA resulted, after 3 days, in a >/=2-fold stimulation (p < 0.001) of transport of Gd-B 20790 but not of Gd-BOPTA or Gd-EOB-DTPA. Collectively, these data indicate that the hepatic uptake of the MRI contrast agent Gd-B 20790 is a carrier-mediated mechanism operated by OATP while MRI compounds with other chemical structures enter the hepatocyte by other mechanisms.
Towards better management of chronic atrial fibrillation.

Important lessons should be drawn from two recently published randomised clinical trials comparing rhythm control and rate control strategies directed at the management of chronic atrial fibrillation in representative patient populations. In the larger Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial, 4060 patients were followed up for an average of 3.5 years, the rhythm control group did not fare better than those assigned to rate control. Respective rates for death, the composite end-point (death, disabling stroke, anoxic encephalopathy, major bleed, or cardiac arrest), and numbers hospitalised were 18% versus 15%, 22% versus 21%, and 68% versus 60%; the latter difference being statistically significant (P<0.001). Similarly, in the European trial with only 522 patients followed up for an average of 2.3 years, the composite end-point (cardiovascular death, heart failure, thromboembolism, bleeding, pacemaker implantation, or severe drug adverse effect) ensued in 23% and 17% of the patients assigned to the corresponding groups. Moreover, in both trials most patients who had thromboembolic complications, anticoagulation therapy had ceased or was ‘sub-therapeutic’. In summary, these trials provide compelling evidence pointing to the clinical and financial burdens imposed by current rhythm control interventions. Thus, if symptoms are not an issue in the course of rate control, the primary focus of management should be redirected to better implementation of long-term anticoagulation, the only strategy of proven benefit.
Bioactive metabolites from an endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from Centella asiatica

Endophytes are important sources for the discovery of bioactive compounds. The potential role of the endophyte and its biologically active metabolites in its association with its host has been investigated. In the present study the antioxidant activity of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from medicinal plant Centella asiatica was evaluated by its ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. Bioactive metabolites present in the ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. were analysed by using GC-MS. The metabolites were investigated for cytotoxic activity. The extract of Penicillium sp. exhibited high antioxidant activity with IC50 value, 54.72±2. 19μg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium sp. has high antioxidant capacity of 325.76±0.14 mg equivalent to ascorbic acid. The ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium sp. demonstrated a promising cytotoxic activity against HeLa, A431 and human breast cancer (MCF7). These results indicate that endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plants could be a potential source for bioactive compounds.
Measuring Social Capital: The Development of the Social Capital and Cohesion Scale and the Associations between Social Capital and Mental Health.

Over the last two decades, social capital has received increasing attention in the international literature. Despite the popularity of the construct, problems concerning definition, theoretical conceptualisation, and measurement continue to plague research and policy in this area. This investigation aimed to address this gap by developing a new social capital instrument to test the theorised nature of the construct. Utilising a sample of 1371 young Australians living in disadvantaged communities, the newly developed Social Capital and Cohesion Scale (SCCS) combined the commonalities in the current theoretical conceptualisations of social capital defining it as a multi-level, multidimensional construct consisting of trust and reciprocity across family, peer, neighbour, and institutional networks. To test the convergent validity of the scale, relations with mental health were also examined. Confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated that the SCCS was a valid and reliable multidimensional scale, which was invariant across both regional and gender groups. Correlational analysis demonstrated that associations with depression, anxiety, and stress were consistent with past research thereby strengthening the validity of the SCCS measure.
The efficacy of amoxicillin sodium against streptococcosis in cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and its pharmacokinetics

The efficacy of amoxicillin sodium for controlling field and experimental Streptococcus iniae and S. parauberis infections in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was evaluated after a single intramuscular administration. Furthermore, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against 21 Streptococcus strains were determined. In addition, the pharmacokinetics and residue depletion in olive flounder were investigated. Single intramuscular doses of amoxicillin sodium at 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.w. fish significantly reduced cumulative mortality rates to 18.8-31.3% (P < 0.05) for S. iniae and to 5.0-15.0% (P < 0.01) for S. parauberis, whereas the S. iniae- and S. parauberis-infected positive control groups showed cumulative mortality rates of 68.8% and 60.0%, respectively. In a S. parauberis outbreak, amoxicillin sodium reduced the cumulative mortality rate to 7.5% and 4.8% at 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w. fish, respectively, whereas that of the untreated control group was 35.2%. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax ) following a single intramuscular dose of 40 and 80 mg/kg b.w. fish were 62.64 (Tmax , 1.59 h) and 87.61 (Tmax , 3.02 h) μg/mL, respectively, with large AUC0-t /MIC and Cmax /MIC ratios, and sufficient T > MIC (time for maintaining plasma drug concentration greater than MICs) for S. iniae and S. parauberis. The estimated withdrawal period of amoxicillin sodium from muscle of olive flounder was about 8 days at 40 mg/kg b.w. fish (at 22 ± 1 °C). These results demonstrated a single intramuscular administration of amoxicillin sodium to be effective against streptococcosis in olive flounder.
Preventing cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes: is there a superior antihypertensive therapy?

Introduction Type 2 diabetes affects 3±6% of the adult populations in most countries and its prevalence increases with age up to 25±30% [1]. In addition, another 10±15% of adults have impaired glucose tolerance. Diabetes usually coexists with a cluster of other major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Diabetes doubles the risk of CVD events and mortality [2], also in hypertensive patients who already have a high risk due to their high blood pressure [3]. Since many hypertensive patients have diabetes, this combination will account for a large proportion of the premature CVD morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients.
MACULAR EPIRETINAL BRACHYTHERAPY IN TREATED AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (MERITAGE): Month 24 Safety and Efficacy Results

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of epimacular brachytherapy for the treatment of chronic, active neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, interventional noncontrolled clinical trial recruited 53 participants with previously treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Participants underwent pars plana vitrectomy with a single 24 Gray dose of epimacular brachytherapy, delivered using an intraocular cannula containing a Strontium 90/Yttrium 90 source that was positioned over the active lesion. Participants were retreated with ranibizumab, administered monthly as needed, using predefined retreatment criteria. Coprimary outcomes at 24 months were the proportion of participants losing <15 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters and mean number of ranibizumab retreatments. Results: Over 24 months, 68.1% lost <15 letters with a mean of 8.7 ranibizumab retreatments. Mean change in visual acuity was −6.3 (standard deviation, 18.9) letters. There was one case of nonproliferative radiation retinopathy. Conclusion: The apparent reduction in ranibizumab retreatment was less evident in Year 2 than Year 1, with the moderate reduction in visual acuity extending into the second year. Although radiation retinopathy occurred in one case, it was not vision threatening and safety remained acceptable.
Hemoglobin , Red Blood Cell Count , Hematocrit and Derived Parameters for Diagnosing Anemia in Elderly Males

Anemia is one of the most common micronutrient deficiency in our community. Nutritional anaemias are caused when there is an inadequate body store of a specific nutrient needed for hemoglobin synthesis. The most common nutrient deficiency is of iron. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on the healthy elderly male, aged ≥ 40 and ≤77 years (n=60) volunteers in order to assess their blood parameters, such as hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) for the diagnosis of anemia. The demographic results showed mean values (50.10±8.79) years for age, 66-68 ± 1.95 inches for height , 71.43 ± 6.43 kg body weight, 98.34±0.48 0F body temperature, 124 ± 8.67 systolic blood pressure, 82.17 ± 4.15 diastolic pressure while, The pulse rate was found to be 74.63 ± 7.02/minute. Similarly, mean values for lean body weight (LBW) found to be 49.9±2.89, ideal body weight (IBW) 60.9 ± 4.49, body surface area (BSA) was 1.8 ± 0.1 m2whereas, body mass index (BMI) showed mean value 24.9 ± 2.6 kg/m2. More so, overall mean Hb found to be 13.60 g/dl, RBC 4.6 mill/mm3, HCT/PCV 43%, MCV 92.95fl, MCH 29.42 pg and MCHC was found to be 31.73 g/dl. The normal range of Hb for men was 13-17 g/dl and 31.67% of the subjects participated in the study was considered to be anemic showing less Hb than normal range. The volunteers were suggested to improve the dietary habits and to take iron supplements in order to overcome the iron deficiency anemia.
TATA box-dependent protein-DNA interactions are detected on heat shock and histone gene promoters in nuclear extracts derived from Drosophila melanogaster embryos

We monitored protein-DNA interactions that occur on the hsp26, hsp70, histone H3, and histone H4 promoters in nuclear extracts derived from frozen Drosophila melanogaster embryos. All four of these promoters were found to be transcribed in vitro at comparable levels by extracts from both heat-shocked and non-heat-shocked embryos. Factors were detected in both types of extracts that block exonuclease digestion from a downstream site at ca. +35 and -20 base pairs from the start of transcription of all four of these promoters. In addition, factors in extracts from heat-shocked embryos blocked exonuclease digestion at sites flanking the heat shock consensus sequences of hsp26 and hsp70. Competition experiments indicated that common factors cause the +35 and -20 barriers on all four promoters in both extracts. The formation of the barriers at +35 and -20 required a TATA box but did not appear to require specific sequences downstream of +7. We suggest that the factors responsible for the +35 and -20 barriers are components whose association with the promoter precedes transcriptional activation.
Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Expression Is Regulated by Estrogen in the MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line*

Estrogens can stimulate the proliferation of estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells by increasing their proliferative response to insulin-like growth factors. The mechanism underlying the increased proliferation could involve the induction of components of the insulin-like growth factor signal transduction pathway by estrogen. In this study we have examined the regulation of the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1, a major intracellular substrate of the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. Estradiol increased insulin receptor substrate-1 mRNA and protein levels at concentrations consistent with a mechanism involving the estrogen receptor. Insulin receptor substrate-1 was not induced significantly by the antiestrogens tamoxifen and ICI 182,780, but they inhibited the induction of insulin receptor substrate-1 by estradiol. Analysis of tyrosine-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 showed that the highest levels were found in cells stimulated by estradiol and insulin-like growth factor-I, whereas low levels were found in the absence of estradiol irrespective of whether type I insulin-like growth factor ligands were present. Insulin receptor substrate-2, -3, and -4 were not induced by estradiol. These results suggest that estrogens and antiestrogens may regulate cell proliferation by controlling insulin receptor substrate-1 expression, thereby amplifying or attenuating signaling through the insulin-like growth factor signal transduction pathway.