Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Evidence and Mechanism of Xingnaojing Injection for Cerebral Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies

Objectives Cerebral ischemia can cause severe harm to people's health with the characteristics of high incidence, high disability, and high mortality. Xingnaojing injection (XNJI) is widely used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of XNJI in animal models of cerebral ischemia. Methods Total seven electronic databases in English or Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, VMIS, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) about most experiments and studies which came out before June 2018 of XNJI for cerebral ischemia have been searched. Data extraction, quality assessment, and meta-analysis are conducted according to the Cochrane standards and RevMan 5.3 software. Results We have identified 23 eligible studies and made a meta-analysis based on these studies. Meta-analysis shows that XNJI contributes significantly to reduction in neurological deficit score (P = 0.0002, MD = -1.25, 95% CI: -1.92, -0.58) compared with the control group of cerebral ischemia. Subgroup analytic results demonstrate that XNJI has been more effective in animal model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (P = 0.009, MD = -1.35, 95%CI: -2.36, -0.34) than that of permanent cerebral ischemia (P = 0.0002, MD = -1.08, 95%CI: -1.66, -0.51). Compared with control group, XNJI could remarkably reduce cerebral infarction area (P < 0.00001, MD = -14.98, 95%CI: -21.36, -8.59), brain edema (P < 0.00001, MD = -4.64, 95%CI: -5.38, -3.90), and neuronal cell apoptosis (P < 0.0001, MD = -12.21, 95%CI: 18.05, -6.37). Meanwhile, the meta-analysis shows that XNJI has a significant anti-inflammatory effect, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β are significantly reduced by XNJI (P = 0.001, MD = -4.13, 95%CI:-6.68, -1.58; P < 0.00001, MD = -119.23, 95%CI: -138.04, -100.43; P = 0.21, MD = -228.69, 95% CI: -586.20, 128.83). Additionally, XNJI could raise the body's antioxidant function and the level of SOD and GSH-Px (P = 0.002, MD = 53.02, 95% CI: -20.52, 85.78; P = 0.01, MD = 8.65, 95% CI: 1.77, 15.48) and decrease the level of MDA (P < 0.00001, MD = -4.16, 95% CI: -5.50, -2.82). Conclusion XNJI might be effective in cerebral ischemia by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.
Cardiac Tamponade from Purulent Pericarditis due to Cutibacterium acnes

Purulent pericarditis is a potentially fatal disease with high mortality rates if untreated. Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is an anaerobic bacteria that is ubiquitous in skin flora and is commonly thought of as a culture contaminant; however, it does have pathogenic potential. We present a case of purulent pericarditis secondary to C. acnes leading to cardiac tamponade. Initial stabilization and diagnosis were made via pericardiocentesis; afterward the patient underwent a pericardial window. Due to a severe penicillin allergy, he was successfully treated with a 14-day course of vancomycin. To our knowledge, this represents only the third published case of purulent pericarditis with cardiac tamponade caused by C. acnes and the first case treated with a 14-day course of vancomycin.
Extra-Intestinal Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Meat

Extra-intestinal E. coli are emerging as a global threat due to their diffusion as opportunistic pathogens and, above all, to their wide set of antibiotic resistance determinants. There are still many gaps in our knowledge of their origin and spread pathways, although food animals have been adjudicated vehicles for passing mult-drug resistant bacteria to humans. This study analyzed 46 samples of meat purchased from retail stores in Palermo in order to obtain quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates. Strains were screened for their phylogenetic groups, ST131-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and then typed by ERIC-PCR. Their set of virulence factors, namely, kpsMII, papA, sfaS, focG, iutA, papC, hlyD, and afa genes, were investigated and their fluoroquinolone-resistance determinants evaluated. The data obtained show a dramatically high prevalence of multidrug resistance patterns in the Palermo area, with 28% of the isolates having virulence factor genes typical of ExPEC strains. No B2 group or ST131 strains were detected. Moreover, 20% of our isolates showed positivity to all the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants, showing a potential to transfer these genes among other bacteria. Therefore, these data underline the possibility that food animals and, specifically, poultry in particular may be a significant source of resistant bacterial strains, posing a potential zoonotic risk.
Diagnostic Yield of Combined Pulmonary Cryobiopsies and Electromagnetic Navigation in Small Pulmonary Nodules

Background An increasing number of pulmonary nodules of unknown nature are detected as a result of screening by CT in high lung cancer risk patients. Objectives The purposes of this study were to assess the diagnostic yield of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) combined with transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) and to compare it with standard transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in pulmonary nodules of less than 2 cm in diameter. Methods We prospectively included 32 patients (18 men and 14 women, mean age 68 ± 9 years) with nodules of less than 2 cm in diameter and no metastasis at 18FDG PET-CT. The nodule position was determined by ENB, radial endobronchial ultrasonography miniprobe, and fluoroscopy. Eight samples were obtained, six by TBB and two by TBLC. Results Nodule diameter averaged 16 ± 3 mm. Twenty-five nodules were malignant and 18 were surgically resected. Surgery was avoided in four patients as the biopsies revealed a benign disease. The samples obtained by TBLC were five times larger than those by TBB. The diagnostic yields of TBLC and TBB were 69% and 38%, respectively (p=0.017). Adverse events consisted in 15 mild or moderate bleedings and one pneumothorax. Conclusions In the setting of peripheral pulmonary lesions of less than 20 mm in diameter, ENB-combined TBLC is feasible and safe, provides larger samples, and has higher diagnostic yield than TBB.
Leaf-Methanolic Extract of Pseudopanax arboreus (Araliaceae) (L. F. Phillipson) Reverses Amitriptyline-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Rats

The people of the Bayangi tribe (Manyu Division) of Cameroon have used the leaves of Pseudopanax arboreus (Araliaceae) traditionally for decades as an aphrodisiac. In order to scientifically investigate this folk claim, we evaluated the effects of the leaf-aqueous extract of P. arboreus on the sexual behavior of normal male rats. The present study was designed to assess the effects of the leaf-methanolic extract of P. arboreus on amitriptyline-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Sexually impaired male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Group 1 received 10 ml/kg distilled water, while group 2 was given 6 mg/kg Viagra. Groups 3 and 4 received 46.5 and 93 mg/kg of the leaf-methanolic extract, respectively. Female rats were made receptive by ovariectomy and subsequent hormonal treatment. Sexual behavior parameters were monitored on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 by pairing each male to a receptive female. The extract-treated rats registered significant decrease in mount latency (ML) and intromission latency (IL); nonsignificant increase in mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and penile licking (PL); significant decrease in postejaculatory interval (PEI); contrasting effects in ejaculation latency (EL); and mean intromission interval (MII). Both doses of the extract also provoked a significant increase in relative weight of testes, but had no significant effect on the plasma hormonal profile. These findings are similar to those obtained with normal male rats and show that the leaf-methanolic extract of P. arboreus could constitute a potential solution to male sexual impairment.
Risk Factors for Endothelial Decompensation after Penetrating Keratoplasty and Its Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Purpose To review the risk factors and pathogenesis of endothelial decompensation after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and its novel therapeutic strategies. Methods Literature review. Results As the major cause of graft failure in PKP, endothelial decompensation of corneal allograft is considered an irreversible decrease in endothelial cell density and endothelial dysfunction. Various risk factors, including donor status and operative and recipient factors, have been found to be associated with this pathological process. Operative factors like graft size and recipient factors such as indications, glaucoma, or glaucoma surgery history are highly associated with the occurrence of endothelial decompensation, while others are still under investigation. Although the mechanism of these risk factors remains unclear, pathogenesis can be summarized as an acute and chronic loss of endothelium, and cell exchange between donor and recipient is at the core of chronic cell loss. Endothelial keratoplasty has been a useful alternative to repeat standard PKP in eyes with failed grafts. Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) following failed PKP provide more rapid visual recovery and achieve better rates of graft survival than those of a second PKP. Conclusions Any direct or indirect damage to the endothelium could cause the loss, morphological changes, and dysfunction of endothelial cells. Graft size, indications, and recipient glaucoma or glaucoma surgery history are risk factors for endothelial decompensation. DSAEK and DMEK are novel therapeutic strategies for failed PKP grafts and have potential superiorities compared with repeat PKP.
Knowledge and Attitude of Health Professionals toward Telemedicine in Resource-Limited Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in North West Ethiopia

Background In resource-limited environments, such as those categorized as underdeveloped countries, telemedicine becomes viewed as effective channel for utilizing the scarce medical resources and infrastructures. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude toward telemedicine among cross section of health professionals' working in three hospitals in North West Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 health professionals working in three different hospitals of North Gondar Administrative Zone during November 13 to December 10, 2017. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 20. The mean, percentage, and standard deviation were calculated to describe the characteristics of respondents. The chi-square test was used as appropriate, to evaluate the statistical significance of the differences between the responses of the participants. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Result A total of 312 study subjects were approached and included in the study from November 13 to December 10, and the response rate was 95.5%. The majority of respondents (195 (65.4%)) were male, and the majority of the respondents (66.1%) were in the age group of 21-29 years. A large number of respondents (224 (75%)) were bachelor's degree holders. Only 37.6% of the respondents had demonstrated good knowledge of telemedicine, of which 74.1% were male, 65.2% of them were in the age group of 20-29 years, and 63.4% of them had >5 years of work experience. 191 (64.0%) respondents had good attitude toward telemedicine. Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that although the respondents' knowledge of telemedicine is limited, most of them have good attitude toward telemedicine. This study underlined the need of giving training on telemedicine in order to fill the knowledge gap.
Development of a Rat Model of Sick Sinus Syndrome Using Pinpoint Press Permeation

Objective Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is one of the most common causes of cardiac impairment necessitating pacemaker implantation. However, studies of SSS pathogenesis are neither comprehensive nor conclusive due to limited success in achieving a stable rat SSS model. Here, we modified pinpoint press permeation to establish a stable rat SSS model. Methods We randomly assigned 138 male Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups: normal control (n = 8), sham (n = 10), and SSS (n = 120). Postoperatively, the SSS group was further divided into SSSA (n = 40), SSSB (n = 40), and SSSC (n = 40), based on reduction in heart rates by 20–30%, 31–40%, and 41–50%, respectively. We also assessed histomorphological characteristics and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 4 (HCN4) expression in the sinoatrial node (SAN) at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after surgery. Results Mortality was statistically higher in SSSC compared to SSSA and SSSB (7.5% versus 90.0% and 87.5%; P < 0.05). Heart rate in SSSA was gradually restored to preoperative levels by week 4 after surgery. In contrast, heart rate in SSSB was stable at 2–3 weeks after surgery. However, we observed that the tissues and cells in SAN were severely injured and also found a time-dependent increase in collagen content and atrium myocardium in SSSB. HCN4 expression was significantly reduced at all 4 time points in SSSB, with statistically significant differences among the groups (P < 0.01). Conclusion We successfully developed a rat SSS model that was sustainable for up to 4 weeks.
Colorectal Cancer and Mitochondrial Dysfunctions of the Adjunct Adipose Tissues: A Case Study

Excess body weight has been causally linked to an increased risk of different cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC) but the mechanisms underlying this association are practically unknown. We investigate redox state-superoxide (SO) generation rate, activity of complex I in electron transport chain (ETC) of mitochondria and of dinitrosyl iron complexes by electron paramagnetic resonance; activity of matrix metalloproteinase (gelatinase) MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gel zymography of adipose tissues (AT) from 46 patients (64.0 ± 1.6 y.o.) with CRC (II-III stages, pT2-3N0-2M0) in the AT adjacent to tumor (ATAT) and at a distance of 3 cm from the tumor (ATD) to follow the connection of the AT redox state with some of the tumor microenvironment indicators. We have incubated the AT species with the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) to follow its influence on the measured values. As a control, normal AT (NAT) obtained during the liposuction is used. Tumor-induced changes in mitochondrial ETC of ATAT, particularly for Complex I, lead to the enhanced SO generation and consequent oxidative modifications of DNA in ATAT (up to 6.1 times higher than that in NAT and 3.7 times higher than that in ATD, p < 0.05). Gelatinase activity in ATAT is significantly higher than in ATD. A considerable effect of TNF-α on ATAT and ATD (but not on NAT, i.e., only on the tissues where the reprogramming of metabolism has already occurred under the influence of tumor) manifested in increase of cellular hypoxia, gelatinase activity, and SO generation rate is observed. The results can be used for better understanding the mechanism(s) of metabolic symbiosis of tumor and AT as well as serving as a basis for new therapeutic approaches.
The effectiveness of honey supplementation in feed for improving goldfish fingerling Carassius auratus immune system against Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria attack

ABSTRACT The attack of Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria can cause mortality in goldfish approximately 100%. The controlling of this bacterial attack can be done through increased fish immunity. Honey is one of the natural ingredients that increases body immune system. This study aimed to determine the effective dose of honey supplemented in feed to increase goldfish fingerling resistance for disease prevention. Fish used in this study were goldfish fingerlings with 3.5 g average weight. This study was done using experimental complete randomized design method with five treatments and three replications. Treatments given were honey supplementation in feed with 0 ml/kg (A) as control treatment, 150 ml/kg (B), 200 ml/kg (C), 250 ml/kg (D), and 300 ml/kg (E). The result showed that honey supplementation in feed was effective to improve goldfish fingerlings resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial attack. The supplementation of honey in feed with 200 ml/kg was the best treatment for inducing goldfish fingerlings against A. hydrophila. This was proven by the increased white blood cells (leucocytes) (27.84 ± 5.07%) followed with no apparent clinical symptoms after attacked by A.hydrophila, such as hemorrhage, necrosis, exophthalmia or dropsy, besides showing the highest survival rate with 73.33 ± 11.5%. Keywords : Aeromonas hydophila, goldfish, honey, leucocyte, resistance ABSTRAK Serangan bakteri Aeromonas hydrophila dapat menyebabkan kematian ikan mas koki hingga mencapai 100%. Penanggulangan serangan bakteri tersebut dapat dilakukan dengan meningkatkan ketahanan tubuh (imun) ikan. Madu merupakan salah satu bahan alami yang dapat meningkatkan ketahanan tubuh. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan dosis efektif penambahan madu pada pakan untuk meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh benih ikan mas koki dalam upaya pencegahan penyakit aeromonasis. Benih yang digunakan adalah benih ikan mas koki berukuran 3.5 gram. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan lima perlakuan dan tiga ulangan. Perlakuan yang digunakan adalah penambahan madu pada pakan dengan dosis 0 mL/kg (A) sebagai kontrol, 150 mL/kg (B), 200 mL/kg (C), 250 mL/kg (D), 300 mL/kg (E). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan madu ke dalam pakan efektif dalam meningkatkan ketahanan tubuh ikan mas koki terhadap serangan Aeromonas hydrophila. Dosis 200 ml/kg pakan memberikan hasil terbaik dalam meningkatkan ketahanan tubuh ikan mas koki terhadap serangan A. hydrophila terlihat dari peningkatan jumlah sel darah putih terbesar (27.84 ± 5.07%), tidak nampak adanya gejala klinis ikan terserang A. hydrophila seperti hemoragi, necrosis, exophthalmia maupun dropsy dan menghasilkan kelangsungan hidup benih ikan mas koki tertinggi yaitu sebesar 73.33 ± 11.5%. Kata kunci: Aeromonas hydrophila, ketahanan tubuh, ikan mas koki, madu, sel darah putih.
An Exploration of Diagnostic Patterns For Ketosis and an Innovative Management Approach to Ketosis Treatment in Lactating Dairy Cows

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iii STATEMENT OF WORK . iv LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW & RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.
Foliar and Root Absorption of Atrazine Applied Postemergence to Giant Foxtail

In growth chamber studies, high relative humidity and rewetting crystalline spray deposits of 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (atrazine) increased absorption by and phytotoxicity to giant foxtail (Setaria faberii Herrm.), but phytotoxicity was restricted to expanded (unrolled) leaves unless some atrazine was absorbed by the roots. Though phytotoxicity was increased by simulated rainfall when root absorption was prevented, an appreciable number of the plants were killed only when atrazine residues were washed into the soil. In field studies, atrazine applied to a wet soil surface was as effective as the same rate of atrazine foliarly applied. In other field experiments, atrazine applied to giant foxtail on a wet soil and followed by simulated rainfall reduced stand and dry weight, but on a dry soil and not followed by simulated rainfall, atrazine reduced dry weight less and did not reduce stand. These results are due to root absorption of atrazine from wet soil. Spray additives increased phytotoxicity.
Pediatric peak expiratory flow rate nomograms for Ernakulam district

Objective: To obtain the normal reference values of peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRs) among healthy school-going children between 8 and 12 years and thereby construct a nomogram. Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthy children attending schools in Ernakulam district over a period of 1 year. PEFR values were recorded using a Mini-Wright peak flow meter, and the best of three readings was documented. Results: Nine hundred and fifty-four students were studied. PEFR increases as the age increases. A similar trend was observed across various heights. Nomograms based on age and height were constructed separately for boys and girls. Conclusion: Established baseline values of PEFR in this study can be useful in diagnosing and following asthmatic children in Ernakulam district.
Late-onset sepsis and mortality among neonates in a Brazilian Intensive Care Unit: a cohort study and survival analysis

Abstract A cohort study was performed from January 2014 to December 2016 in a Brazilian neonatal intensive care unit, including neonates with high risk for infection and death. We estimated bloodstream infection (BSI) incidence and conducted a survival analysis, considering the time to death and to the first episode of BSI as outcomes, comparing very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates with the remaining neonates. An extended Cox model was performed and the hazard ratio (HR) was calculated for different time periods. The study had 1560 neonates included, the incidence and the incidence density of BSI was 22% and 18.6 per 1000 central venous catheter-days, respectively. Considering VLBW neonates as the reference group, the HR for time to death was 4.06 (95% CI 2.75–6.00, P < 0.01) from day 0 to 60 and for time to the first episode of BSI was 1.76 (95% CI 1.31–2.36, P < 0.01) from day 0 to 36. Having the heavier neonates group as reference, the HR for time to the first episode of BSI was 2.94 (95% CI 1.92–4.34, P < 0.01) from day 37 to 90. Late-onset neonatal sepsis prevention measures should consider the differences in risk during time, according to neonates' birth weight.
Does She Advance Her Development in The Face of Cancer? A Structural Equation Model of Posttraumatic Growth after Diagnosed with Cancer

The purpose of this study is to perform the structural equation modeling of relationship among personality, depression, social support, subjective severity, deliberate rumination, intrusive rumination and post-traumatic growth of patients with breast cancer. 201 women participated in this study recruited from inpatients or outpatients female cancer clinics in Korea. Personality, social support, and deliberate rumination had significant positive direct effect on post-traumatic growth. Social support, subjective severity and intrusive rumination had significant indirect effect on posttraumatic growth via deliberate rumination. Depression had significant positive and direct effect on intrusive rumination. The findings of this study suggest a more comprehensive model of growth would be helpful in understanding the various factors which play a role in cancer survivors’ perception of psychological growth. 1