Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Stage HIV Management and Reduction of Stavudine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats by Experimentally Developed Biodegradable Nanoparticles

The objectives of this research work were to develop optimized nanoparticulate formulations of poly (d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (85:15) with an anti-AIDS drug stavudine and to evaluate their in-vitro uptake by the macrophages and hepatotoxicity in-vivo. Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method based on a factorial design with varying parameters such as the amounts of polymer and stabilizer used. Physicochemical characterizations such as drug–excipient interaction, surface morphology, particle size, and zeta potential measurements were carried out. The best formulation was selected and tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for cellular uptake study of the formulation. In-vitro uptake of nanoparticles by macrophages was carried out. Formulation-induced hepatotoxicity was assessed by analyzing some serum hepatotoxic parameters and hepatic histology following 10-day treatment in comparison with the free drug. Nanoparticles exhibited smooth surface with particle size 84–238 nm, high entrapment efficiency (approx 85%), and negative surface charge. Formulations showed a sustained drug release pattern over the study period. In-vitro uptake study by macrophages exhibited a time-dependent profile. In-vivo studies on rats showed improvement in the serum parameters and maintenance of the integrity of the hepatic architecture indicating decreased hepatotoxicity with the formulations as compared to the free drug. The experimental results showed a positive outcome in the development of antiretroviral drug carrier exhibiting sustained drug release, macrophage-targeted delivery characteristics, and having reduced hepatoxicity. This could be beneficial for the management of early stage of HIV infection besides reducing the drug load for effective treatment, thereby offering an attractive option in AIDS therapy.
ASPIRIN USE, DEPRESSION, AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN LATER LIFE: THE HEALTH IN MEN STUDY

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Conflict of Interest: This study was sponsored by SanofiAventis and the French society of gastroenterology. Each author warrants that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. Author Contributions: All the authors participated in the design, data analysis, preparation of this letter, and its writing. Sponsor’s Role: The sponsors had no role in study design or in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data.
Finding the Missing Link between Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Competitiveness through Social Capital: A Business Ecosystem Perspective

There are existing studies that successfully show the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firms’ financial performance. However, limited attention is paid to its impact on the business ecosystem. CSR could be seen as an investment for building a sustainable business ecosystem, which enhances the competitiveness of this system’s members. In that context, this study apprehends and captures the virtuous cycle of firm competitiveness. On analyzing data from interviews with seven firms, the study offers four propositions identifying the structure of the virtuous cycle linking CSR activities to firm competitiveness through the accumulation of social capital within business ecosystems. Based on those propositions, the study offers new insights into CSR research for academics and strategic planning guidelines for managers that integrate social and economic values for a sustainable business ecosystem and firm competitiveness.
The effect of load on the heat of shortening of muscle

During the process of shortening against a load a muscle liberates extra energy as work and as heat. The methods used in measuring the extra heat due to shortening have been critically examined and are described in some detail. The constant α of the heat of shortening depends on P, the load lifted, according to an average linear relation for frog sartorii at 0 °C, α/P0 = 0·16( ± 0.015) + 0·18( ± 0·027) P/P0 P0 is the maximum force developed at constant length. The constant α of the heat of shortening can no longer be regarded as the same quantity as the constant α of the characteristic equation (P+a)v = b(P0-P), relating velocity (v) of shortening to load; but α/P0 and a/P0, being always of the same order of size, are almost certainly connected in some way. The original (Hill 1938) conclusion that α and a were the same was probably due to a persistent error in the measurement of α, making it about 30% too great. In the original (Hill 1938) hypothesis the rate of extra energy liberation (P+α)v during shortening was taken to be proportional to (P0-P), i. e. to the gap between the maximum force a muscle could exert and the actual load it had to lift. In its simple form this idea must be abandoned; but a modification is suggested which still provides the characteristic equation and supplies a connexion between α and a. The assumptions made in calculating the heat of shortening are examined; to regard it simply as a change, produced by shortening, in the maintenance heat would make little difference. Further advances in the chemistry of contraction may allow the facts to be expressed in more concrete terms.
[BCG revaccination in school children: evolution of the lesion at the vaccination site between 48 hours and 10 weeks].

OBJECTIVE Cutaneous reaction after BCG revaccination has been cause of concerns due its magnitude. Would it be intense enough to discourage its use in school-age children? The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of BCG vaccination site between 48 hours and 10 weeks post-revaccination. METHODS A descriptive cohort study was carried out involving 484 children between six and 11 years. The subjects were vaccinated with 0.1 mL of BCG-Moreau. Erythema, induration, pustule, ulcer, crust and final scar were measured within 48 h, 72 h and weekly until the tenth week, evaluated between July and December 1987. Epi Info 6.0 software was utilized to analyze frequencies, means, median and standard deviations. RESULTS Induration was present in 99.1% and erythema in 91.6% of 438 children evaluated within 48 h. Pustules were observed in the first week in 26.1% of 479 children. The first ulcers were seen during the second week. In the tenth week, 69.8% of 463 children showed crusts but only 29.2% completed the healing process. CONCLUSIONS BCG revaccination in school-age children causes intense and early reaction that can be related to Koch phenomenon, even though it does not present the expected reduction in the healing period. The magnitude of the reaction is not enough to discourage its recommendation for school-age children. On the other hand, it is possible that the rapid inflammatory response is an indication of active immune response from the first vaccination.
Sexual behavior and the influencing factors among out of school female adolescents in Mushin market, Lagos, Nigeria

High rates of adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe abortions in Nigeria indicate the need for a greater understanding of factors that affect adolescent sexuality. The sexual health needs of adolescents remain poorly known and addressed particularly among vulnerable subpopulations like out-of-school adolescents. The objective of this study was to examine the sexual behavior of female out-of-school adolescents and to identify factors that influence their sexual behavior. This cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of unmarried, out-of-school female adolescents (n = 332, mean age 17 y), selected using cluster sampling, who were working in a major market (Mushin) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires. Many girls (43.7%) have had sexual intercourse. The mean age at initiation was 16 years. The main reason for initiation was curiosity. Risky sexual behavior and transactional sex was common. Nonconsensual sex was also reported. Sexual health knowledge was poor, and friends served as their main source of information on sexual health issues. Factors associated with the initiation of sexual activity were friends sexual behavior, the person adolescents reside with, parents marital status, availability of funds to meet basic needs, and watching pornography (p < .05). Out-of-school female adolescents engaging in risky sexual behavior are exposed to sexual abuse, lack skills to resist pressure, and have limited access to credible reproductive health information. Appropriate interventions including provision of sexuality education and a supportive environment must be instituted to address their needs.
Initial observations of electronic medical record usage during CT and MRI interpretation: Frequency of use and impact on workflow.

OBJECTIVE Electronic medical record (EMR) systems permit integration of contextual nonimaging EMR data into examination interpretation; however, the extra effort required to search and review these nonradiologic data are not well characterized. We assessed the gross frequency and pattern of EMR usage in the interpretation of diagnostic CT and MRI examinations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We defined nonradiologic EMR data as laboratory data, nonimaging specialty report, clinical note, and administrative data not available on PACS. For abdominal, neuroradiologic, and musculoskeletal CT and MRI, we prospectively recorded the time required for image analysis (including prior imaging studies and their reports), nonradiologic EMR use, and initial report drafting by fellows and staff in randomized sessions. We assessed EMR use as a fraction of work activity and according to technique, subspecialty, inpatient status, and radiologist experience. RESULTS We observed 372 CT and MRI interpretations by 33 radiologists. For CT, radiologists used the EMR in 34% of abdominal, 57% of neuroradiologic, and 38% of musculoskeletal interpretations. For MRI, EMR was used in 73% of abdominal, 56% of neuroradiologic, and 33% of musculoskeletal interpretations. For CT, EMR usage comprised 18%, 14%, and 18% of diagnostic effort (image analysis plus EMR use) for abdominal, neuroradiologic, and musculoskeletal interpretations, respectively; for MRI, EMR usage comprised 21%, 16%, and 15% of diagnostic effort for abdominal, neuroradiologic, and musculoskeletal interpretations, respectively. Frequency of EMR use was significantly greater for neuroradiology CT and abdominal MRI (p < 0.05, Fisher's test). EMR usage was not consistently related to inpatient status for CT or radiologist experience. CONCLUSION For CT and MRI interpretation, EMR usage is frequent and comprises a significant fraction of diagnostic effort.
Variation and reliability of ultrasonographic quantification of the architecture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in young children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of ultrasonography for the quantification of gastrocnemius muscle architecture in healthy young children. The variation and reliability of measurement of muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length of the medial gastrocnemius were determined, using stationary and portable ultrasound machines, in 13 boys and eight girls aged 4–10. Ultrasound images were obtained from each leg, in duplicate, with the ankle at 90°, then at maximal plantar flexion, with the two machines within the same session. The same set of 16 scans was repeated in four children 4–6 weeks later. The mean muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length differed between ankle positions and between legs. Measurements obtained using the two machines established similar values with no significant differences in absolute values and coefficients of variation (CV). For duplicate images taken during the same session for the same leg, ankle position and machine, the CV and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged, respectively, from 2·1% to 3·1% and 0·94–0·98 for muscle thickness, from 4·1% to 6·0% and 0·85–0·96 for pennation angle and from 4·5% to 6·3% and 0·87–0·96 for fibre length. Corresponding values for variables for the same child measured on two separate occasions were within the same ranges, all being similar to reliability data reported previously for adult muscle. Muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length of the medial gastrocnemius can therefore be quantified reliably, using either a stationary or portable ultrasound machine, in healthy young children.
Effect of dietary nucleotide supplementation on performance and development of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers

1. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on broiler performance, and physical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract. 2. Experiment 1: A total of 180 one-d-old male chicks were placed in battery brooders in 3 × 6 replicate pens containing 10 chicks each. Chicks were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments; a maize-soyabean meal based diet supplemented with 0, 0·25, and 0·50% Torula yeast RNA (as a source of nucleotides) from 0 to 16 d of age. 3. Experiment 2: A total of 1344 one-d-old male chicks were placed in floor pens and reared on recycled wood shavings (two flocks) under a high stocking density (0·068 m2/bird). Chicks were randomly assigned to one of the 4 dietary treatments (0, 0·25% Torula yeast RNA, 2% and 6% Nupro®) for the starter period (0 to 14 d of age) with 6 replicate pens containing 56 chicks each. All the birds were fed on the same common grower diet with no supplementation of nucleotides from 15 to 32 d of age. 4. Experiment 1: Supplementing the diets with up to 0·50% Torula yeast RNA did not affect broiler performance, or relative intestinal tract weight and length of broilers at any periods measured. 5. Experiment 2: From 0 to 14 d of age, broilers fed on the diets supplemented with 0·25% Torula yeast RNA and 2 and 6% Nupro® were significantly heavier and had improved feed conversion (feed:gain) ratios as compared with the birds fed on the control diet. Supplementing the starter diet only with 2% Nupro® supplementation significantly improved body weight (BW) gain as compared with the control diet over the entire experiment (0 to 32 d of age). Broilers fed on the diets supplemented with 2 and 6% Nupro® from 0 to 14 d of age had better feed conversion (feed:gain) ratios over the entire experiment (0 to 32 d of age) as compared with the birds fed on the control diet, even though the birds were only fed on the diets supplemented with Nupro® from 0 to 14 d of age. The broilers fed on the diets supplemented with 0·25% Torula yeast RNA and 2% Nupro® had higher villus height and an improved villus height-to-crypt depth ratio as compared with birds fed on the control or 6% Nupro® diet at 14 d of age. 6. It is generally assumed that nucleotides are not an essential nutrient; thus there is no need to supplement the diets of broilers reared under normal conditions. However, dietary nucleotide supplementation may be important to maintain maximum growth performance when birds are exposed to stress conditions, such as high stocking density combined with dirty litter.
Electroacupuncture Improves Gastric Emptying in Critically Ill Neurosurgical Patients: A Pilot Study

Objective To compare the efficacy of combined electroacupuncture and metoclopramide treatment with that of metoclopramide only in improving gastric emptying in critically ill neurosurgical patients. Methods In this prospective case-control pilot study, a total of 16 adult critically ill mechanically ventilated patients who were treated in the surgical intensive care unit were enrolled. Electrical stimulation was applied to 4 pairs of points (maximum intensity < 9.8 mA at 2 Hz). Patients in the control group received standard treatment with intravenous metoclopramide only. Patients in the experimental group received intravenous metoclopramide plus electroacupuncture treatment once daily for 6 consecutive days. Results Gastric residual volume in the experimental group (n = 7) reduced gradually until the fourth day after treatment with electroacupuncture combined with routine metoclopramide administration. Beginning on the fourth day, residual volume was maintained at less than 200 ml per day for the following two days. In the control group (n = 9), there was a gradual reduction in residual volume during the first four days followed by a rebounding increase over the next two days. Conclusions Electroacupuncture combined with intravenous metoclopramide is a more effective treatment for gastric emptying than metoclopramide alone in adult critically ill patients with impaired brain function.
State of the Art Series: Global Pediatric Pulmonary Issues Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Review and Recent Advances

Summary. In the beginning of this 21st century, community-acquired pneumonias (CAP) are still responsibleforasigniﬁcantnumberofdeathsamongyoungchildreninmanydevelopingcountries. PublichealthinitiativessuchasthoseproposedbytheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO)forthe management of CAP by means of identifying highly predictable signs and symptoms have had great positive impact in some communities. Still, this approach induces an overdiagnosis and overtreatmentofCAPinchildrenbelowtheageof5yearsduetothemisclassiﬁcationofpneumoniainchildrenwithfastbreathingassociatedwithviralbronchiolitis. Evenamongchildrenofdeveloped countries, CAP is an important public health problem and many aspects of current diagnostic and management measures are discussed here. In this article, we review the epidemiology and basic concepts of CAP and update current information on clinical evaluation and management of the disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:1095–1103. (cid:1) 2007Wiley-Liss,Inc.
AQP 9 Expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors Is Limited to a Small Population of Astrocytic Cells and CD 15 + / CalB + Leukocytes

Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is a membrane protein channel that is permeable to a range of small solutes, including glycerol, urea and nucleobases. Expression of AQP9 in normal brain is limited, while widespread AQP9 expression has previously been reported in human glioblastoma. However, the specific cellular expression of AQP9 in glioblastoma remains unclear. In this study, we have examined microarrays to corroborate AQP9 mRNA expression in glioma. These analyses suggested that AQP9 mRNA expression in glioblastoma is primarily explained by tumor infiltration with AQP9 expressing leukocytes. Immunolabeling confirmed that within tumor regions, AQP9 was expressed in CD15 and Calgranulin B leukocytes, but also in larger cells that morphologically resembled glioma cells. Specificity of immunoreagents was tested in recombinant cell lines, leukocyte preparations, and sections of normal human brain and liver tissue. Apparent AQP9 glioma cells were frequently observed in proximity to blood vessels, where brain tumor stem cells have been observed previously. A fraction of these larger AQP9 expressing cells co-expressed the differentiated astrocyte marker GFAP. AQP9 expressing glioma cells were negative for the brain tumor stem cell marker CD15, but were observed in proximity to CD15 glioma cells. AQP9 expression may therefore require signals of the perivascular tumor environment or alternatively it may be restricted to a population of glioma stem cell early progenitor cells. Citation: Jelen S, Parm Ulhøi B, Larsen A, Frøkiær J, Nielsen S, et al. (2013) AQP9 Expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors Is Limited to a Small Population of Astrocytic Cells and CD15/CalB Leukocytes. PLoS ONE 8(9): e75764. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 0075764 Editor: Michael Platten, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany Received May 2, 2012; Accepted August 21, 2013; Published September 25, 2013 Copyright: 2013 Jelen et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: This work was supported by The Lundbeck Foundation Grant R17A1742 (http://lundbeckfonden.dk/), a Marie Curie Research Training Network grant (http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp6/index_en.cfm? p = 10_curie), a Nordic Research Grant for Water Imbalance Related Disorders (http://www.cmbn.no/wired/). The Water and Salt Research Center was established and funded by The Danish National Research Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: michael.rutzler@biochemistry.lu. se
Haematological profiles in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: a retrospective study of 31 spontaneous cases in Greece

SUMMARY This study investigated the haematological parameters in 31 dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis according to clinical signs and serological analyses. Whereas the platelet numeration was depressed in 35.48% dogs, anomalies in erythrocyte numeration and morphology were frequently observed: haemoglobin concentration, haematocrite and erythrocyte numeration were decreased in 25.80%, 19.35% and 19.35% infected animals, respectively, red cell distribution width was enlarged in 80.64% of cases and macrocytosis evidenced by high mean corpuscular volume and confirmed by microscopic examination of blood smear was observed in 90.32% of dogs. In addition, 83.67% of dogs exhibited anisocytosis. A depressed mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was obtained in all samples and hypochromia was microscopically confirmed in 93.54% of cases. Monocytopenia and eosinopenia were frequently observed and were eventually coupled to leukopenia (35.48%) and/or neutropenia (25.80%). Variations in haematological profiles may be due to differences in strain virulence and antigenicity, clinical forms of the disease and the eventual occurrence of concomitant infections.
Examining accident reports involving autonomous vehicles in California

Autonomous Vehicle technology is quickly expanding its market and has found in Silicon Valley, California, a strong foothold for preliminary testing on public roads. In an effort to promote safety and transparency to consumers, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has mandated that reports of accidents involving autonomous vehicles be drafted and made available to the public. The present work shows an in-depth analysis of the accident reports filed by different manufacturers that are testing autonomous vehicles in California (testing data from September 2014 to March 2017). The data provides important information on autonomous vehicles accidents’ dynamics, related to the most frequent types of collisions and impacts, accident frequencies, and other contributing factors. The study also explores important implications related to future testing and validation of semi-autonomous vehicles, tracing the investigation back to current literature as well as to the current regulatory panorama.