Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye using α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite prepared by mechanochemical synthesis

Preparation of α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite has been successfully conducted by mechanochemical synthesis using iron sand from Syiah Kuala Beach, Banda Aceh and bentonite from Kuala Dewa, North Aceh as raw materials. The α-Fe2O3 was extracted using hydrochloric acid and precipitated using ammonium hydroxide as precipitation agent at pH 6 followed by calcination at high temperature in order to obtained α-Fe2O3. The α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite was prepared by milling the mixture of α-Fe2O3 and bentonite at 4:1 ratio in a planetary mill for 2 hours without any solvent. The XRD results showed that the main component of iron sand was magnetite (Fe3O4), while in α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite the main component was α-Fe2O3 and SiO2. The photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite was investigated on degradation of indigo carmine (IC) dye at various conditions of pH, photocatalyst mass, initial dye concentration and irradiation time. The results showed that the highest photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite was obtained at the initial pH value of IC solution 1, 250 mg photocatalyst mass and initial concentration of IC 10 mg/L after irradiated for 90 minutes under ultra violet and solar light, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite using UV light was almost the same as that of by solar light.
Acromiohumeral distance and 3-dimensional scapular position change after overhead muscle fatigue.

CONTEXT Muscle fatigue due to repetitive and prolonged overhead sports activity is considered an important factor contributing to impingement-related rotator cuff pathologic conditions in overhead athletes. The evidence on scapular and glenohumeral kinematic changes after fatigue is contradicting and prohibits conclusions about how shoulder muscle fatigue affects acromiohumeral distance. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of a fatigue protocol resembling overhead sports activity on acromiohumeral distance and 3-dimensional scapular position in overhead athletes. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Institutional laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 29 healthy recreational overhead athletes (14 men, 15 women; age = 22.23 ± 2.82 years, height = 178.3 ± 7.8 cm, mass = 71.6 ± 9.5 kg). INTERVENTION(S) The athletes were tested before and after a shoulder muscle-fatiguing protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Acromiohumeral distance was measured using ultrasound, and scapular position was determined with an electromagnetic motion-tracking system. Both measurements were performed at 3 elevation positions (0°, 45°, and 60° of abduction). We used a 3-factor mixed model for data analysis. RESULTS After fatigue, the acromiohumeral distance increased when the upper extremity was actively positioned at 45° (Δ = 0.78 ± 0.24 mm, P = .002) or 60° (Δ = 0.58 ± 0.23 mm, P = .02) of abduction. Scapular position changed after fatigue to a more externally rotated position at 45° (Δ = 4.97° ± 1.13°, P < .001) and 60° (Δ = 4.61° ± 1.90°, P = .001) of abduction, a more upwardly rotated position at 45° (Δ = 6.10° ± 1.30°, P < .001) and 60° (Δ = 7.20° ± 1.65°, P < .001) of abduction, and a more posteriorly tilted position at 0°, 45°, and 60° of abduction (Δ = 1.98° ± 0.41°, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS After a fatiguing protocol, we found changes in acromiohumeral distance and scapular position that corresponded with an impingement-sparing situation.
Investigations on the carrier rate of Pasteurella multocida in black rats (Rattus rattus) in a commercial quail farm.

The aim was to investigate the level of Pasteurella Multocida infection from two anatomic sites of black rats ( Rattus Rattus ), popularly referred to as house or roof rats in a commercial quail farmhouse with recurrent fowl cholera outbreaks and also to evaluate the association between the Pasteurella Multocida found in rats co-habiting quail poultry houses and isolates from outbreaks of fowl cholera. Thus 100 pharyngeal and 100 rectum swabs samples taken from rats co-habiting farmhouse were obtained and evaluated bacteriologically for isolation of P. multocida; 54% of pharyngeal swabs and 62% of rectum swabs were positive for P. multocida. Extended phenotypic characterization of the isolates confirmed the presence of subspecies P. multocida multocida. Subspecies Pasteurella Multocida septica and gallicida were not encountered. Ramdom serotyping of 5 isolates each from the two sites confirmed serotypes A:4. Fowl cholera outbreaks were confirmed on the quail houses and carrier rats had the same Pasteurella Multocida subspecies and serotype as the infected quail. The public health significance of the finding is also discussed. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 10 (1) 2009: pp. 2-9
Real-Time Imaging of DNA Damage in Yeast Cells Using Ultra-Short Near-Infrared Pulsed Laser Irradiation

Analysis of accumulation of repair and checkpoint proteins at repair sites in yeast nuclei has conventionally used chemical agents, ionizing radiation or induction of endonucleases to inflict localized damage. In addition to these methods, similar studies in mammalian cells have used laser irradiation, which has the advantage that damage is inflicted at a specific nuclear region and at a precise time, and this allows accurate kinetic analysis of protein accumulation at DNA damage sites. We show here that it is feasible to use short pulses of near-infrared laser irradiation to inflict DNA damage in subnuclear regions of yeast nuclei by multiphoton absorption. In conjunction with use of fluorescently-tagged proteins, this allows quantitative analysis of protein accumulation at damage sites within seconds of damage induction. PCNA accumulated at damage sites rapidly, such that maximum accumulation was seen approximately 50 s after damage, then levels declined linearly over 200–1000 s after irradiation. RPA accumulated with slower kinetics such that hardly any accumulation was detected within 60 s of irradiation, and levels subsequently increased linearly over the next 900 s, after which levels were approximately constant (up to ca. 2700 s) at the damage site. This approach complements existing methodologies to allow analysis of key damage sensors and chromatin modification changes occurring within seconds of damage inception.
Agonist-mediated regulation of alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor metabolism in a muscle cell line, BC3H-1.

We have compared the metabolism of alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors which are both expressed in BC3H-1 muscle cells. During growth of the cells to confluence, the number of alpha 1-receptors per mg of membrane protein increases, whereas that of the beta 2-receptors remains constant. Experiments using cycloheximide and irreversible alpha 1- and beta 2-receptor antagonists, phenoxybenzamine and N-[2-hydroxy-3-(1-naphthoxy)-propyl]-N'-bromoacetylethylenediamine , respectively, yield disparate turnover rates (t1/2) for the two receptors: alpha 1 congruent to 25 hr, beta 2 congruent to 200 hr. These experiments suggest that synthesis of beta 2-receptors virtually ceases in confluent cells. Maximally effective doses of agonists down-regulated both receptor types 80-90% and enhanced the rates of loss of both receptors (t1/2 = 1-5 hr). The rates of down-regulation were not affected by cycloheximide, implying that agonists enhance receptor clearance rather than decrease receptor appearance. The rank orders of potencies of agonists for promoting receptor down-regulation were those characteristic of alpha 1- and beta 2-receptors. However, concentrations of agonists that resulted in down-regulation of each receptor subtype were 10- to 100-fold lower than those required for occupancy of receptors as assessed in radioligand binding studies. Receptor recovery following removal of agonists was blocked by cycloheximide and was much faster than the recovery that followed treatment of cells with irreversible antagonists. Therefore, protein synthesis (but perhaps not receptor synthesis per se) appears necessary for recovery from down-regulation. In addition, the rates of recovery of alpha 1- and beta 2-receptor-mediated functions (phosphatidylinositol turnover and cyclic AMP synthesis, respectively) following receptor down-regulation or irreversible blockade parallel the rates of receptor recovery. These data indicate that basal metabolism of alpha 1- and beta 2-receptors in BC3H-1 cells is substantially different, but that agonist-mediated changes in metabolism of the two receptor subtypes are similar. Thus, common mechanisms appear to mediate the regulation by agonists of alpha 1- and beta 2-receptors in these cells.
Decompression sickness from saturation diving: a case control study of some diving exposure characteristics.

A comprehensive computerized database of diving activity for a Norwegian offshore diving contractor [Stolt-Nielsen Seaway (SNS)] covering the years 1983-1990 has been established. The database contains detailed dive information about 12,087 surface-oriented and 2,622 saturation dives. During this period a majority of the divers were permanently employed. Preliminary analysis had suggested that decompression sickness (DCS) might be the result of exposure to factors causing pathophysiologic effects which accumulate over the course of a single dive or a series of dives. This concept evolved into the HADES (Highest Accumulated Decompression Score) theory which assumes that DCS is predictable once the underlying exposure factors are understood. The incidence of DCS among the SNS divers from saturation diving in the North Sea was studied by use of a "nested" case-control design. Twenty-one case dives (i.e., dives where DCS occurred) were compared with 41 randomly selected control dives. For these dives, several saturation dive characteristics were established. The relative pressure change between maximum and minimum storage depths was significantly greater among the cases. For each 1% increase in the relative pressure change there was a 5% increase in the probability of a saturation dive resulting in DCS. Significantly more cases than controls performed a saturation dive with more than one storage depth, and the data suggested that there were more and greater ascending and descending changes in storage depth conditions among the affected divers.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Penggunaan Learning Management System (Portal Akademik) Pada STT Musi Palembang

This study aims to identify factors that support for the use of academic portal on STT MUSI using TAM. The method used is quantitative method. Samples of this research were 79 students from a population of 383 students in Palembang MUSI STT active in the academic year 2014/2015 and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. The test results showed F calculated F value of 3.693 and a significance of 0.015. The coefficient of determination (R2) is approximately 9.2%. T test results showed t value for the variable benefit 0.097 1.679 with significance, ease of 0.224 with 0.824 significance, and the quality of information by 0.432 with 0.667 significance. The results showed that the variable benefit significantly affect the use of academic portal, variable ease and quality of information does not significantly affect the use of academic portal. Simultaneously, the variable expediency, convenience and quality of information significant effect on the use of academic portal on STT MUSI Palembang.
Adverse Events with Universal Use of Iodixanol for CT: Comparison With Iohexol

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of adverse events with the universal use of iodixanol for computed tomography (CT) and compare it with periods when iohexol was used exclusively. Methods: Iodixanol was used for CT in 15,142 consecutive patients and compared with 22,044 patients who received iohexol. Results: Adverse events were observed in 116 patients (0.77%) who received iodixanol and in 54 patients (0.25%) who received iohexol (P < 0.001). Immediate and delayed adverse events were seen in 76 and 40 patients (0.50% and 0.26%, respectively) who received iodixanol and in 52 and 2 patients (0.24% and 0.01%, respectively) who received iohexol, respectively (immediate, P = 0.002; delayed, P < 0.001). Adverse events with iodixanol and iohexol were as follows: mild, 89% and 98%; moderate, 10% and 2%; and severe, 1% and 0%, respectively. Conclusions: Adverse events occurred in less than 1% of patients receiving either contrast agent. However, the incidence of immediate and delayed adverse events was significantly higher with iodixanol than iohexol.
House dust mite potentiates capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transients in mouse pulmonary sensory neurons via activation of protease‐activated receptor‐2

House dust mite (HDM) is a major source of allergen in house dust and has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HDM can modulate the sensitivity of pulmonary sensory neurons and, if so, to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Fura‐2‐based ratiometric Ca2+ imaging was carried out to determine the effect of HDM extract on the capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transient in mouse vagal pulmonary sensory neurons. Pretreatment with HDM (50 μg ml−1, 5 min) significantly enhanced the Ca2+ transient evoked by capsaicin in these neurons isolated from wild‐type mice. This potentiating effect of HDM was not antagonized by E‐64, a selective cysteine protease inhibitor, but was completely prevented by AEBSF, a specific serine protease inhibitor. In addition, the potentiating effect of HDM on capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transient was absent in the pulmonary sensory neurons isolated from protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) knockout mice. Furthermore, the sensitizing effect of HDM was completely abolished by U73122, a phosholipase C inhibitor, or chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor. In summary, our results demonstrate that HDM, mainly through its serine protease activity, potentiates capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transient in mouse pulmonary sensory neurons via the activation of PAR2 and the phosholipase C–protein kinase C intracellular transduction cascade.
Forecasting exchange rates using multivariate threshold models

Abstract This paper investigates the ability of a broad range of non-linear time series models to forecast the EUR/USD exchange rate. Using a variant of the well-known Dornbusch (Dornbusch, R. 1976. “Expectations and Exchange Rate Dynamics.” Journal of Political Economy 84: 1161–1176.) model to guide the specific choice of covariates, we find improvements over the random walk for all time horizons considered. While the improvement in forecasting accuracy is rather muted at the critical 1-month ahead horizon, accuracy increases seem to be more pronounced for longer-term forecasts. In addition, we account for model and specification uncertainty by applying several combination rules. Along this dimension our results suggest that we can still improve upon the single best performing model by a large extent.
The Use of Twitter during the 2009 German National Election

During the 2009 election campaign, Twitter not only served as a source of news for the media but also became a public stage for active political users. In particular, hopes were raised about a pluralistic grass-roots sphere of public communication in which political information can be shared in a non-ideological, decentralised and egalitarian manner. To test whether Twitter led to new patterns of political interaction and to determine the beneficiaries, we present findings from a large-scale network analysis investigating about four million tweets by more than 33,000 users including citizens, journalists and politicians in the 2009 National Election. Our analysis identifies the most popular users, contents and topics in this political sphere, revealing the Pirate Party movement as the most influential group during the campaign. A network analysis of the participating actors confirms the strong position of established online activists and bloggers in contrast to traditional mass media, politicians and parties.
Variants of the first extensor compartment of the wrist: Failure of steroid injections for de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a common cause of radial sided wrist pain and is described as an entrapment tendinitis of the tendons in the first extensor compartment. Physiotherapy and splinting are initial conservative treatment. Steroid injections are an effective treatment modality but may fail due to the anatomical variation in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. We present a 39-year-old female who failed conservative treatment. She received a steroid injection, but symptoms resolved for 6 months only. We proceeded to surgery and noted three subcompartments consisting of one for the extensor pollicis brevis and two for the abductor pollicis longus as opposed to one extensor compartment. The steroid injection may have failed to infiltrate all the subcompartments resulting in treatment failure. General practitioners and surgeons must be aware of this variation if there are to provide effective treatment. Ultrasonographic guidance may be required for steroid injections in recalcitrant de Quervain's disease. Key words: De Quervain's tenosynovitis, variants in de Quervain's tenosynovitis, failure steroid injection Cite as: Nur Azree Firdaus Kamudin, Parminder Gill Singh et.al (2019) Variants of the first extensor compartment of the wrist: Failure of steroid injections for de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Asian Journal of Medicine & Biomedicine. Vol 3 (1):
The Radio-Radial External Fixator in the Treatment of Fractures of the Distal Radius

The technique of radio-radial monobloc-fixation with the small AO external fixator device has been applied to 17 consecutive Colles’ fractures. The fracture types were mainly A3 and C2, according to the AO classification. We found this technique to be easy and quick in application and stable in fixation. Direct, precise and atraumatic reduction can be achieved by using the distal pins as joy-sticks. Furthermore, disimpaction of the fracture to regain length is possible without bone grafting. Normal carpal mobility and load transfer is preserved during fracture healing and the injured hand can be used in daily life with certain restrictions. To prevent pin-track infections, early mobilization of the wrist should be avoided. We recommend this technique in the treatment of comminuted AO-type A3 fractures of the distal radius and in certain type C2 cases.
Lymphatic Absorption Is the Primary Contributor to the Systemic Availability of Epoetin Alfa following Subcutaneous Administration to Sheep

The contribution of the lymphatics to the absorption and systemic availability of recombinant human epoetin alfa (rHuEPO) following s.c. injection was examined using a cannulated sheep model. Parallel studies were conducted in sheep where a single bolus dose was administered either by i.v. (10, 100, or 1000 IU/kg) or s.c. (400 IU/kg) injection. The first s.c. group served as a control for the calculation of absolute bioavailability. In the second group, the efferent popliteal lymphatic duct was cannulated and peripheral lymph draining the injection site was continuously collected. In the third group, the thoracic duct was cannulated to allow collection of central lymph just prior to entry into the systemic circulation. Blood was periodically sampled from all animals, and concentrations in serum and lymph were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cumulative amount of rHuEPO recovered in peripheral and central lymph was 83.9 ± 6.6% and 75.3 ± 3.9% of the administered dose, respectively, indicating almost complete absorption from the s.c. injection site and minimal clearance during transit through the lymphatic system. After i.v. administration, the systemic clearance of rHuEPO decreased with increasing dose, reflecting capacity-limited elimination kinetics. A pharmacokinetic model was developed to simultaneously fit experimental data for all treatment groups and estimate bioavailability. The direct measurement of >75% of the dose in peripheral and central lymph independently verifies the calculated bioavailability of 87% and demonstrates the major role of the lymphatic route in the overall s.c. bioavailability of rHuEPO after s.c. administration with this animal model.
Home-Based Comprehensive Medication Reviews: Pharmacist's Impact on Drug Therapy Problems in Geriatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of pharmacist-conducted, home-based comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) on drug therapy problems (DTPs) in geriatric patients. DESIGN Pre-/postintervention study. SETTING Grocery store chain affiliated with three independent living facilities. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five older adults using pharmacy delivery services for at least three chronic medications. INTERVENTION A pharmacist conducted a home-based CMR for each participant. DTPs were identified across 13 categories. Patients received a medication action plan post-CMR. A follow-up patient phone call was completed two weeks following the appointment. Patient profiles were reviewed for three months postintervention for changes in DTPs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in DTPs per patient and changes in five Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services triple-weighted Star Rating performance measures. RESULTS The average DTPs identified per patient were reduced from 3.4 ± 2.06 to 1.48 ± 1.68 (P < 0.05) DTPs three months postintervention. The most common categories identified-nonadherence and incorrect administration/ technique-were significantly reduced (P = 0.012 and P = 0.010, respectively). One Star Rating performance measure significantly improved: 68% of patients taking hypertension medications were adherent at baseline and 91% were adherent three months post-CMR (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION Pharmacist-provided, home-based CMRs reduced the average number of DTPs per patient. The most common categories of DTPs identified-nonadherence and incorrect administration/technique-were reduced postintervention.
Population‐based trends in urinary diversion among patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Variations in the type of urinary diversion exist for patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Although its use has been increasing from 2001 to 2008, patients who are older, female, and primary insured by Medicaid are less likely to receive continent diversions. Furthermore, patients treated surgically at high‐volume and teaching hospitals are more likely to receive continent diversions.
Is Foreign Direct Investment Good or Bad for the Environment? Times Series Evidence from ECOWAS Countries

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is often accused of being one of major factors that may harm the host country's environment. This study contributes to the debate by examining the long run effect of FDI inflows on Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It uses the bounds test of cointegration proposed by Pesaran et al. (2001). FDI inflows,Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and population are used as explanatory variables. Results are mixed across countries. We find evidence supporting that FDI increases CO2 emissions in some countries while it reduces them in others. Evidence of no significant influence of FDI on CO2 emissions is also found. With respect to GDP, the results indicate that an increase in economic growth intensifies CO2 emissions in most countries.