Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF NESIRITIDE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE : REVIEW OF MORTALITY DATA AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL USE

The diagnosis of heart failure is becoming common with a prevalence of more than five million patients and over five hundred thousand new cases reported per year. A disease primarily of the elderly, its recent increase is likely due to the general aging of the population as well as improved survival of patients after myocardial infarction or other index events that lead to impaired ventricular function. A clinical syndrome not characterized by a single presentation, heart failure is frequently seen in the emergency department (ED) which is the most common portal of entry for hospital admission. Multiple challenges exist in management of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), including appropriate recognition and differentiation from other causes of dyspnea as well as choice of therapeutic regimen. The latter has recently become more of an issue as therapeutic decision-making had been somewhat stagnant over the past two decades due to a paucity of new, effective pharmacologic agents available to treat ADHF. This report will focus on three main objectives: 1) describe the role of nesiritide in the management of ADHF, with particular emphasis on concerns of increased morbidity and mortality recently raised in two meta-analyses; 2) Review additional mortality data not reported in the aforementioned papers in an attempt to further elucidate the potential risk of therapy; and 3) Describe recommendations for current “risk appropriate” use of nesiritide in ADHF, as well as future directions for investigation.
Effect of tissue temperatures and blood flow on motor nerve conduction velocity.

The existence of a relationship between peripheral nerve conduction velocity and ambient temperature is supported by considerable experimental evidence. 1-5 For example, Rosenberg and Sugimoto 1 exposed the sciatic nerve of frogs to a temperature range of 78.8 to 38.3 F (26 to 3.5 C) and noted that, on the average, conduction velocity decreased from 33 meters/sec to 6 meters/sec, the change occurring slowly above 53.6 F (12 C) and rapidly below this level. Gasser, 2 using the phrenic nerve of the dog, also showed that cooling this structure decreased its conduction velocity. Chatfield et al 3 subsequently performed a similar type of procedure on the tibial nerves of rats and hamsters and came to the same conclusion. Tasaki and Fujita, 4 studying the isolated single nerve fiber of the toad, found that the relationship between the ambient temperature and the logarithms of conduction time, spike duration, and chronaxie for
Evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of a booster (third) dose of inactivated subvirion H5N1 influenza vaccine in humans.

UNLABELLED Previously, we evaluated 2 doses of H5N1 influenza vaccine in persons 18-64 years of age (placebo and 7.5-, 15-, 45-, or 90-microg doses), separated by 28 days. In this study, 337 participants received a third dose, 6 months thereafter. Microneutralization (MN) and hemagglutination-inhibition geometric mean titers (GMTs) of antibody declined before the third dose. Twenty-eight days after the third dose, 78%, 67%, 43%, and 31% of recipients in the 90-, 45-, 15-, and 7.5-mug-dose groups had a MN GMT > or =1:40, respectively. Five months later, MN GMTs were significantly greater than those after the second dose. ( TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT00240968 .).
Experimental Analysis of Opportunistic Communication for Vehicular Internet Access

This thesis examines the problem of using 802.11 hotspots for vehicular Internet access. In this access paradigm, a user in a vehicle performs batch transfers by opportunistically communicating with roadside 802.11 access points while driving along a highway. Despite the short connection duration, a significant amount of data can be transferred. Because complete coverage is not needed, this method of Internet access provides a low-cost alternative to using cellular technology for applications that can tolerate some delay and require large data transfer such as sending or receiving music, movies, or digital photographs. Although vehicular opportunistic connections offer the potential to transfer a large of amount of data, utilizing this potential is non-trivial because existing transport and data-link layer network protocols were not designed for this use. This thesis presents an experimental analysis of transport and data-link layer protocol operation at a level of detail not previously explored. We identify ten problems that cause a reduction of up to 50% of the amount of data that could have been transferred in this scenario. Our primary finding is that transmission errors during connection setup and inadequate MAC data rate selection are the main causes of the underutilization of the connection. Based on these findings we make preliminary recommendations for best practices for using vehicular opportunistic connections. In particular, we argue that overall throughput could be significantly improved if environmental information was available to the lower layer network protocols.
Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from Raw Vegetables and Meats Sold in Open Market in Onitsha Meropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

3 Abstract: Total number of 150 samples comprising of raw-vegetables and raw-meats were obtained from three different markets: Ose market, Ochanja market and Main-market all in Onitsha metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. These samples were analyzed bacteriologically for Listeria monocytogenes using a selective and differential media chromagar Listeria. Out of the total number of 150 samples studied, result shows that no Listeria monocytogenes was isolated. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. The result obtained showed that out of 150 samples studied, 39 (26%) were E.coli while 16 (10%) were Staph. aureus. The study shows that Listeria monocytogenes is a very rare cause of endemic illness in the environment. E.coli and Staph. aureus were found to be contaminating vegetables and meats which may have been originated from the soil, water and most especially when food has been handled a great deal and is then left at temperature above refrigeration which allows the bacteria to multiply and produce toxins. This can be prevented by taking adequate measures in handling raw vegetables and meat to avoid any outbreak of diseases caused by E.coli and Staph. aureus as well as listeriosis cause by Listeria monocytogenes, since raw-vegetables and meats are possible contaminants.
Structural Study of Binding of Flagellin by Toll-Like Receptor 5

ABSTRACT In order to predict the binding regions within the complex formed by Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR-5) and flagellin, a complementary hydropathy between the two proteins was sought. A region common to the flagellins of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Listeria monocytogenes was shown to be hydropathically complementary to the 552-to-561 fragment of TLR-5, whose sequence is EILDISRNQL. The hydrophobicity profile of this region is shared with flagellins of 377 bacterial species out of a total of 723 publicly available sequences. A conformational analysis of the predicted binding site of TLR-5, whose structure is still unknown, was carried out with a methodology already applied to similar problems. To sample the conformations available to the peptide chain, a plot of the number of conformations per unit energy interval (density of states) versus energy was built. Following a theoretical argument, conformations belonging to maxima in this plot were selected. The most stable structure obtained in this search, an α-helical conformation, was shown to form the electrostatic interactions Glu552-Gln89, Asp555-Arg92, and Arg558-Glu93 with the predicted binding site of the flagellin of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, formed by the 88-to-97 chain fragment (LQRVRELAVQ), which is likewise α helical.
Effect of diet phase change, dietary Ca and P level and phytase on bird performance and real-time gizzard pH measurements

ABSTRACT In this study, a novel capsule technique was used to capture real-time pH readings from the gizzard over several hours, in response to different dietary treatments. 1. The first experiment was a preliminary study into capsule administration and pH recordings using 9 male Ross 308 broilers from 20 d. In the second experiment, broilers (576) were fed in two phases (0–21 and 21–42 d) with 4 treatment groups; low and adequate Ca and AvP diets with and without Quantum Blue phytase (1500 FTU/kg). Capsules were administered to 8 birds from each treatment group, pre and post diet phase change, with readings captured over a 2.5 h period. 2. Phytase addition improved body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds fed low dietary Ca, while having no significant effect on birds fed adequate Ca diets. Unexpectantly, diets with higher Ca levels gave a lower average gizzard pH compared to the low Ca diet. Phytase addition, irrespective of Ca level, increased average gizzard pH. Fluctuations in gizzard pH (0.6–3.8) were observed across all treatment groups. Higher frequencies of pH readings below pH 1.0 were seen in birds fed an adequate Ca diet and with phytase supplementation of a low Ca diet. 3. These results signify the potential use of capsule techniques to monitor real-time pH changes. The implication on gastric protein and fibre hydrolysis as a result of large fluctuations in pH should be considered.
Accident Prediction Models With and Without Trend: Application of the Generalized Estimating Equations Procedure

Accident prediction models (APMs) are useful tools for estimating the expected number of accidents on entities such as intersections and road sections. These estimates typically are used in the identification of sites for possible safety treatment and in the evaluation of such treatments. An APM is, in essence, a mathematical equation that expresses the average accident frequency of a site as a function of traffic flow and other site characteristics. The reliability of an APM estimate is enhanced if the APM is based on data for as many years as possible, especially if data for those same years are used in the safety analysis of a site. With many years of data, however, it is necessary to account for the year-to-year variation, or trend, in accident counts because of the influence of factors that change every year. To capture this variation, the count for each year is treated as a separate observation. Unfortunately, the disaggregation of the data in this manner creates a temporal correlation that presents difficulties for traditional model calibration procedures. An application is presented of a generalized estimating equations (GEE) procedure to develop an APM that incorporates trend in accident data. Data for the application pertain to a sample of four-legged signalized intersections in Toronto, Canada, for the years 1990 through 1995. The GEE model incorporating the time trend is shown to be superior to models that do not accommodate trend and/or the temporal correlation in accident data.
Formulation of chitosan–TPP–pDNA nanocapsules for gene therapy applications

The encapsulation of DNA inside nanoparticles meant for gene delivery applications is a challenging process where several parameters need to be modulated in order to design nanocapsules with specific tailored characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate and improve the formulation parameters of plasmid DNA (pDNA) loaded in chitosan nanocapsules using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as polyanionic crosslinker. Nanocapsule morphology and encapsulation efficiency were analyzed as a function of chitosan degree of deacetylation and chitosan–TPP ratio. The manipulation of these parameters influenced not only the particle size but also the encapsulation and release of pDNA. Consequently the transfection efficiency of the nanoparticulated systems was also enhanced with the optimization of the particle characteristics. Overall, the differently formulated nanoparticulated systems possess singular properties that can be employed according to the desired gene delivery application.
Analysis of the Structural Basis of Specificity of Inhibition of the Abl Kinase by STI571*

STI571, a selective inhibitor of Bcr-Abl, has been a successful therapeutic agent in clinical trials for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia patients treated with STI571 have durable responses; however, most responding blast phase patients relapse despite continued therapy. Co-crystallization studies of Abl kinase and an STI571-related compound identify specific amino acid residues as critical to STI571 binding, one of which, T315, has been characterized as an acquired Thr to Ile mutation in relapsed patients. Other studies, however, suggest that mutations other than these predicted contact points are capable of conferring STI571 resistance in relapsed patients. Using a variety of models of STI571 binding to the Abl kinase, we have performed an extensive mutational analysis of sites that might alter the sensitivity of the Abl kinase to STI571. Although mutation of many of the predicted contact points between Abl and STI571 result in a kinase-inactive protein, additional mutations that render the Abl kinase less sensitive to STI571 demonstrate a broad range of possibilities for clinical resistance that are now becoming evident.
Long-term diabetes complications after pancreas transplantation

Purpose of review The intention of this study is to summarize present knowledge about adverse effects of hyperglycemia in diabetes, and in this context review more recent data concerning the effects of pancreas transplantation on a wide range of diabetic complications. Recent findings Effective blood glucose control by insulin delays progression of microvascular complications and probably improves survival in type 1 diabetes. A successful pancreas transplantation combined with a kidney graft has recently been found to prevent diabetic kidney lesions, and registry data support improved long-term patient survival. Cardiovascular mortality was reduced in one study, even though coronary heart disease was not significantly altered. Advanced coronary lesions may be too advanced in these patients at baseline. However, with a successful single pancreas transplant, which is generally performed in patients with near-normal kidney function, pancreas transplantation may improve left ventricular function. Development of retinopathy and neuropathy is delayed with functioning pancreas grafts, and both quality of life and certain skin lesions may improve after pancreas transplantation. Summary In patients with type 1 diabetes, pancreas transplantation may improve cardiac outcomes and ameliorate diabetic lesions in the kidney transplant. Also quality of life, neuropathy, retinopathy, and healing of certain skin lesions may be improved.
The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family in plants

Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters are a family of cation antiporters occurring in most organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. This family constitutes one of the largest transporter families in plants, with, for example, more than 50 MATE genes in the Arabidopsis genome. Moreover, MATE transporters are involved in a wide variety of physiological functions throughout plant development, transporting a broad range of substrates such as organic acids, plant hormones and secondary metabolites. This review categorizes plant MATE transporters according to their physiological roles and summarizes their tissue specificity, membrane localization, and transport substrates. We also review the molecular evolutionary development of plant MATE transporters.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma evansi from Local and Imported Camels in Egypt

Trypanosoma evansi, the agent of trypanosomiasis commonly known as Surra or Guffar, is regarded as one of the most economically important animal parasitic pathogen affecting livestock in Egypt. The current study aims to discuss genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma isolates from local and imported naturally infected camels in Egypt. The study was initially started with parasitological and molecular surveillance on 411 native and 117 imported camels by using PCR- RoTat 1.2 VSG gene targeting 205 bp. Further, the molecular characterization and sequencing were achieved on four positive samples using PCR-TR3/TR4 primers that derived from a trypanosome-specific repetitive nucleotide sequence fragment. Product sequences were aligned against the corresponding GenBank sequences of known isolates of T. evansi and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results revealed that T. evansi was present in 66.67% and 74.36% of the local and imported camels respectively, regardless of age and sex factors. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) data of the obtained PCR TR3/TR4 gene sequences revealed that they corresponded to those of T. evansi, with the homology of 93% to 99%. Phylogenetic and molecular analyses of this gene showed that three genotypes of T. evansi in Egypt are present showed two common SNPs (G136A and G189T) in all samples, two SNPs in ISM and ISD (C3T and A207G) and six SNPs in HSA (T12C, C14T, T15C, G19C, C21G, and G22C). We conclude that T. evansi is described as presenting genotype variability among its isolates according to geographical distribution in Egypt.
Average and quantile treatment effects of the American Folic Acid Fortification: an evaluation in a quasi- experimental framework

The American program of folic acid fortification is generally thought to have increased the average amount of serum folate in the population and, hence, widely considered as a successful public health intervention. We use several waves of the â€œNational Health and Nutrition Examination Surveyâ€ (NHANES) to evaluate the causal impact of the fortification of ready-to-eat cereals on serum folate concentration, using a quasi experimental framework. First, we compute the average treatment effect by using matching methods to solve the problem of selection on observables, finding a strong selection into treatment mainly based on race-ethnicity and education. Second, we assess the distributional impact of the fortification by computing quantile treatment effects, under different assumptions on the dependence between the distributions of potential outcomes, and we find significant variation in the impact of fortification across the population, thus rejecting the common effects model. Fortification appears to have had the least (though still modestly beneficial) impact among those that most needed it and the biggest impact among those that needed it least, thus suggesting the presence of folate over-consumption in the latter group, with potential adverse health effects. Third, by controlling our estimates for the concentration of beta-carotene, we find support for the hypothesis that part of the increase in serum folate concentration can be explained by changes in diet, leaving a smaller attributable effect to the fortification itself.
Using Merton Model: An Empirical Assessment of Alternatives

Merton (1974) suggested a structural model for defa ult prediction which allows using timely information from the equity market. Application of this model is not straightforward and several alternatives exist in the specification of the mode l. Academic literature has adopted methods presumably used by practitioners. However, recent s tudies discovered that these methods result in inferior estimates. We empirically examine various specification alternatives and discover that the goodness of prediction is only slightly sensitive t o different choices of default barrier. The choice of assets expected return and assets volatility appear s to be crucial. Equity historical return and histo rical volatility produce underbiased estimates for assets expected return and assets volatility especially f or defaulting firms. Acknowledging these problems we suggest specifications that improve the model’s accuracy.
Fish-oil supplementation in pregnancy does not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND There is uncertainty regarding the efficacy of increasing n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) intake during pregnancy in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia. OBJECTIVES The objective was to determine whether n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy reduces the incidence of GDM or preeclampsia. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on perinatal complications. DESIGN This was a double-blind, multicenter randomized control trial-the DHA to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome (DOMInO) trial. Pregnant women (n = 2399) of <21 wk gestation were randomly assigned to receive DHA-enriched fish oil (800 mg/d) or vegetable oil capsules without DHA from trial entry to birth. The presence of GDM or preeclampsia was assessed through a blinded audit of medical records. Birth outcomes and prenatal complications were also assessed. RESULTS The overall incidences of GDM and preeclampsia were 8% and 5%, respectively, based on clinical diagnosis. The RR of GDM was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.27) and of preeclampsia was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.60, 1.25), and they did not differ significantly between the groups. Birth weight, length, and head circumference z scores also did not differ between the groups. There were 12 perinatal deaths and 5 neonatal convulsions in the control group compared with 3 perinatal deaths and no neonatal convulsions in the DHA group (P = 0.03 in both cases). CONCLUSION DHA supplementation of 800 mg/d in the second half of pregnancy does not reduce the risk of GDM or preeclampsia. Whether supplementation reduces the risk of perinatal death and neonatal convulsions requires further investigation. The DOMInO trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as TRN12605000569606.
Pulse pressure is associated with age and cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes: the Eurodiab Prospective Complications Study

Objective Type 1 diabetic individuals are thought to have increased arterial stiffness, and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known whether increased arterial stiffness in type 1 diabetes causes cardiovascular disease. To explore this issue, the present study investigated the association, in type 1 diabetes, of age and pulse pressure, an estimate of arterial stiffness, and the influence of the presence of microvascular complications on this association. In addition, we determined the association of mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure with incident cardiovascular disease. Methods We studied a cohort of 3250 type 1 diabetic individuals of the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study. Mean age and median follow-up were 33 and 7.4 years. One hundred and sixty-three individuals developed a first manifestation of cardiovascular disease during follow-up. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the association of age with pulse pressure. Relative risks of cardiovascular disease were estimated by Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, sex and mean arterial pressure or pulse pressure. Results In cross-sectional analyses, age was associated with pulse pressure (P < 0.001) and this association was stronger in the presence of micro- or macroalbuminuria or retinopathy than in their absence (interaction for albuminuria, P < 0.001; interaction for retinopathy, P < 0.001). In prospective analyses, both mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure were associated with cardiovascular disease [adjusted relative risks and (95% confidence interval) per 10 mmHg increase were 1.08 (0.94–1.24) and 1.09 (0.98–1.21)]. Conclusions This study shows an association of age with pulse pressure in young type 1 diabetic individuals, which is stronger in the presence of microvascular complications. In addition, both mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure are associated with incident cardiovascular disease. These findings support the concept of early vascular ageing in type 1 diabetes, especially in the presence of microvascular complications.