Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Torcetrapib on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

After 24 months, in the atorvastatin-only group, the mean (±SD) HDL cholesterol level was 52.4±13.5 mg per deciliter and the mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level was 143.2±42.2 mg per deciliter, as compared with 81.5±22.6 mg per deciliter and 115.1±48.5 mg per deciliter, respectively, in the torcetrapib–ato r va statin group. During the study, average systolic blood pressure increased by 2.8 mm Hg in the torcetrapib–atorvastatin group, as compared with the atorvastatinonly group. The increase in maximum carotid intima–media thickness, the primary measure of efficacy, was 0.0053±0.0028 mm per year in the atorvastatin-only group and 0.0047±0.0028 mm per year in the torcetrapib–atorvastatin group (P = 0.87). The secondary efficacy measure, annualized change in mean carotid intima–media thickness for the common carotid artery, indicated a decrease of 0.0014 mm per year in the atorvastatin-only group, as compared with an increase of 0.0038 mm per year in the torcetrapib–atorvastatin group (P = 0.005). Conclusions In patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, the use of torcetrapib with atorva statin, as compared with atorvastatin alone, did not result in further reduction of progression of atherosclerosis, as assessed by a combined measure of carotid arterial-wall thickness, and was associated with progression of disease in the common carotid segment. These effects occurred despite a large increase in HDL cholesterol levels and a substantial decrease in levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00136981.)
Recent advances in management of autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease

Purpose. Promising developments in the search for effective pharmacotherapies for autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are reviewed. Summary. The formation and development of cysts characteristic of ADPKD result in inexorable renal and extrarenal manifestations that give rise to more rapid disease progression and more widespread complications than are seen with other forms of chronic kidney disease. To date, no agent has gained Food and Drug Administration marketing approval for use in patients with ADPKD, complicating efforts to meet the medical needs of this population. Although definitive ultrasonographic diagnostic strategies are available, molecular screening approaches lack sufficient evidence and patient outcomes data to support broad clinical application. Recently completed and ongoing clinical trials point to a number of encouraging platforms for evidence‐based ADPKD management. Tolvaptan therapy significantly improved cyst burden and slowed disease progression among patients with early‐stage ADPKD in a large‐scale trial, while somatostatin therapies may also be useful in halting disease progression and managing comorbid polycystic liver disease. Stem cell research and nanomedicine might represent novel approaches to gaining comprehensive insights on ADPKD and, ultimately, to targeting the disease’s origins, thereby making restoration of kidney function possible. Conclusion. A number of pharmacotherapy approaches to ADPKD management show promise but are unlikely to be curative, fueling interest among researchers in finding new applications for nanomedicine and stem cell technologies that can slow ADPKD progression and better control complications of the disease.
Publication bias in meta-analysis of ascorbic acid for postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Baker and Coleman[1][1] conducted a meta-analysis of 11 studies on ascorbic acid for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). They concluded that perioperative administration of ascorbic acid reduces the frequency of POAF. However, the results of 2 rather large randomized
Pharmaceutical potentials of the oils of some popular insects consumed in southern Nigeria

Macrotermes bellicosus (MB), Imbrasia belina larva (IBL), Oryctes rhinoceroslarva (OR) and Rhynchophorus pheonicis (RP) larva oils were extracted, and the oils were physically and chemically characterized. The lipid content recorded for the insects were 31.46 ± 0.57%, 15.16 ± 0.18%, 14.87 ± 0.33% and 23.30 ± 0.33% (wet weight) for MB, IBL, OR and RP respectively. RP and OR insect oils were golden yellow, odourless and fluid at room temperature (26 ± 2oC), while that extracted from IBL and MB were of a lighter yellow colour. The insect lipids all gave a low solidification temperature and high iodine number indicating a relatively high level of unsaturation of the insect/larval oils. Their saponification values were high suggesting the presence of a fair amount of fatty acids but their acid values were low pointing to the fact that these fatty acids were not free but esterified acids. The cholesterol values were also low but highest in MB with a value of 41.8 ± 0.15 mg/100 g lipid. For all the insects, the neutral lipid fraction was the major fraction in the insect oils. RP had the highest neutral lipid fraction of 88.40 while MB had the least value of 69.87. At the same time MB had the highest phospholipids and glycolipid fractions with values of 19.14 and 10.81 respectively while RP had the least phospholipids and glycolipid fractions with values of 8.20 and 2.60 respectively. For IBL, RP and OR (which are insect larvae the major fatty acids in the oils were palmitic and oleic acids while for MB (mature insect) the major fatty acids were palmitic and linoleic acids. The insect/larval oils contained more unsaturated fatty acids which explained the high iodine number, low solidification values and the liquid nature of the oils at room temperature. OR recorded the highest level of unsaturation of 65.61 while MB had the least level of unsaturation of 50.02%. Further analysis revealed a refractive index ranging from 1.1 ± 0.01 to 1.3 ± 0.05, specific gravity of 0.84 ± 0.02 to 0.90 ± 0.01, solidification value of 10 - 14°C, total lipid phosphorus ranging from 31.0 ± 0.25 to 47.18 ± 0.03 mg/gm lipid, acid value of 3.12 ± 0.55 to 3.6 ± 0.06, iodine value of 108 ± 0.15 to 140 ± 0.51, saponification value of 187.17 ± 0.55 to 198.9 ± 0.25 and unsaponifiable matter of 8.11 ± 0.02 to 12.04 ± 0.11. These values when compared with that observed in oils which have been considered to be of high quality and of much use in pharmaceutical industries suggest that these insect oils may have pharmaceutical potential. Key words: Macrotermes bellicosus, Imbrasia belina, Oryctes rhinocerosRhynchophorus pheonicis, pharmaceutical potential.
Effects and mechanism of action of immunomodulating agents against schistosomiasis-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in mice

While hepatic schistosomiasis results in morbidity from infection and complications of liver fibrosis, there are few medicines/means available to prevent, control, or treat this fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the potential beneficial effects of immunomodulating agents against hepatic schistosomal fibrosis. Swiss mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni live cercariae and then left untreated or administered praziquantel (500 mg/kg/d), rosiglitazone (4 mg/kg/d), propolis (250 mg/kg/d), bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) (30 mg/kg/d), or a combination of praziquantel + propolis, praziquantel + rosiglitazone, praziquantel + BADGE, or rosiglitazone + BADGE. Blood samples were collected at various time points post-infection to determine serum interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10, and IgE and IgG levels, as well as those of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST). Liver and intestine were recovered at 8 and 12 weeks post-infection, the liver was assessed for hepatic hydroxyproline content and, as with the colon samples, underwent immunohistochemical examination to assess tissue egg count. The results indicate that serum IL-2 levels were significantly increased in infected mice treated with praziquantel and praziquantel + propolis, praziquantel + rosiglitazone, or praziquantel + BADGE (each compared to infected-only hosts), but decreased in infected mice that received rosiglita-zone alone. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly decreased in all drug-treated infected mice except those that received rosiglitazone, treatment with BADGE alone caused no change. Serum IgE, IgG, ALT, AST and hepatic hydroxyproline levels were significantly decreased in all drugtreated infected mice except for those that received BADGE alone (no change). From these results, we conclude that combination of chemotherapy plus immunomodulating agents modulate cellular and humoral immune responses and that this leads to significant reductions in hepatic hydroxyproline build-up/liver pathologies associated with schistosomiasis.
Effect of hemodialysis on the hearing function of patients with chronic renal failure

Sensorineural hearing impairment (SHI) has been reported in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients with a prevalence of 20-40%. The aetiopathogenetic mechanisms reported included osmotic alteration resulting in loss of hair cells and in some, complications of haemodialysis have been hypothesized. We have in the past reported 2 cases of CRF patients who developed acute SHL following hemodialysis. This is a report of investigation of the effect of hemodialysis on the hearing function of CRF patients using pure tone audiometry findings. Thirty-three CRF patients were recruited for Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) at admission and after three sessions of hemodialysis. The pure tone audiometry was done with a computer audiometer BA 20 Kamplex in the sound - proof (acoustic) booth in the ENT clinic. The duration of illness, dosage of diuretics and blood pressure were also noted. Similar age and sex-matched control were selected among volunteers who were otherwise clinically healthy. The data was processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Thirty-three CRF patients treated with haemodialysis and 28 healthy controls completed the study, 34 males and 27 females, age range was 16 - 72 years, mean of 45.30 (SD16.20) for subjects and 49.7 for controls. Hearing loss was found in 22/34 (67%) at recruitment and 27/34 (79%) after 3 sessions of hemodialysis. There was a significant difference between the mean pre- and post-hemodialysis PTA values, P =0.0008. There was also a significant correlation between post - hemodialysis hearing threshold and (i) duration of illness (P = 0.00340) and (ii) creatinine levels of the patients (P=0.035). In conclusion, there was a significant depression in the hearing threshold of patients with CRF following three sessions of hemodialysis. This could be caused by changes induced by hemodialysis or effects of the duration and severity of disease. African Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 13 (3-4) 2006: pp. 29-32
First-trimester screening for trisomies 21 and 18

Background Screening for aneuploid pregnancies is routinely performed after 15 weeks of gestation and has a sensitivity of approximately 65 percent, with a false positive rate of 5 percent. First-trimester markers of aneuploidy have been developed, but their use in combination has not been adequately evaluated in clinical practice. Methods We conducted a multicenter study of screening for trisomies 21 and 18 among patients with pregnancies between 74 and 97 days of gestation, based on maternal age, maternal levels of free β human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, and ultrasonographic measurement of fetal nuchal translucency. A screening result was considered to be positive for trisomy 21 if the calculated risk was at least 1 in 270 pregnancies and positive for trisomy 18 if the risk was at least 1 in 150. Results Screening was completed in 8514 patients with singleton pregnancies. This approach to screening identified 85.2 percent of the 61 cases of Down's syndrome (95 perc.
A report on stress among first year students in an Indian medical school

Stress is common in medical students. However, studies on stress among students in Indian medical schools are very few. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and sources of stress among first year Malaysian students at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), (Manipal Campus), India. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used as the screening instrument. Based on the score, the prevalence of emotional disorders was determined. The sources of stress in students were identified by asking them to respond to a questionnaire which had items categorized under academic and non-academic problems. It was found that the prevalence of stress among the students was 37.3%. Among the sources of stress, frequent examinations and information overload were found to be the greatest sources of stress among academic problems. Among nonacademic problems, limited time for recreation and home-sickness were found to be the greatest sources of stress. The present study revealed that academic problems were greater sources of stress in first year medical students compared to non-academic problems. The study provided scope for adopting strategies intended to reduce students’ stress
The information needs of first-time pregnant mothers

Changing Childbirth (Department of Health, 1993a) emphasised the importance of providing accessible information during pregnancy. Five years after Changing Childbirth became government policy, a self-complete questionnaire was sent to a randomly selected sample of women to assess how well their maternity information needs were being met. This article focuses on the information needs of first-time mothers during pregnancy. Findings suggest that demand for information is increasing. Over two thirds of the 702 first-time mothers surveyed said that they wanted to know ‘a great deal’ about pregnancy and birth and all had some unmet information needs. Young mothers, ethnic minorities, and women from lower socioeconomic groups showed the greatest desire for more information. All maternity services should have an information and support strategy. As part of this midwives should review how well they are meeting women's individual information needs and should take action to improve women's access to reliable inform.
Epidemiological Study of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Retrospective Analysis of Southern Taiwanese Population During 2002 to 2007

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe adverse drug reaction with potentially life-threatening skin disease. The widely accepted consensus regarding therapy does not exist at present and epidemiological data of Taiwan in recent years is limited. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of systemic steroid therapy in treatment of SJS and TEN and also analysis the associated epidemiology data. Methods: This study was performed by retrospectively chart review of patients admitted with SJS or TEN in a tertial referral medical center in southern Taiwan between 2002 and 2007. Clinical data including mortality, morbidity, the category of offending drugs and the systemic steroid treatment effects were analyzed. Results: Total 52 patients were included; 10 were classified as TEN and 42 as SJS. Overall mortality is 3.8% and infectious morbidity is 23%. In aspect of causative agents, anticonvulsants (especially carbamazepine) were the most common drugs followed by Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs, allopurinol and antibiotics in our series. Early systemic steroid administration may shorten the hospitalization duration than supportive care (p＜0.012) in our study. Conclusion: In our study, early administration of systemic steroids maybe benefits in the forms of inflammation prevention and disease progression. Short-term use to preclude infection morbidity, as well as a tapering dose as soon as possible, is suggested.
Comparison of acute renal injury associated with intermittent and extended infusion piperacillin/tazobactam.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of acute renal injury (ARI) in patients on intermittent infusion to extended infusion piperacillin/tazobactam. METHODS Data was collected for the intermittent infusion group from November 2010 to December 2010 until 100 patients were enrolled. The data was then compared to 100 patients in the extended infusion group from November 2011 to December 2011. Patients who received at least three consecutive doses of piperacillin/tazobactam and were inpatient for at least 48 hours were included. Patients were excluded for any of the following: baseline serum creatinine (SCr) ≥4 mg/dL, age less than 18 years old, pregnancy, penicillin allergy, or concurrent use with any cephalosporin or penicillin. The primary endpoint was the incidence of ARI, defined as a SCr two times the baseline or 0.5 mg/dL increase within 24 hours. The secondary endpoint was patient length of stay, measured as actual inpatient days. RESULTS Eleven patients in the intermittent infusion group and nine patients in the extended infusion group developed ARI (11% vs. 9%, p = 0.637). The length of stay between the intermittent and extended infusion groups was 19 days vs. 14 days, respectively (p = 0.083). CONCLUSION The incidence of ARI in patients on piperacillin/tazobactam was similar between the intermittent and extended infusion groups. Larger studies should be considered to confirm that the incidence of ARI associated with piperacillin/tazobactam is not infusion-related.
Test-retest reliability of six minute walk test in spastic ambulatory children with cerebral palsy

Background: The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) can provide valuable clinical information regarding gait abilities as well as can give an idea about functional ability and outcome in individuals. However, little information available on 6MWT used in cerebral palsy. Hence the purpose of present study was to assess the test-retest reliability of 6MWT in children with ambulatory spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: It was a cross sectional observational study conducted in paediatric neurorehabilitation department of a physiotherapy college, with convenient sample of 18 children with cerebral palsy of 4 - 14 years of age, with GMFCS level I to III. Subject performed 6MWT twice under controlled conditions with 30 minutes rest in between the tests. Results: Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the distance walked during first and the second sections. The documented data were analyzed for test-retest reliability by using spearman correlation test and it was highly reliable (r = 0.955 and P <0.0001). Conclusion: The six minute walk test is highly reliable to be used in children with spastic ambulatory cerebral palsy, as an outcome measure.
Non-destructive estimation of leaf area in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis L.)

The yellow passion fruit is the most commonly cultivated species of the genus Passiflora in commercial plantations in Brazil. Obtaining accurate and easy to perform measurements for determination of leaf area in passion fruit is crucial to understand the interaction between the plant and the environment. The objective of this study was to develop reliable mathematical equations to directly estimate leaf area in passion fruit using linear measurements. Passion fruit leaves may exhibit varying morphology across phenological stages, with lanceolate, bilobed or trilobed leaves. For each morphological pattern, 100 leaves without defects were collected. The real leaf area was measured with a LI-COR 3100 area meter and regression equations were estimated for real leaf area and measurements of length, width, and their corresponding products, using a millimeter ruler. The results showed that determination of leaf area can be easily and accurately performed for passion fruit leaves of varying morphology, using the product of the linear measurements of length and width. The linear equations chosen for determining leaf area through the product of width and length were 0.25 + 0.64x (lanceolate), -4.82 + 0.69x (bilobed) and -0.81 + 0.54x (trilobed).
Cantinas escolares de Florianópolis: existência e produtos comercializados após a instituição da Lei de Regulamentação

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify the existence of canteens in Florianopolis and the foods and beverages that they are selling after the institution of the State Law of Regulation of Canteens. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered by telephone to the school principals or the person in charge of the canteens in the elementary schools of Florianopolis. The data were processed and analyzed by the software SPSS 10.0. RESULTS: Of the 117 institutions of the municipality in 2006, 89.7% participated. Of these, 53.3% of these schools had canteens where 31 were private schools, 22 were state schools and only 3 were municipal schools. The main reasons for the absence of canteens in public schools were the existence of the School Food Program and the requirements imposed by this Law. Amongst the foods forbidden by this Law are fried and other commercial snacks. The majority of the schools do not sell soft drinks (98.2%) or commercial pop corns (92.9%). Natural juices and baked homemade snacks are sold by 75.0% and 98.2% of the schools, respectively. On the other hand, 60.7% of the schools sell artificially-flavored juices. The Law requires that the canteens sell two types of seasonal fruits, but 60.7% of them do not sell fruits or fruit salads. CONCLUSION: Items prohibited by the Law were rarely or no longer sold; however, foods of low nutritional value are still being sold in many schools. It is necessary to inspect these establishments and provide nutritional education for canteen owners, students, parents and teachers.
Association Between Schistosomiasis and Cancer: A Review

Schistosomiasis is the second most common parasitic infection of humans in the world after malaria, and approximately 250 million people are infected globally in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. The aim of this review is to review the evidence of an association between schistosomiasis and neoplasia. Literature evidences that Schistosoma haematobium, the predominant etiologic agent for urinary schistosomiasis, is correlated to squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Some case reports provide evidence of a possible correlation of S. haematobium with other malignant neoplasms, as verrucous carcinoma of the bladder and prostatic adenocarcinoma, but these data must be confirmed by ulterior studies. There is limited evidence suggesting that Schistosoma japonicum is possibly carcinogenic to humans, leading to colorectal cancer, and is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma formation. The available literature provides indirect evidence of an association between Schistosoma mansoni and hepatocellular carcinoma, possibly through potentiation of hepatitis B and C infections.
Post Exercise Ingestion of Plant vs Animal Protein Enhances Exercise Performance Outcomes Similarly

ii C0-AUTHORSHIP STATEMENT iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v TABLE OF CONTENTS vi LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF FIGURES x ABBREVIATIONS xii CHAPTER 1 1 General Introduction 2 CHAPTER 2 10 2.1 Physiological adaptations of strength, endurance and concurrent training on performance 11 2.1. 1 Interference effect with CT 11 2.1. 2 The addition of high intensity training with CT 14 2.1. 3 Nutrition, fatigue and overtraining 16 2.2 The importance of protein supplementation following endurance or strength training 16 2.2.1 Endurance exercise and protein supplementation 17 2.2.2 Strength exercise and protein supplementation 19 2.3 Daily protein Requirement 21 2.4 Determination of protein requirements 24 2.4. 1 Nitrogen balance 24 2.4. 2 Isotope tracers 24