Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mepolizumab for the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

ABSTRACT Introduction: Worldwide chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of non-communicable deaths. The pathobiology of the disease is predominantly neutrophilic but there is a subset of patients with elevated peripheral eosinophil count that respond better to inhaled and systemic corticosteroids currently being classified as eosinophilic phenotype. This review focuses on the role of mepolizumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody against IL-5 molecule that regulates the eosinophil life cycle, in the management of patients with this phenotype of COPD. Areas covered: A comprehensive appraisal of the existing literature about the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics as well as the clinical efficacy, safety and side effects of mepolizumab in the management of COPD patients with high peripheral eosinophil count. Expert commentary: The use of monoclonal antibodies against IL-5 to decrease the eosinophil proliferation and subsequent airway inflammation is a promising therapeutic target for this phenotype of COPD patients. The current phase three trials showed a moderate effect on the decrease of annual rate of exacerbations significant in only one study. Further research is needed to specifically define the eosinophilic phenotype in the patients with COPD and the clinical efficacy of treatments designed as targeted therapy in patients with that characteristic profile.
PENERAPAN NILAI-NILAI MURNI DALAM PROSES PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN KE ARAH PEMBENTUKAN SAHSIAH PELAJAR DI KOLEJ KEMAHIRAN TINGGI MARA

Perkara yang harus ditekankan bagi melahirkan pelajar yang berakhlak mulia adalah dengan pelaksanaan penerapan nilai-nilai murni dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti tahap penerapan nilai-nilai murni dikalangan pensyarah sewaktu proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Kajian ini juga dilakukan untuk mengenalpasti keberkesanan amalan nilai-nilai murni yang diamalkan dalam melahirkan pelajar yang berakhlak mulia dan melihat perbezaan dari perspektif pengajar dan pelajar dalam penerapan nilai-nilai murni. Bagi tujuan kajian ini, pensyarah dan pelajar dari Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Sri Gading, Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Ledang dan Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Masjid Tanah mewakili Institusi Pendidikan MARA zon selatan telah dipilih. Responden bagi kajian ini adalah terdiri daripada 100 orang pensyarah dan 300 orang pelajar. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah berbentuk borang soal selidik ke atas pensyarah dan pelajar dari aspek bekerjasama, hormat menghormati dan bertanggungjawab. Kajian ini dianalisis dengan menggunakan perisian Statistical Package For Social Science (SPSS) 19.0 bagi mendapatkan skor min, peratusan dan Ujian-t. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa secara keseluruhan penerapan nilai-nilai murni di kalangan pensyarah berada pada tahap tinggi dan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dari perspektif pensyarah dan pelajar dalam penerapan nilai-nilai murni. Secara kesimpulannya, terdapat penerapan nilai-nilai murni sewaktu proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran di Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA. Kajian ini diharapkan mampu memberi sumbangan kepada pensyarah dan pelajar tentang kepentingan penerapan nilai-nilai murni sewaktu proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran.
The Role of the Nurse as Advocate in Ethically Difficult Care Situations With Dying Patients

The concept of advocacy in nursing is broadly defined, and the actual practice of advocacy in nursing varies from nurse to nurse. It is imperative for the profession of nursing to understand and apply the concept of nursing advocacy in the intimate, interpersonal nature of nurse-patient relationships. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and illustrate the key activities of expert nurses who act as patient advocates in ethically difficult care situations involving dying patients. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used in this study because it is in the narratives of nurses who have experienced ethically difficult care situations with dying patients that the meaning of advocacy can be discovered. For nurses to act as strong advocates for dying patients means that they are guides, liaisons, and supporters during this experience.
QUARZ-Receiver-Ringschluss - Vergleich von DLR Labor- und Feldtestmethoden sowie Simulationswerkzeugen zur Bewertung der Leistungsfähigkeit von Parabolrinnenreceivern

Parabolrinnenreceiver zur Umwandlung von konzentrierter Solarstrahlung in Nutzwarme sind Schlusselkomponenten solarthermischer Kraftwerke. Zur Charakterisierung ihrer typischen thermischen und optischen Eigenschaften wurden im DLR zahlreiche Labor und Feldmessmethoden und Simulationswerkzeuge entwickelt. Anhand einer Ringversuchs.Kampagne mit einem ausgewahlten Satz von Receivern werden diese nun erstmals systematisch verglichen.l
The relation of the portal blood to liver maintenance

The occlusion of portal branches to a portion of the rabbit's liver leads to a progressive and ultimately complete atrophy of the parenchyma in the region deprived of portal blood and to hypertrophy of the hepatic tissue elsewhere, which receives such blood in excess. Three fourths of the liver may thus be reduced to a fibrous tag within two months, while the remaining fourth attains the bulk of the entire original organ. The atrophy is simple, unaccompanied by obvious degenerative changes or by the least connective tissue replacement. More important, it is conditional in nature, failing to progress when the bile duct from the proliferating liver tissue is ligated and hypertrophy checked in this way. Preliminary experiments indicate that these facts hold for the dog, though the changes go on more slowly in the canine liver. After three months the tissue deprived of portal blood has diminished to about one third of its original bulk. That such atrophy is conditional is proven by its relative failure to occur in the absence of a compensating parenchyma, as when the portal stream is completely diverted from the whole liver by way of an Eck fistula. The bile secreted from a portion of the rabbit's liver far advanced in an atrophy of the sort described, and competing with a large liver mass which received the entire portal stream, is almost colorless and may give but a weak Pettenkofer reaction. Glycogen, though, is present in the atrophic cells in approximately the same amount and distribution as in the hypertrophic parenchyma of the same animal. The type of local liver destruction here considered, which is dependent upon hypertrophy elsewhere, contrasts interestingly with the local hypertrophy dependent upon destruction which has long been familiar to pathologists.
Topical Structure in Arabic-English Interlanguage.

A study compared the topical structure (TS) of Arabic and English in order to determine whether Arab learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) transfer potential differences between Arabic and English in their English writing, or whether they use an altogether different TS indicative of developmental factors. Four sets of data were compared directly: Arabic texts; English texts; English essays by Arab ESL learners; and English essays by non-Arab ESL learners. Results show no significant differences between the TS of Arabic, English, and the English writing of Arab subjects. It is then argued that textual features of expository prose may have masked potential differences in the data considered, and that TS analysis alone is not sufficient for explaining the Arab subjects' deficiencies in developing topics. Contains 29 references. (Author/MSE) ******************** *:c** * **** **** * * *** *** *:. :. :. :, k** *** ** ****** * * ** ******* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ****7::. ******AAA. ;A:,A;. ;,A;. **********;,A*************************
Caractères adaptatifs originaux des digènes intestinaux de Sarpa salpa (Teleostei, Sparidae) et leur interprétation en termes d'évolution

Au sein de la famille des Sparides, le genre Sarpa se singularise par plusieurs caracteres : monospecificite, regime alimentaire vegetarien, vaste repartition geographique. L’helminthofaune de Sarpa salpa est a son tour tout a fait originale. En effet, les Digenes parasites de ce Teleosteen se rangent essentiellement dans deux familles qui sont propres a ce poisson. Dans ce travail, l’auteur redecrit Mesometra orbicularis, M. brachycoelia, Centroderma spinosissima, Elstia stossichianum, Wardula capitellata (famille des Mesometridae ) ainsi que Robphildollfusium fractum (famille des Robphildollfusidae ). Divers caracteres anatomiques inedits et tout a fait originaux sont mis en evidence. Parmi ces structures insolites, plusieurs representent des caracteres adaptatifs favorisant la fixation des Helminthes sur la paroi du tractus digestif particulier de ce Poisson herbivore. En effet, la muqueuse intestinale de S. salpa ne possede que peu de villosites ce qui lui confere un aspect inhabituellement lisse. Il en resulte que les Mesometrides, toujours pourvus d’une seule ventouse (monostomes) ont selectionne des structures adhesives compensatrices de neoformation. Dans certains cas, la partie anterieure du corps se transforme en une ventouse grâce a une disposition particuliere des fibres musculaires ; dans d’autres cas, c’est le corps tout entier qui devient ventousiforme, ses bordures s’amincissant considerablement pour assurer l’etancheite du systeme adhesif. D’autres particularites anatomiques originales ont ete selectionnees pour permettre la vie dans un milieu riche en debris vegetaux. Ainsi, a l’interieur de la ventouse orale, des cretes ornees de nombreux denticules sclerifies, paraissent jouer le role d’un microfiltre vis-a-vis d’un chyme intestinal dans lequel dominent des fibres vegetales. Le pharynx original semble remplir le role d’une pompe aspirante-refoulante. L’appareil excreteur de type reticulaire, penetre ]a totalite du parenchyme ; il pourrait etre une reponse aux intenses fermentations intestinales.Les Digenes infeodes a Sarpa salpa ne sont pas interpretes par l’auteur comme des euparasites mais comme des symbiontes endo-commensaux. Ces especes inquilines ne sont pas immunogenes, ou en tout cas ne le sont que tres faiblement, puisqu’elles ne se nourrissent pas aux depens de l’hote lui-meme mais de son chyme intestinal. Dans presque tous les cas, il en resulte une densite parasitaire elevee (post-larves et adultes) ainsi qu’une cohabitation des differentes especes le long des divers segments intestinaux. La coexistence de plusieurs especes systematiquement tres voisines, pose evidemment le probleme de leur isolement reproductif. L’auteur apporte une reponse en s’appuyant sur les donnees de la speciation allopatrique.
Inclusion of the Feeding Network Effects in the Generalized-Scattering-Matrix Formulation of a Finite Array

The formulation of the generalized scattering matrix (GSM) of a finite array is revised to take into account the feeding network effects in the calculation of the external mutual coupling. It allows the analysis of finite arrays of externally coupled elements whose radiated field can be described by means of spherical waves on a ground plane, such as apertures, monopoles, cavity-backed patch antennas, or dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs), including rigorously the mismatching and internal coupling effects because of the feeding network.
The frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among women in Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major health problem in various societies. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are among the most important bacterial causes. Molecular techniques have been used for detection of these pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. Objective: We studied the frequency of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in women with cervicitis in Kermanshah City. Method: A total of 255 married women with cervicitis referred to Kermanshah’s clinics were randomly included in this study. Endocervical samples were collected using Dacron swabs and sent to the laboratory in phosphate buffered saline. The clinical symptoms of women were recorded. Samples were tested with specific primers for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae using a multiplex PCR technique. Results: Among 255 cases, 14 (5.5%) showed bacterial infections. C. trachomatis were detected in 8 (3.1%) samples and N. gonorrhoeae were detected in 6 (2.4%) samples. The rate of infection was higher in women under the age of 25 years. There was no case of simultaneous infection for both bacteria. Conclusion: This study indicated that the incidence of infection with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in Kermanshah is relatively low, which is consistent with the results of other studies in Middle East.
Older Women’s Experience Of Everyday Life In Old Age: Past, Present And Future

Abstract Aims: To explore how older Norwegian women living at home experience ageing, and how their everyday life has been influenced by their encounters with the challenges of life. Methods: A qualitative design, interviewing ten women age 90 or older, was employed. Results: The overall theme of the findings is how everyday life in old age is influenced by past, present and future. The subcategories focus on (a) changes in daily life, (b) giving an account of life as it is, (c) various perceptions of experienced loss, and finally, (d) thoughts about the future. Conclusions: Older women need the opportunity to reflect upon their past, present and future existence to have a good everyday life in old age. Our findings might be important in shaping health promotion interventions for older people.
Statistical analysis of signature features with respect to applicability in off-line signature verification

Although the computerized verification of handwritten signatures has been extensively studied in the past three decades, the results on the field are still unsatisfactory. This paper provides a generic analytic approach for modeling different kinds of signature verification systems and estimating their performance limitations based on simple properties of the signature database, which is used to evaluate the system. Although our current approach concentrates only on skilled forgeries, it could be well extended to handle unskilled and random forgeries and thereby provide a model, which is applicable to current commercial signature verification systems.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Nested PCR for Diagnosing Malaria: Cases in Several Areas of Indonesia

Indonesia is still included in high endemic area of malaria infection. Early detection as well as appropriate and quick treatment is needed to be able to prevent and treat malaria in Indonesia. Laboratory examination using a microscopic method is still used as the gold standard to diagnose malaria cases. However, the morphology similarity of some Plasmodium species and the number of parasites that can be seen under microscopy causes malaria diagnosis become difficult if only relying on microscopy diagnostic method. The purpose of this study is to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of nested PCR compared to microscopic examination in diagnosing malaria cases. A cross-sectional study has been carried out in some areas of Indonesia and the microscopic analysis as well as nest PCR was done in Laboratory of Parasitology and Laboratory of Central Biomedical Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang East Java Indonesia. A total of 149 blood samples from patients with clinical symptoms of malaria had been obtained from Sumatra, Sulawesi and East Java during December 2011 to December 2013. From 149 sample, 81.9% samples were diagnosed malaria positive by microscopy examination, whereas the PCR results showed that 90.6% of samples were positive. Nested PCR sensitivity is 97.5%, and microscopy 88.2%. Nested PCR specificity is 40.7%, whereas microscopy 78.5%. PPV and NPV for nested PCR are 88,2% and 78.5% respectively, and for microscopy are 97.5% and 40.7% respectively. Nested PCR has a higher sensitivity than microscopy in diagnosing malaria and is able to detect mixed infection better than microscopic examination. However, it is statistically less specific than microscopy examination.
Microbial deterioration of paintings: a review

Paintings on wood, canvas paper and walls are considered from the point of view of their material which make them vulnerable to microbiological attack. The additional effect of vistors, vegetation, moisture/humidity are taken into consideration before discussing the mechanisms whereby microbiological attack brings about deterioration in the different substrates. Finally possible methods on control are described. -- ICCROM
Rifampicin resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) has presented a unique challenge to the control of TB in Nigeria. Various studies have reported the presence of drug resistant TB, and some treatment centres have been established to treat cases. This study sought to establish the prevalence of rifampicin-resistant TB in our state with a view to advocating for more commitment to efforts toward the treatment and control of drug-resistant TB, including establishment of more treatment centres in the geopolitical zone. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of laboratory records of 1882 patients whose sputum samples were sent to the Gene Xpert Laboratory of our facility between January 2014 and April 2015 for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance assay was done using the Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay. The patients were presumptive TB cases, suspected TB treatment failures, and suspected drug resistant cases from various health facilities in the state. Results: Of the 1882 patients, 68.4% were females and 36.6% were males; patients were aged between 1 and 70 years. MTB was detected in 18.8% (355/1882) of the patients. Forty-three of the 355 MTB positive patients were rifampicin resistant giving a prevalence of RIF resistance of 12.1%. A total of 62.8% of the RIF resistant cases were males whereas 37.2% were females. Forty-one percent of the RIF Resistant cases were aged between 21 and 30 years, 51.2% were human immunodeficiency (HIV) positive, 44.2% were HIV negative, whereas 4.6% had unknown HIV status. A higher number (62.8%) of those with RIF resistance were referred from other facilities compared to 37.2% from the host facility. There was significant association between RIF Resistance and sex, HIV status, and the facility. Conclusion: This study has established that there is a high prevalence of rifampicin resistance in the state. There is need to increase commitment to efforts being made towards treatment and control of DRTB in this zone.
A comparion on the clinical results of microendoscopic discectomy and conventional(Love′s)discectomy

Objective: To analysis the short-term and long-term clinical results of microendoscopic discectomy(MED) versus conventional(Love′s) discectomy in treatment of lumber disc herniation(LDH). Methods: Fifty patients with LDH were treated with microendoscopic discectomy(MED). Other 47 patients with LDH were treated with conventional(Love′s) discectomy as a control group.Results: The short-term and long-term clinical result is nearly the same with the two methods.But MED microendoscopy discectomy via lamina shows less trauma and faster recovery.MED can reduce the blood loss in operation,the time staying in hospital and the time staying out of bed after operation,and spare the cost,shorten the time to go back working.Conclusion: MED is safe and effective in the treatment of only one lumber disc heniation.
A Comprehensive Review of Embedded Transmission Pricing Methods Based on Power Flow Tracing Techniques

Restructuring of electricity supply industry introduced the concept of deregulation. After deregulation transmission cost allocation is a vital issue. In the available literature, various authors have presented different methods for allocation of transmission cost. This paper presents the review of a variety of methods and algorithm based on the principle of power-flow tracing. For a fair and equitable transmission charge allocation it is necessary to know the quantum of power flowing by each generator and load in line flows. Power flow tracing techniques are mainly based on the concepts of proportional sharing principle, graph theory, circuit theory (Z-bus tracing), optimization approach, relative electrical distance concept, Equilateral bilateral exchange (EBE), and game theory. This paper presents a comprehensive review of all the available literature on the above.
The burden of cardio-cerebrovascular disease and lung cancer attributable to PM2.5 for 2009, Guangzhou: a retrospective population-based study

ABSTRACT Particulate matter pollution has become a widely-concerned issue in public health and led to a substantial loss of health. The study reports relationship between particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and years of life lost (YLL) in Guangzhou. A retrospective burden analysis on annual mean PM2.5 data was conducted. Data on annual mortality were collected for 2009, from the Health Department of Guangzhou. Data on particulate matter were collected for period 2006–2009. Comparative risk assessment and exposure-response function were used to estimate attributable YLL. The exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a total of 454.6 YLLs (95% uncertainty interval 449.0–460.1) per 100,000 people in 2009. This study has confirmed the substantial adverse health effects of PM2.5 exposure in population with cardio-cerebrovascular disease and lung cancer. This study highlights the need to reduce ambient particulate pollution for better environmental health and lower burden of disease.