Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A modified protein precipitation procedure for efficient removal of albumin from serum

Proteomic analysis of sera and the quest for identifying serum proteins as disease markers have often been hampered by the predominance of several highly abundant proteins including albumin and immunoglobulins. Prior albumin depletion so as to enrich for otherwise undetectable serum components is therefore a prerequisite in mining the serum proteome. In the course of evaluating several available methods and commercial kits, we have been able to refine the albumin depletion protocols and establish a modified albumin removal method using trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone. Changes in major protein bands were monitored by one‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1‐D SDS‐PAGE) and used as the first screening strategy to evaluate and optimize for the precipitation experimental conditions. Our method showed better performance in efficiency, specificity, and costs in comparison with two commercially available albumin removal kits, and provides a simple prefractionation step for the proteomic analysis of serum biomarkers. Albumin isolated by the modified method is in the native state. Our method may offer a rapid method for purifying serum albumin in large scale.
Aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index is not correlated with severity of fibrosis or survival in children with biliary atresia.

identified all BA who (KP) and aimed to correlate APRI with severity of fibrosis (Metavir score) and (transplant-free) survival in patients with BA. We identified 31 patients (n ¼ 35), computed APRI at time of KP, and correlated this with the severity of fibrosis at KP and (trans-plant-free) survival. Median APRI according to fibrosis grade (F1–4) was F1 1.26 (0.91–5.69), F2 1.41 (0.74–7.18), F3 1.37 (0.80–4.02), and F4 1.33 (0.64–4.77) and was not significantly different (1-way analysis of variance, P ¼ 0.89). Neither overall survival ( r ¼ 0.13; P ¼ 0.48) nor transplant-free survival ( r ¼ 0.08; P ¼ 0.67) was correlated with APRI.With these data, we are not able to confirm APRI as a suitable surrogate marker for liver fibrosis in BA. Further research needs to be done before APRI can be applied to patients with BA.
Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis with Minimal Guidance

Aspect-based sentiment analysis is an important tool to understand user opinions in a ﬁne-grained manner. Although extensively studied, developing such a tool for a speciﬁc domain remains an expensive process. Most existing methods either rely on massive labeled data for training or external language resource and tools which are not necessarily available or accurate. We propose to study the aspect-based sentiment analysis with only a small set of aspect and sentiment seed words as guidance on a target corpus. We ﬁrst expand the aspect and sentiment lexicons from the given seed words by features created by frequent pattern mining. Then, we develop a generative model to characterize the aspect and sentiment mentions based on their word embedding, and infer the sentiment polarity for sentiment words accordingly. The eﬀectiveness of our method is veriﬁed by experiments on two real world data sets.
Response of mango fruits to post harvest chemicals and packaging during cold storage

Mango is a climacteric fruit it undergoes various biochemical changes after ripening and has very short post-harvest life at ambient conditions. The present experiment was undertaken to study the effect of various post harvest treatments on storage life of Langra mango fruits at Department of Fruit Science, PAU, Ludhiana. Mango fruits harvested at optimum maturity, were given post harvest dip treatments of CaCl2 (2.0, 4.0%) and GA3 (100, 200 ppm) or in combination with LDPE packaging. The fruits were placed in CFB boxes and subsequently stored at 13±1°C with 90–95% RH for 34 days. All the treatments reduced PLW over control, however, LDPE packaging treatments were more effective in reducing PLW. Sensory quality improved upto 27 days of storage in all LDPE packaging treatments whereas in rest of treatments, it declined after 20 days of storage. No spoilage in fruits was noticed in LDPE treatments while others showed deterioration after 27 days of storage and maximum spoilage was noticed in untreated fruits. Results revealed that CaCl2 2% and GA3 with LDPE packaging was most effective in maintaining fruit quality during storage.
Arrhythmias in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as evidence of kidney damage or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (table 1). The most common causes of CKD are hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The many causes of CKD are associated with different varying prognoses. Patients with adult polycystic kidney disease have a 50% lifetime risk of needing dialysis compared with 25% for type 1 diabetes and <5% for type 2 diabetes. Dialysis is usually considered when GFR falls below 10 ml/min/1.73 m2 but the exact timing will often be dictated by clinical circumstances. This may be refractory oedema, hyperkalaemia and acidosis, uraemia or unacceptable symptoms. Dialysis only partially replaces the excretory function of the kidneys and so the morbidity and mortality associated with CKD are not completely resolved with dialysis. In fact, mortality in the dialysis patient is very high. The life expectancy of a 25-year-old dialysis patient is 12 years, compared with 32 years for an age equivalent transplant recipient and 52 years for a 25-year-old in the general population.1 Even patients with CKD stage 5 will only have a 20–25% chance of surviving long enough to require dialysis. The greatest cause of death in CKD is premature cardiovascular disease. For example, fewer than one in five patients with heart failure will have a normal GFR and 38% of the prevalent dialysis population have coronary artery disease (CAD) (17% previous myocardial infarction, 23% symptoms of angina). 2 Both cardiac and renal systems appear to be completely interdependent, further emphasising the concept of the ‘cardiorenal syndrome’. This is highlighted when considering arrhythmias in patients with impaired renal function. View this table: Table 1 Stages of chronic kidney disease The arrhythmia burden of the patient with CKD is high, with the single greatest contributor to mortality in end stage renal disease (ESRD) being sudden cardiac death (SCD). SCD accounts for …
Origin and expansion of four different beta globin mutations in a single Arab village

In Israel, as in several countries of the Mediterranean basin, beta‐thalassemia is frequent among Arabs, and many different mutations in the β globin gene have been identified. In a single Arab village, three different thalassemia mutations, as well as the sickle‐cell mutation, were characterized. Using genealogical data as well as the results of screening in the village population, we were able to demonstrate/speculate on how mutations were introduced into the village and how they later expanded. The sickle‐cell mutation became particularly prevalent in the village as the result of a founder effect due to a preference for consanguineous marriages. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 17:659–661, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soccer injuries to the brain

Sixty-nine football players from six Norwegian First Division League Clubs underwent a neurologic and EEG examination to investigate the incidence of head inju ries. A significantly increased incidence of EEG disturb ances were found in the football players compared to matched controls. The disturbances were most pro nounced among the youngest players. The higher inci dence of EEG disturbances found in the football players is most likely due to neuronal damage caused by re peated minor head traumas.
Effect of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial NOS in heart of chronic alcoholic rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in heart tissue of chronic alcoholic rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were used in this study. Rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as control (n = 6). The second group was treated with ethanol (%7.2) for 28 days (n = 6), which was administered in artificial isocaloric diets. The third group was given ethanol and supplemented with 40 mg/kg vitamin C [intraperitoneally (i.p.)] (n = 6). The fourth group was given ethanol and supplemented with 4 mg/kg melatonin (i.p.) (n = 6). At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and heart tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry analysis to endothelial NOS (eNOS). eNOS immunoreactivity showed heterogeneous distribution in control group. eNOS immunoreactivity was (+) in some myocytes and (++) in some others. Expression of eNOS in alcohol group was heterogeneous like control group but also stronger than that. Immunoreactivity was (+++) in myocytes near the epicardial zone and (++) in myocytes near the endocardium border. In melatonin and vitamin C-treated groups, eNOS immunoreactivity was diffuse and the intensity of reaction was (+++) in subepicardial region. However, eNOS immunoreactivity scores were weaker in these groups when compared with the alcohol group. Our results indicate that alleviation of oxidative stress by antioxidant therapy reduces reactive oxygen species-mediated nitric oxide inactivation.
How to Improve Oral Fluoride Retention?

This paper reviews current ideas relating to oral fluoride retention after topical applications of various fluoride preparations. The oral fluoride reservoirs, which serve as a store for fluoride, gradually releasing its content into saliva, will be discussed. The present paper also deals with fluoride kinetics in the oral cavity. The answer to the title of the paper has, however, not yet been found but remains a goal for researchers studying caries prophylaxis worldwide in the search for possible ways of increasing and improving oral fluoride retention.
An examination of synchrony between insect emergence and flowering in Rocky Mountain meadows

One possible effect of climate change is the generation of a mismatch in the seasonal timing of interacting organisms, owing to species-specific shifts in phenology. Despite concerns that plants and pollinators might be at risk of such decoupling, there have been few attempts to test this hypothesis using detailed phenological data on insect emergence and flowering at the same localities. In particular, there are few data sets on pollinator flight seasons that are independent of flowering phenology, because pollinators are typically collected at flowers. To address this problem, we established standardized nesting habitat (trap nests) for solitary bees and wasps at sites along an elevational gradient in the Rocky Mountains, and monitored emergence during three growing seasons. We also recorded air temperatures and flowering phenology at each site. Using a reciprocal transplant experiment with nesting bees, we confirmed that local environmental conditions are the primary determinants of emergence phenology.
Effects of listening to music on pain intensity and pain distress after surgery: an intervention.

AIMS To evaluate the effects of music listening on pain intensity and pain distress on the first and second postoperative days in abdominal surgery patients and the long-term effects of music on the third postoperative day. BACKGROUND Music has been found to relieve pain intensity in surgery patients. There are only a few studies on music intervention in abdominal surgery. Music intervention studies assessing multidimensional pain such as pain intensity and pain distress are also scarce. DESIGN Prospective clinical study with two parallel groups. METHODS Patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery (n = 168) were divided into either a music group (n = 83) or a control group (n = 85). Patients assessed pain intensity and pain distress in bed rest, during deep breathing and in shifting position once in the evening of the operation day and on the first and second postoperative days in the morning, at noon and in the evening. On the third postoperative day, the patients assessed their pain intensity and pain distress only once. RESULTS In the music group, the patients' pain intensity and pain distress in bed rest, during deep breathing and in shifting position were significantly lower on the second postoperative day compared with control group of patients. On the third postoperative day, when long-term effects of music on pain intensity and pain distress were assessed, there were no significant differences between music and control groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the use of music alleviates pain intensity and pain distress in bed rest, during deep breathing and in shifting position after abdominal surgery on the second postoperative day. Music intervention is safe, inexpensive and easily used to improve the healing environment for abdominal surgery patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Music intervention should be offered as an adjunct alternative to pharmacological pain relief after abdominal surgery in nursing practice.
9 Performance of Photovoltaics Under Actual Operating Conditions

Amongst the various renewable energy sources, photovoltaic (PV) technologies that convert sunlight directly to electricity have been gaining ground and popularity, especially in countries with high solar irradiation. Over the past years PV has shown rapid development and a wide variety of new technologies from different manufacturers have emerged. For each PV module type, manufacturers provide typical rated performance parameter information which includes, amongst others, the maximum power point (MPP) power, efficiency and temperature coefficients, all at standard test conditions (STC) of solar irradiance 1000 W/m2, air mass (AM) of 1.5 and cell temperature of 25 °C. As this combination of environmental conditions rarely occurs outdoors, manufacturer data-sheet information is not sufficient to accurately predict PV operation under different climatic conditions and outdoor PV performance monitoring and evaluations are necessary. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of different PV technologies ranging from crystalline silicon (c-Si) to thin-film and concentrators. Subsequently, a summary of the main outdoor evaluation performance parameters used to describe PV operation and performance is outlined. An overview of the effects of different environmental and operational factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, spectrum and degradation is also provided along with the results of previously published research efforts in this field. In the last section of the chapter, the installed PV and data acquisition infrastructure of a testing facility in Cyprus is presented and a thorough analysis of the climatic conditions and the performance of different grid-connected PV technologies that have been installed side-by-side and exposed to warm climatic conditions, typical of the Mediterranean region are given.
Electroacupuncture analgesia in dogs: is there a difference between uni- and bi-lateral stimulation?

OBJECTIVE To compare the analgesic effect of uni- and bi-lateral electroacupuncture (EA) in response to thermal and mechanical nociceptive stimuli and to investigate the cardiorespiratory, endocrine, and behavioral changes in dogs submitted to EA. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized cross-over experimental study. ANIMALS Eight adult, clinically healthy, cross-breed dogs, weighing 13 +/- 4 kg. METHODS Dogs underwent electrostimulation at false acupoints (T-false); bilateral EA at acupoints, stomach 36, gall bladder 34 and spleen 6 (T-EA/bil); unilateral EA at the same points (T-EA/uni) or were untreated (T-control). All animals received acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1)) IV; and heart rate, pulse oximetry, indirect arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, Pe'CO(2), rectal temperature, and plasma cortisol concentration were measured before, during, and after EA. Analgesia was tested using thoracic and abdominal cutaneous thermal and mechanical stimuli, and an interdigital thermal stimulus. Behavior was classified as calm or restless. Analysis of variance for repeated measures followed by Tukey's test was used for analysis of the data. RESULTS There were no cardiorespiratory differences among the treatments. The cutaneous pain threshold was higher after EA, compared with false points. The latency period was shorter and analgesia was more intense in T-EA/bil than T-EA/uni, when both were compared with T-false and T-control. Six out of eight animals treated with EA were calm during treatment, and 5/8 and 4/8 of the T-false and T-control animals, respectively, were restless. Latency to interdigital thermal stimulation increased in T-EA/bil compared with the others. There was no difference in plasma cortisol concentrations among the treatments. CONCLUSIONS Bilateral EA produced a shorter latency period, a greater intensity, and longer duration of analgesia than unilateral stimulation, without stimulating a stress response. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Bilateral EA produces a better analgesic effect than unilateral EA.
Study of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci Isolated From Clinical Specimens in Tertiary Care Hospital from Western Maharashtra

Coagulase negative staphylococcus is now being increasingly recognized as pathogens. Coagulase negative staphylococci have become a common cause of nosocomial infections, particularly blood stream infections and infections related to prosthesis. The present study was carried out to study the coagulase negative staphylococcus isolated from various clinical specimens and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility. Methodology-A total of 103 strains of coagulase negative staphylococci isolated in pure form from various clinical specimens were included in the study. All clinical specimens were processed as per the standard laboratory procedures. RESULTS In present study majority of the isolates were from blood 44(42.72%) followed by urine 29(28.16%), pus 16(15.53%), catheter tip 6(5.83%), ETT 5(4.85%), and 1(0.97%) each from sputum, peritoneal fluid and pleural fluid.Maximum patients were 23 (22.33%) were in the age group of 21-30 years followed by 51-60 years (15.53%) and 41-50 yrs 15 (14.56%). Maximum no. of males 57 (55.34%) had CoNS infections as compared to females 46 (44.66%). the maximum sensitivity was seen to Netilmycin 71(68.93%) followed by Co-triamoxazole(60.19%) , Amikacin (46.60%) , Cephotaxime (42.72%). All the isolates were Penicillin-G resistant. Chloramphenicol resistance was observed 74.76%.
Dietary factors and stomach cancer in Spain: A multi‐centre case‐control study

A multi‐centre case‐control study of diet and gastric cancer was carried out in 4 regions of Spain (Aragon, Castile, Catalonia and Galicia). We selected 354 cases of pathologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma from 15 hospitals, representative of nearly all those in the study areas. A control for each case, matched by age, sex and area of residence, was selected from the same hospital as the case. Habitual diet was investigated by the dietary history method, and past diet by means of frequency questionnaire. The results regarding consumption of food items are presented here. With respect to habitual diet, an increase in risk was associated with consumption of preserved fish, cold cuts and oleaginous fruits. A high intake of cooked green vegetables, fresh noncitrus fruit and dried fruit showed an inverse association with the risk of gastric cancer. Simultaneous intake of 2 groups of food which increase or decrease the risk of cancer strengthens the respective individual effect. The intake of protective food items seems to neutralize the effects of food items which increase risk. With reference to past diet, possible a protective effect was observed for daily consumption of fresh fruit and green vegetables.
The Value of IT: Explaining the Strategic Role of Information Systems for Fast Growing SMES

This article investigates fast growing and successful small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We focus particularly on the role and relevance of information systems (IS) skills and knowledge for their success. Although many theories account for the relationship between IS and organizational performance, they target mostly the context of large corporations, thus overlooking the special conditions that fast growing SMEs face. We specifically investigate fast growing SMEs for the following reasons: these companies are subject to constant organizational change due to their continuous growth and thus rely critically on having the right IS setup and strategy, while at the same time they are often too small and specialized for out-of-the-box enterprise IS solutions. Based on an interpretive multiple-case study design, we present three generic, archetypal IS strategies, ranging from full identification with and capitalization on IS to complete cost-based outsourcing of all IS related services. We analyze the inherent chances and risks associated with each of these strategies and present anecdotal evidence from the case companies to illustrate our findings.
RENAL DAMAGE FOLLOWING THE INGESTION OF A DIET CONTAINING AN EXCESS OF INORGANIC PHOSPHATE

The addition of an excess of inorganic phosphate in the form of orthophosphoric acid, acid, basic or neutral sodium or potassium phosphate to the diet of albino rats results in the development of an interesting and permanent renal lesion. The phosphate renal lesion is characterized by a necrosis of the cells of the convoluted tubules commencing at the terminal end, followed by a regeneration of atypical epithelium and calcification of the necrotic debris that fills the tubules. The entire outer stripe of the outer zone of the medulla is transformed into a zone of distorted structures and there is an increase in the interstitial connective tissue. The adjoining cortex is also involved with cystic dilatation of tubules and collapse. Such areas may reach the free surface of the organ and produce a retracted scar. In the gross the kidneys are enlarged and firm on section with a pebbled surface produced by numerous scars. The maximum changes in the kidney structure are reached after some 15 days although necrosis of the convoluted tubule cells is evident after a single day of phosphate feeding. The renal structure is not restored to its normal form when the excess of phosphate is removed from the diet.