Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sevoflurane improves neurological outcome after incomplete cerebral ischaemia in rats.

We have studied the effects of sevoflurane on neurological outcome in a rat model of incomplete cerebral ischaemia. After institutional approval, 30 non-fasted male Sprague-Dawley rats (455-555 g) were anaesthetized, the trachea intubated and the lungs ventilated mechanically with isoflurane and 30% oxygen in air. Catheters were inserted into the right femoral artery, both femoral veins and into the right jugular vein for measurement of arterial pressure, drug administration and blood sampling. At completion of surgery, isoflurane was discontinued and the rats were allowed an equilibration period of 30 min according to the following regimens: group 1 (n = 10) received 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen and fentanyl (bolus 10 micrograms kg-1 i.v.; infusion 25 micrograms kg-1 h-1); group 2 (n = 10) received 1.98 vol% sevoflurane in oxygen and air (FIO2 0.3); group 3 (n = 10) received 1.98 vol% sevoflurane in oxygen and air (FIO2 0.3) and 40% glucose (6 ml kg-1 i.p.) 30 min before ischaemia. Ischaemia was produced by combined unilateral common carotid artery ligation and haemorrhagic hypotension to 35 mm Hg for 30 min. Temperature, arterial blood-gas variables and arterial pH were maintained within the physiological range. Plasma glucose concentration was measured before, during and after ischaemia. Neurological deficit was evaluated for 3 days after ischaemia. Neurological outcome was better in sevoflurane anaesthetized animals, regardless of the plasma glucose concentration, compared with nitrous oxide-fentanyl controls. This indicates that differences in plasma glucose concentrations do not account for the cerebral protection seen with sevoflurane.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Possible Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Future Potential Therapies

Does meconium cause meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) or is meconium discharge only a marker of fetal hypoxia? This dispute has lasted for centuries, but since the 1960s, detrimental effects of meconium itself on the lungs have been demonstrated in animal experiments. In clinical MAS, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is the leading cause of death in MAS. Regarding the complex chemical composition of meconium, it is difficult to identify a single agent responsible for the pathophysiology. However, considering that meconium is stored in the intestines, partly unexposed to the immune system, aspirated meconium could be recognized as ‘danger', representing damaged self. The common denominator in the pathophysiology could therefore be activation of innate immunity. Thus, a bulk of evidence implies that meconium is a potent activator of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, complement, prostaglandins and reactive oxygen species. We hypothesize that the two main recognition systems of innate immunity, the Toll-like receptors and the complement system, recognize meconium as ‘danger', which leads not only to lung dysfunction but also to a systemic inflammatory response. This might have therapeutic implications in the future.
Myopia in schoolchildren in a rural community in the State of Mexico, Mexico

Purpose This study sought to determine the prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren of a rural population in Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 317 children between 6 and 12 years old. A complete refractive examination was performed, including static retinoscopy without cycloplegic agents. All procedures were conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results In total, 9.7% (95% CI: 13.07–6.52) of the examined children were myopic (spherical equivalent ≤ −0.50 D), 4.4% (95% CI: 6.66–2.14) presented astigmatism (cylinder ≤ −1.50 D), and 5.4% (95% CI: 7.89–2.91) presented hyperopia (spherical equivalent ≥ +0.50 D). Conclusion Additional research is required to assess the prevalence of refractive errors in rural areas in Mexico, to analyze the associated risk factors, and to implement appropriate eye care plans for this population.
Impact of genomic aberrations including chromosome 1 abnormalities on the outcome of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone

Previous literature suggests that cytogenetics may be used for risk-adapted therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. However, the significance of each abnormality is still unclear, and chromosome 1 abnormalities have yet to be studied in this population. We therefore evaluated genetic risk factors including chromosome 1q gain and 1p loss by cIg-FISH in 143 patients with relapsed/refractory MM treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, and correlated the genomic aberrations with patient clinical outcomes. Patients had a median of two (range 1–7) previous therapies in this cohort. A total of 119 out of 143 (83%) patients had an objective response, with median time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) of 11 and 28 months, respectively. Patients with del(1p21) or del(17p) (p53) deletions had a significantly shorter TTP. OS was shorter in patients with 1p21 or 17p deletions, but did not reach statistical significance. Prior bortezomib or thalidomide treatment was associated with shorter TTP and OS. Multivariate analysis identified del(17p), del(1p21), and prior bortezomib or thalidomide therapy as independent risk factors for shorter TTP. Our data suggest that chromosome 17p and 1p21 deletions adversely impact the outcome of lenalidomide and dexamethasone treated patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Improved therapeutic strategies are required for these patients.
Effect of Processed Cassava Tuber Meal (Garri) on the Performance and Serum Metabolites of Broilers

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of processed cassava tuber meal (garri) on the growth performance and serum chemistry of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty (120) day-old Marshal Broiler® chicks were used in a completely Randomized Design (CRD) in an experiment that lasted for seven weeks (49 days). The chicks were randomly assigned to four (4) treatments consisting of 30 birds per treatment with ten (10) birds per replicate; that is, 0% (control), 15%, 20% and 25% garri replacement per 25kg feed. At the end of the trial two (2) birds were picked randomly from each treatment and blood samples collected for haematalogical and serum analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result obtained showed there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the treated groups when compared to the control group. However there was numerical increase in weight gain in the group that received feed with 25% garri replacement. It was therefore concluded that processed cassava meal (garri) had beneficial effects in the production of broilers even though it is known to be an atherogenic feed substance.
Immune-Informatic Analysis and Design of Peptide Vaccine From Multi-epitopes Against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacteria that affects sheep and goats. The absence of a serologic diagnose is a factor that contributes for the disease dissemination, and due to the formation of granuloma, the treatment is very expensive. Therefore, prophylaxis is the approach with best cost-benefit relation; however, it still lacks an effective vaccine. In this sense, this work seeks to apply bioinformatic tools to design an effective vaccine against CLA, using CP40 protein as standard for the design of immunodominant epitopes, from which a total of 6 sequences were obtained, varying from 10 to 16 amino acid residues. The evaluation of different properties of the vaccines showed that the vaccine is a potent and nonallergenic antigen remaining stable in a wide range of temperatures. The initial tertiary structure of the vaccine was then predicted and a model selected. Later, the process of CP40 protein and TLR2 receptor binding was performed, presenting interaction with this receptor, which plays an important role in the activation of the immune response.
The Impact of SNAP Vehicle Asset Limits on Household Asset Allocation

Beginning in 2001, states were given the authority to formulate their own rules on how vehicles are counted toward the asset limit in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. We exploit differences in timing of the state vehicle asset policy changes toidentify their effect on vehicle assets and debts, car ownership, liquid assets holdings, as well as non-housing wealth.We estimate difference-in-differences and household fixed effects specifications and find that liberalizing vehicle asset rules increases vehicle assets of households with a high ex ante probability of program participation. Households also take on more debt to finance their vehicles.The increase in car value can be attributed primarily to less educated single parents who already owned a car before the policy change buying more expensive cars.
Challenges to the efficient use of point of sale (POS) terminals in Nigeria

The relevance of efficient payment systems is a subject of interest to all stakeholders. This study analyzed the challenges to the efficient use of point of sale (POS) terminals in Nigeria. Socio economic characteristics of users and non users were also examined. Cross sectional data were collected from 650 randomly sampled respondents from 20 local government areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using Friedman and Kendall ranking order test. The finding of this study showed that that the most challenging factor to the efficient use of POS is network failure, frequent power outage; limited numbers of POS per merchant store where they are available, security of communication over the network and unavailability of the POS at all merchant stores. Efforts at improving the security of transactions is recommended in order to drastically reduce excess cash flow especially in developing economies. Key words: Debit cards, payment pattern, point of sale terminal, Nigeria.
Separating cycles and isoperimetric inequalities in the uniform infinite planar quadrangulation

We study geometric properties of the infinite random lattice called the uniform infinite planar quadrangulation or UIPQ. We establish a precise form of a conjecture of Krikun stating that the minimal size of a cycle that separates the ball of radius $R$ centered at the root vertex from infinity grows linearly in $R$. As a consequence, we derive certain isoperimetric bounds showing that the boundary size of any connected set $A$ consisting of a finite union of faces of the UIPQ and containing the root vertex is bounded below by a (random) constant times $|A|^{1/4}(\log|A|)^{-(3/4)-\delta}$, where the volume $|A|$ is the number of faces in $A$.
Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Blood Rheology and Biochemistry

Biomarkers of blood rheology and biochemistry were determined in cigarette smokers from Jordan. The study aimed at estimating 33 venous blood parameters in 606 subjects, comprising of 302 smokers and 304 control non-smoker subjects. The parameters were measured using the standard techniques and conditions applied in the clinical laboratories. Compared to non-smokers, significantly (P≤0.05) higher values exist in smokers for the following parameters: hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC count, absolute granulocyte count, fibrinogen, iron, triglyceride and erythrocyte malonydialdehyde (MDA), and lower values for absolute lymphocyte count and erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH). There was no difference between smokers and non-smokers in regard to glycoslylated Hb, RBC count, red cell distribution width (RDW), ESR, absolute Monocyte count, platelet count, platelet volume (PV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), total protein, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, glucose, urea, creatinine, Na, K, Cl, AST, ALT and γGT. These results indicate higher blood and plasma viscosity, reduced erythrocyte deformability (rheology), presence of biomarkers of thrombosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, reduced immunity and compromised blood flow in macroand micro-circulation in smokers. These results, however, should alert public opinion towards the disastrous consequences of chronic smoking.
A Prediction Model for Recognizing Strangulated Small Bowel Obstruction

Introduction Early and accurate diagnosis of strangulated small bowel obstruction (SSBO) is difficult. This study aimed to devise a prediction model for predicting the risk of SSBO. Materials and Methods A database of 417 patients who had clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction confirmed by computed tomography (CT) were evaluated for inclusion in this study. Symptoms and laboratory and radiologic findings of these patients were collected after admission. These clinical factors were analyzed using logistic regression. A logistic regression model was applied to identify determinant variables and construct a clinical score that would predict SSBO. Results Seventy-six patients were confirmed to have SSBO, 169 patients required surgery but had no evidence of intestinal ischemia, and 172 patients were successfully managed conservatively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, body temperature ≥ 38.0°C, positive peritoneal irritation sign, white blood cell (WBC) count > 10.0 × 10^9/L, thick-walled small bowel ≥3 mm, and ascites were significantly associated with SSBO. A new prediction model with total scores ranging from 0 to 481 was developed with these five variables. The area under the curve (AUC) of the new prediction model was 0.935. Conclusions Our prediction model is a good predictive model to evaluate the severity of SBO.
Effects of Arsenic Treatments on Saponin Content and Heterogeneity Extracted from Rhizome and Main Root of Panax notoginseng Plants Grown in Shaded Field

As contamination is one of important factors to Panax notoginseng quality and safety. Saponin is one of important compounds with the medicinal values of P. notoginseng. The impact of soil As on production of saponin of P. notoginseng knew very little. This study was performed to determine content and heterogeneity of saponins from P. notoginseng and its mechanisms upon treatments with different concentration levels of As in soil. Plants of P. notoginseng were treated with arsenic [As (V)] at 0, 20, 80, 140, 20 and 260 mg/kg concentration levels which were supplied as sodium arsenate (Na3AsO4). These experimental plants were grown in shade condition in a greenhouse. Plants were harvested at vigorous vegetative growth and fruit ripening stages, separately. Effects of As treatments on saponin content, and heterogeneity of monomers in the mixtures of notoginesenosides and ginsenosides, enzymatic activity and gene expression level of squalene synthetase were determined for rhizome and main root tissues. Results show that：(1) Of all the As treatments from the lowest to the highest concentration levels, the As content in both rhizome and main roots from As-treated plants was within the standard level for superior products derived from P. notoginseng. The content of notoginsenosides from all tissues except the main roots at fruit ripening stage, was 5% higher than the standard level specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia; (2) The treatment of As at 20 mg/kg led to an 3.5% - 183.9% increases in total notoginesenosides content in rhizome and main roots, respectively. Treatments with the highest As concentration at 260 mg/kg resulted in a significant decline in total notoginsenosides content, and lower enzymatic activity and gene expression levels of squalene synthetase; (3) Under As treatment conditions, the ratio of Rb1/Rg1 decreased but the ratio of (Rb1 + Rg1)/R1 increased in both rhizomes and main roots. Conclusively, this study demonstrated that low As concentration (20 - 80 mg/kg) treatments resulted in higher notoginsenoside content in P. notoginseng. However, treatments with high As concentrations had an adverse effect. The repression in the synthesis of notoginsenoside and interruption of the conversion process from propanaxadiol into propanaxatriol are responsible for more heterogeneous monomer mixtures and low notoginsenoside content. For plants treated with the highest As concentration of 260 mg/kg, both gene expression and enzymatic activities of squalene synthetase were greatly repressed thus leading to a significantly low saponin content in rhizome and main root tissues.
0 Exogenous Credit Rating Changes and the Provision of Voluntary Disclosure

We provide evidence suggesting that corporate credit rating changes have an effect on firms’ voluntary disclosure behavior that is independent of the information they convey about firm fundamentals. Our analyses exploit two separate quasi-experimental settings that generate either exogenous credit rating downgrades or credit rating upgrades that allow us to isolate the effect of the credit rating label from changes in firms’ credit quality. We document a negative relation between the direction of the credit rating change and the provision of voluntary disclosure in both settings—firms respond to exogenous downgrades by increasing voluntary disclosure and to exogenous upgrades by decreasing voluntary disclosure. Overall, our analyses indicate that credit rating agencies as information intermediaries influence firms’ provision of voluntary disclosure.
Cocoa Agronomy, Quality, Nutritional, and Health Aspects

The history of cocoa and chocolate including the birth and the expansion of the chocolate industry was described. Recent developments in the industry and cocoa economy were briefly depicted. An overview of the classification of cacao as well as studies on phenotypic and genetic diversity was presented. Cocoa agronomic practices including traditional and modern propagation techniques were reviewed. Nutrition-related health benefits derived from cocoa consumption were listed and widely reviewed. The specific action of cocoa antioxidants was compared to those of teas and wines. Effects of adding milk to chocolate and chocolate drinks versus bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols were discussed. Finally, flavor, sensory, microbiological, and toxicological aspects of cocoa consumption were presented.
Corporate Governance Structure and Intellectual Capital Disclosure: Evidence from Ghana

the main aim of this paper is to investigate the extent of the intellectual capital disclosure and the relationship between intellectual capital disclosure and corporate governance variables in Ghanaian listed firms. We tested the following independent variables comprising the various forms of corporate governance structure: board composition, dual role, size of the audit committee and frequency of audit committee meetings. A sample of 50 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange was selected. The descriptive statistics, content analysis, and a linear regression model were performed to analyze the data. Out of the four (4) variables tested, only the frequency of audit committee meetings has a significant positive relationship in influencing the level of intellectual capital disclosure in Ghana. The result also found 74.67 percent of the selected companies disclosed intellectual capital in their annual reports. However, the extent of the intellectual capital disclosure among Ghanaian firms is still relatively low (about 4.45 percent). This result also revealed that most of the Ghanaian firms are aware of the intellectual capital disclosure, but however, they are not aware on how to measure, report and disclose this information in their annual report.
Distribution of Colonization Factors and Toxins among Diarrheal Children below 5 Years : A Case Study of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital , Kenya

Estimates suggest that approximately 200 million cases and 380,000 deaths occur in children below 5 years of age due to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC) infections annually. The study aimed at molecular determination of ETEC toxins and colonization factors distribution among children below 5 years of age. Multiplex PCR was used in the identification of ETEC toxin and colonization factors. A total of 200 isolates of E.coli-like recovered from diarrheic children at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital were collected and transported to Microbiology Hub Walter Reed Project-Kericho and tested for the presence of virulent factors using Multiplex PCR method. Positive isolates for ETEC were subjected to a panel of colonization factor antigens (CFA) using multiplex PCR for identification of colonization factors. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis system (SAS) and fisher’s exact test was used for comparing 2 variables. Heat labile toxins (LTh) were more common (65.38%) than heat stable toxins (STh) (26.92%). LThETECtoxins were observed in younger and older children (42.3% and 23.08% respectively) while SThETECtoxins were more frequent in children below 2 years and were not observed in children above 2 years old. The most common colonization factor was coli surface antigens 6 (Cs6) and coli surface antigens 1 (Cs1) and was detected in children below 2 years of age. STh and LThETECtoxins had a detectable Colonization factor at higher frequency (19.23%). Children below 5years are susceptible to ETEC toxins and CFs. Use of molecular diagnostic technique to determine the distsribution of ETEC toxins and CFs should be adopted.
Monitoring of strain-dependent responsiveness to TLR activation in the mouse anterior segment using SD-OCT.

PURPOSE To determine whether spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) can be used to longitudinally monitor inflammation in the mouse anterior segment and to identify any strain-dependent differences in responsiveness to distinct toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. METHODS Corneal inflammation was induced in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice following central corneal abrasions and topical application of saline, TLR-4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or TLR-9 ligand, CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN; CpG). Anterior-segment images were captured using SD-OCT at baseline, 24 hours, and 1 week post treatment. Corneal thickness, stromal haze, and the number of keratic precipitates (KP) and anterior chamber (AC) cells were longitudinally compared to determine differences between mouse strains, time points, and TLR activation. RESULTS In both mouse strains, treatment with CpG, but not saline or LPS, resulted in a similar number of KPs and AC cells. In C57BL/6 mice, central corneal thickness (CCT) increased in CpG- and LPS-treated eyes at 24 hours, which normalized by 1 week. In BALB/c mice, a significant increase in CCT occurred in eyes treated with CpG at 1 week. Stromal haze peaked in C57BL/6 eyes treated with LPS- or CPG-treatment at 24 hours; however, BALB/c eyes showed persistent and marked increases in corneal haze compared with baseline at 1 week post treatment. CONCLUSIONS Spectral-domain OCT enables high-resolution, longitudinal, in vivo imaging of anterior segment inflammation in mice and revealed novel strain- and time-dependent differences in response to distinct TLR activation in the cornea.