Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physico-Chemical and Some Trace Metal Analysis of Ogba River, Benin City, Nigeria

The physico-chemical parameters and some trace metal contents of Ogba River in Benin City, Nigeria were investigated from January to August 2008. Four stations were studied from upstream to downstream using standard methods. A total of twentysix physico-chemical characteristics and trace metal contents were examined; Air and water temperatures, depth, transparency, turbidity, flow velocity, pH, total alkalinity, conductivity and dissolved solids. Other includes dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, phosphate, nitrate, sulphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, copper, zinc and manganese Thirteen (13) parameters exhibited clear seasonal variations. However, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the values of depth, flow velocity, BOD5, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate and sodium among the stations. The Benin City wastewater had negatively impacted at station 2 of the river, although the recorded values were still within acceptable limits.
Mutational analysis of the tumour suppressor gene MMAC1/PTEN in malignant myeloid disorders

Abstract: The candidate tumour suppressor gene MMAC1/PTEN located at chromosome 10q23.3 has been reported to be frequently mutated in a number of solid tumours. Less is known about its status in leukaemia. In the present study we first analysed 13 leukaemia cell lines for mutations and homozygous deletions in MMAC1/PTEN using PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). We identified an intragenic deletion including MMAC1/PTEN exons 2–5 in an acute myelocytic leukaemia cell line, HL‐60 blast, and an insertion of four nucleotides in exon 5 in an acute monocytic leukaemia cell line, U937. Analysis of 59 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), 26 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and 10 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) only revealed a polymorphic base substitution in codon 44 in one AML patient, suggesting that mutations in the MMAC1/PTEN gene are infrequent genetic aberrations in myeloid leukaemia.
Resolvin D2 restores neutrophil directionality and improves survival after burns

Following severe burns and trauma injuries, the changes of neutrophil migratory phenotype are a double‐edged sword. Activated neutrophils migrate into injured tissues and help contain microbial infections, but they can also enter normal tissues and damage vital organs. Depleting the neutrophils from circulation protects vital organs against neutrophil‐induced damage but leaves the body exposed to infectious complications. Here we show that restoring normal neutrophil migratory phenotype in rats with burn injuries correlates with improved survival in a classical double‐injury model of sequential burn and septic insults. We uncovered that the directionality of neutrophils from burned rats can be restored both in vitro by 1 nM resolvin D2 (RvD2) and in vivo by RvD2 for 7 d, 25 ng/kg body mass (8–10 ng/rat). Restoring neutrophil directionality dramatically increases survival after a second septic insult at d 9 postburn. Survival of RvD2‐treated animals increases from 0 to 100% after lipopolysaccharide injection and is extended by 1 wk after cecal ligation. Survival does not significantly increase when the restoration of neutrophil directionality is incomplete, following shorter regimens of RvD2. We conclude that restoring neutrophil directionality using RvD2 could have prophylactic value and delay lethal complications after burn injuries. —Kurihara T. , Jones, C. N. , Yu, Y. ‐M. , Fischman, A. J., Watada, S. , Tompkins, R. G. , Fagan, S. P., Irimia, D. Resolvin D2 restores neutrophil directionality and improves survival after burns. FASEB J. 27, 2270–2281 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Body iron excretion by healthy men and women.

BACKGROUND Iron excretion measured by isotope dilution has been a primary basis for the factorial derivation of recommendations for iron intake, but the results have been available for men only. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to confirm iron excretion measurements in healthy men and extend them to women. DESIGN The turnover rate of 55Fe that had been administered > or =1 y earlier was determined from blood sampled semiannually for up to 3 y from 53 subjects in the community. Body iron was determined from hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin receptor. Complete menstrual collections were obtained from 13 women. RESULTS The total median (range) iron excretion was 1.18 (0.11-2.07) mg/d for 29 men, 1.58 (0.65-4.88) mg/d for 19 menstruating women, and 0.99 (0.86-1.57) for 5 postmenopausal women. When hormonal contraceptive users were omitted, the median for 15 menstruating women increased to 1.66 mg/d. The distribution of iron excretion was normal for the men and postmenopausal women and was highly skewed for the menstruating women; menstrual iron accounted for 90% of the variation. Iron excretion was not strongly related to body weight. Body iron in menstruating women decreased somewhat (by 4.6%) in the men and tended to increase (by 1.5%) during the study. CONCLUSIONS The results extend direct iron excretion measurements in men to include similar measurements in women. The results emphasize the wide range of iron excretion in humans, which results in a 40-fold range of requirements for absorbed iron. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00755105.
Enzymatic, urease‐mediated mineralization of gellan gum hydrogel with calcium carbonate, magnesium‐enriched calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate for bone regeneration applications

Mineralization of hydrogel biomaterials is considered desirable to improve their suitability as materials for bone regeneration. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) has been successfully applied as a bone regeneration material, but hydrogel‐CaCO3 composites have received less attention. Magnesium (Mg) has been used as a component of calcium phosphate biomaterials to stimulate bone‐forming cell adhesion and proliferation and bone regeneration in vivo, but its effect as a component of carbonate‐based biomaterials remains uninvestigated. In the present study, gellan gum (GG) hydrogels were mineralized enzymatically with CaCO3, Mg‐enriched CaCO3 and magnesium carbonate to generate composite biomaterials for bone regeneration. Hydrogels loaded with the enzyme urease were mineralized by incubation in mineralization media containing urea and different ratios of calcium and magnesium ions. Increasing the magnesium concentration decreased mineral crystallinity. At low magnesium concentrations calcite was formed, while at higher concentrations magnesian calcite was formed. Hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2.4H2O) formed at high magnesium concentration in the absence of calcium. The amount of mineral formed and compressive strength decreased with increasing magnesium concentration in the mineralization medium. The calcium:magnesium elemental ratio in the mineral formed was higher than in the respective mineralization media. Mineralization of hydrogels with calcite or magnesian calcite promoted adhesion and growth of osteoblast‐like cells. Hydrogels mineralized with hydromagnesite displayed higher cytotoxicity. In conclusion, enzymatic mineralization of GG hydrogels with CaCO3 in the form of calcite successfully reinforced hydrogels and promoted osteoblast‐like cell adhesion and growth, but magnesium enrichment had no definitive positive effect. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors and outcome of acute kidney injury in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome

Acute kidney injury (AKIis a common complication in the treatment of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR‐MDS), but, to the authors' knowledge, its clinical relevance has not been detailed to date. The objective of the current study was to identify the incidence, predictors, and outcome for AKI in patients with AML and HR‐MDS.
Bacillus clausii and gut homeostasis: state of the art and future perspectives

ABSTRACT Introduction: The intestinal barrier is a complex system responsible for the host health. Many gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal diseases are associated to gut barrier disruption. An increasing interest on nutritional supplements and functional foods focused on the hypothesis that specific prebiotics and probiotics may modulate and interact with gut barrier, re-establishing gut homeostasis. Areas covered: The application of preparations containing B. clausii in the treatment or prevention of gut phisiology impairment has been largely supported in the last years and has driven its clinical applications. This review focuses on B. clausii clinical applications and speculates on the possible interactions among B. clausii, gut barrier and immune system and on the consequences of this interplay in modulating human health. Expert commentary: Its favorable effects have been linked to several properties, such as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity, regulation of cell growth and differentiation, cell-cell signaling, cell adhesion, signal transcription and transduction, production of vitamins and gut protection from genotoxic agents. In this scenario, future studies will need to better clarify its mechanisms of action and focus on the possible role of B. clausii in modulating gut immune system.
Regulation of taste-active components of meat by dietary branched-chain amino acids; effects of branched-chain amino acid antagonism

1. The effects of dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) including leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and valine (Val) on taste-active components, especially free glutamate (Glu), in meat were investigated. 2. Broiler chickens (28 d old) were given varied dietary BCAA levels for 10 d before marketing. Dietary BCAA content ratios were either 100:100:100 (Low Leu group), 150:100:100 (Control group) or 150:150:150 (High Ile + Val group) for Leu:Ile:Val (% of each BCAA requirement according to NRC, 1994). Taste-related components of meat (free amino acids and ATP metabolites) and sensory scores of meat soup were estimated. 3. Free Glu content, the main taste-active component of meat, was significantly increased by dietary BCAA. Compared to the Control group, free Glu content increased by 30% in the High Ile + Val group. However, the inosine monophosphate (IMP) content in meat did not change among groups. 4. Sensory evaluation of meat soups showed that Control and High Ile + Val groups had different meat flavours. The sensory score of overall taste intensity was significantly higher in the High Ile + Val group. 5. These results suggest that dietary BCAA concentrations regulate free Glu in meat. Increasing dietary Ile + Val induces an increase in free Glu content of meat, improves meat taste and is more effective for increasing free Glu content in meat than decreasing dietary Leu level.
Prospective study of the outcomes of ambulatory patients with excessive warfarin anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND Warfarin sodium therapy is highly effective in preventing thromboembolism. Its major toxic effect is hemorrhage, the risk of which increases with the international normalized ratio (INR). Data on the rate of major hemorrhage and the rate of INR decay after an episode of excessive anticoagulation therapy would help guide management of elevated INRs in the outpatient setting. METHODS We prospectively followed up outpatients in an anticoagulant therapy unit from April 24, 1995, through March 1, 1996. Study patients had to be taking warfarin for longer than 1 month and have an INR target range of 2.0 to 3.0. Consecutive outpatients with an INR greater than 6.0 were identified and compared with a randomly selected concurrent set of patients whose INR was in the target range. Major hemorrhage was defined as fatal, intracranial, or requiring hospitalization and transfusion of at least 2 U of blood. RESULTS One hundred fourteen patients with INRs greater than 6.0 were identified and compared with 268 patients with INRs in the target range. None of the patients had clinically apparent bleeding at the time of the INR measurement, and none received phytonadione (vitamin K1). Patients did not differ significantly in age, sex, indication, or duration of warfarin therapy. Ten patients with an INR greater than 6.0 (8.8%; 95% confidence interval, 4.3%-15.5%) sought medical attention for abnormal bleeding, and 5 of these experienced a major hemorrhage during 14-day follow-up (4.4%; 95% confidence interval, 1.4%-9.9%) compared with none of the patients with an in-range INR (P<.001). Thirty-three percent of patients with INRs greater than 6.0 had INRs less than 4.0 within 24 hours, 55% within 48 hours, 73% within 72 hours, and nearly 90% within 96 hours of temporary discontinuation of warfarin therapy. CONCLUSIONS Outpatients with INRs greater than 6.0 face a significant short-term risk of major hemorrhage. Randomized trials are needed to determine the net benefit of preventive treatment with phytonadione.
Impaired Fibrinolytic Capacity Predisposes for Recurrence of Venous Thrombosis

Summary The fibrinolytic capacity of 121 patients with a history of venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism was studied by venous occlusion technique, at earliest 3 months after the last thromboembolic episode. After discontinuation of oral anticoagulation treatment the clinical course of the patients was followed and new thromboembolic episodes were noted. During the observation period of 56 ± 18.8 months 45 of 121 patients experienced recurrence of thrombosis. The recurrence-rate was significantly lower in patients with a post-occlusion ELT shorter than 60 min (4.8%/year) than in patients with an ELT longer than 60 min (10.3%/year). It is concluded that the fibrinolytic capacity is a useful parameter for determining the risk of recurrence in patients with venous thrombosis.
National Trends in the Prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Prescribing of Methylphenidate among School-Age Children: 1990-1995

It has been reported that during the past decade the prevalence of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (ICD-9-CM code 314.00 or 314.01) and its pharmacologic treatment have increased dramatically in the United States. Herein, a single national data source is used to discern trends in the prevalence of U.S. office-based visits resulting in a diagnosis of ADHD, and trends in the prescribing of stimulant pharmacotherapy (including methylphenidate) for its treatment. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) for the years 1990 through 1995, for children aged 5 through 18 years, were utilized for this analysis. Results indicate that the number of office-based visits documenting a diagnosis of ADHD increased from 947,208 in 1990, to 2,357,833 in 1995. Between 1990 and 1995, the number of visits by girls diagnosed with ADHD rose 3.9-fold (p<0.05), and the mean patient age increased by more than 1 year, from 9.7 in 1990, to 10.8 in 1995 (p<0.05). The percentage of office-based visits resulting in a diagnosis of ADHD increased from 1.1% of all visits in this age group in 1990, to 2.8% by 1995. We discerned a 2.3-fold increase (p<0.05) in the population-adjusted rate of office-based visits documenting a diagnosis of ADHD; a 2.9-fold increase (p<0.05) in the population-adjusted rate of ADHD patients prescribed stimulant pharmacotherapy; and a 2.6-fold increase (p<0.05) in the population-adjusted rate of ADHD patients prescribed methylphenidate.
Caregiver distress, coping and parenting styles in cases of childhood encephalitis

This study presents an exploration of the impact of childhood encephalitis on parental mood, coping and disciplinary strategies. Thirty six parents of children aged between 10 and 17 years were recruited. They were split into groups of recent and remote cases (within or beyond 7 years). Group comparison revealed that neurobehavioural consequences of childhood encephalitis appear to persist over time. Higher levels of behavioural symptoms consistent with dysexecutive disorder were associated with greater parental distress. Parents remain distressed despite reporting proactive profiles of coping. There was an indication that severity of dysexecutive disorder was asscociated with less use of proactive parental management strategies. Support for parents, in particular focused on effective management of dysexecutive problems, is recommended.
Patient sexual behaviors and sexual harassment: a national survey of physical therapists.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The objective of this study was to describe the extent to which physical therapists have experienced patient sexual behaviors and sexual harassment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A questionnaire was mailed to 750 individuals selected from a computer-generated, randomized sample provided by the American Physical Therapy Association of members who identified themselves as being licensed physical therapists and currently engaged in clinical practice. Completed questionnaires were returned by 48.6% of the eligible sample. RESULTS Eight-six percent of the respondents reported having experienced some form of patient sexual behavior in the course of practice. The vast majority of these incidents were not rated as harassment. Sixty-three percent of the respondents, however, reported at least one incident of sexual harassment. Despite those high rates, less than one third of the respondents had received any training in how to handle sexual harassment. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION The results support the findings of previous investigators who concluded that patient sexual behavior and sexual harassment is an important issue that needs to addressed in training programs.
[Effects of hypertriglyceridemia on platelet activities in endogenous hypertriglyceridemic patients].

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of hypertriglyceridemia on platelet activities. METHODS The plasma prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fg), blood platelet count (BPC) and platelet alpha granule membrane protein-140 (GMP-140) levels in endogenous hypertriglyceridemic patients were determined, and the relationship between platelet activities and fasting plasma lipids was assessed. RESULTS It was found that PT, Fg levels, BPC and plasma GMP-140 concentration showed no statistically significant difference between the control and hypertriglyceridemic subjects (P > 0.05). PT was correlated with the levels of plasma BG and apo E (r = 0.500, P = 0.012), the levels of Fg was positively correlated with BG (r = 0.598, P = 0.000), and BPC of HTG subjects was negatively correlated with TG (r = -0.489, P < 0.05). GMP-140 content was positively correlated with the levels of plasma TC and LDL-C (r = 0.647, 0.833, P < 0.01); in HTG patients it was inversely correlated with age and PT (r = -0.480, -0.490, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION All of these indicated that increasing of coagulation activity in hypertriglyceridemic patients was correlated with dysfunction of plasma lipids and change of apolipoproteins levels. Plasma GMP-140 was not obviously correlated with plasma TG content, but was positively correlated with plasma TC and LDL-C contents.
Immunomodulating activity of CVT‐E002, a proprietary extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

The activity of CVT‐E002, an aqueous extract containing mainly oligosaccharides and polysaccharides from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), as an immunobooster on murine spleen cells and peritoneal macrophages, was studied in‐vitro. CVT‐E002 stimulated the proliferation of normal mouse spleen cells, of which the major responding subpopulation was identified as B lymphocytes. CVT‐E002 also activated peritoneal exudate macrophages leading to enhanced interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, CVT‐E002 stimulated in‐vivo immunoglobulin G (IgG) production in treated mice. These results identify some of the immunomodulating activities of CVT‐E002 and suggest its use clinically for the modulation of immune responses.
Characterization of Constitutive Galactose Permease Mutants in Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella typhimurium strains, lacking both enzyme I and the phosphocarrier protein, HPr, of the phosphoenolpyruvate-sugar phosphotransferase system, cannot transport or metabolize glucose and other sugar substrates of this enzyme system. Mutants which regain the ability to specifically utilize glucose were found to constitutively synthesize a galactose permease by virtue of a mutation in the galR gene. This permease, shown to be an active transport system, does not require HPr or enzyme I for activity.
High-Throughput Silicon Nanophotonic Deflection Switch for On-Chip Optical Networks

We demonstrate error-free (BER<;10<sup>-12</sup> ) deflection switching of multiple 40 Gbps channels with an ultra-compact (30×10 μm<sup>2</sup> ), low-latency (<; 2 ns), high throughput (over 360 Gbps), and small crosstalk (<; -10 dB) optical switch based on coupled silicon microring resonators.
Geraniol, a natural monoterpene, ameliorates hyperglycemia by attenuating the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract Context: Geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol is found in medicinal plants, is used traditionally for several medical purposes including diabetes. Objectives: The present study evaluates the antihyperglycemic potential of geraniol on key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced in experimental rats, by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ [40 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)]. Different doses of geraniol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) and glyclazide (5 mg/kg b.w.) were administrated orally to diabetic rats for 45 days. Body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin, blood haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes and glycogen were examined. Results: The LD50 value of geraniol is 3600 mg/kg b.w. at oral administration in rats. Administration of geraniol in a dose-dependent manner (100, 200, 400 mg/kg b.w.) and glyclazide (5 mg/kg b.w.) for 45 days significantly improved the levels of insulin, Hb and decreased plasma glucose, HbA1C in diabetic-treated rats. Geraniol at its effective dose (200 mg/kg b.w.) ameliorated the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes near normal effects compared with two other doses (100 and 400 mg/kg b.w.). Geraniol treatment to diabetic rats improved hepatic glycogen content suggesting its anti-hyperglycemic potential. Geraniol supplement was found to preserve the normal histological appearance of hepatic cells and pancreatic β-cells in diabetic rats. Discussion and conclusions: The present findings suggest that geraniol can potentially ameliorate key enzymes of glucose metabolism in experimental diabetes even though clinical studies used to evaluate this possibility are warranted.