Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of seven-day administration of carprofen or meloxicam on renal function in clinically healthy miniature pigs.

Carprofen or meloxicam are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may elicit a variety of renal disturbances. Prior to this study, the effects of carprofen or meloxicam on renal function in pigs were unknown. A total of 21 clinically healthy Goettingen miniature pigs (36.9 ± 7.22 kg) were divided into three groups based on what they were administered - carprofen, meloxicam or saline. First, blood was collected from the jugular vein and urine by ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. Serum urea (U) and creatinine (CR), fractional clearance of sodium (FCNa), urine gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, urine protein/creatinine ratio (UP/UC), urine gamma-glutamyltransferase/creatinine ratio (GGT/CR) and urine alkaline phosphatase/creatinine ratio (ALP/CR) and urine analysis - urine specific gravity (USG) and sediment microscopy were assessed before and seven days after daily intramuscular administration (IM) of saline (1.5 ml per animal), carprofen (2 mg/kg) or meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg). All animals had identical housing, feeding and unlimited water intake and had not undergone surgery or been administered any medication for three months prior to this. All pigs served as control groups for an experimental study of fracture healing using transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and scaffolds. The data were analyzed using a one way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney test ( P < 0.05). In pigs receiving carprofen, serum urea and creatinine were significantly decreased, compared to the control ( P < 0.01) or meloxicam ( P < 0.05) groups. In animals receiving meloxicam FCNa was significantly increased ( P < 0.05) and urine specific gravity significantly decrease ( P < 0.05) compared to the pretreatment values. Two carprofen- treated pigs had a slight increase in renal tubular epithelial cells upon urine sediment examination. Intramuscular administration of carprofen or meloxicam in healthy miniature pigs for seven days causes no clinically important changes in selected renal parameters (without azotemia). However these changes indicate mild damage of renal tubules. Despite these findings, meloxicam or carprofen are recommended for analgesia in healthy pigs.
RISK TAKING, ASPIRATION LEVELS AND THE EVOLUTION OF NEW VENTURES

In this paper we examine the role of variable risk preferences and aspiration levels on the growth of 23,286 new Swedish firms. Using pooled time-series regression, we find that new and small firms react to performance feedback by threat rigidity, decreasing their levels of organic growth. Larger and older firms react in the opposite way by raising their level of growth if performance falls short of their aspiration level, as predicted by the behavioral theory of the firm. Our findings suggests that as firms grow and age, they alter their risk behavior.
The assay of overall haemostasis potential used to monitor the low molecular mass (weight) heparin, dalteparin, treatment in pregnant women with previous thromboembolism

The present study aimed to assess whether the determination of overall haemostasis potential (OHP) in plasma is powerful enough to monitor the prophylactic effect of low molecular mass heparin (dalteparin, Fragmin®) in patients with increased risk of thromboembolitic events. In five pregnant women who had a history of deep venous thrombosis, OHPs were kinetically investigated in gestation weeks 32–35 twice during 24 h (before injection and after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 24 h). Levels of anti-activated factor X (anti-FXa), reflecting dalteparin activity, as well as prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) and soluble fibrin, were also measured. In converse relation to changes of anti-FXa, OHPs decreased reaching the lowest level between 2 and 8 h after the injection, and then rose again, returning to the levels around those before the administration. There were no significant variations in concentrations of F1 + 2 and soluble fibrin during the observation course. These findings indicate that the OHP assay can monitor the alteration of haemostatic balance under the dalteparin influence while anti-FXa only shows the activity of the drug present in plasma. Additionally, analyses of thrombin generation markers are not useful to screen immediate changes in the haemostatic system after dalteparin injection.
PRESCRIBING PATTERNS FOR ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, ASEER REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the patterns of prescribing for Acute respiratory infections in patients attending primary health care centers in the Aseer region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted at primary health care centers in the Aseer region during November 2003. A master sheet designed by the investigator was distributed to all the working physicians in the primary health care center in the Aseer region. The master sheet included the age, sex, complaints, signs, clinical diagnosis and the type of medications prescribed. Physicians were asked to include all patients attending on 17th November 2003, and send the master sheet to the Technical Supervision Unit at Primary Care Department, General Directorate of Health Affairs. Data of the master sheet was entered and analyzed by using SPSS. Results: The total number of patients attending with acute respiratory infections(ARIs) was 3000 which represented 25% of the patients attending primary health care centers that day. Children formed 60% of the total number of cases. Regarding symptoms and signs, it was found that 70% had a cough, 59% had a runny nose, and 43% had a sore throat . The common cold was the most common diagnosis (42%). Antipyretics, antihistamines, antibiotics and antitussives were prescribed for 78%, 48%, 45% and 25% respectively. Statistical analysis using logistic regression revealed that the higher the temperature, the more severe the throat congestion and the presence of exudates on pharynx, the higher the likelihood to prescribe antibiotics. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the prescription of all drugs for ARIs was still high in spite of the fact that these conditions are self-limiting. To rationalize prescribing for ARI, implementation of the national protocol for diagnosis and treatment of ARIs is mandatory. Further studies to explore the physician's knowledge, attitudes and behavior concerning prescribing for ARI is strongly recommended.
An Agent-Based Model of Product Competition: Network Structure and Coexistence Under Different Information Regimes

The paper analyzes how the structure of interaction networks affects the diffusion patterns and market shares of different products in case of local network externalities and imperfect information. The diffusion of the different products/technologies in the market is modelled as the result of two (only partly) interrelated dynamics: i) the interaction between idiosyncratic individual thresholds and local network externalities; ii) the diffusion of the information about the product (via broadcast diffusion and word-of-mouth). The average clustering coefficient affects the overall outcome and the actual possibility that one product corners the market. Moreover, in case of small-world networks, despite the high clustering coefficient which increases the probability of an outcome with coexistence, the increase in the speed of diffusion impinges on the actual realization of such an outcome in case of sequential entry of the different technologies and/or imperfect information.
Simulation of carbon cycling , including dissolved organic carbon 6 transport , in forest soil locally enriched with

33 The DyDOC model was used to simulate the soil carbon cycle of a deciduous forest at the 34 Oak Ridge Reservation (Tennessee, USA). The model application relied on extensive data 35 from the Enriched Background Isotope Study (EBIS), which exploited a short-term local 36 atmospheric enrichment of radiocarbon to establish a large-scale manipulation experiment 37 with different inputs of C from both above-ground and below-ground litter. The model was 38 first fitted to hydrological data, then observed pools and fluxes of carbon and C data were 39 used to fit parameters describing metabolic transformations of soil organic matter (SOM) 40 components and the transport and sorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM). This 41 produced a detailed quantitative description of soil C cycling in the three horizons (O, A, B) of 42 the soil profile. According to the parameterised model, SOM turnover within the thin O43 horizon rapidly produces DOM (46 gC m a), which is predominantly hydrophobic. This 44 DOM is nearly all adsorbed in the Aand B-horizons, and while most is mineralised relatively 45 quickly, 11 gC m a undergoes a “maturing” reaction, producing mineral-associated stable 46 SOM pools with mean residence times of 100-200 years. Only a small flux (~ 1 gC m a) of 47 hydrophilic DOM leaves the B-horizon. The SOM not associated with mineral matter is 48 assumed to be derived from root litter, and turns over quite quickly (mean residence time 2049 30 years). Although DyDOC was successfully fitted to C pools, annual fluxes and C data, it 50 accounted less well for short-term variations in DOC concentrations. 51 52
Introducing EFL faculty to online instructional conversations

Abstract This article describes the anatomy and dynamics of an online professional development activity, the Moodle fishbowl. The fishbowl was designed as an opportunity for experienced EFL educators to witness and make sense of instructional conversation strategies that they might themselves use as they migrate their EFL courses to blended and eventually fully online venues, venues where the roles and dynamics of interaction are decidedly different than those in the live classroom. A major emphasis in this professional development sequence was to raise faculty awareness of the unique affordances on which they, as experienced language educators, might capitalize through observation of authentic examples of responsive online instructional strategies. To that end, three-week-long collaborations were established between participating faculty's EFL students and a ‘cultural expert’ in the US. The cultural experts were doctoral students in language technology who employed instructional conversation strategies with the EFL students as part of informal, authentic asynchronous threaded discourse topics. The role of the faculty in training was to observe these conversations by looking into the metaphorical fishbowl, reflect on the anatomy and impact of these online instructional conversations, and report back to the group as a whole. The following narrates the rationale, processes and outcomes of this Moodle fishbowl professional development sequence and suggests future considerations in supporting language educators as they move some or all of their instruction online.
Effect of repeated ethanol withdrawal on glutamate microdialysate in the hippocampus.

BACKGROUND Our previous studies, which identified that ethanol withdrawal is associated with increases in glutamate microdialysate in the nucleus accumbens and reaches a maximum at 12 hr, have now been extended in order to assess whether repeated cycles of chronic ethanol intoxication followed by 12 hr withdrawal periods on three occasions alters glutamate release in the hippocampus of male rats. METHODS In this study, the microdialysis technique has been used with the HPLC and electrochemical detection. RESULTS During the first cycle of ethanol withdrawal, glutamate content increased significantly 8 hr after withdrawal (198.4% +/- 89.14%) by comparison with control rats. During the second period of ethanol withdrawal, 1 week after the initial withdrawal episode, glutamate microdialysate content increased significantly 10 hr after withdrawal, but to a much lower degree than in the first episode (179.08 +/- 25.68%), by comparison with control rats. During the third cycle of ethanol withdrawal, the concentration of glutamate in the hippocampus microdialysate did not significantly change at either of these time points except at 12 hr when glutamate was significantly decreased by comparison with control rats (52.09 +/- 14.38%). Apart from arginine, which was significantly decreased both at the cessation of alcoholization and during the 12 hr of the three withdrawal episodes, none of the other neurotransmitters assayed, aspartate, taurine, alanine, or GABA, showed any significant alteration. CONCLUSION These results clearly indicate that elevated glutamate release during the first withdrawal episode is not paralleled in subsequent withdrawal episodes.
A pilot study of oxcarbazepine versus acamprosate in alcohol-dependent patients.

OBJECTIVES This pilot study has been designed to collect preliminary data on the use of a new antiepileptic drug in the management of alcoholic patients. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Its metabolite reduces high-voltage-activated calcium currents in striatal and cortical neurons, thus reducing glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. This reduction is of interest in the treatment of alcohol dependence, as acamprosate (ACP) modulates NMDA receptors, resulting in an inhibition of glutamatergic transmission. Furthermore, OXC has revealed a mood-stabilizing effect in bipolar affective disorders. We have compared OXC with ACP in relapse prevention in recently withdrawn alcohol-dependent patients. METHODS We investigated the efficacy and safety of OXC (vs ACP) by conducting a 24-week randomized, parallel-group, open-label, clinical trial on 30 acutely detoxified alcoholic patients. Survival analyses (Kaplan-Meier) were performed to look for evidence of a longer "survival" of patients receiving OXC. We assessed time to first severe relapse and additional secondary endpoints. RESULTS After withdrawal, time to severe relapse and time to first consumption of any ethanol by OXC patients were not longer than for ACP patients. Abstinent patients in both study groups showed a significantly lower obsessive compulsive drinking scale-German version (OCDS-G) than relapsed patients. No undesired effects occurred when OXC patients consumed alcohol. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that it could be worthwhile to test relapse prevention using OXC in an adequate sample. While the current sample size clearly limits further conclusions from this pilot study, it is noteworthy that OXC is well tolerated, even when alcohol is on board. Thus, in medication-based relapse prevention, OXC could be a promising alternative for alcoholic patients unable to benefit from ACP or naltrexone or those who have affective liability. OXC certainly merits a larger placebo-controlled trial.
Bank Loans and Trade Credit Under China's Financial Repression

China has maintained a financial system with favorable treatments toward state-owned enterprises. Albeit having been denied access to formal financing such as bank loans, China's non-state firms have grown rather fast. China's experience has often been interpreted as indicating that alternative informal financing channels such as trade credit can substitute for formal financing and support firm growth. In this study, we systematically compare the relative importance of bank loans and trade credit in promoting firm performance and firm growth, and find that access to bank loans is more important than does availability of trade credit. Our results imply that firms cannot get around financial repression through alternative financing channels, and suggest that it is an imperative to dismantle the financial repression regime so as to promote firm growth and performance.
[Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome by vertical transmission: neurological disorders].

INTRODUCTION Forty million people are currently infected by HIV; of these, 50% are women and children. Vertical transmission occurs in 90% of the cases reported in the literature and was also observed by the authors of the present study at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, in the follow up of 340 HIV positive children since 1985. Transmission can occur during pregnancy (intrauterine) or during labor and delivery (intrapartum). In addition, HIV has been identified in the breast milk of infected mothers, which represents a contraindication for breastfeeding in these cases. Laboratory diagnosis is carried out using the following tests: ELISA, Western blot, and indirect immunofluorescence. DEVELOPMENT Neurological manifestations in children may be divided into primary neurological diseases and secondary complications. Primary neurological diseases include both static encephalopathy, of slow evolution, and progressive encephalopathy, which affects neuropsychomotor development. The follow up of 340 children with AIDS showed encephalopathy in 32.5% of cases and delayed neuropsychomotor development in 42.5%. Opportunistic infections occurred in 33.8% of cases (one infant presented meningoencephalitis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi). One child presented lymphomas, 2.6% had cerebrovascular accidents, and 5% had peripheral neuropathies. Currently, 54 children of those followed since birth have over 10 years of age, and of these, 31 (57%) present neurological symptoms 40% with encephalopathy and 30% with neurological complications; the remaining children present educational, behavioral, and developmental difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Several factors have influenced the natural history of AIDS in childhood, such as early diagnosis, drug regimen used, social, economic, and nutritional conditions, as well as health practices aimed at this population.
Margins and yield in single flux quantum logic

Simulations are used to optimize the design of simple rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) logic gates and to determine their margins. Optimizations based on maximizing the smallest (critical) margin result in critical margins in the range of 19-50%. A Monte Carlo approach is used to illustrate the relationship between margins and process yield. Based on single gate simulations, the results show that 1 sigma parameter spreads of less than about +or-5% will be required to make medium- or large-scale integrated RSFQ logic circuits. A single-bit full adder using five RSFQ gates and a local self-timing network are simulated with discrete components. The full adder used 2000-A/cm/sup 2/ junctions with a specific capacitance of 0.04 pF/ mu /sup 2/ and had a logic delay of 87 ps and a worst-case margin of +or-19%. A small margin reduction which is not present in the individual gate simulations results from loading. <<ETX>>
In vitro assessment of cytogenetic and oxidative effects of α-pinene

α-Pinene (α-pinene), a bicyclic monoterpene, is present in the oils of many species of coniferous trees, most notably the pine, and is known for its diverse biological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant. However, there are limited data on the cytogenetic and antioxidant effects of α-pinene in cultured human blood cells (n = 5) for the first time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic, oxidative, and cytotoxic effects of α-pinene in cultured human blood cells (n = 5) for the first time. Human blood cells were treated with α-pinene (0 to 200 mg/L) for 24 and 48 h, and then cytotoxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay, while DNA damage was also analyzed by micronucleus (MN) assay, chromosomal aberration (CA) assay and 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG). In addition, biochemical parameters (total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS)) were examined to determine oxidative effects. The results of LDH and MTT assays showed that α-pinene (at 200 mg/L) decreased cell viability. In our in vitro test systems, it was observed that α-pinene did not cause any statistically important changes in the rates of studied genotoxicity endpoints but dose-dependent alterations were observed in TAC and TOS levels. α-Pinene treatment caused increases in TAC levels (at 25 and 50 mg/L) and decreases in TOS levels (only at 200 mg/L) on human lymphocytes. In conclusion, the findings of the present study confirm for the first time that α-pinene could be a significant source of natural antioxidant compound that may have beneficial health effects.
Web branding at Vietnamese manufacturing enterprises

The research stream on Website quality has evolved in recent years. Although several research issues have been addressed, there remain gaps in literature about the facilitators of Website as a brand. Therefore, the general purpose of this study is to identify, describe and analyze factors that have had an impact on customer awareness and loyalty to a Website. Based on the literature review, a theoretical model and hypotheses have been developed. The research has incorporated the concepts of AIPDB (which stands for the five strategic functions of a Website: Attract, Inform, Position, Deliver and Building relationships) into the model and proposed to be tested the potential effects on the formation of Web awareness and loyalty. Data was collected from 477 Internet users through a survey in Vietnam. It was first used to assess and refine the measurement scales through factor analysis. Then it was used to validate the model through the multiple regression equation. Based on the statistics derived, test of hypotheses were undertaken and the results were discussed. A single case study was also investigated to illustrate the Web branding practice at the local pharmaceutical company, the Traphaco. The key findings of this research show that the Website as a brand serves as an invitation and gives the audience a reason to visit the Website. The information quality, site appearance, download speed and personalization are the critical success factors that significantly impact loyalty to a Website. However, Vietnamese manufacturers in general and the Traphaco in particular implement few marketing activities both online and offline to attract visitors to their sites and encourage them to come back. This research has bridged gaps in existing theory in several ways. First, it focuses on the marketing communication function of Web branding, an important issue which has not yet been thoroughly researched. Secondly, it provides an integrative conceptual model for examining the determinants of customer awareness and