Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the shear rate dependence of red cell aggregation in vitro.

Non-Newtonian viscosity of blood, i.e., the rise in apparent viscosity at low flow, was believed to be a result of reversible aggregation of red cells at low velocity gradients (shear rate). By making a cone-plate viscometer transparent, direct observation was made possible of the blood flowing under defined shear rates. Red cell aggregates, occurring in all cases at low flow, were reversibly dispersed by increasing the shear rate. This behavior was independent of the addition of anticoagulants, but it could be altered by changing the plasma protein composition. Red cells in serum did not form aggregates; such nonaggregating samples did show an increase in viscosity at low shear rates. Since the sedimentation rate can be influenced by many parameters, it is not reliable in describing red cell aggregation. Aggregation of red cells is linked with a marked separation of plasma and cells. Such a separation is of considerable influence on cone-plate viscometry.
Apparent bioavailability of isoflavones after intake of liquid and solid soya foods

Isoflavone (IFL) intake may provide numerous health benefits, but IFL bioavailability differences among soya foods remains uncertain. Urinary IFL excretion (UIE) was shown to provide a reliable surrogate for systemic IFL exposure and therefore can be used as a measure of ‘apparent bioavailability’ (AB). We investigated the AB of IFL in fourteen healthy adults, consuming two liquid and two solid soya foods in a crossover designed study. Volunteers consumed the foods with a self-selected breakfast, which was kept identical for all four soya items (soya nuts, soya milk, soya protein bar and soya protein powder drink in water; average 23·7 mg IFL, 88–96 % glycosides, by HPLC analysis) and collected all urine up to 26 h. Liquid foods showed initially higher UIE values than solid foods, but this difference was considerably reduced or disappeared entirely after 24–26 h. Conclusive AB results were obtained only after 24–26 h; earlier collections were not reliable. At 26 h, adjusted UIE values for daidzein (DE) were 20 μmol in the milk and bar and 17 μmol for the nut and powder; urinary genistein excretion was the highest in the milk group (10 μmol) followed by the nut, bar (both 6 μmol) and powder groups (5 μmol); the UIE for glycitein was the highest for bars (4 μmol), followed by powder and nuts (3 μmol), and milk (2 μmol). DE makes the largest contribution to urinary total IFL. The AB of IFL was found to be variable depending on the analyte and soya food consumed.
Home versus hospital intravenous antibiotic therapy for acute pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis

To compare the effectiveness of home versus hospital intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for acute pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). A retrospective chart review was performed of 143 encounters for pulmonary exacerbations in 50 patients with CF. All encounters were categorized into two groups based on location of completion of antibiotic therapy: hospital group completed treatment in hospital (n = 64), home group completed treatment at home (n = 79). Percent change was calculated for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced expiratory flow rate between 25 percent and 75 percent of vital capacity (FEF25–75%), maximum forced expiratory flow (FEFmax), oxygen saturation (O2 SAT), and weight. Means of percent change (PC) from the beginning to the end of IV antibiotic treatment in outcome variables were compared. Total duration of treatment was compared between the two groups. The two groups had no significant differences at baseline in all outcome variables. Treatment of exacerbations in both groups resulted in significant improvement of lung function, O2 SATS, and weight (P ≤ 0.001). The percent change in FEV1 was greater in hospital group versus home group (P = 0.04). The duration of treatment was significantly shorter in the hospital group (P = 0.001). Home and hospital IV antibiotic therapy resulted in significant improvement in lung function and weight. Hospital therapy, however, resulted in significantly greater improvement in FEV‐1 and required less duration of treatment as compared to home treatment in children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 744–749. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of guaiac and immunological fecal occult blood tests in colorectal cancer screening: The patient perspective

Abstract Objective. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs can decide upon the type of fecal occult blood test (FOBT): the guaiac FOBT (g-FOBT) or the immunological FOBT (i-FOBT). The effectiveness of any screening program depends not only on the diagnostic performance of the screening test but also on the compliance and general acceptance of the test by the public. Any decision on the type of FOBT for CRC screening should also take acceptation and perception into account. The aim of the present study was to study differences in patient perception between i-FOBT and g-FOBT and differences in perception and participation rates among relevant subgroups in a population based study. Material and methods. Differences in patient perception of i-FOBT and g-FOBT and differences in perception and participation rates among relevant subgroups were investigated (n = 20,623) by sending a short questionnaire to all invited to the first Dutch CRC screening trial. Results. i-FOBT was perceived significantly more favorable than g-FOBT. About 1275 (32%) participants reported the g-FOBT not easy to use, not easy to perform, disgusting or shameful compared to 742 (16%) for the i-FOBT (p < 0.001). The participation rate was significantly higher in those who received i-FOBT compared to the g-FOBT group: 6159 of 10,322 (60%) versus 4839 of 10,301 (47%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions. These findings support the selection of i-FOBT as the more appropriate test for population screening programs.
Effect of thermal stress on Frank–Starling relations in humans

The Frank–Starling ‘law of the heart’ is implicated in certain types of orthostatic intolerance in humans. Environmental conditions have the capacity to modulate orthostatic tolerance, where heat stress decreases and cooling increases orthostatic tolerance. The objective of this project was to test the hypothesis that heat stress augments and cooling attenuates orthostatic‐induced decreases in stroke volume (SV) via altering the operating position on a Frank–Starling curve. Pulmonary artery catheters were placed in 11 subjects for measures of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and SV (thermodilution derived cardiac output/heart rate). Subjects experienced lower‐body negative‐pressure (LBNP) of 0, 15 and 30 mmHg during normothermia, skin‐surface cooling (decrease in mean skin temperature of 4.3 ± 0.4°C (mean ±s.e.m.) via perfusing 16°C water through a tubed‐lined suit), and whole‐body heating (increase in blood temperature of 1.0 ± 0.1°C via perfusing 46°C water through the suit). SV was 123 ± 8, 121 ± 10, 131 ± 7 ml prior to LBNP, during normothermia, skin‐surface cooling, and whole‐body heating, respectfully (P= 0.20). LBNP of 30 mmHg induced greater decreases in SV during heating (−48.7 ± 6.7 ml) compared to normothermia (−33.2 ± 7.4 ml) and to cooling (−10.3 ± 2.9 ml; all P < 0.05). Relating PCWP to SV indicated that cooling values were located on the flatter portion of a Frank–Starling curve because of attenuated decreases in SV per decrease in PCWP. In contrast, heating values were located on the steeper portion of a Frank–Starling curve because of augmented decreases in SV per decrease in PCWP. These data suggest that a Frank–Starling mechanism may contribute to improvements in orthostatic tolerance during cold stress and orthostatic intolerance during heat stress.
An Investigation into the Origins of Time-Dependent Variation in Penetration Rates with Charnley Acetabular Cups—Wear, Creep or Degradation?

The total penetration of femoral heads into acetabular cups is achieved by a combination of long-term wear and early non-recoverable deformation or creep. The former is important in determining the total rate of production of polyethylene wear debris, recently implicated in the development of osteolysis and loosening, while the latter contributes to the overall penetration and the possibility of neck impingement in some designs of implants. Attention is drawn to the need to evaluate and to separate out these two physical processes in the assessment of clinical penetration rates. This is particularly important with more recent designs and combinations of materials, which are capable of operating with much reduced wear rates. Measurements of the penetrations of metallic femoral heads into polyethylene acetabular cups in 87 explanted Charnley hip arthroplasties from 85 patients are reported and assessed. The vast majority of the acetabular cups had been sterilized by gamma irradiation and the established shadowgraph technique was used to determine the penetrations. The average implantation time was 8.75 years, with a range from 0.2–18.6 years and the average age was 55 years, covering the span 19–73 years. The influence of sterilization procedure, implantation time and patient age are considered. Assessments of the relative magnitudes of wear and non-recoverable deformation are made by different statistical techniques and compared with previously reported data from clinical and laboratory studies.
The impact of a physician awareness group and the first year of training on hematology-oncology fellows.

PURPOSE To assess the impact of a Balint-like physician awareness group on hematology-oncology fellows' attitudes and measure changes in attitudes during the first fellowship year. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used a modified crossover design in which one half of a fellowship class at a time was exposed to the group intervention over a 2-year period (2000 to 2002). Two 14-fellow classes were followed for 1 year each and were given three "attitudes" questionnaires, at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic year. RESULTS Forty Balint group sessions were held during the 2-year study period; 82 questionnaires of the 84 administered (98%) were recovered. Instrument content and criterion validity were demonstrated, as was topic domain reliability. Overall, mean attitude scores increased following the group intervention, from 3.6 (95% CI, 3.5 to 3.7) to 3.7 (95% CI, 3.6 to 3.8; P =.09). Within domains, scores increased in a "fellow's views of him/herself as a physician," from 3.8 (95% CI, 3.6 to 3.9) to 4.1 (95% CI, 3.9 to 4.2; P =.008) and "comfort dealing with emotional patient/clinical situations," from 3.5 (95% CI, 3.3 to 3.7) to 3.7 (95% CI, 3.6 to 3.9; P =.11). Changes in responses to individual questions included: an increase in fellows' comfort with the technical aspects of being an oncologist (P <.03); an increase in fellows' comfort with discussing the stress of home at work (P <.023); and an increase among fellows in feeling pressed for time to discuss psychosocial issues with patients (P =.035). CONCLUSION A physician awareness group was feasible and enhanced fellows' development as physicians. Further research is needed to determine how to incorporate such groups into oncology fellowships.
E-government maturity model using the capability maturity model integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for assessing the maturity level of electronic government (e‐government). Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual framework is based on two models: the intellectual capital (IC) management and the capability maturity model integration (CMMI). Findings – The framework is composed of four input areas (human capital, structural capital, relational capital, and IT investment) and five maturity stages (web presence, interaction, transaction, integration, and continuous improvement). These areas are assessed by using the IC management model and the CMMI model. Employing the IC management process enables not only practitioners to effectively manage resources, but also auditors to more objectively assess the input area. Using the CMMI model allows governments to conduct process‐based assessments.Originality/value – The paper contributes to the literature and practice in the following ways. First, it outlines how to define and assess key attributes o.
99mTc-3PRGD2 Scintimammography in Palpable and Nonpalpable Breast Lesions

The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic performance of 99mTc-3(poly-(ethylene glycol),PEG)4-RGD2 (99mTc-3PRGD2) scintimammography (SMM) in patients with either palpable or nonpalpable breast lesions and compare SMM to mammography to assess the possible incremental value of SMM in breast cancer detection. We also investigated the αvβ3 expression in malignant and benign breast lesions. Ninety-four patients with 110 lesions were included in this study. Mammograms were evaluated according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) by a specialized imaging radiologist. Prone SMM was performed 1 hour after injection of 99mTc-3PRGD2. Scintigraphic images were interpreted independently by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians using a three-point system, and the kappa value was calculated to determine the interreader agreement. The McNemar test was used to compare SMM and mammography with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Diagnostic values for breast cancer detection were evaluated for each lesion. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate integrin αvβ3 expression. Histopathology revealed 46 malignant lesions and 64 benign lesions. The overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SMM were 83%, 73%, 77%, 69%, and 85%, respectively. The kappa value between the two reviewers was 0.63. The diagnostic values of SMM were higher than those of mammography in evaluating overall breast lesions. A sensitivity of 91% was achieved when SMM and mammography results were combined with 60% of all false-negative mammography findings classified as true-positive results by SMM. Integrin αvβ3 expression was positively identified using SMM imaging. SMM is a promising tool to avoid unnecessary biopsies when used in addition to mammography and can be used to image αvβ3 expression in breast cancer with good image quality.
Treatment of nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity with preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy: a report from the Children's Cancer Group.

PURPOSE The specific aims of this study were to improve event-free survival (EFS) in patients with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of an extremity using the histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy to determine postoperative chemotherapy; to evaluate a uniform histologic grading system that measures tumor response; and to identify patient characteristics that might influence EFS and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two hundred sixty-eight patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity were entered between August 1983 and October 1986. Preoperative chemotherapy consisted of four courses of high-dose methotrexate (MTX) and one course of bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin (BCD). Histologic response to preoperative chemotherapy was determined by morphometric analysis. Good histologic responders (< 5% residual viable tumor) were treated postoperatively with MTX, BCD, and doxorubicin (DOX); poor histologic responders were treated with BCD, DOX, and cisplatin (CDDP). RESULTS The 8-year EFS and survival rates were 53% and 60%, respectively. Two hundred six patients had their tumors assessed for histologic response: 28% displayed a good histologic response to preoperative chemotherapy. Good histologic responders had an 8-year postoperative EFS rate of 81% and survival rate of 87%; those with a poor histologic response had an 8-year postoperative EFS rate of 46% and survival rate of 52%. A primary tumor site in the proximal humerus or proximal femur and an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level were associated with an increased risk of an adverse event, whereas the type of surgical procedure was not. CONCLUSION EFS and survival appear to be directly related to histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
coronary arterial myocytes Production of NAADP and its role in Ca 2 + mobilization associated with lysosomes in on the following

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , February 1, 2002; 92 (2): 527-534. J Appl Physiol Y. Morio and I. F. McMurtry vasoconstriction in rat lungs Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive store contributes to mechanism of hypoxic [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , April 1, 2002; 282 (4): H1304-H1310. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol W. -X. Tang, Y. -F. Chen, A. -P. Zou, W. B. Campbell and P.-L. Li arterial smooth muscle Role of FKBP12.6 in cADPR-induced activation of reconstituted ryanodine receptors from [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , March 1, 2006; 290 (3): H1136-H1144. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol X. -Y. Yi, V. X. Li, F. Zhang, F. Yi, D. R. Matson, M. T. Jiang and P.-L. Li artery smooth muscle Characteristics and actions of NAD(P)H oxidase on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of coronary [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , July 1, 2006; 291 (1): F155-F161. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol M. A. Carroll, A. B. Doumad, J. Li, M. K. Cheng, J. R. Falck and J. C. McGiff that activate the cAMP/PKA pathway Adenosine2A receptor vasodilation of rat preglomerular microvessels is mediated by EETs [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , July 1, 2006; 291 (1): H274-H282. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol F. Zhang, G. Zhang, A. Y. Zhang, M. J. Koeberl, E. Wallander and P.-L. Li coronary arterial myocytes Production of NAADP and its role in Ca2+ mobilization associated with lysosomes in
Antimicrobial Activity of Ferula halophila Peflmen

Water, methanol extract and fractions obtained from methanol extract (chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and remainder) of the aerial and underground parts of Ferula halophila were evaluated for antimicrobial activities. Cefazolin, ciprofloxacin and fluconazole were used as standards. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (clinical isolate), Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Bacillus cereus RSKK 1122, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 were investigated by using disc diffusion method. It was observed that the chloroform extract of aerial and underground parts showed activity against Gram-positive MRSA, S. aureus, B. cereus, and B. subtilis. While the extracts of the aerial parts showed less effect. None of the extracts was found active against the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa or against the Gram-positive bacterium E. faecalis. Similarly, extracts of aerial and underground parts had no antifungal activity against C. albicans. The activity of the extracts and fractions of aerial and underground parts of Ferula halophila was less than that of the standards.
Kamuee Zero : the Design and Implementation of Route Table for High-Performance Software Router

We desire, in general, a flexible, controllable intelligent communication network infrastructure, that can robustly support human activities in a large scale. Toward such SDN/NFV oriented network design, we start to seek for a good software router design in this paper. We introduce a software router implementation called “Kamuee”, which integrates DPDK, RCU, and Poptrie. In this paper the design principle, the architecture, and the software implementation status are explained. We show through the performance evaluation that 1) the performance figure of some hundreds giga bps is achievable by the use of commodity hardware, 2) the packet loss problem still remains as the severe problem to overcome, 3) Poptrie can handle very high-speed routing decisions for 40GbE wire-rate tra c, actually in a real IP router system. Kamuee implementation and its simple design principle are expected for various further applications. Examples include the development of high-speed middleboxes such as firewalls, CGNs, load-balancers, or massive scale routers handling quite a number of BGP and/or VPN.
Evalution of Multi-drug Resistance and ESBL, AmpC, Metallo β- Lactamase Production in Gram Negative Bacteria Causing Pharyngotonsillitis

Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis are an infection of the throat region poses one of the most common problems in the upper respiratory tract infection and is one of the main reasons leading the persons to seek advice from a physician. This study was carried out during the period (December, 2012 to August, 2013). A total of two hundred of throat sawbs were collected from patients with tonsillitis and pharyngitis infection at the age ranged between (1-70) years, who were attending the clinic outpatient unit in Rizgary and Raparin teaching Throat swabs were collected and examined for microscopically using Gram stain examination and culture technique. Isolated microorganisms were identified using microscopical, morphological, biochemical tests and Vitek2 compact system. The results showed that 134 (67%) of throat swabs were culture positive the total number of isolated microorganism isolates obtained from patients were (185) isolates. These isolates were distributed between Gram-positive bacteria 143 (77.3%), Gram-negative bacteria 34 (18.4%) and fungi 8 (4.3%). Single isolates found in 84 (62.7%) and mixed isolates in 50 (37.3%). eaching hospitals in Erbil city. The most frequent isolated microorganisms from tonsillitis/pharyngitis patients were Staphylococcus aureus 54 (30.5%), Streptococcus pyogenes 16 (9%), Streptococcus parasanginis 12 (6.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 11 (6.2%) and Proteus mirabilis 10 (5.6%). All Gram-negative bacteria isolates (34) were screened for their ability to produce extended spectrum βlactamase enzyme by using double disk diffusion method, of them 26 (76.5%) were produced extended spectrum β-lactamases. All Gram-negative bacteria were screened for the presence of Ampicillin resistant (AmpC) β- lactamase enzyme using Disk antagonism test. Out of (34) Gram-negative isolates 11(32.4%) were found to be AmpC β- lactamase producers.
No Sex Difference in Contextual Control over the Expression of Latent Inhibition and Extinction in Pavlovian Fear Conditioning in Rats

Three experiments with Wistar rats searched for a sex difference in contextual control over the expression of latent inhibition and extinction. Experiment 1 used a latent inhibition procedure; Experiments 2 and 3 employed an extinction preparation. All experiments used a shock as the unconditioned stimulus, a tone as the conditioned stimulus, and suppression of food magazine visits as the measure of conditioned responding to the tone. Each experiment revealed a reliable context effect on conditioned responding to the tone; after conditioning in a separate context, conditioned responding in the former latent inhibition or extinction context was attenuated relative to conditioned responding in a control context. There was no sex difference in the magnitude of this effect. These results are discussed in the framework of sex differences in the hippocampus and of the putative role of this structure in various instances of contextual learning.