Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Verbal fluency in mania: relationship to number of manic episodes.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine verbal fluency in a group of patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) during an acute episode of mania, and to determine whether performance was related to disease chronicity. We hypothesized that manic patients with BPD would be impaired on verbal fluency, and that this impairment would be greatest in those individuals who had experienced a greater number of manic episodes. METHOD Forty-five manic inpatients with bipolar disorder, and 30 healthy volunteers completed tests of phonemic and semantic verbal fluency. The patients were dichotomized into those experiencing their first episode of mania (FE) and those who had experienced multiple episodes (ME). RESULTS On the phonemic fluency task, ME patients produced significantly fewer words than both healthy volunteers and FE patients, and they made a greater number of errors. No significant group differences in overall output were found on the semantic fluency task, although the ME group was more error-prone than were the other groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that verbal fluency is more impaired in ME patients than in patients who have experienced only a single manic episode.
Challenges Facing Schools Management on the Implementation of Free Education Reform in Tanzania: A Case Of Dodoma Region

The general objective of this study was to examine the challenges facing schools management in the implementation of free education reform: A case of Dodoma region. The main objective was to determine the perceptions of heads of schools and teachers on a free education reform in secondary schools, identifying the challenges facing heads of schools in managing public secondary schools and identifying the strategies used by the heads of schools in subsidizing grants given by the government in managing the schools. The study adopted mixed research approach which employed descriptive survey design so as to accomplish the objective of the study. 80 respondents selected from among the secondary school teachers of Dodoma municipal and Kondoa District. Through semi structured interview and questionnaire the data were collected from this group. Quantitative analysis was done by the help of SPSS, while the qualitative analysis was done using content analysis and presented through description and explanation. The findings of the study reveal that, free educational reform has a positive phenomenon and supported by the majority as it increased the number of students. Lack of true information to the parents on what free education is abrupt implementation to education stakeholders such as heads of schools and teachers, deterioration of working spirit for teachers, economic hardship in schools which led to scarcity of physical facilities and the insufficiency of human resources especially non teaching staff. The study recommends; free educational reform to materialize there should be amicable cooperation among different stakeholders, cooperation between teachers, students and parents. The government should be an overseer in the harmonious cooperation and provide sufficiency funds in school.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in patients with and without renal failure

Background and objective: This study clarifies the relationship between the neuromuscular blocking effects of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1 and its pharmacokinetics in patients with renal failure. Methods: Seventeen healthy patients and 17 patients with renal failure were studied under propofol anaesthesia in this prospective open label study. Rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1 was given after induction of anaesthesia. The train‐of‐four mechano‐myographic response of the thumb to supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve at 2 Hz every 12 s was measured. Venous blood samples (4 mL) were obtained at 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 360 min after relaxant administration. Samples were centrifuged, separated and stored at −20°C until plasma levels of rocuronium and its metabolites were measured. Two‐ and three‐exponential equations were used to describe the pharmacokinetic data in each group and these were compared to each other using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test as was the pharmacodynamic data. P < 0.05 was significant. Results: Onset of block was similar in both groups. Clinical duration and the time to recovery of the train‐of‐four to 70% were prolonged in the renal failure group compared to control; 49 vs. 32 min (P < 0.004, 95% confidential interval 17, difference 5‐28) and 88 vs. 55 min (P < 0.001, 95% confidential interval 33, difference 17‐50), respectively. Clearance of rocuronium was reduced by 39% in the renal failure patients compared to control, with an 84% increase in the mean residence time. The volume of distribution was unaffected by renal failure. Conclusions: The duration of action of a bolus dose of 0.6 mg kg−1 rocuronium is increased significantly in patients with end‐stage renal failure compared to healthy controls. This increase may be due to a decreased clearance of rocuronium, the disease process causing the renal failure and/or the medication which patients with renal failure need in their treatment.
Human Antibody Fragments Specific for the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Selected from Large Non-immunised Phage Display Libraries

Antibodies to EGFR have been shown to display anti-tumour effects mediated in part by inhibition of cellular proliferation and angiogenesis, and by enhancement of apoptosis. Humanised antibodies are preferred for clinical use to reduce complications with HAMA and HAHA responses frequently seen with murine and chimaeric antibodies. We have used depletion and subtractive selection strategies on cells expressing the EGFR to sample two large antibody fragment phage display libraries for the presence of human antibodies which are specific for the EGFR. Four Fab fragments and six scFv fragments were identified, with affinities of up to 2.2 nM as determined by BIAcore analysis using global fitting of the binding curves to obtain the individual rate constants (ka and kd). This overall approach offers a generic screening method for the identification of growth factor specific antibodies and antibody fragments from large expression libraries and has potential for the rapid development of new therapeutic and diagnostic reagents.
Acid‐suppressive therapy is associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients: A meta‐analysis

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and H2‐receptor antagonists (H2RA) are frequently prescribed in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. There are conflicting reports regarding the role of acid‐suppressive therapy in predisposing hospitalized patients with cirrhosis to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the association between acid‐suppressive therapy and the risk of SBP in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.
Pentoxifylline, Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Improve the Ineffective Hematopoiesis in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients

Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were randomized to either begin therapy with pentoxifylline, ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone (PCD) immediately (10 patients) or after a 12 week observation period (control arm, 15 patients). PCD was administered with the goal of suppressing cytokine-induced excessive intramedullary apoptosis of hematopoietic cells. No marked fluctuations of blood counts were noted during the period of observation. Twenty-two patients completed at least 12 weeks of therapy: 18/22 showed some type of hematologic response, 9/18 showing an improvement in absolute neutrophil count only (p = < 0.001) and 9/18 showing multi-lineage responses. No unique category of MDS responded better, however 19/25 patients had refractory anemia (RA)/RA with ringed sideroblasts. The median time to response was 6 weeks and 3/18 responding patients maintained their responses beyond a year. We conclude that hematologic improvement in response to PCD therapy supports the validity of this unique anti-cytokine approach. Future trials should combine PCD therapy with established approaches (growth factors/chemotherapy) and also should focus on identifying more effective ways of suppressing the pro-apoptotic cytokines in MDS.
Associations between familial affluence and obesity risk behaviours among children.

BACKGROUND Results of studies examining associations between socioeconomic status and obesity among children are mixed. OBJECTIVE To examine whether physical activity, television viewing, computer use, and fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet consumption differed according to familial affluence of children attending schools in disadvantaged communities. METHOD A total of 218 children (seven to 11 years of age) recruited from three Calgary (Alberta) schools located in two adjacent socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods completed online surveys during the spring of 2005/2006. The number of days per week participating in vigorous physical activity for more than 20 min, and weekly frequency of fruit, vegetable, sweet and soft drink consumption were collected. Time spent watching television and using a computer during a normal school day was also captured. A family affluence scale was used to assess socioeconomic status (number of family holidays in the past year, ownership of motor vehicles and computers, and bedroom sharing). Associations between familial affluence and obesity risk behaviours were estimated using Pearson's correlation and demographic-adjusted logistic regression ORs. RESULTS Higher family affluence scale scores were significantly associated with weekly fruit consumption (r=0.14). Children with lower affluence were less likely to participate in vigorous physical activity five days/week or more (OR=0.39), and to use a computer for more than 2 h/day (OR=0.41) than children with higher affluence. Linear trends between familial affluence and the likelihood of participating in physical activity and using a computer were also found. However, no other behaviours were related to affluence. CONCLUSIONS Increasing opportunities for physical activity and accessibility to healthy food may be important for reducing obesity risk among less affluent children.
Predictors of Professional Nursing Practice Behaviors in Hospital Settings

BackgroundMany hospital nurses perform isolated, routine tasks, rather than use their professional training, because they are subject to control by organizational and medical divisions of labor. The environment may interfere with a nurse's ability to practice autonomously and according to professional standards. ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to explore how certain factors in the environment and personal characteristics interact to affect hospital nursing practice behaviors. MethodsThe study used a nonexperimental, comparative design. Surveys were sent to a random sample of 500 nurses throughout the state of Michigan. Three instruments, measuring structural empowerment, self-efficacy for nursing practice, and professional practice behaviors, were included. Path analysis was used for statistical analysis. ResultsThree hundred sixty-four nurses responded (73%), of whom 251 provided usable protocols for the final analysis. Environmental factors (structural empowerment) contributed both directly to professional practice behaviors as well as indirectly through self-efficacy. Self-efficacy mainly exerted its effect as a mediator in the relationship between environmental factors and practice behaviors. Support for the proposed theoretical model was mixed, although the proposed model fit the data well (χ2 = 11.02 [(5, N = 251), p < . 05, CFI = . 999, NNFI = . 991, RMSEA = . 069]). An alternative model emerged from the data analysis. DiscussionNurses may practice more professionally when the environment provides opportunities and power through resources, support, and information. Self-efficacy may contribute to professional practice behaviors, especially in an environment that has the requisite factors that provide empowerment.
Heat shock factor functions at the convergence of the stress response and developmental pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans

Heat shock factor (HSF) is best characterized as the transcriptional regulator of heat shock protein genes, required by all cells to survive periods of stress. Recent evidence suggests that HSF also functions to regulate the expression of genes involved in growth and development under normal physiological conditions. In this study, we used RNA interference (RNAi) assays to investigate the role of HSF in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exposure of wild‐type worms to hsf dsRNAi constructs caused a temperature‐sensitive developmental arrest at the L2/L3 stage. At normal growth temperatures, hsf(RNAi) worms that developed to adults were small and scrawny, largely infertile, and showed a significant reduction in life span. These results demonstrate that HSF is required for normal postembryonic development under physiological conditions. Following heat shock, hsf(RNAi) worms were thermosensitive and displayed a significant reduction of hsp16 expression. When hsf(RNAi) was carried out in various dauer‐constitutive mutant backgrounds, a dramatic reversal of dauer formation was observed, indicating that HSF is also required in the dauer pathway. In its natural habitat of the soil, where C. elegans is exposed to a constantly fluctuating environment; the ability to integrate the stress response with development may be an essential element of its ecology.
Transkribus - A Service Platform for Transcription, Recognition and Retrieval of Historical Documents

Transkribus is a comprehensive platform for the computer-aided transcription, recognition and retrieval of digitized historical documents. The main user interface is provided via an open-source desktop application that incorporates means to segment document images, to add a transcription and to tag entities within. The desktop application is able to connect to the platform's backend, which implements a document management system as well as several tools for document image analysis, such as layout analysis or automatic/handwritten text recognition (ATR/HTR). Access to documents, uploaded to the platform, may be granted to other users in order to collaborate on the transcription and to share results.
Full-length sucrose-formulated recombinant factor VIII for treatment of previously untreated or minimally treated young children with severe haemophilia A

Summary The safety and efficacy of a full-length sucrose-formulated recombinant factor VIII product (rFVIII-FS; KogenateFS; Kogenate Bayer) was evaluated in previously untreated (PUPs) and minimally treated (MTP) patients with severe haemophilia A (FVIII < 2%). Patients (37 PUPs; 24 MTPs) aged 0.1–25.7 months were treated with rFVIII-FS for a cumulative of 9,141 exposure days (EDs), median 114 EDs (range 4–478), on prophylactic or on-demand therapy. Eighty-nine percent of all treated bleeding episodes were successfully treated with 1 (74%) or 2 (15%) infusions. Clinical response to first infusion for each bleeding episode was rated as ‘excellent’ in 58%, or ‘good’ in 33%, of all cases. Recombinant FVIII-FS was used in 27 surgical procedures, mainly catheter implantations, which were all conducted without bleeding complications. FVIII recovery mean values (~2%/kg/ IU) were as expected for any licensed FVIII concentrate. FVIII neutralizing antibody formation was 15% (9/60). Aside from inhibitor formation, three adverse events were rated as ‘at least possibly drug-related’ for a total drug-related adverse event rate of 0.14%. No viral seroconversions were observed. Overall, excellent safety and efficacy were demonstrated with rFVIII-FS for therapy of young children with severe haemophilia A.
In Escherichia coli, MreB and FtsZ Direct the Synthesis of Lateral Cell Wall via Independent Pathways That Require PBP 2

ABSTRACT In Escherichia coli, the cytoplasmic proteins MreB and FtsZ play crucial roles in ensuring that new muropeptide subunits are inserted into the cell wall in a spatially correct way during elongation and division. In particular, to retain a constant diameter and overall shape, new material must be inserted into the wall uniformly around the cell's perimeter. Current thinking is that MreB accomplishes this feat through intermediary proteins that tether peptidoglycan synthases to the outer face of the inner membrane. We tested this idea in E. coli by using a dd-carboxypeptidase mutant that accumulates pentapeptides in its peptidoglycan, allowing us to visualize new muropeptide incorporation. Surprisingly, inhibiting MreB with the antibiotic A22 did not result in uneven insertion of new wall, although the cells bulged and lost their rod shapes. Instead, uneven (clustered) incorporation occurred only if MreB and FtsZ were inactivated simultaneously, providing the first evidence in E. coli that FtsZ can direct murein incorporation into the lateral cell wall independently of MreB. Inhibiting penicillin binding protein 2 (PBP 2) alone produced the same clustered phenotype, implying that MreB and FtsZ tether peptidoglycan synthases via a common mechanism that includes PBP 2. However, cell shape was determined only by the presence or absence of MreB and not by the even distribution of new wall material as directed by FtsZ.
Maternal multivitamin use and orofacial clefts in offspring.

BACKGROUND Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CLP) and cleft palate alone (CP) affect approximately 1 in 1000 infants and 1 in 2,500 infants, respectively. Studies of the relation between orofacial clefts and multivitamins or folic acid have been inconsistent. METHODS We used data from a population-based case-control study involving 309 nonsyndromic cleft-affected births (222 with CLP, 87 with CP) and 3,029 control births from 1968 to 1980 to evaluate the relation between regular multivitamin use and the birth prevalence of orofacial clefts. RESULTS We found a 48% risk reduction for CLP (odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval = 0.34-0.80) among mothers who used multivitamins during the periconceptional period or who started multivitamin use during the first postconceptional month, after controlling for several covariates. The risk reduction for CP was less than those for CLP (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.44-1.52); however, a small number of CP cases limited interpretation. No risk reductions for CLP or CP were found for women who began multivitamin use in the second or third month after conception. CONCLUSIONS The magnitude of the risk reduction in our study is comparable to those of other recent studies; our study does not support the contention that only large dosages of folic acid are needed to prevent orofacial clefts. More studies are needed to test the effects of multivitamins and varying dosages of folic acid on the recurrence and/or occurrence of orofacial clefts to provide information needed to determine possible prevention strategies. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alcohol tax cuts and increase in alcohol-positive sudden deaths: a time-series intervention analysis.

AIMS The impact of alcohol regulation changes in Finland during 2004 on alcohol-positive sudden deaths was analysed, focusing on: (1) removal of traveller's allowance quotas on alcohol imports from other European Union (EU) countries, (2) lowering of Finnish alcohol excise duty rates and (3) Estonia joining the EU. DESIGN The impact of these changes was estimated using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) analytical technique. Post-mortem forensic toxicology data were analysed over a 15-year period to account for seasonal and long-term variation. In all, the data comprised a weekly series of 33,782 alcohol-positive cases (at least 0.20 mg/g alcohol in blood) and a control series of 37,617 alcohol-negative cases. SETTING Finland in 1990-2004. FINDINGS The liberation of traveller's allowances had no material impact on alcohol-positive sudden deaths, but the impact of alcohol tax cuts in March 2004 was significant, resulting in an estimated eight additional alcohol-positive deaths per week, which is a 17% increase compared with the weekly average of 2003. The impact associated with Estonia joining the EU was not statistically significant. In the models applied to the control series of alcohol-negative deaths, none of the impact coefficients was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol tax cuts were associated with an increase in the number of sudden deaths involving alcohol. This parallels the reported increases in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related causes of death in 2004 in Finland.
Drug-resistant tuberculosis in Singapore, 1995 to 1996.

Singapore's tuberculosis incidence of 49 to 57 per 100,000 population for 1987 to 1996 presents a picture that is intermediate between developed and developing countries. The proportion of drug-resistant isolates has remained stable at 4.3% to 5.5% from 1992 to 1996 despite rising HIV rates. From 1995 to 1996, of the 199 consecutive drug-resistant isolates at the Central Tuberculosis Laboratory, 66% were mono-resistant, 22% dual-resistant and 12% resistant to more than two drugs. Isoniazid resistance was most prevalent, being found in 72% of isolates, followed by streptomycin resistance in 45%. Resistance to isoniazid and streptomycin (21%) was more common than to isoniazid and rifampicin, i.e. multidrug resistance (MDR) (14%). The small numbers indicated by the low overall prevalence of resistance and the predominance of single-drug resistance support the current initial choice of the standard short course with its three-drug initial phase. Of the 170 cases with matching National Tuberculosis Registry data, 72% of drug-resistant cases represented initial and 28% acquired resistance; testifying to the effectiveness of present day treatment regimens in suppressing resistance when compliance is assured. Case-control analysis using 244 drug-sensitive controls randomly selected from notifications in 1995 to 1996 showed an odds ratio for drug-resistance between subjects with a previous history and no previous history of tuberculosis of 2.47 (95% CI 1.40 to 4.37; P = 0.0007). With each increment in the number of episodes of tuberculosis experienced, there was a trend of resistance to progressively more drugs (P = 0.000004). This association remained even when a logistic regression model including all predictor variables was fitted. No associations were found with age, history of contact with tuberculosis, cavitary disease and, most notably, with human immunodeficiency virus infection. This study reaffirms that a history of previous tuberculosis should increase clinicians' index of suspicion for drug resistance, the urgency with which culture and sensitivity results are sought and the vigour with which patients are followed-up and compliance monitored.