Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of 8-cm 22G Seldinger Catheters for Intravenous access in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Purpose Long intravenous catheters are an effective and economical choice of vascular access for intravenous antibiotic therapy in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This prospective audit assesses the use of Vygon Leaderflex 22G × 8 cm catheters in an Australian tertiary centre. Key outcomes included catheter lifespan, ability to complete antibiotic therapy and complication rates. Methods All paediatric patients admitted with infective exacerbations of CF lung disease for 18 months between 2012 and 2013 were prospectively included. Data were analysed using t-tests and Fisher exact test. Results A total of 40 successful catheter insertions for 20 patients during 32 admissions were identified. The mean duration of the catheters was 10.08 days (median 9.5, SD=5.0). Of the 32 admissions, antibiotic therapy was completed with long catheters in 78% of cases (n=25) and with a single catheter in 48% (n=19). Rates of local complications were high, but there were no serious adverse outcomes. Conclusion Although limited by a small sample size, the results from this study are promising and suggest that 8 cm long catheters are a safe, effective and economical alternative to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in treating pulmonary exacerbations in children with CF.
Prevalence and treatment of decreased bone density in renal transplant recipients: a randomized prospective trial of calcitriol versus alendronate

Background. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is common in long-term renal transplant recipients and results in a high incidence of fractures. The optimal therapy for these patients is not known. Methods. Baseline BMD determinations were obtained in 211 long-term adult renal transplant recipients. One hundred and seventeen patients with a reduced BMD (T score ≤ −1) were randomly assigned to treatment with alendronate and calcium (n=60) versus calcitriol and calcium (n=57). Of these, 46 and 51 patients, respectively, completed 1 year of treatment. Forty-nine patients who were not eligible or did not consent to the trial were followed prospectively. Results. Reduced baseline BMD (T score ≤ −1) was present in 159 (78.7%) of patients at the lumbar spine or femur. There was no significant loss of BMD in the prospectively followed patients during 2.7 years. The average lumbar BMD increased from 0.984±0.149 to 1.025±0.143 g/cm2 (P <0.001) with alendronate and from 1.014±0.15 to 1.034±0.146 g/cm2 (P =0.002) with calcitriol. BMD at the femur increased from 0.809±0.092 to 0.836±0.107 g/cm2 (P <0.001) with alendronate and from 0.830±0.144 to 0.857±0.125 g/cm2 (P =0.023) with calcitriol. Conclusions. One year of treatment with alendronate or calcitriol, both with calcium supplementation, resulted in significant increases in BMD at the lumbar spine and femur, with a trend toward alendronate being more effective at the spine (P =0.082). Further studies are needed to determine whether BMDs continue to increase after 1 year and whether there is any additional benefit to combining vitamin D and alendronate. Larger studies are needed to determine whether treatment decreases fracture rates.
The design of dispersion equalizers using chirped fiber Bragg gratings

Dispersion equalizers designed to compensate for the arbitrary dispersion characteristics of optical fibers can be synthesized by cascading chirped fiber Bragg gratings and optical circulators. We have derived a synthesis rule for the equalizers and applied it to the fabrication of a third-order dispersion equalizer operating at the zero dispersion wavelength.
Purification and Characterization of Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor from Soybean

In this paper, crude extract of a Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor from soybean meal was firstly isolated by a combination of , thermal denaturation, isoelectric precipitation and acetone precipitation. Then this extract was purified by DE-52 ion exchange and affinity chromatography. The results showed that soybean Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor (SBBI) was purified to 50.07-fold with trypsin activity of 822.31 U·mg-1. The purified SBBI gave a single protein band in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The accurate molecular mass of this inhibitor was determined to be 8837.46Da by MALDI-TOF. N-terminal sequence showed high homology with other serine proteinase inhibitors belonging to the Leguminosae family.
A capacitorless 1T-DRAM technology using gate-induced drain-leakage (GIDL) current for low-power and high-speed embedded memory

A capacitorless one-transistor (1T)-dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) cell using gate-induced drain-leakage (GIDL) current for write operation was demonstrated. Compared with the conventional write operation with impact-ionization (II) current, the write operation with GIDL current achieves power consumption that is lower by four orders of magnitude and a write speed within several nanoseconds. The capacitorless 1T DRAM is the most promising technology for high-performance embedded-DRAM large-scale integration.
Improved Method for Measurement of the Dielectric Properties of Microwave Substrates Using Microstrip T-resonator

The paper presents an improved method for broadband characterization of dielectric materials at microwave frequencies. The results are calculated using closed form expressions and by HFSS. The proposed method provides more precise calculation of conductor losses by taking into account surface roughness. Compared with previously proposed methods, the new approach models loss tangent with more accuracy (both using closed-form expressions and EM simulator).
BNP and ANP as diagnostic and predictive markers in heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Background The prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) with systolic dysfunction is increasing. Plasma natriuretic peptides have been envisaged as diagnostic and predictive markers. Aims To investigate the relationship between the levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and A-type natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the clinical and functional parameters of CHF in outpatients with CHF at baseline, compared with normal healthy controls; to find out the differences in a randomised controlled trial between patients treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril, or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), irbesartan. These differences were assessed throughout the six-month treatment period and at the sixth month. Methods Plasma BNP (pmol/L) and ANP (pmol/L) were determined in 68 hypertensive patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, NYHA class III-IV and ejection fraction (EF) <40%, and in 26 normal controls. Statistical analysis for BNP and ANP was done by Student's t-test. The patient group was randomly subdivided into two subgroups of 34 patients, each treated with either an ARB, irbesartan, or an ACE inhibitor (ACE-I), captopril. BNP and ANP were measured in both subsamples and correlated with clinical, functional and neurohormonal parameters throughout a follow-up period of six months and at the sixth month. Results The mean EF in the patient sample was 33.43±6.52% and in the controls was 61.96 ±3.53% (p=0.000). The mean BNP (pmol/L) in patients was 44.78±54.36 and in the controls was 7.12±8.28 (p=0.000) and the mean ANP (pmol/L) was 30.32±25.97 in patients and 11.18±7.92 in controls (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was found between patients and healthy controls. Significant correlations were found between natriuretic peptides and EF. Between the baseline phase and the sixth month, BNP and ANP decreased significantly in the ARB group. At the sixth month, both BNP and ANP were lower in the ARB group. Evidence of clinical benefit was found with both ARB or ACE-I treatment throughout the six months, with patients moving from classes III and IV to class II NYHA. Improvement of EF was also found, with transition of patients with lower EF (even <30%) to higher values. EF was higher in the ARB group at the sixth month. Conclusions BNP and ANP can be useful diagnostic tools in hypertensive CHF patients with moderate-to-severe LV dysfunction. The decrease in BNP and ANP in the ARB group throughout six months, as well as the lower value at the sixth month, suggest a prognostic value of these parameters.
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity and Antigout of Celery Leek Parsley and Molokhia

The present study was aimed at investigating in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory (XOI) and in vivo antigout activity extracts of celery, leek, parsley, and molokhia. The degree of XO inhibitory activity was determined by measuring the absorbance spectrophotometrically at 295 nm, which is associated with uric acid formation which is linked to gout. Our preliminary screening study had employed the use of distilled water, and absolute ethanol to determine XOI from celery, leek, parsley, and molokhia. In general, our study showed that the ethanolic extracts were found to be more active than the aqueous extracts. Further in-vivo antigout was studied gout induced in rats by potassium oxonate. A total of 36 male albino rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. Group 1 negative control given only standard diet, and group 2-6 given Potassium oxonic acid (250 mg/kg, i.p.), Potassium oxonate an uricase inhibitor was used to induce gout. Oral administration (G3, G4, and G5) of celery, leek, parsley (5 g/Kg), and (G6) molokhia (4.8 g/Kg) showed a significant decrease in uric acid, and Creatinine levels in the gouty rats. All extracts (celery, leek, parsley, and molokhia) have shown significant decrease in level of Malonaldehyde (MDA) and increase in activity of antioxidant enzyme level, comparable to positive rat (G2). No significant changes between all extracts used and negative control in gain weights and organic phosphorus was noticed. The results showed that increasing serum total calcium level with extracts of celery, leek, parsley, and molokhia in comparison to positive control. The celery, leek, parsley, and molokhia extracts have some protective effects on the gout.
UNEXPLAINED HEART FAILURE IN THE AGED

Failure of the heart is frequent in old people. The clinician often assumes that myocardial ischmmia is invariably a factor in its wtiology (Bedford and Caird, 1956); but sometimes the pathologist can neither confirm this diagnosis nor suggest any other adequate explanation. Faced with this common clinical problem we decided to collect data about such cases, in the hope of clarifying their etiology.
Microbiota and aging

Purpose of reviewThis article summarizes our current knowledge of changes in the intestinal microbiota in elderly people and centenarians. Recent findingsAge-related processes comprise specific changes in the intestinal microbiota and related metabolic alterations. They result in ‘inflamm-aging’, which is associated with age-related inflammatory processes and diseases, including cachexia, frailty, cancer, and metabolic as well as neurological diseases. Age-related microbial changes consist of an increase in proteolytic bacteria and a decrease in saccharolytic bacteria. These changes are associated with sarcopenia and longevity, and might be attenuated by pre and probiotics. These findings could explain, at least in part, why probiotics have been successfully used in elderly people for the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and for the enhancement of vaccination responses. SummaryThe intestinal microbiota changes with age. These changes are of relevance in regard to morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Dietetic (probiotics, prebiotics) and other lifestyle interventions might delay, or even reverse, such alterations.
Efektywność techniczna i środowiskowa gospodarstw rolnych w Polsce według ich typów i klas wielkości w latach 2006-2008

W opracowaniu podjęto próbę określenia relatywnych różnic w stopniach efektywności technicznej i środowiskowej gospodarstw rolnych w Polsce w latach 2006-2008, pogrupowanych według typów produkcyjnych i wielkości wyrażonej w hektarach. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań udowodniono najwyższą dochodowość i stopień zrównoważenia środowiskowego produkcji prowadzonej w gospodarstwach wyspecjalizowanych w uprawach ogrodniczych, chowie trzody chlewnej i drobiu. Wykazano znaczny wpływ dopłat do działalności operacyjnej na efektywność środowiskową i techniczną gospodarstw wyspecjalizowanych w chowie zwierząt ziarnożernych i krów mlecznych. Wyższy stopień rozbieżności pomiędzy wskaźnikami efektywności technicznej i środowiskowej wystąpił w przypadku gospodarstw pogrupowanych według klas wielkości. Zaskakujący okazał się fakt, że małe gospodarstwa wykazywały relatywnie wysoki stopień efektywności technicznej i środowiskowej.
Greater Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation and Reduced Response Variability With Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel: An Integrated Analysis

Multiple studies report response variability to a 300-mg clopidogrel loading dose (LD). Pooled platelet aggregometry data compared responses (change in maximal platelet aggregation [ΔMPA] or inhibition of platelet aggregation [IPA]) to clopidogrel 300-mg (n = 131) or prasugrel 60-mg (n = 109) LDs. Poor responder rates were determined using empiric criteria (IPA < 10% and ΔMPA < 10% for 20 µM and 5 µM adenosine diphosphate [ADP]) and Bayesian model-based criteria (IPA < 20% and ΔMPA < 15% for 20 µM ADP; IPA < 25% and ΔMPA < 20% for 5 µM ADP). Prasugrel achieved greater ΔMPA and IPA from 2 to 24 hours post-LD (P < .001). For 20 µM ADP, poor responder rates for clopidogrel ranged from 17% to 43%; no prasugrel poor responders were observed. Regardless of the criterion, prasugrel 60 mg achieved greater IPA and fewer poor responders than the clopidogrel 300-mg LD.
The origins of nonlinear enhancement in ex vivo tissue during high intensity focused ultrasound ablation

Thermal ablation by High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is the only technique for noninvasive treatment of tumours, but suffers from a long treatment times and varied treatment outcomes. Knowledge of the nonlinear parameter B/A can resolve these by improving treatment planning, and correlation between enhanced nonlinear signals and the presence of HIFU lesions has the potential to monitor treatment acoustically in real-time. It remains unclear whether the nonlinear enhancement is due to changes in the properties of treated tissue or cavitation. This study improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the standard finite-amplitude insertion technique to measure the B/A of ex-vivo bovine liver. The technique creates plane wave conditions by measuring the waveform in the planar near field of a large transducer then uses the Burgers equation to find B/A. Measurements are taken during heating in a water bath and HIFU exposure. Cavitation is monitored during the HIFU exposures, so that the effect of cavitation on acoustic properties can be assessed and the difference between HIFU heating and slower, water bath heating. Water bath results disagree with previously reported data showing a doubling in B/A, finding a modest increase post-heating, making mechanical effects of ultrasound the likely cause of nonlinear enhancement.
The Effects of Continuous Auditing and Functional Alignment on Internal Auditors’ Perceptions of the Likelihood of Earnings Management and their Likelihood of Reporting

Increasingly more internal audit functions use company-developed technology to provide timelier assurance to management and that could decrease management opportunism. However, serving in the dual role as provider of consulting and assurance services related to this technology could present objectivity concerns. In this study, 255 practicing internal auditors estimate the likelihood of either accrual-based or real earnings management in one of two experiments manipulating internal audit frequency (continuous vs. periodic) and auditor objectivity (separate vs. combined assurance and consulting activities). Although managers may be better able to predict their responses to the hypothetical scenario, their predictive capability is limited by their own prior experience with earnings manipulation and with the internal audit function. Additionally, prior auditing research suggests internal auditors provide responses no different from the responses of managers when assessing the effectiveness of IA assurance. In both experiments, I predict and find that internal auditors expect the likelihood of earnings management will be lower when the internal audit function uses continuous auditing, regardless of the level of objectivity. However, the effect of objectivity is context-dependent such that accrual-based (real) earnings management is less likely (no different) when the internal audit function is more objective, regardless of audit frequency. This study has implications for internal and external audit practice as auditing regulators begin to examine potential changes to auditing standards that encourage the use of recent technological advances in the audit. In addition, this study suggests ways to improve the internal auditor’s role in corporate governance.
Effects of whey proteins on glucose metabolism in normal Wistar rats and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

BACKGROUND Beneficial effects of milk protein on glucose metabolism have been reported. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that dietary supplementation with specific milk protein fractions could prevent diabetes and differentially alter tissue gene expression. Therefore, we studied the effects of supplementing the diet with whey isolate, whey hydrolysate, Α-lactalbumin, and casein proteins in Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats (ZDF) and normal Wistar rats. A chow diet was included as well. METHODS Six week old male ZDF (n = 60) and Wistar rats (n = 44) were used in a 13 week study. P-glucose, p-insulin, p-glucagon, HbA1c, total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Liver, muscle, and adipose samples were used for RT-PCR. One-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests were performed. RESULTS HbA1c increased during intervention, and was significantly lower for all milk protein fractions compared to chow in the ZDF rats (p < 0.05). At week 18, iAUCs during OGTT in the ZDF rats were similar for all milk protein-treated groups and significantly lower than in the chow fed group (p < 0.01). In the chow-fed group of ZDF rats, p-glucagon increased significantly compared to all milk protein fed animals. Total and HDL cholesterol were increased in the milk protein-treated ZDF rats compared with the control group. Expression of liver GYS2 and SREBP-2 were downregulated in the milk protein-fed ZDF groups compared with chow. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that milk protein fractions improve glycemic indices in diabetic rats. No major differences were seen between the milk protein fractions. However, the fractions had a differential impact on tissue gene expression, most pronounced in ZDF rats.
Survey of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in meat juice of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in several districts of the Czech Republic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The aims of the study were: 1) to detect antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii from wild boar meat; 1) establish seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the wild boar population; 3) establish risk factors concerned in higher possible seroprevalence; 4) to estimate the usefulness of meat juice for detection of T. gondii antibodies in wild boar. MATERIAL AND METHODS Diaphragm meat juice samples from 656 wild boar (Sus scrofa) were collected during the hunting seasons between September 2008 - October 2010 from 9 districts of the Czech Republic. The samples were stratified per age category into 2 groups: piglets (n = 279) and yearlings together with adults (n = 377). The in-house ELISA test was used for the detection of antibodies against T. gondii from the meat juice samples. RESULTS Antibodies against T. gondii were detected by in-house ELISA in 260 of 656 wild boars (40%) with 26% prevalence in piglets (72/279) and 50% prevalence in yearlings and adults (188/377). The district total seroprevalences ranged between 32% - 59%, with a significantly higher prevalence in the district of Havlíčkův Brod (59%). Statistically significant differences (p-value < 0.05) were found between 2 age categories, and between 9 districts, with a significant variability in the district of Havlíčkův Brod. Seroprevalence correlated positively with farm density, but without any statistical significance. CONCLUSION The obtained results indicate that consumption of raw or undercooked meat from wild boars can carry an important risk of toxoplasma infection. Post mortem detection of antibodies in meat juice samples using ELISA is a useful alternative to blood serum examination. In addition, a diaphragm sample has been well-proven as a matrix sample for the contemporaneous diagnostics of trichinellosis and toxoplasmosis.
Experimental Vaginal Infection of Goats with Semen Contaminated with the “CPG” Strain of Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract: The objective was to characterize the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in goats experimentally infected vaginally with semen contaminated with the CPG strain (genotype III). Ten female goats were randomly allocated into 2 groups (G1 and G2), each with 5 animals, and inseminated during estrus. Goats in G1 were inseminated with semen containing 1 × 105 tachyzoites, whereas those in G2 (control) were inseminated with semen free from tachyzoites (insemination = day 0). In G1, seroconversion (indirect immunofluorescence reaction) and DNA (polymerase chain reaction) in the blood was present in 4/5 and 3/5, respectively, from the 7th day. In G2, all goats were negative in all tests. Embryonic reabsorption occurred in 4 of 5 goats from G1 between days 21 and 49. In conclusion, artificial vaginal insemination with semen containing tachyzoites of T. gondii–infected goats and is a potential transmission route of this parasite through semen.