Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Miconazole nitrate Thermosensitive Bioadhesive Vaignal Gel for Vaginal Candidiasis

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate miconazole nitrate containing thermosensitive bioadhesive gel for vaginal drug delivery to achieve a better therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the treatment for vaginal candidiasis. Method : Here miconazole nitrate (1%) was formulated as a vaginal gel using thermosensitive polymer, pluronic F127 (20%) along with bioadhesive polymers such as carbopol 934, HPMC, SCMC and polycarbophil. The drug polymer compatibility was studied using FTIR. The prepared formulations were evaluated for parameters such as gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, bioadhesive strength, gel strength and drug release. Results : Gelation temperatures for various formulations were found in the range of 30-38 oC with gelation time varying from 1-5 min. The developed formulations had optimum viscosity, good bioadhesive strength and hence will have high retention property which is required for convenience at the site of application. Among the prepared formulations, one with the combination of pluronic F127, polycarbophil and carbopol 934 showed optimum gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, bioadhesive strength with sustained drug release for 12 hrs. The optimized formulation (F8) showed insignificant change in physical property and drug content when stability testing was carried out at 25oC/60%RH for 3 months. Conclusions : All the performed experiments confirm the applicability of bioadhesive In-situ gels as a novel delivery system for local therapy of vaginal candidiasis.
Helminthiasis burden and nutritional status of non-enrolled school-aged children in irrigated farmimg communities in Bongo District, Ghana

Most studies in children of school-age have focused on enrolled pupils because of ease of access, organization and logistics. As a result there are few reports on their non-enrolled counterparts. A randomized case-control study to assess the prevalence of helminths infection and nutritional status (anthropometry, anaemia and diet history) of non-enrolled (cases), and enrolled school-age children (controls) was conducted in irrigated farming communities in the Bongo District of Ghana. Out of the 329 children, 148 (44.98%) non-enrolled and 181 (55.02%) enrolled children were used for the studies. Enrolled children significantly benefitted from the national deworming programme (OR = 115.65, 95% CI = 22.29 – 599.95, p < 0.001). Three parasites; hookworm, Schistosomamansoni and Schistosoma. Haematobium were recorded. The prevalence of S. mansoni in non-enrolled children was 14.94% significantly higher than 5.52% in their enrolled counterparts (AE2 = 42.20, df = 19, p = 0.002). Macro-haematuria was observed in 8.8% of the non-enrolled and 1.8% enrolled children which was significantly different (AE2 = 16.48, df = 2, p = 0.000). Also, 25% of non-enrolled had trace to high micro-haematuria compared to 15.88% of their enrolled counterparts which was significantly higher (AE2 = 18.42, df = 6, p = 0.005). 36.49% of non-enrolled had proteinuria compared to 38.24% of enrolled children which was significantly lower in the former (AE2= 15.11, df = 6, p = 0. 017). 83% of the 5-8 years age group were anaemic and was significantly high compared to the other age group (OR = 5, CI 95 = 2.34 – 10.68, p = 0.000). The mean daily vitamin C intake was significantly higher in nonenrolled (102.1± 33.8) than enrolled children (76.4 ± 24.2), [p = 0.000]. Policymakers and health practitioners should expand the national deworming programme to the non-enrolled children. The School feeding and nutritional supplements should also be considered.
Optimizing anesthetic regimen for surgery in mice through minimization of hemodynamic, metabolic, and inflammatory perturbations

The role of anesthetics in animal research models is crucial, yet often ignored, and is almost never the primary focus of examination. Here, we investigated the impact of anesthetic regimens on different parameters of hemodynamics (blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR)), metabolism (glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids (FFA)), and inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) in two frequently used mouse strains (C57BL/6 and FVB). All animals were at a similar surgical plane of anesthesia, mechanically ventilated, and monitored for 60 min. The following anesthetic regimens were studied: (1) fentanyl–ketamine–midazolam (FKM), (2) fentanyl–midazolam–haldol (FMH), (3) pentobarbital (P), (4) fentanyl–fluanisone–midazolam (FFM), (5) fentanyl–midazolam–acepromazine (FMA), (6) ketamine–medetomidine–atropine (KMA), (7) isoflurane (ISO), and (8) propofol–fentanyl–midazolam (PFM). Metabolic and inflammatory parameters were compared with those obtained from non-anesthetized animals. Hemodynamics: BP >80 mm Hg were only obtained with KMA, whereas hypotension (BP <60 mm Hg) was observed with FKM and P. HR >500 beats/min was observed with ISO and PFM, whereas HR <400 beats/min was induced with KMA, FMH (BL/6), P (BL/6), and FKM (FVB). Metabolism: Glucose and insulin were most disturbed by KMA and ISO and mildly disturbed by FMA, whereas FFM, PFM, and P did not have any effect. FFA increased largely by FMA, with ISO and FKM having no effects. Inflammation: Cytokines were increased least with ISO/FFM/FMA, whereas FKM and KMA induced the largest increases in cytokines. When aiming at achieving surgical anesthesia without large disturbances in hemodynamic, metabolic, and inflammatory profiles, FFM, ISO, or PFM may be the most neutral anesthetic regimens in mice.
Enhancing China's Competitiveness through Lifelong Learning

This study emphasizes that in response to demands for wider access and better quality of education, and to achieve economies of scale and leverage limited resources, China needs to develop a more integrated system of education and training with appropriate bridges and interfaces among its various constituents. This book outlines the key elements of such a system, focusing primarily on its economic aspects. It presents a framework to help identify and understand the demands being placed on the education and training system and the services that various education providers can supply, highlighting several policy approaches to building an effective and efficient lifelong learning system. These include changing the role of government from being the main provider of education and training to being the architect, facilitator, and rule-keeper for a more inclusive system. In this scenario, government would ensure quality, relevance, efficiency, and equity through sound accreditation, assessment, and vocational qualification systems, stronger linkages with the labor market, partnerships with nongovernmental players, and better resource allocation and financial aid programs. It would also provide information services for all stake-holders, develop an education finance market, tap into private resources to meet the increasing demand for education and training, and harness the potential of distance education.
Role of CHOP in hepatic apoptosis in the murine model of intragastric ethanol feeding.

BACKGROUND CHOP is a transcriptional regulator involved in apoptosis caused by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We previously reported that CHOP as well as other ER stress response genes is induced in the liver of a murine model of intragastric ethanol feeding. This study was undertaken to determine the role of CHOP in hepatocellular apoptosis and liver injury in this model. METHODS CHOP wild-type (+/+) mice and CHOP null (-/-) mice were fed alcohol for four weeks with glucose as control. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL, and caspase 3 staining of liver tissues were performed for assessment of fatty liver, necroinflammation, and apoptosis. Total RNA was extracted for microarray and reverse transcription-PCR analyses, and proteins were used for western blotting. RESULTS Significant increased liver/body ratio, steatosis, liver triglyceride levels, and plasma homocysteine concentrations were observed in alcohol-fed mice as compared with controls in both genotypes. There was no significant difference between wild-type and CHOP null (-/-) mice in the parameters related to fatty liver. Alcohol-induced increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels and necroinflammatory foci were not significantly reduced in CHOP null (-/-) mice. However, apoptosis was present in alcohol-fed wild-type mice but virtually absent in alcohol-fed CHOP null (-/-) mice. The ER stress response indicated by increased Grp78 mRNA was observed in both types of mice fed alcohol. Of 12,423 transcripts analyzed for >or= two-fold changes, several related to apoptosis were influenced by CHOP: Gadd45 and cathepsin B were up-regulated in ethanol-fed wild-type mice but not in CHOP null (-/-) mice, whereas Jun D and Bcl-xL were down-regulated in ethanol-fed wild-type mice but not in ethanol-fed CHOP null (-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS CHOP null (-/-) mice have remarkable absence of hepatocellular apoptosis in response to alcohol feeding but no protection against hyperhomocysteinemia, ER stress, and fatty liver. Thus, CHOP up-regulation occurs downstream of and contributes to one manifestation of ER stress, namely, apoptosis. Microarray studies confirmed by PCR analysis and western blotting indicate that genes affected by CHOP are both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic and CHOP induction by ethanol may tip the balance of cell survival and death toward apoptosis.
Evaluation of low ligation and high ligation procedures of varicocele.

OBJECTIVE To describe the mode of presentation of varicocele and to compare the low ligation (Inguinal approach/Ivanissevich's procedure) and high ligation (Retroperitoneal approach/modified Palomo's procedure) of varicocele repair regarding efficacy and postoperative complications. DESIGN Institutional-based randomized comparative clinical trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY This study was conducted at the Urology Department, Bolan Medical College and Sandeman Provincial Teaching Hospital, Quetta from December 1996 to November 2001 (5 years). SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 213 patients of varicocele who underwent treatment in the department and completed 6 months follow-up were included in the study. The mode of presentation of varicocele was recorded for all patients. For treatment purpose patients were randomly divided into two groups: in group I (n: 115) varicocele was ligated by inguinal approach (Ivanissevich's procedure) while in group II (n: 98) by retroperitoneal approach (modified Palomo's procedure). The efficacy and postoperative complications of the two procedures were carefully recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS The mean age of the patients of group-I and group-II was 27.2 and 27.5 years respectively. More than 50% patients of both groups presented with feeling of heaviness/dragging sensation on ipsilateral side. Presentation with infertility/sub fertility in group-I and group-II was 16.5% and 15.3% respectively. Majority of patients of both groups had grade III varicocele with visible deformity. The rate of postoperative complications was very low in both groups of patients. Recurrence of varicocele and postoperative hydrocele formation were slightly more common in group-II as compared to group-I but the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). An extremely significant improvement occurred postoperatively in both sperms density and motility in infertile/sub fertile patients of both groups. CONCLUSION Both procedures of varicocele repair are equally effective and have a low rate of complications. There is no significant difference in postoperative complications. An extremely significant improvement occurs in semen parameters of infertile/sub fertile patients postoperatively, irrespective of method/technique of varicocelectomy
Information acquired by the hippocampus interferes with acquisition of the amygdala‐based conditioned‐cue preference in the rat

White and McDonald (1993, Behav Brain Res 55:269–281) previously reported that animals with amygdala lesions failed to acquire a conditioned‐cue preference (CCP) based on spatial cues, but that animals with fornix lesions exhibited larger CCPs of this type than normal animals. The present experments focused on the hippocampal interference with amygdala‐based CCP learning inferred from this finding. In experiment 1 we tested the hypothesis that this interference was due to the acquistion of information about the maze and its environment during a 10 min period of free exploration of the maze before the start of CCP training, hitherto given to all animals in these experiments. Normal animals that were not preexposed to the maze and animals that were preexposed to similar maze in a different room both exhibited larger CCPs than animals that were preexposed to the same maze in the same room as CCP training and testing. This suggests that normal animals acquire context‐specific information during the preexposure period and that this may be the cause of the hippocampus‐based interference with the amygdala‐mediated CCP. In experiment 2 we attempted to determine if the information thought to be acquired by the hippocampal memory system interferes with acquistion or expression of the CCP. As previously demonstrated, animals that received fornix lesions before preexposure (i.e., before the start of the experiment) exhibited larger than normal CCPs. Animals that received fornix lesions after preexposure but before CCP training and animals that received fornix lesions after CCP training but before testing both exhibited normal CCPs. These findings suggest that a hippocampally mediated process acts via a pathway that does not involve the fornix to inhibit either acquistion or expression, or both, of the CCP. These results imply the existence of some form of competition for behavioral control among neural systems that may be specialized for acquiring different types of information about the same situations. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of a change in penicillin target and peptidoglycan structure in low-level resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

A penicillin-susceptible gonococcus and its low-level resistant penA transformant were examined with regard to their penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and their peptidoglycan structures. Treatment of the susceptible strain with its MIC of penicillin (0.01 microgram/ml) led to significant binding to PBPs 2 and 3 and a substantial decrease in the O-acetyl modification on the peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan synthesis gradually ceased over an extended time. When the penA strain was treated with the same concentration of penicillin, only binding to PBP 3 was observed and there was no O-acetylation decrease, with continued peptidoglycan synthesis. This suggested that PBP 2 was the primary target in penicillin-susceptible gonococci and that this protein participated in the O-acetylation of peptidoglycan. Penicillin concentrations representing the MIC for the penA transformant (0.06 microgram/ml) caused significant binding to PBPs 1, 2, and 3 in the susceptible strain and PBPs 1 and 3 in the penA strain. In both strains the rate of peptidoglycan synthesis and the cross-linkage of the peptidoglycan made declined sharply, suggesting that significant inhibition of PBP 1 interfered with transpeptidation. A model for low-level resistance is proposed in which a decreased PBP 2 affinity leads to assumption of the role of primary target in the resistant transformant by PBP 1. The differences observed in peptidoglycan metabolism are a direct consequence of this change.
Cytokine production by infrapatellar fat pad can be stimulated by interleukin 1β and inhibited by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α agonist

Background Infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) might be involved in osteoarthritis (OA) by production of cytokines. It was hypothesised that production of cytokines is sensitive to environmental conditions. Objectives To evaluate cytokine production by IPFP in response to interleukin (IL)1β and investigate the ability to modulate this response with an agonist for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), which is also activated by lipid-lowering drugs such as fibrates. Methods Cytokine secretion of IPFP was analysed in the medium of explant cultures of 29 osteoarthritic patients. IPFP (five donors) and synovium (six donors) were cultured with IL-1β and PPARα agonist Wy14643. Gene expression of IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP1), (IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-10, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS)2 and release of TNFα, MCP1 and prostaglandin E2 were compared with unstimulated IPFP and synovium explants. Results IPFP released large amounts of inflammatory cytokines, adipokines and growth factors. IL-1β increased gene expression of PTGS2, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and VEGF and increased TNFα release in IPFP. MCP1, leptin, IL-10 gene expression and MCP1, leptin and PGE2 release did not increase significantly. Synovium responded to IL-1β similarly to IPFP, except for VEGF gene expression. Wy14643 decreased gene expression of PTGS2, IL-1β, TNFα, MCP1, VEGF and leptin in IPFP explants and IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10 and VEGF in synovium that responded to IL-1β. Conclusion IPFP is an active tissue within the joint. IPFP cytokine production is increased by IL-1β and decreased by a PPARα agonist. The effects were similar to effects seen in synovium. Fibrates may represent a potential disease-modifying drug for OA by modulating inflammatory properties of IPFP and synovium.
The up and down bobbing of human walking: a compromise between muscle work and efficiency

Human walking has a peculiar straight‐legged style. Consequently, the body's centre of mass (CM) moves up and down with each step, which is noticeable in their up and down head bobbing while walking. This vertical CM movement enables humans to save energy via a pendulum‐like mechanism but is probably a relatively recent locomotor innovation insofar as earliest bipeds may have walked flexed and flat. We investigated the mechanics, energetics, muscle efficiency and optimization of human walking by decreasing and increasing the vertical CM displacement (flat and bouncy walking) in comparison to normal walking at six speeds (1–6 km h−1). In both flat and bouncy walking, the pendular mechanism was reduced and the energy cost was increased. However, this increase was unexpectedly much sharper in flat walking where muscles provided normal mechanical work but with a decrease in muscle efficiency. In bouncy walking, muscles provided extra mechanical work in an efficient way. Our results showed that not only do humans bob up and down in normal walking to save energy via a pendulum‐like mechanism but also to make their muscles work efficiently. Actually, walking flat makes the muscles work in unfavourable conditions that waste energy. Furthermore, we are still close to a flat CM displacement relative to our current ability to change this displacement, which suggests that reducing vertical CM displacement is indeed important but only to certain limits. Evolution may ultimately have chosen the best compromise between flat locomotion that requires little work to move and bouncy locomotion that improves muscle efficiency to minimize energy consumption.
An analysis of the chemotherapy efficacy on the survival of advanced gastric cancer patients

Objective: This research is to investigate the chemotherapy effiacy in advanced gastric cancer patients and prognostic factors so that to provide a basis for improving the diagnosis and treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the efficacy of chemotherapy with advanced gastric cancer (GC) diagnosed as well as survival data. The survival rate was estimated by Kaplan-Meier and compared by Log-rank test. Factors influencing the prognosis of patients were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 36.2% in 102 patients with advanced GC after chemotherapy. The incidences of grade III-IV hematological toxicity and grade III-IV nausea and vomiting in SOX group (14.9% and 0.0%) were lower than that in FOLFOX6 group (30.9% and 10.9%) (P<0.05). Our result showed that the survival rates among patients with different ECOG score, tumor status, histological grade, the number of organs involved in metastasis and chemotherapy efficacy were statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that ECOG score ≥2 points, poorly differentiated/undifferentiated histological grade and SD/PD of chemotherapy efficacy were prognostic risk factors. Conclusion: Adverse reactions are milder in the SOX group. And the long-term prognosis of patients with advanced GC is poor. Patients with ECOG score ≥2 points, poorly differentiated/ undifferentiated histological grade, or SD/PD of chemotherapy efficacy are more likely to undergo bad prognosis.
Papanicolaou smears and frozen sections on selected cutaneous neoplasms.

This study indicates that accurate diagnosis can be made by both cytologic study of Papanicolaou stained smears and frozen tissue sections prepared from specimens of cutaneous premalignant, malignant, and benign lesions. Both techniques are of distinct advantage over the paraffin-block method in making a rapid presumptive diagnosis because of the short time required and the high degree of specificity. In some instances, rapid diagnosis permits more prompt institution of therapy and reduction of the period of hospitalization. Disadvantages are the need for trained personnel and the difficulty of specifically diagnosing premalignant lesions. The smear technique has certain advantages over frozen section method in that it is equally reliable, requires only limited equipment, and is simple and highly adaptable.
Intrinsic Risk Factors of Noncontact Ankle Sprains in Soccer

Background: Ankle sprain is an extremely common injury in soccer players. Despite extensive research, the intrinsic cause of this injury under noncontact conditions remains unclear. Purpose: To identify intrinsic risk factors for noncontact ankle sprains in professional soccer players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2 Methods: One hundred professional soccer players were assessed in the preseason for potential risk factors of noncontact ankle sprains. The assessment included (A) ankle joint asymmetries (right-left) in isokinetic muscle strength, flexibility, proprioception, and stability; (B) somatometric asymmetries; (C) previous injuries; and (D) lateral dominance traits. Noncontact ankle sprains were prospectively recorded and diagnosed for a full competition period (10 months). Results: Seventeen of the players sustained at least 1 noncontact ankle sprain. Logistic regression revealed that players with (A) eccentric isokinetic ankle flexion strength asymmetries (odds ratio [OR] = 8.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95-40.36, P = .005), (B) increased body mass index (OR = 8.16; 95% CI, 1.42-46.63, P = .018), and (C) increased body weight (OR = 5.72; 95% CI, 1.37-23.95, P = .017 ) each had a significantly higher risk of a noncontact ankle sprain. A trend for younger players (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.061-1.24, P = .092) and for players with ankle laxity asymmetries (OR = 3.38; 95% CI, 0.82-14.00, P = .093) to be at greater risk for ankle sprain was also apparent to the limit of statistical significance (.05 < P < .10). Conclusion: Functional strength asymmetries of the ankle flexors and increased body mass index and body weight raise the propensity for ankle sprains in professional soccer players. Age and asymmetries in ankle laxity are potential factors worth revisiting, as there was an indication for younger players and players with ankle instability to be at higher risk for ankle injury. Proper preseason evaluation may improve prevention strategies for this type of injury in soccer.