Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum gamma glutamyl transferase levels in association with lipids and lipoproteins in type2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Serum gamma glutamyl transferase is widely used as a marker for alcohol induced liver disease. Recently it has gained importance due to its role in type2 diabetes mellitus. A raised serum gamma glutamyl transferase level indicates hepatic steatosis and visceral fat deposition, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. In the present study we examined the association between serum gamma glutamyl transferase levels with lipids and lipoproteins in diabetes mellitus. Methods: The study was carried out on 50 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and compared with 50 age and sex matched healthy controls attending outpatient department of general medicine, Narayana medical college, Nellore. Serum gamma glutamyl transferase was measured by calorimetric kinetic assay. Fasting blood sugar was measured by glucose oxidase method using automated analyzer. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein are measured by standard enzymatic procedures and low density lipoprotein by Friedwald equation. Results: Serum gamma glutamyl transferase levels in diabetic cases were significantly elevated compared to normal healthy controls (P <0.001). There was a positive correlation between gamma glutamyl transferase, lipids and low density lipoprotein and inverse correlation with high density lipoprotein (r = -0.298). Conclusion: Our results suggest a possible role of gamma glutamyl transferase in the pathophysiology and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
NORMATIVE VALUES FOR THE SCAT3 IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

Background Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3) was published March 2013 to allow more complete clinical assessment of concussed athletes. Objective Establish normative SCAT3 values in adolescent athletes. Design Prospective cohort. Setting 7 Wisconsin high schools. Participants 758 (187 Female, 571 Male) athletes (age 15.9±1.1 yrs.) in 19 sports. Risk factor assessment SCAT3 administered summer 2013. Subjects reported previous SRC history in past 12 months. Main outcome measurements Total symptoms (TS, 0–22), symptom severity (SS, 0–132), total Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC, 0–30), Orientation (OR, 0–5), Immediate Memory (IM, 0–15), Concentration (CO, 0–5), Delayed Recall (DR, 0–5), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS, 0–20). T-tests (P<.05) used to test for differences based on sex and previous history of SRC. Results Mean scores (95% CI) were: TS 1.32 (1.31–1.33); SS 2.15 (1.80–2.48); total SAC 26.12 (25.90–26.26); OR 4.69 (4.64–4.72); IM 14.25 (14.15–14.31); CO 3.25 (3.15–3.33); DR 3.93 (3.85–3.99); BESS 13.46 (13.05–13.79). No difference in baseline scores by sex: SS (P=.51), IM (P=.37), CO (P=.30), DR (P=.19), BESS (P=.98). Males had higher TS (1.41 vs 1.04, P=.05) and lower total SAC (26.02 vs 26.4, P=.03), and OR (4.66 vs 4.76, P=.02). No difference in baseline scores by previous SRC history for total SAC (P=.18), OR (P=.57), IM (P=.13), CO (P=.69), DR (P=.53), BESS (P=.06). Athletes with previous SRC reported higher TS (1.91 vs 1.25, P=.01) and SS (3.33 vs 2.0, P=.02). Conclusions Normative SCAT3 values in adolescent athletes vary by gender and previous SRC history.
The impact of nurse prescribing on the clinical setting.

AIM To investigate the impact nurse prescribing has on the organisation, patient and health professional, and to identify factors associated with the growth of nurse prescribing. METHODS Systematic search and narrative review. Data obtained through CINAHL, PubMed, Science direct, Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC), databases/websites, and hand searching. English peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method articles published from September 2009 through to August 2014 exploring nurse prescribing from the perspective of the organisation, health professional and patient were included. Following a systematic selection process, studies identified were also assessed for quality by applying Cardwell's framework. RESULTS From the initial 443 citations 37 studies were included in the review. Most studies were descriptive in nature. Commonalities addressed were stakeholders' views, prescribing in practice, jurisdiction, education and benefits/barriers. CONCLUSIONS Prescriptive authority for nurses continues to be a positive addition to clinical practice. However, concerns have emerged regarding appropriate support, relationships and jurisdictional issues. A more comprehensive understanding of nurse and midwife prescribing workloads is required to capture the true impact and cost-effectiveness of the initiative.
Transmission of Different Strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi to Aotus nancymaae Monkeys and Relapse

Abstract Forty-four splenectomized Aotus nancymaae monkeys were infected with 6 different strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi, 11 via trophozoites and 33 via sporozoites. Sporozoites from Anopheles dirus, Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles maculatus, and Anopheles stephensi resulted in prepatent periods ranging from 9 to 39 days (median of 15 days). Importantly, relapse was demonstrated in 5 of 5 sporozoite-induced infections with the Rossan strain following treatment with chloroquine.
Trypanosoma cf. Varani in an Imported Ball Python (Python reginus) from Ghana

Abstract Peripheral blood from a ball python (Python reginus) imported from Ghana was cultured in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly (BSK) medium for Borrelia spp. isolation, resulting in the prominent appearance of free, and clusters of, trypanosomes in a variety of morphological forms. The molecular phylogenetic characterization of these cultured trypanosomes, using the small subunit rDNA, indicated that this python was infected with a species closely related to Trypanosoma varani Wenyon, 1908, originally described in the Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) from Sudan. Furthermore, nucleotide sequences of glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene of both isolates showed few differences. Giemsa-stained blood smears, prepared from the infected python 8 mo after the initial observation of trypanosomes in hemoculture, contained trypomastigotes with a broad body and a short, free flagellum; these most closely resembled the original description of T. varani, or T. voltariae Macfie, 1919 recorded in a black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) from Ghana. It is highly possible that lizards and snakes could naturally share an identical trypanosome species. Alternatively, lizards and snakes in the same region might have closely related, but distinct, Trypanosoma species as a result of sympatric speciation. From multiple viewpoints, including molecular phylogenetic analyses, reappraisal of trypanosome species from a wide range of reptiles in Africa is needed to clarify the relationship of recorded species, or to unmask unrecorded species.
Fluxed animated boundary method

We present a novel approach to guiding physically based particle simulations using boundary conditions. Unlike commonly used ad hoc particle techniques for adding and removing the material from a simulation, our approach is principled by utilizing the concept of volumetric flux. Artists are provided with a simple yet powerful primitive called a fluxed animated boundary (FAB), allowing them to specify a control shape and a material flow field. The system takes care of enforcing the corresponding boundary conditions and necessary particle reseeding. We show how FABs can be used artistically or physically. Finally, we demonstrate production examples that show the efficacy of our method.
Indigenous Knowledge and Processing of Adansonia Digitata L. Food Products in Benin

Indigenous knowledge related to baobab food products was investigated in Benin among 253 food processors from 15 ethnic groups. Descriptive statistics and correspondence analysis (CA) were used for data analysis. The following food categories were identified: dough, gruel, drinks (from pulp); sauces (from leaves, seeds and kernels), and flavouring agents (from kernels). CA showed that the food use of baobab parts varies among ethnic groups. Most ethnic groups have similar opinions about the difficulty of certain processing operations, in particular seed decortication, grinding and sieving operations for product recovery. Storage and preservation problems were mentioned for kernels and pulp.
Pengetahuan Gizi dan Kadar Hemoglobin Anak Sekolah Dasar Penderita Anemia setelah Mendapatkan Suplementasi Besi dan Pendidikan Gizi

Anemia merupakan masalah kesehatan utama yang diderita 26,5% anak usia sekolah dan remaja di Indonesia. Dengan pendidikan gizi pada anak anemia di Sekolah Dasar diharapkan terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan gizi dan pola makan sehingga akan meningkatkan asupan besi dan kadar hemoglobin. Penelitian ini bertujuan mempelajari efek suplementasi besi dan pendidikan gizi terhadap pengetahuan gizi dan kadar hemoglobin anak SD yang anemia. Desain penelitian ini Quasy experiment with pretest postest control group. Penelitian dilakukan pada 107 sampel yang dibagi menjadi tiga kelompok. Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan One Way Anova dan Kruskal Wallis Test untuk uji beda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kadar hemoglobin dan pengetahuan gizi pada ketiga kelompok mengalami peningkatan. Peningkatan kadar hemoglobin terbesar pada kelompok suplementasi besi, vitamin C dan pendidikan gizi (2,89 poin), sedangkan peningkatan pengetahuan gizi terbesar pada kelompok suplementasi vitamin C dan pendidikan gizi (17,44 poin). Ada perbedaan bermakna perubahan pengetahuan gizi dan kadar hemoglobin anak SD yang anemia sebelum dan sesudah intervensi pada ketiga kelompok intervensi. Disimpulkan Pendidikan gizi dipadukan dengan pemberian suplementasi besi dan vitamin C pada anak anemia akan memberikan hasil kenaikan kadar hemoglobin yang paling signifikan daripada pendidikan gizi atau suplementasi saja. Kata kunci: Suplementasi besi, pendidikan gizi, kadar hemoglobin, anak SD. Abstract Anemia is the major health problem for 26,5 % of the school children and teenagers in Indonesia. It is expected that by giving nutrition education to the anemic school age children, their nutritional knowledge and their diet pattern improve. Their better food intake especially higher iron intake will then increase their hemoglobin levels. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of iron supplementation and nutrition education on hemoglobin levels of the anemic school age children. This study was a quasy experimental research with a pretest post test control group design. The research was conducted on 107 subjects who were divided into three groups. Result shows level of hemoglobin and the nutrition knowledge of the three groups were all increased. The group who received iron, vitamin C and nutrition education had the highest increase in their hemoglobin level (2.89 point). The group who received vitamin C and nutrition education had the highest improvement in the score of nutrition knowlegde (17.4 point). All of the groups had significantly higher hemoglobin level after the intervention. The combination of nutrition education with iron and vitamin C supplementation improved the hemoglobin levels of the anemic school children better than nutrition education or supplementation in isolated provision. Key words: Iron supplementation, nutritional education, hemoglobin, school children
Two New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Eastern Red Bats, Lasiurus borealis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), in Arkansas and North Carolina

Abstract During August 2003 and August 2004, 11 adult eastern red bats, Lasiurus borealis, were collected and their feces examined for coccidian parasites. Bats were obtained in August 2003 from Garland, Montgomery, and Yell counties, Arkansas (n = 6) and in August 2004 from Anson and Montgomery counties, North Carolina (n = 5). Seven (63.6%) of the bats were passing oocysts of 2 undescribed species of Eimeria. Oocysts of Eimeria dowleri n. sp. were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 24.7 × 22.0 (23–26 × 20–23) µm, with a bilayered wall, externally moderately pitted, internally smooth, and with a shape index of 1.1. Micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar granule was present. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 13.4 × 9.2 (12–14 × 8–9) µm; shape index was 1.5; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present. A sporocyst residuum consisting of homogeneous granules was scattered among the sporozoites; sporozoites were elongate, with a subspherical anterior refractile body and an elongate posterior refractile body; a nucleus was not discernable. Oocysts of Eimeria sealanderi n. sp. were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 16.7 × 14.4 (15–18 × 13–16) µm, with a bilayered wall, externally lightly pitted, internally smooth, and with a shape index of 1.2. A micropyle was absent, but the oocyst residuum and polar granule were present. Oocyst residuum consisted of a single, membrane-bound homogenous granule. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 8.9 × 5.7 (8–10 × 5–6) µm, with a shape index of 1.6; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present. The sporocyst residuum consisted of 10, to several dozen, homogeneous granules of various sizes loosely clustered among the sporozoites, which were elongate and without obvious refractile bodies and nucleus. This is the first time any coccidian has been reported from this host and the first instance of a bat coccidian reported from North Carolina.
Hypoglycaemic Agent(s) in Leaves of Elaeophorbia drupifera

Male white Wistar rats (250–300 g), after an overnight fast, were treated with a crude extract (20 mg/kg oral) from the leaves of E. drupifera. The extract was administered 2 h before and 2 h after either an oral glucose load (3 g/kg) or a subcutaneous injection of adrenaline (0.01 mg/kg). The results showed that the extract reduced the blood glucose levels in rats that received the extract 2 h before glucose and adrenaline administration by about 34.3% and 35.2%, respectively. For the group that received the extract 2 h after glucose and adrenaline administration, the blood glucose levels were reduced by about 52.8% and 29.7%, respectively.
Efficacy and safety of continuous versus paused etanercept treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis over 54 weeks: the CRYSTEL study

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous and paused etanercept regimens in psoriasis patients. Methods: Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized to receive continuous etanercept 25 mg twice weekly or paused etanercept for 54 weeks. The paused group received etanercept 50 mg twice weekly for no more than 12 weeks until reaching a Physician Global Assessment (PGA) of 2 or less (mild or better), when treatment was paused; upon relapse (PGA ≥ 3), etanercept was resumed at 25 mg twice weekly until a PGA of 2 or less was regained. The primary efficacy end point was mean PGA over 54 weeks, which was compared between the continuous and paused groups. Secondary efficacy end points included changes from baseline in mean PGA score, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and patient satisfaction with current psoriasis treatment. Results: Among 711 patients evaluable for efficacy, the mean PGA score averaged over 54 weeks (primary end point) was significantly lower in the.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Muc2 Expression on Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells by Gymnophalloides seoi Adult Antigen

Abstract Goblet cell hyperplasia and mucin hypersecretion are important for the expulsion of the intestinal trematode, Gymnophalloides seoi, from mice. However, regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive. To better understand the effects of G. seoi antigen on the host's intestinal epithelial cells, we determined whether G. seoi induces expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and mucin-related (MUC) genes on a human intestinal epithelial cell line (HT29 cells). We treated HT29 cells with G. seoi or other adult helminth antigens and measured mRNAs of TLRs and MUCs. We also performed reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry to determine whether TLR and MUC expression is regulated by interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin-4, or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against G. seoi 46 kDa antigen. Gymnophalloides seoi antigen significantly induced expression of TLR2 and MUC2 in HT29 cells, and IFN-γ was found to upregulate TLR2 expression on the surface of the cells. The expression of MUC2 was increased by IFN-γ, but was decreased significantly via the combination of mAbs-to-human TLRs and G. seoi antigen. These results demonstrated that G. seoi antigen upregulates TLR2 and MUC2 expression on human intestinal epithelial cells. These effects reflect a helminth-induced, IFN-γ–dependent, and innate mucosal immune mechanism in this human intestinal cell line.
Prevalence of Antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Sarcocystis neurona, Besnoitia darlingi, and Neospora caninum in North American Opossums, Didelphis virginiana, from Southern Louisiana

Abstract We examined the prevalence of antibodies to zoonotic protozoan parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi) and protozoans of veterinary importance (Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis neurona, and Besnoitia darlingi) in a population of North American opossums (Didelphis virginiana) from Louisiana. Samples from 30 opossums were collected as part of a survey for T. cruzi in Louisiana. Frozen sera from these 30 opossums were examined using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) against in vitro-produced antigenic stages of these protozoans. Additionally, 24 of the 30 samples were examined using hemoculture, and all 30 were examined in the modified direct agglutination test (MAT) for antibodies to To. gondii. The prevalences of reactive IFAT samples were as follows: 60% for T. cruzi, 27% for To. gondii, 23% for E. cuniculi, 17% for S. neurona, 47% for B. darlingi, and 0% for N. caninum. Hemoculture revealed that 16 (67%) of 24 samples were positive for T. cruzi, compared to 18 of 30 (60%) by IFAT. The sensitivity and specificity for the IFAT compared to hemoculture was 100% for each. The modified direct agglutination test revealed that 9 (30%) of the 30 samples from opossums had antibodies to To. gondii, compared to 8 (27%) using the IFAT. The sensitivity and specificity of the IFAT compared to the MAT was 100% and 72%, respectively.
Population Structure of Three Species of Anisakis Nematodes Recovered From Pacific Sardines (Sardinops sagax) Distributed Throughout the California Current System

abstract: Members of the Anisakidae are known to infect over 200 pelagic fish species and have been frequently used as biological tags to identify fish populations. Despite information on the global distribution of Anisakis species, there is little information on the genetic diversity and population structure of this genus, which could be useful in assessing the stock structure of their fish hosts. From 2005 through 2008, 148 larval anisakids were recovered from Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) in the California Current upwelling zone and were genetically sequenced. Sardines were captured off Vancouver Island, British Columbia in the north to San Diego, California in the south. Three species, Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis simplex ‘C’, and Anisakis simplex s.s. , were identified with the use of sequences from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and the 5.8s subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The degree of nematode population structure was assessed with the use of the cytochrome c oxidase 2 (cox2) mitochondrial DNA gene. All 3 Anisakis species were distributed throughout the study region from 32°N to 50°N latitude. There was no association between sardine length and either nematode infection intensity or Anisakis species recovered. Larval Anisakis species and mitochondrial haplotype distributions from both parsimony networks and analyses of molecular variance revealed a panmictic distribution of these parasites, which infect sardines throughout the California Current ecosystem. Panmictic distribution of the larval Anisakis spp. populations may be a result of the presumed migratory pathways of the intermediate host (the Pacific sardine), moving into the northern portion of the California Current in summer and returning to the southern portion to overwinter and spawn in spring. However, the wider geographic range of paratenic (large piscine predators), and final hosts (cetaceans) can also explain the observed distribution pattern. As a result, the recovery of 3 Anisakis species and a panmictic distribution of their haplotypes could not be used to confirm or deny the presence of population subdivision of Pacific sardines in the California Current system.
Saffron a Prototype Example for Evidence Based Herbal Medicine

Evidence-based medicine is now generally perceived to be the dominant operating system in conventional medicine. Evidence-based medicine developed concurrently with the internet and the world wide web. This is no coincidence since evidence-based medicine suggests a personal responsibility for clinicians to keep abreast of research that would be difficult without the information access that the web provides. Over the last two decades, evidence based herbal medicine has been considered as interesting field. One of prototype example of evidence base medicine is saffron. In this paper, we review saffron from evidence point of view.
Infected False Aneurysm After Carotid Endarterectomy

Infected false aneurysm after carotid endarterectomy is extremely rare, with only 14 cases having been reported in the English-language literature. These can occur even in the absence of prosthetic material. Presentation may be early or delayed, and most patients will develop a tender, pulsatile cervical mass. Surgical therapy can be challenging, with aneurysm excision and autologous interposition grafting the favored approach. The authors report herein a case of postendarterectomy carotid artery infection diagnosed by color-duplex ultrasound, and they review the published experience with this entity.
Developmental pathways to smoking cessation

Purpose – To a great extent research about smoking cessation has focussed on effects from different support programs and means, in spite of that several studies have shown that over 90 percent quit smoking without such help. Factors that are important for the individual in the process from being a smoker to becoming smoke-free is less examined and also how these factors interact. The purpose of this paper is to describe typical careers or pathways that end up with a successful smoking cessation. Design/methodology/approach – Respondents were recruited during Oct 2009-May 2010 via screening-questions in the so-called Monitor – project. By the turn of each month 1,500 individuals, aged 16-84, from a representative sample in the Swedish population, were interviewed via telephone. Respondents who stated being previous daily smokers, but smoke-free for at least 12 months, and agreed to participate were asked to answer a postal survey (n=1,683) concerning their process to a smoke-free life. The analyses of data.