Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of vitamin E supplementation and training on oxidative stress parameters measured in exercising horses.

Exercise places an increased demand on the body’s systems, both to provide fuel for working musculature and to neutralize and dispose of toxic build-up. By-products of demanding performance are reactive free radicals. Dietary consumption of vitamin E, an antioxidant, may be a plausible way to reduce free radical damage. The present study examined the effects of supplemental dietary vitamin E on the presence of oxidation products and antioxidant capacity in blood and tissue of exercising horses. Eight Thoroughbred horses were used in a crossover design study, with one group consuming a diet containing vitamin E at the 1989 National Research Council (NRC) level recommended for horses in moderate to intense work (80 IU kg DM [National Research Council (1989). Nutrient Requirements of Horses. 5th revised edn. ; Washingto, DC: National Academy Press, pp. 48]), and the second group being fed the control diet plus 3000 IU day DL-a-tocopheryl acetate. The horses underwent an adaptation phase, an 8-week training programme and a final standard exercise test (SET) during which the horses ran on a 68 incline to exhaustion, and then a washout phase. Horses were then crossed over to opposite treatment groups and these phases repeated. Blood samples were collected at specific points before and after exercise during the training period and before and after performing the SET. Neither plasma vitamin E nor thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentrations were influenced by supplemental vitamin E. Blood Troloxequivalent antioxidant capacity values increased (P , 0.05) following 5 weeks of training in both groups, indicating improved antioxidant capacity as horses became fitter. Vitamin E supplementation did not alter plasma reduced, oxidized or total glutathione levels, nor the percentage of glutathione in the reduced form during the training period. However, vitamin E did cause an elevation in the percentage of glutathione existing in the reduced form following a SET as compared with the control diet (P , 0.006). This is possibly due to lower plasma oxidized glutathione levels in vitamin E-treated horses (P , 0.03). This study indicates that vitamin E supplementation above NRC levels can influence certain measures of oxidative stress in intensely exercising horses, and training has the ability to improve the antioxidant status of the animal.
Corporate social responsibility in public health provision: Community members’ assessment

Abstract Mining companies often deliver various health interventions for respective mining enclaves yet, majority of these services often apply a top-down approach with limited community involvement. Thus, this paper explored communities’ satisfaction of health interventions by the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) in Asutifi South and North Districts of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional and mixed-method study involving a convenience sample of 145 community members was conducted. Approximately, 60%, 52%, 51% and 52% of the respondents were respectively satisfied with dust suppression measures, health education/awareness creation, malaria control programmes and provision of alternative sources of drinking water by the NGGL. While health promotion and prevention strategies have been helpful, these were far below the expectations of the community members. More importantly, the participants expected to be provided with modern health facilities and opportunity to participate in local institutions’ decision-making process in the delivery of these services. We, therefore, recommend that the NGGL should intensify its efforts towards public health improvement in its enclaves as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Criteria for creating and categorizing forms of energy

Traditional instruction on energy often presents forms of energy as a seemingly arbitrary list to be memorized, with little discussion of the meaning or purpose of these forms. Learners often struggle to make sense of these forms, and neither physicists nor physics educators are explicit about the criteria used to create these lists. This article presents our understanding of the meaning and purpose of forms, based on (1) our understanding of how physicists have used forms and (2) our observations of how elementary teachers create new forms and categorize existing forms in order to understand real-world problems. We propose that explicitly articulating the criteria used to identify forms of energy can empower teachers and students and help them to understand both the concept of energy and the nature of science.
Text-to-speech in Vocabulary Acquisition and Student Knowledge Models: a Classroom Study Using the REAP Intelligent Tutoring System

A method was achieved for making improved self-aligned contacts (SAC) to a patterned polysilicon layer, such as gate electrodes for FETs. Lightly doped source/drain areas are implanted. A second insulating layer is deposited and etched back to form first sidewall spacers. A silicon nitride etch-stop layer and a first interpolysilicon oxide (IPO1) layer are deposited. First SAC openings are etched in the IPO1 layer to the etch-stop layer, and concurrently openings are etched for the gate electrodes, eliminating a masking step. The etch-stop layer is etched in the SAC openings to form second sidewall spacers that protect the first sidewall spacers during BOE cleaning of the contacts. A patterned polycide layer is used to make SACs and electrical interconnections. A second IPO layer is deposited to provide insulation, and an interlevel dielectric layer is deposited. Second SAC openings are etched to the etch-stop layer for the next level of metal interconnections, while the contact openings to the gate electrodes are etched to completion. The etch-stop layer is etched in the second SAC openings to form second sidewall spacers to protect the first sidewall spacers during cleaning. Metal plugs are formed from a first metal in the second SAC openings and in the openings to the gate electrodes. A second metal is patterned to complete the structure to the first level of metal interconnections.
Transurethral photoselective vaporization: A safe and effective treatment for glandular cystitis

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral photoselective vaporization in the treatment of glandular cystitis, 125 cases with glandular cystitis were treated with transurethral photoselective vaporization from 2004 to 2010. The patients’ hospital records were reviewed to obtain pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative data. All the patients were diagnosed with glandular cystitis through pathological biopsy before or during their operation. All the patients were also operated on successfully. Mean operating time was 22 min and mean post-operative hospital stay was 4 days. Obturator nerve reflux, vesical perforation or transurethral resection syndrome were not found. After vaporization, every patient had a urethral catheter indwelling for 1 to 5 days without the need for bladder irrigation. All cases were followed up for 6 to 24 months, of which 123/125 (98.4%) cases were cured and 2/125 (1.6%) cases showed recurrence during this follow-up period. Therefore, transurethral photoselective vaporization is a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of glandular cystitis.
FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN DERMATITIS PADA NELAYAN

Permasalahan dalam penelitian adalah faktor-faktor apa sajakah yang berhubungan dengan penyakit dermatitis pada nelayan. Tujuannya untuk menge-tahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan kejadian dermatitis pada nelayan. Ini termasuk penelitian penjelasan dengan pendekatan belah lintang. Populasi penelitian berjumlah 68 orang. Sampel dikumpulkan secara acak. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 40 orang. Teknik pengambilan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Korelasi chi square digunakan untuk mencari hubungan dan menguji hipotesis antara kedua variabel. Berdasarkan uji chi square itu diketahui bahwa masa kerja (p = 0,001), alat pelindung diri (APD) (p = 0,001), riwayat pekerjaan (p = 0,027), kesehatan pribadi (p = 0,027), riwayat penyakit kulit (p = 0,006) dan riwayat alergi (p = 0,018). Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada faktor-faktor yang berhubungan meliputi masa kerja, alat pelindung diri, riwayat pekerjaan, hygiene personal, riwayat penyakit kulit, dan riwayat alergi. Abstract Problems in this study were what factors are associated with dermatitis on the fishermen who work in the Fish Auction Place (FAP). This study aimed to determine those factors. This type of study was explanatory with cross sectional approach. The population consist of 68 peoples. Techniques used was random sampling. The samples equal 40 peoples. Techniques of data retrieval were done using a questionnaire. Chi square correlation used to find relationships and testing hypotheses between these two variables. Based on chi square test, it was known that the period of employment (p = 0.001), personal protective equipment (PPE) (p = 0.001), history of work (p = 0.027), personal hygiene (p = 0.027), history of skin disease (p = 0.006), and a history of allergy (p = 0.018), because p <0.05 then the factors are related to the occurrence of dermatitis in fishermen who worked in the FAP. In conclusion, there are factors associated with the incidence of dermatitis in fishermen such as personal protective equipment, work history, personal hygiene, history of skin disease and history of alergy. Keywords: Dermatitis; Fish Auction Place (FAP); Personal hygiene
Buffer size and switching capacity study in packet switches of broadband ISDN

The paper investigates packet loss probabilities of two alternative two-stage output-buffered switches. The performance of these switches can be improved as the switching capacity per output and buffers size increase. Two traffic models, uniform random traffic and bursty traffic are considered. The effects of bursty traffic can degrade switch performance significantly. Especially, the packet loss increases significantly in the buffer when mean burst length increases. In addition, the effect of the bursty traffic on the switching capacity can be ignored. The paper also compares the requirement of the buffer size and switching capacity of the two switches. <<ETX>>
FDA analysis of depth of response (DpR) and survival across 10 randomized controlled trials in patients with previously untreated unresectable or metastatic melanoma (UMM) by therapy type.

9508 Background: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 may not capture the full spectrum of benefit that patients with melanoma derive from targeted kinase inhibitors (TKI) or immunotherapies. We explored the relationship between DpR and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with TKI (BRAF, MEK inhibitors), immunotherapy (antibodies targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4), or chemotherapy (dacarbazine or paclitaxel). Methods: Ten randomized controlled trials of patients with previously untreated UMM were pooled and evaluated by type of therapy. DpR was grouped by maximal tumor shrinkage (G0 = no shrinkage or increase, G1 = ≤25%, G2 = 26-50%, G3 = 51-75%, G4 = 76- < 100%, and G5 = 100%). We performed an exploratory analysis evaluating the association between DpR and OS using hazard ratios (HR) generated from a Cox proportional hazards model where maximal tumor shrinkage category was included as a time varying covariate. Results: There were 3778 patients evaluable for tumor response. The table displays the HR for OS by DpR group and therapy type. Estimated OS at 24m in patients with deep response ( > 75%; G4+G5) treated with TKI and immunotherapy was 69% and 92%, respectively, although many patients were censored. Conclusions: For patients with previously untreated UMM a larger DpR correlates with a longer OS, regardless of therapy type. Deep response ( > 75%) is associated with a high rate of estimated OS at 24 months in patients treated with immunotherapy. Analysis of DpR provides additional granularity of response data and may provide a more nuanced prediction of clinical outcome. [Table: see text]
Assessment of the role of specific absorption rate of mobile phones on the induction of microwave-induced survival adaptive responses after exposure to lethal doses of gamma radiation

Background: Whether exposure to common electromagne c fields affects human health adversely has been a controversial issue. The main goal of this study was to assess the role of 900 MHz microwave radia ons with different specific absorp on rates (SARs), emi ed from some widely used cell phones, on the induc on of adap ve response in male Balb/c mice a er receiving a lethal dose of gamma radia on. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 120 male Balb/c mice. The animals were divided into groups of 20 mice each (6 groups). Group one (the control group) received neither microwave radia on nor the lethal dose of gamma radia on. Group two was exposed only to the lethal dose of 8.8 Gy. The mice in group three were first exposed to low SAR 900 MHz microwave radia ons emi ed from a cell phone for six hours (3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the a ernoon) for 5 days and then were exposed to a lethal dose of 8.8 Gy on day six. The mice in group 4 were treated as those in group 3 but with a moderate SAR and the mice in group 5 were also treated as those in groups 3 and 4 but with a high SAR. The mice in group six were exposed only to high SAR 900 MHz microwaves. Results: All groups were monitored for 12 days and their daily mortality rates were recorded. The results showed that there was a sta s cally significant difference between group two (the animals exposed only to lethal dose of gamma radia on) and the groups with a pre‐exposure to microwave radia ons before receiving the lethal dose. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that inves gates the role of SAR on the induc on of microwave‐induced survival adap ve response. It can be concluded that 900 MHz microwaves emi ed from cell phones, regardless of their SAR can induce adap ve responses which make the animals more resistant to subsequent lethal doses of ionizing radia on. These findings also confirm our preliminary findings obtained in a previous study.
Ultrasound to assess gastric content and fluid volume: New kid on the block for aspiration risk assessment in critically ill patients?

Introduction: Aspiration is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Fasting guidelines do not apply to critically ill and emergency patients. Gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is a promising approach to assess aspiration risk. This review discusses its feasibility, clinical implications, limitations and future perspectives. Methods: This is a narrative review. A search in PubMed and EMBASE to find relevant articles was performed. Results: Gastric PoCUS provides both qualitative and quantitative information about gastric content and fluid volume. Based on qualitative findings, the antrum is empty or contains fluids or solids. Based on quantitative findings, a fluid volume of up to 500 ml is accurately measured. Gastric PoCUS is feasible in over 90% of subjects. An algorithm for clinical application is presented. Conclusion: Gastric PoCUS is a promising tool to assess gastric content and fluid volume in critical care and emergency patients. Further research on whether the information obtained improves patient outcome is needed.
Three major compounds showing significant antioxidative, α-glucosidase inhibition, and antiglycation activities in Robusta coffee brew

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to separate and identify the bioactive compounds in the Robusta coffee brew. The coffee brew showed significant potential for antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, and antiglycation activities, as well as effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Indonesian Lampung Robusta coffee beans were roasted at the first crack level, followed by grinding and brewing. The bioactive compounds of the coffee brew were separated and isolated using the bioassay-guided approach. The isolated compounds were further identified using NMR and LC-MS. The highly bioactive compounds in the coffee brew were highly polar and present in large amounts. Furthermore, the three major compounds with the most potent bioactivities were identified as 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4-CQA), and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA). This study also demonstrated that caffeine had little influence on the abovementioned bioactivities. These results are important for the isolation of bioactive compounds in coffee brew for further applications of coffee-based functional foods to overcome T2DM.
Abnormal Changes in Some Haemostatic Parameters in First-ever Stroke Patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Preliminary Findings

Background and Purpose: Cellular component and clotting factors are involved in thrombotic events such as stroke, but the type and nature of alteration of those haemostatic parameters remain unclear. Our objective was to identify possible abnormal changes in some haemostatic parameters in established stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case-control study conducted at Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Standard operating procedures were adopted to assay fibrinogen, antithrombin, tissue plasminogen activator, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time as well as the determination of platelet count and platelet indices. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 software. Results: A total of 108 individuals comprised of 54 stroke patients aged between 45 and 73 years (mean, 59± 13.04 years), 20 (37.04%) men and 34 (62.96%) women and another 54 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were studied. Significantly (p<0.05) higher mean values of mean platelet volume (MPPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), Platelet larger cell ratio (PLCR), antithrombin, tissue plasminogen activator and fibrinogen were observed in the stroke patients when compared to those of the control subjects. Whereas, significantly lower (p<0.05) mean values of platelet count, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were observed in the stroke patients than in those of the control subjects. Conclusion: Several haemostatic parameters were found to be altered in stroke patients and have the potential to be risk factors but have not been demonstrated as being causative. Further work is needed to establish where they begin to contribute to stroke prognosis.
A Retrospective Study on Malaria Cases Admitted

Summary A review of malaria cases over a five year period from 1984-1988 at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is presented. A total of 64 cases were recorded; 50% of which were due to Plasmodiumfalciparum, 40.6% were due to Plasmodium vivax, 6.2% due to Plasmodium malariae and 3.1 % due to a mixed infection of P lasmodiumfalciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The breakdown of species type compared similarly with other studies conducted in the region. Of this total, sixteen cases were imported from Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Madagascar and Mali. The presenting symptoms and the clinical findings were typical of a malaria infection. The main problem in the future will be the increase in imported cases of malaria.
Factors Influencing the Phytotoxicity and Movement of Paraquat in Quackgrass

Quackgrass (Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. ) was defoliated for 25 to 30 days with applications of 1.0 lb/A of l,l′-dimethyl-4–4′-bipyridinium salt (paraquat). Applications were more effective made prior to darkness than at midday. Phytotoxicity was increased by adding surfactants in the field, and experiments utilizing 14C-paraquat under controlled environmental conditions indicated that the surfactant X-77 increased foliar absorption by 20%. Quackgrass plants grown in nutrient solutions exhibited chronic paraquat toxicity which increased as the nitrogen levels increased. Paraquat also inhibited the growth of lateral buds on quackgrass rhizome segments cultured in the dark. Greater movement of 14C-paraquat in quackgrass leaves occurred under 6 hr of light as compared to 6 hr of darkness following application. However, a 6-hr dark period after application prior to the light period further enhanced the movement from the treated leaf.
Drainage effects on leaf traits of trees in tropical peat swamp forests in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Large areas of the tropical peat swamp forests in Central Kalimantan were drained to be converted into rice ﬁelds and then abandoned. A change in the soil water level due to drainage in the forests must have had a big impact on the ecology and ecophysiology of the trees in the drained remnant forests. The leaf traits of these trees in particular may have been directly or indirectly affected by drainage because of their high sensitivity to environmental change. To understand the inﬂuence of drainage on leaf traits, we investigated leaf morphological and physiological differences between intact and drained peat swamp forests in Palangka Raya, Indonesia, using 14 species distributed over both types of forests. We compared the leaf mass per unit area (LMA), leaf toughness, leaf area- and mass-based nitrogen content (N area and N mass ), carbon/nitrogen ratio, total phenolics, condensed tannin and lignin content and carbon isotope ratio ( δ 13 C) of both types of forest trees. In the drained forest, trees had higher values in LMA, N area , and δ 13 C than in the intact forest, suggesting that such trees adjust themselves to dry conditions to increase photosynthetic ability with high water use efﬁciency compared with those in intact forests. We also found an increase in condensed tannin content in drained forest trees, which may offset the drainage-induced acceleration of leaf decomposition to some extent.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ARTICLE The Effectiveness of Second Language Strategy Instruction: A Meta-analysis

outcome variables). A comprehensive search was conducted to collect the population of SI studies. Effect sizes were calculated for 61 primary studies, contributing a total of 95 unique samples, all of which were coded for potential moderators. The findings indicate a small to medium overall effect of SI (d = 0.49). Variables found to moderate its effectiveness include type and number of strategies, learning context (second vs. foreign language), and length of intervention. Following a contextualized interpretation of the results, the article concludes with a discussion of theoretical, practical, and methodological implications.
Contamination of Patient’s Medical Files in ICU: Potential Source of Nosocomial Infection. -

Background-Nosocomial infections have become an increasingly recognized problem and are a significant hazard for the patients admitted in the hospital. The highest prevalence of nosocomial infections occur in busy areas of hospital such as Intensive care units. Patient’s files are common inanimate objects, which have the potential to be contaminated by pathogenic bacteria, and work as fomites in spreading nosocomial infection. Methods The samples were collected with sterile cotton swabs from the outer surface of the selected 100 file randomly using standard collection protocol and cultured. Result-Out of total 100 medical files studied, 73% were found to be contaminated with various organisms. The major isolates were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (43.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (38.4%) & MRSA (5.5%). Conclusion-Prevention of contamination of files can be achieved by strict hand hygiene practices amongst HCW before and after handling the file. If existing files are replaced with plastic coated files, periodic cleaning of these files with antiseptic solution will be easier. Monitoring of contamination of medical files will help to assess the infection control practices in healthcare settings.