Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on Prescribing Pattern of Antibiotics in a Pediatric Out-Patient Department in a Tertiary Care Teaching and Non-Teaching Hospital

Aim: The aim of the study is to conduct a prospective study on prescribing pattern of antibiotics in the out-patient department of Pediatrics and to evaluate the rational use of antibiotics. Methods: The study was conducted with a sample size of 480 patients for a period of 6 months at a Tertiary Care Teaching and Non-teaching Hospital after taking consent from both the hospitals. Results: In our study, a total of 480 prescriptions, hospital 1:225/129 and hospital 2: 225/154 were screened. Out of which 129(57.3%) and 154(60.39%) contained antibiotics and the average number of drugs was 2.93 ± 0.96 and 2.94 ± 0.9 for hospital 1 and 2 respectively. Majority of the prescriptions contained only one antibiotic. Moderate drug interactions of 85% and minor interactions of 15% were found from both the hospitals. Most common diseases found were upper respiratory tract infections (URTI-25.58%), fever (25.58%), gastroenteritis (GE) 17.82%) in hospital 1 and fever (22.72%), URTI (20.12%), LRTI (14.93%), GE (19.48) and UTI (16.23%) in hospital-2.Commonly prescribed antibiotic class and drugs was penicillin‐amoxicillin(18.18%)‐hospital1,cephalosporins‐cefixime(32.14%), ceftriaxone (21.42%) and cefodoxamine (40.17%)-hospital 2. The commonly used antibiotic combination was amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (hospital1:75%, hospital2-100%). The average total prescription cost and antibiotic cost was Rs. 96.96 and Rs. 45.30 (hospital 1), and Rs. 69.80&Rs. 39.60. (hospital 2) respectively. Conclusion: The total number of drugs and the number of antibiotics prescribed were found to be rational in both the hospitals. However more rationality was observed in non-teaching hospital with regard to prescribing pattern as well as economic criteria compared to teaching hospital.
Assessment of two devices for measuring tympanic membrane temperature in swine, dairy cattle, and dairy calves.

OBJECTIVE To compare tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained with 2 commercially available devices with rectal temperature readings obtained with a standard mercury thermometer in dairy cattle, dairy calves, and swine. DESIGN Clinical trial. ANIMALS 6 Holstein calves (approx 6 months old), 6 Holstein cattle (approx 4 years old), and 5 Landrace-Poland China swine. PROCEDURE Tympanic membrane temperatures were measured, and results were compared with rectal temperatures obtained with a standard mercury thermometer. Tympanic membrane temperatures were obtained before and after insertion of the rectal thermometer. Temperature readings in swine were obtained following passive restraint in a cage-like device or restraint using a snare to assess the effect of stress on tympanic membrane temperature. RESULTS Tympanic membrane temperature readings from both devices were lower than those obtained using a rectal thermometer for all animals. Repeated measurement of tympanic membrane temperature of individual cattle resulted in consistent readings for both devices. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Because all animals were visibly healthy, results suggest that tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained with either device may be an adequate assessment of health status.
Measuring the Impact of International R&D Cooperation: The Case of Spanish Firms Participating in the EU Framework Programme

The objective of this paper is to analyse the effects of international R&D cooperation on firms’ economic performance. Our empirical analysis, based on Spanish firms’ participation in the Framework Programme (FP) between 1995 and 2005, has confirmed that: (1) cooperation within the FP has a positive impact on the technological capacity of firms, captured through intangible fixed assets and (2) the technological capacity of firms is positively related to their economic performance, measured by labour productivity.
The piglet as an animal model for hypobaric hypoxia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the piglet as a suitable animal model for human diseases of high altitude. We studied 12 piglets, 4–10 weeks old, in a hypobaric chamber under conditions of high altitude at a pressure of 1 2 atmosphere (∼320 Torr) for various periods of time (12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours) with continuous monitoring. The animals were decompressed every 24 hours for grooming and feeding. Two animals were studied as nonexposed controls, and one was studied as a control in the chamber without decompression. The animals were euthanized after the exposure, and a complete autopsy was performed. The tissues were then analyzed with light and electron microscopy. The animals all exhibited clinical features of ataxia, tachypnea with Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and lethargy. One animal vomited. The histologic and ultrastructural analysis showed normal organs, particularly lung and brain. The piglet may be a suitable animal model for the study of high altitude–related diseases in humans, but prolonged uninterrupted exposure and a delay in euthanasia after exposure to high altitude may be necessary for the development of reactive pathologic changes.
Maize streak virus (MSV) diversity in Uganda and the assessment of gene silencing as a tool for development of resistance to MSV

Résumé Research Application Summary Maize streak virus (MSV) diversity in Uganda and the assessment of gene silencing as a tool for development of resistance to MSV Owor, B.E. 1, Thompson, J.A. 1 & Shepherd, D.M. 1 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa Corresponding author: betty.owor@gmail.com Through an extensive survey conducted in all maize-growing regions in Uganda as well as the application of gene silencing to develop a novel disease control option for maize streak disease, the diversity of Maize streak virus (MSV) in different regions in the country as well as a new disease resistance source were established. Sequence data indicated that all Ugandan MSV isolates belong to the maize-infecting MSV-A1 subtype that is predominant in many sampled areas in East Africa and that both interand intra-subtype recombination is common in Ugandan MSVs. Using a transient assay, it was established that MSV replication was abolished or greatly inhibited by a hairpin of a 678-bp portion of an intronless MSV REP gene. The rep hairpin construct also significantly reduced replication of three southern African isolates as well as Ugandan isolates identified in this study.
Biologia Plantarum Xx (x): Xxx-xxx, 20xx Application of X-ray Absorption near Edge Spectroscopy to the Study of the Effect of Sulphur on Selenium Uptake and Assimilation in Wheat Seedlings

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. A hydroponic experiment was performed to study the effects of sulphur (S) on Se uptake, translocation, and assimilation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Sulphur starvation had a positive effect on selenate uptake and the form of Se supplied greatly influenced Se speciation in plants. Compared with the control plants, Se uptake by the S-starved plants was enhanced by 4.81-fold in the selenate treatment, and selenate was readily transported from roots to shoots. By contrast, S starvation had no significant effect on selenite uptake, and selenite taken up by roots was rapidly converted to organic forms and tended to accumulate in roots. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis showed that organic forms of selenium, including selenocystine, Se-methyl-selenocysteine (MeSeCys), and selenomethionine-Se-oxide, were dominant in the plants exposed to selenite and accounted for approximately 90 % of the total Se. Whereas selenate remained as the dominant species in the roots and shoots exposed to selenate, with little selenate converted to selenite and MeSeCys. Besides, sulphur starvation increased the proportion of inorganic Se species in the selenate-supplied plants, but had no significant effects on Se speciation in plants exposed to selenite. The present study provides important knowledge to understand the associated mechanism of Se uptake and metabolism in plants.
Mental Health Correlates of the Victim-Perpetrator Relationship Among Interpersonally Victimized Adolescents

This research examines mental health correlates of different victim-perpetrator relationships among adolescent victims of interpersonal violence. A large and nationally representative sample of adolescents (N = 4,023) responded to structured telephone interviews concerning mental health functioning (posttraumatic stress disorder—PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance abuse/dependence, and delinquency). Those reporting histories of sexual (n = 321) and/or physical (n = 688) assault were queried about specific aspects of their assaults, including their relationship with the perpetrator. After controlling for demographic and assault-related risk factors, the victim-perpetrator relationship remained a significant risk factor for mental health problems. Adolescents sexually assaulted by nonstrangers were at increased risk for PTSD; those sexually assaulted by acquaintances or people they did not know well were at increased risk for delinquency. Adolescents who were physically assaulted by a family member were at increased risk for PTSD. Explanations for the findings and the need for consistent assessment methods across related studies are discussed.
Gamma/beta oscillation and sensory gating deficit in schizophrenia

Sensory gating can be measured by the suppression of auditory evoked potentials in a paired-click paradigm. The normal gating of the P50 response to the second stimulus (S2) is impaired in many schizophrenic patients. Various in vitro and in vivo evoked potential paradigms have shown that a stimulus evokes early gamma frequency oscillation, which is followed by beta frequency oscillation. The gamma-to-beta shift in response to the first stimulus (S1) in the paired-click paradigm may contain critical electrophysiological signals that modulate the S2 suppression. The results of the present study showed that post-S1 beta frequency response was inversely correlated to the S2 P50 response in patients with schizophrenia.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) Plasma Levels are Increased in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

There are several reports of myeloperoxidase (MPO) playing an important role in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by activated CD4 T cells that has a chemotactic and activating effect on neutrophils. It has also been shown that IL-17 recruits neutrophils via the release of C-X-C chemokines. The roles of MPO and IL-17 in ACS, however, have not been established. This study measured plasma MPO and IL-17 levels in 10 patients with ACS, 11 age- and sex-matched patients with stable angina and 12 healthy control subjects. Plasma MPO and IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in ACS patients compared with the patients with stable angina and the healthy control subjects. In addition, plasma MPO levels correlated with plasma IL-17 levels in all study participants. It is concluded that MPO and IL-17 are powerful indicators of acute coronary inflammation, however the data set was very small, so larger prospective studies are required.
Identification of a Novel CD8 T Cell Epitope Derived from Plasmodium berghei Protective Liver-Stage Antigen

We recently identified novel Plasmodium berghei (Pb) liver stage (LS) genes that as DNA vaccines significantly reduce Pb LS parasite burden (LPB) in C57Bl/6 (B6) mice through a mechanism mediated, in part, by CD8 T cells. In this study, we sought to determine fine antigen (Ag) specificities of CD8 T cells that target LS malaria parasites. Guided by algorithms for predicting MHC class I-restricted epitopes, we ranked sequences of 32 Pb LS Ags and selected ~400 peptides restricted by mouse H-2Kb and H-2Db alleles for analysis in the high-throughput method of caged MHC class I-tetramer technology. We identified a 9-mer H-2Kb restricted CD8 T cell epitope, Kb-17, which specifically recognized and activated CD8 T cell responses in B6 mice immunized with Pb radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) and challenged with infectious sporozoites (spz). The Kb-17 peptide is derived from the recently described novel protective Pb LS Ag, PBANKA_1031000 (MIF4G-like protein). Notably, immunization with the Kb-17 epitope delivered in the form of a minigene in the adenovirus serotype 5 vector reduced LPB in mice infected with spz. On the basis of our results, Kb-17 peptide was available for CD8 T cell activation and recall following immunization with Pb RAS and challenge with infectious spz. The identification of a novel MHC class I-restricted epitope from the protective Pb LS Ag, MIF4G-like protein, is crucial for advancing our understanding of immune responses to Plasmodium and by extension, toward vaccine development against malaria.
Quantitative phase‐amplitude microscopy I: optical microscopy

In this paper, the application of a new optical microscopy method (quantitative phase‐amplitude microscopy) to biological imaging is explored, and the issue of resolution and image quality is examined. The paper begins by presenting a theoretical analysis of the method using the optical transfer function formalism of Streibl (1985 ). The effect of coherence on the formation of the phase image is explored, and it is shown that the resolution of the method is not compromised over that of a conventional bright‐field image. It is shown that the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the phase recovery, however, does depend on the degree of coherence in the illumination.
Significant and persistent improvement of thrombocytopenia after splenectomy in an adult with the wiskott‐aldrich syndrome and intra‐cerebral bleeding

The Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome is an X‐linked inherited immunodeficiency disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, recurrent infections and eczema. Its best management option is HLA‐ldentical bone marrow transplantation; when this is not feasible, splenectomy, followed by continuous prophylactic antibiotics, represents the alternative of choice.
Influence of Food Patterns on Endothelial Biomarkers: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the association of food patterns (FPs) and endothelial biomarkers. An electronic literature search from 1990 to 2012 was conducted and reference lists and experts were consulted. Studies without dietary intervention and without language restrictions were considered. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were employed. Methodological quality was assessed by Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. A total of 546 references were identified, of which 8 were finally included. Several FPs were identified. Healthy FPs (abundant in fruits and vegetables) had a beneficial impact on endothelial function as estimated by circulating levels of biomarkers such as C‐reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1, and E‐selectin molecules. Westernized patterns (higher intakes of processed meats, sweets, fried foods, and refined grains) were positively associated with inflammation molecules and atherogenic promoters. The study of FPs in relation to endothelial function contributes to the development of dietary recommendations for improved cardiovascular health and therefore a better lifestyle.
Haematuria clinic--a preliminary audit and considerations for a one-stop assessment centre.

AIM To audit and study the practicality of an integrated Haematuria Clinic as a one-stop assessment centre for the investigations of patients presenting with haematuria. METHODS A weekly clinic was organised to facilitate consultation, intravenous urogram and flexible cystoscopy for patients with haematuria. A protocol was set up and data on symptoms, types of haematuria, results of the investigations and outcomes were collected. RESULTS About half of all the patients seen in this clinic were found to harbour urological lesions; of which urolithiasis (20.4%) and urological malignancies (14.2%) were the most common lesions identified. Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was the most common malignancy diagnosed (8%). Significantly, 2 of 9 (22.2%) bladder cancers were found on cystoscopy and missed on the cystogram phase of the intravenous urogram. Ten urological lesions would have been missed if cystoscopies were not performed. Conversely, in 14 patients, cystoscopy could be avoided because their intravenous urograms identified lesions sufficiently to allow for definitive treatment. CONCLUSIONS The need and types of investigation for patients with haematuria are evolving. We recommend intravenous urogram and flexible cystoscopy as the standard investigations and caution against ignoring microscopic haematuria. These assessments can be organised into an integrated clinic improving deliverance of clinical care; which may result in better patient compliance for investigations and earlier detection and treatment of urological lesions presenting as haematuria.
A phase II trial of oral S-1 combined with gemcitabine in patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer.

e15527 Background: Optimal chemotherapy for unresectable biliary tract cancer is yet to be defined. We have conducted the phase II trial of Gemcitabine (GEM) with S-1, oral fluorouracil prodrug tegafur combined with two modulators, 5-chloro-2, 4-dihydropridine and potassium oxonate to evaluate the activity and toxicity of such combination in patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer. METHODS Eligibility criteria were pathologically-proven biliary tract cancer, appropriate performance status 0 to 2, age 20 to 79 years, adequate hematological, renal and liver functions, no prior chemotherapy, and written informed consent. S-1 was given orally (30mg/m2) bid for 14 consecutive days and GEM (1000mg/m2) was given on day 8 and 15. Cycle was repeated every 21 days. RESULTS 30 patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer (Gall-bladder: intrahepatic bile ducts: extrahepatic bile ducts=7:16:7) were enrolled from March 2007 to December 2008. Patients characteristics were: median age; 67 (46-79), male/female; 20/10, PS 0/1/2; 16/13/1. Median number of cycles was 8 (range 1 to 14). Out of total 26 evaluable patients, objective responses were observed in 9 patients (30%); 16 patients achieved stable disease and 1 patients showed disease progression. Median survival was 390 days (95% c.i.: 290 - 490 days). The grade 3-4 toxicities observed were leucopenia (20%), neutropenia (40%), anemia (17%), thrombocytopenia (37%), anorexia (7%), fever (10%), rash (7%) and interstitial pneumonia (7%). CONCLUSIONS The combination chemotherapy with GEM and S-1 was well tolerated and high response rate has been observed. This result is very promising but survival benefit against GEM monotherapy should be demonstrated in future phase 3 studies. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Evaluation of agreement between tests for the diagnosis of leprosy

Introducao: A hanseniase e uma doenca infecciosa cronica causada pelo parasita intracelular Mycobacterium leprae. O diagnostico e essencialmente clinico, com base em sintomas, exame da pele, nervos perifericos e historia epidemiologica. Testes laboratoriais sao realizados para complementar o resultado de diagnostico clinico, ou mesmo servindo como metodo de confirmacao. Objetivo: Investigar a positividade e a concordância da baciloscopia, do ensaio de imunoadsorvente ligado a enzima (ELISA) com o antigeno sintetico ND-O-BSA, do ML Flow e da reacao em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para a deteccao de Mycobacterium leprae em casos novos de hanseniase. Metodos: Foi realizada uma serie de casos, avaliando uma amostra de conveniencia de 39 novos casos de hanseniase e um grupo-controle de 18 contatos domiciliares em Belem (PA) e Igarape-Acu (PA) a partir de marco 2014 a setembro de 2015. Resultados: A concordância entre as combinacoes ELISA, ML Flow e PCR mostrou reprodutibilidade leve a ausente (Kappa ≤ 0,24). Os resultados mostraram maior sensibilidade no ensaio de PCR, com maior positividade em casos multibacilares. O teste ELISA mostrou baixa positividade, mesmo em casos multibacilares, resultando em nenhuma reacao nos casos paucibacilares e contatos domiciliares. Conclusao: A alta sensibilidade da PCR diminui a concordância com outros testes.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant after intravenous busulfan and fludarabine conditioning

Reducing the toxicity of myeloablative conditioning is an important goal in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), a situation in which treatment-related mortality (TRM) can be as high as 40% [1–8]. Recently a new, less toxic, conditioning regimen using intravenous busulfan (Bu) associated with fludarabine (BuFlu) was proposed [9,10]. The authors hypothesized that by avoiding cyclophosphamide (Cy) the safety margin increased, allowing Bu to be administered once daily (in doses similar to the total daily doses given in BuCy, where Bu is given every 6 h for 4 days) [9,10]. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) transplanted at the Albert Einstein Hospital using the BuFlu regimen. We did not monitor Bu levels, postulating that the safety and efficacy of the combination would not be compromised [1–4]. The institutional review board approved the study and written informed consents were obtained. Patients were eligible to receive HSCT if they had AML in high-risk first complete remission (CR1), or failed to achieve CR with induction chemotherapy [11]. Patients beyond CR1 were also eligible. Patients with MDS were eligible if they had a high International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score [12]. Patients receiving a second allogeneic HSCT were also eligible. Eligibility for HSCT included normal renal and hepatic function; Karnofsky performance status 470%; left ventricular ejection fraction 50%; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and diffusing capacity of lung for CO2 50% of predicted; and absence of uncontrolled infection. Human histocompatibility antigen (HLA) matched related (MRD) or unrelated (MUD) donor marrow or peripheral blood was used (matched, or with one antigen mismatch at HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 loci). The conditioning regimen, previously described [9], consisted of fludarabine (Berlex Laboratories, Wayne, NJ), 40 mg/m given over 60 min daily for 4 days, followed by intravenous Bu [13] (ESP Pharma, Edison, NJ), 130 mg/m over 3 h daily (days 76 to 73). Patients with MUD received rabbit antithymocyte globulin 5 mg/kg divided over 4 days (days 74 to 71). Day 0 was the day of transplant. Phenytoin was used for Bu central nervous system toxicity prophylaxis. Potential hepatotoxic drugs such as acetoaminophen and metronidazole were not used, although azoles were used in all patients. Filgrastin (Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA) 5 mg/kg was used from day þ2 until an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 1.56 10/L for 3 days. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus (Fujisawa Healthcare, Deerfield, IL) adjusted to maintain
A new method in fixed point theory

EÎ'(X, A) = Ê\T, H\X, A)) where H denotes the Tate cohomology ofir [l, Chapter 12 ] and H'(X, A) is the jth Cech cohomology group of (X, A) with arbitrary coefficients and with w action induced by that on X. The term Ew is the graded module associated with a certain filtered module J*(XyA). This sequence is natural with respect to ir-equivariant maps of (X, A). If w acts trivially on X, the sequence is trivial i.e. E^ — E^.