Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of citronella and cinnamon essential oils on Candida albicans biofilms

Abstract Introduction: The discovery of new antimicrobials derived from plants could aid in the management of biofilm-associated infections, including denture-induced stomatitis (DS). DS is an oral infection caused by Candida biofilms on the surfaces of poorly cleansed dentures. Effective treatment of DS requires the use of an appropriate denture cleanser and preferably one that exhibits antimicrobial properties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Candida and anti-biofilm efficacy of two essential plant oils from Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella) and Cinnamon cassia (cinnamon). Materials and methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations (MFCs) were determined by broth microdilution, whilst anti-biofilm activity was measured against mature (cultured for 72 h) biofilms on acrylic surfaces. Candida cell viability was assessed immediately (0 h) after treatment (T0) and 48 h after biofilm re-growth (T48). Biofilm structure was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at T0 and T48. Results: The respective MICs of cinnamon and citronella oils were 65 and 250 μg/ml and these were also the MFC values. For anti-biofilm efficacy, both oils significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of viable micro-organisms and accumulation of biofilms at T0. However, at T48, there was no difference between treated and untreated biofilms. Conclusions: It is concluded that citronella and cinnamon essential oils have potential for daily anti-candidal denture cleansing.
A Pilot for Understanding Interdisciplinary Teams in Rehabilitation Practice

&NA; Interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitation are effective for positive patient outcomes. They require skills in team building and interprofessional collaboration. The Institute of Medicine has interdisciplinary teams as one of the five core competencies for healthcare workers. In reviewing the literature on teams, several themes were developed, such as communication, collaboration, understanding of roles, and educational levels of team members. Using these themes, a survey was developed to assess perceptions of teams by rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Significant findings came from questions on educational levels of team members between nurses and occupational therapists and also within the nursing groups. Open‐ended questions asked about barriers and facilitators for effective teams. We hope that these pilot results will lead to discussions on how to improve interdisciplinary teams and make them more effective for better patient outcomes.
Characteristics of infection of B and T lymphocytes from mice after inoculation with cytomegalovirus

Viremia was produced by inoculating intravenously BALB/c mice with murine cytomegalovirus. Virus was detected in plasma and granulocytes only during the first 8 days after infection. Lymphocyte-associated viremia, detectable by cocultivation on syngeneic or allogeneic fibroblasts, persisted for at least 4 weeks. Eight to 10 days after infection, sonicated lymphocytes had no demonstrable free virus. When whole lymphocytes with no demonstrable free virus were enclosed in a Millipore chamber and placed on a fibroblastic feeder layer, T cells produced free virus but B cells did not. Compared to normal calf serum, specific hyperimmune serum reduced B cell-associated infectious centers by 74% and T cell-associated infectious centers by only 38%. Normal mouse sera reduced by 36% and 30% infectious center production by B cells and T cells, respectively. Lymphocytes enriched with Fc receptor-positive cells produced significantly more infectious centers than receptor-negative cells.
Optimal Time Interval Between Periodic Inspections for a Two-Component Cold Standby Multistate System

The establishment of the optimal time interval between inspections for multistate redundant systems considering availability and costs related to maintenance and production losses is a challenging issue. This paper extends previous research for redundant multistate systems where the time-to-repair cannot be neglected. Discrete-time Markov chains are used to define transition probabilities between the different system states and the costs related to each transition. To optimize the time interval between inspections, the total cost is minimized utilizing the Markov chains properties followed by a numerical search technique. Two models are analyzed and numerical examples are presented. System I is a binary system with cold standby redundancy and component repair, while system II is a multistate system with cold standby redundancy and component repair. The main contribution of the method presented in this paper is the establishment of the optimal time interval between inspections for cold standby systems comprised of components that have different levels of degradation and where the component state can be determined only through periodic inspections. Systems with these characteristics are widely applied in industry, but are still not fully modeled in the literature.
Gender differences in stroke risk of atrial fibrillation patients on oral anticoagulant treatment

Summary The efficacy of adjusted-dose oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT) in the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) is well documented. Available data show that AF patients are widely heterogeneous in terms of ischaemic stroke risk. The role of female gender as a predictor of stroke risk is inconsistent, in particular it is unclear if warfarin treatment is able to prevent stroke equally in both sexes. We performed a prospective study on 780 AF patients on OAT, followed by an Anticoagulation Clinic, to evaluate if female gender is a risk factor for stroke among patients on OAT and if the quality of anticoagulation is different between genders. No difference was found in relation to the quality of anticoagulation between genders (p=0.5). During follow-up 33 patients had major bleedings (rate 1.37x100 pt/yrs) but no difference was found between genders in bleeding risk. Forty patients had ischaemic events [rate 1.66x100 pt/yrs; males rate 1.2 x100 pt/yrs; females rate 2.43x100 pt/yrs; p=0.042; relative risk (RR) of females vs. males 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–3.1); p= 0.004]. The higher rate of ischaemic events in females with respect to males was confirmed at Cox regression analysis after correction for age (p=0.009). In addition, strokes occurring in females were more disabling, and RR for severe and fatal stroke, defined according to Modified Rankin scale, of females vs. males was 3.1 (95% CI 1.3–6.5; p=0.001). In conclusion, our data show a higher risk of stroke in anticoagulated AF females with respect to males, despite a similar quality of anticoagulation.
Classifying spaces from Ore categories with Garside families

We describe how an Ore category with a Garside family can be used to construct a classifying space for its fundamental group(s). The construction simultaneously generalizes Brady's classifying space for braid groups and the Stein--Farley complexes used for various relatives of Thompson's groups. It recovers the fact that Garside groups have finite classifying spaces. We describe the categories and Garside structures underlying certain Thompson groups. The Zappa--Szep product of categories is introduced and used to construct new categories and groups from known ones. As an illustration of our methods we introduce the group Braided T and show that it is of type $F_\infty$.
Polarimetric millimeter wave propagation channel measurement and cluster properties in outdoor urban pico-cell environment

To use millimeter wave bands in future cellular and wireless networks, characterization of the radio propagation channel in outdoor urban small cell or pico cell environment is vital. In this paper we present results from analysis of wideband full polarimetric directional channel measurements in an urban pico-cell environment using the double directional millimeter wave channel sounding system we developed. Multipath clusters with excess gain ranging from −9.6 dB to −22 dB in both line of sight (LOS) and obstructed LOS cases are seen. The most significant clusters were due to first and second order reflection, and diffraction. The clusters ranged from being highly specular in nature with very small (nearly 0°) angular spread to having angular spreads of up to 5.8° in azimuth and 6.3° in elevation. Similarly the delay spread of the clusters ranged up to 2.1 ns.
Target-controlled infusion (Propofol) versus inhaled anaesthetic (Sevoflurane) in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery

Background: One of the challenges of anaesthesia for shoulder arthroscopic procedures is the need for controlled hypotension to lessen intra-articular haemorrhage and thereby provide adequate visualisation to the surgeon. Achievement of optimal conditions necessitates several interventions and manipulations by the anaesthesiologist and the surgeon, most of which directly or indirectly involve maintaining intra-operative blood pressure (BP) control. Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and convenience of target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and inhalational agent sevoflurane in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery after preliminary inter-scalene blockade. Methods: Of thirty four patients studied, seventeen received TCI propofol (target plasma concentration of 3 μg/ml) and an equal number, sevoflurane (1.2-1.5 Minimum Alveolar Concentration). N2O was used in both groups. Systolic, diastolic, mean blood pressures and heart rate were recorded regularly throughout the procedure. All interventions to control BP by the anaesthesiologist and pump manipulation requested by the surgeon were recorded. The volume of saline irrigant used and the haemoglobin (Hb) content of the return fluid were measured. Results: TCI propofol could achieve lower systolic, mean BP levels and the number of interventions required was also lower as compared to the sevoflurane group. The number of patients with measurable Hb was lower in the TCI propofol group and this translated into better visualisation of the joint space. A higher volume of saline irrigant was required in the sevoflurane group. No immediate peri-operative anaesthetic complications were noted in either category. Conclusion: TCI propofol appears to be superior to and more convenient than sevoflurane anaesthesia in inter-scalene blocked patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Lean Body Mass in HIV-Infected Children

Objectives:To describe insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-1-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and IGFBP-3 in HIV+ children before and after initiating or changing antiretroviral therapy and to evaluate association of growth and body composition to growth factors at baseline and over time. Methods:Ninety-seven prepubertal HIV+ children aged 1 month to younger than 13 years were observed over 48 weeks after beginning or changing antiretroviral therapy. Serum IGF-1, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 were measured and compared with age- and sex-specific norms. Anthropometric measures were compared as follows: subjects vs matched children from (a) the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to generate z scores and (b) HIV-exposed, uninfected children from Women and Infants Transmission Study; and subjects with normal vs abnormal IGF-1 and IGFBP concentrations at baseline. Anthropometric changes were compared for children whose IGF-1 level normalized vs remaining subjects. Multivariate analysis adjusting for sex, race, and baseline age evaluated associations between anthropometry and IGF-1 and IGFBP concentrations. Results:In multivariate analysis, lower baseline IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were associated with lower mean weight, height, mid-arm muscle circumference, and mid-thigh circumference z scores. Twenty-four percent of children had a low IGF-1 level at baseline, 50% of whom normalized IGF-1 on study. Children whose IGF-1 normalized had greater increases in mean mid-arm muscle circumference z score (1.00 vs −0.03, P = 0.029), but a trend toward lesser mean height increase (P = 0.082) than remaining subjects. Likewise, in comparison to controls from Women and Infants Transmission Study, mean mid-arm muscle circumference also increased more in children whose IGF-1 normalized (P = 0.024) but mean height changed less (P = 0.003). Fifty-five percent of children had elevated IGFBP-1 at baseline, 69% of whom normalized. Conclusions:IGF-1 increases and IGFBP-1 decreases in HIV-infected children upon initiation or change in antiretroviral therapy. Improved muscle mass, but not linear growth, is associated with normalized IGF-1 concentration. These findings suggest that IGF-1 may merit evaluation as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve lean body mass in HIV-infected children.
Comparison of Serological Test Kits for Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever in the Philippines

ABSTRACT We evaluated four recent antibody-detection kits for typhoid fever by using 177 febrile patients from our hospital, in 75 of whom Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi grew. TUBEX performed best, achieving 94.7% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity. Typhidot, SD Bioline Typhoid, and Mega Salmonella were less specific and, in most cases, less sensitive.
Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Nosocomial and Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections

Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a family member of Enterobacteriaceae. Isolates of K. pneumoniae produce enzymes that cause decomposition of third generation cephalosporins. These enzymes are known as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). Resistance of K. pneumoniae to beta-lactamase antibiotics is commonly mediated by beta-lactamase genes. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the ESBL produced by K. pneumoniae isolates that cause community-acquired and nosocomial urinary tract infections within a one-year period (2013 to 2014) in Kashani and Hajar university hospitals of Shahrekord, Iran. Patients and Methods From 2013 to 2014, 150 strains of K. pneumoniae isolate from two different populations with nosocomial and community-acquired infections were collected. The strains were then investigated by double disk synergism and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The study population of 150 patients with nosocomial and community-acquired infections were divided to two groups of 75 each. We found that 48 of the K. pneumoniae isolates in the patients with nosocomial infection and 39 isolates in those with community-acquired infections produced ESBL. The prevalence of TEM1, SHV1 and VEB1 in ESBL-producing isolates in nosocomial patients was 24%, 29.3% and 10.6%, and in community-acquired patients, 17.3%, 22.7% and 8%, respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolate is of great concern; therefore, continuous investigation seems essential to monitor ESBL-producing bacteria in patients with nosocomial and community-acquired infections.
Relationship between beta-blocker treatment and the severity of central sleep apnea in chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND We sought to examine the relationship between use of beta-blockers and the severity of central sleep apnea (CSA) in patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS We performed polysomnography in 45 patients with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class II/III and left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%) and examined the relationship between use of beta-blockers and the severity of CSA. Central apnea index (CAI) was used as an indicator of CSA. RESULTS Patients receiving beta-blockers (ie, carvedilol; n = 27) had lower apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and CAI than patients not receiving beta-blockers (n = 18) [mean +/- SD, 14 +/- 11 vs 33 +/- 17, p < 0.0001; and 1.9 +/- 3.2 vs 11 +/- 12, p = 0.0004, respectively]. AHI and CAI were negatively correlated with the dose of carvedilol (Spearman rho = - 0.61, p < 0.0001; and Spearman rho = - 0.57, p = 0.0002, respectively). Multiple regression analysis selected no use of beta-blockers as an independent factor of CAI (p = 0.0006). In five patients with CAI > 5 who underwent serial sleep studies, CAI decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment with carvedilol (9.5 +/- 4.9 to 1.3 +/- 2.4, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS In patients with chronic heart failure, CAI was lower according to the dose of beta-blockers, and no use of beta-blockers was independently associated with CAI. In addition, 6 months of treatment with carvedilol decreased CAI. These results suggest that beta-blocker therapy may dose-dependently suppress CSA in patients with chronic heart failure.
Food-limitation in a generalist predator

Investigating food-limitation in generalist predators is difficult, because they can switch to alternative prey, when one of their staple prey becomes scarce. Apart from data on the dynamics of the predator population, a robust study requires: (i) a documentation of the predator's entire prey base; and (ii) an experimental or natural situation, where profitable dietary shifts are impossible, because several preferred prey species decline simultaneously. Here, we provide a detailed description of how food-supply has limited a generalist avian top predator, the northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis. In our study area, populations of several principal goshawk prey species crashed simultaneously during 1975–2000, whereas other extrinsic factors remained essentially unchanged. The breeding and non-breeding segments of the local goshawk population declined markedly, associated with a significant increase in nest failures. Brood size of successful pairs remained unaffected by changes in prey availability. Breeding recruitment ceased at a time when potential replacement birds (‘floaters’) were still present, providing a rare empirical demonstration of an ‘acceptance threshold’ in raptor territory choice. To investigate how goshawk diet changed in response to varying food-supplies, we make novel use of an analytical tool from biodiversity research—‘abundance–biomass–comparison curves’ (ABC curves). With increasing levels of food-stress, the dominance of principal prey species in the diet decreased, and the number of small-bodied prey species increased, as did intra-guild predation. Our finding that breeder and non-breeder segments declined in concert is unexpected. Our results carry the management implication that, in food-limited raptor populations, externally induced breeder mortality can rapidly depress population size, as losses are no longer buffered when floaters reject breeding opportunities.
The emerging pattern of disability in Rwanda

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the emerging pattern of disability (activity limitation) in terms of its prevalence, age and gender distribution in Rwanda. Method: A door-to-door survey was conducted in all households in villages from two districts selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Identified persons were screened for activity limitations using age-appropriate instruments developed from domains in the ICF. Proportions were computed and disaggregated by age group, gender, district and activity limitation. A multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team including community members participated in the development of instruments, community mobilisation, data collection and collation. Results: Prevalence rates of 8.6% (Bugesera) and 14.7% (Musanze) were obtained. The prevalence of disability was higher in adults than in children in both districts (10.4% versus 6.6% in Bugesera and 19.6% versus 7.7% in Musanze). Visual limitations occurred the most frequently in both adults and children in both districts. Mobility and mental health limitations also notably contributed to the overall disability burden. Conclusion: The prevalence of disability obtained was higher than all previously reported data for Rwanda. Despite the limitations, the findings provide useful information for planning rehabilitation services and to direct future enquiry into the epidemiology of disability in Rwanda. Implications for Rehabilitation It is important to design specific surveys to measure disability using contemporary methods to gauge the situation accurately and qualitatively. Currently, the ICF provides the best framework to describe the epidemiology of disability meaningfully; it enables comparisons within and between countries and regions of the world; and enables the active participation of a wide range of rehabilitation stakeholders including PWDs and lay community members. The vast majority of disabilities in Rwanda are limitations in visual, mobility and mental health functions.
Intracellular signals triggered during association of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium bovis BCG with human monocytes.

To gain a better understanding of mycobacteria-host cell interaction, the present study compared the signal transduction events triggered during the interaction of Mycobacterium leprae (the causative agent of leprosy) and of Mycobacterium bovis BCG (an attenuated strain used as a vaccine against leprosy and tuberculosis) with human monocytes. The assays consisted of pre-treating or not THP-1 cells (a human monocytic cell line) with different kinase inhibitors, followed by incubation with fluorescein-labelled bacteria and analysis of bacterial association via fluorescence microscopy. The specific tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor tyrphostin AG126 provided the highest rates of association inhibition (>90% for BCG and >65% for M. leprae). The early activation of TKs during mycobacteria-host cell interaction was confirmed by immunoblot analysis, demonstrating that in several host cell proteins mycobacteria stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation. The use of the drugs wortmannin and bisindolylmaleimide I which, respectively, inhibit phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and protein kinase C (PKC), produced lower but consistent results within a 35--60% association inhibition range for both bacteria. Dose response curves with these inhibitors were obtained. Similar results were obtained when primary human monocytes were used as host cells, strongly suggesting that TK, PKC and PI 3-kinase signals are activated during the interaction of human monocytes with both pathogenic and attenuated species of mycobacteria.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Erythropoietin Administered by the Intravenous, Subcutaneous, and Intraperitoneal Routes in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) Patients

The single dose pharmacokinetics of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) were compared in six continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients after intravenous (i.v.), subcutaneous (s.c.), and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 300 U/kg. Intravenous administration gave results close to those obtained in hemodialysis patients, with a half-life of 11.2 h and a volume of distribution of 5.0% of body weight. After subcutaneous administration, the serum concentration rose slowly to plateau between 24 and 36 h, the area under the serum concentration vs. time curve from 6 to 72 h being 18.2% of that after intravenous administration. After intraperitoneal administration, the serum concentration was even lower, the area under the curve from 0 to 24 h was between 2.5 and 3.6% of that after intravenous administration, and 80% of the administered dose was recovered in the first peritoneal effluent after a 4- h dwell time.