Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Praziquantel(Distocide(R)) In Treatment Of Clonorchis Sinensis Infection.

Praziquantel(Distocide), the Korean product, was tested for its safety and efficacy in treatment of Clonorchis sinensis infection during the period from April to September, 1983 in Korea. A total of 55 egg positive cases were selected and treated with the regimen of 25 mg/kg t.i. d. for 1 day (total 75 mg/kg). The follow-up stool examination was done in 47 cases by cellophane think smear and Stoll's egg counting techniques. The 8 uncured cases were treated again with the same regimen. The laboratory tests for blood picture and liver function were done in 27 cases and compared before and after the treatment. The results obtained are as follows: After single course treatment, the cure and egg reduction rates were 83.0% and 99.1% respectively. With the second treatment, excellent results of 100% in both rates were obtained. Several kinds of side effects such as dizziness, headache, etc. were complained by 29 cases (61.7%), however, those were so mild and transient that no special treatment was necessary. No significant chang in laboratory findings was recognizable before and after the treatment. From the above results, it is concluded that Distocide is as effective and safe as Biltricide(R) and highly recommendable in treatment of C. sinensis infection.
Multi-Agent Actor-Critic for Mixed Cooperative-Competitive Environments

We explore deep reinforcement learning methods for multi-agent domains. We begin by analyzing the difficulty of traditional algorithms in the multi-agent case: Q-learning is challenged by an inherent non-stationarity of the environment, while policy gradient suffers from a variance that increases as the number of agents grows. We then present an adaptation of actor-critic methods that considers action policies of other agents and is able to successfully learn policies that require complex multi-agent coordination. Additionally, we introduce a training regimen utilizing an ensemble of policies for each agent that leads to more robust multi-agent policies. We show the strength of our approach compared to existing methods in cooperative as well as competitive scenarios, where agent populations are able to discover various physical and informational coordination strategies.
Randomized, controlled pilot study comparing large-volume paracentesis using wall suction and traditional glass vacuum bottle methods

Objectives: Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) can be time and labor intensive depending on the amount of ascites removed and the method of drainage. Wall suction has been adopted as the preferred method of drainage at many centers, though the safety and benefits of this technique have not been formally evaluated. The primary objective of this study was to define the cost and time savings of wall suction over the traditional glass vacuum bottle method for ascites drainage. The secondary objective was to compare the safety profile and patient satisfaction using these two techniques. Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled pilot study of the wall suction versus vacuum bottle methods for LVP in hospitalized patients. All LVPs were performed under ultrasound guidance by a single proceduralist. Patients with at least 4 liters removed received 25% intravenous albumin, 8 g/liter fluid removed. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and procedure details were recorded. Laboratory and hemodynamic data were recorded for 24 h prior to and 24–48 h post LVP. An electronic chart review was conducted to evaluate procedure-related complications. Data were compared using Fisher’s exact test, t test, or Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Thirty-four patients were randomized to wall suction at 200 mmHg (n = 17) or glass vacuum bottle drainage (n = 17). Wall suction was significantly faster and less costly than vacuum bottle drainage (7 versus 15 min, p = 0.002; $4.59 versus $12.73, p < 0.001). There were no differences in outcomes at 24 and 48 h post LVP, or at 60-day follow up. Conclusion: Performing LVP using wall suction resulted in significantly shorter procedure time and supply cost savings. There were no differences in outcomes between the groups, suggesting equivalent safety, though larger studies powered to detect small differences are needed. Given its efficiency, convenience, and cost effectiveness, wall suction may be a superior method of ascites drainage for LVP.
Potential cardiovascular risk factors in chronic kidney disease: AGEs, total homocysteine and metabolites, and the C-reactive protein.

BACKGROUND Total homocysteine (tHcy) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular damage. This study aimed to investigate whether elevated serum levels of the AGEs pentosidine, N(epsilon)-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and imidazolone; tHcy, cystathionine, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and 2-methylcitric acid (2-MCA), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), are related to a higher risk for cardiovascular events. METHODS A total of 232 patients with chronic kidney diseases (mean age 57.6 +/- 13.1 years, 82 female and 150 male); 99 with chronic renal failure (CRF), 84 maintenance hemodialysis patients and 49 renal transplant recipients were followed for 2 years. The relationship between the parameters of interest, conventional risk factors and elevated levels of CRP with cardiovascular events was tested in all subjects by the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Mean serum levels of AGEs, tHcy, and of the metabolites were found to be significantly increased in all three groups compared to the healthy subjects (P < 0.01, respectively). Fifty-three cardiovascular events occurred during follow-up; a total of 40 patients died. Final multivariate analysis showed diabetes (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.17-3.60, P= 0.013), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (RR 4.88, 95% CI 2.40-9.89, P < 0.001) and elevated CRP levels (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.11-3.60, P= 0.021) as independent risk factors for cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION Data from a group consisting of patients with CRF, patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis treatment, and renal transplant recipients provide evidence that conventional risk factors such as the presence of diabetes, ESRD, as well as elevated levels of the considered risk factor CRP, seem to play a more important role for cardiovascular outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease than elevated levels of AGEs, tHcy, and related metabolites. The evidence suggests that routine CRP measurement can be recommended in cases of chronic renal insufficiency.
REVIEW ON MACHINABILITY OF TITANIUM ALLOYS: THE PROCESS PERSPECTIVE

Titanium alloys are widely used in the engineering field, namely in the aerospace, automotive and biomedical parts, because of their high specific strength and exceptional corrosion resistance. However, the machinability of titanium alloys is difficult due to their low thermal conductivity and elastic modulus, high hardness at elevated temperature, and high chemical reactivity. This article reviews the state of the art of machinability of titanium alloys, and focuses on the analysis of the process details, namely the especial techniques for cutting improvement, machining forces, chip formation and cutting temperature. The influence of titanium properties on the machinability is also highlighted. Particular attention is given to the turning process of Ti- 6Al-4V alloy. The conclusions presented at the end highlight some current trends, disagreement, and research needs.
Electrical control of synthesis conditions for locally grown CNTs on polysilicon microstructure

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been extensively studied in recent years for various applications using their extraordinary properties. Integration of CNTs into microsystems and CMOS circuits enables devices that use CNTs as nano-functional components. This work investigates the local synthesis and integration of CNTs into a microsystem fabricated by a commercial process - PolyMUMPs. The proposed synthesis process is automated, scalable to wafer-level, and performed at ambient temperature. The obtained results show great promise for a low-cost, wafer-level process for the integration of CNTs into microsystems and CMOS circuits.
Methamphetamine induces AP‐1 and NF‐κB binding and transactivation in human brain endothelial cells

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of methamphetamine (METH)‐induced neurotoxicity may involve alterations of cellular redox status and induction of inflammatory genes in endothelial cells. To study these hypotheses, molecular signaling pathways of METH‐induced inflammatory responses via activation of redox‐sensitive transcription factors were investigated in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). A dose‐dependent depletion of total glutathione levels was detected in HBMEC exposed to METH. In addition, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed significant increases in DNA binding activities of redox‐responsive transcription factors, AP‐1 and NF‐κB, in HBMEC treated with METH. METH‐mediated AP‐1 or NF‐κB activation was accompanied by induction of transactivation of AP‐1 or NF‐κB, as measured by dual luciferase assay using specific reporter plasmids. Because NF‐κB and AP‐1 are known to regulate expression of inflammatory genes, expression of the gene encoding for tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was also studied in METH‐treated HBMEC. A dose‐dependent overexpression of the TNF‐α gene was observed in HBMEC treated with METH. The importance of AP‐1 and NF‐κB in METH‐induced TNF‐α gene was confirmed in functional promoter studies using constructs of the TNF‐α promoter with mutated AP‐1 or NF‐κB sites. These results indicate that METH‐induced disturbances in cellular redox status and activation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB can play critical roles in the signaling pathways leading to upregulation of inflammatory genes in human brain endothelial cells. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:583–591, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Significance of antigen, drug, and tumor cell targets in the preclinical evaluation of doxorubicin, daunorubicin, methotrexate, and mitomycin-C monoclonal antibody immunoconjugates.

We tested drug monoclonal antibody immunoconjugates in vitro in 72 h 3H-thymidine assays and in vivo in athymic mice bearing human tumor xenografts of the same target cells. Experimental arms included control, monoclonal antibody, drug, drug + antibody, the test immunoconjugate, and a negative control immunoconjugate with an equivalent molar amount of drug for in vitro experiments, and the amount of drug conjugated to 500 micrograms of antibody in the animal experiments. Monoclonal antibodies included T101, an IgG2a that reacts with a rapidly modulating antigen, 9.2. 27, an IgG2a that reacts with a slowly modulating antigen, and ME7, an IgG1 that reacts with a slowly modulating antigen. Cells used in testing included MOLT-4 (T lymphoma), 8392 (B lymphoma), and M21 (melanoma). Drugs tested were doxorubicin, daunorubicin, methotrexate, and mitomycin-C. M21 cells were resistant to daunorubicin in vitro but were inhibited by the 9.2. 27 daunorubicin immunoconjugate. T101, 9.2. 27, and ME7 cis-aconitate anthracycline immunoconjugates and mitomycin-C-glutarate immunoconjugates were specifically cytotoxic only for antigen positive cells in vitro and were superior to free drug in vivo. These results confirm that antigen specific-cytotoxic drug immunoconjugates can be produced that are superior to the same dose of free drug. However, each monoclonal antibody drug target system is unique and must be well-characterized for appropriate interpretation of data.
Pregabalin in Monitored Anesthesia Care for Ear-nose-throat Surgery

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine intraoperative sedative and perioperative analgesic requirement and associated side effects of pregabalin (150 mg) for monitored anesthesia care during ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeries. Materials and Methods: The study design was randomized and single-blinded; fifty patients undergoing elective ambulatory ENT surgeries under monitored anesthesia care were randomly allocated to receive either placebo (Group P) or pregabalin (Group PG) 150 mg, orally 1 h before surgery. All patients were then given intravenous (i.v.) midazolam 2 mg and fentanyl 1 μg/kg and local anesthesia at the site. Sedation was induced by administering an i.v. bolus of propofol 0.8 mg/kg and was maintained by continuous infusion of propofol. Level of sedation was assessed by Ramsay scale, and propofol infusion was titrated accordingly. Intraoperative pain was assessed by verbal rating scale (VRS) score. Patient having VRS >4 or complaint of pain was given fentanyl (0.5 μg/kg) i.v. bolus. Intraoperative sedative and analgesic requirement were recorded. Postoperative visual analog scale scores and requirement of analgesics were recorded for the first 24 h after surgery. Diclofenac 75 mg intramuscular (i.m.) was administered as rescue analgesic. Side effects (nausea/vomiting, sedation, dizziness, blurred vision) were also recorded. Results: Intraoperative propofol (212 ± 11 mg vs. 174 ± 9 mg; P = 0.013) and fentanyl (120 ± 8 μg vs. 94 ± 6 μg; P = 0.02) consumption was significantly lower in Group PG. Time to first analgesic request was longer (6.1 ± 0.4 h vs. 9.5 ± 1.2 h) with lesser requirement of analgesics (diclofenac) in the postoperative period. Incidence of side effects (sedation, nausea, vomiting) was found to be similar in both the groups. Conclusion: Premedication with pregabalin (150 mg) reduces intraoperative sedative and perioperative analgesic requirement in patients undergoing ENT surgeries under monitored anesthesia care with tolerable side effects.
Managing conflict between large carnivores and livestock

Large carnivores are persecuted globally because they threaten human industries and livelihoods. How this conflict is managed has consequences for the conservation of large carnivores and biodiversity more broadly. Mitigating human–predator conflict should be evidence‐based and accommodate people's values while protecting carnivores. Despite much research into human and large‐carnivore coexistence strategies, there have been few attempts to document the success of conflict‐mitigation strategies on a global scale. We conducted a meta‐analysis of global research on conflict mitigation related to large carnivores and humans. We focused on conflicts that arise from the threat large carnivores pose to livestock. We first used structured and unstructured searching to identify replicated studies that used before–after or control–impact design to measure change in livestock loss as a result of implementing a management intervention. We then extracted relevant data from these studies to calculate an overall effect size for each intervention type. Research effort and focus varied among continents and aligned with the histories and cultures that shaped livestock production and attitudes toward carnivores. Livestock guardian animals most effectively reduced livestock losses. Lethal control was the second most effective control, although its success varied the most, and guardian animals and lethal control did not differ significantly. Financial incentives have promoted tolerance of large carnivores in some settings and reduced retaliatory killings. We suggest coexistence strategies be location‐specific, incorporate cultural values and environmental conditions, and be designed such that return on financial investment can be evaluated. Improved monitoring of mitigation measures is urgently required to promote effective evidence‐based policy.
Sevelamer Hydrochloride (Renagel®), a Nonabsorbed Phosphate‐Binding Polymer, Does Not Interfere with Digoxin or Warfarin Pharmacokinetics

Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel®) is a nonabsorbed phosphate‐binding polymer marketed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. Sevelamer also exhibits bile acid‐binding properties resulting in LDL cholesterol lowering. Potential drug interactions between digoxin and warfarin and sevelamer were studied. These two drugs were chosen because they are known to bind to the bile acid‐binding polymers, cholestyramine and colestipol. Studies were single dose, crossover, with or without six 2.4 g doses of sevelamer. Plasma concentrations were determined using validated analytical methods. The pharmacokinetic profiles of digoxin and warfarin were not altered by the simultaneous and continued administration of sevelamer. Values for the ratio of ∞ln[AUC(0‐∞)], ln[AUC(0‐t)], and ln[Cmax] with and without sevelamer were close to 100%, and the 90% confidence intervals for these ratios were within the 80% to 125% range. It was concluded that sevelamer does not interfere with the absorption or excretion of digoxin or warfarin.
Safinamide

Ideal treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) aims at relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Of all remedies, levodopa remains the most effective for symptomatic relief, but the medical need for neuroprotectant drugs is still unfulfilled. Safinamide, currently in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of PD, is a unique molecule with multiple mechanisms of action and a very high therapeutic index. It combines potent, selective, and reversible inhibition of MAO-B with blockade of voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ channels and inhibition of glutamate release. Safinamide has neuroprotective and neurorescuing effects in MPTP-treated mice, in the rat kainic acid, and in the gerbil ischemia model. Safinamide potentiates levodopa-mediated increase of DA levels in DA-depleted mice and reverses the waning motor response after prolonged levodopa treatment in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Safinamide has excellent bioavailability, linear kinetics, and is suitable for once-a-day administration. Therefore, safinamide may be used in PD to reduce l-dopa dosage and also represents a valuable therapeutic drug to test disease-modifying potential.
Bulimia nervosa in adolescents: a disorder in evolution?

BACKGROUND There are few reports that describe the manifestation of bulimia nervosa (BN) among adolescents. Moreover, none make reference to the comparative clinical manifestation of adolescent BN and adolescent anorexia nervosa. Nor are any reports available of how distinct partial-syndrome BN cases are from those that meet full diagnostic criteria for BN. OBJECTIVES To describe 3 groups of adolescents, those with a full-syndrome eating disorder (BN and anorexia nervosa) or partial-syndrome BN, and to compare these groups along demographic, general psychopathology, and eating disorder variables. DESIGN The study population included 120 adolescents with eating disorders who were initially seen at The University of Chicago Eating Disorders Program, Chicago, Ill, for treatment. All participants completed an assessment prior to treatment. MEASURES Weight and height were obtained from all participants. Participants also completed a baseline demographic questionnaire (eg, menstrual status, ethnicity, family status), Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Eating Disorder Examination. RESULTS Partial-syndrome BN cases are clinically quite similar to their full-syndrome counterparts. Only objective binge eating episodes and purge frequency distinguished BN and partial-syndrome BN cases. Anorexia nervosa cases, on the other hand, were quite distinct from BN and partial-syndrome BN cases on almost all variables. CONCLUSION Early recognition and swift treatment of eating disorders in adolescents, regardless of whether a diagnostic threshold is met, are imperative because they will lead to early intervention thereby potentially improving eating disorder recovery rates.
Binding of 2-aryl-4-(piperidin-1-yl)butanamines and 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrrolidines to human CCR5: a molecular modeling-guided mutagenesis study of the binding pocket.

The results of investigations in these laboratories of 2-aryl-4-(piperidin-1-yl)butanamines and 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrrolidines as human CCR5 antagonists have recently been disclosed. To facilitate further development of these antagonists, we have developed a pharmacophore model based on the structure-activity relationships (SAR) and a human CCR5 receptor docking model using the crystal structure of rhodopsin as a template [Palczewski, K. , et al. (2000) Science 289, 739-745]. Guided by the receptor docking model, we have mapped the compounds' site of interaction with CCR5 using site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Our results are consistent with a binding site for the two series that is located within a cavity near the extracellular surface formed by transmembrane helices 2, 3, 6, and 7. This site is overlapping yet distinct from that reported for another antiviral agent which binds to CCR5 [Dragic, T. , et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 97, 5639-5644].
Implanon Discontinuation Rate and Associated Factors among Women who ever Used Implanon in the Last Three Years in Debre Markos Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016, Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Contraceptive discontinuations contribute substantially to the total fertility rate, unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions.In developing countries, contraceptive discontinuation rate is very common. While the Ethiopian government emphasizes onthe provision of long-acting contraceptive methods, women who start to use the method were discontinuing it and the rate of discontinuation is understudied. Objective: To assess Implanon discontinuation rate and associated factors among women who ever used Implanon from January 09/2013 to October 11/2015 in Debre Markos town, northwest Ethiopia: 2016. Methodology: The community based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 10 to February 10/2016 through face to face interview. A total of 348 women were selected by simple random sampling technique. Epidata version 3.1 and statistical software package for social science (SPSS) version 20 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Factors associated with Implanon discontinuations were analyzed using binary and multivariable logistic regression, p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: The overall discontinuation rate in the last three years was 46.5% with a rate of 10.5%, 23.9%, 38.2% and 46.5% at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months respectively. Attending college and above level education (AOR =2.2, CI (1.16, 4.16), no history of pregnancy (AOR = 3.06, CI = (1.63-5.76)), lack of pre-insertion counseling (AOR = 1.2, CI = (1.02, 3.89)), perceived not satisfied with service provided (AOR =4.86, CI = (2.66, 8.91)) and experience of side effect (AOR = 3.14, CI = (1.7, 5.54)) were significantly associated with Implanon discontinuation. Conclusion and Recommendation: The discontinuation rate of Implanon in this study was high. Quality family planning service is essential to reduce discontinuation rate.