Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Childhood behavioural disorders in Ambo district, western Ethiopia. II. Validation of the RQC

We report here on a study conducted to measure the validity of an Amharic version of the Reporting Questionnaire for Children (RQC), that was used in a survey of childhood behavioural disorders in a predominantly rural district in western Ethiopia. Mothers of 196 children aged 5–15 years, who were initially interviewed by the RQC were re‐interviewed by a psychiatrist who was unaware of the RQC status of these children. The re‐interview was conducted using a DSM IV checklist. The study showed that a cut‐off point of one or more positive responses to any of the 10 questions on the RQC maximized sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (65%). The discriminatory power of each item was also computed, and the item dealing with wetting/soiling oneself was found to have the highest ability to identify cases from non‐cases. The item on abnormal speech was found to have the least discriminating power.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Receipt of Primary Care Services Between Medicaid Fee‐for‐Service and Managed Care Plans

We used a cross-sectional, population-based sample of Medicaid beneficiaries aged 18–64 to determine whether managed care enrollment was associated with reduced racial/ethnic disparities in self-reported access to primary care services compared with fee-for-service. Managed care beneficiaries reported greater access in each racial/ethnic category and for each outcome than did fee-for-service beneficiaries, although associations were not always statistically significant. Racial/ethnic minorities enrolled in managed care plans reported as much benefit from managed care enrollment as did whites. Within Medicaid, interventions aimed at the health insurance delivery model can facilitate increased access to primary care services without enhancing racial/ethnic disparities.
Accumulation of ColE1 early replicative intermediates catalyzed by extracts of Escherichia coli dnaG mutant strains

To investigate the events occurring at the replication forks during DNA synthesis, we studied the replication of plasmid ColE1 DNA in vivo and in vitro, using strains of Escherichia coli carrying either the dnaG3(Ts) or dnaG308(Ts) mutation. Extracts of both mutant strains supported in vitro DNA synthesis, but the amount of [3H]TMP incorporated into DNA was always less for mutant extracts than for extracts of revertant strains, which were able to grow at 42 degrees C. Sucrose gradient analysis, Southern blot analysis, and electron microscopy showed that mutant extracts synthesize a large number of early replicative intermediates containing one or two (one on each template strand) fragments at the origin of replication and some completed molecules, either open circles or covalently closed circles. The revertant extracts synthesized more completed molecules although the fraction of templates used was about the same, 0.27 for mutant extracts and 0.21 for revertant extracts. Our results show that a mutation in dnaG causes a block in the synthesis of both leading and lagging strands after initiation, which results in the accumulation of early replicative intermediates. The average size of the newly replicated region in the early replicative intermediates is 730 bases as measured from electron micrographs of early replicative intermediates. We conclude that the DnaG protein functions in lagging strand synthesis and may be necessary for the continuation of leading strand synthesis as well.
Suppression of rat hepatic cytochrome P450s by protein-calorie malnutrition: complete or partial restoration by cysteine or methionine supplementation.

Pharmacokinetic profiles of therapeutic agents are altered by protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM). The current study was designed to determine the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450s in rats after protein restriction and to investigate its molecular basis. Western blot analysis revealed that rats with protein restriction for 4 weeks exhibited marked suppression in the hepatic P450 1A2, 2C11, 2E1, and 3A1/2 levels. Northern blot analysis showed that hepatic P450 1A2, 2C11, and 3A1/2 mRNAs were significantly decreased in the state of PCM. The P450 2E1 mRNA level was slightly decreased in PCM rats, suggesting the possibility that expression of P450 2E1 affected by PCM might result from the transcriptional and/or posttranscriptional regulation. PCM-induced changes in most P450 expression completely or partially returned to control levels by a week of cysteine supplementation. Cysteine also prevented decreases in P450 1A2, 2C11, 2E1, and 3A1/2 mRNA levels by PCM. Methionine was minimally active in restoring the P450 expression. A metabolic change in hepatic ethoxyresorufin dealkylase activity in PCM rats was consistent with the P450 apoprotein and mRNA levels. Although the plasma concentrations of azosemide, a loop diuretic, primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A, increased in protein-deprived rats, cysteine supplementation significantly reduced the increased plasma concentrations of the drug. The altered pharmacokinetic parameters of azosemide in PCM rats returned to those of control after cysteine supplementation, corroborating the conclusion that cysteine was effective in restoring cytochrome P450 expression and metabolic activities.
The Safe Motherhood Initiative and beyond.

In 2007 the Safe Motherhood Initiative is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Many countries have been able to improve the health and well-being of mothers and newborns over the last 20 years. However countries with the highest burdens of mortality and illness have made the least progress and inequalities between countries are increasing. In many places inequalities within countries are increasing too between those who live in better conditions and have access to care and those who for a variety of reasons are excluded. Globally the numbers remain staggering: each year there are at least 3.2 million stillborn babies 4 million neonatal deaths and more than half a million maternal deaths. The majority of these deaths are avoidable. HIV/ AIDS and malaria in pregnancy are having an impact on maternal mortality and could reverse the progress that has been made. A total of 11-17% of maternal deaths occur during childbirth itself; 50-71% occur in the post-partum period. The time spent in labour andgiving birth the critical moments when a joyful event can suddenly turn into an unforeseen crisis needs more attention as does the often-neglected post-partum period. These periods account not only for the high burden of post-partum maternal deaths but also for the associated large number of stillbirths and early newborn deaths. (excerpt)
Aspects of nurse education programmes that frequently cause stress to nursing students -- fact-finding sample survey.

This study examined reported stress in 12 areas commonly reported to cause stress to nursing students. A questionnaire was distributed to 110 third-year nursing students, and the results indicate that stress exists for students in both the clinical and academic aspects of the programme. Financial constraints and academic-related concerns emerged as the most stressful areas for the students. A third of the students reported that relationships with teachers and staff on the ward cause some degree of stress. Factor analysis revealed that five factors emerged as sources of stress. Firstly, 'academic' stress factors. The second and third components concern relationships, the former involving teaching-related staff, and the latter involving the clinical experience. The last two components suggest that finance and death of patients are independent sources of stress. Major restructuring is about to take place in nurse education in Ireland, with the introduction of degree preparation for all nursing students in 2002. It is imperative that those involved with nursing students, both in the clinical area and in education settings, take cognisance of the stress that current students face. Recommendations for educators include adequate support structures for clinical areas, preceptorship programmes and the availability of student counselling services.
Myocardin is required for cardiomyocyte survival and maintenance of heart function

Despite intense investigation over the past century, the molecular mechanisms that regulate maintenance and adaptation of the heart during postnatal development are poorly understood. Myocardin is a remarkably potent transcriptional coactivator expressed exclusively in cardiac myocytes and smooth muscle cells during postnatal development. Here we show that myocardin is required for maintenance of cardiomyocyte structure and sarcomeric organization and that cell-autonomous loss of myocardin in cardiac myocytes triggers programmed cell death. Mice harboring a cardiomyocyte-restricted null mutation in the myocardin gene (Myocd) develop dilated cardiomyopathy and succumb from heart failure within a year. Remarkably, ablation of the Myocd gene in the adult heart leads to the rapid-onset of heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and death within a week. Myocd gene ablation is accompanied by dissolution of sarcomeric organization, disruption of the intercalated disc, and cell-autonomous loss of cardiomyocytes via apoptosis. Expression of myocardin/serum response factor-regulated myofibrillar genes is extinguished, or profoundly attenuated, in myocardin-deficient hearts. Conversely, proapoptotic factors are induced and activated in myocardin-deficient hearts. We conclude that the transcriptional coactivator myocardin is required for maintenance of heart function and ultimately cardiomyocyte survival.
Biomechanical Analysis of Patellar Tendon Allografts as a Function of Donor Age

We evaluated the biomechanical properties of patellar tendon allografts from donors aged 18 to 55 years. Bone-patellar tendon-bone complexes were harvested from acceptable donors and processed. Fat and soft tissue were removed, and the tendons were sectioned lengthwise leaving the central third. Area measure ments were taken, and mechanical testing was per formed. Specimens were pulled to failure at a rate of 10% of the initial length per second. The force at failure, tensile stress, modulus of elasticity, and percent elon gation were determined for each specimen. There was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between age and any of the mechanical properties. Load at failure ranged from 2110 to 4650 N, with a mean of 3424 N. Regres sion analysis showed slightly decreasing tensile stress with increasing age, but the correlation was not signifi cant. It appears that patellar tendon allografts from do nors up to age 55 have similar mechanical properties.
Heterodyne Mixing and Direct Detection Performance of a Superconducting NbN Hot-Electron Bolometer

The heterodyne mixing and direct detection performance of a superconducting NbN hot-electron bolometer (HEB) integrated with a log-spiral antenna have been thoroughly characterized. The corrected receiver noise temperature and IF gain bandwidth are approximately 800 K at 0.5 THz, 750 K at 0.85 THz and 3 GHz at its optimum bias point. In addition, both the receiver noise temperature and IF gain bandwidth were found insensitive to the bath temperature, while the bias point was fixed, in good agreement with those simulated with the hot-spot model taking account of the HEB's current-dependent resistive transition. Furthermore, the HEB's frequency response was measured by a Fourier transform spectrometer at different bias points and bath temperatures. The estimated noise equivalent power (NEP) was close to 10-13 W/Hz0.5 around the HEB's transition temperature.
Effects of live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus ( Strains 45 and 51 ) and Propionibacterium freudenreichii PF-24 on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers

Direct-fed microbials, particularly strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, are used extensively by the cattle feeding industry; however, effects on cattle performance have often been equivocal, and the mode of action of direct-fed microbials remains unclear. Combining Lactobacillus acidophilus strains with Propionibacterium strains that inhibit lactate accumulation in the rumen might prove beneficial for cattle being adapted to high-concentrate diets, or for finishing cattle that experience fluctuations in feed intake. Additional field-level research is needed to determine the most appropriate combinations of these strains with respect to cattle performance and carcass merit. Our objective was to compare performance by growing/finishing cattle fed a control diet with no added microbials or three different combinations of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii.
Pharmacology and Immunology of Botulinum Neurotoxins

The first clinical uses of botulinum toxin type A were in ophthalmology for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm. These uses established the safe and effective focal relaxation of extraocular and facial muscles that would later form the basis for the management of facial lines with botulinum toxin type A. Over the past decade, the use of botulinum toxin type A in facial aesthetics has grown tremendously, and today such injections are the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States. Currently only one product, BOTOX Cosmetic (Allergan, Irvine, CA), is approved for cosmetic use (eg, indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar [frown] lines associated with corrugator and/or procerus muscle activity in adult patients aged 65 years or younger) in the United States. The effects of botulinum toxin type A in facial aesthetics and ophthalmology are a result of its inhibition of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction after local injection. Specific features of the botulinum neurotoxin preparation, such as serotype and formulation, also contribute to its clinical profile. This chapter describes the basic features of botulinum neurotoxins and their pharmacology, with a focus on issues relevant for oculofacial and aesthetic plastic surgeons.
Teachers' concerns about adopting constructivist online game-based learning in formal curriculum teaching: The VISOLE experience

Our work is set against the backdrop of the pervasive discussion of harnessing online games to provide students with new constructivist learning opportunities. Upon the theoretical foundation, we have developed Virtual Interactive Student- Oriented Learning Environment ( VISOLE), a teaching framework for implementing constructivist online game-based learning in formal curriculum teaching in school education. In this paper, apart from underlining the pedagogical features of VISOLE, we discuss our study on investigating 118 teachers' concerns about this educational innovation with the Stages of Concern ( SoC) model, in terms of five categorical concerns-Evaluation, Information, Management, Consequence and Refocusing. All participants had completed our VISOLE induction training before they participated in the SoC survey. Results revealed that their Management concern was the most intense. With this 'diagnostic' knowledge, we can formulate more precise interventions addressing teachers' actual needs so as to assist them in the adoption of VISOLE at school. The findings also shed light on designing, developing or appropriating online games to support learning and teaching in school education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Recombinant human lecithin‐cholesterol acyltransferase Fc fusion: Analysis of N‐ and O‐linked glycans and identification and elimination of a xylose‐based O‐linked tetrasaccharide core in the linker region

Recombinant human lecithin‐cholesterol acyltransferase Fc fusion (huLCAT‐Fc) is a chimeric protein produced by fusing human Fc to the C‐terminus of the human enzyme via a linker sequence. The huLCAT‐Fc homodimer contains five N‐linked glycosylation sites per monomer. The heterogeneity and site‐specific distribution of the various glycans were examined using enzymatic digestion and LC‐MS/MS, followed by automatic processing. Almost all of the N‐linked glycans in human LCAT are fucosylated and sialylated. The predominant LCAT N‐linked glycoforms are biantennary glycans, followed by triantennary sugars, whereas the level of tetraantennary glycans is much lower. Glycans at the Fc N‐linked site exclusively contain typical asialobiantennary structures. HuLCAT‐Fc was also confirmed to have mucin‐type glycans attached at T407 and S409. When LCAT‐Fc fusions were constructed using a G‐S‐G‐G‐G‐G linker, an unexpected +632 Da xylose‐based glycosaminoglycan (GAG) tetrasaccharide core of Xyl‐Gal‐Gal‐GlcA was attached to S418. Several minor intermediate species including Xyl, Xyl‐Gal, Xyl‐Gal‐Gal, and a phosphorylated GAG core were also present. The mucin‐type O‐linked glycans can be effectively released by sialidase and O‐glycanase; however, the GAG could only be removed and localized using chemical alkaline β‐elimination and targeted LC‐MS/MS. E416 (the C‐terminus of LCAT) combined with the linker sequence is likely serving as a substrate for peptide O‐xylosyltransferase. HuLCAT‐Fc shares some homology with the proposed consensus site near the linker sequence, in particular, the residues underlined PPPE416GS418GGGGDK. GAG incorporation can be eliminated through engineering by shifting the linker Ser residue downstream in the linker sequence.
Residential air exchange rates in three major US metropolitan areas: results from the Relationship Among Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Air Study 1999-2001.

UNLABELLED We report approximately 500 indoor-outdoor air exchange rate (AER) calculations based on measurements conducted in residences in three US metropolitan areas in 1999-2001: Elizabeth, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; and Los Angeles County, California. Overall, a median AER across these urban areas and seasons was 0.71 air changes per hour (ACH, or per hour; n = 509) while median AERs measured in California (n = 182), New Jersey (n = 163), and Texas (n = 164) were 0.87, 0.88, and 0.47 ACH, respectively. In Texas, the measured AERs were lower in the summer cooling season (median = 0.37 ACH) than in the winter heating season (median = 0.63 ACH), likely because of the reported use of room air conditioners as Houston is typically hot and humid during the summer. The measured AERs in California were higher in summer (median = 1.13 ACH) than in winter (median = 0.61 ACH). Because the summer cooling season in Los Angeles County is less humid than in New Jersey or Texas, natural ventilation through open windows and screened doors likely increased measured AER in California study homes. In New Jersey, AER were similar across heating and cooling seasons, although the median AER was relatively lower during the spring. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Adequate ventilation or air exchange rate (AER) for an indoor environment is important for human health and comfort, and relevant to building design and energy conservation and efficiency considerations. However, residential AER data, especially measured by more accurate non-toxic tracer gas methodologies, are at present quite limited worldwide, and are insufficient to represent the variations across regions and seasons within and between homes, including apartments and condominiums in more densely populated urban areas. The present paper presents quantitative and qualitative data to characterize residential AERs in three US urban areas with different climate attributes.
A National Survey of Electroconvulsive Therapy Use in the Russian Federation

A survey of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) throughout Russia was undertaken to understand the range of ECT usage and knowledge. A survey form was distributed by mail to 1648 Russian doctors and institutions expected to deal with ECT. A total of 114 replies were received. They indicated that ECT is available to 22.4% of the country's population. In available regions, ECT is given to 1.43% of hospital admissions and 0.54 per 10,000 persons per year. ECT is used in Russian psychiatry, neurology, and addictionology. Outdated ECT instruments are used in more than one third of sites, and EEG and seizure quality are virtually never monitored. Fewer than 20% of ECTs are modified with anesthesia. There is no system or expectation for ECT training or privileging, there is no national organization that aims to advance ECT practice, and ECT research is haphazard. Nevertheless, most respondents are enthusiastic and positive about ECT, and most institutions are eager to adopt modern ECT methods.
Effect of Uterine Massage to Women during Third Stage of Labor on Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is still the leading cause of death of birthing mothers in the world today. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of uterine massage to women during the third stage of labor on preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Method: The Design of this study was quasi-experimental. The study sample consisted of 400 women divided into 4 groups. The study was conducted at Menoufia University Hospital. The tool of this study was a structured interview questionnaire. The validity of the tool was ascertained by a group of experts who reviewed the tool for content validity. The reliability of the tool was assessed through testing their internal consistency. Results: there was statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regards the amount of blood loss, time of placental delivery, the use of uterotonics and the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage. Conclusion , uterine massage during and after placental delivery is effective in reducing blood loss. uterine massage during and after placental delivery must be applied. It is also recommended to teach nurses how to apply uterine massage.
Complications of Classical Tracheostomy and Management

Tracheostomy can prevent many deaths in otherwise fatal airway diseases and problems but has numerous complications that are mostly avoidable if the procedure is carefully performed together with strict postoperative management. This is a retrospective review of tracheostomy complications over a 10 year period (1991–2002) in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), University College Hospital, Ibadan. A total of 179 tracheostomies performed on 168 patients with 69 complications (38.6%) were documented. There was a significantly greater number of complications in the 43 emergency cases (54%) than in the 26 elective cases [(46%), P=0.0002]. The overall mortality rate was 2.2%. The most common complications of tracheostomy were infective in origin, representing 43% of all complications. This study highlights the complications and mortality and gives details of management that will prevent or minimize their occurrences. Those who require long-term tracheostomy must be on regular follow-up and taught home-care of the tracheostomy before discharge from the hospital.
Persistence of Anopheles arabiensis during the severe dry season conditions in Senegal: an indirect approach using microsatellite loci

Variation at nine microsatellite loci was investigated to understand how Anopheles arabiensis populations survive the dry season in the sahelian region of Senegal. Low estimates of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.012, RST = 0.009) between two populations, 250 km apart, suggested extensive gene flow across this distance. Despite extreme seasonal fluctuation in abundance with dry season minima in which mosquitoes virtually disappeared, allele frequencies remained stable over time in the village of Barkedji from August 1994 to December 1997 (including four rainy seasons and three dry seasons). The effective population size (Ne) was estimated to be 601 with 95% CI (281, 1592), providing strong evidence against annual bottlenecks. Differences in measures of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium between the dry and the rainy seasons were not detected. These results suggest that despite extreme minima in local density, An. arabiensis maintains large permanent deme spread out over large area.