Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of esomeprazole compared with omeprazole in GERD patients with erosive esophagitis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esomeprazole, the S-isomer of omeprazole, has demonstrated pharmacological and clinical benefits beyond those seen with the racemic parent compound. This study was designed to further evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of esomeprazole relative to that of omeprazole in healing erosive esophagitis and resolving accompanying symptoms of GERD.METHODS:Esomeprazole 40 mg was compared with omeprazole 20 mg once daily in 2425 patients with erosive esophagitis (Helicobacter pylori negative by serology) in an 8-wk, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study conducted in 163 centers throughout the US. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with healed esophagitis at wk 8. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients healed at wk 4, resolution of heartburn at wk 4, time to first resolution and sustained resolution of heartburn, and proportion of heartburn-free days and nights. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.RESULTS:Significantly more patients were healed with esomeprazole versus omeprazole at wk 8 (93.7% vs 84.2%, p < 0.001; life table estimates, intention-to-treat analysis). Healing rates at wk 4 were 81.7% and 68.7%, respectively. Esomeprazole was superior to omeprazole for all secondary measures and had a similar safety profile. The most common adverse events in both treatment groups were headache, diarrhea, and nausea.CONCLUSIONS:Esomeprazole demonstrates significantly greater efficacy than omeprazole in the treatment of GERD patients with erosive esophagitis. The tolerability and safety of esomeprazole are comparable to that of omeprazole.
Tyrosine modification by reactive nitrogen species: a closer look.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a powerful oxidant and cytotoxic species formed by the rapid reaction between nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide, .NO) and superoxide (O2.-). At neutral pH ONOO- is partly protonated and this protonated form, peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH), decomposes rapidly to nitrate, forming (an) intermediate(s) with reactivity similar to . OH and . NO2. Peroxynitrite can hydroxylate and nitrate aromatic rings, and aromatic nitration of phenols such as tyrosine by ONOOH is proposed to proceed via a radical mechanism, with intermediate formation of . NO2. Modification of tyrosine by . NO2 also involves nitration via a radical mechanism. Aromatic nitration of phenols by ONOO- has been shown to be enhanced by superoxide dismutase or Fe(3+)-EDTA, which were proposed to catalyze heterolytic cleavage of ONOOH to form a nitrating species similar to the nitronium ion (NO2+). We investigated possible mechanisms of tyrosine modification by various reactive nitrogen species, including ONOO-, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), and . NO2. Reaction of tyrosine with ONOO- leads to formation of 3-nitrotyrosine and dityrosine, indicating intermediate formation of tyrosyl radicals. The pH dependence of formation of both 3-nitrotyrosine and dityrosine by ONOO- suggests that intermediate formation of ONOOH is required. Qualitatively similar results were obtained when ONOOH was generated continuously by H2O2 and NaNO2 at mildly acidic pH or with SIN-1, a compound which at neutral pH releases both . NO and O2. -, presumably producing ONOO-. However, relatively low yields of nitrotyrosine were obtained with SIN-1, possibly because of competing reactions of tyrosyl radicals with . NO or O2. -. Possible involvement of . NO2 in tyrosine modification by ONOO- was studied using hydroxyl radical scavengers, which can increase the radical yield during decomposition of ONOOH and thereby enhance generation of . NO2. Hydroxyl radical scavengers did not affect tyrosine modification by . NO2 directly and slightly inhibited tyrosine modification by authentic ONOO-. However, when ONOO- was produced at a slower rate, either by SIN-1 or by H2O2/NaNO2 at acidic pH, hydroxyl radical scavengers were found to significantly enhance tyrosine nitration. Our results suggest that ONOO- or ONOO(-)-generating systems induce nitration of tyrosine (or tyrosine residues in proteins) via intermediate formation of tyrosyl radicals and . NO2.
A Hybrid Neighbor Optimization Algorithm for SON based on Network Topology, Handover Counters and RF Measurements

With the increasing complexity of current wireless networks, it became evident the need for Self-Organizing Networks (SON), which aims to automate most of the associated radio planning and optimization tasks. Within SON, this paper aims to optimize the Neighbor Cell List (NCL) for radio network cells. An algorithm composed by three decision criteria was developed: geographic localization and orientation, according network topology, Radio Frequency (RF) measurements collected by drive-tests or traces and Performance Management (PM) counters from Handover (HO) statistics. The first decision, proposes a new NCL taking into account the Base Station (BS) location and interference tiers, based on the quadrant method. The last two decision criteria consider signal strength and interference level measurements and HO statistics in a time period, respectively. They also define a priority to each cell and added, kept or removed neighbor relation, based on user defined constraints. The algorithms were developed and implemented over new radio network optimization professional tool. Several case studies were produced using real data from a mobile operator.
Patterns of Parenting in Korean Mothers of Children With ADHD

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of parenting in Korean mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identify major threads that structured various patterns of parenting. Q-methodology, a technique for extracting subjective attitudes, was used for data collection and analysis. Participants were asked to sort statements on issues associated with parenting. Factor analysis was applied to identify patterns in the ranking of statements. Participants were 45 Korean mothers of children with ADHD. As a result, three patterns of parenting emerged: Praise—Fairness, Strict—Control, and Sensitive Response—Balanced. These patterns differed on two axes: external and internal control and positive and negative reinforcement. This study provides an opportunity to enhance our understanding of the parenting patterns of mothers of children with ADHD in Korea. The findings can function as a cornerstone for developing future models of parenting children with ADHD and parent—child interactions.
Cross-ethnic differences in eating disorder symptoms and related distress.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated ethnic differences in the frequency of eating disorder symptoms and related distress in a U.S. college-based eating disorders screening program. METHOD Responses to self-report questions and counselors' assessment were analyzed in an ethnically diverse sample (n = 5,435). RESULTS The frequency of binge-eating, restrictive eating, vomiting, and amenorrhea did not differ significantly across ethnic groups. However, significant between-group differences were found with respect to modes of purging. Binge correlates (e.g., eating until uncomfortably full) were significantly more frequent among Caucasian than African American participants (p < .001). Binge eating was the best predictor of distress among Caucasians, African Americans, and Latinos, whereas vomiting was the best predictor of distress among Asians. Asian participants who used laxatives were significantly less likely to receive a recommendation for further evaluation than non-Asian participants. CONCLUSION Ethnic diversity in symp tom prevalence and related distress was identified. Clinician recognition of this potential diversity may enhance culturally competent care for eating disorders.
GALANTAMINE PROVIDES BROAD BENEFITS IN PATIENTS WITH ‘ADVANCED MODERATE’ ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (MMSE ≤12) FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS

We investigated whether galantamine (Reminyl®), a cholinergic agent with a dual mode of action for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), would benefit patients with more advanced illness. We performed a post hoc analysis on pooled data from four pivotal studies in patients with ‘advanced moderate’ AD: baseline Mini‐Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) scores ≤12 (range 10–12; mean MMSE score 11) or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) scores >30 (range 31–69; mean ADAS‐cog score 39). Over 5–6 months, cognitive abilities were improved with galantamine versus placebo (p<0.001; mean treatment difference 6.5 points). At 6 months, galantamine benefited functional abilities (p<0.001 vs placebo). The first quartile of galantamine patients improved over baseline by 10.5 ADAS‐cog points. Cognitive and functional abilities were maintained around baseline; behavioural symptoms were delayed. Over 6 months, galantamine provided a broad spectrum of benefits to patients with ‘advanced moderate’ AD.
Augmenting Reality and Formality of Informal and Non-Formal Settings to Enhance Blended Learning

Visits to museums and city tours have been part of higher and secondary education curriculum activities for many years. However these activities are typically considered “less formal” when compared to those carried out in the classroom, mainly because they take place in informal or non-formal settings. Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and smartphones can transform such informal and non-formal settings into digitally augmented learning settings by superimposing “digital” layers of information over physical objects or spaces. At the same time, the formality of these settings increases when connected to formal settings through these digital layers. The right combination of AR and mobile technologies with computer-based educational tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMSs) drives this digital connection, leading to articulated blended learning activities across formal, non-formal and informal settings. This paper contributes to the TEL field with: (1) three blended learning activities illustrating the idea of augmented informal/non-formal settings; (2) results from the cross-analysis of these activities that evidence the impact of technology to enhance blended learning; and (3) a set of lessons learned about the possibilities of NFC/GPS AR technologies and LMSs for blended learning. This work provides insights for the design and implementation of similar technology-enhanced blended learning activities.
The Role of Carbon Nanotubes in Enhancement of Photocatalysis

The chemical, physical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have stimu‐ lated extensive investigation since their discovery in the early 1990s (Iijima, 1991). CNTs, which are considered quasi-one dimensional nanostructures, are graphite sheets rolled up into cylinders with diameters of the order of a few nanometers and up to some millimeters in length. Types of nanotubes are the single-walled nanotubes (SWCNTs), double-walled nanotubes (DWCNTs) and the multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs). The MWCNTs consist of multiple layers of graphite arranged in concentric cylinders.
Bilateral subdural haematomata and lumbar pseudomeningocele due to a chronic leakage of liquor cerebrospinalis after a lumbar discectomy with the application of ADCON-L gel

The anti-adhesion gel ADCON-L has been available since the end of the 1990s. During disc surgery it can be applied to the spinal nerve roots and the dura mater spinalis in order to inhibit fibroblast migration and thus avoid postoperative adhesions or excessive keloids, respectively. Due to the way ADCON-L works, inadvertent, intraoperational dural lesions may stay open much longer than usual because ADCON-L inhibits the natural healing process. Possible consequences are a chronic leakage of cerebrospinal fluid in combination with intracranial hypotension syndrome. We report on a patient who underwent lumbar disc surgery with application of ADCON-L gel. Postoperatively he suffered from acute headache, nausea, and vomiting. A lumbar pseudomeningocele was demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, cranial MRI revealed bilateral, chronic subdural haematomata which indicated intracranial hypotension syndrome or continuous leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the lumbar site. With conservative treatment the problems were gradually reduced and eventually the subdural haematomata were no longer detected. The pseudomeningocele persisted over a 4 month period of observation. Because of the complications we found, the local application of ADCON-L during lumbar disc surgery should be critically evaluated.
An Exploration of Patients' Experiences of Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation is a part of the most frequently used technological treatments in Intensive Care Units (ICU) which facilitates the gas exchange to the lung in impaired breathing situations. However, it is a stressful and frustrating experience for patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the experiences of mechanical ventilation of patients admitted to ICUs in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, the Teaching Hospital in Peradeniya and the District General Hospital in Nuwara-Eliya. The purposive sample of 15 mechanically ventilated patients was recruited for this phenomenological study to collect the data during one month by using semi structured interviews. Data was analyzed by thematic analysis method. A total of 11 sub themes and three main themes were identified. All these themes are reflections of intra personal, extra personal and interpersonal experiences of the patients. The feeling of inner suffering such as pain, dependency, fear and anxiety, thirst, noise level, cold environment and nightmares were identified while on mechanical ventilation. Further, the body intolerances such as feelings of congested secretions, experiences of suctioning, inspiration by ambu and chest physiotherapy were reported. Patients further noted that an inability to speak, diverse way of communication and inability to express feelings as being more stressful and frustrating. Mechanically ventilated patients tolerate many stressors during mechanical ventilation at moderate to high levels of distress. Hence exploring experiences of mechanical ventilated patients can be used to provide them with better care that will reduce their stressors when they are on a ventilator. OUSL Journal Vol.9 2015: 83-96
Auger electrons: lethal, low energy, and coming soon to a tumor cell nucleus near you.

Radiopharmaceuticals labeled with low-energy electron emitters have several key advantages over traditional agents that emit higher-energy particles. Sadly, the majority of such agents described in the literature to date have harnessed only a small percentage of the actual cytotoxic potential of Augeremitting radionuclides because of poor design. Rather than specifically trafficking to the tumor cell nucleus, a requirement for optimal cytotoxicity, the vast majority of Auger emitter– labeled peptides reported thus far have achieved nuclear localization only after receptor-mediated endocytosis, lysosomal degradation, and “residualization” of metal radionuclides into the cell nucleus. Given the current status
Transplantation tolerance in adult rats using total lymphoid irradiation: permanent survival of skin, heart, and marrow allografts

Lewis rats given total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) accepted bone marrow allografts from AgB-incompatible donors. The chimeras showed no clinical signs of graft-versus-host disease. Skin allografts from the marrow donor strain survived for more than 150 days on the chimeras. However, third-party skin grafts were rejected promptly. Although heart allografts survived more than 300 days in Lewis recipients given TLI and bone marrow allografts, detectable levels of chimerism were not required for permanent survival.
Relationship of general self‐efficacy with anxiety, symptom severity and quality of life in cancer patients before and after radiotherapy treatment

Treatment‐related symptoms can increase psychological and physical distress and alter the patient's quality of life. The present study evaluates prospectively treatment‐related symptoms, general self‐efficacy, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) in patients with different types of cancer undergoing external beam radiotherapy (RT) and the relationship of patients' general self‐efficacy with the assessed measures, at the baseline and their absolute change 1 month after the end of the treatment.
Reversal of the Cardiovascular Effects of Verapamil by Calcium and Sodium: Differences Between Electrophysiologic and Hemodynamic Responses

The reversibility of verapamil-induced hemodynamic and electrophysiologic changes by intravenously administered CaCI2 and NaCI was tested in 34 anesthetized open-chest dogs during verapamil infusions which produced plasma verapamil concentrations of 70-2042 ng/ml. An increase of serum calcium concentration (Ca). to an average 6.5 mEq/l abolished the depressive effects of verapamil on cardiac output and left ventricular dp/dt and diminished drug-related hypotension by an average of 52%, but did not affect verapamil-induced prolongation of AH interval and slowing of sinus rate. Further increase of (Ca). to an average of 8.2 mEq/l decreased AH prolongation caused by verapamil from an average of 95% to 45% of control value, but had no effect on verapamil-induced slowing of sinus rate or second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block during atrial pacing. Rapid intravenous injection of 40 ml 2 M NaCI, transiently raised serum Na+ concentration to 162 mE/l, decreased AH prolongation caused by verapamil to an average of 22% of control value, decreased slowing of sinus rate from an average of 34% to an average of 19% of control value, and decreased the severity of second-degree AV block, but had no effect on verapamil-induced complete AV block or sinus arrest. Hypernatremia had no effect on AH interval and sinus rate without prior CaCl2 infusion. In the absence of verapamil, neither increase of (Ca). to 8.2 mEq/l, nor NaCl injection following CaCl2 had any effect on AH interval or sinus rate. This study suggests 1) that both Ca+ and Na+ compete with verapamil, but Na+ acts only in the presence of hypercalcemia; 2) different verapamil effects differ in their reversibility; and 3) treatment with calcium may be useful in counteracting the negative inotropic effect of verapamil
Some Physiological Parameters as Screening Tools for Drought Tolerance in Bread Wheat Lines (Triticum aestivam L.)

Two greenhouse experiments were carried out at the Institute of Biological Production Systems, Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Germany during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 growing seasons to study the influence of the osmotic adjustment (OA) capacity, relative water content (RWC) and specific leaf area (SLA) on tolerance to drought in 22 breeding lines, two parents and tolerant cultivar (Sahel 1) of bread wheat (Triticum aestivam L.) under drought conditions. Differences were seen in of the OA, RWC and of the different genotypes. Mean over all of OA, RWC and for breeding lines were -0.51 Mpa, 83.28% and 116.56 cm²g-1, respectively. Four of the breeding lines showed the greatest osmotic adjustment capacities, high RWC and good values under drought stress conditions better than the tolerant cultivar. The heritability of OA, RWC and was 0.56, 0.49 and 0.88, respectively. The results indicated that osmotic adjustment, as well as RWC and could be used as screening tools for drought resistant bread wheat genotypes in the greenhouse. This study also demonstrated the appropriate greenhouse screening methodology in this regard.
Distinct mecha dietary fiber in the g pectin, guar gu a LDL lowering by effects of

Pectin (PE), guar gum (CC), and psyllium (PSY) lower plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol con- centrations in guinea pigs with different orders of magnitude by inducing defined alterations in hepatic cholesterol homeo- stasis (Fernandez et al. 1994. Am.J Clin. Nutr. 59: 869-879; 61: 127-134 and 1995.J Lipid Res. 36 1128-1138). To fur- ther explore specific mechanisms responsible for the differ- ences in plasma and hepatic cholesterol lowering, the effects of these fibers were evaluated on cholesterol absorption, hepatic cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase activity, the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid synthesis, and in vivo LDL transport to target specific primary and secondary mechanisms account- ing for the observed responses. Fibers were fed with physi- ological (0.04%), low cholesterol (LC), or pharmacological high cholesterol (HC) (0.25%) levels to assess whether choles- terol intake influences plasma LDL lowering mechanisms. Intake of PE, GG, or PSY with LC or HC diets lowered plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.001). PE and PSY upregulated 7a-hydroxylase activity %fold with LC and PE by 5-fold with HC diets. In contrast, CG intake had no effect on 7a-hydroxylase activity. Cholesterol absorption was reduced 30% by PE intake while no differences were found between control and PSY groups. CG reduced choles- terol absorption only with HC diets. Intake of PE, GG, or PSY with HC diets resulted in faster plasma LDL fractional cata- bolic rates (FCR) (P < 0.01) with no effect on LDL apoB flux rates (FR) or pool size, suggesting that fiber reduced LDL cholesterol concentration without decreasing the number of LDL particles. In addition to reducing LDL apoB FR, PE and PSY increased LDL FCR with HC diets while GG effects were limited to lowering LDL apoB FR. 1111 These results indicate that the distinctive reductions in hepatic cholesterol induced by PE, GG, and PSY associated with plasma cholesterol low- ering result From different mechanisms specific to each fiber and that the levels of dietary cholesterol contribute to the different metabolic responses. -Fernandez, M. L. Distinct mechanisms of plasma LDL lowering by dietary fiber in the guinea pig: specific effects of pectin, guar gum, and psyllium. J. Lipid Res. 1995.36 2394-2404.
Antiviral and antiparasitic activities of clovamide : the major constituent of Dichrostachys cinerea ( L . ) Wight et Arn

Article history: Received on: 05/07/2017 Accepted on: 17/08/2017 Available online: 30/09/2017 The application of different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to the aqueous alcoholic leaves extract of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn. (Mimosaceae) led to the isolation and identification of ten phenolic compounds. Among them, apigenin-7-O-apiosyl (1→2) glucoside, chrysoeriol-7-O-apiosyl (1→2) glucoside and clovamide were isolated for the first time from the plant. The rest of the compounds are: flavonol glycosides (quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside, myricetin-3-Orhamnopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-glucopyranoside), and three aglycones (myricetin, apigenin and kaempferol). The crude extract of D. cinerea showed a significant antitrypanosomal and antiviral effects. Clovamide as a major constituent was investigated for its antiviral and antitrypanosomal activities. It showed a significant antiviral effect against H5N1 influenza A virus with inhibition rate (74%) and a momentous trypanocidal effect against Trypanosoma evansi with IC50 value of 3.27 μg/ml, compared with the standard drug; diminazene aceturate (IC50=0.72μg/ml). Therefore, clovamide is playing an important role in antitrypanosomal and antiviral activities for D. cinerea extract and it can be considered a new candidate for the treatment of these two infections.