Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of educational intervention to promote informed decision making regarding embryo transfer in IVF patients

Increasing the uptake of elective single embryo transfer is necessary to achieve the 10% HFEA limit for multiple IVF births in 2011. This thesis aims to explore patients’ and clinicians’ attitudes to eSET and to promote effective decision making regarding embryo transfer. Study 1 compared neurobehavioural outcomes between twins and singletons in a prospective study of infants born very preterm (n=233). Despite having older (p=0.025) and higher social class (p=0.023) mothers, twins had the same risk of cognitive impairment at 2 years as singletons. In study 2, a 44 item Attitudes to Twin Pregnancy scale (ATIPS) was developed and administered to a sample of clinicians, medical students and conference delegates (n=411). Item analysis reduced ATIPS to 2 short subscales. A-Twin (12 items) assessed perceptions of risks and benefits associated with a twin birth (α=0.7). A-SET (8 items) assessed attitudes to eSET (α=0.53). Study 3 explored the reliability and validity of ATIPS-R in IVF patients. Exclusion of 2 A-SET items increased alpha to 0.8. Female patients (n=100) had more positive attitudes to a twin birth than clinicians (p=<0.001). Less than a third of patients felt that a twin birth was risky for infants and over 80% of doctors agreed that a twin birth was worth any risks to infants. First cycle IVF patients were more positive about eSET (p=<0.001) than women undergoing repeat cycles. Study-4 developed a decision aid and evaluated its impact in a pilot randomised controlled trial (n=8). Lower decisional conflict in patients at embryo transfer was associated with more positive attitudes to twins at baseline (p=0.024) and less positive attitudes to eSET, (p=0.04). Although the attitudes of patients receiving the DA did not change, partners became more positive towards eSET (p=0.024). Conclusion: Patients and clinicians underestimate the risk of a twin birth for infants and would benefit from educational interventions to promote eSET. The ATIPS-R is a useful measure for assessing the effectiveness of such interventions. Abbreviations: SET- single embryo transfer; HFEA- Human fertility and embryology authority; IVF- In vitro fertilisation; A-Twin- attitude to risks and benefits of twins; ATIP- attitude to twin IVF pregnancy; A-SET attitude to single embryo transfer; eSET- elective single embryo transfer; DET- double embryo transfer; RCT – randomised control trial; DA- decision aid
Minimising blood loss in early trauma resuscitation

Worldwide, trauma is responsible for more than 10,000 deaths each day with hundreds of thousands seriously injured. Current trauma resuscitation strategies are based on supporting haemostasis, maintaining circulating volume and rapidly identifying sites of blood loss. Approaches include hypotensive/hypovolaemic resuscitation, avoidance of colloids and crystalloids, early blood product based resuscitation, early imaging to identify sites of blood loss and damage control surgery. In this paper, we focus on ways to minimise blood loss and preserve the circulating volume. These include minimal movement of the patient, splinting fractures, use of tourniquets, application of local haemostatic dressings/agents, keeping the patient warm and giving tranexamic acid to improve clot strength. The recent CRASH-2 trial provided unequivocal evidence that tranexamic acid reduces mortality in bleeding trauma patients. This will be discussed in detail. When employed as part of a package of care in a well-rehearsed trauma system, these interventions to preserve the remaining circulating volume have the potential to save lives and allow patients to survive until timely definitive haemostasis can occur.
Arginine vasopressin stimulates phosphorylation of aquaporin-2 in rat renal tissue.

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2), the protein that mediates arginine vasopressin (AVP)-regulated apical water transport in the renal collecting duct, possesses a single consensus phosphorylation site for cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) at Ser256. The aim of this study was to examine whether AVP, and other agents that increase cAMP levels, could stimulate the phosphorylation of AQP2 in intact rat renal tissue. Rat renal papillae were prelabeled with32P and incubated with vehicle or drugs, and then AQP2 was immunoprecipitated. Two polypeptides corresponding to nonglycosylated (29 kDa) and glycosylated (35-48 kDa) AQP2 were identified by SDS-PAGE. AVP caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in phosphorylation of both glycosylated and nonglycosylated AQP2. The threshold dose for a significant increase in phosphorylation was 10 pM, which corresponds to a physiological serum concentration of AVP. Maximal phosphorylation was reached within 1 min of AVP incubation. This effect on AQP2 phosphorylation was mimicked by the vasopressin (V2) agonist, 1-desamino-[8-d-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP), or forskolin. Two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping indicated that AVP and forskolin stimulated the phosphorylation of the same site in AQP2. Immunoblot analysis using a phosphorylation state-specific antiserum revealed an increase in phosphorylation of Ser256 after incubation of papillae with AVP. The results indicate that AVP stimulates phosphorylation of AQP2 at Ser256via activation of PKA, supporting the idea that this is one of the first steps leading to increased water permeability in collecting duct cells.
Phenotypic variation and genetic polymorphism of low-density lipoprotein exon 4 receptor gene among Jordanian familial hypercholesterolemia patients

Purpose. The aim of this study was to measure lipid profiles among severe and mild familial hypercholestrolemic (FH) patients and to screen unrelated families for LDL receptor (LDLR) gene polymorphism. Methods. Fifteen FH patients and six controls were enrolled in the study. Total cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and ApoB-100 levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Patients were classified clinically into severe and mild, based on lipid profile phenotype and the presence of cardiovascular manifestation at the age of disease onset. Low-density lipoprotein exon 4 receptor gene polymorphism was screened by the SSCP method. Results. FH severe phenotype patients had significantly higher total cholesterol levels (14.34 ± 1.14) mmol/L as compared with mild FH phenotype (10.13 ± 1.23 mmol/L) and experienced earlier symptoms in the childhood (9.25 ± 3.22) years as compared with those of mild phenotype, who did not experience symptoms until the mid of the fourth decade of life (36.7 ± 5.25 years). No significant difference was found between HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, ApoB-100 among severe FH as compared with mild FH patients. All FH pedigrees showed the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. SSCP results showed a wide spectrum of LDL exon 4 gene polymorphism among severe and mild phenotypes, which differed from control. Conclusions. There are statistical differences between severe and mild phenotype FH patients in total cholesterol, triglyceride and the age of biological expression among FH Jordanians. FH patients showed a wide spectrum of gene polymorphism within the LDLR exon 4 gene. These polymorphisms were different among FH families; this may be related to founder factors, such as the degree of consanguinity among FH patients’ parents and shed light on the importance of the role of genetic screening and counseling in reducing the risk of occurrence of the new severe FH phenotypes that develop severe complications early in life and need LDL aphresis, as well as on the importance of cascade screening to trace and identify people at genetic risk, using family tracing, for an early diagnosis of the mild FH phenotypes that can be treated with lipid lowering therapy and life style changes early to prevent later cardiovascular complications. Keywords: familial hypercholesterolemia, low-density lipoprotein, receptor, homozygous, heterozygous, SSCP, Apo B-100
Phenylboronic-Acid-Based Carbohydrate Binders as Antiviral Therapeutics: Monophenylboronic Acids

Background: The development of carbohydrate-binding agents as novel therapeutics for the inhibition of highly glycosylated enveloped viruses has generated much attention in recent literature. Possessing a potential dual mode of action by inhibiting virus entry and exposing the virion to neutralization by the host immune system upon the deletion of envelope glycans under drug pressure, these substances might provide a new direction in antiviral treatment. Phenylboronic acids are widely known to bind the cis-diol functionality of carbohydrate structures, thereby identifying themselves as potential lead structures. To date, few details have been disclosed of the structure–activity relationship of these substances in correlation to their antiviral activity. Methods: In this study, a compound library of a diverse range of ortho-, meta- and para- ring-substituted monophenylboronic acids and glutamine phenylboronic acid analogues was prepared, characterized and evaluated to probe antiviral activity versus a broad range of (enveloped) viruses. Results: The compounds described herein lack antiviral activity. They also did not show measurable binding to HIV type-1 (HIV-1) gp120, using surface plasmon resonance technology. However, of note is the general lack of toxicity, which suggests that further investigation of the compounds as potential therapeutics is needed. Conclusions: The monophenylboronic acids tested exhibited no antiviral activity as potential carbohydrate binders versus a broad range of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The compounds tested did not bind HIV-1 gp120, possibly because of their small size and lack of multivalency.
Repeated Intramyocardial Bone Marrow Cell Injection in Previously Responding Patients With Refractory Angina Again Improves Myocardial Perfusion, Anginal Complaints, and Quality of Life

Background—Intramyocardial bone marrow cell injection is associated with improvements in myocardial perfusion and anginal symptoms in patients with refractory angina pectoris. This study evaluates the effect of repeated intramyocardial bone marrow cell injection in patients with residual or recurrent myocardial ischemia. Methods and Results—Twenty-three patients (17 men; 69±9 years) who had improved myocardial perfusion after the first injection but had residual or recurrent angina and ischemia on single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging were included. Patients again received intramyocardial injection of 100×106 autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells, 4.6±2.5 years after their first injection. No periprocedural complications occurred. Myocardial perfusion assessed using single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging improved from a summed stress score of 27.3±5.8 at baseline to 24.5±4.4 at 3 months (P=0.002) and 25.4±4.9 at 12 months of follow-up (P=0.002). Perfusion improvement after 3 months was comparable with the effect of the first injection (P=0.379). Anginal complaints improved ⩽12 months after cell injection in Canadian Cardiovascular Society score (mean change at 3, 6, and 12 months: 0.6±0.9%, 0.5±0.9%, and 0.6±0.9%, respectively; Pslope=0.007, first versus repeated; P=0.188) and in quality of life score as measured by Seattle Angina Questionnaire (mean change at 3, 6, and 12 months: 7±14%, 8±14%, and 7±15%, respectively; Pslope=0.020, first versus repeated; P=0.126). Conclusions—Repeated bone marrow cell injection in previously responding patients with refractory angina is associated with improvements in myocardial perfusion, anginal complaints, and quality of life score ⩽12 months of follow-up. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.trialregister. nl. Unique identifier: NTR2664.
Studies on major respiratory diseases of Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Northeastern Ethiopia

A comparative serological test was carried out to identify the primary causative agent involved in the camel respiratory disease outbreak that occurred in Ethiopia. The samples were collected during and post outbreak time and analyzed for parainfulenza-3 and pasteurellosis. According to the result, parainfulenza-3 was found as a primary causative agent as 70.5% in outbreak and 6.8% in surveyed areas and there is a statistical significant variation observed between the outbreak and survey sera samples (P < 0.01). Manhaemiya hemolytica was involved as secondary bacterial complications. The association of parainfulenza-3 and pasteurellosis was also assessed and has shown that M. haemolytica A2 was a dominant serotype over others which account 50% in higher antibody titration ranging from 1:80 - 1:320 in outbreak samples. Camel respiratory diseases are still flaring up in various parts of the country and reports are coming year after year urging for an intervention measures. Further studies have been recommended on the epidemiology of the disease and the identification of the responsible pathogens and its serotypes to be involved for the development of vaccines.
Microscopic changes of the gastric mucosa in dyspeptic patients infected by Helicobacter pylori

Forty patients complaining from dyspepsia were used in this study. Exclusion criteria were recent or past history of gastric neoplasm of gastric surgery, long term therapy with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and previous treatment with antibiotics or bismuth salts. Serum samples obtained from each patient were tested for the presence of IgG and IgA antibodies against Helicobacter pylori using standard ELISA. Gastric mucosal biopsies specimens were obtained from each patient, by gastroscopy. Specimens were fixed for light and scanning electron microscopic preparations. Light microscopic examinations showed the inflammatory cellular infiltration. By scanning electron microscopy more than 50% of biopsies appeared with mucosal ulceration, atrophy and metaplasia. The study demonstrates the destructive effect of H. pylori on the gastric mucosa.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF BREASTSTROKE TRAINING ON KNEE PAIN AND Q ANGLE OF BREASTSTROKE AND CRAWL SWIMMERS

Competitive swimmers have a high incidence of breaststroke-related knee injuries. The cause of the breaststroke swimmer’s knee, which is accompanied with medial pain of the knee joint, has not been clearly identified. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the biomechanical and anatomical factors which predispose subjects to injury. This study includes 60 breaststroke and crawl swimmers (16 ±3.2 years old) who have participated in 3–6-year-long swimming training in Tabriz city. The knee pain was evaluated with McGill’s pain questionnaire, and Q angle was measured with universal goniometry by knee radiography in standing position. The medial pain of knee joint increased significantly and the knee was only symptomatic when the swimmers performed the whip kick. Breaststroke swimmers were hardly able to complete training because of the knee pain. It is concluded that competitive training of breaststroke swimming for 6 months can cause exclusive injury and pain in swimmer’s knee. On the other hand, the result showed that there is a direct relationship between the swimmer’s Q angle amount and chance of the knee injury. This emphasizes a scrious consideration of Q angle states in breaststroke swimmers.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the blue-spotted stingray Neotrygon kuhlii (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae)

Abstract The blue-spotted stingray Neotrygon kuhlii is a small stingray distributed in the Indian and West Pacific Ocean. It was considered a species complex by morphological and molecular evidences. In this study, we firstly presented the complete mitochondrial genome of N. kuhlii. It is 18,039 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 1 control region, with the typical gene order in the mitogenomes of vertebrates. The total base composition is 31.9% A, 26.4% C, 13.1% G and 28.6% T, with an A + T bias of 60.5%. Alignment results demonstrated that the mitochondrial sequences of N. kuhlii in this study were highly similar to the 12S, 16S, COI and Cyt b sequences of the specimens collected from the Chinese seas in other studies.
Histological improvement in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with combination of Alpha-Interferon and ribavirin who failed previously to respond to interferon monotherapy

SUMMARY Background/Aim: Half of the patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) show no response to alpha-interferon (a- IFN) and no alternative modality has so far proven to be effective. Combination of a-IFN with ribavirin has shown promising results in naive patients and relapsers. The aim of the present study was to assess the sustained virological and histological response after combination in 20 chronic hepatitis patients, non-responders (NR) to a previous a- IFN monotherapy. Methods: Twenty NR patients were treated with a-IFN (3MU three times a week subcutaneously) and ribavirin (1000-1200 mg daily peros) for 48 weeks. Serum levels of HCVRNA and ALT levels were tested at the end of treatment and 24 weeks post-treatment while histological evaluation was done at the end of follow-up. Results: Genotype was 1a in 2, 1b in 11, 3a in 5 and 4 in 2 patients. Serum ALT levels normalized in 14 (70%) and HCVRNA became seronegative in 8 (40%) patients by the end of treatment. However, six months posttreatment, ALT levels remained normal in 4(20%) non-responder patients. Serum HCVRNA was positive in 15 and remained negative in 5 (25%) sustained responder patients. Sustained response rate was 0% in genotype 1, 60% in genotype 3a and 100% in genotype 4. Necroinflammatory activity improved in 68,4%, showed no change in 26,3% and worsened in 5,3% cases (ranked assessment). Treatment was well tolerated and ribavirin was decreased in 5 (25%) patients. Conclusions: Combination treatment was well tolerated and the sustained response rate was 25%, being higher particularly in the non- 1 genotype patients. Induction therapy with a-IFN in combination with ribavirin should be further evaluated in this group of patients. Key Words: Chronic hepatitis C, A-interferon, Cirrhosis, Ribavirin
A Global Optimization Algorithm for Generalized Quadratic Programming

We present a global optimization algorithm for solving generalized quadratic programming (GQP), that is, nonconvex quadratic programming with nonconvex quadratic constraints. By utilizing a new linearizing technique, the initial nonconvex programming problem (GQP) is reduced to a sequence of relaxation linear programming problems. To improve the computational efficiency of the algorithm, a range reduction technique is employed in the branch and bound procedure. The proposed algorithm is convergent to the global minimum of the (GQP) by means of the subsequent solutions of a series of relaxation linear programming problems. Finally, numerical results show the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Implant design and interface force transfer

Objectives: To compare stress and strain magnitudes of butt-joint and internal-cone oral implants in a bone simulant. Material and methods: Photoelastic and strain-gauged models of solitary Branemark®, ITI® and Astra Tech® implants were obtained. Vertical and 20° oblique forces of 100 and 150 N were applied on the abutments in separate load cases. Isochromatic fringe patterns around implants were observed and photographed in the field of a polariscope. Strain-gauge measurements were performed and principal strains induced around implants were calculated. Results: Isochromatic fringe orders of all designs were similar under both loading conditions (P>0.05). Strains around Branemark® implants were lower than around Astra Tech® and ITI® implants, particularly under vertical loads. The latter implants had similar strain magnitudes (P>0.05), although strains around the conical Astra Tech® implant were lower under vertical load. Conclusions: Butt-joint and internal-cone oral implants have similar force distribution characteristics. The implant–abutment mating design is not a decisive factor affecting stress and strain magnitudes in a bone simulant.
A Country Practice: Characteristics of Patients of a Rural Acupuncture Clinic

The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), including acupuncture, in Australia is increasing. While data describing the characteristics of traditional Chinese medical practitioners and the nature of the workforce exist, there is comparatively little research into the users of traditional Chinese medicine in a private practice context. This study explores the characteristics of patients presenting at a rural Victorian acupuncture practice during the first two years of operation. Patients were typically female, married, and had a mean age of 44 years. The typical patient self-referred or was referred through the multidisciplinary clinic, and was taking vitamins or supplements. The most common reason for presentation was pain. Patient characteristics were similar to existing data for Australian CAM patients. In order to more accurately describe the users of acupuncture, practitioners must contribute to the literature. In addition, practitioners should describe issues that are unique to practice in their context.
Geographic patterns of seed mass are associated with climate factors, but relationships vary between species.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Seed size is a critical life history attribute with fitness effects that cascade throughout the lifespan of plants. Interspecific studies repeatedly report a negative correlation between seed mass and latitude. Yet, despite its importance, little is known about geographic variation in seed size within species' ranges. METHODS To improve our understanding of intraspecific geographic variation in seed size, we collected and weighed seeds by maternal line from 8 to 17 populations of seven herbaceous plant species spanning large geographic areas, and measured a dispersal trait, awn length, for two grass species. We examined the overall relationship between seed mass and latitude, then divided the data into species-specific subsets to compare the fit of three models to explain seed mass and awn length: (1) latitude and longitude, (2) long-term climate, and (3) collection-year weather. KEY RESULTS Like previous work, we found a negative relationship between interspecific seed mass and latitude. However, the best-fit models explaining seed size and awn length differed between individual species and often included significant interaction terms. For all species, the best model was either long-term or collection-year climate data instead of latitude and longitude. CONCLUSIONS Intraspecific geographic patterns for seed traits were remarkably inconsistent, covarying both negatively and positively with temperature and precipitation. The only apparent generalization is that annual species' seed mass corresponded more with collection-year weather while perennial species covaried more with long-term climate. Overall, this study suggests that the scale of climate variation that molds seed traits is highly species-specific.