Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth in early life stages of fishes: an explanatory model.

Although fish larvae grow very fast, little is known about to which extent their metabolism and nutritional requirements differ from larger fish. Modelling can be a powerful too] to promote understanding and optimisation of growth in fish larvae. The main objective of this study was to develop an explanatory model that can simulate growth in fish larvae. The study was conducted in three steps, i.e., a design, an experimentation and a modelling step. In the first step, the framework of the model was developed using yolksac larvae of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus . The model is nutrient driven, and based on the biochemical reactions underlying the growth process. The model predicted growth rather accurately until complete yolk absorption, and suggested what information was needed for its further development. In the second step, experimental data on protein metabolism and the energetics of growth were collected. They constituted the basis for the design and parameterisation of a model for fed larvae. In the African catfish, the cost of growth decreases with increasing growth rates, down to the theoretical minima for protein synthesis. Fast growing larvae of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus , also have a cost of growth close to the theoretical minimum for protein synthesis. The amino acid (AA) profile of the free pool in turbot larvae is highly variable, being very sensitive to AA coming from the diet and protein turnover. Both in the African catfish and turbot, the larval AA profile changed during ontogeny, especially before the start of exogenous feeding. The AA profiles of the diets differed considerably from the larval ones, suggesting high unavoidable AA losses. In yolk-sac larvae of catfish, there is little regulation of catabolism of AA, and no sparing of essential AA. In contrast to this, turbot larvae may be able to spare essential AA towards the end of the larval stage. In the third and final stage, the model was parameterised and validated for African catfish and turbot. With a sensitivity analysis of the model the key parameters governing larval growth were identified. These results are discussed in view of elucidating the dietary requirements of fish larvae, evaluating the present feeding practices, and proposing research trends for the future.
Nonvalue of antigen detection immunoassays for diagnosis of candidemia

We evaluated the Cand-Tec (Ramco Laboratories Inc., Houston, Tex.) and LA-Candida antigen detection system (Immuno-Mycologics Inc., Norman, Okla.) tests as possible rapid alternatives to blood cultures for the identification of patients with candidemia. Tests were performed on sera from (i) 33 patients with candidemia, (ii) 82 patients with fever and risk factors for invasive candidiasis, and (iii) 13 healthy controls. A total of 21 patients had no evidence of invasive candidiasis, as determined by clinical course, blood culture, and/or autopsy; results for 61 patients were indeterminate regarding the presence of invasive candidiasis, or else the patients had invasive candidiasis with organ involvement. By using a threshold positive Cand-Tec titer of greater than or equal to 1:4, the sensitivity in candidemic patients was 49%; the specificity was 43% (patients with true-negative results had neither candidemia nor other evidence of invasive candidiasis). Coexistent disseminated candidiasis in some candidemic patients may have accounted for some positive Cand-Tec tests and possible overestimation of the sensitivity of the test for candidemia. Cand-Tec test results were negative for healthy controls. All test results obtained by the LA-Candida antigen detection system assay were negative. Our findings indicate that neither of these assays reliably identifies patients with candidemia.
Mesenchymal Cell-Based Repair of Large Full Thickness Defects of Articular Cartilage

Osteochondral progenitor cells were used to repair large, full-thickness defects of the articular cartilage that had been created in the knees of rabbits. Adherent cells from bone marrow, or cells from the periosteum that had been liberated from connective tissue by collagenase digestion, were grown in culture, dispersed in a type-I collagen gel, and transplanted into a large (three-by-six-millimeter), full-thickness (three-millimeter) defect in the weight-bearing surface of the medial femoral condyle. The contralateral knee served as a control: either the defect in that knee was left empty or a cell-free collagen gel was implanted. The periosteal and the bone-marrow-derived cells showed similar patterns of differentiation into articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Specimens of reparative tissue were analyzed with use of a semiquantitative histological grading system and by mechanical testing with employment of a porous indenter to measure the compliance of the tissue at intervals until twenty-four weeks after the operation. There was no apparent difference between the results obtained with the cells from the bone marrow and those from the periosteum. As early as two weeks after transplantation, the autologous osteochondral progenitor cells had uniformly differentiated into chondrocytes throughout the defects. This repair cartilage was subsequently replaced with bone in a proximal-to-distal direction, until, at twenty-four weeks after transplantation, the subchondral bone was completely repaired, without loss of overlying articular cartilage. The mechanical testing data were a useful index of the quality of the long-term repair. Twenty-four weeks after transplantation, the reparative tissue of both the bone-marrow and the periosteal cells was stiffer and less compliant than the tissue derived from the empty defects but less stiff and more compliant than normal cartilage. Clinical Relevance: The current modalities for the repair of defects of the articular cartilage have many disadvantages. The transplantation of progenitor cells that will form cartilage and bone offers a possible alternative to these methods. As demonstrated in this report, autologous, bone-marrow-derived, osteochondral progenitor cells can be isolated and grown in vitro without the loss of their capacity to differentiate into cartilage or bone. Sufficient autologous cells can be generated to initiate the repair of articular cartilage and the reformation of subchondral bone. The repair tissues appear to undergo the same developmental transitions that originally led to the formation of articular tissue in the embryo. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Prenatal echocardiography – the impact on neonatal management

Congenital heart disease (CHD) results in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis allows preparing an appropriate perinatal and postnatal care. Babies born in low-risk level sites with unexpected CHD may have poorer outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare results of foetal echocardiography to postnatal findings and assess the impact of antenatal suspicions of CHD on postnatal management. Medical records of mother-infant pairs with CHD admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Medical University of Gdansk from 01.01. to 31.12. 2013 were reviewed. We analysed if the defect was detected preor postnatally, and if the diagnosis was made by the obstetrician from low-risk level sites (level I) or from a tertiary care centre (level II sonography). The overall incidence of CHD was 68 (3,4%). Critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) were found in 24 neonates (1,2%), 21 were diagnosed prenatally, 3 were transferred from 1st level units. Correlation between prenatal diagnosis made at our centre and postnatal findings was achieved in 47,7%. Accuracy in all prenatal and postnatal findings for both I and II sonography levels was 35,2%. There were major differences in the disproportion of the great vessels and postnatal confirmation of coarctation of the aorta (CoAo) (7,1%). We obtained a high accuracy of prenatal and postnatal findings in detection of lesions such as Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), transposition of the great arteries (TGA), DORV (double outlet right ventricle) and Critical Pulmonary Stenosis, which require an outflow tract view (92,9% of cases). Conclusions: We confirmed increasing diagnostic rates when the diagnostics is performed at a tertiary care centre. These results are in agreement with literature stating that prenatal detection of CoAo is still challenging. Despite the high rates of misdiagnosis, majority of infants benefited from prenatally diagnosed CCHD.
Prevalence of pain awareness, treatment, and associated health outcomes across different conditions in Brazil

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor e uma condicao clinica prevalente que gera um fardo humanistico e economico tremendo em todo o mundo. Tendo em vista os poucos estudos sobre o impacto da dor em resultados de saude no Brasil, este estudo avaliou a prevalencia de condicoes dolorosas, a taxa de diagnostico e tratamento, e o possivel impacto nos resultados de saude entre adultos brasileiros. METODO: Os dados foram coletados de uma amostra estratificada e aleatoria de adultos (n = 12.000) da pesquisa transversal National Health and Wellness Survey de 2011 feita no Brasil. Os entrevistados deram informacoes sociodemograficas, sobre qualidade de vida relacionada a saude (SF-12v2), produtividade no trabalho e prejuizo de suas atividades (WPAI), condicoes comorbidas e uso de recursos de assistencia a saude. As comparacoes entre os individuos com e sem dor (isto e, dor neuropatica, fibromialgia, dor relacionada a procedimentos cirurgicos/medicos, ou lombalgia, versus os controles sem a respectiva condicao; ou artrite, com versus sem dor) foram realizadas pelos testes Qui-quadrado e t para variaveis categoricas e continuas, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Lombalgia foi a condicao dolorosa mais comum (12%), seguida de fibromialgia. Entre os incluidos nessa condicao, a dor neuropatica foi a mais comumente diagnosticada e tratada, e a lombalgia foi a menos diagnosticada e tratada. Nas diferentes condicoes, em graus variaveis, dor versus sem dor foi associada a maior fardo comorbido, maior utilizacao de recursos, e maiores prejuizos ao estado de saude e a produtividade no trabalho, com poucas diferencas nos fatores sociodemograficos. CONCLUSAO: As condicoes dolorosas foram associadas a diferentes percepcoes e taxas de tratamento entre adultos brasileiros. Corroborando estudos anteriores norte-americanos e europeus, a dor foi associada a varios resultados negativos para a saude. Esses achados destacam o subtratamento e uma gama de fontes potenciais de fardo da dor no Brasil.
Psychosocial determinants of physician acceptance toward an antimicrobial stewardship program and its computerized decision support system in an acute care tertiary hospital

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) often employ multipronged strategies, including Computerized Decision Support Systems (CDSSs), to promote appropriate prescribing. Physicians are key determinants of program effectiveness, yet little is known about their attitudes towards these interventions. We aimed to explore hospital physicians' perceptions of and attitudes toward ASPs and CDSSs using a focus group discussion (FGD) approach.
Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Depression in Women: A Comparison between Pre-Menopausal and Post-Menopausal Attendees of the General Outpatient Department in Fmc Lokoja

Introduction: Globally, the burden of depression is on the increase especially among women. The increased prevalence of depression correlates with hormonal changes in women, suggesting that female hormonal fluctuations may be a trigger for depression. Hence this study sought to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic pattern of depression among pre- and post-menopausal women. Methodology: A cross-sectional design comprising of pre- and post-menopausal women attending the General Outpatient Department of the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja, North-Central region of Nigeria was employed in this study. Data on depression were collection using the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression (CES-D) questionnaire, a validated and reliable tool for assessment of depression. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epi Info version 7. Statistical significance was set at level of 0.05. Results: A total of 277 pre-menopausal and 103 post-menopausal women were involved in the study. The prevalence of depression was higher among post-menopausal women (45.6%) in comparison to pre-menopausal women (35.4%). There was no significant relationship between demographic characteristics and depression in both groups of the study (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study noted that unlike the pre-menopausal population, almost half of the post-menopausal women had depression. Hence, routine screening for depression among post-menopausal women is advocated for timely intervention irrespective of their socio-demographic status.
Convergence of MTOR and Glucocorticoid receptor signalling in the human placenta: effects of pre-term labour, nutrition and maternal stress

PRESENTATIONS Mparmpakas, D. , Zachariades, E. , Karteris, E. “Differential expression of human placental mTOR–related genes: effects of pre-term labour and contractile status” Congress of “TOR, PI3K and Akt – 20 Years On” 11 th -13 th September 2011, Basel, Switzerland Mparmpakas, D. , Zachariades, E. , Goumenou, A. , Karteris, E. , Gidron, Y. “Correlation of a Glucocorticoid Recaptor (GR) polymorphism but not GR slice variant expression with maternal attitudes towards pregnancy and fetal weight” Congress on Steroid Research, 27 th 29 th March 2011, Chicago, USA. Mparmpakas, D. , Zachariades,E. , Goumenou, A. , Karteris, E. “Maternal stress regulates placental mTOR signalling components”. British Ecological Society, Biochemical Society, and the Society for Experimental Biology. 4 th 7 th January 2011, London, U.K. Zachariades, E. , Mparmpakas, D. , Karteris, E. “Expression of DEPTOR in two human placental cell lines and modulation by cortisol”. Biochemical Society 11 th -12 th November 2010, London, U.K. Mparmpakas, D. , Zachariades, E. , Harvey, A. , Goumenou, A. , Karteris,. E. “Placental DEPTOR: Another twist in mTOR signalling during pregnancy”. Biochemical Society, 11 th – 12 th November 2010, London, U.K. Mparmpakas, D. , Foster,H. ,Harvey,A. , Karteris, E. “Expression of m-TOR signalling components in a human placental cell line (BeWo)”. Biochemical Society, 15 th 16 th September 2008, Oxford, U.K.
Tramadol and seizures: An overview

This review aims to expose the myths and misinterpretations of data concerning the risks of Tramadol Hydrochloride (Tramadol) and seizures within the neurosurgical environment. Within the neurosurgical environment there are differing views on the safety of Tramadol and the risk of seizures. Since Tramadol’s release in Australia its unique biochemistry, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics have resulted in it being one of the most widely prescribed analgesics and it continues to play an important role for neurosurgical patients. The non-controlled status and varied available routes of Tramadol administration also contribute to it being one of the most valued and widely prescribed analgesics. However the potential for seizures should not be underestimated, even when prescribed within the therapeutic range. Tramadol should be used cautiously and the benefits of treatment should outweigh the potential of seizures in patients who are at risk or taking other medications that lower the threshold for seizures. The phenomenon of seizures associated with Tramadol is likely to increase with increasing rates of analgesic and antidepressant use in the general population. Here lies two areas of importance for neuroscience nurses; managing patients admitted following seizures associated with Tramadol, and Tramadol administration to at risk patient’s. It is crucial that nurses have a comprehensive knowledge of the seizure risk of Tramadol.
Not all African land is being degraded: a recent survey of trees on farms in Kenya reveals rapidly increasing forest resources

This article presents results from a survey of woody biomass on farmland in Kenya. The survey covered the 10 mill. ha of high-potential land where 80% of the country's population lives. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, a rapid increase of planted woody biomass between years 1986-1992 was discovered. The annual increase was estimated at 4.7%. The survey also revealed that wood on farmlands can become a major source of raw materials for the wood industry, since the standing volume is larger than that found in conventional forests. Previous conclusions, i.e. that population density is positively correlated with the volume of planted woody biomass, were confirmed by the survey finding of a high (r2 = 0.64) correlation at the district level. The results imply that some pessimistic opinions on land-use development in Kenya are false. Instead of increasing fuelwood deficit and land degradation following rapid population growth, Kenyan farmers seem to apply wise and sustainable-management practices, including tree growing. It is suggested that the land-tenure system-most agricultural land in high-potential Kenya is privately owned-is a significant reason for the recent development.
Effect of Shoot Number on Potted Grapevines: II. Dry Matter Accumulation and Partitioning

Potted, one-year old Chambourcin grapevines were grown with one, three, or six shoots in the absence of fruit to determine the impact of increasing early-season leaf area on dry weight accumulation throughout the growing season. No fruit was retained so the role of vegetative sinks could be more carefully studied. Very few differences in dry weight were found for various organs (roots, trunks, shoots, and leaves) among the three treatments. Six-shoot vines had greater shoot weight just after bud burst, but at veraison and harvest, there was an inverse, linear relationship between shoot number and shoot dry weight. Three- and six-shoot vines had greater leaf and total canopy dry weights (leaves + shoots) at harvest only. Total plant dry weight was positively related to shoot number at harvest with three- and six-shoot vines having about 20% greater dry weight than one-shoot vines. No differences were detected in vine dry weight at any other time during the growing season. While dry weight differences were not large, increasing shoot numbers affected canopy morphology. Specific leaf and shoot weights decreased as shoot numbers increased, but leaf area per unit shoot weight increased. Additionally, the ratio of cane fresh weight to perennial storage tissues was inversely related to shoot number. This supports the hypothesis that cane fresh weights are of questionable value when used to estimate the cropping capacity of minimally pruned vines.
Study of Range of Motion of Knee Joint in South Indian Male Subjects.

Studies on the normal range of motion (ROM) of knee joint are uncommon. The present paper reports on ROM of knee joint measured using universal goniometer in healthy subjects between the age group of 6 to 80 years from the population in and around the city of Mangalore, Karnataka. It is based on 480 knee joints. Since, the population based normative values for ROM of knee joint at different age groups are not well-documented, the present study was undertaken. The active ROM (AROM) and passive ROM (PROM) of knee joint was determined both in supine and prone position and the affect of age on the ROM was studied. In supine position, the mean AROM is 131.7 degrees and PROM is 141.7 degrees. In prone position, the mean AROM is 122.8 degrees and PROM is 132.92 degrees. Normal values for these measurements were not reported previously The maximum mean AROM (149.3 degree) was noted in the age group of 6-10 years and the minimum mean AROM (123.3 degree) in the age group of 71-80 years. The maximum mean PROM (157.4 degree) was noted in age group of 6-10 years and the minimum mean PROM (133.8 degree) in the age group of 71-80 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the ROM of the right and left side and hence, it is therefore suggested that a patient's healthy limb can be used for comparison with the affected side in the presence of unilateral limb lesion. In the presence of bilateral lesion, the present data can be used for comparison, provided the same measuring procedure is employed.
Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency Among School Children in a Rural Setting in North-Central Nigeria

Background: Zinc deficiency is believed to be widespread especially in low income countries like Nigeria. However, the exact burden of this problem among school children is not known. This study therefore aims to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency among school children in a rural setting in North-central Nigeria as well as identifying possible contributing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 363 subjects selected from 10 out of 85 schools was carried out between Oct 2012 and Mar 2013. Data on demographic, nutritional, physical and biochemical parameters were collected and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Serum zinc was assayed by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. [1]. Results: Ninety-nine percent of the subjects were zinc deficient. The subjects from the lower socio-economic class had significantly lower mean serum zinc levels compared with those from the middle and upper class, P = 0.003. In about 79% of the subjects, the staple food is from unrefined maize. Conclusion: The prevalence of zinc deficiency is very high among the subjects and inadequate dietary zinc intake is a major contributing factor.
Comparison of porcine CD4 and gamma-delta T cell systemic and mucosal responses to the spirochete Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION I Background and rationale I Objectives of the dissertation 5 Dissertation organization 5 Literature review 6 Functional differences between aP and y8 T cells 6 Origin and distribution 6 Differential aspects of antigen recognition between ap and y8 T cells 7 Comparison and contrast between the (%P and yo T cell receptor 8 Structure of the T cell receptor 8 Differences between the (%P and y8 T cell receptor 12 Porcine CD4 T cells 13 Coexpression of CD8aa in mature porcine CD4T T cells 15 The CD8 coreceptor: isoforms, function and regulation of cell surface expression 16 Possible explanations for the function of mature CD4+CD8aaT cells 18 Porcine y8 T cells 19 Lymphocyte composition of the intestinal mucosa 21 Role of T cells in the development and regulation of intestinal inflammation 23 Cellular mechanisms involved in intestinal mucosa homeostasis 23 Role of CD4+ T cells in the establishment and resolution of inflammation 24 Y8 T cell involvement in the control of inflammation 27 References 29 CHAPTER 2. DIFFERENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROLIFERATION OF PORCINE CD4 AND yo T CELLS TO EXTRACELLULAR BACTERIAL ANTIGENS 43 Abstract 43 Introduction 44 Materials and methods 46 Results 49 Discussion 52 References 61