Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Parsley (petroselinum crispum) on Some Bacteria Isolated from Nosocomial Infections in-vitro

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is important medicinal plant, has widespread consumption in food. The current study is aimed at declaration of antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of P. crispum aerial parts (stems and leaves) in vitro against five bacteria; Shigella flexneri, Acenitobacter baumani, Morganella morgani, Enterococcus faecalis and Providencia spp. isolated from different specimens of nosocomial infection. Aerial parts were extracted employing maceration method, antibacterial effect investigated by agar well diffusion method by following concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 mg/ml) of each extract, compared with 10 μg/ml of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline as positive controls that were evaluated by agar disc diffusion method. Inhibition zones surrounding all extract concentrations and positive controls were measured. The influence of ethanolic extract exhibited zones of inhibition through (5-25) mm, while the inhibition zones resulted from the action of aqueous extract were between (5-27) mm generally. The extracts displayed perfect potency toward investigated bacteria as a whole. The aqueous extract was better than ethanolic extract on the strength of activity overall. In most cases, the effects to be based on rising the extracts concentrations. The 50 mg/ml concentration extracts was responsible for initiation the action as far as 200 mg/ml concentration altogether. The influence of maximum concentration (200 mg/ml) of the extracts was superior or likes to that of ciprofloxacin upon Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on Some Bacteria Isolated from Nosocomial Infections in-Vitro.
The determinants of hospital costs : an analysis of Ethiopia

The problem of financing health care in poor countries has become increasingly acute. In the context of health financing, hospitals are viewed with skepticism as facilities are not cost-effective in the provision of primary health care services. Given this view, it is increasingly thought that such institutions should become financially independent from government subsidies and find other ways to finance both their recurrent and capital costs. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the determinants of hospital costs in a poor country by conducting a case study using data from Ethiopia. It analyzes the issues of economies of scale and scope in the delivery of hospital based health care services in a poor country. A translog-like cost function specification is used in the analysis. It shows that the number of inpatient days, deliveries and laboratory exams had a positive and statistically significant effect on total cost. A negative and statistically significant coefficient associated with the output interaction term indicated the existence of economies of scope between the number of inpatient days and the number of first outpatient visits. Finally, the number of total beds in a hospital appeared to have a positive and significant independent effect on total hospital cost.
A dynamic simulation model of nutrient digestion in the rumen of dairy cows

A mechanistic model of nutrient digestion in the rumen of dairy cows has been developed to predict rates of nutrient digestion and passage as well as rumen NDF pool sizes at fixed rates of dry matter intake. Different feed fractions according to chemical and physical characteristics are considered. There are 18 rumen state variables representing carbohydrates, nitrogen and microbes in the model. The model is mainly sensitive to the parameters defining rate constants of passage of small particles and digestion rate constant of NDF. For comparative analysis the model has been tested with diets differing widely in intake level and composition. NDF passage and digestibility, NDF pool, total and non-ammonia nitrogen outflow from rumen are well predicted for the whole range of diets used. For some diets, especially those containing maize as a source of starch the predictions of OM and starch digestibility and partition of NAN outflow between dietary and microbial N outflow are not satisfactory.
Upstream Movements of Atlantic Salmon in the Lower Penobscot River, Maine Following Two Dam Removals and Fish Passage Modifications

Abstract The Penobscot River Restoration Project (PRRP), to be completed in 2016, involved an extensive plan of dam removal, increases in hydroelectric capacity, and fish passage modifications to increase habitat access for diadromous species. As part of the PRRP, GreatWorks and Veazie dams were removed, making Milford Dam the first impediment to federally endangered Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar. Upstream habitat access for Atlantic Salmon is dependent upon successful and timely passage at Milford Dam because nearly all suitable spawning habitat is located upstream. In 2014 and 2015, a total of 73 adult salmon were radio-tagged to track their upstream movements through the Penobscot River to assess potential delays at (1) the dam remnants, (2) the confluence of the Stillwater Branch and the main stem of the Penobscot River below the impassableOrono Dam, and (3) the Milford Damfish lift (installed in 2014). Movement rates through the dam remnants and the Stillwater confluence were comparable to open river reaches. Passage efficiency of the fish lift was high in both years (95% and 100%). However, fish experienced long delays at Milford Dam, with approximately one-third of fish taking more than a week to pass in each year, well below the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission passage standard of 95%within 48 h. Telemetry indicates most fish locate the fishway entrance within 5 h of arrival and were observed at the entrance at all hours of the day. These data indicate that overall transit times through the lower river were comparable to reported movement rates prior to changes to the Penobscot River due to the substantial delays seen at Milford Dam. The results of this study show that while adult Atlantic Salmon locate the new fish lift entrance quickly, passage of these fish was significantly delayed under 2014–2015 operations.
Novel genetic variants of transferrin receptor 2 exon 4 and cytokines profile of anemic and nonanemic pregnant women in Central Java, Indonesia

Objective: To assess the association between genetic variants of transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) exon 4 and anemia status and to describe the expression levels of several cytokines, hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor and erythropoietin. Methods: Institutional based comparative study was done randomly to recruit 106 pregnant women who attended antenatal care in three different health centers in Boyolali Regency, Central Java from May 2015 to September 2015. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of selected pregnant women and sequencing was done for TFR2 exon 4. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to measure the expression levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 4, transforming growth factor β and iron-metabolism related proteins such as hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor, and erythropoietin. Gene alignment was performed by using a CLUSTAL W program. Collected data were analyzed statistically by using parametric and nonparametric tests with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 20.0 for Windows. Results: Three novel genetic variants from TFR2 exon 4 (position 603, 605 and 606) were associated with anemia status. Moreover, the expression levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 4, transforming growth factor β and erythropoietin were higher in anemic pregnant women than those of nonanemic pregnant women but only erythropoietin level reached statistical significance. These results were followed by decreases of hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels. Conclusions: Various factors contribute to anemia prevalence among pregnant women in Boyoali Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Our novel findings showed that TFR2 exon 4 has 3 mutational sites in position 603, 605 and 606. These novel genetic variants may provide a new insight into the role of TFR2 in anemia.
Disabling stroke in persons already with a disability

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of adult disability worldwide. More than a third of individuals presenting with strokes are estimated to have a preexisting disability. Despite unprecedented advances in stroke research and clinical practice over the past decade, approaches to acute stroke care for persons with preexisting disability have received scant attention. Current standards of research and clinical practice are influenced by an underexplored range of biases that may hinder acute stroke care for persons with disability. These trends may exacerbate unequal health outcomes by rendering novel stroke therapies inaccessible to many persons with disabilities. Here, we explore the underpinnings and implications of biases involving persons with disability in stroke research and practice. Recent insights from bioethics, disability rights, and health law are explained and critically evaluated in the context of prevailing research and clinical practices. Allowing disability to drive decisions to withhold acute stroke interventions may perpetuate disparate health outcomes and undermine ethically resilient stroke care. Advocacy for inclusion of persons with disability in future stroke trials can improve equity in stroke care delivery.
Prospective evaluation of rapid point-of-care tests for the diagnosis of acute leptospirosis in dogs

The early diagnosis of acute leptospirosis is still a major challenge in dogs. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the suitability of two in-clinic tests detecting anti-leptospiral IgM and IgG antibodies in diagnosing canine leptospirosis. The performances of the two rapid tests were compared to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) carried out on acute sera and to diagnostic criteria adopted in this study to confirm leptospirosis infection (MAT upon admission, convalescent MAT and quantitative real-time PCR on blood and/or urine). The dogs were enrolled on the basis of reported exposure to known risk factors and clinical presentation (acute kidney injury and/or systemic inflammatory response syndrome with multi-organ damage). Eighty-nine dogs included in the study were sub-grouped on the basis of the results of the diagnostic criteria adopted: (1) confirmed leptospirosis cases (42/89 dogs); (2) negative leptospirosis cases (36/89 dogs); and (3) unconfirmed leptospirosis cases (11/89 dogs). The results supported the usefulness of the two rapid diagnostic tests as a first in-clinic screening tool for suspected leptospirosis; positive results in the in-clinic tests in dogs with suggestive clinical and laboratory signs strongly indicated acute leptospirosis, while negative results required additional diagnostic investigation to exclude the infection. Confirmatory tests recommended for canine leptospirosis are still necessary in addition to the use of rapid in-clinic tests. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Treatment of Sick Children Seeking Care in the Private Health Sector in Uganda: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Abstract. The main objective of this study was to assess whether training of private health providers and community sensitization on the importance of effective prompt care seeking and the need for referral could improve treatment of sick children in the private health sector in Uganda. Private providers were trained to diagnose and treat sick children according to the integrated community case management (iCCM) guidelines. In the control arm, routine services were offered. The outcomes were seeking care within 24 hours of onset of symptoms and appropriate case management for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea among children aged < 5 years. A total of 10,809 sick children (5,955 in the intervention arm and 4,854 in the control arm) presented for diagnosis and treatment. The percentage seeking care within 24 hours of onset of symptoms was 45.4% (95% CI 36.0–48.8) in the intervention arm versus 43.9% (95% CI 38.1–49.8) in the control arm (P = 0.04). Adherence to malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) results was high, with 1,459 (94.3%) in the intervention arm versus 1,402 (83.0%) in the control arm (P = 0.04). Appropriate treatment of mRDT-positive children with artemisinin-based combination therapy was seen in 93.1% (95% CI 88.5–97.7) in the intervention arm versus 85.1% (95% CI 78.6–91.7) in the control arm (P = 0.03). Adherence to iCCM guidelines was very high: 89.1% of children with diarrhea in the intervention arm and 80.4% in the control arm were given oral rehydration salts and zinc (P = 0.01). Of the children with a respiratory rate > 40 breaths/minute, 1,596 (85.1%) in the intervention arm versus 104 (54.5%) in the control arm were given amoxicillin (P = 0.01). In conclusion, the intervention improved treatment of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea because of provider adherence to treatment guidelines. The policy implications of these findings are to initiate a dialogue at district and national levels on how to scale up the intervention in the private sector. NCT02450630 registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: May 9, 2015.
Designing a Sustainable Temporary Grassland System by Monitoring Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Assessing the efficiency of nitrogen application is a valuable first step in establishing an optimum N fertilizer management plan. The aim of this study was to elaborate a sustainable N management system for sown grassland installed in temperate regions, through manipulation of nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen response efficiency (NRE) indicators. Research was performed in western Romania. The biological material consists in two forage species of major importance for the forage base worldwide, namely Trifolium pratense L. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. , in pure stands and in mixture. Both forage species were sown at two different spacings between rows (12.5 and 25.0 cm) and were fertilized with nitrogen (N) in three doses (N0-control, N50-fertilized with 50 kg N ha−1 and N100-fertilized with 100 kg N ha−1). The studies were made in 2016 and 2017, years very different from each other in matter of rainfalls. The results revealed a different behavior of the three sward types analyzed: while in Trifolium pratense monoculture and in the mixture of the two species studied, less N was removed than was applied; on the other hand Lolium multiflorum monoculture used a high proportion of the N applied, being at the limit to access N from the organic pool or residual N from fertilizer applications to a preceding crop.
Absence of global solutions to a class of nonlinear parabolic inequalities

We study the absence of nonnegative global solutions to parabolic inequalities of the type ut ≥ −(−∆)β/2u − V (x)u + h(x, t)u, where (−∆)β/2, 0 < β ≤ 2, is the β/2 fractional power of the Laplacian. We give a sufficient condition which implies that the only global solution is trivial if p > 1 is small. Among other properties, we derive a necessary condition for the existence of local and global nonnegative solutions to the above problem for the function V satisfying V+(x) ∼ a|x|−b, where a ≥ 0, b > 0, p > 1 and V+(x) := max{V (x), 0}. We show that the existence of solutions depends on the behavior at infinity of both initial data and h. In addition to our main results, we also discuss the nonexistence of solutions for some degenerate parabolic inequalities like ut ≥ ∆u + u and ut ≥ ∆pu + h(x, t)u. The approach is based upon a duality argument combined with an appropriate choice of a test function. First we obtain an a priori estimate and then we use a scaling argument to prove our nonexistence results.
Which Factors Explain Reproductive Output of Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae) in Forest and Savanna Habitats of Northern Amazonia?

Premise of research. The dioecious palm Mauritia flexuosa plays a critical role in the ecology and economy of the Amazon. However, little is known about the relationship between habitat variation and the reproductive dynamics of this species. We quantified variation in fruit and seed production among three habitats in northern Brazilian Amazonia and identified the abiotic and biotic factors explaining these sources of variation. Methodology. Fruits and seeds from females in six sites (three habitats) were collected. Total fruit yield per individual, dry fruit mass, dry seed mass, and seed number per fruit were calculated for each female and habitat. Multiple linear regressions were conducted on abiotic (soil physical and chemical parameters, soil moisture, flooding levels, and photosynthetically active radiation) and biotic (height, diameter at breast height, number of leaves, and crown volume) factors to determine the relationship between these parameters and reproductive output. Pivotal results. Fruit mass, seed mass, and seed number were significantly lower in the disturbed savanna than in the undisturbed savanna ecotone and forest, although total fruit yield was highest in the disturbed savanna. Soil moisture and flooding during the wet season were the best predictors of fruit and seed output. Soil organic matter also explained variation in seed mass. The number of leaves, diameter at breast height, and height were all accurate predictors of reproductive output, but crown volume should not be used to estimate fruit yields. Conclusions. Habitat affects the reproductive dynamics of this species, which can be explained by abiotic factors such as moisture availability and biotic factors such as vegetative attributes. While two years of data are not sufficient to infer broad patterns, this study provides preliminary results about the factors that explain variation in fruit and seed formation of M. flexuosa. A long-term study relating seasonality, environmental factors, and the reproductive dynamics of M. flexuosa is warranted, with profound implications for plant reproduction and regeneration patterns.
Placental Accumulation of Triacylglycerols in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association with Altered Fetal Growth are Related to the Differential Expressions of Proteins of Lipid Metabolism.

INTRODUCTION Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exhibit altered placental lipid metabolism. The molecular basis of this altered metabolism is not clear. Altered placental expression of proteins of lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation may be involved in the placental accumulation of triacylglycerols (TG). The present study was aimed at investigating the differential expressions of placental proteins related to lipid metabolism among GDM women in comparison with control pregnant women (CPW) and to correlate them with maternal and fetal lipid parameters as well as altered fetal growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Maternal blood, cord blood, and placental samples were collected from GDM and CPW. The biochemical parameters, glucose, lipid profile and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured. The placental TG content was measured. Differential placental expressions of proteins; phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) p85α, PI3K p110α,liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), sterol regulatory element binding protein1(SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearyl CoA desaturase1 (SCD1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL),Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α and PPARγ were analysed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Placental protein expressions of PI3K p110α, LXRα, FAS, SCD1, and LPL were found to be significantly higher, whereas PPARα and PPARγ were lower in GDM women compared with CPW. The placental TG content and cord plasma FFA were increased in GDM women compared with CPW. The placental TG content positively correlated with Ponderal index of GDM new-borns. CONCLUSION Differential expressions of placental proteins related to lipid metabolism in GDM might have led to placental TG accumulation. This might have contributed to the fetal overgrowth in GDM.
‘Nature Is Something We Can’t Replace’: Mexican Students’ Views of the Landscape They Want to Conserve

The primary aim of this qualitative study was to identify the landscapes that 7−12-year old Mexican students (n = 440) would like to conserve by analysing their drawings. Another aim was to determine the environmental relationship and environmental values of 5th and 6th graders (n = 152) by studying their texts. The data were analysed using mixed methods. In this study, landscape is understood as a visual experience of the environment, comprising the visible features of an area. Based on the results, all of the three main landscapes—nature, social and built—were deemed worth conserving. Beyond students’ immediate environment, the polar regions, North America, Australia and Africa were mentioned; Europe and Asia were not. The landscape drawings were realistic and carefully made, and the descriptions attached to them were clearly written. The environmental approach was mainly humanistic, and aesthetic values were appreciated by both genders. Utilitarian values were mentioned more often by boys than girls. The students’ descriptions reflected their environmental relationship, e.g., concern about nature, showing causal relationships, appreciation and affection. Concern or worry was often accompanied by the mention of human’s responsibility in the students’ texts, but they seldom considered their own activities in relation to the environment. The students depicted threats to nature, but they externalized themselves from the mechanisms threatening nature. In addition, they did not show familiarity with natural processes and scientific terminology. The study reveals that it is not only theoretically important to have distinct values, but these also need to be recognized by individuals. If the humans’ pro-environmental actions are to be promoted through education, it is important to study students’ values, as they may be important barriers to behavioral change. As students showed concern about preserving nature, teachers can discuss environmental values and different ways to take action and make changes with them, in order to avoid anxiety.