Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental massage therapy (DMT) during early postnatal life: effect on bone growth, mineralization, and strength in juvenile and young rats

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of developmental massage therapy (DMT) during early postnatal life on growth, body composition, and skeletal development in juvenile and young adult rats. Twenty-four rat pups received a daily session of DMT (10 minutes/day) from D6 to D10 of postnatal life and were compared to matched controls (CTL, n=24). Body composition, soft tissue lean mass, fat mass, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone area (BA) were measured by peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (pDXA); bone strength (Peak Load) and intrinsic stiffness on femur shaft were tested by three-point bending (MTS); cortical and cancellous bone histomorphometric measurements were performed on the tibia shaft and metaphysis. Food and water intake were monitored and did not differ among groups between weaning (D21) and D60. Body weight, body length and soft tissue lean mass at D21 were significantly greater in the DMT cohort; at D60 soft tissue lean mass was still greater in DMT groups but no differences were detected in body weight and body length. Moderate to strong correlations were found between body weight and soft tissue lean mass and measured bone outcome variables. BMD by DXA was significantly higher in D21 DMT rats and BA was only greater in D60 DMT males. Femur diameter and length were significantly greater in D60 DMT males. Bone strength and the endosteal percent mineral surface were significantly increased in D60 DMT females compared to CTL. In addition, DMT treatment improved the cancellous bone mineral surface, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate on the trabecular bone t
Bone marrow stem cell-mediated airway epithelial regeneration.

It has been suggested that some adult bone marrow cells (BMC) can localize to the injured tissues and develop tissue-specific characteristics including those of the pulmonary epithelium. In Chapter 2 we show that the combination of mild airway injury as a conditioning regimen to direct the site of BMC localization and transtracheal delivery of short-term cultured BMC enhances airway localization and adoption of an epithelial-like phenotype expressing Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) and prosurfactant protein-C. Bone marrow cells from transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein driven by the epithelial-specific cytokeratin-18 promoter were injected transtracheally into airway-injured wild-type recipients. BMC retention in the lung was observed to be at least 120 days following cell delivery with increasing transgene expression over time. The results indicate that targeted delivery of BMC can promote airway regeneration. Although bone marrow stem/progenitor cells can develop into lung epithelial cells, the specific subpopulation remains unknown. In Chapter 3 we identify a newly discovered population of murine and human BMC that express CCSP. These CCSP + cells increase in the bone marrow and blood after airway injury and can be expanded in culture. CCSP + cells are unique in that they express both hematopoietic and
2,4,6-Trifluoroaniline

The title compound, C6H4F3N, is a fluoro derivative of aniline. The molecule shows non-crystallographic mirror symmetry. Bond lengths are normal. The C—C—C angles show some deviation from the expected ideal values by up to 5°, a finding which is in accordance with a similar structure in the literature. In the crystal structure H⋯F contacts and H⋯N contacts lead to the formation of sheets whose surfaces are made up by the hydrophobic phenyl rings.
Bis(benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)amine

In the title compound, C16H13N3S2, the dihedral angle between the two benzothiazole ring systems is 20.41 (2)°. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds link molecules into a chain along the b axis. The packing is further stabilized by C—H⋯π stacking interactions involving the two benzothiazole ring systems.
Cancer incidence in British Columbia expected to grow by 57% from 2012 to 2030

Background: The population of British Columbia is growing and is forecast to reach 5.6 million by the year 2030. With a significant increase in the number of seniors anticipated, new cancer diagnoses in the province are expected to increase substantially over the next 15 years. Methods: Population projections from BC Stats and cancer incidence and mortality data from the BC Cancer Registry were used to estimate the number of new cases of cancer and cancer deaths for BC. To describe recent trends in cancer incidence and mortality, rates were agestandardized to the 1991 Canadian population and summarized using the annual percentage change from 2002 to 2011. Trends in cancer rates were then modeled using Poisson regression, fitting separate models for each type of cancer which were used to generate extrapolations of cancer rates through to 2030. Results: By 2030, the annual number of new cases of cancer in BC is expected to increase by 57%. The magnitude of the projected increase varies by cancer and by sex, reflecting differences in current cancer trends. Today’s four most common cancers, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast (female) cancer, and prostate cancer, are expected to continue to be the most commonly diagnosed cancers in 2030. Notable increases are expected in melanoma and thyroid cancer in both sexes and uterine cancer in females. Lung cancer will continue to be the most common cause of cancer death in the province, while colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and hematological malignancies are all expected to be significant causes of cancer mortality in 2030. Conclusions: The expected rise in new cancer cases and deaths between 2012 and 2030 is substantial and means BC will need to prepare for increased cancer-related demands in laboratory and diagnostic services, surgical and radiation treatment, systemic therapy, pain services, and palliative care. With more cancer patients age 70 and older expected, BC will also need to increase expertise in the emerging area of geriatric oncology. Given the complexity and growing cost of cancer care overall, a pro
4-Hydroxy-N′-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzohydrazide

In the molecule of the title compound, C14H12N2O4, the two benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 84.53 (8)°. O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules into a layer structure.
Feasibility to realize zero medical burden for pulmonary tuberculosis outpatients through China's new rural cooperative medical system

Objective: To explore the feasibility of case-based payment (zero medical expense) for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) outpatients through the new rural cooperative medical system (NRCMS) in Hunan province. Materials and Methods: Cross-section and qualitative study were applied. All 131 counties of Hunan province were investigated to identify the current situation of medical security in tuberculosis (TB) patients by questionnaire and telephone interview. Thirty-six staff of nine pilot counties, which already implemented case-based payment were interviewed on their opinions of case-based payment, interviewees were from health bureau, NRCMS sectors and centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) of each county. Results: Outpatient PTB treatment for rural patients was covered by NRCMS in 118 of all 131 counties. Reimbursement models consist of proportional reimbursement, fixed amount reimbursement, and case-based payment. However, the proportion of proportional reimbursement has a range of 30-80%, the payment of amount reimbursement varies from 200 to 1500 RMB Yuan/case. Patients covered by proportional reimbursement and fixed amount reimbursement need to pay the medical expense of 588 Yuan/case and 463 Yuan/case respectively, comparing zero expenditure for patients of case-based payment. NRCMS need input about 17.8 million Yuan more per year to reimburse all rural PTB outpatients' medical expenses, which only accounted for 0.12% of total NRCMS fund. In those counties, which already implemented case-based payment policy, the number of patients visited CDCs has increased dramatically, follow-up and treatment compliance improved obviously as well. Conclusion: Zero outpatient medical burden for rural TB patients is feasible and realizable through case-based payment under China's NRCMS.
(5-Benzoyl-3,6-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-yl)(phenyl)methanone

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C26H20O4, contains two independent conformers. The aromatic rings of the aroyl groups are twisted with respect to the naphthalene ring systems to form dihedral angles of 66.58 (6) and 66.45 (6)° in one conformer, and 75.00 (7) and 81.17 (6)° in the other conformer. The crystal packing is stabilized by weak intermolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and by C—H⋯π interactions.
Effects of curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin on diabetes induced endothelial dysfunction

Diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction has been well recognized for its underlining causes of oxidative stress. Therefore, several studies have worked on testing active antioxidant agents such as vitamin C and E against diabetes induced oxidative stress to preserve endothelial cells. In the present study, we assessed the effects of plant-derived antioxidant, curcumin and its analog, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and also its preventive qualities. Using an animal model, assessment for endothelial-dependent vasodilatation and the behavior of leukocytes were accomplished by using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its mesenteric microcirculation parameters. The results indicated that both antioxidants, curcumin and THC, could significantly inhibit those abnormalities typically seen in endothelial dysfunctions (P < 0.05) in relation to their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Unfortunately, curcumin has a poor absorption quality and as a result of this, a higher dose is needed to prevent abnormal endothelial functions. On the other hand, THC was found to be a more potent antioxidant and good therapeutic agent for diabetic patients in preventing diabetes vascular abnormalities.
2-[1-(1-Naphthyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]pyridine

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C17H12N4, the angle between the naphthalene and 1H-1,2,3-triazole ring systems is 71.02 (4)° and that between the pyridine and triazole rings is 8.30 (9)°.
Preliminary experience with the SELFCARE (D): A self‐rating depression questionnaire for use in elderly, non‐institutionalized subjects

A new self‐rating depression scale for use with elderly subjects in general practice—the SELFCARE (D)—was compared with independent psychiatric assessment in 75 patients attending general practitioners at two London practices. The sensitivity was 77%, specificity 98% and positive predictive value 96%; kappa was 0·77. This preliminary experience suggests that the SELFCARE (D) is an acceptable and economic tool for the study of depression in elderly patients in a primary care setting.
An open label naturalistic study of predictors of retention and compliance to naltrexone maintenance treatment among patients with opioid dependence

Abstract Background: This study aimed at assessment of retention and compliance to naltrexone for long-term management among patients with opioid dependence syndrome over a follow-up period of 15 months. Additionally, it aimed to identify predictors of retention in naltrexone treatment. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary care drug dependence treatment centre. The study involved patients with opioid dependence syndrome who were prescribed naltrexone for long-term management. Information was collected for socio-demographic variables, drug use history, diagnosis, retention and compliance to naltrexone treatment. Data were analysed using SPSS ver 21 (IBM Inc., New York, NY). Results: One hundred fifty-three patients were enrolled in naltrexone maintenance treatment following an initial detoxification phase. Duration of retention was longer among those who did not report concurrent use of cannabis (z = 2.06, p = 0.03) or benzodiazepines (z = 2.04, p = 0.04) at the time of presentation to treatment centre. Marital status (OR 3.61, 95% CI 0.96–8.22), employment status (OR 8.18, 95% CI 1.68–16.53), age at onset of opioid use (OR 13.17, 95% CI 1.08–1.31), duration of opioid use (OR 11.56, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) and number of abstinence attempts in past (OR 7.49, CI 1.20–3.07) as predictors of retention at 90 days (Table 4). Similarly, marital status (OR 4.80, 95% CI 1.13–10.22), employment status (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.20–21.61), duration of opioid use (OR 8.11, 95% CI 0.96–0.99) and number of abstinence attempts in past (OR 8.18, 95% CI 1.23–3.05) were predictors of retention at 180 days. Conclusions: Certain socio-demographic and drug use related variables are predictors of longer retention in naltrexone treatment. These factors can guide the selection process for the patients suited for long-term maintenance with naltrexone for opioid dependence.
Essays in Health Economics: Empirical Studies on Employment-Based Health Insurance Plans and Hospice Care

ESSAYS IN HEALTH ECONOMICS: EMPIRICAL STUDIES ON EMPLOYMENTBASED HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS AND HOSPICE CARE Iwona M. Kicinger, PhD George Mason University, 2009 Dissertation Director: Dr. Robin D. Hanson This dissertation describes results of empirical studies addressing important issues in the field of health economics. The investigated problems include two major topic areas: employment-based health insurance plans and hospice care. In particular, we empirically examine the determinants of the employers’ contributions towards health insurance premiums, the price elasticity of demand in employer-provided self-insured health plans, and the effects of hospice ownership and certification on the length of hospice use. We extend previous empirical work on employment-based health insurance to self-insured health plans and show that union membership and self-insurance predict higher amounts of employer’s contribution to health insurance premiums. The obtained empirical evidence also indicates that several socioeconomic characteristics (i.e., family income, poverty level, and employer’s provision of fringe benefits) as well as other factors (i.e., sex, the place of residence, and family coverage) have impact on the employer’s contribution. The obtained estimates of the price elasticity of demand for self-insured health plans show it to be relatively inelastic. This agrees well with previous literature findings for traditional health insurance plans. The similarity of our results not only provides a relevant re-confirmation for these earlier measures but it also demonstrates that the demand responsiveness to changes in price for self-insured health plans does not differ from estimates of other types of health insurance. Our analysis of the effects of the ownership form and the certification status on hospice care shows a positive impact of the for-profit organizational form with respect to the length of hospice use as compared to their nonprofit counterparts. In particular, the obtained results suggest that among individuals with short expected length of hospice use, patients at nonprofit hospices have lower mortality while using hospice care. In contrast, among those with long expected length of hospice use, patients at for-profit hospices have longer survival times. There is, however, no evidence of systematic selection of long-stay patients by for-profit hospices or of short-stay patients by nonprofit hospices. Furthermore, the results of the impact of hospice certification show that the length of hospice use is shorter at certified hospices as compared to noncertified ones. All three problems investigated in this dissertation address key elements of the healthcare system in the US and hence the results reported should be relevant not only to policy makers, but also to parties directly involved in the healthcare system such as employers, insured and uninsured individuals, and insurance companies.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Anti-Cancer Plants in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Ethnobotanical survey of the plants used in the man agement of cancer was carried out in Ogun State, Nigeria. Herbalists, herb sellers and traditionalis ts living within the area of study were interviewed by the administration of questionnaires. Seventy-three di fferent species of Angiosperm were found to be used for the management of cancer. Prominent among thes e are the members of Liliaceae family which were found to be very important and useful in the manage ment of the disease based on their frequency of occurrence in the recipes. Several plants parts wh ich were said to be useful were indicated in the recipes. Some of the plants have been characterize d for their active chemical components in literatur e but their efficacy is not yet established. A need fscientific research based on the finding s of this survey is indeed very necessary and recommended so that adequate records of indigenous methods for the management of cancer can be kept for posterity espe cially in the study area. A need for analytical wo rk on the plants identified as useful for the manageme nt of cancer is also necessary in order to determin e the actual dosage applicable so that the medicinal valu e of these plants could be made available to humani ty and hence reduce pain, cost and sudden death of Nig erians.
Variation in body weight and some hematological parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, treated with Teucrium orientale

Teucrium orientale (TO) have previously been shown to have hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects on experimental diabetic animals. This study was designed to examine the effects of methanol extract from T. orientale on hematological parameters and body weight in experimental diabetic rats. In this research 32 male albino Wistar rats, with body weights of 200 – 240 g were randomly allocated into four groups with 8 rats per each. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg). Methanol extracts were administered at a dose of 200 mg kg -1 by gavage over a 21-day period. The results indicate that the administration of T. orientale to diabetic rats resulted in a significant increase in body weight (p<0.01) and in the levels of packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocytes, leukocytes and lymphocytes, while neutrophil levels were decreased compared with diabetic group (p<0.05). It may be concluded that TO extract improve hematological properties in experimental diabetic rats following repeated treatment for 3 weeks.
3-[(N-Methylanilino)methyl]-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione

In the title compound, C14H13N3OS2, the thiophene ring is disordered over two orientations by ca 180° about the C—C bond axis linking the ring to the rest of the molecule, with a site-occupancy ratio of 0.651 (5):0.349 (5). The central 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione ring forms dihedral angles of 9.2 (5), 4.6 (11) and 47.70 (7)° with the major and minor parts of the disordered thiophene ring and the terminal phenyl ring, respectively. In the crystal, no significant intermolecular hydrogen bonds are observed. The crystal packing is stabilized by π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.589 (2) Å].
2-Amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile

In the title moleclue, C16H13ClN2O2, the cyclohexene ring is in a sofa conformation. The pyran ring is essentialy planar [maximum deviation = 0.038 (2) Å] and forms a dihedral angle of 89.68 (10)° with the benzene ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with R 2 2(12) ring motifs. These dimers are further linked by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains along [110]. Weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are also present.
Reducing the Delivery Time of Order-to-Delivery Process

Author Title Number of Pages Date Karri Heinonen Reducing the Delivery Time of Order-to-Delivery Process 61 pages + 6 appendices May 11, 2015 Degree Master of Engineering Degree Programme Industrial Management Instructors Juha Haimala, DSc (Tech), Head of Operations Management Zinaida Grabovskaia, PhL, Senior Lecturer The main objective of this study is to suggest a new improved OTD process for the case company by which the case company should be able to reduce the delivery time of the current OTD process by 50%. The need for cutting the delivery time of the current OTD process has become significant since the case company management has made a decision of starting to offer some cable manufacturing line types with short delivery time in order to gain competitive advantage against the competitors. This study uses qualitative methods to analyze the current state of the OTD process. The main sources for the data used in this study are collected from the interviews conducted for the key stakeholder of the OTD process. Also the case company internal documentation was studied and some data from the case company ERP-system was also collected and studied. The findings from the current state analysis were used suggested that the issues which cause delays in the current OTD process can be divided into three different categories. By studying the literature relevant to these three categories a conceptual framework for this study was created. The outcome of this study is a new OTD process. This proposal is consisted of four different parts which all have effect to the total performance of the OTD process. For the case company it is important to understand that the performance of the OTD process is dependent on all these parts. For this reason it is important that all the proposed improvements are implemented. The outcome of this study will help the case company to reduce the delivery time of the OTD process. However the proposed OTD process has to be tested and the performance evaluated before the case company is able to confirm the performance of the new proposed OTD process.
Assessment of the level of knowledge and training needs of potato growing tribal farmers of Meghalaya

The present study was conducted in ten villages falling under six potato growing regions of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya during 2009–2010. A semi structured interview schedule was administered on 150 randomly selected farmers from these villages. Findings of the study showed that regarding overall practices of potato cultivation a majority (71.3%) of potato farmers had high level of knowledge followed by 16.6 per cent and 12.0 per cent of potato farmers who had medium and low level of knowledge respectively. Highest training need (mean score 3.34) was felt for plant protection measures followed by manures and fertilizer application, and land preparation and planting respectively. The variables education, occupation, social participation, sources of irrigation, annual income were found to be negatively and significantly correlated with the training needs of the respondents, while land holding under potato cultivation was found to have positive and significant correlation with the training need.