Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Epidemiological Approaches for Syndromic Surveillance of Cattle Health using Ontario Condemnation Data

AN INVESTIGATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACHES FOR SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE OF CATTLE HEALTH USING ONTARIO CONDEMNATION DATA Gillian Denise Alton Advisors: Dr. O. Berke & Dr. D.L. Pearl University of Guelph, 2014 This thesis is an investigation of quantitative methods for food animal syndromic surveillance utilizing bovine abattoir condemnation data as a case study to illustrate approaches to using Ontario provincial abattoir data. There has been little investigation into the suitability of bovine abattoir condemnation data in Ontario for its use in a food animal syndromic surveillance system and the quantitative methods necessary for this type of system. Overall, it was found bovine condemnation data from provincially inspected abattoirs to be useful for food animal syndromic surveillance since they provided a more regionally detailed picture of emerging diseases in Ontario than data from federal abattoirs. Disease-related and nondisease factors such as season and sales price were shown to have an impact on condemnation rates, and accounting for relevant predictable factors considerably affects the results of quantitative cluster detection methods. This was demonstrated by comparison of various spacetime scan statistics with distinct options to control for covariate information. The results from this study found that model-adjusted approaches for controlling for covariates in scan statistics appeared to perform best in terms of ability to include all important covariates and suitability for use with bovine abattoir condemnation data. Furthermore, the efficiency of syndromic surveillance was investigated by comparing various sentinel abattoir selection approaches to reduce the number of sample sites while still maintaining the overall trends in the full dataset. The most effective sentinel selection approach utilized data from abattoirs in operation all weeks of the year, and this approach shows promise for the integration of sentinel sites into a sentinel syndromic surveillance system. While these findings suggest that bovine abattoir condemnation data would be suitable for integration into a food animal syndromic surveillance system, there are some limitations including data quality issues and current methodological approaches. Future research is recommended to focus on the following before formalizing a food animal syndromic surveillance system in Ontario: (i) developing an improved meat inspector training program; (ii) finding ways to harmonize the condemnation process by standardizing definitions for reasons for condemnation; and (iii) validating methodological findings from this thesis by studying simulated and/or documented historical outbreak data.
Characterization of CO2 microwave plasma based on the phenomenon of skin-depth-limited contraction

The subatmospheric CO2 microwave plasma is known to contract to a narrow filament with rising pressure as result of a mode transition. This changing state of contraction is investigated in relation to its dielectric properties, in order to directly relate the discharge parameters to the discharge radius. The electron density and gas temperature are measured, respectively, by 168 GHz microwave interferometry and Doppler broadening of the 777 nm oxygen emission lines. The plasma is operated in steady state with 1400 W at 2.45 GHz, between 100 mbar and 400 mbar. Electron density values in the central region range from 1018 to 1020 m−3 between the discharge modes, while the gas temperature increases from 3000 K to 6500 K, in good agreement with previously reported values. Based on the dielectric properties of the discharge in relation to the plasma radius, it is found that the discharge column constitutes a radius of a single skin depth. Implications of these insights on the conditions of previously reported CO2 dissociation experiments are discussed.
Multivariate Regression Estimation with Errors-in-Variables : Asymptotic Normality for Mixing Processes *

Errors-in-variables regression is the study of the association between covariates and responses where covariates are observed with errors. In this paper, we consider the estimation of multivariate regression functions for dependent data with errors in covariates. Nonparametric deconvolution technique is used to account for errorsin-variables. The asymptotic behavior of regression estimators depends on the smoothness of the error distributions, which are characterized as either ordinarily smooth or super smooth. Asymptotic normality is established for both strongly mixing and p-mixing processes, when the error distribution function is either ordinarily smooth or super smooth.
Comparisons of the active components in four unripe raspberry extracts and their activites

Berries, owing to the high polyphenol contents, are a good source of natural antioxidants. The total polyphenolic contents (TPCs) of cloudberries, raspberries and strawberries are the highest among eight tested berry extracts (Puupponen-Pimiä et al., 2001). The ripe raspberry of Rubus chingii Hu, including Rubus idaeus, Rubus occidental, and Rubus species, is a nutritious fruit with various bioactivities, mainly associated with anthocyanins and tannins (Dszmianski et al., 2015; Sójka et al., 2016). The unripe raspberry of R. chingii, having more polyphenols (e.g., ellagic acid and tannin), is the only medicinal herbal included in The Chinese Pharmacopoeia. To balance onand off-years and avoid unstable fruit yields, the plantations regularly remove flowers and young fruit (Goldschmidt, 2013). The unripe fruit are higher in different bioactive components, such as chlorogenic acid and gallic acid, than the ripe berries, which are rich in anthocyanins (Silva et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2015b). Unripe raspberry from medicinal materials or plantation waste are not suitable as fresh food, but their extracts can be purified and processed into commercially promising high polyphenol products for use in pharmaceuticals and as food additives.
Optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from cornelian cherry fruits using response surface methodology

ABSTRACT Cornelian cherry fruits are rich in health-related compounds. In the present study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to maximize the recovery of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds from cornelian cherry. The optimal extraction conditions were determined and the influence of independent variables was checked through response surface methodology. The maximum recovery of anthocyanin and total phenolic compounds was obtained after 40 min at 30°C, when performing the extraction with aqueous ethanol of 80% and 60%, respectively. The major anthocyanins identified through HPLC were cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside. The thermal degradation kinetic study revealed that up to 120°C, the anthocyanins from cornelian cherry were thermo-resistant, whereas at more severe temperatures were easily degraded. The kinetics of the heat-induced changes in total monomeric anthocyanins followed a first-order kinetic model, allowing to predict the thermal degradation parameters.
Older people and emergency bed use Exploring variation

Key messages n There is significant variation in the use of hospital beds by people over 65 admitted as an emergency. This results, in almost equal part, from variation in rate of admission and variation in length of stay. However, for the areas in our study with the highest and lowest rates of bed use, rate of admission is the dominant driver. n The potential reductions in emergency bed use by patients over 65 are considerable; if all primary care trusts (PCTs) achieved the rate of admission and average length of stay of the lowest 25th percentile, 7,000 fewer hospital beds would be needed across England. n The drivers of variation are complex, and their relative strength varies. They include patient attributes, availability of community services, access to hospital services, the way in which hospital services are managed, and, most importantly, the way in which services and staff relate to each other. n Our analysis confirms other evidence that age, deprivation and geographical access are also major drivers of emergency bed use. n The links between hospital bed use and access to community services such as GPs, community nursing and social care are less clear cut. But PCTs with the highest bed use tended to have excessive lengths of stay for patients for whom hospital was a transition between home and supported living. n Areas that have well-developed, integrated services for older people have lower rates of hospital bed use. Areas with low bed use also deliver a good patient experience and have lower readmission rates. n Areas with higher proportions of older people have lower rates of emergency bed use. These areas may be more likely to have prioritised the needs of older people and to have developed integrated service models. n Commissioners buying a high proportion of their overall activity from one provider have lower rates of hospital bed use. This may be a result of increased capacity to develop integrated service models; it may also be a proxy indicator for the population's overall access to hospital care. n Any local strategy should look across the system and align ways of working between primary, community and acute care to reduce avoidable admissions and length of stay in hospital.
Development of Paclitaxel and Flurbiprofen Co-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: Understanding Critical Formulation and Process Parameters Using Plackett–Burman Design

DOI : 10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2019. 19036 Nano drug co-delivery system is a popular strategy for combined application of two or more anticancer and/or synergistic drugs. Synergistic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-cancer drugs in cancer treatment are shown in the literature. In this study, it was aimed to screen and understand critical formulation and process parameters inthe preparationflurbiprofen and paclitaxel co-loaded nanoparticles for developing an anti-cancer nano co-delivery system. With this aim, critical parameters were determined using Plackett–Burman experimental design (DoE). Flurbiprofen and paclitaxel drug loading amounts were considered as critical quality attributes to controleffective drug loading ratio. Furthermore, average particle size and zeta potential were also defined as critical quality attributes in order to optimize passive drug targeting and colloidal stability. Surfactant type was determined as the most significant factors for the average particle size and zeta potential. For flurbiprofen and paclitaxel drug loading into the nanoparticles, amounts of both flurbiprofen and paclitaxel were determined as critical factors. Consequently, paclitaxel and flurbiprofen were efficiently loaded into nanoparticles and the impact of the formulation variables were successfully screened by a DoE. By controlling the determined parameters, therapeutic efficacy of co-loaded drug nanoparticles could be maximized in further studies. You may cite this article as : Şahin A, Caban-Toktas S, Tonbul H, Yerlikaya F, Aktas Y, Capan Y (2019). Development of Paclitaxel and Flurbiprofen Co-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: Understanding Critical Formulation and Process Parameters Using Plackett–Burman Design. Istanbul J Pharm 10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2019. 19036.
EVIDENCE FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF CALMODULIN THAT IS BOUND TO THE TRITON-INSOLUBLE FRACTION EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF Ca 2 *

Triton X-100 was purchased from Fisher, trifluoperazine(TFP) from ICN Biomedicals, Inc., CaM from Sigma, monoclonal anti-* This work was supported by Grant MGP-13101 from the CanadianInstitutes of Health Research. The costs of publication of this articlewere defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. This article musttherefore be hereby marked “
Studies on the Use of Plant Extracts for the Prevention of Bacterial Biofilms on Urinary Catheters

This study was undertaken to evaluate the potentials of six plant extracts to prevent bacterial biofilms on urinary catheters. Uniformly sized sections (9 mm۶) of sterile silicone catheters were impregnated with aqueous extracts of the various plants, dried and sterilized under a UV hood before immersing in fresh urine for 18 – 72 h. Untreated catheter and catheter treated with standard antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and gentamicin), which were similarly immersed in urine, served as controls. Biofilm formation on the catheter sections was evaluated by culture, microscopy and viable cell count procedures. The results showed that bacterial attachment occurred on the catheter sections within 24 h of immersion in urine. The various extracts and standard drugs reduced bacterial attachment on the catheters in the order: ciprofloxacin > Psidium guajava > Aloe vera > gentamicin > Gongronema latifolium > untreated sections. Carica papaya , Ocimum gratisimum and Vernonia amygdalina potentiated bacterial attachment. Furthermore, the effect of Psidium guajava extract was longer-lasting than that of the standard antibiotics. Direct sensitivity tests against the urinary isolates showed that only P. guajava , amongst all the plant extracts, was active. This preliminary study highlights the potentials of herbal extracts especially P. guajava and Aloe vera in preventing biofilm formation on urinary catheters. Keywords : Biofilms, urinary catheters, plant extracts, Psidium guajava , Vernonia amygdalina , ciprofloxacin
Characterization and antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate fractions from pyroligneous acid obtained by slow pyrolysis of palm kernel shell

Sustainable and renewable utilization of Palm kernel shell biomass, can be achieved by thermochemical conversion method of slow pyrolysis which is simple, cost effective and eco-friendly. Palm kernel shell biomass has unlimited potential, as an alternative form of fossil fuels and source of value added chemicals. The refined bio-oil termed Pyroligneous Acid (PA) has been found to contain phenolic and antioxidant activity. These compounds have various applications. However, the low concentration of the antioxidant phenols makes producing chemicals and medicines from palm kernel shell less viable. A higher yield percentage can be obtained from fractionation which also simplifies identification of compounds. The total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities are determined by the Folin ciocalteau and (DPPH and FRAP) assay, column chromatography is used to separate the Pyroligneous acid sample into different fractions, characterization of chemical constituents of the fractions with phenolic activities is carried out by GC-MS. Optimum pyrolysis condition achieved at 429°C residence time 39 o Min -1 with a 40.44 % wt. yield. The obtained results show the presence of phenolic activity in different fractions, the fraction with the highest phenolic activity Fraction 9 (181.75 µg/ml ± 17.0), Fraction 21-25(174.95 µg/ml ± 0.39) and 26-30 (181.76 µg/ml ± 15.54) simultaneously exhibiting high antioxidant activity DPPH Fraction 9 (23.97%), Fraction 21-25(31.39%) and Fraction 26-30 (52.58%). Sixteen different types of phenolic chemical compounds and their derivatives were also identified with up to 60% higher concentrations when compared to previous studies without fractionation. This allows for more economical utilization of viable, pure natural alternatives for producing chemicals and medicines, while simultaneously reducing agricultural waste. Keywords : Palm kernel shell, Slow Pyrolysis, Pyroligneous acid, Antioxidants, Fractionation and GCMS
Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Treculia africana Aqueous Leaves Extract in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

This study investigated the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of Treculia africana plant used in Nigeria as medicinal plant. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 150 mg/kg body weight. Twenty five (25) male albino rats were divided into five groups, five (5) rats per group; normal control, diabetic control and diabetic groups treated with aqueous leaves extract of 200,400 and 800 mg/Kg body weight respectively for 21 days orally. The effects of the extract on some biochemical parameters were evaluated; fasting blood glucose level was assayed using glucose oxidase method, total cholesterol and HDL –cholesterol were assayed using enzymatic method while LDL- cholesterol was determined by Friedewald equation. The results showed that, extract significantly (p<0.05) decrease the elevated fasting blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL- cholesterol when compared with the diabetic control rats. The extract also caused significant (p<0.05) increased in HDL –cholesterol and body weight when compared with diabetic control rats. Aqueous leave extract of Treculia africana possess hypoglycemic effect and the most effective dose was 800 mg/Kg body weight in amelioration of hyperglycaemia and most all toxicity effects of alloxan on lipid profile.
Aztreonam in the treatment of severe urinary tract infections in pediatric patients

Aztreonam was administered to 30 patients, ages 0.03 to 15.4 years, with severe and in 21 cases complicated urinary tract infections caused by members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which were resistant to ampicillin and susceptible to the study drug in vitro. A mean dose of 47.7 mg/kg was given intramuscularly every 12 h to 26 patients. In four patients with renal insufficiency, the dose was reduced according to pharmacokinetic data. Permanent urine sterilization and clinical cure were achieved in 22 patients, 13 of whom had urological malformations. In two patients with P. aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis infections, the treatment failed. Another patient had an Escherichia coli reinfection 21 days after the end of therapy. Four patients with various urological abnormalities had gram-positive superinfections, and two patients had gram-negative superinfections during and at the end of therapy: all six had indwelling ureteric splints or pyelostomy as predisposing conditions. No adverse clinical effects were observed. Some transient and slight or moderate alterations were observed at the end of treatment: eosinophilia (nine cases), elevation of hepatic enzymes (eight cases), prolongation of prothrombin time (three cases), and neutropenia (one case). A pharmacokinetic study was performed in six patients with normal renal function and in seven patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency. The elimination half-life of the drug was inversely correlated with the glomerular filtration rate. At the dosage used, aztreonam proved effective for severe urinary tract infections caused by members of the family Enterobacteriaceae in pediatric patients.
Mechanisms of the downregulation of prostaglandin E2-activated protein kinase A after chronic exposure to Nerve growth factor or prostaglandin E2

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)%%%%Chronic inflammatory disorders are characterized by an increase in excitability of small diameter sensory neurons located in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). This sensitization of neurons is a mechanism for chronic inflammatory pain and available therapies have poor efficacy and severe adverse effects when used chronically. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is an inflammatory mediator that plays an important role in sensitization by activating G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as E-series prostaglandin receptors (EPs) coupled to the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. EPs are known to downregulate upon prolonged exposure to PGE₂ or in chronic inflammation, however, sensitization persists and the mechanism for this is unknown. I hypothesized that persistence of PGE₂-induced hypersensitivity is associated with a switch in signaling caused by prolonged exposure to PGE₂ or the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF), also a crucial inflammatory mediator. DRG cultures grown in the presence or absence of either PGE₂ or NGF were used to study whether re-exposure to the eicosanoid is able to cause sensitization and activate PKA. When cultures were grown in the presence of NGF, PGE₂-induced sensitization was not attenuated by inhibitors of PKA. Activation of PKA by PGE₂ was similar in DRG cultures grown in the presence or absence of NGF when phosphatase inhibitors were added to the lysis and assay buffers, but significantly less in cultures grown in the presence of NGF when phosphatase inhibitors were not added. In DRG cultures exposed to PGE₂ for 12 hours-5 days, sensitization after re-exposure to PGE₂ is maintained and resistant to PKA inhibition. Prolonged exposure to the eicosanoid caused complete loss of PKA activation after PGE₂ re-exposure. This desensitization was homologous, time dependent, reversible, and insurmountable by a higher concentration of PGE₂. Desensitization was attenuated by reduction of expression of G-protein receptor kinase 2 and was not mediated by PKA or protein kinase C. The presented work provides evidence for persistence of sensitization by PGE₂ as well as switch from the signaling pathway mediating this sensitization after long-term exposure to NFG or PGE₂.
Eficácia e segurança dos stents farmacológicos em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica

Objectives. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Drug eluting stents (DES) in patients with significant CKD in a real world registry Background. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo percutaneous coronary angioplasty have higher rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR) and mortality. DES are associated with a lower rate of restenosis compared to bare metal stents (BMS), although in patients with CKD data on DES efficacy and safety is limited. Methods. A total of 504 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with DES in two centers were included in this study. Outcomes were stratified on the basis of the presence of CKD, defined as a baseline glomerular filtration rate <60ml/min/1.73m2. Results. The mean follow-up was 22.7 months. CKD was present in 165 patients (32.7%). Patients with CKD were older, had more hypertension and diabetes. CKD patients presented increased incidence of death (12.3% vs. 2.4%, p<0.001) and myocardial infarction (MI) (7.4% vs. 3.3%, p=0.04) compared to patients without CKD. TLR rates were similar between groups (4.8% vs. 5.6%, p=0.7, CKD and no CKD patients, respectively). Independent predictors of death were CKD (HR 6.93; 2.4 – 19.5, p<0.001), current smoking (HR 3.66; 1.20 – 11.10, p=0.02) and diabetes (HR 2.66; 1.03 – 6.60, p=0.045). Conclusion. In this real-world registry, coronary intervention with DES in patients with CKD was associated with similar TLR compared to patients without CKD, demonstrating the efficacy of DES in preventing in-stent restenosis in this patient population. CKD was related to significantly increased MI and mortality rates.