Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral Clindamycin Compared With Sequential Intravenous and Oral Flucloxacillin in the Treatment of Cellulitis in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

BackgroundBecause Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus are common causes of cellulitis and erysipelas, treatment with an antistaphylococcal &bgr;-lactam is widely recommended. However, during oral treatment, serum levels of these agents are less than the minimum inhibitory concentration of many methicillin-sensitive strains of S. aureus for a significant portion of the dosing interval, and consequently, treatment is often initially given intravenously and then orally. Clindamycin is active against most strains of S. pyogenes and S. aureus and, when given orally, achieves adequate serum levels throughout the dosing interval. Treatment of cellulitis with oral clindamycin might provide better outcomes than those achieved with an antistaphylococcal &bgr;-lactam given intravenously and then orally. MethodsAdult patients with cellulitis were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind trial that compared clindamycin 300 mg 4 times a day administered orally, with flucloxacillin 2 g every 6 hours administered intravenously, followed by flucloxacillin 500 mg 4 times a day administered orally. The patients were assessed daily while inpatients, at completion of treatment, and at 4 weeks after entry. ResultsForty eligible patients were randomized and completed treatment: 21 with oral clindamycin and 19 with intravenous followed by oral flucloxacillin. At the completion of treatment, 7 of 19 patients in the flucloxacillin group and 18 of 21 in the clindamycin group were considered cured and 11 of 19 in the flucloxacillin group and 3 of 21 in the clindamycin group were considered improved (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to duration of treatment, duration of hospital stay, rate of relapse, or that of adverse events. ConclusionsClindamycin administered orally was at least as effective as flucloxacillin administered intravenously and then orally.
Psychological Intervention on the Maintained Hemodialysis Patients:A Randomly Controlled Study

To study whether psychological intervention can improve maintained hemodialysis(MHD) patients’ mental state, increase their compliance to treatment, and mend their physiological function and quality of life. Seventy-seven MHD patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (39 patients) or the control group (38 patients). The control group received the conventional therapy which included hemodialysis 3 times/week and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) at dosages of 100 unites/kg/week to 150 unites/(kg·week-1) by i.v and subcutaneous injection. The intervention group received the conventional therapy combined with psychological intervention, which included brainwave synchronizer and progressive relaxation. Thirty-six patients of the intervention group and 34 patients of the control group completed the study. Psychological variables and hematic parameter in both groups were assessed three days before and after the intervention. The patients who received psychological intervention therapyshowed better mental state, higher global quality of life and higher values of HB, RBC, HCT and serum calcium, lower values of serum phosphor, kalium, BUN and IWGR% than those in the control group. There is no significant difference in serum Scr between both groups.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Cancer: An Update on Their Similarities

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by an increase resistance of the vascular wall from pulmonary arteries leading to vascular lumen occlusion, right ventricular failure, and death. PAH has been described for many years, as a cardiovascular disease affecting the lungs. Whatever the initial cause, pulmonary arterial hypertension involves the vasoconstriction of blood vessels connected to and within the lungs. In addition, the increased workload of the heart causes hypertrophy of the right ventricle, making the heart less able to pump blood through the lungs, causing right heart failure. Recently several groups have demonstrated that PAH is a disease of excess proliferation and impaired apoptosis similar to neoplasia. Although the fundamental cause remains elusive, many predisposing and disease-modifying abnormalities occur, including endothelial injury/dysfunction, bone morphogenetic protein receptor-2 gene mutations, decreased expression of the K+ channel (Kv1.5), transcription factor activation [hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1 )], expression of survivin, and increased expression/activity of both serotonin transporters and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. Together, these abnormalities create a cancer-like, proliferative, apoptosis-resistant phenotype. From these observations, it has been established some similarities between PAH and cancer. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the essential alterations in pulmonary arterial hypertension as compared to cancer cell which has been alluded to as the “cancer Review Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(1): 20-37, 2014 21 paradigm”. Based on these similarities, we can imagine that future therapies used to treat cancer could also work for PAH.
Effects of Feeding Sows Fish Oil on Fatty Acids in Milk and Growth Performance of Piglets

The effect on fatty acids in milk and growth performance of piglets was studied in sows fed during later gestation(103 d)and lactation diets with different fish oil levels in two trials.In two trials,twenty later gestation(103 d)of multiparous Landrace×Large White sows were randomly allotted to two groups,each group was assigned to ten pens,one sow in each pen,piglets were weaned at 21 d of age.In trial 1,sows were provided ad libitum access to either corn-soybean meal(control group)diet or similar diet containing 5% fish oil.The results showed that dietary 5% fish oil significantly increased the content of n-3PUFA(P0.001)and significantly decreased the content of n-6PUFA(P0.001)in milk,respectively.Compared with the control group,dietary 5% fish oil significantly increased the percentage of weaning piglets(P0.05),and stimulated ADG of 21 d piglets(P0.10). In trial 2,sows fed the diet supplementation with 7% of either lard or fish oil.The results showed that dietary 7% fish oil significantly increased the content of n-3PUFA(P0.001)and significantly decreased the content of n-6PUFA(P0.001)of milk.Compared with the lard group,dietary 7% fish oil significantly enhanced ADG of 21 d piglets(P0.05),significantly decreased the percentage of piglets with initial body weight equal to or lesser than 1 200 g(P0.05),and significantly enhanced the percentage of weaning piglets with initial body weight equal to or lesser than 1 500 g(P0.05),especially increased the percentage of weaning piglets with initial body weight equal to or lesser than 900 g by 31%,and the average body weight of 21 d piglets was also stimulated by fish oil(P0.10). In two trials,the average gain of 21 d piglets were positively correlated with the content of n-3PUFA of milk,but were negatively correlated with the content of n-3PUFA in milk.It was concluded that diet supplementation with different fish oil levels during sows' later gestation and lactation enhanced the content of DHA,EPA and n-3PUFA of milk,which was benefited the growth of piglets.
The effect of massage on weight gain in very low birth weight neonates

Background: Achieving optimal weight is one of the factors that takes into consideration in the discharge of preterm infants from the hospital. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of massage therapy on weight gain in very low birth weight neonates. Methods: This study is a nonrandomized blocking clinical trial in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Forty neonates who had inclusion criteria, were divided into two groups of case (n = 20) and control (n = 20). Both groups received standard care of preterm neonates. Additionally, case group received the massage therapy 3 times daily for 15 min for each time at 7 days. During the study, the weight of neonates was measured every day at 12 a.m. Results: Average weight of neonates between two groups had no statistically significant difference until 4 th day of study. However, this difference became significant after 4 th day became more and most significant (P = 0.04, 0.02, 0.01 respectively). The mean duration of hospital stay in the massage group (34/1 days ± 7/5) was less than the control group (41/7 days ± 9/1) significantly (P = 0.007). Conclusion: The massage therapy can promote weight gain in very low birth weight neonates and also leads to earlier discharge.
Heart Rate, Oxygwn Consumption and Blood Lactate Responses During Specific Training in Amateur Boxing

The study was undertaken with a view to investigate the physiological responses of amateur boxers during specific activity in the boxing arena, with special reference to their physiological evaluation in the laboratory. The study was carried out on 6 elite Indian National boxers in 3 phases. In phase 1, the VO2max of the boxers was evaluated in the laboratory following a graded running protocol on a treadmill. In Phase 2, the boxers were evaluated in the boxing arena, during simulated boxing on a punching bag for 4 rounds of 2 min duration with 1 min rest pauses in between. The movements were kept similar to actual boxing and the punching frequencies were kept fast and individualized. The physiological variables were recorded on a COSMED K4 RQ portable telemetric gas analyzer (Cosmed, Italy). In Phase 3, heart rate and blood lactate responses of the boxers were observed during sparring for 2X6 rounds in the boxing ring, for 3 times during the training phase, to observe the lactate tolerance capacity. After the end of activi ty in each phase, a blood sample was collected from the fingertip for estimation of whole blood lactate on an YSI portable 1500 sport model lactate analyzer (YSI, USA). The mean VO2max of the boxers was 59.5 ± 4.7 ml/kg/min on the treadmill. The mean peaks VO2 of the boxers in 2X4 simulated rounds were 56.1, 57.5, 57.7 and 59.3 ml/kg/min, respectively. The mean heart rate and blood lactate were 192 bpm and 13.6 mMol/L, and were observed to be higher than most of the intermittent team events. The present study highlighted that the amateur boxers participating in 2X4 rounds, should be able to tolerate a high blood lactate concentration (14-15 mMol/L) and a high heart rate (190-200 b/min) over a total duration of one bout (11 min). The on court training in amateur boxing imparted high demands on cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables. 1)
Criminalización de los movimientos sociales a través del discurso de la prensa liberal y conservadora: el caso de la Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca y los Escraches

Los medios de comunicacion generan estados de opinion y contribuyen a la construccion de las realidades sociales. El objetivo de este articulo es analizar la representacion discursiva de la Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH) por parte de La Razon, Libertad Digital y ABC durante la campana “Hay vidas en juego” en la que se utilizaron los escraches como manifestacion popular de denuncia. La prensa conservadora y liberal dota de una resignificacion negativa a este movimiento social forzando su desplazamiento hacia la “anormalidad”, limitando su derecho a discrepar de decisiones politicas y a ocupar su espacio en la sociedad civil mediante una amplificada violencia mediatica. Mediante el enfoque de Analisis Critico del Discurso el articulo profundiza en como estos diarios utilizan la violencia discursiva como estrategia que legitima las decisiones politicas de ciertas hegemonias y como afecta a la formacion de la imagen de este movimiento social.
Follicular Fluid Activin A and Leptin are not Correlated with IVF OutcomeMeasures

Objective: The present study is designed to prospectively evaluate relationship between follicular fluid (FF) Leptin and Activin A and IVF outcome measures. Design: Prospective observational study. Population: FF Leptin and Activin A were measured in 90 patients undergoing ICSI cycles excluding polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. Follicular fluid samples collected at oocyte retrieval from follicles ≥ 18 mm in diameter were analyzed for Leptin and Activin A using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and results were correlated to ICSI outcome. Main outcome measures: FF leptin and activin A levels, fertilization and pregnancy rates. Results: For the whole population (90 patients), mean follicular fluid Leptin level was 45.2 ± 26.7 ng/ml and mean body mass index was 25.3 ± 3.3 kg/m². FF Leptin had a positive correlation with BMI (p<0.005). The mean FF Activin A was 880.8 ± 354.6 pg/ml 29/90 patients (32.2%) achieved pregnancy, twenty five of them (86.2%) had more than 50% grade A embryos on day 2 in contrast to 33 patients (54.1%) in the non-pregnant group (P<0.02), this means that pregnancy was positively correlated to day 2 embryo quality. FF Leptin and Activin A did not correlate to day 2 embryo qualities or pregnancy outcome. FF total Activin A level did not relate to FF Leptin level or number of oocytes collected. Low or high FF Activin A or Leptin levels did not show an effect on fertilization, pregnancy or day 2 embryo qualities. Conclusion: Neither FF Activin A nor FF Leptin levels can be used to predict IVF outcome measures.
Achieving Targets in Secondary Prevention of Hyperlipidaemia in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Aim: We set our study to assess how good are we at achieving targets of lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease at Queen Alia Heart Institute – King Hussein Medical Centre Amman – Jordan. Method: This was a retrospective analysis of the lipid profile of patients who are being followed up for coronary artery disease at Queen Alia Heart Institute. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) of patients who are legible for secondary prevention was collected and compared to the targets set by the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines. Demographic data and risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) were collected. The type and dose of lipid lowering drug was recorded. Results; Lipid profiles of 1250 patients were looked at. Their age ranged from 29 – 76 years with a mean age of 59.6 years (±12.8). 27% of our study were females. The mean age for females was 64.2 years (±11.4) and for males was 57.4 years (±13.1). The prevalence of diabetes was 48.5%, hypertension 59.2%, hyperlipidaemia in 30%, family history of premature CAD 28% and 44% were smokers. Target total cholesterol was achieved in 67% of patients, and target LDL in 54% and HDL in 49% of patients. Almost all patients were on statins or fibrates (94%). 52% were on Simvastatin (84% of them on 20mg) and 38% on Atorvastatin (88% of them on 20mg). Conclusion; Target lipid profile in our patients has only been moderately achieved in patients with coronary artery disease. Only modest doses of statins are used. More efforts with better follow up is needed.
How costly is voting? Explaining individual differences in the costs of voting

ABSTRACT A more profound analysis of the variables in the voting equation is needed to improve our knowledge on voting. In this paper, we endogenize the costs of voting (C) and test several models with the help of the Making Electoral Democracy Work database, which contains information on C and its potential determinants for national elections in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Canada. We test whether C is affected by socio-demographic and attitudinal factors related to: (a) informational costs, (b) the costs of the act of voting itself, and (c) those bound to lead to an ex-ante rationalization of C. By doing so, we contribute to bridging the rational choice and the sociological and psycho-sociological models of voting. We find strong evidence that the three types of factors have a statistical and substantive effect on C. In particular, C falls with party identification, education, union membership, years in the region where the elections are held, interest in politics and the importance attributed to elections, while it is higher for women and rural dwellers. Age shows a curvilinear relationship, initially reducing C and increasing it later. Contrary to expected, the presence of kids at home does not significantly increase C.
Powerful Communication Style on Twitter: Effects on Credibility and Civic Participation

El presente trabajo tuvo como proposito examinar el efecto de dos estilos linguisticos en mensajes de Twitter sobre su capacidad de atraer e involucrar a usuarios en actividades de participacion civica, entendida esta como la participacion de ciudadanos en acciones de mejora comunitaria. A partir de una aproximacion sociolinguistica, se realizo un estudio experimental en el que 324 estudiantes universitarios evaluaron los mensajes publicados por el lider de una ONG medioambiental en su pagina de Twitter. Se manipulo el genero del lider de la ONG (hombre o mujer) y el estilo linguistico empleado en la redaccion de los mensajes en terminos de un estilo «subito» (ejemplo: asertivo, directo) o un estilo «docil» (ejemplo: indirecto, ambiguo). El genero de los evaluadores tambien fue manipulado con el fin de analizar diferencias potenciales en las impresiones y evaluaciones de hombres y mujeres. Los resultados mostraron que cuando los lideres «hombre» y «mujer» emplearon un estilo linguistico subito en sus mensajes fueron percibidos como mas creibles sin importar el genero de los evaluadores. Ademas, el analisis de efectos indirectos registro que la credibilidad percibida hacia el lider medio la relacion entre el estilo subito y la probabilidad de que los seguidores se involucren en las iniciativas de la ONG. Los resultados son discutidos en terminos de la relevancia de este tipo de comunicacion para la participacion civica en las redes sociales. ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of two linguistic styles used in Twitter messages on engaging users in civic participation activities, understood as participation by citizens in community improvement actions. Using a socio-linguistic approach, an experimental intervention was carried out in which 324 university students evaluated the messages posted by the head of an environmental NGO on Twitter. The gender of the NGO head (male vs. female) and the linguistic style used for the posts were manipulated in terms of a «powerful» (e.g., assertive, direct) or «powerless» style (e.g., indirect, ambiguous). The gender of the evaluators was also manipulated in order to analyze potential differences among the overall impressions and evaluations between men and women. The results showed that «male» and «female» versions of the NGO head were perceived as more credible when they used a powerful as opposed to a powerless linguistic style. This effect was observed irrespective of the evaluator’s gender. Moreover, the test for indirect effects suggested that credibility mediated the relationship between a powerful style and the likelihood of engaging users to participate in the NGO’s agenda. The results are discussed in terms of the relevance of this type of communication for promoting civic participation in social media.
CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA PROFILE OF AEROBIC PATHOGENS AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY

CSOM is the inflammation of middle ear or mastoid cavity characterized by recurrent or persistent ear discharge through a perforation of tympanic membrane. Mortality and disabilities are primarily related to complications particularly brain abscess. Knowledge of local pattern of infection is essential to enable efficient treatment of the disease, thereby reducing the risk of complications. AIM: To study the prevalent organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern among patients presenting with ear discharge in our hospital. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Patients attending ENT OPD of a government hospital in South India, with complaints of ear discharge with or without pain were included in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 97 patients were studied. Ear discharge was collected on two sterile cotton swabs one used for microscopy (Grams and KOH) and another for culture (Aerobic bacterial and fungal culture). RESULTS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate (41%) followed by Staphylococci (28.2%). Gram negative bacteria showed good sensitivity to Cefotaxime (75.9%) Gentamycin (74.5%) and Amikacin (64%). Gram positive cocci showed high degree of sensitivity to Gentamycin (98%), Amikacin (89%) and Cefotaxime (71.4%). CONCLUSION: Study of local prevalence of bacteria and their sensitivity pattern helps in empirical therapy and reduces the risk of complications.
Positive, Negative, and Disorganized Schizotypy Predict Differential Patterns of Interview-Rated Schizophrenia-Spectrum Symptoms and Impairment

The present study assessed the construct validity of the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS). Specifically, it assessed the associations of the MSS positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy subscales with interview-rated symptoms and impairment in 177 young adults. As hypothesized, the MSS positive schizotypy subscale was associated with interview-rated positive symptoms, and schizotypal and paranoid personality traits. Negative schizotypy was associated with interview-rated negative symptoms, and schizotypal and schizoid traits, and elevated rates of schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorders. Disorganized schizotypy was associated with disorganized symptoms and attentional deficits. All three subscales were associated with impaired functioning. This was the first study to evaluate the validity of the MSS using interview measures. The findings indicate that the schizotypy dimensions are associated with unique patterns of symptoms and impairment, and support the validity of the MSS.
An Exploratory Survey To Assess The Knowledge, Practice And Prevalence Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Women Attending Gyne OPD Of Selected Hospital Of Delhi With A View To Develop A Health Care Package On Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome And Its Management.

Objective: 1) To assess the prevalence of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome among women attending Gyne OPD of selected hospital. 2) To assess the knowledge and practice of women with PCOS regarding Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Methodology: Exploratory survey design. A sample of 275 women of 12-49 years of age was selected by Purposive Sampling technique. A structured interview schedule, a structured knowledge interview schedule and a self-expressed practice rating scale were used to collect data Result: The prevalence of PCOS among women attending Gyne OPD of Safdarjung Hospital was found to be 10.09%. The knowledge of the women with PCOS regarding PCOS and its management was found to be inadequate with the mean score of 12.1 out of 33. Similarly the practices were also found to be inadequate with the mean score of 59.87 out of 115.Identifying the areas of inadequate knowledge and practices a Health Care Package was developed for