Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Effect of Piceatannol, a Resveratrol Metabolite, on Staphylococcus Aureus

Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the major human pathogens in both community acquired and nosocomial infections. Heavy increase of antibiotic resistance between S. aureus strains became an important public health problem in progress of time. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of piceatannol on S. aureus growth was investigated. Patients and Methods: The antimicrobial effect of piceatannol on a standard S. aureus (DSMZ 6148) strain and two clinical S. aureus strains (C1 and C2) was tested in vitro at concentrations between 0 and 750 μg/ mL. Tigecycline and gentamicin were used as positive controls. For each strain, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of piceatannol and the control antibiotics were determined separately using the broth microdilution method according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) standards at 24 and 48 h. Results: After 24 and 48 h of treatment with piceatannol, the average MIC for all tested strains was 283 μg/mL and 383 μg/mL, respectively. Bactericidal activity increased as piceatannol concentration increased for one of the three strains. After 24 and 48 h of treatment with piceatannol, the average MBC for all strains was 717 μg/ mL and 583 μg/ mL, respectively. The S. aureus strains were found to be susceptible to tigecycline and gentamicin. Conclusion: Piceatannol has antimicrobial effect against S. aureus; however, more data regarding the effects of this compound on other microorganisms and its bioavailability are needed.
Hepatitis B Virus Co-infection Is Less CommonIn HIV Positive Indian Patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) frequently coexist with HIV virus due to its common routes of transmission and associated liver disease which tends to challenge HIV treatment. The ethnic variations and data from the Asian subcontinent on this aspect are not available to our knowledge. The aims of this paper are to study the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in HIV positive patients and the mode of their acquisition. The study was conducted at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), New Delhi from June 2003 to January 2004. All the study patients provided consent. A detailed questionnaire, routine hematological and bio-chemical tests and clinical examination of these patients were done. All patients were HIV ELISA Rapid positive and confirmed by western blot. Serological markers, HBsAg, HbeAg, Anti Hbe and Anti-HCV, were done with third generation ELISA kits and HBV DNA quantified using the bDNA technique. The data was subsequently analysed using SPSS software. 100 HIV positive patients were included in our study whose mean age was 32.74 ± 9.4 years, male:female=71:29 and BMI was 19.66 ± 3.2. 13 patients (13%) were HBV co-infected (M:F=10:3), of which 8 patients were HBeAg positive, 3 were positive for Anti Hbe and 2 patients were negative for both HBeAg and Anti HBe. None of the patients were found to be Anti HCV positive. Mode of transmission in all HIV positive patients was predominantly by sexual route (91%; n=91). 12 out of 13 HBV co-infected patients were also found to be infected by sexual route (p=0.65). Multivariate analysis with respect to HBV infection was done with the following variables—Education, occupation, per capita income, wt loss and clinical symptoms—and they were found to be statistically insignificant. Our data suggest that HBV is less prevalent with HIV as reported in Western countries and the relevant reasons need to be considered.
Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the vascular relaxation mediated by n-3 PUFAs (fish oils), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in resistance and conduit arteries

There is extensive evidence demonstrating the protective effects of fish oils or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) against cardiovascular diseases. It is widely accepted that the main n-3 PUFAs involved with these therapeutic effects are DHA and EPA. These PUFAs have been reported to reduce blood pressure by improving various vasodilation pathways. However, most of these studies focus on either DHA or EPA in a single artery. Therefore, this PhD project involved the comprehensive characterisation of the underlying vasodilation mechanisms of both n-3 PUFAs using conduit and resistance rat arteries. Wire myograph was used to examine acute vasodilation effects of n-3 PUFAs in preconstricted rat arteries, mostly via the use of pharmacological inhibitors. Stable cells that allowed inducible expression of TRPV4 was generated to assess changes in channel activity with n-3 PUFAs, using Fluo-4 AM based calcium imaging. n-3 PUFA mediated activation of KATP channels was also examined by using stable cells and whole cell patch clamp. The novel role of IKCa was observed in DHA-induced relaxation. Consistent with previous studies, BKCa was also involved in the relaxation effects of n-3 PUFAs. The presence of KATP and Kv7 component in n-3 PUFA-mediated vasodilation was also demonstrated for the first time. One of the most important highlights of my findings is the heterogeneity in the vasodilation mechanisms that was dependent upon both the type of n-3 PUFA and artery. These findings will be invaluable for future vascular studies that focus on investigating the prospect of using n-3 PUFA and novel fatty acid analogues as treatments that target specific vasodilation pathways, that are involved in providing therapeutic benefits against certain cardiovascular disorders.
Design Strategies for High Power vs. High Energy Lithium Ion Cells

Commercial lithium ion cells are now optimised for either high energy density or high power density. There is a trade off in cell design between the power and energy requirements. A tear down protocol has been developed, to investigate the internal components and cell engineering of nine cylindrical cells, with different power–energy ratios. The cells designed for high power applications used smaller particles of the active material in both the anodes and the cathodes. The cathodes for high power cells had higher porosities, but a similar trend was not observed for the anodes. In terms of cell design, the coat weights and areal capacities were lower for high power cells. The tag arrangements were the same in eight out of nine cells, with tags at each end of the anode, and one tag on the cathode. The thicknesses of the current collectors and separators were based on the best (thinnest) materials available when the cells were designed, rather than materials optimised for power or energy. To obtain high power, the resistance of each component is reduced as low as possible, and the lithium ion diffusion path lengths are minimised. This information illustrates the significant evolution of materials and components in lithium ion cells in recent years, and gives insight into designing higher power cells in the future.
Biofeedback Applications for Psychiatric Nursing

Americans increasingly are becoming disillusioned with traditional medical treatment and are seeking relief in complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for chronic physical or mental health problems. Biofeedback is a CAM approach that has important implications for holistic psychiatric nursing practice. This article covers the basics of clinical biofeedback and its potential applications for clients with psychiatric mental health issues. Information is provided about the availability of training, supervision, and certification in this expanding field.
Maternal mortality in Bijapur district

Objectives: The objectives of this study is to evaluate the incidence of maternal deaths, causes responsible for maternal mortality, direct and indirect factors, and various preventable methods to reduce maternal mortality rate. Background: 95% of maternal deaths occur in Asia and Africa. The need for undertaking this study is to know the maternal mortality rate, analyze the causes and preventable factors of death occurring in the district of Bijapur, Karnataka, India. Methodology: It is a study of 2years from the Records of District Health Office and Institutions on maternal mortality from June 2011 to May 2013 in Bijapur. Results: In two years there were fifty eight maternal deaths and seventy nine thousand five hundred and sixty six live births, hence maternal mortality ratio was seventy three per lakh live births. Eighty two percent of maternal deaths occurred in families who belonged to Below Poverty Line. Prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was 79.3%. Severe anemia (Hemoglobin <7g%) seen in 5.1% was the most common indirect cause of death. Forty three percent of the deaths occurred at private setups. Hemorrhage, Septicemia and Preeclampsia & Eclampsia were responsible for 44.82%, 15.51% and 6.89% respectively. Conclusion: Majority of the maternal deaths are preventable if these four delays are avoided: a) Delay in identifying the problem. b) Delay in seeking care. c) Delay in reaching the referral institute. d) Delay in getting treatment on reaching the
Parental Knowledge and Practices Regarding Febrile Convulsions in Turkish Children

Aims: Families with children afflicted with febrile convulsions must be given adequate information regarding seizures and fever, and they need emotional support and first-aid demonstrations. In this study, we aimed to determine parental knowledge and practices regarding febrile convulsions in Turkish children. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were given to 122 parents whose children were admitted to the emergency service of Behçet Uz Children's Hospital between July 2006 and April 2007 with febrile convulsion episodes. Sixty-three parents whose children had a febrile convulsion for the first time (Group 1) and 59 parents whose children had a recurrent febrile convulsion (Group 2) completed the survey. Differences in parental knowledge and practices regarding febrile convulsions in the two groups were tested by Student's test or chi-square (χ2) test. Results: Parents in both groups generally believed that febrile convulsion is a life-threatening event (81.2% and 90%), and that EEG and CT were necessary (81% and 88.1%). Forty-seven parents (73.4%) in Group 1 and 52 (85.2%) in Group 2 had concerns about possible development of epilepsy in their children in the future. Approximately half of the parents did not know what to do during a febrile convulsion episode. Conclusions: We believe the questionnaire facilitates the quantitative measurement and systematic evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and concerns of families in the matter of febrile convulsions. Furthermore, the efficiency of parental first-aid practices can be evaluated and significant improvement can be achieved by giving adequate information to the parents.
Outcome of displaced supracondylar fractures in children after manipulation and backslab

AIM: To assess the functional and cosmetic outcome of displaced supracondylar fractures in children treated by closed reduction and plaster backslab. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 53 patients with Gartland type II and type III fractures that were treated by closed reduction (Blount's technique) and immobilisation in a collar and cuff and above-elbow plaster backslab between December 2011 and May 2012. The mean age was 6.6 years. The mean follow-up time was 12 weeks (range, 6-20). All open injuries and undisplaced fractures were excluded from the study. Flynn's criteria were used to assess functional and cosmetic outcome. RESULTS: The median loss of motion was 10 degrees and the median change in carrying angle was 4 degrees. Fifty-one patients (96.2%) had satisfactory results, with 87% graded as excellent or good according to the Flynn's criteria for grading of the carrying angle. A range of motion of 100 degrees was achieved in 92.5% of patients at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This method appears to produce less satisfactory results in comparison to closed reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires), but it does provide satisfactory results according to Flynn criteria with regard to cosmetic deformity and range of motion at short-term follow-up. It is an acceptable and safe option with which to treat displaced supracondylar fractures.
Drug use Prevalence among College Students of Ministry of Sceince, Research and Technology, Iran (2012)

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of drug use among College Students of Ministry of Science, Research and Technology in Iran. Method: In this cross-sectional study, the number of 7330 male and female students of mother universities of the province centers in the academic year 2011-2012 was selected by random stratified sampling method. Drug Use Prevalence Questionnaire (Taremian, Bolhari & Peyravi, 2007) with some modifications pertinent to the purpose of the study was used for data collection. Results: Tobacco via Hubble bubble (classical pipe) took up the highest frequency of use among drugs (28.7%), after which come other substances including cigarette smoking (20.4%), alcohol consumption (11.9%), and opium use (3.1%), respectively. Among the licit drugs, the most prevalent drugs were codeine substances (19.8%), diazepam (3.6%), fluoxetine (1.9%), and tramadol (4.2%). Use of different substances was significantly more prevalent in male students. Conclusion: Using soft drugs (tobacco via Hubble bubble, cigarette, and alcohol) was more prevalent than hard drugs (Hashish, opium, crack, heroine, etc.) among Iranian students.
THE SYSTEMIC STEM CELL RESPONSE TO CARDIAC PRESSURE OVERLOAD

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Regenerative medicine represents a new medical frontier for the treatment of heart failure. This therapeutic approach has mainly focused on the delivery of exogenous stem cells. While clinical trials have shown no major safety concerns, the outcomes associated with the use of exogenous stem cells have shown some degree of efficacy in selected cases. In addition to exogenous stem cells, endogenous populations of stem cells exist and can be activated to promote tissue healing. However, the exact role of endogenous stem cells in cardiac regeneration is far from clear. In Chapter Three, we examined the response of endogenous stem cells to trans-aortic constriction (TAC) in a mouse model. Our results demonstrated an early, orchestrated systemic response of cardiac stem cells (CSC), endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and SSEA1+ stem cells following TAC. The most significant response found was in the splenic and bone marrow EPC and SSEA1+ populations. These cells showed early mobilization and accumulation in the heart, prior to any proliferative response. Peak stem cell content in the myocardium occurred at 7 days post-TAC. These data identify stem cell sources and populations respondent to TAC. Chapter Four focuses on bone marrow SSEA1+ cells. Through chimeric bone marrow studies, we found that SSEA1+ cells can differentiate into other cells types, including hematopoietic stem cells, EPC, and endothelial cells. We also determined that bone marrow SSEA1+ cell support is essential in maintaining cardiac homeostasis after TAC. Depletion of bone marrow SSEA1+ cells quickened cardiac dysfunction and increased vessel rarefaction after TAC. These results have begun to define the fate and function of bone marrow SSEA1+ cells. The data presented in this dissertation demonstrate a strong support of the myocardium by peripheral stem cells. The next generation of stem cell therapies may focus on manipulating the endogenous peripheral stem cells as well as the local CSC.
Visible-light-promoted direct C–H/S–H cross-coupling of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with thiols leading to 3-sulfenylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones in air

A new and efficient visible-light-mediated strategy has been developed for the synthesis of 3-sulfenylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones via rhodamine B catalyzed C–H/S–H cross-coupling of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with thiols in air at room temperature.
Tumor profiling of biliary tract carcinomas to reveal distinct molecular alterations and potential therapeutic targets.

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC), and gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) are rare tumors with poor prognosis that tend to be chemo-resistant. The underlying molecular alterations and their correlation with altered responses to therapies are not well understood. We hypothesized that delineation of different molecular alterations in the cancer types might potentially yield different therapeutic options. Results: 24 of 47 genes tested had mutations, with the highest rates in TP53 (28%), KRAS (18%), IDH1 (9%), and SMAD4 (6%). BRCA1/2 mutations were seen in 3/41 (7.3%) and 5/40 (12.5%) cases. Overall, IHC showed high TOPO1, TOP2A, PD-1, SPARC and PD-L1 in 56%, 49%, 40%, 39% and 15% of cases and low RRM1, ERCC1 and TS in 82%, 72% and 79%, respectively, suggesting potential utility of chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory agents targeting these alterations in selected cases. Mutually exclusive protein loss of chromatin modifiers BAP1 and PBRM1 were seen in 17% and
Knee airbag effects on 5%ile female

In-position performance was compared for a Hybrid III 50%ile male and 5%ile female dummy in sled tests. In addition, static out-of-position tests addressed loading of the lower extremities of the Hybrid III small female to analyse the effect of different knee airbag (KAB) module positions that may occur in different vehicle interior lay-outs. Each configuration was tested twice. Based on these test data a MADYMO model for the KAB was established and validated to conduct a parameter study under in-position and out-of-position conditions. Sled tests were run with belted 50%ile male and 5%ile female dummy in the driver position in a typical compact car environment exposed to an US-NCAP crash pulse. The standard restraint system was supplemented by a production KAB with a hybrid inflator (160 kPa’s of tank pressure in 28.3 liter tank) and a 14 liter silicone-coated cushion without vent holes. Its tubular shape is designed to cover the upper portion of the tibias and knees of a 50%ile male. Both dummy types were equipped with instrumented lower legs and were positioned with the seat according to their respective FMVSS 208 specifications (Federal Register, 2001). In the static out-of-position tests the 5%ile female dummy was placed with its knees against the lower instrument panel including the KAB module. Seating height was varied to represent three different vertical alignments of the lower leg with the KAB module (Fig. 1). Dummy posture and support by seat and toeboard was maintained. The instrument panel structure was reinforced to facilitate later simulation model validation. While the Hybrid III’s lower legs were not designed for direct anterior-posterior contact distribution of the load by the cushion and the use of a flexible, low-weight airbag door allows comparison of the aggressiveness caused by different module mounting positions and airbag characteristics.
Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of banana vinegar produced using one-stage and two-stage fermentation

Fruit and vegetable waste has been widely utilized as a low-cost natural source for vinegar production. In this study, the pulp of banana (Musa acuminata ‘Gros Michel’) cv. ‘Hom Thong’ was utilized to produce vinegar using one-stage (acetous) and two-stage (alcoholic and acetous) fermentation and the obtained vinegars were assessed for their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and polyphenolic contents. It was found that the one-stage fermentation yielded greater levels of acetic acid (5.83% volume per volume; v/v) than two-stage fermentation (5.13% v/v). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays, respectively, indicated that the antioxidant activity of the one-stage fermented vinegars (80.27% and 1274 μM Fe(II)/L) was greater than that of the two-stage fermented vinegars (73.20%, 1001 μM Fe(II)/L). In a similar manner, the polyphenolic content of the one-stage fermented vinegars (92.67 μg/mL) was higher than that of the two-stage fermented vinegars (68.01 μg/mL). The color parameters (L*, a*, b*) only showed significant differences in a* for the color change of the vinegars aged during days 0–100 for the one- and two-stage fermented vinegars. Moreover, it was observed that the one-stage fermented vinegars had higher levels of acetic acid, antioxidant activity and polyphenolics contents than the two-stage fermented vinegars. The results suggested that the use of banana pulp to produce vinegar via one-stage fermentation is a good choice to retain the bioactive compounds.
Birth weight outcome of babies whose mothers are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and on antiretroviral therapy at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Low birth weight is an important risk factor for infant morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where HIV prevalence is still high. This review focuses on the birth weight outcome of babies whose mothers are infected with HIV and on ART at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Nigeria. Methods: A total of 90 mother-baby pairs were studied. Babies birth weights were measured using the bassinet weighing scale and data of HIV mothers that are on ART as part of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) at UMTH were obtained from their ANC hospital record. Results: There were 47 (52.2%) males and 43 (47.8%) females. Most babies 73 (81.1%) had acceptable birth weights. Of the 17 (100 %) babies with LBW, 10 (58.8%) were HIV exposed babies. Association between HIV exposed and non HIV exposed (controls) with birth weight outcome of these babies were not significant (p = 0.419). Conclusion: Majority of babies with LBW were HIV exposed whose mothers are on ART for PMTCT. Effective ART for PMTCT in pregnant mothers during ANC may have made the LBW in our babies of no significance. We therefore recommend ART to HIV pregnant women.
Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among hospital workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City

Background: Glaucoma is a disease of public health importance. We assessed the level of awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is cross-sectional study of hospital workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Data on demographics, awareness and knowledge of glaucoma was gathered through structured self-administered questionnaires to a random sample of workers. Statistical analyses were performed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16 (SPSS Inc. 2007. SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0. Chicago) software. Chi-square test was used to assess for any statistically significant difference in the social demographic factors such as age, gender, staff category, education, and duration of employment in the hospital and awareness of glaucoma. The level of knowledge among the staff categories was also compared using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was taken as P Results: There were a total of 226 respondents. 93 (41.2%) were in the age group of 21-30 years. 111 (49.1%) were males. 168 (74.3%) were aware of glaucoma. Awareness of glaucoma was higher among the paramedical staff and among workers with a higher education ( P Conclusions: There is a need to educate hospital workers on glaucoma in order to raise awareness and increase their level of knowledge such that blindness prevention from glaucoma may be possible from early diagnosis and prompt treatment in these workers, their relatives, and contacts.