Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantity and Composition of the SDE Prepared Essential Oil of Nepeta macrosiphon Boiss

The essential oil from flowering aerial parts of Nepeta macrosiphon Boiss. growing wild in Kermanshah Province, Iran, was analyzed by GC/MS. This essential oil was prepared by a modified Likens-Nickerson’s simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) method. Forty-five compounds consisting 95.1% of the total components were identified from the oil obtained with a yield of 0.1%w/w. Among them, spathulenol (14.1%), germacrene D (9.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (8.1%) were the major components of the oil.
Emergence of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors

▴ Emergence of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors. Hatakeyama S, Sugaya N, Ito M, et al . JAMA2007;297:1435–42. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor effective in the treatment of influenza. In this Japanese study, the sensitivity of influenza B virus to neuraminidase inhibitors was assessed in 74 children before and after treatment with oseltamivir, and in a further 348 untreated patients, 66 of whom were adults. … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DJAMA%26rft.stitle%253DJAMA%26rft.issn%253D0002-9955%26rft.aulast%253DHatakeyama%26rft.auinit1%253DS. %26rft.volume%253D297%26rft.issue%253D13%26rft.spage%253D1435%26rft.epage%253D1442%26rft.atitle%253DEmergence%2Bof%2BInfluenza%2BB%2BViruses%2BWith%2BReduced%2BSensitivity%2Bto%2BNeuraminidase%2BInhibitors%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Fjama.297. 13.1435%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F17405969%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=10.1001/jama.297. 13.1435&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=17405969&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fthoraxjnl%2F62%2F9%2F819.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=000245404100020&link_type=ISI
Treatment of Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: Review and Meta‐analysis

The aim of this article is to review the results of outcome studies of the treatment of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using meta-analysis. All treatments for depression in MS were found to be significantly more effective than no treatment. Patients in control groups that received no treatment, as opposed to minimal treatment, tended to become more depressed over time, suggesting that untreated depression worsens without treatment. There appears to be no significant difference in efficacy between psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Psychothera-pies that focus on improving coping skills are more effective at reducing depression than psychotherapies that focus on increasing insight. We conclude that patients with MS should be evaluated routinely for depression. Patients reporting symptoms of depression should be referred for treatment since active intervention is effective at reducing depression and untreated symptoms are likely to worsen.
Prevalence of parental mental illness in Australian families

AIMS AND METHOD To provide multiple estimates of the numbers of Australian and Victorian families and children living in families where a parent has had a mental illness. We used the Australian Bureau of Statistics Victorian Mental Health Branch service usage and data collected from 701 community participants to triangulate prevalence information. RESULTS According to population estimates, 23.3% of all children in Australia have a parent with a non-substance mental illness, 20.4% of mental health service users have dependent children and 14.4% of the community study participants report having at least one parent with a mental illness. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The multiple prevalence estimates of the numbers of children in families with parental mental illness provide fundamental information for psychiatric policy, planning and programming.
Observation on the fine structure of the sheep placenta.

Authors’ addresses: Prof. Dr. Jack Davies, Department of Anatomy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Term. 37203 and Dr. W. A. Wimsatt, Department of Zoology, Cornell University Ithaca, N.Y. (USA) Histological and histochemical studies by many authors (Assheton [1906], Jenkinson [1906], Bonnet [1888], Wimsatt [1950, 1951], Amoroso [1958]) have established the principal morphological features of the sheep placenta. As in the placentae of other ruminants, controversy has centered upon the fetal or maternal origin of the cryptal lining in the area of the so-called placentomes and the cellular versus the syncytial character of this epithelium. The characteristic binucleate giant cells or diplokaryocytes found in all ruminant placentae have been intensively studied in the sheep by Wimsatt [1951], Specialized chorionic areas have also been described in detail by Wimsatt [1950] in the sheep, especially the so-called “ areolae” overlying the mouths of the uterine glands, and the areas of extravasation of blood and ery-throphagocytosis by the chorionic epithelium at the bases of the villi in the placentomes. Electron microscopic studies on the sheep placenta showing the interlocking of the microvilli of the cryptal and chorionic epithelia were made by Ludwíg [1962] who concluded that the cryptal epithelium was of maternal origin. A similar conclusion was reached by Björkman [1954, 1964] and by Björkman and Bloom [1957] in the cow, by Hamilton et al. [1960] in the deer, based on combined light and electron microscopic studies. These authors also described the fine structure of the binucleate giant cells and gave evidence of their migration into the cryptal lining without making, however, any permanent contribution to this lining. No published accounts have been found on the fine structure of the important and extensive intercotyle-donary zone of the ruminant placenta. The electron microscopic observations in this paper have been concerned more with a depiction of the areas of the sheep placenta presumed to be of importance in the transfer of materials between the mother and the fetus than with the problem of the precise origin of the cryptal epithelium. However, the syncytial nature of the latter has been clearly established and evidence has been obtained favouring its origin from the binucleate giant cells of the trophoblast. The fine structure of the latter has also been described. Some observations on the allantois are included. 1 Grant acknowledgements: This investigation was supported by Public Health Service Research Grant, No.HD00971 and National Science Foundation Grants, Nos. GB 1639, G-2188 and G24043. Davies and Wimsatt 183 Materials and methods
Bilateral recon nailing of comminuted fracture femur in a severely injured patient: Case Report

Severely comminuted fractures of the femur can be challenging injuries to manage. The incidence of these injuries is increasing due to the increase in high speed motor vehicle accidents in Kenya. We present the case of a 35 year old gentleman who was involved in a head on collision with a saloon car while travelling in the front seat of a public service vehicle. He presented to the casualty department at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Injuries identified included almost identical bilateral fracture femur consisting of high subtrochanteric fracture with segmental fracture of the femur shaft. Additionally, there was a left sided mid-shaft fracture of the humerus. The patient initially underwent open reduction internal fixation of the humerus fracture. Two weeks after the injury he underwent staged recon nailing of both femurs. The two nailing procedures were staged by a week. The patient was mobilized from bed to chair post-operatively. After 4 weeks from the last surgery he was gradually mobilized full weight bearing with a walker. At 4 months follow-up he was walking full weight bearing without support. Recon nails can be employed successfully to treat complex fractures of the femur shaft.
Stereotype Modeling for Problem-Solving Performance Predictions in MOOCs and Traditional Courses

Stereotypes are frequently used in real life to classify students according to their performance in class. In literature, we can find many references to weaker students, fast learners, struggling students, etc. Given the lack of detailed data about students, these or other kinds of stereotypes could be potentially used for user modeling and personalization in the educational context. Recent research in MOOC context demonstrated that data-driven learner stereotypes could work well for detecting and preventing student dropouts. In this paper, we are exploring the application of stereotype-based modeling to a more challenging task -- predicting student problem-solving and learning in two programming courses and two MOOCs. We explore traditional stereotypes based on readily available factors like gender or education level as well as some advanced data-driven approaches to group students based on their problem-solving behavior. Each of the approaches to form student stereotype cohorts is validated by comparing models of student learning: do students in different groups learn differently? In the search for the stereotypes that could be used for adaptation, the paper examines ten approaches. We compare the performance of these approaches and draw conclusions for future research.
Reference value for the ALAD enzyme activity ratio in men based on the improvement of each analytical step of the colorimetric method and the active/non-active lead concept

Aim: The ALAD enzyme activity ratio, which is highly sensitive to and specific for lead inhibition, can be used to diagnose lead-exposed individuals, but a reference value for it has not yet been established. Therefore, we aimed to establish a reference value for the ALAD activity ratio by improving each analytical step of the colorimetric method described by Mitchell et al. Materials and methods: Activators, pH, hemolyzing agents, and Ehrlich’s reagent were evaluated to obtain the optimal conditions for the restoration of lead-inhibited ALAD enzyme activity. Results: ZnCl2 and DTT were the preferred activators, the pH of sodium phosphate buffer was adjusted to 6.2, and distilled water was used as a hemolyzing agent. CV for the imprecision of nonactivated ALAD, activated ALAD, and the activity ratio was decreased from 5.1%, 3.7%, and 7.1% to 2.6%, 1.9%, and 1.9%, respectively. Linearity improved from 20-fold dilution to 80-fold. Higher activated absorbances were observed at moderately high lead concentrations (12.5-50 μg dL −1 ). Conclusion: The reference value for the ALAD activity ratio based on 137 healthy men was 0.32-0.64. We think that the activity ratio could be a useful marker for screening lead-exposed individuals. It is also suggested that lead could behave as both an active and non-active metal.
Infiltration of mesenchymal stem cells into PEGDA hydrogel.

BACKGROUND Attachment of cells to fully hydrated hydrogel biomaterials, such as PEGDA, has proven challenging because of the hydrophobic cellular membrane. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate undifferentiated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and hMSC-derived chondrocytes infiltrated and attached to unmodified PEGDA hydrogel. METHODS Human MSCs and MSC-Cys were cultured in and on PEGDA hydrogel. Attachment was verified by SEM and confocal microscopy and was accompanied by vinculin expression, indicating the presence of focal contacts. Infiltration was confirmed by H&E and fluorescence staining. RESULTS Cells cultured on top of PEGDA hydrogel infiltrated the material on the order of micrometers. CONCLUSIONS These findings will aid in understanding the cell-scaffold interaction for regenerative medicine constructs.
Complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of Saccostrea mordax and Saccostrea cucullata: genome organization and phylogeny analysis

Abstract Classified in the phylum mollusks, oysters are bivalves which are found in estuaries and coastal zones. Because of their plastic shell, mitochondrial DNA analysis of this species becomes an interesting field, necessary to investigate their phylogenetic and evolution of relations. In our study, two oyster species: Saccostrea mordax and Saccostrea cucullata from Indian Ocean (Madagascar) were investigated. The complete sequence of Saccostrea mordax (16 512 bp) and Saccostrea cucullata (16 396 bp) were described and determined, with their mitogenomes deposited in the GenBank with accession number KP769562 and KP967577 respectively. Both mitochondrial genome sequences contained 12 protein-coding genes, 23 tRNAs, and two rRNAs, all encoded in the same heavy strand. High levels of similarity in the gene arrangement of the two Saccostrea species were evident. The phylogenetic analysis shows a closer relationship between the two Saccostrea species and confirms the strong relationship within Saccostrea, Crassostrea and Ostrea genus in taxonomy of Ostreidae family.
Key-Point Schools and Entry into Tertiary Education in China

Abstract The tracking process at the secondary level has important consequences for students’ educational advancement. In China, a number of schools are designated as key-point schools with better teachers and facilities. After the unprecedented expansion of higher education since 1999, the spotlight of educational transition has shifted to some extent from College Entrance Exam, to gaining access to key-point senior high schools, because graduates from these schools are the most important sources of college recruitment. Employing data from a multi-stage national probability sample collected in 2008, this study shows that attending key-point senior high schools has a significantly positive effect on one’s likelihood of entry into tertiary education, even after taking account of the selection into these schools. Urban-rural divide is a barrier for students of rural hukou origin to attend senior high schools, and subsequently gaining entry into tertiary education. These findings have important implications for school reform policies in China.
Perceptions of Risk and Resiliency Factors Associated With Rural African American Adolescents’ Substance Abuse and HIV Behaviors

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to select and refine an integrated substance abuse and HIV prevention intervention model for rural African American adolescents based on input from teens, parents, pastors, and school officials. DESIGN: The study design was qualitative descriptive. Twenty-one adolescents and 17 adults participated in four focus groups. The adolescent groups consisted of 11 adolescents, ages 13 to 15 years, and 10 adolescents, ages 16 to 18 years. The two adult groups consisted of 7 and 8 participants, respectively. RESULTS: Adolescent and adult respondents discussed numerous risk and resiliency factors associated with adolescents’ potential drug use and sexual behavior. Overall, all groups identified more HIV-related factors than drug-use factors, whether risk or resiliency. Both adolescents and adults reported common factors, but the majority of factors were not held in common. Adolescents recommended a comprehensive prevention-intervention approach, which included condom use demonstration, whereas the adult approach lacked any reference to sex education. CONCLUSION: Adolescents and adults recognize the need to intervene early with rural African American teens to decrease their risk of engaging in sex and drug use. Although both acknowledge the existence of resiliency factors, the risk factors appear to outweigh the resiliency factors, especially at the community level.
The Diagnostic Value of Neuropathy Symptom and Change Score, Neuropathy Impairment Score and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of neuropathy symptom and change (NSC) score, neuropathy impairment score (NIS) and Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) in diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: A total of 131 patients with type II diabetes received NSC, NIS and MNSI scoring systems. Electromyography/nerve conduction velocity (EMG/NCV) test was taken as gold standard. Correlations between EMG/NCV test and the 3 scorings, and their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and kappa (κ) value were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of DPN was 43.5% according to EMG/NCV findings. EMG/NCV test was significantly positive correlated with all the 3 scorings, highest with NIS scoring (r = 0.653, p < 0.001). Compared with EMG/NCV test, NSC score was most sensitive (85.96%) but least specific (77.03%); NIS score had lower sensitivity (59.65%) but best specificity (98.65%) and accuracy (81.68%). Both had high concordance with EMG/NCV test (κ = 0.61). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MNSI were highest (70.18, 98.65 and 80.15%) at the cutoff values of >1.0, >2.5 and >1.5, respectively (κ = 0.58). Conclusions: Both NSC and NIS were accurate and reliable diagnostic methods for DPN. The combined application of NSC and NIS was recommended in DPN diagnosis.
Developing a Bridges self-management programme for New Zealand stroke survivors: A case study

Background/aim This case study describes the adaptation of the UK-developed Bridges stroke self-management programme (Bridges SMP) into a version relevant and acceptable to the New Zealand (NZ) context. Methods Stakeholder consultation and qualitative methodology explored the acceptability and relevance of the Bridges SMP in NZ. Focus group discussions were held with stroke survivors (n=60) and neurorehabilitation therapists (n= 17). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 stroke survivors. Based on data gathered the authors culturally and contextually adapted the accompanying Bridges SMP workbook. This study piloted the adapted programme with six stroke survivors and used semi-structured interviews to explore their perceptions of it. Findings The Bridges SMP was considered acceptable and beneficial for developing skills to self-manage recovery following stroke. The main recommended adaptation was the inclusion of NZ stories into the accompanying workbook. Four themes reflected the six pilot stu.
Theoretical modeling of mobile target broadening in helical and axial computed tomographic imaging.

PURPOSE To investigate variations in mobile target length induced by sinusoidal motion in helical (HCT) and axial CT (ACT) imaging. A mathematical model was derived that predicts the measured broadening of the apparent lengths of mobile targets and its dependence on motion parameters, target size, and imaging couch speed in CT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three mobile targets of differing lengths and sizes were constructed of tissue-equivalent gel material and embedded into artificial lung phantom. Respiratory motion was mimicked with a mobile phantom that moves in one-dimension along the superior-inferior direction with sinusoidal motion patterns. A mathematical model was derived to predict quantitatively the variations of apparent lengths for mobile targets and its dependence on phantom and imaging couch motion parameters in HCT and ACT. The model predictions were verified by length measurements of the mobile phantom targets that were imaged with the different motion patterns using CT imaging. RESULTS The measured lengths of mobile targets enlarged or shrunk depending on the phantom motion parameters that include phantom speed, amplitude, frequency, phase and speed of the imaging couch. The target length variations were significant where some targets doubled lengths or shrunk to less than half of their actual length. The apparent lengths of mobile targets decreased if the target was moving in the same direction as the imaging couch motion and increased if the mobile target was moving opposed to imaging couch in both HCT and ACT. The model predicts well the variations in the mobile target apparent lengths and their dependence on the motion parameters. CONCLUSION The measured and model variations of apparent lengths of mobile targets are considerable and may affect the accuracy of tumor volumes obtained from HCT and ACT. This mathematical model provides a method to quantitatively assess the length variations of mobile targets and their dependence on motion parameters of the phantom and imaging system which may have potential applications in the fields of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy.
Universalidad de los servicios de salud en México

The reforms made in recent years to the Mexican Health System have reduced inequities in the health care of the population, but have been insufficient to solve all the problems of the MHS. In order to make the right to health protection established in the Constitution a reality for every citizen, Mexico must warrant effective universal access to health services. This paper outlines a long-term reform for the consolidation of a health system that is akin to international standards and which may establish the structural conditions to reduce coverage inequity. This reform is based on a “structured pluralism” intended to avoid both a monopoly exercised within the public sector and fragmentation in the private sector, and to prevent falling into the extremes of authoritarian procedures or an absence of regulation. This involves the replacement of the present vertical integration and segregation of social groups by a horizontal organization with separation of duties. This also entails legal and fiscal reforms, the reinforcement of the MHS, the reorganization of health institutions, and the formulation of regulatory, technical and financial instruments to operationalize the proposed scheme with the objective of rendering the human right to health fully effective for the Mexican people.
The Effect of Palliative Care in Home Care and Hospital on Quality of Life

The aims of this study were to assess in two different settings and at two different points of time the quality of life of patients with cancer who are terminally ill, to get an insight into the changes that occur in the course of time, and to evaluate the differences between the groups. A stratified random sample of 121 patients was extracted from a total of 250 cancer patients who were being treated in the hospital or home care services. All patients have end-stage cancer and approached the unit or the specialized home care services for pain relief and management of other cancer-related symptoms. A longitudinal observational study was designed to assess the effect of palliative care during the first week of admittance to a hospital and to home care. In the hospital patients group, patients showed a statistically significant and clinically relevant decrease (improvement) in nausea/vomiting, pain, and dyspnea (effect size, >0.20). In the home care group, we did not find any statistically significant changes in sleep disturbance, financial impact, and control parameter Karnofsky index. However, statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements were detected in the domains cognitive function, physical function, new role function, emotional function, social function, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and new global health. The Europian Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) can be used as a brief, simple instrument that is easy to integrate into routine practice and useful for a clinical audit of palliative care in different settings as an outcome measurement and for assessing the quality of life of advanced-stage cancer patients.