Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract from the Icacina senegalensis root bark

Abstract Background: The Icacina senegalensis root bark is traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Nigeria. To date, no scientific study has substantiated or refuted this claim. Methods: The antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol root bark extract were investigated in rats and against some selected diarrhea-causing microorganisms. Results: The extract significantly decreased the frequency of castor oil-induced diarrhea, and inhibited the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil-induced enteropooling method. The distance travelled by the charcoal meal was also decreased by the extract gastrointestinal transit method. The extract also strongly inhibited the growth of some selected microorganisms. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of the I. senegalensis root bark showed antidiarrheal activity, thus justifying its long folkloric use in diarrhea treatment. The extract also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected diarrheal causing organisms.
Hip-Abductor Muscle Performance in Participants After 45 Seconds of Resisted Sidestepping Using an Elastic Band

Context: Hip-abductor weakness is associated with many lower extremity injuries. A simple procedure to assess hip-abductor performance is necessary in patient populations. Objective: To describe the change in pelvic-on-femoral position of the stance limb before and after 45 seconds of resisted sidestepping. Design: Cross-sectional comparative. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 24 healthy women (24.6 ± 3.5 years) and 14 healthy men (24.5 ± 3.0 years). Main Outcome Measures: Pelvic-on-femoral position in degrees in single-leg stance before and after 45 seconds of resisted sidestepping. Results: The difference between the baseline and postexercise measurements for both men and women was significant (P < .05). The effect of the resisted-sidestepping exercise on the hip abductors was not statistically different between men and women. Conclusions: Forty-five seconds of resisted sidestepping using an elastic band produced a change in pelvic-on-femoral position in healthy adults. This test might be useful to det.
Quality of life impairment in patients of obstructive sleep apnea and its relation with the severity of disease

Background: Several studies have demonstrated considerable impairment of quality of life (QOL) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, but its relation with severity of OSA is yet unclear. Study Objectives: To investigate the effects of OSA on the QOL and its association with the disease severity. Design and Setting: Observational, prospective case-control study. Materials and Methods: QOL of 69 OSA patients and 41 healthy controls were assessed using the Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI) on the morning following the polysomnography (PSG) study. Statistics: All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago). Differences between sleep-related symptoms and SAQLI subscales scores were assessed with the Chi-square test and the Student t-test. Due to non-normal distribution, differences between SAQLI scores of controls and OSA patients were evaluated using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Spearman correlation and backward multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the association between SAQLI scores and sleep indices and anthropometric variables and PSG variables. Results: Study included 69 cases (57 male and 12 females) with a mean age, weight, height, neck circumference, and body mass index 48.45 ± 10.12 years, 83.03 ± 16.48 kg, 159.75 ± 28.29 cm, 44.01 ± 3.23 cm and 30.77 ± 6.71 kg/m2. Mean apnea-hypopnea index was 26.39 ± 16.62. The median score of four SAQLI domains daily function, social interaction, emotional, symptoms and total mean SAQLI score were 3.64 (3.46-3.90), 3.77 (3.51-3.88), 3.64 (3.53-3.83), 4.80 (4.68-5.11), 4.09 (3.88-4.09),and 1.36 (1.29-1.71), 1.38 (1.24-1.62), 1.45 (1.23-1.62), 2.00 (1.78-2.26), 1.55 (1.46-1.73) for patients and controls respectively. All the individual domain scores and the mean SAQLI scores of patients were significantly higher than the controls. Conclusion: OSA causes significant impairment of QOL, but the severity of impairment is not directly proportional to the severity of OSA.
Identifying Determinants for Neurobehavioral Morbidity in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

markdownabstract__Abstract__ Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multisystem disorder characterized by the growth of hamartomas in multiple organ systems. The syndrome was described as early as 1835 by Rayer, and later by von Recklinghousen. In 1880, Bourneville described the syndrome in three patients and was the first to use the term ‘tuberous sclerosis’ to describe the potatolike consistency and hypertrophic sclerosis of the brain gyri at autopsy. The classical triad of seizures, intellectual disability, and adenoma sebaceum (angiofibromas) was first noted by Vogt in 1908. Since these early descriptions, many other presentations of TSC have been recognized and the diagnostic criteria have been refined to include clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics. The diagnostic criteria for TSC were most recently revised in 19983, (Table 1, diagnostic criteria). TSC has a birth incidence of 1:6000.
The role of steroids following major trauma

This article reviews the indications and evidence for the administration of steroids to patients who have suffered significant trauma. Uncontroversial indications are rare. In spinal cord injury steroids are often given but the practical benefits are questionable. The case for treatment in head injury is unproven. Consideration should be given to treating all those patients who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), although treatment should be deferred to the later (fibroproliferative) stages. The role of steroids in sepsis is complicated and, although steroid administration can have dramatic effects on vasopressor requirements, convincing evidence for mortality reduction is not available.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome During Long-Term Antipsychotic Combination Treatment: a Case Report

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome during long-term antipsychotic combination treatment: a case report Neuroleptic malignant sydnrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening idiosyncratic adverse reaction, usually seen with antipsychotic treatment. It is characterized by fever, autonomic instability, extrapyramidal syndrome and altered mental state. Raised serum creatine kinase level, impaired liver and kidney function tests, leucocytosis and electrolyte disturbance may be the accompanying laboratory features. Various demographic, patient-medication and environmental factors increase the risk of NMS. In this case report, the clinical characteristics and management of NMS in a patient who has several risk factors such as mental retardation, use of parenteral, high dose typical antipsychotic combination for long
Mentorship: excellence in the mundane

This article outlines the key concepts that underpin mentorship. In healthcare, the term mentorship can be used to describe a relationship in which the mentor formally monitors and assesses the skill development of the person being mentored. It can also be used to describe a less formal relationship in which an older and more experienced colleague acts as a guide to someone less experienced. Whatever the relationship, there are some underpinning principles that are explored in this paper. The roles of the mentor are considered, as are the ways in which the skill development is monitored. The emotional labour that is involved in healthcare work is explored and the ways in which the mentor can support the student are outlined. A large element in any healthcare situation is the ways in which an individual ‘fits into’ the workplace. The concept of ‘communities of practice’ is considered and the role of the mentor in this context is explored.
Clinical associations in patients with hand osteoarthritis

Objectives: To investigate the clinical associations of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and their relationships with radiographic features. Methods: A total of 446 patients with hand osteoarthritis (HOA; 233 with erosive HOA (EHOA) and 213 with non-EHOA) and 307 controls were evaluated. Demographic and clinical data from patients and controls were recorded based on medical records/clinical reports and an anamnesis of drug consumption. Posteroanterior radiographs of both hands were obtained from all HOA patients and were assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) and Kallman scoring systems. Results: After adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), HOA patients showed a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for hypercholesterolaemia [OR 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–3.16, p < 0.0005] and autoimmune thyroiditis (OR 4.85, 95% CI 1.77–13.29, p = 0.002), as well as for knee (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09–2.44, p = 0.018) and hip OA (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.07–3.27, p = 0.029). No significant increase for systemic hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus was found. Patients with EHOA and non-EHOA showed similar risks for the above-mentioned co-morbidities. A similar occurrence of clinical associations was also observed in patients with HOA alone and in those with generalized OA. No association between radiographic scores and clinical associations was observed. Conclusions: Patients with HOA present a direct association with hypercholesterolaemia (and autoimmune thyroiditis) but do not show increased ischaemic cardiovascular manifestations compared to controls. No significant association between radiographic scores and co-morbidities was found.
Authorship issues

Authorship is a highly sought attribute, as it is associated with recognition for creativity. In addition, it is associated with multiple benefits such as peer recognition, better evaluation and financial gains. These possibilities spur scientists to author articles, but some take recourse to unethical practice of honorary authorships. Another unethical practice is that of ghostwriting. It is a phenomenon wherein individuals who write the articles are not named as authors and are not even acknowledged to be associated with the manuscript. Reputed and renowned scientists, who have not participated in the conduct of the study or in the manuscript preparation, are enrolled by the industry to allow their names to be mentioned as authors. This phenomenon is harmful not only because it suppresses the contribution of ghost-authors but also because the guest “authors” bestow underserved credibility upon an “industry-written” paper. The readers have no way of knowing the bias that may have crept in. The journal editors, institution, and government agencies need to come together to ensure that these malpractices are curbed by employing various measures such as creating awareness amongst authors, academicians, and administrators; enunciating and implementing policies to dissuade unethical behavior, protecting whistle-blowers, and providing punishments to those indulging in malpractices. All of us should remember that if unchecked, these deviant behaviors have the potential to compromise the credibility of scientific research and scientific publications.
Disruption Management for Predictable New Job Arrivals in Cloud Manufacturing

Abstract Manufacturing resources are shared and centrally managed on the cloud platform in cloud manufacturing, which is a new model of modern manufacturing. The production data are collected, which can be used to predict the manufacturing events. Based on those, disruption problems of scheduling should be researched from a new point of view. In this paper, new job arrivals were considered as the disruption event. The time of the occurrence of disruption was predictable in contrast to uncertainty. Alternative subcontractors chosen from the cloud platform were available for outsourcing with different processing prices and transporting distances. The objective of the original scheduling, the deviation between the new schedule and the old one, and the outsourcing cost were all considered. To express the problem, mathematical models and a three-field notation model were constructed. To solve the problem, a hybrid quantum-inspired chaotic group leader optimization algorithm was proposed, in which a hybrid encoding way was applied. To verify the algorithm, experiments were carried out. The results showed that the proposed algorithm performs well.
Mining Spatial Association Rules to Automatic Grouping of Spatial Data Objects Using Multiple Kernel-Based Probabilistic Clustering

Abstract With the extensive application of spatial databases to various fields ranging from remote sensing to geographical information systems, computer cartography, environmental assessment, and planning, discovery of interesting and hidden knowledge in the spatial databases is a considerable chore for classifying and using the spatial data and knowledge bases. The literature presents different spatial data mining methods to mine knowledge from spatial databases. In this paper, spatial association rules are mined to automatic grouping of spatial data objects using a candidate generation process with three constraint measures, such as support, confidence, and lift. Then, the proposed multiple kernel-based probabilistic clustering is applied to the associate vector to further group the spatial data objects. Here, membership probability based on probabilistic distance is used with multiple kernels, where exponential and tangential kernel functions are utilized. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed with three data sets of three different geometry types using the number of rules and clustering accuracy. From the experimentation, the results proved that the proposed multi-kernel probabilistic clustering algorithm achieved better accuracy as compared with the existing probabilistic clustering.
Etanercept decreases synovial expression of tumour necrosis factor-α and lymphotoxin-α in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: Etanercept is an effective tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor drug with the unique ability to block not only TNF-α but also lymphotoxin (LT)-α, at least in vitro. We aimed to investigate the in vivo effect of etanercept on synovial expression of TNF-α and LT-α. Method: Synovial biopsies from 12 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients started on etanercept and 11 RA patients started on infliximab were obtained at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment initiation. Synovial expression of TNF-α and LT-α was evaluated by immunohistochemistry followed by computer-assisted image analysis. Differences between paired samples were analysed by the Wilcoxon test and between groups by the Mann–Whitney test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Six out of the 12 of the patients started on etanercept achieved an American College of Rheumatology (ACR)50 response. Macroscopic evaluation of the joints during arthroscopy revealed a significant decrease of local inflammation mainly in good ACR50 responders. Synovial expression of both LT-α and TNF-α decreased but the differences did not reach statistical significance at a group level. By contrast, a significant decrease in both LT-α and TNF-α was observed when only good ACR50 responders were analysed. Despite higher levels of baseline synovial TNF-α in the good responders, neither baseline LT-α nor TNF-α could predict clinical response after 8 weeks. A decreasing trend of the synovial levels of LT-α was also observed in good responders to infliximab, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Etanercept treatment modulates the synovial expression of both TNF-α and LT-α in vivo, a mechanism that might partly explain its clinical efficacy in RA.
Oeler′s type III dens invaginatus: A case report with 1-year follow-up

Dens invaginatus is a rare anomaly that occurs due to deepening of enamel organ into the root, either fully or partially during tooth development. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of Oehler′s type III dens invaginatus on a maxillary left lateral incisor with a large periapical lesion. Combined endodontic therapy and surgery showed good healing when the patient was evaluated clinically and radiographically after 1-year. This case report highlights the importance of proper debridement of the main canal of a case of dens invaginatus because of its complex anatomy.
The effect of different nutritional states on puberty onset and the expression of hypothalamic Kiss1/kisspepetin

Abstract The possibility of an alteration in the age at which pubertal onset occurs has shown that we still lack knowledge on the molecular and physiological mechanisms of normal female puberty. In this study, the adjustment effects of different suckling and prepuberty nutrition on puberty onset and the expression of hypothalamic Kiss1/kisspeptin and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were examined in 1-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomly assigned according to different suckling nutritional challenges (different milk intake before weaning) and prepuberty nutritional challenges (different food supply after weaning) into four groups: overnutrition group 1, overnutrition group 2 (O2), normal group (N, control group), and malnutrition group (M). In situ hybridization, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of hypothalamic Kiss1/kisspeptin and GnRH. In the O1 group, GnRH and Kiss1/kisspeptin levels in the hypothalamus peaked at an early age, while malnutrition resulted in a delay in the GnRH and Kiss1/kisspeptin peaks. This study indicated that nutrition greatly affected the sexual development of female rats and that the effects of suckling nutrition were much greater than those of prepuberty nutrition.
Secular trends in established and novel cardiovascular risk factors in Welsh 12-13 year olds: A comparison between 2002 and 2007

Background: This study examines CVD risk factors trends in Welsh adolescents between 2002 and 2007. Participants and methods: CVD risk factor data was examined from two cross-sectional studies. The first study (73 participants; aged 12.9 ± 0.3 years) was completed in 2002. The second study (90 participants; aged 12.9 ± 0.4 years) was conducted in 2007. Measurements included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, fibrinogen (Fg) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results: In boys, mean BMI and WC were lower in 2007, although not significantly (p ≥ 0.05). In 2007, there were improvements in mean lipid, Fg and hs-CRP concentrations in both sexes (p < 0.05). In 2002, 42.8% of boys and 34.2% of girls were overweight or obese; in 2007, this was 23.7% and 28.9% for boys and girls, respectively. More adolescents in 2002 exceeded the recommended levels for lipids, Fg and hs-CRP. Conclusion: This is the only study to examine CVD risk factor trends in Welsh adolescents. Although overweight continues to be widespread in 12-13 year olds, this study did not identify significant mean changes in overweight and obesity between 2002 and 2007. Overall, the data presented a positive trend in lipid profile and inflammatory factors.
INFLUENCE OF AGE ON ATELECTASIS FORMATION AND GAS EXCHANGE IMPAIRMENT DURING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

We have studied the effects of anaesthesia on atelectasis formation and gas exchange in 45 patients of both sexes, smokers and non-smokers, aged 23–69 yr. None of the patients showed clinical signs of pulmonary disease, and preoperative spirometry was normal. In the awake patient, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) decreased with increasing age (P
Alcohol, Smoking, Cofee, and Cirrhosis

Since most heavy drinkers do not develop alcoholic cirrhosis, other causes or predisposing factors are probable. The authors studied traits of 128,934 adults who underwent health examinations at the Oakland and San Francisco, California, facilities of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program from January 1978 to December 1985 in relation to subsequent hospitalization or death from cirrhosis of the liver. In analyses adjusted for nine covariates, past and current alcohol drinking were strongly related to cirrhosis risk, but usual choice of alcoholic beverage had no independent relation. Cigarette smoking was independently related to risk of alcoholic cirrhosis, with cigarette smokers of a pack or more per day at trebled risk compared with lifelong nonsmokers. Coffee drinking, but not tea drinking, was inversely related to alcoholic cirrhosis risk, with persons who drank four or more cups per day at one-fifth the risk of noncoffee drinkers. This inverse relation between coffee consumption and risk of alcoholic cirrhosis was consistent in many subsets, including persons free of gastrointestinal disease and those with 5 or more years before hospitalization or death. Cigarette smoking and coffee consumption were not consistently related to risk of hospitalization or death for nonalcoholic cirrhosis. These data could mean that cigarette smoking promotes alcoholic cirrhosis and that coffee drinking might be protective.
The impact of child-rearing status on perceptual and behavioural predictors of ambulatory blood pressure variation among working women

Background: Past studies have shown that diurnal blood pressure varies between working women with and without children. Understanding of how perceptual and behavioural factors affect this relationship is limited. Aim: The study aim was to evaluate whether perceptions and behaviours differentially influenced ambulatory blood pressure variation across changing daily environments between working women with and without children. Subjects and methods: Women (83 with children, 157 without) working as secretaries or technicians were studied. Anthropometric, demographic, questionnaire and ambulatory blood pressure data were collected. Principal component analysis was utilized to create perceptual and behavioural factors from questionnaire items. Sequential stepwise regression and MANCOVA analyses were used to model blood pressure variation. Results: Diurnal levels and variation in ambulatory blood pressures were similar between women with and without children. Those with children were older, shorter, heavier; more ethnically diverse, had a smaller social support network, perceived less stress and difficulty on the job and reported a better balance between work and home responsibilities then women without children (all significant at p < 0.05). Perceptual and behavioural predictors of work, home and sleep blood pressures differed between the groups. Conclusion: There are significant differences in biological and behavioural predictors of ambulatory blood pressure between women with and without children.
Medicare costs and health resource utilisation associated with atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Summary The study objective was to quantify health care utilisation and medical costs for Medicare beneficiaries with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients aged >65 years with an AF diagnosis were identified in the Medicare 5% sample Standard Analytic Files between July and December 1998 and followed for 1 year. Total and AF-related resource use and costs were measured from the Medicare payment perspective. Among 59,648 AF patients, over 50% had a hospital admission during follow-up, and 88% had a physician encounter with a principal AF diagnosis. AF patients incur significant AF-related medical costs, averaging approximately $670 per patient each year. Estimated direct treatment costs to the Medicare Program for AF (identified by claims with a principal AF diagnosis) were $797M, whilst overall 1-year costs for all AF patients totalled $14B. These findings have important policy implications for the cost-effectiveness of new treatments that eliminate or reduce the AF burden in Medicare patients.