Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Staphyloccocus aureus isolates from patients undergoing tonsillectomy in Malaysian University Hospital

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic tonsillitis (CT) and recurrent tonsillitis (RT) are common problems seen in any otolaryngology clinic. Antibiotic therapy usually fails to prevent the recurrences of these infections leaving the patient with no choice but surgery (tonsillectomy). This study aims to identify the bacteriology of both tonsillar swabs and biopsies specimens among children and adult patients diagnosed with CT and RT (infected tonsils). In addition to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) (non-infected tonsils) all undergoing elective tonsillectomy and to characterize the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the most common isolate. A total number of 138 surgically removed palatine tonsils were collected from 72 patients. Six types of antibiotics were selected to test the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolates which are methicillin, gentamicin, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, clindamycin and fusidic acid. The most common isolate was S. aureus (190 isolatre) followed by Haemophilus influenza (83), Streptococcus Group B (61), Haemophilus parainfluenza (33), Klebsiella pneumoniae (32), Streptococcus Group G (29), Streptococcus Group F (14), Streptococcus Group C (12), Pseudomonas aeruginosae (10) and Streptococcus Group A (9) and Streptococcus Group A (9). The number of S. aurues isolates in infected tonsils (RT and CT) was 145 (76.3%) while in noninfected tonsils (OSA and TH) was 45 (23.6%). Three susceptibility patterns were found among S. aureus isolates in all cases, (89.4%) susceptible to all the selected antibiotics, (10.6%) resistant to fusidic acid only, whereas 0.5% resistant to both methicillin and fusidic acid. There was a 30.5% difference in the type of bacterial isolates between tonsillar swab and biopsies. The high prevalence of S. aureus in patients with both infected and non-infected tonsils suggests that this bacterium might not be the aetiological agent of chronic and recurrent tonsillitis. In addition, the high susceptibility rate of methicilin among S. aurues isolates could be due to the fact that S. aurues represents part of the oropharynx normal flora. The increased rate of resistance 10.6% to fusidic acid among methicillinsusceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates makes this antibiotic a less potential drug of choice for patients with chronic and recurrent tonsillitis.
Correlation between rest-activity rhythm and survival in cancer patients experiencing pain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of rest-activity rhythm on the survival of cancer patients. This study collected data related to cancer patients experiencing pain who had been hospitalized for treatment between August 2006 and October 2007. Data included the Karnofsky Performance Status Index as a representation of functional condition as well as the Brief Pain Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Actigraphic methods were used to record the dichotomy index (I < O) of patients' rest-activity rhythms over periods of three consecutive days. Patients were closely followed until 31 July 2013. Results were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, log-rank testing and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate whether alterations in the rest-activity rhythm affected the survival rate of the patients. Of the 68 hospitalized cancer patients experiencing pain at the time of admission, 51 subsequently died within the study period. A significant difference was observed in the survival curves between the regular I < O group and the disrupted I < O group (log rank = 7.942, p = 0.005). A multivariable proportional hazard model was used for analysis of overall survival, revealing that the risk of death within the study period among patients with disrupted I < O was 4.59 times higher than that of patients with regular I < O (95% CI: 1.92–10.96, p = 0.001). Among patients with poor performance status, the risk of death among patients with disrupted I < O was 8.68 times higher than that of patients with regular I < O (95% CI: 2.50–30.09, p = 0.001). Disruptions in rest-activity rhythm were negatively correlated with the survival of hospitalized cancer patients experiencing pain. Effects were particularly pronounced in cancer patients with poor performance status.
Response surface modeling and optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of three flavonoids from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)

Background: Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp., Polygonaceae) is a widely planted food crop. Flavonoids, including quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol, are the main bioactive components in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn). From the nutriological and pharmacological perspectives, flavonoids have great value in controlling blood glucose and blood pressure levels, and they also have antioxidant properties. Objective: To optimize the conditions for extraction of quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol from F. tataricum. Materials and Methods: A combination of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and response surface methodology (RSM) was used for flavonoid extraction and yield assessment. The RSM was based on a three-level, three-variable Box-Behnken design. Results: Flavonoids were optimally extracted from F. tataricum by using 72% methanol, at 60°C, for 21 minutes. Under these conditions, the obtained extraction yield of the total flavonoids was 3.94%. Conclusion: The results indicated that the UAE method was effective for extraction of flavonoids from tartary buckwheat.
Antidepressant-like activity of Chaihu-Shugan-San aqueous extract in rats and its possible mechanism

Background: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is commonly used for the treatment of depression in China. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its antidepressant action is unknown. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CHSGS and further explore the possible molecular mechanism implicated in its actions. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into four groups: The normal control group, the model control group, the CHSGS group and the fluoxetine control group. The antidepressant-like effects of CHSGS aqueous extract were assessed in rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) using the open-field test and sucrose water consumption test, its underlying mechanism of anti-depression was explored by determining the effect of CHSGS on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phospho-ERK (P-ERK) in the hippocampus using western blot. The aqueous extract of CHSGS at a dose of standard (5.9 g/kg·d) was administered intragastrically for 14 days during the CMS model while the fluoxetine control group was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride (1.8 mg/kg·d). Results: The stressed rats demonstrated decreased locomotor activity in open field test and reduction in sucrose consumption and decreased levels of P-ERK1/2 and the ratio of P-ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 in the hippocampus. CHSGS alleviated the depressive-like behaviors and increased levels of P-ERK1/2 and the ratio of P-ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 in stressed rats as well as fluoxetine. Conclusion: In summary, these results suggest that CHSGS aqueous extract possesses an antidepressant-like activity in CMS induced depression model rats, which might be mediated, at least in part, by reversing the stress-induced disruption of ERK activity.
The gynaecological examination—women's experiences and preferences and the role of the gynaecologist

Women's experiences and preferences concerning pelvic examinations were investigated in a pilot study, which is the first part of a research project dealing with women's and gynaecologists' attitudes to the gynaecological examination. A representative sample of women applying for gynaecological advice were investigated (n = 366). The women filled in an inquiry form before the consultation and in the waiting room of the out patients clinic at the Women's Clinic, University Hospital, Linkoping. For 54% of the women the sex of the doctor made no difference, while 42% preferred a female and 4% a male gynaecologist. Almost half of the women described the examination as a ‘negative' experience (by marking in the two ‘negative' fifths of a visual analogue scale). 44% described feelings of degradation (by marking as defined above). Women wished to be met on equal levels, as human beings and with warmth and respect. Further research is essential in order to analyse why such wishes are not fulfilled as a matter of .
Observations on lumpy skin disease in local Egyptian cows with emphasis on its impact on ovarian function

The present study monitored reproductive and health aspects of local cows in Egypt following natural infection with Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The study was carried out on 640 mature Egyptian native cows reared at Lower Egypt. Cows were clinically examined and genital organs were scanned by ultrasonography and ovarian function was recorded. Blood samples were collected for virus isolation and propagation on calf Kidney cells, electron microscopy (EM) and for PCR assay. Moreover, progesterone level (ELISA), protein electrophoretic pattern (Polyaccrylamide Gel Electrophoresis), immunoglobulin concentrations (Radial Immune Diffusion) and some trace element values (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) were determined in the serum. Results indicated that LSDV had typical cytopathic effect and plaque. EM showed that size of LSDV size ranges from 300 – 350 nm with crescent or ovoid shape. PCR assay indicated the presence of a band at 192 bp which belonged to viral attachment protein encoding gene. Epidemiological studies revealed that 25.47% of the examined cows were positive for LSDV with obvious year, age and seasonal variations. LSDV infected cows showed fever, become completely of food with skin nodules. Serum progesterone level was low (P < 0.01) during both follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle and 92.64% of infected cows had inactive ovaries. Infected cows showed obvious (P < 0.01) low albumin and high g globulin values as well as low concentrations of copper and iron (P < 0.01) in their serum as compared to non infected cow-mates. It was concluded that PCR is a useful method for rapid diagnosis of LSDV. Cows infected with LSDV mostly suffering from cessation of ovarian activity mainly due to poor body condition. Key words: LSDV, Cow, Ovary, PCR, infection, immunoglobulin.
Impact of biomedical imaging and data visualization technology on the clinical development and regulatory review process

The determination of whether a drug or medical device is safe and effective requires statistical proof of valid clinical trial information. Quantitative biostatistical measures from anatomic and functional medical images are now providing objective and reproducible measures of drug and device effects. These highly precise biostatistical measures can be used to quantitatively analyze the efficacy and occasionally the safety of these drugs and devices. Since medical imaging information is digital, or is readily digitized, it can be visualized and measured in a variety of ways to evaluate the validity of the data. Moreover, with advanced image processing and data visualization tools, this information can be electronically organized and submitted directly to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed. Biomedical imaging and computer-based data visualization technologies have the ability to substantially decrease the time required for clinical development and regulatory review while providing more valid data.
Circannual variation of efficacy outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer and treated with first-line chemotherapy

Seasonal variation of baseline diagnosis (or clinical suspect) of stage I–III colorectal cancer patients has been repeatedly reported as an independent variable influencing overall survival. However, data are conflicting and no information is available about such a rhythm in advanced stage patients. To test whether a circannual rhythm of efficacy outcomes can be detected in this setting, we collected data about response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) to first-line chemotherapy of 1610 newly diagnosed metastatic patients treated at four independent centers. Responses to first-line chemotherapy were available for 1495 patients. A strong circannual rhythm in RR was evident, with the higher proportion of responding patients in the subgroup diagnosed in January (acrophase). At the time of data cutoff, 1322 patients progressed and 986 died, with median PFS and OS of 11 and 25.6 months, respectively. A circannual rhythmicity of the proportion of patients progressing at 6 months and surviving at 1 year was demonstrated, with acrophases located both in winter (February and January, respectively), similar to what reported for RR. Several interpretations about the genesis of this cyclic variation could be claimed: the rhythm in sunlight exposure and, as a consequence, of vitamin D serum levels and folate degradation, the variability in toxic effect intensity of chemotherapy, and the rhythm in the biological behavior of tumor cells. This observation is worth of further investigation both in preclinical and in clinical settings in order to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Time of day affects heart rate recovery and variability after maximal exercise in pre-hypertensive men

Heart rate (HR) recovery (HRR) and variability (HRV) after exercise are non-invasive tools used to assess cardiac autonomic regulation and cardiovascular prognosis. Autonomic recovery is slower after evening than morning exercise in healthy individuals, but this influence is unknown in subjects with autonomic dysfunction, although it may affect prognostic evaluation. This study compared post-exercise HRR and HRV after maximal morning and evening exercise in pre-hypertensive men. Ten volunteers randomly underwent two maximal exercise tests conducted in the morning (8–10 a.m.) and evening (6–8 p.m.). HRR60s (HR reduction at 60 s of recovery – prognostic index), T30 (short-term time-constant of HRR – parasympathetic reactivation marker), rMSSD30s (square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent R–R intervals on subsequent 30 s segments – parasympathetic reactivation marker), and HRRτ (time constant of the first order exponential fitting of HRR – marker of sympathetic withdraw and parasympathetic reactivation) were measured. Paired t-test and two-way ANOVA were used. HRR60s and HRRτ were similar after exercise in the morning and evening (27 ± 7 vs. 29 ± 7 bpm, p = 0.111, and 79 ± 14 vs. 96 ± 29 s, p = 0.119, respectively). T30 was significantly greater after evening exercise (405 ± 215 vs. 295 ± 119 s, p = 0.002) and rMSSD30s was lower in the evening (main factor session, p = 0.009). In conclusion, in pre-hypertensive men, the prognostic index of HRR, HRR60s, is not affected by the time of day when exercise is conducted. However, post-exercise parasympathetic reactivation, evaluated by T30 and rMSSD30s, is blunted after evening exercise.
The molecular basis of the antidiabetic action of quercetin in cultured skeletal muscle cells and hepatocytes

Background: Quercetin is universally distributed in the plant kingdom and is the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet. In a previous study, we have reported that quercetin stimulated glucose uptake in cultured C2C12 skeletal muscle through an insulin-independent mechanism involving adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a key regulator of the whole body-energy homeostasis. In skeletal muscle, activation of AMPK increases glucose uptake through the stimulation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. In liver, AMPK decreases glucose production mainly through the downregulation of the key gluconeogenesis enzymes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCK) and Glucose -6-phosphate (G6Pase). Objective: To study the effect of quercetin on glucose homeostasis in muscle and liver. Materials and Methods: L6 skeletal muscle cells, murine H4IIE and human HepG2 hepatocytes were treated with quercetin (50 μM) for 18 h. Results: An 18 h treatment with quercetin (50 μM) stimulated AMPK and increased GLUT4 translocation and protein content in cultured rat L6 skeletal muscle cells. On the other hand, we report that quercetin induced hepatic AMPK activation and inhibited G6pase in H4IIE hepatocytes. Finally, we have observed that quercetin exhibited a mild tendency to increase the activity of glycogen synthase (GS), the rate-limiting enzyme of glycogen synthesis, in HepG2 hepatocytes. Conclusions: Overall, these data demonstrate that quercetin positively influences glucose metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle, and therefore appear to be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of in type 2 diabetes.
A novel high-performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of guggulsterones, piperine and gallic acid in Triphala guggulu

“Triphalaguggulu” is an important Ayurvedic formulation comprising of Guggulu, that is, Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari as a base wherein powdered fruits of triphala, that is, Phyllanthus emblica L. , Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb and Terminalia chebula Retz, along with powdered fruit of Piper longum L. are compounded. This polyherbal preparation has been strongly recommended in chronic inflammation, piles, and fistula. However, due to the complexity of compound formulation standardization of commercial products is challenging. In the present communication marker-based standardization of “Triphalaguggulu” preparation using gallic acid (for triphala), piperine (for P. longum L.) and guggulsterones (for guggulu) is reported. These compounds of diverse chemistry were successfully separated on a Waters HR-C18 column by isocratic elution with methanol and water (80:20 v/v) as mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min coupled with photodiode array detector. These optimal chromatographic conditions were used for simultaneous quantification of gallic acid, guggulsterones (E and Z) and piperine in commercial samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry and method was validated as per ICH guidelines.
Nutritional Assessment and Management in Long-term Care Insurance's Home Visit Care Service

The purpose of the study was to examine nutritional management and nutritional care demands of home-visit care service and the nutritional status of serviced elderly. The survey was carried out from 5 to 21 of January, 2011 among 37 InHome Service institutions. The number of elderly surveyed by 143 care helpers was 281. Analysis was performed for 203 subjects (male: 44, female: 159). The age distribution was from 50 to 99 years. The grading by long-term care insuranceshowed 18,2% on level 1 and 2, and 81.8% on level 3. For the disease treatment, the proportion of implementing diet treatment turned out to be very low. The proportion of subjects living with their children was 45.3%, and living alone was 29.1%. The proportion of home-visit care among types of In-Home Service was 70%. Subjects who needed additional necessary diet management service turned out to be 40.9%. Diet management was the most necessary services from all levels. MNA (specifiy MNA) scores were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with BMI, mid-arm circumference (MAC), calf circumference (CC), intake problems, and weight loss during the last 3 months. For studied elderly, 45.3% were malnourished, and 46.8% were at the risk of malnutrition by MNA score. Based on the result of this survey, the nutritional care was not systematic on the In-Home Service. Prevention and management of the disease was much better than the treatment to improve the quality of life. We conclude that nutrition management is necessary for the elderly. To improve nutritional status of elderly in home care services, systematic nutrition management should be implemented. (Korean J Community Nutr 18(2) : 142~153, 2013)
Prebiotic Inulin Alters the Colonic Mass, pH, Microflora and Short Chain Fatty Acids in 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Dihydrochloride Induced Early Colon Carcinogenesis in Male Laca Mice

Prebiotics have been found to have prophylactic potentials against colon cancer. Thus, the present study was designed to delineate the prophylactic role of prebiotics in experimental colon carcinogenesis. It was found that inulin+DMH-treated mice had significantly increased (p<0.05) body mass till 5th week and thereafter, decreased while in lactulose+DMH-treated mice the body mass increased significantly (p<0.05) from 5th week till end of experiment compared with DMH-only treated mice. Further, it was observed that mice belonging to inulin+DMH and lactulose+DMH-treated groups had significantly (p<0.05) higher lactobacilli counts compared with DMH-only-treated mice. It was also observed that inulin+DMH-treated mice had significantly (p<0.05) decreased colonic pH compared with lactulose +DMH treated mice while no significant difference was found in the colonic mass. Short chain fatty acid mainly butyric acid increased significantly (p<0.05) in inulin+DMH and lactulose+DMH-treated mice compared with DMH-only-treated mice. Thus, it can be concluded that probiotic inulin had better anticarcinogenic property than lactulose in reducing the DMH induced colonic alterations.
Identification of four Sedum plant medicines by fourier transform infrared spectra

Background: Sedum sarmentosum bunge (SSB). , S. lineare Thunb. (SLT), S. erythrostictum migo. (SEM), and S. aizoon L. (SAL) were four widely used Chinese traditional drugs or ethnic drugs, which were easy to be confused with each other. Objective: This study aimed at developing a rapid and accurate method to identify the four Sedum plant medicines with very similar appearances and close relationships. Materials and Methods: The herbal medicines employed here were SSB, SLT, SEM, and SAL collected in different places and seasons. Through comparing the infrared (IR) spectra of their 70% ethanol extracts, the results showed that the IR spectra of the four plant medicines possessed not only some common characteristics but also certain notable distinctions, such as shapes, numbers, positions, intensity, and ratios of the absorbing peaks. Results: By fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, the four medicines could be effectively differed, their habitats could be judged preliminarily, and the genetic relationships of the original plants of the four medicines could also be estimated to some extent. Conclusion: The application of FT-IR spectroscopy in crude medicine authentication and quality evaluation deserved to be further emphasized.