Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative investigation of indigo blue dye removal efficiency of activated carbon and natural clay in adsorption/ultrafiltration system

In the present study, indigo blue dye removal efficiency of activated carbon (AC) and natural clay (NC) was evaluated and compared, firstly in an adsorption unit, and then in an adsorption coupling ultrafiltration (A/UF) system. Effect of operating variables like pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dyes concentration during the adsorption was investigated and consequently optimised. The optimal conditions were employed for the adsorbents during the removal of the dye in the A/UF system. The optimal amount of NC and AC was 0.4 g/L and 0.3 g/L, respectively, and NC and AC displayed adsorption capacity of 57 mg/g and 53 mg/g, respectively, at this condition. Application of UF reveals a decrease of membrane fouling for both adsorbents in A/UF system. In addition, colour retention, when the adsorbents were used in A/UF, increased significantly from 90.5% to 99% as compared to using adsorption only. The efficiency of the membrane regeneration was estimated by the determination of the water permeability after rinsing. It is noteworthy to mention that a total regeneration of the membrane after the application of continous hybrid A/UF was achieved, however, the use of UF alone exhibited a fouling decrease by 40%.
Exploring how the role of the key worker can support families in the community who have experience of a loved one with a Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: The National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland (2011) Report recommend further development of a case management approach utilising a key worker role to identify intensive users of unplanned acute and secondary care services. In addressing this form of practice, this study examined how the role of the key worker could support primary carers for people with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) within the community after leaving hospital. Methods: The study employed an action research approach in which the researcher worked with six primary carers of people with TBI. Through a participatory approach, the role of the key worker was introduced and developed as a pilot project over six months. Findings: Identified roles of the key worker ranged from providing TBI education, case management services, development of a support network, professional guidance, empowering the primary carer within the case management process to offering emotional support. Conclusion: The research supports the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine National Clinical Guidelines (BSRM, 2003) model of TBI rehabilitation by suggesting the allocation of a key worker to form part of a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitative services within the community.
Radioimmunotherapy-based treatment of cancer

The principle of cancer immunotherapy includes various methods of manipulations to influence immune responses against tumors in both humans and animals. This advanced technology of hybridoma production provided the necessary skills to efficiently produce highly specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Radioactively-tagged antibodies which are applied in radioimmunotherapy (RIT), can target adjacent cells and may not require immune function. This study highlights the mechanism and the effect of action of radioimmunotherapic agents, especially two applied agents including 90 Yibritumomab tiuxetan and 131 I-tositumomab that are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of
4ACCEPTABILITY OF TELEHEALTH BY ELDERLY PATIENTS

Background: Telehealth is defined as the remote surveillance of patient's health to aid in timely intervention. Its efficacy in elderly patients is well documented; however age has been reported as a barrier for accepting the new technology.1 Innovation: Telehealth uses equipment to remotely monitor people's health in their own home, thus overcoming the challenge of distance and allowing timely care to be provided to patients while at home.A Primary Care Trust within South London has been providing telehealth services to elderly patients, with one or more long term condition including COPD and heart failure, for the past 14 months. Evaluation: A cross sectional survey of elderly patients to explore their perception, concerns and general satisfaction with telehealth service via a 4 point likert scale questionnaire was conducted. Out of 34 patients included, 27 participated (response rate 79%) with average age in years (±SD) 71.1(±10.4). Overall, patients were very satisfied (weighted average 3.5 out of 4) with telehealth services. Patients didn't find the use of necessary equipment to be difficult (1.7) or unreliable (2.1) and they had no concerns about confidentiality (2.0) or the absence of direct contact with GP/Nurse during a telehealth consultation (1.8). Finally, since being on telehealth, patients' confidence in managing their own health increased from somewhat confident (2.0) to confident (3.1). One patient, in particular, commented that “Telehealth is very easy to use …. it is very reassuring to know that your health and well-being is kept updated by your nurse & GP. ” Another added “I find it amazing that 3 little items can have such an impact on my health. ” Conclusions: Age doesn't seem to be a barrier for the adaption and use of Telehealth.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity evaluation of aminoguanidine or dihydrotriazine derivatives

In the alarming context of rising bacterial antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to discover new antibiotics or increase and/or enlarge the activity of those currently in use. In this article, aminoguanidine and dihydrotriazine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated in terms of their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Most of the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibitory activities against different bacteria and one fungus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1 to 64 μg/mL , which obviously better than the positives control drug. The compound 23a showed the best antibacterial activities, whose MIC value was 1 μg/mL against eight strains. The cytotoxic activity of the compound 4c, 8a and 23a were assessed in Human liver cancer cells. The preliminary docking results imply that compounds 21b and 23a possibly display their antibacterial activity through the interaction with DHFR protein by targeting residues of the active cavities of DHFR.
Is Mifepristone Needed for Second Trimester Termination of Pregnancy

Objectives: To assess the safety, efficacy and the induction-abortion interval of combination of mifepristone/misoprostol for termination of pregnancy in the second trimester between 13 to 20 weeks gestation. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data among 70 healthy pregnant women aged 16 to 40-years, requesting second trimester termination of pregnancy. The research was conducted from August 2004 to January 2006 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Each woman received a single oral dos e of mifepristone 200 mg on D 1 followed by 800 μg vaginal misoprostol, 36 to 48 hours later. Four to 6 hours after the last dose of misoprostol, 4 doses of 400 μg sublingual or vaginal misoprostol were given 3 hourly for a maximum of four doses. Statistical analysis was done using SAS software version 8.2. Results: Of the 70 women, 1 aborted before administration of misoprostol. The median induction-abortion interval (IAI) was 6.33 hrs. The average duration of hospital stay was 16 hrs; dose of misoprostol required was 800 μg in 45 (64.28%) and 1200 μg in 17 (24.28%) women. Complete abortion rate was 91.42% after 15 hrs of initial misoprostol instillation. Side effects were mild, and 5 (7.14%) women required analgesia. The IAI had no correlation with parity (p=0.33), increasing gestation (p=0.5), and increasing age (p=0.7). Of the patients 48.6% opted for tubal ligation postabortion. Discussion: The mifepristone/misoprostol regimen is a highly effective and safe regimen for second trimester nonsurgical termination of pregnancy; with a short induction abortion interval and hospital stay.
Coping with angina pectoris following diagnosis

COPING WITH ANGINA PECTORIS FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS The purpose of this study was to determine how angina pectoris patients experience and cope with their chronic illness following diagnosis. Qualitative methodology, using phenomenological theory, was used to guide the study. The study was conducted with a convenience sample of six male angina patients, ranging in age from 42 to 72 years, with recency of diagnosis from two to thirty-four months. None of these subjects were known to have had a myocardial infarction (MI). Using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, the investigator interviewed each subject at home, on two occassions. Data coding and analysis were approached using the constant comparative method developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967). The findings of the study revealed angina patients progressing through four phases of coping experience as they adjusted to their illness and its concomitant need for risk modification. These phases were identified as: (1) I n i t i a l Coping Response; (2) Managing Specific Adjustment Areas; (3) Secondary Coping Response; and (4) Awareness of Resulting Changes. The findings supported the use of a chronic illness framework adapted from Strauss et a l . (1984) for identifying some of the adjustment areas encountered and coping strategies u t i l i z e d by the angina patients investigated. Nurses and other health professionals are
Removable Partial Denture with Bar or Plate: How should We Decide?

Aim: Although there is evidence that covering teeth by parts ofa denture may damage teeth and the periodontium, the lingualplate is still common in clinical practice in many countries. Theaim of this study was to compare the lingual plate and lingualbar type major connectors in the lower jaw as reflected inthe literature.Materials and methods: A literature search was carried out inPubMed for articles focusing on the possible effects of lingualplate major connector on the oral environment. Case andtechnical reports were excluded.Results: The lingual plate which covers the soft tissues of theperiodontium and the hard tissues of teeth results in increasedplaque accumulation, development of caries and gingivitis, whichin turn results in periodontal breakdown. The lingual platefunctions as a barrier to saliva circulation, decreasing selfcleaningof teeth on the covered surfaces. Wearing a linguoplatedenture increases the likelihood of halitosis, corrosion andmetallic taste. Patients have to wear a large volume of metal,which may cause difficulties in speech and may impair touchand form perception. The lingual plate may not satisfy thepatient's esthetic expectations either. These issues areuncharacteristic for the use of lingual bar connector forremovable partial denture.Conclusion: A lingual bar should always be used in the lowerremovable partial denture, thus providing a hygienic denturedesign, comfort and esthetic appearance.
Role of Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Mastitis

Mastitis is a major disease that affects dairy cattle. Most clinical mastitis cases occur during the first month of lactation and originate in the dry period, and resulted in great economic losses. Involvement of free radicals in mastitis may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Increased oxidative stress in blood of mastitic animals may be attributed to increased free radicals release and/or decrease antioxidants balance. The current review discussed the involvement of free radicals in mastitis and the role played by different antioxidants to protect the milk and udder tissues from the harmful effect of free radicals.
Habitudes alimentaires et facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire. Etude épidémiologique au Sahel Tunisien.

OBJECTIFS : Il s'agit d'apprecier la ration calorique globale ainsi que les parts respectives des glucides, lipides et protides et d'etudier les relations entre les habitudes alimentaires et les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire. METHODES : Nous avons entrepris une etude epidemiologique descriptive aupres d'un echantillon representatif de la population adulte urbaine de la ville de Sousse (Tunisie) en 1996 (n=957) comprenant un questionnaire standardise et un examen clinique comportant la mesure de la pression arterielle, du poids et de la taille. Un rappel alimentaire des 24 heures ainsi qu'un questionnaire de frequence alimentaire ont ete adresses par une dieteticienne a l'ensemble de la population a etudiee. RESULTATS: Nous avons estime les prevalences de l'hypertension arterielle a 18,8%, du diabete a 10,2%, de l'obesite a 27,7%, de l'obesite androide a 36% et du tabagisme a 21,4%. La ration calorique totale a ete estimee a 2483 cal, avec 67% de glucides, 18% de lipides et de 15% de protides, sans differences entre hommes et femmes ni entre la presence ou l'absence de facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire . CONCLUSION : La population urbaine de la ville de Sousse est tres exposee aux facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire confirmant ainsi le phenomene de transition epidemiologique. La ration calorique est riche et reste a base essentiellement de glucides. L'education nutritionnelle doit etre encouragee sur le plan individuel et le regime mediterraneen a l'echelle de la population.
Effect of Alcohol on Blood Glucose Levels in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, affecting 7.8% of adults 20 years of age or older. The aim of present study was to measurement of blood glucose levels in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Forty healthy male Wistar rats (about 220±10 g body weight) were purchased from Animal House, Islamic Azad University. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo, USA) into the tail vein at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Blood glucose was measured and after that alcohol at the dose of 3 ml/kg was gavaged once a day for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, blood glucose level of rats was measured. Results showed that mild consumption of alcohol yields to decrease the blood glucose level significantly.
Respiratory Care of the Patient with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Background Purpose Methods Formation of Consensus Committee Methodologies for Synthesizing Expert Consensus Evaluation and Anticipatory Guidance of the Patient with DMD Routine Evaluation of Respiratory Function End of Life Directives Nutrition Sleep Evaluation Cardiac Involvement Management Airway Clearance Respiratory Muscle Training Noninvasive Nocturnal Ventilation Daytime Noninvasive Ventilation Continuous Invasive Ventilation Scoliosis in DMD Corticosteroids in Management of DMD Patient Education Long-term Care Issues End of Life Care
Patynite, NaKCa4[Si9O23], a New Mineral from the Patynskiy Massif, Southern Siberia, Russia

The new mineral patynite was discovered at the massif of Patyn Mt. (Patynskiy massif), Tashtagolskiy District, Kemerovo (Kemerovskaya) Oblast’, Southern Siberia, Russia. Patynite forms lamellae up to 1 0.5 cm and is closely intergrown with charoite, tokkoite, diopside, and graphite. Other associated minerals include monticellite, wollastonite, pectolite, calcite, and orthoclase. Patynite is colorless in individual lamellae to white and white-brownish in aggregates. It has vitreous to silky luster, white streaks, brittle tenacity, and stepped fractures. Its density measured by flotation in Clerici solution is 2.70(2) g/cm3; density calculated from the empirical formula is 2.793 g/cm3. The Mohs’ hardness is 6. Optically, patynite is biaxial (–) with α = 1.568(2), β = 1.580(2), and γ = 1.582(2) (589 nm). The 2V (measured) = 40(10) and 2V (calculated) = 44.1. The Raman and IR spectra shows the absence in the mineral of H2O, OH–, and CO32– groups and B–O bonds. The chemical composition is (electron microprobe, wt.%): Na2O 3.68, K2O 5.62, CaO 26.82, SiO2 64.27, total 100.39. The empirical formula based on 23 O apfu is Na1.00K1. 00Ca4.02Si8. 99O23. Patynite is triclinic, space group P–1. The unit-cell parameters are: a = 7.27430(10), b = 10.5516(2), c = 13.9851(3) Å, α = 104.203(2)°, β = 104.302(2)°, γ = 92.0280(10)°, V = 1003.07(3) Å3, Z = 2. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R1 = 0.032. Patynite is an inosilicate with a new type of sextuple branched tubular chain [(Si9O23)10–] with an internal channel and [(Si18O46)20–] as the repeat unit. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [dobs, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 3.454 (100) (2-1-1), 3.262 (66) (2-1-2), 3.103 (64) (02-4), 2.801 (21), 1.820 (28) (40-2). Type material is deposited in the collections of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia with the registration number 5369/1.
Assessment of the selected physiological effects of Nordic Walking performed as a part of a physical exercise program during the second phase of rehabilitation after a myocardial

Background: Walks and marches are a simple yet effective forms of physical activity, commonly used in the cardiac rehabilitation. It has been recommended recently to combine march training with exercises involving upper limbs. One of the most popular methods is Nordic Walking, during which special poles are used to increase the work of upper part of the body. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of Nordic Walking on the improvement in exercise tolerance and physical performance in patients rehabilitated after a myocardial infarction. Methods: The study population consisted of 30 patients hospitalized in a cardiac rehabilitation ward 14 to 28 days after myocardial infarction. On admission and after completing the rehabilitation program patients performed an exercise test following the modified Bruce protocol, a six-minute walk test and a test assessing physical performance (Fullerton test). 10 subjects were assigned to a control group, which followed a standard training program, and 20 patients to a group which additionally performed a march training using the Nordic Walking method 5 times a week. Each session of the march training lasted 40 minutes and consisted of a 3-kilometer walk interrupted by breaks during which respiratory and stretching exercises were performed. During the march and exercises patients used special poles for Nordic Walking. Results: Exercise tolerance improved in both study groups. However, the increase in the exercise tolerance was greater in the group performing Nordic Walking than in the control group (30% vs. 14%, respectively; P < 0.05). The rate-pressure product during the exercise test increased significantly only in the group performing Nordic Walking (from 18.2 x 10 3 ± 3.3 x 10 3 to 20.7 x 10 3 ± 4.4 x 10 3 ; P < 0.05). The improvement in the results of the six-minute walk test was greater in the group performing Nordic Walking (22% in comparison with 17% in the control group; P < 0.05). The results of the test assessing physical performance (Fullerton test) improved in both study groups. Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study indicate that march training using the Nordic Walking method effectively increases exercise tolerance and physical fitness in patients after myocardial infarction. If these findings are confirmed by the results of larger studies, Nordic Walking could be widely used in the early phases of cardiac rehabilitation. The influence of Nordic Walking on the cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life parameters should be investigated.
NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF NEUROSTEROIDS AGAINST HYPOXIC-NEUROTOXICITY IN NAIVE AND BENZODIAZEPINE INVERSE AGONIST FG 7142-TREATED MICE

Objective: The present study investigates the effects of various neorosteroids on hypoxic stress-induced neurotoxicity in naive and FG 7142-treated mice. Methods: The extent of neurotoxicity after the slow induction of hypoxic stress was estimated by measuring the latency for the onset of tremors and convulsions followed by death. Results: Treatment with FG 7142 (5-20 mg/kg, i.p.), a benzodiazepine (BZD) inverse agonist, augmented the hypoxic neurotoxicity. Pretreatment with neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) offered a significant protection in both naive and FG 7142- treated mice. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) had no protective effect. In contrast, pregnenolone sulphate (PS) at high doses significantly protected naive but not FG 7142-treated mice, while low doses are ineffective. Progesterone (PROG), aneurosteroid precursor, and 4' chlordiazepam (4'-CD), a mitochondrial diazepam binding inhibitor receptor (MDR) agonist, produced a dose-dependent protection of both naive and FG 7142-treated mice. The neuro-protective effects of AP, PROG and 4'-CD against hypoxic neurotoxicity were blocked by picrotoxin, a GABA-A chloride channel antagonist, but not by flumazenil, a selective BZD antagonist. However, picrotoxin failed to reverse the PS-induced hypoxic neuroprotection. The 4'-CD elicited protection was, however, reversed by PK11195, a partial MDR antagonist. In addition, triazolam, a short acting BZD, nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, and dizocilpine, a non-competitive NMDA receptor blocker, also dose-dependently protected the mice from hypoxic neurotoxicity. Combined exposure of nifedipine and PS resulted in a significant additive effect in protecting the hypoxic neurotoxicity. Similarly, combined administration of nifedipine with PROG, 4'-CD or dizocilpine markedly augmented the protective effect of nifedipine. Further, the dizocilpine induced neuroprotection was blocked by DHEAS. Conclusion: These results show that neurosteroids AP, PS and PROG, and MDR ligand 4'-CD possess neuroprotective activity in hypoxic stress models. Further, the present study suggests a role for GABA-A and mitochondrial DBI receptors in the neurosteroidal alleviation of hypoxic neurotoxicity, and thus may have therapeutic implications in cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Role of Cellular Proliferation and Apoptosis in Acute Lung Injury: An Experimental Study

Introduction: Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is a widespread damage to cells and structures of the alveolar capillary membrane that occurs within hours to days of a predisposing insult. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of apoptosis in the initial injury and repair of lung epithelial and endothelial cells and other key cells involved in ALI is lacking. Further information is required regarding cytokine-signaling pathways, patterns of gene and protein expression. The present study attempts to correlate various parameters of lung damage and expression of certain proteins that regulate the cell cycle in an experimental model of ALI. Material and methods: ΑLI was induced in five groups of mice via inhalation of paraquat. The animals of each group were sacrificed on days 1,2,3,4 and 6, respectively and their lungs were examined for the following parametres: focal thickening of alveolar membranes, capillary congestion, pulmonary oedema, intra-alveolar haemorrhage, interstitial neutrophil infiltration and intra-alveolar neutrophil infiltration scored from 0 to 3 according to the severity of the pathological changes. Specimens were also examined with immunoassay for the quantitative expression (percentile) of Ki-67, TUNEL staining (Todd-mediated dUTP nick end- labeling), p21, p16, p27, Cyclin B, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E. A control group of animals that were not exposed to paraquat was also studied. Results: All variables were significantly altered in all the study groups as compared with the control group suggesting the deleterious effect of the paraquat inhalation. Focal thickening of alveolar membranes and intraalveolar haemorrhage were the more significant pathological changes. Multiple comparisons showed significantly higher mean differences in TUNEL staining and in the expression of ki-67, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) particularly after 2-3 days from the paraquat inhalation. Conclusion: These findings implicate that lung tissue damage is characterized by enhanced cellular proliferation and apoptosis both being regulated by complex interactions of cyclins and CDKIs.