Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Free Radicals and the Systemic Inflammatory Response

The generation of oxygen free radicals is known to be involved in the development of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In addition to their actions as noxious mediators generated by inflammatory cells, these molecules play also a crucial role contributing to the onset and progression of inflammation in distant organs. In the early stages of the process, free radicals exert their actions via activation of nuclear factors, as NFκB or AP‐1, that induce the synthesis of cytokines. In later stages, endothelial cells are activated due to the synergy between free radicals and cytokines, promoting the synthesis of inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules. Finally, free radicals exert their toxic effects at the site of inflammation by reacting with different cell components, inducing loss of function and cell death. This review focuses on progress in the understanding the different actions of free radicals at the sequential stages of the development of the systemic inflammatory response. IUBMB Life, 56: 185‐191, 2004
The role of electrolytes in affective disorders. Sodium, potassium, and lithium ions.

THE demonstration by Hodgkin and Katz1that the process of polarization and depolarization of the cell membrane depends upon the gradients of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) across the cell membrane has become a cornerstone to our understanding of the propagation of action potentials. The possibility that abnormalities in Na or K metabolism might account for altered neuronal excitability and might be manifest clinically as disturbed behavior has intrigued clinicians and investigators. In early studies, reviewed by Altschule,2concentrations of electrolytes in body fluids of patients with affective disorders usually were found to be normal. Changes in electrolyte balance during the course of a psychiatric illness have also been studied; cyclic mood disorders, such as manic-depressive disease, are especially suitable for this research approach. A number of early reports indicated that Na retention occurred during depression and that Na
Gap junction uncoupler heptanol prevents cell-to-cell progression of hypercontracture and limits necrosis during myocardial reperfusion.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that chemical interaction through gap junctions may result in cell-to-cell progression of hypercontracture and that this phenomenon contributes to the final extent of reperfused infarcts. METHODS AND RESULTS Cell-to-cell transmission of hypercontracture was studied in pairs of freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. Hypercontracture induced by microinjection of a solution containing 1 mmol/L Ca2+ and 2% lucifer yellow (LY) was transmitted to the adjacent cell (11 of 11 pairs), and the gap junction uncoupler heptanol (2 mmol/L) prevented transmission in 6 of 8 pairs (P=.003), with a perfect association between passage of the LY and transmission of hypercontracture. In the isolated, perfused rat heart submitted to 30 minutes of hypoxia, addition of heptanol to the perfusion media during the first 15 minutes of reoxygenation had a dose-related protective effect against the oxygen paradox, as demonstrated by a reduction of diastolic pressure and marked recovery of developed pressure (P<.001), as well as less lactate dehydrogenase release during reoxygenation (P<.001) and less contraction band necrosis (P<.001) than controls. In the in situ pig heart submitted to 48 minutes of coronary occlusion, the intracoronary infusion of heptanol during the first 15 minutes of reperfusion at a final concentration of 1 mmol/L limited myocardial shrinkage, reflecting hypercontracture (P<.05), reduced infarct size after 5 hours of reperfusion by 54% (P=.04), and modified infarct geometry with a characteristic fragmentation of the area of necrosis. Heptanol at 1 mmol/L had no significant effect on contractility of nonischemic myocardium. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that hypercontracture may be transmitted to adjacent myocytes through gap junctions and that heptanol may interfere with this transmission and reduce the final extent of myocardial necrosis during reoxygenation or reperfusion. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis tested and open a new approach to limitation of infarct size by pharmacological control of gap junction conductance.
The Asian Tsunami: A Protective Role for Coastal Vegetation

The 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami had major effects on coastal communities and ecosystems. An assessment of coastlines after the tsunami indicates that coastal vegetation such as mangroves and beach forests helped to provide protection and reduce effects on adjacent communities. In recent years, mangroves and other coastal vegetation have been cleared or degraded along many coastlines, increasing their vulnerability to storm and tsunami damage. Establishing or strengthening greenbelts of mangroves and other coastal forests may play a key role in reducing the effect of future extreme events.
Barriers, Facilitators, and Solutions to Optimal Patient Portal and Personal Health Record Use: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Patient portal and personal health record adoption and usage rates have been suboptimal. A systematic review of the literature was performed to capture all published studies that specifically addressed barriers, facilitators, and solutions to optimal patient portal and personal health record enrollment and use. Consistent themes emerged from the review. Patient attitudes were critical as either barrier or facilitator. Institutional buy-in, information technology support, and aggressive tailored marketing were important facilitators. Interface redesign was a popular solution. Quantitative studies identified many barriers to optimal patient portal and personal health record enrollment and use, and qualitative and mixed methods research revealed thoughtful explanations for why they existed. Our study demonstrated the value of qualitative and mixed research methodologies in understanding the adoption of consumer health technologies. Results from the systematic review should be used to guide the design and implementation of future patient portals and personal health records, and ultimately, close the digital divide.
What can go wrong? Developing and sustaining an entrepreneurial and entrepreneurship eco-system within an educational institution

Current financial crisis and its global consequences have increased the need to position social questions at the heart of the economy. It has been acknowledged that Institutions of higher education plays an important role to serve as well springs of innovation and creativity among potential graduates. Therefore, Institute of higher education needs to develop an effective and measurable mechanism to assess the extent to which the environment at an institution fosters innovation. This paper outlines important entrepreneurship and innovation theories such as entrepreneurial education and measurement and in attempt to identify critical factors within an Institute of higher education in Malaysia to develop a balance eco-system between cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and culture as driver in new knowledge creation and innovation and at the same time being able to proof concept their ideas into a commercial products and services. The proposed conceptual framework also attempt to empirically test and identify what are the critical factors both successful and unsuccessful in managing a university-linked business ideation and innovation center, namely, Business Ideation and Innovation Center, which is located at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Research methodology to empirically validate the model is proposed to be aligned with the research significant
Social and demographic determinants for breastfeeding in a rural, suburban and city area of South East China

Abstract Breastfeeding is a traditional practice in China, yet few studies have explored its current trend after socioeconomic reform. This study aims to characterize breastfeeding rates and possible associations with sociodemographic factors using a breastfeeding questionnaire administered to 1,385 mothers of 6-year-old children. Rates were lowest among city residents and negatively associated with parental and grandmother education levels as well as mothers’ professional occupational status. These findings highlight the impact of urbanization on maternal and child health and the effect of marketing tactics for breast milk substitutes (BMS). Public health education promoting breastfeeding should target urban families, particularly those educated.
Association between Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing/W Lineage Strain Infection and Extrathoracic Tuberculosis: Insights from Epidemiologic and Clinical Characterization of the Three Principal Genetic Groups of M. tuberculosis Clinical Isolates

ABSTRACT Clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be divided into three principal genetic groups based on the single-nucleotide polymorphisms at the katG gene codon 463 and the gyrA gene codon 95. One subgroup of genetic group 1, the Beijing/W lineage, has been widely studied because of its worldwide distribution and association with outbreaks. In order to increase our understanding of the clinical and epidemiological relevance of the genetic grouping of M. tuberculosis clinical strains and the Beijing/W lineage, we investigated the genetic grouping of 679 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, representing 96.3% of culture-confirmed tuberculosis cases diagnosed in Arkansas between January 1996 and December 2000 using PCR and DNA sequencing. We assessed the associations of infections by different genetic groups of M. tuberculosis strains and infection by the Beijing/W lineage strains with the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 679 study isolates, 676 fell into one of the three principal genetic groups, with 63 (9.3%) in group 1, 438 (64.8%) in group 2, and 175 (25.9%) in group 3. After adjusting for potential confounding of age, gender, race/ethnicity, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus, and plcD genotype in a multivariate logistic regression model, patients infected by the Beijing/W lineage isolates were nearly three times as likely as patients infected with the non-Beijing/W lineage isolates to have an extrathoracic involvement (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.85 [1.33, 6.12]). Thus, the Beijing/W lineage strains may have some special biological features that facilitate the development of extrathoracic tuberculosis.
Calcium, vitamin D and weight loss

In a study published recently in the British Journal of Nutrition, Major et al. (1) reported findings from a doubleblind placebo-controlled randomised trial of Ca and vitamin D (1200 mg Ca and 10mg vitamin D per d) on the ability of obese women to lose weight. The study was restricted to obese women with habitual Ca intake ,800 mg/d. The key-reported observation relates to a small subset of the women with unusually low habitual Ca intake (,600 mg/d). In this subgroup (n 7), the authors report a modest enhancement of weight loss with supplement v. placebo. These findings cannot be fully interpreted because the nature of the placebo is not stated. At this dose, the supplement or placebo would have a mass of at least 3000 mg if supplied as calcium carbonate. The composition of the placebo would seem to be important given the modest treatment effect. It is possible that the placebo could contain some active ingredient. It is also possible that the placebo ingredient could cause less indigestion than is generally caused by calcium carbonate. It seems to be an important oversight to not provide details of the placebo used and it would be helpful if the authors were to disclose this valuable piece of information. We wrote to the authors to ask them to supply further information about the composition of the placebo. The authors replied that: ‘We know what is the composition of the placebo but this information is confidential. ’ Furthermore, the sensitivity of the subset analysis to the exact choice of cut-off in terms of habitual Ca intake is uncertain. This cannot be assessed from the work as published. It would be helpful if the authors provided some information, such as a scatter-plot showing the relationship between weight loss and habitual intake in each study arm, so that this could be assessed. We have no conflicts of interest.
Modeling and analysis of fractional slot axial flux permanent-magnet machine considering overhang effect

this paper presents the study of a novel axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine, which consist of the segmented stator and fractioned slot windings, with one rotor and double stator. In addition, the overhang effect of permanent magnet of the motor has been analyzed quantitatively. The overhang is used to enhance the force density in permanent magnet machine. According to the variation of overhang length, the flux density distribution and torque are quantitatively compared. For these analysis, analytical method and two dimensional finite element method were utilized to analysis the multi-slice model. Three dimensional finite element method (3D FEM) has been used to study the overhang effect.
Clinical Pathways as Instruments for Risk and Cost Management in Hospitals - A Discussion Paper

Introduction: The distinctive characteristics of the German health system are medical progress and financial pressure—and this is especially true of the hospitals. These challenges must be met by strategic management instruments for quality assurance, and by reducing costs. Purpose: This article presents the instrument “clinical pathway” (also known as “clinical treatment pathway”) and describes the possibilities it offers, both for quality assurance and risk management, and for cost reduction. The clinical pathway presented here will be that for “multimodal pain therapy”, as used in the context of acute inpatient care in Germany. Methods: A general presentation of the risks in hospital is followed by consideration of the risks associated with core processes. A comprehensive total cost analysis is performed for those patients who meet the pathway entry criteria and who fulfil the requirements for the structure of care provided within multimodal pain therapy. Discussion and Conclusion: Multimodal pain therapy places high demands on the structural, procedural and outcome quality of the medical, nursing and therapeutic services provided, and these demands are reflected in high costs for the provision of this care. The treatment process involves many different professional groups. These complex interfaces can potentially generate risks, which can lead to the possibility of legal liability. A clinical pathway must structure the core process and then combine elements of quality assurance in order to optimise patient care and minimise risk. The examination of costs reveals significant potential savings (patients with clinical pathway: EUR 3086±212; patients without clinical pathway: EUR 3774±460; Mann-Whitney U test; p<0.001). For the managers of a hospital, the clinical pathway represents a strategic management instrument that can serve for continual cost control and cost reduction, and can contribute in the form of quality assurance towards a transparent provision of services.
Altered expression of myosin heavy chain in human skeletal muscle in chronic heart failure.

To explore further alterations in skeletal muscle in chronic heart failure (CHF), we examined myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms from biopsies of the vastus lateralis in nine male patients with class II-III (CHF) (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 26 +/- 11%, peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) 12.6 +/- 2 mL.kg-1.min-1) and nine age-matched sedentary normal males (NL). The relative content of MHC isoforms I, IIa, and IIx was determined by gel electrophoresis as follows: The normal sedentary group (NL) had a higher percent of MHC type I when compared with the patients (NL 48.4 +/- 7% vs CHF patients 24 +/- 21.6%, P < 0.05, no difference between MCH IIa (NL 45.1 +/- 10.5% vs CHF 56.0 +/- 12.5%), and CHF patients had a higher relative content of MHC type IIx than did the normal group (NL 6.5 +/- 9.6% vs CHF 20.0 +/- 12.9%, P < 0.05. Three of nine patients had no detectable MHC type I. In patients relative expression of MHC type I (%) was related to peak VO2 (r = 0.70, P < 0.05). Our results indicate that major alterations in MHC isoform expression are present in skeletal muscle in CHF. These alterations parallel previously reported changes in fiber typing that may affect contractile function i skeletal muscle and possibly exercise performance. The absence of MHC type I in some CHF patients suggests that skeletal muscle changes in this disorder are not solely a result of deconditioning, buy may reflect a specific skeletal muscle myopathy in this disorder.
Parque Nacional Guanacaste: Restauración ecológica y cultural en el trópico

Servicio de Parques Nacionales (Costa Rica) Fundacion de Parques Nacionales (Costa Rica) Fundacion Neotropica (Costa Rica) Universidad Estatal a Distancia (Costa Rica) Programa Internacional para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza: Costa Rica (Estados Unidos de America) Fundacion Tinker (Estados Unidos de ArrAmericaerica)
Assessing the Distribution of Household Financial Contribution to Health System: A Case Study of Iran.

BACKGROUND Throughout the world, financing the healthcare system through households' financial contribution is a challenging issue in evaluating performance of healthcare systems. The purpose of this paper is illustrating the consequences of Iranian household to health system financial contribution in terms of burden and incomes approaches. METHOD The Data derived from an annual survey by Statistics Center of Iran (SCI) on expenditure-income of 36,551 households in 2012 was used to analyze countrywide distribution indicators of households' medical expenses by measuring indices of Income and burden approaches based on World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank recommended methodologies. RESULTS The fairness in financial contribution index was 0.85 and 0.82, and the income redistributive effect index was 0.54 and 0.3 in urban and rural areas, respectively. The fairness in financial contribution index was found 0.84 and 0.83 and the income redistributive effect index was 0.48 and 0.25 for households with and without medical insurance, respectively.The percentages of household with catastrophic health payments were 2.4% and 4% and the change in the number of household falling below the poverty line due to health system payments was 0.4% and 2% in urban and rural areas, respectively. The percentages of household with catastrophic health payments were 2.8% and 3% and the change in the number of household falling below the poverty line due to health system payments was 0.008 and 0.011 for households with and without medical insurance, respectively. CONCLUSION Distribution indicators of medical expenses were more favorable in urban areas compared to rural areas and Medical insurance has declined impoverishment risks and number of people suffered due to catastrophic health expenditure. In addition, the result showed that there are different approaches for analyzing the distribution of out of pocket payments which used to complement each other in respect of formulation and development policy making in health system.
Protective Role of Cupressuflavone from Cupressus macrocarpa against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepato- and Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Abstract The hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of cupressuflavone isolated from Cupressus macrocarpa was investigated against CCl4-induced toxicity in mice. Cupressuflavone was administered (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg/day) for five days. CCl4 was administered (0.5 mL/kg intraperitoneally) at the end of the experiment. A substantial increase (p < 0.001) in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid, urea, and malondialdehyde was observed in the CCl4-treated group compared to the normal control group. In contrast, a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in glutathione and superoxide dismutase contents as well as the total protein level was evident in the CCl4-intoxicated mice. Cupressuflavone pretreatment markedly inhibited the CCl4-induced increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid, urea, and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001 at all the tested doses). In addition, a significant (p < 0.001) and dose-dependent decrease in the total bilirubin levels was evident by cupressuflavone pretreatment (80 and 160 mg/kg/day) when compared to the CCl4-intoxicated group. Furthermore, cupressuflavone administration significantly increased the activity of antioxidant parameters glutathione and superoxide dismutase as well as the serum protein levels (p < 0.001 at all the tested doses) in a dose-dependent manner. Histological observations confirmed the strong hepato- and nephroprotective activity. These findings suggest that cupressuflavone could exert a beneficial effect against oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant defense status, reducing lipid peroxidation, and protecting against the pathological changes induced by CCl4 in the liver and kidney tissues. The structure of cupressuflavone was identified by NMR, UV, and HRESI-MS/MS spectral data.
Characteristics and predictors of acute kidney injury among patients attending ICU : a prospective study

Background: The incidence and characteristics of AKI in ICU vary widely in previous investigations. In this context, we performed a prospective study to evaluate AKI among ICU patients. Methodology: We prospectively studied patients admitted to ICU over a period of six months. Demographics, clinico-laboratory data were extracted by using standardized case report form. AKI was stratified by using AKIN classification. Results: The incidence of AKI was 51.8%; with AKIN-I in 18.4% AKIN-II in 33.8% AKIN-III in 47.7% patients. The higher incidence of AKI was observed among patients with sepsis (75.3%) and cardiovascular causes (75.7%) of ICU admission. Patient with AKI had significantly longer hospital stay and mortality (P=0.001). Similarly, patients with old age (OR: 2.1), multiple organ failures (OR: 3.3), high APACHE II (OR: 4.7) and high SOFA (OR: 5.4) scores were more likely to develop AKI. Whereas, in addition to risk factors of AKI, non-renal MOF (HR: 1.645), need of dialysis (HR: 1.924), vasopressors (HR: 2.124), mechanical ventilation (HR: 1.762) and presence of AKI (HR: 4.562) was found to be significant predictors of mortality. Approximately, more than 50% surviving patients with AKI had mild to moderate renal insufficiencies on their discharge from ICU. Discussion: We found AKI in more than 50% of patients attending ICU. Patients with AKI had longer ICU stay and higher mortality. We identified eight and ten risk factors of AKI and ICU-mortality, respectively. Assessment of patients for these risk factors with vigorous therapeutic support could be beneficial to reduced AKI associated morbidity and mortality.