Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes of Respiratory Chain Activity in Mitochondrial and Synaptosomal Fractions Isolated from the Gerbil Brain After Graded Ischaemia

Abstract: In this study we have examined (1) the integrated function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain by polarographic measurements and (2) the activities of the respiratory chain complexes I, II–III, and IV as well as the ATP synthase (complex V) in free mitochondria and synaptosomes isolated from gerbil brain, after a 30‐min period of graded cerebral ischaemia. These data have been correlated with cerebral blood flow (CBF) values as measured by the hydrogen clearance technique. Integrated functioning of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, using both NAD‐linked and FAD‐linked substrates, was initially affected at CBF values of ∼35 ml 100 g−1 min−1, and declined further as the CBF was reduced. The individual mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, however, showed differences in sensitivity to graded cerebral ischaemia. Complex I activities decreased sharply at blood flows below ∼30 ml 100 g−1 min−1 (mitochondria and synaptosomes) and complex II–III activities decreased at blood flows below 20 ml 100 g−1 min−1 (mitochondria) and 35–30 ml 100 g−1 min−1 (synaptosomes). Activities declined further as CBF was reduced below these levels. Complex V activity was significantly affected only when the blood flow was reduced below 15–10 ml 100 g−1 min−1 (mitochondria and synaptosomes). In contrast, complex IV activity was unaffected by graded cerebral ischaemia, even at very low CBF levels.
Stereoselective Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Proton Pump Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of gastric acid suppressing drugs, they work by irreversibly blocking the H+/K+ ATPase. The structure of PPIs is similar. They all have a similar core with a sulphur atom chiral center combined with different substituent groups. In relation to the sulphur atom chiral center, the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics are diverse between the racemates and their stereoisomers. But there are no reviews outlining the stereoselective pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in PPIs. This review aims to compare the differences between the stereoisomers of PPIs in their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics parameters. And exploring the development directions of PPIs at present. METHODS We undertook a search of PubMed databases for PPI research literature including reviews, clinical studies, letters and books, in recent 20 years. The citied papers were high quality, which were carefully screened by authors using standard tools. The data of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics parameters were selected from the retrieved papers, then making generalization and summary. RESULTS Ninety-three papers were included in the review, mainly from East Asia, America and Europe. All these papers involved the reviews of PPIs, the pharmacodynamics studies of PPIs and the pharmacokinetics studies of PPIs. Finally, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rebeprazole and pantoprazole with their enantiomers were discussed in this paper. CONCLUSION The findings of this review confirm the differences of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in the racemates and the stereoisomer of PPIs. Providing longer duration, faster time of onset and better nocturnal gastric acid secretion control are the development directions of new generation PPIs. But, due to debate on the necessity and superiority of these new drugs, more validation studies are needed.
Effectiveness of an Integrated Multidisciplinary Osteoarthritis Outpatient Program versus Outpatient Clinic as Usual: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability. Given the constraint in the provision of care, there is a need to develop and assess effectiveness of new treatment models. The objective was to compare satisfaction with and effectiveness of a new integrated multidisciplinary outpatient program with usual care in an outpatient clinic for patients with OA. Methods. Patients with clinical OA referred to a rheumatology outpatient clinic were randomized to a 3.5-h multidisciplinary group-based educational program followed by individual consultations, or to usual care. The primary outcome was satisfaction with the health service evaluated on a numerical rating scale (0 = extremely unsatisfied, 10 = extremely satisfied) after 4 months. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life measures. Results. Of 391 patients, 86.4% (n = 338) were women, and mean age was 61.2 (SD 8.0) years. At 4 months, patients who received integrated multidisciplinary care were significantly more satisfied with the health service compared with controls, with a mean difference of −1.05 (95% CI −1.68 to −0.43, p < 0.001). Among secondary outcomes, only self-efficacy with other symptoms scale (10–100) improved significantly in the multidisciplinary group compared with controls at 4 months (3.59, 95% CI 0.69–6.5, p = 0.02). At 12 months, the Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index pain (0–10) and fatigue scores (0–10) were slightly worse in the multidisciplinary group with differences of 0.38 (95% CI 0.06–0.71, p = 0.02) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.02–1.07, p = 0.04), respectively. Conclusion. Patients receiving an integrated multidisciplinary care model were more satisfied with healthcare than those receiving usual care, whereas there were no clinically relevant improvements in health outcomes.
Eating Behaviors Among Early Adolescent African American Girls and Their Mothers

African American (AA) girls aged 10–12 living in urban communities designated as food deserts have a significantly greater prevalence of overweight and obesity than girls that age in the general population. The purpose of our study was (a) to examine the agreement in nutritional intake between AA girls aged 10–12 and their mothers and (b) to determine if the girls’ weight categories were associated with their or their mothers demographic characteristics, eating behaviors, nutritional intake, and health problem. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in predominantly low-income AA communities in Chicago. Forty-three dyads of early adolescent AA girls and their mothers responded to food frequency and eating habits questionnaires. There was a strong and significant correlation between mother’s and daughter’s kilocalories consumed (r = .61). Our study suggests that interventions aimed at improving eating behaviors in early adolescent AA girls should include their mothers.
The impact of implementation of the Breastfeeding Friendly Primary Care Initiative on the prevalence rates of breastfeeding and causes of consultations at a basic healthcare center.

OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence rates of breastfeeding and the principal causes of consultations at the infant and neonatal clinic of a basic healthcare center in the city of Rio de Janeiro, before and after its being accredited by the Breastfeeding Friendly Primary Care Initiative. METHODS Information was analyzed from 121 and 200 children followed-up at the healthcare center before and after certification, respectively. Type of feeding was classified as exclusive breastfeeding, predominant breastfeeding or breastfeeding, and the 10th International Classification of Diseases was used to classify the complaints causing consultations. RESULTS A statistically significant increase was observed in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, both among those less than 4 months old (68 vs. 88%; p < 0.0001) and among children aged from 4 to 6 months (41 vs. 82%; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, an impressive increase was observed in the prevalence of breastfeeding in children more than 6 months old, especially those aged 9 to 12 months (24 vs. 82%; p < 0.0001). After certification, there was also a reduction in the number of consultations motivated by some type of disease among infants more than 4 months old. CONCLUSION Implementation of the Breastfeeding Friendly Primary Care Initiative proved to be an important strategy for increasing the rate of breastfeeding and reducing consultations due to disease among infants less than one year old cared for at this health center.
Establishment of lipiodol as a fertility treatment – Prospective study of the complete innovative treatment data set

Our randomised controlled trial (RCT) found that a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) with the oil‐soluble contrast medium (OSCM) lipiodol improves pregnancy rates amongst couples with unexplained and endometriosis‐related infertility. These results were supported by the findings of our observational study of the first 100 women to undergo the procedure after it was offered as an innovative treatment in New Zealand from September 2003.
Microdistribution of Sylvatic Triatomine Populations in Central-Coastal Ecuador

ABSTRACT Chagas disease is a serious public health problem in Ecuador, where nearly 230,000 individuals show Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Sylvatic T. cruzi transmission is a threat to current control strategies. This is because of the possibility of house reinfestation by sylvatic triatomines after insecticide treatment. This work quantified the spatial distribution of triatomines in sylvatic habitats and its relationship with nearby human dwellings. A simple random sampling design using live-baited traps and manual searches for triatomines was used in areas near human communities in Manabí province, Ecuador, during June and July 2007. We identified risk factors associated with triatomine density using generalized linear models, and developed predictive maps for triatomine density interpolation. There were 345 triatomines belonging to the species Rhodnius ecuadoriensis and Panstrongylus howardi collected in sylvatic areas. Spatial analyses revealed an aggregated distribution pattern of the sylvatic triatomine populations (clustered mostly at a distance smaller than 100 m). Generalized linear models showed that the distance from the nearest house, nest type, and height from ground level were the main factors explaining triatomine densities. Squirrel nests (Sciurus stramineus), located in plants other than palms, above 5 m and close to the domicile presented higher infestation. Interpolation maps of triatomine microdistribution are presented as potential tools to predict triatomine occurrence. The presence of sylvatic populations and the synanthropic tendency of the vectors highlight the need for continuous active and passive entomological surveillance for the long-term control of Chagas disease.
Self-Concealment Mediates the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help Among Adolescents

One of the biggest barriers in treating adolescents with mental health problems is their refusing to seek psychological help. This study was designed to examine the relationships between two forms of perfectionism, self-concealment and attitudes toward seeking psychological help and to test the mediating role of self-concealment in the relationship between perfectionism and attitudes toward seeking psychological help among Malaysian high school students. The participants were 475 Malaysian high school students from four high schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Structural equation modelling results indicated that high school students with high levels of socially prescribed perfectionism, high levels of self-concealment, and low levels of self-oriented perfectionism reported negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Bootstrapping analysis showed that self-concealment emerged as a significant, full mediator in the link between socially prescribed perfectionism and attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Moderated mediation analysis also examined whether the results generalized across men and women. The results revealed that male students with socially prescribed perfectionism are more likely to engage in self-concealment, which in turn, leads to negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help more than their female counterparts. The results suggested that students high in socially prescribed perfectionism were more likely to engage in self-concealment and be less inclined to seek psychological help.
Design and Implementation of an Advanced Visual Guided Mobile Robot: ShinPu #1

In this paper we present the development and the functionality of an advanced visual guided mobile robot, namely "ShinPu #1", and demonstrated its two kinds of tracking applications, namely point tracking and path tracking applications. For point tracking applications, ShinPu #1 contains a visual servo system based on the sliding mode control technique such that it can automatically detect the shape features of objects and track them in real time even subject to partial occlusion and uncertainty of object movements. For path tracking applications, ShinPu #1 contains an efficient lane-marker tracking system, incorporated the inverse perspective mapping, the randomized Hough transform method and the least-square line fitting technique, to measure relative locations of the lane-marker at a look-ahead distance. In addition, by utilizing the feedback linearization technique, ShinPu #1 is able to navigate along a lane-marker and maintain a safe lateral offset to the lane-marker
An approach for parallel job scheduling using nimble algorithm

High performance computing offers an excellent vehicle to accelerate computational needs of scientific and engineering applications. These High performance computing applications consists of several processes that communicate frequently. Because of their synchronization needs, these applications suffer from performance penalties if the processes of the applications are not all co scheduled together. Effective Scheduling Strategies to improve response time, throughput, utilization, mean response time, mean reaction time, mean slowdown are an important considerations in parallel systems. Traditionally used many space and time sharing strategies to accommodate multiple jobs at the same time in to a parallel system. However these approaches suffer from low system utilization and large job wait time. The paper concentrates on the detailed frequency granularity of the processes in the application and schedules accordingly. The paper discusses the various algorithms used for the grains sizes and results are compared with the traditional approaches like First Come First Served, Gang Scheduling, Flexible Co scheduling and the results are compared with the help of various performance metrics and analyzed in a detail manner.
Effect of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and tibial tuberosity advancement on contact mechanics and alignment of the stifle in flexion.

OBJECTIVE To assess contact mechanics and 3-dimensional (3-D) joint alignment in cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)-deficient stifles before and after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) with the stifle in 90 degrees of flexion. STUDY DESIGN In vitro biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION Cadaveric pelvic limb pairs (n=8) from dogs weighing 28-35 kg. METHODS Contralateral limbs were assigned to receive TPLO or TTA. Digital pressure sensors were used to measure femorotibial contact area, peak and mean contact pressure, and peak pressure location with the limb under a load of 30% body weight and stifle flexion angle of 90 degrees . 3-D poses were obtained using a Microscribe digitizer. Specimens were tested under normal, CCL deficient, and treatment conditions. RESULTS Significant disturbances in alignment were not observed after CCL transection, although medial contact area was 10% smaller than normal (P=.003). There were no significant differences in contact mechanics or alignment between normal and TTA conditions; TPLO induced 6 degrees varus angulation (P<.001), 26% decrease in lateral peak pressure (P=.027), and 18% increase in medial mean pressure (P=.008) when compared with normal. CONCLUSION Cranial tibial subluxation is nominal in CCL-deficient stifles loaded in flexion. Stifle alignment and contact mechanics are not altered by TTA, whereas TPLO causes mild varus and a subsequent increase in medial compartment loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cranial tibial subluxation of CCL-deficient stifles may not occur during postures that load the stifle in flexion. The significance of minor changes in loading patterns after TPLO is unknown.
Mineralization of paracetamol in aqueous solution with advanced oxidation processes

Paracetamol is a common analgesic drug widely used in all regions of the world more than hundred tonnes per year and it poses a great problem for the aquatic environment. Its phenolic intermediates are classified as persistent organic pollutants and toxic for the environment as well as human beings. In the present study, the irradiation of aqueous solutions of paracetamol with 60Co gamma-rays was examined on a laboratory scale and its degradation path was suggested with detected radiolysis products. The synergic effect of ozone on gamma-irradiation was investigated by preliminary ozonation before irradiation which reduced the irradiation dose from 5 to 3 kGy to completely remove paracetamol and its toxic intermediate hydroquinone from 6 to 4 kGy as well as increasing the radiation chemical yield (Gi values 1.36 and 1.66 in the absence and presence of ozone, respectively). The observed amount of formed hydroquinone was also decreased in the presence of ozone. There is a decrease in pH from 6.4 to 5.2 and dissolved oxygen consumed, which is up to 0.8 mg l−1, to form some peroxyl radicals used for oxidation. Analytical measurements were carried out with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and ion chromatography (IC) both qualitatively and quantitatively. Amounts of paracetamol and hydroquinone were measured with gas chromatography after trimethylsilane derivatization. Small aliphatic acids, such as acetic acid, formic acid and oxalic acid, were measured quantitatively with IC as well as inorganic ions (nitrite and nitrate) in which their yields increase with irradiation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
To close or not to close: contemporary indications for patent foramen ovale closure

ABSTRACT Introduction: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital cardiac abnormality and that has been associated with several disease processes including transient ischemic attacks (TIA), stroke, migraine headaches with aura, decompression sickness, platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, and shunt induced cyanosis. Controversy exists regarding closure of PFO as a therapeutic treatment modality for these disease processes. This review addresses the contemporary clinical indications for PFO closure. Areas covered: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of contemporary research studies focusing on randomized trials and meta-analyses comparing medical therapy and device closure of PFOs for the treatment of PFO associated clinical syndromes. We synthesized this literature into a review addressing indications for PFO closure in stroke, TIA, migraine headaches with aura, decompression sickness, platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, and shunt induced cyanosis. Expert commentary: Because in many PFO associated conditions it can be difficult to determine the degree to which the PFO is a causative factor in the disease process, we recommend a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to exclude other obvious etiologies of PFO associated conditions before implicating the PFO and proceeding with closure. However in the properly selected patient population there is growing clinical experience and experimental evidence suggesting that closure of PFO is a safe and effective treatment modality.
Closed-Form Expressions for the Design of Ladder-Type FBAR Filters

Filters based on film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) promise to improve the performance of actual filters, however, to the authors' knowledge, their systematic implementation is not straightforward. This letter presents a collection of closed-form expressions for the systematic design of ladder-type filters using FBARs. The procedure is validated against the work of other authors, finding a very good agreement between results
Mental Health of Newly Arrived Burmese Refugees in Australia: Contributions of Pre-Migration and Post-Migration Experience

Objective: This study documents the mental health status of people from Burmese refugee backgrounds recently arrived in Australia, then examines the contributions of gender, pre-migration and post-migration factors in predicting mental health. Method: Structured interviews, including a demographic questionnaire, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, the Post-migration Living Difficulties Checklist and Hopkins Symptom Checklist assessed pre-migration trauma, post-migration living difficulties, depression, anxiety, somatization and traumatization symptoms in a sample of 70 adults across five Burmese ethnic groups. Results: Substantial proportions of participants reported psychological distress in symptomatic ranges including: post-traumatic stress disorder (9%), anxiety (20%) and depression (36%), as well as significant symptoms of somatization (37%). Participants reported multiple and severe pre-migration traumas. Post-migration living difficulties of greatest concern included communication problems and worry about family not in Australia. Gender did not predict mental health. Level of exposure to traumatic events and post-migration living difficulties each made unique and relatively equal contributions to traumatization symptoms. Post-migration living difficulties made unique contributions to depression, anxiety and somatization symptoms. Conclusions: While exposure to traumatic events impacted on participants’ mental well-being, post-migration living difficulties had greater salience in predicting mental health outcomes of people from Burmese refugee backgrounds. Reported rates of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were consistent with a large review of adults across seven western countries. High levels of somatization point to a nuanced expression of distress. Findings have implications for service provision in terms of implementing appropriate interventions to effectively meet the needs of this newly arrived group in Australia.
Accelerating molecular dynamic simulation on graphics processing units

We describe a complete implementation of all‐atom protein molecular dynamics running entirely on a graphics processing unit (GPU), including all standard force field terms, integration, constraints, and implicit solvent. We discuss the design of our algorithms and important optimizations needed to fully take advantage of a GPU. We evaluate its performance, and show that it can be more than 700 times faster than a conventional implementation running on a single CPU core. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009