Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shifts in purchasing patterns of non‐alcoholic, water‐based beverages in Australia, 1997–2006

Aim: To describe trends in purchasing patterns of non-alcoholic, water-based beverages (WBBs) in Australia, 1997–2006. Methods: Trends in volume sales of WBBs were determined from data supplied by the Australian beverage industry, not including fruit juice or milk-based drinks. Change was calculated as per cent difference between 1997 and 2006, volume share by proportion of total sales in the category and per capita consumption by dividing total volume sales by population estimate for that year. Sugar supply from WBBs was calculated by multiplying sales by sugar content. Demographic trends from AC Nielsen surveys were shown as per cent households purchasing beverages and as volume share by age and sex. Results: Total volume sales of WBBs increased by 13% from 1997 to 2006, largely accounted for by increases in sales of plain still water and non-sugar carbonated soft drink (CSD). Sales in the CSD category saw a shift away from sugar-sweetened to non-sugar. There was a concomitant increase in sales of sugar-sweetened sports and energy drinks, and iced tea. Younger people and high-income households were the major purchasers of CSDs, and for sports and energy drinks, it was young males. Conclusion: The increased sales of beverages by 2006 appear to reflect a greater trend towards purchasing fluids, particularly increases in bottled water and non-sugar CSDs. Sugar supply from beverages has declined, mostly because of decreasing sales of sugar-sweetened CSDs since 2002. Industry-generated data proved useful in forming a picture of apparent non-alcoholic, WBB consumption patterns in Australia.
A review of permissible limits of drinking water

Water is one of the prime necessities of life. We can hardly live for a few days without water. In a man's body, 70-80% is water. Cell, blood, and bones contain 90%, 75%, and 22% water, respectively. The general survey reveals that the total surface area of earth is 51 crore km2 out of which 36.1 crore km2 is covered sea. In addition to this, we get water from rivers, lakes, tanks, and now on hills. In spite of such abundance, there is a shortage of soft water in the world. Physicochemical parameter of any water body plays a very important role in maintaining the fragile ecosystem that maintains various life forms. Present research paper deals with various water quality parameter, chlorides, dissolved oxygen, total iron, nitrate, water temperature, pH, total phosphorous, fecal coli form bacteria, and adverse effect of these parameters on human being.
Nondrug noninvasive treatment in the management of patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease affecting one-third of elderly people. The disease impacts upon activities of daily living (e.g. walking, stair-climbing, and housekeeping), ultimately leading to a loss of functional independence and quality of life. PURPOSE The main purpose of this study was to assess the results of nondrug noninvasive treatment in the management of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted in the department of Orthopaedics in M. M. Medical College, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India from June 2005 to June 2010. Two hundred fifty-one out patients of patellofemoral arthritis with a mean age of 45 years were studied. They were managed with noninvasive treatment and were followed for 24 months. RESULTS At 30 to 40 years of age it was good to excellent, respectively. More than 40 years it was good. The patients global evaluation of condition were found very good up to the age of 30 years at 2 years of follow up, good to very good between 30 to 40 years, respectively, and over the age of 40 years it was good. CONCLUSION Nondrug noninvasive interventions can reduce pain and improve function in patellofemoral osteoarthritis.
Average Volume of Alcohol Consumption, Patterns of Drinking and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease - A Review

The effect of average volume of alcohol on coronary heart disease (CHD) is J-shaped in established market economies. Light to moderate drinkers have less risk than abstainers, with heavy drinkers displaying the highest level of risk. This relationship between average volume of alcohol consumption and CHD is modified by different patterns of drinking. Heavy drinking occasions as well as drinking outside meals are related to increased CHD risk, independently of volume of drinking. Beverage type does not seem to have much impact, even though there are some indications that wine is more protective than other forms of alcohol. Physiological mechanisms have been identified to explain this complex relationship between alcohol and CHD. Since patterns of drinking are important in determining CHD risk, they should be included in future epidemiologic studies, together with biomarkers further to test hypotheses about pathways.
Neutrophil-rich Gastric Carcinomas: Light and Electron Microscopic Study of 9 Cases with Particular Reference to Neutrophil Apoptosis

Abstract The authors report 9 cases of gastric carcinomas characterized by a prominent neutrophilic infiltration of the stroma. These tumors (8 of intestinal type, 1 of diffuse type) showed a pushing growth pattern. Metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes was seen in 5 cases. The metastatic foci were associated with heavy neutrophilia as well. There was no histologic evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection, whereas various degrees of multifocal intestinal metaplasia were present in the background mucosa. Based on histologic and histochemical results, there were no apparent causes due to other infectious agents responsible for the neutrophil-rich gastric carcinomas. Some of intraepithelial and stromal neutrophils exhibited apoptotic changes, such as chromatin condensation and cell shrinkage, and were TUNEL-positive. Electron microscopy disclosed apoptotic neutrophils in cytoplasmic vacuoles of tumor cells, a finding suggestive of neutrophil–tumor cell phagocytosis (cannibalism). Different stages of neutrophil apoptosis were also shown by electron microscopy and the ultrastructural findings were compared to those described in experimental models, both in vivo and in vitro.
Microstructure of the Superficial Epithelial Cells of the Human Oral Mucosa

Abstract Background: The apical cell membrane of the oral mucosa adjacent to the saliva interface is thrown into membrane folds, termed microplicae (MPL) with variation in morphology. The present study classifies morphological changes undergone by MPL into qualitative and quantitative categories. Material and Methods: Oral mucosal specimens were obtained from 32 healthy patients. Half of each specimen was prepared routinely for light microscopy, and the other part for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Different measurements of cell structure were presented: the density of MPL, the width and height of MPL, the width of furrows between two adjacent MPL and the distance of the centre of MPL. Morphometric measurements were obtained using a semiautomatic ImageJ analysis software (W Rasband, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). Results: Parallel and branching MPL was common observation in the area of lining mucosa and in the tongue between the filiform papillae. The density of MPL was higher in the cells of the buccal mucosa than in the cells of the tongue, 43.69 + 11.43% and 31.68 + 10.32%, respectively. The difference was significant (p < 0.001). The width of MPL was 0.16 µm in cells of the buccal mucosa and 0.12 µm in cells of the tongue. Conclusions: Our findings support the idea that MPL structure is a determining factor for the functionality of the oral epithelium since the values of the MPL were kept relatively stable. The role of MPL structure of the oral mucosal cells is discussed.
Serum nitric oxide and homocysteine as biomarkers of ectopic pregnancy

Background: Aim of current study was to evaluate the role of serum homocysteine and nitric oxide in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: The study included 32 patients with ruptured ectopic, 29 miscarriage patients and 30 normal pregnant women as controls. Fasting plasma homocysteine, serum folate, vitamin B12 levels and nitric oxide levels were estimated at the time of admission. Results: Plasma homocysteine levels were significantly lower in patients with ectopic pregnancy than normal pregnancy. Nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in patients with abortion. Conclusions: Patients with abortion have decreased circulating nitric oxide levels in serum while those with ectopic pregnancies have decreased homocysteine levels.
Adipositas und das Risiko für venöse Thrombosen und Embolien

Zusammenfassung Ein intravaskulärer venöser Thrombus ohne Gefäßverletzung ist als Blutgerinnung an falscher Stelle und zum falschen Zeitpunkt zu betrachten und tritt als Folge eines Ungleichgewichts zwischen Koagulation und Fibrinolyse auf. Durch Verschleppung eines Thrombus über das rechte Herz in die Lungenstrombahn entsteht eine Lungenarterienembolie. Viele Faktoren erhöhen das Risiko dafür, so Immobilisierung, Verletzung, Operation, aber auch Alter, Rauchen, manche Medikamente und Adipositas. Zwar bringen diese Faktoren einzeln jeweils nur eine geringe Risikosteigerung um das 1,5–2,0-Fache mit sich, das gleichzeitige Vorliegen mehrerer Risikofaktoren wird aber zum Problem. Bariatrische Patienten stellen daher eine besonders gefährdete Gruppe für ein thromboembolisches Ereignis dar. Bei Adipositas tragen erhöhter intraabdomineller Druck, gesteigerte Aktivierbarkeit der Thrombozyten, gesteigerte Synthese mancher Gerinnungsfaktoren und endogener Inhibitoren der Fibrinolyse sowie die größere Dichte von Fibringerinnseln zum erhöhten Risiko bei. Gewichtsreduktion beeinflusst vieles davon, aber belastbare Daten für eine Reduktion des Thromboserisikos durch Gewichtsreduktion liegen derzeit nicht vor.
Information Sharing During Diagnostic Assessments: What Is Relevant for Parents?

ABSTRACT This descriptive qualitative study facilitates the application of family-centered care within a tertiary care interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessment clinic by furthering an understanding of parent perceptions of the relevance of diagnostic information provision. An interdisciplinary assessment team completed an open-ended questionnaire to describe parent information provision. Parents from 9 families completed in-depth parent interviews following clinic attendance to discuss perceptions of information received. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded by related themes. Parents did not perceive the information in the way professionals expected. Parents acknowledged receipt of comprehensive information relevant to the diagnosis but indicated that not all their needs were met. During the interviews, parents described the assessment process, preassessment information, and “steps in their journey. ” They noted that a strength-based approach and a focus on parental competency would support their coping efforts. Results underscore the need for professionals to be attentive to parents’ individualized needs.
Physical Therapy Intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

ABSTRACT This article presents the elements of the Intervention section of the Infant Care Path for Physical Therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The types of physical therapy interventions presented in this path are evidence-based and the suggested timing of these interventions is primarily based on practice knowledge from expert therapists, with supporting evidence cited. Physical therapy intervention in the NICU is infant-driven and focuses on providing family-centered care. In this context, interventions to facilitate a calm behavioral state and motor organization in the infant, address positioning and handling of the infant, and provide movement therapy are presented.
The timing of surgery in lumbar disc prolapse: A systematic review

Herniation of nucleus pulposus leading to leg pain is the commonest indication for lumbar spine surgery. However, there is no consensus when to stop conservative treatment and when to consider for surgery. A systematic review of literature was done to find a consensus on the issue of when should surgery be performed for herniation of nucleus pulposus in lumbar spine was conducted. Electronic database searches of Medline, Embase and Pubmed Central were performed to find articles relating to optimum time to operate in patients with herniation of nucleus pulposus in lumbar spine, published between January 1975 and 10 December 2012. The studies were independently screened by two reviewers. Disagreements between reviewers were settled at a consensus meeting. A scoring system based on research design, number of patients at final followup, percentage of patients at final followup, duration of followup, journal impact factor and annual citation index was devised to give weightage to Categorize (A, B or C) each of the articles. Twenty one studies fulfilled the criteria. Six studies were of retrospective design, 13 studies were of Prospective design and two studies were randomized controlled trials. The studies were categorized as: Two articles in category A (highest level of evidence), 12 articles in category B (moderate level of evidence) while seven articles in Category C (poor level of evidence). Category A studies conclude that duration of sciatica prior to surgery made no difference to the outcome of surgery in patients with herniation of nucleus pulposus in the lumbar spine. Ten out of 12 studies in Category B revealed that longer duration of sciatica before surgery leads to poor results while 2 studies conclude that duration of sciatica makes no difference to outcome. In category C, five studies conclude that longer duration of sciatica before surgery leads to poor outcome while two studies find no difference in outcome with regards to duration of sciatica. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed which favoured the consensus that longer duration of sciatica leads to poorer outcome. A systematic and critical review of literature revealed that long duration of preoperative leg pain lead to poor outcome for herniation of nucleus pulposus. Only a broad time frame (2–12 months) could be derived from the review of literature due to lack of high quality studies and variable and contrasting results of the existing studies. While surgery performed within six months was most commonly found to lead to good outcome of surgery, further studies are needed to prove this more conclusively. At this stage it is felt that time alone should not be the basis of recommending surgery and multiple other variables should be considered in a shared decision making process between the surgeon and the patient.
Home-based DIR/Floortime™ Intervention Program for Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACT Improving parent–child interaction and play are important outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Play is the primary occupation of children. In this pilot study conducted in Taiwan, we investigated the effects of the developmental, individual difference, and relationship-based (DIR)/Floortime™ home-based intervention program on social interaction and adaptive functioning of children with ASD. The participants were 11 children with ASD, ages from 45–69 months, and their mothers. Mothers were instructed the principles of the approach by an occupational therapist. All 11 children and their mothers completed the 10-week home-based intervention program, undergoing an average of 109.7 hr of intervention. Children made significant changes in mean scores for emotional functioning, communication, and daily living skills. Moreover, the mothers perceived positive changes in their parent-child interactions. The findings of this pilot study contribute to knowledge regarding the effects of home-based DIR/Floortime™ intervention program on increasing the social interaction and adaptive behaviors of children with ASD in Taiwan.
Establishing Australian Norms for the Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function in Typically Developing Children Aged Five to 10 Years: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Aims: The aim of this study was to present preliminary normative data for the Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function test (JTTHF) in Australian children. Normative data provide reference values for comparison of upper limb capacity when evaluating and planning treatment. Methods: The JTTHF administration procedures and materials were standardized. One hundred and two typically developing children aged 5 to 10 years in Brisbane, Australia, were then assessed using the JTTHF. Results: Five-year-old children were significantly different to all other groups (one year age bands), and 6-year-old children were significantly different from 9-year-old children in the dominant hand. Regression modeling showed improvements of 0.9 and 0.89 s in JTTHF total time for the dominant and nondominant hands, respectively, for every 12 months of maturation in 6- to 10-year-old children. Conclusions: This paper presents preliminary JTTHF norms for Australian typically developing children 5 years, 6 to 7 years, 8 to 9 years, and 10 years of age.
Preparation and characteristics of oridonin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers as a controlled-release delivery system

In order to improve drug entrapment efficiency and loading capacity, nanostructured lipid carriers consisting of solid lipid and liquid lipid as a new type of colloidal drug delivery system were prepared. The dispersions of oridonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers were successfully prepared by the emulsion-evaporation and low temperature-solidification technique using monostearin as the solid lipid, caprylic/capric triglycerides as the liquid lipid and oridonin as the model drug. Their physicochemical properties of oridonin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers and release behaviours were investigated and compared with those of solid lipid nanoparticles. As a result, the mean particle size was ∼200 nm with narrow polydispersity index lower than 0.4 for all developed formulations. Zeta potential values were in the range −35 mV ∼ −50 mV, providing good physical stability of all formulations. The differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis results demonstrated lipid nanoparticles exhibited crystal order disturbance and thus left more space to accommodate drug molecules. The improved drug entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were observed for nanostructured lipid carriers and they enhanced with increasing the caprylic/capric triglycerides content. In vitro drug release experiments exhibited biphasic drug release patterns with burst release initially and prolonged release afterwards. These results indicated that nanostructured lipid carriers could potentially be exploited as a delivery system with improved drug entrapment efficiency and controlled drug release.
Antisickling properties of the fermented mixture of Carica papaya Linn and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The antisickling properties of fermented mixture of dried unripe fruit pulp of Carica papaya and dried Sorghum bicolor leaves, mixed in equal proportions in distilled water, was carried out using sodium metabisulphite sickled red blood cells and the result presented. Equal weight of dried C. papaya fruit pulp and S. bicolor leaves were fermented together in distilled water at room temperature and the aqueous extract obtained and used for antisickling assays. The extract gotten from the materials incubated for 5 days indicated as SP5, was found to have the highest antisickling properties with 93% inhibitory and 84% reversal activities. The concentration of the day 5 extract was further varied. 0.2 ml was found to be the optimum volume of the test extracts.
Gastroretentive microparticles for drug delivery applications

Many strategies have been proposed to explore the possibility of exploiting gastroretention for drug delivery. Such systems would be useful for local delivery, for drugs that are poorly soluble at higher pH or primarily absorbed from the proximal small intestine. Generally, the requirements of such strategies are that the vehicle maintains controlled drug release and exhibits prolonged residence time in the stomach. Despite widespread reporting of technologies, many have an inherent drawback of variability in transit times. Microparticulate systems, capable of distributing widely through the gastrointestinal tract, can potentially minimise this variation. While being retained in the stomach, the drug content is released slowly at a desired rate, resulting in reduced fluctuations in drug levels. This review summarises the promising role of microencapsulation in this field, exploring both floating and mucoadhesive microparticles and their application in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, highlighting the clinical potential of eradication of this widespread infection.
A Longitudinal Evaluation of Medication Use Among the Old-Old Population in Israel

This study examined patterns and predictors of change in medication use among old-old participants (aged 75 to 94 years) in a three-wave national Israeli study. The findings indicated a significant increase in the number of medications on short-term follow-up (3.6 years) and a modest, marginally significant increase in the long term (11.7 years). The number of medications was predicted by predisposing characteristics and baseline needs of physical and mental health, explaining 20% of the variance in the short- and long-term models. Women, married individuals, and those with low perceived health and low depressive symptoms tended to increase their use in the short term, whereas men, low-income individuals, and those with higher comorbidities and low difficulties in instrumental activity of daily living tended to increase their use in the long term. The leveling of medication use found on long-term follow-up highlights the particular dynamics of health behavior and health care practices relating to the old-old population.
The use of response surface methodology in the evaluation of captopril microparticles manufactured using an oil in oil solvent evaporation technique

Captopril (CPT) microparticles were manufactured by solvent evaporation using acetone (dispersion phase) and liquid paraffin (manufacturing phase) with Eudragit® and Methocel® as coat materials. Design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches were used to optimize the process. The microparticles were characterized based on the percent of drug released and yield, microcapsule size, entrapment efficiency and Hausner ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted. The microcapsules were spherical, free-flowing and IR and DSC thermograms revealed that CPT was stable. The percent drug released was investigated with respect to Eudragit® RS and Methocel® K100M, Methocel® K15M concentrations and homogenizing speed. The optimal conditions for microencapsulation were 1.12 g Eudragit® RS, 0.67 g Methocel® K100M and 0.39 g Methocel® K15M at a homogenizing speed of 1643 rpm and 89% CPT was released. The value of RSM-mediated microencapsulation of CPT was elucidated.
Neglected irreducible posterolateral knee dislocation

Knee dislocations are rare injuries. Posterolateral knee dislocations are only a small subset of them. There is a paucity of literature regarding the management of such neglected cases. We report here, a case of neglected irreducible posterolateral knee dislocation treated with open reduction and isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction followed by gradual rehabilitation with good outcome at 3 years followup.