Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of canine serum collected from dogs at different estrous cycle stages on in vitro nuclear maturation of canine oocytes

Canine oocytes are ovulated at prophase of the first meiotic division and undergo maturation in the distal part of the oviduct for at least 48–72 h. Because of these differences from other domestic mammals, the efficiency of in vitro maturation (IVM) of canine oocyte is very low. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of canine serum on IVM of canine oocytes recovered from ovaries in various reproductive states (follicular, luteal or anestrous stages). Oocytes were recovered by mincing ovaries from bitches presented for ovariohysterectomy at various stages of the estrous cycle. Heat-inactivated canine serum was prepared with blood taken from dogs at the anestrous, estrous or diestrous stage of the estrous cycle as determined by progesterone concentration and vaginal cytology. Oocytes were cultured for 72 h in tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with 10% canine anestrous, estrous or diestrous serum or fetal bovine serum (FBS) (experiment 1), or supplemented with 0 (control), 5%, 10% or 20% canine estrous serum (experiment 2). In experiment 1, IVM of oocytes collected at the follicular stage of the estrous cycle to metaphase II (MII) stage was higher (p < 0.05) with canine estrous serum (14.2%) than with canine anestrous (5.2%) or diestrous serum (6.3%), FBS (2.2%) or in the control (2.2%). In experiment 2, oocytes collected at the follicular stage of the estrous cycle cultured in TCM-199 with 10% canine estrous serum showed a higher maturation rate to MII stage (13.5%, p < 0.05) compared with those cultured with 5% (1.3% MII) or 20% canine estrous serum (5.1% MII) or the control (2.7% MII). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that supplementing culture medium with 10% canine estrous serum improves IVM of canine follicular stage oocytes.
Synthesis and Formulation of Thermosensitive Drug Carrier for Temperature Triggered Delivery of Naproxen Sodium

Nanospheres and microspheres are known as a multipurpose compounds and are used in various branches of science. Recent controlled delivery systems for drugs are also based on poly-micro and nanospheres. In our study we describe an investigation of the influence of thermosensitive polymer N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) on the release of the drug naproxen sodium (NS) with a hydrogel hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) base. The hydrodynamic diameter (DH) of the obtained polymer was measured by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) at a wavelength of 678 nm. Hydrogel formulations of NS were prepared in a specific way ex tempore. NS was sprinkled on the surface of a distilled water, then polymer soluted in water was added. Afterward, HPMC was affixed to the solution. Prepared samples were stored at room temperature for 24 h. Release tests showed that modification of thevcross-linker type influenced the properties of synthesized polymeric particles. The NIPA derivatives obtained via surfactant free precipitation polymerization (SFPP) may be formulated as hydrogel preparations using HPMC. The obtained formulations presented varied half-release times, depending on the type of applied NIPA derivatives in hydrogel formulations. At 18 °C, the release rates were lower comparing to the reference HPMC hydrogel, whereas at 42 °C, the release rates were significantly higher. The synthesized thermosensitive polymers enabled temperature-triggered release of NS.
Effect of microthread design of dental implants on stress and strain patterns: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Abstract The aim of this study was to use finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the influence of microthread design at the implant neck on stress distribution in the surrounding bone. A commercially available implant with 3.5 mm diameter and 10.5 mm length was selected and used as a model. For the purpose of designing the microthread implant model, microthreads were added to the implant neck in a computerized model. A force measuring 100 N was then applied to the entire surface of the abutment in the vertical direction. The results showed that in both models, stress was mainly concentrated at the cortical bone adjacent to the neck of the implant. Maximum stress values in the cortical bone surrounding the implant surface periphery were 12 and 6.25 MPa for the microthread and conventional models, respectively. In this study, we conclude that adding a microthread design at the implant neck decreased stress values in the adjacent bone.
The TASER as a Less Lethal Force Alternative

Despite its adoption by more than 8,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States and abroad, there is little empirical research examining use of the TASER by police officers. This article investigates the use and effectiveness of the weapon by examining all TASER deployments by police officers in a large metropolitan department during a 3-year period (2002 to 2004; n = 243). Findings indicate that the TASER was used almost exclusively against violent suspects classified as “emotionally disturbed” by emergency service officers with supervisors present. Despite use on a population perceived as being higher risk for injury, findings indicate that the TASER was effective, as 85% of suspects were incapacitated and taken into custody without further incident. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for continued use of the TASER and the need for additional research before any definitive conclusions about use and effectiveness of the weapon can be drawn.
Intransitivity of preferences.

It is shown that, under specified experimental conditions, consistent and pre- dictable intransitivities can be demonstrated. The conditions under which intransitivities occur and their relationships to the structure of the alternatives and to processing strategies are investigated within the framework of a general theory of choice. Implications to the study of preference and the psychology of choice are discussed.
Multiple-breath inert gas washout test and early cystic fibrosis lung disease

> An ideal lung function test should be easy to obtain, and involve no risk to the subject. In order to be of value, it should be able to help diagnosis, assist prognosis, monitor disease progress or measure the effect of therapeutic interventions.1 Regular spirometry measurement is an accepted component of clinical monitoring of adults and school-age children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Specifically, the forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1), or its rate of decline, is commonly used to monitor disease progression in individuals, and as an outcome measure in clinical trials. However, as the survival of subjects with CF improves,2 there has been a shift towards closer monitoring and more aggressive treatment of early CF lung disease.3 As a consequence, two major disadvantages to the use of FEV1 in early CF lung disease have become apparent. Many school-age children with CF now have FEV1 within the normal range, even though they probably have lung disease.3 Also, reliable forced expiratory manoeuvres are difficult to obtain in children under the age of 5 years, with testing in infants being largely confined to specialist laboratories,4 and testing in preschool children relatively novel.5 There are good theoretical reasons why spirometry may be insensitive to early CF lung disease. First, airway disease in CF is known to be non-uniformly distributed. As flow measured during forced expiration is the integrated output of all airways,6 then it is possible that minor alterations of airway calibre in some lung regions may be masked by normal function in other regions. Secondly, airway obstruction in CF is partly due to intraluminal mucus, and this may be dislodged by a forced …
Eosinophilic Peritonitis in Capd: Treatment with Prednisone and Diphenhydramine

abdominal pain improved and the cloudy fluid cleared 1 week later. Peritoneal dialysis was continued throughout and, at the completion oftreatment, the effluent had WBC 40/mm3 with occasional eosinophils. Final cultures (four sets) for bacteria, acid-fast bacilli, and fungi were negative. Peritoneal eosinophilia is defined as an eosinophil count greater than 10% of the total WBC count when the absolute number of eosinophils is greater than 40/mm3 (1), or an absolute count of greater than lOO eosinophils/mm3 (2). The frequency of eosinophilic peritonitis has been reported as 16 30% in the intermittent peritoneal dialysis population (2) to as high as 61% in CAPD (2). It typically occurs in the initial 2 to 4 weeks after beginning peritoneal dialysis although it can occur as early as the first day (3) or as late as 6 months (2). Offending agents that have been linked to peritoneal eosinophilia include air introduced at time of surgery (4), constituents in the PD catheter (5), and leeching of sterilants or plasticizers from the dialysis bag or tubing (6). The use of oral or intraperitoneal steroids has been suggested only for patients with abdominal pain or to maintain the patency of the catheter if the fluid is markedly turbid (2). Our patient received steroids and diphenhydramine because of abdominal pain. The pain improved with this regimen prior to the peritoneal fluid clearing. The incidence of infectious peritonitis has been steadily decreasing with the advent of better connecting systems (7). Eosinophilic peritonitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cloudy peritoneal fluid occurring within the first few months of commencing dialysis. It is unclear how diverse stimuli mediate peritoneal eosinophilia. However, the presence of eosinophilia in other disease states is associated with allergic phenomena. It is interesting to speculate that an antihistamine could ameliorate these allergic reactions without exposing the patient to the risk of steroids. Observation is indicated for culture-negative peritonitis with eosinophilia in the absence of symptoms. However, a short course of low-dose oral prednisone or perhaps diphenhydramine alone Eosinophilic Peritonitis in CAPD: Treatment with Prednisone and Diphenhydramine
Responses of Herbivorous Fishes and Benthos to 6 Years of Protection at the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area, Maui

In response to concerns about declining coral cover and recurring macroalgal blooms, in 2009 the State of Hawaii established the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area (KHFMA). Within the KHFMA, herbivorous fishes and sea urchins are protected, but other fishing is allowed. As part of a multi-agency monitoring effort, we conducted surveys at KHFMA and comparison sites around Maui starting 19 months before closure, and over the six years since implementation of herbivore protection. Mean parrotfish and surgeonfish biomass both increased within the KHFMA (by 139% [95%QR (quantile range): 98–181%] and 28% [95%QR: 3–52%] respectively). Most of those gains were of small-to-medium sized species, whereas large-bodied species have not recovered, likely due to low levels of poaching on what are preferred fishery targets in Hawaii. Nevertheless, coincident with greater biomass of herbivores within the KHFMA, cover of crustose coralline algae (CCA) has increased from ~2% before closure to ~ 15% in 2015, and macroalgal cover has remained low throughout the monitoring period. Strong evidence that changes in the KHFMA were a consequence of herbivore management are that (i) there were no changes in biomass of unprotected fish families within the KHFMA; and that (ii) there were no similar changes in parrotfish or CCA at comparison sites around Maui. It is not yet clear how effective herbivore protection might eventually be for the KHFMA’s ultimate goal of coral recovery. Coral cover declined over the first few years of surveys–from 39.6% (SE 1.4%) in 2008, to 32.9% (SE 0.8%) in 2012, with almost all of that loss occurring by 2010 (1 year after closure), i.e. before meaningful herbivore recovery had occurred. Coral cover subsequently stabilized and may have slightly increased from 2012 through early 2015. However, a region-wide bleaching event in 2015 had already led to some coral mortality by the time surveys were conducted in late 2015, at which time cover had dropped back to levels recorded in the KHFMA in 2012.
Survival, acid and bile tolerance, and surface hydrophobicity of microencapsulated B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 during storage at room temperature.

Survival, acid and bile tolerance, and surface hydrophobicity of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 were studied during storage at room temperature (25 °C) at low water activity (0.07, 0.1, and 0.2). Two types of alginate-based systems were prepared with and without mannitol as microencapsulant of B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12. Formation of gel beads containing cells was achieved by dropping each emulsion into CaCl(2) solution; then, the beads were freeze dried. Survival, acid tolerance during 2-h exposure in de Man, Rogosa, Sharpe (MRS) broth at pH 2.0, bile tolerance during 8-h exposure in MRS broth containing taurocholic acid at pH 5.8, and retention of surface hydrophobicity were determined after freeze drying and during storage. The result showed that neither alginate nor alginate-mannitol formulation was effective in protecting B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 during freezing and freeze drying. The viability in alginate-mannitol and alginate formulations after freeze drying was 6.61 and 6.34 log CFU/g, respectively. Storage at low a(w) improved survival, acid tolerance, bile tolerance, and surface hydrophobicity retention of microencapsulated B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 when compared with controlled storage in an aluminum foil (with a(w) of 0.38 and 0.40 for alginate-mannitol and alginate formulations, respectively). Alginate mannitol was more effective than the alginate system during a short period of storage, but its effectiveness decreased during a long period of storage (80% survival at 10 wk). Nevertheless, storage of microencapsulated B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 in an aluminum foil without a(w) adjustment during 10 wk at room temperature was not effective (survival was 64% to 65%).
Endothelial microparticle levels are similar in acute ischemic stroke and stroke mimics due to activation and not apoptosis/necrosis.

BACKGROUND Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are <2-microm membranous blebs from endothelial cell membranes that have been demonstrated to be elevated in vasculopathic conditions. One study has demonstrated elevated EMPs in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) versus age- and comorbidity-matched controls. OBJECTIVES To determine the level of EMPs in stroke mimics and AIS and determine if EMPs are released as a result of activation or apoptosis/necrosis in AIS. METHODS EMP levels in plasma of patients with AIS and stroke mimic patients were quantified by flow cytometry. Stroke status was verified in all patients by magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were matched for age and comorbidities. Markers for apoptosis/necrosis (platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 [PECAM-1]/CD31 antigen) and activation (E-selectin/CD62e antigen) were compared. A PECAM-1/E-selectin ratio of >4.0 was used to determine whether EMPs were generated via activation or apoptosis/necrosis. Data were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS EMP levels were similar in stroke mimic patients when compared with AIS; there was no difference between groups (PECAM-1, p = 0.393; E-selectin, p = 0.579). The PECAM-1/E-selectin ratio was also similar for AIS and stroke mimics, and all were >4.0. CONCLUSIONS EMP levels were similar in patients with AIS and stroke mimic patients. The PECAM-1/E-selectin ratio demonstrated that EMPs were generated via activation and not apoptosis/necrosis. This suggests that EMPs may not be a good marker for AIS, given the inability to discriminate between stroke mimics and AIS.
Modern foreign languages recruitment post-16: the pupils' perspective

In recent years, whilst the overall numbers of A level entries have risen, those for modern foreign languages as a whole have fallen. This paper considers the findings of a small-scale research project which focused on the reasons why pupils choose not to continue with MFL. GCSE pupils who were entered for the Higher Papers in French, German or both at three comprehensive schools were asked whether they were considering foreign languages as an option post-16, and if not why not. Year 12 linguists (those studying at least one foreign language) and non-linguists (those who do not) were interviewed both individually and in focus groups. Modern languages teachers were asked about possible reasons for the comparatively poor uptake at A level. Findings suggest that although pupils appreciate the skills and personality of the modern languages teacher, they find the subject difficult and unappealing. Low pupil confidence, lack of parental involvement, poor guidance and syllabus constraints may all have a role to play. GCSE is perceived to be boring and language understanding is felt to play an insufficient role at this stage.
AN ASSESSMENT OF FASHION AWARENESS OF FEMALES BASED ON SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS

A sample of 252 females was queried to determine the differences in fashion awareness. The study aimed to assess the fashion awareness of females as affected by the city of residence, by their reference to different selected fashion magazines, and the extent of fashion awareness existing among women based on the following variables: age, marital status, education, number of dependent children in the family, income, and courses taken relating to fashion. The study determined that fashion awareness of the participants was affected by fashion reading media, age, marital status, education, income, and courses taken relating to fashion. Fashion awareness was not affected by city size or number of dependent children in the family.
Regional and Local Differences in Admission Arrangements for Schools

This paper describes the results of an analysis of the secondary school admissions arrangements, current and past, published by 40 Local Education Authorities in England and Wales. Arrangements are separated here into application procedures and school allocation criteria, and explored through an examination of specific examples of each type. The potential impacts of these arrangements for school admissions and for the changing social composition of schools are discussed. Perhaps the most significant finding is the scale of variation, even between apparently similar regions, in the nature of the admissions process, given that all procedures are presented as being in accordance with national legislation. Because the local implementation of national policy gives authorities this leeway in interpretation, many areas have not changed their procedures much, either in response to the Education Reform Act 1988, or the subsequent School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
Thank you, a good research antioxidant, antimicrobial and toxicity studies of the different fractions of fruits of Terminalia belerica Roxb

3 Abstract: The crude methanolic extract of the fruits of Terminalia belerica Roxb. along with its various organic fractions were tested to evaluate the toxicity, antioxidant (in vitro and in vivo) and antibacterial activity. The different assay methods, including total antioxidant activity, scavenging free radical, authentic peroxynitrite and reducing power assessment were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the crude extract and its organic fractions. While antimicrobial activities were evaluated using agar disc diffusion method and measuring their MIC value. The EtOAc fraction, showed strong activity in all the model systems tested and in peroxynitrite model this fraction (IC = 1.29±0.18 µg/ml) exerted four-fold stronger activity than standard penicillamine 50 (IC value of 5.20±0.32 µg/ml). The reducing power of the extract was found to be concentration dependent. 50 The administration of the extract/fractions at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight to the male Wistar rats increased the percentage inhibition of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly. Whereas, lipid peroxidation level in hepatotoxic rats markedly decreased at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight after 7 days. EtOAc fractions showed also the highest antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus with zone of inhibition 30.00±0.25 mm. The Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used to determine the toxicity of the extracts where dichloromethane (CH Cl ) fraction showed highest activity (LC = 39.02±1.16 µg/ml). 2 2 50 In conclusion, the study clearly indicated that the extract/fractions of Terminalia belerica Roxb possesses good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity along with moderate toxicity.
Vegetative Hyphal Fusion and Subsequent Nuclear Behavior in Epichloë Grass Endophytes

Epichloë species (including the former genus Neotyphodium) are fungal symbionts of many agronomically important forage grasses, and provide their grass hosts with protection from a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. Epichloë species include many interspecific hybrids with allodiploid-like genomes, which may provide the potential for combined traits or recombination to generate new traits. Though circumstantial evidence suggests that such interspecific hybrids might have arisen from nuclear fusion events following vegetative hyphal fusion between different Epichloë strains, this hypothesis has not been addressed empirically. Here, we investigated vegetative hyphal fusion and subsequent nuclear behavior in Epichloë species. A majority of Epichloë strains, especially those having a sexual stage, underwent self vegetative hyphal fusion. Vegetative fusion also occurred between two hyphae from different Epichloë strains. Though Epichloë spp. are uninucleate fungi, hyphal fusion resulted in two nuclei stably sharing the same cytoplasm, which might ultimately lead to nuclear fusion. In addition, protoplast fusion experiments gave rise to uninucleate putative hybrids, which apparently had two markers, one from each parent within the same nucleus. These results are consistent with the notion that interspecific hybrids arise from vegetative hyphal fusion. However, we also discuss additional factors, such as post-hybridization selection, that may be important to explain the recognized prevalence of hybrids in Epichloë species.
Tilt Test for Investigating a Neural Component in Hypertension: Its Correlation with Clinical Characteristics

Hemodynamic changes associated with diastolic hypertension were investigated using 50° head-up for 52 untreated hypertensive patients not in cardiac failure, and for 17 normotensive subjects. Normals responded to tilt with±10 mm Hg change in mean arterial pressure. Twenty-four hypertensives responded similarly; the remainder had either orthostatic hypertension (18) or orthostatic hypotension (10). During tilt, cardiac output reduction of each hypertensive group was greater than normal, but only orthostatic hypertensives responded with exaggerated increase in peripheral resistance. When supine, orthostatic hypotensives had lower cardiac indices and higher peripheral resistances than orthostatic hypertensives. When the three hypertensive groups were compared with respect to clinical features, orthostatic hypertensives had the least severe vascular disease; orthostatic hypotensives were the opposite extreme, and normal responders were intermediate. These findings suggest that neurogenic activity is highest in mild hypertension and in the more severe forms of the disease, it is least.