Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FIVE NEW SPECIES OF ACANTHOBOTHRIUM (TETRAPHYLLIDEA: ONCHOBOTHRIIDAE) FROM THE FRESHWATER STINGRAY HIMANTURA CHAOPHRAYA (BATOIDEA: DASYATIDAE) IN MALAYSIAN BORNEO

Five new species of Acanthobothrium (Tetraphyllidea: Onchobothriidae) are described from the spiral intestine of the Freshwater whipray, Himantura chaophraya, in the Kinabatangan River in Malaysian Borneo. Based on criteria set forth in a previous categorization scheme for species of Acanthobothrium, these consist of 3 Category 1 species, Acanthobothrium asnihae n. sp. , Acanthobothrium saliki n. sp. , and Acanthobothrium zainali n. sp. ; a Category 8 species, Acanthobothrium etini n. sp. ; and a Category 2 species, Acanthobothrium masnihae n. sp. Acanthobothrium asnihae n. sp. differs from all Category 1 species in its possession of a horizontal band of weak musculature that divides the posterior loculus in half. Among Category 1 species, A. saliki n. sp. differs from all but Acanthobothrium southwelli in its possession of postovarian testes. It differs from A. southwelli in its possession of fewer testes and a greater number of proglottids. Acanthobothrium zainali n. sp. differs from the 25 other Category 1 species in a combination of overall size, muscular pad and hook shape, arrangement and number of testes, ovary configuration in cross section, position of ovarian isthmus, and genital pore position. Acanthobothrium etini n. sp. is distinguished from all 5 other Category 8 species in its lack of testes from the proglottid antiporal and postporal regions and in testis number. Acanthobothrium masnihae n. sp. differs from the 35 other Category 2 species in its possession of fewer testes, postporal testes, or a greater number of proglottids. A key to Acanthobothrium species parasitizing H. chayophraya is presented. This represents the first report of Acanthobothrium from freshwater stingrays belonging to a family other than the Potamotrygonidae.
Prefixed equimolar nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture reduces discomfort during flexible bronchoscopy in adult patients: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is an invasive procedure associated with patient discomfort and frequent nose pain. A simple sedation procedure that does not require the intervention of an anesthetist is of interest. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to assess efficiency of nitrous oxide inhalation on the reduction of FB-induced discomfort in adult patients. DESIGN AND SETTINGS Two hundred six patients were randomized to receive either a prefixed equimolar nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture (N2O) or a prefixed equimolar nitrogen and oxygen mixture (control). The primary outcome was stress as assessed by pulse rate and systemic BP during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were self-assessed pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and patient satisfaction based on a questionnaire. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS A significant increase in BP was observed only in the control group (p = 0.003), while pulse rate values did not differ between the two groups. As assessed by the VAS, pain was lower in the N2O group as compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Nose pain and cough were also significantly reduced by N2O. Adverse events, mostly anxiety, were reported in 10 patients. CONCLUSION These results indicate that equimolar N2O inhalation is efficient in reducing patient discomfort and may be an alternative to general anesthesia.
Distributed Energy Consumption Control via Real-Time Pricing Feedback in Smart Grid

This brief proposes a pricing-based energy control strategy to remove the peak load for smart grid. According to the price, energy consumers control their energy consumption to make a tradeoff between the electricity cost and the load curtailment cost. The consumers are interactive with each other because of pricing based on the total load. We formulate the interactions among the consumers into a noncooperative game and give a sufficient condition to ensure a unique equilibrium in the game. We develop a distributed energy control algorithm and provide a sufficient convergence condition of the algorithm. The energy control algorithm starts at the beginning of each time slot, e.g., 15 min. Finally, the energy control strategy is applied to control the energy consumption of the consumers with heating ventilation air conditioning systems. The numerical results show that the energy control strategy is effective in removing the peak load and matching supply with demand, and the energy control algorithm can converge to the equilibrium.
Effect of apple polyphenol concentrate on lipid metabolism in rats under experimental insulin resistance.

INTRODUCTION Obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance as the metabolic indicator of prediabetes and a major risk factor in diabetes mellitus type 2 pathogenesis. Medicinal products obtained from apples can be used as potent prophylactic and therapeutic remedies in treatment of diabetes mellitus. AIM Experiment was designed to study the effect of total apple polyphenol food concentrate on lipid metabolism under experimental IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats weighting 180-210 g were used in the experiment. IR was induced by high-calorie diet enriched with fructose. The effect of total apple polyphenol food concentrate was compared with the action of epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin. To estimate the alterations in lipid metabolism in liver homogenate were measured triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, total phospholipids, TBA-reactive substance and conjugated dienes contents. In blood serum were measured total lipids, triacylglycerols, cholesterol, total phospholipids and reduced glutathione levels. RESULTS The obtained results indicated that feeding rats with high-calorie diet enriched with fructose caused the dyslipidemia and oxidative stress development. The administration of quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate and total apple polyphenol food concentrate improved disorders of lipid metabolism and pro-oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS Total apple polyphenol food concentrate had a more pronounced effect on studied indices that is probably due to synergism and additive effect of extract numerous components.
The effect of wearing loupes on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists.

OBJECTIVES It is well established that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a significant occupational health issue for dentists and hygienists. Despite this, there has been little advancement in the application of ergonomic principles in the dental profession. While the use of loupes is often promoted as an ergonomic solution, there is little published research to robustly support this claim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the use of loupes on upper extremity MSD among dental hygienists. METHODS The study was conducted using an exploratory pretest and post-test design, comparing musculoskeletal measures in practising dental hygienists wearing loupes with final-year dental hygiene students who did not wear loupes. Pre- and post-test measures included valid self-reported and objective outcome measures and were measured at baseline and 6 months following the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted as a series of mixed anovas with time and treatment as the independent variables. RESULTS The analysis revealed a significant interaction between time and treatment for the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) scores (P < 0.04), indicating an improvement in symptoms for the treatment group but a reversed trend for the controls. There was also a significant mean increase in scapular position measures; however, this finding was evident in both groups, indicating that these were not a result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study suggests that wearing loupes appears to have both positive and negative effects on upper extremity MSD among dental hygienists. Ongoing research is required to determine the long-term effects of loupes wear, over an extended period of time.
High Frequency Acoustics and Signal Processing for Weapons

Abstract : Task 1: The long-term goal of this task is to determine, for a broad range of frequencies (nominally 10-100 kHz), the limitations imposed by the oceanic environment on the exploitation of coherent signal structure. This understanding is required in order to optimize sonar signal processing structures (e.g. channel conditioning, especially in shallow water), for wideband signal and processor design, and for acoustic propagation modeling. Task 2: The long-term goal of this task is to develop the capability to predict the dynamic and spatial characteristics, and the corresponding acoustic response (attenuation, local sound speed, and backscattering strength), of the bubbly wakes of Navy warships. We seek a predictive capability for how acoustic propagation and scattering vary with frequency, source-receiver geometry relative to the wake, and the shape and speed of the vessel, as well as the spatial and temporal statistics of attenuation and scattering strength in the wake.
Gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus in adults 30 years of age and older in the United States, 1988-1994.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and extent of gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus in United States adults, using data collected in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). METHODS The study group consisted of 9,689 persons 30 to 90 years of age obtained by a stratified, multi-stage probability sampling method in 1988 to 1994. The weighted sample is representative of U.S. adults 30 years or older and represents approximately 105.8 million civilian, non-institutionalized Americans. Gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus were assessed at the mesio-buccal and mid-buccal surfaces in 2 randomly selected quadrants, one maxillary and one mandibular. Data analysis accounted for the complex sampling design used. RESULTS We estimate that 23.8 million persons have one or more tooth surfaces with > or = 3 mm gingival recession; 53.2 million have gingival bleeding; 97.1 million have calculus; and 58.3 million have subgingival calculus; and the corresponding percentages are 22.5%, 50.3%, 91.8%, and 55.1% of persons, respectively. The prevalence, extent, and severity of gingival recession increased with age, as did the prevalence of subgingival calculus and the extent of teeth with calculus and gingival bleeding. Males had significantly more gingival recession, gingival bleeding, subgingival calculus, and more teeth with total calculus than females. Of the 3 race/ethnic groups studied, non-Hispanic blacks had the highest prevalence and extent of gingival recession and dental calculus, whereas Mexican Americans had the highest prevalence and extent of gingival bleeding. Mexican Americans had similar prevalence and extent of gingival recession compared with non-Hispanic whites. Gingival recession was much more prevalent and also more severe at the buccal than the mesial surfaces of teeth. Gingival bleeding also was more prevalent at the buccal than mesial surfaces, whereas calculus was most often present at the mesial than buccal surfaces. CONCLUSIONS Dental calculus, gingival bleeding, and gingival recession are common in the U.S. adult population. In addition to their unfavorable effect on esthetics and self-esteem, these conditions also are associated with destructive periodontal diseases and root caries. Appropriate measures to prevent or control these conditions are desirable, and this may also be effective in improving the oral health of the U.S. adult population.
Effect of microiontophoretic application of dopamine on subthalamic nucleus neuronal activity in normal rats and in rats with unilateral lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) receives dopamine inputs from the substantia nigra but their implication in the pathophysiology of parkinsonism is still debated. Extracellular microrecordings were used to study the effect of microiontophoretic injection of dopamine and the D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 on the activity of STN neurons in normal and 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats under urethane anaesthesia. Dopamine and SKF induced an increase in the firing rate of the majority of STN neurons in both normal and 6‐OHDA rats. In rats with 6‐OHDA lesions, the percentage of firing rate increase did not differ from that of controls. When GABA, glutamate and dopamine were all applied to the same individual STN neurons, GABA induced an inhibitory effect and glutamate and dopamine caused an excitatory effect in both groups. This excitatory response was suppressed by the application of GABA. Systemic administration of apomorphine provoked a decrease in the firing rate of STN neurons in rats with 6‐OHDA lesions. These results show that dopamine exerts an excitatory influence on STN neurons, suggesting that the inhibitory effect induced by the systemic injection of apomorphine is due to the GABAergic inputs from the globus pallidus as predicted by the current model of basal ganglia organization. In addition, we show that dopamine, GABA and glutamate can act on the same STN neuron and that GABA can reverse the excitatory effect of dopamine and glutamate, suggesting the predominant influence of GABAergic inputs to the subthalamic nucleus.
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy–Induced Hepatotoxicity in Patients With Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Background Treatment of metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is effective in retarding tumor growth. Renal dysfunction, anemia, and thrombocytopenia are well-described treatment-related toxicities. However, hepatotoxicity is not well recognized. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with GEP-NETs seen in a tertiary NET clinic from January 2010 to September 2013 (n = 211) with the primary study cohort being patients with metastatic disease to the liver (n = 93). The study exposure was PRRT, and the primary outcome of interest was hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was defined as a grade 2 or greater injury according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 of the National Cancer Institute. Results Seventeen (18%) of 93 patients with liver metastases received PRRT after radiographic confirmation of disease progression despite receipt of other traditional therapies. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy patients were similar to the unexposed patient population in terms of sex, age, baseline laboratory values, prior treatment exposure, and duration of disease. In the unexposed group, 23 (30%) of 76 patients had hepatotoxicity related to traditional GEP-NET therapy. In the exposed group, 10 (59%) of 17 patients had an episode of hepatotoxicity. Ascites developed in 59% of the PRRT group versus 6.6% in the unexposed group (P < 0.001). The calculated relative risk of hepatotoxicity related to PRRT exposure in metastatic GEP-NET patients was 1.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.28). Conclusions Hepatotoxicity after PRRT for metastatic GEP-NET is more common than previously reported.
Prophylactic Antenatal Corticosteroid before Elective Cesarean Delivery at or Near Term to Improve Perinatal Outcome

Objective: To evaluate whether giving the recommended prophylactic course of dexamethasone before delivery reduces the occurrence of neonatal respiratory morbidities after elective cesarean delivery between 34 and 37 weeks. Methods: This randomized clinical trial recruited 130 women with singleton pregnancies between 34 and 37 weeks scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. They were randomized into 2 equal groups to receive either IM dexamethasone in 4 doses of 6mg/12 hours or nothing prior to delivery. Primary outcome was admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for respiratory morbidity. Results: Seven women were excluded from the study. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding admission to NICU (p=0.535), respiratory distress syndrome (p=0.699), transient tachypnea of the neonate (p=0.612), need for mechanical ventilation (p=0.509), development of respiratory (p=0.612) or nonrespiratory complications, readmission for respiratory problems (p=0.310). No neonatal deaths were recorded. Conclusion: Prophylactic antenatal corticosteroid for elective cesarean delivery between 34 and 37 weeksis not effective in improving neonatal outcomes.
Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (Lepidic Growth) Component Is a More Useful Prognostic Factor than Lymph Node Metastasis

Introduction: Although many factors predictive of patient survival have been reported for lung cancer, no comparative studies have attempted to determine those that are most significant for practical medicine. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 139 patients who underwent complete resection of adenocarcinomas less than 2 cm in diameter between 1993 and 2000 at the National Cancer Center Hospital (Tokyo, Japan). The MIB-1 labeling index (LI), immunohistochemical staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), p53, p27, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated-EGFR (pEGFR), Cox-2, neuronatin, &ggr;H2AX, and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), the prevalence of a micropapillary pattern, and the ratio of the bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma (BAC) or lepidic growth (LG) component were determined, and their significance as prognostic factors for lung adenocarcinoma was compared. Results: Univariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (p-N status), BAC/LG component, vascular invasion (p-V status), MIB-1 LI, pEGFR, and CEA were prognostically significant (p-N status: p < 0.0001, BAC/LG: p = 0.0005, p-V status: 0.002, MIB-1 LI: p = 0.005, pEGFR: p = 0.024, and CEA: p = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that only p-N status (p = 0.013) was of prognostic significance. However, BAC/LG component (p = 0.051) was a more reliable prognostic factor than p-N status in mixed adenocarcinoma with a BAC/LG component. Conclusion: In comparison with other immunohistochemical and histopathologic factors, BAC/LG component is independently and reliably prognostic for small adenocarcinoma of the lung, and, in particular, for the major histologic subtype (adenocarcinoma mixed subtype with BAC/LG), BAC/LG component is more reliably prognostic than lymph node metastasis.
Particulate air pollution and the blood

BACKGROUND Particulate air pollution has been associated with excess deaths from, and increases in hospital admissions for, cardiovascular disease among older people. A study was undertaken to determine whether this may be a consequence of alterations in the blood, secondary to pulmonary inflammation caused by the action of fine particles on alveolar cells, by repeatedly measuring haematological factors in older people and relating them to measurements of exposure to airborne particles. METHODS One hundred and twelve individuals aged 60+ years in two UK cities provided repeated blood samples over 18 months, 108 providing the maximum of 12 samples. Estimates of individual exposure to particles of less than 10 μm diameter (PM10), derived from a mathematical model based on activity diaries and comparative measurements of PM10 at multiple sites and during a variety of activities, were made for each three day period prior to blood sampling. The relationships between blood values and estimates of both personal exposure and city centre measurements of PM10 were investigated by analysis of covariance, adjusting for city, season, temperature, and repeated individual measurements. RESULTS Estimated personal exposure to PM10 over the previous three days showed negative correlations with haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count (p<0.001), and with platelets and factor VII levels (p<0.05). The changes in red cell indices persisted after adjustment for plasma albumin in a sample of 60 of the subjects. City centre PM10 measurements over three days also showed negative correlations with haemoglobin and red cell count (p<0.001) and with PCV and fibrinogen (p<0.05), the relationship with haemoglobin persisting after adjustment for albumin. C reactive protein levels showed a positive association with city centre measurements of PM10 (p<0.01). Based on a linear relationship, the estimated change in haemoglobin associated with an alteration in particle concentration of 100 μg/m3 is estimated to have been 0.44 g/dl (95% CI 0.62 to 0.26) for personal PM10 and 0.73 g/dl (95% CI 1.11 to 0.36) for city centre PM10 measurements. CONCLUSIONS This investigation is the first to estimate personal exposures to PM10 and to demonstrate associations between haematological indices and air pollution. The changes in haemoglobin adjusted for albumin suggest that inhalation of some component of PM10may cause sequestration of red cells in the circulation. We propose that an action of such particles either on lung endothelial cells or on erythrocytes themselves may be responsible for changing red cell adhesiveness. Peripheral sequestration of red cells offers an explanation for the observed cardiovascular effects of particulate air pollution.
Impacts of forest restoration on water yield: A systematic review

Background Enhancing water provision services is a common target in forest restoration projects worldwide due to growing concerns over freshwater scarcity. However, whether or not forest cover expansion or restoration can improve water provision services is still unclear and highly disputed. Purpose The goal of this review is to provide a balanced and impartial assessment of the impacts of forest restoration and forest cover expansion on water yields as informed by the scientific literature. Potential sources of bias on the results of papers published are also examined. Data sources English, Spanish and Portuguese peer-review articles in Agricola, CAB Abstracts, ISI Web of Science, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and SciELO. Databases were searched through 2015. Search terms Intervention terms included forest restoration, regeneration/regrowth, forest second-growth, forestation/afforestation, and forestry. Target terms included water yield/quantity, streamflow, discharge, channel runoff, and annual flow. Study selection and eligibility criteria Articles were pre-selected based on key words in the title, abstract or text. Eligible articles addressed relevant interventions and targets and included quantitative information. Results Most studies reported decreases in water yields following the intervention, while other hydrological benefits have been observed. However, relatively few studies focused specifically on forest restoration, especially with native species, and/or on projects done at large spatial or temporal scales. Information is especially limited for the humid tropics and subtropics. Conclusions and implications of key findings While most studies reported a decrease in water yields, meta-analyses from a sub-set of studies suggest the potential influence of temporal and/or spatial scales on the outcomes of forest cover expansion or restoration projects. Given the many other benefits of forest restoration, improving our understanding of when and why forest restoration can lead to recovery of water yields is crucial to help improve positive outcomes and prevent unintended consequences. Our study identifies the critical types of studies and associated measurements needed.