Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity in perennial ryegrass and white clover among old Dutch grasslands as compared to cultivars and nature reserves

To support conservation policies for old Dutch grasslands that are still in agricultural use, morphological variation and AFLP‐based (amplified fragment length polymorphism‐based) genetic diversity was studied in perennial ryegrass and white clover populations and compared with the diversity in reference varieties. In addition, AFLP variation was also studied in grasslands located in nature reserves. From principal component analysis (PCA), it appeared that date of ear emergence in perennial ryegrass and characters related to plant vigour in white clover were the main morphological characters separating the reference varieties from the old Dutch grassland populations, and some of the grassland populations from each other. In both species, intrapopulation variation was lower for the reference varieties. Lower heterogeneity within the reference varieties was also found in the AFLP analysis. All common AFLP's observed in old Dutch grasslands could also be found in the reference varieties and nature reserves. Only a small number of low‐frequency alleles found in old Dutch grasslands were absent from the other two groups. However, band frequencies of markers could vary considerably between populations, which may have been caused by selection. Analysis of the AFLP data by PCA distinguished the majority of reference varieties from the old Dutch grasslands, and showed genetic differentiation only between some grasslands. Comparison of old Dutch grasslands with grasslands in nature reserves indicated that basically the same range of genetic variation is covered by the two groups. Our study indicates that the Netherlands harbour a more or less continuous population for major parts of the diversity of perennial ryegrass and white clover. It was concluded that no specific conservation measures are presently needed to maintain genetic diversity of perennial ryegrass and white clover occurring in old Dutch grasslands.
No effect of the FitFor2 exercise programme on blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and birthweight in pregnant women who were overweight and at risk for gestational diabetes: results of a randomised controlled trial

Please cite this paper as: Oostdam N, van Poppel M, Wouters M, Eekhoff E, Bekedam D, Kuchenbecker W, Quartero H, Heres M, van Mechelen W. No effect of the FitFor2 exercise programme on blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and birthweight in pregnant women who were overweight and at risk for gestational diabetes: results of a randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2012;119:1098–1107.
Application of data mining methods in diabetes prediction

Data science methods have the potential to benefit other scientific fields by shedding new light on common questions. One such task is help to make predictions on medical data. Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a disease caused due to the increase level of blood glucose. Various traditional methods, based on physical and chemical tests, are available for diagnosing diabetes. The methods strongly based on the data mining techniques can be effectively applied for high blood pressure risk prediction. In this paper, we explore the early prediction of diabetes via five different data mining methods including: GMM, SVM, Logistic regression, ELM, ANN. The experiment result proves that ANN (Artificial Neural Network) provides the highest accuracy than other techniques.
Peri-procedural Corticosteroid Use in Improving Outcomes Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Back to Square One?

pulmonary vein (PV) isolation by catheter ablation established for symptomatic, drug refractory, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) The efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation has improved the through refinement of procedural technique as well as improved ablation technology involving irrigated ablation, contact force sensing, and “single shot” ablation techniques as cryo, laser, and multielectrode ablation reconnections recurrences the AF during in AF recurrences the immediate peri-procedural
Psychotherapy Assessment and Treatment Selection

Background Current acceptance of the need for a wide range of treatments and growing pressure for cost-effectiveness suggest the need for a more discriminating approach to assessment of psychotherapy. Method Medline and manual literature searches, and personal experience of over 1000 assessments in a district psychotherapy service. Results There is substantial evidence for the general efficacy of psychotherapy; differential benefits are beginning to be identified. Short-term treatments are appropriate in a wide variety of situations and can be surprisingly effective. Chronic/complex psychopathology is likely to need longer term therapy. Conclusions Effective use of scarce psychotherapy resources requires knowledge of the research evidence of treatment effectiveness, careful assessment of the patient and a logical and collaborative approach to treatment planning.
Renal toxicity after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: the combined effects of total-body irradiation and graft-versus-host disease.

PURPOSE To evaluate retrospectively the cumulative risk probability and factors correlated with renal dysfunction after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). PATIENTS AND METHODS From October 1984 to July 1994, 84 patients with malignant hematopoietic diseases received allogeneic BMT after conditioning with high-dose chemotherapy and total-body irradiation (TBI). Seventy-nine patients with normal renal function before conditioning are included in this study. Conditioning included high-dose cyclophosphamide without (n = 46) or with (n = 33) other agents (daunorubicin, busulfan, cytarabine, and thiotepa) followed by TBI. The TBI dose prescribed to the center of the abdomen was 10 Gy for 24 patients, 12 Gy for 32, and 13.5 Gy for 23. In vitro T-cell depletion was undertaken in 48 cases. The post-BMT nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides, vancomycin, amphotericin, and cyclosporine was assessed. Time to renal dysfunction was defined as the time to a persistent increase of serum creatinine (SCr) level greater than 110 mumol/L. The potential influence of sex, age, diagnosis, chimerism, and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) on renal dysfunction was also assessed. RESULTS The 18-month probability of renal dysfunction-free survival (RDFS) for the whole group was 77%. Only TBI dose and presence of GvHD were significantly correlated with renal dysfunction by multivariate analysis. The 18-month probabilities of RDFS were 95%, 74%, and 55% for the patients conditioned with 10, 12, and 13.5 Gy, respectively. The 18-month RDFS probabilities were 88% and 61% for patients without and with GvHD, respectively. Combining both variables, we have defined two risk categories: low-risk (ie, 10 Gy TBI with/without GvHD and 12 Gy TBI without GvHD) and high-risk (ie, 12 Gy TBI with GvHD and 13.5 Gy TBI with/without GvHD). The predicted 18-month RDFS rates were 93% and 52% for the low- and high-risk groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Renal dysfunction after allogeneic BMT is strongly related to the delivered TBI dose (and dose per fraction) and to the presence of GvHD. Renal shielding should be recommended if a TBI dose greater than 12 Gy (fractionated twice daily over 3 days) is to be prescribed. Furthermore, in those cases with a high risk of developing GvHD (eg, unrelated allogeneic BMT, absence of T-cell depletion), these data suggest that kidney doses greater than 10 Gy should be avoided.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of doxycycline in fasted and nonfasted broiler chickens.

The pharmacokinetics and the influence of food on the kinetic profile and bioavailability of doxycycline was studied after a single intravenous (i.v.) and oral dose of 10.0 mg/kg body weight in 7-week-old broiler chickens. Following i.v. administration the drug was rapidly distributed in the body with a distribution half-life of 0.21 +/- 0.01 h. The elimination half-life of 6.78 +/- 0.06 h was relatively long and resulted from both a low total body clearance of 0.139 +/- 0.007 L/h.kg and a large volume of distribution of 1.36 +/- 0.06 L/kg. After oral administration to fasted chickens, the absorption of doxycycline was quite fast and substantial as shown by the absorption half-life of 0.39 +/- 0.03 h, the maximal plasma concentration of 4.47 +/- 0.16 micrograms/mL and the time to reach the Cmax of 1.73 +/- 0.06 h. The distribution and the final elimination of the drug were slower than after i.v. administration. The absolute bioavailability was 73.4 +/- 2.5%. The presence of food in the intestinal tract reduced and extended the absorption (t1/2a = 1.23 +/- 0.21 h; Cmax = 3.07 +/- 0.23 micrograms/mL; tmax = 3.34 +/- 0.21 h). The absolute bioavailability was reduced to 61.1% +/- 4.4%.
Comparison of Naloxone and Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in the Treatment of Experimental Spinal Injury.

Abstract : Traumatic injuries to the central nervous system (CNS: including spinal cord and brain) cause neurologic impairment not only by directly interrupting neuronal pathways but by initiating a series of pathophysiologic changes which lead to progressive ischemic damage. We have provided evidence that the secondary ischemic changes resulting from experimental spinal trauma are potentially reversible and result, in part, from a reduction of spinal cord blood flow related to the release of endogenous opioids. Previously, we have shown that the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone improves both spinal cord and blood flow and neurological outcome following experimental traumatic spinal cord injury in the cat. Subsequently, we found that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which acts in part as a physiologic antagonist of endogenous opioid systems, also significantly improves blood flow and neurological recovery after experimental spinal injury. During this contract we have compared the effects of TRH and naloxone against corticosteroids and saline-treated controls. Both naloxone and TRH provided significantly superior to either saline or high-dose corticosteroids in improving long-term, functional neurological recovery in the cat. Moreover, TRH proved significantly better than naloxone in this regard. TRH treatment significantly improved neurological recovery even when the drug was not administered until fully 24 h after traumatic injury. Keywords: Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone.
Frequency response characteristics of a 100 MJ SMES coil - measurements and model refinement

Operating the coil of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system through a switching type electronic power supply may excite resonances within the coil, thus potentially leading to internal over voltages. The latter may cause degradation of the dielectric insulation over time or, in severe cases, even damaging of the insulation. This paper complements theoretical investigations of these frequency selective voltage amplifications previously published by the authors by comparing them with measurements taken on the assembled 100 MJ/100 MW low-T/sub C/ SMES coil stack at room temperature. It has been found that surrounding metal structures such as the temporary mounting plane cause additional damping of resonances. Incorporating the latter into the theoretical model still results in internal voltage amplifications of up to two per units which have been verified by measurements. It is concluded that even with additional damping effects the potential problem of over voltages within large SMES coils persists and that it can be avoided by a careful design of the power electronic interface utilizing a comprehensive computer model of the system.
Tax Innovation, Administration and Revenue Generation in Nigeria: Case of Cross River State

Taxation as a potent fiscal policy instrument through which infrastructures and social services that drive the development process of any society has been ineffective in Nigeria. The adoption of appropriate measures is, however, a requirement for the generation of adequate tax revenue. This study set out to investigates efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of tax in Nigeria, using Cross River State as a case-study. The methodology to achieve this objective is a qualitative technique using structured questionnaires to survey the three senatorial districts in the state; the central limit theory is adopted as our analytical technique. Result showed a significant degree of inefficiency in the administration of taxes. It is recommended that periodic review and update of tax policy will bring innovation and effectiveness in the administration of taxes. Also proper appropriation of tax revenue will drive development in needed infrastructural and social services.
Comparison of laparoscopy and laparotomy in surgical staging of clinical early stage endometrial cancer: A report of early experiences from Turkey

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of laparoscopy (LS) in endometrial carcinoma staging. Clinical early stage endometrial cancer patients (n = 153) staged by LS or laparotomy (LT) were compared. A total of 40 (26.1%) patients were treated by LS and 113 (73.9%) by LT. All patients underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy. Lymphadenectomy has been extended to para-aortic space in 55% of the LS group and 70% of the LT group. The majority of patients had stage I–II disease. The median numbers of removed pelvic and para- aortic lymph nodes were similar in two groups (p values 0.213 and 0.199, respectively). Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) was higher in the LT group (31.2 vs 27.4, p < 0.05). Operation time, age, tumour histology, para-aortic lymphadenectomy and complication rates were similar in the two groups. Four (10%) patients in the LS group and 12 (10.6%) in the LT group had recurrence of disease (p = 1.0). There was no statistical difference for overall survival between the two groups. In conclusion, these findings showed that in endometrial carcinoma cases, laparoscopy has provided adequate staging and similar survival rates with laparotomy.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita and Total Ulcerative Colitis

multifactorial. Norrgard! has studied familial aggregations of aneurysms sending questionnaires to patients following aneurysmectomy. Eighty-nine survivors had 204 brothers and sisters and 3.4% of these had died of ruptured aneurysms in a population with a 0.4% mortality from ruptured aneurysms in the over 50 years age group. Further evidence that aortic aneurysms may not be solely due to atheroma is derived from comparing patients undergoing aortic surgery for dilating or occlusive disease". The mean age of patients with aneurysmal disease is greater than that for occlusive disease, 67 versus 56 years. Also the sex distribution differs, 12% of aneurysmal patients were female, but 56% of occlusive patients were female. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels have been studied with regard to atherogenesis and in patients with aortic aneurysms's". Greenhalgh has shown significant differences in the fasting serum lipid levels and lipoprotein patterns between patients with dilating or occlusive disease. A collagen or elastin deficiency has also been proposed as a possible aetiological factor in the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Most of the strength of the aortic wall is derived from the collagen in the media, the collagen occurring in two forms. Type I collagen is more abundant, but Type III collagen exhibits greater elasticity and tensile strength. When the media is damaged Type III collagen is replaced by a Type I collagen scars. The ratios of collagen types in the skin closely resembles that of the aorta, and thus skin biopsies can be studied to give an indication of aortic collagen. The normal range for Type III collagen from forearm skin biopsies is 17-27% of total skin collagen. Skin biopsies have been taken from both our patients and they have been shown to be Type III collagen deficient, the younger brother having 13.4% Type Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Volume 81 August 1988 473
Augmentation by escitalopram, but not citalopram or R‐citalopram, of the effects of low‐dose risperidone: Behavioral, biochemical, and electrophysiological evidence

Antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat affective symptoms in schizophrenia. We have recently shown that escitalopram, but not citalopram or R‐citalopram, increases firing rate and burst firing of midbrain dopamine neurons, potentiates cortical N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated transmission and enhances cognition, effects that might influence the outcome of concomitant antipsychotic medication. Here, we studied, in rats, the behavioral and neurobiological effects of adding escitalopram, citalopram, or R‐citalopram to the second‐generation antipsychotic drug risperidone. We examined antipsychotic efficacy using the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) test, extrapyramidal side effect (EPS) liability using a catalepsy test, dopamine outflow in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving animals, and NMDA receptor‐mediated transmission in the mPFC using intracellular electrophysiological recording in vitro. Only escitalopram (5 mg/kg), but not citalopram (10 mg/kg), or R‐citalopram (10 mg/kg), dramatically enhanced the antipsychotic‐like effect of a low dose of risperidone (0.25 mg/kg), without increasing catalepsy. Given alone, escitalopram, but not citalopram or R‐citalopram, markedly enhanced both cortical dopamine output and NMDA receptor‐mediated transmission. Addition of escitalopram and to some extent R‐citalopram, but not citalopram, significantly enhanced both cortical dopamine output and cortical NMDA receptor‐mediated transmission induced by a suboptimal dose/concentration of risperidone. These results suggest that adjunct treatment with escitalopram, but not citalopram, may enhance the effect of a subtherapeutic dose of risperidone on positive, negative, cognitive, and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia, yet without increased EPS liability. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two-Photon Absorption Induced Single-Event Effects: Correlation Between Experiment and Simulation

Carrier-density distributions generated via two-photon absorption from pulsed laser excitation are simulated using nonlinear-optical beam propagation software. These simulated carrier-density distributions are used to calculate depth profiles of the integrated collected charge using a rectangular-parallel-piped approach for two silicon diodes of different structure. Using a set of proposed correlation metrics, the resulting simulated charge collection profiles are found to exhibit good agreement with measured transient charge-collection data for most, but not all of the metrics. The physical phenomena underlying the correlation metrics are discussed in detail. The remaining discrepancies that exist between the simulated and experimental results are addressed and their potential causes are detailed.
GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMORS: CLINICAL, IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL, TREATMENT ASPECTS AND PREDICTORS OF SURVIVAL

Gastrointestinal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. This study is a prospective study done from February 2007 to April 2009. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of patients with GIST, in order to identify variables which influence survival, recurrence and also study the pattern of disease. Over a period of 27 months 34 patients diagnosed with GIST were enrolled into the study. Stomach was the most common site of tumor. Mean age at presentation was 56.08 yrs, GIST’s were more common in males with male to female ratio of 2.4:1. There was a significant relationship between tumour size and mitotic activity, and also with increasing Ki proliferative index and other markers such as P53. R0 resection could be achieved in 84% of cases. The use of imatinib as adjunctive therapy in high risk category significantly reduced the recurrence rate as compared to historical control in the literature. Mean actuarial survival was 24.89 months with a mean follow up of 13.5 months.
Remnant cholesterol and ischemic heart disease

Purpose of review To review recent advances in the field of remnant cholesterol as a contributor to the development of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Recent findings Epidemiologic, mechanistic, and genetic studies all support a role for elevated remnant cholesterol (=cholesterol in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins) as a contributor to the development of atherosclerosis and IHD. Observational studies show association between elevated remnant cholesterol and IHD, and mechanistic studies show remnant cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall like LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) accumulation. Furthermore, large genetic studies show evidence of remnant cholesterol as a causal risk factor for IHD independent of HDL-cholesterol levels. Genetic studies also show that elevated remnant cholesterol is associated with low-grade inflammation, whereas elevated LDL-C is not. There are several pharmacologic ways of lowering remnant cholesterol levels; however, it remains to be seen in large randomized clinical intervention trials if lowering of remnant cholesterol, in individuals with elevated levels, will reduce the risk of IHD. Summary Evidence is emerging for elevated remnant cholesterol being a causal risk factor for IHD. Elevated remnant cholesterol levels likely are part of the explanation of the residual risk of IHD observed after LDL-C has been lowered to recommended levels.