Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic performance in ploidy levels and amphyploids of wheat during developmental stages.

In order to determine the changing trends of some physiological characteristics, biological yield, and flag leaf area in wheat ploidy levels, while also comparing them with Triticale and Tritipyrum amphyploids, 23 genotypes were evaluated in a field-grown condition. Stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), substomatal CO2 concentration (Ci), and water use efficiency (WUE) were measured through three developmental stages including tillering (Til), early grain filling (EGF) and late grain filling (LGF). Different traits in Triticale and Tritipyrum genotypes showed a significant difference in comparison with wheat ploidy genotypes. Besides, a significance difference was observed between the ploidy levels. At EGF stage, there was a considerable disparity among Triticum and Triticale amphiploids for Ci, Tr, and WUE. Triticum and Tritipyrum genotypes statistically demonstrated dissimilar, but meaningful trends in all of the assessed physiological traits except for Pn. Moreover, Triticale and Tritipyrum amphiploids represented to have various results in terms of gs. Results showed that the amounts of gs, Pn, and WUE have increased noticeably until EGF stage and they have declined by 50% at LGF stage. The highest mean values corresponding to Ci (Til, EGF, LGF), Pn (LGF), Tr (EGF), and gs (EGF, LGF) traits were belonged to Tritipyrum species which likely relates the breeding capability of such newfound amphiploid genotypes. Correlation coefficients analysis revealed that Pn had positive association with gs and Tr in the Til and LGF stages. Throughout the whole phases of the study, Tr and WUE have increased with increasing gs and Pn. Reductions of gs and Tr in EGF stage have caused WUE to increase. In 4x and 6x wheat genotypes, the biological yield was positively associated with Pn and Tr. In 4x wheat, the flag leaf area had a negative correlation with Pn and WUE, while in 6x wheat, along with the flag leaf area increasing, Pn and Tr have soared and Ci has decreased. This research was an attempt to assist wheat breeders in selecting wellsuited breeding lines and physiological parameters, leading to producing high-yielding genotypes in Triticum spp.
Platelet Abnormalities during Colonic Inflammation

Abstract:Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are susceptible to microvascular thrombosis and thromboembolism. The increased incidence of thrombosis is accompanied by enhanced coagulation and abnormalities in platelet function. Clinical studies have revealed thrombocytosis, alterations in platelet activation, enhanced platelet–leukocyte interactions, and elevated plasma levels of prothrombotic cytokines. This study was directed toward determining whether the thrombocytosis, altered platelet functions, and enhanced platelet–leukocyte interactions observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can be recapitulated in the dextran sodium sulfate and T-cell transfer models of murine colonic inflammation. Flow cytometry was used to characterize platelet function in heparin-anticoagulated whole blood of control mice and in mice with colonic inflammation. Platelets were identified by characteristic light scattering and membrane expression of CD41. Thiazole orange labeling was used to differentiate between immature and mature platelets. Platelet activation was monitored using the expression of an activation epitope of GPIIb/IIIa integrin. The combination of CD41, CD45.2, Gr-1, F4/80, and isotype control antibodies was used to detect and quantify aggregates of leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes with platelets. Our results indicated that colonic inflammation is associated with thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, and the appearance of immature platelets. An increased number of circulating activated platelets was detected in colitic mice, along with the formation of aggregates of leukocytes (PLA), neutrophils (PNA), and monocytes (PMA) with platelets. Selectin blockade with fucoidin inhibited dextran sodium sulfate–induced PLA formation. The findings of this study indicate that many features of the altered platelet function detected in human inflammatory bowel disease can be reproduced in animal models of colonic inflammation.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exhibit genotoxicity and impair DNA repair activity in A549 cells

Abstract Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are produced in large quantities, raising concerns about their impact for human health. The aim of this study was to deeply characterize TiO2-NPs genotoxic potential to lung cells, and to link genotoxicity to physicochemical characteristics, e.g., size, specific surface area, crystalline phase. A549 cells were exposed to a panel of TiO2-NPs with diameters ranging from 12 to 140 nm, either anatase or rutile. A set of complementary techniques (comet and micronucleus assays, gamma-H2AX immunostaining, 8-oxoGuanine analysis, H2-DCFDA, glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes activities) allowed us to demonstrate that small and spherical TiO2-NPs, both anatase and rutile, induce single-strand breaks and oxidative lesions to DNA, together with a general oxidative stress. Additionally we show that these NPs impair cell ability to repair DNA, by inactivation of both NER and BER pathways. This study thus confirms the genotoxic potential of TiO2-NPs, which may preclude their mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with end‐stage kidney disease on hemodialysis

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in hemodialysis patients with spirometry and to examine the effects of fluid removal by hemodialysis on lung volumes. Patients ≥18 years at two Danish hemodialysis centers were included. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio were measured with spirometry before and after hemodialysis. The diagnosis of COPD was based on both the GOLD criteria and the lower limit of normal criteria. There were 372 patients in treatment at the two centers, 255 patients (69%) completed spirometry before dialysis and 242 of these (65%) repeated the test after. In the initial test, 117 subjects (46%) had airflow limitation indicative of COPD with GOLD criteria and 103 subjects (40.4%) with lower limit of normal criteria; COPD was previously diagnosed in 24 patients (9%). Mean FVC and FEV1 decreased mildly after dialysis (FVC: 2.84 to 2.79 L, P < 0.01. FEV1: 1.97 to 1.93 L, P < 0.01) Hemodialysis did not affect the FEV1/FVC ratio or number of subjects with airflow limitation indicative of COPD (113 vs. 120, P = 0.324; n = 242). COPD is a frequent and underdiagnosed comorbidity in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Spirometry should be considered in all patients on dialysis in order to address dyspnea adequately. Hemodialysis induced a small fall in mean FEV1 and FVC, which was more pronounced in patients with little or no fluid removal, but the FEV1/FVC ratio and the number of subjects with airflow limitation indicative of COPD were not affected by dialysis.
Activation of Spinal Stabilizers and Shoulder Complex Muscles During an Inverted Row Using a Portable Pull-up Device and Body Weight Resistance

Abstract Youdas, JW, Keith, JM, Nonn, DE, Squires, AC, and Hollman, JH. Activation of spinal stabilizers and shoulder complex muscles during an inverted row using a portable pull-up device and body weight resistance. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1933–1941, 2016—We recorded muscle activation normalized to a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC) during an inverted body weight row using a commercially available portable pull-up device. Surface electromyographic (EMG) analysis was conducted on 13 male and 13 female subjects performing 4 inverted row exercises: (a) pronated grip both feet weight-bearing (WB); (b) supinated grip both feet WB; (c) pronated grip one leg WB; and (d) supinated grip single-leg WB. Nine muscles were analyzed: (a) posterior deltoid (PD), (b) latissimus dorsi (LD), (c) biceps brachii (BB), (d) lower trapezius (LT), (e) upper trapezius (UT), (f) lumbar multifidus (LM), (g) middle trapezius (MT), (h) lumbar thoracis (LTh), and (i) rectus abdominis (RA). Normalized peak EMG activity was examined separately for each muscle with 9 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) at &agr; = 0.05. Post hoc comparisons of EMG activation across exercises for statistically significant ANOVAs were conducted with Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons. We observed statistically significant differences in EMG activation of the LD between supinated and pronated double-leg WB (p = 0.001) condition. Additionally, we found statistical significance in the UT between pronated and supinated single-leg WB (p = 0.007). No statistically significant differences in muscle activation existed between single- and double-leg WB in any muscles. Four muscles (BB, LD, LT, and PD) demonstrated very high (>61% MVIC) EMG activation during all 4 exercise conditions. Three muscles (UT, MT, and LM) demonstrated high (41–60% MVIC) activation, whereas 2 muscles (LTh and RA) demonstrated moderate (21–40% MVIC) activation. Four inverted row exercises activated the LD, UT, MT, LT, and BB at levels conducive to strengthening.
Access to Social Support in Life and in the Laboratory

Social support is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk. We examined the effects of perceived network support and availability of functional support in the laboratory on blood pressure and heart rate (HR) reactivity to acute stress. When functional support was available, participants with low perceived network support had significantly lower HR reactivity than participants with high perceived network support (p = .04). Conversely, when functional support was not available, participants with low perceived network support had significantly higher HR reactivity (p = .05). Self-reported anxiety post-stressor was significantly higher when functional support was not mentioned (p = .03).
Efficacy vs. Effectiveness Research in Psychotherapy: Implications for Clinical Hypnosis

Abstract Empirically supported therapy (EST) has become a major focus and trend for mental health practice. When hypnosis is involved, this may mean satisfying a standard that is entirely too narrow in its emphasis. In this article “efficacy”-based research in clinical practice is contrasted with “effectiveness” -focused research, and they are discussed from the perspective of hypnosis. When clinicians can consider trans-theoretical factors as well as those that are treatment-enhancing, possibilities for improved treatment outcome increase. The “effectiveness” perspective also serves as a counter point for hypnosis in contrast with the dubious efficacy-based gold standard currently proposed for therapy in general, and hypnosis in particular.
Psychiatric morbidity in patients with Parkinson's disease

SYNOPSIS Forty patients with Parkinson's disease underwent a detailed assessment of their psychiatric state using a standardized, semi-structured interview, the Present State Examination. Analysis of the interviews yielded a profile of depressive and neurotic syndromes. Comparing the results with population norms, however, revealed that the patients were distinguished only by high levels of depressed mood and loss of interest and poor concentration. In the majority of patients the range and severity of symptoms fell below the criteria for ‘caseness’. Only four patients could be allocated to an ICD-9 class, two to ‘ neurotic depression’, one to ‘ anxiety state’ and one to ‘ phobic state’. This rate was almost identical to that found in the general population. Broader indices of psychiatric morbidity were related to the patients' levels of disability and cognitive function.
Solution structure of the fifth and sixth transmembrane segments of the mitochondrial oxoglutarate carrier

The structures of the fifth and sixth transmembrane segments of the bovine mitochondrial oxoglutarate carrier (OGC) and of the hydrophilic loop that connects them were studied by CD and NMR spectroscopies. Peptides F215-R246, W279-K305 and P257-L278 were synthesized and structurally characterized. CD data showed that at high concentrations of TFE and SDS all peptides assume α-helical structures. 1H-NMR spectra of the three peptides in TFE/water were fully assigned and the secondary structures of the peptides were obtained from nuclear Overhauser effects, 3JαH-NH coupling constants and αH chemical shifts. The three-dimensional solution structures of the peptides were generated by distance geometry calculations. A well-defined α–helix was found in the region L220-V243 of peptide F215-R246 (TMS-V), in the region P284-M303 of peptide W279-K305 (TMS-VI) and in the region N261-F275 of peptide P257-L278 (hydrophilic loop). The helix L220-V243 exhibited a sharp kink at P239, while a little bend around P291 was observed in the helical region P284-M303. Fluorescence studies performed on peptide W279-K305, alone and together with other transmembrane segments of OGC, showed that the W279 fluorescence was quenched upon addition of peptide F215-R246, but not of peptides K21-K46, R78-R108 and P117-A149 suggesting a specific interaction between TMS-V and TMS-VI of OGC.
elationship Between B-Type atriuretic Peptides and Pulmonary apillary Wedge Pressure in the Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVES We examined whether B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) can serve as noninvasive markers of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in the setting of critical illness. BACKGROUND The BNP and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are highly correlated with left ventricular (LV) filling pressures in patients with depressed LV systolic function. However, their relationship to PCWP in a heterogeneous intensive care unit (ICU) population has not been established. METHODS We prospectively studied 40 patients in the ICU requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Hemodynamics were recorded simultaneously with blood sampling for BNP and NT-proBNP. RESULTS The BNP (median 420 pg/ml) and NT-proBNP (median 3,304 pg/ml) levels were markedly elevated, but weakly correlated with PCWP (BNP, r 0.40, NT-proBNP, r 0.32) and other cardiac parameters. Peptide levels were approximately four-fold greater in patients with impaired (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 60 ml/min) versus normal (eGFR 60 ml/min) renal function, despite similar PCWP, cardiac index, and LV ejection fraction. In addition, both BNP and NT-proBNP showed stronger correlations with PCWP in patients with preserved (BNP, r 0.58, NT-proBNP, r 0.73) versus impaired renal function (BNP, r 0.48, NT-proBNP, r 0.34). Interaction terms between eGFR and BNP (p 0.06) and NT-proBNP (p 0.04) suggest that eGFR modulates the relationship of these peptides to filling pressures. CONCLUSIONS The BNPs are markedly elevated, yet show only weak correlations to PCWP in ICU patients requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Thus, a single value for BNP or NT-proBNP may not be a clinically useful noninvasive marker of filling pressures in the critically ill patient. This appears to be especially true in patients with impaired renal function. (J Am Coll ublished by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jacc. 2005.01. 046
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and fever after peripheral inflammation in the rat.

The involvement of endogenous tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the pyrogenic [i.e., rise in colonic temperature (Tc)] and thermogenic [increase in oxygen consumption (VO2)] responses to inflammation was investigated in rats subjected to an intramuscular injection of turpentine. Turpentine administration caused a rise in Tc and VO2 within 2 h (0.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C, 27 +/- 2%, respectively). Eighteen to twenty hours after turpentine, the magnitude of these responses had increased (2.3 degrees C fever and a 28% increase in metabolic rate compared with control animals) and was associated with marked inflammation in the injected limb. A rapid (by 4 h) and sustained rise in the plasma concentration of the endogenous pyrogen IL-6, but not TNF-alpha, was also observed. Intravenous pretreatment with a TNF-alpha antiserum attenuated the rise in Tc observed 2, 8, and 18 h after turpentine injection and almost abolished the hypermetabolic response observed at 18 h. In addition, the TNF-alpha antiserum inhibited the peak rise (8 h) in plasma IL-6 by 76%. These findings indicate that endogenous TNF-alpha is involved in fever and hypermetabolism during inflammation and that it may exert these effects by inducing the release of IL-6 into circulation.
Prognostic value of early computerized tomography scanning following craniotomy for traumatic hematoma.

OBJECT Patients with head injuries traditionally were categorized on the basis of whether their lesions appeared to be diffuse, focal, or mass lesions on admission computerized tomography (CT) scanning. In the classification of Marshall, et al., the presence of a hematoma (evacuated or not evacuated) is more significant than any diffuse injury (DI). The CT scan appearance after evacuation of a mass lesion has not been analyzed previously in relation to outcome. The authors have investigated the importance of: 1) neurological assessment at hospital admission; 2) the status of the basal cisterns and associated intracranial lesions on the admission CT scan; and 3) the degree of DI on the early CT scan obtained after craniotomy to identify patients at risk for development of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and lowered cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and to discover the influence of the postoperative CT appearance of the lesion on patient outcome. METHODS The authors prospectively studied 82 patients with isolated, severe closed head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score < or = 8), all of whom had intracranial hematoma. Both ICP and CPP were continuously monitored, and a CT scan was obtained within 2 to 12 hours after craniotomy. The CT images were categorized according to the classification of Marshall, et al. The mortality rate during the hospital stay was 37%, and 50% of the patients achieved a favorable outcome. Compression of the basal cistern on the admission (preoperative) CT scan was associated with raised ICP and a CPP of less than 70 mm Hg but not with any other features or with poor patient outcome. In 53 patients the postoperative CT scan revealed DIs III or IV and 29 patients had DIs I or II. The percentages of time during the hospital stay in which ICP was higher than 20 mm Hg and CPP was lower than 70 mm Hg as well as unfavorable outcome were higher in the group of patients in whom DI III or IV was present (p < 0.001). Raised ICP, CPP lower than 70 mm Hg, DI III or IV, and unfavorable outcome were more frequently observed in patients who presented with a motor (m)GCS score of 3 or less, bilateral unreactive pupils, associated intracranial injuries, and hypotension (p < 0.001). When logistic regression analysis was performed, an mGCS score of 3 or less (p = 0.0013, odds ratio [OR] 10.8), bilateral unreactive pupils (p = 0.0047, OR 31.8), and DI III or IV observed on CT scanning after surgery (p = 0.015, OR 8.9) were independently associated with poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS Features on CT scans obtained shortly after craniotomy constitute an independent predictor of outcome in patients with traumatic hematoma. Patients in whom DI III or IV appears on postoperative CT scanning, who often present with an mGCS score of 3 or less and nonreactive pupils, are at high risk for the development of raised ICP and lowered CPP.
Legal prosecution of alcohol-impaired drivers admitted to a level I trauma center in Rhode Island.

BACKGROUND Despite harsh legislation, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is exceedingly common, and alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) account for significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. Legal sanctions can keep offenders off the road (protecting other drivers and pedestrians) and ensure compliance with treatment programs (reducing recidivism). However, even with clear evidence of a transgression, the law seems to be inconsistently enforced among trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to measure the rate of legal prosecution among impaired drivers admitted to a trauma center after MVCs, and to determine the recidivism rate among these individuals. METHODS Our trauma registry was queried to identify intoxicated drivers admitted during an 18-month period. Court records identified patients who had been charged with traffic offenses, including prior (2 years) and subsequent (1 year) charges. RESULTS Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured in 387 (74%) of 525 drivers, of whom 137 (35%) had BAC > or =100 mg/dL. Of 113 state residents, 22 (19%) were charged with an offense related to the MVC. Of 12 charged with DUI, 10 were convicted, for an overall DUI conviction rate of just 9%. Seven (32%) of those who were charged had prior or subsequent charges. Of 91 patients not charged for the index event, 31 (34%) had prior or subsequent charges. CONCLUSION Alcohol is involved in a large percentage of MVCs in our region. The infrequency of prosecution for DUI despite property damage and/or personal injury, and the high recidivism rate, are significant social concerns. These data suggest the need for processes to facilitate legal prosecution--possibly including revision of legislation involving reporting of BACs.
Optimal sequential probability assignment for individual sequences

Compares the probabilities assigned to individual sequences by any sequential scheme, with the performance of the best 'batch' scheme in some class. For the class of finite-state (FS) schemes and other related families, the authors derive a deterministic performance bound, analogous to the classical (probabilistic) minimum description length (MDL) bound. It holds for 'most' sequences, similarly to the probabilistic setting where the bound holds for 'most' sources in a class. It is shown that the bound can be attained both pointwise and sequentially for any model family in the reference class and without any prior knowledge of its order. The bound and its sequential achievability establish a completely deterministic significance to the concept of predictive MDL. <<ETX>>
Influence of Integrated Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrated nutrients effect on growth, yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) during spring, 2009, at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The ex-periment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications with following treat-ments: T1 (control), T2(recommended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1), T3 [single spray of multinutrient (a solution mixture of micronutrients i.e; Zn = 2%, Fe = 1%, B = 1%, Mn = 1%, Cu = 0.2% and macronutrients N = 1%, K2O = 2%, S = 2%) @ 1.25Lha-1], T4 (recommended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1 + single spray of multinutrient @ 1.25L ha-1), T5 (recom-mended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1 + two spray of multinutrient @1.25Lha-1) and T6 (recommended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1+ three spray of multinutrient @ 1.25Lha-1). The recommended dose of NPK in addition with single spray of Multi-nutrients substationally improved all growth parameters, ear characteristics and also enhanced macronutrients use efficiency up to 11.5% which induced significant increase in grain yield as compared to control and also in the treatment where recommended dose of NPK was applied alone. The quality parameter of maize (oil contents) significantly improved by foliar application of multinutrients solution but recommended dose of fertilizer in addition to single spray of Multi-nutrients was economical.