Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Placebo-controlled Comparison of 2 Prebiotic/Probiotic Combinations in Preterm Infants: Impact on Weight Gain, Intestinal Microbiota, and Fecal Short-chain Fatty Acids

Objective: To compare the effect of 2 prebiotic/probiotic products on weight gain, stool microbiota, and stool short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content of premature infants. Patients and Methods: This randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 90 premature infants treated with either a dietary supplement containing 2 lactobacillus species plus fructooligosaccharides (CUL, Culturelle, ConAgra, Omaha, NE), a supplement containing several species of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria plus fructooligosaccharides (PBP, ProBioPlus DDS, UAS Laboratories, Eden Prairie, MN), or placebo (a dilute preparation of Pregestamil formula) twice daily for 28 days or until discharge if earlier. The primary outcome was weight gain. Secondary outcomes were stool bacterial analysis by culture and 16S rDNA quantitative polymerase chain reaction and stool SCFA content measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Both prebiotic/probiotic combinations contained more bacterial species than noted on the label. No significant effect on infant growth of either prebiotic/probiotic supplement was observed. By cultures, 64% of infants receiving PBP became colonized with bifidobacteria, compared with 18% of infants receiving CUL and 27% of infants receiving placebo (chi-square, P = 0.064). No differences were noted between groups in colonization rates for lactobacilli, Gram-negative enteric bacteria, or staphylococci. By 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction analysis, the bifidobacteria content in the stools of the infants receiving PBP was higher than in the infants receiving CUL or placebo (Kruskal-Wallis, P = 0.011). No significant differences in stool SCFA content were detected between groups. No adverse reactions were noted. Conclusions: Infants receiving PBP were more likely to become colonized with bifidobacteria. No significant differences in weight gain or stool SCFA content were detected.
Diverse Subcellular Locations of Cryptogein-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Tobacco Bright Yellow-2 Cells1[W][OA]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in many cellular responses and signaling pathways, including the oxidative burst defense response to pathogens. We have examined very early events in cryptogein-induced ROS production in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Bright Yellow-2 suspension cells. Using Amplex Red and Amplex Ultra Red reagents, which report real-time H2O2 accumulation in cell populations, we show that the internal signal for H2O2 develops more rapidly than the external apoplastic signal. Subcellular accumulation of H2O2 was also followed in individual cells using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe. Major accumulation was detected in endomembrane, cytoplasmic, and nuclear compartments. When cryptogein was added, the signal developed first in the nuclear region and, after a short delay, in the cell periphery. Interestingly, isolated nuclei were capable of producing H2O2 in a calcium-dependent manner, implying that nuclei can serve as a potential active source of ROS production. These results show complex spatial compartmentalization for ROS accumulation and an unexpected temporal sequence of events that occurs after cryptogein application, suggesting novel intricacy in ROS-signaling cascades.
The Effect of S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine and S-Nitroso-Captopril Co-Administered with Cysteine on Blood Glucose Concentration in an Animal Model

The study sought to test the hypothesis that co-administration of SNAP and cysteine or CapSNO and cysteine in normoglycaemic rats may further reduce glucose tolerance. An oral glucose tolerance was carried out and the plasma nitrite concentrations were measured and taken as the biochemical markers of in vivo NO formation. The results showed blood glucose levels were significantly elevated at fasting (F2) and 2.5 h time intervals of the oral glucose tolerance test on administration of SNAP at 12.5 mg kg-1 body weight (BW) or CapSNO at 12.5 mg kg-1 BW compared to captopril (12.5 mg kg-1 BW, control). Co-administration of SNAP and cysteine (30 mg kg-1 BW), or CapSNO and cysteine enhanced the postprandial hyperglycemic effect at the 2.0 or 2.5 h time intervals compared with the administration of SNAP or CapSNO only (p
Collection and 28-Day Storage of Human Placental Blood

ABSTRACT: Placental blood was harvested using a novel collection system into packs containing citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine and then stored for 28 d. Before and during storage, sterility, adequacy of anticoagulation, blood chemistry, and red cell viability were assessed weekly. The average volume of blood collected was 65 mL (range 30–110 mL) with a 0.42 hemocrit once diluted in anticoagulant. All blood culture specimens were sterile at collection and during storage. Adequate anticoagulation (activated partial thromboplastin time > 90 s) on the day of collection was achieved in 15 specimens, all less than 65 mL of blood volume. Ten specimens, in blood volumes ranging from 65 to 110 mL, had mean activated partial thromboplastin time values of 65.3 ± 10.2 s. Activated partial thromboplastin time values for all 25 specimens at 1,2, 3, and 4 wk storage were >90 s, presumably because of the decline in labile clotting factors after 24 h of storage. Hematocrit, red cell ATP, and red cell shape were maintained during storage. As expected, red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate declined and potassium levels rose significantly but were not different than levels reported for adult cells similarly preserved. Based on our results, it appears that placental blood represents a potential source of autologous transfusion for the sick neonate over the first month of life.
Effects of Working Capital Management on SME Profitability

Purpose - The object of the research presented in this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the effects of working capital management on the profitability of a sample of small and medium-sized Spanish firms. Design/methodology/approach - The authors have collected a panel of 8,872 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) covering the period 1996-2002. The authors tested the effects of working capital management on SME profitability using the panel data methodology. Findings - The results, which are robust to the presence of endogeneity, demonstrate that managers can create value by reducing their inventories and the number of days for which their accounts are outstanding. Moreover, shortening the cash conversion cycle also improves the firm's profitability. Originality/value - This work contributes to the literature in two ways. First, no previous such evidence exists for the case of SMEs. Second, unlike previous studies, in the current work robust test have been conducted for the possible presence of endogeneity problems. The aim is to ensure that the relationships found in the analysis carried out are due to the effects of the cash conversion cycle on corporate profitability and not vice versa.
Bacteriological and Antibiogram Studies Of Milk Samples Of Clinical Mastitis In Goats

The objectives of the study was to isolate the major bacteria responsible for clinical mastitis and their antibiogram in goats in and around Hyderabad. Total of 18 milk samples were collected and of which 26 bacterial pathogens were isolated viz., 12/18 Staphylococcus spp. (66.66%) (8/18 coagulase positive Staphylococcus spp. (44.44%), 4/18 coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (22.22%) were predominant followed by 9/18 Escherichia coli (50%), 3/18 Klebsiella spp. (16.67%) and 2/18 Streptococcus spp. (11.11%). The whole milk cultures from 18 affected quarters showed 94.44 per cent sensitivity to ceftriaxone followed by amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (88.88%), gentamicin (61.11%), enrofloxacin (55.55%), ampicillin (44.44%) and doxycycline (33.33%). However, all (100%) whole milk cultures were resistant to penicillin G.
The professional development of beginning teachers of primary mathematics

Recent documents have recommended a style of teaching for primary mathematics classrooms that favours a constructivist viewpoint of learning. The actuality of many mathematics classrooms is different from this vision. Newly trained teachers while exposed to, and expounding, a constructivist philosophy are, in many cases, implementing a more traditional, teacher-centred approach to classroom practice. The purpose of this study was twofold: to investigate factors which influence the pedagogical practices and beliefs of beginning teachers of mathematics in primary classrooms, and secondly to evaluate a professional development support model for beginning primary mathematics teachers. A model for professional development and support of beginning teachers of primary mathematics was designed from critical characteristics of effective teacher support obtained from the literature. The model was designed via the use of a 'fellow worker' to help beginning teachers implement constructivist ways of teaching mathematics in their classrooms. It was implemented over a period of the first year of teaching for the five participants. The research took the form of an interpretative, qualitative study. The main methods of data collection were interviews, observation, researcher and participant journals, case methods meetings, repertory grids, RADIATE categories, pre and post questionnaires and characterisation scales. Data were analysed using techniques of qualitative analysis recommended by Eisner (1991) and Miles and Huberman (1994 ). Analysis incorporated the use of the NUD*IST computer program. Findings suggest that the professional development, support model was successful in helping beginning teachers implement and sustain a more constructivist philosophy in mathematics teaching. It appeared to provide an effective framework to meet the individual needs of teachers within specific contexts. It was an effective alternative to the
Firm Size and Research Productivity in Drug Discovery . Revised Jan 1997

This research was funded by four pharmaceutical companies and by the Sloan Foundation. Their support is gratefully acknowledged. We would also like to express our appreciation to all of those firms that contributed data to the study, to Bronwyn Hall, Richard Caves and Zvi Griliches, and to seminar participants at Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, MIT, the NBER, Northwestern, Stanford, UBC and UCLA for their helpful comments and suggestions. The conclusions and opinions expressed in this paper are our own, and any errors or omissions remain entirely our responsibility.
Assessment of microbial contamination within working environments of different types of composting plants

The objective of the study was to determine the degree of microbiological contamination, type of microflora, bioaerosol particle size distribution, and concentration of endotoxins in dust in different types of composting plants. In addition, this study provides a list of indicator microorganisms that pose a biological threat in composting facilities, based on their prevalence within the workplace, source of isolation, and health hazards. We undertook microbiological analysis of the air, work surfaces, and compost, and assessed the particle size distribution of bioaerosols using a six-stage Andersen sampler. Endotoxins were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microbial identification was undertaken both microscopically and using biochemical tests. The predominant bacterial and fungal species were identified using 16S rRNA and ITS1/2 analysis, respectively. The number of mesophilic microorganisms in composting plants amounted to 6.9 × 102–2.5 × 104 CFU/m3 in the air, 2.9 × 102–3.3 × 103 CFU/100 cm2 on surfaces, and 2.2 × 105–2.4 × 107 CFU/g in compost. Qualitative analysis revealed 75 microbial strains in composting plants, with filamentous fungi being the largest group of microorganisms, accounting for as many as 38 isolates. The total amount of endotoxins was 0.0062–0.0140 nmol/mg of dust. The dust fraction with aerodynamic particle diameter of 0.65–1.1 μm accounted for 28–39% of bacterial aerosols and 4–13% of fungal aerosols. We propose the following strains as indicators of harmful biological agent contamination: Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Mucor hiemalis, and Rhizopus oryzae for both types of composting plants, and Bacillus pumilus, Mucor fragilis, Penicillium svalbardense, and P. crustosum for green waste composting plants. The biological hazards posed within these plants are due to the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and the inhalation of respirable bioaerosol. Depending on the type of microorganism, these hazards may be aggravated or reduced after cleaning procedures. Implications: This study assessed the microbial contamination in two categories of composting plants: (1) facilities producing substrates for industrial cultivation of button mushrooms, and (2) facilities for processing biodegradable waste. Both workplaces showed potentially pathogenic microorganisms, respirable bioaerosol, and endotoxin. These results are useful to determine the procedures to control harmful biological agents, and to disinfect workplaces in composting plants.
Longitudinal volumetric MRI study of pituitary gland following severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract Purpose: Previous studies have suggested that the hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more prevalent than traditionally thought. The objective of this study was to characterize longitudinal MRI morphometric changes of pituitary gland in patients with severe TBI. Materials and methods: Fourteen patients who had suffered a severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Score=3 - 8) underwent MRI at three time points: Time 1 (mean=31. 5 days), Time 2 (98. 0) and Time 3 (185. 5). The pituitary gland volume was quantified by manually tracing on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Data from TBI patients were compared to 14 age- and sexmatched uninjured controls. The relationships between pituitary volumetric measures and patient demographics, length of respiratory support and coma, and presence of intracranial hemorrhage or skull fractures were also analyzed. Results: Following TBI, the pituitary volumes were significantly greater at all three time points: Time 1: median=665mm3, range=460-830mm3, p=0. 007; Time 2: 694mm3, 467-866mm3, 0. 007; and Time 3: 655mm3, 444- 795mm3, 0. 015, compared with controls (504mm3, 433-591mm3). At Time 1, pituitary volume was increased in 10 out of 14 patients. Of these, early pituitary enlargements persisted up to six months in nine patients. Pituitary enlargements were negatively correlated with GCS, but not with other variables. Conclusion: Following a severe TBI, early pituitary enlargement found in most of our patients persisted in the chronic phases. Our data suggest a potential role of MRI morphometry in early prediction of pituitary dysfunction following head trauma, but further studies including hormonal measurements are necessary for validation.
Accumulation of a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

Abstract In order to investigate the potential role of mussels as a vector of influenza A viruses, we exposed zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) to natural lake water containing a low pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. Mussels were kept in water containing virus for 48 hr, then transferred into fresh water for another 14 days. Virus detection in mussels and water samples was performed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRRT-PCR) and egg culture methods. Virus uptake was detected in all of the mussel groups that were exposed to virus. Even after 14 days in fresh water, virus could still be detected in shellfish material by both qRRT-PCR and egg culture methods. The present study demonstrates that zebra mussels are capable of accumulating influenza A viruses from the surrounding water and that these viruses remain in the mussels over an extended period of time.
Ellagic Acid Suppresses Lipid Accumulation by Suppressing Early Adipogenic Events and Cell Cycle Arrest

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol found in various fruits and vegetables. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of EA on fat accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells during adipogenesis. Our data showed that EA reduced fat accumulation by down‐regulating adipogenic markers such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) at the mRNA and protein levels in a dose‐dependent manner. We found that the decrease in adipogenic markers resulted from reduced expression of some early adipogenic transcription factors such as KLF4, KLF5, Krox20, and C/EBPβ within 24 h. Also, these inhibitions were correlated with down‐regulation of TG synthetic enzymes, causing inhibition of triglyceride (TG) levels in 3T3‐L1 cells investigated by ORO staining and in zebrafish investigated by TG assay. Additionally, the cell cycle analysis showed that EA inhibited cell cycle progression by arresting cells at the G0/G1 phase. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ASCORBIC ACID AND PLASMA LIPIDS

We examined the association between plasma lipids and total ascorbic acid in 256 men and 221 women age 20–65 years. Among men, we observed that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was 2.1 mg per dl higher, total:HDL cholesterol was 5.4% lower, total cholesterol was 4.8 mg per dl lower, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was 5.6 mg per dl lower, and triglyceride was 5.2% lower for each 0.5 mg per dl increment in ascorbic acid. The association between ascorbic acid and total:HDL cholesterol ratio in men was modified by glucose concentration. Among women, we observed that HDL cholesterol was 14.9 mg per dl higher for women with ascorbic acid levels ≤1.05 mg per dl and 0.9 mg per dl lower for women with ascorbic acid levels >1.05mg per dl for each 0.5 mg per dl increment in ascorbic acid. Total:HDL cholesterol ratio was 10.9% lower for women with ascorbic acid concentrations ≤1.45 mg per dl and 0.6% higher for women with ascorbic acid concentrations >1.45 mg per dl for each 0.5 mg per dl increment. The associations among ascorbic acid concentration, total and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were weak or absent among women. These results are consistent with earlier observations relating ascorbic acid and HDL cholesterol and indicate that ascorbic acid might also be related to total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in men.
Pump–Probe Measurements of the Raman Gain Coefficient in Crystals Using Multi-Longitudinal-Mode Beams

The effect of multi-longitudinal-mode interference on pump-probe Raman gain measurements is studied as the functions of laser linewidth and correlation between the pump and probe temporal structures. For Raman linewidths typical of crystals, correlations that develop between the pump and the probe increase the Raman amplification beyond the ideal single longitudinal mode case, leading to inflated Raman gain coefficient values. We show that the linewidth correction factors used previously are valid only for uncorrelated beams and small gain factors. Taking into account these considerations, a Raman gain coefficient for a diamond of 3.80 ± 0.35 cm/GW is reported at a pump wavelength of 1.864 μm (polarizations parallel to a 〈110〉 crystal axis).
An analysis of the factors influencing the residual refractive astigmatism after cataract surgery with toric intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE To investigate the influence of posterior corneal astigmatism, surgically-induced corneal astigmatism (SICA), intraocular lens (IOL) orientation, and effective lens position on the refractive outcome of toric IOLs. METHODS Five models were prospectively investigated. Keratometric astigmatism and an intended SICA of 0.2 diopters (D) were entered into model 1. Total corneal astigmatism, measured by a rotating Scheimpflug camera, was used instead of keratometric astigmatism in model 2. The mean postoperative SICA, the actual postoperative IOL orientation, and the influence of the effective lens position were added, respectively, into models 3, 4, and 5. Astigmatic data were vectorially described by meridional and torsional powers. A set of equations was developed to describe the error in refractive astigmatism (ERA) as the difference between the postoperative refractive astigmatism and the target refractive astigmatism. RESULTS We enrolled 40 consecutive eyes. In model 1, ERA calculations revealed significant cylinder overcorrection in with-the-rule (WTR) eyes (meridional power = -0.59 ± 0.34 D, P < 0.0001) and undercorrection in against-the-rule (ATR) eyes (0.32 ± 0.42 D, P = 0.01). When total corneal astigmatism was used instead of keratometric astigmatism (model 2), the ERA meridional power decreased in WTR (-0.13 ± 0.42 D) and ATR (0.07 ± 0.59 D) eyes, both values being not statistically significant. Models 3 to 5 did not lead to significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS Posterior corneal astigmatism exerts the highest influence on the ERA after toric IOL implantation. Basing calculations on total corneal astigmatism rather than keratometric astigmatism improves the prediction of the residual refractive astigmatism.
Long-term outcome of elective stenting for symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis

Seventy-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis ≥ 50% of intracranial vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) were treated by elective stenting. There were five strokes within 30 days, and three strokes in the VBA territory after 30 days (mean of 812 days). The annual stroke rate in the VBA territory (including any stroke and death within 30 days) was 4.6%. At the last follow-up time, 73 patients were independent (modified Rankin scale grade ≤ 2). The outcome compares favorably with medical therapy.
A bibliometric analysis by geographic area of published research in several biomedical fields, 1995–2003

We summarized the findings of several studies of ours to compare the quantity and quality of published research from around the world for the years 1995 to 2003. We evaluated the number of articles published and their mean journal impact factor. We also studied the research productivity of various areas adjusted for gross domestic product (GDP) and population. We found that Western Europe leads the world in published research on infectious diseases–microbiology (82 342 articles [38.8%]) and in cardiopulmonary medicine (67 783 articles [39.5%]), whereas the United States ranks first in the fields of preventive medicine, public health and epidemiology both in quantity (23 918 articles [49.1%]) and quality of published papers. However, after adjustments for GDP, Canada ranked first, with the United States and Oceania following closely behind. All of the developing regions had only small research contributions in all of the biomedical fields examined.
Love Styles, Shyness, and Patterns of Emotional Self-Disclosure

Previous research has shown a relationship between love styles and shyness. This study explored the possibility that this effect may be due to differences in patterns of self-disclosure associated with shyness. University student participants (N = 143) completed the Love Attitudes Scale, the Emotional Self-Disclosure Scale, and the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale. Correlations between the measures were calculated and significant results ranged from r = . 18 to . 30. Findings supported previous research in showing significant relationships between shyness and love styles; self-disclosure showed no relationship with shyness but did show some direct associations with love style scores. Results are discussed in relation to the importance of self-disclosure in relationship development.