Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of daidzein on egg-laying performance in Shaoxing duck breeders during different stages of the egg production cycle

1. The effect of a phyto-oestrogen, daidzein, on the laying performance of Shaoxing female ducks was examined in three experiments performed at different stages of the egg production cycle. Egg-laying rate, egg weight, egg composition, feed conversion ratio, hatchability characteristics of eggs and body weight, ovary and oviduct weight, as well as changes in serum concentrations of T3, T4 and E2 were recorded as response criteria. 2. In the first experiment, 68 young ducks, 100 d of age, were given a basal diet (maize–soybean meal) with or without 3 mg of daidzein/kg diet for 42 d. Daidzein did not affect the onset of lay but apparently decreased egg-laying rate and mean egg weight as well as the feed conversion ratio. 3. In the second experiment, 240 breeding ducks, 402 d of age, were allotted at random to three groups and given the basal diet containing daidzein at 0 (control), 3 (Da1) and 5 mg/kg (Da2) for 35 d. Egg-laying rate, mean egg weight and feed conversion ratio increased in both Da1 and Da2 groups. However, an adverse effect of daidzein on fertility and hatchability was observed. 4. In the third experiment, 320 breeding ducks, 415 d of age, were fed on the basal diet with or without 5 mg of daidzein/kg diet for 63 d. Egg-laying rate increased by 7·7%, average egg weight tended to increase, whereas yolk/albumen ratio decreased. Daidzein-treated ducks had higher body weight and oviduct weight compared with their controls. Elevated plasma T4 and E2 concentrations accompanied these phenotypic changes, but serum T3 was not affected. 5. It is suggested that daidzein exerts divergent effects on the egg-laying performance of Shaoxing ducks under different physiological conditions and this action is dose-dependent. The changes in circulating E2 imply possible participation of endogenous oestrogen in the mechanism of daidzein action.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Sickle Cell Crisis

Described is a case of acute chest syndrome in a sickle-cell patient (hemoglobin SS) who also developed signs and symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, including thrombocytopenia and hemolysis (anemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, presence of schistocytes, dark-colored plasma, and elevations in nucleated red blood cells). The ADAMTS13 activity level was normal. Discussed are the diagnosis and therapeutic management issues and the challenges of differentiating the vasoocclusive and hemolytic complications of sickling red blood cells from the thrombotic microangiopathy of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Angiotensin-receptor blockers as therapy for mild-to-moderate hypertension-associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIM To evaluate insulin resistance, cytolysis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) score (NAS) using the Kleiner and Brunt criteria in 54 patients with NASH and mild-to-moderate hypertension, treated with telmisartan vs valsartan for 20 mo. METHODS All patients met the NCEP-ATP III criteria for metabolic syndrome. Histology confirmed steatohepatitis, defined as a NAS greater than five up to 3 wk prior inclusion, using the current criteria. Patients with viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol intake, drug abuse or other significant immune or metabolic hepatic pathology were excluded. Subjects were randomly assigned either to the valsartan (V) group (standard dose 80 mg o.d., n = 26), or to the telmisartan (T) group (standard dose 20 mg o.d., n = 28). Treatment had to be taken daily at the same hour with no concomitant medication or alcohol consumption allowed. Neither the patient nor the medical staff was aware of treatment group allocation. Paired liver biopsies obtained at inclusion (visit 1) and end of treatment (EOT) were assessed by a single blinded pathologist, not aware of patient or treatment group. Blood pressure, BMI, ALT, AST, HOMA-IR, plasma triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were evaluated at inclusion and every 4 mo until EOT (visit 6). RESULTS At EOT we noticed a significant decrease in ALT levels vs inclusion in all patients and this decrease did not differ significantly in group T vs group V. HOMA-IR significantly decreased at EOT vs inclusion in all patients but in group T, the mean HOMA-IR decrease per month was higher than in group V. NAS significantly diminished at EOT in all patients with a higher decrease in group T vs group V. CONCLUSION Angiotensin receptor blockers seem to be efficient in hypertension-associated NASH. Telmisartan showed a higher efficacy regarding insulin resistance and histology, perhaps because of its specific PPAR-gamma ligand effect.
Asymmetry in Keratoconus and Vision-Related Quality of Life

Purpose: To examine the relationship of increased ocular asymmetry over time to vision-related quality of life in keratoconus. Methods: The subjects were from the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus Study and had complete data on a least 1 scale of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire and examination data at baseline and at least 1 follow-up visit. Three measures of disease asymmetry [visual acuity (VA), corneal curvature, and refractive error] and better eye status were assessed. Multilevel models were fit to the data. Results: The analyses were completed using the data from 961 subjects. Six scales on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire had adequate variability to the model (distance activity, driving, mental health, near activity, ocular pain, and role difficulties). Refractive error changes were not associated with statistically significant quality-of-life differences. Except for ocular pain, statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, differences were found for VA changes and corneal curvature changes. For a 0.1-unit logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of VA change, the quality-of-life scales decreased between 0.20 and 0.99 units. For a 1.00-diopter steepening of corneal curvature, these decreases were on the order of 0.20 to 0.59 units. Changes related to asymmetry were small as well; decreases were on the order of 0.20 to 0.38 units. Conclusions: Increasing ocular asymmetry and decreases in VA and corneal steepening in the better eye were associated with decreasing vision-related quality of life, although the magnitudes of the changes were not clinically meaningful. Of these 2 disease status indicators, the vision in the better eye had greater effect on the vision-related quality of life.
Effects of Food Deprivation on Host Feeding and Parasitism of Whitefly Parasitoids

ABSTRACT Most whitefly parasitoids kill whiteflies in one of two ways, by piercing the whitefly body with the ovipositor and laying an egg or by piercing the body and feeding on host fluids. The effects of food deprivation on host-feeding and parasitizing capacity of the whitefly parasitoids Eretmocerus melanoscutus and Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were determined in this study. We investigated the effects of various food-deprivation durations (0, 3, 6, 10, and 24 h, and 20% honey solution offered) before being released on the host mortality and parasitism by these species, using fourth-instar Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) nymphs as test hosts. Er. melanoscutus that were food deprived for 6 h fed on more hosts than those that were food deprived for 0 and 10 h and those that were fed only on honey solution. En. formosa was less sensitive to food deprivation, there being no significant changes in host feeding and parasitism. These species' differences were further confirmed by using third instars of B. tabaci, and both parasitoid species that were food deprived for 6 h fed on more hosts and parasitized similar or more hosts than those that were not food deprived. We also confirmed that Er. melanoscutus that were food deprived for 6 h killed significantly more whiteflies by host feeding and parasitism combined than the nonfood-deprived Er. melanoscutus. However, there were no significant differences in longevity between food-deprived and nonfood-deprived parasitoids of either species. We concluded that the effectiveness of Er. melanoscutus to biological control whitefly nymphs could be improved by starving them for 6 h prior to release.
On the “Making” of an Assemblage of Stone Tools

Abstract An attempt is made to view an assemblage of stone tools as something in the process of being generated over time. A formal model is developed which includes variables such as activities and tool types and also draws attention to somewhat less visible variables that enter into the formation of an assemblage such as the dropping rates of tools and mapping relations between tool types and activities. Implications of the model for the interpretation of correlation coefficients which are often used in the quantitative analysis of assemblages and also for the "functional" argument are discussed.
Measurement of perception and interpretation skills during radiology training: utility of the script concordance approach

Imaging specialties require both perceptual and interpretation skills. Except in very simple cases, data perception and interpretation vary among clinicians. This variability makes for difficulty in measuring these skills with traditional assessment tools. The script concordance approach is conceived to allow standardized assessment in contexts of uncertainty. In this exploratory study, the authors tested the usefulness of the approach for assessment of perceptual and interpretation skills in radiology. A perception test (PT) and an interpretation test (IT) were designed according to the approach. Both tests used plain chest X-rays. Three groups were tested: clerkship students (20), junior residents (R1–R3; 20), senior residents (R4–R5; 20). Eleven certified radiologists, all currently appointed to chest reading, provided the answers by aggregate scoring method. Statistics included descriptive, ANOVA, regression analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Cronbach alpha values were 0.79 and 0.81 for the PT and IT respectively. Score progression was statistically significant in both tests. Perception scores progressed more rapidly than interpretation scores during training. Effect size was large in discriminating low versus higher level of expertise, 2.2 (PT) and 1.6 (IT). The Pearson correlation coefficient between both tests was 0.58. Cronbach alpha coefficient values indicate reasonable reliability for both tests. The linear progression of scores, each at its own pace, and the positive and moderate magnitude of the Pearson correlation coefficient are arguments suggesting measurement of two different skills. More studies are necessary to document the approach usefulness for assessment in radiology training.
What are the real risks of sport-related concussion, and are they modifiable?

Abstract Over the past two decades, the management of sport-related concussion has been the topic of increased attention in the scientific literature and in the popular media. Despite a proliferation of competing guidelines for concussion management, the widespread use of neuropsychological “baseline” testing designed to monitor postinjury recovery, and several prospective controlled studies of the natural history of concussion, there has been virtually no attempt to quantify the risks associated with sport-related concussion or to determine whether these risks are modifiable via management strategies. Using American football as a model, the short- and long-term risks of sport-related concussion are reviewed. It is concluded that serious short-term consequences of sport-related concussion are extremely rare and unlikely to be significantly modified via management strategies that rely on baseline testing. Other less serious short-term adverse outcomes are also quite rare, transient, and not likely to be altered by specific management guidelines. The long-term consequences of multiple sport-related head trauma remain unclear but are potentially of greater public health concern and should be the focus of increased research. Based on available evidence, there is little rationale for the use of rigid strategies or guidelines in the place of individual clinical decision-making in the management of these injuries. (JINS, 2009, 15, 512–520.)
A Conserved Apicomplexan Microneme Protein Contributes to Toxoplasma gondii Invasion and Virulence

ABSTRACT The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii critically relies on host cell invasion during infection. Proteins secreted from the apical micronemes are central components for host cell recognition, invasion, egress, and virulence. Although previous work established that the sporozoite protein with an altered thrombospondin repeat (SPATR) is a micronemal protein conserved in other apicomplexan parasites, including Plasmodium, Neospora, and Eimeria, no genetic evidence of its contribution to invasion has been reported. SPATR contains a predicted epidermal growth factor domain and two thrombospondin type 1 repeats, implying a role in host cell recognition. In this study, we assess the contribution of T. gondii SPATR (TgSPATR) to T. gondii invasion by genetically ablating it and restoring its expression by genetic complementation. Δspatr parasites were ∼50% reduced in invasion compared to parental strains, a defect that was reversed in the complemented strain. In mouse virulence assays, Δspatr parasites were significantly attenuated, with ∼20% of mice surviving infection. Given the conservation of this protein among the Apicomplexa, we assessed whether the Plasmodium falciparum SPATR ortholog (PfSPATR) could complement the absence of the TgSPATR. Although PfSPATR showed correct micronemal localization, it did not reverse the invasion deficiency of Δspatr parasites, because of an apparent failure in secretion. Overall, the results suggest that TgSPATR contributes to invasion and virulence, findings that have implications for the many genera and life stages of apicomplexans that express SPATR.
Standstill Frequency Response Test on a Synchronous Machine Extended With Damper Bar Measurements

Standstill frequency response (SSFR) test data from a salient-pole synchronous machine with reconfigurable damper winding are presented. In addition to the regular measurements, the damper bar currents are measured and used to obtain the stator-to-damper transfer functions. The test is performed three times with physically different damper winding configurations. An extension to the standard SSFR test analysis scheme is suggested, where the stator-to-damper transfer functions are included. The validity of the identified models is substantiated by comparison of the simulated and measured machine response to a drive torque step disturbance. It is found that the damper winding measurements can be incorporated in the analysis scheme to isolate the effect of the damper circuits. However, for a machine of the type studied, also the standard SSFR test procedure yields models that are accurate enough for power system studies.
Mechanism of interaction of digitalis with estradiol binding sites in rat uteri.

Digitalis preparations have a weak estrogenic effect in man. The data in animals are equivocal. We have studied.the biologic effect of both digitoxin and digoxin on the rat uterus in vivo and the interaction of these drugs with the rat uterus estrogen receptor in vitro. Digitoxin and estradiol significantly increased the uterine weight of immature rats, while digoxin did not. The interaction of digitoxin and digoxin with the rat uterus estrogen cytosol receptor was studied using protamine sulfate precipitation and dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) assays. Both methods gave a Kd for the estradiol-receptor interaction between 0.8-3.1 X 10(-9) M (n = 20). Digitoxin at concentrations of 0.5-2.0 X 10(-6) M significantly inhibited the binding of estradiol to the specific or saturable binding sites with minimal inhibition of hormonal binding to nonspecific sites. The binding was competitive with a calculated Ki for digitoxin of 5.2-7.8 X 10(-7) M (n = 18). Digoxin failed to inhibit estradiol binding to the receptor protein in vitro. We conclude that digitoxin probably acts directly as a weak estrogen and that this effect probably explains the estrogen-like side effects seen with digitoxin therapy in man.
The Role of Macrophages in Allograft Rejection

Macrophage accumulation has long been recognized as a feature of allograft rejection, yet the role of macrophages in rejection remains underappreciated. Macrophages contribute to both the innate and acquired arms of the alloimmune response and thus may be involved in all aspects of acute and chronic allograft rejection. Recent advances in macrophage biology have allowed a better understanding of the mechanisms of macrophage accumulation, their state of activation and the pleuripotent roles they play in allograft rejection. Therapeutic attention to macrophages, in addition to T lymphocytes, may lead to improved outcomes in organ transplantation.
Cyclophosphamide-Induced Type-1 Diabetes in the NOD Mouse Is Associated with a Reduction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells1

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated as key players in immune tolerance as well as suppression of antitumor responses. The chemotherapeutic alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CY) is widely used in the treatment of tumors and some autoimmune conditions. Although previous data has demonstrated that Tregs may be preferentially affected by CY, its relevance in promoting autoimmune conditions has not been addressed. The nonobese diabetic mouse spontaneously develops type-1 diabetes (T1D). We demonstrate in this study that CY targets CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs in vivo. CD4+CD25+ T cells isolated from CY-treated mice display reduced suppressive activity in vitro and increased expression of apoptotic markers. Although Treg numbers rapidly recovered to pretreatment levels in the peripheral lymphoid tissues, Tregs failed to recover proportionally within pancreatic infiltrates. T1D progression was effectively prevented by adoptive transfer of a small number of islet Ag-specific CD4+CD25+ Tregs to CY-treated recipients. Prevention of T1D was associated with reduced T cell activation and higher Treg proportions in the pancreas. We conclude that acceleration of T1D by CY is associated with a reduction in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs and can be prevented by transfer of CD4+CD25+ Tregs.
A Standardized Pain Management Protocol Improves Timeliness of Analgesia Among Emergency Department Patients With Renal Colic

Background: Kidney stones are a common, and extremely painful, cause of emergency department (ED) visits. Pain management is a critical component of high-quality patient care. A pilot study at our institution found that only 69% of ED patients with renal colic had evidence of clinically significant analgesia. Objective: In response to these findings, we evaluated the impact of a formalized pain management protocol on timeliness of analgesia among ED patients with renal colic. Subjects and Methods: Using a before and after study design, adult ED patients with renal colic were eligible. In the prospective arm, patients were treated with ketorolac, 30 mg intravenous, and morphine, 0.05-0.1 mg/kg intravenous, according to a standardized protocol. Results were compared with a retrospective chart review of eligible patients treated during a similar preprotocol period. Results: Implementation of the protocol resulted in a significant reduction in time to effective analgesia (72 ± 63 vs 37 ± 42 minutes, P = .003). The protocol did not result in any increase in adverse effects. Conclusion: Implementation of a standardized pain management protocol among ED patients with renal colic resulted in a marked improvement in quality of care as evidenced by a 49% reduction in time to effective analgesia.
The Semantics of Showcase in Herodotus’s Histories

This essay connects inventorying in Herodotus with the verb ἀποδείκνυμι. Analysis reveals that ἀποδείκνυμι in the Histories denotes physical showings but not, as often assumed, verbal demonstrations, unless they are marked by another speech term. Rather, ἀποδείκνυμι used absolutely describes specialized verbal displays made through enumeration, such as the Egyptian priests’ genealogy. Accordingly, we can reanalyze several passages involving this stem, including the prologue and its nuanced reference to ἀπόδεξις. Construed as “enumerative display,” the ἱστορίης ἀπόδεξις and the Histories as a whole emerge as a multimedia inventory that verbally conjures the visual realities of everything Herodotus has seen.
The toxicity of busulphan and cyclophosphamide as the preparative regimen for bone marrow transplantation

Summary. The toxicity of the conditioning regimen of high dose busulphan (Bu) (16 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (Cy) (120 mg/kg) has been compared to cyclophosphamide (Cy) (120 mg/kg) and fractionated total body irradiation (TBI) 12‐14 Gy. Since 1985, 67 patients have received conditioning of Bu and Cy for HLA‐identical sibling bone marrow transplants. 166 patients have received Cy and TBI since 1981.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Abnormalities in Focal Cortical Dysplasia

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is one of the most common underlying pathologic substrates in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of FCD is an important predictor of good surgical outcome, conventional MRI is not sensitive enough to detect all lesions. Previous reports of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) abnormalities in FCD suggest the potential of DTI in the detection of FCD. The purpose of this study was to study subcortical white matter underlying small lesions of FCD using DTI. Methods: Five patients with medically intractable epilepsy and FCD were investigated. Diffusion tensor imaging images were acquired (20 contiguous 3mm thick axial slices) with maps of fractional anisotropy (FA), trace apparent diffusion coefficient (trace/3 ADC), and principal eigenvalues (ADC parallel and ADC perpendicular to white matter tracts) being calculated for each slice. Region of interest analysis was used to compare subcortical white matter ipsilateral and contralateral to the lesion. Results: Three subjects with FCD associated with underlying white matter hyperintensities on T2 weighted MRI were observed to have increased trace/3 ADC, reduced fractional anisotropy and increased perpendicular water diffusivity which was greater than the relative increase in the parallel diffusivity. No DTI abnormalities were identified in two patients with FCD without white matter hyperintensities on conventional T2-weighted MRI. Conclusions: While DTI abnormalities in FCD with obvious white matter involvement are consistent with micro-structural degradation of the underlying subcortical white matter, DTI changes were not identified in FCD lesions with normal appearing white matter.