Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Severe Iron Deficiency Is Associated with a Reduced Conception Rate in Female Rats

Background/Aims: Iron deficiency is a global nutritional disorder, especially for pregnant women. There is a close relationship between deficiency in trace elements and unexplained infertility in females. However, the relationship between iron deficiency and unexplained infertility has not been determined. This study was designed to determine the effect of iron deficiency on conception in a rat model. Methods: Female rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15 each): an iron-deficiency group fed a low iron diet and a normal control group. Both groups of female rats were mated with healthy male rats after the iron-deficiency model was established. Results: Iron-deficient rats developed white skin and eyes, hair loss, and weight loss. Hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count were significantly lower than in controls, showing successful establishment of the iron-deficiency model. There was a significantly lower conception rate in the iron-deficiency group; there also appeared to be a disruption of estrus and a delay in conception in the iron-deficiency group. Conclusions: Severe iron deficiency has a significant influence on fertility, and may be an important factor in unexplained infertility. Further research on the role of iron in conception is warranted.
Cardiovascular Physiology, Seventh Edition

If you want to learn about the physiology of the cardiovascular system, and learn it really well, you will want to use this book. In its seventh edition, this book is a clear, understandable treatment of a potentially overwhelming topic. Throughout, the book maintains its focus on fundamental concepts and never loses the reader in esoterica (if a formula is derived it is usually highlighted in a red box to warn the wary! ). Key points are italicized, and each chapter ends with a summary, a list of key words and concepts, selfstudy questions and a reference list of review articles and texts for the extra zealous student. The figures, drawings and diagrams all facilitate understanding of the concepts and are a valuable part of the text. The authors further score big (with me) by using clinical conditions and pathology to help illustrate the physiology-an approach that works very well. The last chapter synthesizes functional cardiovascular physiology through the discussion of what happens during the two important states of exercise and hemorrhage. Finally, there is an overall review examination in one of the appendices. This is a very thorough book and one which would also be valuable as a reference. I know many students who have used and liked this book. It is on the lengthy side relative to other review books popularly used, but at the same time, it is also more complete. If you have the time to give, it will be worth it.
Morphological differences in human zygotes and embryos cultured in different media

Summary Purpose: To compare the effects of four culture media on the quality of human zygotes and embryos. Methods: Prospective study analyzing 2289 human embryos cultivated simultaneously in two different culture media: HTF, the default medium, with either Universal IVF, Global or IVF-30 as the secondary media. The sibling oocytes by each patient were randomly divided between the two culture media following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). On day 1 the pronuclear stage of zygotes were evaluated and on day 2 embryos were evaluated according to the number of cells, percentage of fragmentation and number of nuclei. Z-test and odds ratios were used in the statistical analysis. Results: There was a higher percentage (55.2%) of class A1 + A2 zygotes with IVF-30 compared with HTF, Global or Universal IVF media (49.1%, 44.7% and 44.2%, respectively). The percentage of Top embryos was significantly higher with Global (40.2%) compared with HTF (21.3%), IVF-30 (25.0%) or Universal IVF media (11.2%). Conclusions: Global medium produced more Top embryos evaluated on day 2 of development.
Lesion‐induced enhancement of LTP in rat visual cortex is mediated by NMDA receptors containing the NR2B subunit

There is emerging evidence that injury of the cerebral cortex is followed by processes of enhanced neuroplasticity. In the present study, we investigate the functional properties of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in the surround of focal lesions with recordings of extracellular field potentials (FPs) in acute slices of rat visual cortex at survival times of 2–6 days. FPs were recorded in cortical layer III lateral to the lesion, while long‐term potentiation (LTP) was induced by theta‐burst stimulation (TBS) in layer IV. The predominantly AMPA receptor‐mediated FPs displayed a significantly enhanced LTP in the surround of the lesion at distances of 2–3.2 mm. The LTP was completely blocked by the NMDAR antagonist D‐AP5. Ifenprodil, an antagonist of NMDARs containing the NR2B subunit, only slightly affected the LTP in slices from sham‐operated animals, but significantly reduced the LTP in slices from lesioned rats. We quantitatively analysed the proportion of NMDARs containing the NR2B subunit after lesions by applying ifenprodil to pharmacologically isolated NMDAR‐FPs. The NR2B antagonist reduced the NMDAR‐FPs significantly more strongly at distances of 2.0–3.2 mm from the border of the lesion. This indicates that the early phase of increased synaptic long‐term plasticity in the surround of cortical lesions is accompanied by an up‐regulation of NMDARs containing the NR2B subunit.
Central Mechanisms Underlying Fish Swimming

Although the basic swimming rhythm is created by central pattern generators (CPGs) located in each spinal segment, command signals from the brain should be indispensable for the activation of CPGs to initiate swimming. We hypothesized that the nucleus of medial longitudinal fascicles (Nflm) is the midbrain locomotor region driving swimming rhythms in teleosts. To test this hypothesis, we recorded neuronal activities from Nflm neurons in swimming carp and analyzed the cytoarchitecture of the nucleus. We identified two types of Nflm neurons exhibiting electric activities closely related to swimming rhythms. Remarkably, tonic neurons that continued firing during swimming were found. The Nflm and neighboring oculomotor nucleus contain about 600 neurons in total, and among them as many as 500 were labeled retrogradely by an intraspinal tracer implantation and 400 neurons showed glutamatergic immunoreactivity. They are the most likely candidates for the descending neurons as the origin of driving signals that initiate swimming. Double-labeling experiments demonstrated direct connections of Nflm neurons to spinal neurons consisting of the CPG. These data imply that most Nflm neurons possibly exert an excitatory drive to the spinal CPGs through the descending axons with excitatory transmitter(s), probably glutamate. Furthermore, we confirmed that the caudal part of Nflm and the rostral part of the oculomotor nucleus overlap rostrocaudally by approximately 200 µm. In connection with the control of swimming by the brain, we carried out experiments to clarify the efferent system of the cerebellum of the goldfish. Cerebellar efferent fibers terminated in most brain regions except for the telencephalon. Importantly, the cerebellum projected also to the Nflm, suggesting the involvement of this brain region in the control of swimming. We have also determined that in the carp so-called eurydendroid cells are cerebellar efferent neurons.
Global measures: utility in defining and measuring treatment response in dementia

Global measures used in treatment trials in dementia encompass two distinct categories: (1) clinician's interview-based global severity scales, and (2) clinician's interview-based global change scales. The global severity scales that have been used include: the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and the related CDR-sum of boxes (CDR-SB), the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), and the Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) procedure. The global severity scales are clearly useful in subject categorization in treatment trials, in part because they are relatively free of many of the sociocultural biases inherent in mental status and psychometric descriptors. Global severity scales can also be used to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in terms of the general progression of the dementia process. These measures have also proven to be useful in sensitively assessing pharmacotherapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment trials. For example, in pivotal trials: (1) in Mild to Moderate AD, the GDS has shown significant change in response to medication, whereas the results on the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) were not significant, and (2) in Moderate to Severe AD, the FAST has shown significant pharmacotherapeutic efficacy, whereas the results using the MMSE were not significant. The global change scales employed in dementia trials differ widely in assessment methodology. Clinical Global Impressions of Change (CGIC) scales do not have defined methodologies, whereas Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change Plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC-Plus) scales are much more elaborate. The CIBIC-Plus procedures require an independent clinician assessment and can provide independent, comprehensive evidence of therapeutic efficacy. The CIBIC-Plus procedure may also be useful in sensitively assessing efficacy in future prevention trials, for example in subjects with Subjective Cognitive Impairment. For Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), global severity scales already appear to be one modality for the sensitive assessment of change. The CIBIC-Plus procedures might also productively be applied in future MCI therapeutic trials.
Work Engagement in Japan: Validation of the Japanese Version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale

The purpose of this study was to validate the Japanese version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-J). Employees from three independent samples completed the questionnaire (total N= 2,334). Confirmatory factor analyses using the multiple-group method revealed that, instead of the original three-factor model, a one-factor model that assumes that all engagement items load on one single factor fitted the data. Moreover, the one-factor structure was invariant across all three samples. Internal consistency of the scale was sufficiently high (α= .92) and the test–retest reliability with an interval of two months was . 66. A series of second-order confirmatory factor analyses to examine construct validity confirmed the hypothesised model, indicating that work engagement was positively related to job satisfaction whereas it was negatively related to strain and burnout. However, as in previous studies, professional efficacy, a component of burnout, loaded on the engagement factor. These results, in general, suggest the reliability (internal consistency and stability), factorial invariance, and construct validity of the UWES-J in three independent samples. Cette etude avait pour objectif de valider la version japonaise de l’Echelle d’Implication au Travail d’Utrecht (UWES-J). 2,334 salaries provenant de trois echantillons independants ont rempli le questionnaire. Une analyse factorielle confirmatoire faisant appel a la methode des groupes multiples a montre que le modele originel en trois facteurs devait laisser la place a un modele unifactoriel puisque tous les items d’implication etaient satures sur un unique facteur qui rendait compte a lui seul des donnees. En outre, la structure monofactorielle restait identique a elle-meme sur les trois echantillons. La consistance interne de l’echelle etait suffisamment elevee (α= .92) et la fidelite test-retest apres une periode de deux mois etait de . 66. Une serie d’analyses factorielles confirmatoires de second ordre destinees aetudier la validite de construction ont confirme le modele hypothetique, indiquant que l’implication dans le travail etait en correlation positive avec la satisfaction professionnelle tandis qu’elle etait en relation negative avec la tension nerveuse et le burnout. Comme dans des travaux anterieurs, l’efficacite professionnelle, une composante du burnout, etait saturee dans le facteur d’implication. Ces resultats, vont dans le sens de la fidelite (consistance interne et stabilite), de la solidite factorielle et de la validite de construction de l’UWES-J dans ces trois echantillons independants.
The utility of self-care theory as a theoretical basis for self-neglect.

AIM This paper sets out to explore the utility of self-care theory in understanding self-neglect. Further theoretical development of both self-care and self-neglect theory and attending core concepts is an important objective. BACKGROUND The notions of self-neglect and self-care are frequently linked in the literature. The relationship between self-neglect and self-care is not clear and the strengths and limitations in using self-care theory to facilitate a greater understanding of self-neglect will be addressed. Specifically the issues of self-care agency, self-care requisites, objectivity, class and culture, and lifestyle choice will be critically evaluated in the context of self-neglect theory. CONCLUSION Self-care theory has a useful role to play in furthering our understanding of self-neglect. Self-care theory is able to explain some aspects of self-neglect but not others, although this may be a reflection of the relatively underdeveloped state of self-care theories or alternatively may reflect a more fundamental limitation in our ability to fully explain human behaviour.
The Speeding Attitude Scale and the Role of Sensation Seeking in Profiling Young Drivers at Risk

Seven driving attitude scales representing driving behaviors and beliefs about driving were created and initially validated using 257 undergraduate students (168 females, 89 males) in Study 1. However, the Speeding Attitude Scale (SAS) accounted for most of the strength of the intercorrelations among these scales and discriminant classification analyses showed that SAS dominated the other scales as a sufficient explanation for having speeding tickets. Study 2, using 180 students (75 males, 105 females), replicated findings regarding the significant but low correlation between SAS and speeding tickets, and was significantly correlated with Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Replication also showed that males had higher SAS scores and more speeding tickets. Accidents were typically a function of sex, increasing age, and variables related to recent accident history. Objective sources of speeding attitude confirmation may enhance the future validity of the SAS. Potential interventions for being a safe passenger and attitudinal control in the training of young drivers were discussed.
N′-(2-Hydroxybenzylidene)-2-(hydroxyimino)propanohydrazide

The molecule of the title compound, C10H11N3O3, adopts an all-trans conformation and is approxomately planar, the largest deviation from the least-squares plane through all non-H atoms being 0.261 (1) Å. An intramolecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, the molecules are packed into layers lying parallel to the ab plane by π-stacking interactions between the benzene ring of one molecule and the C—N bond of the oxime group of another molecule; the shortest intermolecular C⋯C separation within the layer is 3.412 (1) Å. The layers are connected by O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Development of an Index to Characterize the “Invasiveness” of Spine Surgery: Validation by Comparison to Blood Loss and Operative Time

Study Design. Prospective cohort study. Objective. To create and validate an index describing the extent of spine surgical intervention to allow fair comparisons of complication rates among patients treated by different surgeons, devices, or hospitals. Summary of Background Data. Safety comparisons in spine surgery are limited by lack of methods that adjust for important variations in the surgical “case-mix. ” Among other factors, the magnitude of an operation is likely to have a substantial influence on the likelihood of complications. Methods. We created a spine surgery invasiveness index defined as the sum, across all vertebral levels, of 6 possible interventions on each operated vertebra: anterior decompression, anterior fusion, anterior instrumentation, posterior decompression, posterior fusion, and posterior instrumentation. We assessed the validity of this index by examining its association with blood loss and surgery duration in 1723 spine surgeries, adjusting for important factors including age, gender, body mass index, diagnosis, neurologic deficit, revision surgery, and vertebral level of surgery. Results. Blood loss increased by 11.5% and surgery duration increased by 12.8 minutes for each unit increase in the invasiveness index. The invasiveness index explained 44% of the variation in blood loss and 52% of the variation in surgery duration. For specific surgical components, blood loss increased by 9.4% and surgery duration by 11.4 minutes for each vertebral level of anterior decompression, 19.4% and 33.8 minutes for each segment of anterior instrumentation, 12.9% and 22.7 minutes for each level of posterior decompression, and 25.1% and 18.8 minutes for each segment of posterior instrumentation. Conclusion. An “invasiveness” index based on the number of vertebrae decompressed, fused, or instrumented showed the expected associations with both blood loss and surgery duration. This quantitative description of surgery invasiveness may be useful to adjust for surgical variations when making safety comparisons in spine surgery.
Cannabinoid self-administration increases dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

In the present study, dopamine release was monitored during cannabinoid self-administration in rats to achieve a detailed understanding of the way in which dopamine mediates the reinforcing effects of cannabinoids. Extracellular dopamine levels were measured in the shell of the nucleus accumbens of either Lister Hooded or Long Evans rats trained to self-administer the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2. A significant relationship between extracellular dopamine levels and bar-pressing rates was observed in both strains, as the dopamine content appreciably increased in respect to basal values during cannabinoid intake. Importantly, dopamine was not modified when trained rats were shifted to vehicle self-administration suggesting that an enhanced activity of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway underlies cannabinoid-taking behaviour.
The dose-related effects of dexmedetomidine on renal functions and serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin values after coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES Acute kidney failure after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a serious complication that increases morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection and prevention of this complication are very important. A novel biomarker named neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) can play an important role in early diagnosis of acute kidney injury. Recent studies on the favourable effects of Dexmedetomidine on cardiac surgery have been published. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a dose-dependent positive effect of Dexmedetomidine on neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels and renal functions when used after CABG. METHODS Our randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted among 295 patients scheduled for CABG surgery between August 2009 and March 2011 in a tertiary cardiac and vascular surgery clinic. A total of 90 consecutive patients who met inclusion criteria were randomized and divided into three groups. The first group received a placebo. The second and the third groups received 4 and 8 µg/cc concentration of the Dexmedetomidine infusion, respectively. Infusion rates were regulated to obtain sedation with a Ramsey sedation score of 2 or 3. Patients were regrouped according to the total Dexmedetomidine dose. Statistical analyses of variables including serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin values and conventional renal function tests were made for all six possibilities before the blind was broken. RESULTS Results of conventional renal function tests were not significantly different. However, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels for the first postoperative day for placebo, low-dose and high-dose Dexmedetomidine groups were 176.8 ± 145.9, 97.7 ± 63.4 and 67.3 ± 10.9 ng/ml, respectively. These values were significantly different among the groups (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our study, we found that Dexmedetomidine infusion for sedation after CABG under cardiopulmonary bypass can be useful in the prevention of kidney injury. Conventional renal function tests, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urine output and creatinine clearance rate measurements typically may not detect the development of acute kidney dysfunction in the first 48-h postoperative period. Differences were detected in renal function in the early postoperative period and the development of acute kidney injury, as determined by measurements of blood NGAL levels, was significant and dose-dependent.
A Design, Analysis and Verification Framework for Adaptive Flight Control

Safety-critical aerospace systems require stringent stabilization or tracking performance that have to be guaranteed in the face of large system uncertainties and abrupt changes on system dynamics. Considering Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) schemes, while aggressive adaptation rates can, theoretically, produce a fast convergence of the tracking error to zero, this is often achieved at the expense of high frequency chattering and peaking in the control signal that could be unacceptable for practical applications. Due to the inherent nonlinear nature of MRAC schemes it is not easy to rigorously predict the response of the uncertain adaptive systems especially during transients. This is testified by the lack of clear and easy verification procedures for existing adaptive control schemes that relate design parameters to time domain specifications. To face this problem, we propose a design and validation framework where stability and performance requirements for the adaptive system are all formulated in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities. This brings the advantage that the adaptive controller design and verification can be analyzed and optimized through the solution of a convex optimization whose objective is to guarantee the evolution of the error components within an a-priori specified invariant set. This approach was applied to verify the performance of a recently introduced MRAC scheme featuring a feedback contribution in the reference model that is proportional to the current tracking error. This architecture is deemed particularly appropriate to face uncertainty in real applications. A detailed design example applied to a generic flexible structure aircraft transport model is presented to highlight the efficacy of the proposed verification architecture.
Sled-Type Motion on the Nanometer Scale: Determination of Dissipation and Cohesive Energies of C60

The tribological properties of C60 on the mesoscopic scale were investigated with a scanning force microscope, which allowed simultaneous measurements of normal and lateral forces under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. Islands of C60, deposited on NaCl(001), could be moved by the action of the probing tip in a controlled way. Different modes of motion, such as translation and rotation, were observed. An extremely small dissipation energy of about 0.25 millielectron volt per molecule and a cohesive energy of 1.5 electron volts were determined in these nanometer-scale experiments. The corresponding shear strength of 0.05 to 0.1 megapascal was smaller by one order of magnitude than typical values of boundary lubricants. For C60 on graphite, disruption of the islands was observed and collective motion of the islands could not be achieved. These results could find use in the field of nanotechnology; for example, C60 islands could be developed into a sled-type transport system on the nanometer scale.