Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid metabolism in the chick embryo

Once it is laid, the fertile egg provides an environment that is closed to all nutritional influences other than simple gaseous exchange. Some 5-6 g of the egg is lipid and is almost wholly confined to the yolk. Although doubt may be expressed about the value of the yolk lipids to human nutrition, their importance for chick embryonic development is unequivocal. Of the 21 d development of the chick embryo, the last 7 d are notable as an intense period of lipid metabolism. During the rapid embryonic growth that occurs over this time, virtually the entire lipid content of the yolk is mobilized and absorbed into the embryonic tissues (Noble & Moore, 1964, 1966; Romanoff, 1967). The assimilation of such a large concentration of lipid over such a short period of time is characterized by extensive, and in some instances unique, lipid compositional and metabolic changes. About 90% of the total energy requirements of the developing embryo are derived from fatty acid oxidation (Romanoff, 1967). The oxidative requirements and mechanisms of this process, which can be observed from about the 8th day of incubation, are similar to those for fatty acid oxidation in mammalian tissues (Koerker & Fritz, 1970; Pugh & Sidbury, 1971). With the extensive availability of lipid substrates, the extent of lipogenesis within the embryonic tissues, although detectable, remains very low up to the time of hatching (Goodridge, 1968, 1973a,b; Joshi & Sidbury, 1976). However, circumstances can be imposed on the embryo under which the lipogenic capabilities may be stimulated before this time, indicating the potential ability of the embryonic tissues to adapt metabolically to changing substrate supply (Koerker & Fritz, 1970; Donaldson et al. 1971; Goodridge et al. 1974). Through its role as an energy source and supply of essential tissue components, lipid transfer from the yolk to the embryo constitutes a very important part of an interrelated chain of events that ends in hatching. Over a whole range of nutritional and environmental circumstances, therefore, increased mortality has been associated with changes to the various distinctive embryonic tissue lipid patterns (Moore & Doran, 1962; Noble & Moore, 1966; Balnave, 1970; Singh et al. 1972; Donaldson, 1981 ; Kuhn & Logan, 1983; Noble et al. 1985).
Randomized controlled trial of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol versus inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide: postoperative nausea with vomiting and economic analysis.

BACKGROUND To assess the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol versus inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide, the authors performed a randomized trial in 2,010 unselected surgical patients in a Dutch academic institution. An economic evaluation was also performed. METHODS Elective inpatients (1,447) and outpatients (563) were randomly assigned to inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide or TIVA with propofol-air. Cumulative incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was recorded for 72 h by blinded observers. Cost data of anesthetics, antiemetics, disposables, and equipment were collected. Cost differences caused by duration of postanesthesia care unit stay and hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS Total intravenous anesthesia reduced the absolute risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting up to 72 h by 15% among inpatients (from 61% to 46%, P < 0.001) and by 18% among outpatients (from 46% to 28%, P < 0.001). This effect was most pronounced in the early postoperative period. The cost of anesthesia was more than three times greater for propofol TIVA. Median duration of stay in the postanesthesia care unit was 135 min after isoflurane versus 115 min after TIVA for inpatients (P < 0.001) and 160 min after isoflurane versus 150 min after TIVA for outpatients (P = 0.039). Duration of hospitalization was equal in both arms. CONCLUSION Propofol TIVA results in a clinically relevant reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with isoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia (number needed to treat = 6). Both anesthetic techniques were otherwise similar. Anesthesia costs were more than three times greater for propofol TIVA, without economic gains from shorter stay in the postanesthesia care unit
Observations of early triadic family interactions: Boundary disturbances in the family predict symptoms of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in middle childhood

This article argues for the importance of focusing explicitly on the construct of boundary disturbances in families to understand the development of depressive, anxious, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in middle childhood. Grounded in family systems theory, this study examined traditional parent–child antecedents of childhood depression and anxiety (hostile, controlling, and disengaged interactions) in the context of the entire family as well as enmeshed patterns, whereby one parent drew in the child by turning to the child for caregiving or intimacy and excluded the spouse, and balanced patterns, whereby all family members expressed vulnerabilities and asserted their needs or desires. Mostly White, middle-class mothers, fathers, and children were observed at home interacting on a series of everyday tasks when the children were 24 months old, and mothers and teachers rated children's symptoms of anxiety, depression, somatic problems, and ADHD at age 7. Regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for maternal depression and the effects of other family patterns, enmeshed family patterns forecast children's depressive symptoms; controlling and disengaged interactions predicted anxious and depressive symptoms; and hostility forecast ADHD and somatic complaints. Intriguing gender differences emerged. As predicted, whereas boys who experienced enmeshed family patterns more often developed symptoms of ADHD, girls who experienced enmeshed family interactions later showed symptoms of depression.This research was supported by Grant SBR-9212990 from the National Science Foundation and Grant 3332 from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. The authors thank the families who participated in this study, as well as Lisa Steffeck who assisted with coding the data.
Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Glaucoma Patients With Asymmetric Hemifield Visual Field Loss

PurposeTo investigate the presence of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning and determine the relationship between RNFL thickness and visual field sensitivity loss in glaucoma patients with asymmetric hemifield visual field loss. Patients and MethodsThirty glaucoma patients with asymmetric hemifield visual field loss and 30 normal control subjects were included in the study. RNFL thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography and visual field sensitivity was measured by automated perimetry. Glaucoma patients with advanced visual field loss restricted to 1 hemifield and early or absent glaucomatous field loss in the other hemifield on the basis of the visual field data were included. Visual field sensitivity and mean deviation (MD) were averaged separately in each of the 2 hemifields. The hemifields in each eye were categorized as early (MD≥−6 dB) and advanced (MD<−6 dB) glaucomatous hemifields. ResultsRNFL thickness measurements in corresponding (eg, superior peripapillary quadrant with inferior hemifield) advanced glaucomatous hemifields (59±16 μm) were significantly (P<0.001) lower than in corresponding early glaucomatous hemifields (90±25 μm). The mean RNFL thickness in corresponding advanced and early glaucomatous hemifields were significantly lower than in normal control subjects (P<0.0001). On the basis of the normative database supplied by optical coherence tomography software, 100% and 43% of eyes had abnormal RNFL thickness in corresponding advanced and early glaucomatous hemifields, respectively. A linear correlation was found between RNFL thickness and MD in the early (r=0.6; P<0.001) and advanced (r=0.5; P=0.007) glaucomatous hemifields. ConclusionsRNFL thinning was present in corresponding hemifields of glaucomatous eyes with minimal visual field defect and correlated with visual field sensitivity loss. Measurement of RNFL thickness has potential for detection of early nerve fiber loss owing to glaucoma.
Seropositivity of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis among blood donors: A retrospective study

Blood bank records at the MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore were reviewed retrospectively from May 2006 to April 2011. The prevalence and trends of TTI’s were assessed. A strict donor selection criterion was employed during collection of blood, and each unit was screened for TTI using commercially available 3rd generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Screening for syphilis was performed with the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test. All seropositive samples were repeat tested before discarding.
Influence-Optimistic Local Values for Multiagent Planning

Over the last decade, methods for multiagent planning under uncertainty have increased in scalability. However, many methods assume value factorization or are not able to provide quality guarantees. We propose a novel family of influence-optimistic upper bounds on the optimal value for problems with 100s of agents that do not exhibit value factorization.
Buffer Traps in Fe-Doped AlGaN/GaN HEMTs: Investigation of the Physical Properties Based on Pulsed and Transient Measurements

This paper presents an extensive investigation of the properties of the trap with activation energy equal to 0.6 eV, which has been demonstrated to be responsible for current collapse (CC) in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. The study was carried out on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with increasing concentration of iron doping in the buffer. Based on pulsed characterization and drain current transient measurements, we demonstrate that for the samples under investigation: 1) increasing concentrations of Fe-doping in the buffer may induce a strong CC, which is related to the existence of a trap level located 0.63 eV below the conduction band energy and 2) this trap is physically located in the buffer layer, and is not related to the iron atoms but-more likely-to an intrinsic defect whose concentration depends on buffer doping. Moreover, we demonstrate that this level can be filled both under OFF-state conditions (by gate-leakage current) and under ON-state operation (when hot electrons can be injected to the buffer): for these reasons, it can significantly affect the switching properties of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
Vaginal cuff dehiscence after different modes of hysterectomy.

, OBJECTIVE: To update the incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence after different modes of hysterectomy and to describe surgical and patient characteristics of dehiscence complications. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study at a large academic hospital. All women who underwent hysterectomy and dehiscence repair between January 2006 and December 2009 were identified. Data from this study period were analyzed separately and in combination with our preliminary study (January 2000 to December 2005) for a 10-year analysis (January 2000 to December 2009). The primary outcome was incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2009, the overall incidence of dehiscence was 0.39% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21–0.56). The incidence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy was 0.75% (95% CI 0.09–1.4), which was the highest among all modes of hysterectomy (LAVH was 0.46% [95% CI 0.0–1.10]; total abdominal hysterectomy was 0.38% [95% CI 0.16–0.61]; and total vaginal hysterectomy was 0.11%, [95% CI 0.0–0.32]). This incidence was appreciably lower than previously reported (4.93% in 2007 publication, 2.76% readjusted calculation). The 10-year cumulative incidence of dehiscence after all modes of hysterectomy was 0.24% (95% CI 0.15–0.33) and 1.35% (95% CI 0.72–2.3) among total laparoscopic hysterectomies. During the 10-year study period, total laparoscopic hysterectomy-related dehiscence was significantly increased compared with other modes of hysterectomy, with a risk ratio of dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy of 9.1 (95% CI 4.1–20.3) compared with total abdominal hysterectomy, risk ratio of 17.2 (95% CI 3.9–75.9) compared with total vaginal hysterectomy, and risk ratio of 4.9 (95% CI 1.1–21.5) compared with LAVH. CONCLUSION: Our updated 1.35% incidence of dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy is much lower than previously reported.
Improvement in the antifilarial efficacy of doxycycline and rifampicin by combination therapy and drug delivery approach

The present investigation deals with the evaluation of antifilarial efficacy of liposome entrapped antiwolbachial antibiotics doxycycline and rifampicin (5 doses at 10 mg/kg, subcutaneously for 15 days) alone and/or in combination with standard filaricide diethylcarbamazine (DEC) against human lymphatic filariid Brugia malayi in rodent host Mastomys coucha. The delivery system maintained the sustained release of antibiotics up to 48 h and significantly (P < 0.05) augmented the antifilarial potential of these antibiotics over their free administration. A combination of DEC with each entrapped antibiotics significantly (P<0.05) improved microfilaricidal efficacy, while marginal enhancement was noticed in adulticidal activity. Combination of both antibiotics formulation with DEC demonstrated marginal increase in macrofilaricidal efficacy; however, it was highest (∼75%).
A Novel Recombinant Fusion Protein Encoding a 20-Amino Acid Residue of the Third Extracellular (E3) Domain of CCR2 Neutralizes the Biological Activity of CCL21

CCL2 is a key CC chemokine that has been implicated in a variety of inflammatory autoimmune diseases and in tumor progression and it is therefore an important target for therapeutic intervention in these diseases. Soluble receptor-based therapy is a known approach for neutralizing the in vivo functions of soluble mediators. Owing to the complexity of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, efforts to generate neutralizing soluble chemokine receptors have so far failed. We developed a strategy that is based on the generation of short recombinant proteins encoding different segments of a G protein-coupled receptor, and tested the ability of each of them to bind and neutralize its target chemokine. We show that a fusion protein comprised of as few as 20 aa of the third extracellular (E3) domain of the CCL2 receptor, stabilized by the IgG H chain Fc domain (E3-IgG or BL-2030), selectively binds CCL2 and CCL16 and effectively neutralizes their biological activities. More importantly, E3-IgG (BL-2030) could effectively suppress the in vivo biological activity of CCL2, attenuating ongoing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, as well as the development of human prostate tumor in SCID mice.
Mapping QTLs Controlling Flowering Time and Important Agronomic Traits in Pearl Millet

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. ] is a staple crop for the people of arid and semi-arid regions of the world. It is fast gaining importance as a climate resilient nutricereal. Exploiting the bold seeded, semi-dwarf, and early flowering genotypes in pearl millet is a key breeding strategy to enhance yield, adaptability, and for adequate food in resource-poor zones. Genetic variation for agronomic traits of pearl millet inbreds can be used to dissect complex traits through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. This study was undertaken to map a set of agronomically important traits like flowering time (FT), plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), and grain weight (self and open-pollinated seeds) in the recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of ICMB 841-P3 × 863B-P2 cross. Excluding grain weight (open pollinated), heritabilities for FT, PH, PL, grain weight (selfed) were in high to medium range. A total of six QTLs for FT were detected on five chromosomes, 13 QTLs for PH on six chromosomes, 11 QTLs for PL on five chromosomes, and 14 QTLs for 1,000-grain weight (TGW) spanning five chromosomes. One major QTL on LG3 was common for FT and PH. Three major QTLs for PL, one each on LG1, LG2, and LG6B were detected. The large effect QTL for TGW (self) on LG6B had a phenotypic variance (R2) of 62.1%. The R2 for FT, TGW (self), and PL ranged from 22.3 to 59.4%. A total of 21 digenic interactions were discovered for FT (R2 = 18–40%) and PL (R2 = 13–19%). The epistatic effects did not reveal any significant QTL × QTL × environment (QQE) interactions. The mapped QTLs for flowering time and other agronomic traits in present experiment can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) breeding programs.
Disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in teenaged girls: a school-based study.

BACKGROUND Disordered eating attitudes and behaviours are common in older teens and young women in Western countries. Recent evidence suggests that the prevalence of these disorders is rising and that the age of onset has fallen. In the present study, disturbed eating attitudes and behaviours were evaluated in a large school-based population in Ontario in order to determine their prevalence and demographic distribution. METHODS Females, aged 12-18 years, from schools in Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa were invited to complete questionnaires, including 3 subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory (Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, Bulimia), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders (DSED). RESULTS Questionnaires were completed by 1739 (70%) of the 2483 adolescent females who were approached. The mean age of subjects in the sample was 14.6 (standard deviation 1.9) years. Thirteen percent of those aged 12-14 years and 16% of those aged 15-18 years had scores above the recommended cut-off (> or = 20) for disordered eating on the EAT-26. Current dieting to lose weight was reported by 23% of participants. Binge eating with associated loss of control was reported by 15% of participants, self-induced vomiting by 8.2% and the use of diet pills by 2.4%. Laxative and diuretic misuse were uncommon. Dieting was associated with an increased risk of binge-eating and purging behaviours. Older age and body mass index in the highest quartile were independently related to symptoms of eating disorders. INTERPRETATION Disordered eating attitudes and behaviours were present in over 27% of girls aged 12-18 years and were seen to increase gradually throughout adolescence. Prevention programs to diminish the progression and impact of these disorders should be implemented and assessed.
Cohort study of plasma natriuretic peptides for identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction in primary care

Abstract Objectives : To determine whether blood natriuretic peptide concentrations are helpful in identifying or excluding left ventricular systolic dysfunction in stable survivors of acute myocardial infarction. Design : Comparison of blood natriuretic peptide concentrations with echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular systolic function in a general practice population. Setting : Practices in Western District of Glasgow audit group. Subjects : 134 long term survivors of myocardial infarction recalled for echocardiography as part of a primary care secondary prevention audit. Main outcome measures : Area under the receiver operating curve for brain natriuretic peptide and N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide. Results : Brain natriuretic peptide was of some diagnostic utility in identifying the minority of subjects with severe left ventricular dysfunction (area under curve=0.73) but was unable to discriminate between patients with moderately severe dysfunction and those with preserved left ventricular function (area under curve for moderate or severe dysfunction=0.54). The corresponding values forN-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide for severe and moderate or severe dysfunction were 0.55 and 0.56 respectively. Conclusions : Blood natriuretic peptide concentrations are not useful in identifying important left ventricular systolic dysfunction in stable survivors of myocardial infarction.
Influence of body size and age on maximal diastolic velocity of mitral annulus motion.

BACKGROUND Maximal long-axis relaxation velocity (RV(m)), measured from the mitral annulus motion (MAM), has recently been suggested as an index of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. M-mode recording and pulsed tissue Doppler have been used. Regarding the M-mode method, reference values have not been presented previously. In the current study, therefore, the influence on RV(m) of such variables as age, body size, heart rate, and blood pressure was investigated to obtain adequate reference values. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-seven healthy subjects were included in the study. RV(m) was recorded by M-mode echocardiography from apical 4- and 2-chamber views from 4 sites of the mitral annulus. Multiple regression analysis showed that heart rate ought to be taken into account when reference values are calculated for children and adolescents, and age must be considered in adults. For reference values in children and adolescents, the following equation is suggested: RV(m) = 171 - 0.54 x heart rate (SEE = 18.7). In adults over 18 years, the suggested equation is RV(m) = 163 - 1.29 x age (SEE = 8.4.)
Insufficient adaptive capability of pancreatic endocrine function in dexamethasone-treated ageing rats.

This study was aimed at exploring the capability of the pancreatic endocrine adaptive mechanisms of ageing Sprague-Dawley rats to counteract the metabolic challenge induced by the prolonged administration of dexamethasone (DEX) (0.13 mg/kg per day for 13 days). DEX treatment induced peripheral insulin resistance in 3-, 18- and 26-month-old rats, as indicated by the significant and persistent rise of plasma insulin levels in each age group (plasma insulin in 3-, 18- and 26-month-old rats from basal values of 4.3+/-0.8, 4.7+/-0.5 and 5.6+/-1.0 ng/ml (means+/-s.e.m.) respectively, rose to 11.9+/-1.7, 29.1+/-5.5 and 27.9+/-2.7 ng/ml respectively, after 9 days of administration). However, plasma glucose concentrations remained unchanged during the treatment in young rats, whereas they increased up to frankly diabetic levels in most 18-month-old and in all 26-month-old animals after a few days of DEX administration. Plasma free fatty acid concentrations increased 2-fold in 3- and 26-month-old rats and 4-fold in 18-month-old rats and could possibly be involved in the glucocorticoid-induced enhancement in insulin resistance, although they showed no significant correlation with glycaemic values. Incubation of pancreatic islets obtained from treated rats showed that DEX administration increased the insulin responsiveness of islets from not only younger but also older donors. However, in the islets of ageing rats, which already showed an age-dependent impairment of the sensitivity to glucose and other secretagogues, this enhancing effect was clearly attenuated with respect to the younger counterpart. Furthermore, DEX treatment depressed significantly the priming effect of glucose in islets isolated from all the three age groups. In conclusion, our results show that ageing rats are unable to counteract effectively a prolonged hyperglycaemic challenge as such induced by DEX administration. This homeostatic defect can be ascribed to the age-dependent failure of the endocrine pancreas to provide enough insulin to overcome the aggravation of an antecedent state of increased peripheral insulin resistance.