Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the dose–response relationship of oral robenacoxib in urate crystal‐induced acute stifle synovitis in dogs

The objective of the study was to establish the dose-response relationship for robenacoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, in a urate crystal model of acute synovitis. In a randomized partial Latin square design trial, 12 beagle dogs were administered orally single doses of robenacoxib (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg), placebo and the positive control meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg), 3 h after injection of sodium urate crystals into a stifle joint. Dogs were assessed for weight bearing on a force plate and by subjective clinical orthopaedic observations. Robenacoxib produced dose-dependent improvement in weight bearing, and decreased pain on palpation and joint swelling, over the dose range 0.5-2 mg/kg with no further increase in effect over the range 2-8 mg/kg. For weight bearing on the force plate, the ED50 of robenacoxib was 0.6-0.8 mg/kg. The onset of action and time to peak effect of robenacoxib were faster (respectively, 2-2.5 h and 3-5 h) than for meloxicam (respectively, 3 h and 6 h). Robenacoxib significantly inhibited COX-2 at all doses, with dose-related activity. Robenacoxib did not inhibit COX-1 over the dose range 0.5-4 mg/kg, but produced transient inhibition at 8 mg/kg. In conclusion, oral administration of robenacoxib over the dose range 0.5-8 mg/kg demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in dogs.
Clinical Science : First Prize ( Tie ) Laparoscopic Renal Cryoablation : Efficacy and Complications for Larger Renal Masses

Background and Purpose: In expanding our indications for cryoablation of renal cortical neoplasms, there was an increased morbidity with laparoscopic cryoablation. As such, we evaluated our single institution experience with laparoscopic renal cryoablation for complications and oncologic effectiveness as a function of tumor size. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated our prospectively established urologic oncology database and identified 44 laparoscopic cryoablation procedures performed for the management of 51 renal masses. Measured parameters included patient age, tumor size and location, estimated blood loss, complications, and recurrences. Patients were stratified into two groups. In group 1, the patients presented with a maximum tumor diameter less than 3.0 cm. Group 2 patients had a maximum tumor diameter of 3.0 cm or larger. Results: Group 1 included 30 tumors in 23 patients, and group 2 had 21 tumors in 21 patients. The mean tumor size for groups 1 and 2 were 1.8 cm (range 0.7 to 2.8 cm) and 4.0 cm (range 3.0 to 7.5 cm), respectively (P 0.0001). The average patient age for group 1 was 70.2 and group 2 was 77.6 years (P 0.04). The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 1.8 and 2.1 for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P 0.06). There were no complications in group 1. Group 2 had 13 (62%) complications, including two mortalities. The most common complication was blood transfusions at 38%. With a mean follow-up of 9 months, there were no recurrences in group 1. With a mean follow-up of 11 months, there was a single (4.8%) recurrence in group 2. Biopsy histopathology revealed renal cell carcinoma variants in 46.7% in group 1 and 66.7% in group 2, respectively (P 0.079). Conclusion: Renal cryoablation of renal cortical neoplasms smaller than 3.0 cm is effective and safe. Our initial experience, however, demonstrates that cryoablation of larger renal masses may be associated with increased morbidity.
A large potentiation effect of serum on the in vitro potency of tulathromycin against Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida

The antimicrobial properties of tulathromycin were investigated for M. haemolytica and P. multocida. Three in vitro indices of antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill curves, were established for six isolates of each organism. Each index was measured in two growth media: Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) and calf serum. It was shown that MICs and MBCs were markedly lower in serum than in MHB. MHB:serum ratios for MIC were 47:1 (M. haemolytica) and 53:1 (P. multocida). For both serum and MHB, adjustment of pH led to greater potency at alkaline compared to acid pH. Tulathromycin MIC was influenced by size of inoculum count, being 4.0- to 7.7-fold greater for high compared to low initial counts. It was concluded that for the purpose of determining dosages for therapeutic use, pharmacodynamic data for tulathromycin should be derived in biological fluids such as serum. It is hypothesized that in vitro measurement of MIC in broth, conducted according to internationally recommended standards, may be misleading as a basis for estimating the in vivo potency of tulathromycin.
Initial Stop Voicing in Bilingual Children With Cochlear Implants and Their Typically Developing Peers With Normal Hearing.

PURPOSE This study focuses on stop voicing differentiation in bilingual children with normal hearing (NH) and their bilingual peers with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs). METHOD Twenty-two bilingual children participated in our study (11 with NH, M age = 5;1 [years;months], and 11 with CIs, M hearing age = 5;1). The groups were matched on hearing age and a range of demographic variables. Single-word picture elicitation was used with word-initial singleton stop consonants. Repeated measures analyses of variance with three within-subject factors (language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation) and one between-subjects factor (NH vs. CI user) were conducted with voice onset time and percentage of prevoiced stops as dependent variables. RESULTS Main effects were statistically significant for language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation on both voice onset time and prevoicing. There were no significant main effects for NH versus CI groups. Both children with NH and with CIs differentiated stop voicing in their languages and by stop place of articulation. Stop voicing differentiation was commensurate across the groups of children with NH versus CIs. CONCLUSIONS Stop voicing differentiation is accomplished in a similar fashion by bilingual children with NH and CIs, and both groups differentiate stop voicing in a language-specific fashion.
Epidemiology of Vocal Health in Young Adults Attending College in the United States.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to document typical vocal health characteristics (including voice-related activities, behaviors, and symptomatology) of young adults attending college and to determine lifetime and point prevalence rates of voice disorders. Method Undergraduates at University of Wisconsin-Madison completed an anonymous online survey detailing vocal use, symptomatology, impact, sociodemographics, and voice-related quality of life. Univariate analyses and multivariate regression models isolated risk factors for lifetime and point prevalence rates of a voice disorder. Results Vocal health and associated factors were analyzed for 652 students (predominantly 18-25 years of age). Lifetime prevalence rate of a voice disorder was 33.9% (point prevalence = 4.45%). Change in voice function (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77), seasonal or chronic postnasal drip (OR = 2.11), hoarseness (OR = 2.08), and restrictions to social activity (OR = 2.07; all p < .05) were identified as the strongest predictors of disorder. A total of 46% of students reported some form of voice problem in the past year, most frequently lasting between 1 and 6 days (39%). Voice usage in social and work settings exceeded demands in the classroom. Conclusions Young adults in college frequently experience disturbances to vocal health; however, this is not usually perceived to interfere with communication. Relative weighting of risk factors appears to differ from older adults, highlighting the need for individualized evaluation and management, with reference to age-appropriate normative reference points.
Non-anthocyanin polyphenolic transformation by native yeast and bacteria co-inoculation strategy during vinification.

BACKGROUND Co-inoculation has been adapted by many wine-producing countries because it enhances the success of malolactic fermentation and reduces the fermentation cost, as well as time. However, wine phenolics have been sparsely highlighted during co-inoculation, even though polyphenols are an important parameter affecting wine colour, astringency and aroma. In the present study, we investigated the impact of co-inoculation on non-anthocyanin polyphenol profile for two different grape varieties. RESULTS Co-inoculation of native yeast strain (AAV2) along with Oenococcus oeni was adapted for Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wine. It was observed that the co-inoculation had minimal yet significant impact on the phenolic composition of wines for both the grape varieties. Color loss, as well as fruity aroma development, was observed in co-inoculated wines. The wines were on a par with the commercial wine, as well as wines without malolactic fermentation, in terms of phenolic compounds and overall organoleptic acceptance. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis further suggested that the varietal influence on phenolic composition was dominating compared to inoculation strategies. Among the varieties, the inoculation strategies have significantly influenced the Cabernet wines compared to Shiraz wines. CONCLUSION The results of the present study demonstrate that the phenolic compounds are not drastically affected by metabolic activities of malolactic bacteria during co-inoculation and, hence, are equally suitable for wine fermentation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Increasing use of regional anaesthesia for prostatectomy—University of Benin Teaching Hospital experience

ABSTRACT Introduction: Regional anaesthesia is widely used for urological procedures. It may be better tolerated in the elderly, avoiding the cardiovascular and respiratory depressant effects of general anaesthesia, provided that there are no contraindications. Bladder outflow obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia is common in the elderly. Our aim was to determine the preference of neuraxial block technique for prostatectomy in our institution. Patients and methods: This was a prospective study of patients scheduled for elective prostatectomy with ages ranging from 49 to 94 years for a period of eighteen months. They were seen by anaesthetists, two or three days before surgery and all received oral diazepam, 5mg on the morning of surgery. Choice of anaesthesia was determined by the attending anaesthetist. Standard questionnaires were used to document patients' characteristics, technique of anaesthesia, intraoperative and postoperative complications, management and outcome. Results: One hundred and twelve male patients aged 49–94 years (mean age 67.38 ± 11.33) were recruited in the study. Eighty six (77%) patients were 60 years and above while 26 (23%) were below 60 years. Intercurrent medical diseases were common in patients above 60 years. Fifty two patients (46.4%) had intercurrent medical diseases, with hypertension being the leading among them [31(59.6%)] followed by diabetes mellitus [7(13.5%)]. Seventy six patients (68%) had suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy, 21(19%) had retropubic (Millin) anaesthesia while 15 (13%) had transurethral resection of the prostate. The techniques of anaesthesia used were general for 6 (5%) patients, epidural anaesthesia for 39 (35%) patients and spinal anaesthesia for 67 (60%) patients. Intraoperative hypotension occurred in 17 (56.6%) patients in the spinal group and in 3 (21.42%) in the epidural group. The incidence of intraoperative and recovery room complications was higher in the spinal group than in the epidural group, 32 (63%) compared to 19 (37%). The difference was not statistically significant. P = 0.5257, OR = 0.6933, CI: 0.2977–1.107. Conclusion: We conclude that neuraxial block technique for prostatectomy has gained overwhelming popularity in our institution.
SHOULDER AND ELBOW LESIONS OF THE PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PITCHER

Every nation or tribe has a favorite sport in which its people often have more interest than they do in the many more serious vocations of life. The Americans, therefore, being no different from other peoples, have their own particular national sport—the American game of baseball. It has been my good fortune to study our pastime from many angles—as a player, as a fan and as a physician who has endeavored to rehabilitate or advise professional and amateur players. Of all the members of a ball team, the pitcher is the hero and the player on whom most depends. On many occasions I have been asked to designate the type of shoulder lesion that is disabling to the professional baseball pitcher. My answer has always been that the professional pitcher is subject to all the disabilities of the shoulder to which the average person is, namely subacromial and subdeltoid bursitis,
Levels of γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Various Neurologic Disorders

• Levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in CSF were measured by the ion exchange-fluorometric method in 136 patients who underwent evaluation for neurologic disorders. In 19 patients with no organic neurologic or mental disorders who acted as normal controls, the mean ( ± SD) GABA level in CSF was 239 ± 76 picomoles/mL. Patients with acute hypoxic encephalopathy showed a mean GABA level in CSF higher than that of the controls, a difference that was statistically significant. In all the other disorders studied, the mean GABA level in CSF was either equal to or lower than that found in the controls. Statistically significant reductions of the GABA level in CSF were seen in patients with Huntington's disease, dementias, cerebellar cortical atrophy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease.
Optimization of protein recovery from bovine lung by pH shift process using response surface methodology.

BACKGROUND Response surface methodology (RSM) was used in a sequential manner to optimize solubilization and precipitation conditions in the recovery of protein from bovine lung using pH shift. RESULTS Separate D-optimal designs were employed for protein solubilization and precipitation. Independent variables investigated for protein solubilization were time (10-120 min), temperature (4-20 °C), pH (8.0-11.0) and solvent/sample ratio (2.5-10). Variables for protein precipitation were time (0-60 min) and pH (4.25-6.00). Soluble protein yields ranged from 323 to 649 g kg-1 and the quadratic model for protein solubilization revealed a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.9958. Optimal conditions for maximum protein solubility were extraction time 140 min, temperature 19 °C, pH 10.8 and solvent/sample ratio 13.02. Protein precipitation yields varied from 407 to 667 g kg-1 , giving a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.9335. Optimal conditions for maximum protein precipitation were pH 5.03 and 60 min. Based on the RSM model, solubilization conditions were manipulated to maximize protein solubilization under reduced water and alkaline usage. These conditions were also validated. CONCLUSION Models for solubilization and precipitation using bovine and porcine lung were validated; predicted and actual yields were in good agreement, showing cross-species applicability of the results. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolates and their inoculating effects on the silage fermentation at high temperature

Thermotolerant strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for their suitability for silage making at high temperatures. Four selected strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing analyses and added to unwilted and wilted Italian ryegrass for ensiling at 45°C. All four strains (HT1, HT2, HT3 and HT4) grew at 50°C and pH 4·0. Strains HT1 and HT2 were identified as Lactobacillus rhamnosus; HT3 and HT4 were identified as Lact. fermentum. Strains HT1 and HT2 were the most effective at improving the fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass silage, irrespective of wilting, as indicated by lower pH values, less NH3–N, and more lactic acid. In contrast, strains HT3, HT4 and a commercial inoculant consisting of Lact. plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici conferred no or reduced benefits. Wilting alone did not improve the fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass at 45°C. Inoculating with thermotolerant Lact. rhamnosus HT1 and HT2 could improve the fermentation quality of silage at high temperatures. Lactobacillus rhamnosus HT1 and HT2 can be used as inoculants for silage making in the tropics and subtropics and could play an important role in developing silage production in such regions.
Multiple‐pass high‐pressure homogenization of milk for the development of pasteurization‐like processing conditions

Multiple‐pass ultrahigh pressure homogenization (UHPH) was used for reducing microbial population of both indigenous spoilage microflora in whole raw milk and a baroresistant pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) inoculated in whole sterile milk to define pasteurization‐like processing conditions. Response surface methodology was followed and multiple response optimization of UHPH operating pressure (OP) (100, 175, 250 MPa) and number of passes (N) (1–5) was conducted through overlaid contour plot analysis. Increasing OP and N had a significant effect (P < 0·05) on microbial reduction of both spoilage microflora and Staph. aureus in milk. Optimized UHPH processes (five 202‐MPa passes; four 232‐MPa passes) defined a region where a 5‐log10 reduction of total bacterial count of milk and a baroresistant pathogen are attainable, as a requisite parameter for establishing an alternative method of pasteurization. Multiple‐pass UHPH optimized conditions might help in producing safe milk without the detrimental effects associated with thermal pasteurization.
Application of rape pod sealants to reduce adverse environmental impacts.

BACKGROUND Rape (Brassica napus L.) is a major global oilseed crop characterized by its high potential as an alimentary oil and in biodiesel production. The two most popular pod sealants (PS) used to reduce rape pod shattering are products in the pinolene range (di-1-p-menthene) and latex polymer products. Reports on the effective preservation of seed yield by these products are fairly contradictory. With this in mind, an experimental PS (PS4) that contained the active agents acrylic and trisiloxane was developed. RESULTS Comparative experimental trials of the developed PS4 and three other PS (PS1, PS2 and PS3) containing active agents that are generally used for sealant production were conducted. The studies showed that the static and dynamic surface tension of PS4 was the lowest at the same concentration (2.0 g kg-1 ), consequently demonstrating the lowest spray drift. The chemical substances from PS had not penetrated the rape seeds in any of the PSs. CONCLUSION The results indicate that treatment with PS4 exerts a beneficial effect in reducing rape seed yield loss (68-104 kg ha-1 in 2014 and 194-305 kg ha-1 in 2015) compared to other investigated PS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Indole‐3‐acetic acid biosynthetic pathway and aromatic amino acid aminotransferase activities in Pantoea dispersa strain GPK

This investigation deals with the production of IAA by a bacterial isolate Pantoea dispersa strain GPK (PDG) identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. HPLC and Mass spectral analysis of metabolites from bacterial spent medium revealed that, IAA production by PDG is Trp‐dependent and follows indole‐3‐pyruvic acid (IPyA) pathway. Substrate specificity study of aromatic amino acid aminotransferase (AAT) showed high activities, only when tryptophan (Trp) and α‐ketoglutarate (α‐kg) were used as substrates. AAT is highly specific for Trp and α‐kg as amino group donor and acceptor, respectively. The effect of exogenous IAA on bacterial growth was established. Low concentration of exogenous IAA induced the growth, whereas high concentration decreased the growth of bacterium. PDG treatment significantly increased the root length, shoot length and dry mass of the chickpea and pigeon pea plants.
The Effects of Lip-Closure Exercise on Lip Strength and Function Following Full Facial Transplantation: A Case Report.

Purpose Facial transplantation is a relatively new option for individuals with severe facial disfigurements. Clinical case studies on existing patients indicate many instances of persistent facial motor impairment for facial expression, speech, and swallowing. These preliminary findings motivate additional research on the impact of lip-strengthening exercises following facial transplantation. Method In this study, we assessed the efficacy of an 8-week, biofeedback-driven, lip closure-strengthening exercise program in a single patient 1-year status post-full facial transplantation. Exercise was at 60% of peak strength. Outcome measures included instrumental measures of lip strength and mobility, clinical measures of speech, and patient-reported outcomes in feeding and facial expression. Results Results revealed improvements in labial strength, speed of lip movement, and range of motion during speech. A 3-point improvement in sentence speech intelligibility was also observed following strength-training exercise. The patient reported improvements in her ability to drink from a straw and communicate via facial expression. Conclusion These preliminary findings motivate additional research on the efficacy of lip-strengthening exercises following facial transplantation.
Influence of Linguistic and Nonlinguistic Variables on Generalization and Maintenance Following Phonomotor Treatment for Aphasia.

Purpose Although phonomotor treatment shows promise as an effective intervention for anomia in people with aphasia, responses to this treatment are not consistent across individuals. To better understand this variability, we examined the influence of 5 participant characteristics-age, time postonset, aphasia severity, naming impairment, and error profile-on generalization and maintenance of confrontation naming and discourse abilities following phonomotor treatment. Method Using retrospective data from 26 participants with aphasia who completed a 6-week phonomotor treatment program, we examined the relationships between participant characteristics of interest and change scores on confrontation naming and discourse tasks, measured pretreatment, immediately following treatment, and 3 months following treatment. Results Although the participant characteristics of aphasia severity and error profile appeared to predict generalization to improved confrontation naming of untrained items and discourse performance, a post hoc analysis revealed that no one characteristic predicted generalization across participants at 3 months posttreatment. Conclusions Response to phonomotor treatment does not appear to be influenced by aphasia and anomia severity level, error profile, participant age, or time postonset. Other factors, however, may influence response to intensive aphasia treatment and are worthy of continued exploration.