Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health stimulating properties of the most popular soft cheese in Egypt Kariesh made using skimmed milk UF-retentate and probiotics.

BACKGROUND Soft skimmed-milk cheese Kariesh is the most popular soft cheese in Egypt. In the past, Karish cheese was traditionally produced by the random fermentation of milk speared its cream layer by the gravity force. Recently, its production has been carried out by several manufacturing procedures using, ultrafiltration (UF) - skimmed milk retentate, certain bacterial cultures, enzymatic coagulation, etc. Therefore, the biological and nutritional evaluations are required. The present study was conducted to evaluate the properties of such cheese coagulated using different procedures involving probiotic strains with emphasis on some chemical and biological attributes. METHODS Kariesh cheeses were manufactured without whey drainage from UF cow's skimmed milk concentrate coagulated either by 3% yoghurt bacterial starter culture (YC), 3% probiotic starter culture (ABT type) or 2.5% glucono delta lactone (GDL) added whether separately or incorporated with rennet (0.05ml/kg) to achieve the acidic-enzymatic coagulation in comparison with those made conventionally using unconcentrated milk coagulated either by 2% of YC or ABT added whether separately or incorporated with rennet (0.25 ml/kg). Due to the fact that whey is naturally needed to drain in the conventional (C) procedure, the use of GDL as coagulant was eliminated. RESULTS The obtained results indicated that the application of UF-technique in Kariesh cheese industry was associated with significant increments in the values of protein, ash and pH. Moreover, the electrophoretical patterns of UF-Kariesh cheese obtained with the incorporation between YC, ABT or GDL and rennet were distinguished with the presence of the band of glycomacropeptide, which is normally lost in the whey through the C-procedure. Furthermore, the food intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), food efficiency ratio (FER),triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), total, as well as ionized Ca of blood and the count of lactic acid bacteria of feces of rats were significantly heightened, while low density lipoprotein (LDL) level was lowered as they fed on UF-cheeses, especially when coagulated using ABT, those caused the strongest persistence against the rat colon tumor, which was induced by the injection with 1,2 di-methyl hydrazine. The use of ABT led to raise the dry matter (DM) and ash of Kariesh cheese. Also, the FI, BWG, FER, TG, total, as well as ionized Ca of blood and the count of lactic acid bacteria of feces of rats were significantly increased, while TC, HDL and LDL of blood, as well as coliform count of feces of rats were significantly declined. The incorporation of enzymatic with acidic coagulation in Kariesh cheese manufacture increased significantly the values of ash and pH. However, the cheese figures of DM, protein and titratable acidity were decreased. Also, the values of FI, BWG, FER, TC, HDL, LDL and feces LAB of rats were lowered. Whilst, the values of TG, total as well as ionized Ca and feces coliform of rats were increased.
Force Perception, Effort, Strength, and Dynamic Muscle Function in Cancer-Related Fatigue

There are several kinesthetic parameters that can be used to measure fatigue including strength, endurance, sense of effort, perception of force exerted, and tapping speed. We developed a protocol and tested the feasibility of correlating subjective fatigue with kinesthetic parameters in a small group of patients with cancer having fatigue and in controls. Accrual was limiting. We discuss the limitations and potential modifications in the procedure, which may allow improved accrual and the rationale behind performing such a study.
Microvessel density in invasive breast cancer assessed by dynamic gd‐dtpa enhanced MRI

It has been postulated that the rapid enhancement demonstrated by breast carcinomas after administration of contrast media is a direct result of tumor angiogenesis. However, to date, little quantitative data have been published to support this view. A retrospective study has been undertaken to compare dynamic contrast‐enhanced data obtained from 40 patients with microvessel density (MVD) evaluated in specimens immunohistochemically stained with a factor VIII related antigen. The dynamic data were analyzed quantitatively using both simple indices of enhancement and a two‐compartment kinetic model. A moderate but significant correlation was demonstrated between initial enhancement and MVD, and this correlation strengthened when node‐positive tumors were considered in isolation (r = .77, P < .0005). However, the data showed considerable variability. The enhancement characteristics of the tumors could not be explained solely by their MVD; therefore, MRI cannot be used to predict MVD in vivo. Further work is required to address the exact relationship between contrast‐enhanced MRI and tumor angiogenesis.
Monitoring of Neuromuscular Blockade at the P6 Acupuncture Point Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

BackgroundElectrical stimulation of the P6 acupuncture point reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia can be monitored with electrical peripheral nerve stimulation at the wrist. The authors tested the effect of neuromuscular monitoring over the P6 acupuncture point on the reduction of PONV.MethodsIn this prospective, double-blinded, randomized control trial, the authors investigated, with institutional review board approval and informed consent, 220 women undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery anesthetized with fentanyl, sevoflurane, and rocuronium. During anesthesia, neuromuscular blockade was monitored by a conventional nerve stimulator at a frequency of 1 Hz over the ulnar nerve (n = 110, control group) or over the median nerve (n = 110, P6 group) stimulating at the P6 acupuncture point at the same time. The authors evaluated the incidence of nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h.ResultsNo differences in demographic and morphometric data were found between both groups. The 24-h incidence of PONV was 45 % in the P6 acupuncture group versus 61 % in the control group (P = 0.022). Nausea decreased from 56 % in the control group to 40 % in the P6 group (P = 0.022), but emesis decreased only from 28 % to 23 % (P = 0.439). Nausea decreased substantially during the first 6 h of the observation period (P = 0.009). Fewer subjects in the acupuncture group required ondansetron as rescue therapy (27 % vs. 39 %; P = 0.086). ConclusionIntraoperative P6 acupuncture point stimulation with a conventional nerve stimulator during surgery significantly reduced the incidence of PONV over 24 h. The efficacy of P6 stimulation is similar to that of commonly used antiemetic drugs in the prevention of PONV.
Phylogeny and adaptation shape the teeth of insular mice

By accompanying human travels since prehistorical times, the house mouse dispersed widely throughout the world, and colonized many islands. The origin of the travellers determined the phylogenetic source of the insular mice, which encountered diverse ecological and environmental conditions on the various islands. Insular mice are thus an exceptional model to disentangle the relative role of phylogeny, ecology and climate in evolution. Molar shape is known to vary according to phylogeny and to respond to adaptation. Using for the first time a three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach, compared with a classical two-dimensional quantification, the relative effects of size variation, phylogeny, climate and ecology were investigated on molar shape diversity across a variety of islands. Phylogeny emerged as the factor of prime importance in shaping the molar. Changes in competition level, mostly driven by the presence or absence of the wood mouse on the different islands, appeared as the second most important effect. Climate and size differences accounted for slight shape variation. This evidences a balanced role of random differentiation related to history of colonization, and of adaptation possibly related to resource exploitation.
Functional involvement of Xenopus LIM kinases in progression of oocyte maturation.

LIM kinases (LIMK), including LIMK1 and LIMK2, are unique LIM-family proteins containing a catalytic (kinase) domain. These kinases phosphorylate an actin-depolymerizing factor, cofilin, involved in the regulation of actin-filament dynamics. An unanswered question is the in vivo function of LIMK and how they contribute to development. When we cloned Xenopus homologues of mammalian LIMK, Xlimk1 and Xlimk2, we found that their mRNA and products were abundantly expressed in oocytes. In addition, we obtained evidence for the functional involvement of Xlimk1/2 during oocyte maturation. The microinjection of Xlimk1/2 mRNA into progesterone-treated oocytes significantly inhibited the appearance of a white maturation spot (WMS), an indicator of entry into meiosis. In oocytes lacking a WMS, the organization and/or migration of the microtubule-derived precursor of the meiotic spindle was predominantly affected. We also found that the ectopic expression of Xlimk1/2 clearly prevented dephosphorylation (activation) of Xenopus cofilin (XAC) during oocyte maturation. Furthermore, co-injection of Xlimk1/2 with the constitutively active type of XAC overcame the inhibitory effects by Xlimk1/2, suggesting that XLIMK-induced abnormality in oocyte maturation was mediated by XAC inactivation. Based on these findings, we propose that XLIMK is a putative regulator of cytoskeletal rearrangements during oocyte maturation, and the interaction between XLIMK activity and microtubule dynamics seems highly likely.
Safety and efficacy of intramuscular propofol administration in rats.

OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of intramuscularly (IM) injected 100% propofol and propofol-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixtures. STUDY DESIGN Blinded, controlled study. ANIMALS Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley adult female rats weighing 307 +/- 4 g. METHODS Three different study protocols were used. In the first set of experiments, rats were injected with 100% propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) ranging from 0 to 490 mg kg(-1) into one biceps femoris and equivolume 0.9% saline controls were injected into the contralateral limb. In the second set of experiments, rats were injected with 0 or 262 mg kg(-1) propofol that was dissolved in 10-40% DMSO (by weight); 0.9% saline was used for contralateral limb control injections. In the third experiment protocol, one rat received 293 mg kg(-1) propofol intraperitoneally (IP) to verify potency of the pure compound. Rats were evaluated every 2 minutes for signs of sedation and anesthesia. After 24 hours, all rats were killed, and tissue samples from saline and propofol injection sites were evaluated by veterinary histopathologists who were blinded to drug treatment (propofol versus control) and dose. RESULTS Most rats did not exhibit substantial sedation with IM propofol, and no rat became anesthetized even when propofol was administered in excess of the lethal IP dose. Histology of injection sites demonstrated significant tissue inflammation and necrosis associated with propofol injections, but not with saline injections. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE One hundred percent propofol is neither safe nor effective when administered via the IM route; presumably as a result of poor systemic uptake of the hydrophobic drug. Newer, water-soluble propofol formulations may circumvent these pharmacokinetic problems, yet local tissue injury might still be possible if high concentrations of free propofol drug are liberated.
Findings from the Families on Track Intervention Pilot Trial for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Their Families

BACKGROUND Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are at high risk for costly, debilitating mental health problems and secondary conditions, such as school disruption, trouble with the law, and substance use. The study objective was to pilot a multicomponent intervention designed to prevent secondary conditions in children with FASD and improve family adaptation. METHODS Thirty children with FASD or prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) (ages 4 to 8) and their primary caregivers were enrolled. Families were randomized to either the Families on Track Integrated Preventive Intervention or an active control of neuropsychological assessment and personalized community referrals. The 30-week intervention integrates scientifically validated bimonthly, in-home parent behavioral consultation, and weekly child skills groups. Outcomes measured at baseline and follow-up postintervention included intervention satisfaction, child emotional and behavioral functioning, child self-esteem, caregiver knowledge of FASD and advocacy, caregiver attitudes, use of targeted parenting practices, perceived family needs met, social support, and self-care. Data analysis emphasized calculation of effect sizes and was supplemented with analysis of variance techniques. RESULTS Analyses indicated that families participating in the intervention reported high program satisfaction. Relative to comparison group outcomes, the intervention was associated with medium-to-large effects for child emotion regulation, self-esteem, and anxiety. Medium-sized improvements in disruptive behavior were observed for both groups. Medium and large effects were seen for important caregiver outcomes: knowledge of FASD and advocacy, attributions of behavior, use of antecedent strategies, parenting efficacy, family needs met, social support, and self-care. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study yielded promising findings from the multicomponent Families on Track Integrated Preventive Intervention for child and caregiver outcomes. An important next step is to complete a randomized control trial of the Families on Track Program with a larger sample fully representative of this underserved clinical population with built-in study of implementation parameters.
Adult-Type Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Mimicking Multiple Sclerosis

recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of arylsulphatase A (ASA). It is characterized by accumulation of sulphatide in the white matter in the central nervous system and peripheral nerves1. The disease is divided in four subtypes, according to onset, severity and progression of the disease: late infantile (before age 4), early juvenile (age 4 to 6), late juvenile (age 6 to 16) and adult-type (after age 16)1. The disorder has different clinical presentations depending on the age at onset. Most patients with adult-type MLD present psychiatric symptoms and a schizophrenia-like condition2,3. More recent reports indicate that dementia together with pure neurological symptoms are also prominent3-5. Before examination by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ASA activity dosage, the patients are often misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, affective disorder, or personality disorder. We report a patient with an adult-type MLD, in which the clinical course and neuroimaging results could suggest the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Cholangiocarcinoma in a goat

Since the remaining donkeys already at the sanctuary had previously been treated with oxyclozanide (Zanil; Mallinckrodt) they were considered inappropriate for the trial. Rectal faecal samples were collected and examined for fluke eggs using a modified sedimentation technique (Happich and Boray 1969). Seventeen of the 30 animals were found to be infected and were divided into a treatment group and a control group. Both groups included donkeys with a range of ages, sex and degree of infestation as manifested by egg counts. However, the majority of infected animals were female, which reduced the number of geldings available for distribution. All donkeys were weighed at the start of the trial and were maintained off pasture for the duration. They were fed hay and limited concentrates. Since triclabendazole (Fasinex; Ciba) has been used in horses in Chile (Rubilar and others 1988) for the treatment of F hepatica infection, a similar regime was adopted for donkeys. Triclabendazole was therefore administered orally to the treatment group at a dose level of 12 mg/kg bodyweight. Treatment was given on April 8, 1995, and monitoring for the presence of fluke eggs in both groups continued on a monthly basis for 17 weeks. The results of the trial are presented in Table 1. Throughout the period of observation, no fluke eggs were detected in the treatment group. In the untreated control group fluke eggs were consistently present throughout the period in all except two animals. In one, no eggs were seen at eight weeks and thereafter, while in the second donkey the variability appeared to be excessive. Nevertheless it was assumed that egg production was intermittent due to a low level of infestation. It was also interesting to note that all donkeys in the treatment group gained weight during the trial period.
Polarimetric SAR Image Analysis Using Model Fit for Urban Structures

This paper describes a polarimetric feature extraction method from urban areas using the POLSAR (Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar) data. The scattering characteristic of urban areas is different from that of natural distributed areas. The main point of difference is polarimetric correlation coefficient, because urban areas do not satisfy property of azimuth symmetry, = 0. The decomposition technique based on azimuth symmetry can not be applied to urban areas. We propose a new model fit suitable for urban areas. The proposed model fit consists of odd-bounce, even-bounce and cross scattering models. These scattering models can represent the polarimetric backscatter from urban areas, and satisfy ¬= 0 and ¬= 0. In addition, the combination with the proposed model fit and the three component scattering model suited for natural distributed areas is examined. It is possible to apply the combined technique to POLSAR data which includes both urban areas and natural distributed areas. The combined technique is used for feature extraction of actual X-band POLSAR data acquired by Pi-SAR. It is shown that the proposed model fit is useful to extract polarimetric features from urban areas.
The distribution of growth‐hormone‐releasing factor (GRF) immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the rat: An immunohistochemical study using antisera directed against rat hypothalamic GRF

Immunohistochemical methods have been used to chart the distribution of rat hypothalamic growth‐hormone‐releasing factor (rhGRF) immunoreactivity in the brains of normal and colchicine‐treated adult albino rats. The results suggest the existence of at least two distinct rhGRF‐containing systems: one responsible for delivery of the peptide to portal vessels in the median eminence, and one whose relationship, if any, to hypophysiotropic function is less direct. A dense plexus of rhGRF‐stained fibers was found throughout the external lamina of the median eminence that is the route by which the peptide is delivered to the anterior pituitary. This projection appears to arise primarily from a group of rhGRF‐immunoreactive neurons centered in the arcuate nucleus. Some 1,000–1,500 rhGRF‐positive neurons were counted on each side of the brain in rats pretreated with colchicine. Colocalization studies, using a sequential double staining technique, indicated that a subset of rhGRF‐immunoreactive neurons in the arcuate region contain neurotensin immunoreactivity. No evidence was obtained for colocalization of rhGRF with either of two pro‐opiomelanocortin‐derived peptides (α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (1–24)) in individual neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Much smaller groups of neurons were localized in the parvicellular division of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and in the dorsomedial nucleus, and it is unclear whether they contribute to the plexus of rhGRF‐stained fibers in the median eminence.
Gravitational Radiation From Cosmological Turbulence

An injection of energy into the early Universe on a given characteristic length scale will result in turbulent motions of the primordial plasma. We calculate the stochastic background of gravitational radiation arising from a period of cosmological turbulence, using a simple model of isotropic Kolmogoroff turbulence produced in a cosmological phase transition. We also derive the gravitational radiation generated by magnetic fields arising from a dynamo operating during the period of turbulence. The resulting gravitational radiation background has a maximum amplitude comparable to the radiation background from the collision of bubbles in a first-order phase transition, but at a lower frequency, while the radiation from the induced magnetic fields is always subdominant to that from the turbulence itself. We briefly discuss the detectability of such a signal.
Along- and across-axis variations in crustal thickness and structure at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 5°S obtained from wide-angle seismic tomography: Implications for ridge segmentation

Two end‐member styles of crustal accretion are observed at two adjacent spreading segments at the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at 5°S: focused accretion to the segment center with rapid crustal thinning toward the transform in the northern segment and crustal thickening toward the transform at an oceanic core complex in the southern segment. Our results were obtained by tomographic inversion of wide‐angle seismic reflection and refraction data collected along three intersecting profiles. The segment north of the 5°S fracture zone is characterized by a well‐developed median valley with a pronounced seafloor bulge in the segment center. A discrete portion of anomalously low velocities (−0.4 to −0.5 km/s relative to average off‐axis structure) at depths of ∼2.5 km beneath this bulge is possibly related to the presence of elevated temperatures and perhaps small portions of partial melt. This suggests that this segment is currently in a magmatically active period, which is confirmed by the observation of fresh lava flows and ongoing high‐temperature hydrothermal activity at the seafloor. Close to the current spreading axis, the crust thins rapidly from 8.5 km beneath the segment center to less than 3 km beneath the transform fault which indicates that melt supply here is strongly focused to the segment center. The reduction in crustal thickness is almost exclusively accommodated by the thinning of velocity portions indicative of seismic layer 3. The transform fault is characterized by more uniform velocity gradients throughout the entire crustal section and very low upper mantle velocities of 7.2–7.3 km/s indicating that serpentinization could be as much as 25% at 3.5 km depth. In contrast, ∼4.1 Ma old crust of the northern segment shows only minor thinning from the segment center toward the segment end. Here, the transform is characterized by a normal seismic layer 2/3 transition suggesting robust melt supply to the segment end at those times. In the adjacent southern segment, the crust thickens from ∼2.5 km beneath the flank of an oceanic core complex to ∼5.0 km at the segment boundary. The observed changes in crustal thickness show a significant temporal and lateral variability in melt supply and suggest a more complex crustal emplacement process than predicted by models of focused melt supply to the segment centers.