Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrient content and distribution in milling fractions of rice grain.

Nutrient content and distribution in a low-protein (7.5%) rice and a high-protein (10.8 %) rice were studied by analysing successive abrasive milling fractions of brown rice. Non-starch constituents decreased from the surface to the centre of the grain in both rices, except that the highest protein fraction in high-protein rice was the sub-aleurone layer. Starch and amylose contents of starch increased progressively from the surface to the centre of the grain and were lower in high-protein grain. Although this low-protein rice had lower total ash content than the high-protein rice, other samples of the same low-protein rice had comparable ash content to the high-protein rice. Glutelin accounted for 87–93% of milled rice protein. Protein and protein bodies of the sub-aleurone layer and inner endosperm have similar amino-grams, and electrophoretic patterns using analytical and SDS-polyacrylamide disc gels.
Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses after administration of phenylbutazone and frusemide.

The present study was carried out to examine the effects of phenylbutazone treatment on the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in strenuously exercising horses. Using catheter mounted manometers, whose in vivo signals were referenced at the point of the shoulder, heart rate, right atrial, right ventricular and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured in 3 different sets of experiments. Seven Thoroughbreds were subjected to 1) control (no medications), 2) frusemide control and 3) phenylbutazone + frusemide. The experiments were carried out in random order and were separated by 7 days. Measurements were made at rest and during incremental exercise performed on a treadmill set at 3.5% uphill grade. In the frusemide control experiment, horses received frusemide 250 mg i.v. , 4 h pre-exercise. In the phenylbutazone + frusemide experiment, horses received 4 i.v. injections of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg bwt) at 12 h intervals. Twenty-four hours after the last phenylbutazone injection, horses received frusemide 250 mg i.v. and exercise was performed 4 h later. This latter regimen mimics prevailing veterinary practice at Illinois racetracks. The highest work intensity (14.2 m/s, 3.5% uphill grade) elicited maximal heart rate of horses. Significant right atrial, as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension occurred with exertion in all 3 experiments. However, in the frusemide-control and the phenylbutazone + frusemide studies, the exercise induced rise in mean right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated in comparison with that in the control experiments. Statistically significant differences were not found between the frusemide control study and the phenylbutazone + frusemide study either at rest or during any level of exertion. Therefore, it was concluded that the phenylbutazone treatment in our study did not mitigate the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in strenuously exercising Thoroughbred horses.
Combinatorial treatments for promoting axon regeneration in the CNS: Strategies for overcoming inhibitory signals and activating neurons' intrinsic growth state

In general, neurons in the mature mammalian central nervous system (CNS) are unable to regenerate injured axons, and neurons that remain uninjured are unable to form novel connections that might compensate for ones that have been lost. As a result of this, victims of CNS injury, stroke, or certain neurodegenerative diseases are unable to fully recover sensory, motor, cognitive, or autonomic functions. Regenerative failure is related to a host of inhibitory signals associated with the extracellular environment and with the generally low intrinsic potential of mature CNS neurons to regenerate. Most research to date has focused on extrinsic factors, particularly the identification of inhibitory proteins associated with myelin, the perineuronal net, glial cells, and the scar that forms at an injury site. However, attempts to overcome these inhibitors have resulted in relatively limited amounts of CNS regeneration. Using the optic nerve as a model system, we show that with appropriate stimulation, mature neurons can revert to an active growth state and that when this occurs, the effects of overcoming inhibitory signals are enhanced dramatically. Similar conclusions are emerging from studies in other systems, pointing to a need to consider combinatorial treatments in the clinical setting. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
Proximate composition, amino acid profile, carbohydrate and mineral content of seed meals from four safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties grown in north-eastern Morocco

The purpose of this study is to complete our work on the characterization of four safflower varieties produced in the oriental region of Morocco by determining the composition of their meals. This characterization was carried out by analyzing proteins, amino acids, fibers, carbohydrates and mineral elements. The results show that the protein content varies in a range of 17.06–27.05%, fibers 63.45–69.97%, carbohydrates 12.40–17.07% and ash 3.11–3.60% on dry weight basis. The most abundant amino acid in the studied safflower meals is glutamic acid (3.19–3.89% of dry matter), while lysine and methionine are the least abundant. Cellulose and hemicellulose are the most representative fibers (28.16–31.35% and 21.04–21.68% of dry matter, respectively). The main carbohydrate is xylose, whose content varies between 10.56–14.31% of dry matter. The results also show that the studied safflower meals constitute a good source of potassium (6.32–9.51 g kg −1 of dry matter), phosphorus (2.35–4.60 g kg −1 ), magnesium (2.25–4.25 g kg −1 ) and calcium (1.53–1.72 g kg −1 ). Amongst the identified microelements, iron is the major element in all the analyzed samples (53–125 mg kg −1 ). Moreover, the majority of the studied analytical parameters were strongly influenced by the cultivar factor ( p < 0.05). In view of these analyses and pasture shortage, especially during the dry seasons in Morocco, the meal obtained from oil extraction from safflower seeds can be upgraded by the formulation of new animal feed products in this region.
Skeletal muscle and plasma concentrations of cefazolin during complex paediatric spinal surgery.

BACKGROUND Surgical site infections (SSIs) can have devastating consequences for children who undergo spinal instrumentation. Prospective evaluations of prophylactic cefazolin in this population are limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and skeletal muscle disposition of prophylactic cefazolin in a paediatric population undergoing complex spinal surgery. METHODS This prospective pharmacokinetic study included 17 children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion, with a median age of 13.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 13.4-15.4] yr and a median weight of 60.6 (IQR 50.8-66.0) kg. A dosing strategy consistent with published guidelines was used. Serial plasma and skeletal muscle microdialysis samples were obtained during the operative procedure and unbound cefazolin concentrations measured. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analyses were performed. The amount of time that the concentration of unbound cefazolin exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration for bacterial growth for selected SSI pathogens was calculated. RESULTS Skeletal muscle concentrations peaked at a median of 37.6 (IQR 26.8-40.0) µg ml(-1) within 30-60 min after the first cefazolin 30 mg kg(-1) dose. For patients who received a second 30 mg kg(-1) dose, the peak concentrations reached a median of 40.5 (IQR 30.8-45.7) µg ml(-1) within 30-60 min. The target cefazolin concentrations for SSI prophylaxis for meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Gram-negative pathogens were exceeded in skeletal muscle 98.9 and 58.3% of the intraoperative time, respectively. CONCLUSIONS For children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion, the cefazolin dosing strategy used in this study resulted in skeletal muscle concentrations that were likely not to be effective for intraoperative SSI prophylaxis against Gram-negative pathogens.
Lifestyle Behaviors, Perceived Stress, and Inflammation of Individuals With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Background: Stress is a potent immunomodulator contributing to chronic conditions. Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a life-threatening late effect of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation associated with stress and exaggerated immune response that may be associated to lifestyle behaviors. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore associations among lifestyle behaviors, perceived stress, and inflammation of individuals with cGVHD. Methods: A secondary analysis from a prospective observational study of 24 adults (≥18 years) with cGVHD was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and symptom data were assessed using medical records and validated self-report measures; inflammatory markers were assessed using multiplex and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assays from plasma. Results: Spiritual growth and total perceived stress were correlated (P < .001). Nutrition and C-reactive protein were negatively correlated (P = .02). Physical activity and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) were associated (P < .05). Perceived stress and inflammatory markers were not associated. Individuals did not routinely engage in assessed health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion: Associations in this sample were noted among lifestyle behaviors, perceived stress, and inflammation. Given these promising findings, further research with a larger sample size is needed to test these associations. Activity, nutrition, stress management, and social support interventions may reduce stress and inflammation. Particularly, connecting with one’s higher-self may reduce levels of perceived stress. Finding ways to engage survivors in healthy lifestyle behaviors should be explored. Implications for Practice: Information from this study allows nurses to be informed about the role of lifestyle behaviors on inflammation and stress to provide anticipatory guidance to HCT survivors regarding lifestyle choices that may mitigate inflammation and stress to promote positive health outcomes.
Safety of local anesthetics administered intrathecally in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES Although retrospective studies show the risk of neurological complications after spinal anesthesia with local anesthetics is small in diabetic patients, there is still concern about the safety of different local anesthetics in diabetics undergoing neuroaxial anesthesia. We examined block duration and histology of spinal cord and roots with intrathecal local anesthetics in diabetic rats. METHODS Rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin injection. Blood glucose levels confirmed diabetes, and diabetic neuropathy was verified by tactile hypersensitivity. Diabetic and nondiabetic rats received four intrathecal injections at 3-4-day intervals of 0.75% bupivacaine, with/without 100 µg/mL epinephrine; and 2% lidocaine, with/without 100 µg/mL epinephrine, and duration of sensory (pinprick) and motor (toe-spreading reflex) response inhibition recorded. Four days after the last drug injection, histology of spinal cord and roots was performed. RESULTS All streptozotocin rats became diabetic and had pronounced tactile allodynia. Intrathecal injection of local anesthetics showed longer duration of sensory and motor block in diabetic rats vs nondiabetics. Histology of caudal spinal cord showed no difference in neuropathology between diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Necrotic neurons were not seen in either group, and white-matter pathology involved less than 0.1% of fibers. Histology of the spinal roots also showed no difference in pathology between groups, and pathology involved less than 0.1% of fibers. Neuron somas in the dorsal root ganglia were normal. CONCLUSIONS Duration of local anesthetic spinal block is longer in diabetic animals than in nondiabetics. However, there was no increased pathology of spinal cord, roots, or dorsal root ganglia.
The origin and evolution of interstellar organics

Abstract Over the last decade, we have made great strides in better understanding dust composition and evolution in dense clouds and the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM). Thanks to improvements in IR detector sensitivity on ground-based telescopes and the Spitzer Space Telescope mission, we are no longer limited to a handful of bright background stars in order to study dust composition in quiescent dense clouds and the diffuse ISM. More thorough sampling of lines of sight in these regions has highlighted the dichotomy of the nature and composition of dust in these environments. In addition, successes in recreating interstellar processes and dust-analogs in the laboratory have helped us to understand the differences in dust absorption features we observe in the ISM. In this article, we focus on the organic components of interstellar dust, reviewing past work and highlighting the most recent observations and laboratory experiments.
Relationship of the absolute difference between direct and indirect ion selective electrode measurement of serum sodium and the total protein concentration

Aim: To derive the relationship for the difference between direct and indirect ion selective electrode measurements of serum sodium and the total protein concentration. Methods: Using modern analysers and independent specimens that covered the whole of the total protein range, linear relationships were derived for the difference between direct and indirect ion selective electrode measurements of serum sodium and the total protein concentration. Results: The regression data were as follows: absolute difference = 0.1196 TP – 5.9528, r2 = 0.4555, p<10−48; relative difference = 0.0849 TP – 4.1199, r2 = 0.4153, p<10−43. Conclusions: A linear regression equation for the relationship of the absolute difference between direct and indirect ion selective electrode measurements of serum sodium and the total protein concentration can be validly derived. However, due to the large spread of data around the regression line, such equations should not be employed to decide when to use direct electrodes instead of indirect electrodes in routine clinical laboratories.
A Melting-Layer Model for Passive/Active Microwave Remote Sensing Applications. Part I: Model Formulation and Comparison with Observations

Abstract In this study, a 1D steady-state microphysical model that describes the vertical distribution of melting precipitation particles is developed. The model is driven by the ice-phase precipitation distributions just above the freezing level at applicable grid points of “parent” 3D cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations. It extends these simulations by providing the number density and meltwater fraction of each particle in finely separated size categories through the melting layer. The depth of the modeled melting layer is primarily determined by the initial material density of the ice-phase precipitation. The radiative properties of melting precipitation at microwave frequencies are calculated based upon different methods for describing the dielectric properties of mixed-phase particles. Particle absorption and scattering efficiencies at the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Microwave Imager frequencies (10.65–85.5 GHz) are enhanced greatly for relatively small (∼0.1) meltwater fractions. The rel.
Validity of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories for measuring language abilities in children with cochlear implants.

PURPOSE To examine the validity of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) for measuring language abilities in children with profound hearing loss who are using cochlear implants. METHOD Twenty-four children with cochlear implants and their mothers participated in this study. Children ranged in age from 32 months to 86 months (the majority were 32 to 66 months old). The number of months postimplantation ranged from 3 to 60 (the majority were around 24 months). Mothers completed the CDI before behavioral testing. Behavioral measures included the Reynell Developmental Language Scales and measures of vocabulary and grammar from a spontaneous language sample. RESULTS Both the Words and Gestures and the Words and Sentences forms of the CDI were shown to have excellent validity for this sample of children, if they had language that was in the range measured by the instrument. Correlations with behavioral measures ranged from . 41 to . 93 and were comparable to those reported for children with typical development. CONCLUSIONS The CDI forms are valid tools to use with children who are using cochlear implants and who are in the early stages of language development, even if they are older than the norming sample. Age-equivalence may be obtained if children score below the median for the oldest age norms. They may also be used to describe the language of children who are not at ceiling. Specific recommendations for interventionists are provided.
The pedicle artery sign based on sonography with color Doppler imaging can replace second‐stage tests in women with abnormal vaginal bleeding

Unenhanced transvaginal sonography is not accurate in the detection of endometrial polyps. Currently, second‐stage tests such as saline contrast sonohysterography and office hysteroscopy are used to diagnose endometrial lesions, but both have limitations and side effects. We proposed visualization of the pedicle artery on color Doppler imaging as a sign of polyps.
Temperament and character dimensions in patients with atopic dermatitis

The aim of this study was to assess the personality traits of young male patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and to examine the correlations between temperament and character dimensions with clinical and other psychological factors. Fifty young adult male AD patients and 83 healthy controls were examined using the temperament and character inventory, the Beck depression inventory and the state‐trait anxiety inventory. The AD patients scored higher on harm avoidance and lower on reward dependence, self‐directedness and cooperativeness than the healthy controls. The illness duration and anxiety correlated negatively with the self‐directedness score, and depression correlated negatively with reward dependence and the persistence scores in AD patients. These results suggest that AD patients have distinctive temperament and character dimensions compared to healthy controls. Moreover, illness duration and anxiety might be associated with some personality problems, and some temperament dimensions (e.g. reward dependence, persistence) may be linked to depressive symptoms in AD patients.
USO DE MALLAS SOMBRA: UNA ALTERNATIVA PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN DE TOMATE CHERRY

El uso de mallas sombra en la horticultura protegida es una tecnica economica empleada para mejorar la radiacion y evitar incrementos de temperatura. En la presente investigacion se evaluo el efecto del uso de mallas sombra de cuatro colores (azul, negra, roja y perla) en la produccion de tomate cherry. El rendimiento en la malla sombra de color perla se incremento 116.66 % en comparacion al rendimiento obtenido bajo la malla sombra de color negro y 122.85 % en comparacion con el rendimiento obtenido en el testigo (sin malla). De acuerdo a los resultados de este estudio, la malla sombra perla se considera una alternativa viable para la produccion de tomate cherry.
Electrophoretic and immunological studies on sera of young pigs. I. Influence of ingestion of colostrum on protein pattern and antibody titre in sera from suckling pigs and the changes throughout lactation.

Thirty tussocks of Carex appropinquata Schum. from various parts of the peatlands in the Biebrza River valley were analysed. The results confirmed the variability of the shape in tussocks and a considerable range of their height (15-34 cm). The group of tussocks from the vicinity of the river Kosodka was higher (usually exceeding 25 cm) and had a characteristic pole-like shape. The shape of the tussock and especially the slope of its sides determine to a high degree the possibility of development of other species growing on the tussocks. Two different parts can be distinguished in the structure of the tussock. The outer layer (of ash content on average 6,5%) is built mainly of leaf sheaths of Carex appropinquata and numerous roots of other species growing on the tussocks. The inner layer consists mainly of thick roots of the sedge and few fine roots of other species. The ash content in that layer ranges from a dozen or so to as much as 26%. The number of Carex appropinquata nuts varies between layers of the tussock and between tussocks, and decreases towards the basis of the tussock. The number of nuts may to some degree characterize the fertility of individual plants, and changes in fertility of the same individual over a period of several dozen years.
Transgenic Expression of Ly49A on T Cells Impairs a Specific Antitumor Response1

Inhibitory MHC receptors determine the reactivity and specificity of NK cells. These receptors can also regulate T cells by modulating TCR-induced effector functions such as cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and proliferation. Here we have assessed the capacity of mouse T cells expressing the inhibitory MHC class I receptor Ly49A to respond to a well-defined tumor Ag in vivo using Ly49A transgenic mice. We find that the presence of Ly49A on the vast majority of lymphocytes prevents the development of a significant Ag-specific CD8+ T cell response and, consequently, the rejection of the tumor. Despite minor alterations in the TCR repertoire of CD8+ T cells in the transgenic lines, precursors of functional tumor-specific CD8+ T cells exist but could not be activated most likely due to a lack of appropriate CD4+ T cell help. Surprisingly, all of these effects are observed in the absence of a known ligand for the Ly49A receptor as defined by its ability to regulate NK cell function. Indeed, we found that the above effects on T cells may be based on a weak interaction of Ly49A with Kb or Db class I molecules. Thus, our data demonstrate that enforced expression of a Ly49A receptor on conventional T cells prevents a specific immune response in vivo and suggest that the functions of T and NK cells are differentially sensitive to the presence of inhibitory MHC class I receptors.