Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isotope ratio mass spectrometry in combination with chemometrics for characterization of geographical origin and agronomic practices of table grape.

BACKGROUND Although table grape is one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits worldwide, no study has been reported on its geographical origin or agronomic practice based on stable isotope ratios. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of isotopic ratios (i.e. 2 H/1 H, 13 C/12 C, 15 N/14 N and 18 O/16 O) as possible markers to discriminate the agronomic practice (conventional versus organic farming) and provenance of table grape. RESULTS In order to quantitatively evaluate which of the isotopic variables were more discriminating, a t test was carried out, in light of which only δ13 C and δ18 O provided statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the discrimination of geographical origin and farming method. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed no good separation of samples differing in geographical area and agronomic practice; thus, for classification purposes, supervised approaches were carried out. In particular, general discriminant analysis (GDA) was used, resulting in prediction abilities of 75.0 and 92.2% for the discrimination of farming method and origin respectively. CONCLUSION The present findings suggest that stable isotopes (i.e. δ18 O, δ2 H and δ13 C) combined with chemometrics can be successfully applied to discriminate the provenance of table grape. However, the use of bulk nitrogen isotopes was not effective for farming method discrimination. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) after intravenous, subcutaneous and oral administration.

The pharmacokinetic profile of meloxicam in clinically healthy koalas (n = 15) was investigated. Single doses of meloxicam were administered intravenously (i.v.) (0.4 mg/kg; n = 5), subcutaneously (s.c.) (0.2 mg/kg; n = 1) or orally (0.2 mg/kg; n = 3), and multiple doses were administered to two groups of koalas via the oral or s.c. routes (n = 3 for both routes) with a loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg for day 1 followed by 0.1 mg/kg s.i. d for a further 3 days. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Following i.v. administration, meloxicam exhibited a rapid clearance (CL) of 0.44 ± 0.20 (SD) L/h/kg, a volume of distribution at terminal phase (Vz ) of 0.72 ± 0.22 L/kg and a volume of distribution at steady state (Vss ) of 0.22 ± 0.12 L/kg. Median plasma terminal half-life (t(1/2)) was 1.19 h (range 0.71-1.62 h). Following oral administration either from single or repeated doses, only maximum peak plasma concentration (C(max) 0.013 ± 0.001 and 0.014 ± 0.001 μg/mL, respectively) was measurable [limit of quantitation (LOQ) >0.01 μg/mL] between 4-8 h. Oral bioavailability was negligible in koalas. Plasma protein binding of meloxicam was ~98%. Three meloxicam metabolites were detected in plasma with one identified as the 5-hydroxy methyl derivative. This study demonstrated that koalas exhibited rapid CL and extremely poor oral bioavailability compared with other eutherian species. Accordingly, the currently recommended dose regimen of meloxicam for this species appears inadequate.
Pharmacokinetics of tobramycin following intravenous, intramuscular, and intra-articular administration in healthy horses.

The objectives of this study were to examine the pharmacokinetics of tobramycin in the horse following intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and intra-articular (IA) administration. Six mares received 4 mg/kg tobramycin IV, IM, and IV with concurrent IA administration (IV+IA) in a randomized 3-way crossover design. A washout period of at least 7 days was allotted between experiments. After IV administration, the volume of distribution, clearance, and half-life were 0.18 ± 0.04 L/kg, 1.18 ± 0.32 mL·kg/min, and 4.61 ± 1.10 h, respectively. Concurrent IA administration could not be demonstrated to influence IV pharmacokinetics. The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) after IM administration was 18.24 ± 9.23 μg/mL at 1.0 h (range 1.0-2.0 h), with a mean bioavailability of 81.22 ± 44.05%. Intramuscular administration was well tolerated, despite the high volume of drug administered (50 mL per 500 kg horse). Trough concentrations at 24 h were below 2 μg/mL in all horses after all routes of administration. Specifically, trough concentrations at 24 h were 0.04 ± 0.01 μg/mL for the IV route, 0.04 ± 0.02 μg/mL for the IV/IA route, and 0.02 ± 0.02 for the IM route. An additional six mares received IA administration of 240 mg tobramycin. Synovial fluid concentrations were 3056.47 ± 1310.89 μg/mL at 30 min after administration, and they persisted for up to 48 h with concentrations of 14.80 ± 7.47 μg/mL. Tobramycin IA resulted in a mild chemical synovitis as evidenced by an increase in synovial fluid cell count and total protein, but appeared to be safe for administration. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that tobramycin would be effective against bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg/mL for IV administration and 1 μg/mL for IM administration based on Cmax :MIC of 10.
Dry matter yield, chemical composition and estimated extractable protein of legume and grass species during the spring growth.

BACKGROUND Knowledge of the variation of extractable protein amount in legumes and grasses as affected by harvest time is important for identifying optimal combinations to enable a high protein production in a biorefinery. The extractability of protein was estimated using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System across six harvests during the spring growth. RESULTS The estimated extractable protein [g kg-1 dry matter (DM)] defined as the easily available fractions B1 +B2 was significantly higher in white clover and lucerne at all harvests while, if the more cell wall attached fraction B3 can be extracted, white clover had the highest extractable protein amongst all species. Total yield of B1 +B2 per ha was higher in white clover and red clover at the early growth while B1 +B2 +B3 was by far the highest for red clover through all harvests. CONCLUSION White clover could be a good candidate for protein production purpose in a biorefinery due to its high extractable protein content per kg DM. In order to maximise the protein production capacity, harvest should take place during early growth due to a decline in protein extractability with maturity. The final economy of the concept will depend on the value of the fibre after extraction of the protein. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Is routine radiological surveillance mandatory after uncomplicated ureteroscopic stone removal?

PURPOSE Stricture formation and obstruction are rare but significant complications after ureteroscopy (URS), and there are controversial studies regarding follow-up. Our study sought to determine the appropriate follow-up for patients without complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 323 patients were treated with URS for removal of ureteric stones, and their charts were retrospectively reviewed. A semirigid ureteroscope was used in all patients, and stone disintegration was accomplished with a pneumatic lithotriptor. Postoperative evaluation included plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) on day 1, intravenous urography (IVU) and/or ultrasonography at postoperative month 3 and annually thereafter in all patients. A KUB radiograph was also obtained on postoperative day (POD) 10 in patients with residual fragments. RESULTS Complete records of 268 patients were available. The overall success rate was 95.5%. The KUB radiograph on POD 1 revealed complete stone removal in 217 (80.9%) patients, while residual fragments were seen in 40 (14.9%) patients, who were reevaluated on POD 10. Evaluation on POD 10 showed residual fragments in 15 patients, and URS was again performed in eight patients. Perioperative minor complications were observed in 18 (6.7%) patients. IVU performed in the third postoperative month showed stricture formation in two (0.7%) patients and silent obstruction in one (0.3%). No stricture formation was observed in asymptomatic patients after uncomplicated complete stone removal. After a mean follow-up of 27.4 +/- 13.7 (range 12-58) months, annual radiologic studies did not show any additional complications. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that radiologic surveillance for stricture formation and obstruction is not mandatory after complete stone removal with uncomplicated URS.
Reply to Meulenbelt and Geertzen

Sir: Please find below our response to the letter you received following the publication of our article in the December 2006 issue of Prosthetics and Orthotics International (Vol. 30, No. 3). We would like to state at the onset that we set out an observational study based on our clinical practice. Further progression on this work will be a pilot study to test some of the issues raised with eventual progression to a randomized controlled trial. The interest generated on this topical issue is welcomed and we anticipate that multicentre collaboration would be required to further explore this. We acknowledge that only limited information is available concerning the nature of socket adjustments. This reflects the observational nature of our study. In general, adjustments were made to socket volume and contour to offload areas of skin with pressure ulcers and to address volume mismatch. We have already stated that limb usage was simply recorded as ‘less’, ‘more’ or ‘as usual’ and acknowledge that more detailed information would be helpful. However, we did note that a similar approach had been used in a previous study (Datta et al. 1996) and believe this was realistic and practical in a clinic consultation scenario, which was the setting for our report. We appreciate that many different definitions of skin ulceration have been used. Again, our choice of ‘a break in stump skin of at least 0.25 cm in diameter’ was based on practical considerations in our large observational study. We felt it was necessary to specify minimum diameter to differentiate ulcers from puncture skin lesions, which may, for example, occur in allergic or irritant dermatitis. We agree that ulcer depth measurement is an important factor to consider in wound healing. However, routine clinical practice does not entail this but an estimation of the involved tissue plane (subcutaneous, deep-fascia, muscle etc.). A reduction in ulcer size is certainly an acceptable measure of healing with face validity. Meulenbelt and Geertzen have drawn attention to the fact we have not specified ulcer type. However, there are many methods of classification often based on aetiology. Stump ulcers are multi-factorial in causation with mechanical factors, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus frequently contributing. Part of our recommendations is that further studies explore these issues. Data concerning delayed healing of the surgical wounds and development of ulcers were pooled, as both in essence are breaches of the stump skin (Coleman 2000) which might potentially affect prosthetic limb usage. Whilst their aetiologies differ, in this study we were primarily concerned with the impact of both on prosthesis use and hence mobility and lifestyle of the amputee. Regarding limb use, we wrote that five patients were advised to discontinue limb use as part of the clinical management and that ulcer deterioration was noted in two. We would like to confirm that the ulcers in the remaining three improved. Prosthetics and Orthotics International June 2007; 31(2): 209 – 210
Advances in abdominal access for laparoscopic surgery: a review

There are several laparoscopic surgery abdominal wall access techniques. The most useful and well-established is the open Hasson technique. The Veress needle closed technique is another alternative, but its use is controversial owing to possibly higher rates of rare insertion complications. Optical trocars have been developed in an attempt to decrease complication rates even further, although the evidence base supporting their use is limited. Single-incision laparo- scopic surgery (SILS) is used in certain centers to carry out various abdominal surgeries, but most commonly appendectomy and cholecystectomy. To date, SILS appears safe and feasible, with possibly greater costs and operative time. Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an evolving area of incisionless surgery. While some progress has been made in achieving transgastric or transvaginal peritoneal endoscopic access, this technique remains
Survey on the Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements to Treat Tinnitus.

PURPOSE We surveyed the benefit of dietary supplements to treat tinnitus and reported adverse effects. METHOD A website was created for people with tinnitus to complete a variety of questions. RESULTS The 1,788 subjects who responded to questionnaires came from 53 different countries; 413 (23.1%) reported taking supplements. No effect on tinnitus was reported in 70.7%, improvement in 19.0%, and worsening in 10.3%. Adverse effects were reported in 6% (n = 36), including bleeding, diarrhea, headache, and others. Supplements were reported to be helpful for sleep: melatonin (effect size, d = 1.228) and lipoflavonoid (d = 0.5244); emotional reactions: melatonin (d = 0.6138) and lipoflavonoid (d = 0.457); hearing: Ginkgo biloba (d = 0.3758); and concentration Ginkgo biloba (d = 0.3611). The positive, subjective reports should be interpreted cautiously; many might have reported a positive effect because they were committed to treatment and expected a benefit. Users of supplements were more likely to have loudness hyperacusis and to have a louder tinnitus. CONCLUSIONS The use of dietary supplements to treat tinnitus is common, particularly with Ginkgo biloba, lipoflavonoids, magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B12, and zinc. It is likely that some supplements will help with sleep for some patients. However, they are generally not effective, and many produced adverse effects. We concluded that dietary supplements should not be recommended to treat tinnitus but could have a positive outcome on tinnitus reactions in some people.
Pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its major metabolite after intramuscular administration in piglets.

Tramadol (T) is a centrally acting atypical opioid used for treatment of dogs. Piglets might experience pain following castration, tooth clipping and tail docking and experimental procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of T and its active metabolite M1 in male piglets after a single intramuscular injection. Six healthy male piglets were administered T (5 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Blood was sampled at scheduled time intervals and drug plasma concentrations evaluated by a validated HPLC method. T plasma concentration was quantitatively detectable from 0.083 to 8 h. M1 was quantified over a shorter time period (0.083-6 h) with a Tmax at 0.821 h. The study demonstrated that piglets produce a larger amount of M1 compared with dogs, horses and goats. The human minimum effective concentration of M1 (40 ng/mL) was exceeded for over 3 h in piglets. If it is assumed to also apply to piglets, it could be speculated that the drug efficacy might exert its action over 3 h or longer. This assumption has to be confirmed by further specific pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies.
Lupus anticoagulant and Sneddon's syndrome

We present the coagulation and serological studies of four patients with Sneddon's syndrome, in which antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant) were determined using cardiolipin and a mixture of phospholipid from rabbit brain as antigen for detection of lupus anticoagulant by ELISA. Our results support a relation between Sneddon's syndrome and lupus anticoagulant (IgG subtype) in all cases. The anticardiolipin antibody test was positive only in two cases (one in low level). All patients could be diagnosed as having primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Antiaggregant treatment was not effective in preventing thrombosis in two cases. Three of four patients received long‐term oral anticoagulation therapy, with no recurrence of thrombosis observed for a period of at least 3 years.
Differences in substance use patterns among youths living in foster care institutions and in birth families

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine differences in psychosocial context of occurrence of cigarette smoking and alcohol and drugs use between adolescents living in foster homes and those living with parents. Methods: The study examined 58 adolescents (14–17 years) living in foster homes and 245 living with parents using an anonymous questionnaire. Findings: Consumption of tobacco and cannabis was more common in the group of children living in foster homes. They tried these substances earlier and used them more frequently. The most important predictor for current smoking was the number of peers who smoked. Another important predictor of current smoking was an expressed feeling of loneliness. The studied groups did not differ significantly in the occurrence of alcohol drinking. Conclusions: These results suggest that suitable prevention programmes with emphases on social groups living under adverse conditions are needed. Further research should be conducted to give more detailed insight into the reasons and psychosocial factors that precipitate the start and perpetuation of these habits in diverse environments.
Employer Reactions to Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: Exploring the Influence of Symptom Severity and Disclosure of Diagnosis During a Simulated Telephone Interview.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of symptom severity and disclosure of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) on the perceptions of human resource personnel members (HRPs) during a simulated phone interview. Method One female speaker with ADSD was recorded reading an interview script at two time points: (a) pre-BOTOX injection (severe), and (b) post-BOTOX injection (mild). Thirty-two HRPs evaluated the recording in one of the two conditions via a qualitative structured interview. HRPs gave their recommendations regarding when and how to disclose ADSD. Results In the mild condition, no HRP perceived that the applicant had a voice disorder. Disclosure was not recommended as often, as an impairment was not initially noticed. However, 15/16 HRPs commented on the applicant's voice in the severe condition, with most suspecting she was a smoker or had lung/throat cancer. Disclosure in the severe condition was recommended more often, as it clarified symptoms that were noted at the outset. Conclusions Symptom severity in ADSD influences employer perceptions during the phone interview process. Incorrect assumptions may be made about applicants with severe symptoms, and apparentness of symptoms influences whether or not disclosure is recommended. Results have implications for counseling individuals with ADSD who are navigating the job interview process.
Effect of α‐thalassemia and β‐globin gene cluster haplotypes on the hematological and clinical features of sickle‐cell anemia in Brazil

To compare the features of sickle‐cell anemia in Brazil with those in other locales, we studied the effects of the β‐globin‐like gene cluster haplotype and α‐thalassemia upon the clinical and hematological features in 85 patients. The distribution of haplotypes differed from that in the United States and Jamaica. The Central African Republic (CAR) haplotype predominated; 34% of patients were CAR haplotype homozygotes, 45% CAR/Benin homozygotes, and 11% Benin homozygotes. No Senegal haplotype chromosomes were observed. α‐thalassemia was present in 17.5% of patients. HbF levels were higher in Benin homozygotes, compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). Nearly half the patients with a CAR haplotype had leg ulcers, compared to 12.5% of the Benin homozygote group; stroke did not occur in α‐thalassemia carriers, but neither result was statistically significant. As in other studies, our results indicate that the CAR haplotype may be associated with more severe disease. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Anaemia among Pregnant Women of Rural Community in Vizianagaram, North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Objective: Anemia is the most frequently observed nutritional diseases in the world. It is a major health problem that affects 25-50% population of world and nearly 50% of pregnant women. In India, anemia is the second most common cause of maternal deaths, accounting for 20% of maternal deaths. The main objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence of anemia among rural pregnant women of Vizianagram and to explore associated factors with anemia. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Mother and child hospital, Vizianagram, Vizianagram district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Pregnant women with any age of gestation period, parity and age were recruited for study. Estimation of hemoglobin was carried by standard sahli’s pipette method. Anemia was classified according to WHO grading criteria. Results: Nine hundred eighty-six subjects were enrolled for the study of whom all the study subjects did not meet the criteria of WHO standards of normal grade i.e >11gm/dl. 100% anemic condition was seen. 52.73% has a mild degree of anemia, 40.97% have moderate degree of anemia and 6.28% of population has severe degree of anemia. Pregnant women in 1st trimester of their gestation period has higher prevalence rate than in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Parity has not showed any significant relation with anemia. Conclusion: The study confirms that preventing anemia is a challenge. Efforts should be geared towards the early detection and treatment of anemia before delivery to avoid various maternal and fetal complications. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/ajms.v5i2. 5295 Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(2) 2014: 21-25
The Role of Categorical Speech Perception and Phonological Processing in Familial Risk Children With and Without Dyslexia.

Purpose This study assessed whether a categorical speech perception (CP) deficit is associated with dyslexia or familial risk for dyslexia, by exploring a possible cascading relation from speech perception to phonology to reading and by identifying whether speech perception distinguishes familial risk (FR) children with dyslexia (FRD) from those without dyslexia (FRND). Method Data were collected from 9-year-old FRD (n = 37) and FRND (n = 41) children and age-matched controls (n = 49) on CP identification and discrimination and on the phonological processing measures rapid automatized naming, phoneme awareness, and nonword repetition. Results The FRD group performed more poorly on CP than the FRND and control groups. Findings on phonological processing align with the literature in that (a) phonological processing related to reading and (b) the FRD group showed the lowest phonological processing outcomes. Furthermore, CP correlated weakly with reading, but this relationship was fully mediated by rapid automatized naming. Conclusion Although CP phonological skills are related to dyslexia, there was no strong evidence for a cascade from CP to phonology to reading. Deficits in CP at the behavioral level are not directly associated with dyslexia.