Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of propylene glycol supplementation around parturition on milk yield, reproduction performance and some hormonal and metabolic characteristics in dairy cows

Summary Thirty-nine multiparous Holstein cows were used to measure the effect of propylene glycol treatment around parturition on milk yield, reproductive efficiency and some hormone and metabolite concentrations. Cows were assigned randomly to control (n = 19) or propylene glycol treated (n = 20) groups. Propylene glycol (300g) was administered directly mixed with the diet from day 10 prior to the expected calving date until parturition (day 0) and orally after dilution in 1 l water on days 3, 6, 9 and 12. Blood samples were collected on days −20, −5, 0, 3, 10, 25 and 50 while milk samples were taken weekly until 13 weeks post partum. Body condition scores, recorded on days −20, 15 and 50, were not affected by propylene glycol administration. Propylene glycol did not significantly affect milk yield or composition but linear somatic cell score measured from the first 13 weeks post partum was reduced by propylene glycol administration (P < 0·01). Moreover, propylene glycol reduced milk urea (−25 mg/l, P < 0·05), especially during the first 9 weeks post partum. Plasma insulin concentrations were similar in both groups during the experiment while insulin-like growth factor I (P < 0·05) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (P < 0·001) levels were higher on days 10, 25 and 50 post partum in the propylene glycol group. Propylene glycol administration decreased plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (P < 0·05 to P < 0·01) but increased total cholesterol levels (P < 0·01) after parturition while 3-hydroxy-butyrate levels were unaffected by the treatment. Changes in the hormone and metabolic concentrations after propylene glycol administration in the last few days of gestation and the first week of lactation seem to indicate that energy balance in the treated group was probably more positive than in the control group. There was also evidence that propylene glycol administration prevented fatty liver syndrome and hastened the resumption of oestrous cycles (P < 0·001).
Impact of Cooking Procedures on Antibacterial Drug Residues in Foods: A Review

Antibacterial drugs used in animal might result in deposition of residues in meat, milk and eggs. The presence of antimicrobial residues in animal-originated food is critical problem in many countries over the years. Because, drug residues might result in various health hazards, both actual incidence of reactions and potential hazards perceived by the public, the most countries assess residue occurrences in food to provide a safe food supply and forbid importation of unwholesome foods from exporting countries. Stability of antibacterial drug residues under cooking conditions is an important research field, which provides valuable information related to health safety aspects and is very important from a safety and toxicological point of view. It has been stated that drug residues in animal based foods may be decreased due to cooking. Stability of antibacterial residues during heating is different. In this article, the changes of antibacterial drug residues during different cooking procedures are reviewed. Ordinary cooking procedures degrade a number of antibacterial drug residues, depending on the amount of heat treatment involved. Cooking time and temperature are two main factors which affect on antibiotic residues. In some cooking procedures, sufficient heating temperature and time can reduce several antibacterial drug residues although it does not generally provide an additional margin of safety for consumers.
Transfer from pediatric to adult health care: effects on diabetes outcomes

The transfer from pediatric to adult diabetes health care for emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has received increasing attention in the literature. This review analyzes the effect of this health care transfer on the outcomes of diabetes care visit attendance, glycemic control, and acute diabetes‐related complications, and assesses the methodological strength of the studies reporting observational and interventional data. Observational studies, often limited by incomplete data, report a decline in diabetes care visits but an improvement or no change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after transfer to adult care. Results from studies reporting a transition intervention are restricted by lack of appropriate control groups and the collection of data both before and after transfer of care. Very few methodologically strong studies are available to guide clinicians with the transition from pediatric to adult care, and these shortcomings should be addressed in future studies designed to facilitate and improve the care of emerging adults with T1D.
Inibidor de urease ( NBPT ) e a eficiência da ureia aplicada em dose única ou parcelada na cultura do trigo

O NBPT (N-(n-butil) tiofosfórico triamida) é uma substância inibidora da urease, que se vem apresentando como das mais promissoras para a maximização do uso do nitrogênio da ureia em sistemas agrícolas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo do trigo irrigado, submetido à fertilização com ureia ou ureia+NBPT aplicadas em dose única ou parcelada. O experimento foi conduzido, de junho a outubro de 2006, em Viçosa-MG, Brasil. Seguiu-se o esquema fatorial 2×2, em que a ureia ou ureia+NBPT foram combinadas com duas formas de aplicação: dose total na semeadura (60kg ha ) ou parcelada (20kg ha -1 na semeadura + 40kg ha , em cobertura, no perfilhamento). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com dez repetições. Conclui-se que o parcelamento da fertilização nitrogenada não promove incremento de produtividade do trigo, sob as condições de cultivo empregadas; o uso de inibidor de urease aumenta a produtividade da cultura do trigo, quando a ureia é aplicada, em cobertura, durante o perfilhamento, mas, seu uso não promove aumento da produtividade quando a ureia é aplicada no sulco, durante a semeadura.
Gene Expressions Associated with Ultrastructural Changes in Vascular Endothelium of Atherosclerotic Lesion

Attachment of the circulating monocytes to the endothelium is the earliest detectable events during formation of atherosclerosis. The adhesion molecules, chemokines and matrix proteases genes were identified to be expressed in atherogenesis. Expressions of these genes may influence structural integrity of the luminal endothelium. The aim of this study is to relate changes in the ultrastructural morphology of the aortic luminal surface and gene expressions of the endothelial surface, chemokine and MMP-12 in normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Luminal endothelial surface from rabbit aortic tissue was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using low vacuum mode to ascertain ultrastructural changes in development of atherosclerotic lesion. Gene expression of adhesion molecules, MCP-1 and MMP-12 were studied by Real-time PCR. Ultrastructural observations of the aortic luminal surface exhibited changes from normal regular smooth intact endothelium to irregular luminal surface including marked globular appearance and ruptures of the membrane layer. Real-time PCR demonstrated differentially expressed of studied genes in atherosclerotic tissues. The appearance of ultrastructural changes in aortic tissue of hypercholesterolemic rabbits is suggested to have relation with underlying changes of endothelial surface molecules, chemokine and MMP-12 gene expressions. Keywords—Ultrastructure of luminal endothelial surface, Macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12), Real-time PCR. M. Maimunah, is with the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. (phone: 603-32584423; fax: 603-32584599; e-mail: maimunah@ puncakalam.uitm.edu.my). G.A. Froemming, is with the Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia (e-mail: gabriele@salam.uitm.edu.my). H. Nawawi, is with the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selayang Campus, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia. (email:Hapizah@salam.uitm.edu.my). M.I. Nafeeza, is with the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selayang Campus, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia. (email:nafeeza@salam.uitm.edu.my). O. Effat, is with the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selayang Campus, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia. (email:effat@salam.uitm.edu.my). M.R. Rohayu Izanwati, is with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, 20400 Terengganu, Malaysia. (email: izanwati@unisza.edu.my). M.S. Mohamed Saifulaman, is with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. (email:drsaifulaman@yahoo.com)
Time-Delayed impulsive Control of Chaotic Hybrid Systems

This paper presents a time-delayed impulsive feedback approach to the problem of stabilization of periodic orbits in chaotic hybrid systems. The rigorous stability analysis of the proposed method is given. Using the time-delayed impulsive feedback method, we analyze the problem of detecting various periodic orbits in a special class of hybrid system, a switched arrival system, which is a prototype model of many manufacturing systems and computer systems where a large amount of work is processed in a unit time. We also consider the problem of stabilization of periodic orbits of chaotic piecewise affine systems, especially Chua's circuit, which is another important special class of hybrid systems.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Single Dose or Weekly Pulses of Chimaeric Anti‐CD4 Monoclonal Antibody

The aetiotogy of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but CD4+ T eells are known to be involved in its pathogenesis. Because of this, anti‐CD4 monoelonal antibody has been used in open studies with clinical benefit in up to 60% of patients. We have used a ehimaeric anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibody (cM‐T4l2, Centocor) in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo controlled trial as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Nine patients with active rheumatoid arthritis resistant to traditional disease‐modifying drugs were recruited. Four received an intravenous 50 mg bolus of antibody, and three received 50 mg weekly for four consecutive weeks. Two patients received placebo. Despite a marked reduction (P<0.001) in peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocytes, there was no significant clinical improvement in any of these patienis. The decrease in CD4+ lymphocyte number lasted one week after a single 50 mg dose of cM‐T412 but was more prolonged in the patients who reeeived four infusions. CD8+ T cells. CD16+ cytoloxic cells and CD14+ monoeytes showed only a transient reduction. It may be concluded that the therapeutic efficacy of anti‐CD4 therapy is not direetly related to CD4 T‐cell lymphopenia.
Gliosarcoma Stem Cells Undergo Glial and Mesenchymal Differentiation In Vivo

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by their self‐renewing potential and by their ability to differentiate and phenocopy the original tumor in orthotopic xenografts. Long‐term propagation of glioblastoma (GBM) cells in serum‐containing medium results in loss of the CSCs and outgrowth of cells genetically and biologically divergent from the parental tumors. In contrast, the use of a neurosphere assay, a serum‐free culture for selection, and propagation of central nervous system‐derived stem cells allows the selection of a subpopulation containing CSCs. Gliosarcoma (GS), a morphological variant comprising approximately 2% of GBMs, present a biphasic growth pattern, composed of glial and metaplastic mesenchymal components. To assess whether the neurosphere assay would allow the amplification of a subpopulation of cells with “gliosarcoma stem cell” properties, capable of propagating both components of this malignancy, we have generated neurospheres and serum cultures from primary GS and GBM surgical specimens. Neurosphere cultures from GBM and GS samples expressed neural stem cell markers Sox2, Musashi1, and Nestin. In contrast to the GBM neurosphere lines, the GS neurospheres were negative for the stem cell marker CD133. All neurosphere lines generated high‐grade invasive orthotopic tumor xenografts, with histological features strikingly similar to the parental tumors, demonstrating that these cultures indeed are enriched in CSCs. Remarkably, low‐passage GS serum cultures retained the expression of stem cell markers, the ability to form neurospheres, and tumorigenicity. The GS experimental tumors phenocopied the parental tumor, exhibiting biphasic glial and mesenchymal components, constituting a clinically relevant model to investigate mesenchymal differentiation in GBMs. STEM CELLS 2010;28:181–190
Effect of Helper and/or Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Depletion on Low-Dose Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes in C57BL/6J Mice

The low-dose streptozocin (STZ) model of diabetes has been reported to involve direct STZ beta-cytotoxicity and/or immunologically mediated β-cell destruction. Because the T-lymphocyte dependency of such a model is controversial, we further assessed the role of T-lymphocytes by determining the occurrence and magnitude of hyperglycemia as well as the pancreatic insulin contents in both STZ-injected nude C57BL/6J male mice and STZ-injected euthymic C57BL/6J male mice selectively depleted in helper and/or cytotoxic T-lymphocytes with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). The effectiveness of MoAb treatment was assessed in lymph node cells by flow-microfluorometry analysis and in spleen cells by concanavalin A stimulation, allospecific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity, and T-lymphocyte lymphokine production. Sixteen days after the first STZ injection, hyperglycemia (plasma glucose > 200 mg/dl) occurred in significantly fewer helper T-lymphocyte-depleted mice (P < .005) or helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–depleted mice (P < .001) than in non–MoAb-treated mice. However, a progressive increase in the number of mice with hyperglycemia ensued in all MoAb-treated groups, and 2 mo after STZ was administered, the prevalence of hyperglycemia, mean plasma glucose levels, and pancreatic insulin contents did not differ significantly from the values obtained in the non–MoAb-treated animals. Similarly, STZ-injected C57BL/6J male nude mice developed hyperglycemia that was associated with a marked decrease in pancreatic insulin contents on a time course comparable with that of STZ-injected euthymic C57BL/6J male mice depleted in helper or in helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes by MoAbs. Thus, selective helper T-lymphocyte depletion, either genetic or induced by MoAb treatment, although able to temporarily protect mice from the development of hyperglycemia, did not prevent the ultimate loss of the β-cell mass initiated by the direct toxic effect of STZ.
An integrated GIS‐based approach in assessing carcinogenic risks via food‐chain exposure in arsenic‐affected groundwater areas

This study presented an integrated GIS‐based approach for assessing potential carcinogenic risks via food‐chain exposure of ingesting inorganic arsenic (As) in aquacultural tilapia, milkfish, mullet, and clam in the As‐affected groundwater areas. To integrate spatial information, geographic information system (GIS) was adopted to combine polygon‐shaped features of aquacultural species with cell‐shaped features of As contamination in groundwater. Owing to sparse measured data, Monte Carlo simulation and sequential indicator simulation were used to characterize the uncertainty of assessed parameters. Target cancer risks (TRs) of ingesting As contents at fish ponds were spatially mapped to assess potential risks to human health. The analyzed results reveal that clam farmed at the western coastal ponds and milkfish farmed at the southwestern coastal ponds have high risks to human health, whereas tilapia cultivated mainly at the inland ponds only has high risks at the 95th percentile of TR. Mullet in general has low risks to human health. Moreover, to decrease risks, this study suggests reducing the use of As‐affected groundwater at clam and milkfish ponds due to high bioconcentration factor (BCF) of clam and inorganic As accumulation ratio of milkfish. The integrated GIS‐based approach can provide fishery administrators with an effective management strategy at specific fish ponds with high risks to human health. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Murine marginal zone B cells play a role in Vibrio cholerae LPS antibody responses.

The emergence of Vibrio cholerae (Vc) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a lead protective antigen for a cholera subunit vaccine has increased the interest in what type of B cell is best suited to generate anti-Vc LPS antibodies. A related question is what form of LPS is the most immunogenic. C57Bl/6 (B6) neonatal mice (10 days old) whose marginal zone (MZ) B cell compartment is still maturing and two lines of knockout mice that either lack the signaling mechanism required for the maturation of MZ B cells or that lack a receptor required for MZ B cell retention in the MZ were used to determine the role of MZ B cells in anti-Vc LPS antibody responses. Data support the conclusion that MZ B cells play a significant role in the anti-Vc LPS antibody response. Serum and vibriocidal antibody titers also depend on whether the Vc LPS is purified or bacterial cell-associated.
Homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits and bifurcations of a New Lorenz-Type System

In this paper, a new Lorenz-type system with chaotic attractor is formulated. The structure of the chaotic attractor in this new system is found to be completely different from that in the Lorenz system or the Chen system or the Lu system, etc., which motivates us to further study in detail its complicated dynamical behaviors, such as the number of its equilibrium, the stability of the hyperbolic and nonhyperbolic equilibrium, the degenerate pitchfork bifurcation, the Hopf bifurcation and the local manifold character, etc., when its parameters vary in their space. The existence or nonexistence of homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits of this system is also rigorously proved. Numerical simulation evidences are also presented to examine the corresponding theoretical analytical results.
Using Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to Reduce Intravenous Chemotherapy Errors in Chinese Hospitalized Patients

Background: Intravenous chemotherapy administration is a high-risk process; attention must be paid to preventing errors that might occur during the administration of chemotherapy. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the healthcare failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) is a valid proactive method to apply to chemotherapy administration in the Chinese oncology inpatient setting. Methods: A multidisciplinary team created a flow diagram of the chemotherapy administration process and potential failure modes were identified and evaluated using a hazard-scoring matrix. Using a decision tree, failure mode recommendations were made. Chemotherapy error rates before and after the HFMEA were compared. Results: A total of 5 failure modes were identified with high hazard scores, and 15 recommendations were made. After the intervention, the chemotherapy error rate decreased significantly from 2.05% to 0.17%. Conclusions: The complexity of intravenous chemotherapy makes it vulnerable to error, and with serious consequences. Multiple errors can occur during ordering, preparing, compounding, dispensing, and administering the chemotherapy. The process of HFMEA helped reduce the chemotherapy error rate in Chinese hospitalized patients. Implications for Practice: Clinicians in oncology can take effective measures to avoid chemotherapy errors using the HFMEA.
Crossing professional boundaries in medicine: the slippery slope to patient sexual exploitation

While some cases of sexual exploitation involve predatory doctors, many other cases represent the culmination of a series of boundary crossings (non‐exploitative departures from usual practice). The deliberate move to reduce formality in medicine has increased the likelihood of boundary crossings and violations. There are also individual doctor risk factors; boundary violations appear more likely when doctors are under stress, with insufficient emotional support. Preventive strategies include continuing education about ethics and the management of professional boundaries, along with appropriate psychological support structures for doctors. Doctors are often involved in other professional relationships as teachers, supervisors and team leaders; inappropriate sexual behaviour in these relationships is harassment. Public pressure for more punitive responses is likely if the profession is not seen to be doing all it can to deal with these issues effectively, and to be cooperating with other responsible agencies.
Color Doppler Imaging and Ocular Pulse Amplitude in Glaucomatous and Healthy Eyes

Purpose To determine factors influencing color Doppler imaging (CDI) measurements, to compare retrobulbar flow velocities between patients with glaucoma and healthy controls, and to describe the correlation between CDI and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA). Methods Patients with normal tension (n=28) or primary open angle glaucoma (n=19) and healthy controls (n=22) underwent CDI and OPA measurements. Intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, blood pressure, and heart rate were also measured. Spearman correlations were used to explore relations among these variables. A regression model for repeated measures was applied to compare between diagnostic groups the flow velocity indices in the retrobulbar vessels. Results Retrobulbar diastolic blood flow velocities correlated with diastolic blood pressure and perfusion pressure (range of Spearman rho [ρ] coefficients=0.25–0.28; P=0.044–0.013 for the different vessels). Corneal thickness showed a positive correlation with systolic and diastolic flow velocities in the central retinal artery (ρ=0.29 and 0.31; P=0.017 and 0.011 for peak systolic and end diastolic velocity, respectively). Systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were reduced in the retrobulbar vessels of patients with normal tension glaucoma (P=0.0004) as well as primary open angle glaucoma (P=0.003) compared to healthy controls. A correlation was found between OPA and the resistive index in the retrobulbar vessels of the healthy controls (range ρ=0.42–0.53; P=0.059–0.014). Conclusions Retrobulbar blood flow velocities are reduced in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma. Blood pressure and corneal thickness may influence CDI measurements. OPA correlates with the resistive index in CDI.