Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ESTRUS INDUCTION AND FERTILITY RESPONSE IN POSTPARTUM ANOESTRUS SURTI BUFFALOES TREATED WITH NORGESTOMET EAR IMPLANTS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH PMSG

The study was conducted on eighteen postpartum anoestrus (> 45 days postpartum) Surti buffaloes, divided into three equal groups (6 in each) to evaluate the efficacy of orgestomet ear implant/Crester alone (Gr-I) and in combination with PMSG (Gr-II). The buffaloes in Group-I and Group-II were implanted with Crestar ear implant for 9 days with 2 ml i/m injection of Crestar solution (estradiol valerate) on the day of implant insertion. In Group-II, additionally 500 IU PMSG was given i/m on the day of implant removal. The buffaloes in Group-III served as untreated anoestrus controls and were given 5 ml normal saline i/m as a placebo treatment on days 0 and 9. The estrus was induced in all buffaloes in Gr-I and II with mean estrus induction intervals of 2.56 ± 0.34 and 2.40 ± 0.29 days, respectively. These intervals were significantly (P<0.01) shorter as compared to control Gr-III (30.33 ± 0.95 days). The duration of estrus differed significantly (P<0.01) being longest (25.50 ± 0.76 hrs) in Gr-II followed by Gr-I (22.17 ± 0.65 hrs) and the least in control Gr-III (18.67 ± 0.77 hrs). The intensity of estrus differed significantly (P<0.05) among these three groups. The conception rate at induced estrus was highest (66.67 %) in Gr-II followed by Gr-I (33.33 %) and Gr-III (16.67%). The mean of number of services per conception did not differ significantly among the treatment and control groups. The service periods of the anoestrus buffaloes under Gr-I and II were significantly (P<0.01) shorter than in control Gr-III. It could be concluded that Norgestomet ear implant alone and in combination with PMSG can be successfully used to induce fertile estrus in the postpartum anoestrus Surti buffaloes.
EVALUATION OF 24-HOUR URINE COPPER IN PREECLAMPTIC VS.NORMOTENSIVE PREGNANT AND NON-PREGNANT WOMEN

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate copper status in women with preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: Sixty preeclamptic, sixty normotensive pregnant and sixty healthy nonpregnant women were enrolled in a cross sectional study. The 24-hour urine copper was compared among the women. Results: There was significant difference in the copper concentration of 24-hour urine among the three groups due to the difference between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women (12.19±3.71 vs. 5.69±2.05, p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the level of urine copper increases preeclamptic pregnancy. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether observed alternation in copper precede preeclampsia or the difference may be attributed to preeclampsia-related alternations in maternal trace metal metabolism.
Pharmacological and second messenger-mediated modulation of heterologously expressed and neuronal calcium-dependent potassium currents

3 Acknowledgements . 4 Chapter 1. Preface . 13 Chapter 2. Materials and Methods . 15 2.1 Materials and Consumables . 15 2.2 Methods . 18 2.2.1 Coverslip preparation. 18 2.2.2 Maintenance and splitting of HEK293 cells and stable cell lines . 18 2.2. 3 Preparation of acute dorsal hippocampal slices . 19 2.2. 4 Preparation and maintenance of hippocampal cultures . 20 2.2. 5 Transient transfection of HEK 293 cells . 21 2.2. 5.1 Transfection recipes . 21 2.2. 6 Voltage clamp recordings . 22 2.2. 6.1 Series resistance compensation . 22 2.2. 7 Electrophysiological recordings from transfected HEK293 cells . 23 2.2. 7.1 P/n protocol . 24 2.2. 7.2 Recordings from HEK293 cells expressing BK channel subunits . 24 2.2. 7.3 Recordings from HEK293 cells stably expressing rBKα . 25 2.2. 7.4 Recordings from HEK293 cells cotransfected with rBKα and hBK-β4 . 26 2.2. 7.5 Recordings from HEK293 cells cotransfected with rBKα and hBK-β3 or BK-β2 . 26 2.2. 7.6 Flash photolysis of DM-Nitrophen in cells stably expressing rBKα . 27 2.2. 8 Hippocampal acute slice recordings . 27 2.2. 8.1 Hippocampal slice whole cell voltage clamp protocols . 29 2.2. 9 Focal application of isoproterenol . 32 2.2.10 Recordings from hippocampal cultures . 33 2.2.10.1 DM-Nitrophen uncaging . 35 2.2.11 BCMCM-8Br-cAMP uncaging . 35 2.2.12 Analysis . 37 2.2.13 Solutions. 37 2.2.13.1 Cell culture media . 37 2.2.13.2 Slice preparation media . 39 2.2.13.3 Extracellular solutions . 39 2.2.13.4 Intracellular solutions . 40
Safety and Efficacy of oral and parenteral glutamine supplementation in reducing chemotherapy induced toxicities in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: Results of interim analysis of a prospective, randomized, three arm, placebo-controlled study (NCT00772824).

Background: Side effects associated with use of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with cancer are well known. The role of glutamine supplementation in reducing or preventing chemotherapy induced adverse effects especially gastro-intestinal toxicity in cancer patients is controversial. This randomized controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of glutamine supplementation on chemotherapeutic toxicity in breast cancer. Patients and methods: 23 patients with breast cancer receiving 72 cycles of adjuvant or neoadjuvant CEF chemotherapy were assessed. These patients were randomized in three groups at the beginning of each cycle to receive either placebo (n=23), or enteral glutamine (n=25) 2g/Kg body weight in divided doses for 5 days or 20% parenteral glutamine (n=24) 50 ml injection (10 g) before the beginning of chemotherapy. Primary end-point was reduction in overall non-fatal side effects and reduction in multiorgan toxicity as assessed by the WHO criteria of grading toxicity associated with use of anticancer drugs. Results: Glutamine supplementation was associated with significantly lower grades of gastrointestinal side effects specially nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mucositis as compared to placebo group (p 0.05) although oral supplementation was more effective in reducing mucositis (p<0.05). Conclusions: Results of the present study show that glutamine supplementation significantly reduces the GI toxicity and have a favorable safety profile. It is further suggested that a combination of oral and parenteral glutamine may be given together for enhancement of effect.
Influence of coadministration of metformin and methanolic stem extract of Anisopus mannii N.E.Br. (Apocynaceae) on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile in streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats

Background: Anisopus mannii (AM) N.E. Br. (Apocynaceae), a plant traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Northwestern Nigeria, is often prescribed as an adjunct to conventional treatment of diabetes mellitus. Aims and Objectives: The objective was to investigate the influence of coadministration of the stem of AM and metformin on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile in rats. Materials and Methods: Following departmental ethics committee permission, two doses (200 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) each of the aqueous and methanolic stem extracts of AM were administered to glucose-loaded normal rats, and the influence of the co-administration of the most effective of the doses tested (200 mg/kg of methanolic stem extract) with metformin (50 mg/kg) for 28 days on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile was investigated in streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Results: When coadministered, metformin reduced the fasting glucose-lowering effect of the AM extract, whereas the extract reduced the degree of elevation of the skeletal muscle glycogen content by metformin. Furthermore, both the extract and metformin, when combined in diabetic rats, reduced each others beneficial effects in (a) improving glucose tolerance, as evidenced by reduction in the total area under the oral glucose tolerance test curve; (b) reducing fasting blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides; and (c) increasing hepatic glycogen content. Conclusion: This study revealed that metformin (50 mg/kg) and the methanolic stem extract of AM (200 mg/kg) had a potentially negative influence on each others beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile in diabetic rats.
Frequency and Clinical Presentation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, precancerous condition of oral mucosa characterized by juxta-epithelial inflammatory reaction along with hyalinization of lamina propria. These alterations causes fibrosis and stiffness of oral mucosa leading to limited mouth opening and related problems. 1i Objective: To evaluate the frequency and clinical forms of Oral Submucous fibrosis . Methods: A retrospective study conducted on patients from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department of Dr. Ziauddin hospital Clifton, Kemari & North Nazimabad campus from 2009 till 201 3. Patients with OSMF irrespective of age and gender were the inclusion criteria. The demographic information along with clinical presentation of patients was tabulated and analyzed by descriptive statistics . Results: A total number of 70 patients with OSMF were evaluated. The most commonage group was 1120 years in the study. There were 42 male and 28 female patients with male female ratio. The most common complaint of OSMF patients was burning sensation in oral cavity followed by limited mouth opening and dryness of mouth. The majority of patients presented with an advanc ed stage of disease with grade 3 interincisal distance. Conclusion: OSMF is becoming a diseas e of younger adults with a slight male predilection. The majority of patients presents with a progressive and advanced form of dis ease.
Interleukin-2 in cancer

The development of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) as a treatment for cancer represented an important milestone in the development of biologic therapies. IL-2 is a natural modulator of the immune system that stimulates specialised immune system cells, namely cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells (NKCs). These cells could potentially recognise and destroy tumour cells throughout the body. However, the exact mechanism(s) by which IL-2 mediates a tumouricidal effect is not well known. Recombinant IL-2 has been primarily used in the treatment of advanced renal cell cancer (RCC) and malignant melanoma (MM). Nevertheless, the benefit of rIL-2 therapy remains very modest in these conditions. Initial results demonstrated objective response rates (shrinkage of tumour volume to less than 50%) in the 15 - 20% range with some durable responses. However, the overall response rates were lower than originally hoped for with this therapy. Moreover, the use of rIL-2 may be associated with significant side effects that could be life threatening. Despite numerous studies with rIL-2, the optimal dose and treatment schedules remain a controversial topic. To date, there are no clear immunological parameters able to predict biological response to rIL-2 administration to achieve maximum therapeutic index. In addition, combination therapy with either immunomodulators or cytotoxic drugs, is being very actively investigated.
Dietitians' views and perceptions of the implementation of the continuing professional development system for dietitians in South Africa

INTRODUCTION: The study’s objective was to evaluate the South African Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system for dietitians, by determining their perceptions of the systems’ implementation and participation in CPD activities within the system, that was in place from 1 September 2001 until 1 April 2006. METHODS: The study was designed as an observational descriptive study. Three data gathering techniques were used, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods:i) A national survey of dietitians was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The 40 item questionnaire comprised 3 sections, i.e. sociodemographics, the CPD system, and CPD activities. Content and face validity was conducted followed by pilot testing, prior to distribution via post and e-mail, to 1589 dietitians. ii) After the survey, 3 focus group discussions (FGD) were held with 19 Pretoriabased dietitians, to discuss issues that emerged from the questionnaire responses. iii) In-depth interviews were conducted with 6 CPD personnel representing the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), CPD Committee and the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) providing insights from an administrative and managerial perspective. RESULTS: A response rate of 20% was achieved for the national survey. More respondents found the ADSA and CPD office helpful, friendly, easy to contact and their CPD queries efficiently handled. However respondents and FGD participants stated that the HPCSA was difficult to contact and CPD queries were unresolved. Respondents called for simplified rules and guidelines to improve understanding of the system since they felt that CPD information/correspondence was lengthy and difficult to understand. The majority of respondents (54.5%; n=156) and most FGD participants did not find the CPD administration fee reasonable. Affordability of CPD activities was also a concern with 55.2% (n=164) stating that activities were expensive. A few FGD dietitians and 29.65% (n=88) of respondents did agree that there were both expensive and affordable activities to choose from. Statistically significant differences were found between the amounts of money spent on CPD
The scenario of cervical cancer in a rural medical college hospital

The present study aims at determining the prevalence of cervical cancer in rural teaching hospital and to know the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. It is a retrospective study of 108 cases of cervical cancer above 30 years of age. We studied during the period January 2009 to December 2010 in the department of Obstetrics and gynecology, Sri Devaraj Urs medical college, Tamaka, Kolar, India. Patients were treated accordingly to the stage of the disease. Out of 108 women, 46 (42.6%) women were in the age group 41-50. Of total 108 patients, 94.44 % were Hindus, 2.77 % were Muslims and 2.77 % Christians. The parity of majority (78) of the patients was above 3. Out of the 108 women undergoing cervical biopsy, 101 (93.51%) had squamous cell carcinoma, 6 (5.55%) had adenocarcinoma & 1 (0.92%) had adeno-squamous carcinoma. 100 (92.57) women came with stage II B and above, 6 (5.55%) women came with stage IB2 & IIA & 2 (1.85%) women came with vault recurrence. Women who came in stage IIA or less underwent Wertheim’s hysterectomy which included 6 (5.55%). 100 (92.59%) had chemoradiation & 2 (1.85%) had palliative therapy. As almost all patients (92.57%) with cervical cancer were in advanced stage. High prevalence of advanced cervical cancer indicates very poor cervical cancer screening program in this area. Public education, effective cervical cancer screening strategies using PAP smear, visual inspection with acetic acid & cervical tissue sampling whenever required will reduce the prevalence of advanced cervical cancer.
Incidence of canine cataract in Guwahati, Assam

All the canine clinical cases presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, during a period of one year were examined to find out the incidence of cataract. The incidence among 1646 cases was 5.82%. Highest incidence was observed in German Spitz (38.46%) and the dogs above 8 years of age were the most frequently affected (47.25%). 62.63% cases were males and 70.33% dogs had bilateral involvement. Reduced pupillary light reflex and marked visual deficit were detected in mature bilateral cataract patients.
A Review of 116 Clinical Cases Treated with External Fixators

Summary One hundred and sixteen clinical cases (113 dogs) in which the external skeletal fixation was applied as the primary method of stabilization were reviewed. The 116 clinical cases were divided into the following groups: open fractures (41 cases); gunshot fractures (8 cases); comminuted fractures (11 cases); fractures affecting immature animals (11 cases); trans-articular application of external fixators (16 cases); corrective osteotomies (4 cases) and “simple” fractures (25 cases). History and signs of the animal (breed, age and weight), location and treatment of the fracture, healing time and functional recovery were evaluated in each case and discussed for every group. The mean healing time in the different groups ranged from 4.6 wks (immature animal’s fractures) to 13 wks (gunshot fractures). With reference to the functional recovery, in 14 cases (12.1%) the results were poor, in 57 cases (49.1%) the results were good and in 45 cases (38.3%) the results were excellent. The main complications observed were delayed union, non-union and osteomyelitis. One hundred and sixteen clinical cases of fractures (113 dogs) were treated with a »Meynard« external fixator. The cases were divided in 7 groups: open fractures, gunshot fractures, comminuted fractures, fractures affecting immature animals, trans-articular application of external fixators, corrective osteotomies and »simple« fractures. Each case is reviewed and a discussion is provided for each group.
The Effect of Using a Program Based on Cooperative Learning Strategy on Developing some Oral Communication Skills Of Students, at English Department, Faculty of Education, Sana'a University

Researcher’s Name: Khaled Mohsen Mohammed Zuheer. Title of the Thesis: The Effect of Using a Program Based on Cooperative Learning Strategy on Developing some Oral Communication Skills of the Second Level Students, at English Department, Faculty of Education, Sana'a University The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effective of using a cooperative learning strategy STAD-based program on developing some oral communication skills of second level students, English Department, Faculty of Education, Sana’a University. Based on literature review, related studies and a panel of jury members’ point of view, a list of 5 oral communication skills was proposed and used as the most related skills to the second level students. The experimental design of the study depended on the voluntary basis of choosing the group of the study, which consisted of (30) second level students. The researcher has developed and used the following tools: A pre-post oral communication skills test, and a cooperative learning strategy STADbased program that contains a teacher's guide and a students' handbook. The program was taught to students in a six-week period. Paired t-test “SPSS” program was used to measure the effect of the training program on the students’ oral performance. Results revealed that the program was effective in developing students’ oral communication skills as there were statically significant difference between the pre and post administration of the test. The researcher recommended that during the teaching of oral communication, students should be provided with a relaxing, effective, and interactive environment that fosters interaction and helps to develop the students' oral communication skills. PDF created with pdfFactory Pro trial version www.pdffactory. com
Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in Patients with Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease after Folic Acid Food Fortification of the Canadian Food Supply

Elevated plasma total homocysteine (ptHcy) or hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy) independently predicts cardiovascular disease in predialysis chronic kidney disease (pCKD). Folate status is one of the known nutritional determinants of ptHcy. In the era of folic acid food fortification, this cross-sectional study aimed to describe in pCKD subjects (n=48): 1) Prevalence of hHcy. 2) Intake and status of nutrients involved in homocysteine metabolism. 3) Determinants of ptHcy. The prevalence of hHcy was 93.8% (95% CI: 81.8 to 98.4). Median (25, 75 percentile) total folate intake from food and supplements was 389 (282,640) μg DFE/d. No subject was folate deficient (red blood cell < 317 nmol/L). Red blood cell folate (r = 0.406, p=0.004) and energyprotein undernutrition (r = 0.357, p=0.013) independently predicted ptHcy. To conclude, total folate intake among subjects with pCKD was sufficient to prevent folate deficiency but not able to prevent a high prevalence of hHcy.
Causes of Hypouricemia Among Outpatients

Background The aim of this study was to examine the ratio and underlying causes of hypouricemia in patients visiting our outpatient clinics. The association between hypouricemia and uricosuria and other renal tubular defects was also studied. Methods Serum uric acid levels were determined by uricase methods in 18,330 serum samples. Hypouricemia was defined as a serum uric acid level less than 2.0 mg/dL. Fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) higher than 10% was considered as pathological uricosuria. Results The frequency of hypouricemia in our patient population was 0.51% (94/18,330). Moreover, using univariate analysis, hypouricemia was associated with age, gender, diet, drugs, and tea and coffee consumption. Multivariate analysis revealed that FEUA, drugs, and tea consumption were associated with hypouricemia. Conclusion Hypouricemia is a relatively uncommon finding among our outpatients and when it occurs, it is frequently caused by inappropriate uricosuria.
Sample Size Reestimation: A Review and Recommendations

Despite best efforts, some crucial information used to design a confirmatory trial may not be available, or may be available but with a high degree of uncertainty, at the design stage. When this happens, it may be prudent to check the validity of those assumptions using interim data from the study and make midcourse ad¬justment if necessary. One such adjustment is to modify the sample size. In this article, we focus on sample size reestimation (SSR) for phase III and IV studies. The discussion is rel¬evant to both continuous and binary end-points even though the basis for SSR might differ for those two cases. We review common¬ly used approaches to adjust sample size and provide recommendations on how SSR should be implemented to achieve the objectives and maintain the integrity of the trial. The recom¬mendations cover scientific, procedural, and logistic considerations.
How to Maximize Bedside Teaching in Our Busy World

Bedside teaching is becoming less frequent. A lack of attending physicians’ time and perceived teaching skill, as well as concerns regarding the impact of bedside teaching on the relationship with patients have been cited as barriers to bedside teaching. The purpose of this paper is to offer some tips on how to increase the frequency and quality of bedside teaching in light of these barriers. The main recommendations are to 1) be explicit about the competencies around which you are teaching; 2) incorporate bedside teaching into your daily workflow, allowing the available cases and patients to dictate the learning competencies; and 3) use a framework that incorporates published teaching tools to guide your bedside teaching. The first step of this framework is preparation, which involves choosing the most appropriate teaching competency (history-taking, physical exam, clinical reasoning, or decision-making) based on the learner, case, and patient. Next is delivery, including orienting learners and patients to the task, choosing the instructional modality that fits the competency (such as One Minute Preceptor, SNAPPS, or Mini-CEX), and then debriefing and providing feedback. The final step is reflection on the teaching session, which can include peer observation.