Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Pathology in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathology of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SHL), both seropositive and seronegative to Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), was prospectively studied. Nineteen consecutive patients were included and trends between the degree of hearing recovery and serum CSF pathology and given therapy were examined. The pilot study showed a high prevalence (68%) of pathology in serum and CSF in patients with SHL. In 54% of the patients, elevated levels of CSF proteins and or pathological CSF cell counts were present without positive antibodies to Bb. Positive levels of antibodies against Bb or pathological proteins in CSF were associated with better hearing recovery (means of 47.2 and 51.7%, respectively). The audiometric configuration ''high frequency sloping'' hearing impairment was associated with the lowest degree of hearing recovery. Patients with SHL and positive serology to Bb who received antibiotic treatment (oral tetracycline), with or without steroids, had the best hearing recovery in this study (61.7 and 48.4%, respectively). In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of serum and CSF pathology in a consecutive group of patients with SHL. Early appropriate antibiotic treatment may prevent the development of major late complications of Lyme disease borreliosis. We also find it justified to perform more general serological analyses, including CSF analysis, in patients with SHL. A more liberal approach to testing and development of test protocols for SHL patients will increase our knowledge in this field.
Interactions of Calcium, pH, Temperature, and Chymosin During Milk Coagulation,

Abstract Holstein milk samples with good and poor chymosin-coagulation characteristics were coagulated in the Formagraph using different combinations of five levels of chymosin, three pH, and three temperatures in the presence and absence of . 02% added calcium chloride. All the main factors significantly altered both coagulation time and curd firmness. Multiple comparisons of mean coagulation times showed that lower concentrations of chymosin (.01, .02, and .03 rennin units/ml milk) were significantly different in altering coagulation time and were different from higher concentrations (.04 and .05 rennin units/ml milk). The three pH produced significantly different mean coagulation times. Addition of more than . 02 rennin units/ml milk was not necessary for adequate curd firmness in 30 min after chymosin addition where the pH of the milk was 6.4 or lower. Addition of . 02% calcium chloride to milk was not necessary for adequate curd firmness 30 min after chymosin addition if other milk coagulation factors were adequately adjusted (pH ≤ 6.4; chymosin concentration = .02 rennin unit/ml milk; temperature = 37°C).
PRESERVATION AND FEEDING VALUE FOR YEARLING STEERS OF WHOLE PLANT CORN ENSILED AT 28 AND 42% DRY MATTER WITH AND WITHOUT COLD FLOW AMMONIA TREATMENT

Corn was ensiled at both 28 and 40% dry matter (DM) with and without prior treatment of anhydrous ammonia using the cold-flow technique. Crude protein of treated silage was from 3.37 to 3.82% units higher than untreated silage. Lactic and acetic acid levels and pH were greater in treated than in untreated silage. As true protein-N was greater in ammonia-treated than untreated silage by between 0.09 and 0.23 percentage units, DM basis, and amine-N was correspondingly decreased, a significant inhibitory effect of ammonia on degradation of corn protein was observed. In a 112-day feeding trial utilizing 96 yearling Charolais × steers (mean weight, 300 kg), ammonia treatment of corn silage improved intake by 5% and gain by 6% over untreated corn silage supplemented with urea at feeding time. Intake of high dry matter corn was 5% greater than that of the lower dry matter corn, but gain was unaffected by corn dry matter. Ammonia treatment significantly improved aerobic stability of both corn silages. Effluent lo.
Development of the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the rabbit

When spermatozoa from specific segments of the epididymis were inseminated intra-tubally, ten hours before ovulation, virtually no ova were fertilized by sperm samples taken from the regions proximal to the middle of the corpus epididymidis. Sperm from the caput epididymidis and the proximal half of the corpus region not only fail to fertilize, but are also apparently unable to establish contact with the surface of the zona pellucida. Although a maximal fertilization rate was obtained with sperm samples from the lower part of the corpus epididymidis, significantly greater numbers of supplementary and zona surface spermatozoa were found in association with tubal ova exposed to similar numbers of sperm from the cauda epididymidis. This latter finding suggests that the cauda region contains a relatively higher percentage of mature spermatozoa, and thus that a proportion of spermatozoa do not become functionally mature until they have passed from the corpus epididymidis. Approximately 7% and 5% of ova exposed to spermatozoa from the lower corpus and cauda regions, respectively, contained three and occasionally four pronuclei, quite probably as a consequence of polyspermic fertilization. As no polyploid ova were found after similar exposure to greater numbers of ejaculated spermatozoa (Adams and Chang, '62), it is conceivable that there may be other systems on the sperm head, as well as those concerned with penetration of the zona, which also mature in some way during epididymal passage.
Homozygous Disruption of the mdr1a P-glycoprotein Gene Affects Blood-Nerve Barrier Function in Mice Administered with Neurotoxic Drugs

We investigated the expression and function of mdr1a p-glycoprotein in peripheral nerves, including the VIIth and VIIIth nerves, using mdr1a p-glycoprotein gene knockout mice [ mdr1a (-/-) mice] and wild-type mdr1a (+/+) mice. P-glycoprotein expression in capillary endothelial cells of the peripheral nerve tissues was detected by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses in mdr1a (+/+) mice but not in mdr1a (-/-) mice. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that, compared to mdr1a (+/+) mice, mdr1a (-/-) mice showed a significantly higher accumulation of p-glycoprotein substrate drugs such as vinblastine and doxorubicin, which are neurotoxic. Tissue concentrations of vinblastine and doxorubicin were lower in the order of the brain, peripheral nerves and most other organs. However, increased accumulation was not detected after administering another neurotoxic drug, cisplatin, indicating that p-glycoprotein is selective at extruding drugs. These data indicate that mdr1a p-glycoprotein, which acts as an efflux pump, might play an important role in the blood-nerve barrier to prevent side effects induced by neurotoxic p-glycoprotein substrate drugs. The participation of p-glycoprotein in the blood-nerve barrier is considered to represent a new functional mechanism of this barrier.
Which factors to induce hearing loss in professional musicians? Extensive literature review and histopathology findings can answer it

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the determining factors of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in professional musicians (PMs). Methods: An extensive review using Pubmed, Medscape and Google scholar research was performed and studies with the following keywords were selected: ‘hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, music, classical music, rock music, pop music, musicians, orchestra, music student, professional musician, non-professional musician, music exposure and temporary hearing loss’. A histopathology study from individuals who during life were musician in orchestra was described. Results: Eighty to ninety per cent of PMs are affected from noise-induced SNHL at 3000–8000 Hz frequencies. The range of the frequency of SNHL was correlated with the frequency of the specific frequency of the musical instrument and to the sound intensity which they were exposed. The two temporal bones studied, showed a severely loss hair cells at the basal turn of both cochleae and moderate loss of hair cells in medial and apical turn. Conclusion: The review and the results of the temporal bones (TBs) findings show that the intensity and frequency range are the more relevant factors causing noise-induced high frequency SNHL. The time exposed to sound, instead, can impact the low frequency range as supported by temporal bone results.
Serological and Epidemiological Analysis of the Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Antibodies in Swedish Elite Orienteers 1992-93

The emergence of the popular, physically demanding and highly nature-interactive sport of orienteering was marked in Sweden by an elevated rate of sudden unexpected cardiac deaths in young competitors during the years 1979-92, with a common underlying cause or causes suspected. Subsequently, sera were collected during 1992-93 from the elite segment of orienteers holding a nationally ranked position, and a survey compiling various epidemiological data was performed. In this study, a total of 1136 sera were analyzed by indirect-fluorescent antibody assay for the presence of IgG antibodies against 3 Bartonella spp. : B. henselae, B. elizabethae and B. quintana. In total, 31% (355/1136) were seropositive for at least 1 species of Bartonella, with titers ranging up to 1/512; 350/1136 (31%) had antibodies against B. elizabethae, 34/1136 (3.0%) against B. henselae and 16/1136 (1.4%) against B. quintana. Males and females showed equal rates of 31% seropositivity to Bartonella spp. (males 241/766; females 114/370). In comparison, 322 time-matched sera from healthy blood donors had antibodies to Bartonella spp. in 6.8% of cases (p < 0.001). The observed high prevalence of Bartonella spp. antibodies found in Swedish elite orienteers may be indicative of a connection with risk factors for the development of myocarditis and sudden unexpected cardiac death
Soluble Adhesion Molecules, Cytokines and Cellular Markers in Serum in Patients with Acute Infections

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of a number of blood components such as soluble adhesion molecules, interleukin-6 (IL-6), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lysozyme in the distinction of acute bacterial and viral infections. Blood was taken from 115 acutely infected patients at admission before any treatment and in some cases on several consecutive days. 35 of the patients had a de nite viral cause for their infection and 66 a bacterial cause. All variables were raised in patients with acute bacterial infections. Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), sE-selectin, lysozyme and MPO were also raised in acute viral infections, but for sE-selectin and MPO less so than in bacterial infections. Evaluation of the diagnostic power showed that for MPO and IL-6 at cut-offs of 1300 mg / l and 100 ng/ l, respectively, the positive predictive value was 97% and 100% and the negative predictive value 78% and 76%, respectively, in the classi cation of acute bacterial infections. In the distinction between viral or bacterial causes of acute infections in otherwise healthy subjects serum measurements of MPO and IL-6 are valuable tools and should be considered as diagnostic aids in the routine setting. The soluble adhesion molecules did not offer any further information in this respect.
Fever of Unknown Origin in Uremic Patients: A Controlled Prospective Study

Twenty-nine uremic patients with fever of unknown origin(FUO) admitted to our clinic between 1994 and 1998 were evaluated prospectively. A group of 50 consecutive non-uremic patients with FUO followed up during the same period was used for comparison. The causes of FUO found in the uremic and non-uremic groups, respectively were as follows: infectious diseases, 69 vs. 44% (p = 0.03); collagen vascular diseases, 6.9 vs. 6%; neoplasms, 3.4 vs. 26%; miscellaneous causes, 3.4 vs. 16%; and undiagnosed, 17.2 vs. 8%. Tuberculosis was the most common cause of FUO in both groups. The spectrum of underlying conditions for FUO in our uremic patients differed from that in the non-uremic patients and the uremic patients had a very high propensity for infectious diseases, especially tuberculosis.
Current range condition in relation to land management systems in semi‐arid savannas of Swaziland

Rangeland condition was assessed in the lowveld of Swaziland to determine the current status with emphasis on contrasting different land management systems and soil classes in two study areas. The assessment incorporated the grass and woody plant layer. The methods employed to evaluate the grass layer were ecological condition index (ECI) and weighted palatability composition (WPC). The government ranch had significantly higher ECI (mean 714.5) and WPC (mean 61) than the communal land (mean: ECI – 533.5; WPC – 48.7) and the game reserve (mean: ECI – 578.9; WPC – 47.9). The ECI and WPC values did not differ between the soil classes in most cases (range: ECI 551.5–645.9 and WPC – 43.7–57.6). The density of all woody plants and encroaching plants alone were the highest in communal land. Basal cover ranged from poor (2–3%) to good (>5%), while bare ground was rated from low ( 5%). Overall results showed great variability of studied variables at site and landscape levels of resolution. Generally, the grass layer was rated between fair and good when assessed on the basis of ecological and palatability merits. There was a clear indication of advancement of bush encroachment. Resume On a evalue l’etat du pâturage des terres basses du Swaziland pour en determiner le statut actuel, en mettant l’accent sur le contraste entre differents systemes de gestion et sur les natures de sols dans deux zones d’etude. L’evaluation prenait en compte la strate herbeuse et celle des plantes ligneuses. Les methodes employees pour evaluer la strate herbeuse etaient l’indicateur de condition environnementale (ECI) et la composition ponderee de la palatabilite (WPC). Le ranch gouvernemental avait un ECI (moyenne 714,5) et une WCP (moyenne 61) significativement plus eleves que les terres communales (533,5 et 48,7 respectivement) et que la reserve de chasse (578,9 et 47,9). La valeur des ECI et WPC ne differaient pas, dans la plupart des cas, entre les differents types de sols (ECI compris entre 551,5 et 645,9 et WPC entre 43,7 et 57,6). La densite de toutes les plantes ligneuses et des plantes envahissantes seules etait la plus elevee dans les terres communales. La couverture de base allait de « pauvre » (2–3%) a« bonne » (>5%), tandis que le sol nu etait classe de « bas » ( 5%). Les resultats globaux montraient une grande variabilite des variables etudiees au niveau de resolution du site et du paysage. Generalement, la couche herbeuse etait classee de « correcte »a« bonne » lorsqu’on l’evaluait sur la base de ses qualites ecologiques et de palatabilite. Il y avait des preuves evidentes de la progression de l’envahissement par le bush.
Lack of Association Between TTV Viral Load and Aminotransferase Levels in Patients with Hepatitis C or Non-B-C

TT virus (TTV) is a newly identified un-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus. Although TTV was initially thought to be a new hepatitis virus, it is still unclear whether it causes hepatitis. To clarify the natural history and pathogenesis of TTV infection, serial serum samples from patients with chronic hepatitis were analysed. TTV DNA was quantified by real-time detection polymerase chain reaction assay (RTD-PCR), which was adapted for TTV. Five patients with chronic hepatitis, 4 with hepatitis C and 1 with non-B-C, were studied. The study period ranged from 9 to 50 months. In 3 patients there were frequent increases in TTV DNA titres, but no concomitant elevation of the aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In 2 patients who were treated with interferon, the changes in TTV titres were not synchronized with those of the ALT levels. Thus, in cases of chronic hepatitis, no correlation was observed between the serum TTV DNA titres and the ALT levels.
Up-regulation of MUC5AC mRNA Expression in Endotoxin-induced Otitis Media

We investigated the expression levels of MUC5AC in endotoxin-induced otitis media with effusion (OME) in the rat using competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the morphology of middle ear mucosa using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Experimental OME in the rat was induced after middle ear instillation of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Middle ear mucosa were obtained at 0 h, 12 h, Day 1, Day 3, Day 7 and Day 14 and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCRs were then performed for the identification of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and submandibular mucin 1 expression, followed by competitive PCRs for MUC5AC
Fertility control in female eastern grey kangaroos using the GnRH agonist deslorelin. 2. Effects on behaviour

In recent years fertility control has been proposed as an ethically acceptable alternative to lethal control techniques when managing overabundant kangaroo populations. A promising non-steroidal, non-immunological approach to contraception in female kangaroos involves the use of slow-release implants containing the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin. The practicality of using deslorelin implants as a management option is dependant on its effective inhibition of reproduction without negative physical or behavioural side-effects. This study investigated the behavioural effects of deslorelin implants in female eastern grey kangaroos. Treatment had no detectable effects on crepuscular activity. Alterations in the frequency of sexual interactions were observed in deslorelin-treated females, with a behavioural oestrus induced ~3 days after combined removal of pouch young and deslorelin administration. Copulation was observed during this early oestrous period, but conception was not achieved and pouch young were not observed in any treated females. Control females gave birth within 69.6 ± 10.4 days (mean ± s.e.m., n = 9) of placebo implant administration. The first births observed in treated animals were on Days 510, 637 and 643 after treatment. The remaining seven treated animals had not bred by the end of the study, a period of 647 days.
Superação de dormência de sementes de Piptadenia moniliformis Benth

The rapidly-growing honey-tree species Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. is typical of the Brazilian northeastern caatinga (scrubland), where it is found abundantly, contiguously and irregularly dispersed. The thin branches and leaves of this tree are used as animal fodder. The seeds of P. moniliformis present dormancy due to the seed-coat being impermeable to water. We evaluated the efficiency of pre-germinating treatments to overcome P. moniliformis dormancy and maximize and uniformize germination. A total of 28 pre-germination treatments were investigated: immersion in water at 70 oC, 80 oC or 90 oC; boiling for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 minutes; immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid for 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 minutes; and no treatment (control). After treatment, seeds were sown on paper and incubated at alternating temperatures of 20 oC-30 oC. Four replicates of 25 seeds were used for each treatment. The factors evaluated were: percentage of seeds with primary root protrusion; percentage of normal seedlings; percentage of hard seeds and the speed of germination index. The experimental design was completely randomized and the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at a probability of 5%. Immersion in water, independent of the temperature and immersion period, increased germination as compared to control seeds but was less efficient than the longer periods of immersion in sulfuric acid. Thus, the immersion in sulfuric acid for 20, 25 and 30 minutes is recommended for the overcoming of Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. seeds.
A taxonomic re-evaluation of Hibiscus trionum (Malvaceae) in Australasia

Abstract Hibiscus trionum has generally been regarded as naturalised in Australia and New Zealand. Two varieties are sometimes accepted as occurring in Australia: H. trionum var. trionum and H. trionum var. vesicarius, with the latter occasionally treated as indigenous. Following studies of the variation within H. trionum in Australia and New Zealand we propose that there are three indigenous species in this complex. Of the three species, one, Hibiscus richardsonii, occurs in coastal regions of New South Wales, Australia and the northeastern half of the North Island, New Zealand, Hibiscus tridactylites Lindley occurs in inland southern and eastern Australia, and Hibiscus verdcourtii, described herein, occurs widely in inland Australia, especially north of latitude 28°S. In addition, we provide a description and informally recognise a diploid race of H. trionum s.l. that is widespread in New Zealand. In past treatments of the species in New Zealand this diploid race has either been treated as indigenous or included with H. richardsonii under the name “H. trionum” as naturalised. A key is provided to identify these taxa.
Breeding biology of the Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus

Breeding biology and nesting requirements of Cape Parrots in their natural habitat and in captivity were investigated. Few nests were found, suggesting that nest-sites are limiting, and that the parrots have specific nesting requirements. Nests were secondary cavities in dead Podocarpus spp. (branches), high up in forest canopy trees. Breeding usually occurred from August to February, but was observed in other months, particularly in captive birds. Clutch size varied from 2–5, incubation was by the female and lasted 28–30 days, with fledging a further 55–79 days. In captive birds the ovaries are mature at 2.5 years, but age at first breeding is usually at 4–6 years.
Carbon storage in managed forests

The mass of carbon stored in forests is an important component of the global carbon cycle. A general model is developed to relate average carbon storage over the lifetime of a forest managed for sustained yield to the maximum biomass of the same forest at maturity. Point of inflection of stand growth is established using the Richards function. If a forest is managed for maximum sustained yield of biomass, mean lifetime carbon storage is about one-third that at maturity. Point of growth inflection has little effect on this fraction. When accumulation and decomposition of detritus after harvest are added, the fraction is about 0.5 in temperate deciduous forests, less in the tropics, and more in boreal forests. Harvest at financial maturity, by shortening the rotation, disproportionately reduces lifetime carbon storage, to perhaps 0.2 of the maximum. Nontimber values may affect carbon storage either positively or negatively. Forest regrowth and multispecies agricultural systems that include trees may account.