Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Crossbreeding Parameters for Serum Lysozyme Level in Broiler

The main objective of the present study is to estimate the crossbreeding parameters in respect to serum lysozyme level in broilers. The experiment involved a complete 4×4 diallel design using four synthetic broiler lines namely Coloured Synthetic Male Line (CSML), White Synthetic Male Line (WSML), Coloured Synthetic Female Line (CSFL) and Naked Neck Line (NNL). The lyophilised Micrococcus lysodeikticus suspension was used to detect the lysozyme level in the serum of birds. The data were analysed by least-squares method to find the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors using appropriate model. The crossbreeding parameters for this trait were estimated by complete diallel model assuming the effect of each synthetic line as fixed. The results indicated that additive and non-additive genetic variation attributed to minor genes at many loci is important for the genetic control of serum lysozyme level in chickens. Total non-additive components of variance also showed significant amount of heterosis in crossbred progenies, and therefore exploitation of non-additive component of variance is possible for improvement in serum lysozyme level in broilers. The overall results suggested that for commercial broiler production system, the selection for specialised line on the basis of serum lysozyme level and subsequent crossing of parent lines could enhance the immunocompetence status in relation to serum lysozyme level in crossbred chickens. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 2 : 166-171)
Exploring Strategies for Using Social Media to Self-Manage Health Care When Living With and Beyond Breast Cancer: In-Depth Qualitative Study

Background As breast cancer survival rates improve and structural health resources are increasingly being stretched, health providers require people living with and beyond breast cancer (LwBBC) to self-manage aspects of their care. Objective This study aimed to explore how women use and experience social media to self-manage their psychosocial needs and support self-management across the breast cancer continuum. Methods The experiences of 21 women (age range 27-64 years) were explored using an in-depth qualitative approach. The women varied in the duration of their experiences of LwBBC, which facilitated insights into how they evolve and change their self-management strategies over time. Semistructured interviews were analyzed inductively using a thematic analysis, a polytextual analysis, and voice-centered relational methods. Results The use of multiple social media platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, enabled women to self-manage aspects of their care by satisfying needs for timely, relevant, and appropriate support, by navigating identities disrupted by diagnosis and treatment and by allowing them to (re)gain a sense of control. Women described extending their everyday use of multiple platforms to self-manage their care. However, women experienced social media as both empowering and dislocating, as their engagement was impacted by their everyday experiences of LwBBC. Conclusions Health care professionals (HCPs) need to be more aware, and open to the possibilities, of women using multiple social media resources as self-management tools. It is important for HCPs to initiate value-free discussions and create the space necessary for women to share how social media resources support a tailored and timely self-managed approach to their unique psychosocial needs.
Gibberellic Acid Enhances the Emergence of Zizyphus joazeiro Seeds

Zizyphus joazeiro (Rhamnaceae) is a native species of the Brazilian semiarid region. It has a very low germination rate, thus complicating the scion production for reforestation projects and commercial use. Several species from Rhamnaceae have been reported to increase germination when treated with gibberellic acid (GA3). The purpose of this work was to study the effect of gibberellic acid on the rate and speed of emergence in this species. Three GA3 solutions (1, 2, and 3 mM), along with a control of distilled water, were evaluated using seeds previously treated with sulfuric acid. The GA3 treatments enhanced the emergence of seeds. Sixty-two days after sowing the GA3 treatment-induced seeds, percentage emergence increased almost five times in comparison with nontreated seeds. However, there was no statistical difference among the three concentrations of GA3. Thus, Zizyphus joazeiro seed treatment with GA3 is simple and adequate for scion production.
SEED GERMINATION AND STORAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF DECALEPIS HAMILTONII IMPLICATIONS FOR REGENERATION

ABSTRACT Decalepis hamiltonii is a data deficient, endangered non timber forest produce (NTFP) of South India which requires attention for simple propagation techniques. This article deals with the identification of suitable germination methods and the understanding of the seed storage behaviour, two pre-requisites for developing such propagation techniques. Moist filter paper appears to be a significantly better substrate for germination than sand. Pretreatment studies revealed that soaking in hot water (60°C) for 24 hours significantly improved the germination percentage from 83% to 98% on moist filter paper, and from 15% to 28% on sand. Pretreatment study coupled with microscopic studies indicated that about 14% of seeds were found to be hard seeded. Seeds could tolerate desiccation up to 10% moisture content (65% germination) while nil germination was recorded at 5% seed moisture content. The seeds were found to be chilling sensitive showing total mortality at 10°C. Seed deterioration studies showed rapid depletion of seed metabolites indicative of short viability. Based on storage behaviour, D. hamiltonii seeds could be classified as intermediate seeds. From seed perspective, the hard seed coat, the need for a well aerated substrate and the short viability could be the likely impeding factors for inadequate regeneration of the species.
Patient characteristics associated with objective measures of digital health tool use in the United States: A literature review

OBJECTIVE The study sought to determine which patient characteristics are associated with the use of patient-facing digital health tools in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a literature review of studies of patient-facing digital health tools that objectively evaluated use (eg, system/platform data representing frequency of use) by patient characteristics (eg, age, race or ethnicity, income, digital literacy). We included any type of patient-facing digital health tool except patient portals. We reran results using the subset of studies identified as having robust methodology to detect differences in patient characteristics. RESULTS We included 29 studies; 13 had robust methodology. Most studies examined smartphone apps and text messaging programs for chronic disease management and evaluated only 1-3 patient characteristics, primarily age and gender. Overall, the majority of studies found no association between patient characteristics and use. Among the subset with robust methodology, white race and poor health status appeared to be associated with higher use. DISCUSSION Given the substantial investment in digital health tools, it is surprising how little is known about the types of patients who use them. Strategies that engage diverse populations in digital health tool use appear to be needed. CONCLUSION Few studies evaluate objective measures of digital health tool use by patient characteristics, and those that do include a narrow range of characteristics. Evidence suggests that resources and need drive use.
Association between overall fruit and vegetable intake, and fruit and vegetable sub-types and blood pressure: the PRIME study (Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction)

Abstract Increased fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is associated with reduced blood pressure (BP). However, it is not clear whether the effect of FV on BP depends on the type of FV consumed. Furthermore, there is limited research regarding the comparative effect of juices or whole FV on BP. Baseline data from a prospective cohort study of 10 660 men aged 50–59 years examined not only the cross-sectional association between total FV intake but also specific types of FV and BP in France and Northern Ireland. BP was measured, and dietary intake assessed using FFQ. After adjusting for confounders, both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were significantly inversely associated with total fruit, vegetable and fruit juice intake; however, when examined according to fruit or vegetable sub-type (citrus fruit, other fruit, fruit juices, cooked vegetables and raw vegetables), only the other fruit and raw vegetable categories were consistently associated with reduced SBP and DBP. In relation to the risk of hypertension based on SBP >140 mmHg, the OR for total fruit, vegetable and fruit juice intake (per fourth) was 0·95 (95 % CI 0·91, 1·00), with the same estimates being 0·98 (95 % CI 0·94, 1·02) for citrus fruit (per fourth), 1·02 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·06) for fruit juice (per fourth), 0·93 (95 % CI 0·89, 0·98) for other fruit (per fourth), 1·05 (95 % CI 0·99, 1·10) for cooked vegetable (per fourth) and 0·86 (95 % CI 0·80, 0·91) for raw vegetable intakes (per fourth). Similar results were obtained for DBP. In conclusion, a high overall intake of fruit, vegetables and fruit juice was inversely associated with SBP, DBP and risk of hypertension, but this differed by FV sub-type, suggesting that the strength of the association between FV sub-types and BP might be related to the type consumed, or to processing or cooking-related factors.
Graded transantral orbital decompression outcomes in stable thyroid eye disease: a series of 47 orbits

ABSTRACT Purpose: To provide outcome data for transantral orbital decompression for functional and aesthetic rehabilitation for exophthalmos in stable thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods: Retrospective, non-comparative chart review of consecutive TED patients who underwent primary-graded transantral orbital decompression for exophthalmos by a single surgeon (MAB) between 2005 and 2018. Additional inclusion criteria included follow-up >90 days and no prior orbital surgery. Outcome data collection included millimeters of proptosis reduction, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction. Results: A total 30 patients (47 orbits) were included. Average reduction in proptosis: 2.8 mm (range 0–9 mm, median 2.5 mm). Post-operatively, new onset diplopia occurred in four patients, V2 numbness in 15 patients (17 orbits), and sinusitis in 2 patients (2 orbits). Phone surveys reached 9/30 patients (14 orbits): cosmetic improvement was reported in 14/14 orbits, relief of orbital ache reported in 10/10 orbits with pre-operative ache, relief of dry eye in 8/13 orbits with preoperative dry eye, and overall satisfaction score: 8.9/10 (range 4–10, median 10). Conclusions: Graded transantral orbital decompression is a viable option for stable TED patients with orbital ache, exophthalmos, and exposure keratopathy, resulting in a high degree of functional and cosmetic satisfaction in our cohort.
Using Low-calorie Orange Juice as a Dietary Alternative to Alkali Therapy.

PURPOSE The pursuit of a dietary source to increase urine pH and citrate in stone formers has been ongoing for more than 30 years. Early evidence showed that orange juice (OJ) contains alkali and citrate but high sugar and ascorbic acid content limited the use of OJ as a viable daily source of alkali. Recently, novel low calorie OJs have emerged and could potentially be a better option. METHODS Beverages with high concentrations of alkali citrate and malate were identified using ion chromatography. Two low calorie OJ beverages, in addition to Crystal Light Lemonade (CLLB) were chosen. Healthy volunteers (5 men, 5 women) drank 1L of OJ or CLLB with 1L water daily for 7 days and then completed a 24-hour urinalysis. A washout week was instituted between trial weeks. The study design is a prospective randomized cross over control trial. A paired analysis using comparison of means was used to evaluate low calorie OJ and CLLB. Volunteers had no prior history of kidney stones and maintained a journal with beverage compliance, side effect, and dietary consumption data. RESULTS Tropicana 50 (TRP50), Kroger low calorie OJ (KLCO) and CLLB were found to have a total alkali content of 56.60, 47.9, and 17.3 mEq/L, respectively, based on ion chromatography. Consumption of all three beverages raised urinary citrate (116.6 [-118 to 373, 177.9 [-3 to 359], 155.6 [-4 to 237] mg/d 95% CI) and urinary pH (0.25 [0.08-0.53], 0.74 [0.41-1.07 p<0.05], 0.25 [0.25-0.64]) respectively, compared to water phase. Based on volunteer journal entries , TRP50 had the most side effects (90% participants) felt to be a result of the artificial sweetener (Stevia ®). CONCLUSION Low-calorie orange juice, and to a lesser extent CLLB, have alkali and citrate based on ion chromatography. Daily consumption, by healthy volunteers of KLCO can raise urinary pH.
Effects of soil fumigation with methyl bromide and chloropicrin on root health and yield of strawberry.

Soil fumigation with methyl bromide and chloropicrin (MBC) reduced the severity of black root rot of strawberry in experiments at four locations in California. At three of these sites, fumigation increased root density by 19-61% over the untreated controls. Improvement of root health by fumigation was correlated with increased yields of berries at all four locations. Accumulative harvests from fumigated plots were 24-29% greater than the untreated controls. At a fifth location, fumigation with MBC had no significant effect on root growth, root rot severity, or yields, and this may have been partly attributable to low disease levels. In comparison to MBC, preplant soil applications of metham-sodium and metalaxyl had no effect on root disease levels, root development, or yield (.)
Biosystematic study of 11 plant taxa from Cyprus

The chromosome number, karyotype morphology and geographical distribution of 11 taxa from the indigenous flora of Cyprus are presented, along with comments concerning their IUCN status, whenever appropriate. For the endemic taxa Taraxacum aphrogenes and Crypsis factorovskyi karyological data are reported for the first time, whereas the remaining taxa are karyologically examined for the first time from Cypriot material. Karyotype microphotographs for all taxa are provided and their karyotype morphology is discussed.
Insomnia in the elderly: reported reasons and their associations with medication in general practice in Denmark

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate reasons for insomnia symptoms and their associations with sleep medication prescription in elderly patients in general practice. Design: Over a period of 20 weekdays, general practitioners (GPs) recorded reasons and treatment for insomnia symptoms. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analysed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to analyse the associations between reasons for insomnia symptoms and prescription. Setting: General practices in the Region of Southern Denmark. Subjects: Consultations (n = 405) with patients older than 65 years presenting with insomnia symptoms. Main outcome measures: Reasons for insomnia symptoms and sleep medication prescription. Results: The most commonly reported reasons for insomnia symptoms were somatic illness (34%) and psychiatric diagnosis (29%). Having a psychiatric diagnosis or multiple reported reasons for insomnia increased the odds for prescription (odds ratio (OR) 4.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.41-9.90 and OR 2.10, CI 1.03-4.28), whereas being first consultation regarding insomnia symptoms decreased the odds (OR 0.17, CI 0.10-0.30). A total of 80% received a prescription, most frequently of Z-hypnotics (49%). About half (52%) of the patients consulting their GP for the first time with insomnia symptoms received a prescription. Conclusion: Somatic and psychiatric diseases were the most commonly reported reasons for insomnia symptoms in the elderly, suggesting a high prevalence of comorbid insomnia. Regardless of reason, a majority of the consultations resulted in prescription of sleep medication with potential serious adverse effects. This indicates that there is still room for improving the management of insomnia among older adults. Key Points Although insomnia is common in the elderly, little is known about its reasons and their associations with prescription patterns. The most commonly reported reasons for insomnia symptoms in the elderly are psychiatric diagnosis and somatic illness. According to guidelines, sleep medication with potential serious adverse effects is prescribed too frequently to elderly patients. An effort should be made to identify and optimally treat comorbid insomnia, which appears to be prevalent in older adults.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation using the novel Manta vascular closure device

Aims: Removal of large calibre arterial sheaths, as employed in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is still associated with a high risk for vascular access site complications. In this study, we investigated the large bore Manta closure device as an option for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. Methods and results: Sixteen patients weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January–June 2019 were prospectively included in a registry (eight during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, seven with severe cardiogenic shock and one patient with fulminant pulmonary embolism). All patients had an arterial sheath removed at bedside using the Manta device achieving rapid haemostasis without clinically relevant complications afterwards. A computed tomography angiography was available for 11 patients (68.8%) and reassessed with regards to relevant pathologies at the closure device. Average intraluminal area was 40.4 mm2 (12.2–76.3 mm2) at the closure site. All devices but one were correctly deployed. Three patients (27.3%) had a visible thrombus at the closure device resulting in a >60% stenosis, two of which had a puncture site distal of the femoral artery bifurcation. Conclusion: Decannulation from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the Manta closure device is a viable approach for rapid haemostasis, but is also associated with a significant risk of thrombotic vessel stenosis. These preliminary findings indicate that puncture in near proximity or distal to the femoral bifurcation might identify patients at risk and further studies are needed.
Observations On the Behaviour of Ditylenchus Dipsaci in Soil

The vertical distribution of D. dipsaci in soil in an infested oat plot resembled that for other nematodes except that after rain there was a marked increase in numbers of D. dipsaci at the surface. D. dipsaci migrated to the surface of the soil and could survive drying out in an atmosphere of 50 % relative humidity for 34 days, equivalent to a soil moisture tension of pF 6 in a dry soil. When infested plants were wetted large numbers of D. dipsaci emerged. This nematode moved further in a sandy loam than in a clay soil but no difference was found in the invasion rate in oat seedlings in a clay loam and a sandy loam.
Dynamic assessment of lung injury by ultrasound in patients with acute paraquat poisoning

Objective To investigate the value of ultrasound in the dynamic assessment of lung injury after acute paraquat poisoning. Methods A prospective observational study was performed on patients with paraquat poisoning from admission to day 28 or discharge. Ultrasound assessment of the lungs was performtyed every 48 hours. The correlation of the lung ultrasound score (LUS) with other indicators was analyzed. Results Twenty-six patients were enrolled, with an average age of 46 ± 16 years. The average toxic dose was 95 ± 51 mL. The intensive care unit (ICU) stay averaged 9 ± 8 days, and the 28-day mortality was 88.5%. There was a significant negative correlation between LUS and oxygenation index (rho = −0.896) and a significant positive correlation between LUS and carbon dioxide concentration (rho = 0.567). Lung ultrasound and computed tomography imaging correlated closely. Conclusion Lung ultrasound can reflect changes in lung status in patients with paraquat poisoning and can be used to evaluate lung injury in these patients. Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-DDD-16010211. Registered 21 December 2016, http://www.chictr. org.cn/listbycreater.aspx.
The impact of soil cultivation on arthropod (Coleoptera and Araneae) emergence on arable land

Summary Controversy exists over the impact of soil cultivation on soil macro-arthropods. Inappropriate sampling methodologies and experimental design have been partly responsible for the contradictory findings. In this study emergence trapping was utilized during 1998 from plots ploughed in winter, spring or left undisturbed in fields of wheat stubble or undersown grass leys. In 1999, emergence from winter-ploughed or undisturbed plots in fields of wheat stubble or undersown grass leys was compared, with and without frost protection. The catch was dominated by adult and larval Coleoptera, of which 68 and 77% were Carabidae in 1998 and 1999 respectively. In 1998 the period of peak emergence of Carabidae, Curculionidae and total Coleoptera were earlier from unploughed compared to ploughed treatments. None of the treatments influenced the time of arthropod emergence in 1999. In 1998 only Curculionidae were affected by ploughing, with more being captured from the winter-ploughed plots. In 1999 the emergence of six carabid species was lower from the ploughed plots, whereas Notiophilus biguttatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) favoured the ploughed plots. Total Carabidae, other coleopteran adults and larvae and aranean groups were also lower in the ploughed plots. The provision of frost protection had no impact, but temperatures throughout the winter were relatively mild.
Photostress, photoprotection, and water soluble antioxidants in the canopies of five Canarian laurel forest tree species during a diurnal course in the field

Minimal relative water contents of more than 85% indicated that dehydration was not a stress factor. Stomatal conductances decreased from 150 to 200 mmol H 2 O m –2 s –1 in the morning to about 50 mmol H 2 O m –2 s –1 during the day in all species, but this did not limit CO 2 uptake. De-epoxidation of xanthophylls only occurred in sun leaves of I. canariensis (to more than 50%) and M. faya (more than 60%). Decreases in Fv/Fm were only found in sun leaves of P. indica (from ca. 0.80 in the morning to a minimum of 0.70) and, as a trend, also in L. azorica (from ca. 0.75 to ca. 0.65). I. perado showed neither of those responses. P. indica and L. azorica exhibited the highest photosynthesis rates of about 10 µmol CO2 m –2 s –1 compared to 8 in the other species. The photoprotection strategy of P. indica and L. azorica admitted slow recovery from photoinhibition, did not activate protective energy dissipation through xanthophylls, and allowed highest production under these typical conditions.
Primitive bony fishes, with especial reference to Cheirolepis and palaeonisciform actinopterygians

The relationships of the Devonian palaeonisciform fish Cheirolepis are examined and the early evolutionary trends within the Actinopterygii and the Osteichthyes are considered. Cheirolepis is the most primitive known actinopterygian. The contemporary stegotrachelid palaeonisciforms are more advanced in their cranial and locomotor anatomy. The general directions of these advances are similar to those subsequently displayed by later palaeonisciforms over the stegotrachelids themselves. Cheirolepis, furthermore, possesses many characters which can be logically interpreted as primitive for the Osteichthyes by extrapolation of trends in actinopterygian and sarcopterygian lineages. 11 is the most primitive known osteichthyan. The Osteichthyes are considered to have arisen from a micromerically-scaled acanthodian or acanthodian-like ancestor at the end of the Silurian period.