Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Time From Injury to Surgery Affect Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Partial and Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures?

Background: No previous study has compared the outcomes of repair for partial and complete proximal hamstring ruptures at various intervals after the injury. Purpose: The primary aim was to determine whether time from injury to surgery affected outcomes after primary repair of partial and complete proximal hamstring ruptures. The secondary aim was to assess patients’ experiences from initial evaluation to finding a treating surgeon. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Records from 2007 to 2016 from a single surgeon’s practice were reviewed. A total of 124 proximal hamstring repair procedures in 121 patients were identified. There were 92 patients who completed questionnaires: a custom survey, the standard Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), a custom LEFS, the standard Marx activity scale, a custom Marx activity scale, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. Results were analyzed for partial and complete repair procedures performed at ≤3 weeks, ≤6 weeks, and >6 weeks after the injury. Results: The mean follow-up was 43 months (median, 38 months). Of 93 repair procedures reviewed, 51% (9/28 partial; 38/65 complete), 79% (16/28 partial; 57/65 complete), and 22% (12/28 partial; 8/65 complete) were performed at ≤3 weeks, ≤6 weeks, and >6 weeks, respectively. At those various intervals, no statistical difference was found in standard LEFS, custom LEFS, standard Marx, custom Marx, or UCLA scores. Female sex, older age, and body mass index >30 kg/m2 were negative predictors of outcome measures. When repaired >6 weeks after the injury, a greater percentage of patients reported weakness of the operative leg compared with the contralateral side (partial tears: 6.3% vs 25%, respectively; complete tears: 24.6% vs 50%, respectively) in addition to greater sitting intolerance (partial tears: 0% vs 25%, respectively; complete tears: 7.1% vs 12.5%, respectively). Patients repaired >6 weeks after the injury visited, on average, 2.6 practitioners before an evaluation by the treating surgeon compared with 1.6 treated surgically at ≤6 weeks (P = .008). Conclusion: Patients with proximal hamstring repair performed in the acute and chronic settings can expect successful outcomes but may experience more subjective weakness and difficulty with prolonged sitting when the repair is performed >6 weeks after the injury. Patients faced challenges in receiving the correct diagnosis and referral to an appropriate treating surgeon, emphasizing the need for an increased awareness of the injury.
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and vitamin C supplementation on performance of broilers subjected to ochratoxin A contamination.

Dried yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and vitamin C (Vit. C) were used in this study as a feed supplements to ameliorate the deleterious effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA) on broiler performance and relative organs weight. A total of 368 Ross male broiler chicks were randomly distributed according to diet supplementation into eight groups (46 chicks each) as follow. T1: fed a broiler diet without any supplementation (control) ; T2: fed the control diet supplemented with 3 g SC / kg diet; T3: fed the control diet supplemented with 300 mg Vit.C / kg diet; T4: fed the control diet supplemented with 3 g SC + 300 mg Vit.C / kg diet; T5: was fed the control diet contaminated with 200 ppb of OTA. While, T6: fed the control diet contaminated with 200 ppb OTA and supplemented with 3 g SC / kg diet; T7: fed the control diet contaminated with 200 ppb OTA and supplemented with 300 mg Vit.C / kg diet and T8: fed the control diet contaminated with 200 ppb OTA and supplemented with 3 g SC+300 mg Vit.C / kg diet. Results showed that feeding OTA at 200 ppb (T5) decreased significantly body weight and feed consumption. Moreover, a significant increase in relative weights of kidney, liver, gizzard, proventriculus, in addition to high mortality percent and worse feed conversion ratio were observed in OTAfed chicks. On the other hand, addition of either SC alone or in combination with Vit C may ameliorate the toxic effects of OTA. However, Vit. C alone did not prevent the negative effects of OTA observed in chicks. E. M. El Barkouky, et al.
Dipyridamole Potentiates the Endothelium-Dependent and -Independent Vasomotion in Isolated Human Small Arteries

Background To investigate the effects of dipyridamole, a drug with phosphodiesterase-, adenosine reuptake-inhibiting, and prostacyclin-stimulating activity on the biological actions of nitric oxide, 30 norepinephrine-precontracted subcutaneous arterioles were prepared from specimens removed during surgery. Methods and Results Specimens were mounted on a myograph and relaxed through either acetylcholine, a muscarinic agonist that stimulates endothelial nitric oxide production, or sodium nitroprusside, an endothelium-independent vasodilator. Studies were performed under control conditions and after dipyridamole which potentiated in a concentration-dependent manner the vasorelaxation induced both by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, indicating an endothelium-independent mechanism of action. The contribution of nitric oxide to the relaxation produced by acetylcholine was confirmed by N-monomethyl-L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. In contrast, indomethacin, a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, was ineffective, indicating that prostacyclin stimulation could not explain the effect of dipyridamole. CGS 21680 C, an A2-selective adenosine receptor agonist insensitive to tissue deaminase, did not influence the relaxations induced by acetylcholine, suggesting that interference with adenosine metabolism was not implicated in the potentiating action of dipyridamole. Conclusion Dipyridamole potentiated the vasorelaxing effect of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in human subcutaneous arterioles; neither prostacyclin stimulation nor A2 adenosine receptor stimulation could explain this effect. The data are consistent with an increase in intracellular cyclic 3’ 5'-guanosine monophosphate levels secondary to the phosphodiesterase-inhibiting properties of the drug.
NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY OF SUNFLOWER IN RESPONSE TO ZN AND B MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZATION

A field experiment was carried out at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu during summer season of 2014 (February to May) to study effects of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers along with soil and foliar fertilization of zinc and boron on seed yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiencies of irrigated sunflower. The experiment consist of 12 treatment combinations which includes recommend dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control and RDF along with combinations of Zn and B soil and foliar fertilization at different crop growth stages. The study revealed that 60 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O ha -1 along with soil application of micronutrients ZnSO4 25 kg ha , borax 5 kg ha and foliar fertilization of ZnSO4 0.5 per cent at star bud stage and borax 0.2 per cent at ray floret stage was the optimal agronomic micronutrient management treatment for obtaining maximum seed yield (2194 kg ha), higher nutrient uptake (76.38 Kg N, 18.73 kg P and 81.51 kg K ha), NUE (36.56), PUE (24.37), agronomic efficiency (19.7 kg N and 13.13 kg P2O5 ha ), apparent nutrient recovery (63.70, 11.92 and 50.08 % N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively), internal efficiency (28.74, 117.13 and 26.91 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively) and physiological efficiency (30.92, 110.15 and 39.33 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively) of summer irrigated sunflower crop.
A Reservoir-based Convolutional Spiking Neural Network for Gesture Recognition from DVS Input

Mammalian neural circuits respond to different sensory stimuli by firing spikes at particular times. Closely mimicking this phenomenon, the evolving 3rd generation neural networks, known as Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), are found to be capable of memorizing and learning from the spatio-temporal spike patterns. This makes SNN applicable in identification of human actions and gestures, especially in the robotics domain. The paradigm is also suited for Neuromorphic Systems leading to less energy intensive applications. In this work, we present a novel spiking neural network constituting multiple convolutional layers and a reservoir layer to extract spatial and temporal features respectively from human gesture videos captured with DVS camera. We achieved more than 95% Top-3 accuracy on IBM DVS dataset and we claim that the performance of our network is better in terms of accuracy vs. learning parameters ratio when compared to other networks.
Effects of Psychological Interventions on the Prevention of Sports Injuries: A Meta-analysis

Background: Studies have shown that preventive psychological interventions can reduce the occurrence of sports injuries. Purpose: To systematically evaluate the published literature on the effects of psychological interventions on rates of sports injuries and propose a set of psychological interventions to reduce such injuries. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 11 randomized controlled trials and intervention control trials involving 1287 participants were included. A random-effects model was used to analyze the data. Pooled results were expressed as effect sizes and 95% CIs. Bias and heterogeneity among the studies were assessed, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Meta-analysis suggested that preventive psychological interventions effectively prevented the occurrence of sports injuries (effect size = –0.55; P < .001), although the studies showed substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 94.2%; P < .001), which could not be attributed to specific variables. Nevertheless, sensitivity analysis suggested that overall results were reliable. No significant risk of publication bias was found. Conclusion: Preventive psychological interventions moderately reduced the risk of sports injuries. Risk screening also significantly reduced the risk of sports injuries. These interventions should focus on cognitive behavior and be administered in 1 to 6 sessions over 7 to 12 weeks for 60 minutes per session.
Effect of pruning on growth, flowering and fruiting in mango

The number of panicles were almost double on each shoot when ‘on’ year trees were pruned in July, August and December. Number of terminal panicles on pruned shoots were more than the control in July-August pruning and December pruning produced auxiliary panicles only, whereas July-August pruning increased both terminal and auxiliary panicles on pruned shoots. The panicle length was also higher than the control when pruned in July and August without any such effect after pruning in other months, except in September pruning where panicle length was reduced. The main rachis diameter was also less in auxiliary panicles after pruning in November and December. Hermaphrodite flowers slightly increased in July, November and December pruning. Shoot pruning completely controlled malformation when done in July, August and December. Data, therefore suggest that ‘on’ year mango trees should be pruned in July, August and December for increasing panicles on a shoot, hermaphrodite flowers in panicles, control malformation and fruit yield and quality. However, ‘off’ year trees need pruning to increases new shoot production and more vegetative growth without flowering and fruiting in the same year.
A Multicenter Retrospective Study With a Minimum 5-Year Follow-up Comparing Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and the Latarjet Procedure

Background: Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and the Latarjet procedure are surgical techniques commonly used to treat anterior shoulder instability. There is no consensus among shoulder surgeons regarding the indications for choosing one over the other. Purpose: To compare the results of the Latarjet procedure with those of ABR for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data on all patients who were treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively collected at 4 medical centers. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Data were retrieved from medical charts, and patients were interviewed to assess their level of satisfaction (range, 0-100), functional outcomes (using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score; the Subjective Shoulder Value; and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score), and quality of life (using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12]). Information on return to sports activities and postoperative level of activity compared with that of the preinjury state, complications, reoperations, and recurrent instability were recorded and evaluated. Results: A total of 242 patients were included. The Latarjet procedure was performed in 27 shoulders, and ABR was performed in 215 shoulders. Patients in the ABR group had significantly higher rates of redislocation (18.5%; P = .05) and subluxation (21.4%; P = .43) but a lower rate of self-reported apprehension (43.0%; P = .05) compared with patients in the Latarjet group (3.7%, 14.8%, and 63.0%, respectively). There were 5 patients in the ABR group who underwent reoperation with the Latarjet procedure because of recurrent instability. The functional scores in the Latarjet group were better than those in the ABR group. The SF-12 physical score was significantly better in the Latarjet group than in the ABR group (98.1 vs 93.9, respectively; P = .01). Patient satisfaction and subjective scores were similar in both groups. Conclusion: These results support recently published data on the Latarjet procedure that showed its superiority over ABR in midterm stability (dislocations or subluxations). The contribution of self-reported apprehension to the broad definition of stability is not clear, and apprehension rates were not correlated with satisfaction scores or the recurrence of dislocation or subluxation.
OOGENESIS AND OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT IN SEPIA LYCIDAS

In order to enrich the content of reproductive biology and provide theoretical guidance for the artificial breeding of Sepia lycidas,the oogenesis and ovarian development of S.lycidas were observed by anatomical and histological methods.Six months after cultivated in the concrete ponds,the average weight was 256.34 g,and the maximum weight was 457.08 g,only single individuals reached to mature,while the vast majority of individuals were immature.The asynchronous oogenesis of S.lycidas could be divided into four periods,and subdivided into ten stages according to the morphology and size of oocyte,the morphology of follicular cell,and the situation of vitellogenesis.The four periods and ten stages were:oogonia period(oogonia),protoplasmic growth period(no follicular cell,single follicular epithelium s,and double follicular epithelium),interstitial growth period(early stage of follicle penetration,middle stage of follicle penetration,and late stage of follicle penetration),and trophoplasmic growth period(early vitellogenesis,late vitellogenesis,and mature oocyte). According to the morphology of ovary,gonad somatic index(GSI),and percentage of oocyte at different stage,the ovarian development could be divided into six stages,i.e.:pre-formation,formation,small growth,large growth,pre-maturation,and maturation.The duration of reproduction cycle of S.lycidas was 1 year.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Tibial Plateau in Children and Adolescents: A Case Series

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a relatively well-known condition, most commonly arising in the femoral condyle. Lesions arising in the tibial plateau are rarely described. Purpose: To present a case series of OCD lesions of the tibial plateau. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Medical records and diagnostic imaging of patients <20 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of OCD of the tibial plateau from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristic and radiographic features as well as details of both nonoperative and surgical management were investigated. Lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes were also analyzed. Results: A total of 9 lesions were identified in 9 patients (5 females, 4 males) who fit the inclusion criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 14.2 years (range, 9-17 years). Knee pain (8/9) of longer than 1 year in duration was the most common presenting symptom. All 9 lesions were located on the lateral tibial plateau, and concomitant lateral compartment pathology was present in 5 of 9 patients (4 lateral femoral condyle OCDs, 3 lateral meniscal tears [1 discoid], and 1 discoid meniscus). Only 2 lesions were visible on initial radiographs; all 9 were visible on magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent initial nonoperative treatment; 2 patients demonstrated resolution of symptoms. Two patients underwent surgery for concomitant pathology, and the OCD was not addressed surgically. A total of 5 patients continued to be symptomatic after nonoperative treatment, prompting surgical intervention, which consisted of microfracture and chondroplasty in all 5 cases. A total of 2 of the 5 microfracture patients had resolution of symptoms, while another 2 patients had continued symptoms ultimately responsive to steroid injection treatment. One patient had revision microfracture, followed by autologous chondrocyte implantation and an arthroscopic lysis of adhesions. At final follow-up, ranging from 7 months to 10 years, 8 patients were asymptomatic, while 1 patient had developed early osteoarthritis. Conclusion: OCD of the tibial plateau in young patients is rare, usually involves the lateral side, and may have significant long-term implications for knee function. Presenting symptoms are often vague, and lesions may not always be visible on initial radiographs, which may lead to delayed treatment and adversely affect outcomes.
New type of matrix support for bone marrow cell cultures: in vitro culture and in vivo transplantation experiments.

A new type of bone marrow cell culture system was developed by using a highly porous substrate matrix, i.e., porous polyvinyl formal (PVF) resin. Murine bone marrow (BM) cells were cultured without the use of exogenous growth factors in a three-dimensional matrix support made of collagen coated porous PVF resin. To examine the optimal conditions for highest stromal cell density, short-term and long-term in vitro culture experiments using PVF were performed. In the short-term culture experiments, it was found that cubes of PVF (10 x 10 x 2 mm and 130 microm in pore size) coated with type I collagen with a seeding density of 2x10(7) BM cells offered the most appropriate culture conditions. In the long-term cultures, BM cells in PVF maintained their viability for up to 6 weeks. In another series of re-inoculation experiments, freshly isolated BM cells were inoculated onto the already developed stromal layer. In this study, a higher cell density of the stromal layer was obtained in the PVF culture compared with those in the control dish culture. Based upon the results of in vitro experiments, in vivo transplantation studies were also performed. Histologic examinations of the subcutaneously transplanted PVF with stroma revealed host derived hematopoiesis inside the PVF matrix. Moreover, survival of approximately 15% of the transplanted BM cells that were cultured in PVF were confirmed in X-ray irradiated recipients. From these results, it is suggested that PVF resin is a promising three-dimensional substrate for BM cell culture and that it can maintain hematopoietic stem cells or progenitor cells after transplantation.
Overexpression of Endoplasmic Reticulum Small Heat Shock Protein in Tomato Enhances the Chilling Tolerance of Fruits

In order to detecting the expression level of ERsHSP in tomato fruits under low temperature(4℃),total proteins of fruits were subjected to Western analysis with special polyclonal antibody against ERsHSP.To analysis the chilling tolerance of ERsHSP transgenic tomato fruits and non-transgenic tomato fruits(Lycopersicon esculentum var.Zhongshu 4) under low temperature,the fruit hardness,decay percentage and weight loss was measured.The results indicated that during the whole cold storage,there were high levels of ER-sHSP expression in transgenic tomato fruits,but no ER-sHSP protein was detected in non-transgenic tomato fruits.As a result,the chilling tolerance of transgenic tomato fruits with ER-sHSP over-expression was significantly improved.The statistical data indicated that the transgenic tomato fruits,in comparison,have higher hardness(with an average value 2.84 kg/cm2),lower percentage of decay(with an average value 21.03%) and less loss of weight(with an average value 6.33%).
Wood fiber derived from scrap pallets used in polypropylene composites

Wood pallets and shipping crates represent a large source of raw material available for use in value-added composites. To determine the feasibility of using wood fibers derived from pallets in wood-plastic composites, this study compared the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites combined with either wood flour or wood fiber. Wood flour is the most common wood-derived filler used in the plastics industry. Moving from a particulate filler like wood flour to a reinforcing fiber results in property enhancements. In this study, the use of fiber derived from wood pallets and shipping crates as a filler for PP resulted in tensile and flexural strength improvements compared with wood-flour-filled PP. The addition of stearic acid to these composites to increase dispersion ofthe wood filler in the PP did not improve properties; however, the addition of maleated PP to improve the interfacial adhesion between the two phases resulted in strength improvements.