Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of bitter melon on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride

AIM:To investigate the effects of bitter melon (BM) on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in Wistar rats. METHODS: Healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (with 8 each): olive oil control group (group C), olive oil CCl4 model group (group M), CCl4+BM at low concentration (BM 100 g/kg, group BM-L), CCl4+ BM at high concentration (BM 200 g/kg, group BM-H). All rats except those in group C were subcutaneously injected with CCl4 twice a week for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. After injection of CCl4 for 8 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and the samples of blood and livers were collected. The weight ratio of liver to body was measured. The serum level of MDA and the activity of SOD were tested. The contents of total protein and albumin, the activity of GSH-Px, the content of hydroxyproline and the activity of monoamine oxidase in the liver homogenate were determined. Hepatic inflammation and collagen deposition were observed under microscope with Masson staining. RESULTS: In the rats treated with BM, the weight ratio of liver to body, the serum level of MDA, the content of hydroxyproline and the activity of monoamine oxidase in the liver homogenate were lower than those in group M (P0.01). The serum activity of SOD, the contents of total protein and albumin, and the activity of GSH-Px in the liver homogenate were enhanced (P0.01). The livers of the model rats had remarkable inflammatory necrosis, collagen accumulation and fibrosis. The rats in BM-treated group showed slighter hepatic injury and collagen deposition, and the liver functions were much better than those in the model group. High dose of BM showed more obvious liver-protective effects. CONCLUSION: BM attenuates liver fibrosis by its antioxidant effect and the mechanisms of reducing hydroxyproline content and monoamine oxidase activity.
Towards Optimal Patient-Specific Hyperthermia Treatment-Planning via Constrained Power Focusing

INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of a hyperthermia treatment depends on the proper shaping of the electromagnetic power deposited in the target region. As a matter of fact, by relying on a Green's function approach to the solution of the Bioheat equation, the correspondence between thermal and electromagnetic power focusing can be rigorously proved [1]. Therefore, to achieve the goal of a selective heating of the tumor, patient-specific treatment planning is mandatory and this task corresponds to the synthesis of the excitations of the applicator. Typically, this latter is a fixed geometry array, as such radiating systems allow enough degrees of freedom to accommodate the challenging application’s requirements. In this contribution, we present an innovative Optimal Constrained Power Focusing (OCPF) method [1,2] capable of achieving the optimal patient-specific punctual power shaping of a time-harmonic electromagnetic wave. In particular, to show the capabilities of the optimal design of the hyperthermia applicator and the importance of controlling the deposited power distribution in the whole treated region, we compare the OCPF with an optimized Time Reversal focusing technique [3] that provides the lowest side-lobes timereversed field in a given target region by properly choosing the test source polarization.
DYNAMICS OF CENTRAL WISCONSIN OAK FOREST REGENERATION1

In order to understand better the ecophysiological differences among com- peting species that might influence competitive interactions after, or in the absence of, fire, we examined the response to fire of four sympatric woody species found in intermediate- sized gaps in a 30-yr-old mixed-oak forest in central Wisconsin. Selected blocks in the forest were burned in April 1987 by a low-intensity controlled surface fire. The fire had significant effects during the following growing season on community structure, foliar nu- trient concentrations, and photosynthesis. Acer rubrum seedling density declined by 70% following the fire, while percent cover increased several-fold in Rubus allegheniensis. In general, leaf concentrations of N, P, and K were increased by the fire in all species, although the relative enhancement decreased as the growing season progressed. Daily maximum photosynthetic rates were 30-50% higher in burned than unburned sites for Prunus serotina, Quercus ellipsoidalis, and R. allegheniensis, but did not differ between treatments for A. rubrum. Mean sunlit photosynthetic rates and leaf conductances were stimulated by the burn for all species, with the greatest enhancement in photosynthesis measured in Q. ellipsoidalis. Leaf gas exchange in R. allegheniensis was most sensitive to declining leaf water potential and elevated vapor pressure gradient, with Q. ellipsoidalis the least sensitive. Fire had no discernable effect on water status of these plants during a year of relatively high rainfall. In comparison with other species, A. rubrum seedlings responded negatively after fire-both in terms of survival/reproduction (decline in the number of individuals) and relative leaf physiological performance. Fire enhanced the abundance of R. alleghenien- sis and the potential photosynthetic performance of R. allegheniensis, P. serotina, and particularly Q. ellipsoidalis. We conclude that post-fire stimulation of net photosynthesis and conductance was largely the result of enhanced leaf N concentrations in these species.
Estimating Monetary Policy Reaction Functions: Comparison between the European Central Bank and Swedish Central Bank

This study estimated and compared a forward-looking Taylor-type reaction function between the European Central Bank (ECB) and Swedish Central Bank (Riksbank). Fir st, an estimated baseline model shows that, compared with the ECB, the Riksbank is an aggressor based on its responses to expected inflation and output gap.S econd, the estimated baseline model significantly tracks both central banks’ actual interest rates, though with certain deficiencies.Fur thermore, this study augments the baseline model by exploring additional variables that appropriately describes the ECB and Riksbank’s monetary policy.W e observed that foreign interest rate, notably the federal funds rate, influence the ECB’s monetary policy to a certain degree.M oreover, the ECB’s short-term interest rate and real exchange rate impact the Riksbank’s monetary policy.A lthough foreign interest rate explains the ECB and Riksbank’s monetary policy, real exchange rate also explains the Riksbank’s monetary policy (small open economy) than that of the ECB.
Effects of dietary lysine and methionine supplementation on Ross 708 male broilers from 21 to 42 d of age (III): serum metabolites, hormones, and their relationship with growth performance

SUMMARY A previous study has shown that a limited increase of lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) in broiler diets may improve feed conversion ratio (FCR), BW, carcass yield, and breast meat yield. This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Lys and Met supplementation on various blood serum metabolites and hormones, and their relationship with growth performance and the meat yield of male Ross × Ross 708 broilers. Experimental diets, including 2 Lys levels (100 and 120% of recommended levels) and 4 Met levels (80, 100, 120, and 140% of recommended levels), were fed from 21 to 42 d of age. Blood serum metabolites were not affected by any of the dietary treatments. Uric acid concentration was negatively correlated with absolute weights of the whole body, carcass, pectoralis minor, wing, leg quarter, and front half parts. Cholesterol was negatively correlated with pectoralis major, wing, pectoralis major+minor, and front half. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1) and testosterone concentrations were found to be positively related to BW. In addition, positive correlations occurred between concentrations of total protein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; uric acid and total cholesterol; and IGF1 and testosterone. In conclusion, dietary amino acid supplementation did not affect the blood serum metabolites investigated, which may be due to the fact that these metabolites are highly regulated in the blood. However, because the expression of genes for these metabolites may be unique to individual birds, growth and the deposition of specific muscles among birds can be quite variable. Even though Lys and Met supplementation improved growth performance, and BW was positively related to circulating IGF1 and testosterone concentrations, these 2 hormones were not affected by dietary Met supplementation. The increase in growth rate caused by dietary Lys or Met supplementation may be due to changes in various integral metabolic pathways as a result of polygenic and pleiotropic relationships, rather than by the isolated effects of individual hormones and metabolites.
Dynamics on the Levels of Complement C_3 and C_4 in Sera from Microtus Fortis Before and After Infection with Schistosoma Japonicum

Objective To detect the levels of complement C 3 and C 4 in sera from laboratory bred Microtus fortis before and after infection with Schistosoma japonicum in order to provide evidence for the immunological mechanism in M. fortis against S. japonicum infections. Methods Immuno-turbidometry was performed to detect the levels of C 3 and C 4 in sera. Result The mean levels of C 3 and C 4 in sera from normal M. fortis were significantly higher than those of mice. During the first 11 days after infection, the mean levels of C 3 and C 4 of M. fortis were comparably low, but increased significantly at day 21 and 26, whereas those of mice showed a trend of consecutive increase. Conclusion The levels of Complement C 3 and C 4 in sera from M. fortis were comparably high, which could play an improtant role in its resistance to the infection by S. japonicum.
Motor impairments in young children with cerebral palsy: relationship to gross motor function and everyday activities

In this study we assessed the distribution of spasticity, range of motion (ROM) deficits, and selective motor control problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and examined how these impairments relate to each other and to gross motor function and everyday activities. Ninety‐five children (55 males, 40 females; mean age 58 months, SD18 months, range 25 to 87 months) were evaluated with the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), passive ROM, the Selective Motor Control scale (SMC), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Types of CP were hemiplegia (n=19), spastic diplegia (n=40), ataxic diplegia (n=4), spastic quadriplegia (n=16), dyskinetic (n=9), and mixed type (n=7). Severity spanned all five levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The findings highlight the importance of measuring spasticity and ROM in several muscles and across joints. Wide variability of correlations of MAS, ROM, and SMC indicates a complex relationship between spasticity, ROM, and selective motor control. Loss of selective control seemed to interfere with gross motor function more than the other impairments. Further analyses showed that motor impairments were only one component among many factors that could predict gross motor function and everyday activities. Accomplishment of these activities was best predicted by the child's ability to perform gross motor tasks.
The wreck of the MV Rena: spatio-temporal analysis of ship-derived contaminants in the sediments and fauna of Astrolabe Reef

ABSTRACT The October 2011 sinking of the container ship MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef, New Zealand, provided a rare opportunity to examine the fate of shipwreck-derived contaminants on an offshore rocky reef and food chain. Analyses of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organotins indicated significant but localised contamination of Astrolabe Reef but not of nearby Mōtītī Island. Three years after the grounding, PAH concentrations were greater in sediments at Astrolabe (up to 131 mg kg−1) than at control locations, while organotins from the ship's antifouling hull paint were found exclusively in Astrolabe Reef sediments and biota. Over 80% of Astrolabe sediment samples contained tributyltin at concentrations above guideline sediment levels (>0.07 mg kg−1). Tributyltin and its decomposition products were also recorded in sea urchins, gastropods, lobster and fishes at concentrations up to 0.2 mg kg−1. Wreck and cargo-derived metals, particularly copper, tin and zinc, were present in some Astrolabe sediment samples above Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council guideline concentrations. However, there appeared to be only limited transmission of metals through the food chain. Copper, tin and zinc were recorded at greater concentrations in Astrolabe sea urchins and gastropods compared to control specimens, while metal concentrations in other biota were comparable across impact and control sites. Despite over 3 years having passed since the Rena grounding, the data series does not show any upward or downward trends in contaminant concentrations on Astrolabe Reef. Consequently, there is uncertainty about the long-term implications of the Rena grounding for the ecology of Astrolabe Reef.
Study on relationship of pathology of phlegm syndrome of TCM with blood sugar,insulin and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome

Objective:To explore the relationships of pathology of phlegm syndrome of TCM with blood sugar,insulin and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome(MS). Methods:The information of 233 cases of MS was collected by four diagnostic methods,syndrome differentiation by syndrome element was used to analyze the diagnosis information,and the blood glucose,insulin and HOMA-IR were detected.Results:①Fasting blood glucose and 30 min,60 min,120min,180 min postprandial blood glucose level had positive correlation with phlegm.Correlation coefficient were 0.158(P0.05),0.152(P0.05),0.102(P 0.05),0.126(P0.05),0.147(P0.05);②Fasting insulin and 30 min,60 min,120min,180 min postprandial insulin level had positive correlation with phlegm.Correlation coefficient were 0.135(P0.05),0.245(P0.01),0.284(P0.01),0.232(P0.01),0.153(P0.05);③HOMA-IR had positive correlation with phlegm.Correlation coefficient was 0.269(P0.01). Conclusions:Phlegm was one of the factors that can influence the whole course of glycometabolism,it had consistency with insulin resistance on pathological mechanism.
Possible involvement of IL-18 in SLE-dysregulated apoptosis and cytopenia

Background and objectives: Tissue homeostasis is maintained through a balance between cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death. Dysregulated apoptosis leads to development of autoimmunity like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). One of the key biological responses induced by IL-18 is that in combination with IL-12 it stimulates Th1 cell differentiation and involvement in immune responses. Up regulation of Fas ligand in Th1 cells by IL-18 may increase apoptosis of Fas receptor expressing cells that interact with activated Th1 cells. This induction of apoptosis may allow IL-18 to play a role in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The aim of this study is to quantify the percentage of apoptotic peripheral blood neutrophils in SLE and to determine the relation with cytopenia. Also the serum level of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 is measured in SLE to be correlated with apoptotic neutrophils and other studied parameters. Methods: Neutrophil apoptosis in 30 SLE patients and 15 healthy controls was assessed by flow cytometry using annexin V and 7AAD binding. Serum IL-18 was measured by ELISA and CBC was done by automated cell counter. Results: The percentage of total, early and late apoptotic neutrophils, determined by annexin V and 7AAD binding, was increased in peripheral blood of SLE patients without corticosteroid therapy (group I, n=15) (54.2 ± 16.3 %, 36.35 ± 13.9 % and 17.8 ± 6.4 % respectively) and also SLE patients with corticosteroid therapy (group II, n=15) (47.3 ± 28.1 %, 37.1 ± 25.6 % and 10.1 ± 6.6 % respectively) compared with normal controls (group III, n=15) (7.24 ± 3.7 %, 2.5 ± 1.5 % and 4.7 ± 2.9 % respectively). SLE neutrophil apoptosis correlated negatively with WBC (p=0.01) in group I. Serum IL-18 was significantly elevated in SLE patients with renal complication within group I when compared with SLE patients without renal complication within the same group (p=0.01) and correlated positively with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (p=0.001). In group II; IL-18 revealed significant negative correlation with % of both total and early apoptotic neutrophils (p=0.02) and highly significant negative correlation with absolute lymphocytes (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Increased circulating apoptotic neutrophils in SLE patients may be a pattern of unbalanced process of both apoptosis and clearance of apoptotic material. Neutrophil apoptosis may be a significant cause for SLE associated cytopenia. Effect of IL-18 on neutrophil apoptosis and clearance may be masked or opposed by other undetermined factors in SLE. Corticosteroid therapy may improve neutrophil apoptotic clearance as well as IL-18 inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in SLE. Introduction The hallmark of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes mellitus, dermatomyositis and rheuma toid arthritis is the production of highly specific autoantibodies that recognize evolutionary conserved molecules. The mechanisms by which these largely intracellular molecules are recognized as foreign are poorly understood (Utz et
Special education needs of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy

Children with epilepsy often experience poor social and educational outcomes. This study aimed to determine the timing of services with respect to the onset of seizures. It also aimed to identify the aspects of childhood epilepsy (type of epilepsy, etiology, seizure control, and treatment) that are associated with the use of special education services. As part of a prospective community‐based study, 613 children were recruited when first diagnosed with epilepsy. Mean age at first seizure was 5 years 11 months (SD 4, range 1mo to 15y 8mo). Parents were interviewed 5 years after children were first diagnosed with epilepsy (n=542; 276 [51%] males). Children's mean age at time of interview was 11 years 10 months (SD 4y 1mo, range 5y 8mo to 21y 8mo). Etiology was classified as idiopathic (n=181, 33.4%), cryptogenic (n=261, 48.2%), and remote symptomatic (n=100, 18.5%). Service use was reported in 315 (58%) children. Compared with neurologically intact children (i.e. cryptogenic and idiopathic etiology; n=415, 77%), children with a remote symptomatic etiology and/or an epileptic encephalopathy (n=127, 23%) received services more frequently (88% vs 49%, p<0.001). In the former group, services were initiated for 66 (15%) children before their first seizure; according to age at onset, services were initiated before the first seizures in 12/164 (7.3%) if <5 years, 34/171 (19.9%) if 5–9 years, and 20/80 (25%) if >10 years. A large proportion of children with epilepsy, even if neurologically otherwise normal, receive special education services. Initiation of services often precedes onset of seizures even in neurologically intact children. This suggests that behavioral and cognitive abnormalities may predate the onset of epilepsy and are not necessarily the direct consequences of epilepsy.
Acquired epileptic dysgraphia: a longitudinal study

A male presenting with benign partial epilepsy with rolandic spikes from the age of 7 years was evaluated at age 11 years for worsening of his epilepsy associated with a specific regression of graphomotor skills. A longitudinal study over nearly 2 years showed an improvement in handwriting to an almost normal level under modified antiepileptic therapy. A detailed analysis with a computer‐monitored graphics table showed at first a rapid improvement of skills followed by protracted slower progress. We argue that the initial rapid recovery of skills was directly linked to the improvement of his epilepsy. The slower late acquisition of motor programmes that had never been fully established was due to longstanding interference by his epilepsy. The specificity of the deficit within the graphomotor system and its possible neurobiological basis are also discussed. The analytical method and approach used in a single patient might provide an example for other patients in whom epilepsy can interfere in the acquisition, progress, and maintenance of new skills and can be responsible for selective deficits.
Analysis on Alcohol Essential Oil Components of Pandanus Fruit

The alcohol essential oil components of Pandanus fruit from Hainan were analyzed by GC-MS method.Thirty-one components had been identifyed from thirty-five separated peaks.The main components were alkenes and alkanes:alkenes(33.14%),containing docosene(15.09%) and hexacosene(10.84%);alkanes(39.77%) containing 1,2-diethyl-cyclohexa-decane(17.79%) and cyclotetracosane(12.17%). Besides,it involved unsaturated aldehydes,ethers,esters etc.
Deficits in motor control processes involved in production of graphic movements of children with attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder

This study aimed to investigate whether two distinct motor control processes, i.e. motor planning and parameter setting, were impaired in children with attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An experiment was designed in which children copied figures of increasing complexity under increasing accuracy levels on a digitizer. Sixteen children with ADHD (11 males, 5 females; mean age 8y 4mo, SD 1y 1mo) and 16 comparison children, without impairment, matched for age and sex participated. ADHD was diagnosed by a psychiatrist following the criteria of the DSM‐V. Only children with IQ scores greater than 80 were included. Across all graphic tasks, children with ADHD made slower, inaccurate strokes with relatively high axial pen force compared with the comparison group. No evidence was found for a deficit in motor planning, but parameter setting appeared to be deficient as the ADHD group made less accurate strokes when accuracy demands increased.
THE EARLY HISTORY OF MODERN BIRDS AND THE PHYLOGENETIC STUDY OF BUTTONQUAILS INFERRED FROM DNA SEQUENCES OF c-mos AND 12S rRNA GENES

The traditional view of avian evolution places palaeognath birds at the base of the phylogenetic tree of modern birds (Neornithes). The molecular studies suggest that neognathous perching birds (Passeriformes) compose the oldest lineage of modern birds. Here the partial sequences of the c-mos and 12S rRNA genes of 39 species of 21 orders were used to study the early history of modern birds and to discuss the phylogenetic position of the buttonquails. The results indicate that the galloanserine birds occupy the most basal position among all modern birds, and the modern birds were not evolved from the `transitional shorebirds', one of the few avian survivors of the mass extinction at the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary 65 Myr ago. The results also show that the neognath was paraphyly, and the palaeognath was monophyly. Phylogenetic analyses further show that the buttonquails were a basal clade of the neognathous birds (excluding galloanserine birds), and have no sister relationship with cranes. The results suggest that the subclass Neornithes could be divided into two infraclass Eoaves and Neoaves, and the buttonquails belong to order Turniciformes, infraclass Neoaves.