Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of udder cistern size in dairy ewes by ultrasonography.

We studied the size of mammary cistern in ewes of 9 genotypes (purebred Improved Valachian (IV), purebred Tsigai (T), purebred Lacaune (LC) and their crosses with genetic proportion of specialized dairy breeds Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) - (25 %, 50 % and 75 %) were evaluated. Data were evaluated using REML methodology and MIXED procedure (SAS/STAT). The effect of genotype showed the highest influence (P<0.001) on the length and area of the left and right udder cisterns measurements. In purebred IV ewes, the average areas of the left and right udder cisterns sizes were obtained by using the side method were (1519.39±77.212 mm 2 ).
Fatty acid composition of different tissues of newborn and suckling piglets

The availability of data about the fatty acids composition in different tissues of fetus and newborn piglets seems essential for the evaluation of nutrient requirements of gestating/lactating sows. In newborn un-suckling piglets data analyzed show strong heterogeneity among different tissues, especially for fatty acids (FA) synthesized ex novo like long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Fatty acid profile in suckling animals are different between tissues, indicating that the growth of each organ or tissues in body of newborn piglets follows a different route and therefore requires distinct combination of fatty acids. In tissues there are a strong relationship between the concentration of LCPUFA (long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) and their precursors that are the essential fatty acids C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3. This indicate that, during the suckling time, piglet metabolism plays a key role in the utilization of milk substrates, also in terms of ex novo synthesis of fatty acids. Comparison of fatty acids profile of plasma from sows and their suckling piglets. are strongly differed. The concentration of FA in swine plasma was markedly influenced by lipid composition of the diet. In plasma of piglets there are some FA, like LCPUFA which are not detected in plasma of their mothers. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis of the fatty acids concentrations evidenced interesting relationship between them.
Pharmaceutical profiling in drug discovery for lead selection

Absorption Prediction. - Predicting Molecular Physical Properties. - In Silico Transporter Modeling and Its Application in Drug Discovery. - Models for Cytochrome P450-Mediated Metabolism. - Future of In Silico Methods in Toxicology. - Solubility in Water and DMSO: Issues and Potential Solutions. - Measurements of Lipophilicity and Acid/Base Character Using HPLC Methods. - How Do We Study Oxidative Chemical Stability in Discovery? Some Ideas, Trials, and Outcomes. - Physiochemical Methods for Estimating Permeability and Related Properties. - Cultured Epithelial Cell Assays Used to Estimate Intestinal Absorption Potential. - In Vitro Cell-based Assays for Estimating the Effects of Efflux Transporters on Cell Permeation. - In Vitro Models for Estimating Hepatobiliary Clearance. - Challenges in Drug Discovery: Lead Optimization and Prediction of Human Pharmacokinetics. - Free Drug! The Critical Importance of Plasma Protein Binding in NewDrug Discovery. - Use of In Vitro ADME Screens to Develop Orally Bioavailable and CNS-Permeable Neuropeptide Y Y5 Antagonists. - Applying Computational and In Vitro Approaches to Lead Selection. - Strategies for In Silico and Experimental Screening of Physiochemical Properties. - The Challenge of Quality in Candidate Optimization. - A Comprehensive Strategy for ADME Screening in Drug Discovery. - Scientific, Educational, and Communication Issues Associated with Integrating and Applying Drug-Like Properties in Drug Discovery.
Quantitative and Qualitative Studies on the Primary Antibody Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharides at the Cellular Level

The kinetics of the antibody response to purified pneumococcal polysaccharides was studied at the cellular level using the technique of localized hemolysis-in-gel in conjunction with erythrocytes sensitized with immunizing antigen. The overall pattern of the antibody response was similar, with respect to the number of direct plaqueforming cells produced, to that reported for other antigens. However, using antisera specific for various classes of mouse immunoglobulins to characterize the types of specific plaque-forming cells produced, it appears that the antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharides is exclusively macroglobulin in nature; two types of macroglobulin antibodies, differentiated on the basis of their efficiency in participating in immune hemolysis, are produced. The data suggest that direct plaque-forming cells may represent only 30% to 50% of the total number of antibody-forming cells produced following immunization.
Adenosina para presillamiento de aneurismas cerebrales: revisión de la literatura actual

El presillamiento de aneurismas cerebrales sigue siendo una cirugía bastante compleja aun con los avances en las neurociencias. El objetivo de este tipo de cirugía es evitar su ruptura y ocasionar daños colaterales en la misma, al tratar de exponer al máximo tanto el cuello del aneurisma para su manipulación como la oclusión temporal de la arteria proximal a éste. El uso de paro cardíaco transanestésico en el presillamiento de aneurismas cerebrales es una técnica empleada para cierto tipo de aneurismas cerebrales y existen varios métodos para realizarlo, desde la hipotermia profunda o severa, estimulación ventricular rápida hasta llegar al paro circulatorio con el uso de adenosina. En esta revisión de la literatura se darán las bases enfocadas en el uso de adenosina para el presillamiento de aneurismas cerebrales y, aunque parezca un método inocuo y que no requiere mucha preparación y logística, sólo debe realizarse por personal experto en neuroanestesiología para lograr obtener un mejor resultado para el paciente.
Aplicación móvil audio guía para peatones con discapacidad visual

El presente trabajo tiene como finalidad, disenar una herramienta destinada a peatones con discapacidad visual para facilitar su movilidad y disminuir el riesgo de lesiones a causa de un tropiezo, pues el entorno en el que se desplazan cotidianamente se encuentra en algunos casos en condiciones de deterioro y con muchos obstaculos tales como bolardos, postes, andenes, etc.
COMPARACIÓN DE LA PRUEBA DE iELISA MEDIANTE EL USO DE LAS PROTEINAS r12D3 Y rRAP – 1 COMO ANTÍGENO CONTRA Babesia bigemina

Al Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) a traves del proyecto No. 1-1.6-1373533989-P-M.2-2 "Desarrollo de pruebas de diagnostico rapido para la babesiosis bovina” a cargo del Dr. Julio Vicente Figueroa Millan
Improvement of positive strand assay used in detecting positive and negative RNA of hepatitis E virus

Background: Hepatitis E (HEV) is a small, non-enveloped virus that belongs to the viral genus Hepevirus. HEV is a positive sense single-stranded RNA virus and there is insufficient information regarding its replication. This is mainly because the virus has low capacity to grow in normally used cell cultures. Many specific strand assay detection studies have been done in order to understand more about HEV replication. Unfortunately, these assays have the disadvantage of giving false positive results.Aim: The aim of this project was to improve the positive strand assay to increase specificity and eliminate false positivity which is due to high sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). False positivity occurs as remains of transfected material in the cell are amplified.Method: The samples used in this project were swine samples from Sweden and a human sample (plasmid clone of genotype 1) from India. Negative samples, extracted positive samples and transcribed RNA positive sense samples were used. The methods applied were cDNA synthesis, exonuclease I and RNase treatments, DNA purification kits followed by first and nested PCR.Result: The results of this study indicated great improvement of the detection assay especially for the transcribed RNA samples. Best results were obtained at a final concentration of 1.5mM MgCl2 in the mastermix. Conclusion: Changing the concentration of MgCl2 appeared to have a great effect on PCR specificity. Improving detection assays is very essential as they can be applied in the research field and in public health centers either for diagnosis or tracking disease outbreaks.
Aprovechamiento forestal de manglares en el estado de Nayarit, costa Pacífica de México

The effect of wood harvest on the structure and natural repopulation of mangroves from Ejido Villa Juarez, Nayarit was studied. The results indicate that, with exception of the density and basal area of Laguncularia racemosa corresponding to the 18 cm diameter category, in which significative differences between harvested and notharvested stands were detected, the structure of the mangroves in the area was similar. Although the amount of sprouts of Avicennia germinans greater than 1.3 m was the only height class that had significative differences, it was found a larger and more continuous abundance of repopulation in harvested stands of Laguncularia than in those not harvested.
Increasing Hand Hygiene Performance in Health Care Workers with Electronic Real-time Prompting

Poor hand hygiene (HH) by health care professionals is a major cause of healthcareacquired infections. Improving HH compliance among staff is the most effective way to reduce healthcare acquired infections. This thesis evaluates the ability of an electronic monitoring system with real-time prompting capability, to improve HH behaviours, its ability to capture high resolution audit data, and presents alternate system deployment strategies. To investigate HH behaviours, 120,441 dispenser activations on a nursing unit were counted before, during, and after installation of the system. The effect of changing the prompt duration on HH performance was determined by a randomized control trial including 90,776 HH opportunities from 185 participants on three nursing units. Sustainability of performance and participation was observed on four nursing units including observations from 419 participants over a year. Results showed that real-time prompts of 20 seconds’ duration nearly doubled HH activity and caused HH to occur sooner after entering a patient room. These improvements were sustainable over a year.
Tourism vs. Environment: A Sociological Analysis

The paper explores how the two concepts of tourism and environment affect each other. At present, tourism is known as an industry within the nations creating large amount of wealth, and thereby increasing GNP of different countries. Similarly, in post industrialization era, many citizens could have savings, and by the means of which could start traveling. Such travels were then improved and called tours. The result of tourism industry is transferring national resources from a country to another. Such an interaction creates prosperity in the destination target. Likewise, speed of transportation has widely contributed to boosting tourism. Distribution and dissipation of information on countries and regions have positively impacted tourism. Yet, tourism occasionally endangers the environment through the creation of roads, buildings etc. The paper discusses how tourism contributes to cultural development, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange between nations. Overall, tourism can create new environments. It is worth notifying that promotion of tourism yet depends on quality environment. Method of research used in the present article is of qualitative type. Conclusion asserts that industrialization improved tourism in different dimensions.
Metabolic fate of excessive glucose in fibroblast cells in a diabetic setting

Glucose is important for energy; however, excessive daily intake of sugar may act as a toxin inducing the body to become overweight or obese. High blood glucose level reduces secretion of insulin, and glucose toxicity worsens insulin resistance. We investigated the metabolic fate of excess glucose by changing glucose levels in MRC-5 fibroblasts. Uptake of glucose into fibroblasts, the first stage of glucose metabolism, was measured. Treatment of fibroblasts under diabetic conditions led to rapid glucose incorporation. Glucose was absorbed into the cell almost constantly and reached excessive levels, and its metabolism was assessed by CO2 output from [U-14C] D-glucose, the glucose metabolism end product. When fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of high glucose levels, CO2 production decreased significantly in comparison with normal glucose conditions. Glucose metabolism in the diabetic setting was not accompanied by an increase in glucose uptake. Diabetic patients exercise tight glycemic control to avert disorders from such glucose toxicity. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity is reduced in diabetes; therefore, we investigated the influence of thiamine on PDH activity and intracellular glucose concentration in fibroblast cells exposed to diabetic conditions. Thiamine reversed high glucose-induced PDH inhibition and prevented glucose accumulation. These results, taken together with those of our previous report, suggest that thiamine partially plays a role in modifying the metabolic fate of glucose and reducing glucose toxicity.
Feasibility of Assessing Economic and Sexual Risk Behaviors Using Text Message Surveys in African-American Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness and Unemployment: Single-Group Study

Background Text messages offer the potential to better evaluate HIV behavioral interventions using repeated longitudinal measures at a lower cost and research burden. However, they have been underused in US minority settings. Objective This study aims to examine the feasibility of assessing economic and sexual risk behaviors using text message surveys. Methods We conducted a single-group study with 17 African-American young adults, aged 18-24 years, who were economically disadvantaged and reported prior unprotected sex. Participants received a text message survey once each week for 5 weeks. The survey contained 14 questions with yes-no and numeric responses on sexual risk behaviors (ie, condomless sex, sex while high or drunk, and sex exchange) and economic behaviors (ie, income, employment, and money spent on HIV services or products). Feasibility measures were the number of participants who responded to the survey in a given week, the number of questions to which a participant responded in each survey, and the number of hours spent from sending a survey to participants to receiving their response in a given week. One discussion group was used to obtain feedback. Results Overall, 65% (n=11/17) of the participants responded to at least one text message survey compared with 35% (n=6/17) of the participants who did not respond. The majority (n=7/11, 64%) of the responders were women. The majority (n=4/6, 67%) of nonresponders were men. An average of 7.6 participants (69%) responded in a given week. Response rates among ever responders ranged from 64% to 82% across the study period. The mean number of questions answered each week was 12.6 (SD 2.7; 90% of all questions), ranging from 72% to 100%. An average of 6.4 participants (84%) answered all 14 text message questions in a given week, ranging from 57% to 100%. Participants responded approximately 8.7 hours (SD 10.3) after receiving the survey. Participants were more likely to answer questions related to employment, condomless sex, and discussions with sex partners. Nonresponse or skip was more often used for questions at the end of the survey relating to sex exchange and money spent on HIV prevention services or products. Strengths of the text message survey were convenience, readability, short completion time, having repeated measures over time, and having incentives. Conclusions Longitudinal text message surveys may be a valuable tool for assessing HIV-related economic and sexual risk behaviors. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03237871; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03237871
Enhanced osteogenic differentiation via chemically engineered aggregation of mouse embryonic stem cells.

The formation of embryoid bodies has long been utilized to initiate differentiation of embryonic stem cells in vitro. The embryoid body provides an effective means of recapitulating early stages during embryogenesis and formation of the three germ layers. Current methodology for embryoid formation is extensive but exhibits a lack of standardisation and coherence. Here is shown a 3D culure system for controlled embryonic stem cell aggregation via a non-cytotoxic cell surface modification and cell-cell cross-linking. Embryoid body formation was found to be a complex relationship between embryonic stem cell aggregation, proliferation, death, cluster agglomeration, extracellular matrix deposition and structural reorganisation. Engineered embryoid bodies formed more rapidly and were significantly larger than those in control samples. Embryoid body characterisation revealed a layered internal structure resulting from poor nutrient and gaseous diffusion and consequent core necrosis after ≥ 5 days in suspension culture. Immuno-labelling and PCR amplification analysis of Brachyury, Nestin, Gata-4 and Oct-4 showed differentiation of mesoderm, ectoderm and endoderm on the embryoid body surface and internal undifferentiated cells, respectively. Engineering appeared to enhance mesoderm differentiation, a progenitor of the osteogenic lineage. Embryoid bodies in settled culture spread outwards to form a plateau of collagen matrix which was later mineralized through differentiated osteoblast function. Quantification through Alizarin Red stained bone nodules and alkaline phosphatase activity demonstrated osteogenic differentiation enhancement within engineered samples. Dex-loaded poly-(lactic co-glycolic) acid polymer microparticles were found to be an effective method for delivery of osteo-inductive factors to internal undifferentiated embryonic stem cells within the embryoid bodies. These findings show that the proposed 3D culture system provides reliable and repeatable methodology for the controlled formation of embryoid bodies which exhibit enhanced osteogenic differentiation. It is hoped that these engineered embryoid bodies could be used to efficiently generate homogeneous bone tissue for clinical application.
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Propolis Against Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Toxicity in Rat Brain: Histopathological Study

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the salt of nonessential glutamic acid. It has a property to enhance the perception that flavors are well blended and full-bodied. Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from the bud and bark of certain trees and plants. It has been used in folk medicine from ancient times in many countries. The present study aimed to investigate the protective and curative effect of propolis against MSG on the rat brain. Accordingly, fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups. The first group served as control, where as the second group was administered propolis at an oral daily dose of 200 mg/kg b. w. for eight weeks. The third group received MSG 1 g/kg b. w. for eight weeks. The fourth group (protective group) was initialy administered with propolis alone for 4 weeks, and followed by MSG in association with propolis for 4 weeks. The fifth group (therapeutic group) was first given MSG alone for 4 weeks and secondly administered propolis in association with MSG for 4 weeks. At the end of four and eight weeks, brain tissues were collected for histopathological study purposes. Histopathological studies of MSG-treated rats displayed deleterious alterations in brain tissues as indicated by perivascular oedema and cuffing. Some blood vessels were congested and there was vacuolation of some neurons. The protective group showed gliosis in the cerebrum. There were still some odematous changes and perivascular cuffing which were still persistent. Propolis extract in the curative group caused active hyperaemia of the brain, blood vessels were congested and showed perivascular oedema and some neurons exhibited a marked vacuolation. It may be concluded that the results confirm the toxic effect of MSG on the brain and the protective effect of propolis, especially when administrated as a propolis alone.
Variation of the Forces with the Wind Direction to an Experimental Model of Aerodynamic Profile of Wind Turbine

The work is based on wind tunnel experiments on an experimental turbine blade model. The vertical force (Lift) and the resisting force (Drag, in the wind direction) are measured. The tests can be considered under static conditions because the experimental model rotates with a hexadecimal degree per second. The measurement range is 180 (-90.+90) at the maximum wind speed of 9 m/s. The results confirm the importance of the position of the blade with respect to the wind direction and its speed.
A Multiphase Mixed Methods Approach to the Internationalization of Higher Education in South Africa: Outline of a Discursive Research Framework

Higher education internationalization (HEI) has become an important priority for global decision makers and education providers. Persuaded by globalization, HEI is a political strategy and economic prospect for countries, governments, and universities to position themselves in global markets. The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological pathway to develop a dynamic, reformed South African HEI framework based on the transformative drive (i.e., adjustment of change, learning, shared knowledge, internationalization, globalization an institutionalized memory) of HEI in China. The interpretivist paradigm constitutes the basic research approach. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected, analyzed, and integrated using a multiphase mixed methods approach. This approach consists of three phases including content analysis (Phase I), in-depth interviews (Phase II), and surveys (Phase III), which answers the focal research question. The significance of this research includes creating a better understanding of South African higher education (HE) policy issues from a transformational perspective, contributing to theory on how internationalization affects HE’s position in economic and social development and broadening knowledge and understanding of the unique circumstances and challenges of HEI in developing countries, particularly in countries seeking to position themselves in the globalized knowledge economy.
Actin Typing on Total Cellular Extracts

Based on the finding that the amino-terminal tryptic peptide of actin is a reliable marker for actin divergence, we describe in detail a highly sensitive protein-chemical procedure for actin typing. The method is performed on non-radioactively labelled cells and tissues and six actins can be identified unambiguously in warm-blooded vertebrates. The method is quantitative and gives directly the ratio of the different actins present in the specimens. It does not require previous purification of actin and can be used on total cellular extracts without any prior fractionation. The procedure can be extended to actins not previously characterized by amino acid sequence analysis and makes certain predictions possible about the partial amino acid sequences of the amino-terminal tryptic peptides, mostly sufficient for a correlation with DNA sequences derived from cloned actin genes. This is done as an example for the cytoplasmic actin present in Schneider L-2 Drosophila melanogaster cells. Although the method is currently used routinely on 105 cells, modifications are discussed, which should allow the analysis to be performed with even higher sensitivity.