Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic Appearance of Bovine Coxofemoral Luxation in Different Directions

Coxofemoral luxation is common in cattle and prognosis is very guarded or poor. Diagnosis is generally based on thorough physical examination by identifying the structure of the hip, but an accurate diagnosis can be challenging, especially in heavy and recumbent cows because large muscle mass covering the pelvis and hip makes palpation of the bony structures difficult. In cattle practice, ultrasound has been widely used as an important ancillary test for a more accurate diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary treatment. The purpose of this report is to describe ultrasonographic features of twenty two dairy cows (3-7 years) with coxofemoral luxation in three different directions. Five cows with craniodorsal, six with caudodorsal, and eleven with caudoventral luxation were examined ultrasonographically. Only three cows were able to stand and eleven exhibited asymmetry of the hip upon external examination of the hindlimbs. Sonographic findings on the dorsolateral view of the hip in standing and laterally recumbent cows invariably included the ball-shaped femoral head outside the acetabulum in dorsal luxations and heterechoic empty joint cavity of the acetabulum in ventral luxation. On the ventrodorsal view for dorsal recumbency with the frog-leg position, either luxated femoral head or empty acetabular cavity was visible in fifteen examined cows in the three different directions of luxation, but the femoral head of the caudodorsal luxation was translated caudoventrally to the acetabulum owing to severe soft tissue damage around the acetabulum. Transrectal ultrasonography of the caudoventral luxation revealed the ball of the femoral head in or ventral to the obturator foramen with varying amounts of fibrin deposit on it. Ultrasonography can be used to make a definitive diagnosis of coxofemoral luxation in three different directions in recumbent cows, as well as standing cows.
Bone remodeling in osteoarthritis: subchondral and osteophytic responses.

OSTEOARTHRITIS can be considered a collective endstage for heterogeneous etiopathologic conditions a#ecting joint tissues. Such etiopathologic factors are multifactorial and include biochemical, enzymatic, genetic and biomechanical factors amongst others. Characteristic pathologic findings include joint space narrowing, peripheral osteophytes, subchondral bony sclerosis and cyst formation. Although commonly considered a disease primarily involving cartilage, studies support variable roles for synovium, muscle, ligaments and bone. Radin and co-workers [1, 2] suggested an important role for subchondral bone changes as an etiologic factor in the early development of degenerative joint disease. Repetitive impulsive loading resulted in early responses characterized by increased bone formation, associated with relative sti#ening of bone; articular cartilage degeneration followed [3]. Subchondral bone changes preceding cartilage damage in osteoarthritis have been demonstrated in other animal models. Examination of trabecular bone within the femoral head of Hartley strain guinea pigs, a strain predisposed to osteoarthritis, demonstrated subchondral trabecular remodeling as an early event in this model of OA [4]. Serial observations in this model utilizing magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant progression of subchondral sclerosis as well as osteophytes during disease development [5]. A longitudinal study of subchondral bone responses in dogs undergoing anterior cruciate ligament transection revealed subchondral sclerosis at 18 months and 54 months, but not at 3 months; findings were associated with loss of subchondral trabecular bone at all three time points. Findings suggested that bony changes were associated with progression of cartilage degeneration, rather than initial development [6]. Experimentally induced osteoarthritis following partial meniscectomy (PM) in the rabbit was associated with prominent osteophyte formation [7]. Increased cellular replication was noted early (at
[Considerations on the genus Nycteria (Haemoproteidae) parasite of African Microchiroptera with the description of 4 new species (author's transl)].

5 species of Nycteria from Central Africa (Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville) were studied. They can be divided into two distinct groups: the parasites of Nycteris with gametocytes "en cocarde": N. medusiformis, N. houini n. sp. and N. eradi n. sp. ; the parasites of Rhinolophus with gametocytes of the "diffus" type: N. gabonensis n. sp. and N. krampitzi n. sp. The characteristics of the genus Nycteria and its place amongst the other Haemosporidia are analysed.
[Nitric oxide level in aqueous humor in patients with glaucoma].

PURPOSE There is increasing evidence suggesting, that nitric oxide may be implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate nitric oxide level in aqueous humor of glaucoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The examined group was constituted by 26 persons (13 women and 13 men), aged 60-86 (mean age 70) suffering from glaucoma. In 14 patients glaucoma was classified as POAG and in 12 as PACG. All patients have undergone trabeculectomia. The 14 patients was operated because of age-related cataract (8 women and 6 men), aged 47-82 (mean age 65), constituted a control group. All patients agreed to samples collection. Level of nitric oxide in anterior chamber fluid was assessed using commercial kits based on Griess reaction (R&D) according to manufacturer's instruction. Statistical analysis was performed using U Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS The mean level of nitric oxide in aqueous humor was not significantly different between glaucoma and cataract group (p=0.535). The level of NO in humor aqueous was statistically significantly lower in patients with primary open angle glaucoma than in patients with primary angle closure (p=0.022), and than in control group (p=0.053). No statistically significant differences in the level of nitric oxide in humor aqueous between PACG and cataract patients were observed (p=0.365).
Prognosis and work absence due to occupational contact dermatitis

The consequences of a diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) were investigated using cases available from the voluntary surveillance scheme, EPIDERM. Cases of OCD reported from November 1994 to September 1995 were identified and sampled to give at least 100 cases of allergic, irritant and mixed OCD reported by consultant dermatologists (344 cases) and occupational physicians (377 cases). A questionnaire was sent to the reporting physician to elicit further information. 512 completed questionnaires were returned, of which 510 were eligible for analysis. Among cases reported by dermatologists (n = 286) and occupational physicians (n = 224), 7% (6.3%) had been unemployed and 16.8% (20.1%) had taken sick leave. 3 factors independently predicted time off work in a logistic regression analysis: age OR = 1.25 (95% CI, 1.05–1.49), allergic dermatitis OR = 1.77 (95% CI, 1.13–2.79) and medicolegal assessment OR = 4.42 (95% CI, 2.20–8.89). Overall, 15.7% did not improve clinically between the first and last visit. Those who did not improve had been exposed to the agent for longer (mean 7.6 years) than those who did (5.3 years) (p = 0.09). In patients ≤ 45 years, those reported to be atopic failed to improve (25.4%) more often than those not atopic (13.4%) (p = 0.04). The substantial numbers (21%) with time off work and with persistent dermatitis suggest that OCD continues to have a significant impact on workers and their employers.
Patterns of gene expression are altered in the frontal and motor cortices of human alcoholics

Alcoholism is a major health problem in Western countries, yet relatively little is known about the mechanisms by which chronic alcohol abuse causes the pathologic changes associated with the disease. It is likely that chronic alcoholism affects a number of signaling cascades and transcription factors, which in turn result in distinct gene expression patterns. These patterns are difficult to detect by traditional experiments measuring a few mRNAs at a time, but are well suited to microarray analyses. We used cDNA microarrays to analyze expression of approximately 10 000 genes in the frontal and motor cortices of three groups of chronic alcoholic and matched control cases. A functional hierarchy was devised for classification of brain genes and the resulting groups were compared based on differential expression. Comparison of gene expression patterns in these brain regions revealed a selective reprogramming of gene expression in distinct functional groups. The most pronounced differences were found in myelin‐related genes and genes involved in protein trafficking. Significant changes in the expression of known alcohol‐responsive genes, and genes involved in calcium, cAMP, and thyroid signaling pathways were also identified. These results suggest that multiple pathways may be important for neuropathology and altered neuronal function observed in alcoholism.
High-Efficiency Soft-Error-Tolerant Digital Signal Processing Using Fine-Grain Subword-Detection Processing

The soft error problem in digital circuits is becoming increasingly important as the IC fabrication technology progresses from the deep submicrometer scale to the nanometer scale. This paper proposes a subword-detection processing (SDP) technique and a fine-grain soft-error-tolerance (FGSET) architecture to improve the performance of the digital signal processing circuit. In the SDP technique, the logic masking property of the soft error in the combinational circuit is utilized to mask the single-event upset (SEU) caused by disturbing particles in the inactive area. To further improve the performance, the masked portion of the datapath can be used as the estimation redundancy in the algorithmic softerror-tolerance (ASET) technique. This technique is called subword-detection and redundant processing (SDRP). In the FGSET architecture, the soft error in each processing element (fine grain) can be recovered by the arithmetic datapath-level ASET technique. Analysis of the fast Fourier transform processor example shows that the proposed FGSET architecture can improve the performance of the coarse-grain SET (CGSET) by 8.5 dB. The low-cost SDP technique (1.03x) yields a noise reduction of 5.3 dB over the CGSET approach (1.40x), while the efficient SDRP I (1.57x) and SDRP II (1.88x) techniques outperform the CGSET approach by 24.5 and 30.5 dB, respectively.
Anthropometric predictors of visceral adiposity in normal‐weight and obese adolescents

Obesity and fat distribution patterns [subcutaneous vs. visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] are important predictors of future cardiometabolic risk. As accurate VAT measurement entails imaging, surrogate anthropometric measurements that would be cheaper and quicker to obtain would be highly desirable. Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) may be better than other VAT surrogate measures in adults, but the value of SAD to predict magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐determined VAT in adolescents of different races, sexes, and pubertal stages has not been determined.
Micro-computed tomography analysis of changes in the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone proper induced by occlusal hypofunction of rat molars

Objective To three-dimensionally elucidate the effects of occlusal hypofunction on the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone proper of rat molars by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods Occlusal function in the molar area was restricted by attaching an anterior bite plate on the maxillary incisors and a metal cap on the mandibular incisors of 5-week-old male Wistar rats for 1 week. The periodontal ligament space and alveolar bone proper around roots of the mandibular first molar were assessed by histology and micro-CT. Results The periodontal ligament space was narrower and the alveolar bone proper was sparser and less continuous in the hypofunction group than in the control group. Further, both the volume of the periodontal ligament and the volumetric ratio of the alveolar bone proper to the total tissue in the region of interest were significantly lower in the hypofunction group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Occlusal hypofunction induces atrophic changes in the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone proper of rat molars.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among ambulatory HIV patients and a control population

Background The gastrointestinal tract is a common site of involvement in HIV-infected patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in the general population and are associated with decreased quality of life. Methods Ambulatory consecutive HIV-infected patients and consecutive healthy blood donors seen in Jamaica were studied. A 19-item questionnaire of GI symptoms was administered. Results There were 196 respondents. Among 99 HIV patients, the mean number of symptoms was 2.9 and in 97 controls 3.3 (p=0.091). Dysphagia and odynophagia were present in 8.1% of HIV patients and 3.1% of the controls (p=0.129). Belching was present in 59.6% of HIV patients and in 96.8% of controls (p≤0.001). In the control group, 44.3% had heartburn compared to 29.3% of HIV patients. Within the preceding year, 26.3% of HIV participants and 12.4% of controls sought medical attention for their GI symptoms (p=0.001). GI symptomatology was directly related to immune status in the HIV group as patients with a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/μL reported up to 6 GI symptoms, those with CD4 of 201-350 cells/μL had 3 symptoms, and patients with CD4 greater than 351 cells/μL had 1 symptom. Pain on swallowing, and vomiting were significantly more common in patients with CD4 <350 cells/μL than in controls. Conclusions GI symptoms were common in HIV patients and controls. In HIV patients symptoms were directly related to CD4 count. Pain on swallowing and vomiting were significantly more common in patients with CD4 <350 cells/μL than in controls.
Reversible infliximab-related lymphoproliferative disorder associated with Epstein-Barr virus in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

A 63-year-old woman with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had been treated with methotrexate and prednisolone. She developed cervical lymph node swelling 30 months after the initiation of infliximab therapy. A computed tomography revealed cervical and mediastinal lymph node swelling and multiple nodules (up to 13 mm in diameter) in the lungs. A lymph node biopsy showed infiltration of numerous Hodgkin-like and Reed-Sternberg-like cells. Immunohistological studies showed that these cells were positive for CD15, CD30, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein. In site hybridization revealed the presence of EBV RNA in the nuclei of these cells. EBV DNA was detected in the biopsy specimen by southern blot analysis. She was diagnosed as having EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD). Immunodeficiency-associated LPD related with infliximab therapy was considered. Cessation of infliximab therapy only led to dramatic regression of LPD. This case illustrates that EBV-associated LPDs can occur as part of infliximab adverse effects in patients with RA.
PPARα Structure-Function Relationships Derived from Species-Specific Differences in Responsiveness to Hypolipidemic Agents

The nuclear receptor PPAR alpha is a key regulatory transcription factor in lipid homeostasis, some liver detoxification processes and the control of inflammation. Recent findings suggest that many hypolipidemic drugs and anti-inflammatory agents can potentially act by binding to PPAR alpha and inducing its activity. Here, we identify some structure-function relationships in PPAR alpha, by using the species-specific responsiveness to the two hypolipidemic agents, Wy 14,643 and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA). We first show that the species-specific differences are mediated primarily via the ligand binding domain of the receptor and that these two drugs are indeed ligands of PPAR alpha. By mutagenesis analyses we identify amino acid residues in the ligand binding domains of Xenopus, mouse and human PPAR alpha, that confer preferential responsiveness to ETYA and Wy 14,643. These findings will aid in the development of new synthetic PPAR alpha ligands as effective therapeutics for lipid-related diseases and inflammatory disorders.
Understanding the Intention to Use Technology by Preservice Teachers: An Empirical Test of Competing Theoretical Models

The proliferation of technology has provided educational institutions with opportunities to integrate technology into their curriculum. Technology acceptance refers to a user's willingness to employ information technology for the tasks it is designed to support. This study compared the four models (TRA, TPB, TAM, and integrated) to examine which model best helps to predict preservice teachers' intentions to use technology. Data were gathered from 429 preservice teachers from a teacher training institute in Singapore, and structural equation modeling was used to compare the four models in terms of overall model fit, explanatory power, and path significance. The results demonstrate that the models did not differ in explanatory power. Attitude as an independent variable was found to have the greatest impact on the intention to use technology.
Modeling International Tourism Demand in Cambodia : ARDL Model

This study uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to study the dynamic determinant factors that influence both long and short-term international tourism demand in Cambodia from 12 countries. The annual time series data (1994–2013) are used in this study. The study finds that only the international tourism demand model of Australia, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and USA are sustainable as long-term relationships between their potential key explanatory variables (RGDPPC, TP, UR, and PGR). The results suggest the lagged dependent variable has a positive impact on tourist arrival rates to Cambodia from Canada and the UK. Real GDP per capita has a positive effect on tourist arrival rates from Thailand, while the lag of RGDPPC has a significant positive impact on tourist arrival rates from Australia and Canada. The population growth rates (PGR) in Thailand and Australia have positive and negative effects on tourist arrival rates to Cambodia, respectively. The unemployment growth rate (UR) in Australia and its lag in Canada show significant positive impacts on tourist arrival rates from both countries, respectively. PGR, lag in PGR and an increasing UR are significant negative factors on tourist arrivals from the USA. Adjustment rates’ returns to their respective long-term equilibria from short-term flux were 52.2% (Australia), 129.5% (Canada), 61.18% (Thailand), 116.3% (The UK), and 213% (The USA). JEL Classification: C22, F14
Specific Processing of Poly(ADP‐Ribose) Polymerase, Accompanied by Activation of Caspase‐3 and Elevation/Reduction of Ceramide/Hydrogen Peroxide Levels, During Induction of Apoptosis in Host HL‐60 Cells Infected by the Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE) Agent

We studied the mechanism by which the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in human promyelocytic HL‐60 leukemia cells. Using several New York HGE isolates, we show that the HGE agent‐elicited apoptosis is accompanied by increased processing of nuclear enzyme poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), concurrent with a noticeable increase in caspase 3 activities. A marked increase in the amounts of the signaling molecule ceramide but not of diacylglycerol was also observed in HGE agent‐infected HL‐60 cells, compared with the amounts in uninfected controls. Simultaneous or prior treatment of infected HL‐60 cells with the ceramide synthase inhibitor fumonisin B1 did not affect the magnitude of infection by the intracellular pathogen, as determined by both the presence of morulae and the expression of its outer surface membrane protein, p44. These results suggest that the observed changes in ceramide are generated through the sphingomyelinase pathway and not by way of de novo synthesis of ceramide. We also assayed for changes in intracellular hydrogen peroxide and show that the HGE agent causes a decrease in its concentrations in infected cells.
Estimation of carrier and sampling frequency offset for Ultra Wide Band multiband OFDM systems

Ultra wide band (UWB) systems based on multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) modulation, similarly to traditional OFDM systems, are particularly sensitive to oscillators instability, as carrier and sampling frequency offsets between the transmitter and the receiver destroy the subchannel orthogonality. Precise carrier and sampling frequency offsets estimation and compensation at the receiver side are therefore necessary, and should use methods with moderate complexity due to the high system transmission rates that require fast acquisition times. We formulate algorithms that are based upon the received frequency domain symbols, where the effect of both offsets can be observed, and jointly estimate them with either a linear least squares or maximum likelihood approach. The performance of the algorithms is assessed through simulation in a realistic UWB channel scenario and compared with previous literature results.
Hepatic differentiation capability of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells.

AIM To investigate the different effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) on hepatic differentiation. METHODS MSCs from rat bone marrow were isolated and cultured by standard methods. HSCs from rat bone marrow were isolated and purified by magnetic activated cell sorting. Both cell subsets were induced. Morphology, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to identify the hepatic differentiation grade. RESULTS MSCs exhibited round in shape after differentiation, instead of fibroblast-like morphology before differentiation. Albumin mRNA and protein were expressed positively in MSCs, without detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). HSCs were polygonal in shape after differentiation. The expression of albumin signal decreased and AFP signal increased. The expression of CK18 was continuous in MSCs and HSCs both before and after induction. CONCLUSION Both MSCs and HSCs have hepatic differentiation capabilities. However, their capabilities are not the same. MSCs can differentiate into mature hepatocyte-like cells, never expressing early hepatic specific genes, while Thy-1.1(+) cells are inclined to differentiate into hepatic stem cell-like cells, with an increasing AFP expression and a decreasing albumin signal. CK18 mRNA is positive in Thy-1.1(+) cells and MSCs, negative in Thy-1.1(-) cells. It seems that CK18 has some relationship with Thy-1.1 antigen, and CK18 may be a predictive marker of hepatic differentiation capability.