Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii Directly from Human and Animal Biological Samples: From Partial Genotypes to a New Genotype

Abstract Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii is traditionally performed using DNA obtained from tachyzoites after isolation by bioassay in mice. In this study, genotyping of T. gondii was performed by multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (Mn-PCR-RFLP) in DNA obtained from the lungs of experimentally infected mice, the hearts of naturally infected free-range chickens, and human blood samples of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis. The efficiency of Mn-PCR varied according to the marker. We obtained complete genotypes of all of the mice lung samples. In chickens, total or partial genotyping was performed on all of the 15 samples. Two complete genotypes were obtained, including one identified for the first time, and another previously described in different hosts including dogs, cats, and humans. In blood from infants, partial genotypes were obtained in 8 of the 12 samples. Mouse bioassay is the most efficient method to obtain DNA from T. gondii, but direct tissue genotyping enhances the likelihood of obtaining molecular information on T. gondii and is an effective tool as a complement to isolation in mice. In this study, we genotyped Toxoplasma gondii directly from human (blood samples of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis) and free-range chickens (hearts) by Mn-PCR-RFLP. We present partial and complete genotypes and provide technical and scientific information about T. gondii genotyping methods.
Salvia officinalis L. Essential Oils from Spain: Determination of Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, Antienzymatic, and Antimicrobial Bioactivities

Four essential oils (EOs) from Salvia officinalis L. cultivated in Spain (Murcia Province) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to determine their relative and absolute compositions. The main components were α‐thujone (22.8 – 41.7%), camphor (10.7 – 19.8%), 1,8‐cineole (4.7 – 15.6%), and β‐thujone (6.1 – 15.6%). Enantioselective gas chromatography identified (−)‐α‐thujone and (+)‐camphor as the main enantiomers in all the analyzed EOs. Furthermore, when the EOs were tested to determine their antioxidant activity against free radicals and as ferric reducing and ferrous chelating agents, all were seen to have moderate activity due to the compounds they contained, such as linalool or terpinene. Because of their known relation with inflammatory illnesses and Alzheimer's disease, respectively, the inhibition of lipoxygenase and acetylcholinesterase was studied using the EOs. Some individual compounds also inhibited these enzymes. In addition, the studied EOs were able to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The characterization carried out increases our awareness of the possible uses of S. officinalis EO as natural additives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Impact of inspired substance concentrations on the results of breath analysis in mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract A well-defined relationship has to exist between substance concentrations in blood and in breath if blood-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are to be used as breath markers of disease or health. In this study, the impact of inspired substances on this relationship was investigated systematically. VOCs were determined in inspired and expired air and in arterial and mixed venous blood of 46 mechanically ventilated patients by means of SPME, GC/MS. Mean inspired concentrations were 25% of expired concentrations for pentane, 7.5% for acetone, 0.7% for isoprene and 0.4% for isoflurane. Only if inspired concentrations were <5% did substance disappearance rates from blood and exhalation rates correlate well. Exhaled substance concentrations depended on venous and inspired concentrations. Patients with sepsis had higher n-pentane and lower acetone concentrations in mixed venous blood than patients without sepsis (2.27 (0.37–8.70) versus 0.65 (0.33–1.48) nmol L−1 and 69 (22–99) versus 18 (6.7–56) µmol L−1). n-Pentane and acetone concentrations in breath showed no differences between the patient groups, regardless whether or not expired concentrations were corrected for inspired concentrations. In mechanically ventilated patients, concentration profiles of volatile substances in breath may considerably deviate from profiles in blood depending on the relative amount of inspired concentrations. A simple correction for inspired substance concentrations was not possible. Hence, substances having inspired concentrations >5% of expired concentrations should not be used as breath markers in these patients without knowledge of concentrations in blood and breath.
Discovery of off-axis jet structure of TeV blazar Mrk 501 with mm-VLBI

High-resolution millimeter wave very-long-baseline interferometry (mm-VLBI) is an ideal tool for probing the structure at the base of extragalactic jets in detail. The TeV blazar Mrk 501 is one of the best targets among BL Lac objects for studying the nature of off-axis jet structures because it shows different jet position angles at different scales. The aim of this study is to investigate the properties of the off-axis jet structure through high-resolution mm-VLBI images at the jet base and physical parameters such as kinematics, flux densities, and spectral indices. We performed Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations over six epochs from 2012 February to 2013 February at 43 GHz. Quasi-simultaneous Global Millimeter VLBI Array (GMVA) observations at 86 GHz were performed in May 2012. We discover a new jet component at the northeast direction from the core in all the images at 43 and 86 GHz. The new component shows the off-axis location from the persistent jet extending to the southeast. The 43 GHz images reveal that the scattering of the positions of the NE component is within ~0.2 mas. The 86 GHz data reveals a jet component located 0.75 mas southeast of the radio core. We also discuss the spectral indices between 43 and 86 GHz, where the northeast component has steeper spectral index and the southeast component has comparable or flatter index than the radio core does.
Accuracy of Three Age Estimation Methods in Children by Measurements of Developing Teeth and Carpals and Epiphyses of the Ulna and Radius

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three methods for age estimation in children: the measurements of open apices in tooth roots (T), the ratio between the total area of carpal bones and epiphyses of the ulna and radius (HW), and the combined method (THW). The sample consisted of 288 Caucasian Italian children (152 boys and 136 girls) aged between 5 and 15 years. Accuracy was determined as the difference between estimated age and chronological age, and accuracy was assessed by analyzing individuals’ orthopantomograms and hand‐wrist radiographs. Accuracies were 0.41 years for girls and 0.54 years for boys with the THW method; for the HW method, 1.00 years for girls and 0.92 years for boys; and for the T method, 0.62 years for girls and 0.71 years for boys. THW is the most accurate technique for age estimation in these children.
Investing in Innovation: Trade-Offs in the Costs and Cost-Efficiency of School Feeding Using Community-Based Kitchens in Bangladesh

Background School feeding programs have been a key response to the recent food and economic crises and function to some degree in nearly every country in the world. However, school feeding programs are complex and exhibit different, context-specific models or configurations. Objective To examine the trade-offs, including the costs and cost-efficiency, of an innovative cluster kitchen implementation model in Bangladesh using a standardized framework. Methods A supply chain framework based on international standards was used to provide benchmarks for meaningful comparisons across models. Implementation processes specific to the program in Bangladesh were mapped against this reference to provide a basis for standardized performance measures. Qualitative and quantitative data on key metrics were collected retrospectively using semistructured questionnaires following an ingredients approach, including both financial and economic costs. Costs were standardized to a 200-feeding-day year and 700 kcal daily. Results The cluster kitchen model had similarities with the semidecentralized model and outsourced models in the literature, the main differences involving implementation scale, scale of purchasing volumes, and frequency of purchasing. Two important features stand out in terms of implementation: the nutritional quality of meals and the level of community involvement. The standardized full cost per child per year was US$110. Despite the nutritious content of the meals, the overall cost-efficiency in cost per nutrient output was lower than the benchmark for centralized programs, due mainly to support and start-up costs. Conclusions Cluster kitchens provide an example of an innovative implementation model, combining an emphasis on quality meal delivery with strong community engagement. However, the standardized costs per child were above the average benchmarks for both low- and middle-income countries. In contrast to the existing benchmark data from mature, centralized models, the main cost drivers of the program were associated with support and start-up activities. Further research is required to better understand changes in cost drivers as programs mature.
Treatment Monitoring in Gliomas: Comparison of Dynamic Susceptibility-Weighted Contrast-Enhanced and Spectroscopic MRI Techniques for Identifying Treatment Failure

Objective:To evaluate whether dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced (DSC), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE), and proton spectroscopic imaging (1H-MRSI) can identify progression and predict treatment failure during follow-up before tumor size changes, contrast agent uptake, or when new lesions become obvious. The aim was also to find out which of the aforementioned techniques had the best diagnostic performance compared with each other and standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods:Thirty-seven patients with gliomas (21 women, 16 men; mean age at inclusion, 48 ± 14 years [standard deviation]) were assessed prospectively by 1H-MRSI (point-resolved spectroscopy), DCE, and DSC perfusion MRI, each after a single dose of gadobenate dimeglumine during follow-up. Histology was available in all cases (resection, N = 18; biopsy, N = 19). All patients with low-grade gliomas (n = 20) did not receive any radio- or chemotherapy after partial resection (n = 7) or biopsy (n = 13), whereas 17 patients with high-grade gliomas had received adjuvant radiotherapy immediately after surgery. Tumor progression (progressive disease, PD) was defined as increase in longest glioma diameter by at least 20% (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), appearance of new lesions, or new contrast-enhancement. DSC, DCE, and MRSI image analyses comprised a detailed semiquantitative region of interest (ROI) analysis of the different parameters. Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Cox regression were used for statistical analysis. Results:The median follow-up time was 607 days. Twenty patients showed PD (54%), 8 of 20 with low-grade (40%) and 12 of 17 with high-grade gliomas (71%). In PD, significant positive differences between log2-transformed ROI ratios at the last measurement in comparison to the first measurement (baseline) could be detected for tumor blood flow (P < 0.006) and volume (P < 0.001) derived from DSC and for maximum choline within tumor tissue (P = 0.0029) and Cho/Cr (P = 0.032) but not choline/N-acetyl-aspartate (P = 0.37) derived from MRSI. In contrast, these parameters were not significantly higher at last measurement in stable disease. Also, the differences between last value and baseline were significantly different between PD and stable disease for tumor blood flow (P < 0.004) and volume (P < 0.002) as well as for maximum choline within tumor tissue (P = 0.0011). The best prognostic parameter for PD at Cox analysis was time-dependent difference to baseline of log2 of relative regional cerebral blood flow normalized on gray matter (hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–6.08; P = 0.01), while a prognostic value of MRS parameters could not be demonstrated. Conclusion:DSC perfusion imaging can identify progression and can predict treatment failure during follow-up of gliomas with the best diagnostic performance.
Bactericidal activity against intermediately cephalosporin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in cerebrospinal fluid of children with bacterial meningitis treated with high doses of cefotaxime and vancomycin

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was taken from 19 children with bacterial meningitis treated with cefotaxime (300 mg/kg of body weight/day) and vancomycin (60 mg/kg/day). Median levels of drugs in CSF were smaller than expected, as follows: 4.4 microg/ml for cefotaxime, 3.2 microg/ml for desacetylcefotaxime, and 1.7 microg/ml for vancomycin. The median CSF bactericidal titer against an intermediately cefotaxime-resistant pneumococcus was 1:4. Our data suggest at least an additive interaction between the drugs used in this study.
Evolution and Adjustments for the New Rules in Wrestling

ABSTRACT Competition rules and their changes have a significant impact on training and competition strategies. Urgently necessary rule changes has been made by FILA with other changes during international competitions in May 2013. As a result of the application of the new rules can be stated that the introduction of the new rules werecrowned principle of success: The new rules lead in all three disciplines in a significant increase in victories with technical superiority (ST, SP) at the expense of point victories. You caused an improvement of the performance index and the effectiveness of attack, which is reflected in the increase in activity and an enormous improvement in the attack oriented combat behavior. The number of realized technical points per bout increased in all three disciplines of the rule changes. The formal appreciation of 2-point ratings lead to a reduction of the 1-point ratings but not to increase the 3 - and 5 - point votes values or to an increase of the pins what cannot be seen as an increase of attractiveness. This is also the occasion for further reflection and for an extensive evaluation of the Senior World Championships in Budapest.
Genotypic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Drug Resistance in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy-Treated Children in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Objective: To estimate the frequency of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) displaying genotypic drug resistance in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated children in Abidjan. Methods: Among the 269 HIV-1-infected children enrolled in the ANRS 1278 prospective observational cohort between October 2000 and September 2003, 115 [median age, 6.35 years (range, 1.2–15)] required treatment and received HAART for at least 6 months. Treatment consisted of 2 nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors associated with nelfinavir (70.5%) or efavirenz (29.5%). Plasma HIV-1 RNA and CD4+ T cell counts were determined at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Genotypic resistance tests were performed in cases of virologic failure (viral load ≥3 log10 copies/mL) after at least 6 months of HAART. Results: After a median of 10.2 months of HAART, 66% (76 of 115) of children were in virologic success. Most of these children were infected with CRF02 strains. Twenty-seven viruses displayed resistance to at least 1 antiretroviral drug (27 of 38, 71%). Thirteen, 9 and 5 children had viruses with resistance to 1, 2 or 3 of the drugs included in their regimen, respectively. Resistance to lamivudine and/or to non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors was frequent among the 38 children in virologic failure. The 90M, 46L, 88S or 54V mutations were found in 11 (38%) of the 29 children taking nelfinavir. The overall frequency of viruses showing genotypic resistance to at least 1 antiretroviral drug was 23% (27 of 115) among the treated children. Conclusion: These results are similar to what is generally observed in industrialized countries. Despite these encouraging results, efforts are needed to maximize the long-term efficiency of treatment and to minimize the risk of emergence of drug resistance in treated children.
Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Liver, Kidney and Meat of Beef, Mutton, Caprine and Chicken from Kasuwan Shanu Market in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria

This study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Mg, Fe, Cr, Cd, As, Ni and Pb) in live r, ki dney and meat of beef (cow), mutton (sheep), caprine (goat ) and chicken, from Kasuwan Shanu Market in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria by using Perkin-Elmer Analyst 300 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The levels of heavy metals in the liver, kidney and meat of beef, mutton, caprine and chicken ranged from 0.23 to 1.22±0.21 μg/g Cr; 0.1 to 1. 34±0.23 μg/g Pb; 0.10 to 1.44±0.06 μg/g Cu; 0.98 to 4.65±0. 30μg/g Fe; 0.01 to 1.09±0.26 μg/g Ni; 0.45 to 4.11±0.44 μg/g Mn; 0.07 to 0.76±0.15μg/g Cd; 0.01 to 0.34±0.23μg/g As and 1.10 to 6.23±0.16 μg/g Zn. The concentrations of all the metals in the li ver, kidney and meat of beef, mutton, caprine and chicken were found to b e statistica lly significant (p<0.05). Generally, livers and kidneys were found to have the highest significant levels of metals and meat the lowest levels. When compared to one another (beef, mutton, caprine and chicken), there did show significant differences. Hence, the concentrations of all the metals were within the tolerance limits with the exception of Cr and Pb, which were higher than standard limits.
Nurse educators’ experiences of case-based education in a South African nursing programme

Background A school of nursing at a university in the Western Cape experienced an increase in student enrolments from an intake of 150 students to 300 students in the space of one year. This required a review of the teaching and learning approach to ensure that it was appropriate for effective facilitation of large classes. The case-based education (CBE) approach was adopted for the delivery of the Bachelor of Nursing programme in 2005. Aim The aim of the study was to explore nurse educators’ experiences, current practices and possible improvements to inform best practice of CBE at the nursing school in the Western Cape. Methods A participatory action research method was applied in a two day workshop conducted with nurse educators in the undergraduate nursing programme. The nominal group technique was used to collect the data. Results Three themes emerged from the final synthesis of the findings, namely: teaching and learning related issues, student issues and teacher issues. Amongst other aspects, theory and practice integration, as well as the need for peer support in facilitation of CBE, were identified as requiring strengthening. Conclusion It was concluded that case-based education should continue to be used in the school, however, more workshops should be arranged to keep educators updated and new staff orientated in respect of this teaching and learning approach.
LAT1 expression is closely associated with hypoxic markers and mTOR in resected non-small cell lung cancer.

AIM L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is known to be highly expressed in various human neoplasms. However, little is known about how LAT1 is associated with glucose metabolism, hypoxia and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between LAT1 expression, and hypoxic marker and mTOR pathway in resected NSCLC. METHODS One hundred and sixty patients were included in this study. Tumors sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for LAT1, glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), hexokinase I, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD) by determinate by CD34, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Phosphatase and tensin analog (PTEN), phosph-Akt, phosph-mTOR and phosph-S6K. RESULTS A positive LAT1 and CD98 expression were recognized in 36.8% (59/160) and 33.7% (54/160), respectively (p=0.640). LAT1 expression was significantly associated with CD98, hypoxic markers (Glut1, HIF-1α, hexokinase I, VEGF and CD34) and mTOR pathway (EGFR, a loss of PTEN, p-mTOR and p-S6K), especially in lung adenocarcinoma (AC). The expression profile of these biomarkers was significantly higher in non-AC than in AC, but almost these biomarkers were equally expressed between AC (n=16) and non-AC (n=43) patients with a positive LAT1 expression. Overexpression of LAT1 was closely associated with poor outcome in patient with AC. CONCLUSION LAT1 expression is closely correlated with hypoxic markers and mTOR pathway in patients with resected NSCLC.
NMR relaxation times in the human brain at 3.0 tesla

Relaxation time measurements at 3.0 T are reported for both gray and white matter in normal human brain. Measurements were made using a 3.0 T Bruker Biospec magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in normal adults with no clinical evidence of neurological disease. Nineteen subjects, 8 female and 11 male, were studied for T1 and T2 measurements, and 7 males were studied for T*2. Measurements were made using a saturation recovery method for T1, a multiple spin‐echo experiment for T2, and a fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) sequence with 14 different echo times for T*2. Results of the measurements are summarized as follows. Average T1 values measured for gray matter and white matter were 1331 and 832 msec, respectively. Average T2 values measured for gray matter and white matter were 80 and 110 msec, respectively. The average T*2 values for occipital and frontal gray matter were 41.6 and 51.8 msec, respectively. Average T*2 values for occipital and frontal white matter were 48.4 and 44.7 msec, respectively. ANOVA tests of the measurements revealed that for both gray and white matter there were no significant differences in T1 from one location in the brain to another. T2 in occipital gray matter was significantly higher (0.0001 < P < .0375) than the rest of the gray matter, while T2 in frontal white matter was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). Statistical analysis of cerebral hemispheric differences in relaxation time measurements showed no significant differences in T1 values from the left hemisphere compared with the right, except in insular gray matter, where this difference was significant at P = 0.0320. No significant difference in T2 values existed between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Significant differences were apparent between male and female relaxation time measurements in brain. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;9:531–538. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.