Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibody to a 110,000-molecular-weight hemolysin of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect swine antibody to a 110,000-molecular-weight hemolysin (110K hemolysin) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal or mouse monoclonal immunoglobulin G to the hemolysin of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 strain J45, followed by hemolysin-rich concentrated culture supernatant, was used to bind swine antibody to hemolysin to microdilution plates. Sixty-nine serum samples from swine that were clinically normal, presented with clinical evidence of pleuropneumonia, were experimentally immunized or challenged, or were free of pleuropneumonia were tested, and their ELISA titers were compared with complement fixation (CF) titers. On the basis of serum samples from swine that were clinically normal and negative by CF, an ELISA titer of 1:320 or greater was considered positive. In comparison with CF, the sensitivity of the ELISA was 98.1% and the specificity was 90%. The two samples negative by CF and positive by indirect ELISA were, however, also positive for antibody to serotype 5 capsule by ELISA. Immunization of normal pigs with whole cells or purified hemolysin boosted titers 4- to 128-fold within 4 weeks. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the affinity-purified immunoglobulin G to hemolysin used for capture in the assay recognized only a 110K protein of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 to 7, although the reactivity was quantitatively variable between serotypes. Therefore, the indirect ELISA is capable of identifying animals infected with or exposed to most, if not all, serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae. If an indirect ELISA titer of 1:320 or greater is considered positive, the assay can be a valuable diagnostic tool in both clinical and research laboratories.
The Role of Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Paranasal Sinuses Lesions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Paranasal sinuses and their lesions are important challenge for clinicians. In the last 25 years,CT scan has become a useful diagnostic modality in the evaluation of PNS and an integral part of surgical planning. Our objective was to describe in detail, the lesions and their correlates as seen in CT scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational study including 63 patients (46 males and 17 females) within the age range of 2 to 72 years (average age 38.75) who were undergoing Para nasal sinuses CT scan with pre and post contrast scans (Non-ionic contrast media). Histopathology and treatment response was collected from patients’ documents and case papers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. RESULTS: The peak age incidence of Paranasal sinus lesions seen in age of 31-50 years, with 27 cases. Discharge is most common symptom seen in 44 cases (70%),obstruction in 19 cases (30%) and pain in 10 cases(17%). Most common sinus involved is maxillary sinus 49 cases (77%). According to pathology inflammatory lesions were the most frequent constituting 43 cases (63%) CONCLUSION: Computer tomography is a sensitive and noninvasive tool that allow rapid detection,localization and extent of lesions on which management and prognosis is based. Contrast enhancement CT is particularly useful in evaluating neoplastic, chronic and inflammatory process.
FT3/FT4 ratio predicts non-alcoholic fatty liver disease independent of metabolic parameters in patients with euthyroidism and hypothyroidism

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of metabolic parameters and thyroid dysfunction on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: The current study evaluated a total of 115 patients, 75 female and 40 male. Physical examination and anthropometric measurements were applied to all participants. Hypothyroidism was considered at a thyroid stimulating hormone level ≥ 4.1 mIU/L. Patients with euthyroidism and patients with hypothyroidism were compared. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The participants were further compared with regard to the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and independent variables, such as metabolic parameters and insulin resistance. RESULTS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was identified in 69 patients. The mean waist circumference, body mass index, fasting plasma insulin, HOMA-IR (p<0.001) and FT3/FT4 ratio (p=0.01) values were significantly higher in the patients with NAFLD compared to those without it. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that FT3/FT4 ratio, waist circumference and insulin resistance were independent risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance, enlarged waist circumference, elevated body mass index, higher FT3/FT4 ratio and hypertriglyceridemia are independent risk factors for NADLF, whereas hypothyroidism is not directly related to the condition.
Hemorrhagic Radiation Cystitis

The optimal management of persistent hemorrhagic radiation cystitis is ill-defined. Various options are available and include oral agents (ie, sodium pentosan polysulfate), intravenous drugs (ie, WF10), topical agents (ie, formalin), hyperbaric oxygen, and endoscopic procedures (ie, electrical cautery, argon plasma coagulation, laser coagulation). In general, it is best to manage patients conservatively and intervene only when necessary with the option least likely to exacerbate the cystitis. More aggressive measures should be employed only when more conservative approaches fail. Bladder biopsies should be avoided, unless findings suggest a bladder tumor, because they may precipitate a complication.
Discovery of novel mechanisms and molecular targets for the inhibition of activated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor

Summary. Background: Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is an important regulator of fibrinolysis and an attractive target to develop profibrinolytic drugs. Objective: To analyze the (inhibitory) properties of five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed towards rat TAFI (i.e. MA‐RT13B2, MA‐RT30D8, MA‐RT36A3F5, MA‐RT36B2 and MA‐RT82F12). Methods and results: Direct interference of the mAb with rat activated TAFI (TAFIa) activity was assayed using a chromogenic activity assay. This revealed reductions of 79% ± 1%, 54% ± 4%, and 19% ± 2% in activity in the presence of a 16‐fold molar excess of MA‐RT13B2, MA‐RT36A3F5, and MA‐RT82F12, respectively whereas MA‐RT30D8 and MA‐RT36B2 had no direct inhibitory effect. Additionally, MA‐RT13B2 and MA‐RT36A3F5 reduced rat TAFIa half‐life by 56% ± 2% and 61% ± 3%. Tissue‐type plasminogen activator mediated in vitro clot lysis was determined using rat plasma. Compared to potato tuber carboxypeptidase inhibitor, MA‐RT13B2, MA‐RT30D8, MA‐RT36A3F5, and MA‐RT82F12 reduced clot lysis times by 86% ± 14%, 100% ± 5%, 100% ± 10%, and 100% ± 11%, respectively. During epitope mapping, Arg227 and Ser251 were identified as major residues interacting with MA‐RT13B2. Arg188 and His192 contribute to the interaction with MA‐RT36A3F5. Arg227, Ser249, Ser251, and Tyr260 are involved in the binding of MA‐RT30D8 and MA‐RT82F12 with rat TAFI(a). The following mechanisms of inhibition have been deduced: MA‐RT13B2 and MA‐RT36A3F5 have a destabilizing effect on rat TAFIa whereas MA‐RT30D8 and MA‐RT82F12 partially block the access to the active site of TAFIa or interact with the binding of TAFIa to the blood clot. Conclusions: The described inhibitory mAb towards rat TAFIa will facilitate TAFI research in murine models. Additionally, we reveal novel molecular targets for the direct inhibition of TAFIa through different mechanisms.
Wage Dispersion, Job Creation and Development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Labor markets in least developed countries are characterised by small wage sectors and low productivity and wages. Using household level data for many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, we document that they also show a greater level of wage dispersion. This is in stark contrast with the positive correlation between income mean and income inequality for the same countries. We propose a labor search and matching framework with entry costs and firm heterogeneity that delivers endogenously the negative correlation between (i) wage dispersion and size of the wage sector and (ii) wage dispersion and wage mean. We also show that this model can reconcile the differences between wage and income inequality by accounting for labor reallocations between wage and self-employment sectors. We focus on three channels to explain these phenomena in Sub-Saharan Africa: entry costs (e.g. regulations, financial constraints to starting a business), differences in countries' underlying productivity distribution (e.g. due to lower capital intensity, or poor infrastructure) and labor market frictions. A numerical simulation shows that the model does a good job in reproducing the main stylised facts and reveals how these different constraints interact to reduce labor market performance.
Prospective, randomized study of ropivacaine wound infusion versus intrathecal morphine with intravenous fentanyl for analgesia in living donors for liver transplantation

Postoperative analgesia and care for living liver donors have become particular interests for clinicians as the use of living donor liver transplantation has increased. Local anesthetic–based analgesia has been known to provide effective pain control. In this prospective, randomized study, we compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of local anesthetic–based analgesia (PainBuster) with the efficacy of opioid‐based analgesia [intrathecal morphine (ITM) with intravenous (IV) fentanyl] in liver donors. Forty adult donors were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: an ITM/IV fentanyl group (n = 21) and a PainBuster group (n = 19). Donors in the PainBuster group received 0.5% ropivacaine via a multi‐orifice catheter (ON‐Q PainBuster) placed at the wound. Donors in the ITM/IV fentanyl group received ITM sulfate (400 μg) preoperatively and a continuous IV fentanyl infusion postoperatively. A visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and with coughing and rescue IV fentanyl and meperidine consumption were assessed for 72 hours after the operation. Side effects, including sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression, wound seroma or hematoma, and the first time to flatus, were recorded. The VAS score at rest during the first 12 postoperative hours was significantly lower for the ITM/IV fentanyl group. At other times, the VAS scores were comparable between the groups. In the PainBuster group, rescue IV fentanyl and meperidine use was significantly reduced 24 to 48 hours and 48 to 72 hours after surgery in comparison with the first 24 postoperative hours. The time to first flatus was significantly reduced in the PainBuster group. There were no differences in side effects. In conclusion, analgesia was more satisfactory with ITM/IV fentanyl versus PainBuster during the first 12 hours after surgery, but they became comparable thereafter, with a shortened bowel recovery time in the PainBuster group. The concurrent use of ITM with PainBuster may be considered in a future investigation. Liver Transpl 19:1036–1045, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Characterization of Arabidopsis Transcriptional Responses to Different Aphid Species Reveals Genes that Contribute to Host Susceptibility and Non-host Resistance

Aphids are economically important pests that display exceptional variation in host range. The determinants of diverse aphid host ranges are not well understood, but it is likely that molecular interactions are involved. With significant progress being made towards understanding host responses upon aphid attack, the mechanisms underlying non-host resistance remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated and compared Arabidopsis thaliana host and non-host responses to aphids at the transcriptional level using three different aphid species, Myzus persicae, Myzus cerasi and Rhopalosiphum pisum. Gene expression analyses revealed a high level of overlap in the overall gene expression changes during the host and non-host interactions with regards to the sets of genes differentially expressed and the direction of expression changes. Despite this overlap in transcriptional responses across interactions, there was a stronger repression of genes involved in metabolism and oxidative responses specifically during the host interaction with M. persicae. In addition, we identified a set of genes with opposite gene expression patterns during the host versus non-host interactions. Aphid performance assays on Arabidopsis mutants that were selected based on our transcriptome analyses identified novel genes contributing to host susceptibility, host defences during interactions with M. persicae as well to non-host resistance against R. padi. Understanding how plants respond to aphid species that differ in their ability to infest plant species, and identifying the genes and signaling pathways involved, is essential for the development of novel and durable aphid control in crop plants.
The Evolution of the Trunnion

Implant modularity has recently come under increasing scrutiny due to concerns regarding wear, corrosion and potential adverse reactions to metal debris. This review outlines the evolution and development of the femoral stem trunnion and relates this to contemporary issues now encountered. Despite different manufacturers producing what appear to be similar trunnion designs, there is still a lack of standardisation, with small but significant design variations. Wear and corrosion is certainly not a new phenomenon, but recent changes in design and the use of larger metal head sizes has potentially made the problem more prevalent. These issues along with steps to avoid these problems are discussed.
Morning blood pressure predicts hypertensive organ damage in patients with renal diseases: effect of intensive antihypertensive therapy in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Blood pressure (BP) measured at home early in the morning (HBP) has been recognized as a useful predictor for organ damage and has been viewed as an important therapeutic target in patients with hypertension. The present study was aimed to determine whether this notion holds true in patients with progressive renal disease. The study enrolled patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. They were all directed to record self-measured HBP to evaluate the adequacy of BP control. In addition to the conventional antihypertensive therapy, intensive treatment to more efficiently reduce elevated morning HBP was applied, especially in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The results were as follows: 1) The status of BP control assessed using HBP and office/clinic BP (OBP) shows predominance of morning hypertension. The prevalence of patients with well-controlled systolic HBP was 38%, those with poorly-controlled HBP 30%, masked hypertension 20% and white coat hypertension 12%. 2) Early morning systolic HBP in diabetics was significantly higher than that in non-diabetics. However, when evaluated on systolic OBP, both groups were comparable.3)Logistic regression analysis showed that the predictive variables to explain morning hypertension (more than 130 mmHg and increased systolic HBP) were age, amount of daily urinary protein excretion and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). 4)Following conventional therapy, intensive antihypertensive therapy consisting of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and/or diuretics given in the morning, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) given in the evening, together with alpha1-blockers given at bedtime, efficaciously reduced elevated HBP in the morning. This result was associated with significant reduction in daily urinary protein excretion and in serum plasminogen-activator inhibitor (PAI-1) concentration. The present study indicates that, regardless of ongoing conventional antihypertensive therapy, the majority of patients with renal disease had morning hypertension, suggesting that these patients are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. For the purpose of improving morning hypertension, intensive treatments with combined CCB, ARB and alpha1-blockers could have substantial benefit on the morbidity and prognosis in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Performance characteristics and physiological response of broiler chickens at finisher stage to oral supplementation with fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract

The performance characteristics and physiological response of broiler chickens to oral supplementation with Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract (TOLE) at finisher stage were investigated. One hundred and twenty unsexed broilers of Arbor Acre strain at 28-day-old were randomly divided into four treatment groups of oral supplementation each with three replicates. The treatment groups are: T1=Water (control), T2=Vitalyte, T3=15% TOLE, and T4=30% TOLE. The experiment lasted for 70 days, during which data collection was carried out and blood obtained for analysis at the 70th day. Results revealed that average body weight gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P 0.05) affected by oral TOLE. Measured blood parameters of the groups on TOLE were significantly (P 0.05) by the oral supplementations. Apart from creatinine, uric acid and globulin, other serum metabolites investigated were significantly (P<0.05) affected by TOLE inclusions. No mortality was recorded during the experiment. Oral supplementation of TOLE compared well with conventional vitamin supplement based on measured parameters, 30% supplementation can be used as vitamin supplement in broiler chicken at finisher phase.
Analysis of blood donor deferral in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Characteristics and causes.

OBJECTIVE To analyse the rates and reasons for donor deferral at a blood bank in Saudi Arabia. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and comprised data of all blood donors reporting for donation from January 2011 to December 2014 in the hospital's blood bank, accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. Data was collected from the records maintained by the blood bank. RESULTS Out of the 46,370 blood donors, 4,035(8.7%) were deferred. Of them, 764(19%) were deferred because of persistent high pulse rate, 689(17%) poor veins, 488(12%) low blood pressure and 74(1.8%) because of low haemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS Reasons for deferral may vary due to difference in socio-economic status, and cultural and environmental factors.
Homological codimension of modular rings of invariants and the Koszul complex

Let $\rho : G \hookrightarrow \mathrm{GL}(n, \mathbf{F})$ be a representation of a finite group over the field $\mathbf{F}$ of characteristic $p$, and $h_{1}, \ldots ,h_{m} \in \mathbf{F}[V]^{G}$ invariant polynomials that form a regular sequence in $\mathbf{F}[V]$. In this note we introduce a tool to study the problem of whether they form a regular sequence in $\mathbf{F}[V]^{G}$. Examples show they need not. We define the cohomology of $G$ with coefficients in the Koszul complex \[ (\mathscr{K},\partial )=(\mathbf{F}[V]\bigotimes E(s^{-1}h_{1}, \ldots ,s^{-1}h_{n}), \partial (s^{-1}h_{i}:i=1,\ldots ,n), \] which we denote by $H^{*}(G;(\mathscr{K}, \partial ))$, and use it to study the homological codimension of rings of invariants of permutation representations of the cyclic group of order $p$, for $p \neq 0$, and to answer the above question in this case.
Creación Colaborativa de Recursos Educativos Abiertos: Experiencias de la Iniciativa LATIn

En este trabajo se presentan los procesos realizados por el Proyecto LATIn para crear la Iniciativa Latinoamericana de Libros de Texto Abiertos. Para tal fin se diseno una metodologia colaborativa, se implementaron plataformas tecnologicas adecuadas y se apoyo en una estrategia para la generacion y adopcion de libros de textos abiertos en las Universidades socias del proyecto. El objetivo del proyecto fue aumentar la accesibilidad de estudiantes de bajos recursos a libros de texto y generar contenidos desde y para Latinoamerica, pensando en sus diferentes contextos, culturas e idiomas.
Urban Bird Feeders Dominated by a Few Species and Individuals

The practice of garden bird feeding is a global phenomenon, involving millions of people and vast quantities of food annually. Many people engage in the practice of feeding assuming that birds gain some benefit from the food they provide, yet recent studies have revealed the potential for detrimental impacts as well. However, there is still a paucity of information on the impacts of feeding, including the ubiquity of these impacts among and within feeder-visiting species. Consistency in feeder use among birds is likely an important determinant of this. Individual birds and species that make frequent use of feeders are more likely to experience both the benefits and detrimental impacts of supplementary food. We investigated patterns of feeder use by garden birds visiting experimental feeding stations in Auckland, New Zealand, with the specific aim of determining whether use of supplementary food was consistent or variable among individuals and species. We used camera traps as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to examine intra- and interspecific feeder visitation patterns and to discern species associations. Eleven bird species were detected using feeding stations, however, two introduced species (house sparrow Passer domesticus and spotted dove Streptopelia chinensis) dominated visitation events. These species were present at feeders most frequently, with the largest conspecific group sizes. Significant associations were detected among a number of species, suggesting interspecific interactions are important in determining feeder use. We also found within-species differences in feeder use for all focal species, with individual variation greatest in house sparrows. Furthermore, season had an important influence on most visitation parameters. The observed individual and species-specific differences in supplementary food resource use imply that the impacts of garden bird feeding are not universal. Crucially, particularly given the avifaunal context in New Zealand, resource dominance by introduced species could have potential negative outcomes for native species conservation in cities.
Botulinum Neurotoxin A Activity Is Dependent upon the Presence of Specific Gangliosides in Neuroblastoma Cells Expressing Synaptotagmin I*

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) is the deadliest of all known biological substances. Although its toxicity makes BoNT/A a biological warfare threat, its biologic activity makes it an increasingly useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of muscular disorders. However, almost 200 years after its discovery, the neuronal cell components required for the activity of this deadly toxin have not been unequivocally identified. In this work, neuroblastoma cells expressing synaptotagmin I, a protein shown to be bound by BoNT/A, were used to determine whether specific gangliosides were necessary for BoNT/A activity as measured by synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) cleavage. Ganglioside GT1b was found to support BoNT/A activity significantly more effectively than GD1a, which was far more effective than GM1 when added to ganglioside-deficient murine cholinergic Neuro 2a or to human adrenergic SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. Whereas both cell lines expressed synaptotagmin I, SNAP-25 cleavage was not observed in the absence of complex gangliosides. These results indicate that 1) gangliosides are required for BoNT/A activity, 2) synaptotagmin I in the absence of gangliosides does not support BoNT/A activity, and 3) Neuro 2a cells are an efficient model system for studying the biological activity of BoNT/A.