Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A survey of meat samples from swine, cattle, and sheep for the presence of encysted Toxoplasma.

A number of workers have contributed data to or have expressed the hypothesis that meat may serve as a source of human Toxoplasma infection. Miller and Feldman (1953) and Feldman and Miller (1956) reported the occurrence of dye test antibodies in goats, cattle, swine, and sheep in various localities in the United States. Farrell et al (1952) and Momberg-Jorgensen (1956) reported toxoplasmosis in pigs in the United States and in Norway, respectively; and Varela et al (1956) in a study of ocular toxoplasmosis in Mexico, mentioned that they had found Toxoplasma in 87 of 817 pigs' eyes examined. Weinman and Chandler (1956) found Toxoplasma antibodies in a high percentage of swine fed on uncooked garbage in Connecticut, and a much lower prevalence among pigs fed on cooked garbage or grain. Sanger et al (1953) isolated Toxoplasma from cattle in Ohio. Olafson and Monlux (1942) described toxoplasmic encephalomyelitis in a sheep in New York; Wickham and Carne (1950) reported on a similar disease in a sheep in Australia; and Hartley (1957) has recorded perinatal mortality, due to Toxoplasma, in sheep in New Zealand. Roever-Bonnet (1957) performed a serological survey of 22 sheep, 29 cows, and 26 pigs at an Amsterdam slaughter-house and found 14 sheep, 6 cows, and 13 pigs with dye test titers of 1: 20 or higher; only 11 animals, of the total of 77 studied, gave completely negative reactions. He also isolated Toxoplasma from the brains of 4 sheep, out of 30 animals whose brain and heart were inoculated into mice. Siim (1956) mentioned the possibility that meat, milk, or eggs might serve as the sources of human toxoplasmosis. Van Thiel and Van der Waaij (1956) suggested that pseudocysts in meat or other animal tissues may be responsible for oral infection of man and animals. Weinman and Chandler (1956) presented an impressive case for incriminating undercooked pork as one of the important sources of human infection. Kayhoe et al (1957) mentioned that one of two cases of lympadenopathic toxoplasmosis they reported occurred in a woman who liked to eat raw meat. It was pointed out by Jacobs (1957) that the main gap in the evidence thus far was the lack of information on the occurrence of cysts of Toxoplasma in the edible flesh of meat animals. On the basis of studies on the resistance of cysts of Toxoplasma to digestive juices (Jacobs and Melton, 1957a, Jacobs et al, to be published) and on the distribution of the parasites in the muscle of rats with chronic infections (Jacobs and Melton, 1957b), a survey procedure was developed for demonstrating Toxoplasma in meat samples (Jacobs and Melton, 1957c) and preliminary results were presented on pork and beef. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the procedures of our survey work in more detail, and to present data on sheep in addition to more complete data on swine and beef. Some corollary information on the
Global Health Inequalities and Breast Cancer: An Impending Public Health Problem for Developing Countries

Abstract: The aim of the study was to provide information on the global health inequality pattern produced by the increasing incidence of breast cancer and its relationship with the health expenditure of developing countries with emphasis on sub‐Saharan Africa. It examines the difference between the health expenditure of developed and developing countries, and how this affects breast cancer incidence and mortality. The data collected from the World Health Organization and World Bank were examined, using bivariate analysis, through scatter‐plots and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. Multivariate analysis was carried out by multiple regression analysis. National income, health expenditure affects breast cancer incidence, particularly between the developed and developing countries. However, these factors do not adequately explain variations in mortality rates. The study reveals the risk posed to developing countries to solving the present and predicted burden of breast cancer, currently characterized by late presentation, inadequate health care systems, and high mortality. Findings from this study contribute to the knowledge of the burden of disease in developing countries, especially sub‐Saharan Africa, and how that is related to globalization and health inequalities.
Blockchain Technology Adoption: Examining the Fundamental Drivers

Identifying and quantifying the drivers for adopting blockchain technologies are important for developing effective launch plan. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its derivatives have been used for this purpose. However, some of these models only use a few standardized, predetermined independent variables to collectively represent the drivers. Low predictive power of TAM leads to questions on whether this restriction may detrimentally constrain the exploration of other driving factors. Some other extended models with higher R2 are considered impractical and lack of theoretical foundations. This paper demonstrates that reasonable predictive power can be achieved even with simple, practically implementable model when research targets are sampled and segmented properly. By employing a more fundamental theory, this study has also included additional variable that would normally not be considered in TAM.
Development of Understanding Zero

While the knowledge about the development of understanding positive integers is rapidly growing, the development of understanding zero is not well-known. Here we tested several components of preschoolers’ understanding zero: whether they can use empty sets in numerical tasks, whether they can use empty sets as soon as they understand the cardinality principle, whether they know what the word “zero” refers to, and whether they categorize zero as a number. The results show that preschoolers can handle empty sets in numerical tasks as soon as they understand the cardinality principle or even earlier, and some of them know that these sets are labeled as “zero. ” However, they are unsure whether zero is a number. We argue that preschoolers might understand numbers as the properties of items or objects in a set. In this view, zero cannot be a number, because an empty set does not include any items, and the missing items cannot have any property, excluding also the number property. This model might explain why zero is handled correctly in numerical tasks, while it is not regarded to be a number.
Long-term results of carotid stenting versus endarterectomy in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND We previously reported that, in a randomized trial, carotid stenting with the use of an emboli-protection device is not inferior to carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of carotid artery disease at 30 days and at 1 year. We now report the 3-year results. METHODS The trial evaluated carotid artery stenting with the use of an emboli-protection device as compared with endarterectomy in 334 patients at increased risk for complications from endarterectomy who had either a symptomatic carotid artery stenosis of at least 50% of the luminal diameter or an asymptomatic stenosis of at least 80%. The prespecified major secondary end point at 3 years was a composite of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30 days after the procedure or death or ipsilateral stroke between 31 days and 1080 days (3 years). RESULTS At 3 years, data were available for 260 patients (77.8%), including 85.6% of patients in the stenting group and 70.1% of those in the endarterectomy group. The prespecified major secondary end point occurred in 41 patients in the stenting group (cumulative incidence, 24.6%; Kaplan-Meier estimate, 26.2%) and 45 patients in the endarterectomy group (cumulative incidence, 26.9%; Kaplan-Meier estimate, 30.3%) (absolute difference in cumulative incidence for the stenting group, -2.3%; 95% confidence interval, -11.8 to 7.0). There were 15 strokes in each of the two groups, of which 11 in the stenting group and 9 in the endarterectomy group were ipsilateral. CONCLUSIONS In our trial of patients with severe carotid artery stenosis and increased surgical risk, no significant difference could be shown in long-term outcomes between patients who underwent carotid artery stenting with an emboli-protection device and those who underwent endarterectomy. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00231270 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).
Mitochondrial DNA 4977 BP deletion mutations in lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The most common and also the most often assayed mtDNA deletion mutation, degrees mtDNA 4,977 sub has been demonstrated in various types of human cancer. However, knowledge about degrees mtDNA 4,977 in lung carcinoma is poor. AIM To study the 4,977 bp deletions of mitochondrial DNA ( degrees mtDNA 4,977) in lung cancer, adjacent histologically normal and normal lung tissue and its potential roles in the development of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven matched lung cancer/adjacent histologically normal and 20 histologically normal lung tissue samples in subjects without lung cancer were analyzed by PCR technique. RESULTS degrees mtDNA 4,977 deletions were detected in 54.1% (20/37) of lung cancers, 59.5% (22/37) of adjacent normal and 30.0% (6/20) of normal lung tissue samples. No significant difference was found in the frequency of degrees mtDNA 4,977 deletions between the tumor and adjacent normal lung tissues (P value = 0.815). Moreover, no significant difference was found in the frequency of degrees mtDNA 4,977 deletions between the tumor and histologically normal lung tissues in subjects without lung cancer (P value=0.101). However, the correlation between degrees mtDNA 4,977 deletion and age and smoking factors was present in our data. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Fisher's exact test was used to assess the difference in different groups by the Scientific Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 10.0, Statistical analysis software. CONCLUSIONS Mitochondrial DNA 4,977 bp deletion, which is not specific to lung cancer, may reflect the environmental and aging process influences operative during tumor progression.
B cells as effectors and regulators of autoimmunity

A classic understanding of the interplay between B and T cell components of the immune system that drive autoimmunity, where B cells provide an effector function, is represented by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition characterised by the production of auto-antibodies. In SLE, CD4+T cells provide cognate help to self-reactive B cells, which in turn produce pathogenic auto-antibodies (1). Thus, B cells act as effectors by producing auto-antibody aided by T cell help such that B and T cell interactions are unidirectional. However, this paradigm of B and T cell interactions is challenged by new clinical data demonstrating that B cell depletion is effective for T cell mediated autoimmune diseases including type I diabetes mellitus (T1D) (2), rheumatoid arthritis (3), and multiple sclerosis (4). These clinical data indicate a model whereby B cells can influence the developing autoimmune T cell response, and therefore act as effectors, in ways that extend beyond the production of autoantibody (5). In this review by largely focusing on type I diabetes we will develop a hypothesis that bi-directional B and T interactions control the course of autoimmunity.
Should haptic texture vibrations respond to user force and speed?

Dragging a tool across a textured surface produces vibrations that convey important perceptual information about the interaction and the underlying qualities of the surface. These vibrations depend on the motions of the tool and respond to both normal force and tangential speed. This paper explores various methods of simulating haptic texture interactions by rendering tool vibrations that are based on recorded data. We designed and ran a human-subject study (N=15) to analyze the importance of creating virtual texture vibrations that respond to user force and speed. Our analysis of data from fifteen textures showed that removing speed responsiveness did cause a statistically significant decrease in perceived realism, but removing force responsiveness did not. This result indicates that virtual textures aiming to simulate real surfaces should vary the rendered vibrations with user speed but may not need to vary them with user force.
Transforming Organizational Resource into Platform boundary Resources

The emergence of digital platforms shifts the locus of innovation from firms to ecosystems. This shift deprives product-developing firms of established control mechanisms and calls for new alternatives. Existing literature argues that platform owners have to empower ecosystems, while respecting the autonomy of members. This point to a contradiction; platform owners and third-party developers are interdependent, yet, at the same time, fundamentally detached. Contemporary research suggests that we may address this contradiction through the concept of boundary resources. Serving as the interface for arm’s length relationships, boundary resources are shaped in the interplay between platform owners and application developer. However, we have found that they are also formed in a continuous negotiation with existing firm assets. Therefore, in this research we ask how product-developing firms transform internal resources into platform boundary resources. We conducted a case study of a digital platform initiative at Volvo Group, a global truck manufacturer. Drawing on the concept of tuning, we studied Volvo’s practices in shaping boundary resources within and across multiple organizational and technological contexts. We found that resource transformation may leave firms in limbo; exposing an asset as a platform boundary resource tends to destroy its value as an internal organizational resource.
The N-terminal 31 amino acids of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope protein gp120 contain a potential gp41 contact site

We have compared the expression of full-length gp160 envelope protein from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with that of a deletion mutant lacking the N-terminal 31 amino acids of the mature protein (gp160 delta 32). The gp160 and gp160 delta 32 proteins are processed to yield gp41 and gp120 or gp120 delta 32, respectively. In contrast to full-length gp120, gp120 delta 32 failed to associate with gp41 at the cell surface, despite conformational integrity as judged by soluble CD4 binding. Thus, the N-terminal 31 amino acids of gp120, which contain hyperconserved sequences, are likely involved in forming a contact site for gp41.
Brief, repeated exposure to substrates down‐regulates dopamine transporter function in Xenopus oocytes in vitro and rat dorsal striatum in vivo

In heterologous expression systems, dopamine transporter (DAT) cell‐surface localization is reduced after relatively prolonged exposure to d‐amphetamine (AMPH) or dopamine (DA), suggesting a role for substrate‐mediated regulation of transporter function. Here, we investigated whether brief, repeated periods of substrate exposure modulated transporter function, first, in an in vitro model system and, second, in intact rat brain. In human DAT‐expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes, repeated exposure to low micromolar concentrations of DA, AMPH or tyramine markedly reduced transport‐mediated currents. This functional down‐regulation was attenuated by inclusion of a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor and probably reflects DAT redistribution, as cell‐surface [3H]WIN 35 428 binding was significantly lower following DA exposure. High‐speed chronoamperometry was used to measure clearance of exogenously applied DA in dorsal striatum (STR) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of anesthetized rats. In STR, frequent (every 2 min) applications of DA altered DA clearance parameters in a manner consistent with profound down‐regulation of DAT function. Similar changes were not observed in NAc or after repeated vehicle (ascorbic acid) application. Together, our results suggest that brief, repeated periods of substrate exposure lead to rapid down‐regulation of DAT activity and that this type of regulation can occur in vivo in STR, but not NAc.
The transmissible nature of enterotoxin production in a human enteropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli.

IN a minority of the porcine enteropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli examined by Smith and Halls (1968) and Smith and Gyles (1970a), enterotoxin production was shown to be controlled by a transmissible plasmid designated " Ent ". Ent + organisms are recognised by the fact that they cause dilatation of ligated segments of pig small intestine into which they have been injected. Since little more than 60 tests can be performed in one pig, it is, therefore, possible to identify only those strains that transmit Ent with high efficiency. That many more of the strains examined by Smith and Halls and Smith and Gyles might be able to transmit their ability to produce enterotoxin, but at a rate too low to be detected, was suggested by the observation of Smith and Linggood (1970) that all except one of 78 porcine enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli possessed the genetic elements responsible for plasmid transmission, i.e. , the sex, conjugation or transfer factors. They also found that 71 per cent. of human enteropathogenic strains of E. coli, compared with 30 per cent. of nonpathogenic strains, possessed these factors. Because of this high incidence in the human enteropathogenic strains and the fact that the enterotoxin of human strains is different from that of pig strains (Smith and Halls, 1967a and b; Smith and Gyles, 1970b), human strains were examined to see whether their enterotoxin production was transmissible; the results are reported in this paper. Cultures of human enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli do not dilate ligated pig intestine. They do, however, dilate ligated rabbit intestine, but inconsistently (Taylor, Wilkins and Payne, 1961). More consistent results were obtained by Smith and Gyles (1970b), using sterile lysates of cultures, their socalled LT preparations. In view of this, LT preparations were used in the present work.
Experimental and clinical studies

Intestinal preservation-reperfusion injury may result in various degrees of mucosal injury. Interestingly, the preservation injury is similar when using the current preservation solutions, which are given as a intravascular flush. An extensive mucosal injury may ultimately preclude the use of organs that require longer preservation time. The intestine lacks a noninvasive rejection marker, as in the case of liver or kidney transplantation. Several bio-molecules have been suggested as biomarkers, yet their specificity is only partial. Methods: Using a rat intestinal transplant model we studied the pharmacologic donor preconditioning and the intraluminal preservation with two different macromolecular solutions as means to decrease the intestinal preservationreperfusion injury. We also investigated the impact of donor preconditioning on the ensuing systemic inflammatory response after transplantation. We analyzed resistin levels after clinical intestinal transplantation and seek to establish its significance and potential as rejection marker. Results: Intraluminal introduction of low-sodium macromolecular solutions resulted in improved morphology after 8h and 14h of preservation compared with controls receiving only vascular flush with UW-solution. Moreover, intraluminal high-sodium solutions appear detrimental. These solutions also seem to influence differently the TJ conformation during preservation and de-localization of claudin-3 and ZO-1 was more prominent in intraluminal high-sodium solutions. Following transplantation, pretreated grafts showed accelerated repair and improved morphology. Pretreated grafts revealed reduced NF-kappaB activation after reperfusion and subsequently blunted ICAM-1 expression and PMN sequestration. Pretreated graft recipients had milder liver injury and lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 than recipients of untreated grafts. Resistin levels were studied in seven patients receiving intestinal grafts. Resistin increased in all patients compared with controls and remained increased even during uneventful course. Resistin did not correlate with CRP, BMI, procalcitonin or WBC and it varied greatly between patients. Conclusions: Preservation-reperfusion injury may be mitigated by the intraluminal introduction of macromolecular solutions or by donor pretreatment with Tacrolimus before graft harvesting. Tacrolimus-pretreated grafts trigger a lower remote organ injury and lower systemic inflammatory response. Plasma resistin levels greatly and were increased in all patients. However, the increase was unspecific and varied between individuals. Resistin appears unsuitable as rejection marker after intestinal transplantation.
ONE-SAMPLE PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN ELK USING FECAL STEROID METABOLITES

Recent research has demonstrated the potential of pregnancy diagnosis in elk (Cerlvus elaphus nelsoni) using immunoassays of fecal steroid concentration. However, multiple sampies are required to insure accurate results, limiting its utility for free-ranging animals. We attempted to develop an accurate one-sample pregnancy diagnosis using 153 fecal samples that were collected from free-ranging, radio-collared, adult female elk in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, USA) and from captive elk maintained at the Starkey Research Facility (La Grande, Oregon, USA) February through April 1992 and 1997. The pregnancy status of each animal was diagnosed using serum pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) assays providing fecal samples from 38 nonpregnant and 115 pregnant animals. Fecal radioimmunoassay (RIA) indicated that mean (± SD) progestagens (P4) were elevated significantly in pregnant (2.96 ± 1.49 μg/gm) compared to nonpregnant (0.43 ± 0.26 μ/gm) individuals. Confidence intervals (1.96 ± SE) for the two groups were widely separated (nonpregnant 0.34–0.51, pregnant 2.69–3.24) with little overlap in the range of concentrations measured for each group (nonpregnant 0.09–0.98, pregnant 0.90–8.29). These results indicate that fecal progestagens RIA provides a reliable method of noninvasive pregnancy diagnosis using single fecal samples collected from elk during late gestation. However, independent validation of the suggested discrimination criteria should be performed before routine application.