Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE AND GENETIC HETEROGENEITY OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI SENSU LATO IN IXODES TICKS IN BELGIUM

Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a genetically diverse group of spirochetes that includes the agent of Lyme borreliosis in which genospecies tend to be associated with specific clinical features. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in 524 ticks collected in woods of a western province of Belgium. Presence of spirochetes in ticks was determined by phase contrast microscopy. The mean infection rate of ticks was 12.0%. Variability was observed in the prevalence of infection among the five sites examined, ranging from 2.8 to 21.6%. Identification to genospecies was determined by PCR and sequencing. The most common genomospecies were Borrelia afzelii (55%) and Borrelia garinii (21%). For the first time in Belgium, we detected Borrelia valaisiana and Borrelia spielmanii, representing 14% and 2%, respectively. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto counted only for 2%. Co-infections were present in 8% of ticks. We emphasize the need for clinical studies to assess the prevalence of specific genospecies-related clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis in Belgium.
Basal ganglia motor control. II. Late pallidal timing relative to movement onset and inconsistent pallidal coding of movement parameters.

1. We have tested the hypothesis that the basal ganglia initiate some one or several modes of movement by recording the change in discharge frequency of pallidal neurons during visually triggered step and visually paced ramp moves in relation to the visual stimulus onset, the change in the electromyograph (EMG), and the movement onset of trained rhesus monkeys. 2. The modal times of change for globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) were significantly later than those for forearm agonist muscle EMG. By contrast, the modal time of change for the cerebellar dentate nucleus preceded that for wrist agonist EMG. 3. The direction of change in discharge frequency of the GPi cells was for 71% an increase and for 29% a decrease. 4. Because of the relatively late change of activity of GPi neurons, we propose that GPi neurons cannot initiate these movements, as others have also suggested. The commands for the initiation of these movements may instead be generated by structures that include the lateral cerebellum and the anterior cerebral cortex. 5. We have also tested the hypothesis that the pallidum of the basal ganglia or the dentate of the lateral cerebellum may control the direction and other parameters of the trajectory by recording from both structures to see whether cell discharge correlated with the parameter and whether the correlation was consistent across tasks. Two rhesus monkeys were trained to perform hold-ramp-hold and hold-step-hold visually guided movements in opposite directions by flexing and extending the wrist with and against uniform oppositely directed torque loads (0.2 Nm). Wrist position, velocity, force, and EMG were recorded simultaneously. Movement amplitudes and directional intent were computed and inferred, respectively. 6. Task related neurons were classified as follows: 1) directional, if the discharge rate was reciprocal for opposite movements or if it increased or decreased during movement in one direction only; 2) bidirectional, if the discharge rate increased or decreased during movement in both directions; and 3) "other," if it was directional under one load and bidirectional under the other. During step tracking, 34 GPi, 47 globus pallidus pars externa (GPe), and 44 cerebellar dentate nuclear neurons were related to the task. Of the GPi cells, 14 (41%) were directional, 6 (18%) bidirectional, and 14 (41%) other. Of the GPe neurons, 13 (28%) were directional, 19 (40%) bidirectional, and 15 (32%) other. Of the dentate cerebellar nuclear cells, 5 (11%) were bidirectional, 31 (70%) bidirectional, and 8 (18%) other. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
PHOTOMETRIC CALIBRATION OF THE FIRST 1.5 YEARS OF THE PAN-STARRS1 SURVEY

We present a precise photometric calibration of the first 1.5 years of science imaging from the Pan-STARRS1 survey (PS1), an ongoing optical survey of the entire sky north of declination −30° in five bands. Building on the techniques employed by Padmanabhan et al. in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we use repeat PS1 observations of stars to perform the relative calibration of PS1 in each of its five bands, simultaneously solving for the system throughput, the atmospheric transparency, and the large-scale detector flat field. Both internal consistency tests and comparison against the SDSS indicate that we achieve relative precision of <10 mmag in g, r, and iP1, and ∼10 mmag in z and yP1. The spatial structure of the differences with the SDSS indicates that errors in both the PS1 and SDSS photometric calibration contribute similarly to the differences. The analysis suggests that both the PS1 system and the Haleakala site will enable <1% photometry over much of the sky.
POOR PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH BIRDSHOT RETINOCHOROIDOPATHY

Purpose: To identify prognostic factors for poor visual outcome in patients with birdshot retinochoroidopathy. Methods: A case–control study of 98 patients with birdshot retinochoroidopathy (196 eyes) was evaluated with a follow-up period of at least 12 months. After exclusion of glaucoma, optic atrophy, and macular scar, the remaining eligible patients were categorized into two groups: poor visual outcomes and good visual outcomes. Poor visual outcome was defined as less than −6 mean deviation score on Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) test and abnormality (amplitude or implicit time) of 30 Hz flicker electroretinogram at 4-year follow-up and at the most recent visit for separate analysis. Potential factors between both groups were statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and logistic regression model. Results: After the aforementioned exclusion, the remaining 77 patients with an average follow-up period of 52 ± 29 months (335 person-years, 36% with follow-up of more than 5 years) were divided into two groups. Sixteen patients were categorized as having poor visual outcome. Univariate analysis identified significant association of abnormal 30 Hz flicker electroretinogram amplitude (P = 0.004), implicit time (P = 0.002), and SITA SWAP mean deviation at the initial visit (P < 0.001) in the poor visual outcome group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified only SITA SWAP mean deviation to be associated with poor visual outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 32.50; 95% confidence interval [3.84–275.32]; P = 0.001) at the initial visit. To verify the model validity, an analysis of 42 patients at 4-year follow-up was performed and the outcome was confirmed (adjusted odds ratio, 8.80; 95% confidence interval [1.58–49.16]; P = 0.013). Conclusion: Worse SITA SWAP mean deviation at the initial visit is a predictor of poor visual outcome in patients with birdshot retinochoroidopathy, and may serve as a proxy marker for delayed effective steroid sparing therapy in patients with birdshot retinochoroidopathy.
Neural Mechanisms in Poliomyelitis

"I have no use for thoughts and ideas, such as those described in this lecture, until experiments turn them into fact; and my only excuse for such an account of ideas is a compelling desire to initiate experiments to answer the questions I have suggested. You will agree that the mysteries of the lymphatic system fall in well with such a compulsion, and if some of you have been infected by its problems, I shall have left you as the founder of this series would have wished. "
Empirical Study on FDI, International Trade and Economic Growth in Chongqing Based on VAR

Based on the Chongqing economic data from 1987 to 2008, this paper performs an empirical research according to VAR modle and the results of vector error correction model (VECM), it draws a conclusion that there is a long-term equilibrium between the three variables, FDI and export have great impress on economics. The results also reveal that Chongqing is an export-led growth district and export is a causality to import there is a bi-directional causality between FDI and export.
Factors Affecting Hospital Water System Contamination with Legionella pneumophila in Northeast of Iran

Background: Natural and man-made environments are the main sources of Legionella pneumophila. Hospitals are considered as at risk environments for legionella contamination. Considering the serious outcome of legionnaire diseasein hospitalized patients, we investigated possible contamination with Legionella pneumophila in water system of two main hospital settings in north-east of Iran and affecting factors. Material and methods: Forty water samples were taken from the different wards of each two main1000 bed university hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. Free chlorine and temperature was measured and recorded at the sampling location. Next, 250 ml of each water sample was filtrated and Legionella pneumophila antigen was evaluated by ELISA technique. Result: Twenty-three out of 40 samples from Imam Reza university hospital and 3 out of 40 samples from Ghaem university hospital were found positive for Legionella pneumophila antigens, hence a significantly difference in contamination rate was observed between the two hospitals(P-value<0.001). We did not observe any significant relationship between free chlorine, temperature and contamination with Legionella pneumophila (p =0.365and p= 0.753 respectively). Conclusion: both hospitals had the same environmental hygiene policy, but the older hospital had notably increased water contamination in at risk wards, probably owing to the older water distribution system or its longer water supply piping system. The hospital building age and structure is an effective factor that is generally ignored in decontamination plannings. These findings suggest the needs for more rigorous decontamination protocols in older hospitals. KEY WORD: water contamination, legionella pneumophila, hospital
Three-Dimensional Surface Imaging in Plastic Surgery: Foundation, Practical Applications, and Beyond

Summary: Three-dimensional surface imaging has gained clinical acceptance in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In contrast to computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, three-dimensional surface imaging relies on triangulation in stereophotography to measure surface x, y, and z coordinates. This study reviews the past, present, and future directions of three-dimensional topographic imaging in plastic surgery. Historically, three-dimensional imaging technology was first used in a clinical setting in 1944 to diagnose orthodontologic conditions. Karlan established its use in the field of plastic surgery in 1979, analyzing contours and documenting facial asymmetries. Present use of three-dimensional surface imaging has focused on standardizing patient topographic measurements to enhance preoperative planning and to improve postoperative outcomes. Various measurements (e.g., volume, surface area, vector distance, curvature) have been applied to breast, body, and facial topography to augment patient analysis. Despite the rapid progression of the clinical applications of three-dimensional imaging, current use of this technology is focused on the surgeon’s perspective and secondarily the patient’s perspective. Advancements in patient simulation may improve patient-physician communication, education, and satisfaction. However, a communal database of three-dimensional surface images integrated with emerging three-dimensional printing and portable information technology will validate measurements and strengthen preoperative planning and postoperative outcomes. Three-dimensional surface imaging is a useful adjunct to plastic and reconstructive surgery practices and standardizes measurements to create objectivity in a subjective field. Key improvements in three-dimensional imaging technology may significantly enhance the quality of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the near future.
Issues deserve attention in encapsulating probiotics: Critical review of existing literature

ABSTRACT Probiotic bacteria are being increasingly added to food for developing products with health-promoting properties. However, the efficacy of probiotics in commercial products is often questioned due to the loss of their viability during shelf storage and in human gastrointestinal tracts. Encapsulation of probiotics has been expected to provide protection to probiotics, but not many commercial products contain encapsulated and viable probiotic cells owing to various reasons. To promote the development and application of encapsulation technologies, this paper has critically reviewed previous publications with a focus on the areas where studies have fallen short, including insufficient consideration of structural effects of encapsulating material, general defects in encapsulating methods and issues in evaluation methodologies and risk assessments for application. Corresponding key issues that require further studies are highlighted. Some emerging trends in the field, such as current treads in encapsulating material and recently advanced encapsulation techniques, have also been discussed.
Determination of Platelet and White Blood Cell Counts from Peripheral Blood Smear: An Indispensable Method in Under-resourced Laboratories

Objective: Blood smear examination serves as a quality control tool in verifying the results generated by the automated analyzer and identification of abnormal or immature cells amongst other functions. This study was undertaken to estimate platelet and White Blood Cell (WBC) counts from Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS) and to correlate them with the results from automated method. Materials and Methods: Fifty blood samples collected into K3 EDTA from 30 males and 20 females whose ages were from 2 to 50 years, and attended General Out-Patient Department (GOPD) of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between May and November, 2015 were considered for the study. Each blood sample was used for the determination of full blood count using Swelab Alfa hematology analyzer, and preparation of stained blood films using standard laboratory methods. Results: There were significantly lower values of platelet count (using multiplication factor of 15.0 x10/L) and white blood cell count (using multiplication factor of 2.0 x10/L) to derive (22.42±60.77) x10/L and (4.49±1.04) x10/L by manual (PBS) method as compared to (267.86±77.28) x 10/L and (5.86±1.36) x10/L respectively, for automated method (P<0.001). However, there was no Original Research Article Momodu; IBRR, 5(2): 1-7, 2016; Article no.IBRR. 25105 2 significant difference in estimated platelet count by manual (PBS) method using multiplication factor of 20.0 x10/L compared to automated method (P>0.05). Fairly strong positive correlations were observed for platelet and white blood cell counts when manual method was compared to automated method (r= 0.6828 0.7321, P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that multiplications factors of 20.0 x10/L per 100X, objective lens and 2.7 x10/L per 40X, objective lens can be used for average numbers of platelets and white blood cells respectively to estimate platelet and white blood cell counts from PBS as the results are comparable to that of the hematology analyzer.
Effects of PPIs and an H2 blocker on the antiplatelet function of clopidogrel in Japanese patients under dual antiplatelet therapy.

AIM Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel is essential after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel is a prodrug and changed into active metabolite by cytochrome p450 enzymes (CYPs), especially CYP2C19. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used for the prevention of aspirin-induced gastrointestinal bleeding. PPIs are also metabolized by CYP2C19, although the degree of its contribution is dependent on the kind of PPI. Omeprazole, a PPI, has been reported to weaken the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel. Famotidine, a histamine receptor type 2 (H2) blocker, could also be an alternative to PPIs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PPIs and an H2 blocker on the antiplatelet function of clopidogrel. METHODS Patients receiving DAPT due to prior PCI, who took either omeprazole or rabeprazole, were enrolled (n=25). The initial PPI was changed to the other PPI as a crossover study. In another study, patients undergoing DAPT without taking PPIs or H2 blockers were enrolled (n=30) and famotidine was added. RESULTS Platelet aggregability when taking omeprazole was higher than when taking rabeprazole, evaluated by an optical aggregometer using collagen as a stimulus (p=0.0051) and by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (p=0.0060). Platelet aggregability when taking rabeprazole was comparable to that in control patients (n=15). Concomitant use of famotidine had no effect. CONCLUSION Omeprazole significantly reduced the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel and this effect on clopidogrel was stronger than that of rabeprazole. Concomitant use of famotidine had no effect on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel.
A Clinical and Nutritional Comparison of Biliopancreatic Diversion With and Without Duodenal Switch

Objective:To compare biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) without duodenal switch (DS) and with duodenal switch (BPDDS). Background:A reduction of 70% of excess body weight can be achieved after BPD, but there is a risk of malnutrition and diarrhea. This risk may be reduced by pyloric preservation with BPDDS. Methods:BPD was performed until 1999, when BPDDS was introduced, both with a common channel of 50 cm. At their latest clinic visit, patients filled in a questionnaire regarding weight loss, dietary history, gastrointestinal symptoms, obesity-related comorbidity, and medication including dietary supplements and underwent a serum nutritional screen. Results:BPD was performed in 73 patients and BPDDS in 61 patients, with a median preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 44.8 kg/m2 and a median follow-up of 28 months. There were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS with regards to age, sex, BMI, or morbidity. Median excess weight loss and BMI at 12, 24, and 36 months was 64.1, 71.0, and 72.1% and 33.1, 31.5, and 31.5 kg/m2, respectively; there were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS. There were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS with regards to meal size, fat score, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or nutritional parameters. However, 18% of patients were hypoalbuminemic, 32% anemic, 25% hypocalcemic, and almost half had low vitamin A, D, and K levels, despite more than 80% taking vitamin supplementation. Conclusion:DS does not improve weight loss or lessen the gastrointestinal or nutritional side effects of BPD.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Adaptive Functioning, and Quality of Life in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the frequency of co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a well-defined cohort of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and to examine the relationship between ADHD symptoms and both adaptive functioning and health-related quality of life as reported by parents or other primary caregivers. METHODS T scores on 2 ADHD-related scales from the Child Behavior Checklist were used to indicate the presence of ADHD symptoms. Participants were divided into groups based on whether their parents/caregivers rated them as having clinically significant T scores on the Attention Problem and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Problem subscales. Standard scores from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition and raw scores from the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory were then compared between groups with the use of multivariate analyses. RESULTS Approximately 40% of participants had 1 elevated T score, and 19% had both ADHD-related T scores elevated on the Child Behavior Checklist. The ASD + ADHD group had lower scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory in comparison with the ASD alone group. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest greater impairment in adaptive functioning and a poorer health-related quality of life for children with ASDs and clinically significant ADHD symptoms in comparison with children with ASDs and fewer ADHD symptoms. Physicians are encouraged to evaluate for the presence of ADHD symptoms in their patients with ASDs and, if present, include symptom treatment in the overall care plan.
Respiratory Ventilation and Carbon Dioxide Levels in Syndromes of Depression

Summary The breathing rate and PCO2 in end-tidal air have been studied in controls and in patients with endogenous depression (retarded and non-retarded), with neurotic depression, and with schizophrenia. It has been shown that breathing rate goes up and PCO2 down in non-retarded and neurotic depression. Schizophrenia gives more anomalous results. The fact is emphasized that such changes must lead to alterations in pH and other variables. Studies showing some small chemical differences between these clinical entities and control subjects might therefore be explained by these findings.
New quinolones and gram-positive bacteria

The quinolone class of antibacterial agents has evolved rapidly to emerge as one of the most effective classes of drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases. While the spectra and antibacterial activities of fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, developed in the 1980s improved to include most gramnegative bacteria, their activities against gram-positive bacteria remained limited. However, the 1990s have seen the synthesis and development of several agents such as sparfloxacin and clinafloxacin (PD127391, C1960, and AM-1091) with good activities for gram-positive bacteria (see Table 1). This article reviews the mechanism of action of quinolones for grampositive bacteria and the mechanisms of resistance by which these organisms evade quinolone action. It focuses on four groups of bacteria: the staphylococci (about which most of the data have been published), the enterococci, the streptococci, and anaerobic gram-positive bacteria.