Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A revision of Habenaria section Macroceratitae (Orchidaceae) in Brazil

Habenaria sect.Macroceratitae from Brazil is revised, and seven species are recognized:H. bractescens, H. gourlieana, H. johannensis, H. longicauda, H. macronectar, H. nabucoi, and the newly describedH. paulistana. A main feature of these species is the presence of long, separated, involute stigmatic processes.Habenaria bractescens, H. gourlieana, H. johannensis, andH. macronectar are distributed mainly from central and southeastern Brazil to southern Brazil and southern South America, whereasH. longicauda andH. nabucoi are distributed mainly from west central, southeastern and northeastern Brazil to northern South America.Habenaria paulistana is restricted to the state of São Paulo.Habenaria bradei, H. juergensii, andH. sartoroides are lectotypified, andH. kleyi is neotypified. The identity ofH. fastor is discussed andH. nabucoi is recognized as the valid name for this species. Seven other species previously placed in sect.Macroceratitae are sufficiently distinct and are removed from the section. ResumenÉ apresentada uma revisão deHabenaria seçãoMacroceratitae de ocorrência no Brasil, sendo reconhecidas sete espécies:H. bractescens, H. gourlieana, H. johannensis, H. longicauda, H. macronectar, H. nabucoi e uma nova espécie descrita comoH. paulistana. Uma das principais características destas espécies são os estigmas separados, longos e com as bordas involutas.Habenaria bractescens, H. gourlieana, H. johannensis eH. macronectar distribuem-se principalmente do Centro-Oeste e Sudeste do Brasil ao Sul do Brasil e Sul da América do Sul, enquantoH. longicauda eH. nabucoi distribuem-se principalmente do Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Nordeste do Brasil ao Norte da América do Sul.Habenaria paulistana é restrita ao estado de São Paulo.Habenaria bradei, H. juergensii eH. sartoroides são lectotipificadase H. kleyi é neotipificada. A identidade deH. fastor é discutida eH. nabucoi é reconhecido como o nome válido para esta espécie. Outras sete espécies previamente incluídas na seçãoMacroceratitae são suficientemente distintas e são excluídas da seção.
Biodiversité et relations trophiques dans quelques milieux estuariens et lagunaires de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : Adaptations aux pressions environnementales

Le present travail est le resultat de 3 annees de recherches sur des milieux estuariens et lagunaires de l'Ouest Africain: les estuaires du Sine-Saloum et de la Gambie, les lagunes Ebrie et Nokoue, le cadre d'un projet conjoint entre l'INP/ENSAT et l'IRD (Centre de Dakar). La notion de stress environnemental aussi bien naturel qu'anthropique est presentee; ce qui amene a formuler la problematique de la these: Aborder les ecosystemes ouest africains et les pressions environnementales qu'ils subissent et la facon dont celles-ci sont ressenties au niveau de la biodiversite et des relations trophiques. Les resultats obtenus mettent en evidence les differences dans les assemblages d'especes dans le temps et l'espace selon des modalites variables dans chaque ecosysteme. Les conditions tres variables et saisonnieres du milieu et les habitats influencent la structure des ecosysteme et les relations existant entre ses ressources vivantes. Ceci resulte d'un processus d'elimination des especes les moins rustiques dans un milieu et la propagation des organismes plus tolerants a ces differentes modifications. Les analyses comparatives montrent que des circonstances inhabituelles comme une hypersalinite inversee, installee a la faveur des secheresses saheliennes dans un estuaire, se revelent moins nocives pour la biodiversite qu'une forte activite anthropique tres diversifiee dans une lagune beninoise. Ceci provient des differences dans les mecanismes d'adaptation des organismes face a ces perturbations. Les relations trophiques se revelent un indicateur utile de la stabilite et des possibilites de resistance (adaptation) aux stress. En effet, nous observons que la stabilite de ces ecosystemes repose plutot sur la construction d'interactions complexes et diverses entre les especes qui persistent que sur la complexite liee a la biodiversite. La resistance aux perturbations environnementales est susceptible d'etre augmentee par l'efficacite des transferts d'energie entre les differents niveaux trophiques. La convergence des resultats concernant la biodiversite et les relations trophiques en termes d'expression des stress environnementaux est discutee prealablement a une ebauche prudente de propositions de recherches futures et d'amenagement pour une gestion durable de la ressource.
High expression of Toll-like receptor 4 on CD14+ monocytes in acute infectious diseases

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other exogenous and endogenous molecules, and is thought to contribute to defense mechanisms against infections. Our objective was to elucidate the clinical significance of TLR4 in acute infectious diseases by analyzing its sequential expression on CD14+ monocytes. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 36 patients with acute infectious diseases on admission and after treatment within certain intervals. The TLR4 expression on CD14+ monocytes was analyzed using flow cytometry and was presented as a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). TLR4 expression during the acute phase of infection was highly enhanced compared to that of normal subjects (MFI: 22.1 vs 8.5). TLR4 expression was promptly reduced to normal levels in parallel with the disease improvement. In patients who died despite treatment, the enhancement of TLR4 expression during the acute phase was less prominent compared to those who survived (MFI: 14.6 vs 23.5) and its sequential change was also subtle. These results indicate that monocytes respond to acute infections by the induction of TLR4 expression and that a poor response may be associated with a poor prognosis.
Population dynamics of snail infection by miracidia

Summary The essential biological features of snail infection by miracidia are incorporated into a simple model which describes the rate of change with respect to time of the number of miracidial infections/host. The model is based on the assumption that the net rate of infection is directly proportional to the density of both miracidia and hosts. Empirical evidence is provided to support this assumption. The basic framework of the model is expanded to take into account demographic stochasticity in infection and is used to predict the percentage of snails that become infected after exposure to a known number of miracidia for a set period of time. The influence of miracidial mortalities and age-dependent infectivity are examined and theoretical predictions are compared with a range of experimental results. Underlying heterogeneity in the distribution of the number of infections/snail is shown to generate an artifactual decrease in infection rates as exposure density rises, if rate estimation procedures are based on an assumption of randomness. Empirical evidence is presented to illustrate the generation of over-dispersion in the number of miracidial infections/snail under tightly controlled laboratory conditions, using supposedly homogeneous snail populations. Biological causes for underlying patterns of heterogeneity are discussed in relation to snail susceptibility to infection and ‘attractiveness’ to infective stages.
Role of Taxanes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Study From Tertiary Cancer Center in South India

Background Breast cancer is the most common female cancer seen globally. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special subtype without any obvious target and optimum treatment remains challenging. The aim was to study the clinical, pathological profile and treatment outcome of TNBC patients. Methods This was a retrospective observational study of TNBC patients diagnosed from January 2010 to June 2012 at a tertiary cancer center in South India. Patient’s clinical and pathological characteristics were studied. The 5-year estimate of survival for non-metastatic TNBC was done using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Out of 804 patients of breast cancer, 237 were diagnosed as TNBC. The median age was 45 years and 58% were premenopausal. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for non-metastatic TNBC patients were 59% and 74%, respectively. The addition of a taxane to anthracycline-based regimen did not show a significant difference in DFS (P = 0.885) as well as OS (P = 0.856). Conclusion The role of adding taxanes to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in adjuvant setting for TNBC remains controversial and larger prospective studies are warranted.
Exercise Challenge Test: Is a 15% Fall in FEV1 Sufficient for Diagnosis?

Introduction. In the exercise challenge test (ECT), a drop in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of between 10 and 15% is the determinant variable for a diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Hypothesis. The use of FEV1 plus mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF25–75%) may increase the sensitivity of the ECT in asthmatic children. Specific objective. To compare FEV1 and FEF25–75% changes in a group of asthmatic and healthy children. Methodology. This was a cross-sectional study. Asthmatics were categorized by their severity (GINA) and after 1 month without controller therapy, an ECT was done under standard protocol. As well, a questionnaire about rhinitis and asthma was conducted with the entire population. ROC curves were used for analysis. Results. A total of 147 children (34 healthy and 113 asthmatics, 18 and 58 males, respectively) were evaluated. Divided into healthy children and intermittent, mild and moderate persistent asthmatics, they had similar average ages (9.4, 9.48, 8.97, and 11.2 years, respectively). Using a 15% fall in FEV1, we obtained 29% sensitivity and 100% specificity. However, when we used a 10% fall in FEV1, sensitivity was 47% and specificity was 97%. Adding a 28% fall in FEF25–75%, sensitivity was 52% and specificity was 94%. Conclusion. This study suggests that test sensitivity can increase by using a lower FEV1 cut-off (10%) and adding a 28% fall in FEF25–75%.
Pulmonary Embolism in Medical Patients: An Autopsy-Based Study

Pulmonary embolism, though treatable, is a devastating disease and an important cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. In all, 1000 autopsies were reviewed in adult medical patients. The overall incidence of pulmonary embolism in adult medical autopsies was 15.9% (159/1000). The incidence of pulmonary embolism contributing significantly to the death of the patients (groups 1 and 2) is 126/1000 (12.6%). Thus, pulmonary embolism very significantly contributed to death in 126/159 (79.24%) of group 1 and 2 patients. Pulmonary embolism affected a younger population as 79.87% of the overall patients, 66.67% of the fatal cases (group 1) and 73% of combined group 1 and 2 cases were below the age of 50 years. Sepsis was the primary diagnosis in 32% of total and in 42% of fatal cases. Hence, pulmonary embolism is considered as an important cause of death in patients admitted to the medical wards. It affects a younger population in India and needs to be tackled appropriately.
Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies Communication effects , ethnicity , and support for secessionism in stateless nations : results from a survey experiment in Catalonia

Over the past twenty years or so, economic and cultural interdependence has gone hand in hand with the rise of nationalism, particularly in stateless nations. For example, Catalan politics has increasingly focused on the issue of secession from the rest of Spain. As in Flanders, Quebec, Scotland, and elsewhere, the ensuing polarization of opinion creates two questions of paramount importance for social scientists: (a) How strong are individual preferences? and (b) what determines these preferences? To answer these questions, we use a custom-designed survey experiment (N = 913) which allows us to estimate the effect of frames net of confounding effects, and to determine other determinants of preferences. We find that frames matter even in polarized political times and when voters have had enough time to form their judgement on a given issue. We also detect a strong role for ethnicity, measured as the number of Catalan-speaking grandparents and language spoken at home, as well as for the geographical scope of professional activity. Our findings help challenge the economic approach to politics, whereby agents hold well-defined and constant preferences, and give support to the view that both shortand long-run constructivist elements play a crucial role in centrifugal political movements.
High‐Tech Detection of HLA Antibodies and Complement: Prospects and Limitations

Most transplant clinicians and surgeons are familiar with the lymphocytotoxicity test to detect HLA antibodies (Abs). The concept is simple: the proportion of panel cells killed determines the percent panel reactive Ab (PRA). Currently, HLA Abs are increasingly measured by solid-phase tests with purified HLA molecules attached to either microtiter plates for enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) or to microparticles (beads) for flow cytometry. These tests have better sensitivity and specificity, but also add complexities to the interpretation of results that go well beyond the concept of ‘percent PRA’.
Diagnostic d’un lymphome non hodgkinien mandibulaire primitif pour mobilités dentaires multiples : un cas

Introduction : Les lymphomes primitifs osseux mandibulaires ont ete decrits pour la premiere fois par Parker et Jackson. Les lymphomes constituent le deuxieme cancer de la tete et du cou, apres les carcinomes epidermoides. Les localisations mandibulaires sont rares et ne representeraient que 0,6 % des cas. Observation : Nous exposons, a travers une observation, les caracteristiques cliniques et radiologiques du lymphome mandibulaire ainsi que ses modalites de prise en charge chez une patiente de 50 ans. Le traitement est medical par une chimiotherapie. Discussion : Les lymphomes de la tete et du cou sont presque toujours des lymphomes B a grandes cellules. Ils peuvent etre confondus avec une pathologie odontogene. Le chirurgien oral ne doit pas ignorer cette pathologie dont le taux de remission complete est de 60 a 80 % a un an.
Aprendizaje Cooperativo y Desarrollo de Competencias

En este trabajo se realiza un analisis sobre las competencias genericas y transversales que mejor se desarrollan utilizando metodologias activas como el aprendizaje cooperativo. Se hace un especial enfasis en el polisemico concepto de competencia, atendiendo a sus multiples definiciones para poder abordar posteriormente las ventajas que el aprendizaje cooperativo tiene para desarrollar de forma natural muchas de las competencias que nuestros egresados necesitan, no solo desde el punto de vista de habilidades y destrezas, sino tambien los valores y actitudes que cada vez son mas apreciadas en el mundo laboral. A la vez se dan algunas pinceladas sobre la posible evaluacion de dichas competencias, un aspecto de crucial importancia en el nuevo modelo de Convergencia Europea. La evaluacion de determinadas competencias no es tarea sencilla, y hasta ahora ha sido un tema muy poco abordado. En este trabajo se dan algunas claves para realizar dicha evaluacion tomando como ejemplo una de las competencias, que por su importancia de cara al mundo laboral, la mayoria de titulaciones deberan incorporar: el trabajo en equipo.
Multi-layer Stacked Gaussian Processes

In this work we explore the construction of a simple, yet effective, Gaussian process framework for supervised learning. The models that we propose take inspiration from the construction of deep Gaussian processes, as they take the form of a hierarchical multi-layered Gaussian process, with a stacked kernel. We show that with our models it is possible to get enhanced predictions, when compared to a vanilla Gaussian process. We also show, that with our framework it is possible to extract underlying structure from the data, even when using small amounts of data. We then demonstrate our models on a wide variety of data sets, to analyse both the strength and weaknesses of our architectures.
Low energy availability in exercising men is associated with reduced leptin and insulin but not with changes in other metabolic hormones

ABSTRACT Low energy availability, defined as low caloric intake relative to exercise energy expenditure, has been linked to endocrine alterations frequently observed in chronically energy-deficient exercising women. Our goal was to determine the endocrine effects of low energy availability in exercising men. Six exercising men (VO2peak: 49.3 ± 2.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1) underwent two conditions of low energy availability (15 kcal · kg−1 fat-free mass [FFM] · day−1) and two energy-balanced conditions (40 kcal · kg−1 FFM · day−1) in randomised order. During one low energy availability and one balanced condition, participants exercised to expend 15 kcal · kg−1 FFM · day−1; no exercise was conducted during the other two conditions. Metabolic hormones were assessed before and after each 4-day period. Following both low energy availability conditions, leptin (−53% to −56%) and insulin (−34% to −38%) were reduced (P < 0.05). Reductions in leptin and insulin were independent of whether low energy availability was attained with or without exercise (P > 0.80). Low energy availability did not significantly impact ghrelin, triiodothyronine, testosterone and IGF-1 (all P > 0.05). The observed reductions in leptin and insulin were in the same magnitude as changes previously reported in sedentary women. Further research is needed to understand why other metabolic hormones are more robust against low energy availability in exercising men than those in sedentary and exercising women.
The Responses of Mammalian Spinal Axons to an Applied DC Voltage Gradient

We have imposed a steady, rostrally negative, weak (ca 0.4 mV/mm) voltage gradient across transections of ascending white matter tracts in the adult guinea pig using an implanted stimulator and electrodes for about 1 month. We have evaluated the projections of these axons relative to the transection approximately 2 months postinjury by anterograde transport of injected tetramethylrhodamine-conjugated dextran and the use of an indwelling marker device which locates the plane of the original transection. Tract tracing was accomplished with conventional epifluorescence microscopy and confocal laser microscopy. Sham-treated control spinal cords contained well-filled lateral and dorsal column ascending tracts terminating caudal to the lesion which formed at the level of the hemisection. Electric field-treated spinal cords contained similarly labeled columns of axons that penetrated the lesion within the caudal segment of the spinal cord, branched within it, and in some cases such branches projected across the plane of transection. Ascending axons also passed around the lesion through undamaged parenchyma, branched repeatedly at the plane of the hemisection, and passed into the rostral segment of the spinal cord. Spear-shaped endings typical of growth cones were found at the terminals of these processes which often branched again within the rostral segment. Centrally projecting fibers, their processes, and the overall level of branching in these projections was not observed in our previous studies using high molecular weight horseradish peroxidase tracers.
MEALTIME GLUCOSE REGULATION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Glucose control remains the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies designed to reduce the risk of long‐term complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. This article reviews a growing body of evidence suggesting that post‐mealtime glucose spikes may exert an independent effect on diabetic complications, and discusses how a more effective strategy requires better focus on the regulation of mealtime glucose. New treatment options, specifically designed to restore a more physiological post‐mealtime insulin profile, may provide better tools to ensure more comprehensive glycaemic control, which will allow for better prevention of micro‐ and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients.
Gellan Gum/Pectin Beads Are Safe and Efficient for the Targeted Colonic Delivery of Resveratrol

This work addresses the establishment and characterization of gellan gum:pectin (GG:P) biodegradable mucoadhesive beads intended for the colon-targeted delivery of resveratrol (RES). The impact of the polymer carrier system on the cytotoxicity and permeability of RES was evaluated. Beads of circular shape (circularity index of 0.81) with an average diameter of 914 μm, Span index of 0.29, and RES entrapment efficiency of 76% were developed. In vitro drug release demonstrated that beads were able to reduce release rates in gastric media and control release for up to 48 h at an intestinal pH of 6.8. Weibull’s model correlated better with release data and b parameter (0.79) indicated that the release process was driven by a combination of Fickian diffusion and Case II transport, indicating that both diffusion and swelling/polymer chains relaxation are processes that contribute equally to control drug release rates. Beads and isolated polymers were observed to be safe for Caco-2 and HT29-MTX intestinal cell lines. RES encapsulation into the beads allowed for an expressive reduction of drug permeation in an in vitro triple intestinal model. This feature, associated with low RES release rates in acidic media, can favor targeted drug delivery from the beads in the colon, a promising behavior to improve the local activity of RES.
The Memory Properties of Cold-Worked Titanium Rods in Scoliosis Constructs

Study Design. Time series monitoring changes in titanium and stainless steel rod curvature kept at a constant temperature of 37 C as a function of time. Objectives. To assess the possibility of loss of curvature in titanium rods after scoliosis surgery. Summary of Background Data. Titanium rods have gained use in scoliosis surgery due to their excellent biocompatibility, while allowing medical personnel to obtain undistorted magnetic resonance imaging scans following surgery. However, the impression of several clinicians has been that when screw pullout and/or loss of sagittal balance occurs, it may be due to the rods losing some of their curvature. Methods. Five 6-mm rods of differing compositions and lengths (titanium 300 and 100 mm, stainless steel 300 and 100 mm, prebent titanium 85 mm) were bent at room temperature with a 3-point rod bender, then placed in an incubator at 37 C. Digital photographs were taken every 2 weeks and analyzed to extract the radius of curvature of each rod. Results. The Ti rods had a significantly decreasing curvature with time. The prebent Ti and stainless steel rods did not exhibit significant change in curvature. Conclusions. Titanium rods bent at room temperature and then exposed to body temperature over time tend to exhibit “metal memory”; they gradually revert to their original shape. This may result in loss of sagittal balance and/or proximal screw pullout.