Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and abortion in dairy cows in northern Spain

The seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection was estimated from a sample of 889 cattle from 43 dairy herds in three counties in the Asturias region of Spain. The true prevalence of infection was estimated to be 30-6 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval (ca) 27.6 to 33.6). Seropositivity was associated with abortion during the previous year (odds ratio (OR)=3.31, P<0.001) and was slightly higher among purchased cattle (37.6 per cent), than among cattle raised on the farm (29.1 per cent) (P=0.078). Seropositive cows were more likely than seronegative cows to have had a seropositive dam (OR=2.3, P=0.011), suggesting that congenital transmission contributed to about 56 per cent of the infections. Herds with a true seroprevalence above 10 per cent had more dogs on the farm, than herds with a lower prevalence (P=0.032). The ORs relating abortion to seropositivity in individual herds ranged from 0.7 to 19, indicating that some herds experienced few abortions caused by N caninum, while others experienced more abortions due to the organism. Overall, 38.7 per cent of the abortions were estimated to have been attributable to N caninum.
Interacting mast cells and eosinophils acquire an enhanced activation state in vitro

Mast cells (MCs) and eosinophils (Eos), the key effector cells in allergy, are abundantly co‐localized particularly in the late and chronic stages of allergic inflammation. Recent evidence has outlined a specialized ‘allergic effector unit’ in which MCs and Eos communicate via both soluble mediators and physical contact. However, the functional impact of this bi‐directional crosstalk on the cells' effector activities has not yet been revealed. We aimed to investigate whether MC/eosinophil interactions can influence the immediate and late activation phenotypes of these cells.
12.5-GHz spacing compact and low-loss interleave filter using 1.5% /spl Delta/ silica-based waveguide

We describe the fabrication of a compact lattice-form waveguide interleave filter with a narrow channel spacing of 12.5 GHz. The circuit size was reduced to 1/4 the size of the original circuit by employing a novel folding layout and a waveguide with a high refractive index difference (/spl Delta/) of 1.5% that can reduce the minimum bending radius to 2 mm. The 12.5-GHz spacing interleave filter was fabricated on a single chip by using silica-based planar lightwave circuit technology. We achieved a low insertion loss of <2.3 dB, a wide 1-dB passband width of >8.1 GHz, a 20-dB stopband width of >7.3 GHz, a low crosstalk of <-25 dB, and a low chromatic dispersion of within /spl plusmn/300 ps/nm.
Radiation Experiments on a 28 nm Single-Chip Many-Core Processor and SEU Error-Rate Prediction

This work evaluates the SEE static and dynamic sensitivity of a single-chip many-core processor having implemented 16 compute clusters, each one with 16 processing cores. The SEU error-rate of an application implemented in the device is predicted by combining experimental results with those issued from fault injection campaigns applying the CEU (Code Emulating Upsets) approach. In addition, a comparison of the dynamic tests when processing-cores cache memories are enabled and disabled is presented. The experiments were validated through radiation ground testing performed with 14 MeV neutrons on the MPPA-256 many-core processor manufactured in TSMC CMOS 28HP technology. An analysis of the erroneous results in processor GPRs was carried-out in order to explain their possible causes.
Degree-wise control of an humanoid manipulator based on biceps brachii muscle activity

Human arm performs dextrous movements through the voluntary contraction of muscles. To produce a given body movement, a group of muscles are usually acting in a synergic fashion. It is possible that information about a movement could also be extracted from an individual muscle within a synergic group. Physiologically, the large biceps brachii (BB) muscle is involved in forearm flexion and hand supination and also contributes to raising the arm forward and upward. For the BB, synergy can originate from its different compartments and their contribution identified with a decomposition algorithm applied on signals recorded over its surface. Here, the synergy extracted from 3 signals collected over the BB were used to control one degree of freedom (DoF) of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints of a dextrous humanoid arm manipulator. Synergy information could thus be useful for helping an upper-limb amputee person to control a modern myoelectric prosthesis.
Bond Markets in Latin America : On the Verge of a Big Bang ?

Developing local bond markets is high on the policy agenda of Latin America. Bond markets are an essential component of a well-functioning financial market. Facilitating the efforts of public and private borrowers to issue domestic-currency-denominated, long-term, fixed-rate bonds insulates them from the rollover and balance sheet risks that have been central elements in past financial crises. In addition, a robust bond market is a way for nonfinancial firms to retain their capacity to borrow when the banking system grows reluctant to lend. Latin American bond markets are growing, and may even approach a "big bang"-like surge, although significant challenges remain. This first comprehensive examination of the importance of local bond market development in Latin America provides conceptual and comparative assessments, case studies of six countries, surveys of firms and investors, and a cross-country economic analysis of the determinants of bond market development. The book's case studies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, written by country experts, follow a common methodology, with each offering a history of that country's bond market development, a comprehensive and unique data set on both private and public bond markets, surveys of firms and investors, and (in many chapters) firm-level analysis. A Web appendix makes available the unique data sets, including results of specially designed surveys of firms and investors participants, used in the book's studies.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Heteroptera: Miridae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, comprised 17,027 bp. The genome contained 13 protein coding regions, 22 tRNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. The gene arrangement corresponded to the common order found among insect mtDNAs which was considered to be the ancestral arrangement. The protein coding genes started with ATN and stopped with TAA or TAG. The nucleotide distribution was 76.0% A + T. The control region contained two repeat regions, one was 24 bp and the other was 161 bp. The Genbank accession for the complete L. lineolaris mt genome is EU401991.
Geographic variation of Sebastes mentella in the Northeast Arctic derived from a morphometric approach

Saborido-Rey, F. , and Nedreaas, K. H. 2000. Geographic variation of Sebastes mentella in the Northeast Arctic derived from a morphometric approach. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 57: 965–975. At present there is considered to be only one management unit of Sebastes mentella in the Northeast Arctic. A morphometric analysis was conducted to compare specimens from different locations and different times of the year. Residuals of the regression between each morphometric variable and standard length were used as input in a stepwise discriminant analysis, which revealed morphometric differences between three main regions: Svalbard, the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, with the Lofoten area being an intermediate area where fish from the other three areas are present during some of the year. A previously described spawning migration pattern can also be derived from this analysis; the implications on survey design in this region are discussed. 2000 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Hydrothermal Extraction and Micronization of Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum in a One-Step Process

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a mushroom-forming white rot fungus that contains a wide variety of bioactive components (glucans). In this study, G. lucidum was utilized for the extraction of polysaccharides by hot compressed water at a temperature of 160°C and a pressure of 4.0 MPa using a semi-batch system. Under these conditions, thermal softening of G. lucidum occurred, allowing the removal of the polysaccharides protecting other constituents in G. lucidum via hydrolysis. Next, the extract was directly atomized by spray drying to remove the water. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the particles formed were spherical and dimpled or shriveled with diameters varying from 1 to 6 um. Based on these results it is proposed that this process is applicable to isolate polysaccharides from other types of biomass and may result in advances in extraction technology to obtain plant biomass components.
Exercise in pregnancy: effect on fitness and obstetric outcomes-a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the benefits and possible risks of aerobic exercise during pregnancy, using a fitness regimen based on the 2002 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. METHODS Inactive women were randomized at 12-14 wk gestation to a group that remained sedentary or to a group that performed moderate aerobic exercise 45-60 min, 4 d·wk, through 36 wk gestation. Thirty-one subjects in each group completed the study. RESULTS Compared with women who remained sedentary, active women improved aerobic fitness (P < 0.05) and muscular strength (P < 0.01), delivered comparable size infants with significantly fewer cesarean deliveries (P < 0.01), and recovered faster postpartum (P < 0.05), at least related to the lower incidence of cesarean section. Active women developed no gestational hypertension (P = 0.16 compared with controls) and reported no injuries related to the exercise regimen. In the active group, there was one premature birth at 33 wk by a woman with a history of premature delivery of twins at 34 wk. There were no differences between groups in the incidence of gestational diabetes, musculoskeletal pains during pregnancy, flexibility on sit-and-reach test, mean length of pregnancy, neonatal Apgar scores, placenta weights, overall length of labor, weight gain during pregnancy, or weight retention postpartum. CONCLUSION Previously sedentary women who began exercising at 12-14 wk improved fitness and delivery outcomes.
Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids.

PURPOSE This article aimed 1) to review herbal medicine containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)-induced toxicities of the liver; 2) to encourage the recognition and prevention of common problems encountered when using complementary and alternative medicine and 3) to review the toxic effects of herbal remedies containing PAs. DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a systematic literature search using the PubMed and Google Scholar engines. The search was not restricted to languages. We also provide an interpretation of the data. CONCLUSIONS Herbal remedies containing PAs can induce liver damage, including hepato- sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease. Preventing overdose and monitoring long-term use of such remedies may avoid glutathione depletion leading to mitochondrial injury, and therefore avoid liver cell damage. Moreover, immediately stopping the herbal medication prevents further harm to the liver. Chronic consumption of hepatotoxicants can lead to cancer formation and promotion. The role of active metabolites in PA-induced liver toxicity and their mechanism of action require further investigation. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.
Do Heparins Do More than Just Treat Thrombosis? The Influence of Heparins on Cancer Spread

Introduction The influence of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and other anticoagulants on the spread of cancer has been reported since the early 1960s.1 However, clinical studies investigating the use of heparins in cancer patients have not produced consistent results.2 Intravenous, adjusted-dose UFH for 5 to 10 days has been the standard initial treatment for venous thrombosis. More recently, subcutaneous, fixed-dose, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs), which are fractions of the parent compound, have been shown to be safe and effective alternatives to UFH in the initial treatment for venous thromboembolism.3-5 In one of our randomized clinical trials comparing LMWH and UFH in the initial treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), we observed an unexpected difference in 6-month mortality among cancer patients in favor of LMWH, which could not be attributed to a difference in the incidence of thrombotic or bleeding complications.6 A similar observation in favor of LMWH was reported in a subsequent study and in a meta-analysis of trials.7,8 The number of cancer patients included in these studies was small, and adjustment of the observed effect for the baseline characteristics of the cancer patients was not possible. However, these findings suggested an inhibitory effect of LMWH on tumor growth or metastasis, which is less apparent or absent for UFH, resulting in a beneficial effect on the survival of cancer patients. This hypothesis is supported by the observations, in experimental studies, that LMWH and low molecular weight heparan sulfate, in comparison to UFH, effectively suppressed angiogenesis, a process necessary for tumor growth and metastasis.9,10 On the other hand, animal studies that investigated the effect of chemically-modified heparins on the spread of cancer did not detect a superior anti-tumor effect of LMWH compared to UFH; both were found to inhibit metastasis.11,12 To date, the effect of LMWH on cancer survival in humans has not been investigated as a primary objective. If a consistent and beneficial effect of LMWH on mortality is indeed present, such a study would be warranted. We performed a meta-analysis of all available randomized clinical trials where LMWH was compared with UFH in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) to estimate the crude treatment effect of LMWH on mortality in cancer patients compared to UFH. Subsequently, we adjusted this treatment effect for age, gender, and primary malignancy site by reanalyzing data from three of those trials.3-5 This effect was further adjusted for other prognostic factors, including cancer histology, tumor stage, presence of metastases, duration of cancer, and concomitant use of cancer treatment, by analyzing individual patient data from the largest randomized trial.5
A Mutation in the 3-Phosphoglycerate Kinase Gene Allows Anaerobic Growth of Bacillus subtilis in the Absence of ResE Kinase

ABSTRACT The Bacillus subtilis ResD-ResE two-component signal transduction system is essential for aerobic and anaerobic respiration. A spontaneous suppressor mutant that expresses ResD-controlled genes and grows anaerobically in the absence of the ResE histidine kinase was isolated. In addition, aerobic expression of ResD-controlled genes in the suppressed strain was constitutive and occurred at a much higher level than that observed in the wild-type strain. The suppressing mutation, which mapped to pgk, the gene encoding 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, failed to suppress a resDmutation, suggesting that the suppressing mutation creates a pathway for phosphorylation of the response regulator, ResD, which is independent of the cognate sensor kinase, ResE. The pgk-1mutant exhibited very low but measurable 3-phosphoglycerate kinase activity compared to the wild-type strain. The results suggest that accumulation of a glycolytic intermediate, probably 1,3-diphosphoglycerate, is responsible for the observed effect of thepgk-1 mutation on anaerobiosis of resE mutant cells.
Aetiological findings and associated factors in children with severe mental retardation

The purpose of this study, through a retrospective epidemiological survey carried out over three geographical areas in France, was to characterize the aetiological factors involved in severe mental retardation (SMR) within a geographically defined population of children with disabilities aged between 7 and 16 years. The inclusion criteria for SMR (IQ<50) were met by 1150 children born between 1976 and 1985. Of these children, aetiology was known in 25%, suspected (or unclear) in 26%, and unknown in 49%. These rates of known and suspected aetiology varied between the groups of children with CP and those without CP. An analysis of factors associated with SMR was undertaken among the 144 subjects with SMR, of suspected or unknown aetiology, who had been referred to a neonatal care unit with or without intensive care (NCU) during their neonatal period. These subjects with SMR were compared with 864 children without SMR (control children) who were also referred to an NCU during their neonatal period. The main specific associated factors were a prolonged intubation of more than 24 hours, a very low birthweight (<1500 g) for children with an associated clinical feature of CP, and the presence of isolated neonatal fits and a time of transfer to the NCU of more than 4 hours after birth for children without an associated clinical feature of CP. Although common associated factors were encountered in the children with SMR with CP and the children with SMR without CP, the results of this study suggest differences in the underlying pathogenic factors.
Congenital chylothorax: a prospective nationwide epidemiological study in Germany

Background Congenital chylothorax (CCT) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. Treatment approaches vary; none has been evaluated prospectively. Objective To prospectively determine incidence, treatment and outcome of infants with CCT born in Germany in 2012. Design CCT was defined as non-traumatic chylous pleural effusion within 28 days after birth. As part of the Surveillance Unit for Rare Pediatric Conditions in Germany (Erhebungseinheit für seltene pädiatrische Erkrankungen in Deutschland), all paediatric departments (n=432) received monthly reporting cards to notify the study centre of CCT cases, which were analysed based on anonymised questionnaires and discharge summaries. Data are shown as median (range) or n/N. Results Of 37 cases reported, 28 met inclusion criteria. Questionnaires and/or discharge summaries were available for 27/28. Assuming complete reporting, the incidence of CCT was 1:24 000. Nine infants suffered from proven or suspected syndromal anomalies, most frequently Noonan syndrome (5/9). Postnatally, 23 required mechanical ventilation, 3 continuous positive airway pressure; only 1 had no respiratory support. 17 infants were treated with inotropes/vasopressors, 25 required pleural drainage for 11 (1–36) days. In 13 infants, enteral feeds were withheld initially; 25 received medium-chain triglyceride diet at some time, 9 were treated with octreotide or somatostatin. 18 infants survived without, 6 with sequelae attributable to the underlying disorder; 3 infants died (median age at death 37 (2–144) days). Duration of hospital stay in survivors was 51 (20–127) days. Infants treated with octreotide or somatostatin had similar outcomes compared with those not treated. Conclusions Based on this small observational study, CCT seems to have a favourable prognosis if not associated with genetic disorders.
Age-Related Impaired Type 1 T Cell Responses to Influenza: Reduced Activation Ex Vivo, Decreased Expansion in CTL Culture In Vitro, and Blunted Response to Influenza Vaccination In Vivo in the Elderly1

The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in the type 1 T cell response, including the CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ T cell responses, to influenza in the elderly compared with those in young adults. PBMC activated ex vivo with influenza virus exhibited an age-related decline in type 1 T cell response, shown by the decline in the frequency of IFN-γ-secreting memory T cells specific for influenza (IFN-γ+ ISMT) using ELISPOT or intracellular cytokine staining. The reduced frequency of IFN-γ+ ISMT was accompanied by a reduced level of IFN-γ secretion per cell in elderly subjects. Tetramer staining, combined with IFN-γ ELISPOT, indicated that the decline in IFN-γ+, influenza M1-peptide-specific T cells was not due to attrition of the T cell repertoire, but, rather, to the functional loss of ISMT with age. In addition, the decline in type 1 T cell response was not due to an increase in Th2 response or defects in APCs from the elderly. The expansion of influenza-specific CD8+ T cells in CTL cultures was reduced in the elderly. Compared with young subjects, frail elderly subjects also exhibited a blunted and somewhat delayed type 1 T cell response to influenza vaccination, which correlated positively with the reduced IgG1 subtype and the total Ab response. Taken together, these data demonstrate that there is a decline in the type 1 T cell response to influenza with age that may help explain the age-related decline in vaccine efficacy and the increases in influenza morbidity and mortality.