Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deoxynivalenol-3-Glucoside Content Is Highly Associated with Deoxynivalenol Levels in Two-Row Barley Genotypes of Importance to Canadian Barley Breeding Programs

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a multipurpose crop that can be harvested as grain or cut prior to maturity for use as forage. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of barley that reduces quality of grain. FHB can also result in the accumulation of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Breeding FHB resistant varieties has been a long-term goal of many barley-producing countries, including Canada. While the genetic basis of DON detoxification via production of less-phytotoxic conjugates such as DON-3-glucoside (DON3G) is well documented in barley, little information exists in reference to varietal response. Over two years, 16 spring, two-row barley genotypes, of importance to western Canadian barley breeding programs, were grown as short-rows and inoculated following spike emergence with a Fusarium graminearum conidia suspension. Half of the plots were harvested at soft dough stage and then dissected into rachis and grain components, whereas the remainder was harvested at maturity. Multiple Fusarium-mycotoxins were assayed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mycotoxin content was elevated at the earlier harvest point, especially in the rachis tissue. DON3G constituted a significant percentage (26%) of total trichothecene content and thus its co-occurrence with DON should be considered by barley industries. DON3G was highly correlated with DON and 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3ADON). The ratio of D3G/DON exhibited consistency across genotypes, however more-resistant genotypes were characterized by a higher ratio at the soft-dough stage followed by a decrease at maturity. Plant breeding practices that use DON content as a biomarker for resistance would likely result in the development of barley cultivars with lower total DON-like compounds.
Long-term safety of single-agent ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 3 pivotal studies.

Ibrutinib, a first-in-class once-daily oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), is continued until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. We conducted an integrated safety analysis of single-agent ibrutinib from randomized phase 3 studies PCYC-1112 (RESONATE, n = 195) and PCYC-1115/1116 (RESONATE-2, n = 135), and examined longer-term safety separately in the phase 1b/2 PCYC-1102/1103 study (n = 94, 420 mg/d). In the integrated analysis (ibrutinib treatment up to 43 months), the most common adverse events (AEs) were primarily grade 1/2; diarrhea (n = 173, 52% any-grade; n = 15, 5% grade 3) and fatigue (n = 119, 36% any-grade; n = 10, 3% grade 3). The most common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia (n = 60, 18%) and pneumonia (n = 38, 12%). Over time, prevalence of AEs of interest (diarrhea, fatigue, grade ≥3 infection, bleeding, and neutropenia) trended down; prevalence of hypertension increased, but incidence decreased after year 1. AEs led to dose reductions in 42 (13%) patients and permanent discontinuations in 37 (11%); dose modifications due to AEs were most common during year 1 and decreased in frequency thereafter. The most common AEs (preferred term) contributing to discontinuation included pneumonia (n = 4), anemia (n = 3), and atrial fibrillation (n = 3). With long-term follow-up on PCYC-1102/1103 (ibrutinib treatment up to 67 months), grade 3/4 AEs were generally similar to those in the integrated analysis. Overall, AEs were primarily grade 1/2 and manageable during prolonged ibrutinib treatment in patients with CLL. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as #NCT01578707, #NCT01722487, #NCT01724346, #NCT01105247, and #NCT01109069.
Does Export Concentration Cause Volatility

This paper investigates the causal influence of export concentration on measures of aggregate volatility. Geographically disadvantaged countries often have a concentrated export structure which makes them more vulnerable to external shocks. Identifying causal effects of export concentration on volatility faces severe problems of endogeneity, however. Based on a gravity approach, we suggest an inequality decomposition method which allows the construction of an aggregate measure of export concentration where all of its components are determined entirely by countries' geographic characteristics. Since this measure is plausibly uncorrelated with other determinants of volatility, it is used as an instrument for ex-port concentration to obtain instrumental variables estimates of the effect of export concentration on volatility. Results from two-stage least squares instrumental variables regressions reveal that export concentration has a particularly strong effect on volatility in terms of trade and on volatility in export growth rates but we cannot confirm a casual influence on the volatility of exchange rates.
Trophic typology of coastal ecosystems based on δ13C and δ15N ratios in an opportunistic suspension feeder.

Our objective was to use stable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope ratios of the adduc- tor muscles of cultured Crassostrea gigas to typify the trophic state of temperate coastal ecosystems. Young oysters were introduced on a regional geographical scale in 8 locations along the coast of Nor- mandy (France) and sampled after 9 mo in cultivation. Food sources were also investigated using a mixing model based on food source isotopic composition data previously obtained. To strengthen the interpretation of trophic ecosystem functioning, values of stable isotope ratios were combined with environmental variables in a principal component analysis (PCA). Isotopic values of adductor muscles varied significantly between -19.94 and -17.26‰ for δ 13 C and between 7.73 and 12.14‰ for δ 15 N. PCA discriminated 2 groups of coastal ecosystems that differed in coastal hydrology, inputs of nutri- ents, and size of their respective watersheds. Our results suggest that isotopic signature differences between these 2 spatial groups appeared too important to be due to (1) variations in the isotopic ratios of food sources and (2) differing trophic step fractionation between locations. These differences are more probably linked with differences in oyster diets. Finally, we conclude that cultured C. gigas is a useful spatial bio-indicator of coastal ecosystem trophic functioning in temperate ecosystems and an interesting biological model for the determination of isotopic baselines.
Fat Soluble Vitamins in Institutionalized Elderly and the Effect of Exercise, Nutrition and Cognitive Training on Their Status—The Vienna Active Aging Study (VAAS): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Institutionalized elderly are at higher risk for micronutrient deficiency. In particular, fat soluble micronutrients, which additionally have antioxidative function, are of interest. The purpose of this secondary investigation of the Vienna Active Ageing Study was to assess and evaluate the plasma status of retinol, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene, as well as vitamin D (25(OH)D) in a cohort of institutionalized elderly. We further determined the effect of six months strength training with or without supplementing (antioxidant) vitamins and protein on the plasma status of these ten micronutrients. Methods: Three groups (n = 117, age = 83.1 ± 6.1 years)—resistance training (RT), RT combined with protein and vitamin supplementation (RTS), or cognitive training (CT)—performed two guided training sessions per week for six months. Micronutrients were measured with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. Physical fitness was assessed by the 6-min-walking, the 30-s chair rise, isokinetic dynamometry, and the handgrip strength tests. Results: At baseline, the plasma status of retinol was satisfactory, for alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and 25(OH)D, the percentage of individuals with an insufficient status was 33%, 73% and 61%/81% (when using 50 nmol/L or 75 nmol/L as threshold levels for 25(OH)D), respectively. Plasma analyses were supported by intake data. Six months of elastic band resistance training with or without protein-vitamin supplementation had no biological impact on the status of fat soluble micronutrients. Even for vitamin D, which was part of the nutritional supplement (additional 20 µg/d), the plasma status did not increase significantly, however it contributed to a lower percentage of elderly below the threshold levels of 50/75 nmol/L (49%/74%). Conclusions: The findings of the study lead to the strong recommendation for regular physical activity and increased consumption of plant-based foods in institutionalized elderly. When supported by blood analysis, supplementing micronutrients in a moderate range should also be considered.
Concomitant Thymic Carcinoma With Cervical and Supraclavicular Node Metastases and Thyroid Carcinoma: Report of a Case and Literature Review

Thyroid and thymus neoplasms are comparatively rare. In this case report, the concomitant diagnosis of these two rare neoplasms in the same patient is presented. An increased incidence of second malignancies in patients with thymic neoplasms has been found in several case series but is still debated by others. It appears that this increased risk for second malignancies in patients with thymic neoplasms extends to a wide range of localizations and concerns neoplasms diagnosed before, concomitantly with and after thymic neoplasms. A pathogenic hypothesis of decreased immunologic surveillance is proposed and implications the association has for patient care are discussed. doi:10.4021/jmc568w
The Management and Prognosis of Facial and Scalp Angiosarcoma: A Retrospective Analysis of 15 Patients.

BACKGROUND Angiosarcomas are extremely aggressive malignant tumors that arise from vascular endothelial cells. The risk factors, etiology, prognostic factors, and optimal management strategies for angiosarcomas are as yet unknown. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 15 patients who were treated in Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea, in the past 12 years, to assess the effect of different treatment modalities and reconstructive methods on the locoregional recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival. RESULTS A total of 15 patients were identified (median age at diagnosis, 72 years; range, 61-82 years). Median tumor size was 6 cm. Median follow-up was 287 days. The median overall survival was 14.96 months; a total of 13 (87%) patients had died by the end of the study.The median locoregional recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival were 7.3, 6.5, and 16.7 months, respectively. On univariate analysis, the use of adjuvant therapy after surgery (vs surgery without adjuvant therapy) was associated with delayed median time to detection of recurrence (7.9 months vs 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.825), delayed median time to metastasis (8.7 months vs 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.191), and better median overall survival (7.3 months vs 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.078). The use of flap versus skin graft as a reconstructive method was associated with delayed median recurrence (8.75 vs 7.32 months, respectively; P = 0.274) and earlier median metastasis (3.75 vs 6.53 months, respectively; P = 0.365), but the same median overall survival of 16.7 months (P value: 0.945) and tumor smaller or bigger than 5 cm show earlier median time to detection of recurrence (4.17-7.32 months; P = 0.41), earlier median time to metastasis (3.75-6.53 months; P = 0.651), but better median overall survival of 18.21 versus 16.7 months, respectively (P = 0.111). CONCLUSIONS Multimodal treatment that combines surgery with adjuvant therapy is the best management strategy that influences survival positively in patients with angiosarcoma. The study shows that the reconstructive method does not affect the prognosis in these patients. So it is better to choose the simplest suitable resection and reconstructive method with the least complications and to avoid unnecessary procedures.
Understanding the long term consequences of fragmentation: lessons from the bats of Bijagós (Guinea-Bissau, West Africa)

The Bijagos archipelago consists of about 80 land-bridge islands located just off the coast of Guinea-Bissau (West Africa). The current faunas of such land-bridge archipelagoes reflect the isolation resulting from the fragmentation of the original coastal plains, caused by sea level rise about 11000 years ago. Therefore, they represent a unique opportunity to study long-term consequences of natural habitat fragmentation, analogous to the ongoing fragmentation processes caused by Man. We sampled and analyzed the bat assemblages of eight Bijagos islands, with up to 261 km 2 , and two nearby coastal regions to understand how insularity shaped island assemblages, and evaluate the potential impacts of fragmentation on African bat assemblages. Rarefaction using Chao2 estimator indicated that total species richness on Bijagos is only about 1/5 of that on the coast. Cluster and correspondence analyses demonstrated that bat faunas of different islands are quite similar, and not a random set of the mainland species assemblage. Moreover, trait analysis indicated that islands assemblages are composed by generalist and abundant species; presumably only generalist species can attain island population sizes viable in the long-term. The observed species depletion resulting from long-term isolation in Bijagos is much more accentuated than that observed in recent fragments, corroborating the view that such fragments are still losing species. Our results indicate that, despite the high mobility of bats, even relatively large fragments are unable to sustain viable populations of most species and that the impacts are worse in the case or rarer species. Most ongoing fragmentation resulting from habitat destruction involves matrices with a lower contrast than water, and this may lessen impacts. However, at least in the case of high contrast matrices, currently fragmented landscapes are likely to continue loosing species, and thus the true, long-term, impacts of fragmentation shall likely be worse than those so far reported.
Adaption and validation of the German version of the basic psychological needs in physical education scale

Philip Heckmann, 2013. Translation and Validation of the German Version of the Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education Scale: Master’s Thesis in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Department of Sport Sciences. University of Jyväskylä. 43 p. It is important to understand students’ motivation regarding physical activity to investigate the global issue physical inactivity. Based on the self-determination theory (SDT: Ryan & Deci, 2002), which is one of the most important frameworks in explaining motivation, students need to be emotionally satisfied in order to put effort towards a certain goal. The Basic Psychological Needs Theory is one sub-theory of the self-determination theory, which explains that constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness need to be satisfied in all humans in order to increase well-being. It is important to understand students’ motivation regarding physical activity to investigate the global issue of physical inactivity. In order to adapt a scale to another language, a reliable and valid scale is necessary. This procedure allows further research on motivational issues in other countries as well as comparison studies. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to adapt the Greek Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education Scale (BPN-PE: Vlachopulos, Katartzi, & Kontou, 2011) to German. After translating the scale, the BPN-PE scale’s factorability, internal consistency and testretest reliability were examined. Finally, factorial and construct validity of the BPN-PE scale were explained. The three-factor structure of autonomy, competence, and relatedness of the original scale was hypothesized to be the same in the adapted German version. After obtaining permission to conduct the research from local school principals, a pilot test with 5 grade students (n = 20), age 11-12, was conducted at one high school in Germany. Secondary educational institutions (Germany) were used to collect data from 7 to 10 grade students (n = 372). Finally, a third wave of data for the needs of the test-retest procedure was collected from 90 students. In order to examine the construct validity of the BPN-PE, two other scales (Perceived Autonomy Support Scale and Subjective Vitality Scale) were used as criterion validity instruments. All the BPN-PE factor scores showed moderate correlation with the Perceived Autonomy Support Scale and the Subjective Vitality Scale ranging between . 33 and . 61 which indicates satisfactory criterion validity. Cronbach’s alphas ranged from . 705 to . 875. The Principal Component Analysis revealed that three specific sets of items (autonomy, competence and relatedness) explained 68 % of the variance in the BPN-PE scale. Consequently, the translated BPN-PE scale is considered reliable and valid for German PE student population. Limitations of the study and further suggestions are discussed.
Stability of Psychiatric Diagnoses in Candidates to Liver Transplantation Referred to a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service

Objective: To investigate the stability over time of the psychiatric diagnoses among candidates to liver transplantation referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatric service. Method: Descriptive study, carried out at the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service (CLPS) placed at the Modena (Italy) General University Hospital. All patients waiting for liver transplantation and repeatedly referred to the CLPS were enrolled. The observation period was from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013. Pearson’s coefficients were calculated to measure diagnostic stability (index referral vs. last referral). Results: One hundred patients were assessed (males 67%; mean age 53 ± 7 years old). The mean number of referrals for patients was 3 ± 2. The stability rate of psychiatric diagnosis was 64%. The following diagnoses or conditions were all significantly stable (i.e., all featured by r > 0.5 and p < 0.05): Adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, comorbid anxiety/depressive disorder, substance use disorder (including alcohol), absence of any disorder, and presence of any disorder. Conclusions: The good level of diagnostic stability displayed in the sample may be a function of the clinical and organizational “style” of the CLPS, namely the focus on identifying the prevailing personality traits, defensive mechanisms, and relational patterns.
Forecasting corporate financial performance using sentiment in annual reports for stakeholders’ decision-making

AbstractThis paper is aimed at examining the role of annual reports’ sentiment in forecasting financial performance. The sentiment (tone, opinion) is assessed using several categorization schemes in order to explore various aspects of language used in the annual reports of U.S. companies. Further, we employ machine learning methods and neural networks to predict financial performance expressed in terms of the Z-score bankruptcy model. Eleven categories of sentiment (ranging from negative and positive to active and common) are used as the inputs of the prediction models. Support vector machines provide the highest forecasting accuracy. This evidence suggests that there exist non-linear relationships between the sentiment and financial performance. The results indicate that the sentiment information is an important forecasting determinant of financial performance and, thus, can be used to support decision-making process of corporate stakeholders.
Comment on: Inherited Thrombophilia and Pregnancy Complications: Should We Test?

I read the paper by Arachchillage and Makris, entitled “Inherited Thrombophilia and Pregnancy Complications: ShouldWe Test,” with interest.1 The paper deals with several inherited thrombophilic conditions which may lead to obstetric complications and concludes that no thrombophilia tests are necessary in the study of a person with pregnancy complications.1 Interestingly, the paper overlooks one inherited thrombophilic conditionwhichmay lead to obstetric complications: the sticky platelet syndrome (SPS). 2 We2,3 and others2 have shown that SPS may lead to recurrent abortions and other obstetric complications.2 We studied a group of 108 women witha clinicalmarkerof thrombophilia andahistoryof venous or arterial thrombosis inwhich 77 (71%) had been pregnant at some point in time. Twenty-eight of these 77 patients (37%) had had a spontaneous abortion and 24 of those (86%) were found to have SPS. Moreover, in a subset of 73 female patients with SPSwhohad been pregnant, 32% hadmiscarriages. These figures are significantly higher than the prevalence of spontaneous abortions in the general Mexican population of pregnant women, which is 12 to 13% (Chi-square: 7.47; p 1⁄4 0.0063). Accordingly, the relative risk of having a miscarriage is 2.66 times higher in female patients with SPS than in the general population (p 1⁄4 0.0014). We concluded that in Mexico, female patients with SPS experience significantly more spontaneous abortions than the general population. Since the treatment of SPS is simple and effective (involving antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin) and could in turn prevent adverse obstetric outcomes, its investigation in women studied for obstetric complications may be useful and deserves further research. Accordingly, we and others2–5 think that the investigation of SPS in women, experiencing obstetric complications, should be undertaken and that adequate treatment may enable prevention of further obstetric complications.
Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity and primary antimicrobial resistance in Northern Spain

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastritis, ulcers and gastric cancer. Antimicrobial resistance has increased worldwide affecting the efficacy of current treatments. Most guidelines recommend implementation of regional surveillance of primary antibiotic resistance of H pylori. Only a fraction of individuals infected with H pylori develop gastric diseases which are related to virulence factors of the bacteria. The aims of the study were to determine the primary antimicrobial resistance rates of H pylori and to know the virulence factors prevalence of strains circulating in Southern Europe.
Viridians Group Streptococci in Patients Undergoing Tooth Extraction

The aerobic microflora of the oral cavity consists of viridians group of streptococci (VGS). The present study was carried out with an objective to evaluate the prevalence of VGS in patients undergoing tooth extraction and to study their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Samples of subgingival dental plaques for microbiological studies were collected from 80 patients undergoing tooth extraction. The isolated streptococci were identified along with their antibacterial susceptibilities by automated Vitek 2 (bioMerieux) system in accordance with CLSI standards. A total of 260 VGS strains belonging to 05 phenotypic groups, namely mutans, salivarius, anginosus, sanguinus and mitis groups; along with few strains of Granulicatella like G. adiacens and G. elegans. Altogether a total of 15 species were isolated from the subgingival plaque of 80 patients undergoing tooth extraction. Among the 15 antibiotics tested, highest resistance was observed to lincosamides (36.2%) followed by macrolides (29.7%), tetracyclines (17.7%), cephems (15.1%), fluoroquinolones (14.4%), oxazolidinones (13.5%), streptogramins (12.7 %) and penicillins (7.9%). However, all the 260 VGS strains were found susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. In the subgingival plaque of patients undergoing tooth extraction, approximately 70% of streptococci belonged to three VGS groups, i.e. mitis, sanguinis and mutans groups. Streptococci of salivarus and anginosus groups were isolated sporadically (5%). Highest resistance was observed to lincosamides and macrolides (29.7%). Multiple antibiotic resistance was observed in mitis and salivarius group.