Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence of clinical mastitis in a random sample of dairy herds in the southern Netherlands

The incidence of clinical mastitis and distribution of pathogens in dairy cows was estimated in 171 randomly selected dairy herds in the southern Netherlands. A total of 1103 quarter cases were reported. The average annual incidence rate was 12.7 quarter cases per 100 cows per year. The most frequent isolates from clinical cases were Escherichia coli (16.9 per cent), Staphylococcus aureus (14.4 per cent), Streptococcus uberis (11.9 per cent) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (8-9 per cent). Most cases were reported in early lactation: 25.4 per cent in the first month of lactation for all cows, and 39.1 per cent in the first month for first lactation cows. The rear quarters had a significantly higher incidence rate than the front quarters. Cows with an E coli infection showed more general clinical signs than cows infected with S aureus, S uberis and S dysgalactiae. A significantly higher incidence was observed in herds with a low (<150,000 cells/ml) bulk milk somatic cell count than in herds with a count above 250,000 cells/ml.
The Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus Tea Tree Oil‐Reduced Susceptibility Mutants

Tea tree oil (TTO)‐reduced susceptibility (TTORS) mutants of two Staphylococcus aureus laboratory strains were isolated utilizing TTO gradient plates. Attempts to isolate TTORS mutants employing agar plates containing single TTO concentrations failed. All TTORS mutants demonstrated a small colony variant (SCV) phenotype and produced cells with a smaller diameter, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. The addition of SCV auxotrophic supplements to media did not lead to an increase in TTORS mutant colony size. Revertants were also isolated from the TTORS mutants following growth in drug‐free media, and all revertant strains demonstrated phenotypes similar to their respective parent strains. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that an SH1000 TTORS mutant demonstrated a thinner cell wall and novel septal invaginations compared with parent strain SH1000. In addition, comparative genomic sequencing did not reveal any mutations in an SH1000 TTORS mutant previously linked to well‐characterized SCV genotypes. This study demonstrates that TTO can select for a unique SCV phenotype. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term diabetic complications may be ameliorated by targeting Rho kinase

This review addresses the roles of Rho/Rho‐kinase (ROCK) pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications. Diabetes can cause many serious complications and can result in physical disability or even increased mortality. However, there are not many effective ways to treat these complications. The small guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate‐binding protein Rho and its downstream target Rho‐kinase mediate important cellular functions, such as cell morphology, motility, secretion, proliferation, and gene expression. Recently, the Rho/Rho‐kinase pathway has attracted a great deal of attention in diabetes‐related research. These studies have provided evidence that the activity and gene expression of Rho‐kinase are upregulated in some tissues in animal models of type 1 or type 2 diabetes and in cell lines cultured with high concentrations of glucose. Inhibitors of Rho‐kinase could prevent or ameliorate the pathological changes in diabetic complications. The inhibitory effects of statins on the Rho/Rho‐kinase signalling pathway may also play a role in the prevention of diabetic complications. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which the Rho/Roh‐kinase pathway participates in the development or progression of diabetic complications has not been extensively investigated. This article evaluates the relationship between Rho/Roh‐kinase tivation and diabetic complications, as well as the roles of Roh‐kinase inhibitors and statins in the complications of diabetes, with the objective of providing a novel target for the treatment of long‐term diabetic complications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T1 Mapping in Discrimination of Hypertrophic Phenotypes: Hypertensive Heart Disease and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Findings From the International T1 Multicenter Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

BACKGROUND The differential diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy remains challenging in clinical practice, in particular, between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and increased LV wall thickness because of systemic hypertension. Diffuse myocardial disease is a characteristic feature in HCM, and an early manifestation of sarcomere-gene mutations in subexpressed family members (G+P- subjects). This study aimed to investigate whether detecting diffuse myocardial disease by T1 mapping can discriminate between HCM versus hypertensive heart disease as well as to detect genetically driven interstitial changes in the G+P- subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with diagnoses of HCM or hypertension (HCM, n=95; hypertension, n=69) and G+P- subjects (n=23) underwent a clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol (3 tesla) for cardiac volumes, function, and scar imaging. T1 mapping was performed before and >20 minutes after administration of 0.2 mmol/kg of gadobutrol. Native T1 and extracellular volume fraction were significantly higher in HCM compared with patients with hypertension (P<0.0001), including in subgroup comparisons of HCM subjects without evidence of late gadolinium enhancement, as well as of hypertensive patients LV wall thickness of >15 mm (P<0.0001). Compared with controls, native T1 was significantly higher in G+P- subjects (P<0.0001) and 65% of G+P- subjects had a native T1 value >2 SD above the mean of the normal range. Native T1 was an independent discriminator between HCM and hypertension, over and above extracellular volume fraction, LV wall thickness and indexed LV mass. Native T1 was also useful in separating G+P- subjects from controls. CONCLUSIONS Native T1 may be applied to discriminate between HCM and hypertensive heart disease and detect early changes in G+P- subjects.
Body mass changes and nutrient intake of Optimist class sailors on a race day

Abstract Young sailors tend to compete under a similar racing format to that of adults, spending extended hours exposed to the elements. This descriptive study measured the body mass changes in 65 male Optimist dinghy sailors (mean age 11.6 years, s = 1.4; body mass 37.2 kg, s = 8.2) and describes their fluid and carbohydrate intake during a typical race day. The sailors were weighed before launching and upon return to shore, and were interviewed to assess their fluid and carbohydrate intakes. After spending 6 h afloat, the participants displayed a mean weight loss of 0.5 kg (s = 0.6), indicating dehydration of 1.3% (s = 1.2, range −0.9 to 6.2%) assuming euhydration before they went afloat. Water loss amounted to 1.3 litres (s = 0.8) or 0.2 litres · h−1 (s = 0.1). Thirty-nine boys (60%) incurred <1% dehydration, 13 (20%) incurred 1 – 2% dehydration, and 13 (20%) incurred >2% dehydration. While afloat, the participants drank 816 ml (s = 621) of fluid, replacing only 61% of their water loss: 3% drank nothing, 78% drank plain water, and 15% drank sports drinks. Pre-race carbohydrate consumption was 1.7 g · kg−1 (s = 1.4, range 0.0 – 7.6 g · kg−1), with consumption when afloat of 7.1 g · h−1 (s = 6.9). In view of the hypohydration demonstrated, it is recommended that specific strategies be developed to improve the dietary practices of young sailors.
Does estimating volumetric bone density of the femoral neck improve the prediction of hip fracture? A prospective study

Standard projectional bone density of the femoral neck (BMD), defined as bone mineral content divided by the projected area of the neck, predicts hip fractures but may not accurately estimate the true volumetric bone density of the femoral neck. To determine whether an estimate of the volumetric bone density of the neck, “bone mineral apparent density” (BMAD), would be a better predictor of hip fracture, we analyzed dual x‐ray absorptiometry scans obtained prospectively from 7963 older white women, of whom 83 suffered a hip fracture during follow‐up. Both BMD and BMAD were stronger predictors than bone mineral content (BMC) of the femoral neck. However, BMD and BMAD had very similar predictive values for hip fracture: each standard deviation decrease in either BMD or BMAD of the femoral neck increased the age‐adjusted risk of hip fracture 2.6‐ to 2.7‐fold. We conclude that BMD and BMAD of the femoral neck have a similarly strong predictive value for hip fracture.
What is the impact of endoscopic vein harvesting on clinical outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Objective Endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) is increasingly used as an alternative to open vein harvesting (OVH) for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Concerns about the safety of EVH with regard to midterm clinical outcomes following CABG have been raised. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of EVH on short-term and midterm clinical outcomes following CABG. Design This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multi-centre data. A propensity score was developed for EVH and used to match patients who underwent EVH to those who underwent OVH. Setting Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Plymouth Derriford Hospital and the University Hospital of South Manchester were the main study settings. Patients There were 4709 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG using EVH or OVH between January 2008 and July 2010. Main outcome measures The main outcome measure was a combined end point of death, repeat revascularisation or myocardial infarction. Secondary outcome measures included in-hospital morbidity, in-hospital mortality and midterm mortality. Results Compared to OVH, EVH was not associated with an increased risk of the main outcome measure at a median follow-up of 22 months (HR 1.15; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.74). EVH was also not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital morbidity, in-hospital mortality (0.9% vs 1.1%, p=0.71) or midterm mortality (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.66). Conclusions This multi-centre study demonstrates that at a median follow-up of 22 months, EVH was not associated with adverse short-term or midterm clinical outcomes. However, before the safety of EVH can be clearly determined, further analyses of long-term clinical outcomes are required.
Pilot Study of Ampicillin-Ceftriaxone Combination for Treatment of Orthopedic Infections Due to Enterococcus faecalis

ABSTRACT Serious Enterococcus faecalis infections usually require combination therapy to achieve a bactericidal effect. In orthopedic infections, the prognosis of enterococcal etiology is considered poor, and the use of aminoglycosides is questioned. The ampicillin-ceftriaxone combination has recently been accepted as alternative therapy for enterococcal endocarditis. After one of our patients with endocarditis and vertebral osteomyelitis was cured with ampicillin-ceftriaxone, we started a pilot study of orthopedic infections. Patients with infections due to E. faecalis (with two or more surgical samples or blood cultures) diagnosed during 2005 to 2008 were recruited. Polymicrobial infections with ampicillin- and ceftriaxone-resistant microorganisms were excluded. Patients received ampicillin (8 to 16 g/day)-ceftriaxone (2 to 4 g/day) and were followed up prospectively. Of 31 patients with E. faecalis infections, 10 received ampicillin-ceftriaxone. Including the first patient, 11 patients were treated with ampicillin-ceftriaxone: 3 with prosthetic joint infections, 3 with instrumented spine arthrodesis device infections, 2 with osteosynthesis device infections, 1 with foot osteomyelitis, and 2 with vertebral osteomyelitis and endocarditis. Six infections (55%) were polymicrobial. All cases except the vertebral osteomyelitis ones required surgery, with retention of foreign material in six cases. Ampicillin-ceftriaxone was given for 25 days (interquartile range, 15 to 34 days), followed by amoxicillin (amoxicilline) being given to seven patients (64%). One patient with endocarditis died within 2 weeks (hemorrhagic stroke) and was not evaluable. For one patient with prosthesis retention, the infection persisted; 9/10 patients (90%) were cured, but 1 patient was superinfected. Follow-up was for 21 months (interquartile range, 14 to 36 months). Ampicillin-ceftriaxone may be a reasonable synergistic combination to treat orthopedic infections due to E. faecalis. Our experience, though limited, shows good outcomes and tolerability and may provide a basis for further well-designed comparative studies.
Association between meal intake behavior and blood pressure in Spanish adults

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Eating frequency has been suggested to modify blood pressure. Yet, the results are inconclusive, possibly because eating frequency, particularly meal intake behavior (MIB), does not differentiate between meals and snacks. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the association between more specific MIBs, like the consumption of the three main meals, the intake of forenoon and afternoon meals and snacking between the regular meals, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP). METHODS This cross-sectional study includes 1,314 Spanish adults aged 20-79 years. Data collection occurred during cardiovascular health day events organized in four Spanish cities (Madrid, Las Palmas, Seville and Valencia) in 2008. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent association between the mentioned MIBs and SBP/DBP, controlling for several confounders in multiples models. RESULTS After adjusting for sex, age and individual risk factors, having an afternoon meal was associated with lower SBP (ß -3.91, 95% CI [-6.33, -1.49]) and DBP (ß -2.35, 95% CI [-3.76, -0.94]). This association was attenuated when introducing dietary intake and waist circumference in the predictive models (SBP: ß -2.83, 95% CI [-5.25, -0.40]; DBP: ß -1.67, 95% CI [-3.04, -0.31]), although it still remained significant. None of the other investigated MIBs showed any associations with SBP/DBP. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that SBP/DBP might be reduced by the intake of an afternoon meal. However, population-based prospective studies are needed in order to confirm the consequences of the investigated associations on health.
Longitudinal study of anisometropia in Singaporean school children.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to document the incidence rates of anisometropia, year-by-year prevalences, changes in the intereye difference in spherical equivalent (SE), and its association with myopia progression and axial length changes in a cohort of Singaporean school children. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of Singaporean school children (n = 1979) aged 7 to 9 years who were examined annually with cycloplegic refraction and ultrasonography over a 3-year period. RESULTS In the 1908 children without anisometropia at commencement, the 3-year cumulative incidence rate of anisometropia (difference in SE at least 1.0 D) was 144 (7.55%; 95% CI: 6.42-8.85). The mean intereye difference in SE in all children at baseline was 0.29 +/- 0.46 D (SD: 0.46) and increased to 0.44 D (0.59) on the last examination. On the initial examination, 3.6% (95% CI: 2.8-4.4) or 71 children had anisometropia. Of the 59 of 71 children who completed all examinations, only 3 (5.1%) had an increase in the intereye difference in SE by at least 0.5 D, whereas 2 (3.4%) had a decrease of at least 0.5D. The mean intereye difference in SE was stable between visits. The change in intereye difference in SE correlated with the change in intereye axial length (r = 0.43). Compared with the isometropic children, each eye of the anisometropic children had a higher rate of progression of myopia. CONCLUSIONS The 3-year incidence of anisometropia was 7.55% in these young Singaporean children. Although the frequency of anisometropia increased with time, the difference in SE between eyes tended to remain stable.
In vivo and In Vitro Antitumor Effects of a Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A Mutant (SEA-H61D)

ABSTRACT In this study, we evaluated SEA-H61D, a staphylococcal enterotoxin A mutant without emetic activity, as an antitumor agent in vitro and in vivo. It showed that SEA-H61D could significantly inhibit the growth of many cancer cell lines in vitro at very low concentrations by activating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes could be activated at a dose between 125 and 500 μ g/kg. Systemic administration of SEA-H61D in vivo significantly inhibited tumor growth, with the treated group undergoing tumor necrosis and showing a strong infiltration of lymphocytes to the tumor area.
Beta‐globin gene cluster haplotypes in Afro‐Uruguayans from two geographical regions (South and North)

The β‐globin gene cluster haplotypes were identified in 52 and 40 chromosomes from two Afro‐Uruguayan populations located in the South and North of the country, respectively. In both regions, the 5′ haplotype 2 (+ − − − −), characteristic of non‐African populations, was the most frequent, reflecting a strong process of admixture in Afro‐Uruguayans (0.355 and 0.262, respectively). The haplotypes 3 (− − − − +) and 4 (− + − − +), characteristics of African sub‐Saharan populations, present inverse frequencies in North and South: whereas in the South haplotype 3 is the second most frequent (0.232), and haplotype 4 presents a low frequency (0.019), in the North haplotype 4 is the third most frequent (0.140), and haplotype 3 only reaches an intermediate frequency (0.088). The pairwise FST and the exact test of differentiation show genetic heterogeneity between both regions. Nei's genetic distance show that South and North present affinities with Bantu groups, although the North present the smallest genetic distance with the Mandenka, a Senegalese population. With respect to 3′ haplotypes, haplotype I was the most frequent in both populations, followed by haplotype II, characteristic of sub‐Saharan Africans. The high frequencies of haplotype III‐Asian could indicate admixture with Native American populations. The differences observed between both Uruguayan regions could be explained by microevolutionary events as genetic drift, founder effects, differential admixture, and/or distinct origin of the African slaves introduced in those regions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The moderating effect of alcohol intake on the relationship between work strains and psychological distress.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the extent to which alcohol intake modified the associations between psychological distress and work strains. METHOD The data were obtained from a sample of 10,387 employees nested in 422 occupations. Four types of alcohol drinkers were defined according to drinker status measured by alcohol intake over the last week (1) abstainers, (2) drinkers who abstained from drinking in the last seven days, (3) low-risk drinkers (according to the Canadian guidelines), (4) high-risk drinkers. The Ilfeld scale was used to measure the level of psychological distress (referencing the last week). Work strains were measured according to Karasek's skills utilization, decision authority and psychological demands, as well as by regularity of work schedule, number of working hours per week, exposure to physical and chemical risks, job status and type of remuneration. Multilevel logistic regressions were conducted with adjustments for gender and age. RESULTS 6.1% of the logit variance of psychological distress was between occupations. Alcohol intake showed a U-shaped relationship with psychological distress, and it was a moderator of skills utilization and exposure to physical risks. Decision authority, psychological demands, work schedule, gender and age were linked to psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Moderate alcohol intake is not associated with psychological distress and does not intensify the effect of work strains. The results give some support to the positive effect of moderate alcohol consumption on stress reduction and mental health.
The effects of mannitol on cerebral edema after large hemispheric cerebral infarct

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a single large dose of mannitol on midline tissue shifts after a large cerebral infarction. Background: Theoretically, mannitol use in the largest cerebral infarctions may preferentially shrink noninfarcted cerebral tissue, thereby aggravating midline tissue shifts and worsening neurologic status. To test this theory, we studied patients with hemispheric infarctions using continuous and sequential MRI during administration of a single dose of mannitol. Methods: Patients with neurologic deterioration from complete middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and CT evidence of at least 3 mm of midline shift were studied using T1-weighted three-dimensional multiplanar rapid acquisition gradient echo image data sets acquired at 5- to 10-minute intervals before, during, and after a 1.5 gm/kg bolus infusion of mannitol. Horizontal and vertical displacements were calculated by previously described methods. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and MCA Stroke Scale (MCASS) were measured before and after mannitol administration. Mean changes in tissue shifts were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance. Clinical variables were compared using paired t-tests. Results: Seven patients were enrolled. The final average change in midline shift compared with the initial displacement was 0.0 ± 1 mm for horizontal (F = 0.06, p = 0.99) and 0.25 ± 1.3 mm for vertical displacement (F = 0.06, p = 0.99). Whereas average scores for the group did not change, MCASS improved in two, GCS improved in three, and pupillary light reactivity returned in two patients. No patient worsened. Conclusions: Acute mannitol used in patients with cerebral edema after a large hemispheric infarction does not alter midline tissue shifts or worsen neurologic status.
Familial clustering and subsequent incidence of atrial fibrillation among first-degree relatives in Denmark.

AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Determination and quantification of familial risk may help identify high-risk patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Using Danish nationwide registry data (1978-2012), we identified all first-time AF patients (probands) in Denmark. Relatives to these probands were grouped according to proband-relation: offspring from either maternal or paternal proband, and siblings to proband. Age-specific incidence of AF for these three groups of relatives and for the general Danish population was estimated. Using the general population as reference, we calculated adjusted rate ratios (RRs) of AF in the three groups of relatives. We identified 67 310, 103 822, and 11 800 AF probands who were mothers (median age 74 years, IQR 66-81), fathers (70 years, IQR 62-78), and siblings (46 years, IQR 38-52), respectively. Among those, 133 516, 221 774, and 21 448 offspring from a maternal proband, offspring from a paternal proband, and siblings, respectively, were screened for incident AF. This was recorded in 2536 (1.9%), 2906 (1.3%), and 292 (1.4%) relatives, respectively. Compared with the general Danish population, the adjusted RRs for incident AF were 3.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.21-3.53] for offspring from maternal probands, 2.81 (95% CI 2.69-2.93) for offspring from paternal probands, and 5.20 (95% CI 4.61-5.85) for siblings to sibling probands. Subgroup analyses showed increased RRs with younger aged probands. CONCLUSION Familial AF was associated with an increased RR of AF in first-degree relatives compared with the general Danish population. This suggests that familial AF is a major risk factor for developing AF in relatives.