Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mn2FeWO6: A New Ni3TeO6‐Type Polar and Magnetic Oxide

Mn(2+)2 Fe(2+)W(6+)O6 , a new polar magnetic phase, adopts the corundum-derived Ni3TeO6 -type structure with large spontaneous polarization (PS) of 67.8 μC cm(-2), complex antiferromagnetic order below ≈75 K, and field-induced first-order transition to a ferrimagnetic phase below ≈30 K. First-principles calculations predict a ferrimagnetic (udu) ground state, optimal switching path along the c-axis, and transition to a lower energy udu-udd magnetic double cell.
Sound analysis to model weight of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT The pattern of body weight gain during the commercial growing of broiler chickens is important to understand growth and feed conversion ratio of each flock. The application of sound analysis techniques has been widely studied to measure and analyze the amplitude and frequency of animal sounds. Previous studies have shown a significant correlation (P ≤ 0.001) between the frequency of vocalization and the age and weight of broilers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and validate a model that describes the growth rate of broiler chickens based on the peak frequency of their vocalizations and to explore the possibility to develop a tool capable of automatically detecting the growth of the chickens based on the frequency of their vocalizations during the production cycle. It is part of an overall goal to develop a Precision Livestock Farming tool that assists farmers in monitoring the growth of broiler chickens during the production cycle. In the present study, sounds and body weight were continuously recorded in an intensive broiler farm during 5 production cycles. For each cycle the peak frequencies of the chicken vocalizations were used to estimate the weight and then they were compared with the observed weight of the birds automatically measured using on farm automated weighing devices. No significant difference is shown between expected and observed weights along the entire production cycles; this trend was confirmed by the correlation coefficient between expected and observed weights (r = 96%, P value ≤ 0.001). The identified model used to predict the weight as a function of the peak frequency confirmed that bird weight might be predicted by the frequency analysis of the sounds emitted at farm level. Even if the precision of the weighing method based on sounds investigated in this study has to be improved, it gives a reasonable indication regarding the growth of broilers opening a new scenario in monitoring systems in broiler houses.
Shapley supercluster survey: galaxy evolution from filaments to cluster cores

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–13) under grant agreement number 312430 (OPTICON; PI: P. Merluzzi) and PRIN-INAF 2011 ‘Galaxy evolution with the VLT Surveys Telescope (VST)’ (PI A. Grado). CPH was funded by CONICYT Anillo project ACT-1122. N.Okabe is supported by a Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (26800097) and by World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI Initiative), MEXT, Japan.
Role of dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase in the biosynthesis of plasmalogens and nonether glycerolipids Published, JLR Papers in Press, February 1, 2005. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M400364-JLR200

The variant CHO-K1 cell line, NRel-4, is unable to synthesize plasmalogens because of a severe reduction in dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase (DHAPAT) activity (Nagan, N., A. K. Hajra, L. K. Larkins, P. Lazarow, P. E. Purdue, W. B. Rizzo, and R. A. Zoeller. 1998. Isolation of a Chinese hamster fibroblast variant defective in dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase activity and plasmalogen biosynthesis: use of a novel two-step selection protocol. Biochem. J. 332: 273–279). Northern analysis demonstrated that the loss of this activity was attributable to a severe reduction in mRNA levels for DHAPAT. Transfection of NRel-4 cells with a plasmid bearing the human DHAPAT cDNA recovered DHAPAT activity and plasmalogen biosynthesis. Examination of clonal isolates from the transfected population showed that recovery of as little as 10% of wild-type DHAPAT activity restored plasmalogen levels to 55% of normal, whereas in one isolate, NRel-4.15, which overexpressed DHAPAT activity by 6-fold over wild-type cells, plasmalogen levels were returned only to wild-type values. Although the rate of plasmenylethanolamine biosynthesis was restored in NRel-4.15, the biosynthesis of nonether glycerolipids was either decreased or unaffected, suggesting that peroxisomal DHAPAT does not normally contribute to nonether glycerolipid biosynthesis. These data demonstrate that a defect in the gene that codes for peroxisomal DHAPAT is the primary lesion in the NRel-4 cell line and that the peroxisomal DHAPAT is essential for the biosynthesis of plasmalogens in animal cells.
Dual Effect of Laparoscopy on Cell-Mediated Immunity

Laparoscopic influence on cell-mediated immunity and tumour evolution is controversial. The objective of the present study was to assess tumour growth and immune patterns after laparoscopy on an experimental study. Lewis rats, bearing an intrapancreatic ductal carcinoma randomly underwent one of the following 2-hour procedures: anaesthesia, laparotomy or CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Cell-mediated immunity was investigated through determination of serum IL1β concentrations by ELISA and TNFα, IL6 and iNOS gene transcriptions in blood white cells and peritoneal cells by RT-PCR 1 day after operation. Tumour growth and spread patterns were assessed on anatomopathological examination 2 weeks after surgery. Tumour growth and spread were unaffected no matter what procedure was applied, but port-site seeding occurred in half of the cases undergoing laparoscopy. No significant change in acute-phase protein response, represented by IL1β serum concentration, was found after laparoscopy. TNFα, IL6 and inducible NO synthase gene transcriptions were enhanced in blood white cells and depressed in peritoneal immune cells after laparoscopy. In our experimental conditions, cell-mediated immune response to CO2 pneumoperitoneum seems to be a good systemic immune activation and a less acute peritoneal immune response as opposed to control laparoscopy. This early impairment of peritoneal macrophage immune activity, observed after a long-lasting CO2 pneumoperitoneum, might be responsible for the high rate of port site recurrence.
FSHR Gene Polymorphisms Causes Male Infertility

Prior studies suggested sperm with damaged DNA permits fertilization but may lead to failure of embryo implantation following blastocyst formation. Quantitative correlations between DNA damage and risk of implantation failure have, however, so far not been performed. The aim of this study was to investigate two FSHR gene polymorphisms G919A (Ala307Thr) and A2039G (Asn680Ser) in Eastern Ukrainian Caucasian men with abnormally low fertility. The molecular genetic analysis was performed by real-time PCR, with the level of DNA fragmentation measured by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) method. The relationship between DNA fragmentation in sperm and these genetic polymorphisms was estimated. Compared to homozygotes, the risk of high-level DNA fragmentation (>20%) increased in men up to age 35 years 16-fold for heterozygotes GA of polymorphic variant G919A, 28-fold for homozygotes AA of polymorphic variant G919A; and 16-fold for heterozygotes GG of polymorphic variant A2039G. A statistically significant positive correlation between number of alternative alleles of the FSHR gene in genotype and degree of DNA fragmentation is proved (rs = 0.70, P < 0.01).
Thyroid cancer after diagnostic doses of iodine-131: a retrospective cohort study.

The incidence of thyroid cancer was evaluated in 35,074 patients examined for suspected thyroid disorders between 1951 and 1969 with an average of 1.92 megabecquerel [(MBq) 52 microCi] of 131I. The radiation dose to the thyroid gland was, on the average, approximately 0.5 Gy. The mean age at the time of examination was 44 years; 5% were under age 20. Patients were followed for an average of 20 years. Record linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register identified 50 thyroid cancers occurring 5 years or more after the initial 131I examination, in contrast to 39.4 expected based on general population rates [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval = 0.94-1.67]. Risk was highest among males (SIR = 2.70, n = 10), patients followed 5-9 years (SIR = 2.22, n = 23), and patients receiving more than 74 microCi or 2.74 MBq of 131I (SIR = 2.04, n = 17). However, these observations were confounded by the fact that patients examined for a suspected thyroid tumor received the highest 131I exposures and were at highest overall risk (SIR = 2.77, n = 34). Patients given 131I for reasons other than a suspected tumor were not at increased risk (SIR = 0.62, n = 16). Patients anticipated to be at highest risk, i.e., women (SIR = 1.12, n = 40) and those observed for 10 years or more (SIR = 0.93, n = 27), showed no evidence of a dose response. Overall, these data provide little proof that 131I is carcinogenic in humans and support the notion that the carcinogenic potential of internal 131I beta particles might be as low as four times less than external x rays or gamma rays.
Plasma zinc and vitamin a in human squamous carcinoma of the esophagus

Zinc deficiency enhances experimental esophageal tumor induction. Vitamin A supplementation inhibits carcinogenesis in animals. Plasma zinc and plasma vitamin A levels are reduced in several human squamous cancers, but have not been studied in a US population with esophageal cancer. Therefore, we measured plasma zinc and vitamin A in patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer. In addition, we assessed hepatic and nutritional status and attempted to control for other factors known to influence plasma zinc and vitamin A levels. Plasma zinc and vitamin A were both significantly less in esophageal carcinoma than in age‐matched healthy controls (plasma zinc 65.7 ± 3.3 μg/dl [mean ± SEM] in esophageal cancer versus 80.5 ± 2.4 μg/dl in controls, P < 0.01; plasma vitamin A 32.6 ± 3.4 μ/dl in esophageal cancer versus 60.2 ± 4.2 in controls, P < 0.001). Overall, 15 of 17 patients with esophageal cancer had decreased plasma zinc and/or decreased plasma vitamin A. Our findings are compatible with a hypothesis that zinc or vitamin A deficiency may be co‐factors in the induction of human esophageal carcinoma.
Glutamine supplementation , citrulline production , and de novo arginine synthesis : is there a relation ?

In their letter, Unocc et al. make a nice comment on the important influence of bone mineral density (BMD) on physical performance in older women. Unfortunately, we did not assess BMD very thoroughly in our trial (1) because we used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry only to measure appendicular muscle mass and other variables relating to body composition. However, because this method does provide some information on bone (whole-body BMD), we would like to report this variable in an effort to answer the comments by Unocc et al. We found no difference in whole-body BMD between our treated and control groups at baseline (0.98 6 0.10 vs. 1.02 6 0.09 g/cm; P 1⁄4 0.31), and these values did not change significantly over the course of 12 wk in either group (20.046 0.02 vs.20.086 0.03 g/cm; P 1⁄4 0.11). Nor did the changes in whole-body BMD significantly correlate with any of the physical performance or muscle strength measures investigated. The lack of any effect of magnesium supplementation on BMD is probably due to several factors. The most important seems to be the length of follow-up in our trial, which may have been too short to see any changes in BMD. Unocc et al. rightly mention the findings of the COMB (Combination of Micronutrients for Bone) study (2), in which 12 mo of magnesium supplementation led to a significant increase in BMD; however, the study also involved supplementation with other minerals and vitamins, so the effect of magnesium could not be separated from that of other micronutrients. Another important point to consider is that whole-body BMD is not the best method for diagnosing osteoporosis, for which sites such as the spine and hip are more reliable (3). Finally, we would like to add that the study by Orchard et al. (4) found a significant increase in BMD across groups given magnesium but also a higher incidence of fractures in those with the highest magnesium intake, probably because of the latter group’s greater physical activity and a consequent higher rate of falls. This conflicting result unfortunately confirms that the influence of dietary magnesium intake on bone metabolism and osteoporosis has yet to be established. In conclusion, the lack of any effect of magnesium supplementation on BMD in our trial should be considered with caution and studies focusing on BMD are needed to arrive at a better understanding of the effect of magnesium supplementation on bone.
Sociological and Historical Survey of Childhood Diseases and Child Mortality in the Greek Lands during the 14 th-18 th Centuries

The aim of the present study is a sociological and historical survey of childhood diseases and child mortality in the Greek lands during the 14-18 centuries. For this purpose Greek and foreign literature, internet sources as well as historical sources were reviewed. Methodologically, this study was based on a review of the relevant literature and on research into historical sources related to childhood diseases and child mortality in the Greek lands during the 14-18 centuries. The main conclusions drawn were the following: a) the concept of the term “childhood” has historically varied widely according to both time and place and is defined by the living conditions, social structures and mental perceptions of each society and time period; b) while the factors of ‘time and place’ can aid us in understanding the historicity of childhood diseases and child mortality, the latter study helps us better appreciate specific social structures, attitudes and living conditions; c) with regard to the period in question, by international standards, a high prevalence of epidemic childhood diseases and a high percentage of child mortality is revealed, as a reflection of the general harsh social and financial circumstances of the age; d) it is revealed that childhood diseases in the Greek lands during the 14-18 centuries had their sources in previous periods of time, were mostly pestilent and reflected the level of development of medicine and the social conditions of the time, while child mortality is seen to have been a problem with major social and demographic implications.
Is There A Natural Translational System Suitable for the Target Therapy of Lung Cancer

Thus, as I showed elsewhere [6], these findings were of the order of “Premature Discovery. ” Little wonder that, nowadays, the phenomenon goes by the appropriate name of lymph angiogenesis. Furthermore, it has been identified for target therapy purposes [7,8], Incidentally, I have published that this phenomenon explains the longlasting puzzle concerning the selectivity of the adrenal glands during the metastasis of lung cancers . As far back as 1798, the great Sir Astley Cooper [9] had recognized the importance of “the thoracic duct in the human economy. ” Hitherto, the problem was the difficulty that this 45 cm long organ presented to researchers. It had to be cut and examined as numerous microscope cross sections [10]. However, on my part, I devised the Swiss-roll method of coiling it and properly processing it so as to examine it with a single microscope slide [5]. This maneuver revealed the panorama of lung cancer cells being transported through this special conduit at the moment of death.
Exploring Occupational and Familial Risks for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

BACKGROUND: The malignant process in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is driven by the BCR-ABL fusion gene encoding the p210 kd tyrosine kinase involved in downstream signaling activities resulting in leukaemia. The finding of BCR-ABL fusion in some normal, healthy individuals however confounds the picture, though activation of other downstream signaling pathways is required for proliferation of BCR-ABL-positive cells. Apart perhaps from exposure to atomic weapon or nuclear accident radiation, causes of BCR-ABL fusion are not well understood, making a case for more research. In this study, we intended to show association between patients’ occupations, and also personal and family history of cancer, with occurrence of CML. METHODS: Patients with CML followed up at the Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) Clinic at the Nairobi Hospital had details of their occupations, personal and family histories of cancer taken. The latter included details of degree of relationship, and cancer type. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-eight patients were included. Males were 222 (55.8%) and females 176 (44.2%). Age range was 8-80 years, with a median of median of 44 years. Three hundred and fifty occupations were recorded. Farmers were the leading group, with 69 (19.7%), followed by carpenters/builders/painters/masons/drivers 55 (15.7%). Of note was a 32 year old man whose two female work mates in a telecommunications firm in the same building in Nairobi had acute myeloid leukaemia. Two hundred and sixty-seven (267) patients had personal or family history of cancer verifiable. Of these, 41 (15.4%) gave positive history. Eight (3%) were oesophageal cancer (5 among first degree relatives, 1 second degree, 2 third-degree). Eight (3%) were prostate cancer (4 first-degree, 1 second degree, 3 third degree). Five (1.9%) were breast cancer (1 self, 1 first degree, 3 second degree). CONCLUSION: Occupational profiles shown mirror the frequencies of cancers as seen in the general population. The three workmates who developed myeloid leukaemias cannot be ignored as they raise serious occupational concerns. Familial associations with other cancers could be epidemiological, implying, purely by chance.
Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders . II . Barriers to care , monitoring and treatment guidelines , plus recommendations at the system and individual level

World Psychiatry 10:2 June 2011 As outlined in the first part of this bi-partite publication (1), individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are at an increased risk for a large number of physical disorders that require clinical attention. People with SMI are entitled to the same standards of care as the rest of the population. However, rates of undiagnosed and untreated medical illnesses are higher in SMI individuals, compared to the general population. Despite the fact that the higher morbidity and mortality of physical illnesses in SMI patients are largely due to modifiable lifestyle risk factors (1), there is sufficient evidence that disparities not only in health care access and utilization, but also in health care provision, contribute to these poor physical health outcomes (2,3). According to one recent study, people with psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder have greatly increased odds of reporting difficulties in accessing care (odds ratios, OR=2.5-7.0) (4). Although parity in access to and provision of health care should be conceived as a basic human right, a confluence of patient, provider, treatment and system factors has created a situation in which access to and quality of health care is problematic for individuals with SMI (5). Table 1 summarizes the barriers to the recognition and management of somatic illnesses in SMI patients. In many cases, the SMI patients’ only contact with the health service is through the mental health care team. MorePhysical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level WPA EDUCATIONAL MODULE
Anthrax Edema Toxin Inhibits Endothelial Cell Chemotaxis via Epac and Rap1*

Angiogenesis involves the assembly of endothelial cells into capillaries from a pre-existing vasculature. Because abnormal angiogenesis is a hallmark of many cancers, it is critical to find factors that control this process. Endothelial cells are enriched in the anthrax receptor; we therefore determined the effect of anthrax edema toxin (ET), an adenylyl cyclase, on chemotaxis. cAMP generated by ET does not block proliferation or survival but causes cytoskeletal changes and inhibits chemotaxis by primary human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). These effects are due to the action of a downstream cAMP effector, Epac, a guanine nucleotide exchange-activating protein for Rap1 (RAP1-GEF). ET induces transcription of Epac-related activators of Rap1, Epac2 (RapGEF4), and MR-GEF/RapGEF5. Similar to ET, activated Epac or Rap1 induces cytoskeletal changes and blocks chemotaxis in human endothelial cells. These results identify Epac and Rap1 as key regulators of signaling cascades leading to endothelial cell chemotaxis.
Sevoflurane preconditioning at 1 MAC only provides limited protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized bi-centre trial.

BACKGROUND Volatile agents can mimic ischaemic preconditioning leading to a decrease in myocardial infarct size. The present study investigated if a 15 min sevoflurane administration before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has a cardioprotective effect in patients undergoing coronary surgery. METHODS Seventy-two patients were randomized in two centres. The intervention group (S) received 1 MAC sevoflurane administrated via the ventilator for 15 min followed by a 15 min washout before CPB, the control group did not. The primary outcome was the postoperative troponin Ic peak. A biopsy of the atrium was taken during canulation for enzyme dosages. Results are expressed as mean (SD). RESULTS Neither troponin Ic nor tissular enzyme measurement exhibited any difference between the groups: peak of troponin Ic was 4.4 (5.6) in S group vs 5.2 (6.6) ng ml(-1) in control group (ns). Intratissular ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity was 7.1 (4.3) vs 8.5 (11.9), protein kinase C activity was 27.1 (15.7) vs 29.2 (28.7), tyrosine kinase activity was 101 (54.1) vs 98.5 (63.3), and P38 MAPKinase activity was 131.1 (76.1) vs 127.1 (86.8) nmol mg protein(-1) min(-1) in S group and control group, respectively (ns). However there were fewer patients with low postoperative cardiac index in S group (11% in S vs 35% in control group, P < 0.05) when considering the per protocol population. In S group, 25% of patients required an inotropic support during the postoperative period, vs 36% of patients in control group (ns). CONCLUSIONS This study did not show a significant preconditioning signal after 15 min of sevoflurane administration. The 15 min duration might be too short or the concentration of sevoflurane too low to induce cardioprotection detected by troponin I levels.