Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localisation of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors in the equine dorsal root ganglia.

BACKGROUND Growing evidence recognises cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets for pain. Consequently, there is increasing interest in developing cannabinoid receptor agonists for treating pain. As a general rule, to better understand the actions of a drug, it would be of extreme importance to know the cellular distribution of its specific receptors. The localisation of cannabinoid receptors in the dorsal root ganglia of the horse has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES To localise the cellular distribution of canonical and putative cannabinoid receptors in the equine cervical dorsal root ganglia. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical study. METHODS Cervical (C6-C8) dorsal root ganglia were collected from six horses (1.5 years of age) at the slaughterhouse. The tissues were fixed and processed to obtain cryosections which were used to investigate the immunoreactivity of canonical cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), and for three putative cannabinoid-related receptors: nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and serotonin 5-HT1a receptor (5-HT1aR). RESULTS The neurons showed immunoreactivity for CB1R (100%), CB2R (80±13%), PPARα (100%), TRPA1 (74±10%) and 5-HT1aR (84±6%). The neuronal satellite glial cells showed immunoreactivity for CB2R, PPARα, TRPA1 and 5-HT1aR. MAIN LIMITATIONS The low number of horses included in the study. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the expression of cannabinoid receptors in the sensory neurons and glial cells of the dorsal root ganglia. These findings could be of particular relevance for future functional studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids in horses to manage pain.
ADP-ribosylation Factor Translocation Correlates with Potentiation of GTPγS-stimulated Phospholipase D Activity in Membrane Fractions of HL-60 Cells (*)

Phospholipase D (PLD) activation by guanine nucleotides requires protein cofactors from both the membrane and the cytosol. The small GTP-binding protein ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) has been established as one important component of PLD activation. By stimulating HL-60 cells with various agonists and then isolating the membrane fraction and assaying PLD activity in the presence and absence of GTPS, we observed that fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP) and phorbol esters induced a potentiation of GTPS-stimulated PLD activity in the membrane fractions of these cells. Inactive phorbol esters induced no such potentiation. Both fMLP and active phorbol esters induced a 2-3-fold increase in GTPS-stimulated PLD in HL-60 membranes. Membranes derived from stimulated HL-60 cells contained 60-70% more ARF as compared with membranes derived from control cells. Membrane contents of ARF were assessed by Western blotting with the anti-ARF monoclonal antibody 1D9 followed by densitometric evaluation. Therefore, ARF translocation correlates with the potentiation of the GTPS-stimulated PLD activity. The effect on PLD activity and ARF membrane content achieved through fMLP stimulation was greatly enhanced by prior treatment of the cells with cytochalasin B. Membranes derived from control and fMLP-stimulated cells were assayed for PLD activity in the presence of exogenous ARF and a 50-kDa fraction known to contain elements implicated in PLD activation. The ability of ARF and the 50-kDa fraction to enhance GTPS-sensitive PLD activity was significantly reduced when the membranes were derived from fMLP-stimulated cells. The data indicate that, in addition to ARF, elements of the 50-kDa PLD-inducing factors were likely already translocated to the membranes upon stimulation. We propose that ARF, upon stimulation with agonists such as fMLP or phorbol esters, is translocated to the membrane and in concert with other protein components of the 50-kDa fraction enhances PLD activity.
Pediatric Wilson Disease Presenting as Acute Liver Failure: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES Wilson disease (WD) presenting as acute liver failure (ALF) is rare and typically fatal without liver transplantation (LT). Its rarity has hindered comprehensive studies. We undertook an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis to characterize a cohort of pediatric patients presenting with ALF whose final diagnosis was WD to examine outcomes and identify predictors of poor outcomes. METHODS Database searches were conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, restricted to English-language papers published between January 1984 and May 2018. Papers were excluded if pediatric (<18 years-old) data were not extractable or if LT was not readily available at reporting institutions. Extracted data included clinical and biochemical characteristics, genotype, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS Data were available on 249 subjects from 52 papers, plus 7 additional subjects identified from our institution's WD database (N = 256). Females represented 69% (n = 170/245). Median age at presentation was 13.4 years (n = 204, range 4.0-17.9). Of the total 256 subjects, 87% underwent LT, 11% achieved spontaneous recovery and 2% died before LT. INR >2.0 at presentation was a predictor of LT/death (OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.5-28), with a trend observed for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (OR 4.18, 95% CI 0.99-18). Arithmetic diagnostic scores proved inferior in the pediatric age-bracket compared to adults. CONCLUSIONS This large international pediatric cohort has permitted an IPD analysis of WD presenting as ALF. Notably, 11% of subjects achieved spontaneous survival; the rest required LT. Coagulopathy (INR>2) and HE at presentation heralded poor outcomes. Further prospective studies may identify additional early predictors of outcomes.
BODY WEIGHT and GROWTH OF JUVENILE MALE NORTHERN FUR SEALS, CALLORHINUS URSINUS

A mark-recapture study conducted in 1987–1992 provided weight measurements of juvenile male northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska, at ages ranging from approximately 1.5 mo to 5 yr. Males born in 1987 tended to weigh less at ages 3 and 4 yr than those born in other years. Weights of individuals at ages 2, 3, and 4 yr were significantly correlated with their weights as pups (P < 0.05). Weights at ages 2 and 3, 3 and 4, and 4 and 5 yr were significantly correlated (P < 0.001), although weight changes with age were highly variable. Data indicate that larger than average male pups born during 1987–1990 were more likely to survive, but this effect was less evident than among pups born during 1960–1965 when average pup weights were lower.
Physiological and pharmacological perspectives of melatonin

Abstract The pineal gland is a interface between light-dark cycle and shows neuro-endocrine functions. Melatonin is the primary hormone of pineal gland, secreted at night. The night-time melatonin peak regulates the physiological functions at dark. Melatonin has several unique features as it synchronises internal rhythm with daily and seasonal variations, regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. Physiologically melatonin involves in detoxification of free radicals, immune functions, neuro-protection, oncostatic effects, cardiovascular functions, reproduction, and foetal development. The precise functions of melatonin are exhibited by specific receptors. In relation to pathophysiology, impaired melatonin secretion promotes sleep disorder, cancer progression, type-2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Several reports have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of melatonin specially related to cancer protection, sleep disorder, psychiatric disorders, and jet lag problems. This review will touch the most of the area of melatonin-oriented health impacts and its therapeutic aspects.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Xpert Carba-R Assay for Detection and Identification of Carbapenemase Genes in Sputum Specimens

Rapid diagnosis of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is crucial for proper treatment and infection control. The Xpert Carba-R assay is a qualitative multiplex real-time PCR method that qualitatively detects and differentiates five common carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaOXA-48, and blaIMP) directly from rectal swabs or purified colonies within approximately 1 h. ABSTRACT Rapid diagnosis of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is crucial for proper treatment and infection control. The Xpert Carba-R assay is a qualitative multiplex real-time PCR method that qualitatively detects and differentiates five common carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaOXA-48, and blaIMP) directly from rectal swabs or purified colonies within approximately 1 h. We performed a multicenter evaluation of the investigational use of the Carba-R assay for detection and differentiation of carbapenemase genes from sputum specimens in patients with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation values for the Carba-R assay were 0.2% to 2.0% and 1.4% to 2.3%, respectively. A total of 301 sputum specimens were collected and tested. Compared to bacterial culture followed by PCR identification of resistance genes from colonies, the Carba-R assay reduced turnaround time from 56 to 84 h to less than 2 h. Carbapenemase genes were detected by the Carba-R assay in Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 236), Escherichia coli (n = 22), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 23), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 8), Serratia marcescens (n = 6), Citrobacter freundii (n = 4), and Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 2). The Carba-R assay detected 112 blaKPC (33.5%), 70 blaNDM (21.0%), 8 blaIMP (2.4%), and 2 blaVIM (0.6%) genes, with positive percent agreement, negative percent agreement, and concordance rates of 92.9%, 86.7%, and 88.3%, respectively, for the dominant blaKPC and 85.0%, 87.8%, and 87.4%, respectively, for the blaNDM genes. Neither method detected the blaOXA-48 carbapenemase gene. The convenient, rapid, and simple characteristics of the Xpert Carba-R assay make it a potential tool for CRE detection and identification directly in sputum specimens.
Detection of Chlamydia species in 2 cases of equine abortion in Switzerland: a retrospective study from 2000 to 2018

Species of genus Chlamydia are important pathogens of animals, with a worldwide distribution and broad host range. Some species, such as Chlamydia psittaci, also pose a zoonotic disease risk. Abortion is one of the many diseases that has been associated with chlamydial infections in animals, with most attention focused on the economic impacts to sheep production. The role of chlamydia in equine abortions is unknown. Using the family-specific 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Chlamydiaceae real-time PCR, we tested 169 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded fetal membrane samples from 162 equine abortion cases collected between 2000 and 2018 in Switzerland. Two equine abortion cases (1.2%) tested positive for Chlamydiaceae. Further analyses by the species-specific 23S rRNA ArrayMate microarray and sequencing of a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene revealed C. abortus and C. psittaci. In both cases, equine herpesvirus 1 was also present, which might have been the abortion cause, alone or in synergy with Chlamydia. The prevalence of abortigenic chlamydial species in equine abortion cases in our study was significantly lower than rates described elsewhere. Zoonotic chlamydial agents present in equine fetal membranes nevertheless should be considered a potential risk to humans during foaling, abortion, or stillbirth.
Effect of Gastro-intestinal Parasitosis on Tuberculin Test for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis

Abstract Ameni, G. and Medhin, G. 2000. Effect of gastro-intestinal parasitosis on tuberculin test for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 221–224. A study was conducted on hundred-one heifers aging 1.5 to 2.5 years to determine the effect of infection with different gastro-intestinal parasites namely, fasciola, paramphistomum, schistosome, strongyle and coccidia on the immune response to tuberculin test. De-wormed heifers reacted to tuberculin injection significantly differently (P<0.05) than non de-wormed ones. Significantly (P<0.05) higher immune response to tuberculin injection was observed when animal was negative than when it was positive for fasciola or strongyle only. This preliminary work warrants further investigation on the importance of de-worming animals before conducting tuberculin test for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis.
Quality assessment of systematic reviews regarding the effectiveness of zygomatic implants: an overview of systematic reviews

Background Oral rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae features high complexity, for which there are several therapeutic modalities reported on scientific literature. Zygomatic implant placement is a viable option that features low morbidity and allows immediate prosthetic loading. The purpose of the present study was to determine the methodological quality of systematic reviews that assessed the effectiveness of zygomatic implants placed in atrophic maxillae. Material and Methods Searches were conducted on Medline via Pubmed, LILACS, Dare Cochrane, Scopus, and Sigle via Open Grey up to June 2019. Results Seven systematic reviews were eligible for Overview and comprised a total of 2313 patients, 4812 zygomatic implants, and a 96,72% success rate. Common surgical complications, in decreasing order, were: maxillary sinusitis, peri-implant mucositis, prosthetic fracture, and infections. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool, which revealed that six systematic reviews showed critically low methodological quality and one review was assessed as of low methodological quality. Conclusions Zygomatic implants seem to be an adequate option for atrophic maxilla rehabilitation, however, new studies with a higher methodological rigor are needed to provide more reliable results to professionals and patients undergoing this modality of oral rehabilitation. Key words:Zygomatic Implants, dental Implants, complications, oral rehabilitation.
Comparative Effectiveness of Laterally Placed Expandable versus Static Interbody Spacers: A 1-Year Follow-Up Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes Study

Study Design Retrospective chart review. Purpose This study compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated with expandable and static interbody spacers following minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-LLIF) with 12-month follow-up. Overview of Literature A common surgical option for the treatment of degenerative disk disease (DDD) is MIS-LLIF using static or expandable spacers to restore disk height (DH), neuroforaminal height (NH), and segmental lordosis. Static spacers may require excessive trialing and aggressive impaction, potentially leading to endplate disruption and subsidence. Expandable spacers allow for in situ expansion to help address complications associated with static spacers. Methods This is an Institutional Review Board-exempt review of 69 patients (static, n=32; expandable, n=37) diagnosed with DDD who underwent MIS-LLIF at 1–2 contiguous level(s) using static or expandable spacers. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were collected and compared at pre- and postoperative time points up to 12 months. Results The expandable group had a significantly higher mean change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months vs. static (∆VAS at 12 months: expandable, 6.7±1.3; static, 5.1±2.6). Mean improvement of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly better for the expandable group vs. static (∆ODI at 12 months: expandable, 63.2±13.2; static, 29.8±23.4). Mean DH and NH significantly increased at final follow-up for both groups, with no significant difference in DH improvement between groups. The expandable mean NH improvement at 6 weeks and 6 months was significantly greater vs. static. Segmental lordosis significantly improved in the expandable group at all time intervals vs static. Subsidence rate at 12 months was significantly lower in the expandable group (1/46, 2.2%) vs. static (12/37, 32.4%). Conclusions Expandable spacers resulted in a significantly lower subsidence rate, improve segmental lordosis, and VAS and ODI outcomes at 12 months vs. static.
Exercise for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background Exercise is recommended as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in clinical guidelines, but this is currently based on poor-quality trial evidence. Aim To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for PMS. Design & setting This systematic review searched eight major databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and two trial registries from inception until April 2019. Method Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise interventions of a minimum of 8-weeks duration with non-exercise comparator groups in women with PMS were included. Mean change scores for any continuous PMS outcome measure were extracted from eligible trials and standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated where possible. Random-effects meta-analysis of the effect of exercise on global PMS symptoms was the primary outcome. Secondary analyses examined the effects of exercise on predetermined clusters of psychological, physical, and behavioural symptoms. Results A total of 436 non-duplicate returns were screened, with 15 RCTs eligible for inclusion (n = 717). Seven trials contributed data to the primary outcome meta-analysis (n = 265); participants randomised to an exercise intervention reported reduced global PMS symptom scores (SMD = -1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.88 to -0.29) versus comparator, but with substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 87%). Secondary results for psychological (SMD = -1.67; 95% CI = -2.38 to -0.96), physical (SMD = -1.62; 95% CI = -2.41 to -0.83) and behavioural (SMD = -1.94; 95% CI = -2.45 to -1.44) symptom groupings displayed similar findings. Most trials (87%) were considered at high risk of bias. Conclusion Based on current evidence, exercise may be an effective treatment for PMS, but some uncertainty remains.
Early relapse after high‐dose melphalan autologous stem cell transplant predicts inferior survival and is associated with high disease burden and genetically high‐risk disease in multiple myeloma

Predicting patient outcome in multiple myeloma remains challenging despite the availability of standard prognostic biomarkers. We investigated outcome for patients relapsing early from intensive therapy on NCRI Myeloma XI. Relapse within 12 months of autologous stem cell transplant was associated with markedly worse median progression‐free survival 2 (PFS2) of 18 months and overall survival (OS) of 26 months, compared to median PFS2 of 85 months and OS of 91 months for later relapsing patients despite equal access to and use of subsequent therapies, highlighting the urgent need for improved outcome prediction and early intervention strategies for myeloma patients.
Dry season diurnal activity of elephants in Lake Manyara National park, Tanzania

Summary The daytime activities of elephants (Loxodonta africana (Blumembach)) in the Acacia tortilis woodland of Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania were monitored over two consecutive dry seasons in 1981 and 1982. The two methods used to assess the activity pattern were the point sample technique, with one sample involving several elephants, and the continuous observation method. A variant of the latter, the 5-min interval method, was used with observations on one focal elephant each time. Activities were analysed with respect to time of the day and tree density in the study area. Chi-squared tests showed that there was no variation of activities with respect to various Acacia tortilis density categories. Elephants descend the escarpment every morning so that walking is a pronounced activity at this time. They rest in the woodland around noon and visit the lake shore in the evening before most of them return up the escarpment. RESUMEE Les activites diurnes des elephants (Loxodonta africana Blumenbach)) dans les forěts d'Acacia tortilis du Pare National du Lac Manyara en Tanzanie furent observees durant deux saisons seches consecutives en 1981 et 1982. Les deux methodes utilisees pour evaluer les types d'activites furent la technique de l'echantillonnage ponctuel, avec un echantillon comprenant plusieurs elephants, et la methode d'observation continue. Une variante de cette derniere, la methode des intervalles de 5 minutes, fut utilisee pour observations d'un elephant principal a chaque fois. Les activiteś furent analysees en fonction d l'heure et de la densite arbres dans la zone d'etude. Des tests de Chi-carre montrent qu'il n'y a pas de variation des activites en fonction des differentes categories de densites d'Acacia tortilis. Les elephants descendent l'escarpement tous les matins de telle sorte que la marche est une activite majeure a ce moment. Ils se reposent dans les zones boisees a l'heure de midi et visitent le bord du lac dans la soiree avant que la majorite d'entre eux neretourne a l'escarpement.
Alcohol Use Disorders are Associated with a Unique Impact on Airways Epithelial Cell Gene Expression.

BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and cigarette smoking both increase risk for development of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), likely through adverse effects on proximal airway mucociliary clearance and pathogen recognition. Smoking-related alterations on airways gene expression are well-described, but little is known about the impact of AUDs. We measured gene expression in human airways epithelial cells (AECs), hypothesizing that AUDs would be associated with novel differences in gene expression that could alter risk for CAP. METHODS Bronchoscopy with airway brushings were performed in participants with AUDs and controls to obtain AECs. An Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to define AUD. RNA was extracted from AECs, and mRNA expression data were collected on an Agilent micro-array. Differential expression analyses were performed on the filtered and normalized data with correction for multiple testing. Enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler. RESULTS Expression data from 19 control and 18 AUD participants were evaluated. After adjustment for smoking, AUDs were associated with significant differential expression of 520 AEC genes, including genes for ribosomal proteins and genes involved in protein folding. Enrichment analyses indicated significant differential expression of 24 pathways in AUDs, including those implicated in protein targeting to membrane and viral gene expression. Smoking-associated AEC gene expression differences mirrored previous reports, but differed from those associated with AUDs. CONCLUSIONS AUDs have a distinct impact on AEC gene expression that may influence proximal airway function independent of smoking. Alcohol-associated alterations may influence risk for CAP through modifying key mechanisms important in protecting proximal airways integrity.
Isolation of Aeromonas hydrophila from EUS Affected Shing Heteropneustes fossilis of a Fish Farm in Mymensingh

Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria was isolated from the suspected EUS-affected shing fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The disease investigations were primarily based on clinical signs and subsequently confirmed by the isolation of bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila from lesion of liver and kidney. The A. hydrophila isolates were identified by a series of morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The total bacterial load in liver, intestine and kidney were 1.67 × 10 4 to 6.46 × 10 8 CFU/g, 1.71 × 10 3 to 1.18 × 10 9 CFU/g and 1.47 × 10 4 to 3.70 × 10 8 CFU/g respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/pa.v19i1. 17362 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 117 - 124, 2008