Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A hidden vulnerable population: Young children up-to-date on vaccine series recommendations except influenza vaccines

Very young children (under 2 years old) have high risk for influenza-related complications. Children 6 months or older in the US are recommended to receive influenza vaccination annually, yet uptake is substantially lower than other routinely-recommended vaccines. Existing nationally-representative studies on very young child influenza vaccine uptake has several limitations: few examine provider-verified influenza vaccination (relying on parental report), few contain parental vaccine attitudes variables (known to be crucial to vaccine uptake), and none to our knowledge consider intersectionality of social disadvantage nor how influenza vaccine determinants differ from those of other recommended vaccines. This nationally-representative study examines provider-verified data on 7,246 children aged 6–23 months from the most recent (2011) National Immunization Survey to include the restricted Parental Concerns module, focusing on children up-to-date on a series of vaccines (the 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series) but not influenza vaccines (“hidden vulnerability to influenza”). About 71% of children were up-to-date on the series yet only 33% on influenza vaccine recommendations by their second birthday; 44% had hidden vulnerability to influenza. Independent of parental history of vaccine refusal and a myriad of health services use factors, no parental history of delaying vaccination was associated with 7.5% (2.6–12.5) higher probability of hidden vulnerability to influenza despite being associated with 15.5% (10.8–20.2) lower probability of being up-to-date on neither the series nor influenza vaccines. Thus, parental compliance with broad child vaccine recommendations and lack of vaccine hesitancy may not indicate choice to vaccinate children against influenza. Examination of intersectionality suggests that maternal college education may not confer improved vaccination among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children despite that it does for non-Hispanic White children. Policymakers and researchers from public health, sociology, and other sectors need to collaborate to further examine how vaccine hesitancy and intersectional social disadvantage interact to affect influenza vaccine uptake in young US children.
Poultry response to high levels of dietary fiber sources varying in physical and chemical characteristics

SUMMARY The ban on the use of antibiotics in feeds as growth promoters in many countries throughout the world has increased the incidence of enteric disorders in poultry. Natural additives, inclusion of whole cereals, feeding coarse mash diets, and increasing the level of fiber in the diets have been explored as nutritional strategies to reduce the incidence of the problem. Traditionally, dietary fiber has been considered a diluent of the diet and, often, an antinutritional factor. However, moderate amounts of fiber might improve the development of organs, enzyme production, and nutrient digestibility in poultry. Some of these effects are a consequence of better gizzard function, with an increase in gastroduodenal refluxes that facilitate the contact between nutrients and digestive enzymes. These effects often result in improved growth and animal health, but the potential benefits depend to a great extent on the physicochemical characteristics of the fiber source. In conclusion, poultry require a minimal amount of fiber in the diet for proper functioning of the digestive organs. The response to fiber inclusion depends on the source and level of dietary fiber and the characteristics of the diet as well as on the physiological status and health of the bird. In particular, the inclusion in the diet of moderate amounts of coarse, insoluble fiber sources, such as oat hulls, at levels between 2 and 3% usually improves the growth performance of broilers fed low-fiber diets.
Harina de plantas aromáticas como promotores del crecimiento en pollos de engorda

The aim of this study was to evaluate three flour blends of leaves plants aromatic replacing to antibiotic growth promoters on diet, over performance of broiler. Were used 280 male chickens of Ross 308 Genetic line of one until 42 days of aged distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and seven repetitions with 10 bird each one. The blends were in proportion perceptual of 50:50 of Origanum vulgare and Piper auritum (OHS), O. vulgare and Ocimum basilicum (OA), O. basilicum and P. 1 Lara y Lara Pedro Enrique, DEPI Instituto Tecnológico de Conkal, Km. 16.3 Antigua Carretera MéridaMotul. C.P. 97345, Conkal, Yucatán. Tel. /Fax: 01 (999) 9124130 y 9124131Yucatán. pedro.lara@itconkal.edu. mx Recibido: 27/04/2011 Aceptado: 02/05/2011 www.medigraphic. org.mx www.sisupe. org/abanicoveterinario
Current concepts in the management of long QT syndrome

Congenital and acquired long QT syndromes (LQTS) are diseases characterised by QT prolongation on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and a specific form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia termed Torsade de Pointes (TdP). LQTS is caused by a net decrease in repolarising current, due to either gene mutation or drug action on late inward sodium current (INa), slowly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) and rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr). LQTS is associated with increased transmural dispersion of repolarisation (TDR) and phase 2 early afterdepolarisation (EAD), which are well-known risk factors for the development of TdP under conditions of QT prolongation. β-Adrenergic stimulation triggers the onset of TdP by inducing EAD and enhancing TDR. β-Adrenergic receptor blockade is the classic treatment for congenital forms of LQTS caused by gene mutation of ionic channels for IKs and IKr. Agents that shorten the QT interval, including a potassium supplement, INa blockers and IKs agonists, have been proposed to be useful in the treatment of LQTS. The strategies for the development of noncardiac, as well as cardiac, drugs with little risk of QT prolongation and TdP are also discussed.
Sex-specific vagal and spinal modulation of breathing with chest compression

Lung volume is modulated by sensory afferent feedback via vagal and spinal pathways. The purpose of this study was to systematically alter afferent feedback with and without a mechanical challenge (chest compression). We hypothesized that manipulation of afferent feedback by nebulization of lidocaine, extra-thoracic vagotomy, or lidocaine administration to the pleural space would produce differential effects on the motor pattern of breathing during chest compression in sodium pentobarbital anesthetized rats (N = 43). Our results suggest that: 1) pulmonary stretch receptors are not the sole contributor to breathing feedback in adult male and female rats; 2) of our manipulations, chest compression had the largest effect on early expiratory diaphragm activity (“yield”); 3) reduction of spinally-mediated afferent feedback modulates breathing patterns most likely via inhibition; and 4) breathing parameters demonstrate large sex differences. Compared to males, female animals had lower respiratory rates (RR), which were further depressed by vagotomy, while chest compression increased RR in males, and decreased yield in females without changing RR. Collectively, our results suggest that balance between tonic vagal inhibition and spinal afferent feedback maintains breathing characteristics, and that it is important to specifically evaluate sex differences when studying control of breathing.
Review of the bee genus Eremaphanta Popov 1940 (Hymenoptera: Melittidae), with the description of a new species

The small central Asian genus Eremephanta (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) is poorly known. We provide a catalogue of the eight species included in this genus and an update of the available diagnoses. One new species, Eremaphanta popovi sp. nov. and the male of E. fasciata Popov 1957 are described. A key to species is given and the species ranges are mapped and discussed.
Comparison of the diagnostic performance of microscopic examination, Copro-ELISA, and Copro-PCR in the diagnosis of Capillaria philippinensis infections

Intestinal capillariasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the tiny nematode parasite Capillaria philippinensis. It is a major health problem that may lead to death if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. The difficulties in the diagnosis of C. philippinensis highlight the importance of developing accurate, sensitive, and specific methods for early diagnosis. This study aimed to detect the presence of C. philippinensis infection among 42 clinically suspected patients with certain criteria that are highly suggestive of capillariasis and to compare the diagnostic yield of microscopy, copro-ELISA, and PCR for the detection of copro-DNA. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data were also described for the infected group. Out of 42 patients, 10 were microscopically positive, 40 samples were positive by copro-ELISA, nested PCR detected 35 positive cases, with total detection rates of 23.8%, 95.2%, and 83.3% using direct microscopic examination, copro-ELISA, and PCR, respectively. The majority of positive cases were females, middle-aged people, and people from rural areas. The real number of cases infected with C. philippinensis may far exceed those estimated using microscopy. The diagnosis by copro-ELISA for the detection of C. philippinensis coproantigen and by nested PCR to identify parasite DNA revealed a higher number of positive cases. Using ELISA for the detection of coproantigen is a sensitive test that identifies the infection, yet it is not specific. Copro-DNA offers a satisfactory sensitive and specific method for the detection of infection in clinically suspected patients. The most susceptible individuals to C. philippinensis infection are females, middle-aged people, and people of low social standards. Intestinal capillariasis needs to be considered in patients who present with symptoms of chronic diarrhea and hypoalbuminemia because if these cases are left undiagnosed and untreated, they may suffer from lethal complications.
Fish and dragonfly nymph predators induce opposite shifts in color and morphology of tadpoles

Many prey species, including amphibian larvae, can adaptively alter coloration and morphology to become more or less conspicuous to predators. Despite abundant research on predator-induced plasticity in tadpoles, the combination of color and morphological responses to predators remains largely unexplored. We measured predator-induced morphological and color plasticity in tadpoles. We reared tadpoles of the neotropical treefrog Dendropsophus ebraccatus with dragonfly nymph or fish predators, or in a predator-free control. After 10 days, we digitally photographed tadpoles and measured eight morphometric variables and five tail color variables. Tadpoles reared with nymphs developed the largest and reddest tails, but incurred a developmental cost, being the smallest overall. Cues from fish induced an opposite tail phenotype in tadpoles, causing shallow achromatic tails. Control tadpoles developed intermediate tail phenotypes. This provides the first experimental evidence that tadpoles can shift both color and morphology in opposite, predator-specific directions in response to a fish and an odonate predator. Despite mean differences, however, there was substantial variation in the degree of phenotype induction across treatments. Tail redness was correlated with tail spot size, but not perfectly, indicating that color and morphology may be partially decoupled in D. ebraccatus. Balancing selection from multiple conflicting predators may result in genetic variation for developmental plasticity.
Tuberculosis‐associated chylothorax revealing an enlarged lymphatic duct due to tuberculosis lymphadenitis

A 77‐year‐old woman presented to our hospital with complaints of persistent cough and low‐grade fever for two months. On radiological analysis, she had moderate right‐sided pleural effusion with right hilar and subcarinal lymphadenopathies. Thoracentesis showed chylothorax of unknown cause. Bronchoscopy revealed a non‐specific inflammatory process. However, thoracoscopic surgery demonstrated a curiously enlarged lymphatic duct with its proximal portion compressed by subcarinal lymphadenopathies, pathologically diagnosed as granulomatous lymphadenitis. Hence, tuberculous lymphadenitis was proven to be the cause of chylothorax. Interestingly, cauterization of the lymphatic duct decreased the total amount of right‐sided pleural effusion along with a change in colour from milky yellow to red. These were in favour of tuberculosis (TB)‐associated chylothorax with the advent of the TB pleuritis. All symptoms and pleural effusion disappeared after the initiation of anti‐tuberculous drugs. The present case showed definite evidence of TB‐associated chylothorax development mechanism via compression of the lymphatic duct by mediastinal lymphadenopathies.
Exotic Plant Species in Old-growth Forest in Indiana

Abstract Old-growth forest in Indiana consists of a few remnant stands in a fragmented agricultural landscape. Old-growth stands can differ substantially from more recently disturbed stands in species composition and may be less susceptible to invasion by exotic plant species. Herbaceous species were sampled in quadrats placed in a repeating pattern along two perpendicular transects in six old-growth stands in Indiana in spring and summer of 2005. Transects extended from forest edges to the center of each stand. Woody exotic species were sampled in 10-m-wide belts centered on each transect during the summer sampling run. Herbaceous exotic species were a minor component of the understory community in all stands and accounted for less than 1% of total herbaceous cover in all six stands. Exotic woody species generally followed a similar pattern. Four sites contained no more than two woody exotic species, and these were encountered at relatively low frequencies and densities. However, European privet and multiflora rose were present in 27 and 48% of quadrats in one stand, respectively. Thus, although both herbaceous and woody exotic species were relatively rare, heavy infestations of woody exotic species are possible. This suggests that, for some old-growth sites, exotic species can overcome both local and landscape factors that limit their abundance. Nomenclature: European privet, Ligustrum vulgare L, multiflora rose, Rosa multiflorum Thunb. ex Murr
Protein expression-independent response of intensity-based pH-sensitive fluorophores in Escherichia coli

Fluorescent proteins that modulate their emission intensities when protonated serve as excellent probes of the cytosolic pH. Since the total fluorescence output fluctuates significantly due to variations in the fluorophore levels in cells, eliminating the dependence of the signal on protein concentration is crucial. This is typically accomplished with the aid of ratiometric fluorescent proteins such as pHluorin. However, pHluorin is excited by blue light, which can complicate pH measurements by adversely impacting bacterial physiology. Here, we characterized the response of intensity-based, pH-sensitive fluorescent proteins that excite at longer wavelengths where the blue light effect is diminished. The pH-response was interpreted in terms of an analytical model that assumed two emission states for each fluorophore: a low intensity protonated state and a high intensity deprotonated state. The model suggested a scaling to eliminate the dependence of the signal on the expression levels as well as on the illumination and photon-detection settings. Experiments successfully confirmed the scaling predictions. Thus, the internal pH can be readily determined with intensity-based fluorophores with appropriate calibrations irrespective of the fluorophore concentration and the signal acquisition setup. The framework developed in this work improves the robustness of intensity-based fluorophores for internal pH measurements in E. coli, potentially extending their applications.
Differential immunomodulation of porcine bone marrow derived dendritic cells by E. coli Nissle 1917 and β-glucans

In early life and around weaning, pigs are at risk of developing infectious diseases which compromise animal welfare and have major economic consequences for the pig industry. A promising strategy to enhance resistance against infectious diseases is immunomodulation by feed additives. To assess the immune stimulating potential of feed additives in vitro, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells were used. These cells play a central role in the innate and adaptive immune system and are the first cells encountered by antigens that pass the epithelial barrier. Two different feed additives were tested on dendritic cells cultured from fresh and cryopreserved bone marrow cells; a widely used commercial feed additive based on yeast-derived β-glucans and the gram-negative probiotic strain E. coli Nissle 1917. E. coli Nissle 1917, but not β-glucans, induced a dose-dependent upregulation of the cell maturation marker CD80/86, whereas both feed additives induced a dose-dependent production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10. Furthermore, E. coli Nissle 1917 consistently induced higher levels of cytokine production than β-glucans. These immunomodulatory responses could be assessed by fresh as well as cryopreserved in vitro cultured porcine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that both β-glucans and E. coli Nissle 1917 are able to enhance dendritic cell maturation, but in a differential manner. A more mature dendritic cell phenotype could contribute to a more efficient response to infections. Moreover, both fresh and cryopreserved bone marrow-derived dendritic cells can be used as in vitro pre-screening tools which enable an evidence based prediction of the potential immune stimulating effects of different feed additives.
Correlation of IgG autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors and desmogleins in patients with pemphigus treated with steroid sparing agents or rituximab

Introduction Autoantibodies (autoAbs) against desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and desmoglein-3 (DSG3) have conventionally been studied and well accepted in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and foliaceus (PF). Recent studies have suggested that non-DSG autoAbs may contribute to the pathogenesis of pemphigus, including autoAbs directed at acetylcholine receptors (AChR) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze PV and PF patient sera to better understand the relationship between anti-AChR and -TPO Abs to disease activity and DSG reactivity between patients treated with prednisone and steroid sparing agents (SSA; n = 22) or prednisone and rituximab (n = 21). Methods Patients were evaluated at 2 time points, T1 and T2, for disease activity using the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), and sera were tested for the presence of TPO, DSG1, DSG3, muscarinic (M3) and nicotinic (n) AChR IgG autoAbs, as well as antibodies against Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by ELISA. Results Disease activity significantly decreased in patients from T1 to T2 (p < .0001). A significant difference was seen in IgG anti-DSG1 (p < .0001) and anti-DSG3 (p = .0049) levels when T1 was compared to T2 in both treatment groups. A significant increase was found between pemphigus patients and normal subjects with nAChR (p < .0001) at T1 but not with m3AChR, TPO or VZV Abs. No significant difference was seen between T1 and T2 values in patients with pemphigus for the non–desmoglein Abs TPO (p = .7559), M3AChR (p = .9003), nAChR (p = .5143) or VZV (p = .2454). These findings demonstrate that although an increase in IgG anti-nAChR autoAbs was found in PV and PF subjects, these Abs did not decrease with treatment. No other non-DSG Abs were increased or significantly changed over time in patients with pemphigus. This suggests that anti -AChR and -TPO Abs may not play a direct role in the pathogenesis of most patients with pemphigus, but does not rule out a role for non-DSG auto antibodies in distinct subsets of pemphigus patient.
Geographic range, population structure and conservation status of the green python (Morelia viridis), a popular snake in the captive pet trade

Accurate knowledge of distribution and population size is required for effective conservation and management of wild species. Here we report on the first estimates of the distribution and density of the green python (Morelia viridis), an iconic rainforest species widely kept in captivity. We used climatic modelling to predict its distribution in Papua New Guinea, and both climate and vegetation mapping to predict its Australian distribution. We used mark-recapture methods to estimate the density and population structure of green pythons at Iron Range, northern Australia. Bioclimatic analyses suggested that there is extensive climatically suitable habitat in Papua New Guinea (≥200000 km 2 ), but very little in Australia (~300 km 2 ). However, use of vegetation maps increases the predicted suitable area of occupancy in Australia to 3127 km 2 , including nine regional ecosystems. Density estimates at Iron Range were 4-5 ha -1 in the complex vine forest regional ecosystem; however, only half of these were mature adults. The large predicted area of occurrence and the high density in the one intensively studied area suggest that the species is not vulnerable to extinction in the short term. However, more studies are needed in both New Guinea and Australia, especially to quantify the impact of harvesting green pythons for the pet trade.
The Epidemiology of Depression and Diabetes Distress in Type 2 Diabetes in Kuwait

This study is aimed at describing the prevalence of and risk factors for depression and diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes and whether depression and distress are independently associated with worse biomedical outcomes. The study was of cross-sectional design. The setting was the Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure the prevalence of depression, defined as a score ≥ 10 (depression caseness). The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) was used to measure diabetes-related distress. Data on biomedical outcomes, lifestyle factors, and sociodemographic information were collected. The prevalence of depression and diabetes distress caseness was 29% and 14%, respectively. Depression caseness patients were more likely to be female (60%; p = 0.001), have Kuwaiti nationality (68%, p = 0.121), were on insulin (67%, p = 0.001), have higher body mass index (p = 0.047), were less physically active (78%; p = 0.034), have a higher PAID score (p < 0.001), and have hypertension (74%, p = 0.047). After adjustment of sociodemographics (age, gender, and marital status) and body mass index, the prevalence of depression was associated with higher HbA1c (B = 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.60), while diabetes distress had a weak association with HbA1c (B = 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.22). In conclusion, people with type 2 diabetes in Kuwait have a high prevalence of depression but lower diabetes distress and this was associated with worse glycaemic control.