Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral decitabine reactivates expression of the methylated γ‐globin gene in Papio anubis

The silencing of tumor suppressor genes associated with increased DNA methylation of the promoter regions is a frequent observation in many forms of cancer. Reactivation of these genes using pharmacological inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase such as 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (decitabine) is a worthwhile therapeutic goal. The effectiveness and tolerability of low‐dose intravenous and subcutaneous decitabine regimens to demethylate and reactivate expression of the methylated γ‐globin gene in baboons and in patients with sickle cell disease led to successful trials of low‐dose regimens of this drug in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Since these low‐dose regimens are well‐tolerated with minimal toxicity, they are suitable for chronic dosing to maintain promoter hypomethylation and expression of target genes. The development of an orally administered therapy using DNA methyltransferase inhibitors would facilitate such chronic approaches to therapy. We tested the ability of decitabine and a new salt derivative, decitabine mesylate, to reactivate the methylated γ‐globin gene in baboons when administered orally. Our results demonstrate that oral administration of these drugs at doses 17–34 times optimal subcutaneous doses of decitabine reactivates fetal hemoglobin, demethylates the ϵ‐ and γ‐globin gene promoters, and increases histone acetylation of these promoters in baboons (Papio anubis). Am. J. Hematol. , 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Different Polysaccharides from the Roots of Angelica dahurica

The total crude polysaccharides (CADPs), isolated from the roots of Angelica dahurica by H2O extraction, EtOH precipitation, and dialysis, and the four fractions ADP1, ADP2, ADP3, and ADP4, obtained by gel filtration of the CADPs, were analyzed to characterize their composition and evaluated for their antioxidant activity using different in vitro tests such as the malondialdehyde (MDA)‐production, the ferrous ion (Fe2+)‐chelating, and the HO. radical‐scavenging assays. The predominant neutral monosaccharides in the four fractions were identified as arabinose, galactose, and glucose, while the composition and ratio of the monosaccharides were different between the fractions. The CADPs and its fractions were found to significantly inhibit lipid peroxidation, chelate Fe2+, and scavenge HO. radicals, indicating that these polysaccharides possessed antioxidant activity. Among the four fractions, ADP4 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, which was stronger than that of the control antioxidant vitamin E (Vit E). Taken together, the chemical composition of these polysaccharides might affect their antioxidant activity, and ADP4 could be explored as a source of potential novel natural antioxidants for food and pharmaceutical purposes.
The Darebin Family Violence Working Group: a partnership approach

In 2002, the City of Darebin initiated a partnership involving individuals and organisations that provide services to people in Darebin experiencing family violence. This coincided with the establishment of a Family Violence Coordination Unit for the Darebin Police. Subsequently, the Darebin Family Violence Working Group developed and strengthened the relationship between its members, resulting in improved communication, increased and better informed referrals, and a greater understanding of members? professional roles and limitations. Traditionally, local governments have not considered it their role to address family violence at the policy level, or to improve the local service system for individuals and families experiencing family violence. By taking leadership, and establishing, supporting, and facilitating the Darebin Family Violence Working Group, the City of Darebin has demonstrated that local government can play an important role in this area and achieve positive outcomes for its community. This paper describes the partnership of local services and organisations that came together in the Darebin Family Violence Working Group, the resulting changes to the service system, and the factors that have contributed to the success of the partnership.
Amino acid changes in the variable region of VP2 in three infectious bursal disease viruses with different virulence, originating from a common ancestor

An infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), Hyd(C), from an outbreak was isolated and plaque-purified in BGM-70 cells. From the moderately virulent plaque-purified virus, two IBDVs with relatively high and low virulence were obtained by passaging the virus in specific pathogen free chickens and BGM-70 cells 10 and seven times, respectively. Comparison of amino acid sequences of the VP2 variable region of these viruses revealed that three amino acids at positions 279, 284 and 300 (Asp, Thr and Glu, respectively, in the plaque-purified virus) were changed. In in vitro- passaged virus, amino acid residues 279, 284 and 300 were Asn, Thr and Glu, whereas these were Asp, Ala and Gln in the in vivo -passaged virus. Change of residue 284 (Thr M Ala) had a critical role in cell culture infectivity, whereas the change in residue 279 (Asp M Asn) was associated with attenuation of the virus. No correlation could be observed between amino acid changes at position 300 and virulence or cell culture infectivity. Moreover, residue 330 (Arg) in heptapeptide motif SWSAR 330 GS was not found to be associated with the cell culture infectivity or virulence.
A recombinant avian leukosis virus associated with fowl glioma in layer chickens in Japan

Fowl glioma is characterized by multiple nodular growth of astrocytes, and fowl glioma-inducing virus belonging to avian leukosis virus has been isolated from Japanese bantam as a causal agent. Subcutaneous neoplasms of the head and neck have been reported in layer chickens since 2003 in Japan, and fowl glioma concurred in these affected layers. In the present study, the histopathology of 240 layers, including 18 layers with subcutaneous neoplasms and 222 layers kept with the affected layers, was performed to clarify the characteristics of fowl glioma in layers. Microscopically, 103 layers showed non-suppurative encephalitis, and four layers had locally extensive proliferation or multiple nodules of astrocytes. Gliomas concurred in 11 layers with subcutaneous neoplasms and occurred independently in three layers. In addition, two layers had locally extensive proliferation of small, round cells in the cerebrum. The fowl glioma-inducing virus genome was not detected in the affected brains by nested polymerase chain reaction. Ten isolates were obtained from the affected brains. By nucleotide sequencing of the env gene, SU coding regions of these isolates were most closely related to myeloblastosis-associated virus-like viruses, but TM regions showed the highest similarity to endogenous viral (ev) loci. The genome of one isolate mainly consisted of ev loci and contained several parts of other avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses. These results show that the causal avian leukosis virus of fowl glioma is not just fowl glioma-inducing virus and that different avian leukosis virus strains having oncogenicity in the central nervous system by recombination are spread in layers in Japan.
Chemical Characterization and Genetic Relationships among Ocimum basilicum L. Cultivars

Twenty‐seven Ocimum basilicum cultivars were subjected to a chemical characterization of essential oil components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and a genetic characterization using the amplified fragment‐length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. Since the same 27 accessions had previously been classified into six morphotypes, these analyses allowed us to make detailed comparisons of chemistry, genetics, and morphology. The chemical composition and morphology of the studied cultivars appeared to have a strong genetic component. The AFLP analysis revealed a distinction between the green and purple morphotypes. The green morphotypes predominantly utilized the terpene biosynthetic pathway, while most purple morphotypes primarily utilized the phenylpropene biosynthetic pathway. The GC/MS analysis led to identification of 87 volatiles. Among the 27 cultivars, five chemotypes were identified. A detailed characterization of the essential oil constituents indicated the existence of both specific combinations of compounds and ‘private’ compounds with the potential to be used in many aspects of human life. The established relationship between a genetic profile, chemical composition, and morphology represents an important step in future breeding programs and in the cultivation of this species.
Prevalence of avian influenza viruses, Borrelia garinii, Mycobacterium avium, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in waterfowl and terrestrial birds in Slovakia, 2006

The prevalence of Borrelia, Mycobacteria and avian influenza virus (AIV) infections, together with the distribution of different AIV subtypes, was studied in migratory waterfowl and terrestrial birds trapped in three localities in Slovakia during 2006. Samples obtained from waterfowl captured in the Senianske Ponds area of Eastern Slovakia showed the highest diversity of AIV isolates. A total of 13 different subtypes were detected in 19 samples from this location (H1N2, H2N2, H3N2, H6N6, H7N6, H9N2, H9N5, H9N6, H10N5, H10N6, H12N6, H13N6, and H16N6). H3N5 virus was detected in 50% of passerines testing positive for AIV in the Parizske Wetlands, with H7N2, H9N2, H9N5, H12N1, and H13N2 infections also recorded at this locality. H9N5 virus predominated in passerines captured at Trnava Ponds, with isolates H1N6, H6N5, H7N2, H7N6, H10N3, and H10N6 also detected at this location. There were five cases where different AIV infections were detected in oropharyngeal and cloacal samples originating from the same bird (H13N6 and H1N2; H10N5 and H12N6; H9N5 and H6N5; H10N6 and H7N6; and H9N2 and H3N5 in the oropharynx and cloaca, respectively). Between 21% and 52% of captured birds tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, with the proportion infected depending on bird species and locality. Samples were characterized by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and identified as Borrelia garinii species (either B/B′ or R/R′ pattern). Mycobacteria were detected in 42% and 26% of waders captured at Senianske Ponds and marsh-dwelling passerines captured in the Parizske Wetlands, respectively. Interestingly, forest-dwelling passerine species caught in the Trnava Ponds region were tested negative for Mycobacteria.
Molecular characterization of avian infectious bronchitis virus strains from outbreaks in Argentina (2001–2008)

Twenty infectious bronchitis virus isolates were recovered from broilers and layers in different outbreaks amongst commercial poultry flocks in different geographic regions of Argentina from 2001 to 2008. The viruses were isolated from the tracheas, lungs, and caecal tonsils of birds that were showing respiratory signs. Further analysis based on their nucleotide and amino acid sequences in hypervariable region (HVR) 1 and the intervening sequence including HVRs 1 and 2 (HVR1/2) of the S1 gene was done to determine the genetic relationships among them and reference strains. Five isolates were highly related to the Massachusetts or Connecticut serotypes, indicating the probability of the detection and isolation of vaccine strains. The other Argentinean isolates formed three separate clusters (A, B and C), distant from the vaccine serotypes, with no correlation between the generated clusters and a geographic pattern. These observations could explain the failure of the Massachusetts serotype vaccination programmes to control IBV in these flocks. In addition, the utilization of HVR1/2 and HVR1 sequences resulted in trees with similar topology but the phylogenetic relationships using HVR1/2 nucleotide sequences were better supported by higher bootstrap values. Therefore, the sequences of the HVR1/2 region are recommended for phylogenetic studies.
Novel robotic renorrhaphy technique for hilar tumours: ‘V’ hilar suture (VHS)

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) has duplicated the ‘ gold standard ’ open technique for functional and oncological outcomes with the added advantage of faster recovery [ 3 ] . However, the implementation of laparoscopic PN has been signifi cantly limited amongst urologists secondary to the requirement of advanced laparoscopic skills, considerable learning curve, and increased haemorrhagic events [ 4 ] .
mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor resistance in melanoma

Purpose of review BRAF inhibitors achieve outstanding clinical response rates in BRAF-mutated melanoma patients but therapeutic resistance is common. Although combinatorial targeted therapy has recently improved patient survival, resistance still occurs, which might be because of the plasticity and heterogeneity of melanoma. Proteomics complements the mostly genomics-based approaches used so far to gain additional insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms driving melanoma progression under treatment.
Two different avipoxviruses associated with pox disease in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) along the Brazilian coast

A novel avipoxvirus caused diphtheritic lesions in the oesophagus of five and in the bronchioli of four Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) and also cutaneous lesions in eight Magellanic penguins housed in outdoor enclosures in a Rehabilitation Centre at Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. At the same time, another avipoxvirus strain caused cutaneous lesions in three Magellanic penguins at a geographically distinct Rehabilitation Centre localized at Vila Velha, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, histopathology and use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical signs in the penguins included cutaneous papules and nodules around eyelids and beaks, depression and restriction in weight gain. The most common gross lesions were severely congested and haemorrhagic lungs, splenomegaly and cardiomegaly. Histological examination revealed Bollinger inclusion bodies in cutaneous lesions, mild to severe bronchopneumonia, moderate periportal lymphocytic hepatitis, splenic lymphopenia and lymphocytolisis. Other frequent findings included necrotizing splenitis, enteritis, oesophagitis, dermatitis and airsacculitis. Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were seen within oesophageal epithelial cells in five birds and in epithelial cells of the bronchioli in four penguins. DNA from all samples was amplified from skin tissue by PCR using P4b-targeting primers already described in the literature for avipoxvirus. The sequences showed two different virus strains belonging to the genus Avipoxvirus of the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, one being divergent from the penguinpox and avipoxviruses already described in Magellanic penguins in Patagonia, but segregating within a clade of canarypox-like viruses implicated in diphtheritic and respiratory disease.
A study of the dynamics of Salmonella infection in turkey breeding, rearing and finishing houses with special reference to elimination, persistence and introduction of Salmonella

In this descriptive study, the dynamics of Salmonella infection of turkey flocks were investigated by repeated sampling of houses where Salmonella had been identified. The aim of the study was to identify the most common scenarios involved in elimination, persistence and introduction of Salmonella in the different branches of the turkey industry. Sixty-two houses on 34 turkey farms (comprising breeding, rearing and finishing farms) were sampled longitudinally, starting with the identification of a positive flock. A total of 117 follow-on flocks were tested and cleaning and disinfection (C&D) was assessed during 66 post-C&D visits. A total of 155 incidents (clearance, persistence or introduction of Salmonella) were recorded. Persistence was seen in 35.5% of incidents and was seen more frequently in breeding and rearing houses compared with finishing houses. Most persistence incidents were the result of insufficient C&D. Clearance was seen in 40% of incidents and was more often observed in finishing houses than in breeding or rearing houses. Introduction was seen in 24.5% of incidents and was more common in breeding and finishing flocks than in rearing flocks. Contamination of a house with Salmonella Typhimurium was more likely to be cleared compared with other serovars. The total number of positive samples found at a post-C&D visit was correlated with the probability of carry-over of infection, whereas the location of the positive samples seemed to be less important. Our highly sensitive post-C&D sampling method allowed us to predict a negative follow-on flock in most cases.
Molecular detection and isolation of avian metapneumovirus in Mexico

We conducted a longitudinal study to detect and isolate avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) in two highly productive poultry areas in Mexico. A total of 968 breeder hens and pullets from 2 to 73 weeks of age were analysed. Serology was performed to detect aMPV antibodies and 105 samples of tracheal tissue were collected, pooled by age, and used for attempted virus isolation and aMPV nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The serological analysis indicated that 100% of the sampled chickens showed aMPV antibodies by 12 weeks of age. Five pools of pullet samples collected at 3 to 8 weeks of age were positive by nRT-PCR and the sequences obtained indicated 98 to 99% similarity with the reported sequences for aMPV subtype A. Virus isolation of nRT-PCR-positive samples was successfully attempted using chicken embryo lung and trachea mixed cultures with subsequent adaptation to Vero cells. This is the first report of detection and isolation of aMPV in Mexico.
Understanding comorbidity? Australian service-user and provider perspectives on drug treatment and mental-health literacy

Aims: Although mental-health problems are common among drug-treatment consumers, little is known about how mental health is discussed by service providers or understood by clients within treatment settings. We analysed how co-occurring drug and mental-health problems are discussed in Australian drug-treatment settings, particularly clinical terminology such as ‘comorbidity’ or ‘dual diagnosis’. Method: 77 drug-treatment clients with common psychological problems (anxiety or depression) and 18 service providers were interviewed about barriers and incentives to treatment for co-occurring drug and mental-health problems. Findings: Consumers had low levels of understanding of clinical terminology for co-occurring drug and mental-health problems, except for those who had accessed literature or participated in programs developed by drug-user organizations. Service providers recognized low levels of consumer mental-health literacy, and advocated a client-centred approach that avoided the use of clinical terminology. Conclusions: Providers should encourage consumers to discuss mental-health problems, and should not avoid using clinical terminology as this may undermine the development of mental-health literacy among consumers. Treatment services may benefit from working with drug-user organizations to develop resources aimed at improving awareness and understanding of mental-health problems among drug-treatment consumers.
Identification of ribosomal RNA methyltransferase gene ermF in Riemerella anatipestifer

Riemerella anatipestifer is a major bacterial pathogen of waterfowl, globally responsible for avian septicaemic disease. As chemotherapy is the predominant method for the prevention and treatment of R. anatipestifer infection in poultry, the widespread use of antibiotics has favoured the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. However, little is known about R. anatipestifer susceptibility to macrolide antibiotics and its resistance mechanism. We report for the first time the identification of a macrolide resistance mechanism in R. anatipestifer that is mediated by the ribosomal RNA methyltransferase ermF. We identified the presence of the ermF gene in 64/206 (31%) R. anatipestifer isolates from different regions in China. An ermF deletion strain was constructed to investigate the function of the ermF gene on the resistance to high levels of macrolides. The ermF mutant strain showed significantly decreased resistance to macrolide and lincosamide, exhibiting 1024-, 1024-, 4- and >2048-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentrations for erythromycin, azithromycin, tylosin and lincomycin, respectively. Furthermore, functional analysis of ermF expression in E. coli XL1-blue showed that the R. anatipestifer ermF gene was functional in E. coli XL1-blue and conferred resistance to high levels of erythromycin (100 µg/ml), supporting the hypothesis that the ermF gene is associated with high-level macrolide resistance. Our work suggests that ribosomal RNA modification mediated by the ermF methyltransferase is the predominant mechanism of resistance to erythromycin in R. anatipestifer isolates.
The Patient: Biological, Psychological, and Social Dimensions of Medical Practice

Integrating the biologic emphasis of modern-day medicine with the psychological and sociological aspects of human life remains a major goal of medical education and clinical practice. Combating the bad habit of mind-body conceptualization is encouraged by scientific breakthroughs, which facilitate synthesis of the biological and psychosocial sciences. The authors, both experienced Yale University psychiatrists and educators, have produced a marvelously readable and content-laden summary of the biologic, psychological, and social dimensions of contemporary medical practice. Their work is a model of comprehensive integration. The foreword by Alvan R. Feinstein, MD, noted Yale internist and epidemiologist, establishes the book's tone. He points out that informational break-throughs in medicine initially distracted general physicians from the patient, while psychiatrists became preoccupied with psychodynamics and social phenomena. A partitioning of medical perspective and care resulted. Recent trends see the emergence of a broadly based "generalist" and a more biologically oriented psychiatrist. The book is
Development of a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay for rapid and specific detection of fowl aviadenovirus serotype 4

ABSTRACT Twelve serotypes of fowl aviadenovirus, namely, FAdV-(1-8a and 8b-11), have been identified, among which FAdV-4 is the aetiologic agent of hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in chickens. Outbreaks of HHS have been documented in many countries, causing significant economic losses. Real-time PCR methods described so far in the literature cross-detect different serotypes of FAdVs. In this study, we aimed to develop a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay for the specific detection of FAdV-4. A pair of primers targeting the hexon gene and a TaqMan probe were designed. Using different copy numbers of plasmid DNA carrying the hexon gene as template, we showed the detection limit of this assay was 101 copies/reaction, which was 10 times higher than conventional PCR. The assay was highly speciﬁc for FAdV-4 and did not cross-detect 11 other serotypes of FAdVs, avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus or subgroup J of the avian leukosis virus. The reproducibility of the assay was assessed by five independent reactions using different copy numbers of plasmid DNA (103 and 105) as template, and the results showed 0.56–1.15% coefficient of variation for inter-assay variability. Furthermore, the assay was validated with 80 clinical samples. Real-time PCR showed that 76 out of 80 samples were positive for FAdV-4 (95.0% positivity) while 68 out of 80 were tested positive by conventional PCR (85.0% positivity). Our data suggest this real-time PCR assay could be an attractive tool for screening, confirmatory diagnosis and specific differentiation of FAdV-4 infection.