Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Letter to the editor

Zuberbier (1) in his review article on urticaria, although stating that that he considered the published studies until May 2003 through Medline Search , omitted to cite more recent studies on thyroid autoimmunity in chronic urticaria [(including ours (2)] and cited only the historical paper by Leznoff and Sussman, which, though a milestone, dates back to 1989 (3). The reason why we are forwarding our criticism is not that we wuold have appreciated our study to be cited, but that, in this way, it seems that Leznoff and Sussman’s data have not been confirmed as using more sensitive and specific methods to detect thyroid autoantibodies. This decreases the importance of the issue while, on the contrary, the phenomenon has been confirmed by various authors in larger series and may have a prevalence rate as high as one-third of chronic urticaria cases (2). Less emphasis, in our opinion, should have been put on pseudoallergic reactions, whose role needs further confimation. Unfortunately, this is probably the result of a different way of looking at the problem of urticaria: either by the allergist, who has a more internistic approach, or by the dermatologist, who may underestimate the role of internistic conditions. Furthermore, there is an obvious (editing? ) mistake in Table 4, where it reads that autologous serum skin test for Helicobacter should possibly be performed in the management of chronic urticaria and, after a comma, gastroscopy is suggested. First, autologous skin test is aimed at detecting serum autoantibodies against Fc-epsilon receptor and has nothing to do with Helicobacter. Secondly, to detect Helicobacter infection in a patient with urticaria only and no GI symptoms, gastroscopy is an unnecessary and invasive procedure. Less invasive methods, such as urea-breath test, should probably be recommended instead (4), once the role of this infection in the pathogenesis of urticaria is better defined (for a metanalysis of this topic see 5).
Virtual plaster cast: digital 3D modelling of lion paws and tracks using close‐range photogrammetry

The ecological monitoring of threatened species is vital for their survival as it provides the baselines for conservation, research and management strategies. Wildlife studies using tracks are controversial mainly due to unreliable recording techniques limited to two-dimensions (2D). We assess close-range photogrammetry as a low-cost, rapid, practical and reliable field technique for the digital three-dimensional (3D) modelling of lion Panthera leo paws and tracks. First, we tested three reconstruction parameters affecting the 3D model quality. We then compared direct measurements on the paws and tracks versus the same measurements on their digital 3D models. Finally, we assessed the minimum number of photographs required for the 3D reconstruction. Masking, auto-calibration and optimization provided higher reconstruction quality. Paws masked semi-automatically and tracks masked manually were characterized by a geometric deviation of 0.23 ± 0.18 cm and 0.50 ± 0.33 cm respectively. Unmasked tracks delineated by means of the contour lines had a geometric deviation of −0.06 ± 0.39 cm. The use of a correction factor reduced the geometric deviation to −0.03 ± 0.20 cm (pad-masked paws), −0.04 ± 0.35 cm (pad-masked tracks) and −0.01 ± 0.39 cm (unmasked tracks). Based on the predicted error, the minimum number of photographs required for an accurate reconstruction is seven (paws) or eight (tracks) photographs. This field technique, using only a digital camera and a ruler, takes less than one minute to sample a paw or track. The introduction of the 3D facet provides more realistic replications of paws and tracks that will enable a better understanding of their intrinsic properties and variation due to external factors. This advanced recording technique will permit a refinement of the current methods aiming at identifying species, age, sex and individual from tracks.
Interactions between water and nitrogen in Australian cropping systems: physiological, agronomic, economic, breeding and modelling perspectives

Abstract. This paper reviews the interactions between water and nitrogen from physiological, agronomic, economic, breeding and modelling perspectives. Our primary focus is wheat; we consider forage crops, sorghum and legumes where relevant aspects of water–nitrogen interactions have been advanced. From a physiological perspective, we ask: How does nitrogen deficit influence the water economy of the crop? How does water deficit influence the nitrogen economy of the crop? How do combined water and nitrogen deficit affect crop growth and yield? We emphasise synergies, and the nitrogen-driven trade-off between the efficiency in the use of water and nitrogen. The concept of nitrogen–water co-limitation is discussed briefly. From agronomic and economic perspectives, the need to match supply of nitrogen and water is recognised, but this remains a challenge in dryland systems with uncertain rainfall. Under-fertilisation commonly causes gaps between actual and water-limited potential yield. We discuss risk aversion and the role of seasonal rainfall forecasts to manage risk. From a breeding perspective, we ask how selection for yield has changed crop traits relating to water and nitrogen. Changes in nitrogen traits are more common and profound than changes in water-related traits. Comparison of shifts in the wheat phenotype in Australia, UK, Argentina and Italy suggests that improving yield per unit nitrogen uptake is straightforward; it requires selection for yield and allowing grain protein concentration to drift unchecked. A more interesting proposition is to increase nitrogen uptake to match yield gains and conserve protein in grain. Increased stomatal conductance is a conspicuous response to selection for yield which partially conflicts with the perception that reduced conductance at high vapour pressure deficit is required to increase water- use efficiency; but high stomatal conductance at high vapour pressure deficit may be adaptive for thermal stress. From a modelling perspective, water and nitrogen are linked in multiple ways. In crops where water limits growth, reduced biomass reduces nitrogen demand. Reciprocally, nitrogen limitation during crop expansion reduces leaf area index and increases the soil evaporation : transpiration ratio. Water–nitrogen interactions are also captured in the water-driven uptake of nitrogen by mass flow and diffusion and in the water-driven processes of nitrogen in soil (e.g. mineralisation). The paper concludes with suggestions for future research on water-nitrogen interactions.
Contingent Valuation of the Economic Benefits of Restoring Ecosystem Services of Zhangye Prefecture of Heihe River Basin

The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) is a direct interview approach that can be used to provide acceptable measures of the economic value of recreation opportunities as well as preservation of natural resources. This latter use is unique to contingent valuation. Contingent valuation methods use simulated (hypothetical) markets to identify values similar to actual markets. The experience gained in US and Europe for about three decades shows that CV is a promising technique which could potentially help public decision-making. Lots of empirical studies conducted in various contexts show that the approach is well-accepted by the general public. The authors take it as an tool to analyze the economic benefits of restoring ecosystem service in an impaired river basin, Heihe river basin, which ranks the second large inland river basin in northwest China. To obtain accurate benefit estimates using CVM technique requires detailed descriptions of the resources being valued. In our survey, a 12-page questionnaire with maps, pictures and figures depicting the reason why the ecosystem of Heihe river basin and Zhangye prefecture has been deteriorating, the measures by which ecosystem services could be restoring from their current level, and the benefits the households in the area could get from restoring ecosystem services. Results from 700 in-person interviews indicate that 96.6% of the households in Heihe river basin would like to pay for restoring the ecosystem services of Zhangye prefecture. Non-parameter analysis of the payment card data shows that the maximum average willingness to pay (WTP) is 45.9～68.3 RMB Yuan per household per year. Parameter analysis of the data indicates that the maximum average WTP is 53.35 RMB Yuan per household per year. The annual aggregate benefits of restoring ecosystem services of Zhangye prefecture is at least 2246.28×104 RMB Yuan, calculated by the number of the households in 1999 in the Heihe river basin. This result is a conservative estimates for the economic value of restoring the ecosystem services of Zhangye prefecture because of the positive externalities of restoring the ecosystem services on the outside of Heihe river basin. This estimated economic value suggests that the general public in Heihe river basin would be willing to pay to restoring the ecosystem services. Thus, the application and development of CVM technique in China should be encouraged because of the necessity of the integrated environmental and economic accounting and the rationally environmental economic decision-making.
The Ponderal Growth of Human Organs in Early Fetal Life I. Glandular Organs

In recent years there has been an increased interest in the prenatal p h s e of child development, especially in the organogenetic period. The observations by Gregg are generally known. His observations stress the importance of early pregnancy regarding the health and the development of the fetus and the future child. In the last century and in the beginning of this one, the macroscopic anatomist has assiduously described the dimensions of the human body. There are very accurate data on the development of the length, weight, and size of the organs of a child. Due to various causes, primarily practical ones, our corresponding knowledge of the human prenatal period is rather scanty. The data in the literature are abundant but not comprehensive. A systematic and complete comparison of fetal organ weights with body development is essential. In earlier reports the fetuses have been described one by one [5, 81. Larger and statistically satisfactory materials are lacking. The development of the thymus is of great interest. According to Wetzel [16], during the last seven months of the fetal development the thymus becomes enlarged from 1.2 mg to 14.9 g, in the ratio of 1:12,450, a rate of change much greater than that of the fetal body. According to Scammon [E l , the weight of the thymus is more closcly rclated to the weight than the length of the body. There is information on the weight of the pancreas after the first trimester [ l l ] . Basic formulas have been derived for the growth rate of the external dimension of the fetus [2 , 10, 141. Kajava [4] has described the external dimensions of Finnish fetuses and compared them with Japanese data. The correlation, much needed in practice, between the length of the body and the duration of pregnancy has been described and is presented in most handand textbooks [l, 91. Most textbooks admit that the data available on the weights of organs are based upon very incomplete material
Effects of Galactose Concentration on Characteristics of Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Bovine Casein in Maillard Reaction

Bovine casein peptide had a strong angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the galactose concentration on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical properties of Maillard reaction products derived from bovine casein peptide and galactose in aqueous model system. The browning intensities of galactose-bovine casein peptide Maillard reaction products increased remarkably with the galactose concentration increased during heat treatment, while its pH and amino groups decreased significantly. The fluorescence compounds of galactose-bovine casein peptide Maillard reaction products reached the maximum when the galactose concentration was 45 g/L. Compounds with molecular weight between 2941 and 8864 Da were dominant while compounds smaller than 250 Da were also produced during the reactions, as characterized by size exclusion chromatography. Galactose-bovine casein peptide Maillard reaction products lost 14.6% of the original angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of bovine casein peptide after the addition of galactose concentration ranged from 0 to 12%, but its strong antioxidant activities were obtained. A high galactose concentration could decrease angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of bovine casein peptide and enhance its antioxidant activities.
Heterogeneous expression pattern of tandem duplicated sHsps genes during fruit ripening in two tomato species

The small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) have been found to play a critical role in physiological stress conditions in protecting proteins from irreversible aggregation. To characterize the gene expression profile of four sHsps with a tandem gene structure arrangement in the domesticated Solanum lycopersicum (Heinz 1706) genome and its wild close relative Solanum pimpinellifolium (LA1589), differential gene expression analysis using RNA-Seq was conducted in three ripening stages in both cultivars fruits. Gene promoter analysis was performed to explain the heterogeneous pattern of gene expression found for these tandem duplicated sHsps. In silico analysis results contribute to refocus wet experiment analysis in tomato sHsp family proteins.
Water and Energy Flux in Elephant Seal Pups Fasting under Natural Conditions

Total water flux, energy utilization, and mass loss were measured in fasting, newly weaned elephant seal pups, Mirounga angustirostris, in their natural habitat over a period of 32–52 days. Animals lost mass exponentially averaging 5.3 ± 0.9 g·kg−1·day−1. At weaning body water comprised 40% of the total mass while the ratio of adipose to lean body tissue was approximately 1. The mean water turnover rate in all animals was very low, ∼13.0 ± 1.20 ml·liter−1·day−1, and was not affected by entry of the animal into water, supporting the hypothesis that seawater ingestion is not required for water balance. Average metabolic rates calculated from water turnover data were 167.6 ± 19.1 kcal·kg−3/4·day−1. The biological half-time of water, 53.5 ± 5.2 days, is about 2.5 times greater than that of starved harbor seals and significantly exceeds that reported for any other mammal. We conclude that a combination of behavioral and physiological water conservation mechanisms permit these animals to fast on land for up to 3 mo, deriving necessary water and energy from the oxidation of fat stores.
HEURISTICS

This issue contains nine articles about heuristics. The word ‘heuristic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘heuriskein’ meaning ‘to discover’. It describes a type of informal learning that is derived from experience or intelligent guesswork. It is sometimes encapsulated by the terms ‘trial-by-error learning’, ‘mental short cuts’, and ‘using a rule-of-thumb’. Experienced surgeons inevitably develop heuristics without being conscious of their actions. They may relate to the way that retractors are used to display and secure an operative field, how you move your feet to obtain a better angle or a technique for inserting a stapling device into a constrained space. It is a fairly general term and, as this issue of the Journal shows, can be applied to many areas of surgical endeavour. The article by Patkin is a good place to start reading about heuristics.1 Patkin has been a pioneer in the field of surgical ergonomics, and in this article, he outlines some of the basic principles that underpin sound surgical techniques. This type of information is priceless. It should be required reading for surgical trainees (Fig. 1). You can find a full account of Patkin’s work at http:// www.mpatkin. org (cited 29 Sep 2008). One of the topics covered is the influence of the ‘internal precision grip’ on instrument design. First, the length of the handle must be longer than the distance between the tip of the curved index finger and the hypothenar eminence; the handle must be thick enough to enable a firm grip, with more than half of the handle circumference being enclosed to avoid slipping and the diameter of the handle should be enough to ‘almost separate the pulps of the finger tips when these are deformed and splayed by mild pressure’. A distinctive feature of the internal precision grip is ‘the amount of rotation that can be applied to a cylindrical handle by attempting to rub the thumb and index finger against one another’. These and other insights provide us with a portal into a neglected aspect of surgical technique. Patkin’s article reminds me of Henry’s book Extensile Exposure.2 Extensile exposure implies an incision that can be extended to deal with unexpected problems. Or, in Henry’s words: ‘Exposure that will vie effectively with the ‘‘great arsenal of chance’’ must be a match for every shift, and therefore have a range, extensile, like the tongue of the chameleon, to reach where it requires’. Henry drew attention to the ‘stripping angle’ between muscle and bone and the use of muscle mobility to define lines of approach to joints and vessels. But that book was mostly about applied anatomy in the limbs, and much of it is now outdated in both style and content. Nevertheless, it is still a profitable read – if you can get your hands on a copy.
STUDY MATERIAL

The aim of the minor study does not motivate a closer presentation of socioeconomic conditions. It could be observed, though, that infants stay in Swedish nursery homes mainly for the following reasons: social handicaps, planned adoption, temporary illnesses or other complications for the mother and/or family members, sometimes also physical and/ or mental handicaps in the baby himself. Mostly, the stay is intended to be a shortterm one, and the nursery homes are, on principle, not meant to keep infants after the age of one year. The minor study at Klingsta spadbarnshem, Danderyd, comprised 26 babies, ranging from > 1,O to < 10 months, 13 boys and 13 girls. P I was located to the same StockhoIm wellbaby clinics as the main investigation. Its purpose, to form a methodological preparation for the main investigation, makes the presentation of socio-economic conditions sufficient, which concerns the main investigation below. The pilot study comprised 134 infants, aged between 2-14 months, 68 boys and 66 girls. [ 3 ]
Early Stages of Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease

In order to study protein metabolism, plasma levels of 22 amino acids were measured with high pressure chromatography in old patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) of late onset andin early stages of development. Derangements were observed in protein metabolism in 16 non‐treated patients when compared with 7 age matched healthy controls. There were increased fasting levels of plasma cystine and decreased fasting levels of plasma tyrosine and plasma tryptophan. The ratio of fasting levels of plasma tryptophan to the sum of plasma phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, isoleucine and valine was significantly decreased, and the ratio of fasting levels of plasma tyrosine to the sum of tryptophan, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine and valine was low but was not significantly decreased when compared to controls. Normal fasting levels were observed for plasma taurine, threonine, serine, aspargine+glutamate, glutamine, glycine, alanine, citrulline, alpha‐aminobutyrate, valine, metionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, ornithine, lysine, 1‐M‐histidine, histidine, arginine and proline. Since tryptophan and tyrosine are precursors of dopamine/norepinephrine and serotonine, respectively, these monaminergic activities in the central nervous system (CNS) might be reduced in early stages of late onset AD. These observations made us think that there was need for a trial with precursor loading to reduce the tryptophan and tyrosine deficiencies, possibly, thereby increasing mental capacity and performance (see this study and study III). Urine excretion of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) was increased in untreated late onset AD patients. An increased tryptophan metabolism may thus be a part of the explanation for the reduced serum levels. The patients were given L‐tryptophan (4.1 ± 0.30 mmol per 24 h, mean ± SEM) for eight weeks in a double‐blind trial. As expected the tryptophan administration further increased urine excretion of 5‐HIAA. However, this treatment regimen did not increase fasting plasma level of tryptophan nor the ratio of tryptophan to the sum of phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. However, with the dose given the treatment did not significantly improve mental function, or performance. These observations in mild to early moderate stages of late onset AD are in agreement with previous reports. The derangement in cystine production as indicated by increased plasma levels of cystine is a new observation in AD.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids Counteract IL-8 and Prostaglandin E2 Secretion Induced by TNF-α in Cultured Endometrial Stromal Cells

Background Inflammation is part of the normal host response to infection and injury and excess inflammation may lead to acute or chronic diseases. Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease characterized by increased endometrial production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and prostaglandins. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play a role in the inflammatory process and a therapeutic effect has been suggested. Methods On this basis, this study aimed to assess in human cultured endometrial stromal cells the effect of two omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), on i) TNF-α induced IL-8 and PGE2 release and on ii) cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) mRNA expression a key enzyme for prostaglandin production. Results DHA or EPA significantly reduced LPS-induced IL-8 (P<0.01) and PGE2 (P<0.01) release decreasing the expression of Cox-2 (P<0.01). Conclusions In conclusion, our study revealed an inhibitory effect of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory mediators secretion and suggests a potential benefit for the treatment of pelvic pain in patients with dysmenorrhea and/or endometriosis.
Reply

Editor, W e would like to thank Dr Weekitt Kittisupamongkol (2009) for his comments regarding the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) used in our paper (Lin et al. 2009). We agree that the diagnostic criteria were updated in 1997. The diagnoses of the underlying disease (SLE) in our patients were made before and after the optic neuritis attacks by the rheumatologists at our hospital. We reconfirmed the diagnoses of SLE in these patients with the rheumatologists. Four of our patients with optic neuritis were diagnosed with SLE before 1997, according to the 1982 revised criteria (Tan et al. 1982). The other four patients were diagnosed with SLE after 1997 using the 1997 update of the revised criteria (Hochberg 1997). The positive findings in our eight patients did not include the positive lupus erythematosus (LE) cell preparation or positive antiphospholipid antibody. The prevalence of SLEassociated optic neuritis in our study would not be changed by applying these two diagnostic criteria for SLE.