Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adjuvants in vaccines and for immunisation: current trends

Vaccines represent one of the most successful strategies in medical science. From the mechanistic perspective, vaccination works by manipulating the immune response through selecting, activating and expanding the memory of B and T cells. To determine the magnitude and quality of immune response, suitable vaccine adjuvants are required; therefore, much effort is going into finding new, effective and non-toxic adjuvant formulations focussed on the activation of key immune targets for inducing a long-term, potent and safe immune response. Significant research is being done in this area, to develop new classes of vaccines for use not only against infectious diseases, but also in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, allergies, chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Here the authors review and classify some of the main vaccine adjuvants on the basis of their immunomodulating properties on the immune system.
Probiotics in Broiler Poultry Feeds: A Review

Accepted: 27/01/2015 Abstract Poultry is one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture and animal husbandry sector. Feed is one of the largest items of expenditure in poultry production and it alone accounts to 70% of total poultry production. The constant increase in the cost of poultry feed ingredients and compounded feed is making less profit to poultry farmers. To minimize the cost of feeding, several feed additives (as growth promoter) like synthetic hormone and antibiotics have been extensively used for enhancing poultry production in recent years. To avoid the health hazards of antimicrobials to human as well as poultry, in recent years, a probiotics as feed additives for better and safe production in poultry was employed. Probiotic are “mono or defined mixed culture of live microorganisms which when applied to animals, beneficially affect the host by improving the properties of the indigenous micro biota”. Various species are used in probiotic preparations i.e. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. acidophillus, L. casei, L. helveticus, L. salvarius, L. plantarum, L. faecalis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterobactris faecalis, Bifidobacteria species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Toulopsis sphaerica. However, Lactobacilli and Streptococci are most commonly used treatments of bacteria in the production of probiotics. In this review, the effect of probiotics on growth rate, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, survivability of probiotics in GIT, mineral metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, dose rate of probiotics, carcass characteristics and sensory quality of chicken meat was discussed.
Decreased presynaptic dopamine function in the left caudate of depressed patients with affective flattening and psychomotor retardation.

OBJECTIVE The study assessed striatal presynaptic dopamine function in patients with different subtypes of depression. METHOD Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography with [(18)F]fluorodopa ([(18)F]DOPA) were used to compare six depressed patients with marked affective flattening and psychomotor retardation, six depressed patients with marked impulsivity and anxiety, and 10 healthy comparison subjects. Depressed patient groups were matched for severity of depression. RESULTS [(18)F]DOPA uptake K(i) values in the left caudate were significantly lower in patients with psychomotor retardation than in patients with high impulsivity and in comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that left caudate dopamine function differs between depressed patients with psychomotor retardation and those with impulsivity and provide direct evidence of a link between dopamine hypofunction and psychomotor retardation in depression.
Synaptic GABAA activation induces Ca2+ rise in pyramidal cells and interneurons from rat neonatal hippocampal slices.

1. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by activation of GABAA receptors (synaptic stimulation or application of the GABAA agonist isoguvacine) were studied on pyramidal cells and interneurons from hippocampal slices of rats from two age groups (postnatal days (P) 2‐5 and P12‐13) using the fluorescent dye fluo‐3 and a confocal laser scanning microscope. Cells were loaded with the dye either intracellularly, using patch pipettes containing fluo‐3 in the internal solution, or extracellularly, using pressure pulses applied to an extracellular pipette containing the permeant dye fluo‐3 AM. 2. Interneurons and pyramidal cells from P2‐5 slices loaded with fluo‐3 AM responded by an increase in [Ca2+]i to isoguvacine and to glutamate, in contrast to cells from P12‐13 slices which responded to glutamate but not to isoguvacine. 3. The isoguvacine‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was reversibly blocked by bath application of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (20 microM), suggesting the specific involvement of GABAA receptors. The sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM in the bath) did not prevent the isoguvacine‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i. 4. The isoguvacine‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was reversibly blocked by bath application of the calcium channel blocker D600 (50 microM) suggesting the involvement of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. 5. Electrical stimulation of afferent fibres induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i in neonatal pyramidal cells and interneurons (P5) loaded non‐invasively with fluo‐3 AM. This elevation of [Ca2+]i was reversibly blocked by bicuculline (20 microM) but not by APV (50 microM) and CNQX (10 microM). 6. During simultaneous electrophysiological recording in the current‐clamp mode and [Ca2+]i monitoring from P5 pyramidal cells, electrical stimulation of afferent fibres, in the presence of APV (50 microM) and CNQX (10 microM), caused synaptic depolarization accompanied by a few action potentials and a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. In voltage clamp (‐70 mV) however, there was no increase in [Ca2+]i following synaptic stimulation, showing that it is depolarization dependent. 7. Using a non‐invasive method of [Ca2+]i monitoring, we demonstrate here that in neonatal (P2‐5) hippocampus, GABA is an excitatory neurotransmitter which can cause an elevation of [Ca2+]i in interneurons and pyramidal cells via activation of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. This action may underlie the trophic role of GABA in hippocampal development.
Defining Obesity Cut Points in a Multiethnic Population

Background— Body mass index (BMI) is widely used to assess risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Cut points for the classification of obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) have been developed and validated among people of European descent. It is unknown whether these cut points are appropriate for non-European populations. We assessed the metabolic risk associated with BMI among South Asians, Chinese, Aboriginals, and Europeans. Methods and Results— We randomly sampled 1078 subjects from 4 ethnic groups (289 South Asians, 281 Chinese, 207 Aboriginals, and 301 Europeans) from 4 regions in Canada. Principal components factor analysis was used to derive underlying latent or “hidden” factors associated with 14 clinical and biochemical cardiometabolic markers. Ethnic-specific BMI cut points were derived for 3 cardiometabolic factors. Three primary latent factors emerged that accounted for 56% of the variation in markers of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure. For a given BMI, elevated levels of glucose- and lipid-related factors were more likely to be present in South Asians, Chinese, and Aboriginals compared with Europeans, and elevated levels of the blood pressure–related factor were more likely to be present among Chinese compared with Europeans. The cut point to define obesity, as defined by distribution of glucose and lipid factors, is lower by ≈6 kg/m2 among non-European groups compared with Europeans. Conclusions— Revisions may be warranted for BMI cut points to define obesity among South Asians, Chinese, and Aboriginals. Using these revised cut points would greatly increase the estimated burden of obesity-related metabolic disorders among non-European populations.
Cloning localization approach using k-means clustering and support vector machine

Abstract. Passive forensics is increasing in significance due to the availability of various software tools that can be used to alter original content without visible traces and the increasing public awareness of such tampering. Many passive image tamper detection techniques have been proposed in the literature, some of which use feature extraction methods for tamper detection and localization. This work proposes a flexible methodology for detecting cloning in images based on the use of feature detectors. We determine whether a particular match is the result of a cloning event by clustering the matches using k-means clustering and using a support vector machine to classify the clusters. This descriptor–agnostic approach allows us to combine the results of multiple feature descriptors, increasing the potential number of keypoints in the cloned region. Results using maximally stable extremal regions’ features, speeded up robust features, and scale-invariant feature transform show a very significant improvement over the state of the art, particularly when different descriptors are combined. A statistical filtering step is also proposed, increasing the homogeneity of the clusters and thereby improving the results. Finally, our methodology uses an adaptive technique for independently selecting the optimal k value for each image, allowing our method to work well when there are multiple cloned regions. We also show that our methodology works well when the training and testing datasets are mismatched.
The new world of “AI-SM”: (artificial intelligence in software maintenance)

(Copyright ~ 1986 by Girish Parikh.) (Permission to copy is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for direct commercial advantage, and the copyright note is included. The New Wealth B~ ~_~L~L~i~ ~ the ~ and N~.) I have coined the new term "AI-SM" for the emerging trend of applying AI (artificial intelligence) in SM (software maintenance). Let me explain. A recent item in p.j/~/ju~ (Carlyle, 1985) alluded to the trend, however, the three COBOL restructuring products/services mentioned did not seem to use AI. At the end, the article mentioned "an expert systems tool to look into the [maintenance] problem" devised by productivity and maintenance consultant T. Capers Jones. A recent announcement of IBM's COBOL/SF (COBOL Structuring Facility) that restructures existing COBOL programs claims to use AI techniques (Babcock and Gallant, 1985). The trend is clear. The association (the outright marriage is out, because both AI and SM are generic) of AI with SM is coming. What are the implications of this affair? Obviously one (AI) is a highly popular subject, while the other is equally unpopular. One is almost loved while the other is equally hated. Would this affair last? I predict that it will become one of the most passionate (and profitable) relationships in the history of computing. The love-hate relationships usually intensify the involvement, as the legends testify. Who knows, some of the popularity of AI may rub off SM, making it an exciting field! And who will not be lured by the wealth building opportunities in the field of AI-SM? (Incidentally, did you notice that I devised a new term ("SM") for Software Maintenance? The world seems to be in search of a new word for the unpopular subject. Emulating the popular term AI, why not use SM for Software Maintenance? To me the term"SM" tastes sweet! I think it will be less sour than the mouthful and already unpopular term Software Maintenance to many. ) Some (AI) gurus say that the term is a misnomer-and so is the term SM! What a lovely match of terms in AI-SM! Though made up of unreal (or partially real) terms in meanings, '~I-SM" is real! AI, among other applications, has
Programmed cell death induced by (β-D-galactosyl)3 Yariv reagent in Nicotiana tabacum BY-2 suspension-cultured cells

Programmed cell death (PCD) is involved in plant development and pathogen defence and can be triggered in vitro by several biotic and abiotic stimuli. In this report (β-D-galactosyl) 3 Yariv reagent, a chemical that specifically binds to arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), completely inhibited cell growth and induced PCD in tobacco BY-2 suspension cultured cells. Analysis of DNA from these cells, by agarose gel electrophoresis, revealed a DNA ladder consisting of multimers of 140-170 bp, similar to apoptotic animal DNA internucleosomal fragmentation. Complementary morphological studies revealed additional PCD characteristics in the Yariv-treated BY-2 cells, including cell shrinkage and cytoplasmic condensation. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of BY-2 cells as a model plant PCD system and confirm a link between AGPs and PCD.
Differential effects of plasma and red blood cell transfusions on acute lung injury and infection risk following liver transplantation

Patients with chronic liver disease have an increased risk of developing transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) from plasma‐containing blood products. Similarly, red blood cell transfusions have been associated with postoperative and nosocomial infections in surgical and critical care populations. Patients undergoing liver transplantation receive large amounts of cellular and plasma‐containing blood components, but it is presently unclear which blood components are associated with these postoperative complications. A retrospective cohort study of 525 consecutive liver transplant patients revealed a perioperative TRALI rate of 1.3% (7/525, 95% confidence interval = 0.6%‐2.7%), which was associated with increases in the hospital mortality rate [28.6% (2/7) versus 2.9% (15/518), P = 0.02] and the intensive care unit length of stay [2 (1‐11 days) versus 0 days (0‐2 days), P = 0.03]. Only high‐plasma‐containing blood products (plasma and platelets) were associated with the development of TRALI. Seventy‐four of 525 patients (14.1%) developed a postoperative infection, and this was also associated with increased in‐hospital mortality [10.8% (8/74) versus 2.0% (9/451), P < 0.01] and a prolonged length of stay. Multivariate logistic regression determined that the number of transfused red blood cell units (adjusted odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval = 1.02‐1.14, P < 0.01), the presence of perioperative renal dysfunction, and reoperation were significantly associated with postoperative infection. In conclusion, patients undergoing liver transplantation have a high risk of developing postoperative complications from blood transfusion. Plasma‐containing blood products were associated with the development of TRALI, whereas red blood cells were associated with the development of postoperative infections in a dose‐dependent manner. Liver Transpl 17:149–158, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Self-Esteem and Autonomic Physiology: Parallels Between Self-Esteem and Cardiac Vagal Tone as Buffers of Threat

In this article a potential physiological connection to self-esteem is suggested: cardiac vagal tone, the degree of influence on the heart by the vagus, a primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. This hypothesis emerges from parallels between the two literatures that suggest both self-esteem and cardiac vagal tone function to provide protection from threat responding. This article reviews these literatures and evidence and preliminary findings that suggest in some contexts self-esteem and cardiac vagal tone may exert an influence on each other. Last, the article discusses theoretical and applied health implications of this potential physiological connection to self-esteem.
The Semantics of Version Control

As software becomes increasingly complex, software configuration management is becoming ever more important. This paper shows how logics for reasoning about mutable state, such as separation logic, can also be used to give semantics for version control systems. By applying these ideas from the programming language research community, developers may reason formally about the broader software development process.
GeauxDock: Accelerating Structure-Based Virtual Screening with Heterogeneous Computing

Computational modeling of drug binding to proteins is an integral component of direct drug design. Particularly, structure-based virtual screening is often used to perform large-scale modeling of putative associations between small organic molecules and their pharmacologically relevant protein targets. Because of a large number of drug candidates to be evaluated, an accurate and fast docking engine is a critical element of virtual screening. Consequently, highly optimized docking codes are of paramount importance for the effectiveness of virtual screening methods. In this communication, we describe the implementation, tuning and performance characteristics of GeauxDock, a recently developed molecular docking program. GeauxDock is built upon the Monte Carlo algorithm and features a novel scoring function combining physics-based energy terms with statistical and knowledge-based potentials. Developed specifically for heterogeneous computing platforms, the current version of GeauxDock can be deployed on modern, multi-core Central Processing Units (CPUs) as well as massively parallel accelerators, Intel Xeon Phi and NVIDIA Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). First, we carried out a thorough performance tuning of the high-level framework and the docking kernel to produce a fast serial code, which was then ported to shared-memory multi-core CPUs yielding a near-ideal scaling. Further, using Xeon Phi gives 1.9× performance improvement over a dual 10-core Xeon CPU, whereas the best GPU accelerator, GeForce GTX 980, achieves a speedup as high as 3.5×. On that account, GeauxDock can take advantage of modern heterogeneous architectures to considerably accelerate structure-based virtual screening applications. GeauxDock is open-sourced and publicly available at www.brylinski. org/geauxdock and https://figshare.com/articles/geauxdock_tar_gz/3205249.
The acquisition of automatic response biases through categorization

The present research explores the finding that a stimulus acquires the ability to elicit a response R simply because it has been grouped together with other stimuli that elicit response R. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in human learning studies (Astley & Wasserman, 1996; Dougher, Augustson, Markham, Greenway, & Wulfert, 1994; Eisman, 1955; Grice, Henriksen, & Speiss, 1972; Jeffrey, 1953; Malloy & Ellis, 1970; Wasserman & DeVolder, 1993), as well as in animal learning studies (Astley & Wasserman, 1998, 1999; Urcuioli, Zentall, & DeMarse, 1995; Urcuioli, Zentall, Jackson-Smith, & Steirn, 1989, Experiment 2; Wasserman, DeVolder, & Coppage, 1992; Zentall, Steirn, Sherburne, & Urcuioli, 1991). For the remainder of the paper, we will refer to these effects as response biases that are acquired through categorization. Using a typical three-step procedure, one of the earlier demonstrations of the acquisition of response biases through categorization was provided by Jeffrey (1953). In the first step, the categorization phase, he trained preschoolers to classify the colors white, gray, and black into two categories by giving the verbal responses “black” and “white. ” Some participants assigned white and gray to one response category and black to the other category, whereas other participants assigned black and gray to one and white to the other category. In the second, the shaping phase, the color gray was omitted, and the participants learned to make push and pull responses to the colors white and black, while still labeling them. In the final step, the test phase, the color gray was reintroduced, and the participants continued to make the push and pull responses of the shaping phase. Compared with a baseline ascertained prior to learning, the push and pull responses to the color gray were a function of category membership. If gray was originally grouped with white, it elicited the response assigned to white, and if it was grouped with black, it elicited the response assigned to black. Hence, despite the fact that the color gray was never assigned to a push or pull response, it elicited these responses because it inherited the response biases from its category members. The purpose of the present research was to determine whether response biases that are acquired through categorization exert control over future behavior automatically or whether they are a result of one’s learning experiences being intentionally applied to a new situation. In other words, does a learning experience exert influence because it is difficult to suppress or because it is explicitly used for strategic reasons? Explanatory accounts can be formulated for either notion. An automatic response bias account follows the framework of associative network models (e.g., Rescorla & Wagner, 1972; Rumelhart & McClelland, 1986) and attributes the influence of categorization to mediated
Antibiotic Prescribing Habits of Dental Surgeons in Hyderabad City, India, for Pulpal and Periapical Pathologies: A Survey

Aim. To determine the antibiotic prescribing habits for pulpal and periapical pathology among dentists in Hyderabad city, India. Methodology. A total of 246 questionnaires were distributed to all the dentists registered with the local dental branch. Demographic details and questions regarding type and dosage of antibiotics prescribed for allergic and nonallergic patients were recorded. Inferential statistics were performed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The response rate for the study was 87.8%. Around 148 (68.5%) of respondents regularly prescribed antibiotics for endodontic management. The first antibiotic of choice for patients with no history of medical allergies was a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole, followed by amoxicillin alone (29.1%). The first antibiotic of choice in case of allergy to penicillin was erythromycin. Necrotic pulp with acute apical periodontitis with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptom was the condition most commonly identified for antibiotic therapy (92.1%). Conclusion. The present study reveals that the overall antibiotic prescribing practices among this group of dentists were quite high, and there is a need for more educational initiatives to rationalize the use of antibiotics in dentistry.