Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Further studies on vertical transmission and persistence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 4 in chickens

One-week-old commercial layers were infected orally with 108 colony forming units of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 4. No mortality was observed. The inoculated organism was isolated in decreasing viable numbers from a number of tissues, particularly the spleen, liver and caeca. Organisms present in the spleen were primarily localized within macrophages. No Salmonella Enteritidis organisms were isolated between 10 and 24 weeks of age, when the experiment was terminated after several weeks of lay. When two groups of adult hens, housed with males, were infected, contaminated eggs were found within 2 weeks of infection in one of the experiments only. Progeny hatched from these eggs showed no mortality unless they were infected artificially with the S. Enteritidis strain. In this case, the percentage mortality fell as the hatches progressed, indicating increasing immunity to infection. The faecal excretion of the inoculated phage type 4 strain by infected but healthy progeny was followed. Although most birds ceased to excrete by 11 to 12 weeks of age, a small number of the birds continued to excrete until they themselves came into lay. The small numbers of birds in which this occurred indicates that tolerance to infection does not occur readily following infection of hens laying fertile eggs or in progeny birds infected before or within hours of hatching. Birds infected when they were less than 24 h old remained persistently infected until they were well into lay. However, control birds infected when 1 week old, on this occasion, showed a high level of excretion until the birds began to lay at 18 weeks. Inbred lines of chickens showing differences in their susceptibility to systemic salmonellosis did not show significant differences in the extent to which S. Enteritidis localized in the organs of the reproductive tract or in the number of infected eggs produced.
Nitric oxide: novel therapy for osteoporosis

Background: Relative nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is responsible for many pathophysiological processes, including in postmenopausal women providing a plausible biological basis for use of NO replacement therapy in humans. Excess or inappropriate local production of NO aggravates bone destruction in some diseases such as septic shock, rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthropathies. Results: A variety of in vitro and in vivo data have revealed the efficacy of nitroglycerin and nitrates on bone cells. Since some part of the beneficial effects of estrogen on bone is mediated via the NO–cGMP pathway, NO donor therapy is an attractive alternative to estrogen therapy to prevent and treat osteoporosis. When the body cannot generate adequate amounts of NO for biological homeostasis, administration of exogenous NO or prolongation of the actions of endogenous NO are practical ways to supplement NO, especially in postmenopausal women. Conclusion: Postmenopausal NO deficiency is rectified with hormone replacement therapy, which enhances local production of NO. Declining local NO production secondary to estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women, and perhaps in older men, could be one of the key reasons for age-related increased incidences of cardiovascular events, sexual dysfunction as well as osteoporosis. Thus, in addition to supplementation of NO compounds in acute situations such as alleviating angina and erectile dysfunction, it could be a valuable addition to the armamentarium of therapies for chronic conditions such as osteoporosis.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 in multiple myeloma: prognostic factor or therapeutic target? – Response to Owen et al

Baz and Hussein (2006), Owen et al (2007), and I agree that: (i) lower thromboemolic complications and evidence of some inherent anti-myeloma activity warrant the use of low dose aspirin (ASA) in multiple myeloma (MM); and (ii) the prognostic significance of cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and its inhibition with ASA and other COX inhibitors is worthy of further study. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) both commonly function as growth factors in MM (Kast, 2005, 2006; Kuku et al, 2005). Many other malignancies also use IL-6 as a potent growth factor, for e.g. glioblastomas (Kast & Altschuler, 2006), melanomas, prostate cancer and others. As IL-6 levels tend to bear a positive relation to intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and TNF an inverse relation to cAMP levels, IL-6 and TNF tend to be counter regulated (Kast, 2006). In inflammatory disease and malignancies such as MM, they both can be elevated and attempts to lower one risk raising the other. This is thought to be why COX inhibitors are not disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; they lower IL-6, but increase TNF (Kast, 2006). Although involving few patients, the data of Tsimberidou et al, (reviewed in Kast, 2005), indicate that inadvertent pharmacological elevation of TNF may hasten MM progression. ASA and other COX inhibitors may potentially lower IL-6 but, by the same mechanism, also increase circulating TNF levels (Kast, 2006). That a given medicine has both disease inhibiting and disease enhancing effects is not new or odd. Examples abound. Doxorubicin, often used in MM treatment, both upregulates COX expression and engages nuclear factor jB-mediated antiapoptosis paths (Minotti et al, 2004). Several currently available drugs have been shown to lower IL-6 in various experimental situations (Kast & Altschuler, 2006) and may do so in MM. Bupropion was recently shown to lower TNF elevations in mice given lipopolysaccharide (Brustolim et al, 2006) and may do so in MM, though with risk of IL-6 elevation. The situation is not simple. Interleukin-6 and TNF are easily measured and correlated to MM disease activity. Efforts to lower both can then begin if lowering is shown to retard MM progression. R. E. Kast
Laboratory evaluation of three strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae for controlling Dermanyssus gallinae

The pathogenicity of three strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae on different life stages of Dermanyssus gallinae was evaluated in the laboratory. All the strains tested were virulent to D. gallinae but pathogenicity varied among the strains. Strain V245 induced a higher mortality rate using different concentrations than other two strains. The estimated median lethal concentration of different strains of M. anisopliae against D. gallinae varied depending on the exposure time of D. gallinae to M. anisopliae. It was concluded that the pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic fungus M. anisopliae on different life stages of D. gallinae was concentration and time dependent.
0132 Human Factors Training In Ophthalmology

Background While surgical specialties are increasingly experienced in technical simulation, there are few courses in ophthalmology aimed at improving human factors. It has been established that human factors training can reduce errors and thereby improve safety (Leonard et al , 2004). Cataract surgery is the most-performed operation in the UK (NHS Choices 2013), although complications are rare (1%). We are developing a course to allow ophthalmology patients to benefit from safety improvements via multidisciplinary human factors simulation training. Methodology We aim to recreate the operating environment in a simulated theatre. Delegates should include the scrub nurse, ODA, "runner" and operating surgeon. Where this surgeon is junior and would usually have consultant support available, we would provide this. The faculty will include a simulated patient, usually an actor, as well as technical support and observers to debrief. Simulation will include model microscope, down which the surgeon delegate will view a video of cataract surgery. Scenarios will include surgical complications such as posterior capsule rupture, as well as patient factors. Surgeons are expected to demonstrate situational awareness to recognise the problem, clear communication with nursing staff and sensitive communication with the awake patient. Nursing and ODA delegates would be expected to raise concerns regarding the procedure if witnessed, demonstrate awareness of equipment required to manage complications and communicate clearly. Structured debriefing will follow to embed learning. Results Based on the experience of other human factors simulation courses, we expect to find latent errors, demonstrate to candidates the effectiveness of clear communication with awake patients and with each other and provide the opportunity for teams to discuss their own options for change. Potential impacts We aim to make the course compulsory for training, as with technical simulation. Future strategies include moving the LCD display microscope simulator to theatres to allow in-situ simulation. References Leonard M, Graham S, Bonacum D. The human factor: the critical importance of effective teamwork and communication in providing safe care. Qual Saf Health Care 2004;13:i85-i90 accessed via http://qualitysafety.bmj. com/content/13/suppl_1/i85.full. pdf+html accessed on 13/06/2014 NHS Choices Cataract Surgery edited March 2014 http://www.nhs. uk/Conditions/Cataract-surgery/Pages/Introduction.aspx accessed on 13/06/2014
A comparative study on the pathogenesis of egg contamination by different serotypes of Salmonella

Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis is the predominant serotype associated with egg-borne salmonellosis in humans. Apparently this serotype possesses particular characteristics that increase its chance to contaminate eggs. To identify these characteristics, two Salmonella serotype Enteritidis strains as well as one strain of each of the serotypes Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Virchow and Salmonella Hadar strain were used to examine different aspects related to egg contamination. After an intravenous infection of laying hens, it was observed that the ability of the serotype Enteritidis strains to colonize the reproductive organs was significantly higher compared with the Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Virchow and Salmonella Hadar strains but not with the Salmonella Typhimurium strain. Inoculating low numbers of the different Salmonella serotypes in egg albumen at 42°C demonstrated that the growth of the strains belonging to the Salmonella serotypes Virchow and Hadar was seriously repressed. The other serotypes, however, survived in albumen for 24 h. Furthermore, using two different specifically designed egg infection models, it was shown that all strains used in this study were able to penetrate into and multiply inside the yolk at 25°C. These findings indicate that the ability to grow in eggs post lay is not specific for the serotype Enteritidis. In conclusion, comparing strains belonging to different Salmonella serotypes has revealed that most probably a preferential colonization of the reproductive organs and an enhanced survival at 42°C allows the serotype Enteritidis to contaminate eggs.
Effects of fluoroquinolone treatment on MDR1 and MRP2 mRNA expression in Escherichia coli-infected chickens

Current knowledge about the expression of ABC transport proteins suggests that their expression is regulated by a variety of factors, including pathological conditions, and in particular inflammatory reactions to infection. As ABC transporters are major determinants of absorption, distribution and excretion of many antimicrobials, modulation of their activity may result in increased or decreased tissue levels of drugs, affecting the efficacy of treatment. As fluoroquinolones have been identified as modulators and substrates of a number of drug transporters, we evaluated the effect of danofloxacin mesylate and enrofloxacin treatment on the levels of expression of MDR1 and MRP2 mRNAs in the intestines and livers of broilers with experimentally induced colibacillosis. MDR1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in infected animals and was partly restored over 5 days of treatment with orally administered danofloxacin mesylate or enrofloxacin. Changes in the level of expression of MRP2 mRNA were less prominent. The study suggests that the treatment of colibacillosis with fluoroquinolones, which resulted in a significant clinical improvement of the animals, also restored the expression of drug transporters. This is of clinical importance as these ABC transporters significantly contribute to the functionality of important biological barriers, protecting the bird and specific tissues from pathogens and bacterial toxins.
Vergleich der lokalen Lichtunterschiedsempfindlichkeits-(LUE)-Messwerte zwischen dem Oculus-Twinfield-Perimeter und dem Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA I) Typ 630. Eine alterskorrelierte perimetrische Normwertstudie

PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to compare age-corrected normal values of differential luminance sensitivity (dls) of the Oculus Twinfield Perimeter with those of the Humphrey Field Analyzer 630 (HFA I). Furthermore, naso-temporal and superior-inferior asymmetries in the central visual field were analyzed. METHODS: 72 ophthalmologically normal volunteers, 12 per decade, were examined with both perimeters using a 4-2 dB bracketing strategy with two reversals for threshold estimation. A biometric model, which fits a hill of vision to the data, was developed. The age-related hills, created by the model, were compared between the instruments and analyzed for asymmetries. RESULTS: The normal dls values for the Twinfield perimeter were about 1.5 dB above those of the HFA I. The shape of the hill in regard to slope in corresponding locations did not differ substantially. The decline of local differential luminance sensitivity showed a nonlinear correlation to age: it remained almost constant up to the 4th decade, with a steeper decline beyond that age. A naso-temporal as well as a superior-inferior asymmetry was found. Along the vertical meridian, the slope of the hill was steeper in the superior part than in the inferior. At an excentricity of 20 degrees we found a superior-inferior difference of 2.1 dB for the HFA and of 1.8 dB for the Twinfield perimeter benefitting the inferior meridian. Along the horizontal meridian there was a distinct difference in regard to the shape of the hill. The sensitivity was greater in the temporal half of the visual field than in the nasal. At an excentricity of 30 degrees, the difference was about 2.75 dB for the HFA and 2.5 dB for the Twinfield perimeter. These asymmetries seem to appear in all age groups. Unfortunately, the exact influence of age on the appearing asymmetries cannot be quantified by the used model. CONCLUSION: The normal dls values benefit the Twinfield for about 1.5 dB compared to the HFA. There seems to be a critical age of about 40 - 50 years, beyond which a decline of dls becomes manifest.
New developments in prostate cancer biomarkers

Purpose of review The initial management of localized prostate cancer is increasingly complex with the identification of a growing number of prognostic subgroups. Molecular and genetic biomarkers have been proposed to help clinicians and patients navigate treatment decisions. Recent findings Three commercially available tests, the Genomic Prostate score, Cell Cycle Progression score, and Genomic Classifier appear to currently have the most supporting data for their use in localized prostate cancer. All three have been shown to identify men at higher risk for poor outcome following radical prostatectomy in retrospective studies whereas the first two have also shown promise in addressing which men might be appropriate for active surveillance. Only the Genomic Classifier has data supporting its use as a predictive marker in addition to a prognostic marker. Summary Over the past several years, the management of localized prostate cancer has seen the development of several novel biomarkers aimed at improving decision making. Although a lack of prospective validation makes it challenging to know how best to change management based on the results from any of the tests, the growing body of retrospective data suggests significant promise in this arena.
Locations of gut-associated lymphoid tissue in the 3-month-old chicken: a review

The lymphoid tissue that is associated with the intestinal tract, the so-called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), is well developed in the chicken. Depending on the location, it is present as aggregations of lymphoid cells, or organized in lymphoid follicles and tonsils. From proximal to distal, the intestinal tract contains a pharyngeal tonsil, diffuse lymphoid tissue and lymphoid follicles in the cervical and thoracic parts of the oesophagus, an oesophageal tonsil, diffuse lymphoid tissue in the proventriculus, a pyloric tonsil, Peyer's patches, Meckel's diverticulum, two caecal tonsils, diffuse lymphoid tissue in the rectum, the bursa of Fabricius, and diffuse lymphoid tissue in the wall of the proctodeum. The lymphoid tissues are frequently covered by a lympho-epithelium that is infiltrated by lymphoid cells. Such an epithelium often contains M or microfold cells, which are specialized in antigen sampling and transport antigens to the underlying lymphoid tissue. A solid knowledge of the avian GALT could contribute to the development of vaccines to be administered orally. Additionally, immune stimulation via pre- and probiotics is based on the presence of a well-developed intestinal immune system.
Avaliação nutricional de pessoas com deficiência praticantes de natação

Swimming contributes to physical, mental and social health of people who have some kind of disability. Bearing in mind that the nutritional aspect is relevant to sports performance as well as to life quality of these individuals, this study has aimed at evaluating the nutritional status of disabled individuals who practice swimming. Four male and four female individuals aged between 19 and 36 years who have either physical or visual impairment, as well as swim two or three weekly times, participated in the assessment protocol. Anthropometric analysis and food intake evaluation were used through three-day-recording and biochemical evaluation for the analysis of the lipid profile (triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol). Mean BMI found was 24.15 ± 2.33 kg/m2 and 27.26 ± 4.91kg/m2 for men and women, respectively. The average food intake observed for both sexes was 3161.33 ± 480.08 kcal, having mean composition of 58.13 ± 5.04% of carbohydrates, 19.62 ± 1.54% of protein and 22.45 ± 5.64% of lipids from the total energetic value (TEV). Women presented adequate intake of protein, while men ingested it beyond their needs (2.14 ± 0.34 g/kg/day). Concerning the other nutrients, intake was adequate for both sexes. The biochemical analyses showed adequate lipid profile in general, with tendency for low HDL levels. It was concluded that the male individuals had satisfactory body composition and lipid profile, despite excessive intake of calories and proteins, while the female individuals presented nutritional risk due to overweight. It becomes evident the later group needs individualized nutritional orientation so as to correct their inadequate eating habits and hence improve their physical performance and life quality.
Necrotic enteritis in broilers: an updated review on the pathogenesis

Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis and related subclinical disease have become economically significant problems for the broiler industry. Fortunately, scientific interest in this topic has grown: new C. perfringens virulence factors have been discovered and new insight gained about the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis. It has been shown that alpha toxin, for a long time thought to be the key virulence factor, is not essential for the development of the disease. Moreover, it is now clearly established that only certain C. perfringens strains are capable of inducing necrotic enteritis under specific conditions that predispose to the disease and they constitute only a minority in the intestinal tract of healthy chickens. A novel pore-forming toxin, NetB, has been identified in these virulent avian C. perfringens strains. Using a gene knockout mutant, it has been shown that NetB is a critical virulence factor in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis in broilers. In addition to toxin production, other factors have been described that contribute to the ability of certain C. perfringens strains to cause necrotic enteritis in broilers. It has been suggested that proteolytic enzymes play an important role in the initial stages of necrotic enteritis since the villi are first affected at the level of the basement membrane and the lateral domain of the enterocytes. In field outbreaks of necrotic enteritis, a single clone of C. perfringens is dominant in intestines of all affected birds, as opposed to the mixture of different C. perfringens strains that can be isolated from healthy bird intestines. It has been proposed that bacteriocin production is responsible for the dominance of a single strain in necrotic enteritis cases. Furthermore, it has been shown that virulent strains are more able to adhere to extracellular matrix molecules than non-virulent strains. The current knowledge on the pathogenesis of the disease has been summarized in this short review.
Non-soluble fibres and narasin reduce spontaneous gizzard erosion and ulceration in broiler chickens

The prevalence and severity of gizzard erosion and ulceration syndrome (GEU) in broilers is affected by a number of predisposing and preventive factors. Two broiler experiments with almost identical basal diets were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary oat hulls, access to litter and the antimicrobial compound narasin on GEU. The effects on particle size of duodenal digesta, ileal starch concentration, caecal Clostridium perfringens counts, necrotic enteritis and production performance were also examined. Oat hulls reduced GEU severity and starch levels in the ileum in both experiments. Access to litter reduced GEU scores when oat hulls were included in the feed. Access to litter also improved feed efficiency and reduced C. perfringens counts. Narasin reduced GEU severity when the feed was supplemented with oat hulls. Oat hulls were associated with improved feed efficiency in Experiment 1 and impaired feed efficiency in Experiment 2. The inconsistent effect of oat hulls on production performance appeared to be related to an association between oat hulls and high C. perfringens counts in Experiment 2; an association that was absent in Experiment 1. In general, oat hulls interacted with litter access and narasin in exerting a positive effect on gizzard health. However, the association between oat hulls and necrotic enteritis detected in Experiment 2 suggests that the positive effect of oat hulls on GEU occasionally may be outweighed by a negative effect on gut health. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the severity of GEU in broilers was influenced by non-soluble fibres and narasin.