Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterial infection and atopy in childhood: A systematic review

The epidemiological relation between mycobacterial infection and the prevalence of atopic disease in humans is still unclear. This is in contrast to studies in murine models in which a clear suppression of atopic symptoms was observed after exposure to mycobacteria or mycobacterial products. We therefore wanted to provide a systematic overview of the published literature on the relationship between mycobacterial infection and atopic disease and to evaluate the causal relationship in a meta‐analysis. The EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched systematically for papers published in the English literature (1966–2005) on the relation between mycobacterial infection and atopic disease. Original observational or interventional studies involving the paediatric population were included. Two authors independently reviewed articles for data on mycobacterial exposure and atopic disease outcome. Any differences were resolved by discussion. Of a total of 1201 hits, 23 studies (19 cross‐sectionals, three case–controls and one prospective cohort) met the inclusion criteria. Only a minority of studies (40%) observed an association between mycobacterial infection and the prevalence of atopic disease outcome. In the meta‐analysis, only studies containing data on mycobacterial exposure and atopic disease outcome variables were included. Only cross‐sectional studies, in which the relation between a positive tuberculin skin test and allergic symptoms was studied, observed statistically significant negative correlation (odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.79). The results of this review show that the evidence of the relationship of mycobacterial infection and atopic disease is based on observations of cross‐sectional studies. In a meta‐analysis, calculations showed a high level of heterogeneity (I2) within studies with similar design making it difficult to pool effects. This may partly be explained by differences in the type and definition of mycobacterial infection and lack of uniformity in the definition of atopy. The results show that only a minority of studies in the literature shows any evidence of inverse relationship between mycobacterial exposure and atopic disease outcome. The fact that the present epidemiological evidence on the relationship between mycobacterial infection and the development of atopic disease is based mainly on cross‐sectional observational studies indicates the need for population‐based prospective studies to address this issue. This issue needs to be addressed in view of recent suggestions to developing mycobacterial‐based vaccines against atopic disease in the future.
Electrophysiological and molecular mechanisms of protection by iron sucrose against phosphine-induced cardiotoxicity: a time course study

Abstract The present study was designed for determining the exact mechanism of cytotoxic action of aluminum phosphide (AlP) in the presence of iron sucrose as the proposed antidote. Rats received AlP (12 mg/kg) and iron sucrose (5–30 mg/kg) in various sets and were connected to cardiovascular monitoring device. After identification of optimum doses of AlP and iron sucrose, rats taken in 18 groups received AlP (6 mg/kg) and iron sucrose (10 mg/kg), treated at six different time points, and then their hearts were surgically removed and used for evaluating a series of mitochondrial parameters, including cell lipid peroxidation, antioxidant power, mitochondrial complex activity, ADP/ATP ratio and process of apoptosis. ECG changes of AlP poisoning, including QRS, QT, P-R, ST, BP and HR were ameliorated by iron sucrose (10 mg/kg) treatment. AlP initiated its toxicity in the heart mitochondria through reducing mitochondrial complexes (II, IV and V), which was followed by increasing lipid peroxidation and the ADP/ATP ratio and declining mitochondrial membrane integrity that ultimately resulted in cell death. AlP in acute exposure (6 mg/kg) resulted in an increase in hydroxyl radicals and lipid peroxidation in a time-dependent fashion, suggesting an interaction of delivering electrons of phosphine with mitochondrial respiratory chain and oxidative stress. Iron sucrose, as an electron receiver, can compete with mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and divert electrons to another pathway. The present findings supported the idea that iron sucrose could normalize the activity of mitochondrial electron transfer chain and cellular ATP level as vital factors for cell escaping from AlP poisoning.
Horizontal—vertical filters in early vision predict anomalous line-orientation identification frequencies

A characteristic of early visual processing is a reduction in the effective number of filter mechanisms acting in parallel over the visual field. In the detection of a line target differing in orientation from a background of lines, performance with brief displays appears to be determined by just two classes of orientation-sensitive filter, with preferred orientations close to the vertical and horizontal. An orientation signal represented as a linear combination of responses from such filters is shown to provide a quantitative prediction of the probability density function for identifying the perceived orientation of a target line. This prediction was confirmed in an orientation-matching experiment, which showed that the precision of orientation estimates was worst near the vertical and horizontal and best at about 30° each side of the vertical, a result that contrasts with the classical oblique effect in vision, when scrutiny of the image is allowed. A comparison of predicted and observed frequency distributions showed that the hypothesized orientation signal was formed as an opponent combination and horizontal and vertical filter responses.
Time trends in clinical risk stratification for prostate cancer: implications for outcomes (data from CaPSURE).

PURPOSE Many instruments designed to predict prostate cancer risk use a combination of clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason score and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). We designed a study to characterize time trends in these parameters and their impact on patient risk stratification. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were abstracted from CaPSURE (Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor), a disease registry of 8,685 men with prostate cancer. The 6,260 men diagnosed since 1989 who had complete clinical information reported were categorized into low, intermediate or high risk groups based on established parameters for T stage, Gleason score and PSA. RESULTS Between 1989 to 1990 and 2001 to 2002 the proportion of patients presenting with high, intermediate and low risk disease changed from 40.9%, 28.0% and 31.2% to 14.8%, 37.5% and 47.7%, respectively (p <0.0001). The incidence of T1 tumors increased from 16.7% to 48.5% and that of T3-4 tumors decreased from 11.8% to 3.5%, respectively (p <0.0001). The incidence of Gleason 2 to 6 tumors decreased from 77.1% to 66.4%, while that of Gleason 7 tumors increased from 12.9% to 24.8%, respectively (p = 0.0030). PSA levels 10 ng/ml or less increased from 43.6% to 77.7%, respectively, while PSA 10 to 20 and greater than 20 ng/ml decreased accordingly (p <0.0001). These trends were mirrored in subset analysis of black patients. CONCLUSIONS A significant downward risk migration has occurred over time. Gleason score is now more likely and PSA less likely than previously to drive risk assignment. This shift is most likely attributable to changes in practice patterns with respect to screening and pathological grading. These changes should be considered when applying nomograms derived from earlier datasets to contemporary cases.
Chromosomal evolution in the genus Peromyscus (Cricetidae, Rodentia).

The diploid number of species and subspecies in genus Peromyscus is 48. The number of total chromosome arms (fundamental number), however, varies from 56 to 96. Apparently the changes were accomplished by reciprocal translocations and pericentric inversions, but not by the Robertsonian process.
A Probabilistic Approach Considering Contingency Parameters for Peak Load Demand Forecasting

Accurate load forecasting is a critical step for power system generation planning. Contingency parameters of the system and their dynamic characteristics should be taken into account for the purpose of load forecasting. In this paper, a probabilistic load forecasting algorithm considering contingency parameters is developed for the peak load forecasting. Using the chi-square distribution test and historical data, the probabilistic distribution of contingency parameters can be determined. In a case study, the Monte Carlo simulation is run to forecast load demand and generation scenarios of Bangladesh based on the developed adaptive algorithm and the calculated probabilistic distribution. The influence of contingency parameters is evaluated using a Bayesian network in a sensitivity study.
LATS 1 phosphorylates forkhead L 2 and regulates its transcriptional activity

Pisarska MD, Kuo F, Bentsi-Barnes IK, Khan S, Barlow GM. LATS1 phosphorylates forkhead L2 and regulates its transcriptional activity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 299: E101–E109, 2010. First published April 20, 2010; doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00534. 2009. —Forkhead L2 (FOXL2) is expressed in the ovary and acts as a transcriptional repressor of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene, a marker of granulosa cell differentiation. Human FOXL2 mutations that produce truncated proteins lacking the COOH terminus result in blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicanthus inversus (BPES) syndrome type I, which is associated with premature ovarian failure (POF). In this study, we investigated whether FOXL2’s activity as a transcriptional repressor is regulated by phosphorylation. We found that FOXL2 is phosphorylated at a serine residue and, using yeast two-hybrid screening, identified LATS1 as a potential FOXL2-interacting protein. LATS1 is a serine/threonine kinase whose deletion in mice results in an ovarian phenotype similar to POF. Using coimmunoprecipitation and kinase assays, we confirmed that LATS1 binds to FOXL2 and demonstrated that LATS1 phosphorylates FOXL2 at a serine residue. Moreover, we found that FOXL2 and LATS1 are coexpressed in developing mouse gonads and in granulosa cells of small and medium follicles in the mouse ovary. Last, we demonstrated that coexpression with LATS1 enhances FOXL2’s activity as a repressor of the StAR promoter, and this results from the kinase activity of LATS1. These results provide novel evidence that FOXL2 is phosphorylated by LATS1 and that this phosphorylation enhances the transcriptional repression of the StAR gene, a marker of granulosa cell differentiation. These data support our hypothesis that phosphorylation of FOXL2 may be a control mechanism regulating the rate of granulosa cell differentiation and hence, follicle maturation, and its dysregulation may contribute to accelerated follicular development and POF in BPES type I.
Cannabis et grossesse

Le cannabis est une drogue dont la consommation ne cesse d'augmenter, chez les jeunes notamment, mais egalement chez les femmes enceintes. Pour elles, comme pour leur(s) futur(s) enfant(s), cette consommation est a risque et peut avoir des consequences a court terme, avec l'apparition de malformations foetales, mais aussi a long terme avec des problemes de memoire, de concentration, d'apprentissage et un risque augmente de developper une psychose schizophrenique. Dans un tel contexte, le pharmacien d'officine et les sages-femmes ont un role de prevention, d'ecoute et de soutien.
Effective identification of clinical bacterial pathogens by fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy

The Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, ATCC 29213), and Salmonella (SE, ATCC 14028) are three common bacterial pathogens of BSIs (Bloodstream infection). Accurately identifying these three bacterial pathogens will greatly help doctors to reduce the number of days to cure the patients. In this study, the identification models for bloodstream infection are studied. Firstly, Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) and multivariate calibration method are applied to detect and discriminate these bacterial suspension samples. Four preprocessing methods (multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variate correction, Savitzky-Golay first-derivative, and Savitzky-Golay second-derivative are adopted to modify the raw spectral data. Then, three discriminant models are built to distinguish unknown bacterial samples, they are the model based on the principal component analysis and mahalanobis distance discriminant (PCA-MDD), the model based on the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and the back propagation neural network model. Finally, the effectiveness of the pre-processing methods and models are discussed and the comparison results are given. The results indicate that MSC is the most useful pre-processing method for the bloodstream infection spectra. By using MSC, the PLS-DA model and the BP model obtain higher accuracy than PCA-MDD. Moreover, although both the prediction accuracy of the PLS-DA model and the BP model are 100%, the difference between the predicted values and the real value are the minimal in the BP model. Thus BP model has better performance. Hence, FT-NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics techniques can be a useful, rapid, and nondestructive tool to discriminate clinical bacterial pathogens.
An Exploratory Analysis of TPACK Perceptions of Pre-Service Science Teachers: A Regional Australian Perspective

Four distinct constructs were identified from a survey of a sample of pre-service science teachers at a regional Australian University. The constructs emerged after employing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on respondents' perceptions of pedagogical practices incorporating the use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT). The key components of the survey were derived from a Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) survey developed for a national project. For future investigations of TPACK application in university contexts, a four-construct configuration of pre-service teacher TPACK perceptions is proposed requiring empirical confirmation. This inquiry depicts a portrait of emerging domains of TPACK. The relevance of the findings and their implications for universities that rely heavily on ICT in the delivery of are discussed, especially in relation to improving teaching practices.
Upregulation of gelatinases A and B, collagenases 1 and 2, and increased parenchymal cell death in COPD.

BACKGROUND A central feature in the pathogenesis of COPD is the inflammation coexisting with an abnormal protease/antiprotease balance. However, the possible role of different serine and metalloproteinases remains controversial. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS We examined the expression of gelatinases A and B (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-2 and MMP-9); collagenases 1, 2, and 3 (MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13); as well as the presence of apoptosis in lung tissues of 10 COPD patients and 5 control subjects. In addition, gelatinase-A and gelatinase-B activities were assessed in BAL obtained from eight COPD patients, and from six healthy nonsmokers and six healthy smoker control subjects. SETTING Tertiary referral center and university laboratories of biochemistry, and lung cell kinetics. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis of COPD lungs showed a markedly increased expression of collagenases 1 and 2, and gelatinases A and B, while collagenase 3 was not found. Neutrophils exhibited a positive signal for collagenase 2 and gelatinase B, whereas collagenase 1 and gelatinase A were revealed mainly in macrophages and epithelial cells. BAL gelatin zymography showed a moderate increase of progelatinase-A activity and intense bands corresponding to progelatinase B. In situ end labeling of fragmented DNA displayed foci of positive endothelial cells, although some alveolar epithelial, interstitial, and inflammatory cells also revealed intranuclear staining. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that there is an upregulation of collagenase 1 and 2 and gelatinases A and B, and an increase in endothelial and epithelial cell death, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD through the remodeling of airways and alveolar structures.
An Optimistic Approach for the Specification of more Flexible Roles Behavioural Compatibility Relations in MAS

In this paper we focus on a new approach to the definition of more flexible roles compatibility in MAS. We provide a formal framework for modeling roles together with their composition, taking into account the property preservation such as the completion and the proper termination of roles. We show the existing link between roles compatibility and substitutability, namely the preservation of the proposed compatibility relations by substitutability.
Xanthoma striatum palmare associated with nonsyndromic paucity of the interlobular bile ducts.

To the Editor: A 1-year-old adopted boy presented to the dermatology clinic for evaluation of pruritus and yellow papules on his palms. The patient was born at term without complications. The medical history of his biological parents was unknown. He developed jaundice at 10 weeks of age. Laboratory evaluation revealed coagulopathy, hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol, 1362 mg/dL [reference range, 200 mg/dL]; low-density lipoprotein, 1294 mg/dL [reference range, 65–180 md/dL]; high-density lipoprotein, 20 mg/dL [reference range, 30–70 mg/dL]; triglycerides, 242 mg/dL [reference range, 45–155 mg/dL]) and abnormal liver function tests (alkaline phosphatase, 813 U/L [reference range, 33–131 U/L]; -glutamyltransferase, 1066 U/L [reference range, 65 U/L]; aspartate aminotransferase, 97 U/L [reference range, 20–48 U/L]; alanine aminotransferase, 194 U/L [reference range, 35 U/L]; total bilirubin, 19 mg/dL [reference range, 0.1–1.2 mg/dL]). A liver biopsy revealed pathologic findings worrisome for biliary atresia, and a Kasai procedure (hepatoportoenterostomy) was performed. Unfortunately, the Kasai procedure did not result in clinical improvement. His degree of hypercholesterolemia also was inconsistent with a diagnosis of biliary atresia, leading to an evaluation for Alagille syndrome. An extensive evaluation for Alagille syndrome was undertaken and was negative for triangular facies as well as abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, pulmonary vessels, vertebrae, or eyes. Cutaneous examination revealed jaundice and scleral icterus. Figure 1 illustrates the white and yellow, soft, 3to 6-mm papules over the extensor surfaces of the elbows consistent with tuberous xanthoma. Figure 2 shows the white 2to 3-mm papules on the bilateral inner canthi. Figure 3 reveals the linear white plaques filling the palmar creases, consistent with xanthoma striatum palmare. The patient underwent a liver transplant shortly thereafter. Within four months of his transplant he had complete resolution of the xanthomas. Pathologic examination of his native liver revealed severe cholestasis, duct loss with a lower than normal interlobular duct to portal tract ratio, and fibrosis. Based on the histologic finding of paucity of the interlobular bile ducts and the absence of clinical features of Alagille syndrome, the patient was diagnosed with nonsyndromic paucity of the interlobular bile ducts (NS-PILBD). The family decided Xanthoma Striatum Palmare Associated With Nonsyndromic Paucity of the Interlobular Bile Ducts
Assessing Transition Cow Management and Performance

Introduction In order to achieve high reproductive efficiency and high milk production, herds must properly manage the entire non‐lactating period and early lactation. We refer to this time period as The Vital 90TM Days and it begins approximately 60 days before calving and continues through the first 30 days of lactation. During this time, dairy cows are exposed to a series of biological and physiological transitions that are usually accompanied by large changes in feed intake, dramatic shifts in hormonal profiles, and major fluxes in hepatic demands and function. The resulting negative energy and negative protein balance as well as immune suppression often leads to a multitude of metabolic and infectious problems.
Relationship of circadian blood pressure and morning blood pressure surge with the severity of metabolic syndrome in newly diagnosed hypertensives.

OBJECTIVES Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) data and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) are both good discriminators of cardiovascular risk. We examined the relationship between metabolic syndrome scores as defined by the International Diabetes Federation 2005 report (IDF-2005) and 24h ambulatory BP data in newly diagnosed hypertensives. METHODS We evaluated 352 non-diabetic subjects (male/female: 167/185, aged 49+/-13). Based on IDF-2005 criteria, 212 subjects fulfilled 0, 1 or 2 criteria (no metabolic syndrome) and 140 fulfilled 3, 4 or 5 criteria (metabolic syndrome). Patients were divided into two groups (MS and non-MS), matched for age and casual BP All underwent 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS No significant differences were found between non-MS and MS for casual BP (153/92+/-17/8 vs. 154/92+/-16/8 mmHg), age (48+/-14 vs. 50+/-12 years), 24h ambulatory BP (131/82+/-14/10 vs. 133/82+/-14/9 mmHg), daytime BP (135/86+/-14/11 vs. 137/85+/-14/9 mmHg), nighttime BP (122/74+/-15/11 vs. 124/74+/-15/10 mmHg), nighttime fall (9+/-6 vs. 9+/-6 %), BP on arising (131/82+/-20/15 vs. 135/82+/-21/15 mmHg), evening surge (7+/-14 vs. 10+/-15 mmHg), percentage of dippers (42.5 vs. 37.1%) or percentage of non-dippers (50.9 vs. 50.7%). However, significant differences between non-MS and MS were found for morning BP surge (25+/-12 vs. 28+/-15 mmHg, p<0.03). Also, when patients were divided into four groups according to MS scores (0/1, 2, 3 or 4/5), significant differences between groups were observed only for BP on arising (group 2 vs. 4/5, 132/79+/-21/15 vs. 140/84+/-10/15 mmHg, p<0.05; group 3 vs. 4/5, 131/81+/-20/15 vs. 140/84+/-20/15, p<0.005) and for morning BP surge (group 0/1 vs. 4/5, 24+/-11 vs. 29+/-15 mmHg, p<0.003). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that in newly diagnosed hypertensive subjects there is no significant relationship between the severity of metabolic syndrome and ambulatory blood pressure data or circadian variations. The only exception found was a greater morning BP surge in patients with MS, whose importance as a determinant of cardiovascular risk needs to be clarified by further studies.