Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence of diarrhea among calves after strict closure and eradication of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in a dairy herd.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether strict closure of a dairy herd and eradication of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection would decrease incidence of diarrhea in calves during the first 31 days after birth, whether specific risk factors were associated with incidence of diarrhea in calves, and whether diarrhea was associated with weight gain of the calves. DESIGN 2-year cohort study. ANIMALS 448 calves. PROCEDURE Calves were monitored from birth to 31 days of age. Fecal samples were tested for rotavirus, blood samples were tested for BVDV and antibodies to BVDV, and serum samples were tested for IgG concentration. Risk factors were evaluated by means of survival analysis. RESULTS Incidence of diarrhea in calves decreased significantly after strict closure of the herd and eradication of BVDV infection. Risk factors for diarrhea in calves interacted in a multifactorial way. Rotavirus infection and low serum IgG concentration increased the risk that calves would develop diarrhea. Calves that developed diarrhea gained significantly less weight than calves that did not develop diarrhea. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS To control diarrhea among calves in a dairy herd, emphasis should be on maintaining a strictly closed herd free from BVDV infection. However, other measures, such as measures to prevent rotavirus infection and to ensure that calves receive an appropriate amount of colostrum after birth, should also be taken.
Effect of allopurinol in chronic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Hyperuricemia is associated with hypertension, inflammation, renal disease progression, and cardiovascular disease. However, no data are available regarding the effect of allopurinol in patients with chronic kidney disease. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We conducted a prospective, randomized trial of 113 patients with estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 ml/min. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with allopurinol 100 mg/d (n = 57) or to continue the usual therapy (n = 56). Clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters were measured at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months of treatment. The objectives of study were: (1) renal disease progression; (2) cardiovascular events; and (3) hospitalizations of any causes. RESULTS Serum uric acid and C-reactive protein levels were significantly decreased in subjects treated with allopurinol. In the control group, eGFR decreased 3.3 +/- 1.2 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), and in the allopurinol group, eGFR increased 1.3 +/- 1.3 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) after 24 months. Allopurinol treatment slowed down renal disease progression independently of age, gender, diabetes, C-reactive protein, albuminuria, and renin-angiotensin system blockers use. After a mean follow-up time of 23.4 +/- 7.8 months, 22 patients suffered a cardiovascular event. Diabetes mellitus, previous coronary heart disease, and C-reactive protein levels increased cardiovascular risk. Allopurinol treatment reduces risk of cardiovascular events in 71% compared with standard therapy. CONCLUSIONS Allopurinol decreases C-reactive protein and slows down the progression of renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, allopurinol reduces cardiovascular and hospitalization risk in these subjects.
Alkaloids of Hernandia voyronii: chloroquine-potentiating activity and structure elucidation of herveline D.

Further investigation of Hernandia voyronii led to the isolation of a new pavine-benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline (pavine-BTIQ) dimer, herveline D, together with herveline A, five aporphine alkaloids, two morphinane alkaloids, and their bio-synthetic precursor, i.e., the BTIQ ( S)-reticuline. Hervelines A-D have a moderate intrinsic in vitro antimalarial activity (IC (50) in the range of 1.68-3.28 microM), but displayed different effects ranging from synergism for herveline B and herveline C to simple additive effect for herveline A, and antagonism for herveline D in a chloroquine (CQ) combination evaluation and this was confirmed in vivo for hervelines A and B. Furthermore, the antiplasmoidal activity of CQ was potentiated in vitro by reticuline and its dimethyl derivative laudanosine (for the latter also in vivo), whereas herveline C moderately potentiated in vitro the anti-plasmodial activity of herveline D.
A novel case of natural killer cell deficiency associated with Joubert syndrome

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare, complex autosomal recessive inherited disorder mostly characterized by partial or complete agenesis of the cerebellar vermis. There is a wide clinical and genetic heterogeneity in the syndrome. The main clinical features of JS are hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delay, oculomotor apraxia, breathing abnormalities and peculiar neuroimaging findings. A lot of additional features have been reported. Here, we first reported a case of the syndrome with natural killer (NK) cell deficiency. NK cell deficiency in JS might be not an incidental phenomenon. NK cell deficiency might be associated with JS when there are additional features such as recurrent infections and tumors. NK cell deficiency may be part of the clinical spectrum of JS. Reduced cellular immunity in association with NK cell deficiency may be a feature in a subset of JS patients, especially if there is a history of recurrent infections, tumors and autoimmune disorders.
Hydrogen Clusters in Clathrate Hydrate

High-pressure Raman, infrared, x-ray, and neutron studies show that H2 and H2O mixtures crystallize into the sII clathrate structure with an approximate H2/H2O molar ratio of 1:2. The clathrate cages are multiply occupied, with a cluster of two H2 molecules in the small cage and four in the large cage. Substantial softening and splitting of hydrogen vibrons indicate increased intermolecular interactions. The quenched clathrate is stable up to 145 kelvin at ambient pressure. Retention of hydrogen at such high temperatures could help its condensation in planetary nebulae and may play a key role in the evolution of icy bodies.
Neuraminidase inhibitor resistance in influenza viruses

Zanamivir and oseltamivir, the currentlymarketed influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), are prescribed for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza and are being stockpiled for pandemic influenza. Oseltamivir resistance has been reported in up to 2% of patients in clinical trials of oseltamivir and in up to 18% of treated children. There are also reports in at least three patients treated with oseltamivir for influenza A (H5N1) infections. At this stage, there are no reports of resistance occurring to zanamivir in immunocompetent patients. Zanamivir and oseltamivir bind differently at the neuraminidase catalytic site and this contributes to different drug resistance profiles. The magnitude and duration of NAI concentrations at the site of infection are also expected to be important factors and are determined by route and timing of drug administration, dose, and pharmacokinetic differences between patients. In addition, the type, strain, and virulence of the influenza strain and the nature of the immune response all appear to play a role in determining the likelihood of drug resistance arising. The clinical significance of a particular NAI‐resistant isolate from a patient is often not clear but virus viability and transmissibility are clearly important characteristics. Early initiation of NAI treatment in suspected cases of influenza is important for maximizing efficacy and minimizing the risk of drug resistance. Higher NAI doses and longer periods of treatment may be required for patients with influenza A (H5N1) infections but further work is needed in this area. J. Med. Virol. 79:1577–1586, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormal plasticity of sensorimotor circuits extends beyond the affected body part in focal dystonia

Objective: To test whether abnormal sensorimotor plasticity in focal hand dystonia is a primary abnormality or is merely a consequence of the dystonic posture. Methods: This study used the paired associative stimulation (PAS) paradigm, an experimental intervention, capable of producing long term potentiation (LTP) like changes in the sensorimotor system in humans. PAS involves transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with median nerve stimulation. 10 patients with cranial and cervical dystonia, who showed no dystonic symptoms in the hand, and nine patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS), a non-dystonic condition, were compared with 10 healthy age matched controls. Motor evoked potential amplitudes and cortical silent period (CSP) duration were measured at baseline before PAS and for up to 60 min (T0, T30 and T60) after PAS in the abductor pollicis brevis and the first dorsal interosseus muscles. Results: Patients with dystonia showed a stronger increase in corticospinal excitability than healthy controls and patients with HFS. In addition, patients with dystonia showed a loss of topographical specificity of PAS induced effects, with a facilitation in both the median and ulnar innervated muscles. While PAS conditioning led to a prolonged CSP in healthy controls and patients with HFS, it had no effect on the duration of the CSP in patients with cranial and cervical dystonia. Conclusion: The data suggests that excessive motor cortex plasticity is not restricted to the circuits clinically affected by dystonia but generalises across the entire sensorimotor system, possibly representing an endophenotypic trait of the disease.
The conceptual framework for ethics and corporate social responsibility in Taiwanese tourism industry

ABSTRACT This study examines ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Taiwanese tourism industry from the standpoints of the government, academia, and industry through the perspective of Confucianism and creates a comprehensive, tourism-specific ethics and CSR conceptual framework. A qualitative approach was adopted in this study that recruited 21 experts to share their perspectives regarding ethics and CSR in the tourism industry. An original, valuable and comprehensive ethics and CSR conceptual framework in the tourism industry within the context of Chinese society was conducted and includes seven dimensions emerged from the data and were integrated into the following four facets: first, the dimensions of ethics; second, the antecedent facet of CSR is the inside and outside force; third, the strategy facet includes the economy, the environment, society, and culture; and fourth, the consequence aspect is feedback. Further, this research provides value for academics and practical strategy for related fields.
The impact of nurse-led education on haemodialysis patients' phosphate binder medication adherence.

BACKGROUND Phosphate binder medication adherence is required to maintain optimal phosphate levels and minimise bone disease in people with end stage kidney disease. OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of a nurse-led education intervention on bone disorder markers, adherence to phosphate binder medication and medication knowledge. DESIGN Descriptive study with a paired pre-post intervention survey. PARTICIPANTS Adults receiving haemodialysis. METHODS Twelve-week intervention where patients self-administered their phosphate binder medication at each dialysis treatment. Nurses provided individualised education. Patients completed a pre- and post-intervention survey designed to explore their knowledge of phosphate binders. RESULTS There were no statistically significant changes in clinical markers but a significant improvement in the proportion of patients who took their phosphate binder correctly, increasing from 44 to 72% (p = 0.016). There were moderate to large effect size changes for improved knowledge. CONCLUSIONS A nurse-led intervention education programme can increase patients' phosphate binder adherence. However, this does not necessarily manifest into improved serum phosphate levels.
Political-Economy Arguments for a Uniform Tariff

During the 1980s the Bank aggressively promoted greater uniformity in tariffs in developing countries. The Bank's structural adjustment and trade reform programs have often recommended abolition of quantitative import restrictions and increased uniformity in tariffs. This report is a formal analysis of some political economy arguments for uniform tariffs. The authors present three models in which unifrom tariff rules may be adopted as a way of minimizing the welfare costs of endogenously determined tariffs. In the first two models, tariffs are demand determined : the government is essentially unable to resist the lobbying pressure. In the third model, tariffs are supply determined in the sense that they result from the government's preference for certain sectors over others. After examining the three models, the authors conclude that in each case it is possible for a uniform tariff regime to yield higher welfare than a regime in which tariffs can diverge across sectors.
Enterally dosed recombinant human erythropoietin does not stimulate erythropoiesis in neonates.

OBJECTIVES Human fetuses and neonates ingest erythropoietin (Epo) when they swallow amniotic fluid, colostrum, and human milk. This study was designed to determine whether enterally dosed recombinant Epo (rEpo) stimulates erythropoiesis in preterm neonates. METHODS Preterm infants (<1500 g birth weight) were randomly assigned to receive feedings supplemented with either rEpo (1000 U/kg per day) or placebo for 14 days (n=36). Reticulocyte counts, serum Epo concentrations, hematocrit, and zinc protoporphyrin to heme ratios were measured at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of study drug administration. Transfusion guidelines were followed. Transfusion requirements, medications, feeding tolerance, and clinical diagnoses were documented. RESULTS Enteral rEpo was well tolerated. There were no differences in erythropoietic indexes based on treatment group. Serum Epo concentrations were not different in the treatment versus placebo group, nor were transfusion requirements. CONCLUSIONS Enterally dosed rEpo (1000 U/kg/day) does not significantly influence erythropoiesis or iron utilization when given for a 2-week period, nor does it elevate the serum Epo concentration in preterm or term infants. Oral administration of rEpo is not an effective substitute for parenteral administration.
HER2/neu Gene Amplification Heterogeneity: The Significance of Cells With a 3 1 HER2/CEP17 Ratio

College of American Pathologists published guidelines for the assessment of HER2/neu genetic heterogeneity. When 20 cells are counted for evaluation of HER2/neu amplification, a single 3:1 HER2/CEP17 ratio cell characterizes the sample as heterogneous. Heterogeneity for HER2/neu amplification may indicate biologically important characteristics including likelihood of amplification in metastases. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization on 1546 cases. For each case, 20 cells of invasive carcinoma were analyzed for HER2/CEP17 ratio. Cases were assessed as nonamplified (ratio<1.8), borderline amplified (1.8⩽ratio⩽2.2), or amplified (ratio>2.20). Heterogeneity was present when the percentage of cell with ratios >2.20 was ≥5% but <50%. Individual cells were typed by probe ratios and distribution of cell types determined. The distribution of HER2/CEP17 ratio was determined with the number of 3:1 HER2/CEP17 cells plotted against the number of amplified cells. 3:1 HER2/CEP17 ratio cells occur with low frequency (2.2%) but are the determining factor for heterogeneity in 46% of heterogenous cases. Thirty-five percent of heterogenous cases were due to a single 3:1 cell. Single 3:1 cells are a poor predictor for additional amplified cells. Inclusion of cells with a 3:1 HER2/CEP17 ratio in the definition of heterogeneity may be too broad as these cells are the determining factor in approximately one third of diagnoses of heterogeneity but are not strongly associated with other measures of amplification. Moreover, 3:1 HER2/CEP17 ratio cells are a poor predictor for the presence of additional amplified cells in a sample.
Sleep Enhances Implicit Motor Skill Learning in Individuals Poststroke

Abstract Background: Although sleep has been demonstrated to be critical for learning and the consolidation of memories in neurologically intact individuals, the importance of sleep for learning in neuropathological populations remains unknown. Method: To assess the influence of sleep on implicit motor skill learning and memory consolidation post stroke, 18 individuals with stroke and 18 neurologically intact age-matched individuals were assigned to either the sleep group (slept between practice of a continuous tracking task and retention testing) or the no-sleep group (stayed awake between practice and retention testing). Results: Only the individuals post stroke who slept between practice and retention testing demonstrated implicit motor learning at retention. The individuals with stroke who did not sleep and both the agematched control groups (sleep and no-sleep) failed to demonstrate learning. These findings provide evidence that after stroke individuals can enhance implicit motor skill learning and motor memory consolidation by sleeping between practice and retention tests. Conclusion: These data suggest that ensuring adequate sleep between rehabilitation therapy sessions and normalizing sleep cycles following stroke may be important variables that can positively influence implicit motor learning after stroke-related brain damage.
Statistical Analysis of Soft Commodities Returns in the Period 2007-2016

Soft commodities, often referred to as tropics, constitute a significant element of international trade and are also important to the Polish economy. Moreover, Polish investors may invest in foreign markets of soft commodities through commodity-linked ETFs, offered by some brokerage houses. Obviously, each investment decision should be preceded by an analysis of asset performance. This paper provides results of statistical analysis of soft commodities returns over the period January 2007 to December 2016. They reveal the existence of weak positive correlation between the returns, non-normal distributions, negative trends, and serial autocorrelation.
FCE 28260, a new 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor: in vitro and in vivo effects.

FCE 28260 is a novel inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha R), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone (T) to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The compound caused inhibition of rat and human prostatic enzymes, with IC50 values of 15 and 16 nM, respectively, compared to the values of 30 and 52 nM shown by finasteride. Furthermore, FCE 28260 was highly potent in inhibiting human recombinant 5 alpha R type 2 and 1 isozymes, showing IC50 values of 3.3 and 36 nM, and therefore it was more potent than finasteride (IC50 values of 8.5 and 470 nM) on both isozymes. In prepubertal, T-implanted castrated rats, FCE 28260, given orally for 7 days, reduced ventral prostate growth with an ED50 of 0.8 mg/kg, i.e. five times lower than that shown by finasteride. No anti-androgenic activity in DHT-implanted castrated rats was found up to 10 mg/kg/day. In adult male rats, FCE 28260 reduced prostatic DHT concentrations 6 h after oral dosing with a potency similar to that of finasteride (65% reduction at 1 mg/kg) but was found to be markedly more potent than the reference compound at 24 h (74% reduction in prostate DHT at 10 mg/kg, compared to 26% reduction induced by finasteride). These results indicate that FCE 28260 represents a marked improvement over finasteride.
Genetic control of erythropoiesis

Purpose of review The discovery of several genetic variants associated with erythroid traits and subsequent elucidation of their functional mechanisms are exemplars of the power of the new genetic and genomic technology. The present review highlights findings from recent genetic studies related to the control of erythropoiesis and dyserythropoiesis, and fetal hemoglobin, an erythroid-related trait. Recent findings Identification of the genetic modulators of erythropoiesis involved two approaches: genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays that revealed the common genetic variants associated with erythroid phenotypes (hemoglobin, red cell count, MCV, MCH) and fetal hemoglobin; and massive parallel sequencing such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES) that led to the discovery of the rarer variants (GFI1B, SBDS, RPS19, PKLR, EPO, EPOR, KLF1, GATA1). Functional and genomic studies aided by computational approaches and gene editing technology refined the regions encompassing the putative causative SNPs and confirmed their regulatory role at different stages of erythropoiesis. Summary Five meta-analysis of GWASs identified 17 genetic loci associated with erythroid phenotypes, which are potential regulators of erythropoiesis. Some of these loci showed pleiotropy associated with multiple erythroid traits, suggesting undiscovered molecular mechanisms and challenges underlying erythroid biology. Other sequencing strategies (WGS and WES) further elucidated the role of rare variants in dyserythropoiesis. Integration of common and rare variant studies with functional assays involving latest genome-editing technologies will significantly improve our understanding of the genetics underlying erythropoiesis and erythroid disorders.
Blockade of intracellular actions of calcium may protect against ischaemic damage to the gerbil brain

1 The brain cytoprotective effects of a putative calcium‐associated protein kinase inhibitor, HA1077, as well as a calcium entry blocker nicardipine were evaluated in models of cerebral ischaemia in Mongolian gerbils. Morphological changes characterizing delayed neuronal death of selectively vulnerable CA1 pyramidal neurones in the hippocampus of the Mongolian gerbil brain occurred 7 days after transient bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. 2 A single injection of HA1077 (1 and 3 mg kg−1, i.p.) 5 min after the occlusion led to a dose‐dependent protection of the CA1 neurones. Repeated administrations of HA1077 (1 and 3 mg kg−1, i.p., twice daily for 7 days post‐ischaemia) revealed an increase in the number of normal cells, compared to findings with a single administration. 3 In contrast to HA1077, nicardipine (0.3 and 1 mg kg−1, i.p.) did not reduce neuronal degeneration. 4 HA1077 did not interact with the ion channel within which MK‐801 binds, as determined by receptor binding. 5 The calcium ionophore, A23187, caused a tonic contraction in canine cerebral arterial strips. HA1077, but not nicardipine, relaxed the A23187‐induced contraction, concentration‐dependently. 6 These results suggest that blockade of the intracellular actions of calcium may provide protection against ischaemic damage in the brain.
Information Disclosure Ranking, Industry Production Market Competition, and Mispricing: An Empirical Analysis

Improving the transparency of corporate information disclosure is a key principle of corporate governance in Taiwan. This study uses the information disclosure assessment system established by the information disclosure and transparency ranking system to explore whether information transparency can reduce the degree of mispricing. The study uses the data of 10,686 listed companies in Taiwan for the period from 2005 to 2014. We find that a higher information disclosure ranking (IDR) of rated companies corresponds to a more substantial reduction in the degree of mispricing. Moreover, we discover that product market competition affects mispricing in that smaller degrees of mispricing reflect greater exclusivity; this suggests that lower industry transaction and competition costs lead to less substantial mispricing. Finally, we observe that the effect of information disclosure score on the degree of mispricing is lower in more exclusive industries. Furthermore, a regression process using instrumental variables reveals that IDRs have the significant effect of reducing the degree of mispricing.