Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral Administration of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors Reduces Nitric Oxide Synthesis but Has No Effect on the Severity of Experimental Colitis

Background: Increased concentrations of nitrate and nitrite (the breakdown products of nitric oxide) in the serum and faeces of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suggests that increased synthesis of nitric oxide occurs in IBD. The aim of this study was to assess aminoguanidine (AMG), a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase, with regard to its effectiveness as a nitric oxide inhibitor and as a modulator of inflammation in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Materials and Methods: Colitis was induced in Wistar rats. Selective (AMG) and non-selective (1-nitroso-arginine methyl ester (1-NAME)) inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase were given in the drinking water. Colonic citrulline and arginine concentrations were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The severity of colitis was assessed by a macroscopic scoring system. Results: Both l-NAME and AMG successfully reduced nitric oxide synthesis. There was no evidence of substrate depletion in the colonic wall. Neither of the agents reduced the severity of colonic inflammation. Conclusions: Oral administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors reduced nitric oxide synthesis in the colonic wall. This study does not provide evidence to support a role for nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of colonic inflammation in TNBS colitis.
Effects of irrigation on mosquito populations and mosquito-borne diseases in man, with particular reference to ricefield extension.

The modification by man of his environment, particularly for large‐scale irrigation and ricefield extension, often results in increased incidence of mosquito‐borne disease in associated human populations. Habitat modification leads to changes in the species composition of mosquitoes and thus the variety of disease agents to which man is exposed. Increased acreage of water attracts birds which act as hosts of arboviruses while a raised water table leads to marginal marshy areas and humid peripheral vegetation. These two aspects of the environment favour extended breeding and survival respectively. Higher atmospheric humidity enhances mosquito survival and the transmission of disease. Associated urban resettlement encourages domestic mosquito species and effects the distribution and abundance of vertebrates which may act as hosts of disease agents.
Intractable Pruritus Associated with Insulinoma in the Absence of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia: A Novel Paraneoplastic Phenomenon

Insulinoma is a rare tumour, the main symptoms of which are related to hypoglycaemia. Generalized pruritus has been described in association with the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN II or Sipple's syndrome) as a paraneoplastic phenomenon. Further, pruritus is known to be part of the paraneoplastic syndrome in other solid tumours. This case describes a patient presenting with symptoms of Whipple's triad (hypoglycaemic symptoms during fasting, low fasting blood sugar levels and symptoms relieved by intravenous dextrose). Magnetic resonance scanning and selective mesenteric angiography demonstrated a probable pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Pituitary fossa imaging and endocrine profile excluded the MEN I syndrome. Symptoms resolved after surgical removal of the tumour. Histology confirmed a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. The association between pruritus and insulinoma appears to be a novel paraneoplastic phenomenon.
Unsupervised Action Proposals Using Support Vector Classifiers for Online Video Processing

In this work, we introduce an intelligent video sensor for the problem of Action Proposals (AP). AP consists of localizing temporal segments in untrimmed videos that are likely to contain actions. Solving this problem can accelerate several video action understanding tasks, such as detection, retrieval, or indexing. All previous AP approaches are supervised and offline, i.e., they need both the temporal annotations of the datasets during training and access to the whole video to effectively cast the proposals. We propose here a new approach which, unlike the rest of the state-of-the-art models, is unsupervised. This implies that we do not allow it to see any labeled data during learning nor to work with any pre-trained feature on the used dataset. Moreover, our approach also operates in an online manner, which can be beneficial for many real-world applications where the video has to be processed as soon as it arrives at the sensor, e.g., robotics or video monitoring. The core of our method is based on a Support Vector Classifier (SVC) module which produces candidate segments for AP by distinguishing between sets of contiguous video frames. We further propose a mechanism to refine and filter those candidate segments. This filter optimizes a learning-to-rank formulation over the dynamics of the segments. An extensive experimental evaluation is conducted on Thumos’14 and ActivityNet datasets, and, to the best of our knowledge, this work supposes the first unsupervised approach on these main AP benchmarks. Finally, we also provide a thorough comparison to the current state-of-the-art supervised AP approaches. We achieve 41% and 59% of the performance of the best-supervised model on ActivityNet and Thumos’14, respectively, confirming our unsupervised solution as a correct option to tackle the AP problem. The code to reproduce all our results will be publicly released upon acceptance of the paper.
Invasive Species: The Search for Solutions

T woman in the emergency ward of a Canadian hospital has no idea of her ultimate fate. Just a bad cold, she thinks—what a way to return from a trip to Asia. Within a week, the woman has died, a victim of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The nurse and doctor who took care of the woman, and a receptionist who handed the woman forms to fill out, will soon be in critical care. SARS, a viral respiratory illness, is transmitted by person-to-person contact. First reported in Asia in February 2003, the illness spread over the next few months to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. During the SARS outbreak of 2003, a total of 8098 people worldwide became sick, according to the World Health Organization; of these, 774 died. In the United States, there were 192 infected individuals, all of whom recovered. Public health officials used isolation and quarantine measures to control the outbreak of this infectious disease. But the story doesn’t end there. On 13 January 2004, the US Department of Health and Human Services banned import of civets—small catlike mammals related to the mongoose and native to Africa and the East Indies—whether Invasive Species: The Search for Solutions
Collagen Metabolites in the Peripheral and Splanchnic Circulation of Patients with Crohn Disease

Background: Fragments of collagen arising during synthesis and breakdown have been suggested as markers of fibrous tissue remodelling in Crohn disease. We compared serum concentrations of the C-terminal propeptide of collagen I (PICP), the N-terminal propeptide of collagen III (PIIINP) and the Cterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) in the splanchnic and systemic circulation in Crohn disease requiring segmental intestinal resection. Method: 15 consecutive patients undergoing surgery due to strictures or continuous inflammation. Male:female ratio was 6:9. Blood was drawn from a peripheral vein prior to surgery. Immediately before intestinal resection, additional samples were drawn from the antecubital vein and from a mesenteric vein draining the affected intestinal segment. PIIINP, PICP and ICTP were measured with radioimmunoassays. Results: Pre-surgery S-ICTP (median 5.5 μg/L; range 3.2-17.2 μg/L) was significantly increased in peripheral blood compared with healthy controls (median 2.6 μg/L; range 0.6-5.7 μg/L), P h 0.05. By contrast, S-PICP (median 98 μg/L; range 62-137 μg/L) and S-PIIINP (median 2.5 μg/L; range 1.2-7.4 μg/L) were significantly lower than S-PICP (median 133 μg/L; range 66-284 μg/L) and S-PIIINP (median 3.4 μg/L; range 1.0-7.1 μg/L) in healthy controls, P h 0.05. During surgery, no difference in S-PICP and S-PIIINP was documented between peripheral blood and splanchnic blood. In contrast, S-ICTP was increased in splanchnic blood (median 6.2 μg/L; range 2.7-17.4) compared to peripheral blood (median 5.0 μg/L; range 3.1-13.4) ( P = 0.05). Conclusion: The present study provides further evidence that the altered intestinal collagen metabolism in Crohn disease is reflected in the local and systemic circulation.
Spatial frequency tuning of motor responses reveals differential contribution of dorsal and ventral systems to action comprehension

Significance Understanding others’ intentions via observing their actions is critical for effective social coping and survival. There is evidence that visual processing of movements and objects in context involves segregated dorsal and ventral pathways, which are tuned to distinct spatial frequencies (low and high, respectively). While this frequency tuning has been widely studied in object, face, and scene processing, little is known about its role in the recognition of naturalistic human actions. Here, we provide initial evidence for the contribution of dorsal and ventral pathways to action processing, with low and high spatial frequencies differentially encoding global grip kinematics and local object features. These preliminary findings inform current models on action comprehension, suggesting that frequency preferences can modulate this process. Understanding object-directed actions performed by others is central to everyday life. This ability is thought to rely on the interaction between the dorsal action observation network (AON) and a ventral object recognition pathway. On this view, the AON would encode action kinematics, and the ventral pathway, the most likely intention afforded by the objects. However, experimental evidence supporting this model is still scarce. Here, we aimed to disentangle the contribution of dorsal vs. ventral pathways to action comprehension by exploiting their differential tuning to low-spatial frequencies (LSFs) and high-spatial frequencies (HSFs). We filtered naturalistic action images to contain only LSF or HSF and measured behavioral performance and corticospinal excitability (CSE) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Actions were embedded in congruent or incongruent scenarios as defined by the compatibility between grips and intentions afforded by the contextual objects. Behaviorally, participants were better at discriminating congruent actions in intact than LSF images. This effect was reversed for incongruent actions, with better performance for LSF than intact and HSF. These modulations were mirrored at the neurophysiological level, with greater CSE facilitation for congruent than incongruent actions for HSF and the opposite pattern for LSF images. Finally, only for LSF did we observe CSE modulations according to grip kinematics. While results point to differential dorsal (LSF) and ventral (HSF) contributions to action comprehension for grip and context encoding, respectively, the negative congruency effect for LSF images suggests that object processing may influence action perception not only through ventral-to-dorsal connections, but also through a dorsal-to-dorsal route involved in predictive processing.
Effects of transportation on the tonic immobility fear reactions of broilers

Abstract 1. The fear levels of broilers arriving from slaughter at 4 commercial processing plants were assessed using tonic immobility (TI) tests. The relative effects of selected variables were also examined. 2. Neither the position of the birds on the lorry, nor their sex, nor the ambient temperature nor the identity of the experimeter exerted any significant effects on tonic immobility reactions. 3. Although the longest and shortest immobility responses followed transportation in the fixed crates and metal modules respectively, system comparisons may be confounded by variations in the birds’ genetic and/or experiential backgrounds. 4. Both journey duration and waiting time before transport bore an unambiguous and positive linear relationship with mean TI duration. The duration of transit was the major factor determining fear levels following both commercial and simulated journeys.
The trehalase gene AtTRE1 is involved in flower development and plant growth in Arabidopsis

Many organisms have developed mechanisms to sense and respond to internal or external soluble sugars for the maintenance of growth and metabolism. In higher plants, the soluble sugars act as important signaling molecules that affect a wide range of biological functions, including flowering time, seed, and early seedling development. Although these sugars act in concert with various cellular components, only few are currently known. Trehalose is present in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Its function as an energy source or cellular protectant under stress conditions has been well studied in yeast and Escherichia coli. In plants, however, there is only limited knowledge of the functions of endogenous trehalose and its hydrolytic enzyme trehalase. Therefore, we isolated a T-DNA knockout plant, Attre1, with impaired trehalase activity. The Attre1 mutant contained elevated levels of endogenous trehalose, and exhibited phenotypic abnormalities in both vegetative and reproductive organ development, including growth retardation, abnormal leaf and flower morphologies, and impaired pollen production. Interestingly, a disruption of AtTRE1 resulted in alterations in trehalose synthesis and expression of hexokinase genes. The presented results indicate that Arabidopsis contains a trehalose-signaling network which might be functionally coupled to a hexokinase-dependent signaling pathway, consequently controlling plant metabolism and development.
Production and food consumption of predatory fish in the Vistula River

Vital statistics for six predatory fish species occurring in the Vistula River were estimated. The mixed, six species population, in its predatory phase, had an average biomass of 0-96 g/m2 and produced 043 g/ma. Less than 45% of annual production was exploited by man and eggs shed amounted to about 10% of the production. Annual consumption by the population amounted to about 3 -44 kcal or g/ma. Accuracy of all estimates is low.
Relationship of Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Pheromone Catch and Silking to Infestation Levels in Oregon Sweet Corn

Corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), male catch in pheromone traps was monitored in western Oregon processing sweet corn, Zea mays L. , fields during 1986-1990. Peaks in catches of males and degree-day calculations indicate only two generations per year. Using nominal values for the crop, treatment costs, and estimated loss of $16.63/ha per 10% infestation, an economic injury level was estimated at 27.4% infested ears. Correlation and regression were used to identify variables for predicting percentage ears infested on a per-field basis in 55 untreated fields in 1986-1989. A linear regression of date of 5% silk and moth catch from first tassel to 5% silk explained 63% of variation in infestations. Additionally, a variable accounting for a change in pheromone trap and lure type and two indicator variables accounting for relatively earlier beginning and higher increases of infestations for 1988 improved the model significantly (adjusted R2 = 0.73). Because July moth counts were higher in 1988 than in other years, the model was formulated so the indicator variables are used when moth captures are > 1.5 per trap per night during the month of July. A validation using 30 fields monitored in 1990 showed good correlation with model predictions (R2 = 0.69, P 5%, the model overpredicfed damage by a mean of $5.63/ha in seven fields and underpredicted damage by a mean of $5.86/ha in two fields. Overall, the model tended to overpredict damage in 1990, which had very light infestations.
Rectal Nitric Oxide Assessment in Children with Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Indicator of Ileocaecal and Colorectal Affection

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) production is increased in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Measurements of luminal NO in Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis have revealed that levels are increased during active disease. We aim to evaluate whether rectal measurements of NO can reveal active disease of the colon as well as ileum. Methods: Sixteen children with active Crohn disease in the ileocaecal or colorectal regions of the gut and 6 children with active ulcerative colitis were compared to a group of 14 healthy children. Gaseous samples for analysis of luminal NO were collected using a Foley catheter inserted into rectum. The balloon of the catheter was filled with NO-free air and incubated for 10 min. After aspiration, samples were analysed using chemiluminescence. Values are expressed as median and range. Results: In healthy children, rectal NO values were 60 (0-275) ppb. In children with Crohn disease of the colorectal region, NO concentrations were 5,675 (300-49,350) ppb (P < 0.001), while those with Crohn disease of the ileocaecal region had NO levels of 2,625 (300-15,000) ppb (P < 0.01). In children with ulcerative colitis, NO values of 5,500 (950-34,000) ppb were found (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Rectal NO levels are greatly increased in children with IBD. Highest values were found in patients with colorectal engagement, but rectal NO was increased also in ileocaecal disease. Rectal sampling of luminal NO is a simple and minimally invasive method and should be considered a diagnostic tool for intestinal inflammatory activity in children regardless of primary disease location.
Avian Scavengers as Bioindicators of Antibiotic Resistance Due to Livestock Farming Intensification

Industrial food animal production uses huge amounts of antibiotics worldwide. Livestock, their excreta used for manure and meat subproducts not intended for human consumption can all play important roles in the transmission of bacterial resistance to wildlife. Vultures and other scavengers can be directly exposed to active antibiotics ingested while feeding on livestock carcasses. This study evaluates whether bacterial resistance in the red kite (Milvus milvus) differs between two wintering areas selected based on patent differences in farming practices—particularly in the industrial production of food animals (primarily swine and poultry) vs. scarce and declining sheep herding. The results support the hypothesis that intensification in food animal production is associated with increased bacterial multidrug resistance in wildlife. Resistance was positively correlated with time elapsed since the beginning of the commercial application of each antibiotic in human and veterinary medicine, with clear differences depending on farming intensification between areas. Monitoring programs are encouraged to use red kites and other avian scavengers as valuable sentinels of contamination by antibiotics and clinically relevant resistant pathogens from livestock operations of variable intensities. Farms authorized for supplementary feeding of threatened scavengers should avoid supplying carcasses with active antibiotic residues to avoid bacterial resistance in scavenger wildlife.
Effect of White Wine on Esophageal Peristalsis and Acid Clearance

Background: In a previous study it was demonstrated that white wine reduces the lower esophageal sphincter pressure and induces gastroesophageal reflux characterized by reflux episodes of long duration. In the present study, it was evaluated whether wine disturbs esophageal peristalsis and acid clearance. Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers (7F, 23-37 years) received 300 ml white wine (8% vol/vol; WW), an ethanol solution (8% vol/vol; ET) or tap water (WA) together with a standardized meal in a random order. Acid clearance was tested by instillation of 15 ml 0.1 N HCl into the distal esophagus. The number of swallows (dry swallow every 30 sec) were counted until pH rose again above 5. Five wet swallows (5 ml) were applied to test primary peristalsis and five insufflations of 20 ml of air were performed to test secondary peristalsis. Each test was done immediately after and 60 min after ingestion of the beverages. Results: A significantly higher number of swallows were needed to clear the esophagus immediately after ingestion of wine (P < 0.01; median number: WW 12; ET 8; WA 7) due to an increase in the frequency of failed, simultaneous, and low-amplitude contractions. The frequency of triggered secondary contractions was decreased (P < 0.02; WW 70%; ET 100%; WA 100%) and the latency between air injection and onset of secondary peristalsis was prolonged (P < 0.05; WW 9 sec; ET 7 sec; WA 6 sec) immediately after ingestion of white wine. Wet swallow induced primary peristalsis was not influenced by wine. No significant differences in the measured parameters were seen 60 min after ingestion of the three beverages. Conclusion: White wine disturbs temporarily esophageal clearance due to a disturbance of triggering secondary peristalsis and due to an increase in ineffective contractions. The ethanol content alone is not responsible for the effects of white wine on esophageal peristalsis and acid clearance.
Are older patients with diabetes still being overtreated in French long-term care homes?

BACKGROUND Diabetes management has not been evaluated in French nursing homes (NHs) for 10 years. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to compare the management of diabetes with guidelines in older patients living in NHs. DESIGN Observational, retrospective and multicentre study carried out in 13 NH in the Cote d'Or region of France. SETTINGS AND SUBJECTS Between January and June 2018, all NH residents older than 65 years and known to have diabetes (n = 148) were included. METHODS Epidemiological, clinical and biological data and diabetes characteristics were collected from the medical records. RESULTS The average glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) was 7.2 ± 1.2%. In total, 51% of patients had HbA1C < 7% (n = 70), of which 39 took one or more antidiabetic drugs. In total, 28 of those patients (40%) were at risk of developing hypoglycaemia as a result of their treatment. In all, 44.6% of patients were treated with insulin. Glinides were the most commonly prescribed oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) (27%). Capillary blood glucose monitoring (CBGM) was not carried out daily for 75% of patients taking a potentially hypoglycaemia-inducing OAD. CONCLUSIONS We found that glycaemic control was too tight in at least 36.5% of the total population and that 40% of patients with HbA1C < 7% were potentially overtreated. The use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors was still insufficient, as was CBGM. Avoiding hypoglycaemia is one of the priorities in the management of older patients with diabetes. Therefore, NHs should focus on improving the use of glycaemic targets and antidiabetic drugs that do not induce hypoglycaemia, as well as better monitoring of capillary blood glucose.