Running Experiments with Confidence and Sanity

Analyzing data from large experimental suites is a daily task for anyone doing experimental algorithmics. In this paper we report on several approaches we tried for this seemingly mundane task in a similarity search setting, reflecting on the challenges it poses. We conclude by proposing a workflow, which can be implemented using several tools, that allows to analyze experimental data with confidence. The extended version of this paper and the support code are provided at https://github.com/Cecca/running-experiments

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

I virus Influenzali

vengono descritte le caratteristiche dei virus influenzali con particolare riguardo alla possibilit\ue0 di drift e shift antigenico. In particolare la possibilit\ue0 di trasmissione tra specie animali diverse e l'uom

Aspergillosi dell'apparato respiratorio degli uccelli

Aspergillosis is a common respiratory disease in birds. Potentially all species can be affected inlcuding poultry, aviary and pet birds, and wild birds. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent isolated fungus. Birds are more susceptible to aspergillosis than mammalian species and their predisposition to aspergillosis is attributed to anatomical and physiological peculiarities, which prevent the ejection and removal of inhaled fungal spores from the respiratory tract. In this review we describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and the commonest lesions of avian aspergillosis. Diagnosis, therapy, and control strategies are also discussed

[Episodes of amyloidosis in young hens after repeated use of antibacterial oil emulsion vaccines]

Outbreaks of systemic amyloidosis with moderate to high mortality in two young layer flocks are described. In both the cases anamnesis reported repeated vaccinations with oil-emulsified bacterins. Grossly, the liver was enlarged, friable and pale. Hepatic rupture and haemorrhages were frequently seen. Moreover heavy granulomatous reactions at the inoculation site was observed. Histologically amyloid deposition was present in the liver and the spleen of the animals from both of the flocks. Histochemical reactions confirm that it is type AA amyloidosis

Outbreaks of massive red mite infestations in chickens

The red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is a common ectoparasite affecting poultry productions worldwide. Two fatal outbreaks of mortality due to red mite massive infestations are described affecting commercial hens from a medium size farm and backyard broilers. Extremely severe anaemia was the main feature in both cases

The innate immunity receptor TIR8/SIGIRR is expressed in the early developmental stages of chicken embryos

The orphan receptor TIR8, also known as SIGIRR (Single Immunoglobulin IL-1R-Related molecule), belongs to the IL-1R/TLR (TIR) superfamily and plays an important role in the inflammatory responses. The signaling pathways of the receptors belonging to the TIR family are tightly regulated by both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms. TIR8 does not activate the transcription factors NFkB (nuclear factor kB) and IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3), although it negatively modulates the inflammatory responses. It acts as an antagonist for the IL-1 receptor family and triggers a negative pathway of the Toll-like/IL-1 receptor system, crucial for dampening inflammation stimuli in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in other organs (e.g. lung and kidney). The recent findings of TLRs expression in ovary and embryos of different species (mammals and chickens) are very important for an understanding of reproductive physiology and transovarian pathogen transmission. TIR8 was well characterized in mouse, humans and in other mammalian species, but it is still poorly characterized in the chicken. When TIR8 expression was measured in selected organs of chicken embryos of both broiler and layer types at different time points a unique pattern of expression was observed. Interestingly, TIR8 was detected during the first stages of chicken development (day 1 of incubation), and reached a remarkable level of expression by day 10. We observed this receptor to be ubiquitously expressed in the kidney, GI tract, Bursa of Fabricius, with the highest expression levels in liver and kidney. This pattern was comparable to those observed in post-hatching chickens and in mammals examined to date. No expression differences were observed between the two different chicken breeds (layer- and broiler-type) in the first incubation period (8 days). Whereas in some organs starting from day 10, higher TIR8 expression was observed in broiler-type compared to layer-type. These are the first findings concerning TIR8 expression in developmental stages and therefore they are of comparative value

Observations on gastric lesions in broiler at slaughterhouse in Italy

A preliminary investigation about gastric lesions found at slaughterhouse in broilers was carried out. Material consisting of condemned gizzards from 3 slaughterhouses was used for histopathological evaluation. In all cases we found the association of fowl adenovirus with the gastric lesions and characteristics similar to those described in Japanese cases. Although limited, the results of this investigation suggest further studies to determine the epidemiological role and the possible economic impact of adenoviral gastritis on the European poultry industr