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Gutiérrez G, Lomonaco M, Alvarez I, Fernandez F, Trono K. Characterization of colostrum from dams of BLV endemic dairy herds. Vet Microbiol 2015; 177:366-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fernandez F, Figuerola A, Rico F, Aneiros J, Urquiza R. Effects of experimental renal insufficiency on the vestibular nonsensory epithelia of the gerbil. Adv Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 45:214-9. [PMID: 2077893 DOI: 10.1159/000418957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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103
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Crespo PV, Fernandez F, Ciges M, Campos A. X-ray microanalysis of cisplatin ototoxicity in the cochlea. Adv Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 45:129-32. [PMID: 2077884 DOI: 10.1159/000418946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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104
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Dávila Fajardo CL, Díaz Villamarín X, Fernandez F, Martinez Gonzalez LJ, Sanchez Ramos JG, Martinez Huertas S, Marin MDC, Cabeza Barrera J. PKP-003 Pharmacogenetics in antiplatelet treatment with clopidogrel in vascular pathology. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2015-000639.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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105
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Bhat A, Gan G, Fernandez F, Denniss A. Cardiac vignette: Isolated case of right ventricular non-compaction. Heart Lung Circ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.06.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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106
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Bhat A, Gan G, Khoury B, Fernandez F. Cardiac vignette: Giant left ventricular aneurysm in the setting of emergent transmural ischaemia. Heart Lung Circ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.06.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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107
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Bhat A, Gan G, Fernandez F, Denniss A. Cardiac vignette: A curious case of left ventricular hypertrophy. Heart Lung Circ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.06.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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108
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Gan G, Bhat A, Stevens M, Fernandez F, Sadick N. Cardiac vignette: An interesting case of concurrent hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). Heart Lung Circ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.06.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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109
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Alba-Ferrara L, Fernandez F, Salas R, de Erausquin GA. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Deep Brain Stimulation in the treatment of alcohol dependence. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2014; 13:159-169. [PMID: 25598743 PMCID: PMC4292849 DOI: 10.1097/adt.0b013e31829cf047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Alcoholism can lead to damage of the gastrointestinal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems and it can be lethal, costing hundreds of billions to the health care system. Despite the existence of cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychosocial interventions, and spiritually integrated treatment to treat it, alcohol dependence has a high relapse rate and poor prognosis, albeit with high interindividual variability. In this review, we discuss the use of two neuromodulation techniques, namely repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), and their advantages and disadvantages compared to first-line pharmacological treatment for alcohol dependence. We also discuss rTMS and DBS targets for alcohol dependence treatment, considering experimental animal and human evidence, with careful consideration of methodological issues preventing the identification of feasible targets for neuromodulation treatments, as well as inter-individual variability factors influencing alcoholism prognosis. Lastly, we anticipate future research aiming to tailor the treatment to each individual patient by combining neurofunctional, neuroanatomical and neurodisruptive techniques optimizing the outcome.
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Kairis O, Kosmas C, Karavitis C, Ritsema C, Salvati L, Acikalin S, Alcalá M, Alfama P, Atlhopheng J, Barrera J, Belgacem A, Solé-Benet A, Brito J, Chaker M, Chanda R, Coelho C, Darkoh M, Diamantis I, Ermolaeva O, Fassouli V, Fei W, Feng J, Fernandez F, Ferreira A, Gokceoglu C, Gonzalez D, Gungor H, Hessel R, Juying J, Khatteli H, Khitrov N, Kounalaki A, Laouina A, Lollino P, Lopes M, Magole L, Medina L, Mendoza M, Morais P, Mulale K, Ocakoglu F, Ouessar M, Ovalle C, Perez C, Perkins J, Pliakas F, Polemio M, Pozo A, Prat C, Qinke Y, Ramos A, Ramos J, Riquelme J, Romanenkov V, Rui L, Santaloia F, Sebego R, Sghaier M, Silva N, Sizemskaya M, Soares J, Sonmez H, Taamallah H, Tezcan L, Torri D, Ungaro F, Valente S, de Vente J, Zagal E, Zeiliguer A, Zhonging W, Ziogas A. Evaluation and selection of indicators for land degradation and desertification monitoring: types of degradation, causes, and implications for management. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 54:971-82. [PMID: 23811772 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-013-0110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Indicator-based approaches are often used to monitor land degradation and desertification from the global to the very local scale. However, there is still little agreement on which indicators may best reflect both status and trends of these phenomena. In this study, various processes of land degradation and desertification have been analyzed in 17 study sites around the world using a wide set of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. The database described earlier in this issue by Kosmas and others (Environ Manage, 2013) for defining desertification risk was further analyzed to define the most important indicators related to the following degradation processes: water erosion in various land uses, tillage erosion, soil salinization, water stress, forest fires, and overgrazing. A correlation analysis was applied to the selected indicators in order to identify the most important variables contributing to each land degradation process. The analysis indicates that the most important indicators are: (i) rain seasonality affecting water erosion, water stress, and forest fires, (ii) slope gradient affecting water erosion, tillage erosion and water stress, and (iii) water scarcity soil salinization, water stress, and forest fires. Implementation of existing regulations or policies concerned with resources development and environmental sustainability was identified as the most important indicator of land protection.
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Kosmas C, Kairis O, Karavitis C, Ritsema C, Salvati L, Acikalin S, Alcala M, Alfama P, Atlhopheng J, Barrera J, Belgacem A, Solé-Benet A, Brito J, Chaker M, Chanda R, Coelho C, Darkoh M, Diamantis I, Ermolaeva O, Fassouli V, Fei W, Feng J, Fernandez F, Ferreira A, Gokceoglu C, Gonzalez D, Gungor H, Hessel R, Juying J, Khatteli H, Khitrov N, Kounalaki A, Laouina A, Lollino P, Lopes M, Magole L, Medina L, Mendoza M, Morais P, Mulale K, Ocakoglu F, Ouessar M, Ovalle C, Perez C, Perkins J, Pliakas F, Polemio M, Pozo A, Prat C, Qinke Y, Ramos A, Ramos J, Riquelme J, Romanenkov V, Rui L, Santaloia F, Sebego R, Sghaier M, Silva N, Sizemskaya M, Soares J, Sonmez H, Taamallah H, Tezcan L, Torri D, Ungaro F, Valente S, de Vente J, Zagal E, Zeiliguer A, Zhonging W, Ziogas A. Evaluation and selection of indicators for land degradation and desertification monitoring: methodological approach. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 54:951-970. [PMID: 23797485 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-013-0109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
An approach to derive relationships for defining land degradation and desertification risk and developing appropriate tools for assessing the effectiveness of the various land management practices using indicators is presented in the present paper. In order to investigate which indicators are most effective in assessing the level of desertification risk, a total of 70 candidate indicators was selected providing information for the biophysical environment, socio-economic conditions, and land management characteristics. The indicators were defined in 1,672 field sites located in 17 study areas in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Based on an existing geo-referenced database, classes were designated for each indicator and a sensitivity score to desertification was assigned to each class based on existing research. The obtained data were analyzed for the various processes of land degradation at farm level. The derived methodology was assessed using independent indicators, such as the measured soil erosion rate, and the organic matter content of the soil. Based on regression analyses, the collected indicator set can be reduced to a number of effective indicators ranging from 8 to 17 in the various processes of land degradation. Among the most important indicators identified as affecting land degradation and desertification risk were rain seasonality, slope gradient, plant cover, rate of land abandonment, land-use intensity, and the level of policy implementation.
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Castro Huertas A, Pitts J, Rodriguez J, Waichert C, Fernandez F. New records of spider wasps (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae) from Colombia. Zookeys 2014:35-44. [PMID: 25349495 PMCID: PMC4205502 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.443.8348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
New records of genera and species of spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Colombia are provided. Agenioideus, Cryptocheilus, Evagetes, Mystacagenia, and Xerochares are newly recorded genera from Colombia. Nineteen species are first recorded from Colombia: Aimatocarevitrea (Fox); Ageniellaazteca (Cameron); Ageniellacurtipinus (Cameron); Ageniellafallax (Arlé); Ageniellahirsuta Banks; Ageniellapilifrons (Cameron); Ageniellapretiosa Banks; Ageniellasanguinolenta (Smith); Ageniellazeteki (Banks); Agenioideusbirkmanni (Banks); Aporus (Aporus) cuzco Evans; Aporus (Cosmiaporus) diverticulus (Fox); Aporus (Notoplaniceps) canescens Smith; Euplanicepsexilis (Banks); Euplanicepsherbertii (Fox); Irenangelusclarus Evans; Mystacageniabellula Evans; Phanochilusnobilitatus (Smith) and Xerocharesexpulsus Schulz. The following species and genera have their occurence ranges expanded for South America: Ageniellaazteca (Cameron); Ageniellazeteki (Banks); Agenioideusbirkmanni (Banks); and Xerocharesexpulsus Schulz; Cryptocheilus Panzer; and Xerochares Evans.
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113
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Miralles CG, Hernando A, Moreno C, Segura S, Ayora P, Carreño M, Arab N, Guell J, Gaya A, Fernandez F. 28 Bone marrow transplant in ambulatory care. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s1462-3889(14)70047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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114
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Rodríguez-Lorenzo A, Arufe MC, de la Fuente A, Fernandez F, Blanco F. Influence of flap prefabrication on seeding of subcutaneously injected mesenchymal stem cells in microvascular beds in rats. Ann Plast Surg 2014; 73:234-8. [PMID: 24830657 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000000074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this article, the authors investigated whether the prefabrication of an autologous pedicled flap by isolation from the surrounding with artificial skin substitutes would increase mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) seeding. METHODS Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human umbilical cords and were cultured and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Oxacarbocyanine and its green fluorescence emission were used to label the MSCs population.Sixteen adult Wistar rats were randomized in 4 groups (n = 4 animals per group). In group 1, a prefabricated groin flap (GF) with skin substitutes was harvested without cell injection; in group 2, 1 million MSCs were injected subcutaneously in the area corresponding to the GF without flap harvesting; in Group 3, a prefabricated GF with skin substitutes was harvested and 1 million MSCs were injected subcutaneously; and in Group 4, a prefabricated GF with skin substitutes was harvested and 2 million MSCs were injected subcutaneously. All procedures were performed bilaterally in each animal. Animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after the surgery. Flap viability was then assessed by clinical inspection and histology, and seeding of MSCs was observed. RESULTS All flaps survived 2 weeks after the surgery. Oxacarbocyanine-labeled cells were found in all prefabricated flaps injected (Groups 3 and 4) in higher number in comparison with the group where subcutaneous injection without flap harvesting was performed (Group 2). This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Prefabricated skin flaps with skin substitutes may provide a useful vehicle for the implantation of MSCs to serve as an autologous microvascular bioscaffold.
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Saez JL, Sanz C, Durán M, García P, Fernandez F, Minguez O, Carbajo L, Mardones F, Perez A, Gonzalez S, Dominguez L, Alvarez J. Comparison of depopulation and S19-RB51 vaccination strategies for control of bovine brucellosis in high prevalence areas. Vet Rec 2014; 174:634. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.101979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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116
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Neujahr DC, Uppal K, Force SD, Fernandez F, Lawrence C, Pickens A, Bag R, Lockard C, Kirk AD, Tran V, Lee K, Jones DP, Park Y. Bile acid aspiration associated with lung chemical profile linked to other biomarkers of injury after lung transplantation. Am J Transplant 2014; 14:841-8. [PMID: 24666830 PMCID: PMC5505513 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Aspiration of gastrointestinal contents has been linked to worse outcomes following lung transplantation but uncertainty exists about underlying mechanisms. We applied high-resolution metabolomics of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with episodic aspiration (defined by bile acids in the BALF) to identify potential metabolic changes associated with aspiration. Paired samples, one with bile acids and another without, from 29 stable lung transplant patients were studied. Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectroscopy was used to interrogate metabolomic contents of these samples. Data were obtained for 7068 ions representing intermediary metabolites, environmental agents and chemicals associated with microbial colonization. A substantial number (2302) differed between bile acid positive and negative samples when analyzed by false discovery rate at q = 0.01. These included pathways associated with microbial metabolism. Hierarchical cluster analysis defined clusters of chemicals associated with bile acid aspiration that were correlated to previously reported biomarkers of lung injury including T cell granzyme B level and the chemoattractants CXCL9 and CXCL10. These data specifically link bile acids presence in lung allografts to inflammatory pathways known to segregate with worsening allograft outcome, and provide additional mechanistic insight into the association between reflux and lung allograft injury.
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Ortiz C, Fernandez F. Brachymyrmex species with tumuliform metathoracic spiracles: description of three new species and discussion of dimorphism in the genus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Zookeys 2014:13-33. [PMID: 24493952 PMCID: PMC3909797 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.371.6568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachymyrmex is a taxonomically challenging ant genus that is badly in need of review. Most species are very small and soft bodied and current descriptions regularly lack clarity making species identification a daunting task. Furthermore, the monophyly of Brachymyrmex has not been established and the relationships among its species and with closely related genera are poorly understood. Most species of Brachymyrmex are monomorphic, but two dimorphic species have been assigned to the genus before. Here, we redescribe these dimorphic taxa, B. pilipes and B. micromegas, and describe three new monomorphic species, B. brasiliensissp. n., B. delabieisp. n. and B. feitosaisp. n. All five species occur in Brazil and have tumuliform metathoracic spiracles, which are lacking in other Brachymyrmex species. We discuss dimorphism and its evolution in the genus and provide a distribution map, illustrations and a species identification key based on workers.
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Pozzi M, d'Alessandro C, Fernandez F, Nguyen A, Pavie A, Leprince P, Varnous S, Kirsch M. Who Gets a Second Heart? A Current Picture of Cardiac Retransplantation. Transplant Proc 2014; 46:202-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.08.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Fernandez F, Langendörfer M, Wirth T, Eberhardt O. Arthroskopische Behandlung von septischen Hüftgelenksinfekten im Kindes- und Jugendalter. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ORTHOPADIE UND UNFALLCHIRURGIE 2013; 151:596-602. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1350933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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120
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Gonzalez-Pacheco V, Malfaz M, Fernandez F, Salichs MA. Teaching human poses interactively to a social robot. SENSORS 2013; 13:12406-30. [PMID: 24048336 PMCID: PMC3821356 DOI: 10.3390/s130912406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The main activity of social robots is to interact with people. In order to do that, the robot must be able to understand what the user is saying or doing. Typically, this capability consists of pre-programmed behaviors or is acquired through controlled learning processes, which are executed before the social interaction begins. This paper presents a software architecture that enables a robot to learn poses in a similar way as people do. That is, hearing its teacher's explanations and acquiring new knowledge in real time. The architecture leans on two main components: an RGB-D (Red-, Green-, Blue- Depth) -based visual system, which gathers the user examples, and an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system, which processes the speech describing those examples. The robot is able to naturally learn the poses the teacher is showing to it by maintaining a natural interaction with the teacher. We evaluate our system with 24 users who teach the robot a predetermined set of poses. The experimental results show that, with a few training examples, the system reaches high accuracy and robustness. This method shows how to combine data from the visual and auditory systems for the acquisition of new knowledge in a natural manner. Such a natural way of training enables robots to learn from users, even if they are not experts in robotics.
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Badaracco A, Garaicoechea L, Matthijnssens J, Louge Uriarte E, Odeón A, Bilbao G, Fernandez F, Parra G, Parreño V. Phylogenetic analyses of typical bovine rotavirus genotypes G6, G10, P[5] and P[11] circulating in Argentinean beef and dairy herds. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 18:18-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Curcio D, Fernandez F, Galas M, Duret F. A Combination of Mathematical and Statistical Models to Distinguish Between “Susceptible” and “Resistant” Clusters in the Susceptibility Disk Diffusion Method. J Chemother 2013; 19:458-61. [PMID: 17855193 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2007.19.4.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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123
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Vega CG, Bok M, Vlasova AN, Chattha KS, Gómez-Sebastián S, Nuñez C, Alvarado C, Lasa R, Escribano JM, Garaicoechea LL, Fernandez F, Bok K, Wigdorovitz A, Saif LJ, Parreño V. Recombinant monovalent llama-derived antibody fragments (VHH) to rotavirus VP6 protect neonatal gnotobiotic piglets against human rotavirus-induced diarrhea. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003334. [PMID: 23658521 PMCID: PMC3642062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Rotavirus (RVA) is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children. The aims of the present study were to determine the neutralizing activity of VP6-specific llama-derived single domain nanoantibodies (VHH nanoAbs) against different RVA strains in vitro and to evaluate the ability of G6P[1] VP6-specific llama-derived single domain nanoantibodies (VHH) to protect against human rotavirus in gnotobiotic (Gn) piglets experimentally inoculated with virulent Wa G1P[8] rotavirus. Supplementation of the daily milk diet with 3B2 VHH clone produced using a baculovirus vector expression system (final ELISA antibody -Ab- titer of 4096; virus neutralization -VN- titer of 256) for 9 days conferred full protection against rotavirus associated diarrhea and significantly reduced virus shedding. The administration of comparable levels of porcine IgG Abs only protected 4 out of 6 of the animals from human RVA diarrhea but significantly reduced virus shedding. In contrast, G6P[1]-VP6 rotavirus-specific IgY Abs purified from eggs of hyperimmunized hens failed to protect piglets against human RVA-induced diarrhea or virus shedding when administering similar quantities of Abs. The oral administration of VHH nanoAb neither interfered with the host's isotype profiles of the Ab secreting cell responses to rotavirus, nor induced detectable host Ab responses to the treatment in serum or intestinal contents. This study shows that the oral administration of rotavirus VP6-VHH nanoAb is a broadly reactive and effective treatment against rotavirus-induced diarrhea in neonatal pigs. Our findings highlight the potential value of a broad neutralizing VP6-specific VHH nanoAb as a treatment that can complement or be used as an alternative to the current strain-specific RVA vaccines. Nanobodies could also be scaled-up to develop pediatric medication or functional food like infant milk formulas that might help treat RVA diarrhea. Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in human infants worldwide. Live-attenuated rotavirus vaccines are available to prevent rotavirus diarrhea in children, although their efficacy in impoverished areas has been questioned, in addition to not being suitable for children suffering from immune deficiencies. Since no rotavirus-specific treatments are available as an alternative, we investigated llama-derived single-chain antibody fragments (VHH) as preventive therapy and a potential treatment option. Gnotobiotic piglets were chosen as an animal model because their gastrointestinal physiology and mucosal immune system resemble that of human infants. We evaluated the broad neutralizing activity of a VHH clone (3B2) to different genotypes of RVA circulating in humans, and tested the efficacy of oral administration of 3B2 VHH as a functional milk to prevent the diarrhea induced by one of the most prevalent human RVA strains (G1P[8]). Supplementation of the milk diet with 3B2 twice a day for 9 days conferred full protection against rotavirus-associated diarrhea and significantly reduced virus shedding in gnotobiotic piglets experimentally inoculated with a human RVA. This study demonstrates the potential application of VHH to prevent rotavirus-induced diarrhea, and suggests that VHHs should be further investigated as a suitable treatment for gastroenteritis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/genetics
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Viral/genetics
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/pharmacology
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Camelids, New World
- Capsid Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Capsid Proteins/genetics
- Capsid Proteins/immunology
- Diarrhea/drug therapy
- Diarrhea/genetics
- Diarrhea/immunology
- Diarrhea/virology
- Humans
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology
- Rotavirus/genetics
- Rotavirus/immunology
- Rotavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Rotavirus Infections/genetics
- Rotavirus Infections/immunology
- Rotavirus Infections/virology
- Swine
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Chao FY, Lockard C, Force S, Fernandez F, Pickens A, Bag R, Lawrence E, Kirk A, Neujahr D. Exhausted T Helper Cells in Lung Transplantation Portend Worse Outcome. J Heart Lung Transplant 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2013.01.964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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125
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Garcia J, Fernandez F. Safe Exploration of State and Action Spaces in Reinforcement Learning. J ARTIF INTELL RES 2012. [DOI: 10.1613/jair.3761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we consider the important problem of safe exploration in reinforcement learning. While reinforcement learning is well-suited to domains with complex transition dynamics and high-dimensional state-action spaces, an additional challenge is posed by the need for safe and efficient exploration. Traditional exploration techniques are not particularly useful for solving dangerous tasks, where the trial and error process may lead to the selection of actions whose execution in some states may result in damage to the learning system (or any other system). Consequently, when an agent begins an interaction with a dangerous and high-dimensional state-action space, an important question arises; namely, that of how to avoid (or at least minimize) damage caused by the exploration of the state-action space. We introduce the PI-SRL algorithm which safely improves suboptimal albeit robust behaviors for continuous state and action control tasks and which efficiently learns from the experience gained from the environment. We evaluate the proposed method in four complex tasks: automatic car parking, pole-balancing, helicopter hovering, and business management.
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