Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ALTERATION OF TRICARBOXYLIC ACID CYCLE METABOLISM IN RAT BRAIN SLICES BY HALOTHANE

Abstract— 1 Metabolism of [2‐14C]pyruvate, [1‐14C]acetate and [5‐14C]citrate in the rat cerebral cortex slices was studied in the presence of halothane. Metabolites assayed include acetylcholine (ACh), citrate, glutamate, glutamine, γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) and aspartate. The trichloroacetic acid soluble extract, the trichloroacetic acid insoluble precipitate and its lipid extract were also studied. 2 In control experiments, pyruvate preferentially labelled ACh, citrate, glutamate, GABA and aspartate. Acetate labeled ACh, but to a lesser extent than pyruvate. Acetate also labeled lipids and glutamine. Citrate labeled lipids but not ACh and served as a preferential precursor for glutamine. These data support a three‐compartment model for cerebral tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. 3 Halothane caused increases in GABA and aspartate contents and a decrease in ACh content. It has no effect on the contents of citrate, glutamate and glutamine. 4 Halothane preferentially inhibited the metabolic transfer of radioactivity from pyruvate into almost all metabolites, an effect probably not related to pyruvate permeability. This is interpreted as halothane depression of the‘large metabolic compartment’ which includes the nerve endings. 5 Halothane increased the metabolic transfer of radioactivity from acetate into lipids but did not alter such a transfer into the trichloracetic acid extract. 6 Halothane increased the metabolic transfer of radioactivity from citrate into the trichloroacetic acid precipitate, lipids and especially glutamine. Transfer of citrate radioactivity into GABA was somewhat decreased. 7 The differential effects of halothane on acetate and citrate utilization suggest that the ‘small metabolic compartment’ should be subdivided. Therefore, at least three metabolic compartments are demonstrated. 8 Halothane did not interfere with the dicarboxylic acid portion of the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Sustained therapeutic response to riboflavin in a child with a progressive neurological condition, diagnosed by whole-exome sequencing

One of the most promising outcomes of whole-exome sequencing (WES) is the alteration of medical management following an accurate diagnosis in patients with previously unresolved disorders. Although case reports of targeted therapies resulting from WES have been published, there are few reports with long-term follow-up that confirm a sustained therapeutic response. Following a diagnosis by WES of Brown–Vialetto–Van Laere Syndrome 2 (BVVLS2), high-dose riboflavin therapy was instituted in a 20-mo-old child. An immediate clinical response with stabilization of signs and symptoms was noted over the first 2–4 wk. Subsequent clinical follow-up over the following 8 mo demonstrates not just stabilization, but continuing and sustained improvements in all manifestations of this usually fatal condition, which generally includes worsening motor weakness, sensory ataxia, hearing, and vision impairments. This case emphasizes that early application of WES can transform patient care, enabling therapy that in addition to being lifesaving can sometimes reverse the disabling disease processes in a progressive condition.
Outcome of term breech by intended mode of delivery.

BACKGROUND The optimal mode of delivery for the term breech fetus is undetermined. METHODS Over a 10-year period, the outcome of 157 planned caesarean sections and 265 trials of vaginal delivery for the matured, selected, singleton breech presentation were compared. RESULTS The perinatal mortality among the planned vaginal group was not statistically different from the planned caesarean group (3.0% vs 0.6%, p = 0.102), so was the incidence of birth asphyxia (9.4% vs 4.5%, p = 0.06), admission into neonatal intensive care unit (13.6 vs 7.6%, p = 0.063) and neonatal birth injury (3.4% vs 0.6%, p = 0.072). The overall maternal morbidity was 28% in the planned caesarean group, and 9% in the planned vaginal group, p = 0.025. CONCLUSION Given appropriate selection criteria and management protocol, the outcome from elective caesarean section might not be better than that from planned vaginal delivery.
Imbalance of Oxidants and Antioxidants in Haemodialysis Patients

Dialysis-related pathology (DRP) observed in long-term haemodialysis patients is increasingly reported. Among DRP manifestations, cardiovascular disease is the most frequent, being the first cause of mortality in haemodialysis patients. Alterations in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are recognised as major risk factors that could be prevented or reduced by optimal therapy.In order to evaluate the rationale for preventive intervention against oxidative damage we review the factors that are implied and may be responsible for the imbalance between prooxidative and antioxidative mechanisms in haemodialysis patients. Oxidative stress resulting from this imbalance is responsible for increasing stress markers and enhancing susceptibility to LDL oxidation. Factors implied in this prooxidative state belong to four groups: (1) uremia and comorbid status of the end stage renal disease (ESRD) patient; (2) losses of antioxidant substances via the dialysis; (3) haemoincompatibility of the dialysis system; (4) adjuvant therapy. Such prooxidant status could have further deleterious consequences since it has been recently shown that antioxidant status could modulate cell functions such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, adhesive molecule expression and/or cell proliferation.Preventive modalities, including use of biocompatible membrane, ultrapure dialysate, exogenous supplementation of antioxidant vitamins, extracorporeal removal of ROS and oxidatively-modified substances, would appear highly desirable to reduce complications of long-term dialysis patients.
Characteristics of Participation in Cervical Cancer Screening

Although Papanicolaou test screening rates are reportedly high, a significant proportion of women remain unscreened. With recent revision of Papanicolaou test guidelines, it is critical that interventions and programs for cervical cancer directed toward low participating groups or individuals be developed. The purpose of the study was to examine factors that influence participation in cervical cancer screening by quantifying characteristics of women who engage in Papanicolaou test screening in a 12-month period. Using the 2000 National Health Interview Survey and Cancer Topical Module, the sample (N = 18,388) consisted of women who were older than 18 years. The dependent variable was nominally identified as whether a woman had had a Papanicolaou test in the last 12 months. Independent variables examined were insurance, level of education, place for care, age, race, employment, place of residence, and income level. Using logistic regression, all variables except race and income level were found to be significant for participation in cervical cancer screening (P < .000). Each variable is discussed within the framework of the Institute of Medicine model of access to personal healthcare services. Study findings provide insight and guidance for the development and implementation of methods for accessing women who have lower participation rates.
Automation in the laboratory.

Every year each incoming President is faced with the choice of a subject for this address. In the past the history and the philosophy, the creators and practitioners, the secrets and the science of laboratory medicine have all been presented. Today I have chosen to speak on 'Automation in the laboratory' not only because this is of considerable personal interest to me, but also because I am convinced that this is a matter of great importance to the practice of our specialty. I should perhaps state at the outset that what I have to say does not necessarily represent the policy of the Council of the Association. If there are any areas of agreement, these are entirely fortuitous and I must accept personal responsibility for any controversial opinions expressed. No one would deny that today we are living in the age of laboratory medicine. This is largely the result of the 20th century upsurge in both science and technology which has made available a wide range of scientific aids to medical diagnosis. Our specialty, clinical pathology, can be said to have grown out of the resultant increase in the demand for laboratory tests. The broad aims of clinical pathology are, according to Shields Warren, 'the science of obtaining qualitative and quantitative data from patients and the art of so interpreting these data as to establish diagnosis and guide therapy'. There is a widely held view that the second of these aims is being increasingly frustrated by the sheer weight of the first and that inadequacy of space, of staff, and of equipment is making even the provision of a routine service, if not impossible, at least very difficult.
Design of Expert System for Optimized Protection Studies Against Atmospheric Discharges in Distribution Systems

The objective of this paper consists of presenting a design of expert system that assists the procedures involved with the protection specification of transformers and equipments against atmospheric discharges, allowing also analyze in a detailed and systematic way the behavior of the respective voltage transients that are generated at the supplying area which belongs to Bandeirante Energy. For such purpose, the expert system developed in this research makes the efficient integration of approaches and techniques that take into account the characteristic aspects of the atmospheric discharges, the experimental analyses that represent the phenomenon and the mathematical models that allow to map the process involved with the formation of the lightning
Pissed Drunk: The Effects of Anger on Binge Drinking Behavior

Researchers have studied everything from rock climbing to financial decision making with the goal of understanding what factors influence the phenomena of risk taking. While researchers have identified specific emotional states – namely anger – that have an immediate effect on risk evaluations, little research has attempted to generalize these findings to real world examples of risk-taking behavior. We conducted research that focused on identifying personality features (such as a tendency to act impulsively when angered) that predict binge drinking behavior (a real world example of risk taking). One-hundred-eighteen participants were randomly assigned to a neutral or an angry emotional state. After the emotional states were induced through a nature video (neutral emotional state) or a frustrating mock jury scenario involving two confederates who resist consensus (angry emotional state), participants completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2), the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and a questionnaire on their alcohol consumption. Correlational and regression analyses supported previous research demonstrating the influence of impulsivity on binge drinking behavior beyond the effects of gender.
Factors affecting delivery of antiviral drugs to the brain

Although the CNS is in part protected from peripheral insults by the blood–brain barrier and the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier, a number of human viruses gain access to the brain, replicate within this organ, or sustain latent infection. The efficacy of antiviral drugs towards the cerebral viral load is often limited as both blood–brain interfaces impede their cerebral distribution. For polar compounds, the major factor restricting their entry lies in the tight junctions that occlude the paracellular pathway across these barriers. For compounds with more favourable lipid solubility properties, CNS penetration will be function of a number of physicochemical factors that include the degree of lipophilicity, size and ability to bind to protein or red blood cells, as well as other factors inherent to the vascular and choroidal systems, such as the local cerebral blood flow and the surface area available for exchange. In addition, influx and efflux transport systems, or metabolic processes active in both capillary endothelial cells and choroid plexus epithelial cells, can greatly change the bioavailability of a drug in one or several compartments of the CNS. The relative importance of these various factors with respect to the CNS delivery of the different classes of antiviral drugs is illustrated and discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Investigation of Saponins from Twelve Annual Medicago Species and their Bioassay with the Brine Shrimp Artemia salina

The saponin and sapogenin composition of the aerial growth of 12 annual Medicago species sampled at full senescence were investigated. Saponins were extracted from the plant material and obtained in a highly pure grade by reverse-phase chromatography, with a yield ranging from 0.38 ± 0.04% to 1.35 ± 0.08% dry matter, depending on the species. Sapogenins were then obtained after acid hydrolysis of saponins, and evaluated by GC/FID and GC/MS methods. Different compositions of the aglycone moieties were observed in the 12 Medicago species. Medicagenic acid was the dominant aglycone in M. × blancheana, M. doliata, M. littoralis, M. rotata, M. rugosa, M. scutellata, M. tornata and M. truncatula, bayogenin and hederagenin in M. arabica and M. rigidula, echinocystic acid in M. polymorpha, and soyasapogenol B in M. aculeata. The purified saponin mixtures, characterized by different chemical compositions, were then used in a toxicity test using the brine shrimp Artemia salina. The most active compounds were the saponins from M. arabica and M. rigidula with LD50 values of 10.1 and 4.6 μg/mL, respectively. A structure-activity relationship for the tested saponin mixtures was observed.
Shoulder muscle activity in sport climbing in naturally chosen and corrected shoulder positions

Objective : The aim of the study was to determine electromyographic activity of the scapula stabilizing muscles in naturally chosen and corrected shoulder positions in typical static climbing postures. Methods : Six male participants undertook surface electromyography measurement in four climbing postures for two different shoulder positions. The activity of the lower, middle and upper trapezius, serratus anterior, pectoralis major, and sternocleidomastoid was recorded. Electromyographic activity was expressed as the percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for each muscle. Results : Climbing postures induced higher activation of middle and lower trapezius in corrected shoulder positions (35.3 ± 11.8 and 61.7 ± 15.4% MVC respectively) than in naturally chosen shoulder positions (18.4 ± 8.9 and 30.1 ± 13.8% MVC respectively). The highest activity of the middle and lower trapezius was found in postures with the arm in external rotation and 90° abduction and in an overhanging posture. Low activation was stated for the other muscles in both shoulder conditions. Conclusion : Results showed that climbers naturally elevate the shoulder during typical static postures. Corrected shoulder positions induce higher activation of the scapula stabilizing muscles than naturally chosen shoulder positions.
KCNQ4 mutations associated with nonsyndromic progressive sensorineural hearing loss

Purpose of reviewThis article provides an update on the current progress in identification of KCNQ4 mutations responsible for DFNA2, a subtype of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic progressive hearing loss. Recent findingsHearing loss in pateints with DFNA2 usually start at high frequencies in their 20s and 30s, and then progress to more than 60 dB in less than 10 years, with middle and low frequencies often affected as well. To date, eight missense mutations and two deletions of the KCNQ4 gene have been identified in patients with DFNA2 with various clinical phenotypes. In general, missense mutations are associated with younger-onset and all-frequency hearing loss, whereas deletion mutations are underlying later-onset and pure high-frequency hearing loss. The etiology of DFNA2 remains largely unknown at this point, even though the degeneration of cochlear outer hair cells, caused by dysfunction of KCNQ4 channels, might be one of the underlying mechanisms. SummaryDuring the last decade, significant progress has been made in identifying KCNQ4 mutations in patients with DFNA2. Elucidation of the pathogenic effect of these mutations will help to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of hearing and hearing loss, which, in turn, will facilitate informative genetic counseling, early diagnosis, and even treatment of hearing loss.
High-power and low-RIN lasers for advanced first- and higher order Raman copumping

We propose a novel high-power (up to 1.9 W) and low relative intensity noise (RIN) laser structure for effective first- and higher order distributed Raman copumping. RIN characterization and bit-error-rate measurements at 10 Gb/s point out RIN-penalty free transmission up to 25 dB of on-off copropagating Raman gain. This new copumping technology can provide sensible span reach enhancement in long-span unrepeated WDM transmission systems in a simple and effective way
Deterioration of drinking water quality in the distribution system and gastrointestinal morbidity in a Russian city

Few studies have been conducted in Russia to assess the relationship between drinking water quality and gastrointestinal (GI) infections. In the city of Cherepovets, effluent water at the treatment plant usually meets the country's hygienic standards. To provide protection against secondary water contamination in the distribution system, concentrations of total residual chlorine in effluent water are maintained at levels from 1 to 2 mg l -1 . However, residual chlorine concentrations rapidly decline in the distribution system and rechlorination is not practiced. Some areas of the city routinely have very low residual chlorine at taps and little protection against secondary microbiological contamination of water in pipelines. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Cherepovets to assess an association between decline in residual chlorine concentrations and risk of GI illness. This study included water quality monitoring and an extensive questionnaire survey of city residents. The results demonstrated a consistent spatial pattern of free chlorine decline in the distribution system. An interquartile range variability in free residual chlorine decline (0.22 mg l -1 ) was associated with 1.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05, 1.91) relative risk of self-reported gastrointestinal illness after control for socioeconomic, hygienic and demographic parameters.
Consensus formalisé: recommandations de pratiques cliniques pour la prise en charge de la migraine du patient adulte africain

La migraine est une céphalée primaire (selon les derniers critères de l'International Headache Society) qui affecte environ 8% de la population africaine. Les femmes sont plus fréquemment touchées que les hommes et les crises apparaissent le plus souvent avant l’âge de 40 ans. Bien qu'un certain nombre de traitements, de mesure hygiéno-diététiques, et d'autres méthodes non pharmacologiques permettent de limiter l'intensité et la fréquence des crises, la prise en charge médicamenteuse de la crise de migraine est très souvent nécessaire. La disponibilité des traitements et l'accès aux soins diffèrent sur le continent africain et ont conduit à la réalisation du 1er consensus d'experts pour la prise en charge du patient adulte africain. Destiné aux praticiens, ce travail collaboratif multinational a pour objectif de fournir 16 recommandations de pratiques cliniques simples, fondées sur les preuves, et adaptées aux conditions de l'exercice médical en Afrique.
Effects of Pinealectomy and Aging on the Serum Corticosterone Circadian Rhythm in Rats

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were housed in alternate light/dark conditions (light on, 7:00 AM, light off, 7:00 PM). Corticosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay from blood samples that were obtained by tail clip at 4‐h intervals. Pinealectomized animals have shown significant increase of corticosterone levels at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM in comparison with 2‐month‐old intact rats. There were no differences in serum corticosterone rhythm between 24‐month‐old and pinealectomized animals. Twelve‐month‐old rats have shown significant increase of corticosterone levels at 7:00 and 11:00 AM in comparison with 2‐month‐old animals.
Power scheduling in islanded-mode microgrids using fuel cell vehicles

We consider power scheduling in a microgrid operated in the islanded mode. It is assumed that at any time all the renewable energy sources are generating the maximum achievable electrical power based on the weather conditions and the power balance of the microgrid is exclusively done by a fleet of fuel cell cars. As a result, the uncertainty in the prediction of the load will also make the future power generation of the fuel cell cars uncertain and, hence, a robust control method should be used to operate the fuel cell cars. We develop a min-max model predictive control approach to schedule the power generation profile of the fuel cell cars. Furthermore, we develop an alternative approach, a min-max disturbance feedback approach, in order to reduce the conservatism of the min-max approach. Finally, an illustrative case study shows the performance of the proposed approaches.
Disaggregation of Methanosarcina spp. and Growth as Single Cells at Elevated Osmolarity

The effect of medium osmolarity on the morphology and growth of Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanosarcina thermophila, Methanosarcina mazei, Methanosarcina vacuolata, and Methanosarcina acetivorans was examined. Each strain was adapted for growth in NaCl concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 M. Methanosarcina spp. isolated from both marine and nonmarine sources exhibited similar growth characteristics at all NaCl concentrations tested, demonstrating that these species are capable of adapting to a similar range of medium osmolarities. Concomitant with the adaptation in 0.4 to 1.0 M NaCl, all strains disaggregated and grew as single cells rather than in the characteristic multicellular aggregates. Aggregated cells had a methanochondroitin outer layer, while disaggregated single cells lacked the outer layer but retained the protein S-layer adjacent to the cell membrane. Synthesis of glucuronic acid, a major component of methanochondroitin, was reduced 20-fold in the single-cell form of M. barkeri when compared with synthesis in aggregated cells. Strains with the methanochondroitin outer cell layer exhibited enhanced stability at low (<0.2 M NaCl) osmolarity and grew at higher temperatures. Disaggregated cells could be converted back to aggregated cells by gradually readapting cultures to lower NaCl (<0.2 M) and Mg2+ (<0.005 M) concentrations. Disaggregated Methanosarcina spp. could also be colonized and replica plated with greater than 95% recovery rates on solidified agar basal medium that contained 0.4 to 0.6 M NaCl and either trimethylamine, methanol, or acetate as the substrate. The ability to disaggregate and grow Methanosarcina spp. as viable, detergent-sensitive, single cells on agar medium makes these species amenable to mutant selection and screening for genetic studies and enables cells to be gently lysed for the isolation of intact genetic material.
Paper-Based Affect Misattribution Procedure for Implicit Measurement

The Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) (Payne et al., 2005) can measure implicit attitudes based on a conceptually different procedure from the Implicit Association Test (IAT) (Greenwald et al., 1998). We aim to improve the administrative advantage of the AMP by converting it into a paper-based performance test so that it can collect massive data easily without using a computer for each examinee. We conduct three Paper-based AMP experiments to achieve the typical AMP results with large effect sizes (Study 1), obtain sufficient reliability by the test-retest method (Study 2), and find a similar phenomenon of the disappearance of misattribution when participants evaluate the primes consciously prior to the target evaluation (Study 3).