Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addition of Rhodococcus fascians AC 6 to prevent inhibition of the toluene degradation from ethyl acetate in biofiltration of VOCs-contaminated air stream

In treatment of both ethyl acetate and toluenecontaminated air, selecting an adequate mixed microbial consortium as an inoculum is essential for effective toluene degradation with no serious inhibitory effect from ethyl acetate. Rhodococcus sp. B5 has the ability for uptake of both ethyl acetate and toluene but it encounters readily the problem of substrate-competitive inhibition from high load of ethyl acetate. Our present work indicates that adding a fast ethyl-acetatedegrading strain (not capable of degrading toluene), Rhodococcus fascians AC6, together with strain B5 to biofilters can make a steady progress in removal of toluene, and alleviate the afore-mentioned substrate competition inhibition by ethyl acetate. The results were confirmed by using two different filter media at various conditions. Under the optimal media moisture content, commercial grade of peat moss is preferred to be a filter media for treatment of relatively hydrophobic toluene, and scraped sugarcane stem could alleviate the effect of the toxic intermediates on biodegradation of toluene. The inoculation concentration of microbial consortium in biofiltration must be high enough to maintain the high removal efficiency, and to prevent the substrate competition inhibition from decomposed compounds. Keywordsbiofiltration, Rhodococcus fascians, Rhodococcus sp. ; ethyl acetate; toluene; biodegradtion
Work-related injury among direct care occupations in British Columbia, Canada

Objectives: To examine how injury rates and injury types differ across direct care occupations in relation to the healthcare settings in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Data were derived from a standardised operational database in three BC health regions. Injury rates were defined as the number of injuries per 100 full-time equivalent FTE positions. Poisson regression, with Generalised Estimating Equations, was used to determine injury risks associated with direct care occupations registered nurses RNs, licensed practical nurses LPNs and care aides CAs by healthcare setting acute care, nursing homes and community care. Results: CAs had higher injury rates in every setting, with the highest rate in nursing homes 37.0 injuries per 100 FTE. LPNs had higher injury rates 30.0 within acute care than within nursing homes. Few LPNs worked in community care. For RNs, the highest injury rates 21.9 occurred in acute care, but their highest 13.0 musculoskeletal injury MSI rate occurred in nursing homes. MSIs comprised the largest proportion of total injuries in all occupations. In both acute care and nursing homes, CAs had twice the MSI risk of RNs. Across all settings, puncture injuries were more predominant for RNs 21.3 of their total injuries compared with LPNs 14.4 and CAs 3.7. Skin, eye and respiratory irritation injuries comprised a larger proportion of total injuries for RNs 11.1 than for LPNs 7.2 and CAs 5.1. Conclusions: Direct care occupations have different risks of occupational injuries based on the particular tasks and roles they fulfil within each healthcare setting. CAs are the most vulnerable for sustaining MSIs since their job mostly entails transferring and repositioning tasks during patient/resident/client care. Strategies should focus on prevention of MSIs for all occupations as well as target puncture and irritation injuries for RNs and LPNs.
Efficacy of halofuginone lactate in the prevention of cryptosporidiosis in dairy calves

To evaluate the efficacy of halofuginone lactate (Halocur; Intervet) when used prophylactically against cryptosporidiosis in dairy calves, 513 Holstein heifer calves were randomly distributed between two experimental groups. Those in the treatment group (n=259) received 0.1 mg halofuginone base per kg bodyweight daily in a 10 ml solution, for the first seven days following birth, while those in the control group (n=254) received an equal volume of a placebo solution. Faecal samples were collected weekly from all calves until three weeks of age to test for Cryptosporidium oocysts and to assess the diarrhoeal status. Growth parameters of the calves were also recorded at approximately four months of age. Calves that received halofuginone were significantly less likely to shed Cryptosporidium oocysts during the course of the study than placebo-treated calves (odds ratio 0.6, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.4 to 0.9, P=0.009). Mean growth measurements of calves in the treated group were consistently higher than those of the control calves (hipometer-derived P=0.052, wither height P=0.097) and mortality was lower in the treated group (P=0.07). However, these differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). No association was found between the prophylactic use of halofuginone and the incidence of calf diarrhoea.
Interleukin-17 and interleukin-18 levels in saliva and plasma of patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study was planned to investigate whether patients with chronic periodontitis exhibit different salivary and/or plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-18 compared with clinically healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS Whole saliva and blood samples, together with full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings, were obtained from 22 otherwise healthy untreated nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis and from 21 systemically and periodontally healthy control subjects. The concentrations of IL-17 and IL-18 in saliva and plasma were determined using ELISAs. RESULTS The healthy control group exhibited significantly lower values in all clinical periodontal measurements (p < 0.001). The salivary concentration of IL-17 was significantly lower, and that of IL-18 significantly higher, in patients from the chronic periodontitis group compared with healthy control subjects (p = 0.025 and p = 0.009, respectively). Plasma IL-17 and IL-18 concentrations were similar in the two study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Within the limits of the present study, it may be suggested that an elevated salivary IL-18 level in untreated nonsmoker chronic periodontitis patients has the potential to be a biomarker for periodontal tissue destruction.
Neurophénoménologie des états et des contenus de conscience dans l’hypnose et l’analgésie hypnotique

La neurophenomenologie experientielle s'interesse aux bases neurologiques de la conscience en etablissant des paralleles entre l'experience subjective et l'activite du cerveau. Ainsi, les dimensions experientielles qui caracterisent la representation du soi et sa relation avec des objets de conscience sont mises en rapport avec le substrat neurologique. La neurologie et les neurosciences en general suggerent que les dimensions fondamentales de l'experience dependent de structures nerveuses impliquees dans la representation du corps-soi. L'hypnose est proposee comme un exemple d'etat altere de conscience caracterise par une modification la representation de soi selon plusieurs dimensions experientielles. Ces modifications s'accompagnent de changements dans l'activite du cerveau dans plusieurs structures impliquees dans la representation du corps et dans la regulation des contenus de conscience. L'hypnose culmine par une alteration du sol-agent qui se traduit par un sentiment d'automaticite relatif aux actes mentaux et comportementaux. Ce phenomene facilite la modification des contenus de conscience (p. ex. la douleur dans l'analgesie hypnotique) et permettrait un acces a des processus physiologiques modulateurs qui sont hors du controle volontaire.
Phase I Clinical and Pharmacological Study of 72-Hour Continuous Infusion of Etoposide in Patients with Advanced Cancer 1

Etoposide (VP-16) is a semisynthetic epipodophyllotoxin that exhibits cell cycle phase specific cytotoxicity and enhanced effectiveness with increasing duration of drug exposure. We have therefore conducted a Phase I trial to determine the side effects, tolerable doses, and pharmacokinetic parameters of VP-16 given by continuous i.v. infusion to patients with advanced cancer. Eighteen patients were treated with varying dos ages of VP-16 infused continuously for 72 consecutive hours every 28 days. Using this schedule, the maximally tolerated dosage of VP-16 was 150 mg/m2/day for patients with good performance status and 125 mg/ m2/day for more debilitated cancer patients. Hematological toxicity was dose limiting with median granulocyte and platelet nadirs of 700/mm' and 116,000/111 m\ respectively, at a dose of 150 mg/m2/day. Other toxicities included only mild nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. Plasma and urine VP-16 concentrations were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography assay. At a VP-16 dosage of 150 mg/m2/day, steady-state VP-16 concentrations were in the range of 2.1 to 7.0 Mg/ml in all patients. Further pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that the plasma clearance of VP-16 was consistently near 25 ml/min/nr (independent of dosage) and that renal clearance accounted for only 15% of VP-16 total plasma clearance. Patient age was found to be the most important factor correlating with plasma clearance of VP-16. Linear regression analysis also revealed that both the plasma VP-16 concentration at steady state and the concentration of VP-16 in plasma at 24 h from the start of the infusion correlated with hematological toxicity; no other patient charac teristics correlated with hematological toxicity. The recommended VP16 dose for Phase II trials of 72-h continuous infusion VP-16 is 150 mg/ mVday in patients with good performance status.
Caries-risk profile variations after short-term use of 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste

Abstract Objective. To assess the caries risk following 6 weeks' use of 5000 ppm F toothpaste using ‘Cariogram' software. Materials and methods. A total of 34 participants, 17 mothers and their teenage children, were enrolled in a 6-week clinical trial in which they were given 5000 ppm F toothpaste. They were followed consecutively for 6 weeks with visits that were 2 weeks apart (four in total). A clinical examination was done at baseline and salivary chair-side tests to record the buffer capacity and mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) counts were performed at each visit. Based on these data, seven caries-related variables were collected and inserted into the Cariogram software to calculate the actual chance of avoiding caries. Results. The use of 5000 ppm F toothpaste resulted in a statistically significant modification of the caries-risk profile, increasing the actual chance of avoiding caries in the future among the mothers and teenagers at each visit following baseline (p < 0.01). The changes essentially related to the salivary parameters (buffer capacity, MS and LB counts). A statistically significant linear trend was observed for MS counts (p < 0.01) and the number of subjects with a salivary concentration of MS < 103 increased at each visit. The same trend was also observed for LB and buffer capacity scores (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions. The short-term use of 5000 ppm F toothpaste is able to reduce the caries risk, which can be clearly demonstrated using ‘Cariogram' software.
Expression of c‐Jun, Jun B, Jun D and cAMP Response Element Binding Protein by Schwann Cells and their Precursors In Vivo and In Vitro

In order to identify the transcription factors that may be involved in the development and differentiation of rat Schwann cells we examined the expression of c‐Jun, Jun B, Jun D and the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in vivo and in vitro. We found that CREB was expressed at high levels throughout nerve development by both Schwann cells and their precursors. Jun family members, on the other hand, were expressed only at low levels in a few nuclei of the developing nerve. After sciatic nerve transection, however, c‐Jun levels were rapidly up‐regulated in many Schwann cells of the distal stump but CREB, Jun B and Jun D levels were not affected. When nerve contact was resumed after crush injury c‐Jun levels returned to control values. Interestingly, unlike the situation in vivo, when Schwann cells were removed from the nerve and cultured, levels of all three Jun family members were rapidly up‐regulated. This also occurred in Schwann cell precursors. In other experiments we found that Schwann cell c‐Jun, but not Jun B or Jun D, expression was down‐regulated by the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin. In addition, we show that the forskolin induced down‐regulation of c‐Jun is not necessary for Schwann cell proliferation or myelination to occur.
Susceptibility of Wild Populations of Biomphalaria spp. From Neotropical South America to Schistosoma mansoni and Interference of Zygocotyle lunata

Abstract: Populations of Biomphalaria straminea, Biomphalaria peregrina, Biomphalaria tenagophila, Biomphalaria orbignyi, and Biomphalaria oligoza from different Argentine localities were exposed to miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni EC strain, and Biomphalaria tenagophila, in addition to the SJ2 strain. Biomphalaria straminea and B. tenagophila displayed different susceptibility and compatibility (Frandsen's total cercariae production index class 0–II), whereas B. orbigny and B. oligoza were incompatible. Although B. peregrina and B. tenagophila were found naturally infected with the amphistome Zygocotyle lunata, all 5 species could be experimentally infected with Z. lunata. Exposure to Z. lunata infections with S. mansoni were obtained in natural populations of B. straminea and B. tenagophila with the EC strain (13.5–17.1% and 1.2%), respectively, and in B. tenagophila with the SJ2 strain (2.6%), 60 days postexposure [PE]), and in B. orbignyi and B. oligoza (31.1% and 26.7% 60 days PE, respectively, including single infections with S. mansoni and double infections with Z. lunata). The high susceptibility of B. orbignyi and B. oligoza is noteworthy, as these 2 species are considered resistant to S. mansoni.
High Nucleotide Polymorphism and Rapid Decay of Linkage Disequilibrium in Wild Populations of Caenorhabditis remanei

The common ancestor of the self-fertilizing nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and C. briggsae must have reproduced by obligate outcrossing, like most species in this genus. However, we have only a limited understanding about how genetic variation is patterned in such male–female (gonochoristic) Caenorhabditis species. Here, we report results from surveying nucleotide variation of six nuclear loci in a broad geographic sample of wild isolates of the gonochoristic C. remanei. We find high levels of diversity in this species, with silent-site diversity averaging 4.7%, implying an effective population size close to 1 million. Additionally, the pattern of polymorphisms reveals little evidence for population structure or deviation from neutral expectations, suggesting that the sampled C. remanei populations approximate panmixis and demographic equilibrium. Combined with the observation that linkage disequilibrium between pairs of polymorphic sites decays rapidly with distance, this suggests that C. remanei will provide an excellent system for identifying the genetic targets of natural selection from deviant patterns of polymorphism and linkage disequilibrium. The patterns revealed in this obligately outcrossing species may provide a useful model of the evolutionary circumstances in C. elegans' gonochoristic progenitor. This will be especially important if self-fertilization evolved recently in C. elegans history, because most of the evolutionary time separating C. elegans from its known relatives would have occurred in a state of obligate outcrossing.
The actors' perceptions and expectations of their roles in BIM-based collaboration

The inter-organisational collaboration with Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the hottest topics in construction sector nowadays. The implementation of BIM is a complex inter-organisational process, and the sharing of information among numerous actors from multi-disciplinary backgrounds may affect the actors’ role perception and performance. This study offers insights into the BIM roles of various actors by analysing a BIM-based project carried out by an integrated partnership across many tiers. The analysis identified inconsistencies between the actors' perceptions and their partners’ expectations of their BIM roles. Inconsistencies in BIM roles were more related to soft rather than hard (domain- or technical) skills. Mismatches were found in the architect's role, as it was deemed necessary to be more domain- and BIM-related, contrary to their perceptions. Likewise, the suppliers' role called for an enhanced BIM orientation. The paper concludes with set of suggestions for increasing the joint responsibility and supporting the multi-actor collaboration.
The Levels of Glutathione and Nitrite-Nitrate and the Expression of BCL-2 MRNA in Ovariectomized Rats Treated by Raloxifene Against Kainic Acid

The selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are compounds that activate the estrogen receptors with different estrogenic and antiestrogenic tissue-specific effects. The similar effects of SERMs on estrogen encourage the efforts in the research of neuroprotective effects of SERMs. In our study, the potential neuroprotective effects of raloxifene were investigated on the brain cortex of ovariectomized rats after kainic acid-induced oxidative stress. To show the neuroprotective effect of raloxifene against a neurodegenerative agent, kainic acid, expression of Bcl-2, total glutathione (GSH), and nitrite-nitrate levels were investigated in the rat brain cortex. Our results demostrate that raloxifene treatment against oxidative stress significantly increases the expression of Bcl-2 and the level of GSH in the brain cortex.
Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of CMOS-SAW Sensors

Finite element modeling and performance analysis of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices that are developed in CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology are presented. CMOS-SAW devices were designed, fabricated and characterized as a biosensor for breast cancer biomarker detection. A detailed 3D model with 18 CMOS layers and a structured finite element (FE) analyses methodology are laid out to extract the acoustic behavior of the substrate and the piezoelectric material of interest, zinc oxide (ZnO). A three-step analysis encompassing modal, harmonic and transient simulations is detailed. Experimental characterization results for the fabricated CMOS-SAW devices with operating frequency of 322.7 MHz show close agreement to the FE simulations with only 0.8 % deviations for operation frequency. Displacement and stress/strain maps for wave propagation are also presented. The results demonstrate that commercial FEM toolsets can provide valuable insight into understanding acousto-electric interactions and wave characteristics or can readily be used for accurate design parameter extraction through reliable pre-fabrication simulation of SAW device performance.
CIRCADIAN PERIODIC ASPECTS OF BIRTH *

An unequal distribution of births along the 24-hour scale has long been taken for granted for many mammals, domesticated animals in particular. The largest body of information on the timing as t o certain clock hours of those events terminating pregnancy has been collected for human populations. From the available data we shall show evidence supporting the occurrence of a distinct circadian rhythm in the incidence of birth and, probably, also in the processess leading thereto.
Prophylactic Treatment with a G Glycoprotein Monoclonal Antibody Reduces Pulmonary Inflammation in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Challenged Naïve and Formalin-Inactivated RSV-Immunized BALB/c Mice

ABSTRACT We examined whether prophylactically administered anti-respiratory syncytial virus (anti-RSV) G monoclonal antibody (MAb) would decrease the pulmonary inflammation associated with primary RSV infection and formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV)-enhanced disease in mice. MAb 131-2G administration 1 day prior to primary infection reduced the pulmonary inflammatory response and the level of RSV replication. Further, intact or F(ab′)2 forms of MAb 131-2G administered 1 day prior to infection in FI-RSV-vaccinated mice reduced enhanced inflammation and disease. This study shows that an anti-RSV G protein MAb might provide prophylaxis against both primary infection and FI-RSV-associated enhanced disease. It is possible that antibodies with similar reactivities might prevent enhanced disease and improve the safety of nonlive virus vaccines.
Accuracy of Photogrammetric UAV-Based Point Clouds under Conditions of Partially-Open Forest Canopy

This study focuses on the horizontal and vertical accuracy of point-clouds based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional unmanned aerial vehicle and Agisoft PhotoScan Professional software were used for the evaluation. Three test sites with differing conditions (canopy openness, slope, terrain complexity, etc.) were used for comparison. The accuracy evaluation was aimed on positions of points placed on the ground. This is often disregarded under forest conditions as it is not possible to photogrammetrically reconstruct terrain that is covered by a fully-closed forest canopy. Therefore, such a measurement can only be conducted when there are gaps in the canopy or under leaf-off conditions in the case of deciduous forests. The reported sub-decimetre horizontal accuracy and vertical accuracy lower than 20 cm have proven that the method is applicable for survey, inventory, and various other tasks in forests. An analysis of ground control point (GCP) quantity and configuration showed that the quantity had only a minor effect on the accuracy in cases of plots with ~1-hectare area when using the aforementioned software. Therefore, methods increasing quality (precision, accuracy) of GCP positions should be preferred over the increase of quantity alone.
Rural and Appalachian Disparities in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Incidence and Access to Opioid Abuse Treatment.

OBJECTIVE Incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is increasing due to the rise in opioid use. Rural states like Kentucky have been disproportionally impacted by opioid abuse, and this study determines NAS burden nationally and in Kentucky while quantifying differences in access to care between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties. METHODS NAS rates were calculated using National (2013) and Kentucky (2008-2014) National Inpatient Sample discharge data. Births were identified using International Classification of Diseases v9 code 779.5 and live birth codes V30.x-V38.x. Counties were classified as rural, micropolitan, or metropolitan using census data. Proximity analysis was conducted via mapping from ZIP code centroid to nearest opioid treatment facility. Distance to treatment facilities was calculated and then compared using nonparametric testing for counties by rural and Appalachian status. RESULTS NAS cases tripled from 2008 to 2014 in Kentucky counties, with a 2013 NAS rate more than double the national NAS rate. Rural and Appalachian counties experienced an NAS increase per 1,000 births that was 2-2.5 times higher than urban/non-Appalachian counties, with a greater number of NAS births overall in Appalachian counties. All opioid treatment facility types were further from rural patients than micropolitan/metropolitan patients (P < .001), as well as further for Appalachians versus non-Appalachians (P < .001, all facility types). CONCLUSIONS NAS burden disparately affects rural and Appalachian Kentucky counties, while treatment options are disproportionately further away for these residents. Policy efforts to increase NAS prevention and encourage opioid abuse treatment uptake in pregnant women should address rural and Appalachian disparities.