Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Screening for drugs in oral fluid: Illicit drug use and drug driving in a sample of metropolitan versus regional Queensland motorists

Police services in a number of Australian states and overseas jurisdictions have begun to implement or consider random road-side drug testing of drivers. This paper outlines research conducted to provide an estimate of the prevalence of drug driving in a sample of Queensland drivers in a metropolitan and regional area e.g. Brisbane and Townsville. Oral fluid samples were collected from 2381 motorists who volunteered to participate in the study after proceeding from a Random Breath Testing site (Brisbane = 1587 & Townsville = 794). Illicit substances were screened using the Cozart RapiScan oral fluid drug test device and included cannabis (delta 9 tetrahydrocannibinol [THC]), amphetamines, ecstasy, and cocaine. Drivers also completed a self-report questionnaire regarding their drug driving behaviour. Overall, 3.8% of the sample (n = 92) screened positive for at least one illicit substance, although multiple drugs were identified in a sample of 19 participants. The most common drugs detected in oral fluid were ecstasy (n = 51), cannabis (n = 40), followed by amphetamines (n = 20). A key finding was that cannabis was confirmed as the most common self-reported drug combined with driving and that individuals who tested positive to any drug through oral fluid analysis were also more likely to report the highest frequency of drug driving. Furthermore, a comparison between the two areas revealed drug driving detections rates were comparatively similar. This research provides evidence that drug driving is relatively prevalent on Queensland roads and may in fact be more common than drink driving.
Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase and serum cholesterol esterification in obstructive jaundice.

Abstract Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), an enzyme produced by the liver, catalyzes the intravascular formation of cholesterol esters from free cholesterol. Impaired LCAT activity may be largely responsible for the low ratio of esterified-to-free serum cholesterol found in patients with parenchymal liver disease, but whether this is also the case in obstructive jaundice remains uncertain. To clarify this point we studied 8 patients with biliary obstruction and 8 normal subjects. Cholesterol esterifying activity of serum was determined in vitro both by a radioisotopic LCAT assay and by a colorimetric method. Despite having an abnormally low ratio of of esterified-to-free serum cholesterol, the patients had a higher mean serum LCAT activity than the normal subjects, 44.5 ± 15.7 S.D. as opposed to 31.0 ± 6.5 S.D. micrograms cholesterol esterified per milliliter per hour, respectively (p
SpAtiAl And temporAl pAtternS of bird SpecieS diverSity in the pAntAnAl of mAto GroSSo , brAzil : implicAtionS for conServAtion fiGUeirA

Analysis of a three-year bird survey in the pantanal of poconé revealed that most of the resident and seasonal birds are habitat generalists, using two or more habitats. in this study, previously sampled habitats were ranked in relation to species richness and stability (as measured by the ratio of seasonal to resident species). in all, nine habitats were grouped into three categories; results are as follows: 1) forests: more species-rich and more stable; 2) cerrado: intermediate levels; and 3) aquatic: less species-rich and less stable. the number of seasonal species remained relatively constant in forests throughout the year, while increasing in the other habitats during the dry season. the abundance of resident species seems to be related to species use of multiple habitats. Although many species were found to be habitat generalists, we discuss possible consequences of habitat loss and other human impacts on efforts to conserve this important bird community.
A study in vivo of the effects of a static compressive load on the proximal tibial physis in rabbits.

BACKGROUND The effect of compression on the physis is generally defined by the Hueter-Volkmann principle, in which decreased linear growth of the physis results from increased compression. This investigation examined whether mechanically induced compression of rabbit physes causes changes in gene expression, cells, and extracellular components that promote physeal resilience and strength (type-II collagen and aggrecan) and cartilage hypertrophy (type-X collagen and matrix metalloprotease-13). METHODS Static compressive loads (10 N or 30 N) were applied for two or six weeks across one hind limb proximal tibial physis of thirteen-week-old female New Zealand White rabbits (n = 18). The contralateral hind limb in all rabbits underwent sham surgery with no load to serve as an internal control. Harvested physes were divided into portions for histological, immunohistochemical, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Gene expression was statistically analyzed by means of comparisons between loaded samples and unloaded shams with use of analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS Compared with unloaded shams, physes loaded at 10 N or 30 N for two weeks and at 10 N for six weeks showed histological changes in cells and matrices. Physes loaded at 30 N for six weeks were decreased in thickness and had structurally disorganized chondrocyte columns, a decreased extracellular matrix, and less intense type-II and X collagen immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of loaded samples compared with unloaded shams yielded a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased gene expression of aggrecan and type-II and X collagen and no significant (p > 0.05) changes in the matrix metalloprotease-13 gene expression with increasing load. CONCLUSIONS Compressed rabbit physes generate biochemical changes in collagens, proteoglycan, and cellular and tissue matrix architecture. Changes potentially weaken overall physeal strength, consistent with the Hueter-Volkmann principle, and lend understanding of the causes of pathological conditions of the physis.
The incidence of corneal abnormalities in the Silicone Study. Silicone Study Report 7.

OBJECTIVE To determine factors that were prognostic of corneal abnormalities in eyes following surgery for severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy. DESIGN Subgroup analysis of the Silicone Study. SETTINGS Community and university-based ophthalmology clinics. MATERIALS Eyes with attached maculae at the 24-month follow-up examination that did not have a pre-existing corneal abnormality. INTERVENTIONS Vitrectomy surgery with long-acting gas or silicone oil. OUTCOME MEASURES Epithelial and/or stromal edema, corneal opacity and/or previous corneal transplant. RESULTS The incidence of corneal abnormalities at 24 months was 27% and did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Prognostic factors were preoperative aphakia or pseudophakia (P = .003), preoperative iris neovascularization (P = .006), reoperation (P = .001), the absence of a fluid/gas exchange (P = .03), corneal touch by silicone oil (P = .02), and the presence of aqueous cells (P = .009) or aqueous flare (P = .08). In a multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors were iris neovascularization (relative risk [RR] = 13.1), aphakia or pseudophakia (RR = 3.0), postoperative aqueous flare (RR = 5.4), and reoperations (RR = 3.4). Corneal abnormalities were correlated with poor visual acuity and hypotony (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to document that the incidence rates of corneal abnormalities are equivalent between oil and gas. The incidence of corneal abnormalities in gas-filled eyes was higher than expected, and remained high in oil-filled eyes, despite the use of an inferior iridectomy. Successful surgical repair of the retinal detachment with a single operation, and prevention and early management of corneal touch by silicone oil should help to prevent corneal abnormalities. If rubeosis iridis or severe aqueous flare is present, preoperative treatment with intense topical and possibly periocular steroids might reduce inflammation, which might mediate corneal damage.
Emergency Response to Mass Casualty Incidents in Lebanon

Abstract The emergency response to mass casualty incidents in Lebanon lacks uniformity. Three recent large-scale incidents have challenged the existing emergency response process and have raised the need to improve and develop incident management for better resilience in times of crisis. We describe some simple emergency management principles that are currently applied in the United States. These principles can be easily adopted by Lebanon and other developing countries to standardize and improve their emergency response systems using existing infrastructure. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–6)
Pectinases partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems: an integration of the systems poly(ethylene glycol)/crude dextran and poly(ethylene glycol)/ammonium sulphate

The partitioning of pectinases in the poly(ethylene glucol)4000/ammo- nium sulpohate system was studied and also its application for enzymes extraction from the top phase of the poly(ethylene glucol)4000/crude dextran system. Almost complete one-sided partition of endo-pectinase and exo-pectinase to the bottom phase of the polymer/salt system was achieved at a tie-line length of 37.16 %. The concentration factors were 1.73 and 3.25, respectively. The highest total endo- and exo-pectinase yields (72.41 % and 69.46 %, respectively) were obtained by integra- tion of the polymer/polymer system at a tie-line of 8.61 % and a high phase volume ratio and the polymer/salt system at a tie-line of 30.23 % and a low phase volume ra- tio. Integration of the partitioning at a high tie-line length in the polymer/polimer and a low tie-line length in the polymer/salt system resulted in a total concentration factor of 1.5 and a purification of 1.66 fold for exo-pectinase. The addition of phos- phate to this integrated system improved the total concentration factor and purifica- tion fold of the activity to 1.73 and 2.14, respectively.
The RNA Polymerase of Marine Cyanophage Syn5*

Background: Cyanophages are dominant viruses in the ocean while little has been known on their nucleic acid metabolism. Results: The RNA polymerase of cyanophage Syn5 has been purified and characterized and the Syn5 promoters identified. Conclusion: The Syn5 RNA polymerase and promoters have unique and ocean-adapted features. Significance: The first characterized single-subunit RNA polymerase from marine organisms. A single subunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase was identified and purified to apparent homogeneity from cyanophage Syn5 that infects the marine cyanobacteria Synechococcus. Syn5 is homologous to bacteriophage T7 that infects Escherichia coli. Using the purified enzyme its promoter has been identified by examining transcription of segments of Syn5 DNA and sequencing the 5′-termini of the transcripts. Only two Syn5 RNAP promoters, having the sequence 5′-ATTGGGCACCCGTAA-3′, are found within the Syn5 genome. One promoter is located within the Syn5 RNA polymerase gene and the other is located close to the right genetic end of the genome. The purified enzyme and its promoter have enabled a determination of the requirements for transcription. Unlike the salt-sensitive bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase, this marine RNA polymerase requires 160 mm potassium for maximal activity. The optimal temperature for Syn5 RNA polymerase is 24 °C, much lower than that for T7 RNA polymerase. Magnesium is required as a cofactor although some activity is observed with ferrous ions. Syn5 RNA polymerase is more efficient in utilizing low concentrations of ribonucleotides than T7 RNA polymerase.
Geographic Risk for Lyme Disease and Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Southern New York State

ABSTRACT Ixodes scapularis, the tick vector of Lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), is prevalent in much of southern New York state. The distribution of this species has increased, as have reported cases of both Lyme disease and HGE. The unreliability of case reports, however, demonstrates the need for tick and pathogen surveillance in order to accurately define areas of high risk. In this study, a total of 89,550 m2 at 34 study sites was drag sampled in 1995 and a total of 51,540 m2 at 40 sites was sampled in 1996 to determine tick and pathogen distribution in southern New York state. I. scapularis was collected from 90% of the sites sampled, and regionally, a 2.5-fold increase in nymphal abundance occurred from 1995 to 1996. I. scapularisindividuals from all sites were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi in 1995, while an examination of ticks for bothB. burgdorferi and the agent of HGE in 1996 confirmed that these organisms were present in all counties; the average coinfection rate was 1.9%. No correlation was found between estimated risk and reported cases of Lyme disease. The geographic disparity of risk observed among sites in this study underscores the need for vector and pathogen surveillance on a regional level. An entomologic risk index can help identify sites for targeted tick control efforts.
The lack of histological changes of CDMA cellular phone‐based radio frequency on rat testis

We examined the histological changes by radiofrequency (RF) fields on rat testis, specifically with respect to sensitive processes such as spermatogenesis. Male rats were exposed to 848.5 MHz RF for 12 weeks. The RF exposure schedule consisted of two 45‐min RF exposure periods, separated by a 15‐min interval. The whole‐body average specific absorption rate (SAR) of RF was 2.0 W/kg. We then investigated correlates of testicular function such as sperm counts in the cauda epididymis, malondialdehyde concentrations in the testes and epididymis, frequency of spermatogenesis stages, germ cell counts, and appearance of apoptotic cells in the testes. We also performed p53, bcl‐2, caspase 3, p21, and PARP immunoblotting of the testes in sham‐ and RF‐exposed animals. Based on these results, we concluded that subchronic exposure to 848.5 MHz with 2.0 W/kg SAR RF did not have any observable adverse effects on rat spermatogenesis. Bioelectromagnetics 31:528–534, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Socioeconomic Status and Race Outperform Concussion History and Sport Participation in Predicting Collegiate Athlete Baseline Neurocognitive Scores

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of socioeconomic status (SES) and other multivariate predictors to baseline neurocognitive functioning in collegiate athletes. Methods: Data were obtained from the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) baseline assessments for 403 University of Florida student-athletes (202 males; age range: 18–23) from the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 seasons were analyzed. ImPACT composite scores were consolidated into one memory and one speed composite score. Hierarchical linear regressions were used for analyses. Results: In the overall sample, history of learning disability (β=−0.164; p=.001) and attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (β=−0.102; p=.038) significantly predicted worse memory and speed performance, respectively. Older age predicted better speed performance (β=.176; p<.001). Black/African American race predicted worse memory (β=−0.113; p=.026) and speed performance (β=−.242; p<.001). In football players, higher maternal SES predicted better memory performance (β=0.308; p=.007); older age predicted better speed performance (β=0.346; p=.001); while Black/African American race predicted worse speed performance (β=−0.397; p<.001). Conclusions: Baseline memory and speed scores are significantly influenced by history of neurodevelopmental disorder, age, and race. In football players, specifically, maternal SES independently predicted baseline memory scores, but concussion history and years exposed to sport were not predictive. SES, race, and medical history beyond exposure to brain injury or subclinical brain trauma are important factors when interpreting variability in cognitive scores among collegiate athletes. Additionally, sport-specific differences in the proportional representation of various demographic variables (e.g., SES and race) may also be an important consideration within the broader biopsychosocial attributional model. (JINS, 2018, 24, 1–10)
MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF A FLUIDIZED BED CATALYTIC CRACKER UNIT TO MINIMIZE CO 2 EMISSIONS

Fluidized bed catalytic cracker (FCC) is one of the major CO2 emitters in oil refineries due to the large amount of CO 2 produced from the catalyst regenerating system. Minimizing the CO2 emissions from FCC has direct impacts on many othe r economical and operational objectives such as total profit, to tal conversion, and product yields. In order to investigate the trade-off between the CO 2 emissions and other conflicting objectives, this paper presents the results of a mu lti-objective optimization (MOO) of a rigorous model of the FCC unit. The FCC model inclu des, in addition to the reactor/regenerator section, the feed preheat train , main fractionator and flue gas heat and power recovery sections. A binary coded elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) has been used to generate a set of optimal non-dominated solutions (Pareto front). The pinch analysis repres ented by the Grand Composite Curve (GCC) has been integrated with the FCC model to min imize the external hot utilities required by maximizing the energy recovery in the F CC unit. The resulted optimal solutions in terms of Pareto curves for the FCC mod el are presented and their significant features are discussed. Implementing th e multi-objective optimization to the FCC unit provides important physical insights into the decision making process regarding economic targets and associated emissions limit .
Patients With Femoral Neck and Intertrochanteric Fractures: Are They the Same?

A prospective analysis was performed involving 680 geriatric patients with hip fractures to determine whether the demographic profile of patients with femoral neck fractures was similar to that of patients with intertrochanteric fractures. All patients were community dwelling, cognitively intact, previously ambulatory elderly with femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture. Three hundred fifty-eight patients (52.6%) sustained a femoral neck fracture; 322 (47.4%), an intertrochanteric fracture. Patients with an intertrochanteric fracture were significantly older, more likely to be limited to home ambulation, and were more dependent regarding basic and instrumental activities of daily living. After stratification by gender and adjustment for age, these differences remained significant in women only. There were no differences in age, prefracture ambulatory ability, or dependence in activities of daily living in men with either type of fracture.
Valuing Evidence: Bias and the Evidence Hierarchy of Evidence-Based Medicine

Proponents of evidence-based medicine (EBM) suggest that a hierarchy of evidence is needed to guide medical research and practice. Given a variety of possible evidence hierarchies, however, the particular version offered by EBM needs to be justified. This article argues that two familiar justifications offered for the EBM hierarchy of evidence—that the hierarchy provides special access to causes, and that evidence derived from research methods ranked higher on the hierarchy is less biased than evidence ranked lower—both fail, and that this indicates that we are not epistemically justified in using the EBM hierarchy of evidence as a guide to medical research and practice. Following this critique, the article considers the extent to which biases influence medical research and whether meta-analyses might rescue research from the influence of bias. The article concludes with a discussion of the nature and role of biases in medical research and suggests that medical researchers should pay closer attention to social mechanisms for managing pervasive biases.
Growth Hormone Preferentially Induces the Rapid, Transient Expression of SOCS-3, a Novel Inhibitor of Cytokine Receptor Signaling*

Four members (SOCS-1, SOCS-2, SOCS-3, and CIS) of a family of cytokine-inducible, negative regulators of cytokine receptor signaling have recently been identified. To address whether any of these genes are induced in response to growth hormone (GH), serum-starved 3T3-F442A fibroblasts were incubated with GH for various time points, and the expression of the SOCS gene family was analyzed by Northern blotting. GH stimulated the rapid, transient induction ofSOCS-3 mRNA, peaking 30 min after the initiation of GH exposure and declining to basal levels by 2 h. Expression of the other SOCS genes (SOCS-1, SOCS-2,CIS) was also up-regulated by GH, although to a lesser extent than SOCS-3 and with differing kinetics.SOCS-3 expression was also strongly induced in 3T3-F442A cells treated with leukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF), with weaker induction of SOCS-1 and CIS being observed. The preferential induction of SOCS-3 mRNA was also observed in hepatic RNA isolated from the livers of mice that had received a single supraphysiological dose of GH intraperitoneally. Co-transfection studies revealed that constitutive expression of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3, but not SOCS-2 or CIS, blocked GH-induced transactivation of the GH-responsive serine protease inhibitor 2.1 gene promoter.
Regulation of epididymal epithelial cell functions.

It is well established that the epididymis is the site where spermatozoa are matured and stored, but our understanding of the regulation of epididymal epithelium functions and their effects on spermatozoa is still fairly limited. The most active regulator of epididymal functions seems to be dihydrotestosterone, the 5 alpha-reduced metabolite of testosterone. Our laboratory has focused on the regulation of 5 alpha-reductase, with studies encompassing its messenger RNA, protein and enzyme activity. We have also investigated the hormonal regulation and distribution of other specific key proteins found in epididymal epithelial cells that play critical roles in the function of these cells. These proteins include clusterin or sulfated glycoprotein-2 and the glutathione S-transferases (GST). Using complementary experimental approaches, including orchidectomy and hormonal replacement, efferent duct ligation, and developmental studies, we have established that 5 alpha-reductase enzyme activity is present in both nuclear and microsomal fractions; the nuclear enzyme appears almost exclusively in the initial segment of the epididymis. In addition, 5 alpha-reductase activity and the mRNAs for both the type 1 and type 2 form of the enzyme are regulated differentially with respect to age and site within the epididymis. Immunolocalization of the protein has revealed that it is located in principal cells and that its subcellular location is dependent on the region of the epididymis. These results indicate that there is both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the expression of 5 alpha-reductase. Clusterin is a hydrophobic protein secreted by Sertoli cells and found in high concentration in the epididymis. This glycoprotein is expressed at its highest levels in the initial segment and caput epididymidis and at very low levels in the corpus and cauda epididymidis of the intact rat, and it exhibits a novel pattern of androgen regulation. In the areas of highest expression, there is no androgen dependence; however, orchidectomy causes a dramatic increase in the message for clusterin, which is suppressible by androgens in the segments where expression is normally lowest. The GSTs are a family of enzymes thought to play a key role in detoxification. Members of the GST family are expressed in a region-dependent manner along the rat epididymis. We have found that the localization of one member of this enzyme family, GST P, or subunit Yp, is selective for basal cells in the corpus and cauda epididymidis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)