Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Persistently Variable “Background” Stratospheric Aerosol Layer and Global Climate Change

An increase in the amount of aerosols in the stratosphere during the past decade has decreased the rate of global warming. Recent measurements demonstrate that the “background” stratospheric aerosol layer is persistently variable rather than constant, even in the absence of major volcanic eruptions. Several independent data sets show that stratospheric aerosols have increased in abundance since 2000. Near-global satellite aerosol data imply a negative radiative forcing due to stratospheric aerosol changes over this period of about –0.1 watt per square meter, reducing the recent global warming that would otherwise have occurred. Observations from earlier periods are limited but suggest an additional negative radiative forcing of about –0.1 watt per square meter from 1960 to 1990. Climate model projections neglecting these changes would continue to overestimate the radiative forcing and global warming in coming decades if these aerosols remain present at current values or increase.
Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Stunting Among Children Aged Below Five Years in Bangladesh

Background: Poor nutrition during childhood impedes physical and mental development of children, which propagate the vicious cycle of intergenerational under nutrition. This paper is aimed at understanding the determinants of stunting among children aged 0 to 59 months in Bangladesh. Methods: The study used Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 data and a multistage stratified cluster-sampling design. Anthropometric data (for height and weight) were collected and analysis was limited to 7647 children. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of stunting with potential socioeconomic and demographic factors. Results: The prevalence of stunting has been found to be about 41% among children aged less than 60 months and higher in rural setting than in urban areas (43% vs 36%). Adjusted model revealed that several factors were influencing stunting. The children living in moderately food-insecure households had higher odds of becoming stunted (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.54, P = .01) compared to the children living in food-secure households. The derived ORs of stunting for children delivered at institutions facilitated particularly by public (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.96; P = .02) or private (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-0.97; P = .02) sectors were less than for children delivered at home. Similarly, wealth index, exposure of mother to the mass media, age of child, size of child at birth, and parents’ education were significantly associated with stunting. Conclusions: Moreover, the demographic characteristics and other indicators appeared to have significant influence in the prevalence of stunting. Public health programs are needed to avert the risk factors of stunting among children in Bangladesh.
Reactive oxygen species mediate Terbufos‐induced apoptosis in mouse testicular cell lines via the modulation of cell cycle and pro‐apoptotic proteins

Terbufos (S‐t‐butylthiomethyl‐O,O‐diethyl phosphorodithioate) is a highly toxic organophosphate which is extensively used as an insecticide and nematicide. Chronic exposure to terbufos causes neuronal injury and predisposes to neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence has shown that the exposure to terbufos, as an occupational risk factor, may also cause reproductive disorders. However, the exact mechanisms of reproductive toxicity remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of terbufos on testicular cells and to explore the mechanism of toxicity on a cellular level. The cytotoxic effects of terbufos on mouse immortalized spermatogonia (GC‐1), spermatocytes (GC‐2), Leydig (TM3), and Sertoli (TM4) cell lines were assessed by MTT assays, caspase activation, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, Western blot, and cell cycle analysis. The exposure to different concentrations of terbufos ranging from 50 to 800 μM for 6 h caused significant death in all the used testicular cell lines. Terbufos increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and initiated apoptosis, which was confirmed by a dose‐dependent increase in the number of TUNEL‐positive apoptotic cells. Blocking ROS production by N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) protected GC‐1 cells from terbufos‐induced cell death. The results demonstrated that terbufos induces ROS, apoptosis, and DNA damage in testicular cell lines and it should be considered potentially hazardous to testis. Together, this study provided potential molecular mechanisms of terbufos‐induced toxicity in testicular cells and suggests a possible protective measure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1888–1898, 2016.
Turning the Tide Against HIV

Potentially beneficial combinations of prevention options need innovative trials to assess multiple tools against a common control. Although the annual number of new HIV infections (incidence) declined from a peak of 3.5 million in 1996 to 2.6 million in 2009, the total number living with HIV continues to rise as more people live longer. While 6.6 million people with HIV are now on antiretroviral treatment (ART), 9 million are waiting to receive it, with two people newly infected for every person starting ART (1). Twenty million more people are predicted to acquire HIV by 2031, which will increase treatment costs up to $35 billion a year (2). This raises issues of sustainability. Thus, reducing HIV incidence is critical to keeping alive the promise of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
Oncocytic Adrenocortical Tumors

Oncocytic tumors of the adrenal cortex are very uncommon. Arriving at the correct diagnosis is important and the use of mES-13 immunohistochemical testing or ultrastructural analysis can support their recognition. However, once the diagnosis is established, trying to predict their biologic behavior is even more important. The Weiss system, considered to be predictive of the biologic behavior of conventional (nononcocytic) adrenocortical tumors, has been recently reviewed in the context of its possible application to the oncocytic tumor variant, along with the introduction of the size and weight parameter. Definitional criteria (mainly cells with eosinophilic and granular cytoplasm, high nuclear grade, diffuse architectural pattern) common to all types of oncocytic tumors are outlined, and proposed major criteria (high mitotic rate, atypical mitoses, venous invasion) and minor criteria (large size and huge weight, necrosis, capsular invasion, sinusoidal invasion) for distinguishing malignant tumors are discussed. As a starting point for this discussion, a case of uncertain malignant potential is presented. The authors’ proposed working rules for diagnostic categorization of such tumors are defined, with the presence of 1 major criterion indicating malignancy, 1 to 4 minor criteria indicating uncertain malignant potential (borderline), and the absence of all major and minor criteria indicative of benignancy.
Global Human Capital: Integrating Education and Population

Almost universally, women with higher levels of education have fewer children. Better education is associated with lower mortality, better health, and different migration patterns. Hence, the global population outlook depends greatly on further progress in education, particularly of young women. By 2050, the highest and lowest education scenarios—assuming identical education-specific fertility rates—result in world population sizes of 8.9 and 10.0 billion, respectively. Better education also matters for human development, including health, economic growth, and democracy. Existing methods of multi-state demography can quantitatively integrate education into standard demographic analysis, thus adding the “quality” dimension.
Performance-functional based controller design for a mobile manipulator

Mobile manipulators with more than 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) provide a large working space with high end effector dynamics. The paper shows how mobile manipulators consisting of a normal robot arm on a wheeled mobile base can be controlled. The coordination of movements of the robot and the base is determined by using a direct task-space control. The task vector is augmented by the redundant DOF's of the base, so that the external and internal motions of the manipulator can be determined by means of optimal control theory. The reference values of the augmented coordinates are derived from the end effector references. This is done by optimizing robot arm kinematics under the dynamic conditions of the base. Furthermore, it is shown how not task-determined end effector DOF's can be used to improve the dynamic characteristics of the remaining DOF's. As an example, the proposed controller design is used to coordinate the movements of a mobile manipulator with nine DOF's and nonholonomic constraints. <<ETX>>
Thermal Conductivity of Cu-Cr-Zr-Ti Alloy in the Temperature Range of 300-873K

In the present investigation, thermal conductivity of Cu-Cr-Zr-Ti alloy was determined as the product of the specific heat (Cp), thermal diffusivity (α), and density (ρ) in the temperature range of 300‐873K. The experimental results showed that the thermal conductivity of the alloy increased with increase in temperature up to 873K and the data was accurately modeled by a linear equation. For comparison, thermal conductivity was also evaluated for OFHC copper in the same temperature range. The results obtained were discussed using electrical conductivity and hardness measurements made at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was done to understand the microstructural changes occurring in the sample after the test. Wiedemann-Franz-Lorenz law was employed for calculating electronic and phonon thermal conductivity using electrical conductivity. On the basis of studies conducted it was deduced that in situ aging may be one of the reasons for the increase in thermal conductivity with temperature for Cu-Cr-Zr-Ti alloy.
Alcohol and Breast Cancer Incidence and Outcome: A Minireview of Literature

There is strong epidemiological evidence, based on 15 prospective studies, 10 meta-analyses, and 5 systematic reviews involving more than 2.2 million patients, that alcohol consumption is a con- tributing factor for the development of breast cancer. The evidence regarding the effect of alcohol consumption on breast cancer outcome needs to be gathered in order to draw firm conclusions regarding alcohol consumption after breast cancer diagnosis. In this article, we aim to review the current literature regarding recurrence and all-cause and BC cause mortality and identify postu- lated. We would make suggestions for future research.
Involvement of EGF receptor signaling and NLRP12 inflammasome in fine particulate matter‐induced lung inflammation in mice

Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with respiratory diseases. Lung inflammation is a central feature of many pulmonary diseases, which can be induced by PM2.5 exposure. However, the mechanisms underlying PM2.5‐induced lung inflammation remain unclear. To characterize the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inflammasome in PM2.5‐induced lung inflammation in mice, 30 BALB/c mice were intrabroncheally instilled with saline and PM2.5 suspension (4.0 mg/kg b.w.) for 5 consecutive days, respectively. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was conducted and BAL fluid (BALF) was collected. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), epidermal growth factor (EGF), CXCL1, interleukin (IL)−1β, and IL‐18 in BALF were determined using ELISA. mRNA levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐18, CXCL1, IL‐10, NLRP3, Caspase‐1, and NLRP12 in lung tissues were determined by RT‐PCR. Phospho‐EGFR (Tyr1068) and phospho‐Akt (Thr308) in lung tissues were examined using immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting, respectively. Protein levels of Caspase‐1, NLRP3, NF‐κB‐p52/p100, and NF‐κB‐p65 in bronchial epithelium were examined using immunohistochemical staining. It was shown that PM2.5 exposure induced lung inflammation. Levels of total protein, ROS, iNOS, EGF, and CXCL1 and cell number in the BALF of mice exposed to PM2.5 were markedly elevated relative to the control. mRNA levels of CXCL1, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in lung tissues of PM2.5‐exposed mice were increased in comparison with the control. However, level of NLRP12 mRNA in lung tissues of PM2.5‐exposed mice was reduced. Phospho‐EGFR (Tyr1068) and phospho‐Akt (Thr308) levels in the lungs of PM2.5‐instilled mice were higher than those in the lungs of the control. The protein levels of NF‐κB‐p52/p100 and NF‐κB‐p65 in bronchial epithelium of PM2.5‐exposed mice were also increased compared with the control. This study suggests that EGF‐EGFR‐Akt‐NF‐κB signaling and NLRP12 inflammasome may be associated with PM2.5‐induced lung inflammation in mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1121–1134, 2017.
Oxidative stresses‐mediated apoptotic effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on pre‐ and post‐implantation mouse embryos in vitro and in vivo

Ginsenoside Rb1, the major saponin component of ginseng root, has a wide range of therapeutic application. Previous studies have established that ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits the cell cycle and induces apoptosis. However, its side‐effects, particularly those on embryonic development, have not been well characterized to date. In the current study, we examined whether ginsenoside Rb1 exerts a cytotoxic effect on mouse embryos at the blastocyst stage, and affects subsequent embryonic development in vitro and in vivo. Blastocysts treated with 25–100 μg mL−1 ginsenoside Rb1 exhibited significantly increased apoptosis and a corresponding decrease in total cell number. Notably, the implantation success rate of blastocysts pretreated with ginsenoside Rb1 was lower than that of their control counterparts. Moreover, in vitro treatment with 25–100 μg mL−1 ginsenoside Rb1 was associated with increased resorption of post‐implantation embryos and decreased fetal weight. In an in vivo model, intravenous injection with ginsenoside Rb1 (1, 3, 5 mg kg−1 body weight/day) for 4 days resulted in apoptosis of blastocyst stage embryos and early embryonic developmental injury. In addition, ginsenoside Rb1 appeared to induce injury in mouse blastocysts through oxidative stresses‐triggered intrinsic apoptotic signaling processes to impair sequent embryonic development. The collective results strongly indicate that ginsenoside Rb1 induces apoptosis and retards early pre‐ and post‐implantation development of mouse embryos, both in vitro and in vivo. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1990–2003, 2017.
The Hypoglycaemia Effect of Telfaria occidentalis Aqueous Leaf Extract in Rats

The effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Telfaria occidentalis (TO) on blood glucose was determined in normal control as well as streptozotocin-treated hypoglycaemic wistar rats. Blood glucose levels were determined using the Merck urinary glucose stick test and the Sigma o-toluidine glucose test. TO produced a gradual but significant reduction in blood glucose in streptozotocin treated hyperglycaemic rats over a period of eight days compared to the normoglycaemic or chlorpropamide treated controls. It is concluded that the leaves of the plant may have a beneficial effect in diabetes mellitus. Key words: Telfaria occidentalis, hypoglycaemic effect, rats. Resume Les effets des extrat acqueses des feuilles de Telfaria (TO) sur le taux sanguing de glucose des souris male Wistar de controles et des streptozotocin hyperglycemique-indiute ont ete examines. Les taux de glucose sanguing ont ete dertermine utilisant. Merck urinary glucose stick et le Sigma o-toluidine glucose test. TO a produit une reduction graduelle mais significante du taux sanging de glucose compare aux souris de controles ou sous Chlopropamide pendans une periode de huit jours. Il est conclue que TO qui est un legume commun au Nigeria peut avoir un effet benefique chez les diabetique. Mot cles : Telfaria occidentalis, hypoglycemie, souris West African Jnl of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol.18 2002: 14-16
Second Opinion System for Emergency Cardiology in Brazil

Availability of low cost Internet connections and specialized hardware, like webcams and headsets, makes it possible to develop solutions for remote collaborative work. These solutions can be advantageous compared to face meetings for several reasons: they allow real-time presence of experts on remote locations without the cost of displacement, discussions can be recorded for educative and legal reasons, it is possible to create online didactic material (e.g. video-classes), technology also permits richer ways of interaction between participants. The Heart Institute of São Paulo with the support of the Brazilian Health Ministry have developed and implemented a second opinion pilot system for emergency cases in cardiology in the metropolitan area of São Paulo on two remote locations. The pilot project will be extended to comprise two hundred points across the country. In this paper we present the results of the project so far.
Drosophila Sex lethal Gene Initiates Female Development in Germline Progenitors

Primordial germ cells are directed toward oogenesis even before they migrate to the gonads of the fruit fly. Sex determination in the Drosophila germ line is regulated by both the sex of the surrounding soma and cell-autonomous cues. How primordial germ cells (PGCs) initiate sexual development via cell-autonomous mechanisms is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that, in Drosophila, the Sex lethal (Sxl) gene acts autonomously in PGCs to induce female development. Sxl is transiently expressed in PGCs during their migration to the gonads; this expression, which was detected only in XX PGCs, is necessary for PGCs to assume a female fate. Ectopic expression of Sxl in XY PGCs was sufficient to induce them to enter oogenesis and produce functional eggs when transplanted into an XX host. Our data provide powerful evidence that Sxl initiates female germline fate during sexual development.
optix Drives the Repeated Convergent Evolution of Butterfly Wing Pattern Mimicry

Heliconius butterfly wing pattern mimicry is driven by cis-regulatory variation of the optix gene. Mimicry—whereby warning signals in different species evolve to look similar—has long served as a paradigm of convergent evolution. Little is known, however, about the genes that underlie the evolution of mimetic phenotypes or to what extent the same or different genes drive such convergence. Here, we characterize one of the major genes responsible for mimetic wing pattern evolution in Heliconius butterflies. Mapping, gene expression, and population genetic work all identify a single gene, optix, that controls extreme red wing pattern variation across multiple species of Heliconius. Our results show that the cis-regulatory evolution of a single transcription factor can repeatedly drive the convergent evolution of complex color patterns in distantly related species, thus blurring the distinction between convergence and homology.
Hamartoma angiomatoso écrino: um tumor doloroso

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a benign lesion usually present at birth. In most cases it presents as a flesh-colored or erythematous nodule or patch. It may or may not be associated with focal hyperhydrosis and pain. It is most commonly located in the lower extremities, near the knee or on the toes, but lesions on the face, sacral and cervical region and trunk have been described. The main differential diagnosis should be made with a glomus tumor. In general, EAH shows benign behavior, and spontaneous remission of pain has been described. Cases have been reported in which the pain led to excision and even to amputation of the affected member. The authors present a case of late onset EAH, with exuberant symptoms, which was difficult to treat.
Nectins Establish a Checkerboard-Like Cellular Pattern in the Auditory Epithelium

Interactions between adhesion molecules support the checkerboard-like patterning of cells in the cochlea. In the auditory epithelium of the cochlea, the sensory hair cells and supporting cells are arranged in a checkerboard-like fashion, but the mechanism underlying this cellular patterning is unclear. We found that mouse hair cells and supporting cells express the immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules nectin-1 and -3, respectively, and that their interaction mediates the heterotypic adhesion between these two cell types. Genetic removal of nectin-1 or -3 disrupted the checkerboard-like pattern, inducing aberrant attachment between hair cells. When cells expressing either nectin-1 or -3 were cocultured, they arranged themselves into a mosaic pattern. Thus, nectin-1 and -3 promote the formation of the checkerboard-like pattern of the auditory epithelia.
Prospective detection of open spina bifida at 11–13 weeks by assessing intracranial translucency and posterior brain

We describe a case series of six fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB) from four different prenatal units, where the anomaly was detected at the routine 11–13‐week ultrasound examination. Crown–rump length ranged from 49 to 78 mm. All cases were first suspected during nuchal translucency thickness measurement in the mid‐sagittal plane of the face. OSB was lumbosacral in five fetuses and cervical in one. The intracranial translucency (IT) was obliterated in two cases, but some fluid was found in the other four cases. However, in all cases the typical landmarks of a normal posterior brain and normal IT were absent. In all six cases the ratio of brainstem diameter to brainstem–occipital bone distance was increased (≥ 1). This detection of an abnormal posterior brain led to a targeted examination and detection of the spinal lesion during the same examination in five cases, whereas in one suspicious case the patient was recalled at 17 weeks, when the abnormality was detected. Two fetuses had both multiple anomalies and trisomy 18. These prospective cases demonstrate the feasibility of using the standard mid‐sagittal plane commonly used for NT measurement to assess the IT and the posterior brain and to determine the presence of OSB during NT screening. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal or delayed development of the posterior membranous area of the brain: anatomy, ultrasound diagnosis, natural history and outcome of Blake's pouch cyst in the fetus

To review the normal and pathological development of the posterior membranous area (PMA) in the fetal brain, to define sonographic criteria with which to diagnose a Blake's pouch cyst (BPC) in the fetus and to review the ultrasound features, associations and outcome of 19 cases of BPC seen at our center over the last 5 years.
Incontinence after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter tears is related to relative length of reconstructed external sphincter: a case–control study

To determine if anatomic primary repair with end‐to‐end reconstruction of the external anal sphincter (EAS) in its full length combined with separate repair of coexisting internal anal sphincter (IAS) tear, when present, results in less incontinence and better anal sphincter integrity compared with conventional primary end‐to‐end repair in which the IAS is not actively reconstructed.