Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Yaounde, Cameroon: Prevalence, viremia, and genotypes

Central Africa is considered to be an area of high endemic hepatitis C infection. To determine the prevalence of anti‐HCV antibodies, HCV RNA, and the genotype distribution in Cameroon, 1,494 pregnant women attending antenatal care units in Yaounde, Cameroon were screened for HCV infection. Anti‐HCV antibodies were detected with a 3rd generation ELISA (Monolisa anti‐HCV plus version 2, BioRad, Richmond, CA). All anti‐HCV antibody‐positive sera were then tested with another 3rd generation ELISA (AxSYM® HCV version 3, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) and subsequently for HCV RNA (Amplicor HCV, Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). Genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis of the NS5b gene. Seventy‐three pregnant women were found to be anti‐HCV antibody positive by the first ELISA, but only 28 were anti‐HCV positive by both ELISA. The prevalence of anti‐HCV antibodies was thus 1.9% (28/1,494) (95% CI: 1.3–2.7%). 21/28 (75%) of the positive samples by both ELISA were HCV RNA positive. The 45 samples that were HCV antibody negative by the second ELISA were also HCV RNA negative. The HCV subtypes identified were 1a (24%), 2f (38%) and 4f (38%). In contrast to previous studies, anti‐HCV antibodies were rare among pregnant women in Cameroon. The percentage of HCV seropositive pregnant women who had circulating HCV RNA was similar to that observed in Europe. Several HCV genotypes were found in Cameroon. J. Med. Virol. 69:384–390, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Clinical significance of tumor interstitial T lymphocyte subset activity in non-small-cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE To study the relation of tumor interstitial T lymphocyte subset activity to the clinical staging of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the immune response. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) (regulatory T cells, Treg) T cells was performed on paraffin-embedded tissues from 60 NSCLC cases. RESULTS Compared to stage I/II NSCLC patients, patients in stage III/IV showed a significant decrease in the percentage of CD4(+) and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells (P<0.05) and an increase in CD8(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T cells (P<0.05). Treg cells were enriched in the tumor tissue as compared with those in the adjacent tissues. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells is positively correlated to the clinical staging of NSCLC, in which T cell-mediated immune response is suppressed.
The novel 13S,14S ‐epoxy‐maresin is converted by human macrophages to maresin 1 (MaR1), inhibits leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), and shifts macrophage phenotype

Maresins are produced by macrophages from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and exert potent proresolving and tissue homeostatic actions. Maresin 1 (MaR1; 7R,14S‐dihydroxy‐docosa‐4Z,8E,10E,12Z,16Z,19Z‐hexaenoic acid) is the first identified maresin. Here, we investigate formation, stereochemistry, and precursor role of 13,14‐epoxy‐docosahexaenoic acid, an intermediate in MaR1 biosynthesis. The 14‐lipoxygenation of DHA by human macrophage 12‐lipoxygenase (hm12‐LOX) gave 14‐hydro(peroxy)‐docosahexaenoic acid (14‐HpDHA), as well as several dihydroxy‐docosahexaenoic acids, implicating an epoxide intermediate formation by this enzyme. Using a stereo‐controlled synthesis, enantiomerically pure 13S,14S‐epoxy‐docosa‐4Z,7Z,9E,11E,16Z,19Z‐hexaenoic acid (13S,14S‐epoxy‐DHA) was prepared, and its stereochemistry was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. When this 13S,14S‐epoxide was incubated with human macrophages, it was converted to MaR1. The synthetic 13S,14S‐epoxide inhibited leukotriene B4 (LTB4) formation by human leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) ~40% (P<0.05) to a similar extent as LTA4 (~50%, P<0.05) but was not converted to MaR1 by this enzyme. 13S,14S‐epoxy‐DHA also reduced (~60%; P<0.05) arachidonic acid conversion by hm12‐LOX and promoted conversion of M1 macrophages to M2 phenotype, which produced more MaR1 from the epoxide than M1. Together, these findings establish the biosynthesis of the 13 S,14S‐epoxide, its absolute stereochemistry, its precursor role in MaR1 biosynthesis, and its own intrinsic bioactivity. Given its actions and role in MaR1 biosynthesis, this epoxide is now termed 13,14‐epoxy‐maresin (13,14‐eMaR) and exhibits new mechanisms in resolution of inflammation in its ability to inhibit proinflammatory mediator production by LTA4 hydrolase and to block arachidonate conversion by human 12‐LOX rather than merely terminating phagocyte involvement. —Dalli, J., Zhu, M. , Vlasenko, N. A. , Deng, B. , Haeggström, J. Z. , Petasis, N. A. , Serhan, C. N. The novel 13S,14S‐epoxy‐maresin is converted by human macrophages to maresin 1 (MaR1), inhibits leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and shifts macrophage phenotype. FASEB J. 27, 2573–2583 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Effect of a carbon dioxide laser on periodontally involved root surfaces.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of CO2 laser on the periodontally involved root surface, and to compare its efficacy with citric acid, EDTA and hydrogen peroxide in removal of root surface smear layer after root planing. METHODS The study was conducted on 50 periodontally involved single rooted human teeth with poor prognosis. Immediately after extraction the teeth were scaled and root planed with Gracey curets; 50 specimens were obtained from the proximal side of each tooth which were assigned randomly to 1 of the 4 groups. Group A (35 specimens) was divided into 7 subgroups of 5 specimens each and irradiated with CO2 laser using a defocused mode at 3-watt power for 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, or 1.4 seconds, respectively. Groups B, C, and D (5 specimens each) were treated with 6% hydrogen peroxide, EDTA solution (pH 7.4), or saturated citric acid solution (pH 1), respectively for 3 minutes. The specimens were then fixed and scanned using SEM. RESULTS It was observed that surface smear layer was present on root surfaces of teeth that were root planed; the CO2 laser was not able to remove the smear layer on the sites that were irradiated for 0.2, 0.4 or 0.6 seconds at 3W power. Irradiation time of 0.8 seconds at 3W power was able to remove the smear layer, but the dentinal tubules were partially exposed. The surface irradiated for 1 second showed a flat appearance with many clear orifice of dentinal tubules. No change in diameter of exposed dentinal tubules was observed and their diameter was nearly equal that of normal dentinal tubules. Irradiation time of 1.2 and 1.4 seconds produced surface charring and carbonization and was totally ineffective in exposing the dentinal tubules; 6% hydrogen peroxide did not remove the smear layer completely and the exposed dentinal tubules orifice was not clear. EDTA (pH 7.4) and citric acid (pH 1) were found to be effective in removing the smear layer and exposing the dentinal tubules, which showed funnel shaped widening. CONCLUSIONS Surface smear layer was present on root surfaces of teeth that were root planed. Laser irradiation of 1 second at 3W completely removed the smear layer with minimal change in the diameter of the dentinal tubules. EDTA and citric acid were also effective in removing smear layer, but the exposed dentinal tubules showed funnel-shaped widening.
FAKTOR EKSPLOITASI HUTAN DI SUB REGIONAL KALIMANTAN TIMUR

Dalam pemanfaatan kayu, pemanenan hutan merupakan tahap kegiatan utama yang dilakukan agar potensi pohon dapat dikeluarkan dari dalam hutan. Banyak atau sedikitnya limbah yang terjadi selama proses pemanenan kayu dapat dijadikan tolok ukur faktor eksploitasi (FE). Selama ini, pemerintah menetapkan angka FE sebesar 0,7. Padahal, paradigma pengelolaan hutan alam sudah semakin baik dengan diterapkannya pembalakan berdampak rendah ( reduced impact logging/ RIL ) dan/atau berdampak rendah karbon ( RIL-C ). Dilihat dari aspek ekonomis, nilai FE mempunyai peranan sangat penting karena digunakan sebagai pengali didalam menentukan jatah produksi tahunan (JPT) dan dasar untuk menjadi memperkirakan penerimaan besarnya provisi sumberdaya hutan (PSDH). Sedangkan dari aspek ekologis, penetapan nilai FE yang lebih besar dapat mengurangi terjadinya kerusakan hutan. Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan di 5 IUPHHK-HA di Kalimantan Timur menunjukkan besarnya bilangan FE berkisar antara 0,77 - 0,89. Besar kecilnya bilangan FE lebih dipengaruhi oleh faktor ketrampilan penebang dibandingkan dengan factor kompetensi manajemen IUPHHK-HA.
Dengue in the context of “safe blood” and global epidemiology: to screen or not to screen?

The aim of a safe blood supply is constantly challenged by emerging and reemerging infectious agents. Emergence is favored by modern economy and lifestyles including international travel, circulation of goods and livestock, animal and human migration, expanding arthropod distributions, and other environmental and ecological factors. A “worst-case” scenario is an emerging blood-borne pathogen that is responsible for mostly asymptomatic infections in healthy individuals (i.e., blood donors) and is only detected when clinically-important morbidities and/or mortality are observed in immunosuppressed transfusion recipients revealing the significance of the new transfusion-transmitted pathogen.
Principle of X–ray investigation of solder alloy

The paper deals with the principle of X-ray investigation of 96,5Sn3Ag0,5Cu solder alloy. The goal of the paper is to simply introduce method of the solder microstructure research via synchrotron X-ray radiation at the B2 bending magnet beamline of DORIS III positron storage ring at HASYLAB/DESY, Hamburg, Germany. The method is suitable especially for in-situ analysis of materials – evaluation of the phase changes.
The Z-DNA motif d(TG)30 promotes reception of information during gene conversion events while stimulating homologous recombination in human cells in culture

Tracts of the alternating dinucleotide polydeoxythymidylic-guanylic [d(TG)]. polydeoxyadenylic-cytidylic acid [d(AC)], present throughout the human genome, are capable of readily forming left-handed Z-DNA in vitro. We have analyzed the effects of the Z-DNA motif d(TG)30 upon homologous recombination between two nonreplicating plasmid substrates cotransfected into human cells in culture. In this study, the sequence d(TG)30 is shown to stimulate homologous recombination up to 20-fold. Enhancement is specific to the Z-DNA motif; a control DNA fragment of similar size does not alter the recombination frequency. The stimulation of recombination is observed at a distance (237 to 1,269 base pairs away from the Z-DNA motif) and involves both gene conversion and reciprocal exchange events. Maximum stimulation is observed when the sequence is present in both substrates, but it is capable of stimulating when present in only one substrate. Analysis of recombination products indicates that the Z-DNA motif increases the frequency and alters the distribution of multiple, unselected recombination events. Specifically designed crosses indicate that the substrate containing the Z-DNA motif preferentially acts as the recipient of genetic information during gene conversion events. Models describing how left-handed Z-DNA sequences might promote the initiation of homologous recombination are presented.
Balanced scorecard and performance in a competitive environment

This paper reports the results of an empirical investigation into strategic performance measurement systems. More specifically, it examines how the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is associated with the intensity of market competition and the organizational performance. To test these associations, data were collected from 50 Tunisian agribusiness units. The results indicate that the intensity of market competition is a determinant of the use of the BSC which, in turn, is a determinant of organizational performance. Keywords : Market Competition, BSC, Organizational Performance.
ON THE REACTIVITY OF HUMAN LEUKOCYTES TO PPD IN CLAUSEN'S AGAROSE MIGRATION TECHNIQUE

In animals, especially guinea pigs, the macrophage migration inhibition technique is a standard in vitro method, regarded as a test of delayed tj'pe hypersensitivity. Many efforts have heen made to find an equivalent method suitable for study of human leukocytes isolated from peripheral blood. Soborg & Bendixen (24) introduced a method in which human buffy coat cells migrate from glass capillaries. They found results which correlated well with skin reactivity, but not with circulating antibody. The method has been tried extensively. Initially, the results were not very satisfying. As recently as 1971, Alzer et al. ( i ) reported no success with the method. A micro-method introduced by Federlin et al. (15) was said to give reproducable results with PPD as an antigen. During recent years, this or similar modifications have been extensively used and have also been applied in a number of studies on "cellular immunit)'" in various autoimmune diseases (e.g., Calder et al. 6). Recently, Maini et al. (18) described a standardized system and analysed in great detail the technical variations inherent in the method.
Hemangiopericytoma in a cat: a case report.

In dogs and men, hemangiopericytoma is a well-recognised neoplasm, thought to originate from vascular pericytes. In cats, however, hemangiopericytoma is an extremely rare finding. The present report describes the pathological features of a 7-cm-diameter, dense, white, multilobulated tumour-like growth on the thigh of a ten-year-old Persian cat. Histologically, the mass consisted of polygonal neoplastic cells, concentrically arranged around thin-walled endothelium-lined blood vessels occasionally forming typical staghorn-configurations. In reticulin-stained sections, a dense meshwork of argyrophilic collagen fibres was evident, surrounding the central vessels and separating individual tumour cells. Within the tumour tissue, there were areas of extensive necrosis and degeneration. In the periphery, the tumour displayed a moderate infiltrative growth into the adjacent mus - culature. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong diffuse cytoplasmatic immunoreactivity for vimentin, a focal immunoreactivity for S-100, and a weak interstitial staining for laminin, whereas neoplastic cells stained negative for cytokeratin, desmin, actin, calponin, von Willebrand factor, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron specific enolase, CD79a, MAC387, lysozyme and MHCII. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells contained few intracytoplasmatic filaments, and were surrounded by interlacing bundles of intercellular long-spacing collagen fibres. Occasionally, desmosome-like intermediate junctions were observed between neighbouring tumour cells. On the basis of histomorphology, ultrastructure and immunohistochemical reactivity, the neoplasm was diagnosed as a hemangiopericytoma, representing the second reported case of this rare tumour entity in a cat.
Activation of c‐fos in GABAergic neurones in the preoptic area during sleep and in response to sleep deprivation

Neurones in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPN) and the ventrolateral preoptic area (vlPOA) express immunoreactivity for c‐Fos protein following sustained sleep, and display elevated discharge rates during both non‐REM and REM sleep compared to waking. We evaluated the hypothesis that MnPN and vlPOA sleep‐active neurones are GABAergic by combining staining for c‐Fos protein with staining for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). In a group of six rats exhibiting spontaneous total sleep times averaging 82.2 ± 5.1% of the 2 h immediately prior to death, >75% of MnPN neurones that were Fos‐immunoreactive (IR) were also GAD‐IR. Similar results were obtained in the vlPOA. In a group of 11 rats exhibiting spontaneous sleep times ranging from 20 to 92%, the number of Fos + GAD‐IR neurones in MnPN and vlPOA was positively correlated with total sleep time. Compared to control animals, Fos + GAD‐IR cell counts in the MnPN were significantly elevated in rats that were sleep deprived for 24 h and permitted 2 h of recovery sleep. These findings demonstrate that a majority of MnPN and vlPOA neurones that express Fos‐IR during sustained spontaneous sleep are GABAergic. They also demonstrate that sleep deprivation is associated with increased activation of GABAergic neurones in the MnPN and vlPOA.
Job preferences and work values among the youth in Spain

La tesis se enfoca en tres aspectos relacionados con el mercado laboral de Espana. El primer capitulo analiza las preferencias profesionales de alumnos en los ultimos anos de su carera utilizando un Experimento de Eleccion Discreta. El experimento fue llevado a cabo en tres paises: Espana, Alemania y la Republica Checa. El analisis se centra en que atributos son los mas importantes para alumnos para elegir su primer trabajo. Se realiza comparacion entre paises y entre tipos de universidades (publicas o privadas). El segundo capitulo investiga mediante un experimento el efecto que tiene la ideologia en las preferencias de redistribucion. El resultado mas importante es la relacion entre ese efecto y el estado economico de los participantes. El ultimo capitulo esta dedicado a la motivacion intrinseca de trabajar entre la gente joven en Espana. El analisis esta realizado por nivel de educacion y compara dicha motivacion en diferentes momentos de tiempo que estan condicionados por la existencia de la crisis economica en Espana. Ademas, los resultados muestran que variables socio-demograficas tienen el impacto mas importante para la motivacion intrinseca de trabajar.
Effects of short-term awareness interventions on children's attitudes toward peers with a disability

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of two awareness activities on children's attitudes towards peers with a disability. The Children's Attitudes towards Peers with Disability scale including cognitive, behavioral and emotional subscales was administered before and after two types of short-term interventions. The first included 75 children from grades 7–9, who actively participated in the workshop simulating movement activities. The second intervention included 121 students of the 10th grade, who observed their peers participating in a wheelchair-basketball activity together with elite wheelchair-basketball players. Results indicated significant effects in the cognitive and behavioral domains. Post-test findings confirmed that intervention bridged the difference in the cognitive domain observed between those with and without previous contact at pretest.
The genital atrium as a new character for distinguishing parous and nulliparous Neotropical sandflies.

Changes in the appearance of the membrane delimiting the genital atrium of Lutzomyia migonei are described for the first time. Dissections of laboratory-bred females at different physiological stages (i.e. on emergence, after a bloodmeal and after oviposition) revealed clear and constant differences between the membranes of the parous and nulliparous flies. The state of the membrane can be used as an alternative method for accurately age-grading female sandflies. Dissection methods and a simplified technique to prepare parts of sandflies for examination in a scanning electron microscope are also presented.
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia: Yet Another Treatment Paradox?

Summary Few topics in medicine rival heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) for the unexpected twists and turns enough to rival the plot of many a mystery novel. The underlying theme- anticoagulant-induced thrombosis- seems improbable, but is well-established: despite thrombocytopenia, patients rarely bleed spontaneously or even exhibit petechiae (1); rather, thrombosis develops in 30-75% of patients with HIT, depending upon the clinical situation, and in proportions far greater than expected based on the original reason for receiving heparin (2-4). But even beyond this fundamental contradiction, there exists for the unwary and uninformed practitioner several counterintuitive treatment paradoxes. One is the dichotomous nature of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) respecting prevention and treatment of HIT. LMWH is far less likely to cause HIT than standard, unfractionated heparin (4, 5). Yet, for the patient with acute HIT caused by unfractionated heparin, LMWH is contraindicated (6, 7). The reason: LMWH preparations contain some heparin molecules with 12 or greater saccharide units, which are sufficiently long to bind platelet factor 4 (PF4), creating the multimolecular complexes bearing the HIT antigens. Consequently, ongoing platelet activation, thrombocytopenia, and thrombosis occur in many patients so treated (8).
Yes, You Can Eat That: How Communities that Forage in Vermont Interact with Invasive Species

Invasive species have permanently altered the world, both socially and ecologically, and the rate of introductions shows no sign of slowing down in the future. In Vermont, foragers are in regular contact with these introduced species and can play an integral role in their removal through the gathering, harvesting, and consumption of edible invasive plants. Through questionnaires to the public, in-depth interviews with foraging experts, and participation in community herb walks and plant harvesting, I explored perspectives on foraging in Vermont and its relation to the collection and consumption of invasive plant species. By interpreting the feedback, responses, and observations gathered, I deciphered emergent ideas and common themes as they relate to foraging for these species. Conversations about our food system cannot, and should not, ignore the growing influence of invasive species on our familiar landscapes. Several themes emerged after thorough analysis and reflection. These themes include: aligning the values of the foraging community with the impact of foraging for invasive species, reframing language and attitudes surrounding these species, understanding our changing world, and capitalizing on benefits and addressing barriers of invasive species foraging. Based on the results of this research, the foraging community of Vermont could be a unique and valuable avenue to use in spreading awareness and knowledge of this movement.
Exposure to mobile phone (900–1800 MHz) during pregnancy: tissue oxidative stress after childbirth

Abstract Background: The present study has investigated the effects of mobile phone (900–1800 MHz)-induced electromagnetic radiation on redox status in the heart, liver, kidney, cerebellum, and hippocampus of dams and the offspring mice. Materials and methods: Pregnant Balb/C were divided into two groups including the control and the experimental group. The experimental group was exposed to mobile phone (900–1800 MHz), during pregnancy (2 h/d for 20 d). The dams and the offspring of both groups were sacrificed and tissues of interest were harvested immediately after delivery. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total thiol groups (TTG) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in the tissues. Results: In the experimental groups, MDA levels were significantly increased, while TTG, SOD, and CAT were significantly decreased in the total tissues of dams and their offspring. Conclusion: Exposure to mobile phone (900–1800 MHz) during pregnancy induced oxidative stress in tissues of dams and their offspring.