Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subchronic/chronic toxicity of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD) in rats. Part I. Design, general observations, hematology, and liver concentrations.

Groups of 20 male and 20 female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were given five different doses of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD). Total doses for males and females (30.9/18.5, 370/222, 2222/1333, 6667/4000, and 10000/6000 microg/kg) were divided into four daily loading doses and six biweekly maintenance doses. Positive controls were administered 2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, total dose 70/41.9 microg/kg). Liver concentrations, as determined by GC/MS, reflected quite accurately the calculated dose ratios. The dosing period was 13 weeks, after which half of the rats were necropsied and the rest provided with an off-dose period of another 13 weeks. Body weight gain was dose-dependently reduced throughout the study. Mortality occurred dose-dependently, starting on Day 22 and continuing until the end of the off-dose period. Mortality rates at the end of the off-dose period were 90 and 40% for males and 60 and 10% for females in the two highest dose groups. Clinical signs and necropsy findings suggested that the cause of death was related to wasting (early deaths), gastrointestinal and nasal hemorrhage (between Days 64 and 126), or anemia (late deaths, after Day 111). Prothrombin times were prolonged intermittently, mainly at the highest dose of HpCDD. Platelet counts were dose-dependently decreased at the two highest doses of HpCDD and in the TCDD-treated group. This study demonstrates that the relative potency derived from acute toxicity studies is the same as that observed in this subchronic/chronic toxicity study of HpCDD and TCDD, confirming the validity of 0.007 as the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) for HpCDD, which is in good agreement with the international TEF of 0.01.
Screening of Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children: A Primary Care Concern

Objective:To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a primary care pediatric setting and to collect clinical and biochemical data, allowing for a prediction of its presence in a supposedly healthy population. Methods:Belonging to a pediatric population followed by pediatricians of the Italian National Health Service, 415 subjects with obesity as a unique selection criterion were enrolled. The entire cohort was screened for MS, which was defined as the presence of at least 2 other findings out of obesity: fasting hyperglycemia, low levels of high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Results:The overall prevalence of MS was 30.8%. Major findings (out of obesity) were low high-density lipoproteins cholesterol levels (46.2%), hypertension (23.6%), hypertriglyceridemia (22.2%), and fasting hyperglycemia (16.6%). Waist-to-height ratio was the only clinical parameter directly related to MS, with the same predictive power of insulin resistance. Conclusions:Metabolic syndrome can be present in a significant percentage of “healthy” obese children, and a simple clinical parameter could identify at-risk subjects. This observation justifies the development and implementation of pediatric networks for obesity screening programs.
Inflammatory responses in mice after intratracheal instillation of spores of Streptomyces californicus isolated from indoor air of a moldy building.

Microbial growth in buildings is associated with respiratory symptoms in the occupants. However, the specific effects of the microbes and the way they provoke clinical manifestations are poorly understood. In the current study, mice were exposed via intratracheal instillation to single doses of the spores of Streptomyces californicus, isolated from indoor air of a moisture-damaged building (2.2 x 10(7), 1.1 x 10(8), and 3.3 x 10(8) spores), or lipopolysaccharide (50 microg). Inflammation and toxicity in lungs were evaluated 24 h later. The time course of the effects was explored with the dose of 1.1 x 10(8) spores for up to 7 days. The microbial spores elevated proinflammatory cytokine (i.e., TNFalpha and IL-6) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in serum in a dose- and time-dependent manner and evoked expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in BAL cells. Both TNFalpha and IL-6 responses peaked at 6 h after instillation, but TNFalpha leveled off more quickly than IL-6. The cytokine surge was followed by inflammatory cell recruitment into airways. Moreover, the spores increased dose- and time-dependently total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations in BALF during the first 24 h. Histopathological examination of lungs confirmed the inflammatory changes. With the exception of macrophage and lymphocyte numbers, all parameters returned to control level at 7 days. In summary, these observations indicate that the spores of S. californicus are capable of provoking an acute inflammation in mouse lungs and can cause cytotoxicity. Thus, S. californicus can be considered as a species with potential to cause adverse health effects in occupants of moisture-damaged buildings.
The physician's role in health promotion revisited--a survey of primary care practitioners.

In 1981, a study of the role of primary care physicians concluded that there was a lack of consensus about many of the surgeon general's recommendations for health promotion and that most primary care physicians felt unprepared for this role and unable to change patients' behavior.1,2 In the ensuing 13 years, a number of other studies had similar results.3–13 Since physicians are in a unique position to influence the behavior of patients, attaining national goals for health promotion requires their enthusiastic agreement and active participation. We sought to examine the extent to which primary care physicians practicing in .
Spousal gender-based violence and women's empowerment in the 2010-11 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey

In Zimbabwe, levels of spousal Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remain a health, human rights and development concern. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between spousal GBV and women’s empowerment among women aged 15-49 who were currently in union or living with a man. The analysis utilised the 2010-11 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data. Spousal violence was measured by different forms of GBV i.e. physical, emotional, sexual violence and overall GBV. Overall, 48% of women of reproductive age who are in a union experience some type of GBV. More specifically, 27% report physical violence, 26% sexual violence and 25% emotional violence. The analysis showed that women who did not participate in decision-making at household level were more likely to experience GBV than those who do. Women who have control over their spouses’ earnings were less likely to suffer from GBV. However, ownership of property (land and/or house) was not associated with spousal GBV. Women who were in polygamous unions, whose spouses drank alcohol, earned less than their spouses and had a history of non-spousal physical violence were more likely to experience GBV than all other women. Younger women (aged 15-19 years) were more likely to experience spousal emotional, physical and sexual violence than the older age groups. Recommendations are to improve women’s participation in decision making, mainstreaming GBV in development, and improve the economic and social emancipation of women and girls.
Fast-Predictive Optimal Control of NPC Multilevel Converters

The development of high-processing-capability microprocessors allows the implementation of new digital control methods for neutral-point-clamped (NPC) multilevel converter in power-electronic applications. This paper presents a new predictive digital control method for multilevel converters, called “fast predictive. ” This method computes the optimal vector using the NPC three-phase multilevel dynamic model equations just once in each control cycle, while current predictive methods need 27 calculations. The closest vector to the optimal vector is found by minimizing the distance between each one of the 27 available vectors to the optimal vector. Space vector modulation could be also used. The obtained performance is similar to the predictive optimal control that uses the converter model to find all the 27 responses of the multilevel and then searches for the vector that minimizes control errors. Relative to predictive optimal control, the fast predictive improves digital processing speed by at least 150% in multilevel converters with 27 vectors. This speed improvement would allow multilevel converters with five or higher number of levels (125 instead of 27 vectors) to be controlled using the same sampling frequency of the three-level inverter. The fast-predictive controller is used in a multilevel rectifier with near-unity power factor to enforce the ac currents. Fast predictive control is also used in the rectifier dc voltage to reduce sensitivity of the dc voltage to dc load disturbances. The simulation and experimental results show that the fast-predictive controller is able to control the ac currents of a three-phase multilevel rectifier, achieving nearly 1.5% total harmonic distortion while balancing the capacitors' dc voltages. The use of predictive control to regulate the dc voltage shows an improvement of approximately 7% compared to a proportional-integral controller.
Helicobacter pylori Genotypes in Children from a Population at High Gastric Cancer Risk: No Association with Gastroduodenal Histopathology

OBJECTIVES:Both bacterial and host determinants underlying differences in histopathology and clinical outcome in H. pylori pediatric infection, as compared to adults, are still poorly documented. Pediatric studies may provide important insights on H. pylori infection immunopathogenesis, particularly in high gastric cancer risk populations. The present study concerns H. pylori genotypic diversity of isolates in children from a population with high gastric cancer risk, and its association with demographic and clinical variables, including gastroduodenal endoscopic and histopathological features.METHODS:A total of 119 subjects (mean age 10.3 yr, 1.5–18.0 yr) with H. pylori infection were studied. H. pylori vacA, cagA, and iceA genotypes were determined (PCR) in antral-obtained primary cultures; histopathological evaluation was performed in corpus, antrum, and duodenum biopsy specimens.RESULTS:cagA−, vacA s2m2, and iceA2 were the most prevalent genotypes. No association was observed between H. pylori genotypes and subject demographic and clinical variables, with the exception of a significant association between vacA s2 genotype and lower corpus inflammation score (p< 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:In this pediatric cohort, H. pylori genotype profiles were distinct from those reported in adult subjects in the same area, with a lower prevalence of the putative more virulent genotypes. Moreover, they were not associated with clinical expression of gastroduodenal disease, suggesting the potential role of host and/or environmental factors for the development of clinical disease at a later age.
LONELINESS, SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND SENSE OF HUMOR. A QUANTITATIVE STUDY COMPARING ROMANIAN STUDENTS AND OLDER ADULTS

The current study explores social and emotional loneliness, social interactions and humor in a sample of Romanian students, departing from the Schiau 2016 study that found the production and social use of humor to be correlated to a reduced social loneliness in a sample of Romanian older adults. Studies indicate that loneliness can be experienced at any age, and that humor can act as a coping mechanism with life’s difficulties, triggering positive emotions. The current study replicates findings in the literature, indicating that younger adults experience less loneliness than older adults, and use more humor than older adults. Young women in the sample had a significantly more positive attitude towards humor than the men. This study has useful implications for a number of fields, including the economic and marketing sectors. The current student population represents a growing market, and studies indicate that the use of humor by service providers may intervene with any negative feelings that could cause clients to withdraw their engagement and cooperation in the service endeavor (Locke, 1996). Therefore, we argue that, for the retail and service sector, it is important to understand the different approach towards humor by the different age and gender groups discussed in this study.
Factorial Structure and Measurement Invariance of the PANAS in Spanish Older Adults

Abstract Developmental theories suggest age-related changes in the structure of affect. Paradoxically, the internal structure of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988) has not been tested in Spanish older adults by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) despite it is the most widely used measure of emotional well-being in later life. The aim of this study was to examine competing models of the internal structure of the Spanish version of the PANAS, its measurement invariance, reliability, and external validity. Participants were a representative sample of 585 community-dwelling people aged 60 and over, who also completed depression, loneliness and life satisfaction measures. Results showed that the orthogonal two-factor model with correlated errors (RMSEA = .057, 90% CI [.051, .063], SRMR = .084, CFI = .97, NNFI = .97) was the best fitting solution. Measurement invariance analyses confirmed that the two-independent factor structure can be used across young-old and very old people, as well as in both males and females. It showed good reliability (PA: α = .93, NA: α = .83), criterion, convergent and discriminant validity (p < .01). Our discussion highlights the role of age and culture in the experience and expression of emotions.
Curvature Sensor Based on Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Sagnac Interferometer

A fiber-optic curvature sensor based on hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF) Sagnac interferometer is demonstrated. The two ends of the 36 cm HC-PCF are spliced to the two arms of a 3 dB single-mode fiber coupler to form a Sagnac interferometer. The output spectra of the Sagnac interferometer under different curvatures are measured and analyzed. The results show that the wavelength shift has a linear relationship with the curvature, and the sensitivity of 0.232 nm·m is achieved in the curvature range of 0-9.9 m-1. The temperature sensitivity is only 3.7 pm/°C, and the cross sensitivity to the curvature measurement is ~ 0.016 m-1/°C. This merit of low sensitivity to temperature is very useful for the curvature measurement.
Enhancement of visual scoring of skin irritant reactions using cross‐polarized light and parallel‐polarized light

Background/purpose: Polarized light has been used as an aid in visualizing various skin conditions, including acne vulgaris, rosacea, photoageing, lentigo simplex, and basal cell carcinoma. The use of parallel‐polarized and cross‐polarized light was evaluated in mild irritant reactions to determine, if this increases the ability to detect very early stages or low levels of irritation.
Analysing the governance system for the promotion of industrial symbiosis in the Humber region, UK

Government and industry increasingly recognise the need to develop a more circular, resource efficient and bioeconomy that is less dependent on fossil resources. Industrial symbiosis, in this study interpreted as biowaste-to-resource innovation, is a proven strategy to limit carbon emissions whilst increasing resource-efficiency and business growth. However, the effects of governance on the implementation of industrial symbiosis have remained under-explored. Hence this study analysed the governance system for biowaste-to-resource innovation in the Humber region, UK. Key individuals within governmental and associated organisations were interviewed in 2014. The results revealed that, since 2012, public sector cuts and sub-national governance changes resulted in the removal of several organisations from the regional governance network, while capacity within the remaining organisations decreased in terms of connectivity within and between governing organisations, delivered governance activities, and crucial resources including people, money, and knowledge and skills to promote resource innovation. Formal governance to specifically monitor, plan and promote (bio)waste-to-resource innovation is now virtually absent in the Humber region. This study recommends strengthening the governance for biowaste-to-resource innovation by a) increasing integration and flexibility of the regulatory ‘landscape’ across governmental departments at all governance levels; b) building better connections between national and regional level governmental organisations as well as within the Humber region; and c) investing in knowledge and skills as well as operational capacity of regional governance actors. These recommendations should contribute to restoring the balance between regional capacity and the national ambitions to promote biowaste-to-resource innovation as part of the circular bioeconomy.
Registered report: Tumour vascularization via endothelial differentiation of glioblastoma stem-like cells

The Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology seeks to address growing concerns about reproducibility in scientific research by conducting replications of 50 papers in the field of cancer biology published between 2010 and 2012. This Registered report describes the proposed replication plan of key experiments from ‘Tumour vascularization via endothelial differentiation of glioblastoma stem-like cells’ by Ricci-Vitiani and colleagues, published in Nature in 2010 (Ricci-Vitiani et al., 2010). The experiments that will be replicated are those reported in Figure 4B and Supplementary Figure 10B (Ricci-Vitiani et al., 2010), which demonstrate that glioblastoma stem-like cells can derive into endothelial cells, and can be selectively ablated to reduce tumor progression in vivo, and Supplementary Figures S10C and S10D (Ricci-Vitiani et al., 2010), which demonstrate that fully differentiated glioblastoma cells cannot form functionally relevant endothelium. The Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology is a collaboration between the Center for Open Science and Science Exchange, and the results of the replications will be published by eLife. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.04363. 001
Extracellular vesicles participate in the transport of cytokines and angiogenic factors in diabetic patients with ocular complications.

INTRODUCTION Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including circulating microvesicles (MVs) or mi- croparticles (MPs) and exosomes, derived from cells or platelets are present in the peripheral blood and are important elements involved in the activation of the coagulation system, transport of macromolecules and intercellular communication. In patients with vascular complications (including diabetes), the number of EVs is significantly increased during the acute phase of the disease. However, less is known about EVs release in the chronic state of diabetes. OBJECTIVES To analyse the profile of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors in EVs in diabetic patients with ocular and vascular complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included patients with diabetes and varying degrees of ocular complications including retinopathy (n = 48) and the control group (n = 13). EV-enriched and EV-depleted fractions were obtained from platelet-poor plasma by means of the centrifugation method (16 000 g, for 90 min). In screening, the profile of cytokines with pro-angiogenic effects was preliminary assessed using the protein microarray technology for controlled diabetic patients - CD, uncontrolled diabetic patients - UD and for the control group. In all patients, concentrations of cytokines: RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed and secreted) and Ang-2 (angiopoietin-2) were assayed using the ELISA method. Common blood and biochemical tests were performed. RESULTS In patients with diabetes, analysis of supernatant revealed significantly increased concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and soluble receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (V-EGFR2) when compared to the control group: 49 (10.5-122) vs. 24 (2-72.5) SD (p = 0.03) and 260 (195.5-351) vs. 360 (256-461.5) SD (p = 0.01). In UD patients, concentrations of RANTES, angiostatin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP1 and TIMP2) were relatively higher in the EV-enriched fraction when compared to the EV-depleted fraction. Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between UC patients and the control group in RANTES (16.73 (14.41-18.93) vs. 14.62 (12.37-15.28) mg/ml; p = 0.0235) and Ang-2 (2.76 (2.23-4.64) ng/ml vs. 1.74 (1.54-1.93); p = 0.0316) concentrations. These analyses did not reveal any significant differences in RANTES and Ang-2 concentrations between CD patients and the control group. CONCLUSIONS The profiles of cytokines and angiogenic factors in EVs are significantly increased in patients with diabetes. Also, the formation of specific cytokines related to EVs is strongly influenced by disease duration and successful treatment. EVs seem to be the conveyors of upregulated cytokines and angiogenic agents in diabetic patients.
Response-oriented preemptive therapy against cytomegalovirus disease with low-dose ganciclovir: a prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND Preemptive therapy against cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease has succeeded in reducing the incidence of CMV disease, but the toxicity of ganciclovir remains problematic. METHODS We prospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a preemptive protocol with ganciclovir at a reduced initial dose in 40 patients who achieved engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. RESULTS Twenty-three (58%) patients had high-risk features, including transplant from an HLA-mismatched or unrelated donor, or associated acute graft-versus-host disease. CMV antigenemia assay was performed weekly, and ganciclovir was started in a risk-adapted manner, in which the initial dose of ganciclovir was fixed at 5 mg/kg/d and then adjusted based on the results of a weekly CMV antigenemia assay. In this protocol, 23 (58%) patients demonstrated positive antigenemia, and 19 (48%) received a preemptive administration of ganciclovir. Only one patient had CMV disease in the gastrointestinal system, which was successfully treated with a regular therapeutic dose of ganciclovir. Consequently, the total dose of ganciclovir was significantly less than that in a previous protocol using the conventional double dose (5 mg/kg twice daily) of ganciclovir (134 mg/kg vs. 190 mg/kg on average, P=0.046). There were no significant toxicities attributed to ganciclovir, except for neutropenia <0.5 x 109/L, which developed in three patients for 3, 4, and 14 days, respectively, with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. CONCLUSION Preemptive therapy with a low initial dose of ganciclovir appeared to be effective even in high-risk patients. Further randomized controlled trial is warranted.