Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migration of mineral oil from party plates of recycled paperboard into foods: 1. Is recycled paperboard fit for the purpose? 2. Adequate testing procedure

Party plates made of recycled paperboard with a polyolefin film on the food contact surface (more often polypropylene than polyethylene) were tested for migration of mineral oil into various foods applying reasonable worst case conditions. The worst case was identified as a slice of fried meat placed onto the plate while hot and allowed to cool for 1 h. As it caused the acceptable daily intake (ADI) specified by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) to be exceeded, it is concluded that recycled paperboard is generally acceptable for party plates only when separated from the food by a functional barrier. Migration data obtained with oil as simulant at 70°C was compared to the migration into foods. A contact time of 30 min was found to reasonably cover the worst case determined in food.
Notes on the Arrangement of some Motor Fibres in the Lumbo‐Sacral Plexus

AT the commencement of some observations on the reflex mechanisms of the spinal cord in the Monkey, I was met by difficulties which made it desirable to attempt for that animal a somewhat particular examination of the distribution of the efferent and afferent spinal nerveroots belonging to the lower half of the body. Various interruptions incidental to the work have delayed its progress sufficiently to make one desirous to record at this time some of the results obtained. The present communication has reference chiefly to the distribution of the efferent fibres of the roots. For the study of the functions of the spinal cord, it is of importance to know accurately the positions of the central and peripheral structures between which the fibres of the spinal nerves constitute links. An examination of the distribution of the efferent roots promises the more interest since the researches of Ferrier and Yeo' have led those observers to conclude that the complex of efferent fibres gathered together in each motor root is the outcome and the representative of some one " highly coordinate functional synergy " in the musculature.
Ischemic preconditioning vs adenosine vs prostaglandin E1 for protection against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia/reperfusion injury is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality during liver surgery and transplantation. A variety of surgical and pharmacological therapeutic strategies have been investigated to minimize the effects of ischemia/reperfusion. The aim of our study was to analyze and compare preventive influences of ischemic preconditioning, adenosine and prostaglandin E1 in the experimental model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adult chinchilla rabbits were divided into four groups: 10 rabbits subjected to liver ischemic preconditioning (3-min period of inflow occlusion followed by a 5-min period of reperfusion) followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; 10 rabbits subjected to pre-treatment with intraportal injection of adenosine followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; 10 rabbits subjected to pre-treatment with intraportal injection of prostaglandin E1 followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; and control group of 10 rabbits subjected to 45 min of inflow liver ischemia without any preconditioning. On the second postoperative day, blood samples were obtained and biochemical parameters of liver function were measured and compared. Liver tissue samples were also obtained and histopathological changes were compared. Based on biochemical and histopathological parameters, it was demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning provided the best protection against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. This was probably due to a wider range of mechanisms of action of this method oriented to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and restore liver microcirculation and hepatocyte energy compared to the examined pharmacological strategies.
Is an Intact Posterior Vertebral Body Cortex Protective for Percutaneous Ablation?

After the lung and liver, bone is the most common site for metastatic disease and the spine is the most common site of bony metastases. [1][1] Roughly 70% of patients with cancer will develop metastatic disease. Of these, 40% develop spinal metastatic disease and 10%–20% of these will develop
Distinct Phosphorylation Clusters Determine the Signaling Outcome of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4/G Protein–Coupled Receptor 120

It is established that long-chain free fatty acids including ω-3 fatty acids mediate an array of biologic responses through members of the free fatty acid (FFA) receptor family, which includes FFA4. However, the signaling mechanisms and modes of regulation of this receptor class remain unclear. Here, we employed mass spectrometry to determine that phosphorylation of mouse (m)FFAR4 occurs at five serine and threonine residues clustered in two separable regions of the C-terminal tail, designated cluster 1 (Thr347, Thr349, and Ser350) and cluster 2 (Ser357 and Ser361). Mutation of these phosphoacceptor sites to alanine completely prevented phosphorylation of mFFA4 but did not limit receptor coupling to extracellular signal regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation. Rather, an inhibitor of Gq/11 proteins completely prevented receptor signaling to ERK1/2. By contrast, the recruitment of arrestin 3, receptor internalization, and activation of Akt were regulated by mFFA4 phosphorylation. The analysis of mFFA4 phosphorylation-dependent signaling was extended further by selective mutations of the phosphoacceptor sites. Mutations within cluster 2 did not affect agonist activation of Akt but instead significantly compromised receptor internalization and arrestin 3 recruitment. Distinctly, mutation of the phosphoacceptor sites within cluster 1 had no effect on receptor internalization and had a less extensive effect on arrestin 3 recruitment but significantly uncoupled the receptor from Akt activation. These unique observations define differential effects on signaling mediated by phosphorylation at distinct locations. This hallmark feature supports the possibility that the signaling outcome of mFFA4 activation can be determined by the pattern of phosphorylation (phosphorylation barcode) at the C terminus of the receptor.
Asthma associated with pesticide exposure among women in rural Western Cape of South Africa.

BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated asthma and pesticides among women farm workers in developing countries. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticides and asthma among rural women (n = 211). Outcome measurements included respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire), immunological status (Phadiatop, serum IgE to mite allergens) and lower airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels). Exposure variables included self-reported pesticide exposure and whole blood cholinesterase (ChE). RESULTS The prevalence of ocular-nasal symptoms (ONS), doctor-diagnosed asthma and current asthma was 24%, 11%, and 6% respectively. ONS was positively associated with re-entering a sprayed field (OR = 2.97; CI: 0.93-9.50). Asthma symptom score was associated with low ChE (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.09-3.44). Participants with high FeNO (>50 ppb) also had an elevated odds of having low ChE (OR = 4.8; CI: 0.80-28.00). CONCLUSION Pesticide exposure among women farm workers is associated with increased risk of ocular nasal symptoms and an elevated asthma symptom score.
[Knowledge and attitudes towards second hand smoking among hospitality patronage in five cities in China].

OBJECTIVE To understand the knowledge and attitudes towards second hand smoking (SHS) among restaurant or bar patronage in five cities in China. METHODS 405 restaurants and bars were conveniently selected in 5 cities as Beijing, Wuhan, Xi'an, Kunming and Guiyang. From each of these hospitality venues, at least 3 patrons, including one smoker, one female non-smoker and one male nonsmoker were asked to answer a questionnaire on their knowledge and attitudes towards SHS and smoking policies in public places. RESULTS 43.1% of the respondents had good knowledge on SHS hazards. 65% reported that those who smoked around them had never asked for their permission, and about 60% admitted that they had never asked others to stop smoking in front of them. There were almost two thirds of patrons reporting that they once felt discomfort of SHS in restaurants or bars, nearly half of whom chose to leave the venue to avoid exposure to SHS. Though majority of patrons supported '100% smoke-free hospitals, schools and public vehicles' initiations, the proportions of patrons that supporting '100% smoke-free restaurants and bars' initiations were only 30.0% and 19.8%, respectively. In Beijing, logistic regression model analyses showed that those who supporting 100% smoke-free restaurants and bars tended to be non-smokers, aged 25 years or older and to have had at least college education. Also in Beijing, those being female, having at least college education or non-smokers were more likely to choose restaurants and bars with smoking restrictions. CONCLUSION Though knowledge on SHS hospitality patronage was still not high or popular for the public to refuse SHS exposure, banning smoking in hospitality venues was public's inclination and would become a trend in public health endeavor.
Perceptions and experiences of motherhood, health and the husband's role among Thai women in Australia.

OBJECTIVE to discuss the perceptions and experiences of motherhood among Thai immigrant women in Australia. DESIGN ethnographic interviews and participant observation were used to elicit information. SETTING Melbourne Metropolitan Area, Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 30 Thai women who are now living in Australia. FINDINGS becoming a mother meant different things to these women. Motherhood had both positive and negative aspects. Women believed that their health became worse as a result of becoming a mother. The contributing causes of their health status were multi-faceted, including their age, the demanding tasks of motherhood, the depletion of their strength and energy from childbirth, and in not following Thai traditional confinement practices. The findings in this paper support previous literature that motherhood has a profound effect on the life of many women. We, however, found that cultural beliefs and practices have an effect on women's perceptions and experience of motherhood. We also found that the 'presence' of the husband when a woman becomes a mother is important. The ethnicity of their husbands also played a significant role in their motherhood role and the ways in which they mothered their children. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE understanding the social and cultural environment in which immigrant women try to be a mother is important if we are to provide culturally sensitive assistance and care to women who choose to become a mother in their new homeland.
Screening of fruit pulp extracts of Picralima nitida against in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum and acute oral toxicity in white albino mice

The increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to available antimalarial drugs currently justifies the quest for potential antiplasmodial agents from plants. Picralima nitida is used as a traditional remedy against malaria in Nigeria. In this study, phytochemical constituents of methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. nitida fruit pulp were screened, and tested in vitro against 20 clinical isolates of P. falciparum using the schizont growth inhibition assay. Acute oral toxicity of each extract was also evaluated in white albino mice. The results showed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins in both extracts. Terpenes were only present in the methanolic extract. In vitro growth inhibition of P. falciparum by each extract was dose dependent. The methanolic extract exhibited moderate, but higher antimalarial activity with IC 50 = 23.33 ± 0.76 µg/ml, compared to the aqueous extract with IC 50 = 28.25 ± 0.95 µg/ml. The difference was significant (t = 16.72, df = 19, P < 0.001). The LD 50 of each extract was 3807 mg/kg body weight. The moderate antiplasmodial, and toxicity of these extracts, may justify the use of P. nitida , fruit pulp for the treatment of malaria in Nigeria. Keywords : phytochemical constituents, malaria, inhibitory concentration, lethal dose.
Epstein‐Barr virus latent and replicative gene expression in oral hairy leukoplakia

Oral hairy leukoplakia is an epithelial lesion of the tongue associated with productive infection by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV). However, no data concerning the pattern of EBV latent gene expression have been reported, and it remains unresolved whether true latent infection occurs in basal cell layers of oral hairy leukoplakia. We have studied six cases of oral hairy leukoplakia using monoclonal antibody immunohistology for EBV latent–EB nuclear antigen (EBNA) 1, EBNA 2 and latent membrane protein 1 (LMP 1); immediate‐early (BZLF1); and replicative (EA, VCA, MA) proteins, and for the EBV‐receptor (CD21 antigen). EBV DNA was demonstrated by nucleic acid in situ hybridization. Mid‐ to upper‐zone keratinocytes contained EBV DNA and co‐expressed EBNA 1, EBNA 2 (5 of 6 cases), LMP 1, BZLF1 protein, EA, VCA and MA. No EBV genome or gene expression could be demonstrated in basal or parabasal cells. Spinous keratinocytes were labelled by anti‐CD21 antibodies HB5 and B2, but did not express the EBV‐receptor as defined by reactivity with OKB7. The co‐expression of latent and replicative infection‐associated antigens is striking, indicating possible functional roles for latent proteins during the productive cycle. Our results suggest that oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by repeated direct infection of upper epithelial cells with virus from saliva or adjacent replicatively infected cells, rather than by a latent EBV infection of basal epithelial cells with a differentiation‐dependent switch to productive infection as previously proposed.
Applications and Constructions of Optical Codes With Large Cardinality and Multiple Tree Structures

Algebraic optical codes with large cardinality and unique tree structures of multiple levels of subsets of codewords for adjustable code performance and cardinality have recently been proposed. As shown in this paper, these characteristics support new network architecture and applications for rapid code switching and physical-layer security in optical code-division multiple access networks. In addition, a new “translate” method of converting “additive” error-correction codes (ECCs) into this kind of optical codes is investigated and demonstrated with four families of Reed-Solomon codes. With rich families of ECCs, our method enhances the collections of optical codes. The performances of these “tree-structured” optical codes are algebraically analyzed and verified, for the first time, using the weight distribution of ECCs.
Risk factors of uterine rupture with a special interest to uterine fundal pressure

Abstract Purpose: Uterine rupture is a rare but serious event with a median incidence of 0.09%. Previous uterine surgery is the most common risk factor. The aim of our study was to analyze retrospectively women with uterine rupture during labor and to evaluate postulated risk factors such as uterine fundal pressure (UFP). Methods: Twenty thousand one hundred and fifty-two deliveries were analyzed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were 22 weeks and 0 days–42 weeks and 0 days of gestation, singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation. Women with primary cesarean section were excluded. A logistic regression analysis adjusting for possible risk factors was conducted and a subgroup analysis of women with unscarred uterus was performed. Results: Twenty-eight cases of uterine rupture were identified (incidence: 0.14%). Uterine rupture was noticed in multipara patients only. In the multivariate analysis among all study patients, only previous cesarean section remained a statistically significant risk factor [adjusted odds ration (adj. OR) 12.52 confidence interval (CI) 95% 5.21–30.09]. In the subgroup analysis among women with unscarred uterus (n=19,415) three risk factors were associated with uterine rupture: UFP (adj. OR 5.22 CI 95% 1.07–25.55), abnormal placentation (adj. OR 20.82 CI 95% 2.48–175.16) and age at delivery >40 years (adj. OR 4.77 CI 95% 1.44–15.85). Conclusions: The main risk factor for uterine rupture in the whole study population is previous uterine surgery. Risk factors in women with unscarred uterus were UFP, abnormal placentation, and age at delivery >40 years. The only factor which can be modified is UFP. We suggest that UFP should be used with caution at least in presence of other supposed risk factors.
Changes in transverse relaxation time of quadriceps femoris muscles after active recovery exercises with different intensities

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in the metabolic state of quadriceps femoris muscles using transverse relaxation time (T2), measured by muscle functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, after inactive or active recovery exercises with different intensities following high-intensity knee-extension exercise. Eight healthy men performed recovery sessions with four different conditions for 20 min after high-intensity knee-extension exercise on separate days. During the recovery session, the participants conducted a light cycle exercise for 20 min using a cycle (50%, 70% and 100% of the lactate threshold (LT), respectively: active recovery), and inactive recovery. The MR images of quadriceps femoris muscles were taken before the trial and after the recovery session every 30 min for 120 min. The percentage changes in T2 for the rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles after the recovery session in 50%LT and 70%LT were significantly lower than those in either inactive recovery or 100%LT. There were no significant differences in those for vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles among the four trials. The percentage changes in T2 of rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles after the recovery session in 50%LT and 70%LT decreased to the values before the trial faster than those in either inactive recovery or 100%LT. Those of vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles after the recovery session in 50%LT and 70%LT decreased to the values before the trial faster than those in 100%LT. Although the changes in T2 after active recovery exercises were not uniform in exercised muscles, the results of this study suggest that active recovery exercise with the intensities below LT are more effective to recover the metabolic state of quadriceps femoris muscles after intense exercise than with either intensity at LT or inactive recovery.
Nonphysical factors that affect work hardening success: a retrospective study.

The high cost of health care and limited information regarding the effects of work hardening have prompted a need to further study work hardening programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the success of a work hardening program that included physical, occupational, and psychological therapies, and to determine if there are nonphysical factors associated with successful work hardening. One hundred medical records of injured workers with low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders were retrospectively reviewed. Factors examined included months of injury, education level, sex, race, presence of an attorney, prior surgery, pain behaviors, smoking, medication use, and diagnosis severity. Seventy-six percent of the subjects successfully completed the program, and 50% of the subjects were returned to work at discharge. Nonphysical factors that limited successful work hardening were presence of pain behaviors (p < .01), attorney representation (p < .01), McAndrews score above 70 (p < .05), and education less than high school (p < .05). The author concludes that the return to work rate for injured workers in this study is comparable to rates of previous studies and that there are nonphysical factors associated with the success of work hardening.
Morphometric analysis of the human vestibular nuclei

Cytoarchitectural investigations of the vestibular nuclei have been undertaken in different species of mammals. These data provide a description of the general architecture of the nuclei but limited information about quantitative characteristics of their cell population. We have recently obtained data about the morphometric parameters of the vestibular nuclei neurons in some species. The application of quantitative image analysis techniques to the research of the cellular morphology in the vestibular area of humans might provide basic information to compare with data from animal studies, taking into account the observed correlation between physiological and morphological properties of vestibular neurons.
Speech enhancement based on minima controlled recursive averaging incorporating conditional maximum a posteriori criterion

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to improve the performance of minima controlled recursive averaging (MCRA) based on a conditional maximum a posteriori (MAP) criterion. From an investigation of the MCRA scheme, it is discovered that MCRA method cannot take full consideration of the inter-frame correlation of voice activity since the noise power estimate is adjusted by the speech presence probability depending on an observation of the current frame. To avoid this phenomenon, the proposed MCRA approach incorporates the conditional MAP criterion in which the noise power estimate is obtained using the speech presence probability conditioned on both the current observation and the speech activity decision in the previous frame Experimental results show that the proposed MCRA technique based on conditional MAP yields better results compared to the conventional MCRA method.
Effect of hepatocyte volume on energy status in the cirrhotic rat liver

To evaluate the effect of reduced hepatocyte volume on liver energy status, the relationship between the morphologically quantified hepatocyte volume and biochemical parameters, and the difference in nuclear density between the parenchyma and stroma were assessed in rat livers with thioacetamide‐induced cirrhosis. The ratio of hepatocytes to whole liver tissue, defined as the ‘hepatocyte area ratio', and the nuclear densities of the parenchyma and stroma were calculated microscopically with an image analysing system. Adenine nucleotide, protein and DNA contents, and the ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity in the liver were assayed. In the cirrhotic group, adenine nucleotide content, protein content and ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity were positively correlated with the hepatocyte area ratio, whereas DNA content was negatively correlated with this ratio. The adenylate energy charge of the cirrhotic liver was maintained at a constant level regardless of the ratio. Adenine nucleotide content, protein content and ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity per fractional ‘hepatocyte area ratio’ in cirrhotic livers were significantly lower than in control livers. The nuclear density of the stroma was significantly greater than that of the parenchyma. These results suggest that the lowered energy status in the cirrhotic liver is not caused by reduced hepatocyte volume but rather by impaired hepatocyte metabolism. In addition, the morphological measurement with an image analysing system was found to be useful for evaluating the effects of decreased hepatocyte volume on biochemical derangements in cirrhotic tissue.