Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of metabolic rate on the oxidation of ingested glucose and fructose during exercise.

The purpose of the present study was to describe the relationship between the metabolic rate (W.kg-1 b.m.) and the oxidation rate (mg.kg-1.min-1) of exogenous glucose and fructose during prolonged exercise in 18 healthy active male volunteers (VO2max = 43-71 ml.kg-1.min-1). Each subject performed three 120-min exercises at 60% VO2max (8.5-15.0 W.kg-1.min-1) on cycle ergometer while ingesting water only or 1.33 g.k-1 (97 +/- 9 g; mean +/- SE) of 13C-glucose or 13C-fructose in water (7%). The oxidation rate of exogenous glucose and fructose increased linearly with increasing metabolic rate (r = 0.71 and 0.70, respectively, p < 0.05), the amount of exogenous glucose oxidized being significantly higher than the amount of fructose oxidized (56.1 +/- 14.2 vs 35.7 +/- 9.2 g, respectively). The respective contributions of exogenous glucose and fructose oxidation to the energy yield remain remarkably similar over the range of metabolic rate studied (14.0 +/- 2.1 and 8.9 +/- 1.6%). These observations suggest that the rate of absorption of glucose and fructose and the rate of conversion of fructose into glucose by the liver are not limiting factors for their oxidation, which could simply follow the oxidation rate of circulating glucose. From a practical point of view, these results confirm that fructose is a less efficient energy supplement than exogenous glucose for any metabolic rate sustained.
Woman and partner-perceived partner responses predict pain and sexual satisfaction in provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) couples.

INTRODUCTION Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a highly prevalent vulvovaginal pain condition that results in significant sexual dysfunction, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life. Although some intra-individual psychological factors have been associated with PVD, studies to date have neglected the interpersonal context of this condition. AIM We examined whether partner responses to women's pain experience-from the perspective of both the woman and her partner-are associated with pain intensity, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction. METHODS One hundred ninety-one couples (M age for women=33.28, standard deviation [SD]=12.07, M age for men=35.79, SD=12.44) in which the woman suffered from PVD completed the spouse response scale of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, assessing perceptions of partners' responses to the pain. Women with PVD also completed measures of pain, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, depression, and dyadic adjustment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dependent measures were women's responses to: (i) a horizontal analog scale assessing the intensity of their pain during intercourse; (ii) the Female Sexual Function Index; and (iii) the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS Controlling for depression, higher solicitous partner responses were associated with higher levels of women's vulvovaginal pain intensity. This association was significant for partner-perceived responses (β=0.29, P<0.001) and for woman-perceived partner responses (β=0.16, P=0.04). After controlling for sexual function and dyadic adjustment, woman-perceived greater solicitous partner responses (β=0.16, P=0.02) predicted greater sexual satisfaction. Partner-perceived responses did not predict women's sexual satisfaction. Partner responses were not associated with women's sexual function. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the integration of dyadic processes in the conceptualization and treatment of PVD by suggesting that partner responses to pain affect pain intensity and sexual satisfaction in affected women.
The relationship between bcl‐2 expression and response to chemotherapy in acute leukaemia

Summary. Immunocytochemistry was used to assess bcl‐2 expression in blasts obtained from the bone marrow of 28 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (16 children and six adults at presentation and three children and three adults on relapse) and 20 with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (19 adults and one child, 13 with de novo AML, 11 at presentation and two on relapse, and seven secondary to myelodysplasia or chronic myeloid leukaemia). Slides were examined both for the percentage of positive cells and for the intensity of staining using a five‐point scale. There was a statistically significant increase in both the percentage of positive cells seen (P < 0.002) and the intensity of staining (P < 0.01) between samples obtained at relapse and those at presentation in ALL. There was a significantly greater intensity of staining in cells from patients with ALL (P < 0.05) and AML (P < 0.05) who failed to achieve remission after chemotherapy than in those who responded. The intensity of staining in cases of secondary AML was lower than that in de novo disease (P < 0.01). These results suggest that expression of bcl‐2 may be an important prognostic feature in both de novo AML and in ALL, but not in secondary AML.
Nitroimidazo-oxazole compound DNDI-VL-2098: an orally effective preclinical drug candidate for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify a nitroimidazo-oxazole lead molecule for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). METHODS A library of 72 nitroimidazo-oxazoles was evaluated in vitro for their antileishmanial activity against luciferase-transfected DD8 amastigotes of Leishmania donovani. On the basis of their in vitro potency and pharmacokinetic properties, the promising compounds were tested in acute BALB/c mouse and chronic hamster models of VL via oral administration and efficacy was evaluated by microscopic counting of amastigotes after Giemsa staining. The best antileishmanial candidates (racemate DNDI-VL-2001) and its R enantiomer (DNDI-VL-2098) were evaluated in vitro against a range of Leishmania strains. These candidates were further studied in a hamster model using various dose regimens. Cytokine and inducible nitric oxide synthase estimations by real-time PCR and nitric oxide generation by Griess assay were also carried out for DNDI-VL-2098. RESULTS In vitro screening of nitroimidazo-oxazole compounds identified the racemate DNDI-VL-2001 (6-nitroimidazo-oxazole derivative) and its enantiomers as candidates for further evaluation in in vivo models of VL. DNDI-VL-2098 (IC50 of 0.03 μM for the DD8 strain) showed excellent in vivo activity in both mouse and hamster models, with an ED90 value of 3.7 and <25 mg/kg, respectively, and was also found to be very effective against high-grade infection in the hamster model. Our studies revealed that, along with leishmanicidal activity, DNDI-VL-2098 was also capable of inducing host-protective immune cells to suppress Leishmania parasites in hamsters. CONCLUSIONS These studies led to the identification of compound DNDI-VL-2098 as a preclinical candidate for further drug development as an oral treatment for VL.
Epidemiology and predictors of post-concussive syndrome after minor head injury in an emergency population.

OBJECTIVE To determine if clinical variables or neurobehavioural test (NBT) scores obtained in the ED within 24 hours of minor head injury (MHI) predict the development of postconcussive syndrome (PCS). METHODS Prospective, observational study of 71 MHI patients and 60 orthopaedic controls. MHI defined as loss of consciousness < 10 minutes or amnesia, GCS 15, no skull fracture or new neurologic focality on PE, and no brain injury on CT (if done). All patients received a seven part NBT battery in the ED. Telephone follow-up was done at 1, 3 and 6 months to determine if patients met the DSM IV definition of PCS. ANALYSIS Stepwise, multivariate, logistic regression. RESULTS Predictors of PCS at 1 month were female gender (OR = 7.8; 95% CI = 41.6, 1.98), presence of both retrograde and anterograde amnesia (OR = 0.055; CI = 0.002, 0.47), Digit Span Forward Scores (OR = 0.748; CI = 0.52, 1.03) and Hopkins Verbal Learning A scores (OR = 0.786; CI = 0.65, 0.91); at 3 months, presence of both retrograde and anterograde amnesia (OR = 0.13; CI = 0.0, 0.93), Digit Span Forward Scores (OR = 0.744; CI = 0.58, 0.94). No variables fit the model at 6 months. 92% of males scoring > 25 on Hopkins Verbal Learning A did not have PCS at 1 month, and 89% of females scoring < 9 on Digit Span Forward did have PCS at 1 month. CONCLUSIONS Gender and two NBTs can help predict PCS after MHI.
Travis and Arms revisited: a second look at a widely used bioconcentration algorithm

In 1988, Travis and Arms reviewed the literature and collected data to develop a relationship between the octanol-water partition coefficient (K ow) and the uptake of organic compounds into milk and beef (Travis and Arms, 1988). These equations have been utilized for predicting biotransfer factors for organic chemicals when empirical data are lacking. During the external peer review of the draft US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance entitled Human Health Risk Assessment Protocol for Hazardous Waste Combustion Facilities (US EPA, 1998) and the development of Superfund’s Ecological Soil Screening Levels (US EPA, 2000b), questions challenging the derivation and use of these equations were raised. The primary questions raised were: 1) Are the equations presented in Travis and Arms (1988) for the estimation of transfer of organic compounds from contaminated feed to beef and milk technically valid and reproducible? If so, (2) are the equations appropriate across the entire log K ow range? For these reasons, this study was undertaken to validate the original Travis and Arms equations, to review more recent literature, and, if appropriate, to add to the original Travis and Arms data set to obtain updated equations. This paper presents an evaluation of the original Travis and Arms equations, limitations to their use, and steps to reduce uncertainties associated with their use by updating with more current literature.
The 19 S Proteasome Subcomplex Establishes a Specific Protein Interaction Network at the Promoter for Stimulated Transcriptional Initiation in Vivo*

The 26 S proteasome complex that comprises the 20 S core and 19 S regulatory (with six ATPases) particles is engaged in an ATP-dependent degradation of a variety of key regulatory proteins and, thus, controls important cellular processes. Interestingly, several recent studies have implicated the 19 S regulatory particle in controlling eukaryotic transcriptional initiation or activation independently of the 20 S core particle. However, the mechanism of action of the 19 S proteasome subcomplex in regulation of eukaryotic transcriptional activation is not clearly understood in vivo. Here, using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay in conjunction with mutational and transcriptional analyses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that the 19 S proteasomal subcomplex establishes a specific protein interaction network at the upstream activating sequence of the promoter. Such an interaction network is essential for formation of the preinitiation complex at the core promoter to initiate transcription. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the formation of the transcription complex assembly at the promoter is dependent on 19 S ATPase activity. Intriguingly, 19 S ATPases appear to cross-talk for stimulation of the assembly of transcription factors at the promoter. Together, these results provide significant insights as to how the 19 S proteasome subcomplex regulates the formation of the active transcription complex assembly (and, hence, transcriptional initiation) at the promoter in vivo.
Elevated Levels of Plasma Mitochondrial DNA DAMPs Are Linked to Clinical Outcome in Severely Injured Human Subjects

Objective: Our objective was to execute a prospective cohort study to determine relationships between plasma mtDNA DAMP levels and the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and mortality. Background: Mitochondrial DNA damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) accumulate in the circulation after severe injury. Observations in animal models demonstrate that mtDNA DAMPs contribute to organ dysfunction; however, the link between plasma mtDNA DAMPs and outcome in severely injured human subjects has not been established. Methods: DNA was isolated from plasma samples taken from severely injured patients at hospital days 0, 1, and 2. Real-time PCR was used to quantify selected ≈200 base pair sequences of mtDNA within the COX1, ND1, and ND6 genes, as well as from the D-Loop transcriptional regulatory region. MODS was defined as a Denver Multiple Organ Failure score of 4 or greater. Results: MtDNA DAMPs were quantified as PCR threshold cycle number. Lower threshold cycles indicate increased mtDNA DAMP content. Patients with SIRS had significantly increased mtDNA DAMP levels in all 4 sequences examined (32.14 ± 0.90 vs 29.00 ± 1.15 for COX1, 31.90 ± 0.47 vs 30.16 ± 1.42 for ND1, 32.40 ± 0.61 vs 28.94 ± 1.13 for ND6, and 33.12 ± 0.83 vs 28.30 ± 1.14 for D-Loop). Patients who developed MODS also had elevated mtDNA DAMP levels compared with those who did not (32.57 ± 0.74 vs 27.12 ± 0.66 for COX1, 32.45 ± 0.65 vs 28.20 ± 0.73 for ND1, 32.52 ± 0.56 vs 27.60 ± 0.79 for ND6, and 32.85 ± 0.75 vs 27.86 ± 1.27 for D-Loop). Patients with above-median mtDNA DAMP levels had a significantly elevated relative risk for mortality. Four patients died secondary to severe MODS. Conclusions: These findings comprise the first observational evidence that plasma mtDNA DAMPs is associated with the evolution of SIRS, MODS, and mortality in severely injured human subjects.
Analysis of endosulfan and its metabolites in rat plasma and selected tissue samples by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A method has been developed for the determination of trace levels of α‐endosulfan, β‐endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, and endosulfan diol in rat plasma and tissue samples. Endosulfan and its metabolites in the plasma samples were extracted with solid‐phase extraction Chromabond‐end‐capped C18 cartridges and analyzed by a Shimadzu QP‐5050A gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GCMS) with quadrupole detector in selected‐ion‐monitoring mode. The analysis of endosulfan and its metabolites in liver and kidney samples involved solvent extraction, Florisil solid‐phase‐extraction cleanup, and quantitation by GCMS. Recovery experiments for the plasma and tissue samples were conducted over concentration ranges of 10–100 ng mL−1 and 100–1000 ng mL−1, respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of trace levels of endosulfan and its metabolites in plasma and tissue samples collected from an animal study. Trace levels of α‐endosulfan and β‐endosulfan in the ranges of undetectable to 3.11 μg g−1 and undetectable to 1.19 μg g−1, respectively, were detected in the kidney samples, whereas trace levels of endosulfan sulfate in the range of 0.02–0.22 μg g−1 were detected in the liver samples of rats. Neither endosulfan nor its metabolites was detected in any of the plasma samples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 45–52, 2005.
Reactions to Participating in Intimate Partner Violence and Minority Stress Research: A Mixed Methodological Study of Self-Identified Lesbian and Gay Emerging Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine lesbian and gay (LG) young adults’ reactions to participating in intimate partner violence (IPV) and minority stress research using a mixed methodological design. Participants were 277 U.S. college students currently involved in same-sex relationships and self-identified cisgender LG who completed an online questionnaire that included closed- and open-ended questions. Results suggested that IPV research was well tolerated by the vast majority of participants; close to one in 10 participants reported being upset by the study questions, yet 75% of upset individuals reported some level of personal benefit. Reasons for upset as identified in the open-ended responses included thinking about personal experiences with IPV, as the perpetrator or friend of a victim, as well as thinking about the uncertainty of their future with their current partner. The correlates of emotional reactions and personal benefits to research participation were also examined, and these varied among gay men and lesbian women. Implications of these findings underscore the importance of accurate reflection of risk and benefits in informed consent documents as well as systematic evaluation of sexual minority participants’ reactions to research participation in an effort to conduct ethically sound sexual science research.
Modes d'accès aux spécialistes : état des lieux avant la mise en place du parcours de soins coordonnés

La loi d'aout 2004 reformant l'Assurance-maladie instaure une nouvelle forme d'organisation de l'acces aux soins, le parcours de soins coordonnes, qui incite les patients de 16 ans ou plus a ne plus consulter directement certains specialistes, mais a passer par leur medecin traitant qui eventuellement les dirigera vers un specialiste. La possibilite d'acceder directement aux soins de specialistes persiste mais, dans ce cas, les sommes restant a la charge des patients sont plus importantes. La reforme prevoit que les gynecologues, les ophtalmologues et les psychiatres pourront, dans certains cas, continuer a etre consultes directement sans penalites financieres pour les patients. Cette etude fait le point sur les modalites d'acces aux specialistes avant la mise en place de la reforme. Elle repose sur les donnees de l'Enquete Sante et Protection sociale menee en 2004 par l'IRDES.
Dynamical Stability of Earth‐like Planetary Orbits in Binary Systems

This paper explores the stability of an Earth‐like planet orbiting a solar‐mass star in the presence of an outer‐lying intermediate‐mass companion. The overall goal is to estimate the fraction of binary systems that allow Earth‐like planets to remain stable over long timescales. We numerically determine the planet’s ejection time τej over a range of companion masses (MC = 0.001–0.5 M⊙), orbital eccentricities ϵ, and semimajor axes a. This suite of ∼40,000 numerical experiments suggests that the most important variables are the companion’s mass MC and periastron distance Rmin = a(1 - ϵ) to the primary star. At fixed MC, the ejection time is a steeply increasing function of Rmin over the range of parameter space considered here (although the ejection time has a distribution of values for a given Rmin). Most of the integration times are limited to 10 Myr, but a small set of integrations extend to 500 Myr. For each companion mass, we find fitting formulae that approximate the mean ejection time as a function of Rmin. These functions can then be extrapolated to longer timescales. By combining the numerically determined ejection times with the observed distributions of orbital parameters for binary systems, we estimate that (at least) 50% of binaries allow an Earth‐like planet to remain stable over the 4.6 Gyr age of our solar system.
Demethylation of Dimethylsulfoniopropionate and Production of Thiols in Anoxic Marine Sediments

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a natural product of algae and aquatic plants, particularly those from saline environments. We investigated whether DMSP could serve as a precursor of thiols in anoxic coastal marine sediments. The addition of 10 or 60 μM DMSP to anoxic sediment slurries caused the concentrations of 3-mercaptopropionate (3-MPA) and methanethiol (MSH) to increase. Antibiotics prevented the appearance of these thiols, indicating biological formation. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and acrylate also accumulated after the addition of DMSP, but these compounds were rapidly metabolized by microbes and did not reach high levels. Acrylate and DMS were probably generated by the enzymatic cleavage of DMSP. MSH arose from the microbial metabolism of DMS, since the direct addition of DMS greatly increased MSH production. Additions of 3-methiolpropionate gave rise to 3-MPA at rates similar to those with DMSP, suggesting that sequential demethylation of DMSP leads to 3-MPA formation. Only small amounts of MSH were liberated from 3-methiolpropionate, indicating that demethiolation was not a major transformation for 3-methiolpropionate. We conclude that DMSP was degraded in anoxic sediments by two different pathways. One involved the well-known enzymatic cleavage to acrylate and DMS, with DMS subsequently serving as a precursor of MSH. In the other pathway, successive demethylations of the sulfur atom proceeded via 3-methiolpropionate to 3-MPA.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Isolates in the North-East Region of Peninsular Malaysia between 2002 and 2009

Aim: This study was conducted to ascertain, retrospectively, the genetic diversity and distribution of S . Typhi strains in Kelantan, isolated from patients with acute typhoid, asymptomatic carriers and environmental samples in Kelantan between the years 2002-2009. Methodology: Two hundred and sixty individual S . Typhi isolates were characterized using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using XbaI restriction enzyme, and results were interpreted according to standard guidelines. Results: Thirty-eight pulsotypes (designated X001 to X038) and six major relatedness-clusters were found. Cluster B was predominant and accounted for 78% of the total isolates. Strains X001, X002 and X009 were found in both acute and asymptomatic subjects; and strain X023, which was found in a water sample in 2008, was also found in acute patients in 2004 and 2005. S . Typhi strains that were found in typhoid carriers were also found in acute patients. Conclusions: These findings suggest close circulation of a few strains of S . Typhi that perpetuate the disease in the state, unlike developed countries where the high diversity of strains reported was because of immigration. Since there was no difference in the strains found between carriers and acute patients, host- rather than pathogen-factors were likely to be associated with development of the typhoid carrier state. The finding of S. Typhi in both the environment and acute typhoid patients indicate the resilience of the pathogen and the need to improve water sanitation in order to control the transmission of the disease in this state.
Development and validation of a multi-body model of the canine stifle joint

Multi-body musculoskeletal models that can be used concurrently to predict joint contact pressures and muscle forces would be extremely valuable in studying the mechanics of joint injury. The purpose of this study was to develop an anatomically correct canine stifle joint model and validate it against experimental data. A cadaver pelvic limb from one adult dog was used in this study. The femoral head was subjected to axial motion in a mechanical tester. Kinematic and force data were used to validate the computational model. The maximum RMS error between the predicted and measured kinematics during the complete testing cycle was 11.9 mm translational motion between the tibia and the femur and 4.3° rotation between patella and femur. This model is the first step in the development of a musculoskeletal model of the hind limb with anatomically correct joints to study cartilage loading under dynamic conditions.