Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Magnesium on Oxidative Neuronal Injury In Vitro

Abstract: The effect of magnesium on the oxidative neuronal injury induced by hemoglobin was assessed in murine cortical cell cultures. Exposure to 5 µM hemoglobin in physiologic (1 mM) magnesium for 26 h resulted in the death of about one‐half the neurons and a sixfold increase in malondialdehyde production; glia were not injured. Increasing medium magnesium to 3 mM reduced neuronal death by about one‐half and malondialdehyde production by about two‐thirds; neuronal death and lipid peroxidation were approximately doubled in 0.3 mM magnesium. Comparable results were observed in spinal cord cultures. The NMDA antagonist MK‐801 weakly attenuated hemoglobin neurotoxicity in low‐magnesium medium, but tended to potentiate injury in physiologic magnesium. Incubation in low‐magnesium medium alone for 24 h reduced cellular glutathione by ∼50% in mixed neuronal and glial cultures but by only 10% in pure glial cultures. The iron‐dependent oxidation of phosphatidylethanolamine liposomes was attenuated in a concentration‐dependent fashion by 2.5–10 mM magnesium; a similar effect was provided by 0.01–0.1 mM cobalt. However, oxidation was weakly enhanced by 0.5–1 mM magnesium. These results suggest that the vulnerability of neurons to iron‐dependent oxidative injury is an inverse function of the extracellular magnesium concentration. At high concentrations, magnesium inhibits lipid peroxidation directly, perhaps by competing with iron for phospholipid binding sites. At low concentrations, enhancement of cell death may be due to the combined effect of increased NMDA receptor activity, glutathione depletion, and direct potentiation of lipid peroxidation.
Regulation of protein synthesis in chick oviduct. I. Independent regulation of ovalbumin, conalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme induction.

Abstract Egg white protein synthesis is induced and maintained in oviduct magnum of immature female chicks by administering gonadal steroid hormones. The relative rate of synthesis of four egg white proteins (ovalbumin, conalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme) was measured by culturing magnum explants with radioactive amino acids followed by specific immunoprecipitation of each of the egg white proteins. Induction of these proteins was studied as a function of time, hormonal dose, and hormonal combination. A combination of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone was found which would induce the relative rate of synthesis of each of the four egg white proteins to a level that closely approximates that observed in laying hens; this combination also promotes maximal magnum growth. The synthesis of these proteins is not strictly coordinated, since the rate of synthesis of one or more of these proteins can change relative to the others, although they are all synthesized in the same cell. Noncoordinate protein synthesis is exemplified by the changing ratio of conalbumin to ovalbumin synthesis during both primary and secondary stimulation with estrogen. The ratio of synthesis of these two proteins also changes as a function of the dosage of hormone administered. Furthermore, different combinations of hormones can produce noncoordinate synthesis; for example, the synthesis of ovomucoid and conalbumin is increased relative to ovalbumin when either progesterone or testosterone are administered along with estrogen. The most likely explanation for the change in the ratio of ovalbumin to conalbumin synthesis observed during hormonal stimulation is the 2-fold difference in the rates of degradation of their mRNAs. In contrast, changes in mRNA synthesis or activation best account for the preferential induction of conalbumin synthesis by low doses of estrogen, and the increased rates of conalbumin and ovomucoid synthesis which are produced by supplementing estrogen with either progesterone or testosterone. The results suggest that a single regulatory site for the control of egg white synthesis is unlikely since several of these proteins appear to be under independent control.
The use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents with bipolar disorders

The use of antipsychotics, particularly the atypical antipsychotics, has increased dramatically in child and adolescent populations over the last decade. This class of psychotropics has been used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders in pediatric populations, including bipolar disorder (BPD). The present clinical guidelines for treating BPD in younger populations closely follow those for managing adult BPD, as reasoning for using the atypicals is many times initially based on the outcomes of adult studies and indications. As in adult populations, metabolic parameters such as body mass index, blood glucose levels and fasting lipid profiles should be routinely monitored throughout the course of treatment. Of the several studies undertaken thus far, it appears that atypical antipsychotics are efficacious in the treatment of pediatric BPD. However, the number of controlled studies demonstrating their efficacy in younger subjects is limited and further investigation is required to evaluate if effectiveness and potential for side effects differ significantly than that for adult populations.
Study on the Climate Adaption Planning for an Industrial Company with Regional Risk of the Water Supply System—A Case in Taiwan

Extreme uneven spatial and temporal distributions of rainfall pose the risk of water shortage to the industries in Taiwan, particularly during dry seasons, which may be worsen under climate change. This study aims to develop adaptation actions for an industrial company to reduce the risk of droughts. The Formosa Plastics Corporation (FPC) in Chuoshui River watershed is selected as a study case and an integrated risk assessment tool of water resources TaiWAP is used. The water shortage of FPC is mainly in the dry seasons because the water rights of public and agricultural uses are prioritized over industrial use. The considered adaptation options including water reuse, a desalination plant, smart agricultural water management, and rainwater harvesting. The results show that the waste-water reuse and sea-water desalination are the most effective adaptation options, which reduces the water shortage risks 33–44% per day in the return period of ten years. The results are generalized for the reference of other studies. The risk assessment and adaptation measure identification of the company require regional information. Moreover, some adaptation measures that the company implements help reduce the water shortage of the region and are consequently beneficial to the company, e.g., smart agricultural water management.
Size, temperature, and fitness: Three rules

Question: Associations of body size and of body temperature with fitness have complex relationships for ectotherms, but three general patterns are known. Bigger is better: Larger body size is frequently associated with greater fitness within populations. Hotter is smaller: Smaller adult body sizes typically result from development at higher temperatures. Hotter is better: Greater maximal performance at the optimal temperature is frequently associated with higher optimal temperatures. How do we – or even can we – reconcile these three apparently conflicting empirical patterns about temperature, size, and fitness of ectotherms? Methods: We summarize available evidence supporting or contradicting these three rules. We present a conceptual framework that describes how developmental and adult body temperatures affect causal connections among size, performance, and key components of fitness. Findings: There is strong empirical support for Bigger is better and Hotter is smaller (≥ 79% of studies/estimates), primarily for terrestrial insects, reptiles, and annual plants. Evidence regarding Hotter is better is still limited (and primarily from terrestrial insects), but most available information supports the rule. Analyses of counterexamples are particularly instructive. The rules operate at different levels. Bigger is better describes phenotypic variation within populations. Hotter is smaller describes phenotypic plasticity of a genotype. Hotter is better describes evolved variation in reaction norms among genotypes or between species. Conclusions: We unify these three rules into a path diagram that describes how temperature impacts critical rate processes throughout the life cycle. Adult body size and development time are key traits that are not only consequences of temperature-dependent processes, but also are causes of variation in fitness. An unresolved issue involves how to determine the appropriate fitness metric for a particular ecological context (population and environment). For example, the intrinsic rate of population increase (r) is strongly influenced by generation time (and development time), whereas net reproductive rate (R0) is strongly influenced by fecundity (and size). Because the relative strengths of different paths contributing to fitness change differ for these fitness metrics, the choice of metric can affect whether Hotter is better is ‘better’ than Bigger is better.
Pollution level and health risk assessment of road dust from an expressway

Thirteen road dust and four soil samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to determine the elemental composition of road dust collected from Islamabad Expressway. The amounts of most of the elements determined were generally in the lower range of the global data with the exception of Ce, Nd, Sn and Zr, which were measured at higher concentrations in Islamabad. The magnitudes of Enrichment Factors (EFs) showed that the area around Islamabad Expressway is low to moderately polluted especially by elements such as Mg and Sb. Elemental health risk was assessed through dose calculations for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic metals; and by the determination of LADD (lifetime average daily dose). The carcinogenic metals studied showed the following variation in their LADD values; Cr>Ni>Co>Cd>As. Dose calculations for non-cancerous and cancerous elements showed the data obtained to lie within the safe threshold of 10−3–10−6 mg kg−1 day−1 for most elements. The Soil-based elements Al, Fe, K, Mg, Na and Ti were the exception and originated from the exposed soil around the highway. Moreover highest Hazard Index (HI) was found to be associated with the presence of Al, Cr, Pb and V in road dust showing soil, transport and industry to be the major sources of road dust.
Inconsistency of ammonium–sulfate aerosol ratios with thermodynamic models in the eastern US: a possible role of organic aerosol

Abstract. Thermodynamic models predict that sulfate aerosol (S(VI) ≡ H2SO4(aq) + HSO4−+ SO42−) should take up available ammonia (NH3) quantitatively as ammonium (NH4+) until the ammonium sulfate stoichiometry (NH4)2SO4 is close to being reached. This uptake of ammonia has important implications for aerosol mass, hygroscopicity, and acidity. When ammonia is in excess, the ammonium–sulfate aerosol ratio R = [NH4+] ∕ [S(VI)] should approach 2, with excess ammonia remaining in the gas phase. When ammonia is in deficit, it should be fully taken up by the aerosol as ammonium and no significant ammonia should remain in the gas phase. Here we report that sulfate aerosol in the eastern US in summer has a low ammonium–sulfate ratio despite excess ammonia, and we show that this is at odds with thermodynamic models. The ammonium–sulfate ratio averages only 1.04 ± 0.21 mol mol−1 in the Southeast, even though ammonia is in large excess, as shown by the ammonium–sulfate ratio in wet deposition and by the presence of gas-phase ammonia. It further appears that the ammonium–sulfate aerosol ratio is insensitive to the supply of ammonia, remaining low even as the wet deposition ratio exceeds 6 mol mol−1. While the ammonium–sulfate ratio in wet deposition has increased by 5.8 % yr−1 from 2003 to 2013 in the Southeast, consistent with SO2 emission controls, the ammonium–sulfate aerosol ratio decreased by 1.4–3.0 % yr−1. Thus, the aerosol is becoming more acidic even as SO2 emissions decrease and ammonia emissions stay constant; this is incompatible with simple sulfate–ammonium thermodynamics. A tentative explanation is that sulfate particles are increasingly coated by organic material, retarding the uptake of ammonia. Indeed, the ratio of organic aerosol (OA) to sulfate in the Southeast increased from 1.1 to 2.4 g g−1 over the 2003–2013 period as sulfate decreased. We implement a simple kinetic mass transfer limitation for ammonia uptake to sulfate aerosols in the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model and find that we can reproduce both the observed ammonium–sulfate aerosol ratios and the concurrent presence of gas-phase ammonia. If sulfate aerosol becomes more acidic as OA ∕ sulfate ratios increase, then controlling SO2 emissions to decrease sulfate aerosol will not have the co-benefit of suppressing acid-catalyzed secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation.
From osmotic second virial coefficient (B22) to phase behavior of a monoclonal antibody

Antibodies are complex macromolecules and their phase behavior as well as interactions within different solvents and precipitants are still not understood. To shed some light into the processes on a molecular dimension, the occurring self‐interactions between antibody molecules were analyzed by means of the osmotic second virial coefficient (B22). The determined B22 follows qualitatively the phenomenological Hofmeister series describing the aggregation probability of antibodies for the various solvent compositions. However, a direct correlation between crystallization probability and B22 in form of a crystallization slot does not seem to be feasible for antibodies since the phase behavior is strongly dependent on their anisotropy. Kinetic parameters have to be taken into account due to the molecular size and complexity of the molecules. This is confirmed by a comparison of experimental data with a theoretical phase diagram. On the other hand the solubility is thermodynamically driven and therefore the B22 could be used to establish a universal solubility line for the monoclonal antibody mAb04c and different solvent compositions by using thermodynamic models. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 31:438–451, 2015
Antioxidant effect of lemon verbena extracts in lymphocytes of university students performing aerobic training program

Aerobic training is related to an increase in blood oxidation markers. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity of Lippia citriodora extracts (PLX®) on plasma and blood cell oxidative status of university students beginning a 21 days aerobic training routine (3 days/week). Using a double‐blind design, 15 male athletes (21 ± 2.1 years) were assigned to a group consuming 1.8 g/day of the plant extract (PLX®‐group) or a placebo (PLB‐group). Two blood extractions were performed at day 0 and 21, from which lymphocytes, erythrocytes and plasma were isolated. Several circulating parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers were measured. The PLX®‐group displayed an increased HDL‐cholesterol, a modest decrease in erythrocyte number and an increased circulating urea. Activation of glutathione (GSH)‐reductase was observed in erythrocytes and lymphocytes of PLX®‐group, accompanied by lower levels of oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls in plasma. The antioxidant action exerted by PLX® on GSH‐reductase seems to be post‐translational and mainly due to verbascoside, a phenylpropanoid that represents 10% (w/w) of extract content. In conclusion, PLX® shows antioxidant properties that could play an important role in modulating GSH‐reductase activity in lymphocytes and erythrocytes and protecting plasma from exercise oxidative damage.
Orthostatic hypotension and drug therapy in patients at an outpatient comprehensive geriatric assessment unit

Objective: To assess the rate of orthostatic hypotension and factors associated with it among elderly patients who underwent a comprehensive, ambulatory geriatric assessment. Methods: The study included patients 65 years and older who were assessed in the outpatient comprehensive geriatric assessment unit. Data were collected from the computerized medical record including sociodemographic data, lifestyle, falls, blood pressure, BMI, functional and cognitive status, medications, and comorbidity. Results: The study population consisted of 571 patients who underwent assessment over a nine-year period. The mean age was 83.7 ± 6.1, 35.9% were men, and 183 (32.1%) were diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension. Multiple drugs, in general, and multiple drugs with the potential to cause orthostatic hypotension in particular increased the risk for orthostatic hypotension after adjustment for age, sex, chronic comorbidity, and supine systolic blood pressure ≥150 mmHg [odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.14 and OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08–1.37, respectively]. In addition, &agr;-blockers and calcium channel blockers increased the risk for orthostatic hypotension after similar adjustments (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.01–3.16 and OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.11–2.48, respectively). Similarly, two additional drug types increased the risk for orthostatic hypotension: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33–3.19) and tricyclic antidepressants (OR = 4.36, 95% CI: 1.85–10.06). There were no specific associations between age, cognitive and functional state, morbidity (as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index), and specific diseases, and orthostatic hypotension. Conclusion: The results of the present study reinforce evidence of an association between drug therapy and orthostatic hypotension.
Investigations of activities of alkaloid of trifoliate yam ( dioscorea dumetorum , (kunth) pax.

Alkaloid was extracted from the tubers of Dioscorea dumetorum by a procedure that consisted of acidification with dilute HCl, basification with dilute ammonia solution and extraction with chloroform. It was investigated for its cytotoxic, genotoxic and allelopathic activities on Allium cepa roots, tomato seeds and bean seedlings with a view to studying its safety or otherwise as famine food. The allelopathic, cytotoxic and genotoxic activities of the alkaloid were investigated using tomato seeds, bean seedlings and A. cepa assay techniques. The thin layer chromatography (tlc) of the alkaloid on pre-coated silica gel 60 F 254 gave only one spot implying that alkaloid contained in trifoliate yam was chromatographically pure. The allelopathic studies revealed that the alkaloid did not have any significant effect on tomato seed germination, and root and shoot lengths of bean seedlings. The alkaloid caused slight reduction in the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll and elevated the levels of total proteins, soluble sugars and proline in bean seedlings. Mitotic Index decreased with increased alkaloid concentrations but no chromosomal aberration was observed. It is concluded from this study that alkaloid from D. dumetorum was cytotoxic but not genotoxic. Key words: Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, Allelopathic, Dioscorea dumetorum , Chromosomal aberration, Mitotic index.
Human endothelial and platelet septin SEPT11: Cloning of novel variants and characterisation of interaction partners

Summary Septins are cytoskeletal GTPases forming heteropolymeric complexes involved in processes characterised by active membrane movement such as cytokinesis, vesicle trafficking, and exocytosis. Septins are expressed in non-mitotic cells such as neurons and platelets. SEPT11 belongs to the SEPT6 group and was identified as interaction partner of SEPT5. We cloned and characterised novel SEPT11 variants and investigated interaction partners of SEPT11 in platelets and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. An endothelial cell library was used for cloning novel SEPT11 variants. Using Northern analysis the different SEPT11 transcripts were illustrated. Interaction studies were performed using yeast two-hybrid system, precipitation, FRET, and immunofluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate that SEPT11 partners with SEPT2, SEPT4 and SEPT7 using yeast two-hybrid system and precipitation. The interaction of SEPT11 with SEPT7 is also demonstrated by FRET. In addition to the known SEPT11 transcript (SEPT11_v1) we identified a novel SEPT11 variant (SEPT11_v2) as interaction partner of SEPT4 and SEPT7. Library screening of an endothelial cell library also revealed the presence of this novel SEPT11_v2 transcript. In addition, a third SEPT11 variant (SEPT11_v3) was identified. Expression of SEPT11_v1 and of SEPT11_v2 and SEPT11_v3 in human brain regions was investigated by Northern analysis. Further interaction partners of SEPT11 are characterised using immunofluorescence. Co-localisation of SEPT2, SEPT4, SEPT7 and SEPT11 with tubulin and transferrin receptor (endocytotic marker) is demonstrated. In addition, co-localisation of SEPT4 and SEPT11 with the vesicle-associated protein synaptobrevin 1 (VAMP1), but not clearly with actin, was shown. Only SEPT2 and SEPT7 definitely co-localised with actin, but not clearly with VAMP1.
Reduction of invasive aspergillosis incidence among immunocompromised patients after control of environmental exposure.

BACKGROUND The objective of the study was to assess the impact of the relocation of an adult hematological intensive care unit on invasive aspergillosis (IA) incidence. METHODS A quasi-experimental study, including a control group and an intervention group that both underwent pretest and posttest evaluations, was conducted in the 3 adult hematological intensive care units (each composed of 14 single rooms) in a university hospital from 14 April 2005 through 1 February 2006. One of these units was relocated from the main building to an adjoining modular construction. In this unit, 4 rooms were equipped with laminar airflow before relocation; all rooms were equipped with positive pressure isolation after relocation. The 2 other units (control group), each containing 8 rooms with laminar airflow, did not undergo environmental modification. The diagnostic criteria for IA were based on the criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. RESULTS In total, 356 hospitalized patients were included. Of the 21 cases of IA, 18 were nosocomial, and 3 were of undetermined origin. In the relocated unit, the incidence of IA decreased from 13.2% (9 patients) before relocation to 1.6% (1 patient) after relocation (P=.018). Eight of the 9 patients with IA before relocation stayed in rooms without specific air treatment. The rate of IA did not change in the control group. Patient characteristics were similar in each unit before and after relocation. CONCLUSION We detected a straightforward association between environmental modification and decreased IA incidence, which emphasizes the use of an environmental strategy, including high-efficiency air filtration, in the prevention of IA.
Consensusability of discrete-time multi-agent systems under state feedback control

This paper investigates the problem when discrete-time multi-agent dynamic systems are consensusable, and how to synthesize the distributed consensus feedback control law when the consensusability holds. We focus on multi-agent systems over the undirected graph of the communication topology and derive the consensusability condition. Our results are constructive and provide an explicit synthesis procedure for designing the distributed feedback control protocols based on local information that enable all agents to reach the prescribed consensus asymptotically. The consensusability is related to the gain margin problem under state feedback and output injection that is also solved in this paper.