Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concentrations and Toxic Implications of Dioxin‐Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Soil Samples from Electrical Power Stations in Lagos, Nigeria

Dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl‐PCBs) are ubiquitous chemicals which mediate toxicity in a way similar to polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. In silico modeling was used to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of eight dioxin‐like PCBs in soil samples of 12 power stations in Lagos, Nigeria. Concentrations of Σdl‐PCB8 in soil samples ranged from 490 to 61,000 pg g−1, with mean concentrations of 17,000 pg g−1. The corresponding toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations of Ʃdl‐PCB8 ranged from 0.01 to 450 pg TEQ g−1, with a mean value of 42 pg TEQ g−1. Mean TEQ concentrations for Ʃdl‐PCB8 in soil samples from all but one of the sites exceeded the Canadian guideline value of 4 pg TEQ g−1 and the US and German guideline values of 5–10 pg TEQ g−1. However, the TEQ concentrations obtained were all below the US action level of 1000 pg TEQ g−1. The ADMET predictions revealed that all studied dl‐PCBs are inhibitors of three major isoforms (1A2, 2C9, and 2C19) of cytochrome P450 enzyme. Acute oral toxicity (median lethal dose) predictions revealed that all target dl‐PCBs were class III compounds. Hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity were positive, signifying that the studied compounds all have a tendency to elicit these effects. Occupational daily TEQ exposure via soil ingestion was estimated for an average adult worker weighing 70 kg. The maximum exposure obtained was 0.14 pg TEQ kg−1 body weight day−1, which is half of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tolerable daily intake (TDI) for dioxin‐like compounds. This raises concern over the possible exceedance of the EFSA TDI for these workers if other dietary and nondietary exposure pathways and dioxin‐like compounds are considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:800–809. © 2021 SETAC
Endotyping Asthma: Profiling the Metabolic Dimension?

A collective representation of complementary approaches for the comprehensive capture of the respiratory metabolome and metabolic dysregulation caused by immune mediated inflammation. Future adoption of multimodal designs, coupling data from tissue scale, liquid and gas phase analyses from across analytical platforms will provide a more integrated, better annotated understanding of the metabolome, associated metabolic endotypes and it’s potential for therapeutic development in respiratory disease.
MicroRNA-133b Inhibits nTumor Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion by Targeting SUMO1 in Endometrial Carcinoma

Objectives: An increasing number of studies have confirmed that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, play an important regulatory role in the occurrence and development of numerous types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role and mechanism of miR-133b and small ubiquitin like modifier 1 (SUMO1) in the development of endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods: First, Venn diagrams are used to identify the differential expressions of miRNAs in EC from GSE35794 and GSE25405 datasets. Next, we conduct a series of functional tests, including Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, and transwell and matrigel assays. Then, a bioinformatics tool, is used to identify downstream target genes of miR-133b and to verify the predicted results by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and double luciferase reporter gene analysis. Finally, in order to further study whether the cellular function of miR-133b is mediated by the expression of SUMO1, rescue experiments were carried out. Results: The results of bioinformatics studies showed that the expression of miR-133b was down-regulated in EC tissues, and the expression level of miR-133b was lower in patients with high grade, different histology or menopausal status. The results of functional assay showed that overexpression of miR-133b reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion. On the contrary, miR-133b silence has the opposite effect. SUMO1 was the direct target of miR-133b and was negatively regulated by miR-133b. The decrease of SUMO1mRNA expression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells, and reversed the effect of miR-133b on EC cells. Conclusion: The findings from the present study suggested that miR-133b may be a tumor suppressor gene and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of EC.
Oxidative stress protein Oxr1 promotes V‐ATPase holoenzyme disassembly in catalytic activity‐independent manner

The vacuolar ATPase (V‐ATPase) is a rotary motor proton pump that is regulated by an assembly equilibrium between active holoenzyme and autoinhibited V1‐ATPase and Vo proton channel subcomplexes. Here, we report cryo‐EM structures of yeast V‐ATPase assembled in vitro from lipid nanodisc reconstituted Vo and mutant V1. Our analysis identified holoenzymes in three active rotary states, indicating that binding of V1 to Vo provides sufficient free energy to overcome Vo autoinhibition. Moreover, the structures suggest that the unequal spacing of Vo’s proton‐carrying glutamic acid residues serves to alleviate the symmetry mismatch between V1 and Vo motors, a notion that is supported by mutagenesis experiments. We also uncover a structure of free V1 bound to Oxr1, a conserved but poorly characterized factor involved in the oxidative stress response. Biochemical experiments show that Oxr1 inhibits V1‐ATPase and causes disassembly of the holoenzyme, suggesting that Oxr1 plays a direct role in V‐ATPase regulation.
Resilience of reptiles to megafires.

Extreme climate events, together with anthropogenic land use changes, have led to the rise of megafires (i.e., fires at the top of the frequency size distribution) in many world regions. Megafires imply that the centre of the burned area is far from the unburnt; thus, recolonization may be critical for species with low dispersal abilities such as reptiles. We aimed to evaluate the effect of megafires on a reptile community, exploring to what extent reptile responses are spatially shaped by the distance to the unburned area. We examined the short-term spatiotemporal response of a Mediterranean reptile community after two megafires (>20.000 hectares) occurred in summer 2012 at eastern Spain. Reptiles were sampled during four years after the fire in burnt plots located at different distances from the fire perimeter (edge, middle, and centre), and in adjacent unburnt plots. Reptile responses were modelled with fire history, as well as climate and remotely sensed environmental variables. In total we recorded 522 reptiles from 12 species (11 species in the burnt plots and 9 in the unburnt plots). Reptile abundance decreased in burnt compared to unburnt plots. The community composition and species richness did not vary either spatially (unburnt and burnt plots) or temporally (along the four years). The persistence of reptiles in the burnt area supports their resilience to megafires. The most common lizard species was Psammodromus algirus; both adults and juveniles were found in all unburnt and burnt plots. This species showed lower abundances in burnt areas compared to the unburnt and a slow short-term abundance recovery. The lizard P. edwarsianus was much less abundant and showed a tendency to increase its abundance at burnt plots compared to unburnt plots. Within the megafire area, P. algirus and P. edwarsianus abundances correlated with the thermal-moisture environment and vegetation recovery regardless of the distance from the fire edge. These results indicate the absence of a short-term reptile recolonization from the unburnt zone, demonstrating that reptiles are resilient (in-situ persistence) to megafires when environmental conditions are favourable. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Comparing Measures of Criterion A to Better Understand Incremental Validity in the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders

The Alternative Model of Personality Disorders distinguishes between the severity of personality dysfunction (Criterion A) and individual differences in personality disorder expression (Criterion B). Several Criterion A measures exist, but few studies have compared these measures with each other. Moreover, debates about whether the constructs of Criteria A and B are redundant (i.e., weak incremental validity) should be framed around how different Criterion A measures perform relative to others. This study of 204 undergraduate students evaluated multiple measures of Criterion A. These measures were strongly correlated with Criterion B, but evidenced incremental validity (39% of outcomes, 5% average additional variance explained) with outcomes of psychopathology and interpersonal impairments, and less consistent incremental validity with suicidality, aggression, and mental health utilization. We discuss how these results inform the construct of Criterion A relative to Criterion B and evaluate strengths/weaknesses of Criterion A measures.
Precision medicine in stroke: towards personalized outcome predictions using artificial intelligence

Abstract Stroke ranks among the leading causes for morbidity and mortality worldwide. New and continuously improving treatment options such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy have revolutionized acute stroke treatment in recent years. Following modern rhythms, the next revolution might well be the strategic use of the steadily increasing amounts of patient-related data for generating models enabling individualized outcome predictions. Milestones have already been achieved in several health care domains, as big data and artificial intelligence have entered everyday life. The aim of this review is to synoptically illustrate and discuss how artificial intelligence approaches may help to compute single-patient predictions in stroke outcome research in the acute, subacute and chronic stage. We will present approaches considering demographic, clinical and electrophysiological data, as well as data originating from various imaging modalities and combinations thereof. We will outline their advantages, disadvantages, their potential pitfalls and the promises they hold with a special focus on a clinical audience. Throughout the review we will highlight methodological aspects of novel machine-learning approaches as they are particularly crucial to realize precision medicine. We will finally provide an outlook on how artificial intelligence approaches might contribute to enhancing favourable outcomes after stroke.
10-Year Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in South Korea

Background In South Korea, women aged 66 years are eligible for complimentary bone mineral density (BMD) screening via the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages. We aimed to evaluate the 10-year fracture risk in women receiving BMD screening between January 2008 and December 2015. Methods BMD was classified as normal (T-score ≥−1.0 standard deviation [SD]), osteopenia (T-score <−1.0 SD and >−2.5 SD), and osteoporosis (T score ≤−2.5 SD) from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Follow-up continued from the screening date until a diagnosis for clinical fragility fracture (including sites of the vertebrae, hip, pelvis, clavicle, humerus, forearm, wrist, lower leg, and ankle), censored at the earliest date of trauma, death, or December 2017; fracture was ascertained using diagnostic codes from the National Health Insurance Service database. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of fracture in women with osteopenia or osteoporosis relative to women with normal BMD. Results Among the 271,197 women screened, 44.0% had osteopenia and 35.2% had osteoporosis. The 10 year cumulative incidence of fragility fractures was 31.1%, 37.5%, and 44.3% in women with normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis, respectively. Fracture risk was higher in women with osteopenia (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.34) and osteoporosis (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.64 to 1.72) than in women with normal BMD. Conclusion Women with osteopenia and women with osteoporosis, identified by the national BMD screening program, demonstrated a substantially elevated risk of fracture.
An RF model of the accumulation-mode MOS varactor valid in both accumulation and depletion regions

This work presents an RF model of an accumulation-mode MOS varactor with physical lumped elements derived from the device structure. The channel resistance was modeled by three resistance components to cover both accumulation and depletion regions with single equivalent circuit. With parameter values obtained by direct extraction, this model could accurately describe characteristics of the device without any optimization steps in the frequency range up to 18 GHz, as well as over a wide bias range. Due to the single topology, easy integration of the model into common circuit simulators is possible.
Centering categorical predictors in multilevel models: Best practices and interpretation.

The topic of centering in multilevel modeling (MLM) has received substantial attention from methodologists, as different centering choices for lower-level predictors present important ramifications for the estimation and interpretation of model parameters. However, the centering literature has focused almost exclusively on continuous predictors, with little attention paid to whether and how categorical predictors should be centered, despite their ubiquity across applied fields. Alongside this gap in the methodological literature, a review of applied articles showed that researchers center categorical predictors infrequently and inconsistently. Algebraically and statistically, continuous and categorical predictors behave the same, but researchers using them do not, and for many, interpreting the effects of categorical predictors is not intuitive. Thus, the goals of this tutorial article are twofold: to clarify why and how categorical predictors should be centered in MLM, and to explain how multilevel regression coefficients resulting from centered categorical predictors should be interpreted. We first provide algebraic support showing that uncentered coding variables result in a conflated blend of the within- and between-cluster effects of a multicategorical predictor, whereas appropriate centering techniques yield level-specific effects. Next, we provide algebraic derivations to illuminate precisely how the within- and between-cluster effects of a multicategorical predictor should be interpreted under dummy, contrast, and effect coding schemes. Finally, we provide a detailed demonstration of our conclusions with an empirical example. Implications for practice, including relevance of our findings to categorical control variables (i.e., covariates), interaction terms with categorical focal predictors, and multilevel latent variable models, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Antibody Response and Variant Cross-Neutralization After SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infection.

36% (95% CI, 33-52) non-Delta cases 41% 24-56) Discussion | Results of this study showed substantial boosting of humoral immunity after breakthrough infection, despite predominantly mild disease. Boosting was most notable for IgA, possibly due to the differences in route of exposure between vaccination and natural infection. In addition, breakthrough sera demonstrated improved variant cross-neutralization, and Delta breakthrough infections in par-ticular exhibited improved potency against Delta vs WA1, suggesting that the protective immune response may be broadened through development of variant boosters with antigenic inserts matching the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Limitations of this study include the small number of samples and the difference in time from initial vaccination to serum collection between the breakthrough and control groups, which emerging evidence suggests may contribute to the development of variant cross-neutralizing antibody responses.
Modelling a nonlinear variable-reluctance motor drive

The paper presents models for a high-power (60 kW) variable-reluctance motor (VRM) and for the GTO-based inverter that excites the motor. Model development is motivated by the accurate performance predictions required to support optimised control and excitation. One component of the motor model analytically describes the nonlinear magnetic characteristics of the motor, accounting for both spatial and magnetic nonlinearities. The magnetic model is physically motivated, and its ties to motor geometry are discussed. Fitting of the general magnetic model to the experimental VRM is based on static magnetic measurements, but the model is shown to do an excellent job of predicting dynamic behaviour up to frequencies were eddy currents have significant influence. The magnetic model used for the motor is more accurate, yet easier to implement, than the piecewise linear magnetic model typically used for reluctance motors. Electrical terminal behaviour and torque are based on the analytic magnetic model. Another model component is presented for motor resistive losses and core losses. The former is treated analytically, while the latter is treated heuristically. The accuracy of the motor model is verified experimentally, demonstrating that the model has the ability to predict the drive performance in sufficient detail to allow the development of excitation strategies for the drive. The inverter losses considered here include conduction, snubbing and switching. The inverter model complements the motor model and creates an integrated description of the drive, which may be used to evaluate candidate excitation strategies. The accuracy of the models is verified experimentally, demonstrating they have the ability to predict the drive performance in sufficient detail to allow the development of optimised excitation and control strategies for the drive.
Community-based management of acute malnutrition for infants under 6 months of age is safe and effective: analysis of operational data

Abstract Objective: To assess the effectiveness of outpatient management with ready-to-use and supplementary foods for infants under 6 months (u6m) of age who were unable to be treated as inpatients due to social and economic barriers. Design: Review of operational acute malnutrition treatment records. Setting: Twenty-one outpatient therapeutic feeding clinics in rural Malawi. Participants: Infants u6m with acute malnutrition treated as outpatients because of barriers to inpatient treatment. The comparison group consisted of acutely malnourished children 6–9 months of age who were being treated at the same time in the same location in the context of two different randomised clinical trials. Results: A total of 323 infants u6m were treated for acute malnutrition (130 severe and 193 moderate). A total of 357 infants 6–9 months old with acute malnutrition (seventy-four severe and 283 moderate) were included as contemporaneous controls. Among infants u6m with severe acute malnutrition, 98 (75·4 %) achieved nutritional recovery; in comparison, 56 (75·7 %) of those with severe acute malnutrition 6–9 months old recovered. Among infants u6m with moderate acute malnutrition, 157 (81·3 %) recovered; in comparison, 241 (85·2 %) of those aged 6–9 months recovered. Conclusions: In a rural Malawian population of infants u6m who had generally already stopped exclusive breast-feeding and were now acutely malnourished, treatment with therapeutic or supplementary foods under the community management of acute malnutrition model was safe and effective. In settings where social and financial factors make hospital admission challenging, consideration should be given to lowering the recommended age of ready-to-use therapeutic and supplementary foods to infants u6m.
Elastic and Inelastic Analysis of Nonprismatic Members

This paper deals with the static analysis of nonprismatic members of any arbitrary variation in its moment of inertia Ix and where their materia] is stressed beyond their elastic limit, thus causing the modulus of elasticity Ex to vary along their length. The stress and deflection characteristics of such members for both elastic and inelastic analysis will be determined by using the method of the equivalent systems (see Fertis 1956, 1964, 1973, 1984). This method permits the replacement of the original member of variable stiffness ExIx with one of uniform stiffness E1I1 whose elastic line is identical to that of the original variable stiffness member. An exact, as well as a very accurate approximate solution is obtained that drastically reduces the mathematical complexity of the problem. The member can be analyzed in both elastic and inelastic ranges to failure, thus permitting observation of progressive deterioration of the member's ability to resist load, stress, and deformation, and establishing useful.
Comparison of Covid-19 antibody status after vaccination between residents in long-term geriatric care and residents assisted-living facilities

Abstract Objective To compare 2 CoV-SARS-2 (‘anti-s’) antibody levels after vaccination between residents in long-term geriatric care (LTGC) and residents in assisted-living facilities who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. SARS-CoV-2 serology was tested with Quant II IgG CoV-SARS-2. Blood samples were collected 3–4 months after administration of the second vaccine dose. Results Anti-s ≥ 50 AU/ml was found in 85.4% of 90 residents in LTGC (median 498 AU/ml) and 94.9% of 214 residents in assisted living (median 728 AU/ml). p = . 006. Factors associated with anti-s < 300 AU/ml were multi-morbidity, diabetes mellitus and cancer.
Therapeutic interventions in Osgood-Schlatter disease

Abstract Rationale: The purpose of this case study was to identify factors of bilateral etiopathogenesis of Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) and those supporting the effectiveness of the therapeutic process in a 12-year-old elite female Olympic karateka. Patient concerns: The present case study concerns OSD female karateka who started her sport-specific training at the age of 4 years. Diagnoses: The results of subjective palpation by the orthopedic surgeon and objective medical examination using ultrasonography, wall slide test, magnetic resonance imaging, and body height and weight measurements were collected. Interventions: The therapeutic intervention for the athlete's knee joints lasted 20 months (5 stages). Physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, and pharmacological treatment were administered, and physical activity was gradually introduced. Outcomes: The developmental trajectory was uniform for body height and labile for body weight. OSD was diagnosed after the second growth spurt, and significant progression was reported during the subsequent height and weight gains and increased volume and intensity of sports training. The rate and dynamics of changes in the distance from the patellar ligament to the tibial apophysis were irregular, with dominance in the right knee with the highest rate of change (–3.3 mm) and twice the regression of the rate of change (–2.5 mm). The analyzed distance never exceeded the baseline value (5.5 mm), which was the case in the left knee. Return to sports competition was possible from the second month of therapy, in which kinesiotherapy and static stretching were the most effective. A relatively correct distance of the patellar ligament from the tibial apophysis was recorded at the time of stabilization of the body height and weight gain. No pathological changes were observed following OSD, and full recovery was observed. Lessons: In the case discussed in this study, growth spurt, the specificity of the sport practiced, and early specialization including high-volume and high-intensity training should be considered as factors causing OSD and its progression. Kinesiotherapeutic management and static stretching are crucial for the treatment of OSD. Quick return to sports competition was possible due to early therapeutic intervention, which could also lead to the absence of pathological changes in the tibial tubercle and the absence of recurrence of OSD.