Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Status of iodine deficiency among pregnant mothers in Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract Objective Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Pregnant mothers who are deficient in iodine provide less iodine to the fetal thyroid. This results in low production of thyroid hormones by the fetal thyroid, thereby leading to compromised mental and physical development of the fetus. The current study aimed to assess the current status of iodine nutrition among pregnant mothers in Himachal Pradesh, India, a known endemic region for iodine deficiency. Design Three districts, namely Kangra, Kullu and Solan, were selected. Setting In each district, thirty clusters (villages) were identified by utilizing the population-proportional-to-size cluster sampling methodology. In each cluster, seventeen pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinics were included. Subjects A total of 1711 pregnant mothers (647 from Kangra, 551 from Kullu and 513 from Solan) were studied. Clinical examination of the thyroid of each pregnant mother was conducted. Spot urine samples were collected from ten pregnant mothers in each cluster. Similarly, salt samples were collected from eleven pregnant mothers in each cluster. Results Total goitre rate was 42·2 % (Kangra), 42·0 % (Kullu) and 19·9 % (Solan). The median urinary iodine concentration was 200 μg/l (Kangra), 149 μg/l (Kullu) and 130 μg/l (Solan). The percentage of pregnant mothers consuming adequately iodized salt (iodine content of 15 ppm and more) was found to be 68·3 % (Kangra), 60·3 % (Kullu) and 48·5 % (Solan). Conclusion Pregnant mothers in Kullu and Solan districts had iodine deficiency as indicated by a median urinary iodine concentration less than 150 μg/l.
Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation in Health Promotion and Wellness

Health promotion and wellness specialists have long held this belief: ‘‘If you build a wellness program to help people lead healthier lives, they will come. ’’ And why wouldn’t they? Start with completing a health risk assessment (HRA) and possibly biometric screening; the process alone can potentially be lifesaving, alerting people with conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes to the significant risk of these conditions. Similarly, the HRA can help identify predisposition to deadly diseases, such as cancer, that require immediate intervention. Who would not want to know the results of such an important assessment? Wellness interventions such as HRAs can build awareness, lead employees towards making better health decisions, and reduce companies’ ever-increasing health care costs. So why aren’t employees participating in large numbers in worksite wellness programs? From our general experience with wellness programs, we’ve seen that offering employees opportunities to improve health is simply not enough to cause them to use it. Despite the significant personal advantages from health promotion and wellness programs, many people still do not actively participate. To build intrinsic motivation for change, we believe that individuals need todiscover their own rewards forhealthybehavior.Employeesmust be supported within an organizational health culture to build their own goals, enhance their own knowledge, and follow through on their own concrete action steps. Through this health culture, employees can develop their own intrinsic values or incentives that help maintain their efforts towards achieving health goals. This article reviews scientific studiesofbehaviorchange thatprovideadeeperunderstandingofhuman motivation. The issues raised address how to design more effective health promotion and wellness programs, and illustrate ways to implement health change programs so that they enhance intrinsic motivation. To help us accomplish this we will be addressing the following topics:
Mosquito larvicidal activity of Escherichia coli with combinations of genes from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis

The genes cryIVA and cryIVD, encoding 134- and 72-kDa proteins, respectively, and the gene for a regulatory 20-kDa polypeptide of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (serovar H14) were cloned in all seven possible combinations by the Escherichia coli expression vectors pT7 and pUHE. The four combinations containing cryIVA (cryIVA alone, with cryIVD, with the 20-kDa-protein gene, and with both) displayed high levels of mosquito larvicidal activity in pUHE. The toxicity of the combination of cryIVA and cryIVD, with or without the 20-kDa-protein gene, was higher than has ever been achieved with delta-endotoxin genes in recombinant E. coli. Fifty percent lethal concentrations against third-instar Aedes aegypti larvae for these clones decreased (i.e., toxicity increased) continuously to about 3 x 10(5) cells ml-1 after 4 h of induction. Larvicidal activities, obtained after 30 min of induction, were lower for clones in pT7 and decreased for an additional 3.5 h. Induction of either cryIVD or the 20-kDa-protein gene alone resulted in no larvicidal activity in either pT7 or pUHE20. Cloned together, these genes were slightly toxic in pT7 but not in pUHE20. Five minutes of induction of this combination (cryIVD with the 20-kDa-protein gene) in pT7 yielded a maximal mortality of about 40%, which decreased rapidly and disappeared completely after 50 min. CryIVD is thus apparently degraded in E. coli and partially stabilized by the 20-kDa regulatory protein. Larvicidal activity of the combination of cryIVA and cryIVD was sevenfold higher than that of cryIVA alone, probably because of the cross-stabilization of the polypeptides or the synergism between their activities.
Prevalence of zeranol, taleranol and Fusarium spp. toxins in urine: implications for the control of zeranol abuse in the European Union

There is currently little information concerning the prevalence of zeranol and taleranol in animal urine following metabolism of the naturally occurring Fusarium spp. toxins. An epidemiological study is described which involves four European Union control laboratories in which 8008 urine samples were screened for the presence of zeranol using a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA). Of these samples, 93.6% screened negative for zeranol. All samples testing positive for zeranol were then analysed with a confirmatory method. Based on the confirmatory results, the TR-FIA-positive samples were then categorized as false-positive, true-positive or ‘equivocal’ (zeranol/taleranol and the Fusarium spp. toxins detected). The true-positive samples represented only 0.05% of the total number of samples (n = 4). After statistical analysis, 170 of 174 equivocal samples proved to belong to a ‘normal’ population in which the amount of zeranol/taleranol could be related to the total amount of Fusarium spp. toxins through a linear regression with a 99% prediction interval. This suggested that the presence of zeranol in these samples might be due to in vivo metabolism of the Fusarium spp. toxins. The presence of zeranol in the four remaining ‘outliers’ might be attributable to zeranol abuse rather than to natural contamination. The results are of interest for control laboratories as they might provide an analytical tool to help distinguish between abuse and natural contamination in zeranol testing.
Current limitations and recommendations to improve testing for the environmental assessment of endocrine active substances

In the present study, existing regulatory frameworks and test systems for assessing potential endocrine active chemicals are described, and associated challenges are discussed, along with proposed approaches to address these challenges. Regulatory frameworks vary somewhat across geographies, but all basically evaluate whether a chemical possesses endocrine activity and whether this activity can result in adverse outcomes either to humans or to the environment. Current test systems include in silico, in vitro, and in vivo techniques focused on detecting potential endocrine activity, and in vivo tests that collect apical data to detect possible adverse effects. These test systems are currently designed to robustly assess endocrine activity and/or adverse effects in the estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormone signaling pathways; however, there are some limitations of current test systems for evaluating endocrine hazard and risk. These limitations include a lack of certainty regarding: 1) adequately sensitive species and life stages; 2) mechanistic endpoints that are diagnostic for endocrine pathways of concern; and 3) the linkage between mechanistic responses and apical, adverse outcomes. Furthermore, some existing test methods are resource intensive with regard to time, cost, and use of animals. However, based on recent experiences, there are opportunities to improve approaches to and guidance for existing test methods and to reduce uncertainty. For example, in vitro high‐throughput screening could be used to prioritize chemicals for testing and provide insights as to the most appropriate assays for characterizing hazard and risk. Other recommendations include adding endpoints for elucidating connections between mechanistic effects and adverse outcomes, identifying potentially sensitive taxa for which test methods currently do not exist, and addressing key endocrine pathways of possible concern in addition to those associated with estrogen, androgen, and thyroid signaling. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:302–316. © 2016 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
3-D FDFD non-conformal domain decomposition method for modeling RDL traces on silicon interposer

This paper proposes a 3-D finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) non-conformal domain decomposition method for solving three dimensional electromagnetic problems. The proposed method allows modeling individual domains independently using the FDFD method with non-matching meshing grids at interfaces. Field continuity at interfaces between domains are enforced by introducing Lagrange multiplier and vector basis functions at the interfaces. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach are demonstrated by numerical results for simulation of redistribution layer transmission lines on lossy silicon interposer.
Incentive Design for Voltage Optimization Programs for Industrial Loads

This paper presents a novel framework for planning and investment studies pertaining to the implementation of system-wide conservation voltage reduction (CVR). In the CVR paradigm, optimal voltage profiles at the load buses are determined so as to yield load reductions and hence energy conservation. The system modifications required to operate at such voltages is known to be capital intensive, which is not desirable by investors. Hence, the proposed model determines the system savings and the appropriate price incentives to offer industries such that a minimum acceptable rate of return is accrued. In this model, the industrial facilities are represented by a combination of constant impedance, constant current, and constant power loads. A detailed case study for Ontario, Canada, is carried out considering that industrial loads are investing in voltage optimization to reduce their energy costs. The optimal incentives that need to be offered by the system planner, over a long-term horizon, and across various zones of Ontario, are determined using the presented mathematical model. Furthermore, a comprehensive risk analysis comprising sensitivity studies and Monte Carlo simulations is carried out considering the variations in the most uncertain model parameters.
Androgen deprivation therapy increases cardiovascular morbidity in men with prostate cancer

The use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in the treatment of men with prostate cancer has risen sharply. Although cardiovascular disease is the most common reason for death among men with prostate cancer who do not die of the disease itself, data regarding the effect of ADT on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in men with prostate cancer are limited. In the current study, the authors attempted to measure the risk for subsequent cardiovascular morbidity in men with prostate cancer who received ADT.
Striking cuticular hydrocarbon dimorphism in the mason wasp Odynerus spinipes and its possible evolutionary cause (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae, Vespidae)

Cleptoparasitic wasps and bees smuggle their eggs into the nest of a host organism. Here the larvae of the cleptoparasite feed upon the food provision intended for the offspring of the host. As cleptoparasitism incurs a loss of fitness for the host organism (offspring of the host fail to develop), hosts of cleptoparasites are expected to exploit cues that alert them to potential cleptoparasite infestation. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) could serve as such cues, as insects inevitably leave traces of them behind when entering a nest. By mimicking the host's CHC profile, cleptoparasites can conceal their presence and evade detection by their host. Previous studies have provided evidence of cleptoparasites mimicking their host's CHC profile. However, the impact of this strategy on the evolution of the host's CHC profile has remained unexplored. Here, we present results from our investigation of a host–cleptoparasite system consisting of a single mason wasp species that serves syntopically as the host to three cuckoo wasp species. We found that the spiny mason wasp (Odynerus spinipes) is able to express two substantially different CHC profiles, each of which is seemingly mimicked by a cleptoparasitic cuckoo wasp (i.e. Chrysis mediata and Pseudospinolia neglecta). The CHC profile of the third cuckoo wasp (Chrysis viridula), a species not expected to benefit from mimicking its host's CHC profile because of its particular oviposition strategy, differs from the two CHC profiles of its host. Our results corroborate the idea that the similarity of the CHC profiles between cleptoparasitic cuckoo wasps and their hosts are the result of chemical mimicry. They further suggest that cleptoparasites may represent a hitherto unappreciated force that drives the evolution of their hosts' CHCs.
Processed pseudogenes for rat cytochrome c are preferentially derived from one of three alternate mRNAs

Three cytochrome c mRNAs (1,400, 1,100 and 700 nucleotides) are colinear with RC4, a gene that has introns and correctly encodes cytochrome c. A comparison of RC4 to six nonallelic clones isolated from the rat cytochrome c multigene family demonstrates that all three mRNAs are represented in the genome as processed pseudogenes. Four of the six pseudogenes are derived from the 1,100-nucleotide mRNA, and genomic hybridizations further establish that nearly all of the 30 or so gene family members are also genomic copies of this mRNA despite the equimolar ratio of the three messages in rat tissues. Thus, the surprising multiplicity of cytochrome c sequences in the rat genome is mainly accounted for by the selective use of the 1,100-nucleotide mRNA for the formation of processed pseudogenes. In contrast to 700- and 1,400-nucleotide species which are polyadenylated downstream from AAGUAAA and AAUUAAA, respectively, the 1,100-nucleotide mRNA uses the ubiquitous AAUAAA and also displays a unique stem and loop structure (delta G = -59.4 kJ) centered 37 base pairs upstream from this sequence.
Binge ethanol drinking during adolescence modifies cocaine responses in mice

Binge ethanol drinking is an emerging pattern of excessive consumption among adolescents and young adults. Repeated ethanol intoxication has negative consequences during critical periods of brain development. Therefore, binge ethanol intake represents a vulnerability factor that promotes subsequent manifestations of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of oral binge ethanol intake during adolescence on the subsequent effects of cocaine in C57BL/6 mice. Firstly, we evaluated the oral ethanol intake of two binge ethanol procedures with different ethanol concentrations (20% v/v versus 30%, v/v). The highest ethanol intake was found in mice exposed to the lower ethanol concentration (20% v/v). In a second experiment, mice exposed to binge ethanol procedure were evaluated to study the effects of cocaine on locomotor activity, behavioural sensitization, and the reinforcing effects of cocaine in the self-administration paradigm. Mice exposed to ethanol binging showed discrete detrimental effects in responses to cocaine in the different experiments evaluated. Our findings revealed that the pattern of binge ethanol consumption in adolescent mice here evaluated produced a weak facilitation of cocaine responses. The present study highlights the importance of interventions to limit the deleterious effects of binge ethanol drinking during adolescence.
Selective Regulation of c-jun Gene Expression by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases via the 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate- Responsive Element and Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 Binding Sites

ABSTRACT To further understand how the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways regulate AP-1 activity, we have elucidated the physiological role of these cascades in the regulation of c-jun gene expression. c-Jun is a crucial component of AP-1 complexes and has been shown in vitro to be a point of integration of numerous signals that can differentially affect its expression as well as its transcriptional activity. Our strategy was based on the use of (i) genetically modified fibroblasts deficient in components of the MAPK cascades and (ii) pharmacological reagents. The results demonstrate that c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) is essential for a basal level of c-Jun expression and for c-Jun phosphorylation in response to stress. In addition to JNK, p38 MAPK or ERK1/2 and ERK5 are required for mediating UV radiation- or epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced c-Jun expression, respectively. Further studies indicate that p38 MAPK inhibits the activation of JNK in response to EGF, causing a down-regulation of c-Jun. Overall, these data provide important insights into the mechanisms that ultimately determine the function of c-Jun as a regulator of cell fate.
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) tungsten nano-electromechanical transistors

In this paper a relatively simple, CMOS compatible, top-down nano-fabrication process used in the fabrication of 3-terminal NEMS switches is introduced. The process is low-temperature, using atomic layer deposition tungsten (WALD) deposited at 120 °C as the structural material. In addition, the unique use of electron beam lithography in conjunction with reactive ion etching (RIE) and lift-off techniques enable simple and reliable fabrication of n-terminal devices with up to n-different terminal/source gap heights. With this process, novel 3-terminal WALD NEMS switches analogous to NMOS transistors have been successfully fabricated, and switching behavior characterized. The devices are easily reproducible from chip-to-chip, have a much higher yield when compared to similar devices fabricated by bottom-up or top-down processes, and have demonstrated actuation voltages that are superior to thin-film (TF) or carbon nano-tube (CNT) based switches.
Toll-like receptor 2 is required for autoantibody production and development of renal disease in pristane-induced lupus.

OBJECTIVE The mechanisms involved in breaking immunologic tolerance against nuclear autoantigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are not fully understood. Our recent studies in nonautoimmune mice provided evidence of an important role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) in antichromatin autoantibody induction by high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1-nucleosome complexes derived from apoptotic cells. The objective of this study was to investigate whether TLR-2 signaling is required for the induction of autoantibodies and the development of SLE-like disease in murine pristane-induced lupus. METHODS Lupus-like disease in C57BL/6 and TLR-2(-/-) mice was induced by pristane injection. The numbers of immune cells and serum cytokine concentrations were determined by flow cytometry. Renal disease was assessed by quantification of proteinuria, histologic analyses, and enzyme-linked immunospot assay. RESULTS Pristane-injected TLR-2(-/-) mice generated reduced numbers of splenic CD138+/cytoplasmic κL/λL chain-positive plasma cells and displayed diminished IgG responses against double-stranded DNA, histones, nucleosomes, some extractable nuclear autoantigens, and cardiolipin when compared with wild- type controls. TLR-2 deficiency prevented the pristane-induced systemic release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10. The absence of TLR-2 attenuated peritoneal recruitment of CD11c+ cells and formation of lipogranulomas. Importantly, the renal disease that developed in pristane-treated TLR-2(-/-) mice was less severe than that in control mice, as reflected by milder proteinuria, reduced glomerular deposition of IgG and complement, and decreased renal infiltration of autoantibody-secreting cells. CONCLUSION TLR-2 is required for the production of prototypical lupus autoantibodies and the development of renal disease in pristane-induced murine lupus. Interference with TLR-2 signaling may be a promising novel strategy for the treatment of SLE.
Accelerated rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To overcome many of the complications after ACL reconstruction (prolonged knee stiffness, limitation of complete extension, delay in strength recovery, anterior knee pain), yet still maintain knee stability, we devel oped a rehabilitation protocol that emphasizes full knee extension on the first postoperative day and immediate weightbearing according to the patient's tolerance. Of 800 patients who underwent intraarticular ACL patellar tendon-bone graft reconstruction, performed by the same surgeon, the last 450 patients have followed the accelerated rehabilitation schedule as outlined in the protocol. A longer than 2 year followup is recorded for 73 of the patients in the accelerated rehabilitation group. On the 1 st postoperative day, we encouraged these patients to walk with full weightbearing and full knee extension. By the 2nd postoperative week, the patients with a 100° range of motion participated in a guided exercise and strengthening program. By the 4th week, patients were permitted unlimited activities of daily living and were allowed to return to light sports activities as early as the 8th week if the Cybex strength scores of the involved extremity exceeded 70% of the scores of the noninvolved extremity and the patient had completed a sport-specific functional/agility pro gram. The patient database was compiled from fre quent clinical examinations, periodic knee question naires, and objective information, such as range of motion measurements, KT-1000 values, and Cybex strength scores. A series of graft biopsies obtained at various times have revealed no adverse histologic re action. The evidence indicates that in this population, the accelerated rehabilitation program has been more effective than our initial program in reducing limitations of motion (particularly knee extension) and loss of strength while maintaining stability and preventing an terior knee pain.