Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of imported malaria patients to antimalarial medicines in Sri Lanka following malaria elimination

After eliminating local malaria transmission and being certified as a malaria-free country, Sri Lanka is facing the challenge of imported malaria. At the same time, the country has the unique opportunity to be a case study for other countries in a similar situation by approaching this issue systematically, guided by evidence. This study demonstrates the importance of developing a mechanism to detect imported malaria and adopting an evidence-based approach to study the resistance of imported malaria to anti-malarial medicines. This is a prospective study of patients diagnosed with imported malaria in Sri Lanka and treated according to the national treatment guidelines, over 24 months (2015/2016). The clinical features, time to diagnosis, origin of the infection, infecting species, parasite density and the treatment given were recorded. All patients were followed up for 28 days, and in the case of Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale infections, the follow up period was extended to 12 months to establish treatment failures and relapses. Fifty nine uncomplicated and 15 severe imported malaria cases were reported in Sri Lanka during the study period. Most of these infections originated in either Sub-Saharan Africa or South and Southeast Asia. Having a P. vivax infection and low parasitic counts were significantly associated with relative diagnostic delay. One of the 14 uncomplicated P. falciparum patients and two of the 12 severe P. falciparum malaria patients who were followed up till day 28 had a late clinical failure. The others responded adequately to treatment both clinically and parasitologically. There was no treatment failure reported amongst any other species. This study, which is the first to assess the therapeutic response of imported malaria in Sri Lanka after elimination, demonstrates that the current antimalarial treatment policies and strategies in Sri Lanka have been effective against infections acquired overseas up until the end of year 2016.
Role of Vitamin E in Ameliorating Aluminum Chloride Effects on Prenatal Liver of Full Term Rat Fetuses

To investigate the histological and biochemical changes of fetal liver induced by aluminum chloride and the role of vitamin E in alleviating the harmful effects of aluminum. Eighty pregnant female rats were divided into two main groups control (C) and experimental. Each main group was subdivided into two subgroups (20 dams in each). Control was subdivided into: negative untreated (C) and positive control (C + VE, 100 mg VE/kg BW/day). Experimental group was subdivided into: (AL) (150 mg /kg BW/ day) and (AL) + VE (100 mg VE/kg BW/day). All test drugs were administered through intragastric tube from first day of gestation to the 20 day. Fetal liver weight and all growth parameters were measured. Sections of paraffin-embedded rat fetal liver were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, PAS, and Masson trichrome. Another part of rat fetal liver was assayed for lipid peroxidation enzymes, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and glutathione S-transferase. Oral aluminum chloride administration during pregnancy resulted in significant decrease in all growth parameters of rat fetuses, reduced fetal liver weight, a significant decrease in glutathione S-transferase and an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. A disruption, vacuolation and degeneration of hepatocytes were observed with an increase in collagen and reduction in glycogen content. Vitamin E was able to reduce histological and biochemical changes induced by aluminum chloride. In conclusion, oral aluminum chloride induced harmful effects on rat fetal liver whereas; vitamin E was able to ameliorate these effects. [Samar M Alsaggaf, Ghada A Abdel-Hamid, Magda M Hagras, Hamid A Saleh and Mohamed E Selim. Role of Vitamin E in Ameliorating Aluminium Chloride Effects on Prenatal Liver of Full Term Rat Fetuses. Life Sci J 2016;13(9):1-8]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 1. doi:10.7537/marslsj130916.01.
A Bio‐Acoustic Levitational (BAL) Assembly Method for Engineering of Multilayered, 3D Brain‐Like Constructs, Using Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Neuro‐Progenitors

A bio-acoustic levitational assembly method for engineering of multilayered, 3D brainlike constructs is presented. Acoustic radiation forces are used to levitate neuroprogenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells in 3D multilayered fibrin tissue constructs. The neuro-progenitor cells are subsequently differentiated in neural cells, resulting in a 3D neuronal construct with inter and intralayer neurite elongations.
Dripping and jetting in microfluidic multiphase flows applied to particle and fibre synthesis

Dripping and jetting regimes in microfluidic multiphase flows have been investigated extensively, and this review summarizes the main observations and physical understandings in this field to date for three common device geometries: coaxial, flow-focusing and T-junction. The format of the presentation allows for simple and direct comparison of the different conditions for drop and jet formation, as well as the relative ease and utility of forming either drops or jets among the three geometries. The emphasis is on the use of drops and jets as templates for microparticle and microfibre syntheses, and a description is given of the more common methods of solidification and strategies for achieving complex multicomponent microparticles and microfibres.
Matrix molecules play a role in mediating chondrocyte aggregation, attachment and spreading

The extracellular matrix synthesized by chondrocytes occupies the majority of the cartilage volume. Among the most abundant macromolecules in cartilage are hyaluronan, type II collagen, aggrecan and link protein, al1 of which play a role in maintaining the unique three-dimensional structure of cartilage. This study was designed to investigate the roles of these matrix molecules in mediating c hondrocyte-matrix interaction. C hondrocytes, harvested from sterna of chicken embryos, were treated with enzyrnatic (hyaluronidase and collagenase), chernical (P-D-xyloside) or antisense techniques to suppress the function of matrix molecules. Degradation of hyaluronan and collagen or reduction in the expression of aggrecan and link protein enhanced cell attachment. Furthemore, hyaluronidase treatrnent also reduced the binding of aggrecan, link protein and type 11 collagen to cell surfaces, and induced chondrocyte aggregation, which was mediated by B I -integrin and type II collagen. In short, the effects of hyaluronan on cell-rnatrix interaction were dominant over the other matrix molecules. These observations might be applied to develop a therapeutic technique in cartilage repair.
Comparison of Glycemic Control between Continuous Regular Insulin Infusion and Single-dose Subcutaneous Insulin Glargine Injection in Medical Critically Ill Patients

Background and Aims: This study aimed to compare glycemic control between continuous intravenous regular insulin infusion and single-dose subcutaneous insulin glargine injection in medical critically ill patients. Subjects and Methods: A prospective noninferiority study was conducted in medical critically ill patients who developed hyperglycemia and required regular insulin infusion by the Intensive Care Unit glycemic control protocol. The eligible patients were switched from the daily regular insulin requirement to single-dose subcutaneous insulin glargine injection by a 100% conversion dose. Arterial blood glucose was checked every 2 h for 24 h. Success cases were blood glucose levels of 80–200 mg/dL during the study period. The mean time-averaged area under the curves (AUCs) of blood glucose levels between the two types of insulin were compared by t-test. Results: Of 20 cases, 14 cases (70%) were successful. The mean time-averaged AUCs of blood glucose levels between the two types of insulin were not significantly different (155.91 ± 27.54 mg/dL vs. 151.70 ± 17.07 mg/dL, P = 0.56) and less than the predefined noninferior margin. No severe hypoglycemic cases were detected during the study period. Conclusions: Single-dose subcutaneous insulin glargine injection was feasibly applied for glycemic control in medical critically ill patients. The glycemic control in the critically ill patients by a single dose of subcutaneous insulin glargine was comparable to standard intravenous regular insulin infusion. A conversion dose of 100% of the daily requirement of regular insulin is suggested.
Superconductively levitated transport system - the SupraTrans project

SupraTrans is an innovative transportation concept based on the principle of superconductive magnetic levitation. The aim of the project is to create a fully working prototype, which proves its ability for passenger transport by explicit consideration of the compatibility between systems for propulsion, safety, positioning, power supply, transport logistics and the levitation system itself. The SupraTrans technology uses the flux pinning in high temperature superconductors (HTS) to stabilize the lateral and vertical position of the vehicle on the magnetic track. This self-stabilizing system is the main advantage of the superconductive levitation in comparison to all other levitation systems, which need electronic control and power to keep a constant distance between the train and the track.
Gravity-Driven Adaptive Evolution of an Industrial Brewer’s Yeast Strain towards a Snowflake Phenotype in a 3D-Printed Mini Tower Fermentor

We designed a mini tower fermentor that is suitable to perform adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) with gravity imposed as selective pressure, and suitable to evolve a weak flocculating industrial brewers’ strain towards a strain with a more extended aggregation phenotype. This phenotype is of particular interest in the brewing industry, since it simplifies yeast removal at the end of the fermentation, and many industrial strains are still not sufficiently flocculent. The flow of particles (yeast cells and flocs) was simulated, and the theoretical retainment advantage of aggregating cells over single cells in the tower fermentor was demonstrated. A desktop stereolithography (SLA) printer was used to construct the mini reactor from transparent methacrylic acid esters resin. The printed structures were biocompatible for yeast growth, and could be sterilised by autoclaving. The flexibility of 3D printing allowed the design to be optimized quickly. During the ALE experiment, yeast flocs were observed within two weeks after the start of the continuous cultivation. The flocs showed a “snowflake” morphology, and were not the result of flocculin interactions, but probably the result of (a) mutation(s) in gene(s) that are involved in the mother/daughter separation process.
Effects of 90 Days of Resveratrol Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Elders: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this trial was to study the effects of chronic resveratrol use on cognitive function in humans. DESIGN The authors conducted a double-blind, Phase IIa randomized, placebo-controlled trial to obtain preliminary estimates of the effects of resveratrol supplementation on cognitive function over a 90-day period in older adults. LOCATION University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. SUBJECTS Sedentary, overweight older adults (N = 32; age range: 65-93 years, M age = 73.34 years, SD age = 7.02 years). INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to one of three treatment groups (placebo, 300 mg/day resveratrol, 1000 mg/day resveratrol) for 90 days. OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive function was assessed before and after treatment using a well-characterized test battery: Trail Making, Digits Forward and Backward, Erikson-Flanker, Controlled Oral Word Association, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, and Task Switching. RESULTS Psychomotor speed improved on the Trail Making Test part A in participants taking 1000 mg/day of resveratrol compared with participants in both the 300 mg/day condition and the placebo condition (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION This pilot study suggests that 90 days of resveratrol supplementation at a dose of 1000/mg per day selectively improves psychomotor speed but does not significantly affect other domains of cognitive function in older adults. These findings provide modest support to further study the effects of resveratrol on cognitive function in older adults.
The Clinical Relevance of Cerebral Microbleeds

Today, these entities have gained an important role in daily clinical practice, due to the fact that not solely the immensely developed technology can depict them, therefore clearing the way for expansive research. There has been numerous investigations for the better understanding of the radiological and histopathological concepts of cerebral microbleeds; but recently, most studies have been focusing on their clinical relevance such as cognitive impairment and a possible role as an imaging marker for brain hemorrhage.
A systematic review of Borrelia burgdorferi morphologic variants does not support a role in chronic Lyme disease.

BACKGROUND Much of the controversy that surrounds Lyme disease pertains to whether it produces prolonged, treatment-refractory infection, usually referred to as chronic Lyme disease. Some have proposed that round morphologic variants of Borrelia burgdorferi, known variably as "cyst forms" and "L-forms," are responsible for the pathogenesis of chronic Lyme disease. We have undertaken a systematic review of the literature to determine if there is a documented role of these variants in Lyme disease pathogenesis or in syndromes compatible with chronic Lyme disease. METHODS Two systematic literature searches were performed to identify studies in which round morphologic variants of B. burgdorferi have been described in situ in human specimens. RESULTS Our primary literature search identified 6 studies that reported round morphologic variants of B. burgdorferi in specimens obtained from 32 total patients. No study described these forms in patients who had purely subjective symptom complexes (eg, fatigue or pain). No study investigated a causal relationship between morphologic variants and clinical disease or evaluated treatment of morphologic variants in vivo. Of 29 additional studies that described the morphology of B. burgdorferi from patients with Lyme disease, the organism was invariably described as having spirochetal morphology. CONCLUSIONS In the context of the broader medical literature, it is not currently possible to ascribe a pathogenic role to morphologic variants of B. burgdorferi in either typical manifestations of Lyme disease or in other chronic disease states that are often labeled chronic Lyme disease. There is no clinical literature to justify specific treatment of B. burgdorferi morphologic variants.
A fault model notation and error-control scheme for switch-to-switch buses in a network-on-chip

The reliability of a network-on-chip will be significantly influenced by the reliability of the switch-to-switch connections. Faults on these buses may cause disturbances on multiple adjacent wires, so that errors on these wires can no longer be considered as statistically independent from one another, as it is expected due to deep submicron effects. A new fault model notation for buses is proposed which can represent multiple-wire, multiple-cycle faults. An estimation method based on this notation is presented which can accurately predict error probabilities. This method is used to examine bus encoding schemes. Finally, an encoding scheme for four quality-of-service classes is proposed which can be dynamically selected for each packet.
A Novel Scheduling Algorithm Based on Game Theory and Multicriteria Decision Making in LTE Network

Fourth generation wireless networks provide mobile users with high data rate and quality of services, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), which has been developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, 3GPP is not a standardized scheduling algorithm to utilize LTE properties in smart grid applications. This paper proposes a two-level scheduling scheme composed of cooperative game theory (bankruptcy and shapely) and Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The proposed algorithm improves resource allocation for three smart grid applications, namely, voice, video surveillance, and metering data. On the first level, bankruptcy and shapely value algorithm fairly distribute the resources among smart grid applications. On the second level, TOPSIS algorithm allocates the resources among application's users based on their criteria and the application's preferences. Moreover, the system's performance has been evaluated in terms of throughput, delay, and fairness index. The proposed algorithm is compared with existing algorithms, such as proportional fairness, modified largest weighted delay first, and exponential rule schemes. The results show a significant improvement compared to other algorithms. This paper presents a novel technique consisting of both TOPSIS and game theory algorithms to study three smart grid applications. The novel algorithm has proven to be an effective scheduling technique for smart grid applications.
Coherent soliton propagation through doped optical fibers: cloning, breakup, and soliton interactions

The simultaneous propagation of two optical pulses through a doped nonlinear dispersive medium modelled by a resonant three-level system was investigated numerically, within the framework of a pair of coupled extended nonlinear Schrodinger equations. These included the contribution of the dopant resonances whose dynamics is governed by Bloch equations. In this work, we review the interesting possibilities on the manipulation of fields such as cloning, breakup and soliton interactions, that the combination of coherent population trapping with nonlinear dispersive media offers.
Torrefied biomass for large-scale electricity generation

Bioenergy is increasingly being used a means of combatting the effects of anthropogenic climate change in sectors such as the power industry. Problems can exist in utilising biomass fuels however such as high moisture contents and low calorific value when compared with fossil fuels. Torrefaction is a pre-treatment process that aims to address some of these issues. In this pre-treatment step, solid biomass is heated in an inert atmosphere to between temperatures between 200 and 300°C resulting in the loss of low-energy volatiles and moisture improving fuel chemical and physical properties and is the focus of this thesis work. Firstly, the effect of changing torrefaction temperature and residence time is investigated. Results show that torrefaction increases the calorific value of fuels via reduction in moisture and volatiles contents as a result of degradation of some of the lignocellulosic components- this also improving the grindability characteristics of torrefied materials- with these change more pronounced as conditions become more severe. Results further show that with increasing torrefaction severity, the solid product yields decrease while the liquid and gaseous products increase. The combustion properties of torrefied biomass is also investigated, with results showing that torrefaction reduces the reactivity of biomass fuels and that upon rapid devolatilisation, chars from torrefied fuels differ morphologically to those of untreated biomass and undergo a lesser degree of burnout. Results also show that promotion of nitrogen to the gas phase during rapid devolatilisation may be fuel dependent after torrefaction has been performed. Finally, the effect of torrefaction of supply chain GHG emissions is investigated where it was found that GHG savings can be made as a result of increased calorific value in torrefied materials. Emissions savings are maximised where heat integration of the combustion of the volatiles gases evolved during torrefaction is implemented and wood chips are used as utility fuel. Results also indicate that torrefaction favours long distance transport as a result of improved fuel properties.
Adapt-MEMPSODE: a memetic algorithm with adaptive selection of local searches

MEMPSODE global optimization software tool integrates Particle Swarm Optimization, a prominent population-based stochastic algorithm, with well established efficient local search procedures. In the original description of the algorithm [17] a single local search with specific parameters was applied at selected best position vectors. In this work we present an adaptive variant of MEMPSODE where the local search is selected from a predefined pool of different algorithms. The choice of each local search is based on a probabilistic strategy that uses a simple metric to score the efficiency of the local search. This new version of the algorithm, Adapt-MEMPSODE, is benchmarked against BBOB 2013 test bed. The results show great improvement with respect to the static version that was also benchmarked in earlier workshop.
Hospital-based Surveillance for Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Among Young Children in Bangladesh

Background: In anticipation of introduction of a rotavirus vaccine into the national immunization program of Bangladesh, active hospital-based surveillance was initiated to provide prevaccine baseline data on rotavirus disease. Methods: Children 5 years of age and younger admitted with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) (≥3 watery or looser-than-normal stools or ≥1 episode of forceful vomiting) at 7 hospitals throughout Bangladesh were identified. Clinical information and stool specimens were collected from every 4th patient. Specimens were tested for rotavirus antigen by enzyme immunoassays; 25% of detected rotaviruses were genotyped. Results: From July 2012 to June 2015, rotavirus was detected in 2432 (64%) of 3783 children hospitalized for AGE. Eight enrolled children died, including 4 (50%) who were rotavirus positive. Rotavirus was detected year-round in Bangladesh with peak detection rates of >80% during November–February. Most (86%) rotavirus AGE cases were 6–23 months of age. Sixty-nine percent of children with rotavirus had severe disease (Vesikari score, ≥11). Among 543 strains genotyped, G1P[8] (31%) and G12P[8] (29%) were the most common. Conclusions: Rotavirus is a major cause of morbidity in Bangladeshi children, accounting for nearly two-thirds of AGE hospitalizations. These data highlight the potential value of rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh, and will be the key for future measurement of vaccine impact.
Bioleaching of Pyrrhotite by Moderately and Extremely Thermophilic Bacteria

Pyrrhotite ores are always mingled with very finely disseminated gold and other precious metal particles, which raise the disposal of such refractory ores to bacterial leaching level. In this paper, the bioleaching tests of pyrrhotite were carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks with moderately thermophilic Leptospirillum ferriphilum (at 40°C) and extremely thermophilic Acidianus manzaensis(at 65°C). The effects of bacterial strains, temperature, and acid tolerance on the extraction of iron were investigated, and the bioleaching residues were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that high temperature and low pH have important positive effects on the dissolution of iron under abiotic control, and extreme thermophilies are unsuitable for leaching pyrrhotite. As the pH value rapidly increased to above 4.4 and amounts of sulfur and goethite were generated at the initial stage during the process of bioleaching by A. manzaensis, the cell concentration dramatically declined. In comparison, more than 44% extraction of iron was achieved in the presence of L. ferriphilumafter four days of leaching. At the end of bioleaching, jarosite, sulfur and goethite, which could effectively block bioleaching process, were detected on the surface of residues by using XRD and SEM.