Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malaria control and levels of DDT in serum of two populations in Kwazulu.

Concentrations of p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDD were determined in serum of members of households of two different areas of KwaZulu. Annual intradomiciliary application of DDT is used for the interruption of malaria transmission in one area (the exposed group) while the other served as the control. Demographic differences between the two groups resulted in significantly more females in the control group. The two groups were comparable with respect to age. Serum from household members living in DDT-treated dwellings had significantly higher (p less than .005) levels of sigma DDT and metabolites (mean sigma DDT 140.9 micrograms/l) than those from the control area (mean sigma DDT 6.04 micrograms/l). Percentage DDT was also significantly higher (p less than .05) in the exposed group (28.9%) than the control group (8.3%). sigma DDT for the 3-10 yr age interval (168.6 micrograms/l) was significantly higher (p less than .05) than the 20-29 (60.5 micrograms/l) and 30-39 (84.2 micrograms/l) yr age intervals. There seemed to be two groups with regard to accumulation and elimination. The age group 3-29 appeared to be eliminating DDT, most likely accumulated from contaminated breast milk, faster than they accumulated it. From around 29 yr of age accumulation predominated as the levels increased with age. Regression analysis suggested pharmacokinetic differences for DDE and DDT between the two groups. Liver function parameters between the two groups only differed significantly for gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma GT) (p less than .005), but the influence of difference in alcohol consumption, which was significantly higher in the exposed group (p less than .0001), offered a better explanation. Those of the exposed group that consumed alcohol had a significantly higher (p less than .05) mean gamma GT level (41.5 IU/l) than those that did not (20.2 IU/l), but were not significantly different for sigma DDT (p greater than .05). The safety of DDT used in malaria control for subjects aged 3 and older was confirmed by the levels of DDT in serum when compared with other studies, which showed lack of any negative effects associated with these levels in adults, and an apparently normal liver function in the exposed and control groups.
MultiParameter Fiber-Optic Sensor for Simultaneous Measurement of Thermal Conductivity, Pressure, Refractive Index, and Temperature

This paper presents a miniature, all-silica four/multiparameter sensor for simultaneous measurements of thermal conductivity, pressure, refractive index, and temperature of gases. The sensor is composed of multiple Fabry–Perot interferometers (FPIs) that were created at the tip of a standard optical fiber by a micromachining process based on selective etching and standard fiber manipulation steps. The experimental sensor length was below <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\rm{3.4\,mm}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, while the diameter did not exceed <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$125\,\mathrm{\mu} {\rm{m}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Interrogation of the sensor utilized acquisition and appropriate signal processing of the back-reflected optical spectrum, which allowed for crosstalk free extraction of individual resonators’ lengths. High repeatability and resolutions were demonstrated for all four sensed parameters. The sensor might be applied to a variety of problems related to gas monitoring or composition analyze as, for example, binary, or even trinary gas mixtures.
Point mutations of the p150 subunit of dynactin (DCTN1) gene in ALS

The authors report mutation screening of the p150 subunit of dynactin (DCTN1) and the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain (DNCHC1) genes in 250 patients with ALS and 150 unrelated control subjects. Heterozygous missense mutations of the DCTN1 gene were detected in one apparently sporadic case of ALS (T1249I), one individual with familial ALS (M571T), two patients with familial ALS, and two unaffected relatives in the same kindred (R785W). The allelic variants of the DCTN1 gene may represent a previously unknown genomic risk factor for ALS.
The influence of humic acid on the toxicity of nano‐ZnO and Zn2+ to the Anabaena sp.

This study explored the effects of humic acid (HA) on the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (nano‐ZnO) and Zn2+ to Anabaena sp. Typical chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including effective quantum yield, photosynthetic efficiency and maximal electron transport rate, were measured by a pulse‐amplitude modulated fluorometer. Results showed that nano‐ZnO and Zn2+ could inhibit Anabaena sp. growth with the EC50 (concentration for 50% of maximal effect) of 0.74 ± 0.01 and 0.3 ± 0.01 mg/L, respectively. In the presence of 3.0 mg/L of HA, EC50 of nano‐ZnO increased to 1.15 ± 0.04 mg/L and EC50 of Zn2+ was still 0.3 ± 0.01 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that HA prevented the adhesion of nano‐ZnO on the algae cells due to the increased electrostatic repulsion. The generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and cellular lipid peroxidation were significantly limited by HA. Nano‐ZnO had more damage to the cell membrane than Zn2+ did, which could be proven by the malondialdehyde content in Anabaena sp. cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 895–903, 2015.
An Intelligent Control Strategy in a Parallel Hybrid Vehicle

This paper presents a design procedure for an adaptive power management control strategy based on a driving cycle recognition algorithm. The design goal of the control strategy is to minimize fuel consumption and engine-out NOx, HC and CD emissions on a set of diversified driving schedules. Seven facility-specific drive cycles are considered to represent different driving scenarios. For each facility-specific drive cycle, the fuel economy and emission are optimized and obtained proper split between the two energy sources (engine and electric motor). A driving pattern recognition algorithm is subsequently developed and used to classify the current driving cycle in to one of the facility-specific drive cycles; thus, the most appropriate control algorithm is adaptively selected. This control scheme was tested on a typical driving cycle and was found to work satisfactorily.
Effects of Prenatal PCB Exposure on Birth Size of the Newborn 184

Aims: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), environmental pollutants that concentrate in fatty tissue in humans, cross the placenta. Infants born from occupationally or accidentally exposed mothers to high PCB levels, had lower birth weights. The Netherlands belong to countries with highest background PCB levels. Therefore we studied birth size in Dutch newborns.
Mismatch repair deficiency associated with overexpression of the MSH3 gene.

We tested the ability of recombinant hMutSalpha (hMSH2/hMSH6) and hMutSbeta (hMSH2/hMSH3) heterodimers to complement the mismatch repair defect of HEC59, a human cancer cell line whose extracts lack all three MutS homologues. Although repair of both base/base mispairs and insertion-deletion loops was restored by hMutSalpha, only the latter substrates were addressed in extracts supplemented with hMutSbeta. hMutSalpha was also able to complement a defect in the repair of base/base mispairs in CHO R and HL60R cell extracts. In these cells, methotrexate-induced amplification of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) locus, which also contains the MSH3 gene, led to an overexpression of MSH3 and thus to a dramatic change in the relative levels of MutSalpha and MutSbeta. As a rule, MSH2 is primarily complexed with MSH6. MutSalpha is thus relatively abundant in mammalian cell extracts, whereas MutSbeta levels are generally low. In contrast, in cells that overexpress MSH3, the available MSH2 protein is sequestered predominantly into MutSbeta. This leads to degradation of the partnerless MSH6 and depletion of MutSalpha. CHO R and HL60R cells therefore lack correction of base/base mispairs, whereas loop repair is maintained by MutSbeta. Consequently, frameshift mutations in CHO R are rare, whereas transitions and transversions are acquired at a rate two orders of magnitude above background. Our data thus support and extend the findings of Drummond et al. [Drummond, J. T. , Genschel, J., Wolf, E. & Modrich, P. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 10144-10149] and demonstrate that mismatch repair deficiency can arise not only through mutation or transcriptional silencing of a mismatch repair gene, but also as a result of imbalance in the relative amounts of the MSH3 and MSH6 proteins.
Metabolic Adaptations to Short-term High-Intensity Interval Training: A Little Pain for a Lot of Gain?

High-intensity interval training (HIT) is a potent time-efficient strategy to induce numerous metabolic adaptations usually associated with traditional endurance training. As little as six sessions of HIT over 2 wk or a total of only approximately 15 min of very intense exercise (~600 kJ), can increase skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and endurance performance and alter metabolic control during aerobic-based exercise.
The 1st International Standard for von Willebrand Factor Concentrate: More to Come?

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large, multimeric glycoprotein present in plasma, platelets, endothelial cells and subendothelial matrices that serves as a key participant in both primary and secondary hemostasis. Plasmatic VWF is structurally heterogeneous with molecular species as large as 10 to 20 (cid:2) 10 6 daltons that are composed of a variable number of subunits with molecular weights of approximately 2.5 (cid:2) 10 5 (1). Each subunit contains binding sites for several fibrillar and non-fibrillar collagen types, platelet glycoproteins, heparin and sulfatites as well as the antibiotics, ristocetin and botrocetin. Binding to collagen enables VWF to bind with high affinity to the glycoprotein (Gp) Ib/IX on platelets, which are thereby captured from the blood stream. The largest multimeric species are the most adhesive. In the ab-sence of VWF, platelets are unable to maintain the continuous contact with collagen that is required for platelet plug formation at sites of vascular injury (2). In addition, VWF mediates the aggregation of activated platelets through binding to the platelet integrin, Gp IIb/IIIa. VWF also plays a pivotal role in thrombin generation and fibrin formation by regulating the synthesis and survival in the circulation of factor VIII, with which it forms non-covalent complexes (3). Hereditary
Artemisia annua L., Potential Source of Molecules with Pharmacological Activity in Human Diseases

Objective: This review intends to motivate and encourage researchers to explore new alternatives to treat different diseases with Artemisia annua L. , an important plant of traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia that has been used for more than 2.000 years in the treatment of different diseases, mainly malaria . Methods: Data include currently available information about A. annua , its origin, traditional use in medicine, pharmacological activity, toxicity and main metabolites with reported clinical activity. The information was collected by literature search on web databases such as Pubmed and Google Scholar up to 2014 on publications about the medicinal uses of A. annua L . , in the treatment of different diseases that affect humans but also some animals. Results: Pharmacological activity against chronic and infectious diseases of various metabolites from A. annua , artemisinin and its derivatives, flavonoids and essential oils, reported in this review, is supported by preclinical experimental evidence both in vivo and in vitro and clinical observations in human beings of different parts of the plant, mainly leaves, in the treatment of malaria. Leaves, seeds and whole plant of A. annua have also proved pharmacological activity against parasites responsible of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Recently, the first report of in vivo efficacy of A. annua against dengue fever was published. Conclusions: This review highlights the pharmacological potential of the A. annua plant in the treatment of several infectious diseases and unveils its suitable profile of safety and tolerability.
Cloning and analysis of a Borrelia burgdorferi membrane‐interactive protein exhibiting haemolytic activity

We cloned the gene encoding a membrane‐interactive protein of Borrelia burgdorferi by means of its haemolytic activity in Escherichia coli. The haemolytic activity was erythrocyte‐species specific, with progressively decreasing activity for erythrocytes from horse, sheep, and rabbit, respectively. Genetic analysis of the haemolytic determinant revealed two borrelia haemolysin genes, blyA and blyB, that are part of a predicted four‐gene operon which is present in multiple copies on the 30 kb circular plasmid(s) of B. burgdorferi B31. blyA encodes a predicted α‐helical 7.4 kDa protein with a hydrophobic central region and a positively charged C‐terminus, which is structurally homologous to a large group of pore‐forming toxins with cytolytic activity. blyB encodes a soluble protein which stabilized BlyA and enhanced haemolytic activity. While the majority of BlyA in E. coli was membrane‐associated, only soluble protein was haemolytically active. The haemolytic activity was shown to be highly protease sensitive, heat labile, independent of divalent cations, and extremely dependent on protein concentration, consistent with a requirement for oligomerization as the mechanism of action. BlyA was highly purified from E. coli in a single step utilizing Triton X‐114 phase partitioning. Genetic analysis of blyA and blyB mutants indicated that the stability, membrane association, and activity of BlyA was dependent on subtle changes in its sequence and on the BlyB protein. The bly genes were found to be expressed at a very low level in cultured B. burgdorferi.
Coordinate Regulation of Phospho enol pyruvate Carboxylase and Phospho enol pyruvate Carboxykinase by Light and CO 2 during C 4 Photosynthesis 1 [ OA ]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the phosphorylation and activation states of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and to investigate how the phosphorylation states of PEPCK and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) are coordinated in response to light intensity and CO2 concentration during photosynthesis in leaves of the C4 plant Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). There was a linear, reciprocal relationship between the phosphorylation state of PEPCK and its activation state, determined in a selective assay that distinguishes phosphorylated from nonphosphorylated forms of the enzyme. At high photon flux density and high CO2 (750 mL L ), PEPC was maximally phosphorylated and PEPCK maximally dephosphorylated within 1 h of illumination. The phosphorylation state of both enzymes did not saturate until high light intensities (about 1,400 mmol quanta m s) were reached. After illumination at lower light intensities and CO2 concentrations, the overall change in phosphorylation state was smaller and it took longer for the change in phosphorylation state to occur. Phosphorylation states of PEPC and PEPCK showed a strikingly similar, but inverse, pattern in relation to changes in light and CO2. The protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, promoted the phosphorylation of both enzymes. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, blocked dark phosphorylation of PEPCK. The data show that PEPC and PEPCK phosphorylation states are closely coordinated in vivo, despite being located in the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, respectively.
Determining Cochlear Implant Users’ True Noise Tolerance: Use of Speech Reception Threshold in Noise Testing

Objective The speech perception abilities of cochlear implant (CI) recipients have significantly improved over the past decade. At the same time, clinical test batteries to measure their performance in noise remain mostly unchanged, resulting in ceiling-level performance for the most successful recipients. The goal of this study is to determine the true noise tolerance abilities of CI recipients using adaptive speech reception threshold (SRT) in noise testing. Study Design Prospective clinical study. Setting Tertiary care hospital; CI program. Patients Ten CI users, either unilateral or bilateral, with HINT scores that equaled or exceeded 80% when administered with a fixed +10 dB signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio (i.e., HINT+10dB). Intervention The HINT with adaptive SNR levels and QuickSIN test were administered to measure noise tolerance at speech thresholds where 50% of the stimuli were correctly perceived. Main Outcome Measure(s) SRTs were measured for both the adaptive SNR HINT (i.e., HINT50%) and the QuickSIN test. These SRTs were compared with the fixed noise level HINT+10dB scores as well as to CNC monosyllable word perception scores. Results Despite small variance in performance levels on the HINT+10dB, results of the HINT50% (∼16 dB range) and QuickSIN (∼12 dB range) tests demonstrate significant differences in noise tolerance levels among these CI recipients. Conclusion For excellent CI users, use of adaptive speech threshold tests in noise better defines a user’s actual ability to perceive speech than do fixed SNR level tests. SRT-in-noise tests have the advantage of being quick to administer, and the same stimuli can be used over a very wide range of performance levels. The use of adaptive SRT-in-noise tests should be considered a viable and valuable replacement of fixed SNR tests in the CI clinical test battery.
Faulty Operations of a PM Fractional-Slot Machine With a Dual Three-Phase Winding

The permanent-magnet (PM) machine with dual three-phase windings is proposed for applications requiring continuous operating even under a partial fault. The two windings are supplied by two separate inverters. Thus, in the event of a fault of one winding, this is disconnected, and the machine continues to be operated by means of the healthy winding. This paper investigates the PM machine with dual three-phase windings and its capabilities during faulty operating conditions. A fractional-slot interior PM machine with 12 slots and 10 poles is taken into account. Its performance is investigated according to different winding configurations. The torque behavior, overload capability, and thermal limits are evaluated under open-circuit and short-circuit faults. A finite-element analysis as well as experimental tests is carried out on a prototype of such a machine.
Is sarcoidosis a rickettsiosis? An archival study

Abstract Background: Based on earlier research, Rickettsia helvetica could possibly be involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Rickettsiae are transmitted to humans by a tick vector, Ixodes ricinus; this tick is highly prevalent in Northern Europe. We aimed to investigate the association between evidence of rickettsiae and sarcoidosis in histological samples. Methods: We included formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded mediastinal lymph node biopsies from 52 ethnic Danish patients with sarcoidosis and compared these with 50 biopsies from ethnic Danish patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy of other causes. Samples were analysed for: (1) rickettsial DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and (2) rickettsial rDNA (ribosomal DNA) by a specific fluorescence in situ hybridization technique (FISH). Results: Rickettsia was not detected in biopsies by real-time PCR and/or FISH analyses. Conclusion: Our results do not support the hypothesis that Rickettsia is involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.
Sox appeal – Sox10 attracts epigenetic and transcriptional regulators in myelinating glia

Abstract Sox10 belongs to the Sox family of high-mobility group-box transcription factors. It fulfils widespread and essential functions in myelinating glia at multiple stages of development such as glial specification, survival and terminal differentiation. To a large extent, these diverse activities can be attributed to its capacity to interact with different transcription factors in distinct regulatory networks. Beyond transcription factors, an increasing number of interaction partners are emerging with alternative impact on gene expression. These include components of the mediator complex, the Brahma-associated factor complex and histone deacetylases. Here, we discuss interactions with functional relevance in myelinating glia and link Sox10 function in these cells not only to gene transcription, but also to epigenetics and chromatin remodeling.
Angiotensin receptor blockers in acute myocardial infarction

It has been established from multiple randomised, placebo-controlled trials that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce the risk of death and major non-fatal cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction, especially when these agents are used for long-term treatment in high-risk patients. Angiotensin receptor blockers represent a theoretically appealing class of drugs for use in combination with or as alternatives to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in such patients. The Valsartan in Acute Myocardial Infarction (VALIANT) trial compared the effects of valsartan, captopril and the combination of both in a population of high-risk patients with evidence of left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction. This article discusses this important study and its implications for the clinical management of these high-risk patients.
Investigating the Anti‐leishmanial Effects of Linear Peptoids

Peptoids, a class of peptide mimetics, have emerged as promising anti‐infective agents against a range of bacterial infections. Herein we present the first study of the antiparasitic and specifically the anti‐leishmanial properties of linear peptoids. Peptoids were identified as having promising activity against Leishmania mexicana axenic amastigotes, a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Cigarette smoke and phagocyte function: effect of chronic exposure in vivo and acute exposure in vitro

Phagocytic function was studied in mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke, and the effects of in vitro exposure to cigarette smoke on macrophage activity were also assessed. Cultures of radiolabeled Pseudomonas aeruginosa were employed to investigate phagocyte activity in vivo and in vitro. Mice were exposed on weekdays to fresh cigarette smoke for periods up to 37 weeks and the bactericidal and clearance activity of their lungs was measured. Both pulmonary clearance and bactericidal activity was impaired. The clearance of intravenously injected bacteria from the blood of smoke-exposed mice occurred at the same rate as in control mice, but the accumulation of radiolabel by the liver was decreased. In addition, the rate of elimination of radiolabel from the liver was less than the controls. Macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke in vitro initially had a depressed phagocytic rate, but if phagocytosis over a prolonged period was measured it was eventually enhanced over the rate of control macrophages. The vapor phase of cigarette smoke could also transiently inhibit and then enhance the phagocytic activity.