Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passive Smoking: A Possible Risk Factor for Development of Minimal Hearing Loss in Children

Minimal Hearing Loss (MHL) is a commonly overlooked clinical problem; it affects about 5% of children. Children with MHL may be at risk academically due to their poorer speech perception in the noisy classrooms [1]. MHL has generally been defined as a group of hearing disorders that include mild hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, and high-frequency hearing loss. MHL may result from conductive disorders such as otitis media with effusion or different sensorineural disorders [2]. Recently, we investigated the effect of second–hand smoke on the hearing of children. Passive smoking was correlated with development of sensorineural MHL [3]. The study group consisted of 411 children, their aged ranged between 5 to 11 years. The inclusion criteria were: i) Normal speech and language, ii) Absence of any disease or condition that may cause sensorineural hearing loss, iii) Normal middle ear function on the day of hearing assessment. They were divided into three groups according to the exposure to secondhand smoke at home; Group of “no exposure” whereas no smoker in the family (131 children), group of “mild exposure” whereas the father was the only smoking parent and smoking was prohibited at home (155 children), and group of “heavy exposure” whereas the mother was smoking, or the father was freely smoking at home and in the presence of his children (125 children). Audiological evaluation revealed that the prevalence of hearing loss was 3.8%, 4.5% and 12% in the “no exposure”, “mild exposure”, and “heavy exposure” groups respectively. Significant difference was only detected between the high exposure group and the other two groups. All children with hearing loss had minimal sensorineural hearing loss i.e., threshold of frequencies showing hearing loss were 20 or 25 dB HL. The risk ratio (95% confidence interval) for development of hearing loss in the heavy exposure group compared to those none exposed children was 3.14 (1.18, 8.3) (p<0.05). Smoking may induce sensorineural hearing loss through direct ototoxic effect of nicotine on the hair cells, or reducing the cochlear perfusion by either induces vasospasm and arteriosclerosis in the cochlear blood vessels or raising the carboxyhaemoglobin levels, which reduces the oxygen perfusion for the organ of Corti [4]. MHS reported in our study may represent an early stage of hearing loss which would later progress to more severe degrees of hearing loss with continuing exposure to second-hand smoke. This study emphasizes the importance of avoiding exposure of children to passive smoking which may be associated with development of hearing loss or its consequences such as learning disability.
Effect of lidocaine gel anesthesia on endophthalmitis rates following intravitreal injection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To determine whether the use of lidocaine gel before application of povidone-iodine affects endophthalmitis rates following intravitreal injections. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective consecutive case series of all intravitreal injections and post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis cases at one institution from 2000 to 2009. A review of medical records of post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis cases was performed to determine whether lidocaine gel was applied prior to povidone-iodine antisepsis and to analyze the clinical course and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 8,802 intravitreal injections were administered during the study period. When no lidocaine gel was used prior to povidone-iodine antisepsis, four cases of endophthalmitis following 4,120 intravitreal injections (0.097%) were recorded. When 2% lidocaine gel was applied before povidone-iodine, four cases of endophthalmitis following 4,682 intravitreal injections (0.085%) were observed (P = 1.00, odds ratio = 1.12). CONCLUSION The use of lidocaine gel prior to povidone-iodine antisepsis did not significantly alter post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis rates.
Super-efficiency in blind signal separation of symmetric heavy-tailed sources

This paper addresses the blind source separation (BSS) problem in the context of "heavy-tailed", or "impulsive" source signals, characterized by the nonexistence of finite second (or higher) order moments. We consider Pham's (1997) quasi-maximum likelihood (QML) approach, a modification of the maximum likelihood (ML) approach, applied using some presumed distributions of the sources. We introduce a related family of suboptimal estimators, termed restricted QML (RQML). A theoretical analysis of the asymptotic performance of RQML is presented. The analysis is used for showing that the variance of the optimal (non-RQML) estimator's error must decrease at a rate faster than 1/T (where T is the number of independent observations). This surprising property, sometimes called super-efficiency, has been observed before (in the BSS context) only for finite-support source distributions. Simulation results illustrate the good agreement with theory.
The Conserved Box 1 Motif of Cytokine Receptors Is Required for Association with JAK Kinases (*)

The JAK2 tyrosine kinase is known to associate with the receptors for growth hormone (GH) and erythropoietin (EPO) and with the interleukin-6 receptor signal transducing protein, gp130. Here we demonstrate that chimeric cytokine receptors which contain the cytoplasmic domain of the receptors for GH and EPO or for gp130 can form complexes with JAK2 when transiently co-expressed in HeLa cells. Mutational analyses of chimeras for the the GH and EPO receptors and gp130 demonstrated that box 1, a motif critical for cytokine receptor signal transduction, was required for the association of JAK2. Although JAK2 was capable of associating with all three of the chimeras, JAK1 co-precipitated only with the gp130 chimera. Association of JAK1 and JAK2 with cytokine receptor proteins, therefore, requires the highly conserved box 1 domain, but other sequences within the receptor proteins may influence the specificity of JAK binding. Mutational analysis of JAK2 revealed that multiple or complex protein sequences within JAK2 are required for association with cytokine receptors.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for revision disc surgery: review of 50 cases in which carbon fiber cages were implanted.

OBJECT The authors undertook a study to assess the value of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in which carbon fiber cages (CFCs) were placed in patients undergoing revision disc surgery for symptoms suggesting neural compression with low-back pain. METHODS The authors followed their first 50 patients for a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of 6 months after implantation of the CFCs. Patients in whom magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated "simple" recurrent herniation did not undergo PLIF. Surgery was performed in patients with symptoms of neural root compression, tension signs, and back pain with focal disc degeneration and nerve root distortion depicted on MR imaging compatible with clinical signs and symptoms. In 40 patients (80%) pedicle screws were not used. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Prolo Functional Economic Outcome Rating scale. Fusion outcome was assessed using an established classification. Symptoms in 46 patients (92%) improved after surgery, and given their outcomes, 45 (90%) would have undergone the same surgery again. Two thirds of patients experienced good or excellent outcomes (Prolo score > or = 8) at early and late follow up. There was no difference in clinical outcome between those in whom pedicle screws were and were not implanted (p = 0.83, Mann-Whitney U-test). The fusion rate at 2 years postsurgery was 95%. There were minimal complications, and no patients fared worse after surgery. No patient has undergone additional surgical treratment of the fused intervertebral space. CONCLUSIONS In this difficult group of patients the aim remains to improve symptoms but not cure the disease. A high fusion rate is possible when using the CFCs. Clinical success depends on selecting patients in whom radiological and clinical criteria accord. Pedicle screws are not necessary if facet joints are preserved, and high fusion rates and clinical success are possible without them.
CHAPTER 3 Metabolism

The reptiles are a particularly important group in considerations of comparative metabolism because of the phylogenetic and geographic diversity that they exhibit. This diversity is of interest from evolutionary, physiological, and ecological viewpoints. Some of the extant reptilian groups are of considerable antiquity (Romer, 1956) and occupy phylogenetic positions critical to our understanding of the physiological evolution of the vertebrates. The great variety of niches which reptiles currently occupy permits studies of the interrelations of organisms with their environments in a number of different habitats. In spite of the considerable interest in reptilian biology over the past three decades, the functional correlates of this diversity are only now beginning to be systematically explored and understood. For example, even thermobiology, the most thoroughly investigated aspect of reptilian physiology, still presents difficulties in the elucidation of its adaptive patterns. Most reptiles, although nominally poikilothermous, thermoregulate rather precisely by behavioral means, confining body temperature to a narrow and species-specific range during activity (Cowles and Bogert, 1944; Brattstrom, 1965; Templeton, 1970; Cloudsley-Thompson, 1971). This thermoregulatory activity has led to an extensive search for correlations between physiological variables, including metabolic functions, and the preferred level of body temperature. This thermal level appears to be a sufficiently stable feature of particular species so that optimization of
Generation, expansion, migration and activation of mouse B1 cells

We have studied the expansion, activation, homing and antibody production of B1 cells in two different mouse models. One is the HL transgenic mouse, which carries Ig genes encoding the anti-red blood cell autoantibody (4C8) and develops autoimmune hemolytic anemia by the activation of autoreactive B1 cells that escape from clonal deletion and expand in the peritoneal cavity (PEC). The other model is represented by alymphoplasia (aly) mice, which carry a point mutation in the gene encoding NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) and have drastically reduced immunoglobulin serum levels, in spite of their peritoneal cavity containing a large number of B1 cells. We have found that a) expression levels of the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) influence the size of the B1 -cell compartment and efficiency of allelic exclusion and B2-cell deletion; b) antibody production of B1 cells is closely related with their migration from PEC to other lymphoid organs and is dependent on NIK; and c) infection, lipopolysaccharide stimulation, cytokine administration or T-cell activation by noncanonical antigens induces migration and differentiation of peritoneal B1 cells into antibody-producing cells. We describe a scenario where most of B1 and B2 differences are due to a distinct activation threshold of BCR and antigen repertoire.
Synergism between Topiramate and Budipine in Refractory Status Epilepticus in the Rat

Summary: Purpose: To evaluate the antiepileptic and neuroprotective properties of topiramate (TPM) alone and with coadministration of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐receptor antagonist budipine in a rat model of refractory status epilepticus.
Musculoskeletal Injures in Older Adults

The increase in the number of active and independent older adults has, unfortunately, led to an epidemic of musculoskeletal injuries in this population. Chronic pain and functional decline are common sequelae from these injuries and have a major impact on quality of life. Optimizing care for these patients will likely require educating patients about analgesic risks and benefits, promoting physical activity, identifying and addressing the psychological impacts of the injury, and coordinating care between emergency physicians, orthopedists, and primary providers. Active management of acute musculoskeletal pain has the potential to prevent the transition to chronic pain and disability in this vulnerable population.
Osmotic Stress Modulates the Expression and Function of the Human LDL

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor could be directly regulated by high glucose (HG) in human hepatocyte-like C3A cells. C3A cells were cultured in a medium supplemented with BD™ MITO+ serum extender (MITO+ medium), a serum-free, cholesterol deficient medium. We found that HG reduced receptor mRNA levels without significantly affecting overall or plasma membrane receptor protein expression. Interestingly, these effects were also seen in the presence of low glucose + high mannitol (LG +HM). LDL receptor protein synthesis, protein degradation, and receptor function (LDL internalization) were increased by HG and LG+HM. However, no changes in protein expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) or the inducible degrader of LDL receptors (IDOL), the known degraders of the LDL receptor, were seen under the same conditions. These results implied that the effects of HG and LG+HM on the expression/ function of the LDL receptor were mostly due to an osmotic stress induced by the high levels of these monosaccharides. Further studies are required to determine how other factors found in diabetic patients, such as high cholesterol and/or high fatty acid levels, may influence the osmotic- dependent regulation of the LDL receptor expression/function due to hyperglycemia.
Appearance of autologous neutralizing antibody correlates with reduction in virus load and phenotype switch during primary infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

To the Editor-Recently, we reported [1] a needlestick injury that resulted in the infection of a health care worker with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). We now have additional data regarding the autologous neutralizing antibody (ANA) response following transmission. There are conflicting reports concerning the role of neutralizing antibody during primary infection. Koup et al. [2] reported that only 1 in 5 patients tested during primary HIV-1 infection had measurable ANA, and in that individual, it was undetected until 3-6 months following presentation of symptoms. In contrast, Albert et. al. [3] reported that 4 of 4 patients with primary infection developed ANA within 2-4 weeks from presentation ofsymptoms. In neither of these studies was the exact time of transmission known. Because the time oftransmission was known for the health care worker in our report, we had the opportunity to define precisely the development of ANA. ANA was measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) assay using six 5-fold dilutions of autologous serum or plasma. Equal volumes of 100 TCIDso of PBMC-derived virus isolate and serum/plasma dilution were mixed and incubated for 2 h at 37°C, 5% CO2, in a humid incubator. After incubation, 0.2 mL of the virus-serum mixture was added in triplicate to wells of a 24-well plate containing 2 X 10 phytohemagglutinin-stimulated PBMC in 1.8 mL of medium. The next day, cells were washed three times with medium, and 2 mL of fresh medium was added. Supernatant was harvested on days 4 and 7, with medium replaced on day 4. Supernatant was normally assayed for p24 antigen on day 4; however, slower-growing isolates were assayed on day 7. A microwell was considered positive for neutralization if no virus replication was detectable «30 pg/mL HIV-l p24 antigen). Neutralization (antibody titer necessary to neutralize all viral infectivity in 50% of culture wells) was calculated by the method of Spearman-Karber; wells were scored negative for neutralization if ~30 pg/mL of p24 antigen was detectable. The quantitation of HIV-I plasma RNA and infected PBMC and the determination of phenotype were performed as described in our previous report [I]. Plasma HIV-1 RNA levels were high 20 days after transmission, with a 2-log reduction by day 33, followed by continued low levels. The concentration ofHIV-I-infected PBMC was not tested 20 days after infection; however, virus was culturable in a qualitative culture. The number of infected PBMC was reduced from 40/ 10 at day 33 to <0.1/10 at day 45 and remained low thereafter. ANA was undetectable 20 days after infection. By 33 days, ANA
Draft Genome Sequence of Brucella melitensis Strain ADMAS-G1, Isolated from Placental Fluids of an Aborted Goat

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequence and annotation of the Brucella melitensis strain designated ADMAS-G1, isolated from placental fluids of an aborted goat. The length of the genome is 3,284,982 bp, with a 57.3% GC content. A total of 3,325 protein-coding genes and 63 RNA genes were predicted.
An Algebraic Algorithm for Motor Voltage Waveform Prediction in Dual-LCI Drives With Interconnected DC-Links

Load-commutated inverters (LCI's) are often used to supply dual-three-phase synchronous motors in high-power variable-speed applications. A pair of LCIs is used in this arrangement to feed the two motor three-phase winding sets. In order to cope with inter-harmonic issues, a drive configuration with an interconnection of the two LCI dc-links has been proposed. In this paper, such a drive design is shown to produce an increased voltage stress on motor windings compared with traditional configurations. The problem is investigated in the paper by proposing an algebraic algorithm capable of predicting the steady-state voltage waveform applied to the motor terminals and arising between the star points of the two winding sets. Unlike conventional dynamic simulations, the proposed approach gives practically instantaneous results, making it possible to quickly investigate a wide number of possible operating conditions. Furthermore, it requires a limited knowledge of system parameters, which are often hardly available. Its reliability and accuracy are assessed by comparison with measurements on a test drive system and examples are given of the method application to the sizing of motor insulation system.
Ration effects on rumen acids, ketogenesis, and milk composition. II. Restricted roughage feeding.

Summary Two trials, with 12 cows each, using a 56-day comparison period, were used to investigate the effect of feeding normal levels of hay and concentrates in various forms and combinations on rumen volatile fatty acids, blood ketone and sugar levels, and milk production and composition. In both trials, rations containing pelleted hay or pelleted corn produced the following changes: (1) Lower milk fat test. (2) Lower percentage of rumen acetic acid. (3) Higher percentage of rumen propionic acid. (4) Increased total concentration of rumen acids. (5) Increased blood sugar levels. The feeding of pelleted corn tended to increase blood ketone bodies, whereas feeding pelleted hay reduced them. Feeding pelleted hay once a day counteracted the ketogenic effect of pelleted corn, whereas feeding a combined pellet, 50% hay–50% corn, had the same ketogenic effect as pelleted corn. An increase in total rumen acids with more butyrate to be metabolized would suggest butyrate to be the ketogenic agent. The high ketone levels did not prevent depression of milk fat test. The depression in milk fat test was not corrected when feeding 20lb of long hay/day with pelleted corn.
Singularity-free trajectory planning of platform-type parallel manipulators for minimum actuating effort and reactions

SUMMARY Due to the existence of singular configurations within the workspace for a platform- type parallel manipulator (PPM), the actuating force demands increase drastically as the PPM approaches or crosses singular points. Therefore, in this report, a numerical technique is presented to plan a singularity-free trajectory of the PPM for minimum actuating effort and reactions. By using the parametric trajectory representation, the singularity-free trajectory planning problem can be cast to the determination of undetermined control points, after which a particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to find the optimal control points. This algorithm ensures that the obtained trajectories can avoid singular points within the workspace and that the PPM has the minimum actuating effort and reactions. Simulations and discussions are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Thunderstorm electrical parameters vis-à-vis rainfall and surface air temperatures over a tropical inland station, Pune, India.

The relationship of lightning with rainfall and temperature is investigated on the basis of a four-year (2004-2007) data set over the Pune region. It is found that the annual variations of stroke count and rainfall both are bimodal with the first peak value of rainfall showing a one month time lag from the first peak value of stroke count. This is attributed to the prime period of the onset phase of summer monsoon rainfall over the Pune region. Lightning is found to be highly correlated with rainfall (r = 0.792, significant at 0.4%), but by excluding the data for the month of July. The annual variation in the monthly mean surface wet bulb temperature and stroke count for the period under study over the Pune region shows similar peaks in June and September. These two parameters are well-correlated and show a positive correlation coefficient of 0.59, which is significant at the 5% level. A massive reduction in the lightning stroke count during July and August is attributed to low ground temperature that gives rise to lower updraft velocities and shallower cloud depth. There is good parallelism in the variation of surface air temperature and Point Discharge Current (PDC). The correlation coefficient between these two parameters is 0.934, and it is highly significant.
Tobacco companies violated advertising restriction

EDITOR,--Despite its being a specific target in the Health of the Nation strategy, the prevalence of smoking among teenagers has risen in the past two years.1 Three years ago the chief economic adviser to the Department of Health concluded that tobacco advertising increased tobacco consumption.2 The government's response was to renegotiate the voluntary agreement limiting the advertising and promotion of tobacco.3 Assessment of whether advertisements “play on the susceptibilities of … the young and immature” or “incite people to start smoking”3 is difficult, but compliance …
Management Assessment Tool of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma based on PNQ Model : A Brazilian Case Study

The competitiveness in the industrial environment has increased considerably and, as a direct consequence, the search for different techniques and management practices to achieve better performance in all processes have been a major concern for organizations interested in solidifying its global market presence. Companies are using models, philosophies and programs to improve their production processes, seeking to reduce wastage, time and increase profits. This paper aims to show the main results of an implementation of a tool developed to assess the integrated elements originated from Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, based on PNQ (Programa Nacional da Qualidade Brazilian National Quality Program). Thus, some specific objectives were outlined: i) to develop constructs and elements from theory that represents this integration about Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, based on PNQ Quality model; ii) to apply the instrument in one manufacturing organization in Brazil; iii) to briefly analyze and discuss the results. This is an applied and qualitative research, which used basic qualitative studies and descriptive techniques as research strategies. A 5-point Likert scale was used for the evaluation of the elements and constructs. The instrument was applied in one manufacturing company located in the southern region of Brazil. The application of the instrument showed that it could be useful in the management of elements and constructs of companies that have the Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma implemented. Among the 9 constructs, three of them need more attention: Strategy, Culture and Customer.