Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceived Stress among Malaysian Railway Workers.

BACKGROUND Stress is a common work-related problem worldwide. Railway workers are predominantly stressed due to their rigid protocols and limited rest opportunities. This study aimed to determine the level of, and factors associated with, stress among railway workers in Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among all 729 railway workers employed at Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) in eight states in Malaysia via a postal survey. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics and the validated Malay version of Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Response rate was 70.4% (513/729). RESULTS Mean (SD) age of workers was 41.4 (10.7), with the majority aged 30 years or older (79.3%). Mean (SD) perceived stress was 18.8 (4.3). In multiple linear regression analysis, the significant predictors of high stress were high school versus tertiary education (β = 0.10, 95% CI 0.11, 1.73, P = 0.027) and being a white collar worker versus blue collar (β = 0.113, 95% CI 0.10, 1.74, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Education level and type of work were significantly associated with perceived stress among railway workers in this study.
Insulin‐like growth factor I messenger RNA and protein are expressed in the human lymph node and distinctly confined to subtypes of macrophages, antigen‐presenting cells, lymphocytes and endothelial cells

Insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) is a potent hormone that stimulates growth and differentiation and inhibits apoptosis in numerous tissues. Preliminary evidence suggests that IGF‐I exerts differentiating, mitogenic and restoring activities in the immune system but the sites of synthesis of local IGF‐I are unknown. Identification of these sites would allow the functional role of local IGF‐I to be clarified. The presence of IGF‐I in non‐immune cells suggests that it acts as a trophic factor, while its occurrence in subtypes of lymphocytes or antigen‐presenting cells indicates paracrine/autocrine direct regulatory involvement of IGF‐I in the human immune response. The present study investigated the location of IGF‐I messenger RNA and protein on archival human lymph node samples by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining using an IGF‐I probe and antisera specific for human IGF‐I and CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD20 (B lymphocytes), CD68 (macrophages), CD21 (follicular dendritic cells), S100 (interdigitating dendritic cells) and podoplanin (fibroblastic reticular cells). Numerous cells within the B‐ and T‐cell compartments expressed the IGF‐I gene, and the majority of these cells were identified as macrophages. Solitary follicular dendritic cells exhibited IGF‐I. A few T lymphocytes, and no B lymphocytes, contained IGF‐I immunoreactive material. Furthermore, IGF‐I immunoreactive cells outside the follicles that did not react with CD3, CD20, S100 or podoplanin markers were identified as high‐endothelial venule (HEV) cells. From this we conclude that the main task of IGF‐I in human non‐tumoral lymph node may be autocrine and paracrine regulation of the differentiation, stimulation and survival of lymphocytes, antigen‐presenting cells and macrophages and the differentiation and maintenance of HEV cells.
Chemokines indicate allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis.

RATIONALE Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterized by a Th2 immune response. Mouse models suggest a critical role for the Th2 chemokines thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in ABPA. OBJECTIVES To determine whether serum levels of TARC and MDC characterize ABPA in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to examine longitudinally if levels of TARC and MDC indicate ABPA exacerbations in patients with CF. METHODS Levels of TARC and MDC and levels of Th1 (IL-12 and IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) cytokines were analyzed in serum of 16 patients with CF with ABPA, six non-CF patients with asthma with ABPA, 13 patients with CF colonized with Aspergillus fumigatus, six patients with CF sensitized to A. fumigatus, 12 atopic patients with CF, and 13 non-CF atopic control subjects by ELISA. The longitudinal course of TARC, MDC, and IgE levels was assessed during ABPA episodes. RESULTS Patients with ABPA had significantly higher serum levels of TARC compared with the other patient groups. Cytokine levels did not differ among the patient groups. Longitudinally, levels of TARC indicated ABPA exacerbations in patients with CF more clearly than IgE levels. In patients with CF and ABPA, levels of TARC correlated positively with specific IgE to A. fumigatus and rAsp f4. CONCLUSIONS Serum levels of TARC differentiate patients with CF or patients with asthma with ABPA from patients with CF colonized with or sensitized to A. fumigatus, atopic patients with CF, and atopic control subjects. Longitudinally, levels of TARC indicate ABPA exacerbations, suggesting TARC as a marker for identification and monitoring of ABPA in patients with CF.
Effects of methimazole on renal function in cats with hyperthyroidism.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of methimazole on renal function in cats with hyperthyroidism. Twelve cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism and 10 clinically normal (i.e., control) cats were included in this study. All cats initially were evaluated with a history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, basal serum total thyroxine concentration, complete urinalysis, and urine bacterial culture. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by a plasma iohexol clearance (PIC) test. After initial evaluation, hyperthyroid cats were treated with methimazole until euthyroidism was achieved. Both groups of cats were then reevaluated by repeating the initial tests four to six weeks later. The mean (+/-standard deviation) pretreatment estimated GFR for the hyperthyroid cats was significantly higher (3.83+/-1.82 ml/kg per min) than that of the control cats (1.83+/-0.56 ml/kg per min). Control of the hyperthyroidism resulted in a significantly decreased mean GFR of 2.02+/-0.81 ml/kg per minute when compared to pretreatment values. In the hyperthyroid group, the mean increases in serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and creatinine concentrations and the mean decrease in the urine specific gravity after treatment were not statistically significant when compared to pretreatment values. Two of the 12 hyperthyroid cats developed abnormally high serum creatinine concentrations following treatment. These results provide evidence that cats with hyperthyroidism have increased GFR compared to normal cats, and that treatment of feline hyperthyroidism with methimazole results in decreased GFR.
Major Histocompatibility Class II HLA-DRα Gene Expression in Thyrocytes: Counter Regulation by the Class II Transactivator and the Thyroid Y Box Protein.

Aberrant expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II proteins on thyrocytes, which is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, is mimicked by γ-interferon (γ-IFN). To define elements and factors that regulate class II gene expression in thyrocytes and that might be involved in aberrant expression, we have studied γ-IFN-induced HLA-DRα gene expression in rat FRTL-5 thyroid cells. The present report shows that class II expression in FRTL-5 thyrocytes is positively regulated by the class II transactivator (CIITA), and that CIITA mimics the action of γ-IFN. Thus, as is the case for γ-IFN, several distinct and highly conserved elements on the 5′-flanking region of the HLA-DRα gene, the S, X1, X2, and Y boxes between −137 to −65 bp, are required for class II gene expression induced by pCIITA transfection in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. CIITA and γ-IFN do not cause additive increases in HLA-DRα gene expression in FRTL-5 cells, consistent with the possibility that CIITA is an intermediate factor in .
Intelligibility and Accountability: Human Considerations in Context-Aware Systems

This essay considers the problem of defining the context that context-aware systems should pay attention to from a human perspective. In particular, we argue that there are human aspects of context that cannot be sensed or even inferred by technological means, so context-aware systems cannot be designed simply to act on our behalf. Rather, they will have to be able to defer to users in an efficient and nonobtrusive fashion. Our point is particularly relevant for systems that are constructed such that applications are architecturally isolated from the sensing and inferencing that governs their behavior. We propose a design framework that is intended to guide thinking about accommodating human aspects of context. This framework presents four design principles that support intelligibility of system behavior and accountability of human users and a number of human-salient details of context that must be accounted for in context-aware system design.
Hydrolysis of the Rutinose-Conjugates Flavonoids Rutin and Hesperidin by the Gut Microbiota and Bifidobacteria

Flavonols and flavanones are polyphenols exerting many healthy biological activities. They are often glycosylated by rutinose, which hampers absorption in the small intestine. Therefore they require the gut microbiota to release the aglycone and enable colonic absorption. The role of the gut microbiota and bifidobacteria in the release of the aglycones from two major rutinosides, hesperidin and rutin, was investigated. In bioconversion experiments, the microbiota removed rutinose from both rutin and hesperidin, even though complete hydrolysis was not obtained. To investigate whether bifidobacteria can participate to the hydrolysis of rutinosides, 33 strains were screened. Rutin was resistant to hydrolysis by all the strains. Among six tested species, mostly Bifidobacterium catenulatum and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenultum were able to hydrolyze hesperidin, by means of a cell-associated activity. This result is in agreement with the presence of a putative α-l-rhamnosidase in the genome of B. pseudocatenulatum, while most of the available genome sequences of bifidobacteria aside from this species do not bear this sequence. Even though B. pseudocatenulatum may contribute to the release of the aglycone from certain rutinose-conjugated polyphenols, such as hesperidin, it remains to be clarified whether this species may exert a role in affecting the bioavailability of the rutinoside in vivo.
Tuberous Sclerosis and Fulminant Lupus in a Young Woman

AbstractTuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by involvement of skin, nervous system, kidneys, and lungs. It results from mutations in 1 of 2 genes: TSC1 (encoding hamartin) or TSC2 (encoding tuberin), leading to dysregulation and activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Constitutive activation of mTOR signaling has recently been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inhibition of this pathway may benefit patients with SLE nephritis. We report a case of a young woman with tuberous sclerosis who developed fulminant SLE, with lower extremity edema, massive proteinuria, and class IV lupus glomerulonephritis. She died despite treatment with high-dose steroids, plasmapheresis, and cyclophosphamide. Although there are no prior reports of coexistence of these 2 rare diseases, this case is of considerable interest because of the possibility that activation of mTOR by the TSC mutations may have led to activation of the immune system and the development of unusually severe SLE.
The Spontaneous Mutation Rate in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The rate at which new mutations arise in the genome is a key factor in the evolution and adaptation of species. Here we describe the rate and spectrum of spontaneous mutations for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a key model organism with many similarities to higher eukaryotes. We undertook an ∼1700-generation mutation accumulation (MA) experiment with a haploid S. pombe, generating 422 single-base substitutions and 119 insertion-deletion mutations (indels) across the 96 replicates. This equates to a base-substitution mutation rate of 2.00 × 10−10 mutations per site per generation, similar to that reported for the distantly related budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, these two yeast species differ dramatically in their spectrum of base substitutions, the types of indels (S. pombe is more prone to insertions), and the pattern of selection required to counteract a strong AT-biased mutation rate. Overall, our results indicate that GC-biased gene conversion does not play a major role in shaping the nucleotide composition of the S. pombe genome and suggest that the mechanisms of DNA maintenance may have diverged significantly between fission and budding yeasts. Unexpectedly, CpG sites appear to be excessively liable to mutation in both species despite the likely absence of DNA methylation.
Prevention of Smearing Damage in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Smearing damage was created on cylindrical roller bearings (CRBs) using a laboratory test protocol that required alternating the load zone direction according to a square wave function. The experimental goal was to compare the wear protection afforded by various surface treatments, including vibratory superfinishing (ES20), black oxide treatment, and special tungsten carbide–reinforced amorphous hydrocarbon roller body coatings (WC/a-C:H). The only bearing treatments that did not smear in these severe tests were the WC/a-C:H bearings. Black oxide and ES20 bearings experienced smearing with the same frequency as untreated bearings, albeit to different degrees of microscopic damage. The test rig was instrumented to measure cage slip, which provided insight about the roller–raceway slip dynamics during the tests via kinematic calculations. The CAGEDYN bearing dynamics model was used to simulate the experimental smearing test conditions, and it provided encouragement that accurate prediction of smearing risk may be possible in the future with further development.
Regional Regulation of Transcription in the Bovine Genome

Eukaryotic genes are distributed along chromosomes as clusters of highly expressed genes termed RIDGEs (Regions of IncreaseD Gene Expression) and lowly expressed genes termed anti-RIDGEs, interspersed among genes expressed at intermediate levels or not expressed. Previous studies based on this observation suggested a dual mechanism of gene regulation, where, in addition to transcription factors, the chromosomal domain influences the expression level of their embedded genes. The objectives here were to provide evidence for the existence of chromosomal regional regulation of transcription in the bovine genome, to analyse the genomic features of genes located within RIDGEs versus anti-RIDGEs and tissue-specific genes versus housekeeping and to examine the genomic distribution of genes subject to positive selection in bovines. Gene expression analysis of four brain tissues and the anterior pituitary of 28 cows identified 70 RIDGEs and 41 anti-RIDGEs (harbouring 3735 and 1793 bovine genes respectively) across the bovine genome which are significantly higher than expected by chance. Housekeeping genes (defined here as genes expressed in all five tissues) were over-represented within RIDGEs but tissue-specific genes (genes expressed in only one of the five tissues) were not. Housekeeping genes and genes within RIDGEs had, in general, higher expression levels and GC content but shorter gene lengths and intron lengths than tissue-specific genes and genes within anti-RIDGES. Our findings suggest the existence of chromosomal regional regulation of transcription in the bovine genome. The genomic features observed for genes within RIDGEs and housekeeping genes in bovines agree with previous studies in several other species further strengthening the hypothesis of selective pressure to keep the highly and widely expressed genes short and compact for transcriptional efficiency. Further, positively selected genes were found non-randomly distributed on the genome with a preference for RIDGEs and regions of intermediate gene expression compared to anti-RIDGEs.
Outcome of Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatients With Fever and Central Line

Objective Although management algorithms for fever and central venous catheters (CVCs) have been implemented for pediatric oncology (PO) patients, management of pediatric outpatients with noncancer diagnoses and CVCs lacks clear protocols. The aim of the study was to assess outcomes for pediatric outpatients with gastrointestinal disorders presenting with fever and CVC. Methods Using a microbiology database and emergency department records, we created a database of pediatric gastroenterology (PGI) and PO outpatients with fever and a CVC who presented to our emergency department or clinics from January 2010 through December 2012. We excluded patients who had severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count, <500/mm3). We performed chart reviews to assess demographic and clinical characteristics. Results A total of 334 episodes in 144 patients were evaluated. Fifty-three percent (95% confidence interval, 38%–68%) of PGI patients had a bloodstream infection, whereas only 9% (95% confidence interval, 5%-14%) of PO patients had a bloodstream infection (P < 0.001). Among patients with a bloodstream infection, the PGI patients were more likely than the PO patients to have polymicrobial infections (46% vs 15%), gram-negative infections (57% vs 27%), and/or infection with enteric organisms (61% vs 23%). The PGI patients had higher rates of CVC removal (19% vs 4%) but no statistical difference in intensive care unit needs (11% vs 4%). Conclusions Pediatric gastroenterology outpatients with fever and a CVC have a high prevalence of bloodstream infection. Algorithms for management need to be subspecialty specific. Pediatric gastroenterology patients presenting to emergency departments or clinics with fever and CVC require admission for monitoring and management.
CYP3A5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms in donor and recipient: impact on Tacrolimus dose requirements and clinical outcome after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND The effect of potentially relevant genetic polymorphisms, CYP3A5 6986A>G and ABCB1 3435C>T, on Tacrolimus pharmacokinetics and graft clinical outcome was investigated in donor and recipient DNA samples from 209 kidney transplant patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The mean follow-up was 21.8 ± 9 months. The Tacrolimus dose, trough blood concentrations (C0) and C0/dose ratio were only statistically correlated with the recipient CYP3A5 genotype. CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotypes appeared to have no influence on the incidence of Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection and Delayed Graft Function. Renal function was not affected by CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotypes. Histological evaluation of biopsies revealed also no significant association between Tacrolimus toxicity features and donor or recipient CYP3A5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms. Tacrolimus sparing appeared to be independent of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotypes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Recipient CYP3A5 6986A>G polymorphism explains part of the interindividual variability of the pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus. The clinical outcome at 2-year follow-up does not appear to be related to the donor or recipient CYP3A5 6986A>G and/or ABCB1 3435C>T polymorphisms.
Increased survival of western corn rootworm on transgenic corn within three generations of on-plant greenhouse selection

To delay evolution of insect resistance to transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, nearby “refuges” of host plants not producing Bt toxins are required in many regions. Such refuges are expected to be most effective in slowing resistance when the toxin concentration in Bt crops is high enough to kill all or nearly all insects heterozygous for resistance. However, Bt corn, Zea mays, introduced recently does not meet this “high-dose” criterion for control of western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. A greenhouse method of rearing WCR on transgenic corn expressing the Cry3Bb1 protein was used in which approximately 25% of previously unexposed larvae survived relative to isoline survival (compared to 1–4% in the field). After three generations of full larval rearing on Bt corn (Constant-exposure colony), WCR larval survival was equivalent on Bt corn and isoline corn in greenhouse trials, and the LC50 was 22-fold greater for the Constant-exposure colony than for the Control colony in diet bioassays with Cry3Bb1 protein on artificial diet. After six generations of greenhouse selection, the ratio of larval recovery on Bt corn to isoline corn in the field was 11.7-fold greater for the Constant-exposure colony than the Control colony. Removal from selection for six generations did not decrease survival on Bt corn in the greenhouse. The results suggest that rapid response to selection is possible in the absence of mating with unexposed beetles, emphasizing the importance of effective refuges for resistance management.
Analysis of Students’ Performance in Junior Secondary School Mathematics Examination in Bayelsa State of Nigeria

Abstract Mathematics is the bedrock of all science and technologically based subjects. The poor performance of students in mathematics tests has become a thing of great concern to all stakeholders such as: parents, teachers, and government. This paper therefore looked at the influence of sex, school location and school type on the academic achievement of secondary school students in mathematics. The paper found out that student performance in mathematics in junior secondary school Examination for 2006 was high, male students performed better than their female counterparts in the examination, students from the rural school performed better than students from urban schools in mathematics examination and also students from private schools performed better than those from public schools.
The impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on women's sexual functioning.

INTRODUCTION The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on women's sexual functioning has been rarely assessed. AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of SLE on women's sexual functioning. METHODS A total of 302 consecutive female outpatients with SLE were provided with a questionnaire composed of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), questions for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. Similarly, 2,159 hospital female employees were assessed as the control group. In patients, data of SLE duration and Sjögren's syndrome were derived from the chart records and the disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The FSFI scores were compared between the patients and the controls. Correlates of the FSFI scores were determined in the patients. RESULTS Of 302 eligible patients, 92.4% (279/302) responded, in addition to 73.2% (1,580/2,159) of controls. Ninety-five percent (255/268) of the respondent patients were in no-to-mild SLE disease activity. Among the respondents, 171 (61.3%) patients and 930 (58.9%) controls were sexually active in the previous month, P = 0.446. Of the sexually active patients, 52.5% (85/162) had impaired sexual function (the FSFI total score < 26.55) and so did 47.1% (408/867) of the sexually active controls, P = 0.206. With adjustment of age group, marital status and education level, patients had lower FSFI scores than controls only in the domains of lubrication and pain. Significant risk factors for lower FSFI scores in the patients included persistent activity or flare of SLE, menstrual cycle disturbances, and vascular disease. With further adjustment of other risk factors, only vascular disease remained significant as a risk factor for impaired sexual function (odds ratio = 5.7; 95% confidence interval 1.6-20.1). CONCLUSION When not in an exacerbation period, the impact of SLE on women's sexual functioning is not great and is related to vascular factors.