Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recorded infections and antibiotics in early life: associations with allergy in UK children and their parents

Background: It is suggested that the inverse relationship between allergic disease and family size reflects reduced exposure to early life infections, and that antibiotic treatment in childhood diminishes any protective effect of such infection. Methods: A birth cohort study was undertaken in 642 children recruited before birth and seen annually until the age of 8 years. Reported infections and prescribed antibiotics by the age of 5 years were counted from GP records and comparisons were made with a previous study of their parents. Results: At the age of 8 years, 104 children (19%) were atopic, 79 (13%) were currently wheezy and 124 (21%) had seasonal rhinitis. 577 children (97%) had at least three infections recorded by age 5, a figure much higher than that of their parents (69%). By the age of 5 only 11 children (2%) had never received a prescription for antibiotics; the corresponding figure for the parents was 24%. Higher numbers of infections were recorded for firstborn children. After adjusting for parental atopy and birth order, there was no association between infection counts and atopy (OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.03) per infection). Significant positive associations were found for wheeze and seasonal rhinitis. An increased risk of current wheeze was found for each antibiotic prescription (adjusted OR 1.07 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.10)) but not for atopy. This was primarily explained by prescriptions for respiratory infections. Similar patterns were observed for seasonal rhinitis. Conclusions: Despite very high rates of recorded early life infections and antibiotic prescriptions, no plausibly causative relationships were found with subsequent respiratory allergies.
Experimental researches of Brillouin backscatter spectrum in non zero dispersion-shifted optical fibers at longitudinal stretching forces

The results of experimental researches of the strain characteristics (mechanical stresses) in non zero dispersion-shifted optical fibers (NZDSF G.655) at various longitudinal stretching forces based on Brillouin backscatter spectrum analysis are presented in this work. The reflectograms of Brillouin backscatter spectrum in non zero dispersion-shifted optical fibers are shown. Brillouin frequency shift dependences and strain dependences of NZDSF at different longitudinal stretching forces are presented. It is shown that the side peaks arise in Brillouin backscatter spectrum in NZDSF. A comparative analysis of optical fibers characteristics of different types revealed that the strain characteristics NZDSF occupy an intermediate position between the dependencies of the fiber G.652 and dispersion shifted optical fiber (G.653).
Subacute Thyroiditis: Clinical Presentation and Long Term Outcome

Few studies have been reported from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (SA) to describe the clinical presentation and long term outcomes of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). Our aim was to review the demographic, anthropometric, clinical presentation, laboratory results, treatment, and disease outcome in Riyadh region and to compare those with results from different regions of the Kingdom and different parts of the world. We reviewed the medical files of patients who underwent thyroid uptake scan during an 8-year period in King Khalid University Hospital. Only 25 patients had confirmed diagnosis of thyroiditis. Age and gender distribution were similar to other studies. Most patients presented with palpitation, goiter, and weight change. Elevated thyroid hormones, suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone, and elevated ESR were reported. Among those, 7 cases of SAT were recorded. β-Blockers were prescribed to 57% and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to 29% of SAT. Long follow-up demonstrated that 85.7% of SAT cases recovered, while 14.3% developed permanent hypothyroidism. In conclusion, SAT is uncommon in the central region of SA. Compared to the western region, corticosteroid is not commonly prescribed, and permanent hypothyroidism is not uncommon. A nation-wide epidemiological study to explain these interprovincial differences is warranted.
Retention of Antibacterial Activity in Geranium Plasma Polymer Thin Films

Bacterial colonisation of biomedical devices demands novel antibacterial coatings. Plasma-enabled treatment is an established technique for selective modification of physicochemical characteristics of the surface and deposition of polymer thin films. We investigated the retention of inherent antibacterial activity in geranium based plasma polymer thin films. Attachment and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was significantly reduced on the surfaces of samples fabricated at 10 W radio frequency (RF) power, compared to that of control or films fabricated at higher input power. This was attributed to lower contact angle and retention of original chemical functionality in the polymer films fabricated under low input power conditions. The topography of all surfaces was uniform and smooth, with surface roughness of 0.18 and 0.69 nm for films fabricated at 10 W and 100 W, respectively. Hardness and elastic modules of films increased with input power. Independent of input power, films were optically transparent within the visible wavelength range, with the main absorption at ~290 nm and optical band gap of ~3.6 eV. These results suggest that geranium extract-derived polymers may potentially be used as antibacterial coatings for contact lenses.
How Hepatitis C Virus Leads to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Network-Based Study

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been known as a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. However, the distinct molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of HCV proteins on the HCC progression have remained unclear. Objectives: In the present study, we studied the possible role of HCV in the HCC initiation and invasion using topological analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Materials and Methods: After analysis with GEO2R, a PPI network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was constructed for both chronic HCV and HCC samples. The STRING and GeneMANIA databases were used to determine the putative interactions between DEGs. In parallel, the functional annotation of DEGs was performed using g: Profiler web tool. The topological analysis and network visualization was carried outperformed using Cytoscape software and the top hub genes were identified. We determined the hub genes-related miRNAs using miRTarBase server and reconstructed a miRNA-Hubgene network. Results: Based on the topological analysis of miRNA-Hubgene network, we identified the key hub miRNAs. In order to identify the most important common sub-network, we aligned two PPI networks using NETAL tool. The c-Jun gene was identified as the most important hub gene in both HCV and HCC networks. Furthermore, the hsa-miR-34a, hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-744 and hsa-miR-92a were recognized as the most important hub miRNAs with positive correlation in the chronic HCV and HCC samples. Functional annotation of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) using the tool for annotations of human miRNAs (TAM) revealed that there is a considerable overlap between miRNA gene expression profiles of HCV-infected and HCC cells. Conclusions: Our results revealed the possible crucial genes and miRNAs involved in the initiation and progression of HCC cells infected with HCV.
International Migration, Politics and Culture: the Case for Greater Labour Mobility

zz A policy shift to liberalize global labour markets could be a key tool for development and poverty reduction. Given the significant benefits globally, economists and policy-makers should devote more attention than at present to the practicalities of relaxing barriers to international labour mobility. z z The potential gains from the globalization of labour could dwarf those from foreign aid or even the liberalization of trade and capital flows across borders. For example, a decision by developed countries to liberalize immigration restrictions by a mere 3% could result in an estimated output gain of more than $150 billion. z z Despite the potentially large benefits that would be generated from greater international labour mobility, neither development policy circles nor multilateral forums appear to view this as a viable option. Although immigration policy is always controversial, the absence of serious debate in international circles is not due entirely to the distributional impact of labour migration, but in large part to the perceived threat to national identity and culture in destination countries. z z While permanent migration would yield relatively larger economic gains, temporary labour migration programmes, targeted to specific sectors and more modest in scope, could be the answer and would be far more acceptable and politically sustainable in countries where citizens perceive migrants as a threat to culture and national identity.
The Effects of a Maximal Power Training Cycle on the Strength, Maximum Power, Vertical Jump Height and Acceleration of High-Level 400-Meter Hurdlers

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a power training cycle on maximum strength, maximum power, vertical jump height and acceleration in seven high-level 400-meter hurdlers subjected to a specific training program twice a week for 10 weeks. Each training session consisted of five sets of eight jump-squats with the load at which each athlete produced his maximum power. The repetition maximum in the half squat position (RM), maximum power in the jump-squat (W), a squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CSJ), and a 30-meter sprint from a standing position were measured before and after the training program using an accelerometer, an infra-red platform and photocells. The results indicated the following statistically significant improvements: a 7.9% increase in RM (Z=-2.03, p=0.021, δc=0.39), a 2.3% improvement in SJ (Z=-1.69, p=0.045, δc=0.29), a 1.43% decrease in the 30-meter sprint (Z=-1.70, p=0.044, δc=0.12), and, where maximum power was produced, a change in the RM percentage from 56 to 62% (Z=-1.75, p=0.039, δc=0.54). As such, it can be concluded that strength training with a maximum power load is an effective means of increasing strength and acceleration in high-level hurdlers.
Islamic Peril: Media and Global Violence

MEDIA AND EDUCATION Islamic Peril: Media and Global Violence, by Karim H. Karim. Montral, New York, and London: Black Rose Books, 2000. x + 196 pages. Index to p. 204. $53.99 cloth; $24.95 paper. Reviewed by Hamid Mowlana Muslim societies in general have a rather skeptical view of the West's information and media expansion, to say the least. The history of colonialism shows that the West extended its hold on Muslim heritage and resources not only economically and politically, but also culturally and through the expansion of their communication media and control of information. A number of studies on international communication over the last several decades reveal two essential characteristics: the ethnocentric orientation of the media systems in the highly industrialized nations, and the "asymmetric" circulation of information in the world. During this period, Western media reports of developments in the Islamic world have contained a good deal of bias, distortion, and ethnocentrism. Furthermore, the Western media (mainly the American and European media) have constituted a large proportion of the reporting of events in the Islamic world. Karim Karim should be applauded for his excellent analysis, which illustrates the key role that international mass media play in the process through which Muslim societies are portrayed. He elaborates on the superiority of Western communication, which advances the dominant view of Islam as one synonymous with fanaticism and violence. Karim examines the Western mass media from the 1980s to 2000, with particular attention to the Canadian press, and shows how their construction of events has contributed to the mistaken perception that the West is in conflict with Islam. Through studying the coverage of conflicts involving Muslims in different parts of the world, the book demonstrates the resilience of core Western images of Muslims that have recurred in depictions of Islam for over a millennium. Islam and Muslims are illustrated as terrorists, as posing a danger to society. With the advancement of globalization and the development of technology, the media-constructed depiction of the relations between Western powers and the Muslim-majority countries as essentially that of conflict is gathering momentum. The view that Islam is fomenting a "clash of civilizations" is increasingly prevalent. Terrorism, hijacking, hostage-taking, and religious wars have become synonymous with the identity of Muslims, and these narratives are supported by Western-based media networks, which have maintained their global hegemony. In this well-documented and critical volume, Karim explores the lack of historical and cultural understanding in the mass media, as he tackles a number of major events, from the Middle East to the Balkans, to show how deeply the media affects popular views about Islam and Muslims. …
A Rational Analysis of the Acquisition of Multisensory Representations

How do people learn multisensory, or amodal, representations, and what consequences do these representations have for perceptual performance? We address this question by performing a rational analysis of the problem of learning multisensory representations. This analysis makes use of a Bayesian nonparametric model that acquires latent multisensory features that optimally explain the unisensory features arising in individual sensory modalities. The model qualitatively accounts for several important aspects of multisensory perception: (a) it integrates information from multiple sensory sources in such a way that it leads to superior performances in, for example, categorization tasks; (b) its performances suggest that multisensory training leads to better learning than unisensory training, even when testing is conducted in unisensory conditions; (c) its multisensory representations are modality invariant; and (d) it predicts ''missing" sensory representations in modalities when the input to those modalities is absent. Our rational analysis indicates that all of these aspects emerge as part of the optimal solution to the problem of learning to represent complex multisensory environments.
Recombinant rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid protein expressed in baculovirus self-assembles into viruslike particles and induces protection

VP60, the unique component of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid, was expressed in the baculovirus system. The recombinant VP60, released in the supernatant of infected insect cells, assembled without the need of any other viral component to form viruslike particles (VLPs), structurally and immunologically indistinguishable from the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virion. Intramuscular vaccination of rabbits with the VLPs conferred complete protection in 15 days; this protection was found to be effective from the fifth day after VLP injection and was accompanied by a strong humoral response.
Syphilis treatment: old and new

Syphilis has challenged scientists and clinicians since its first appearance in the late 1400s and debate continues to surround the best practice in management. Difficulties in defining the goals of successful treatment have contributed to problems in determining recommendations for the ideal management. Treatment regimens currently in use were developed before randomised controlled trials became standard. This, combined with national differences in disease definition, staging and varying interpretations of the studies, as well as the emergence of complicating comorbid conditions, such as HIV, has resulted in a lack of consensus for treatment. This paper will discuss the history and current treatment of syphilis focusing on dilemmas faced by clinicians today, including the emergence of a resistant strain. Despite the difference between current national guidelines, penicillin G largely remains the treatment of choice. Close follow up, monitoring and ensuring adequate compliance remain the most important aspects in the treatment of syphilis.
Myeloid cell differentiation arrest by miR-125b-1 in myelodysplasic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia with the t(2;11)(p21;q23) translocation

Most chromosomal translocations in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involve oncogenes that are either up-regulated or form part of new chimeric genes. The t(2;11)(p21;q23) translocation has been cloned in 19 cases of MDS and AML. In addition to this, we have shown that this translocation is associated with a strong up-regulation of miR-125b (from 6- to 90-fold). In vitro experiments revealed that miR-125b was able to interfere with primary human CD34+ cell differentiation, and also inhibited terminal (monocytic and granulocytic) differentiation in HL60 and NB4 leukemic cell lines. Therefore, miR-125b up-regulation may represent a new mechanism of myeloid cell transformation, and myeloid neoplasms carrying the t(2;11) translocation define a new clinicopathological entity.
Coexpression of Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels Cav1.2, 2.1a, and 2.1b in Vascular Myocytes

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels Cav1.2 (L type) and Cav2.1 (P/Q type) are expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and are important for the contraction of renal resistance vessels. In the present study we examined whether native renal VSMCs coexpress L-, P-, and Q-type Ca2+ currents. The expression of both Cav2.1a (P-type) and Cav2.1b (Q-type) mRNA was demonstrated by RT-PCR in renal preglomerular vessels from rats and mice. Immunolabeling was performed on A7r5 cells, renal cryosections, and freshly isolated renal VSMCs with anti-Cav1.2 and anti-Cav2.1 antibodies. Conventional and confocal microscopy revealed expression of both channels in all of the smooth muscle cells. Whole-cell patch clamp on single preglomerular VSMCs from mice showed L-, P-, and Q-type currents. Blockade of the L-type currents by calciseptine (20 nmol/L) inhibited 35.6±3.9% of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ current, and blocking P-type currents (&ohgr;-agatoxin IVA 10 nmol/L) led to 20.2±3.0% inhibition, whereas 300 nmol/L of &ohgr; agatoxin IVA (blocking P/Q-type) inhibited 45.0±7.3%. In rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5), blockade of L-type channels resulted in 28.5±6.1% inhibition, simultaneous blockade of L-type and P-type channels inhibited 58.0±11.8%, and simultaneous inhibition of L-, P-, and Q-type channels led to blockade (88.7±5.6%) of the Ca2+ current. We conclude that aortic and renal preglomerular smooth muscle cells express L-, P-, and Q-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the rat and mouse.
Novel Inhibitors of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase

Selective inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which are devoid of any effect on the endothelial isoform (eNOS), may be required for the treatment of some neurological disorders. In our search for novel nNOS inhibitors, we recently described some 1-[(Aryloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazoles as interesting molecules for their selectivity for nNOS against eNOS. This work reports a new series of 1-[(Aryloxy)alkyl]-1H-imidazoles in which a longer methylene chain is present between the imidazole and the phenol part of molecule. Some of these molecules were found to be more potent nNOS inhibitors than the parent ethylenic compounds, although this increase in potency resulted in a partial loss of selectivity. The most interesting compound was investigated to establish its mechanism of action and was found to interact with the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) binding site of nNOS, without interference with any other cofactors or substrate binding sites.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Staff Reports Price Setting in an Innovative Market Price Setting in an Innovative Market

paper presents preliminary findings and is being distributed to economists and other interested readers solely to stimulate discussion and elicit comments. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily Abstract We examine how the confluence of competition and upstream innovation influences downstream firms' profit-maximizing strategies. In particular, we analyze how, in light of these forces, the downstream firm sets the price of the product over its life cycle. We focus on personal computers (PCs) and introduce two novel data sets that describe prices and sales in the industry. Our main result is that a vintage-capital model that combines a competitive market structure with a rapid rate of innovation is well able to explain the observed paths of prices, as well as sales and consumer income, over a typical PC's product cycle. The analysis implies that rapid price declines are not caused by upstream innovation alone, but rather by the combination of upstream innovation and a competitive environment. for their comments and suggestions. An earlier version of this paper circulated under the title " The Impact of Competition on Technology Adoption: An Apples-to-PCs Analysis. " Much of the work on this paper occurred while both authors worked at the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Bureau of
Surviving spinal cord injury in low income countries

Background Mortality rates from injuries are higher for people from poorer economic backgrounds than those with higher incomes (according to the World Health Organization [WHO]), and health care professionals and organisations dealing with people with disabilities experience that individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in low income countries face serious challenges in their daily lives. Objectives The aims of this study were to explore life expectancy (life expectancy is the average remaining years of life of an individual) and the situation of persons living with SCI in low income settings. Method Literature studies and qualitative methods were used. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 informants from four study sites in Zimbabwe representing persons with SCI, their relatives and rehabilitation professionals. Results There are few publications available about life expectancy and the daily life of persons with SCI in low income countries. Those few publications identified and the study findings confirm that individuals with SCI are experiencing a high occurrence of pressure sores and urinary tract infections leading to unnecessary suffering, often causing premature death. Pain and depression are frequently reported and stigma and negative attitudes are experienced in society. Lack of appropriate wheelchairs and services, limited knowledge about SCI amongst health care staff, limited access to health care and rehabilitation services, loss of employment and lack of financial resources worsen the daily challenges. Conclusion The study indicates that life expectancy for individuals with SCI in low income settings is shorter than for the average population and also with respect to individuals with SCI in high income countries. Poverty worsened the situation for individuals with SCI, creating barriers that increase the risk of contracting harmful pressure sores and infections leading to premature death. Further explorations on mortality and how individuals with SCI and their families in low income settings are coping in their daily life are required to provide comprehensive evidences.