Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First Description of a Pure-Search Mating System and Protandry in the Shrimp Rhynchocinetes uritai (Decapoda: Caridea)

Abstract Previous studies on two species of the genus Rhynchocinetes (“hingebeak” shrimps) have described mating systems in which large dominant “robustus” males, with hypertrophied cheliped and third maxilliped weaponry, guard and defend smaller females during copulation. The sexual system of these species is gonochoric (separate sexes). In this preliminary study on the sexual biology of R. uritai, we report observations indicating a very different sexual and mating system for Rhynchocinetes. A sample of R. uritai taken off Shimoda, Japan, revealed a population structure with small males and large females with no overlap in size. Two intermediate-sized individuals showed transitional sexual characteristics indicating sex change from male to female (protandrous sequential hermaphroditism). Transitional individuals had male sexual appendices but also were developing female “breeding dress” (incubatory) characters. Furthermore, these individuals had large vitellogenic oocytes in the gonads, typical of maturing ovaries. Mating observations were made on three receptive females to examine whether the smaller males employ the “pure searching” mating strategy. Matings occurred at night after female molting. Mating behavior was brief and simple: males approached and attempted to grasp the newly molted female, followed by a brief (∼ 2 sec) copulation, with no evidence of the complex “caging” (guarding) behavior described in two other Rhynchocinetes species. These observations on R. uritai suggest a “pure searching” mating system, in which mating is brief with little pre- or postcopulatory interaction between male and female and little or no agonistic behavior among males. Such a mating system is characteristic of decapod shrimp species with small males and larger females, i.e., the population structure observed in our sample.
Thiol protein groups correlate with cognitive impairment in patients with recurrent depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND Depressive disorders are multifactorial diseases in which cognitive impairments are one of typical features. Thiol protein groups (TPGs) are elements of chemical structure of compounds having antioxidative properties (glutathione peroxidase, metallothioneins) and their oxidation reflects the lost of compensatory capacity of antioxidative mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of TPGs in patients with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) and to define relationship between plasma levels of TPGs and the cognitive performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study comprised 76 subjects: patients with rDD (n=43) and healthy subjects (comparison group, CG - n=33). Cognitive function assessment was based on the following 4 tests: the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Stroop Test, Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). RESULTS The level of TPGs was higher in patients with rDD. In rDD group, the elevated concentration of TPGs in plasma was associated with a decrease in efficiency of declarative-memory, working memory and verbal fluency. The higher was the concentration of plasma TPGs, the greater was the severity of depressive symptoms measured by 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), before and after pharmacotherapy. In CG group, the elevated TPGs levels were associated with worse cognitive test performance (AVLT and VFT tests). CONCLUSIONS 1) Our study confirms previous results showing increased TPGs level in depression. 2) Our data suggest relation between increased plasma TPGs level in depression and cognitive impairment. 3) The elevated levels of plasma TPGs are related to impairment of the short-term and delayed declarative memory, verbal fluency and working memory.
Surgical results in patients with dual hepatitis B- and C-related hepatocellular carcinoma compared with hepatitis B- or C-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The purpose of our study was to report on the surgical outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with dual hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and to assess the differences in the surgical results between those patients and the patients with hepatitis B- or hepatitis C-related HCC. METHODS The operative outcomes of 13 patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab)-positive (the BC-HCC group) results, 57 patients with HBsAg-positive and HCV Ab-negative (the B-HCC group) results, and 34 patients with HBsAg-negative and HCV Ab-positive (the C-HCC group) results, who had undergone hepatic resection from 1991 to 1995, were compared. RESULTS The operative mortality rate within 1 month after operation for patients with BC-HCC was 7.7%. No statistically significant difference was found compared with the patients with B-HCC and C-HCC (5.3% and 5.9%, respectively). The postoperative course of patients with BC-HCC was complicated by liver failure, postoperative ascites, and wound infection in one patient each. Also, no statistically significant difference was found among the groups (23.1%, 22.8%, and 20.5% for patients with BC-HCC, B-HCC, and C-HCC, respectively). The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with BC-HCC in this series were 75%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. The postoperative recurrence rate was 66.7%. No statistically significant differences were found between the various groups of the virus-related HCC on the overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic resection for HCC in patients with dual HBV and HCV infections was associated with slightly higher operative morbidity and mortality rates, but there were no statistical differences compared with hepatitis B- or C-related HCC regarding the survival and recurrence rates.
The structure of casual sexual relationships and experiences among single adults aged 18–30 years old: A latent profile analysis

Research on casual sexual relationships and experiences (CSREs) has increased in the last decade; however, there is no consensus about the scope and definition of CSREs. To describe the main forms of CSREs, a latent profile analysis was performed on single and sexually active men and women aged from 18 to 30 years old who described their last casual sexual experience. Five profiles were identified: 1) the one-time sexual encounter; 2) the ex-romantic partnership, in which one still has sexual contact after ending their romantic relationship; 3) the mostly about sex partnership, in which contacts are primarily sexual, whether or not a friendship exists; 4) the intimate and sexual partnership, a hybrid of friend and romantic partner with whom one has frequent sexual and social interactions without commitment or intent to form a couple; 5) the friendship first partnership, a friendship to which sex is added, where social activities and friendly interactions dominate. Participants across profiles differed according to the number of sexual partners in the past year, their intention of having other sexual contacts with the partner, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the most recent sexual encounter with their partner and their type of sexual exclusivity agreement. This research contributes to a better description and understanding of CSREs among young adults and to further specifying its area of investigation.
Doctors’ beliefs and knowledge on corticosteroid‐induced osteoporosis: identifying barriers to improve prevention

What is known and Objective: Despite the availability of effective treatments for the management of corticosteroid‐induced osteoporosis (CIOP), the condition is undertreated. Our objective was to assess prescribers’ knowledge and likely prescribing patterns concerning the diagnosis and treatment of CIOP. Another goal was to identify key barriers to the use of preventive therapy in patients using long‐term corticosteroids.
Protective effect of intermedin on myocardial cell in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common disease with a poor prognosis. Heart failure is one cause of SAP patient death. Intermedin (IMD) is a potent endogenous cardio-protective substance. Administration of exogenous IMD showed beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the myocardial damage in SAP and to determine the therapeutic potential of IMD for SAP. Using an SAP rat model, we examined endogenous IMD expression following SAP induction, and determined the effect of IMD on myocardial function, histological morphology, apoptosis-related gene expression, and prognosis. Our results indicated that the cardiac function and histological structure were significantly disrupted in SAP rats. Infusion of exogenous IMD significantly preserved cardiac function and ameliorated myocardial damage. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) revealed that myocardial apoptosis was extensively present in SAP rats, and IMD infusion led to increased expression of the prosurvival factor Bcl-2, but decreased pro-apoptotic factors Bax and caspase-3. In addition, IMD infusion also reversed the change of IMD receptor systems in SAP rat heart tissue. Furthermore, we found that IMD infusion greatly decreased mortality of SAP rats. In conclusion, administration of SAP produced therapeutic effects in SAP through modulating apoptotic and pro-survival gene expression, inhibiting myocardial apoptosis, preserving cardiac function, and a useful therapeutic agent for SAP, and provides us an insight for a clinical trial of IMD for treating human severe acute pancreatitis.
Korelasi Antara Dukungan Sosial Orang Tua dan Self-Directed Learning pada Siswa SMA

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between parental social support and self direction in learning on highschool students. The population of this research was the students of SMA Negeri 1 Medan, and a sample of 195 students was recruited from the 10 th grade, the 11 th grade, and the 12 th grade. The researcher used a set of two Likert scales, including Self Directed Learning Scale, which was designed according to the components of self direction in learning by Candy (1991), and Parental Social Support Scale, which was designed based on the dimensions of social support by Sarafino (2002). The Parental Social Support Scale consists of 50 items, and the reliability of the scale is r=0.960. The Self Directed Learning Scale consists of 50 items, and the reliability of the scale is r=0.940. To analyze the result, the researcher used Pearson Product Moment Coefficient Correlation. Outcome of data analysis shows there is significant correlation between parental social support and self direction in learning. The results showed a positive correlation between parental social support and self direction in learning on highschool students (r = 0.477; ρ <0,05). It indicated that the higher the parental social support, the higher the self direction in learning and conversely the lower the social support of parents the lower the self direction in learning.
Bupropion for smoking cessation in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND Smokers hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk for subsequent ischemic events. Nevertheless, over two-thirds of patients continue to smoke after an acute myocardial infarction. Bupropion hydrochloride has proven efficacy as a smoking cessation aid, but data regarding its safety and efficacy in ACS patients are limited. METHODS In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we compared the safety and efficacy of 8 weeks of treatment with bupropion slow-release (SR) or placebo for smokers hospitalized with ACS as an adjunct to nurse-led hospital- and telephone-based support. Primary efficacy outcome was smoking abstinence at 1 year. Primary safety outcome was clinical events at 1 year. RESULTS A total of 151 patients were enrolled; all but 2 completed follow-up. Abstinence rates at 3 months were 45% and 44% in the bupropion SR and placebo groups, respectively (P = .99); 37% vs 42% (P = .61) at 6 months; and 31% vs 33% (P = .86) at 1 year. On multivariate analysis, an invasive procedure performed during index hospitalization was an independent predictor for smoking abstinence at 1 year (odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-14.19). Presence of adverse effects attributed to treatment was a negative predictor for smoking cessation (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.78). Treatment with bupropion SR was not associated with an increase in clinical events or change in blood pressure or body mass index, but dizziness was more common compared with placebo (14% vs 1.4%; P = .005). CONCLUSION In hospitalized patients with ACS who received continuous, intensive nurse counseling about smoking cessation, bupropion did not increase the rates of smoking abstinence.
Exploring the current application of professional competencies in human resource management in the South African context

Orientation: Human research (HR) practitioners have an important role to play in the sustainability and competitiveness of organisations. Yet their strategic contribution and the value they add remain unrecognised. Research purpose: The main objective of this research was to explore the extent to which HR practitioners are currently allowed to display HR competencies in the workplace, and whether any significant differences exist between perceived HR competencies, based on the respondents’ demographic characteristics. Motivation for the study: Limited empirical research exists on the extent to which HR practitioners are allowed to display key competencies in the South African workplace. Research approach, design, and method: A quantitative research approach was followed. A Human Resource Management Professional Competence Questionnaire was administered to HR practitioners and managers ( N = 481). Main findings: The results showed that HR competencies are poorly applied in selected South African workplaces. The competencies that were indicated as having the poorest application were talent management, HR metrics, HR business knowledge, and innovation. The white ethic group experienced a poorer application of all human research management (HRM) competencies compared to the black African ethnic group. Practical/managerial implications: The findings of the research highlighted the need for management to evaluate the current application of HR practices in the workplace and also the extent to which HR professionals are involved as strategic business partners. Contribution/value-add: This research highlights the need for the current application of HR competencies in South African workplaces to be improved.
Cardioprotective effect of virgin coconut oil in heated palm oil diet-induced hypertensive rats

Abstract Context: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) contains high antioxidant activity which may have protective effects on the heart in hypertensive rats. Objectives: The study investigated the effects of VCO on blood pressure and cardiac tissue by measuring angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and its histomorphometry in rats fed with a heated palm oil (HPO) diet. Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) orally given VCO (1.42 ml/kg), (iii) fed with a HPO (15%) diet, and (iv) fed with a HPO diet and supplemented with VCO (1.42 ml/kg, po) (HPO+VCO) for 16 weeks. Blood pressure was measured monthly. After 16 weeks, rat hearts were dissected for lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and ACE activity measurement and histomorphometric study. Results: Systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in the HPO group compared with the control starting at week eight (112.91 ± 1.32 versus 98.08 ± 3.61 mmHg, p < 0.05) which was prevented by VCO supplementation (91.73 ± 3.42 mmHg). The consumption of HPO increased TBARS and ACE activity in heart, which were inhibited by VCO supplementation. The increases in the myofiber width and area as well as nuclear size reduction in the HPO group were significantly prevented by VCO supplementation. Conclusion: These results suggested that VCO supplementation possesses a cardioprotective effect by preventing the increase in blood pressure via an antioxidant mechanism and remodeling in rats fed repeatedly with a HPO diet.
Pregnancy and body image in Poland: Gender roles and self-esteem during the third trimester

Objectives: The study has two main objectives: (1) assessment of the perception of body image among a sample of women in their third trimester of pregnancy; and (2) examination of the relationship between body image, gender role orientation, gender role stress and self-esteem. Background: Body image has received much attention in the psychological literature, but little work has been conducted with pregnant women or outside of the United States. Research suggests that women experience both anxieties and positive emotions about their body image during pregnancy, which might be associated with their personal characteristics. Methods: 100 pregnant women were approached in seven different ‘Schools of Birth’ in Poland. Participants completed questionnaires assessing body image, feminine gender role stress, psychological masculinity–femininity and self-esteem during their third trimester of pregnancy. Results: Pregnant Polish women generally have a positive body image, which is positively associated with self-esteem. Feminine gender role stress was related to a negative body image, masculinity and androgyny positively correlated with body image. Structural equation modelling suggests that body image is a mediator between gender factors and self-esteem. Conclusion: Our findings underline the multidimensional nature of the body image and the importance of mediating factors in predicting the psychological outcomes of pregnancy.
Aneuploidy in mitosis of PtK1 cells is generated by random loss and nondisjunction of individual chromosomes

Chromosome lagging at anaphase and migration of both sister chromatids to the same pole, i.e. nondisjunction, are two chromosome-segregation errors producing aneuploid cell progeny. Here, we developed an assay for the simultaneous detection of both chromosome-segregation errors in the marsupial PtK1 cell line by using multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization with specific painting probes obtained by chromosome flow sorting. No differential susceptibility of the six PtK1 chromosomes to undergo nondisjunction and/or chromosome loss was observed in ana-telophase cells recovering from a nocodazole- or a monastrol-induced mitotic arrest, suggesting that the recurrent presence of specific chromosomes in several cancer types reflects selection effects rather than differential propensities of specific chromosomes to undergo missegregation. Experiments prolonging metaphase duration during drug recovery and inhibiting Aurora-B kinase activity on metaphase-aligned chromosomes provided evidence that some type of merotelic orientations was involved in the origin of both chromosome-segregation errors. Visualization of mero-syntelic kinetochore-microtubule attachments (a merotelic kinetochore in which the thicker microtubule bundle is attached to the same pole to which the sister kinetochore is connected) identified a peculiar malorientation that might participate in the generation of nondisjunction. Our findings imply random missegregation of chromosomes as the initial event in the generation of aneuploidy in mammalian somatic cells.
Adaptive Dynamics and the Implementation Problem with Complete Information

This paper studies the equilibrating process of several implementation mechanisms using naive adaptive dynamics. We show that the dynamics converge and are stable, for the canonical mechanism of implementation in Nash equilibrium. In this way we cast some doubt on the criticism of ``complexity'' commonly used against this mechanism. For mechanisms that use more refined equilibrium concepts, the dynamics converge but are not stable. Some papers in the literature on implementation with refined equilibrium concepts have claimed that the mechanisms they propose are ``simple'' and implement ``everything'' (in contrast with the canonical mechanism). The fact that some of these ``simple'' mechanisms have unstable equilibria suggests that these statements should be interpreted with some caution.
Radiation therapy for brain metastases from lung carcinoma. Prospective randomized trial according to the level of lactate dehydrogenase.

PURPOSE Since September 1980 we have been conducting a prospective randomized trial to determine the best treatment schedule for radiation therapy (XRT) on brain metastasis from lung carcinoma. The first trial (September 1980 to December 1984) was randomly allocated by two different time-dose radiotherapy schemes, i.e., 30 Gy/ten fractions/two weeks versus 50 Gy/20 fractions/four weeks. Treatment results showed no significant difference in neurological improvement and survival between the two arms and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as the most important prognostic factor. The present study (January 1985 to April 1992) examines two sequential trials stratified by the level of LDH enrolled 162 patients with brain metastasis from lung carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Whole brain dose was selected for 30 Gy/ten fractions/two weeks (group A, n = 46) or 50 Gy/20 fractions/four weeks (group B, n = 46) in the group with normal LDH and 30 Gy/ten fractions/two weeks (group C, n = 35) or 20 Gy/five fractions/one week (group D, n = 35) in the group with high LDH, while the treatment fields were shrunk at 30 Gy in group B if possible. RESULTS The final results showed the facts that 1. the most important prognostic factor, according to Cox's multivariate analysis, was also the level of LDH in the second trial, 2. the incidence of acute side effects showed the trend toward depending upon a single dose, i.e., group A (3 Gy/fraction); 35% versus group B (2.5 Gy/fraction); 21% (p = 0.165) and group C (3 Gy/fraction); 23% versus group D (4 Gy/fraction); 45% (p = 0.044), 3. median survival time and one-year survival rates were 5.4 months and 21% in group A; 4.8 months and 17% in group B; 3.4 months and 6% in group C; and 2.4 months and 4% in group D, respectively, and survival curves showed no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups in each LDH group, 4. improvement in neurologic function appeared to increase with total dosage escalation, i.e., 41% in group A versus 45% in group B and 35% in group C versus 21% in group D (p = 0.13). CONCLUSION A short course (30 Gy/ten fractions/two weeks) is an advantageous XRT because of the short treatment time for normal LDH and neurological improvement and minor toxicity for the high LDH group, while an optional treatment may be necessary for the selected patients.
Improved elimination of motion artifacts from a photoplethysmographic signal using a Kalman smoother with simultaneous accelerometry

A photoplethysmography (PPG) signal provides very useful information about a subject's hemodynamic status in a hospital or ubiquitous environment. However, PPG is very vulnerable to motion artifacts, which can significantly distort the information belonging to the PPG signal itself. Thus, the reduction of the effects of motion artifacts is an important issue when monitoring the cardiovascular system by PPG. There have been many adaptive techniques to reduce motion artifacts from PPG signals. In the present study, we compared a method based on the fixed-interval Kalman smoother with the usual adaptive filtering algorithms, e.g. the normalized least mean squares, recursive least squares and the conventional Kalman filter. We found that the fixed-interval Kalman smoother reduced motion artifacts from the PPG signal most effectively. Therefore, the use of the fixed-interval Kalman smoother can reduce motion artifacts in PPG, thus providing the most reliable information that can be deduced from the reconstructed PPG signals.