Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of negative beliefs toward the sexual rights and perceived sexual healthcare needs of people with physical disabilities in South Africa

Abstract Background: Although sexuality is a ubiquitous human need, recent empirical research has shown that people without disabilities attribute fewer sexual rights and perceive sexual healthcare to benefit fewer people with disabilities, compared to non-disabled people. Within a global context, such misperceptions have tangible, deleterious consequences for people with disabilities (e.g., exclusion from sexual healthcare), creating an urgent need for effective strategies to change misperceptions. Methods: To lay the groundwork for developing such strategies, we examined predictors of the recognition of sexual rights of people with physical disabilities within the South African context, derived from three key social psychological literatures (prejudice, social dominance orientation and intergroup contact), as well as the relationship between sexual rights and beliefs about sexual healthcare. Data were obtained through a cross-sectional survey, given to non-disabled South Africans (N = 1989). Results: Findings indicated that lack of recognition of the sexual rights for physically disabled people predicted less positive beliefs about the benefits of sexual healthcare. In turn, high levels of prejudice (both cognitive and affective) toward disabled sexuality predicted less recognition of their sexual rights, while prejudice (both forms) was predicted by prior contact with disabled people and possessing a social dominance orientation (cognitive prejudice only). Evidence was also obtained for an indirect relationship of contact and social dominance orientation on sexual healthcare beliefs through prejudice, although these effects were extremely small. Conclusion: Results are discussed in terms of their implications for rehabilitation, as well as national-level strategies to tackle negative perceptions of disabled sexuality, particularly in contexts affected by HIV. Implications for rehabilitation Findings demonstrate an empirical link between prejudice toward disabled sexuality, lack of recognition of sexual rights and viewing sexual healthcare of less benefit for disabled people. Consequently, there is need for increased attention to these dimensions within the rehabilitative context. Contact with disabled people, including dedicated interventions, is unlikely to meaningfully impact beliefs about the benefits of sexual healthcare.
High mortality from viral pneumonia in patients with cancer

Abstract Background: With the advancement of diagnostic methods, a viral infection is increasingly recognized in adult patients with pneumonia and the outcomes can be fatal especially in high-risk patients. We aimed to examine the clinical characteristics of adults with viral pneumonia and also to determine the associated factors with short-term mortality in those patients. Methods: Adult patients who were diagnosed as viral pneumonia between January 2010 and December 2015 were consecutively included. Data were collected through reviews of electronic medical records. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Results: A total of 1503 patients with viral pneumonia were included with a mean age of 66.0 years and male predominance in 60%. The most common viral pathogen was rhinovirus, followed by influenza virus and parainfluenza virus (PIV). Viral-bacterial co-infection and multiple viral infections were found in 24.5% and 5.2%, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 7.1% in total patients and it was not different according to viral pathogens. However, cancer patients had higher mortality than non-cancer patients for the PIV (12.3% vs. 3.8%, p < .05) and coronavirus (24.4% vs. 3.0%, p < .01) infections. On the multivariate analysis, old age (≥65) (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.06–2.60), viral-bacterial co-infection (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05–2.48), malignancy (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.50–3.40), and shock at the initial presentation (OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.03–4.37) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: The mortality from viral pneumonia was high in adult patients. Old age, viral-bacterial co-infection, underlying malignancy, and initial shock were independent predictors of mortality.
Evaluation of the placement and maintenance of central venous jugular catheters in critically ill dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE To describe problems noted during central venous jugular catheter (CVJC) placement, conditions associated with unsuccessful catheterization, and CVJC maintenance complications. DESIGN Prospective observational study from September 2014 to September 2015. SETTING University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS Twenty-seven dogs and 20 cats hospitalized in a veterinary ICU. Patients were excluded if previously hospitalized with a CVJC or lacked sufficient data. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Ninety-one percent of indwelling CVJCs were placed successfully (43/47, 95% CI: 80%, 98%). Procedural-related difficulties that resulted in the inability to place a CVJC totaled 18/63 (28.6%, 95% CI: 18%, 41%) and included the inability to puncture the vessel (10), hematoma (6), malposition (1), and dislodgement (1). Procedural complications occurred in 24/47 patients (51%, 95% CI: 36%, 66%) and included cardiac dysrhythmias (13), hematoma (6), CVJC placement failure (4), and malposition (1). Risk factors associated with multiple catheterization attempts included increased age (7.5 years [± 4.2] vs 10.6 years [± 4.1], P = 0.04), smaller size (8.0 kg [0.6-51.9 kg] vs 4.4 kg [2.6-6.8 kg], P < 0.01) and thinner body condition score (median 5/9 [2/9-9/9] vs 4/9 [2/9-7/9], P = 0.04). The risk factor associated with dysrhythmias was smaller patient size (6.8 kg [2.6-51.9 kg] vs 4.8 kg [0.6-29.5 kg], P = 0.04). Eighteen indwelling complications occurred in 14 patients and included mechanical obstruction (7), skin irritation (6), malposition (4), and inflammation (1). Risk factors for indwelling complications included longer dwell time (5 days [2-30] vs 3 days [1-10], P < 0.01) and the administration of an irritant medication (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Complications were documented in the placement and maintenance of CVJCs in critically ill patients with a low incidence of life-threatening sequelae. Risk factors associated with both unsuccessful CVJC placement and indwelling CVJC complications were identified.
Sources of income following a rejected disability pension application: a sequence analysis study

Abstract Purpose: To identify different income trajectories after a rejected disability pension application and to analyze socio-demographic and disability process related determinants of these trajectories. Methods: Finnish residents aged 18–58 years with a first rejected disability pension application in 2010 (N = 3683) were followed for 48 months with register data. We performed a sequence analysis of six income sources (employment, unemployment benefit, sickness allowance, rehabilitation benefit, awarded disability pensions, other/unknown). Multinomial logistic regression was used in analyses. Results: Four clusters were identified, displaying unemployment, awarded disability pension, employment, or unknown source as the primary source of post-rejection income. Transitions between income sources were frequent, especially in the employment and unemployment clusters. Using the awarded pension cluster as the reference group, previous unemployment raised the odds of unemployment cluster membership the most. Similarly, previous employment raised the odds of employment cluster the most. A somatic rather than mental disorder and being under 50 years old raised the odds of being in the unemployment and employment clusters. Conclusions: After a rejected disability pension, main income paths include unemployment benefits, re-applied disability pension, and fragmented employment. Labor market and sickness history and age are associated with the probability of these paths. Implications for Rehabilitation Rejected disability pension applicants should be offered medical or vocational rehabilitation, to enable sustained labor market participation. Partial disability pension, supported by rehabilitation is one solution when a full-time labor market participation is not a realistic option.
Antipyrimidine effects of five different pyrimidine de novo synthesis inhibitors in three head and neck cancer cell lines

ABSTRACT The pyrimidine de novo nucleotide synthesis consists of 6 sequential steps. Various inhibitors against these enzymes have been developed and evaluated in the clinic for their potential anticancer activity: acivicin inhibits carbamoyl-phosphate-synthase-II, N-(phosphonacetyl)-L- aspartate (PALA) inhibits aspartate-transcarbamylase, Brequinar sodium and dichloroallyl-lawsone (DCL) inhibit dihydroorotate-dehydrogenase, and pyrazofurin (PF) inhibits orotate-phosphoribosyltransferase. We compared their growth inhibition against 3 cell lines from head-and-neck-cancer (HEP-2, UMSCC-14B and UMSCC-14C) and related the sensitivity to their effects on nucleotide pools. In all cell lines Brequinar and PF were the most active compounds with IC50 (50% growth inhibition) values between 0.06–0.37 µM, Acivicin was as potent (IC50s 0.26-1 µM), but DCL was 20-31-fold less active. PALA was most inactive (24–128 µM). At equitoxic concentrations, all pure antipyrimidine de novo inhibitors depleted UTP and CTP after 24 hr exposure, which was most pronounced for Brequinar (between 6–10% of UTP left, and 12–36% CTP), followed by DCL and PF, which were almost similar (6–16% UTP and 12–27% CTP), while PALA was the least active compound (10–70% UTP and 13–68% CTP). Acivicin is a multi-target inhibitor of more glutamine requiring enzymes (including GMP synthetase) and no decrease of UTP was found, but a pronounced decrease in GTP (31–72% left). In conclusion, these 5 inhibitors of the pyrimidine de novo nucleotide synthesis varied considerably in their efficacy and effect on pyrimidine nucleotide pools. Inhibitors of DHO-DH were most effective suggesting a primary role of this enzyme in controlling pyrimidine nucleotide pools
The chloroplast genome sequence of bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara): Plastid genome structure evolution in Solanaceae

Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) is a native Old World member of the nightshade family. This European diploid species can be found from marshlands to high mountainous regions and it is a common weed that serves as an alternative host and source of resistance genes against plant pathogens such as late blight (Phytophthora infestans). We sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of bittersweet, which is 155,580 bp in length and it is characterized by a typical quadripartite structure composed of a large (85,901 bp) and small (18,449 bp) single-copy region interspersed by two identical inverted repeats (25,615 bp). It consists of 112 unique genes from which 81 are protein-coding, 27 tRNA and four rRNA genes. All bittersweet plastid genes including non-functional ones and even intergenic spacer regions are transcribed in primary plastid transcripts covering 95.22% of the genome. These are later substantially edited in a post-transcriptional phase to activate gene functions. By comparing the bittersweet plastid genome with all available Solanaceae sequences we found that gene content and synteny are highly conserved across the family. During genome comparison we have identified several annotation errors, which we have corrected in a manual curation process then we have identified the major plastid genome structural changes in Solanaceae. Interpreted in a phylogenetic context they seem to provide additional support for larger clades. The plastid genome sequence of bittersweet could help to benchmark Solanaceae plastid genome annotations and could be used as a reference for further studies. Such reliable annotations are important for gene diversity calculations, synteny map constructions and assigning partitions for phylogenetic analysis with de novo sequenced plastomes of Solanaceae.
Indicators on gender pay equality

In 2001, the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, in accordance with Sweden, has suggested a set of indicators on gender pay equality. These indicators have been adopted at the Employment and Social Affairs Council on 3 December 2001. Gender pay equality is the topic of one of the Employment Guidelines structuring the European Employment Strategy. The choice of indicators has been based on the study made by the Department of Applied Economics of the Free University of Brussels (DULBEA) for the Belgian government. This paper presents the main results of this study. In a first part the context of the building of indicators is shaped. The second part of the paper deals with the data set available for building indicators. The third part is devoted to the presentation and discussion of most of the indicators that were proposed, and finally, in the fourth part some recommendations for the improving of the existing and future databases are made.
The effects of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol on Krüppel‐like factor‐4 expression, redox homeostasis, and inflammation in the kidney of diabetic rat

Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial disorder that is attributed to pancreatic β cell dysfunction. Pancreatic β cell dysfunction results in declining utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues as kidney and it leads to nephropathy. Excessive production and accumulation of free radicals and incapable antioxidant defense system lead to impaired redox status. Macromolecular damage may occur due to impaired redox status and also immune imbalance. Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in cannabis. THC acts as an immunomodulator and an antioxidant agent. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of THC in the diabetic kidney. We analyzed macromolecular damage biomarkers as protein carbonyl (PCO), lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and antioxidant defense system biomarkers as thiol fractions (T‐SH, NP‐SH, P‐SH) and Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase activity for the antioxidative effects of THC. Furthermore, mRNA expression of Krüppel‐like factor‐4, secreted immunopositive cell number changes of interleukin‐6, nuclear factor κβ (NF‐κβ), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) levels were analyzed for the immunomodulatory activity of THC. Diabetic rats showed significantly increased levels of PCO, LHP, MDA, and 8‐OHdG when compared with controls (P < 0.05 for each parameter). THC significantly reduced the elevated levels of PCO and 8‐OHdG (P < 0.05 for both parameters) and also LHP and MDA levels were insignificantly reduced by THC. Also, thiol fractions insignificantly increased in THC administered diabetic kidney when compared with diabetic rats. The NF‐κβ cell number significantly decreased in the diabetic rats treated with THC compared with the diabetic group. According to our data, THC has ameliorative effects on the impaired redox status of diabetic kidney and also it acts as an immunomodulator. Therefore, THC might be used as a therapeutic agent for diabetic kidneys but its usage in the healthy kidney may show adverse effects.
Adolescents’ experiences and perceptions of dementia

Abstract Objectives: There is a lack of understanding about how adolescents perceive dementia, and what their dementia related experiences are. Without such information, it is hard to make a case for the need to raise awareness of dementia in adolescents, and the best strategies to achieve this. Methods: In a cohort of 901 adolescents (aged 13–18) from the South East of England, we explored what the experiences and perceptions of dementia were using a series of questionnaires. Descriptive data of individual items were reported, comparing differences between genders. Results: The adolescents within this study tended to have positive or neutral attitudes towards dementia, though there was evidence that a proportion of adolescents had misconceptions or held negative attitudes (e.g. 28.5% of adolescents disagreed with the statement ‘In general, I have positive attitudes about people with dementia’). We also identified that the adolescents had a range of experiences of dementia including providing some form of care for someone with dementia (23.2%), though most had indirect contact with dementia through TV and movies (77.3%), or adverts (80.2%). Females nearly always had better attitudes towards dementia and had significantly more contact with dementia. Conclusions: Considering that adolescents are already forming negative attitudes and misconceptions of dementia, it is important that we raise awareness about dementia in this age group.
Histone Deacetylase 3 Unconventional Splicing Mediates Endothelial-to-mesenchymal Transition through Transforming Growth Factor β2*

Background: Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is involved in embryonic cardiovascular development. Results: HDAC3 undergoes unconventional splicing during stem cell differentiation, which contributes to EndMT. Conclusion: HDAC3 unconventional splicing may modulate endothelial cell plasticity. Significance: Targeting HDAC3 splicing may provide new therapeutic strategies to tackle cardiovascular disease caused by endothelial plasticity. Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) plays a critical role in the maintenance of endothelial integrity and other physiological processes. In this study, we demonstrated that HDAC3 undergoes unconventional splicing during stem cell differentiation. Four different splicing variants have been identified, designated as HD3α, -β, -γ, and -δ, respectively. HD3α was confirmed in stem cell differentiation by specific antibody against the sequences from intron 12. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the HD3α isoform co-localized with CD31-positive or α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells at different developmental stages of mouse embryos. Overexpression of HD3α reprogrammed human aortic endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells featuring an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) phenotype. HD3α directly interacts with HDAC3 and Akt1 and selectively activates transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2) secretion and cleavage. TGFβ2 functioned as an autocrine and/or paracrine EndMT factor. The HD3α-induced EndMT was both PI3K/Akt- and TGFβ2-dependent. This study provides the first evidence of the role of HDAC3 splicing in the maintenance of endothelial integrity.
Establishing a neonatal database in a tertiary hospital in Rwanda – an observational study

ABSTRACT Background: Monitoring and evaluation is vital in the quest to improve the quality of care and to reduce the morbidity and mortality of neonates in a resource-limited setting. Databases offer several advantages such as data on large cohorts of neonates and from multiple centres. Aim: To establish a minimal dataset neonatal database in Kigali, Rwanda and to assess the quality and timing of the data entry process. Secondary objectives were to describe survival rates and associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was undertaken at a tertiary hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. The Rwanda Neonatal Data Collection Form was designed specifically for the database, based on the Vermont–Oxford Network neonatal data-collection tool with locally relevant amendments. All admitted neonates were enrolled during the study period of 2011–2017 with ongoing data-collection. Infants were recruited and data collected prospectively and cross-checked retrospectively with the inclusion of basic data on neonates who were not initially recruited prospectively. Results: 3391 analysable cases were recruited: 1420 prospective and 1971 retrospective cases. Prospective data collection peaked at 90%. Data entry was not always complete with data-points left blank with only 21% having adequate data available (0–25% missing). All-cause mortality during the study period was 16% and annual mortality ranged from 12% to 24%. On multivariate analysis, place of birth (AOR 2.17), small-for-gestational-age (AOR 2.05) and gestational age were all positively associated with survival. Conclusions: An academic setting in a low- or middle-income country can create and maintain a neonatal database without funding and produce a wealth of actionable results. Throughout the process, there were considerable challenges which must be addressed if such a database is to be optimised, maintained and created in other clinical sites. Abbreviations: CHUK: Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Kigali (University Teaching Hospital of Kigali); CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure; HCP: Healthcare professional; HRH, Human Resources for Health Programme; LMIC: low- and middle-income countries; MeSH: Medical subject headings; MoH: Ministry of Health; NAR: Newborn admission record; QI: Quality improvement; REDCap: Research electronic data capture; RNDB: Rwanda neonatal database; RNDCF: Rwanda neonatal data collecion form; SGA: Small for gestational age; STROBE: Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology; VON: The Vermont–Oxford Network.
Safety of temperature sensitive mutant Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine.

A temperature sensitive (ts) vaccine strain designated ts-11 was selected after exposure of a low passage culture of the immunogenic Australian field isolate (strain 80083) of Mycoplasma gallisepticum to 100 mg/ml of N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Viable counts (assayed as colour changing units (CCU)/25 microliters) of a thawed stock culture of ts-11 were typically log10 3 to log10 5 higher when incubated at 33 degrees C (the permissive temperature) than duplicate viable counts incubated at 39.5 degrees C (the restrictive temperature). Doses of approximately 2 x 10(7) CCU of ts-11 caused no gross lesions or loss of egg production when inoculated into the air sacs of susceptible chickens and no clinical or pathological signs of sinusitis when inoculated into the infraorbital sinuses of susceptible turkey poults, whereas the parent strain 80083 was demonstrably pathogenic. However, 1 of 10 poults inoculated intra-abdominally with approximately 2 x 10(7) CCU of ts-11 did show signs of mild airsacculitis. Eight-week-old pullets were vaccinated by eye drop with up to 1.4 x 10(7) CCU of ts-11 and simultaneously subjected to several stressful management practices, without apparent ill effects. Administration by coarse aerosol of 5 ml of ts-11 vaccine/25 day-old broilers, with or without 25 doses of infectious bronchitis virus vaccine caused no obvious signs of respiratory disease. The non virulent ts phenotype was maintained after 3 passages of strain ts-11 in chickens. Chickens vaccinated 3 weeks previously with ts-11 or with strain 80083 were placed in contact with susceptible chickens for a period of 2 weeks. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)