Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘The vagina does not talk’: conception concealed or deliberately disclosed in eastern Cameroon

In the East Province of Cameroon, respectable womanhood has long been intrinsically related to ethics of production and reproduction: women attain social standing through productive work in the fields and through the reproduction of children – preferably within a marital setting. Yet, in the face of current alternative ‘horizons of honour’ such as schooling, employment or relationships with rich urban men, women's intentions with regard to marriage and motherhood acquire different meanings. On their pathways to urban forms of honour, formal engagements and childbearing are often postponed, while premarital sexual encounters proliferate. This paper explores the meanings of pregnancy within the context of these fragile relationships and women's urban aspirations; fertility will be shown to be a ‘bet’ that may either disrupt or stabilize urban affairs and ambitions. As such, pregnancies can be strategically anticipated and deliberately disclosed or unexpectedly encountered and secretly disrupted. This paper sheds light on women's strategies of concealment and disclosure of pregnancies and shows that these practices are often inspired by a notion of the ‘right timing’ of particular reproductive conjunctures – a notion that is of increasing relevance in current frames of female honour in Cameroon.
A High Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Level Is Associated with an Adverse Prognosis in Node-Positive Breast Carcinoma

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-9 levels could predict overall and disease-free survival in primary node-positive breast cancer. Experimental Design: MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were quantitatively measured in serum after surgery from 133 patients with primary node-positive breast cancer using enzyme-linked immunoassays. All of the patients received adjuvant therapy, postmenopausal endocrine treatment (tamoxifen or toremifen for 3 years) and premenopausal six cycles of CMF chemotherapy. The follow-up time for all of the patients was 5 years. Results: Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were better among patients with low MMP-2 levels than in patients with high levels (OS, 91% versus 75%, P = 0.020; DFS, 82% versus 58%, P = 0.005). The appearance of bone and visceral metastases was also significantly lower in patients with low serum MMP-2 levels (bone metastases, 10% versus 23%, P = 0.050; visceral metastases, 12% versus 34%, P = 0.018). The prognostic value of MMP-2 levels was most pronounced among a subgroup of estrogen receptor-positive patients (OS, 96% versus 78%, P = 0.052; DFS, 85% versus 58%, P = 0.014), whereas no significant difference was found among estrogen receptor-negative patients (OS, 73% versus 69%, P = 0.25; DFS, 73% versus 63%, P = 0.32). In multivariate analysis, MMP-2 level together with nodal status (NS), progesterone receptor (PgR), and tumor size (T) remained independent predictors for DFS (NS, P = 0.002; PgR, P = 0.004; T, P = 0.023; MMP2, P = 0.039) and OS (NS, P = 0.0002; PgR, P = 0.004; T, P = 0.004; MMP2, P = 0.032). MMP-9 levels did not correlate with survival. Conclusions: The results suggest that serum postoperative MMP-2 level is a predictor of DFS and OS, and could help to stratify breast cancer patients with primary node-positive disease into low- and high-risk groups.
Chronic Exposure to Vasopressin Upregulates ENaC and Sodium Transport in the Rat Renal Collecting Duct and Lung

Vasopressin is known to acutely stimulate sodium transport in the renal collecting duct. We investigated the long-term regulation by vasopressin of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the rat kidney. Five-day infusion of dDAVP (a V2 receptor agonist) to Brattleboro rats lacking vasopressin induced a marked increase in &bgr;- and &ggr;-subunit ENaC mRNA levels in the renal cortex (&bgr;, 85%; &ggr;, 100%), with no change in &agr;-ENaC mRNA. Expression of &bgr;- and &ggr;-ENaC mRNAs was also enhanced in lung (&bgr;, 49%; &ggr;, 33%) but not in distal colon (an organ devoid of V2 receptors). Similar results were obtained in Sprague Dawley rats after either partial water restriction or dDAVP infusion for 5 days. Transepithelial voltage and transepithelial sodium and water net fluxes were measured in isolated perfused cortical collecting ducts of Brattleboro rats. Acute addition of 2×10−10 mol/L dDAVP to the bath increased sodium and water fluxes in the same proportion, and to a far greater extent in dDAVP-infused than in control Brattleboro rats (change in Na+ net flux, 337±30 versus 49±11 pmol · min−1 · mm−1, respectively;P <0.001). These effects were abolished by amiloride. Extrarenal water losses, partly originating from the lung, were reduced by high plasma vasopressin level. This study shows that vasopressin increases sodium transport in the renal collecting duct and probably in the lung, through a differential transcriptional regulation of ENaC subunits. This effect is followed by isoosmotic water reabsorption and likely contributes to the process of water conservation. It could lead to less efficient sodium excretion, however, and thus participate in some forms of salt-sensitive hypertension.
Defining and Contextualizing Robust Sport-Confidence

This study provided a systematic qualitative examination of robust sport-confidence. A focus group (2 male and 2 female participants), and follow-up interviews, with 16 (8 male and 8 female participants) elite individual sport performers, were conducted to define and contextualize the characteristics of robust sport-confidence. Data analysis procedures resulted in a definition of robust sport-confidence and the identification of 6 characteristics of robust sport-confidence. The characteristics abstracted were: multidimensional, malleable, durable, strength of belief, developed, and protective. Overall, robust sport-confidence was conceptualized as a multidimensional set of enduring positive beliefs. Future research and practical implications are discussed.
The Effects of Blame Attributions and Offender Likableness on Forgiveness and Revenge in the Workplace

This study proposes and tests a model that applies the concept of restorative justice to the enactment of revenge and forgiveness in organizations. The model draws from theories of cognitive attribution and consistency, as well as more recent theories of revenge in organizations, to describe the process by which a personal offense triggers revenge and forgiveness cognitions and behavior. Attributions of blame were predicted to directly influence the contemplation of revenge and forgiveness strategies. In turn, these cognitions were hypothesized to be the immediate precursors of behavior. It was also predicted that the likableness of the offender would be positively associated with both revenge and forgiveness cognitions. Finally, blame attribution was expected to be influenced by offense severity. To test these predictions, a survey was administered to one hundred and eighty employees of a government agency. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the significance of the pathways in the model and compare its fit to theoretically plausible rivals. Although the theoretical model fit the data well, a less constrained alternative showed a superior fit. In both the theoretical model and less constrained alternative, all but two of the predicted pathways in the model were upheld. The implications of the findings for organizations are discussed and future research directions are offered.
Secondary Immunization Generates Clonally Related Antigen-Specific Plasma Cells and Memory B Cells

Rechallenge with T cell-dependent Ags induces memory B cells to re-enter germinal centers (GCs) and undergo further expansion and differentiation into plasma cells (PCs) and secondary memory B cells. It is currently not known whether the expanded population of memory B cells and PCs generated in secondary GCs are clonally related, nor has the extent of proliferation and somatic hypermutation of their precursors been delineated. In this study, after secondary tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization, TT-specific PCs increased 17- to 80-fold on days 6–7, whereas TT-specific memory B cells peaked (delayed) on day 14 with a 2- to 22-fold increase. Molecular analyses of VHDJH rearrangements of individual cells revealed no major differences of gene usage and CDR3 length between TT-specific PCs and memory B cells, and both contained extensive evidence of somatic hypermutation with a pattern consistent with GC reactions. This analysis identified clonally related TT-specific memory B cells and PCs. Within clusters of clonally related cells, sequences shared a number of mutations but also could contain additional base pair changes. The data indicate that although following secondary immunization PCs can derive from memory B cells without further somatic hypermutation, in some circumstances, likely within GC reactions, asymmetric mutation can occur. These results suggest that after the fate decision to differentiate into secondary memory B cells or PCs, some committed precursors continue to proliferate and mutate their VH genes.
Crisis Resource Management: Evaluating Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Team

Crisis resource management (CRM) is a team-training program that teaches nontechnical skills such as: collaboration, communication, task management, teamwork, and leadership1. The purpose of this study was to evaluate improvement in the nontechnical skills of a multidisciplinary team of pediatric residents, anesthesiology residents and pediatric nurses following participation in the CRM educational program. Self-efficacy theory guided the teaching method used in the CRM program. The Collaboration and Satisfaction about Care Decisions instrument 2 and the Anesthetists' Nontechnical Skills System 3 served as outcome measures. Seven multidisciplinary groups were studied with a total of 40 subjects. A significant increase was found in posttest scores for perceived collaboration and satisfaction with care and in numerical ratings of observed team skills following the CRM program. The results suggest multidisciplinary team participation in the CRM program increased perceived team collaboration, satisfaction with care, and observed teamwork skills.
Informal Spaces: The Geography of Informal Economic Activities in Brussels

This paper unravels the relations between different categories of the informal economy and their spatial distribution in the geographical setting of Brussels. Micro perspectives (households as economic agents) and macro perspectives (the informal economy related to economic recession) are combined in order to deal with categories of informal activities which are homogenous in terms of their spatial logic. In the first part we review several classifications of informal economic activities and assess them in terms of their congruence with the distinctions of economic actors and spatial logic. The second part elaborates on the raisons d'etre of three large categories of informal economic activities in relation to urban development and on the production environments of these activities in Brussels: the domestic sector and suburban development; economic recession and survival strategies in the inner city; and, finally, flexibility and informalization in urban light industry. Polanyi's concept of modes of economic integration (market, redistribution and reciprocity) offers a powerful tool to understand informal economic activities as a set of interrelations between households and other economic actors in order to gain access to their living resources Copyright Joint Editors and Blackwell Publishers Ltd 1999.
Using Songs with Groups of Teenagers: How Does It Work?

ABSTRACT This article discusses the value of using music in group work with adolescents. The article outlines the “reflective” relationship between teenagers and music, allaying fears about the possible negative “causative” impact of music listening. It highlights the ability of music to facilitate authentic self-expression and promote the achievement of group cohesion. The article concludes with descriptions of three music therapy techniques that may be relevant for social workers who choose to incorporate songs into their group work with adolescents.
Studies of College Attrition: 1950––1975

For every ten students who enter college in the United States, only four will graduate from that college four years later. One more will eventually graduate from the college at some point after those four years. Of the five students who dropped out of the college altogether, four will reenroll at a different college, and of those four reenrollees, only two will graduate. Of the six students who dropped out, three did so during the first year. Two more dropped out during the second year, and the last one dropped out at some point after the second year. Three of the ten students who originally entered college will never obtain a college degree. This means that of the estimated 7.6 million undergraduate students enrolled in the U.S. in 1971, roughly 2.3 million students will drop out of higher education completely (Eckland, 1964a; Iffert, 1957; Statistical Abstracts, 1974). In terms of sheer numbers, the attrition problem deserves the attention of those interested in and affiliated with institutions of higher education. From the institutional point of view, attrition has a heavy impact on institutional operations and finance. From the student's point of view, the effect of dropping out, although difficult to gauge, is also another important aspect of the attrition problem. The need to understand this phenomenon becomes more urgent every day. What is known about attrition? What are the results of the immense amount of research that is being conducted in this field? This article summarizes the past
Caco-2 Cell Acquisition of Dietary Iron(III) Invokes a Nanoparticulate Endocytic Pathway

Dietary non-heme iron contains ferrous [Fe(II)] and ferric [Fe(III)] iron fractions and the latter should hydrolyze, forming Fe(III) oxo-hydroxide particles, on passing from the acidic stomach to less acidic duodenum. Using conditions to mimic the in vivo hydrolytic environment we confirmed the formation of nanodisperse fine ferrihydrite-like particles. Synthetic analogues of these (~ 10 nm hydrodynamic diameter) were readily adherent to the cell membrane of differentiated Caco-2 cells and internalization was visualized using transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, Caco-2 exposure to these nanoparticles led to ferritin formation (i.e., iron utilization) by the cells, which, unlike for soluble forms of iron, was reduced (p=0.02) by inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Simulated lysosomal digestion indicated that the nanoparticles are readily dissolved under mildly acidic conditions with the lysosomal ligand, citrate. This was confirmed in cell culture as monensin inhibited Caco-2 utilization of iron from this source in a dose dependent fashion (p<0.05) whilet soluble iron was again unaffected. Our findings reveal the possibility of an endocytic pathway for acquisition of dietary Fe(III) by the small intestinal epithelium, which would complement the established DMT-1 pathway for soluble Fe(II).
Applying the Systematic Screening and Assessment Method to childhood obesity prevention

The authors describe application of the Systematic Screening and Assessment (SSA) Method to an initiative called the Early Assessment of Programs and Policies to Prevent Childhood Obesity. Over a 2‐year period, a national network of practitioners, policy makers, and funders nominated programs and policies across five substantive areas: school district local wellness policies, school‐based comprehensive physical activity programs, day care and after‐school programs, access to healthy foods in low‐income communities, and changes in the built environment to promote physical activity. The role of an expert panel in selecting innovations for evaluability assessment on the basis of the likelihood for a positive health impact is described. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerance of N-formimidoyl thienamycin (MK0787) in humans

The pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered N-formimidoyl thienamycin (MK0787) were studied in 14 healthy male subjects in a single-dose study, in which the volunteers received N-formimidoyl thienamycin with and without probenecid, and in a multiple-dose study, in which the subjects were given 250 or 500 mg every 8 h for 10 doses. High dose-related plasma concentrations of N-formimidoyl thienamycin were achieved; co-administration with probenecid resulted in only minor increases in these concentrations. No accumulation in plasma was seen after multiple doses. The plasma half-life of N-formimidoyl thienamycin was slightly less than 1 h and did not increase significantly with the coadministration of probenecid. The urinary recovery of N-formimidoyl thienamycin varied between 6.0 and 38.4% of the dose with a marked intersubject variability. Variations in individual subjects were small, however, when the urinary recoveries after repeated doses were compared. These results were in agreement with previous animal studies showing a renal metabolism of N-formimidoyl thienamycin. Probenecid administration resulted in a marked decrease in N-formimidoyl thienamycin urinary recovery. In vitro experiments showed that the decay of N-formimidoyl thienamycin in spiked pretreatment urine samples was 2 to 5%/h with more rapid degradation at acidic than at basic pH.
The Greater St. Louis LGBT Health and Human Services Needs Assessment: An Examination of the Silent and Baby Boom Generations

This study sought to understand differences and similarities between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Baby Boomers and members of the Silent generation in the greater St. Louis region in relation to perceived barriers to service use, LGBT identity disclosure, experiences of violence and victimization, and mental health. An online survey was completed by 118 Baby Boomers and 33 Silents. Baby Boomers were found to perceive more barriers to health care and legal services, have fewer legal documents in place, feel less safe in their communities, and have experienced an increased rate of verbal harassment compared to their predecessors. Differences may be attributed to higher levels of LGBT identity disclosure among Baby Boomers across their lifetime. These findings support the current work of Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Metro St. Louis, with implications for other communities, and shed light on the need for continued advancement in the development and implementation of programs as LGBT Baby Boomers age.
Cue utilization in a numerical prediction task.

Abstract : Forty subjects were trained to use scatter plots with regression lines to make numerical predictions of one variable (criterion) from another variable (cue). The subjects were trained on two separate cues, differing in validity. Later, the two cues were presented together, simultaneously for 20 subjects, successively for the rest. Subjects were asked to use both cues to predict the criterion. Instructions emphasized that the two cues were independent of one another, but did not specify how the two should be combined. Initial analyses indicated that a regression model provided an adequate fit to the data, that the subjects showed conservatism similar to the conservatism found in previous Bayesian inference studies. However, more molecular analyses indicated patterns of behavior which consistently deviated from the optimal model. The post hoc hypothesis that subjects were regressing each cue, then averaging the regressed values, was supported by the data for most subjects. Searching for heuristic strategies, rather than relying on the apparent fit of optimal models was advocated fur future research.
Does punishment in secure residential youth care work? An overview of the evidence

Purpose – Violence is a common problem in secure residential units for young people. Group workers often think that young people have to learn to behave by means of punishment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether this approach is effective in these settings, and, if so, under what circumstances. Furthermore, it aims to provide alternatives to punishment when dealing with violence. Design/methodology/approach – Recent evidence on the effectiveness of punishment in secure residential units is reviewed. In addition, methods which are promising in dealing with violence are described. Findings – The review shows that punishment is often used to regain control by group workers or, alternatively, is a result of professional helplessness in the face of escalating problems. Only when the living group climate is marked by trust and cooperation can punishment be effective. Originality/value – Punishment in secure residential settings can have severe negative consequences. Nevertheless, group workers .
Chlamydial and Poxvirus Infections of Circulating Monocytes of a Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)

Of blood films examined from 170 specimens of 15 Chamaeleo spp. in Tanzania, three C. dilepis had an intracytoplasmic inclusion within monocytes. One of the lizards was maintained in captivity and was sequentially bled over a 55 day period. At 46 days, a second type of inclusion was occasionally seen within monocytes. The lizard became ill and was euthanatized on day 55. All circulating monocytes were found to have either one or both types of inclusions. Histologic examination of multiple tissues demonstrated similar inclusions within macrophages in the spleen and liver. Transmission electron microscopic examination of monocytes revealed the presence of a chlamydia-like organism and pox-like virus. These pathogens have not been reported previously in chameleons, nor has a combined infection of circulating monocytes with these two pathogens been reported for any animal.
The prescription of opioid analgesics to terminal cancer patients: Impact of physicians' general attitudes and contextual factors

Objective: This study aimed to examine factors associated with the prescription of opioid analgesics to terminal cancer patients, including physicians' general attitudes toward morphine and contextual factors. Methods: A survey was conducted among a sample of French general practitioners (GPs) and oncologists. Respondents were asked to describe the last three terminally ill patients they had followed up to death. Results: Overall, 526 GPs and oncologists (global response rate: 57%) described 1,082 cancer patients, among whom 85.4% received opioid analgesics. Among other significant predictors (patient age, cancer type, family assistance), this prescription was less frequent for female patients followed by male physicians (OR = 0.53), and more frequent for patients followed by physicians trained in palliative care (OR = 2.70). On the other hand, physicians' attitudes toward morphine were not associated with prescription of morphine and other opioid analgesics. Significance of results: Although nonprescription of opioid analgesics is only a crude proxy measure for undertreatment of cancer pain, our findings suggest the need to develop training in palliative care in order to standardize practices among GPs and specialists. Our results also highlight the necessity to study pain assessment as an interaction between the physician and the patient, and to consider patients' and physicians' respective genders as a key variable within this interaction.