Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Male labor migration, patriarchy, and the awareness-behavior gap: HIV risks and prevention among migrants’ wives in Armenia

ABSTRACT Unlike in most of the world, HIV incidence in the former Soviet Union continues to rise. While international labor migration has been identified as a potentially important contributor to this trend, most attention has been focused on risks of male migrants themselves. This study uses recent household survey data to examine HIV-related perceptions and actions of migrants’ left-behind wives in Armenia. Multivariate logistic regression analyses show that migrants’ wives are significantly more likely to suspect their husbands of extramarital sex than are non-migrants’ wives. The analyses detect greater worries about HIV infection and a higher likelihood of spousal communication on HIV matters among migrants’ wives, compared to non-migrants’ wives, but these differences are largely explained by the suspicion of husband’s extramarital sex. Finally, no difference between the two categories of women in the probability of consistent condom use with husbands is found. These findings are interpreted within the context of patriarchal culture and unequal gender relations in Armenian society as they are further reinforced by male migration. Implications of these findings for policies to increase women’s awareness of HIV risks associated with migration and their ability to reduce those risks are discussed.
Comparison of Agar Dilution, Microdilution, E-Test, and Disk Diffusion Methods for Testing Activity of Cefditoren againstStreptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the susceptibility of pneumococci to cefditoren by agar dilution and microdilution methods (both in air) and by E-test (AB Biodisk, Solna, Sweden) and disk diffusion methods (both in CO2). By the three MIC tests, the MICs at which 50 and 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC50s and MIC90s) were, respectively, as follows (in micrograms per milliliter): for the 65 penicillin-susceptible strains tested, 0.016 and 0.03 (by agar dilution), 0.016 and 0.03 (by microdilution), and 0.016 and 0.03 (by E test); for the 68 penicillin-intermediate strains tested, 0.125 and 0.5 (by agar dilution), 0.125 and 0.5 (by microdilution), and 0.25 and 0.5 (by E test); and for the 67 penicillin-resistant strains tested, 1.0 and 1.0 (by agar dilution), 0.5 and 1.0 (by microdilution), and 1.0 and 1.0 (by E test). With tentative cefditoren breakpoints (in micrograms per milliliter) of ≤2.0 (susceptible), 4.0 (intermediate), and ≥8.0 (resistant), all strains were susceptible to cefditoren by agar, microdilution, and E-test results; with breakpoints of ≤1.0, 2.0, and ≥4.0 μg/ml, 97% of strains were cefditoren susceptible by agar dilution results, 98% were susceptible by microdilution results, and 99% were susceptible by E-test results. When microdilution and E-test results were compared to those from the reference agar dilution method, 191 (95.5%) and 183 (91.5%) of strains gave essential agreement (±1 log2dilution); 8 (2.7%) minor discrepancies were found for both methods with a breakpoint of ≤1.0 μg/ml, and no discrepancies were found with a breakpoint of ≤2.0 μg/ml. Disk test results (breakpoint, ≤1.0 μg/ml) produced 2 major and 30 minor errors, with corresponding zone diameters (in millimeters) of ≥20 (susceptible), 17 to 19 (intermediate), and ≤16 (resistant); a ≤2.0-μg/ml breakpoint yielded zone diameters of ≥16 mm (susceptible). All three methods for testing the MIC of cefditoren showed excellent correlation.
Resistin is associated with the inflammation process in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases undergoing glucocorticoid therapy: comparison with leptin and adiponectin

ObjectivesWe investigated the role of adipokines in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases who received glucocorticoid therapy.MethodsFifty-two patients with systemic autoimmune diseases who had started glucocorticoid therapy were prospectively enrolled. One hundred forty healthy persons were also studied as controls. Serum levels of 3 adipokines [resistin, leptin, and high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin] were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits before and at weekly intervals for 4 weeks during glucocorticoid therapy. The effects of lipopolysaccharide and dexamethasone on adipokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also examined.ResultsThe serum resistin level was significantly higher in patients than in controls before glucocorticoid therapy, and it decreased after glucocorticoid therapy. Consistent with these results, dexamethasone inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of resistin expression in PBMCs in vitro. Serum leptin and HMW-adiponectin levels were lower in the patients than in the controls at baseline, and both adipokine levels were increased after glucocorticoid therapy. There was a significant correlation between serum resistin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. However, there was no association between serum adipokines and intima-media thickness.ConclusionResistin may be associated with the inflammatory process but not atherosclerosis in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases.
Human Opsonins Induced during Meningococcal Disease Recognize Outer Membrane Proteins PorA and PorB

ABSTRACT Human opsonins directed against specific meningococcal outer membrane structures in sera obtained during meningococcal disease were quantified with a recently developed antigen-specific, opsonin-dependent phagocytosis and oxidative burst assay. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and PorA (class 1) and PorB (class 3) proteins purified from mutants of the same strain (44/76; B:15:P1.7.16) were adsorbed to fluorescent beads, opsonized with acute- and convalescent-phase sera from 40 patients with meningococcal disease, and exposed to human leukocytes. Flow cytometric quantitation of the resulting leukocyte phagocytosis products (PPs) demonstrated that disease-induced serum opsonins recognized meningococcal OMV components and both porins. The PPPorA and PPPorB values induced by convalescent-phase sera correlated positively with the PPOMV values. However, the PPPorB values were higher than the PPPorA values in convalescent-phase sera (medians [ranges] of 754 [17 to 1,057] and 107 [4 to 458], respectively) (P < 0.0001) and correlated positively with higher levels of immunoglobulin G against PorB than against PorA as evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Extensive individual variations in the anti-OMV and antiporin serum opsonic activities between patients infected by serotypes and serosubtypes homologous and heterologous to the target antigens were observed. Simultaneously measured oxidative burst activity correlated with the opsonophagocytosis, an indication that both of these important steps in the in vitro phagocytic elimination of meningococci are initiated by opsonins directed against OMV components, including PorA and PorB. In conclusion, human patient opsonins against meningococcal OMV components and in particular PorB epitopes were identified by this new method, which might facilitate selection of opsonin-inducing meningococcal antigens for inclusion in future vaccines.
A 1-year intraindividual evaluation of maximum bite force in children wearing a removable partial dental prosthesis.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a removable partial dental prosthesis on the bite force in 22 children from 6 to 9 years of age with early loss of primary molars. METHODS The dental prosthesis was fabricated with autopolymerized acrylic resin and artificial teeth, retained by clasps made of orthodontic wires. Bite force was determined with a pressurized tube transducer connected to a sensor element. The facial proportions were evaluated on photographs and body variables determined. All evaluations were performed before, 6 months after, and 1 year after the rehabilitation. RESULTS No statistical significant difference between genders was found. There was a significant increase in bite force from the first to the second evaluation (302+/-61 N) and (345+/-43 N), but not in the third evaluation (360+/-47 N). Body weight and height increased during the follow-up period. Facial proportions did not correlate with bite force, whereas body height correlated with bite force at the six-month evaluation (r=0.521; P =.007), with a low adjust determination coefficient (24.01%). CONCLUSION The findings showed that the removable partial dental prosthesis increased the bite force in the first 6 months. This suggested that the prosthesis was adequate to replace the missing posterior primary teeth, with the possibility of improving the masticatory system function.
Partial parotidectomies: morbidity and benign tumor recurrence rates in a series of 94 cases.

OBJECTIVES Review the methods available for parotidectomy. Describe the technique of partial parotidectomy assisted by evoked electromyographic nerve location and the expected morbidity and benign and low-grade cancer tumor recurrence rates from this modified procedure. STUDY DESIGN From 1983 to 1999 the author performed or assisted in 94 parotidectomies (79 partial), all done by a single specialty group and all using evoked electromyographic nerve location. The cases were surveyed by reviewing all the hospital and office records on these cases and tabulating the type and extent of surgery, pathology, postoperative problems recorded, and long-term follow-up. METHODS Partial parotidectomy was elected in those cases of benign and low-grade malignant disease in which adequate tumor removal required a less than complete lobectomy or total parotidectomy. Heavy reliance was placed on proactive nerve location by an evoked electromyographic device with dissecting/stimulating hemostat. A retrospective review focusing on these cases was performed based on the patient charts and their continued documentation by the practice. RESULTS In 79 partial parotidectomies there were no documented facial nerve injuries and one incidence of recurrence of a benign mixed tumor and an acinic cell carcinoma, respectively. CONCLUSION Partial parotidectomy has the advantages of reduced risk to the facial nerve, reduced operating time, possible outpatient surgery, and no apparent risk of increased recurrence of benign tumors.
Top Management Characteristics and Firms’ Performance in Tanzania: A Case of Selected Firms

This study examined the influence of top management teams of financial institutions, tourism enterprises and manufacturing firms on these firms’ performance. Informed by Hambrick’s Upper Echelons Theory, various studies have examined the relationship between top managers and organisational performance and the findings have been only been contentious but also offered contradictory conclusions. A total of 363 managers from the three sectors of the economy were surveyed in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Kilimanjaro using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (Frequencies, Percentages, Means, and Standard Deviations) and inferential statistics (Structural Equation Modelling) were employed to establish the existing relationships between demographics and entrepreneurial orientations of managers and the firms’ performance. The findings show that management demographic characteristics and entrepreneurship orientations bear a significant influence on the firms’ performance. It is, therefore, recommended from these findings that a mix of the top management should take into account age limit, experience and a desirable socio-economic background.
Oral health knowledge and awareness among pregnant women in India: A systematic review

Pregnancy is a unique period during a woman's life and is characterized by complex physiological changes, which may adversely affect oral health. The present systematic review was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among pregnant women in India. Relevant cross-sectional observational studies were included in the systematic review to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among pregnant women in India. Seven studies out of 255 were finally included in the present review after conducting both electronic and manual search of scientific databases. Potential biases were reported and appropriate data were extracted by the concerned investigators. Almost 67% of the subjects had good knowledge and awareness regarding oral health in one of the study findings. Knowledge regarding effect of decayed teeth on the appearance of the people was significantly related to the parity status of the subjects (P = 0.024) in other study reports. Very few subjects (17.1% and 37.5%) felt the need for visiting a dentist during pregnancy in two studies. The results of the present review showed that pregnant women had poor knowledge and awareness regarding oral health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for education and motivation of expectant mothers regarding oral health through various health promotion interventions.
Serum infliximab concentrations in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Objective. To study serum infliximab (s-IFX) levels in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Subjects and methods. s-IFX trough levels were measured in a total of 133 blood samples of 37 pediatric IBD patients (Crohn's disease, 23): 48 during the induction phase (weeks 2 and 6) and 85 during maintenance treatment. Antibodies to infliximab (ATI) were determined in 93 samples (30 patients). s-IFX values were related to fecal calprotectin (FC) and serum markers of inflammation. Results. During induction (5 mg/kg) and maintenance therapy, the median s-IFX levels were 17.6 μg/ml (range 0–48 μg/ml) and 3.55 μg/ml (range 0–40 μg/ml), respectively. The IFX levels were similar in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (e.g. during maintenance median 3.2 vs. 2.8 μg/ml, p = 0.718), thus the data are pooled. During induction, the s-IFX level was associated with the total dose of IFX, that is, young children with lower body weight had lower levels (p < 0.001 at week 2 and p < 0.05 at week 6). Shorter administration interval resulted in higher trough levels (p < 0.005). All samples with undetectable s-IFX (6.8%) levels presented ATI. High inflammation (FC >1000 µg/g) during induction was associated with lower s-IFX levels (median 4.0 μg/ml, range 0.47–25 compared to median 20 μg/ml, range 0–48 when FC <1000 µg/g, p < 0.005). There was no significant association between the ESR or values of C-reactive protein and s-IFX levels during induction. Conclusions. In pediatric IBD, lower body weight and higher level of intestinal inflammation are associated to s-IFX levels during induction but relation to therapeutic response is unclear.
Optimization of distributed generation penetration in distributed power electric systems

In this paper the distributed generation impact on the stability and control of power distribution networks is analyzed from the point of view of voltage limits and power losses. The analysis allows us to propose control actions optimizing the operation of a radial distribution network using elements such as transformers, capacitor banks and the distributed generation units themselves. We also propose a new algorithm to be incorporated into the current Distribution Management System in order to maximize the penetration of distributed generation while maintaining the technical safety levels.
ON THE DETERMINANTS OF RETURN ON EQUITY IN SOUTH AFRICA'S FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

This study examines the factors that determine the return on equity (ROE) of financial companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Two empirical strategies were adopted: the DuPont model and a multifactor Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). Using the financial data of 73 companies and macro-economic indicators from 2002 to 2012, the study found that there was a positive relationship between profit margin and ROE, which can be enhanced if managers employ cost leadership strategies. Companies with predictable cash flows can afford high levels of debt and therefore high ROE, while companies characterised by unpredictable market conditions should use debt with caution. We found a positive relationship between interest rates and ROE for banks, insurance and real estate companies, which may suggest that managers employ short-term duration gap strategies in managing assets and liabilities mismatch rather than relying on long-term strategies. Inflation for banks, insurance and real estate companies is inversely related to ROE, and financial firms are better off immunising their portfolios against revenue erosion.
Strengthening public health nutrition research and training capacities in West Africa: Report of a planning workshop convened in Dakar, Senegal, 26–28 March 2009

Abstract A three-day workshop was convened in Dakar, Senegal, to provide participants from West African and international academic and research institutions, public health agencies, and donor organisations an opportunity to review current public health nutrition research and training capabilities in West Africa, assess needs for strengthening the regional institutional and workforce capacities, and discuss appropriate steps required to advance this agenda. The workshop included presentations of background papers, experiences of regional and international training programmes and small group discussions. Participants concluded that there is an urgent need to: (1) increase the throughput of public health nutrition training programmes, including undergraduate education, pre-service and in-service professional training, and higher education in public health nutrition and related research skills; and (2) enhance applied research capacity, to provide the evidence base necessary for nutrition program planning and evaluation. A Task Team was appointed to inform the regional Assembly of Health Ministers of the workshop conclusions and to develop political and financial support for a regional nutrition initiative to: (1) conduct advocacy and nutrition stewardship; (2) survey existing training programmes and assist with curriculum development; and (3) develop a plan for a regional applied research institute in Public Health Nutrition.
Defining a 5' splice site by functional selection in the presence and absence of U1 snRNA 5' end.

Pre-mRNA splicing in metazoans is mainly specified by sequences at the termini of introns. We have selected functional 5' splice sites from randomized intron sequences through repetitive rounds of in vitro splicing in HeLa cell nuclear extract. The consensus sequence obtained after one round of selection in normal extract closely resembled the consensus of natural occurring 5' splice sites, suggesting that the selection pressures in vitro and in vivo are similar. After three rounds of selection under competitive splicing conditions, the base pairing potential to the U1 snRNA increased, yielding a G100%U100%R94%A67%G89%U76%R83% intronic consensus sequence. Surprisingly, a nearly identical consensus sequence was obtained when the selection was performed in nuclear extract containing U1 snRNA with a deleted 5' end, suggesting that other factors than the U1 snRNA are involved in 5' splice site recognition. The importance of a consecutive complementarity between the 5' splice site and the U1 snRNA was analyzed systematically in the natural range for in vitro splicing efficiency and complex formation. Extended complementarity was inhibitory to splicing at a late step in spliceosome assembly when pre-mRNA substrates were incubated in normal extract, but favorable for splicing under competitive splicing conditions or in the presence of truncated U1 snRNA where transition from complex A to complex B occurred more rapidly. This suggests that stable U1 snRNA binding is advantageous for assembly of commitment complexes, but inhibitory for the entry of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP, probably due to a delayed release of the U1 snRNP.
Epilepsy surgery in context of neurocysticercosis

The association between neurocysticercosis (NCC) and epilepsy is well known and NCC is an important risk factor for epileptic seizures in many Taenia solium-endemic regions of the world. However, while the relationship between NCC and epilepsy is well known, the association between NCC and medically refractory (or surgically remediable epilepsy) has received little attention in the past. Our experience and review of the sparse literature available suggests that NCC is causally related to surgically remediable epilepsy albeit uncommonly so and that association derives its underpinnings from several different scenarios: (1) Medically refractory lesional epilepsy, in which seizures arise from the vicinity of the calcified neurocysticercus lesion (CNL), (2) Medically refractory epilepsy with dual pathology type of relationship between the hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and CNL in which both have been unequivocally demonstrated to give rise to independent seizures and (3) Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy due to HS with a distantly-located CNL, which is in itself not epileptogenic. A major point of controversy revolves around whether or not there exists a causal association between the CNL and HS. We believe that an association exists between NCC and HS and the most important factor influencing this association is the location of the CNL. Furthermore, NCC is a risk factor for medically-refractory epilepsy and that this might account for a considerable proportion of the intractable epilepsy population in endemic regions; the association has been largely ignored owing to the lack of availability of presurgical work-up facilities in these regions. Finally, from a clinical standpoint of presurgical evaluation, patients with CNL and HS should be evaluated on a case by case basis owing to disparate settings underlying the association.
Taking Back the Fire: Schooling Experiences of Central California Indian People Across Generations

Abstract:Conversations about Indian education often seem to exclude the voices of Indian people affected by educational policies and programs. In this qualitative study we collected interview data from several generations of Central California Indian people from the Tule River, Mono, and Tachi-Yokut tribes to document their schooling experiences. Interviews provided insight into the perceived role of education and schooling in the survivance of Central Valley Indian tribes. Analysis of the data indicated that: (a) Indian boarding school experiences for interviewees varied depending on historical context and (b) early immersion in traditional language and cultural teachings appears to have enhanced resilience among elders, suggesting potential benefits of culturally responsive schooling for current and future generations of Central California Indian youth.
Aquaporin-2 water channel mutations and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: new variations on a theme.

The aquaporins are a family of water channels vasopressin AQP2 subapical vesicles. Vasopressin, the posterior pituitary hypovolemia hypernatremia, to the vasopressin type 2 receptor (AVPR2), a G protein-coupled seven transmembrane domain receptor in the basolateral membrane of collecting duct cells. Activation of the AVPR2 by its ligand stimulates cAMP formation phosphorylation of protein kinase A which subse-quently elicits further cytosolic and nuclear events. Phosphorylation of AQP2 vesicles luminal cell water the tubular lumen AVP AQP2 luminal