Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma Uric Acid Levels in Women With Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the association of plasma levels of uric acid, an endogenous antioxidant, in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), while controlling for the confounding effects of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, age, smoking, and use of oral contraception. Plasma-reduced and oxidized uric acid levels were determined in 650 women by high-performance liquid chromatography, employing electrochemical technique. The findings demonstrated that 1) plasma-reduced uric acid (PRUA) levels in women with CIN (n = 311) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with women in a control group (n = 339); 2) according to multiple logistic regression analysis, PRUA levels were negatively (P = 0.0113) and HPV infection were positively associated (P < 0.0001) with CIN, after controlling for the confounding effects of the studied factors; 3) according to multiple regression analysis, there was a 31% decrease in CIN risk for each incremental increase of 1mg/dl of PRUA; and 4) according to polychotomous logistic regression analysis, independent of HPV infection, PRUA level was inversely associated with the histopathological graded severity of CIN. We have previously reported decreased plasma levels of exogenous antioxidants, for example, vitamins C and E, in women with CIN independent of HPV infection. The data suggest that plasma deficiencies of several antioxidants in HPV-infected uterine cervical tissue may create an oxidative environment that renders the tissue susceptible to free radical damage. It may be speculated that chronic free radical-induced tissue damage in the context of persistent HPV infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of CIN.
Two Opposing Economic-Literary Critiques of Socialism: George Orwell Versus Eugen Richter and Henry Hazlitt

Orwell's famous fictions, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four criticized totalitarian forms of socialism from a Public Choice perspective, assuming that socialism would work as an economic system as long as the proper political institutions were in place to curb the potential for the abuse of power. This is contrasted with two novels by others who took the opposite approach: Richter's Pictures of the Socialistic Future and Hazlitt's Time Will Run Back. These two assumed that the political implementation of socialism would be perfect but that socialism would necessarily turn totalitarian because of the problem of economic calculation. These novels assumed away the Public Choice problem of institutions and the abuse of power and focused on the political implications of socialism as a purely economic system. Contrasting these two sets of novels shows how the Austrian and Public Choice schools criticize socialism in two entirely different ways.
Abstractness and continuity in the syntactic development of young children with autism

Grammar is frequently considered to be a strength in the cognitive profile of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, few studies have investigated how abstract (i.e. distinct from specific lexical items) is the grammatical knowledge of individuals with ASD. In this study, we examine the extent to which children with ASD have abstracted the transitive (SVO) frame in English. Participants in a longitudinal study of language acquisition in children with autism (17 children with ASD averaging 41 months of age, 18 TD children averaging 28 months of age) were taught two novel verbs in transitive sentences and asked (via intermodal preferential looking) whether these verbs mapped onto novel causative vs. noncausative actions. Both groups consistently mapped the verbs onto the causative actions (i.e. they engaged in syntactic bootstrapping). Moreover, the children with ASD's performance on this task was significantly and independently predicted by both vocabulary and sentence‐processing measures obtained 8 months earlier. We conclude that many children with ASD are able to generalize grammatical patterns, and this ability may derive from earlier lexical and grammatical knowledge. Autism Res 2011,4:422–437. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stratigraphy, artefact industries and hominid associations for Sterkfontein, member 5.

A revised stratigraphy for the early hominid site of Sterkfontein (Gauteng Province, South Africa) reveals a complex distribution of infills in the main excavation area between 2.8 and 1.4 m.y. a, as well as deposits dating to the mid to late Pleistocene. New research now shows that the Member 4 australopithecine breccia (2.8-2.6 Ma) extends further west than was previously thought, while a late phase of Member 4 is recognized in a southern area. The artefact-bearing breccias were defined sedimentologically as Member 5, but one supposed part of these younger breccias, the StW 53 infill, lacks in situ stone tools, although it does appear to post-date 2.6 Ma when artefacts first appear in the archaeological record. The StW 53 hominid, previously referred to Homo habilis, is here argued to be Australopithecus. The first artefact-bearing breccia of Member 5 is the Oldowan Infill, estimated at 2-1.7 Ma. It occupies a restricted distribution in Member 5 east and contains an expedient, flake-based tool industry associated with a few fossils of Paranthropos robustus. An enlarged cave opening subsequently admitted one or more Early Acheulean infills associated in Member 5 west with Homo ergaster. The artefacts attest to a larger site accumulation between ca. 1.7 and 1.4 Ma, with more intensive use of quartzite over quartz and a subtle but important shift to large flakes and heavier-duty tools. The available information on palaeoenvironments is summarized, showing an overall change from tropical to sub-tropical gallery forest, forest fringe and woodland conditions in Member 4 to more open woodland and grassland habitats in the later units, but with suggestions of a wet localized topography in the Paranthropus -bearing Oldowan Infill.
CX3CR1 deficiency induces an early protective inflammatory environment in ischemic mice

The studies on fractalkine and its unique receptor CX3CR1 in neurological disorders yielded contrasting results. We have explored the consequences of CX3CR1 deletion in ischemic (30′ MCAo) mice on: (1) brain infarct size; (2) microglia dynamism and morphology; (3) expression of markers of microglia/macrophages (M/M) activation and polarization. We observed smaller infarcts in cx3cr1−/− (26.42 ± 7.41 mm3, mean ± sd) compared to wild type (36.29 ± 11.57) and cx3cr1−/+ (34.49 ± 8.91) mice. We longitudinally analyzed microglia by in vivo two‐photon microscopy before, 1 and 24 h after transient ischemia. Microglia were stationary in both cx3cr1−/− and cx3cr1−/+ mice throughout the study. In cx3cr1−/− mice, they displayed a significantly higher number of ramifications >10 μm at baseline and at 24 h after ischemia compared to cx3cr1−/+ mice, indicating that CX3CR1 deficiency impaired the development of microglia hypertrophic/amoeboid morphology. At 24 h after ischemia, we performed post mortem quantitative immunohistochemistry for different M/M markers. In cx3cr1−/− immunoreactivity for CD11b (M/M activation) and for CD68 (associated with phagocytosis) were decreased, while that for CD45high (macrophage and leukocyte recruitment) was increased. In addition, immunoreactivity for Ym1 (M2 polarization) was enhanced, while that for iNOS (M1) was decreased. Our data show that in cx3cr1−/− mice protection from ischemia at early time points after injury is associated with a protective inflammatory milieu, characterized by the promotion of M2 polarization markers.
Job autonomy and education-skill matches of immigrant workers in Germany

ABSTRACT This letter examines the determinants of occupational autonomy and education-skill matches of immigrant workers in Germany. Their jobs are characterized by much lower autonomy than those of comparable natives and the immigrant penalty decreases only minimally over time. In contrast to wages, the difference between immigrants from advanced and non-advanced countries is small. But immigrants from advanced countries are much more likely to have a job matching their qualification. The probability of a match does not increase over time for highly educated immigrants, but does for others. Highly educated immigrant women have an additional disadvantage. In some industries low autonomy and skill downgrading of immigrant workers are particularly common.
Do campaigns featuring impact evaluations increase donations? Evidence from a survey experiment

ABSTRACT We examine whether advertising the scientific soundness of an aid project or advertising the quality of an aid organisation influences donation behaviour compared to a standard emotional appeal. Using survey experiments at three universities in Austria and Germany (n = 578), we find that average donations of 14 Euros increased by 8 Euros in the treatment group that received information indicating that the project was evaluated using a randomised controlled trial (RCT). We find no effect for advertising that the organisation has earned a seal of quality. Since the majority of non-profits have already earned such a seal, people might become sceptical if an aid agency emphasises their trustworthiness, a trait that is assumed to be a given. Our results highlight that not only aid recipients but also aid organisations can benefit from adopting rigorously evaluated projects and carrying out RCTs in terms of increased income from charitable giving.
Power amplification in an isolated muscle–tendon unit is load dependent

ABSTRACT During rapid movements, tendons can act like springs, temporarily storing work done by muscles and then releasing it to power body movements. For some activities, such as frog jumping, energy is released from tendon much more rapidly than it is stored, thus amplifying muscle power output. The period during which energy is loaded into a tendon by muscle work may be aided by a catch mechanism that restricts motion, but theoretical studies indicate that power can be amplified in a muscle–tendon load system even in the absence of a catch. To explore the limits of power amplification with and without a catch, we studied the bullfrog plantaris muscle–tendon during in vitro contractions. A novel servomotor controller allowed us to measure muscle–tendon unit (MTU) mechanical behavior during contractions against a variety of simulated inertial-gravitational loads, ranging from zero to 1× the peak isometric force of the muscle. Power output of the MTU system was load dependent and power amplification occurred only at intermediate loads, reaching ∼1.3× the peak isotonic power output of the muscle. With a simulated anatomical catch mechanism in place, the highest power amplification occurred at the lowest loads, with a maximum amplification of more than 4× peak isotonic muscle power. At higher loads, the benefits of a catch for MTU performance diminished sharply, suggesting that power amplification >2.5× may come at the expense of net mechanical work delivered to the load. Summary: Power amplification in a compliant muscle-tendon unit is maximal for intermediate inertial-gravitational loads and can be enhanced by a trigger and catch mechanism for small loads.
Nephrotoxicant inhibition of renal proximal tubule cell regeneration.

Although nephrotoxicants have been shown to have direct lethal effects on renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC), little is known concerning their effects on the renal regenerative process. Additionally, the mechanisms of RPT regeneration are still not clear. To examine these issues, an in vitro model of mechanically induced injury to primary cultures of rabbit RPTC was developed, and the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), and nephrotoxicants on the regenerative process were examined. Experiments demonstrated that confluent monolayers swiped with a 4-mm Teflon policeman regenerated with 77% closure of the swipe in 7 days. DNA content in swiped monolayers increased, reached a maximum on day 3 (1.4-fold), and remained constant through day 7. EGF accelerated regeneration and resulted in 96% swipe closure on day 7 and increased DNA content 2.3-fold. TGF-beta 1 inhibited regeneration and resulted in 22% swipe closure on day 7 but did not inhibit the increase in DNA content. 5-Fluorouracil inhibited regeneration and resulted in 27% swipe closure on day 3, compared with 46% in the controls, and inhibited the increase in DNA content. Mercuric chloride, fumonisin B1, and dichlorovinyl-L-cysteine, at concentrations < or = 50% of their lethal concentration, inhibited regeneration and resulted in swiped areas 3.7, 4.2, and 2.1 times larger, respectively, than controls on day 7. At concentrations < or = 50% of its lethal concentration, tert-butylhydroperoxide had no effect on swipe closure. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nasal packing after septoplasty: cardiopulmonary impact.

IMPORTANCE Bilateral anterior nasal packing is used after septoplasty with the goals of decreasing the risk of postoperative bleeding and adhesions. However, multiple studies caution against the use of nasal packing because of the risk of cardiopulmonary complications. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cardiopulmonary risks associated with bilateral anterior nasal packing after septoplasty. EVIDENCE REVIEW A literature review was conducted by 2 independent reviewers using EMBASE, Ovid, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and reference list review from January 1966 to September 2012 to identify studies assessing nasal packing after septoplasty. The studies were reviewed and assigned an Oxford level of evidence grade, Detsky score, and Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) score. Data were extracted for arterial blood gases, oxygen desaturations, oxygen saturations, and adverse outcomes. Pooled estimates for randomized studies were performed when possible. FINDINGS Fourteen studies conducted between 1973 and 2011 were included: 2 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a total of 119 patients and 12 prospective observational studies with a total of 356 patients. Nine studies showed a significant change within 1 of the cardiopulmonary parameters investigated. However, there was no consistency in changes across both observational and randomized studies. Furthermore, pooled estimates for cardiopulmonary parameters were all nonsignificant: standard mean differences of the pooled results of the RCTs were 0.05 (95% CI, -0.31 to 0.41) for arterial pH, 0.08 (95% CI, -0.30 to 0.46) for Paco2, and -0.32 (95% CI, -1.28 to 0.63) for Pao2. There were no major cardiopulmonary complications after nasal packing. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Bilateral anterior nasal packing does not seem to cause adverse cardiopulmonary changes after septoplasty.
‘IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE’: EMPLOYEES’ LIVED EXPERIENCES AND THE ESSENCE OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

The purpose of this dissertation is to better understand how employees perceive and experience engagement and participate in its meaning-making process. While employee engagement has been primarily explored within the business, the human resources, and management disciplines, public relations research has only recently taken an interest in furthering its understanding. Within these disciplines, the functional perspective has dominated employee engagement research, which has potentially limited theoretical developments. In response to the current literature being inundated with a rational, functional approach, the following dissertation attempts: (1) to examine employee engagement from an array of organizational voices using phenomenological methods; (2) to examine how employees contribute to the meaning-making process of employee engagement (32 participants); and (3) to inductively understand the presence of internal communication in the reconstruction of employee engagement. The phenomenological approach is the most appropriate methodology to study employee engagement experiences because phenomenology is concerned with what it means to feel and experience the phenomenon and uses participants’ everyday lived experiences to uncover the meaning-making associated with the phenomenon. The dissertation developed the zones of engagement, which offer a new way to conceptualize employee engagement in public relations, shifting to a deeper comprehension and understanding. The six zones of engagement include: (1) employee engagement experiences occur from non-work related experiences at work, (2) employee
Filling the Gap in Vitamin A Research

Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) are essential components in vision; they contribute to pattern formation during development and exert multiple effects on cell differentiation with important clinical implications. It has been known for 50 years that the key step in the formation of vitamin A is the oxidative cleavage of β-carotene; however, this enzymatic step has resisted molecular analysis. A novel approach enabled us to clone and identify a β-carotene dioxygenase from Drosophila melanogaster,expressing it into the background of a β-carotene (provitamin A)-synthesizing and -accumulating Escherichia coli strain. The carotene-cleaving enzyme, identified here for the first time on the molecular level, is the basis of the numerous branches of vitamin A action and links plant and animal carotene metabolism.
Venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients

Summary Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a central concern in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, little is known about both current practices for VTE prevention in the ICU and the risk for VTE in persons with severe sepsis and septic shock. XPRESS was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of prophylactic heparin in patients with severe sepsis and higher disease severity who were treated with drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DAA). Subjects were randomized to unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or placebo during the DAA infusion period. All patients underwent ultrasonography between days 4-6 to screen for VTE. We assessed baseline utilization of VTE prophylaxis along with application of these methods after completion of the DAA infusion. The study included 1,935 subjects and, prior to enrollment approximately half were given no form of prophylaxis. By day 6, 5% of subjects developed a VTE, and the rate of VTE did not vary based on type of heparin administered. The vast majority of VTE detected by day 6 were clinically silent. Of factors analyzed, history of VTE was the only variable independently associated with development of a VTE (odds ratio, 3.66, 95% confidence interval 1.77–7.56, p=0.005). Strikingly, patients who were initially receiving heparin prophylaxis prior to enrollment but who then had this discontinued because of randomization to placebo suffered more VTE that persons continuing on some form of heparin. Despite multiple guidelines, physicians do not uniformly prescribe VTE prophylaxis. Nonetheless, early VTE occurs even in persons given DAA. Most VTE in critically ill patients are clinically silent.
Causes and consequences of abandoning one-stage bilateral adrenalectomy recommended in primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease – case presentation

Abstract We present a 7-year-old girl with a 2-year history of decelerated growth rate and cushingoidal obesity, upon admission presenting with fixed hypertension. Cyclic hypercortisolemia with inhibited baseline and post-CRH stimulation ACTH level pointed to primary adrenal hypercortisolemia. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed normal adrenal glands. 131J-labeled cholesterol scintiscan showed a weak but slightly more expressed tracer uptake in the left adrenal gland. Cushing syndrome concomitant with isolated primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) was diagnosed. After hypotensive pretreatment, a left adrenalectomy was performed, resulting in normalization of corticoadrenal function, blood pressure, Cushing features and growth rate. Histopathology confirmed PPNAD. In the course of infection, corticoadrenal function showed absence of adrenal reserve, and adrenal crisis. Hydrocortisone (HC) therapy, followed by HC supplementation was introduced. Four years later, a contralateral adrenalectomy was performed and total HC supplementation was introduced. Causes and consequences of abandoning one-stage bilateral adrenalectomy recommended in PPNAD are reviewed.
Examination of the Determinants of Youth Voluntary Participation in Rural Community Development: The Case of Mutoko District, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT The increasing challenge posed by HIV/AIDS and poverty coupled with limited government service delivery have increased the reliance on youth volunteers in Zimbabwe. Ironically, youth continue to lose interest in voluntary work and the reasons for this are not clear. Therefore, this paper explored factors that either promote or inhibit the involvement of youth in voluntary work. Perceptions of youth towards volunteering were also sought. A case study design involving focus group discussions and individual interviews was utilised. Youth participants were selected using a multistage stratified random sampling technique. The data was analysed using the Atlas Ti version 6 software. The desire to develop communities, for the hope of getting incentives and the quest to develop networks, motivated youth to volunteer. Results also showed that youth voluntary participation in community development vary according to gender. Likewise, the factors of volunteering differed as distance increased from the main urban area.