Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does country-context matter? A cross-national analysis of gender and leisure time physical inactivity in Europe.

BACKGROUND It is well known that European women are less physically active in their leisure time than European men. Attempts to explain this gender difference often do not succeed in raising the problem above the individual level. However, the size of the disadvantage for women varies considerably across countries, proving that leisure time physical (in)activity takes place in a broader societal context and must also be approached as such. In this sense, some authors have explained women's lack of leisure time physical activity in terms of gendered power relations in society. Therefore, the present article postulates that over and above the individual effect of gender, there is an additional impact of a society's gender-based (in)equality distribution. METHODS By means of the 2005 Eurobarometer survey (comprising 25,745 adults from 27 European countries), gender differences in leisure time physical inactivity (LTPI) were analysed by means of multilevel logistic regression analysis. National gender-based (in)equality was measured by the Gender Empowerment Measure and the Gender Gap Index. RESULTS Controlled for compositional effects, gender differences in LTPI varied as a function of gender-related characteristics at the macro-level. In particular, in countries characterized by high levels of gender-based equality, LTPI differences between men and women even disappeared. CONCLUSION The findings underscore the need to adopt a society-level approach and to incorporate socio-contextual factors in the study of gender disparities in LTPI.
Salicylate-induced changes in spontaneous activity of single units in the inferior colliculus of the guinea pig.

Changes in spontaneous neuronal activity of the inferior colliculus in albino guinea pigs before and after administration of sodium salicylate were analyzed. Animals were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and two microelectrodes separated by a few hundred microns were driven through the inferior colliculus. After collecting a sufficiently large sample of cells, sodium salicylate (450 mg/kg) was injected i.p. and recordings again made 2 h after the injection. Comparison of spontaneous activity recorded before and after salicylate administration revealed highly statistically significant differences (p less than 0.001). After salicylate, the mean rate of the cell population increased from 29 to 83 Hz and the median from 26 to 74 Hz. Control experiments in which sodium salicylate was replaced by saline injection revealed no statistically significant differences in cell discharges. Recordings made during the same experiments from lobulus V of the cerebellar vermis revealed no changes in response to salicylate. The observed changes in single-unit activity due to salicylate administration may represent the first systematic evidence of a tinnituslike phenomenon in animals.
Characterization of a novel calcium phosphate/sulphate bone cement.

Apatitic cements have shown excellent biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties but have slow resorption in the human body. To assure that new bone tissue grows into the bone defect, a certain porosity is necessary although hard to achieve in injectable cements with suitable mechanical properties. An attempt was made by mixing alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP), calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CSH) and an aqueous solution containing 2.5 wt% of Na(2)HPO(4). The aim was to obtain a material containing two phases: a) one apatitic phase (calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite; CDHA) and b) one resorbable phase (calcium sulphate dihydrate; CSD). alpha-TCP and CSH mixtures were produced at relative intervals of 20 wt%. The liquid-to-powder (L/P) ratio to obtain a paste was 0.32 mLg(-1). The highest compressive strength (34 MPa) was obtained for the pure alpha-TCP sample. The strength was, in a first approximation, directly correlated to the weight proportions of the powders. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the relative intensity for CDHA increased linearly, and the one for CSD decreased exponentially, when the amount of alpha-TCP increased. Thus, CSH ceased to transform to CSD when the amount of alpha-TCP increased. Observations in environmental scanning electron microscopy confirmed the X-ray diffraction results. CSH-crystals (100 microm) were embedded in the HA-matrix permitting gradual porosity in the material when resorbed.
The Role of Nonacid Reflux in NERD: Lessons Learned From Impedance-pH Monitoring in 150 Patients off Therapy

INTRODUCTION:Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is the most common form of gastroesophageal reflux disease. While the role of acid reflux has been established, the relevance of nonacid reflux in generating symptoms in NERD is unknown.AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of impedance-pH monitoring in NERD patients.METHODS: Patients with typical reflux symptoms (heartburn and/or regurgitation) and normal endoscopy (NERD) underwent a combined impedance-pH monitoring off proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Previously investigated 48 healthy volunteers served as controls. Distal esophageal acid exposure (% time pH < 4), number of acid and nonacid reflux episodes, 2-min window symptom index (SI; positive if ≥ 50%), and symptom association probability (SAP; positive if ≥ 95%) were calculated.RESULTS: Between June 2004 and June 2007, 150 NERD patients (82 women, mean age 48 yr, range 18–78 yr) reported symptoms during the impedance-pH monitoring. NERD patients had more reflux episodes (median [25th–75th percentile]) compared with healthy volunteers (total: 46 [26–65] vs 32 [18–43], P < 0.05; acid: 29 [14–43] vs 17 [8.5–31.0], P < 0.05; and nonacid: 20 [15–27] vs 18 [13.5–26.0], P= NS). Sixty-three (42%) patients had abnormal % time pH < 4. Among 87 patients with normal % time pH < 4. , 22 (15%) had a positive SAP for acid, 19 (12%) for nonacid reflux, and 7 (5%) for both. Classifying patients with symptomatic nonacid reflux as having a hypersensitive esophagus reduced the number of patients with functional heartburn from 65 (43%) to 39 (26%). CONCLUSION: Monitoring for nonacid reflux in NERD patients reduces the proportion of patients classified as having “functional heartburn. ” Studies assessing the clinical implications of these findings are warranted.
A Chinese Cabbage cDNA with High Sequence Identity to Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidases Encodes a Novel Isoform of Thioredoxin-dependent Peroxidase*

A cDNA, PHCC-TPx , specifying a protein highly homologous to known phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidases was isolated from a Chinese cabbage cDNA library. PHCC-TPx encodes a preprotein of 232 amino acids containing a putative N-terminal chloroplast targeting sequence and three conserved Cys residues (Cys107, Cys136, and Cys155). The mature form of enzyme without the signal peptide was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein was found to utilize thioredoxin (Trx) but not GSH as an electron donor. In the presence of a Trx system, the protein efficiently reduces H2O2 and organic hydroperoxides. Complementation analysis shows that overexpression of the PHCC-TPx restores resistance to oxidative stress in yeast mutants lacking GSH but fails to complement mutant lacking Trx, suggesting that the reducing agent of PHCC-TPx in vivo is not GSH but is Trx. Mutational analysis of the three Cys residues individually replaced with Ser shows that Cys107 is the primary attacking site by peroxide, and oxidized Cys107 reacts with Cys155-SH to make an intramolecular disulfide bond, which is reduced eventually by Trx. Tryptic peptide analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time of flight mass spectrometry shows that Cys155 can form a disulfide bond with either Cys107 or Cys136.
Calcium phosphate-induced renal epithelial injury and stone formation: involvement of reactive oxygen species.

BACKGROUND Crystal formation and retention are critical events for the formation of kidney stones. Oxalate and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are injurious to renal epithelium, and membranes of injured cells promote crystal adherence and retention. Calcium phosphate (CaP) is the most common crystal in both urine and stones, most likely to form in the early segments of the nephron and can nucleate CaOx in a metastable solution. We hypothesized that CaP can also injure the renal epithelial cells. METHODS We exposed proximal tubular origin line derived from pig proximal tubules (LLC-PK1), and collecting duct origin Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell lines to various concentrations of Brushite (Br) crystals and investigated staining with Trypan Blue and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the medium as an indicator of injury. In order to determine the involvement of reactive oxygen species, we also measured LDH release in the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8-isoprostane (8-IP) in the presence of the catalase. RESULTS Exposure to Br crystals was associated with LDH release by both cell types, induced the production of H2O2 and 8-IP. Presence of SOD and catalase reduced LDH release as well as staining with trypan blue. Catalase was also associated with reduced production of H2O2 and 8-IP. CONCLUSION Brushite crystals are injurious to cells of both the proximal tubules as well as collecting ducts. Injury is mediated by reactive oxygen species. We propose that CaP crystals can independently interact with renal epithelium, promote sites for crystal attachment, and then either grow into mature CaP stones or create sites for CaOx crystal nucleation, retention, and stone development.
The Exceptionally Large Genome of Hendra Virus: Support for Creation of a New Genus within the FamilyParamyxoviridae

ABSTRACT An outbreak of acute respiratory disease in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia, in September 1994 resulted in the deaths of 14 racing horses and a horse trainer. The causative agent was a new member of the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus was originally called Equine morbillivirus but was renamed Hendra virus (HeV) when molecular characterization highlighted differences between it and members of the genusMorbillivirus. Less than 5 years later, the closely relatedNipah virus (NiV) emerged in Malaysia, spread rapidly through the pig population, and caused the deaths of over 100 people. We report the characterization of the HeV L gene and protein, the genome termini, and gene boundary sequences, thus completing the HeV genome sequence. In the highly conserved region of the L protein, the HeV sequence GDNE differs from the GDNQ found in almost all other nonsegmented negative-strand (NNS) RNA viruses. HeV has an absolutely conserved intergenic trinucleotide sequence, 3′-GAA-5′, and highly conserved transcription initiation and termination sequences similar to those of respiroviruses and morbilliviruses. The large genome size (18,234 nucleotides), the unique complementary genome terminal sequences of HeV, and the limited homology with other members of theParamyxoviridae suggest that HeV, together with NiV, should be classified in a new genus in this family. The large genome of HeV also fills a gap in the spectrum of genome sizes observed with NNS RNA virus genomes. As such, it provides a further piece in the puzzle of NNS RNA virus evolution.
Factors Associated with Corneal Scarring in the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study

Purpose. The multicenter Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study is a prospective, observational study of 1,209 keratoconus patients. We report on the factors associated with corneal scarring at baseline. Methods. We defined corneal scarring as scars that had been detected both by the clinician examining the patient with the slit-lamp biomicroscope and by masked readers of corneal photographs at the CLEK Photography Reading Center. We investigated associations between corneal scarring and patient variables including gender, ethnicity, a family history of keratoconus, a history of ocular trauma, eye rubbing, contact lens wear, rigid contact lens fitting relationships, and corneal findings (such as curvature, Vogt's striae, Fleischer's ring, and central/apical staining). Multiple logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations to adjust for the correlation between eyes was used for analysis. Results. The following factors were found to increase the odds of corneal scarring at baseline in the CLEK Study: corneal staining (odds ratios (OR) = 3.40, 95% confidence interval 2.53–4.59), contact lens wear (OR = 3.51, 95% confidence interval 2.27–5.45), Fleischer's ring (OR = 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.11–2.40), steeper first definite apical clearance lens base curve radius (per diopter, OR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.25–1.33), and age (per decade, OR = 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.35–1.75). Conclusions. These baseline data suggest that corneal scarring in keratoconus is associated with corneal staining, contact lens wear, Fleischer's ring, a steeper cornea, and increasing age. The factors that imply added risk for corneal scarring that may be affected by practitioner intervention are staining of the cornea, contact lens wear, and the contact lens fitting relationship.
Cre-lox-Based Method for Generation of Large Deletions within the Genomic Magnetosome Island of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense

ABSTRACT Magnetosome biomineralization and magnetotaxis in magnetotactic bacteria are controlled by numerous, mostly unknown gene functions that are predominantly encoded by several operons located within the genomic magnetosome island (MAI). Genetic analysis of magnetotactic bacteria has remained difficult and requires the development of novel tools. We established a Cre-lox-based deletion method which allows the excision of large genomic fragments in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense. Two conjugative suicide plasmids harboring lox sites that flanked the target region were subsequently inserted into the chromosome by homologous recombination, requiring only one single-crossover event, respectively, and resulting in a double cointegrate. Excision of the targeted chromosomal segment that included the inserted plasmids and their resistance markers was induced by trans expression of Cre recombinase, which leaves behind a scar of only a single loxP site. The Cre helper plasmid was then cured from the deletant strain by relief of antibiotic selection. We have used this method for the deletion of 16.3-kb, 61-kb, and 67.3-kb fragments from the genomic MAI, either in a single round or in subsequent rounds of deletion, covering a region of approximately 87 kb that comprises the mamAB, mms6, and mamGFDC operons. As expected, all mutants were Mag− and some were Mot−; otherwise, they showed normal growth patterns, which indicates that the deleted region is not essential for viability in the laboratory. The method will facilitate future functional analysis of magnetosome genes and also can be utilized for large-scale genome engineering in magnetotactic bacteria.
Fingertip Replantations: Clinical Evaluation of 135 Digits

&NA; From July 1985 to February 1993, 135 digits in 119 patients with complete amputations at or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint (zone I for amputations distal to the nail base or zone II for amputations between the distal interphalangeal joint and the nail base) were replanted using a microsurgical technique at Korea University Guro Hospital. Because of the high social value placed on body form and function, the indication for replantation was extended to eases with severe soft‐tissue injuries and attempted replantation as a routine procedure in nearly all distal amputation cases. The overall survival rate was 78 percent, with the survival rate for zone I being 70 percent and that for zone II reaching 86 percent. Even in cases with severe soft‐tissue injury, the survival rate was high, with viability in avulsion injuries and crush injuries reaching 75 percent each. The most common type of vascular repair in zone I cases was revascularization of one artery only and no vein repair (87 percent). Of these cases, interpositional vein grafts were used in 65 percent. In zone II cases, the most common combination repair was one artery and one vein anastomosis (70 percent). with interpositional vein grafts for arterial anastomosis in 49 percent; most of the venous repair was feasible by the direct method (78 percent). The follow‐up period ranged from 1 month to 5 years with a mean of 14.8 months; 52 patients were followed‐up for more than 6 months. In 52 long‐term follow‐up patients, the average two‐point discrimination was 8 mm. Patient satisfaction, aesthetically and functionally, was high (91 percent).
First Nations English dialects in Canada: Implications for speech‐language pathology

The current study reports preliminary information gathered about First Nations English dialects in Canada and considers implications for speech‐language pathology practice. Information was gathered from literature searches and forums of First Nations and non‐First Nations speech‐language pathologists, developmentalists, and linguists. The exploratory findings suggest that First Nations English dialects are shaped both by transference of features from the ancestral languages and by cultural patterns of communication. The dialects likely represent late stages of depidginization and decreolization. Examples of phonological and syntactic dialectal features illustrate the importance of recognizing non‐standard varieties of English when assessing speakers of First Nations communities and setting up goals and strategies for treatment. Research is urgently needed to identify features of First Nations English dialects both for linguistic documentation and to help speech‐language pathologists and other educators to distinguish between language impairments and dialect differences and to develop culturally relevant assessment and intervention practices.
Cerebral glucose metabolism in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after chronic stimulant treatment.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined the effects of chronic stimulant treatment on cerebral glucose metabolism in adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who were studied by means of positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose as the tracer. METHOD Each subject received two PET scans, the first before drug treatment and the second after treatment with daily oral doses, individually titrated for clinical effect, of either methylphenidate (N = 19) or d-amphetamine (N = 18) for a minimum of 6 weeks. The subjects completed behavioral self-report measures before and at the end of the medication period. RESULTS Neither stimulant medication changed global, or whole-brain, metabolism, although both drugs increased systolic blood pressure. Metabolism in only two of the 60 brain regions sampled was changed by methylphenidate, while d-amphetamine exhibited no effect on regional metabolism. Both drugs were associated with significant improvement in behavior, as evidenced by improved ratings for restlessness and ability to maintain attention. CONCLUSIONS While the present study does not demonstrate any robust metabolic effects of chronic stimulant treatment, the behavioral data strongly indicate that methylphenidate and d-amphetamine are effective agents for the treatment of adults with ADHD.
Solid lipid nanoparticles for transdermal delivery of avanafil: optimization, formulation, in-vitro and ex-vivo studies

Abstract Context: Avanafil (AVA) is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but is reported for its poor aqueous solubility. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are lipid carriers that can greatly enhance drug solubility and bioavailability. Objective: This work was aimed to formulate and optimize AVA SLNs with subsequent loading into hydrogel films for AVA transdermal delivery. Materials and methods: AVA SLNs were prepared utilizing homogenization followed by ultra-sonication technique. The prepared SLNs were characterized for particle size, charge, surface morphology and drug content. The optimized SLNs formulation was incorporated into transdermal films prepared using HPMC and chitosan. Hydrogel films were evaluated for ex-vivo rat skin permeation using automated Franz diffusion cells. The permeation parameters and the release mechanism were evaluated. The transdermal permeation of the prepared AVA SLNs through the skin layers was studied using confocal laser scanning microscope. Results: Lipid concentration and % of oil in lipid had a pronounced effect on particle size while, entrapment efficiency was significantly affected by lipid concentration and % of cholesterol. The optimized AVA SLNs showed particle size and entrapment efficiency of 86 nm and 85.01%, respectively. TEM images revealed spherecity of the particles. High permeation parameters were observed from HPMC films loaded with AVA SLNs. The release data were in favor of Higuchi diffusion model. The prepared AVA SLNs were able to penetrate deeper in skin layers. Conclusion: HPMC transdermal film-loaded AVA SLNs is an effective and alternative to per-oral drug administration.
Effects on inhibition of development of the transfer of Ostertagia ostertagi between geographical regions of Australia

SUMMARY Pasture plots in a warm coastal region were separately contaminated in the autumn, winter and spring with eggs of a coastal strain of Ostertagia ostertagi derived from dairy calves. At the same times, a parallel set of plots was contaminated by a strain transferred from within a beef cattle management system in a cooler tablelands region. A reciprocal transfer of the coastal strain was also made to the tablelands, where pasture plots were contaminated with eggs of both strains of O. ostertagi in winter. Successive groups of parasite-free calves were grazed on the plots for 10–14 days at 4-week intervals and then killed for worm counts 14 days after their removal from pasture. In both environments, irrespective of the season of pasture contamination, inhibition of development reached a maximum in spring and the two strains differed only in the proportion of the population inhibited, which was significantly greater for the table- lands strain. There was no strain difference for either numbers of infective larvae on pasture or total O. ostertagi numbers. This suggested that the difference between coastal and tablelands populations in the extent of inhibition is genetically determined. If an environmental stimulus was implicated in the spring occurrence of inhibition, the stimulus was provided equally in coastal and tablelands environments and it cannot be exposure to low temperatures.