Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute total body resistance exercise on hormonal and cytokines changes in men and women.

AIM Sex differences in exercise responses have implications for understanding sex-specific adaptations to exercise for performance and health. The purpose of this study was to verify the acute effects of a full body resistance exercise protocol on growth hormone (GH), testosterone (TT), cortisol, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in men and women. METHODS Fourteen healthy volunteers (7 men and 7 women taking oral contraceptives) active and recreationally trained in resistance exercise were subjected to a resistance exercise session (3x8-10 RM) composed of 10 exercises with rests periods of 90-120 seconds between sets. GH, TT, cortisol, IL-6 and IL-10 were assessed at pre-, immediate post- (IP) and 30 min postprotocol. RESULTS Both men and women had a similar increase in GH (P<0.05) at IP in response to exercise. Significant effects of interaction between sex and time were observed for TT, cortisol and IL-6. In the men, an increase from pre was noted at IP and 30 min for TT, cortisol and IL-6. In the women there was no change in TT, cortisol and IL-6 concentration. There was no change in IL-10. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a difference between men and women taking oral contraceptives in TT, cortisol and IL-6 responsiveness to the same full body resistance exercise protocol.
The roles of prostaglandin EP 1 and 3 receptors in the control of human myometrial contractility.

CONTEXT Prostaglandins are central to the processes of human labor. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesized within the uterus mediates cervical ripening and uterine contractions. PGE receptors, EP1 and EP3, may each mediate contractions, and represent potential therapeutic targets in the management of preterm labor. Studies of the expression and function of EP1 and EP3 in pregnant myometrium are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the relative importance of EP1 and EP3 in human myometrial contractility. DESIGN We studied the expression of EP1 and EP3 in upper- and lower-segment myometrium at term in vivo and the effects of specific inhibitors on contractions in vitro. PATIENTS Myometrial biopsies for both in vivo and in vitro studies were taken at cesarean section at term before or in labor in uncomplicated pregnancies. RESULTS We found no differences in the expression of EP1 or EP3 at mRNA or protein level between the upper and lower segment myometrium and no overall changes associated with the onset of labor. Upon labor, EP1, but not EP3, was found to relocalize to the nucleus. In studies of contractility, we found no differences in spontaneous or PGE(2)-induced contractility between the upper- and lower-segment samples. Spontaneous contractions were inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid and were rescued by PGE(2). Although an EP1 antagonist, ZD6416, had no effect, an EP3 antagonist, L798106, inhibited both spontaneous and PGE(2)-induced contractions. CONCLUSIONS EP3 is the primary receptor subtype that mediates PGE(2) induced contractility in human pregnant myometrium at term and represents a possible therapeutic target.
Why Don't Gastroenterologists Follow Colon Polyp Surveillance Guidelines?: Results of a National Survey

Goals To measure knowledge and acceptance of colon polyp surveillance guidelines among gastroenterologists. Background Gastroenterologists often perform surveillance colonoscopy sooner than recommended by guidelines. Lack of knowledge may be an important factor, but gastroenterologists could also simply disagree with guideline recommendations. Study A 24-item multiple-choice survey was developed from the 2003 multisociety colorectal cancer screening and surveillance guideline. The survey was distributed to practicing gastroenterologists preparing for the gastroenterology board recertification examination at 2 major national gastroenterology board review courses. For each question, subjects were given a clinical scenario and asked: (1) the guideline recommendation for the scenario; (2) their usual practice in the scenario; and, (3) if they definitely knew the recommendation or were simply guessing at the correct answer. If a respondent knew the recommendation but differed in their usual practice, this was considered disagreement with the recommendation. Results The survey was completed by 57.1% (116/203) of gastroenterologists preparing for 2004 recertification. Seventy-eight percent reported that they were familiar with the 2003 guideline, though only 57% reported that guidelines were “very influential” in their practice. Many did not correctly answer questions on the recommended interval for hyperplastic polyps (12%), 2 small adenomas (36%), 3 small adenomas (49%), and adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (41%). Of gastroenterologists who knew the guideline recommendations, up to 76% disagreed with the recommendations and chose to perform surveillance sooner than recommended. Conclusions Though many gastroenterologists lack knowledge about guideline recommendations for colon polyp surveillance, even those who know the recommendations often ignore them and perform surveillance colonoscopy sooner than recommended.
Chromosome Aberrations in the Blood Lymphocytes of Astronauts after Space Flight

Abstract George, K. , Durante, M. , Wu, H. , Willingham, V. , Badhwar, G. and Cucinotta, F. A. Chromosome Aberrations in the Blood Lymphocytes of Astronauts after Space Flight. Radiat. Res. 156, 731–738 (2001). Cytogenetic analysis of the lymphocytes of astronauts provides a direct measurement of space radiation damage in vivo, which takes into account individual radiosensitivity and considers the influence of microgravity and other stress conditions. Chromosome exchanges were measured in the blood lymphocytes of eight crew members after their respective space missions, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome painting probes. Significant increases in aberrations were observed after the long-duration missions. The in vivo dose was derived from the frequencies of translocations and total exchanges using calibration curves determined before flight, and the RBE was estimated by comparison with individually measured physical absorbed doses. The values for average RBE were compared to the average quality factor (Q) from direct measurements of the lineal energy spectra using a tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) and radiation transport codes. The ratio of aberrations identified as complex was slightly higher after flight, which is thought to be an indication of exposure to high-LET radiation. To determine whether the frequency of complex aberrations measured in metaphase spreads after exposure to high-LET radiation was influenced by a cell cycle delay, chromosome damage was analyzed in prematurely condensed chromosome samples collected from two crew members before and after a short-duration mission. The frequency of complex exchanges after flight was higher in prematurely condensed chromosomes than in metaphase cells for one crew member.
Individual differences in post-traumatic stress following post-intimate stalking: stalking severity and psychosocial variables.

OBJECTIVE Stalking can have a major psychosocial impact on its victims. Accumulating evidence suggests frequent post-traumatic stress (PTS) reactions. The present study aimed to detail the affective and cognitive responses following post-intimate stalking, and to assess the associations between stalking severity, person-related psychosocial variables and symptoms of PTS. DESIGN Female members (N = 131) of a Dutch nation-wide support group were contacted by mail and completed questionnaires pertaining to their stalking history, Big Five personality traits, coping, social support, as well as PTS reactions and symptoms. METHOD The Traumatic Constellation Identification Scale was used to elucidate emotional and cognitive responses to post-intimate stalking. To assess the associations between stalking severity indices, person-related psychosocial variables and PTS, a regression analysis was conducted using the Impact of Events Scale as a dependent variable. RESULTS Affective reactions included affective liability, fear, shame and loss. Associated maladaptive beliefs included decreased trust, increased alienation and isolation, and attributions of self-blame. Indices of stalking severity accounted for 22% of the PTS variance, with stalking violence being the most potent predictor. Another 8% of PTS variance was associated with a passive coping reaction and (lower) openness to experience. CONCLUSION PTS following stalking was associated with both stressor-related and person-related variables. Risk factors for PTS included severe stalking including violence and passive coping. Prolonged post-intimate stalking may lead to personality adaptation (i.e. becoming more closed, cautious and reserved).
Home Sweet Home: The Effect of Sugar Protectionism on Emigration in Italy, 1876-1913

Protectionist policies are often considered or even implemented as a reaction to increasing globalization. This is not new in history. This paper uses the introduction of import duties on sugar in the late nineteenth century Italy to measure the impact of protectionism on migration out flows at the time of the first globalization. Both for climate reasons and the nature of the soil, the cultivation and processing of sugar beets was geographically concentrated in a small area, leading de facto to a regional protectionist policy. Our theoretical model illustrates how a tariff that favours local producers may affect residents' incentives to migrate abroad. The predictions of the model are tested with the synthetic control method which uses the variation in sugar cultivation across areas to estimate the effect of interest. Our results show that protectionism effectively reduced the relative incentive to migrate away from sugar-producing areas.
GOVERNMENTS AS PARTNERS : THE ROLE OF COLLABORATION IN CLEANTECH STARTUP INNOVATION

Governments around the world are working towards accelerating innovation in clean energy technologies to meet rising energy demand and mitigate climate change. Policymakers shape the ecosystem in which startups innovate in various ways, ranging from R&D grants to technology and market collaborations. However, beyond government financing for R&D and the steering of market demand, there is little understanding of the role of governments as partners for joint technology development, for technology transfer through licenses, or as customers. We build on research on collaborative innovation and draw on resource dependence theory to highlight the role of collaboration with government organizations for startup innovation when compared with other firms, non-governmental research organizations and not-for-profit organizations. We develop a novel dataset of 783 US cleantech startups from 2008 to 2012 to quantify the innovation impact of technology development, licensing, and market collaborations between startups and government organizations as well as other partners. Our findings show that technology development and licensing with government organizations are associated with increased patenting activity and financial investments. Overall, the positive association between technology development, public licenses, and startup innovation extends openness and alliance perspectives on innovation and contributes to the emerging research on the role of governments in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Precise Speed Tracking Control of a Robotic Fish Via Iterative Learning Control

In this paper, we present a novel work in which an iterative learning control (ILC) method is applied to a two-link Carangiform robotic fish in real time and achieves precise speed tracking performance. By virtue of the Lagrangian mechanics method, we establish a mathematical model for the robotic fish. The robotic fish model is highly nonlinear and nonaffine in control input, which hinders the applicability of most control methods that require affine-in-input. ILC is suitable because it works for such circumstances. A P-type ILC algorithm is adopted for speed tracking tasks of the robotic fish. The rigorous convergence analysis is derived based on composite energy function (CEF). In practice, the precise model of robotic fish is difficult to be obtained due to many uncertain factors. By employing ILC, the speed tracking control performance can be improved significantly without using the perfect model. Both simulations and experiments are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of ILC, and excellent speed tracking is achieved for the robotic fish.
Analysis of Polarization Splitters Composed of Multilayer Thin-Film Waveguides Using the Beam-Propagation Method Based on Yee's Mesh

Multilayer thin-film waveguides (MTFWs) are analyzed using the beam-propagation method based on Yee's mesh. The birefringence properties of the MTFW are demonstrated by the eigenmode analysis based on the imaginary-distance procedure. Taking advantage of the birefringence, a polarization splitter composed of two parallel MTFWs is proposed. Calculation shows that a short device length of 270 mum is obtainable with crosstalks of -33.5 dB for the quasi-transverse-electric mode and -20.7 dB for the quasi-transverse-magnetic mode. A crossing-type polarization splitter is also developed, and the device length is further reduced to 120 mum.
Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Dyspeptic Patients in Andkhoy Afghanistan

Background: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is reported to be more than 50% worldwide. It has been associated with peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma, and mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The seroprevalence of H. pylori varies greatly among societies and geographical locations. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with H. pylori infection among dyspeptic patients in Afghanistan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori among dyspeptic patients in an outpatient clinic in Andkhoy, Afghanistan from January 2017 to April 2017. Data were obtained from patients using a questionnaire, including socio-demographic data and history of smoking and dyspeptic symptoms. Serum samples were also collected from the patients and tested for H. pylori antibodies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 152 patients with dyspepsia were included in the analysis; 59 were men (40.0%), and 93 were women (60.0%). The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 75.6%. The predictor of seroprevalence of H. pylori was found to be illiteracy (odds ratio [OR] 4.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0324.17), epigastric pain (OR 12.01, 95% CI 3.56- 40.52), and rural population (OR 9.66, 95% CI 3.36- 27.82). There was an inverse association between employed status and seroprevalence of H. pylori (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01- 0.52). Conclusions: The seroprevalence of H. pylori was high among patient with dyspepsia in an outpatient clinic in Afghanistan. Illiteracy, unemployment and rural populations, and epigastric pain were significantly associated with H. pylori infection.
Structure-guided U2AF65 variant improves recognition and splicing of a defective pre-mRNA

Significance The essential U2AF65 protein recognizes a splice site signal that is frequently mutated in inherited human diseases. Herein we show that reduced U2AF65 binding is a molecular consequence of splice site mutations that commonly underlie human genetic disease. We demonstrate for a proof-of-principle case that structure-guided U2AF65 variants are a feasible tool to evoke disease-relevant changes in pre-mRNA splicing. Purine interruptions of polypyrimidine (Py) tract splice site signals contribute to human genetic diseases. The essential splicing factor U2AF65 normally recognizes a Py tract consensus sequence preceding the major class of 3′ splice sites. We found that neurofibromatosis- or retinitis pigmentosa-causing mutations in the 5′ regions of Py tracts severely reduce U2AF65 affinity. Conversely, we identified a preferred binding site of U2AF65 for purine substitutions in the 3′ regions of Py tracts. Based on a comparison of new U2AF65 structures bound to either A- or G-containing Py tracts with previously identified pyrimidine-containing structures, we expected to find that a D231V amino acid change in U2AF65 would specify U over other nucleotides. We found that the crystal structure of the U2AF65-D231V variant confirms favorable packing between the engineered valine and a target uracil base. The D231V amino acid change restores U2AF65 affinity for two mutated splice sites that cause human genetic diseases and successfully promotes splicing of a defective retinitis pigmentosa-causing transcript. We conclude that reduced U2AF65 binding is a molecular consequence of disease-relevant mutations, and that a structure-guided U2AF65 variant is capable of manipulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
Welfare measures and the composition of the bottom decile: The example of gender and extreme poverty in South Africa

ABSTRACT We examine the composition of the bottom decile in South Africa using three alternative measures of socio-economic status (SES): an asset index, household income per capita and household expenditure per capita. We show that the gender composition of the bottom decile is sensitive to the measure used. We discuss possible reasons for these discrepancies, highlighting gender differences in asset ownership and location. This has implications for the use of asset indices for identifying the poorest members of society.
Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in depressed patients with HIV/AIDS attending a Nigerian university teaching hospital clinic.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of depressive disorder in patients with HIV/AIDS receiving HAART; to determine the effect of depressive disorder on adherence to antiretroviral therapy; and to determine the significance of the association. METHOD The study was conducted amongst outpatients of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. A sociodemographic and drug adherence questionnaire was administered. The Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to screen for depressive symptoms while the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) was used to confirm the diagnosis of depressive disorder. RESULTS A total of 310 patients with HIV/AIDS receiving HAART participated in the study. 68.4% were female and the mean age was 35.5 (± 8.97 years). 37.4% had secondary education, while 27.1% had tertiary education. Sixty-six participants (21.3%) had significant depressive symptoms while 14.2% met ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder. Overall, 73% of participants had good adherence to HAART. 63.6% of participants with depressive disorder had poor adherence to HAART compared to 21.1% of participants without depressive disorder (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Depressive disorder in patients with HIV/AIDS is associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral medication. Early identification and treatment of depression in such patients may improve antiretroviral medication adherence and treatment outcomes.
Early Bilingual Development: Expanding Our Understanding of Family Language Policy in Heritage Language Maintenance

Early Bilingual Development: Expanding Our Understanding of Family Language Policy in Heritage Language Maintenance Youngmin Seo Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Manka M. Varghese Curriculum and Instruction The increased attention given to immigrants’ English proficiency and their academic achievement in schools has blinded society to the issues associated with heritage language (HL) loss that children of immigrants face. Using qualitative methods, this study investigated how family language policy (FLP) was developed and enacted in the context of 14 Chinese and Korean American families with attention to the interactive effect between multiple layers of environment of the family on the child’s HL development. The main questions of this study are what language ideology or beliefs parents hold up; how their language ideology or beliefs are manifested in their language planning and practice regarding HL maintenance for their children; what contextual factors account for HL maintenance and loss. In line with past studies, the present study supports the notion that the parent is one of the most significant factors in early bilingual development and HL development in young children. Parental involvement was broad from home language and literacy practice, the form and type of HL education after school, to the engagement of a community of practice. Findings also highlight that FLP was mediated by (1) parents’ language ideologies or beliefs concerning
Comparison of Analytical and Clinical Performance of HPV 9G DNA Chip, PANArray HPV Genotyping Chip, and Hybrid-Capture II Assay in Cervicovaginal Swabs

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can be detected by using several molecular methods, including Hybrid-Capture II (HC2) assay and variable HPV DNA chip tests, although each method has different sensitivities and specificities. Methods: We performed HPV 9G DNA Chip (9G) and PANArray HPV Genotyping Chip (PANArray) tests on 118 cervicovaginal swabs and compared the results with HC2, cytology, histology, and direct sequencing results. Results The overall and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) positivity rates were 62.7% and 44.9% using 9G, and 61.0% and 30.5% using PANArray, respectively. The positivity rates for HR-HPV with these two chips were significantly lower than 55.1% when HC2 was used. The sensitivity of overall HPV positivity in detecting histologically confirmed low-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions or higher was 88.7% for all three tests. The specificity was 58.5% for 9G and 61.5% for PANArray, which was significantly lower than the 72.3% for HC2. With the HR-HPV+ genotype threshold, the sensitivity decreased to 75.5% for 9G and 52.8% for PANArray, which was significantly lower than the 88.7% for HC2. Comparison of the two chips showed concordant results in 55.1% of the samples, compatible results in 16.9%, and discordant results in 28.0%, exhibiting poor agreement in detecting certain HPV genotypes. Compared with direct sequencing, 9G yielded no discordant results, whereas PANArray yielded 31 discordant results (26.7%). Conclusions Compared with HC2, the HPV genotyping tests showed lower sensitivity in histologic correlation. When the two chips were compared, the 9G was more sensitive and accurate for detecting HR-HPV than the PANArray.
Contribution of NO and cytochrome P450 to the vasodilator effect of bradykinin in the rat kidney

1 Inhibition of nitric oxide generation with Nw‐nitro‐l‐arginine (nitroarginine) reduced vasodilator responses to bradykinin and acetylcholine and enhanced those to nitroprusside in the rat isolated perfused kidney, preconstricted with phenylephrine. 2 Inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase with indomethacin, decreased the vasodilator responses to bradykinin by ∼25% without affecting those to acetylcholine or nitroprusside. 3 BW755c, a dual inhibitor of cyclo‐oxygenase and lipoxygenase, reduced renal vasodilator responses to bradykinin, comparable to the effect of indomethacin suggesting an effect related to inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase rather than lipoxygenase. 4 ETYA, an inhibitor of all arachidonic acid metabolic pathways, markedly reduced vasodilator responses to bradykinin but was without effect on the renal vasodilatation induced by acetylcholine or nitroprusside. 5 Clotrimazole and 7‐ethoxyresorufin, inhibitors of cytochrome P450, greatly attenuated vasodilator responses to bradykinin without affecting those to acetylcholine or nitroprusside. 6 These data suggest that the renal vasodilator response to bradykinin is subserved by arachidonic acid metabolites as well as nitric oxide, the former accounting for up to 70% of the vasodilator effect of bradykinin.