Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Anti-tobacco Health Education in an Eastern Mediterranean Country with Growing Tobacco Use.

BACKGROUND In Jordan, a developing country with a high tobacco burden and where roughly 40% of cancers are tobacco-related, limited knowledge exists on public awareness regarding tobacco. This is a hindrance for experts seeking to strengthen anti-tobacco health promotion and counter growing tobacco use. We sought to evaluate public awareness regarding tobacco; to gauge exposure to anti-tobacco public messages; and to draw attention to the lay public's informational needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey of lay public in the capital, Amman, capturing knowledge regarding tobacco harms and anti-tobacco laws, perceptions regarding tobacco use and control, and exposure to and recall of anti-tobacco messages, was conducted. Statistics on perceptions were generated and analyzed by smoking status and sociodemographic factors. Multivariate regression was performed to estimate independent associations of smoking and sociodemographic factors with knowledge. RESULTS Of 1,169 respondents, 17.8% could recall specific anti-tobacco messages. With regard to knowledge, despite high proportions of respondents exhibiting knowledge for individual statements regarding tobacco health harms, variables capturing breadth of knowledge showed that much lower proportions could correctly identify all the listed health harms of tobacco, and all listed Jordanian anti-tobacco regulations (47.5% and 36.2%, respectively). On multivariate analysis, breadth of knowledge varied by smoking status, age and educational level. CONCLUSIONS There is need for more salient, evocative and multi-faceted anti-tobacco messages in Jordan, tailored to subgroups, given detected variability in knowledge across smoking status and sociodemographic characteristics.
Increased cognitive problem reporting after information about chemotherapy-induced cognitive decline: The moderating role of stigma consciousness

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Steroid metabolic pathways in feminizing testicular tissue.

ABSTRACT Feminizing testicular tissue was homogenized and incubated with a variety of labeled steroids as substrates. Analysis of the products obtained suggest that in this tissue steroids were metabolized primarily by the Δ5-pregnenolone pathway rather than by the Δ4-progesterone pathway. No labeled estrogens could be isolated from these incubations. The 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase system in this tissue was much less active than that in the normal testis. Among the products of progesterone were androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 16-hydroxyprogesterone, and testosterone. Incubation with pregnenolone gave dehydroepian-drosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, testosterone, progesterone, and androst-5-ene-3,17-diol. Incubations with dehydroepiandrosterone gave testosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and androst-5-ene-3,17-diol as products. Kinetic experiments with dehydroepiandrosterone as substrate suggest that dehyd.
Metformin and reduced risk of cancer in diabetic patients

Metformin, widely given to patients with type 2 diabetes, works by targeting the enzyme AMPK (AMP activated protein kinase), which induces muscles to take up glucose from the blood. A recent breakthrough has found the upstream regulator of AMPK to be a protein kinase known as LKB1.1 2 LKB1 is a well recognised tumour suppressor. Activation of AMPK by metformin and exercise requires LKB1, and this would also explain why exercise is beneficial in the primary and secondary prevention of certain cancers.3 We hypothesise that metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes may reduce their risk of cancer. We tested this hypothesis using record linkage databases developed in Tayside, Scotland: a diabetes clinical information system (DARTS) and a database of dispensed prescriptions (MEMO). 4 We did a pilot case-control study using previously validated methods.5 From 314 127 people who were resident (or died) in Tayside in …
Aprendizaje basado en problemas

Desde el Area de Fundamentos de Fisioterapia y con el objetivo de mejorar nuestra calidad docente, iniciamos durante el curso 1999-2000 un conjunto de actividades alrededor de una metodologia docente conocida internacionalmente como "problem-based learning". En este articulo explicaremos brevemente en que consiste el aprendizaje a partir de problemas y cuales podrian ser las ventajas, desventajas y las posibilidades de implementar este metodo dentro de la Diplomatura de Fisioterapia
Phonon dynamics of graphene on metals

The study of surface phonon dispersion curves is motivated by the quest for a detailed understanding of the forces between the atoms at the surface and in the bulk. In the case of graphene, additional motivation comes from the fact that thermal conductivity is dominated by contributions from acoustic phonons, while optical phonon properties are essential to understand Raman spectra. In this article, we review recent progress made in the experimental determination of phonon dispersion curves of graphene grown on several single-crystal metal surfaces. The two main experimental techniques usually employed are high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and inelastic helium atom scattering (HAS). The different dispersion branches provide a detailed insight into the graphene–substrate interaction. Softening of optical modes and signatures of the substrate′s Rayleigh wave are observed for strong graphene–substrate interactions, while acoustic phonon modes resemble those of free-standing graphene for weakly interacting systems. The latter allows determining the bending rigidity and the graphene–substrate coupling strength. A comparison between theory and experiment is discussed for several illustrative examples. Perspectives for future experiments are discussed.
The AlfpCre mouse revisited: Evidence for liver steatosis related to growth hormone deficiency

With great interest we read the article by Mueller et al. on the development of steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice by disrupting hepatic growth hormone (GH) and glucocorticoid receptor signaling. They demonstrate that abrogation of hepatic signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5) signaling caused liver steatosis by up-regulation of genes involved in lipid uptake and synthesis. However, we have concerns regarding the use of AlfpCre transgenic mice to inactivate Stat5 in the liver. While generating the AlfpCre transgene, the entire human GH (hGH) gene was inserted for its introns and polyadenylation signal. As a consequence, a polycistronic messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript encoding Cre Recombinase and hGH was transcribed in the liver, hypothalamus, and pituitary (data not shown). However, hGH was only translated in the hypothalamus and pituitary (Fig. 1A). It has previously been described that targeted expression of hGH in the hypothalamus reduces expression of hypothalamic GH releasing hormone (GHRH), leading to GH deficiency (GHD). This is also the case in AlfpCre mice in a C57Bl6/J background, as shown by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR). In the hypothalamus, expression levels of GHRH were reduced by 70% (P< 0.01) and mouse GH messenger RNA (mRNA) in the adenopituitary by 61% (P< 0.05). AlfpCre mice also showed hypoplasia of the pituitary (Fig. 1B). Hepatic insulinlike growth factor 1 (Igf1) mRNA and Igf1 plasma protein levels were decreased by 71% (P< 0.001) and 60% (P< 0.001), respectively, and reduced phosphorylation of Stat5 in AlfpCre livers was shown by western blotting (Fig. 1C), confirming GHD in AlfpCre mice. Consequently, AlfpCre mice exhibit postnatal growth retardation (Fig. 1D), a finding that was also observed in AlfpCrec-Jun mice. Downstream of the impaired GH signaling, AlfpCre livers showed increased levels of triglycerides (TGs), free fatty acids (FFAs), and cholesterol, indicating liver steatosis (Fig. 1E). Finally, genes involved in lipid uptake and synthesis, including CD36, very low-density lipoprotein receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, were significantly up-regulated by 2.52(P< 0.01), 5.44(P< 0.01), and
Prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome (OABS) among women with gynaecological problems and its risk factors in a tertiary hospital, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: Implication for primary healthcare providers.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper was to determine the prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome (OABS) and its risk factors among patients with other gynaecological problems. METHODS This study was conducted on women aged more than 18 years who attended the gynaecology clinic for various diagnoses other than urinary problems at a tertiary hospital in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, for a period of 6 months. Data on patient's profile, symptoms and risk factors for overactive bladder (OAB) were prospectively collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from ICIQ (international consultation on incontinence questionnaire). Exclusion criteria included patients with confirmed diagnosis of stress incontinence or OAB, neurological impairment, gynaecological malignancy and those with a previous history of pelvic radiation. Chi-square test and logistic regression test were used in the statistical analysis. We presented the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for each of the OAB symptoms with p-value of 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of OAB among the patients (n = 573) in this study was 19.1%. History of giving births to macrosomic babies and presence of utero-vaginal prolapse (UVP) were shown to be significantly associated with OAB in the multivariate analysis. Other factors were advanced age, high parity and menopausal for more than 5 years. More than half of the patients with the symptoms of OAB did not seek treatment, as they did not think it is necessary. CONCLUSION It is found that the prevalence of OAB is similar with many other studies conducted elsewhere. It was found to be multifactorial, but was highly significantly related with the presence of UVP, especially cystocoele and history of giving births to macrosomic babies.
How to Undo Things with Words: Infelicitous Practices and Infelicitous Agents

This paper offers a new interpretation of Austin (the New Austin) that overcomes the AustinDerrida debate by dissolving the dichotomy between construction and deconstruction and focusing on the notion of performative reconstruction. The essay also contains a discussion of the normative distinction between felicity and infelicity and how it affects the identity of speakers and agents. This discussion draws on recent Gender and Queer Theory and builds a bridge between the literature on identity and Speech Act Theory. The central argument in this paper proposes a negotiating model of performativity and a robust notion of discursive responsibility that underscores the intimate and unavoidable links between the semantic and the socio-political.
Multiplexed silicon photonic sensor arrays enable facile characterization of coagulation protein binding to nanodiscs with variable lipid content

Interactions of soluble proteins with the cell membrane are critical within the blood coagulation cascade. Of particular interest are the interactions of γ-carboxyglutamic acid-rich domain-containing clotting proteins with lipids. Variability among conventional analytical methods presents challenges for comparing clotting protein–lipid interactions. Most previous studies have investigated only a single clotting protein and lipid composition and have yielded widely different binding constants. Herein, we demonstrate that a combination of lipid bilayer nanodiscs and a multiplexed silicon photonic analysis technology enables high-throughput probing of many protein–lipid interactions among blood-clotting proteins. This approach allowed direct comparison of the binding constants of prothrombin, factor X, activated factor VII, and activated protein C to seven different binary lipid compositions. In a single experiment, the binding constants of one protein interacting with all lipid compositions were simultaneously determined. A simple surface regeneration then facilitated similar binding measurements for three other coagulation proteins. As expected, our results indicated that all proteins exhibit tighter binding (lower Kd) as the proportion of anionic lipid increases. Interestingly, at high proportions of phosphatidylserine, the Kd values of all four proteins began to converge. We also found that although koff values for all four proteins followed trends similar to those observed for the Kd values, the variation among the proteins was much lower, indicating that much of the variation came from the kinetic binding (kon) of the proteins. These findings indicate that the combination of silicon photonic microring resonator arrays and nanodiscs enables rapid interrogation of biomolecular binding interactions at model cell membrane interfaces.
Mixed dentition cavitated caries incidence and dietary intake frequencies.

PURPOSE This study examined risk factors for children having new cavitated caries between 5 and 9 years old. METHODS Subjects were Iowa Fluoride Study cohort children (mostly Caucasian and of relatively high socioeconomic status) with both primary and mixed dentition caries exams and at least 2 diet diaries recorded between 5 and 8 years old (N=198). Using surface-specific transitions, combined counts of new cavitated caries (d(2-3)f and/or D(2-3)F) were determined from 4 primary second molars, 8 permanent incisors, and 4 permanent molars. Food and beverage intake frequencies were abstracted. Other factors were assessed using periodic questionnaires. Logistic regression identified predictors of new cavitated caries. RESULTS Thirty-seven percent had new cavitated caries. The mean new cavitated caries count for all children was 1.17 surfaces (±2.28 SD). In multivariable logistic regression, the following were significantly associated (P<.10) with having new cavitated caries: noncavitated caries experience at 5 years old (odds ratio [OR]=2.67, P=.03); cavitated caries experience at 5 years old (OR=3.39, P=.004); greater processed starch at snack frequency (OR=3.87, P=.07); being older (OR=1.68, P=.04); and less frequent tooth-brushing (P=.001). CONCLUSION Results suggested that increased tooth-brushing frequency and reduced consumption of processed starches as snacks may reduce caries incidence in younger school-aged children.
A 22GS/s 6b DAC with integrated digital ramp generator

A 22GS/s 6b DAC is presented that includes a digital ramp pattern generator. The DAC core and ramp generator consume 2W and 1.2W respectively operating from 3.3V. The DAC produces a differential signal up to 1.3V/sub pp/ DNL<0.5LSB and INL<0.9LSB are measured. The highest glitch energy is 0.5pVs. Settling times are 70 and 40ps for full- and half-scale transitions, respectively.
Bluetongue Virus: (1) In Pregnant White-tailed Deer (2) A Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test*

Six white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were infected with bluetongue virus (BT8, vaccinal strain) approximately one-third of the way through their gestation period. One deer died of bluetongue 21 days after inoculation. Of the five surviving the infection, one had two mummified fetuses, and the others no fetuses upon euthanasia two weeks after term. Fetuses were present in two control deer and in the one which died of bluetongue. A plaque reduction neutralization test for bluetongue virus was developed and described for the first time and its sensitivity illustrated by high post inoculation titers which ranged from 1:3200 to greater than 1:16000.
Overexpression of SH2-Containing Inositol Phosphatase 2 Results in Negative Regulation of Insulin-Induced Metabolic Actions in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes via Its 5′-Phosphatase Catalytic Activity

ABSTRACT Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase plays an important role in various metabolic actions of insulin including glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. Although PI 3-kinase primarily functions as a lipid kinase which preferentially phosphorylates the D-3 position of phospholipids, the effect of hydrolysis of the key PI 3-kinase product PI 3,4,5-triphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] on these biological responses is unknown. We recently cloned rat SH2-containing inositol phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) cDNA which possesses the 5′-phosphatase activity to hydrolyze PI(3,4,5)P3 to PI 3,4-bisphosphate [PI(3,4)P2] and which is mainly expressed in the target tissues of insulin. To study the role of SHIP2 in insulin signaling, wild-type SHIP2 (WT-SHIP2) and 5′-phosphatase-defective SHIP2 (ΔIP-SHIP2) were overexpressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by means of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Early events of insulin signaling including insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor β subunit and IRS-1, IRS-1 association with the p85 subunit, and PI 3-kinase activity were not affected by expression of either WT-SHIP2 or ΔIP-SHIP2. Because WT-SHIP2 possesses the 5′-phosphatase catalytic region, its overexpression marked by decreased insulin-induced PI(3,4,5)P3 production, as expected. In contrast, the amount of PI(3,4,5)P3 was increased by the expression of ΔIP-SHIP2, indicating that ΔIP-SHIP2 functions in a dominant-negative manner in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Both PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(3,4)P2 were known to possibly activate downstream targets Akt and protein kinase Cλ in vitro. Importantly, expression of WT-SHIP2 inhibited insulin-induced activation of Akt and protein kinase Cλ, whereas these activations were increased by expression of ΔIP-SHIP2 in vivo. Consistent with the regulation of downstream molecules of PI 3-kinase, insulin-induced 2-deoxyglucose uptake and Glut4 translocation were decreased by expression of WT-SHIP2 and increased by expression of ΔIP-SHIP2. In addition, insulin-induced phosphorylation of GSK-3β and activation of PP1 followed by activation of glycogen synthase and glycogen synthesis were decreased by expression of WT-SHIP2 and increased by the expression of ΔIP-SHIP2. These results indicate that SHIP2 negatively regulates metabolic signaling of insulin via the 5′-phosphatase activity and that PI(3,4,5)P3 rather than PI(3,4)P2 is important for in vivo regulation of insulin-induced activation of downstream molecules of PI 3-kinase leading to glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.
Twenty-year experience of transvenous lead extraction at a single centre.

AIMS Indications for cardiovascular implantable electronic devices continue to evolve, which has led to an increasing requirement for transvenous lead extraction. We explore the indications, complications, and success rates involved in the removal of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads in a high-volume centre, over 20 years. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction by a single operator at a single centre between 1993 and 2012. Patient characteristics, indications, and outcomes were analysed. A total of 1006 leads were removed from 510 patients. Seventy-two per cent of patients were males. The mean age was 64 years (range 14-96). Indications included systemic infection (25%), pocket infection (40%), lead failure (26%), chronic pain (3%), and other (6%). Ninety-six per cent of leads were completely removed. There was one procedure-related death, and the major complication rate was 0.3%. Infection was the only identified predictor of increased complication (χ² for difference between groups 20, P< 0.0001). CONCLUSION Pacing and ICD leads can be safely extracted with mechanical techniques. The presence of device infection appears to be the major predictor of procedural complications.
Bacterial Isolates and Semen Analysis of Male Partners of Infertile Couples.

BACKGROUND: Seminal tract infections alter the semen quality and affect the sperm parameters of men with varying degree of effect to male fertility. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to investigate the presence of infectious agents other than sexually transmitted infections in semen and their relation to semen parameters. METHODS: Five hundred and eighty-seven semen samples of males investigated for infertility were analyzed, inoculated on sterile culture media, and incubated for 24hrs at 37 o C. The isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests and their antimicrobial susceptibility determined. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the samples had normal sperm concentration, 41.1% had oligospermia, and 4.9% had azoospermia. About 64.7% had normal viscous consistency, 23.0% were high viscous, and 12.3% low viscous. Also, 19.4% had highly motile permatozoa, 51.5% moderately, 27.6% poorly and 1.6% entirely non-motile spermatozoa. About 55.9% of the samples were infected with different nonspecific pathogens. CONCLUSSION: 55.9% of the semen samples were infected and this significantly affected the semen parameters. It is necessary to investigate male partners of infertile couples for infections and appropriate treatment initiated.
Goitrous congenital hypothyroidism and hearing impairment associated with mutations in the TPO and SLC26A4/PDS genes.

CONTEXT Pendred syndrome (PS) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) deficiency are autosomal-recessive disorders that result in thyroid dyshormonogenesis. They share congenital hypothyroidism, goiter, and an iodide organification defect as common features. Whereas the hallmark of PS is sensorineural deafness, other forms of congenital hypothyroidism may also lead to hearing impairment. Therefore, a definite diagnosis may be difficult and require molecular genetic analyses. CASE REPORT The propositus presented at birth with primary hypothyroidism and goiter. He also had congenital bilateral moderate hearing loss, and PS was suspected. METHODS We sequenced the SLC26A4/PDS and TPO genes in the propositus and tested familial segregation of mutations in all available family members who were phenotypically normal. The functional consequences of the identified pendrin mutation (p.R776C) were studied in vitro. RESULTS Sequencing of the SLC26A4/PDS gene revealed a single monoallelic missense mutation in the propositus (p.R776C). This mutation, which was inherited from his unaffected mother, has previously been identified in an individual with deafness and an enlarged vestibular aqueduct. Sequencing of the TPO gene revealed compound heterozygosity for a novel nonsense mutation (p.Q235X) and a known missense mutation (p.Y453D). The mutant pendrin (p.R776C) retained its ability to transport iodide in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These results show that the propositus carries three sequence variants in two genes: a monoallelic SLC26A4/PDS sequence variant and compound heterozygous TPO mutations. Our study illustrates that if only a single heterozygous SLC26A4/PDS mutation is found in a patient with goiter and deafness, other genetic explanations should be considered.