Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can self-help group programs improve women’s empowerment? A systematic review

ABSTRACT This mixed-methods systematic review focuses on the impact of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) on women’s economic, social, psychological, and political empowerment. Both governmental and non-governmental institutions spend formidable resources facilitating SHGs in low-and middle-income countries in South Asia and other developing countries, under the premise that access to microfinance, training, and group support can enhance women’s empowerment. We found that women’s economic SHGs have positive effects on economic and political empowerment, women’s mobility, and women’s control over family planning. The estimated effect sizes range from 0.06–0.41 standardised mean differences. We did not find evidence for positive effects of SHGs on psychological empowerment. The qualitative research further suggests that the positive effects of SHGs on empowerment run through mechanisms that are associated with familiarity in handling money, independence in financial decision-making, solidarity, social networks, and respect from the household and other community members. However, the included evaluations often did not include sufficient information about the specifics of the activities that were implemented by the SHGs. As a result, it remains unclear which of the various SHG models are most effective. Finally, our triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative findings indicates that SHGs do not have adverse consequences for domestic violence.
On The Development of Grass-roots Democracy in Urban Areas: ──A Case Study of Shanghai City

The aim of this paper is to study the development of grass-roots democracy in Shanghai City. Taking all relevant factors into consideration, it is difficul t to enhance the grassroots democracy through the framework of residential commi ttee. Study on the Committee of Householder shows that grass-roots democracy ca n be realized only when individual interests is protected and resources are unde r the control of civil society.
Metabolite abnormalities in progressive rnultifocal leukoencephalopathy by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Objective To evaluate progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) lesions using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Design CSF polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection for JC viral (JCV) DNA; MRI and localized 1H MRS in the PML lesions, normal-appearing contralateral brain regions (CONTRA), and in matched brain regions of normal subjects. Setting University-affiliated medical center. Patients or participants 20 AIDS patients with clinical diagnosis of PML, 16 had tissue and/or CSF evidence of JCV infection; 20 age-matched normal subjects. Main outcome measures Metabolites from 1H MRS: N-acetyl aspartate (NA), creatine (CR), choline-containing compounds (CHO), myoinositol (MI), glutamine/glutamate (GLX), lactate, and lipids. Results CSF PCR for JCV DNA showed 86% sensitivity. MRI showed characteristic demyelinating lesions; commonest locations were frontal lobe and cerebellum. 1H MRS in the lesions showed decreased NA (−35%; p < 0.0001) and CR (−18%; p = 0.003), increased CHO (+28%; p = 0.0005), occasional increased MI, and excess lactate (15/20 lesions) and lipids (18/20). In the CONTRA, MRS showed trends for increased CR (+15%), CHO (+ 15%), MI (+13%), and lower GLX (−9%; p = 0.02). Six patients, studied longitudinally (4–18 months), showed progressive spectroscopic changes; two patients with longest survival showed the highest MI. Conclusions These MRS findings are consistent with neuropathologic observations of neuronal loss, cell membrane and myelin breakdown, and increased glial activity in PML lesions. The CONTRA abnormalities may be due to remote effects of PML or direct HIV-1 infection. 1H MRS may be useful for characterization and follow-up evaluation of PML lesions.
Increasing access to kidney transplantation in countries with limited resources: The Indian experience with Kidney Paired Donation

According to the Indian chronic kidney disease registry, in 2010 only 2% of end stage kidney disease patients were managed with kidney transplantation, 37% were managed with dialysis and 61% were treated conservatively without renal replacement therapy. In countries like India, where a well‐organized deceased donor kidney transplantation program is not available, living donor kidney transplantation is the major source of organs for kidney transplantation. The most common reason to decline a donor for directed living donation is ABO incompatibility, which eliminates up to one third of the potential living donor pool. Because access to transplantation with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐desensitization protocols and ABO incompatible transplantation is very limited due to high costs and increased risk of infections from more intense immunosuppression, kidney paired donation (KPD) promises hope to a growing number of end stage kidney disease patients. KPD is a rapidly growing and cost‐effective living donor kidney transplantation strategy for patients who are incompatible with their healthy, willing living donor. In principle, KPD is feasible for any centre that performs living donor kidney transplantation. In transplant centres with a large living donor kidney transplantation program KPD does not require extra infrastructure, decreases waiting time, avoids transplant tourism and prevents commercial trafficking. Although KPD is still underutilized in India, it has been performed more frequently in recent times. To substantially increase donor pool and transplant rates, transplant centres should work together towards a national KPD program and frame a uniform acceptable allocation policy.
FIRST RECORD OF RENIBACTERIUM SALMONINARUM IN THE SEA LAMPREY (PETROMYZON MARINUS)

Bacterial kidney disease (BKD), caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum, is a widespread problem with major implications for salmonid fish species. The mechanisms by which the bacterium has reached high levels of infection previously unrecorded in the Laurentian Great Lakes are presently unknown. Research involving reservoirs and mechanisms of R. salmoninarum transmission in fish is lacking because of the ecologic complexity of heterogeneous habitats and the lack of adequate funding. Herein, we report on the isolation of R. salmoninarum from the kidneys of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). The bacterium was cultured from kidneys of 16% and 4% of lampreys collected from two locations within the Lake Ontario watershed in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The identity of bacterial colonies was verified with the nested polymerase chain reaction and quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Enalapril maleate and a lysine analogue (MK-521): disposition in man.

1 The disposition of two angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor drugs was studied in normal volunteers. One drug was enalapril maleate (MK-421), which requires in vivo esterolysis to yield active inhibitor (MK-422). The other was a lysine analogue of MK-422 (MK-521), which requires no bioactivation. 2 Absorption of enalapril maleate (10 mg, p.o.) was rapid, with peak serum concentrations of enalapril observed 0.5-1.5 h after administration. Based upon urinary recovery of total drug (enalapril plus MK-422), absorption was at least 61%. Bioactivation appeared to be largely post-absorptive. From the ratio of MK-422 to total drug in urine, the minimum extent of bioactivation was estimated at 0.7. 3 A similar dose of MK-521 was absorbed more slowly, reaching peak serum concentrations 6-8 h following drug administration. Minimum absorption, based upon urinary recovery, was 29%. 4 Serum concentration v time profiles for both drugs were polyphasic and exhibited prolonged terminal phases. 5 Recovery in urine and faeces of administered enalapril maleate (intact and as MK-422) was 94%. Recovery of MK-521 was 97%. These results indicate lack of significant metabolism of these agents, apart from the bioactivation of enalapril.
Do Employers' Responses to Crises Impact Men and Women Differently? Firm‐Level Evidence from Indonesia

Do employers' responses to crises impact men and women differently? Using manufacturing census data from Indonesia this paper assesses gender differences in the impact of the East Asian crisis and to what extent these were due to differential treatment of men and women within firms and gender sorting across firms that varied in their exposure to the crisis. On average, women experienced higher job losses than their male colleagues within the same firm. However, the aggregate adverse effect of such differential treatment was more than offset by women being disproportionately employed in firms hit relatively less hard by the crisis. The null hypothesis that there were no gender differences in wage adjustment is not rejected.
Influence of the Preoperative Neurological Status on Survival After the Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Spinal Metastases With Spinal Cord Compression

Study Design. Consecutive case-series. Objective. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the preoperative neurological status and subsequent survival of patients undergoing surgical treatment for symptomatic spinal metastases. Summary of Background Data. The survival of cancer patients has increased over recent years with improvements in oncologic therapy. As many as 70% of cancer patients develop spinal metastases and ∼10% of all cancer patients are treated for metastatic spinal cord compression. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 166 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases in our department between 2005 and 2012. The evaluated factors were age, primary tumor aggressiveness (slow, moderate, rapid growing), spinal location (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral), operation type (posterior decompression, anterior or posterior instrumented procedure, and radical combined instrumented surgery), preoperative evaluation using the revised Tokuhashi scoring system (<9, 9–11, and 12–15), pre- and postoperative neurological status according to the Frankel score (A-C and D-E), and the site of the main spinal cord compression (anterior, posterior, or combined). Postoperative complication and recurrence rate were also monitored. Results. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 12 years. The median survival time after surgery was 16.0 months. Preoperative neurological status influenced survival time significantly; the median survival was 5.1 months in Frankel A-C and 28.2 months in Frankel D-E (P < 0.001). Improvement on the Frankel scale did not influence the survival time (P = 0.131). When the patients’ age was <65 years this related to a significantly longer survival time (P = 0.046). The Tokuhashi score predicted patient's survival independently (P < 0.001). The other factors had no statistical significance. Conclusion. The most important factors influencing postoperative survival time of these patients with symptomatic spinal metastases was the preoperative neurological condition and the Tokuhashi scoring system, which together represents a useful tool for planning the extent of surgical treatment.
Opaque intraocular lens for intractable diplopia: experience and patients’ expectations and satisfaction

Aim: To report the authors' experience with the use of opaque intraocular lenses (IOL) in diplopia unresponsive to traditional management strategies, and to assess patients’ satisfaction and the visual function of patients following insertion of opaque IOL using the Visual Function Index (VF-14). Settings: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Method: Data were obtained on all patients who underwent insertion of an opaque IOL at our institution between 2002 and 2006. Patients were interviewed by telephone. Any visual function impairment was assessed using the VF-14 questionnaire. Patients were also asked to score subjectively their overall satisfaction with the visual outcome after opaque IOL insertion. Results: The authors studied 12 patients (n = 12) who had insertion of opaque IOL. All patients had constant and persistent diplopia unresponsive to other treatments acceptable to the patient. The median duration of diplopia was 5.5 years (interquartile range was 2.4–17.3 years). The postoperative VF-14 ranged from 75 to 100, and the mean VF-14 was 91 (95% CI 83–99). Three patients reported a maximum score of 100. Patient satisfaction ranged from 2 to 4, and the average was 3.4 out of 4. Conclusions: Opaque IOL insertion is a valuable option in the management of intractable diplopia. The VF-14 revealed very little or no impairment in visual function following the procedure. All patients reported improvement in their visual function and were pleased with the final outcome.
NONTRANSITIVITY OF SPERM PRECEDENCE IN DROSOPHILA

Abstract Sperm competition is an important component of fitness in Drosophila, but we still do not have a clear understanding of the unit of selection that is relevant to sperm competition. Here we demonstrate that sperm competitive ability is not a property of the sperm haplotype, but rather of the diploid male's genotype. Then we test whether the relative sperm competitive ability of males can be ranked on a linear array or whether competitive ability instead depends on particular pairwise contests among males. Sperm precedence of six chromosome-extracted lines was tested against three different visible marker lines (cn bw, bwD, and Cy), and the rank order of the six lines differed markedly among the mutant lines. Population genetic theory has shown that departures from transitivity of sperm precedence may be important to the maintenance of polymorphism for genes that influence sperm competitive ability. The nontransitivity seen in sperm precedence should theoretically increase the opportunity for polymorphism in genes that influence this phenotype. Corresponding Editor: L. Nunney
Evaluation of potential topical and systemic neuroprotective agents for ocular hypertension-induced retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate for drugs with superior neuroprotective efficacy and investigate their underlying mechanisms related to antioxidation. PROCEDURES Brinzolamide (1%), timolol (0.5%), minocycline (22 mg/kg), lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg), and methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) were administered to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The retina was evaluated by electroretinography and histological analysis. The antioxidative capacity of drugs was evaluated to clarify the underlying mechanism. The oxidant/antioxidant profiles of plasma, red blood cells, and retina were analyzed by lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and by measuring the activities of antioxidants. Proteomic analysis was used to investigate the possible protective mechanisms of the drug against ischemia-reperfusion injury. RESULTS The results suggested that timolol, methylprednisolone, and minocycline protected retinal function. Methylprednisolone and minocycline possessed good antioxidative activity. Brinzolamide and lidocaine preserved the structural integrity of the retina, but not retinal function. CONCLUSION Methylprednisolone, minocycline, and timolol have potential acute or delayed benefit in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Their neuroprotective actions depend at least partially on the ability to alleviate oxidative stress.
Efficacy of ertapenem in the treatment of early ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms in an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent complication of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Ertapenem is a newer carbapenem with good in vitro activity against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms. However, there are no clinical data to support the use of ertapenem in VAP. Our purpose is to evaluate the usefulness and safety of ertapenem in the treatment of VAP caused by susceptible ESBL strains. METHODS Ertapenem 1 g daily intravenously was given to adult patients with signs and symptoms of VAP beginning within 7 days of mechanical ventilation and caused by ESBL-producing Gram-negative organisms. RESULTS From June 2005 to June 2006, we enrolled 20 adult patients hospitalized in an ICU and diagnosed with VAP due to Gram-negative ESBL strains. Causative organisms identified as ESBL producers susceptible to ertapenem were Klebsiella pneumoniae (alone in 10 cases and with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 4 cases), Enterobacter cloacae (2), Proteus mirabilis (2) and Citrobacter freundii (2). Clinical success was achieved in 16/20 (80%) of the clinically evaluable patients and in 15/20 (75%) of the microbiologically evaluable patients. The drug was well-tolerated; one patient presented a transient increase in liver enzymes. CONCLUSIONS We believe this is one of the first reports to demonstrate that ertapenem has clinical utility in treating serious infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms. Ertapenem appears to be suitable for ESBL VAP therapy. This pilot study suggests subsequent controlled randomized trials in this indication.
Sildenafil versus continuous positive airway pressure for erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnea: a comparative study of their efficacy and safety and the patient's satisfaction with treatment.

AIM To assess the efficacy of sildenafil and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the treatment of concurrent erectile dysfunction (ED) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to gauge the level of treatment satisfaction in patients and their partners. METHODS Forty men were treated for 12 weeks with sildenafil 100 mg (20 men) or CPAP during nighttime sleep (20 men). Treatment efficacy was assessed by the rate of successful intercourse attempts, and satisfaction with treatment was assessed by patients' and partners' answers to question 1 of the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction. RESULTS Under sildenafil, 128 of 249 (51.4%) intercourse attempts were successful; under CPAP, 51 of 193 (26.9%) attempts were successful ((c)P < 0.001). Erectile function was improved in both groups. After sildenafil and CPAP treatment, the mean International Index for Erectile Function domain scores were 14.3 and 10.8, respectively ((b)P = 0.025), compared to 7.8 and 7 at baseline, respectively. CPAP and sildenafil were well tolerated. Sporadic episodes of nasal dryness under CPAP and transient headache and flushing under sildenafil were not significant. Fifty percent of patients treated with sildenafil and 25% with CPAP were satisfied with the treatment, and their partners were equally satisfied. The satisfaction scores for both patients and partners under sildenafil were superior to those under CPAP ((c)P < 0.002). CONCLUSION Both sildenafil 100 mg and CPAP, used separately, had positive therapeutic impact but sildenafil was superior. Patients and their partners were more satisfied with sildenafil for the treatment of ED. However, because of the high proportion of dissatisfied men and partners, new therapeutic agents or a combination of the two methods must be studied further.
Cross-notational semantic priming between symbolic and nonsymbolic numerosity

Symbolic and nonsymbolic numerosities produce similar behavioural effects and activate the same brain areas. These results have usually been interpreted in terms of a common, notation-independent magnitude representation. However, semantic priming between symbolic and nonsymbolic inputs has been somehow elusive (e.g., Koechlin, Naccache, Block, & Dehaene, 1999). In Experiment 1, we looked at whether cross-notational semantic priming depends on exact numerical meaning. Dice faces and digits were mixed as prime and target. Semantic priming occurred when prime and target were in the same notation as much as when they were in different notation. In Experiment 2, we found cross-notation semantic priming even when the nonsymbolic numerosity was presented as a set of random dots. Priming, however, occurred only from sets of dots to digit, not vice versa. These data support the computational model recently proposed by Verguts and Fias (2004; Verguts, Fias, & Stevens, 2005).
Comparison of quantitative techniques in anal sphincter electromyography

Data comparing results and utility of different quantitative electromyographic (EMG) techniques are limited. In the present study, we analyzed the EMG signal from the external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle using three techniques of motor unit potential (MUP) analysis, and a technique of interference pattern (IP) analysis. We examined 56 patients with damage to the cauda equina or conus medullaris, and 64 control subjects. Using manual‐MUP and multi‐MUP analysis about 20 MUPs, using a single‐MUP technique about 10 MUPs, and using turn/amplitude (T/A) analysis about 20 IP samples were obtained. The sensitivities of these techniques in distinguishing neuropathic from control muscles were calculated. The single‐MUP technique detected 63%, manual‐MUP 57%, and multi‐MUP analysis 62% of neuropathic muscles, and MUP parameters obtained by each of these differed significantly from the other. The sensitivity of T/A analysis of IP was 29%. Our results confirm the need for separate MUP normative data for each of the MUP analysis techniques, and favor them over the IP analysis technique. The normative data presented for the EAS muscle should improve and promote quantitative EMG in patients. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 83–92, 2002
IL‐21 enhances NK cell functions and survival in healthy and HIV‐infected patients with minimal stimulation of viral replication

IL‐21 plays an important role in regulating immune response and controlling chronic viral infections. Recently, we reported its decreased serum concentrations and their immunological consequences in HIV‐infected persons. In this study, we have investigated how exogenous IL‐21 enhances NK cell responses in these persons. We show that the cytokine receptors are expressed equally on all NK cell subsets defined by expression of CD16 and CD56; the cytokine activates STAT‐3, MAPK, and Akt to enhance NK cell functions; the STAT‐3 activation plays a key role in constitutive and IL‐21‐mediated enhancement of NK cell functions; the cytokine increases expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL and enhances viability of NK cells but has no effect on their proliferation; the cytokine enhances HIV‐specific ADCC, secretory, and cytotoxic functions, as well as viability of NK cells from HIV‐infected persons; it exerts its biological effects on NK cells with minimal stimulation of HIV‐1 replication; and the cytokine‐activated NK cells inhibit viral replication in cocultured, HIV‐infected, autologous CD4+ T cells in a perforin‐ and LFA‐1‐dependent manner. These data suggest that IL‐21 may serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for enhancing NK cell responses and inhibiting viral replication in HIV‐infected patients.