Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in Genetic Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss — A Thirst for Revolution

Despite the significant advances in understanding the molecular basis of hearing loss, precise identification of genetic cause still presents some difficulties, owing to pheno‐ typical variation. Gene discovery efforts for hearing disorders are complicated by ex‐ treme heterogeneity. Mutations in some of these genes, such as GJB2, MYO7A, CDH23, OTOF, SLC26A4, TMC1, are quite common and responsible for hearing loss. Clinical exome sequencing is a highly complex molecular test that analyzes the exons or coding regions of thousands of genes simultaneously, using next-generation se‐ quencing techniques. The development of a biological method for the repair, regener‐ ation, and replacement of hair cells of the damaged cochlea has the potential to restore normal hearing. At present, gene therapy and stem cells are two promising therapeutic applications for hearing disorders. Gene therapy and stem cell treatment have still a long way to go before these treatments will be available to use in humans. Therefore, existing measures must focus on the prevention of hearing loss to decrease the frequency of genetic hearing loss. Over time, genetic diagnostic tests will become available most rapidly, followed by targeted gene therapy or various permutations of progenitor cell transplantation, and eventually, the preventive interventions for a wider range of hearing impaired patients.
Mutual Trust between the Chief Information Officer and Chief Executive Officer: Insights from an Exploratory Interview Study

Research on the importance of the chief information officer (CIO) in organizations has received significant attention in the information systems (IS) literature over the past decades. However, research has insufficiently examined mutual trust between the CIO and other top managers, particularly the chief executive officer (CEO), which is problematic because trust is fundamental for all forms of cooperative behavior, which, in turn, determines the success of groups and organizations. Against the background of this significant research deficit, we report on an exploratory interview study that is part of a larger research project in which we investigate CIO-CEO interaction patterns. We report the trust-specific results of this project, based on 24 interviews (the CIO and CEO in twelve Austrian organizations). Our results reveal crucial mechanisms through which mutual trust emerges in CIO-CEO interactions, and we summarize our results in a conceptual framework. We embed findings of this study in a larger theoretical context; specifically, we establish a link to social capital theory, self-determination theory, and network gatekeeping theory.
Private Speech in the Classroom: The Effects of Activity Type, Presence of Others, Classroom Context, and Mixed-age Grouping

This study addressed the question of how young children's spontaneous use of private speech in the kindergarten classroom varies as a function of contextual variables, such as type of activity, immediate presence of others, degree of teacher-given structure, and classroom age composition. Twenty children from two classrooms (one mixed-age, one same-age) were systematically observed in their regular kindergarten classroom during a period of four weeks, using a time-sampling procedure. Results from ANOVA, chi-square, and logistic regression analyses indicated that young children's use of private speech does vary systematically according to the immediate physical and social context. More specifically, children were found to use more self-regulatory language when they were: (1) engaged in goal-directed task activity, as compared to free play or other activities; (2) in a classroom context which provided an intermediate degree of teacher regulation, compared to contexts in which either very little or a great deal of external structure was present; and (3) with their younger classmates, compared to either their same-age or older peers. No differences in overall private speech usage were found between the mixed-age and same-age classes. Frequency of private speech did not vary significantly depending on whether children were alone, with other children, or with adults. Classroom contexts vary in the degree to which they promote self-direction. This study suggests that if one is interested in fostering young children's development of self-regulation or in observing children's use of private speech, the optimum context is one which provides an intermediate amount of structure and allows children to spontaneously engage in challenging goal-directed activity.
ody image in emerging adults : The protective role of self-compassion achel

Self-compassion is thought to protect from body image concerns. However, the mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. This study examined three positive dimensions of self-compassion as moderators of the mediated relationship between perceived overweight status, appearance comparison, and appearance esteem. A sample of 232 youth aged 13–18 years, mean = 18.36 (SD = 1.5) years, reported on appearance esteem, appearance comparison, perceived weight status, and self-compassion dimensions including self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Among boys, mindfulness and common
Guano exposed: Impact of aerobic conditions on bat fecal microbiota

Abstract Bats and their associated guano microbiota provide important terrestrial and subterranean ecosystem services and serve as a reservoir for a wide range of epizootic and zoonotic diseases. Unfortunately, large‐scale studies of bats and their guano microbiotas are limited by the time and cost of sample collection, which requires specially trained individuals to work at night to capture bats when they are most active. Indirectly surveying bat gut microbiota through guano deposits could be a more cost‐effective alternative, but it must first be established whether the postdefecation exposure to an aerobic environment has a large impact on the guano microbial community. A number of recent studies on mammalian feces have shown that the impact of aerobic exposure is highly species specific; therefore, it is difficult to predict how exposure will affect the bat guano microbiota without empirical data. In our study, we collected fresh guano samples from 24 individuals of 10 bat species that are common throughout the arid environments of the American southwest and subjected the samples to 0, 1, and 12 hr of exposure. The biodiversity decreased rapidly after the shift from an anaerobic to an aerobic environment—much faster than previously reported in mammalian species. However, the relative composition of the core guano microbiota remained stable and, using highly sensitive targeted PCR methods, we found that pathogens present in the original, non‐exposed samples could still be recovered after 12 hr of exposure. These results suggest that with careful sample analysis protocols, a more efficient passive collection strategy is feasible; for example, guano could be collected on tarps placed near the roost entrance. Such passive collection methods would greatly reduce the cost of sample collection by allowing more sites or roosts to be surveyed with a fraction of trained personnel, time, and effort investments needed.
Macroeconomic evidence suggests that asylum seekers are not a “burden” for Western European countries

We use an econometric model to show that asylum seekers do not deteriorate host countries’ economic performance or fiscal balance. This paper aims to evaluate the economic and fiscal effects of inflows of asylum seekers into Western Europe from 1985 to 2015. It relies on an empirical methodology that is widely used to estimate the macroeconomic effects of structural shocks and policies. It shows that inflows of asylum seekers do not deteriorate host countries’ economic performance or fiscal balance because the increase in public spending induced by asylum seekers is more than compensated for by an increase in tax revenues net of transfers. As asylum seekers become permanent residents, their macroeconomic impacts become positive.
The maxillofacial injuries: A postmortem study

Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence and etiology of maxillofacial fractures in autopsy cases of KGMU, Lucknow. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 444 autopsy cases with maxillofacial injuries, who were brought to the mortuary of KGMU, Lucknow, for postmortem in the last year. Parameters such as gender, age, cause, type, and site of injury are evaluated. Result: The results of this study show that road traffic accidents are the main reason for maxillofacial injuries in the deceased, followed by railway accidents. Maxillofacial injuries are more common in adult males than in females. Majority cases also involved maxilla and zygomatic along with mandible. The most common type of facial fracture was Le Fort-2 fracture. Conclusion: Maxillofacial injuries are commonly seen in adult males, due to RTA, involving maxilla, zygomatic and mandible and presenting as Le Fort-2 fracture.
Endotoxin-induced uveitis promotes retinal endothelial cell injury and Muller cell proliferation

Uveitis is one of the most common eye diseases that cause eye blind. It mainly occurs in young adults. The pathogenesis of uveitis has not been clarified, leading to great difficulties in the treatment. Rat endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) is an ideal animal model for the study of human endogenous uveitis. Retinal microvascular endothelial cells and Muller cells are responsible for the supply of retinal neurotrophic requirements. They play a key role in the visual protection through maintaining the blood-retinal barrier. However, the role and mechanism of EIU in retinal endothelial cell injury and Muller cell expression has not been reported. SD rats were randomly divided into two groups. The EIU animal model was established using Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS). Retinal endothelial cells and Muller cells proliferation were detected by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by measurement of Caspase 3 expression. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to test the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to assess the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our results showed that retinal endothelial cell and Muller cell proliferation was attenuated in EIU group. Caspase 3 activity was enhanced, with increased VEGF expression and IL-1β and TNF-α secretion in the EIU group compared with control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EIU causes retinal endothelial cell damage and Muller cell expression reduction by promoting inflammatory factors secretion, facilitating VEGF expression, and inducing apoptosis.
1 , 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 inhibits uncoupling protein 2 expression in human adipocytes 1

Figure 1, top panel, shows that 48 h treatment of human adipocytes with 1 nM 1 ,25-(OH)2-D3 caused a 40% decrease in UCP2 mRNA (P 0.003) whereas direct stimulation of Ca influx with 10 mM KCl, a cell membrane depolarization agent, exerted no effect. Similar results were observed on UCP2 protein levels measured by Western blot (P 0.002, Fig. 1, bottom panel). 10 nM isoproterenol caused a twofold increase in adipocyte UCP2 mRNA (P 0.002), which was completely blocked by 1 ,25-(OH)2-D3 but by only 20% by KCl. Although KCl inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated increases in UCP2 protein (P 0.006), 1 ,25(OH)2-D3 exerted a more potent effect, reducing UCP2 protein below basal levels. Free fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid mixture) caused a twofold increase in UCP2 mRNA that was completely prevented by 1 ,25-(OH)2-D3, but not by KCl. These data indicate that 1 ,25-(OH)2-D3 inhibition of UCP2 expression is largely independent of its effects on Ca influx or fatty acid flux.
Low temperature rates for key steps of interstellar gas-phase water formation

Combined experimental-theoretical study suggests facile formation of water in diffuse interstellar media. The gas-phase formation of water molecules in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) proceeds mainly via a series of reactions involving the molecular ions OH+, H2O+, and H3O+ and molecular hydrogen. These reactions form the backbone for the chemistry leading to the formation of several complex molecular species in space. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in these reactions in the ISM necessitates an accurate knowledge of the rate coefficients at the relevant temperatures (10 to 100 K). We present measurements of the rate coefficients for two key reactions below 100 K, which, in both cases, are significantly higher than the values used in astronomical models thus far. The experimental rate coefficients show excellent agreement with dedicated theoretical calculations using a novel ring-polymer molecular dynamics approach that offers a first-principles treatment of low-temperature barrierless gas-phase reactions, which are prevalent in interstellar chemical networks.
Changes in erythrocyte ATPase activity under different pathological conditions

Background Studies have shown that Na+-K+ ATPase activity was altered in disrupted red blood cell membranes and this enzyme is believed to be the site of active transport of Na+ and K+ in intact red blood cells. The enzyme is often referred to as Na+-K+ pump because it pumps Na+ out and K+ into the cell against gradients with the concomitant hydrolysis of intracellular ATP. Objective The aim of this study was to find out the possibility of using Na+-K+-ATPase activity as a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological conditions. Materials and methods The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase was determined in blood samples collected from different pathological and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, smoking, diabetes and renal dysfunction compared with healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Results The Na+-K+ ATPase activity in pregnancy (0.094 ± 0.0051 µM Pi/min. mg protein), smoking (0.064 ± 0.0011 µM), diabetes (0.047 µM 0.002 µM) and kidney disease (0.069 ± 0.0014 µM) was higher compared to the measurements in healthy individuals (0.0081 ± 0.0031 µM). Conclusion Na+-K+ATPase specific activity is a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological diseases.
Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Program on Anxiety and Self-Esteem among Secondary School Students

Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral treatment program on anxiety level and self-esteem among secondary school students. A Quasi-experimental pre-post non-equivalent group design was used for this study. The study was conducted at El Manial National Language Schools. A convenient sample of thirty secondary school students was selected. The sample was divided into two groups, fifteen students as the study group and fifteen students as control group. Three tools were used to collect the data for the present study; a) Personal Data Sheet; b) Hamilton Rating Scale of Anxiety; and c) Self-esteem Inventory. A constructed cognitive behavioral treatment intervention was developed by the researcher and implemented to the study group in ten sessions that were held twice weekly, and each session ranged from 60 to 90 minutes. The main study findings revealed that, there was a statistically significant difference between study and control groups in the reduction of anxiety level; however, there was no significant change in self-esteem for both groups. The study concluded that, cognitive behavioral treatment program was effective with secondary school students concerning the reduction of the anxiety level. The study recommended that, there is a great need for continuous follow-up of secondary school students who participated in cognitive behavioral treatment program to support and boost their coping strategies with anxiety.
Influence of Two Acrylic Dentures on Salivary Immunoglobulin A (SIgA): An In-vivo Study

The present study aimed to assess the level of salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in response to two different acrylic resin denture base materials. The current study has been conducted on fourteen fully edentulous patients to assess the level of salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in them in response to both Heat cure acrylic resin and Thermoplastic cure acrylic resin (Thermopress) complete denture base materials. Four different samples were collected for each subject in non stimulating environments for salivary secretions. The first sample was collected pre-denture insertion. The other three samples were collected two hours, three days and seven days post-denture insertion. It has been recorded that there was a gradual decrease in the level of sIgA in all the post-denture insertion samples on comparing them to the control of each patient. The massive decrease in the level of sIgA was apparent only in the salivary samples collected seven days post-denture insertion in patients with the heat cured acrylic resin denture base material which reveals the significance of the last post-denture insertion in the present study. It has been concluded wearing complete denture fabricated from both Heat cure acrylic resin denture base material might be immunosuppressive, while the thermoplastic one is an immune enhancing material.
An Active Teaching Approach for Fetal and Maternal Assessment in Delivery Room: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTBackground: A modern teaching method has been used for educating the midwifery students. Regarding the importance of accuracy and speed among the midwifery students, especially in the stressful condition of childbirth, this study aimed to investigate the effect of time management and precaution techniques on the midwifery student's clinical performance in the labour ward.Methods: This study was conducted on 40 midwifery students during November 2015-March 2016. The participants were randomly assigned into the control and experimental groups that were trained using the traditional method and time management techniques, respectively. The subjectsâ�� clinical performance regarding the fetal heart rate monitoring, contraction check, and physical examination was assessed using a checklist during the intervention and four months after the intervention. The data analysis was performed using the independent and paired t-tests through the SPSS version 14. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: According to the results of the present study, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the speed of performing the examined clinical care before the intervention. However, following the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups in this regard (P=0.010). Additionally, the paired t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in the speed of performing the clinical care between the two groups after the intervention (P=0.018). Conclusion: As the findings of the present study indicated, the time management technique could improve the speed in the midwifery students. Therefore, this technique as a modern method is recommended to be employed in the emergency wards such as the labour and delivery wards.
Predator–prey mass ratio drives microbial activity under dry conditions in Sphagnum peatlands

Abstract Mid‐ to high‐latitude peatlands are a major terrestrial carbon stock but become carbon sources during droughts, which are increasingly frequent as a result of climate warming. A critical question within this context is the sensitivity to drought of peatland microbial food webs. Microbiota drive key ecological and biogeochemical processes, but their response to drought is likely to impact these processes. Peatland food webs have, however, been little studied, especially the response of microbial predators. We studied the response of microbial predators (testate amoebae, ciliates, rotifers, and nematodes) living in Sphagnum moss carpet to droughts, and their influence on lower trophic levels and on related microbial enzyme activity. We assessed the impact of reduced water availability on microbial predators in two peatlands using experimental (Linje mire, Poland) and natural (Forbonnet mire, France) water level gradients, reflecting a sudden change in moisture regime (Linje), and a typically drier environment (Forbonnet). The sensitivity of different microbial groups to drought was size dependent; large sized microbiota such as testate amoebae declined most under dry conditions (−41% in Forbonnet and −80% in Linje). These shifts caused a decrease in the predator–prey mass ratio (PPMR). We related microbial enzymatic activity to PPMR; we found that a decrease in PPMR can have divergent effects on microbial enzymatic activity. In a community adapted to drier conditions, decreasing PPMR stimulated microbial enzyme activity, while in extreme drought experiment, it reduced microbial activity. These results suggest that microbial enzymatic activity resulting from food web structure is optimal only within a certain range of PPMR, and that different trophic mechanisms are involved in the response of peatlands to droughts. Our findings confirm the importance of large microbial consumers living at the surface of peatlands on the functioning of peatlands, and illustrate their value as early warning indicators of change.
WHAT PREDICTS WELL-BEING: A CONSISTENT SELF-CONCEPT OR A DESIRABLE SELF-CONCEPT?

Abstract College students described themselves in different situations and completed measures of psychological and physical well-being. Previous studies have reported that describing the self as having the same traits in different situations predicts greater well-being. The current study replicated their findings but questioned the validity of their consistency measure—the between-situation correlation coefficient (BSCC). The BSCC was positively related only to the consistency of endorsing desirable and denying undesirable traits (types of consistency positively related to well-being), and was negatively related to consistency of endorsing undesirable traits (a type of consistency negatively related to well-being). Thus, the BSCC, while theoretically a measure of the self's structure, was in reality influenced by its content. Furthermore, distinguishing “yes” versus “no” responses to desirable versus undesirable traits showed that consistency could not be summarized by a single variable. Whereas consisten.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Collegiate Female Soccer Player: A Case & Evidence- Supported Review

Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Collegiate Female Soccer Player: A Case & Evidence- Supported Review An otherwise healthy, 20-year-old, collegiate female soccer athlete presented in our athletic training room complaining of deep and diffuse knee pain after a non-contact, weight bearing and torque producing mechanism while playing indoor soccer. Her past medical history revealed a successfully reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament following an ACL tear in the right lower extremity status post three years.
Effect of Non-Newtonian Models on Blood Flow in Artery with Different Consecutive Stenosis

In this paper, the ADINA finite element software was used for numerical investigation of laminar and non-Newtonian flow through a blood artery with consecutive stenosis. For modeling the non-Newtonian behavior of blood, six models were used, namely, Carreau, Carreau-Yasuda, modified Casson, Power law, generalized power law, and Walburn-Schneck. The results show that for all non-Newtonian models as well as the Newtonian model, the velocity of blood flow in the second stenosis is greater than the first stenosis. Also, up to 4D back of second stenosis, a reverse flow area is formed that causes the spread of disease and the formation of new plaque. As a general conclusion, it can be stated that due to the smaller values obtained from the power law and Walburn-Schneck models, as compared with the other models, for fluid velocity and wall shear stress, these two models must be applied with caution.