Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Investigation of Pre-service Science Teachers' Opinions on Some of the Biology and Biotechnology Concepts

Today, it is seen rapid progress in some areas such as biotechnology. Since determination of the DNA structure, advances in biology, biotechnology and genetic engineering have emerged very fast and on such a great scale that teachers should be able to adapt to new developments. Teacher education has an important task to prepare students for their coming professions. The objective of this study was to find out pre-service science teachers’ conceptions on biology, biotechnology, genetically modified (GM) food and their ideas on teaching and assessment strategies to help their students’ understanding of these technologies. The participants were 150 pre-service science teacher in Turkey. A questionnaire contains eight closed-ended and four openended items were used to determine pre-service science teachers’ perceptions of biology and biotechnology issues. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to analyze data. As a result of this research, it was observed that preservice science teachers does not have sufficient knowledge or their information that is contradictory.
Long‐term safety of topical calcitriol 3 μg g−1 ointment

To assess the topical and systemic safety and tolerance of twice‐daily application of 3 μg g−1 1α25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) ointment (Silkis ointment®, Galderma Laboratories) in the long‐term treatment of patients suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis, we performed an open‐design, multicentre study. Two hundred and fifty‐three patients (155 males, 98 females) treated all their psoriatic lesions, except for those on the head and scalp, for up to 78 weeks. No serious adverse events were reported; 37 patients (14·6%) had a transient skin irritation reaction on one or more occasions during the study that resulted in study withdrawal for seven of them. The baseline/endpoint analyses showed no clinically relevant changes in measures of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and renal function. Slight hypercalcaemia was observed in five (2%) patients; in four of these patients, serum albumin‐adjusted total calcium levels normalized during treatment. In conclusion, twice‐daily calcitriol 3 μg g−1 ointment is safe and well tolerated in the long‐term treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
Galectins-3 and -7, but not Galectin-1, Play a Role in Re-epithelialization of Wounds*

Disorders of wound healing characterized by impaired or delayed re-epithelialization are a serious medical problem. These conditions affect many tissues, are painful, and are difficult to treat. In this study, using cornea as a model, we demonstrate for the first time the importance of carbohydrate-binding proteins galectins-3 and -7 in re-epithelialization of wounds. In two different models of corneal wound healing, re-epithelialization of wounds was significantly slower in galectin-3-deficient (gal3−/−) mice compared with wild-type (gal3+/+) mice. In contrast, there was no difference in corneal epithelial wound closure rates between galectin-1-deficient and wild-type mice. Quantitation of the bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells in gal3+/+ and gal3−/− corneas revealed that corneal epithelial cell proliferation rate is not perturbed in gal3−/− corneas. Exogenous galectin-3 accelerated re-epithelialization of wounds in gal3+/+ mice but, surprisingly, not in the gal3−/− mice. Gene expression analysis using cDNA microarrays revealed that healing corneas of gal3−/− mice contain markedly reduced levels of galectin-7 compared with those of gal3+/+ mice. More importantly, unlike galectin-3, galectin-7 accelerated re-epithelialization of wounds in both gal3−/− and gal3+/+ mice. In corresponding experiments, recombinant galectin-1 did not stimulate the corneal epithelial wound closure rate. The extent of acceleration of re-epithelialization of wounds with both galectin-3 and galectin-7 was greater than that observed in most of the published studies using growth factors. These findings have broad implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating nonhealing wounds.
Stability in consumption of fruit, vegetables, and sugary foods in a cohort from age 14 to age 21.

BACKGROUND Eating behavior is an etiologic factor in the development of lifestyle-related diseases. Knowledge about the stability of eating behavior during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood has implication for dietary interventions for children and young adolescents. METHOD Dietary data were collected by means of a short food frequency questionnaire as part of a Norwegian longitudinal cohort study on health behavior, lifestyle, and self-reported health of adolescents. Of 885 14-year-old baseline participants, 521 21-year-olds participated and 40% completed all surveys at each time point. RESULTS Mean weekly frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables decreased by 1-2.5 times per week between ages 14 and 21, whereas that of sugar-containing soft drinks increased by almost 1 time per week between ages 15 and 16. Tracking of consumption patterns into young adulthood was seen for all four foods (P < 0.05 for differences in means between the tracking groups). The proportions of individuals remaining in the same tracking categories at the major transition stages were 50-70%. Yet, some changed in the opposite direction of the observed trends. CONCLUSIONS Despite the overall changes in mean weekly frequency of consumption and prevalence of daily consumers, relative ranking by frequency at age 14 indicated some stability of eating behavior into young adulthood.
Depression Symptoms and Sexual HIV Risk Behavior Among Serodiscordant Couples

Objectives: To examine data for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in serodiscordant relationships to determine a) if depressive symptoms were associated with sexual risk behavior and b) if these relationships could be explained by changes in partner satisfaction. The relationship between depression symptoms and sexual risk behaviors within mixed HIV status couples is unknown. Methods: HIV-positive and HIV-negative members of 197 serodiscordant couples (159 male/female, 38 male/male) were assessed using instruments measuring depressive symptoms, sexual risk, and couple satisfaction. Results: HIV-positive partners with higher depression scores were less likely to be part of couples reporting unprotected sex, and HIV-positive partners' higher depression scores were associated with less unprotected intradyadic sex acts. This decrease in intradyadic sexual risk behavior was partially explained by a decrease in any sexual behavior within the couple. On the other hand, HIV-positive subjects with moderate or higher depression were more likely to have outside partners. Adding the partner satisfaction measure to the models was able to account for the relationship between the HIV-positive subjects' depression scores and outside partners, but not for that between higher depression score and reduced intradyadic sexual risk. Conclusions: HIV-positive individuals with more depressive symptoms may be less likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior with their partners than those with less depressive symptoms, but more likely to have sexual partners outside the relationship. These findings suggest that the relationship between depressive symptoms and sexual risk behavior in this population may be mixed and complex, and suggest that clinicians should assess sexual risk behavior across the range of depression symptom severity. HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; BDI—II = Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition; BASR = Brief Assessment of Sexual Risk; DAS = Dyadic Adjustment Scale; AIDS = acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
The practice of pediatric sleep medicine: results of a community survey.

OBJECTIVE To assess knowledge, screening, evaluation, treatment practices, and attitudes regarding sleep disorders in children and adolescents in a large sample of community-based and academic pediatricians. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS Six hundred twenty-six pediatricians in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. INTRUMENT: The Pediatric Sleep Survey, a 42-item questionnaire assessing general and specific sleep knowledge categories; clinical screening, diagnostic, and treatment practices for common pediatric sleep disorders; and practitioner attitudes regarding the impact of sleep disorders in the clinical setting and as a public health issue. RESULTS On the knowledge section, the mean Total Knowledge score for the respondents was 18.1 +/- 3.5 out of 30 items, with 23.5% of the sample responding correctly on half or less of the items. Pediatricians scored highest on items relating to developmental and behavioral aspects of sleep and parasomnias, whereas the mean percentage of correct responses was <50% for items relating to sleep disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep movement disorders. Although only 16.5% and 18.2% of the sample reported not screening routinely for sleep disorders in infants and toddlers, this percentage rose to 43.9% in adolescents. Furthermore, only 38.3% regularly question the adolescents themselves about their sleep. Only about one quarter of the respondents screen toddlers and school-aged children for snoring. In evaluating and treating pediatric sleep problems, 53.2% of the sample never or rarely order overnight sleep studies to assess for obstructive sleep apnea and few use alternative treatment strategies, such as continuous positive airway pressure. A quarter of the sample at least occasionally recommends diphenhydramine and almost half suggests a psychological evaluation for children with night terrors. Finally, the percent of pediatricians rating the impact on children of sleep problems in a variety of domains as important or very important ranged from 49.7% (nonintentional injuries) to 92.6% (academic performance). However, only 46% of the sample felt confident or very confident about their own ability to screen for sleep problems, whereas 34.2% and 25.3% similarly rated their ability to evaluate and treat sleep problems in children. CONCLUSIONS The results of this survey suggest that there are still significant gaps among practicing pediatricians both in basic knowledge about pediatric sleep disorders, and in the translation of that knowledge into clinical practice. Despite their acknowledgment of the importance of sleep problems, many pediatricians fail to screen adequately for them, especially in older children and adolescents. Additional educational efforts regarding pediatric sleep issues are warranted, and should be targeted at the medical school, postgraduate training, and continuing medical education levels.
Effect of weight reduction on quality of life and eating behaviors in obese women

Objective:To examine the impact of a 3-week weight-reducing program on body composition, physical condition, health-related quality of life, and eating behaviors of sedentary, obese (body mass index, 29-35 kg/m2) women, according to menopausal status and menopause duration (<5, ≥5, and ≥10 y). Design:Thirteen premenopausal and 27 postmenopausal women received a dietary plan of 1,400 ± 200 kcal/day and completed 110-minute endurance exercise 6 days per week. Body mass index, fat mass, lean mass, distance walked in the Six-Minute Walk Test, health-related quality of life estimated by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and eating behaviors (restriction, disinhibition, and susceptibility to hunger) assessed by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire were determined before and after weight reduction. Results:Body mass index and fat mass decreased (P < 0.0001), whereas distance walked increased in both groups after weight reduction (P < 0.001). Although the SF-36 mental component score increased after weight loss in both groups (P < 0.0001), the SF-36 physical component score increased in postmenopausal women only (P < 0.001). Restriction increased (P < 0.0001), whereas disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger decreased after weight reduction (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) in both groups. Distance walked and SF-36 physical component score after weight loss were higher in women whose menopause ranged between 5 and 9 years and exceeded 10 years, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusions:Our study shows that a short-term weight-reducing program combining caloric restriction and physical activity has a favorable impact on women's body composition, physical condition, health-related quality of life, and eating behaviors irrespective of their menopausal status.
Comparative linkage map development and identification of an autosomal locus for insensitive acetylcholinesterase‐mediated insecticide resistance in Culex tritaeniorhynchus

A comparative linkage map for Culex tritaeniorhynchus was constructed based on restriction fragment length polymorphism markers using cDNAs from Aedes aegypti. Linear orders of marker loci in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus were identical to Culex pipiens wherein chromosomes 2 and 3 reflect whole‐arm rearrangements compared to A. aegypti. However, the sex determination locus in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus maps to chromosome 3, in contrast to Cx. pipiens and Ae. aegypti where it is located on chromosome 1. Our results indicate that insensitive acetylcholinesterase (AChE)‐mediated organophosphate resistance is controlled by a single major gene (AChER) on chromosome 2, while the AChE structural gene (Ace) is located on chromosome 1. No evidence for a second Ace gene was observed, even under very low stringency hybridization conditions.
Urinary gonadotropin measurements in neonates: a valuable non-invasive method

Background: To measure low neonatal gonadotropin levels, a sensitive non-invasive method is optimal. The aim of the current study was to validate the Architect i2000SR, an automated immunoassay analyser for the measurement of gonadotropins in unextracted neonatal urine samples against serum gonadotropin levels as a gold standard. Methods: Blood and urine were sampled from 30 approximately six-week-old male and female neonates undergoing elective paediatric surgery. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured and the urine results were corrected for creatinine. Results: The agreement between neonatal serum and urinary FSH was 0.904 (3-5 h between samples) and 0.704 (18-20 h). For LH, the correlation coefficients were 0.785 and 0.507, respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that gonadotropins can be reliably measured using the Architect on randomly voided, non-extracted urine samples collected from neonates by an adhesive device. Urinary gonadotropin levels are a proper reflection of the serum levels.
Urinary leukotriene E4, obesity, and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in Chinese children with sleep disordered breathing.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has been associated with increased inflammatory responses. Changes in the level of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) may initiate or exacerbate pediatric SDB and may play a major role in end-organ morbidity. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship of LT productions with severity of SDB, obesity, and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children. DESIGN/INTERVENTIONS Prospective, observational study that included standard questionnaires, physical examinations, overnight polysomnography (PSG), and urinary leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) assay. SETTING Sleep Center and Laboratory of Nutriology. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS 282 children with SDB and 94 healthy control subjects were recruited. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Urinary LTE(4) levels were elevated in children with SDB compared to the controls, and LTE(4) productions emerged disease severity- and obesity-dependent increases. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, the independent predictors of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) included LTE(4) level and adenotonsillar-size sum score (P < 0.001 respectively; adjusted R(2)=0.318). A positive relationship between LTE(4) urinary level and adenotonsillar-size sum scores was present in the underweight/normal weight SDB subjects (r=0.276; P < 0.001), but not in the overweight/obese children (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Systemic inflammation mediated by LTs participates in the pathophysiological mechanisms of SDB in children. The magnitude of inflammation as reflected by urinary LTE(4) is significantly related to the severity of SDB and obesity. However, a correlation between LTE(4) concentration and adenotonsillar size is present only among nonobese children.
Feedback Trading and Autocorrelation Patterns in Sub-Saharan African Equity Markets

ABSTRACT This article examines feedback trading and autocorrelation pattern of stock returns in the equity markets of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. We find evidence that positive feedback trading induces negative autocorrelation in the stock returns of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The negative autocorrelation occurs during periods of increasing volatility, and all the four equity markets exhibit volatility asymmetry. We also find that Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa were influenced by the 2008–2009 global financial crisis, and South Africa experienced the largest impact. These findings may have implications for risk management and price discovery in these equity exchanges.
The classification of the generic segregates of Phrygilanthus (= Notanthera) of the Loranthaceae

The taxonomic composition ofPhrygilanthus has long been a source of confusion. Until recently the genus was considered to be distributed from Mexico, Central and South America, to Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Analyses of floral morphology, inflorescence structure, life form, fruit type, and especially chromosome numbers indicate thatPhrygilanthus, as classically circumscribed, is a highly heterogeneous and artificial assemblage containing elements now referable to the following ten genera:Cecarria, Desmaria, Gaiadendron, Ligaria, Muellerina, Notanthera, Psittacanthus, Struthanthus, Tripodanthus, andTristerix. Phrygilanthus itself is nomenclaturally illegitimate and must be replaced by Notanthera. A synopsis of the genera segregated from thePhrygilanthus group is included. A key to the New World genera of Loranthaceae is also appended as well as a nomenclator indicating the present generic status of taxa at one time or another assigned toPhrygilanthus. One genus,Cecarria, is described as new; five new combinations are made:Cecarria obtusifolia (Merr.) Barlow,Psittacanthus palmeri (Wats.) Barlow & Wiens,Struthanthus panamensis (Rizzini) Barlow & Wiens,Tristerix aphyllus (DC.) Barlow & Wiens, andTristerix grandiflorus (Ruiz & Pavon) Barlow & Wiens.
Carbon Sequestration in Native Prairie, Perennial Grass, No-Till, and Cultivated Palouse Silt Loam

Comparative assessments for evaluating soil organic C (SOC) and its characteristics were made at different soil (Palouse silt loam) depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 0-20 cm) among sites with seven contrasting management histories: conventional inversion tillage (CT) followed by no-till (NT) for 4 (NT4) and 28 (NT28) yr; bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) seed production for 9 yr followed by NT for 4 yr (BGNT4); a sequence of 10 yr NT, 3 yr CT, and 1 yr NT (NTR); CT followed by 11 yr perennial grass under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP); long-term >100 yr CT; and native prairie (NP). Overall ranking of SOC, particlulate organic C (POC), and microbial biomass C (MBC) at 0 to 20 cm was NP > NTR > NT4 = NT28 > CRP > BGNT4 = CT. Greater SOC, POC, and MBC in NTR than NT28 indicated that tillage rotation could result in more soil C sequestration, primarily by increasing C stocks in 5- to 20-cm depths. The POC was labile in nature as it highly correlated with C min (r= 0.69, P< 0.01) and MBC (r= = 0.86, P < 0.01) as well as SOC (r= 0.89, P < 0.01). We concluded that: (i) neither NT nor conversion to perennial vegetation would attain the SOC found in NP over 10 to 30 yr; and (ii) medium duration of NT (10 yr) combined with short intervals of CT (3 yr) followed by NT might increase SOC compared with continuous long-term NT under annual cropping.
Comparison of modified thiel embalming and ethanol‐glycerin fixation in an anatomy environment: Potentials and limitations of two complementary techniques

Thiel‐fixed specimens have outstandingly lifelike visual and haptic properties. However, the original Thiel method is expensive and requires an elaborate setup. It is therefore of principal interest to modify the Thiel method in order to make it available to a broader user group. A modified Thiel embalming method will be described in detail and compared to ethanol‐glycerin fixation with the help of illustrative examples. The visual properties, haptic properties, the usability for performing histological investigations, costs and potential health aspects will be considered. Tissues fixed with the modified Thiel technique gave results similar to the original method, providing more realistic visual and haptic properties than ethanol‐glycerin embalming. However, Thiel fixation is significantly more expensive and requires more precautions to minimize potential health hazards than ethanol‐glycerin‐fixed tissues. In contrast to ethanol‐glycerin‐fixed specimens, the Thiel‐fixed specimens are not suitable for histological investigations. Both modes of fixation are inappropriate for biomechanical testing. Modified Thiel embalming simplifies the availability of body donors with lifelike properties and has cost‐saving advantages to the original technique. Thiel‐embalmed body donors are ideally suited for clinical workshops but have restrictions for student dissection courses in facilities with limited storage space, air circulation or technical staff. Vice versa, ethanol‐glycerin‐fixed body donors are well suited for student dissection courses in such an environment but are limited in their use for clinical workshops. Modified Thiel embalming therefore ideally complements ethanol‐glycerin fixation in order to provide customized solutions for clinical workshops and student dissection courses in a wide range of applications. Anat Sci Educ 8: 74–85. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.
Systemic cobalt toxicity from total hip arthroplasties: review of a rare condition Part 1 - history, mechanism, measurements, and pathophysiology.

UNLABELLED Recently, the use of metal-on-metal articulations in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has led to an increase in adverse events owing to local soft-tissue reactions from metal ions and wear debris. While the majority of these implants perform well, it has been increasingly recognised that a small proportion of patients may develop complications secondary to systemic cobalt toxicity when these implants fail. However, distinguishing true toxicity from benign elevations in cobalt ion levels can be challenging. The purpose of this two part series is to review the use of cobalt alloys in THA and to highlight the following related topics of interest: mechanisms of cobalt ion release and their measurement, definitions of pathological cobalt ion levels, and the pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment of cobalt toxicity. Historically, these metal-on-metal arthroplasties are composed of a chromium-cobalt articulation. The release of cobalt is due to the mechanical and oxidative stresses placed on the prosthetic joint. It exerts its pathological effects through direct cellular toxicity. This manuscript will highlight the pathophysiology of cobalt toxicity in patients with metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Patients with new or evolving hip symptoms with a prior history of THA warrant orthopaedic surgical evaluation. Increased awareness of the range of systemic symptoms associated with cobalt toxicity, coupled with prompt orthopaedic intervention, may forestall the development of further complications.