Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural variation in the genetic architecture of a host–parasite interaction in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris

The genetic architecture of fitness‐relevant traits in natural populations is a topic that has remained almost untouched by quantitative genetics. Given the importance of parasitism for the host's fitness, we used QTL mapping to study the genetic architecture of traits relevant for host–parasite interactions in the trypanosome parasite, Crithidia bombi and its host, Bombus terrestris. The three traits analysed were the parasite's infection intensity, the strength of the general immune response (measured as the encapsulation of a novel antigen) and body size. The genetic architecture of these traits was examined in three natural, unmanipulated mapping populations of B. terrestris. Our results indicate that the intracolonial phenotypic variation of all three traits is based on a network of QTLs and epistatic interactions. While these networks are similar between mapping populations in complexity and number of QTLs, as well as in their epistatic interactions, the variability in the position of QTL and the interacting loci was high. Only one QTL for body size was plausibly found in at least two populations. QTLs for encapsulation and Crithidia infection intensity were located on the same linkage groups.
Verbal Interaction Types in Science Inquiry Activities by Group Size

The extant research on linguistic interactions in scientific inquiry has focused solely on the quantitative analysis of the verbal interactions among the students and poses limitations to investigating the internal characteristics of such interactions. This paper presents connections among the members of a student group based on its interaction patterns and size to find out the ideal size of a student group in order to allow the student to have optimum participate in the group interactions. In this regard, this study sought to analyze the patterns of verbal interaction that occur during inquiry activities using social network analysis (SNA). 144 first-grade middle school students in science class in South Korea were participated and organized into small groups with three to six members each, and the language network of the 32 small groups that were thus formed was analyzed. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) the groups of students formed in school for learning activities should consist of only three members each to avoid alienation among the members, and (2) in student groups with four or more members each, there are many participation-type interaction structures that can be used if there is a group leader. The interactions among students within small learning groups can allow them to fully understand other students’ opinions which may otherwise not be very clear, and to solve a problem after considering all the opinions students have expressed, and support the effective learning by positive interactions among the members.
Palliative Care Patients in the Emergency Department

Although end-of-life care is not a primary function of the emergency department (ED), in reality, many access this department in the later stages of illness. In this study, ED use by patients registered with the Capital Health Integrated Palliative Care Service (CHIPCS) is examined and CHIPCS patient characteristics associated with ED use identified. Overall, 27% of patients made at least one ED visit while registered with CHIPCS; 54% of these resulted in a hospital admission. ED visiting was not associated with time of day or day of the week. Multivariate logistic regression results suggest older patients were significantly less likely to make an ED visit. Making an ED visit was associated with hospital death, rural residence (particularly for women), and having a parent or relative other than a spouse or child as the primary caregiver. Further research may suggest strategies to reduce unnecessary ED visits during the end of life.
Local Discourse on Antiretrovirals and the Lived Experience of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Thailand

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) have been seen as life-saving for HIV-positive people. However, ARVs have a darker side. Since 2000, many HIV-positive people in Thailand have received ARV treatments, but the understanding of ARVs and practices of medication-taking among HIV-positive women have not received much attention. We discuss local discourses employed by HIV-positive women and health work by these individuals in their attempts to adhere to ARVs restrictions. The local discourse of ARVs was ya tan rok AIDS “medications that could resist HIV/AIDS. ” ARVs provided hope for the women. Although the women were affected by the side effects of ARVs, they continued to take their medication to be able to live longer and perform their duties as mothers and carers. They were more concerned about the practice of medication-taking. Understanding why these women were adherent to their ARVs offers insights into the social impact of these ARVs on their lives.
High mortality among patients with bacterial meningitis in a rural hospital in Tanzania

Abstract Although the disease is an important cause of mortality in the region, most published reports on bacterial meningitis in East Africa are from urban referral hospitals. Poor laboratory facilities make diagnosis difficult in the area and treatment is limited to inexpensive antibiotics. The case-fatality 'rate' in one rural hospital in Tanzania, the Ndala Mission Hospital (NMH), appears to have increased dramatically over recent years, perhaps as the result of increasing resistance to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. The aim of the present study, which was partially retrospective and partially prospective, was to review the number, characteristics and outcome of children admitted to this hospital with bacterial meningitis and to investigate possible resistance of the causative micro-organisms to the antibiotics used. Data from the 181 children who were admitted with bacterial meningitis [confirmed by the examination of Gram-stained smears of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)] between 1999 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall mortality among these children was 51%. No seasonal pattern was observed in the number of cases. In a 2-month prospective study in 2002, CSF samples from 19 consecutive cases were collected in Trans-Isolate medium and shipped to the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam for culture and analysis of antibiotic susceptibility. For only eight (42%) of the cases was there agreement between the species of bacterium identified, by Gram-staining, in Tanzania and that identified, by culture, in The Netherlands. As there was no evidence of resistance to ampicillin and the antibiotics used in the NMH were found to be of good quality, the cause of the high mortality in the NMH remains uncertain. Poor laboratory testing, long doctor-patient delays and/or poor drug administration on the wards may all be contributory factors. Attempts will now be made to address each of these problems.
Rett Syndrome: Recent Research Progress

Recent progress in our understanding of Rett syndrome has been dramatic. Against the background that the clinical features of Rett syndrome may be reversible, in part or in whole, substantial optimism has emerged regarding possible therapies. As such, it is timely to update recent research progress. This update summarizes research advances during the past 18 to 24 months in terms of clinical and translational research, as well as basic research.
Association of MDR1 (C3435T) Polymorphism and Resistance to Carbamazepine in Epileptic Patients from Turkey

Background and Aims: We investigated the prevalence of this multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) polymorphism in drug-responsive versus drug-resistant epilepsy patients treated with carbamazepine (CBZ), which is a substrate of this protein. Methods: We genotyped the C3435T variant of MDR1 in 97 patients treated with CBZ monotherapy who had been on stable doses for more than 1 month. Our control group included 174 healthy individuals. Plasma CBZ concentrations were also measured using fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results: We could not demonstrate any statistically significant relationship with the genotypes among drug-resistant patients (n = 44). The frequency of the homozygous mutant (TT) genotype was 15% in drug-responsive patients, 11.3% in drug-resistant patients and 25.8% in the control group. We also did not observe any significant correlation between the presence of a specific allele and CBZ plasma level/dose index. Conclusion: Our study did not support any significant association between the MDR1 (C3435T) polymorphism and resistance to CBZ in epilepsy patients from Turkey.
Sinusoidal and relaxation oscillations in emitter-coupled multivibrators

The paper investigates transition from sinusoidal to relaxation oscillations in emitter-coupled multivibrator. First, the differential equation for sinusoidal regime is obtained, and the frequency and amplitude are calculated. Then, the transition from sinusoidal to relaxation oscillations is traced using the phase plane of this equation. The transition is explained by modification of the shape of central branch for the isocline of horizontal tangents. Finally, the sinusoidal regime approximation for static impedance seen by the coupling capacitor is used to calculate the oscillation period in relaxation oscillation. The results were verified in simulations.
Genital Injuries in Postmenopausal Women After Sexual Assault

ABSTRACT Physiological and anatomical changes that occur as a result of menopause alter sexual response and sexual function. These changes can result in genital injuries from both consensual sexual intercourse and sexual assault. The purpose of this article is to review the literature examining what is known about postmenopausal women and genital injuries. Only seven research studies were found that examine genital injuries in postmenopausal women after sexual assault. Of the comparative studies, a majority determined that postmenopausal women are more likely to sustain genital injuries after sexual assault than younger women. No literature was found that specifically investigates genital injuries incurred as a result of consensual sexual intercourse versus sexual assault in the postmenopausal population.
Moisture Related Low-K Dielectric Reliability Before and After Thermal Annealing

A systematic investigation of moisture related SiOC:H low-k dielectric reliability before and after thermal annealing was conducted. With the physisorbed moisture desorbed by thermal annealing at 190degC, the SiOC:H low-k dielectric shows a reduced leakage current and an improved TDDB lifetime. However, due to some more tightly bound OH-groups in the dielectric, the SiOC:H low-k reliability is still far below that of an optimized integration scheme. The observed failure mechanism as indicated by TDDB thermal activation energy before and after annealing does not change. It is also found that the TDDB thermal activation energy is voltage (field) independent within confidence bounds, suggesting a mixing of disturbed bonds for SiOC:H low-k dielectric breakdown
Evolving Metformin Treatment Strategies in Type-2 Diabetes: From Immediate-Release Metformin Monotherapy to Extended-Release Combination Therapy

Over the last 40 years, metformin has revolutionized the treatment of type-2 diabetes worldwide and is still the most influential oral antidiabetic drug today. International guidelines now recommend that patients with type-2 diabetes are started on metformin therapy as soon as they are diagnosed, as it has been shown to improve long-term clinical outcomes compared with initial management with diet alone, without increasing the risk of developing hypoglycemia or weight gain. The older, immediate-release formulation of metformin does have some limitations, with incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects restricting the dose in some patients, forming a barrier to treatment adherence, and subsequent glycemic control. However, the second-generation extended-release formulation (met XR) has the potential to overcome these challenges. In this review, we provide an overview of the evidence supporting the use of metformin as the first-line gold standard for type-2 diabetes management and the expansion of its potential roles for the future. We also consider the advantages of met XR, in terms of its tolerability and convenient dose regimen, and review therapeutic options for when disease progression inevitably leads to inadequate control with monotherapy. These therapy options include the synergistic potential of combination strategies with met XR and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, a combination that has also been indicated for early-stage use (at diagnosis) as a potential method for preserving &bgr;-cell function.
Comparison between Endoscopic and External Dacryocystorhinostomy by Using the Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire: A Pilot Study

Background Epiphora has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and is commonly caused by nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has traditionally been performed via an external approach, which involves a skin incision. With the advent of endoscopes, the endonasal approach to DCR has gained significant popularity. Method To prospectively compare the quality of life of adult patients who underwent either an endonasal or an external DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (Lac-Q) was administered before and after surgery. The treatment group assignment was nonrandom and performed based on patient preference. The Lac-Q is a validated questionnaire that assesses the subjective perception of one's well-being from an eye-specific symptom and social impact standpoint. Total scores range from 0 (no concerns) to 33 (maximal degree of ocular symptoms and social impact). Results Sixty patients (22 in the endonasal group, 38 in the external group) were recruited between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016. Postoperative assessment was performed at 3 and 6 months. Patients who underwent external DCR reported a median 7.0–point improvement (interquartile range [IQR], 3.0–11.0) in total Lac-Q scores. A 12.0–point improvement (IQR, 10.0–18.5) was seen in the endonasal group (p = 0.005). The median change in the social impact score was 3.0 and 4.0 in the external group and the endoscopic group, respectively (p = 0.029). Changes in the median lacrimal symptom score were 4.0 in the external group and 8.0 in the endoscopic group (p = 0.014). The anatomic patency rate was lower in the external group (60.0%) when compared with the endonasal group (90.4%). Patients in the external DCR group were significantly older (median age, 51 versus 41 years). Conclusion Our study indicated that both endonasal and external DCR can lead to improvement in quality of life by using a validated questionnaire. Although there are differences in age and anatomic success rates between the two groups, subgroup analyses indicated that the differences in the Lac-Q scores persisted when age and anatomic patency were removed as potential confounding factors. Further larger, randomized studies would be helpful.
Neuropsychology of Cortical versus Subcortical Dementia Syndromes

Neuropsychological studies have shown that there are several prominent differences in the patterns of cognitive deficits that occur in neurodegenerative disorders that have their primary etiology in either cortical or subcortical brain dysfunction. Quantitative and qualitative differences are apparent across many cognitive domains, including memory (in all its aspects), attention, executive functions, language and semantic knowledge, and visuospatial abilities. These distinct patterns of deficits have been broadly characterized as forming cortical and subcortical dementia syndromes. Differentiating between cortical and subcortical dementia provides a heuristically useful model for understanding brain-behavior relationships in neurodegenerative diseases and may improve the ability to clinically distinguish among various dementing disorders.
Trichomonas vaginalis Infection from Splashing in Water Closets*

Probably mostvenereologists wouldagree that, in men,trichomoniasis isalways a venereal disease, butinwomentheinfestation issometimes acquired other thanbysexual contact. Themodeofasexual transmission isnotknown.Trussell (1947) stated that douche nozzles, enematubes, towels, physicians' gloves, andinstruments hadallbeenincriminated butneverproved tospread theprotozoa. McCullagh (1953) claimed thatthemaincauseofTrichomonas vaginalis infection wastheordinary lavatory seat. Somesupport forthiscontention wasgiven by Whittington (1957), whoshowed that theprotozoa will live, atroomtemperature, inadropofurine on atoilet seat, for30to45minutes. Manufacturers ofsanitary wareandothers have knownforalongtimethat "splashing" often occurs during defaecation inwaterclosets. Forexample, specially designed privies havebeenmadeinGreat Britain formanyyears andexported toIndia, where Hindushavereligious scruples against splashing. Theterm"splashing" meansthat, during defaecation, droplets ofliquid fromthewatercloset pan splash asfarasthelevel oftheuppersurface ofthe seat(inthedownposition); or,alternatively, come incontact withtheuser's thighs, buttocks or genitalia. Thepresent study was undertaken to investigate thepossibility ofwomenacquiring the infestation fromsplashing ofinfected urine.
Characteristics of HLA Class I and Class II Polymorphisms in Rwandan Women

Objective: To define HLA class I and class II polymorphisms in Rwandans. Methods: PCR-based HLA genotyping techniques were used to resolve variants of HLA-A, B, and C to their 2- or 4-digit allelic specificities, and those of DRB1 and DQB1 to their 4- or 5-digit alleles. Results: Frequencies of 14 A, 8 C, and 14 B specificities and of 13 DRB1 and 8 DQB1 alleles were ≥0.02 in a group of 280 Rwandan women. These major HLA factors produced 6 haplotypes extending across the class I and class II regions: A*01-Cw*04-B* 4501-DRB1*1503-DQB1*0602 (A1-Cw4-B12- DR15 - DQ6), A * 01 - Cw * 04 - B * 4901 -DRB1 * 1302-DQB1*0604 (A1-Cw4-B21-DR13-DQ6), A*30 - Cw*04 - B*15 - DRB1*1101 - DQB1*0301 (A19-Cw4-B15-DR11-DQ7), A*68-Cw*07-B* 4901-DRB1*1302-DQB1*0604(A28-Cw7-B21- DR13 - DQ6), A*30 - Cw*07 - B*5703 - DRB1* 1303-DQB1*0301(A19 - Cw7 - B17 - DR13 - DQ7), and A*74-Cw*07-B*4901-DRB1*1302-DQB1* 0604 (A19-Cw7-B21-DR13-DQ6), respectively. Collectively, these extended haplotypes accounted for about 19% of the total. Other apparent class I-class II haplotypes (e.g., Cw*17-B*42-DRB1*0302-DQB1*0402, Cw*06- B*58-DRB1*1102-DQB1*0301, and Cw*03- B*15-DRB1*03011-DQB1*0201) did not extend to the telomeric HLA-A locus, and other 3-locus class I haplotypes (e.g., A*68-Cw*04-B*15, A*74-Cw*04-B*15, and A*23-Cw*07-B*4901) completely or partially failed to link with any specific class II alleles. Discussion: Frequent recombinations appeared to occur between the three evolutionarily conserved HLA blocks carrying the class I and class II loci. The HLA class I profile seen in Rwandans was not directly comparable with those known in the literature, although the class II profile appeared to resemble those in several African populations. These data provide additional evidence for the extensive genetic diversity in Africans.
Outline of R&D directions for Australian pig genetics

Staff at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) have contributed to better use of genetically superior pigs in the Australian pig industry through R&D projects conducted in cooperation with breeders, the development of genetic evaluations tools (PIGBLUP, National Pig Improvement Program (NPIP), PBSELECT), training of industry personnel in genetic principles and provision of fee-based consultancy services to breeders. Often these activities are inter-linked and a wide range of expertise is required to be able to respond effectively to the needs of the industry in regard to genetic services.
The impact of opiate dependence on parenting processes: Contextual, physiological and psychological factors

This article explores the processes through which dependence on opiates affects parenting capacity and family processes. The findings are based on in-depth interviews with 100 parents (50 drug-using [opiate dependent] and 50 non-drug using) living in Dublin. Qualitative analyses of semi-structured interviews suggest that opiate dependence has a specific impact on parenting processes and particularly on the physical and emotional availability of parents and on the capacity of parents to provide an emotionally consistent environment. Parenting behaviours were linked, based on parents’ perspectives, to elements of the culture surrounding illicit drugs and their supply and acquisition, to drug treatment regimes and to the physiological and psychological effects of drugs. The implications for children's development and well-being, and for support of affected families, are considered.
There is no ‘mindfulness’ without a mindfulness theory – teachers’ meditation practices in a secular country

Abstract The implications of mindfulness theory, created within a post-positivist tradition, in the context of education and connecting it to a social constructivist methodology are a challenge. We carried out this study using a mixed method approach: questionnaires and semi-structured interviews in a pilot project with a purposeful sample of 27 teachers; and a cross-sectional main study with 145 nursery school teachers and 225 secondary school teachers around Estonia. The aim of the study was to explore Estonian teachers’ religiosity, meaning of meditation, meditation practices and their perceived impact, trait mindfulness and experiences of using meditation exercises in teaching. NVivo content analysis, SPSS descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were used. The religious group of teachers has perceived the positive impact of meditation exercises on their state more often than the undefined group. The teachers who practise meditation exercises regularly have noticed a positive impact more frequently. The MAAS trait mindfulness scores did not vary depending on teachers’ religion, regularity and length of their meditation practices. The study shows that trait mindfulness should not be measured in populations who are not educated in mindfulness and stresses the role of mindfulness theory itself in developing regular meditation practices and the trait.
“From that day onwards, I decided that I would never again be in such a helpless state:” how North Indian women safeguard their money in times of uncertainty

“From that day onwards, I decided that I would never again be in such a helpless state:” how North Indian women safeguard their money in times of uncertainty Mariya Jilinskaya-Pandey a and Nicolas de Zamaróczy b Jindal School of Liberal Arts & Humanities, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India; Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Lexical acquisition and acquisition of initial voiceless stops

ABSTRACT The interaction between lexical acquisition and acquisition of initial voiceless stops was studied in two normally developing children, aged 1;9 and 1;10, by acoustically examining the token-by-token accuracy of initial voiceless stop targets in different lexical items. Production accuracy was also examined as it related to the frequency of usage of different words, as well as the time when they entered the children's lexicons. Fewer than half of the words in the children's lexicons had tokens representing the emergence of accurate voiceless stop production prior to the session at which the voicing contrast was achieved. These words were primarily ‘old’ words that had been in the children's lexicons from the beginning of data collection, as opposed to ‘new’ words, first produced in later recording sessions. Findings are discussed in reference to the ‘lexical diffusion’ model of sound change and within the framework of nonlinear underspecification theory.