Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, MARITAL STATUS AND CHILDLESSNESS IN MEN AND WOMEN: AN ANALYSIS OF CENSUS DATA FROM SIX COUNTRIES

Summary This study compares the effects of two distinct forms of human capital – income and education – on marital status and childlessness separately by sex in six different countries. Nearly 10 million individual records on individuals aged 16 to 50 were used from censuses from Brazil, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, USA and Venezuela dating from 2000 or later, to analyse the relationship between education, income and marital status and childlessness in men and women. Regarding income, the findings for both outcome variables are strongly consistent across all six countries. Highest-income males and lower-income females have the highest proportion of ever-married and the lowest proportion of childlessness (using a proxy for childlessness: own children in the household or not). There is no corresponding consistency of findings as regards education either between the sexes or among the countries. To conclude, a lower percentage of low-income men are selected by females, because for women male status and resources provided by men are important criteria in mate selection. Therefore a higher proportion of low-income men remain unmarried and childless. Thus selection seems to play a role in modern societies.
A systematic review of persuasive marketing techniques to promote food to children on television

The ubiquitous marketing of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor food and beverages is a key modifiable influence on childhood dietary patterns and obesity. Much of the research on television food advertising is focused on identifying and quantifying unhealthy food marketing with comparatively few studies examining persuasive marketing techniques to promote unhealthy food to children. This review identifies the most frequently documented persuasive marketing techniques to promote food to children via television. A systematic search of eight online databases using key search terms identified 267 unique articles. Thirty‐eight articles met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the reviewed studies revealed the most commonly reported persuasive techniques used on television to promote food to children. These were the use of premium offers, promotional characters, nutrition and health‐related claims, the theme of taste, and the emotional appeal of fun. Identifying and documenting these commonly reported persuasive marketing techniques to promote food to children on television is critical for the monitoring and evaluation of advertising codes and industry pledges and the development of further regulation in this area. This has a strong potential to curbing the international obesity epidemic besieging children throughout the world.
HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN IN ETHIOPIA: DO MATERNAL CHARACTERISTICS MATTER?

Summary In Ethiopia, despite some recent improvements, the health and nutritional status of children is very poor. A better understanding of the main socioeconomic determinants of child health and nutrition is essential to address the problem and make appropriate interventions. In the present study, an attempt is made to explore the effect of maternal characteristics on the health and nutritional status of under-five children using the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The health and nutritional status of children are measured using the two widely used anthropometric indicators height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ). In the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation, it is observed that maternal characteristics have a significant impact on child health and nutritional status. The magnitudes of the coefficients, however, are found to slightly increase when maternal education is instrumented in the 2SLS estimation. Moreover, in the quantile regression (QR) estimation, the impacts of maternal characteristics are observed to vary between long-term and current child health and nutritional status.
Longitudinal impact of sleep on overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: a systematic review and bias‐adjusted meta‐analysis

Short sleep duration is considered a potential risk for overweight/obesity in childhood and adolescence. However, most of the evidence on this topic is obtained from cross‐sectional studies; therefore, the nature and extent of the longitudinal associations are unclear. This study explores the prospective association between short sleep and overweight/obesity in young subjects. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, and CINAHL databases were searched for English‐language articles, published until May 2014, reporting longitudinal association between sleep and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents. Recommendations of the Sleep Health Foundation were used to standardize reference sleep duration. Sleep category, with sleep duration less than the reference sleep, was considered as the short sleep category. Meta‐analysis was conducted to explore the association between short sleep and overweight/obesity. A review of 22 longitudinal studies, with subjects from diverse backgrounds, suggested an inverse association between sleep duration and BMI. Meta‐analysis of 11 longitudinal studies, comprising 24,821 participants, revealed that subjects sleeping for short duration had twice the risk of being overweight/obese, compared with subjects sleeping for long duration (odds ratio 2.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.64–2.81). This study provides evidence that short sleep duration in young subjects is significantly associated with future overweight/obesity.
Dieting: proxy or cause of future weight gain?

The relationship between dieting and body mass has a long and controversial history. This paper aims to help resolve this issue by making two key distinctions. The first is between dieting as a cause of weight gain/regain and as a proxy risk factor for identifying non‐obese individuals prone to weight gain for reasons other than dieting. The second is between the body mass that is attained following one or more weight loss/regain cycles and the body mass that might have been reached had dieting never been undertaken. Evidence is reviewed on the relation between recent diet‐induced weight loss and sustained weight loss (weight suppression), on the one hand, and weight regain, on the other hand. Furthermore, the reason that a history of dieting in non‐obese individuals reflects a susceptibility to future weight gain is explained. It is concluded that (i) diet‐induced weight loss hastens weight regain but a history of weight loss diets does not cause weight gain beyond that which would occur in the absence of dieting, and (ii) weight loss dieting in non‐obese individuals does not cause future weight gain but is simply a proxy risk factor reflecting a personal vulnerability to weight gain and living in an obesogenic environment.
use of Thermal Energy in Treatment of Ankle Disorders

Thermal energy delivery systems, such as the monopolar radiofrequency (RF) systems, have growing applications in orthopedics. These systems are approved for both high-power and low-power applications. Basic science studies have shown that controlled thermal energy application results in structural changes in the collagen of ligamentous tissue that translates to shrinkage of the ligaments. A fibroblastic response follows that thickens the treated tissue and promotes new collagen in-growth. Current uses of thermal energy in the ankle include the treatment of lateral capsule and ligamentous laxity, via temperature-controlled low-power RF energy. The procedure is technically easy to perform and the complication rate is low. Clinical results at preliminary 1- to 2-year follow-ups are very encouraging. Other applications of lowpower energy include the treatment of mild injuries of the articular cartilage and debridement of synovitis after syndesmosis sprains. High-power applications include ablation of fibrosis, loose bodies, diseased synovium, and debridement of soft tissue impingement lesions. Although these results of monopolar thermal energy application in the ankle are preliminary, the patient satisfaction rate has been very high. Further studies will be needed to confirm long-term efficacy of these procedures.
Poor Sleep Quality is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women With and Without Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality has previously been shown to be related to insulin resistance in apparently healthy adults. However, it is unclear whether an association between sleep quality and insulin resistance exists among adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS Participants included 347 overweight/obese postmenopausal women without type 2 diabetes (age: 57.5 ± 6.5 years; body mass index [BMI]: 31.7 ± 3.7 kg/m2; 54% with MetS). Sleep quality was assessed with the six-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale; values were categorized into quartiles. Insulin resistance was calculated from fasting glucose and insulin with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) method. Analysis of covariance models were used to examine the association between sleep quality and HOMA2-IR after accounting for MetS and covariates (e.g., BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness, and energy intake). RESULTS Women with the worst sleep quality had significantly higher HOMA2-IR values than women in all other quartiles (P ≤ 0.05 for each), and women with MetS had significantly higher HOMA2-IR values than women without MetS (P < 0.0001), but the relationship between sleep quality and HOMA2-IR did not differ between those with or without MetS (P = 0.26). Women with MetS in the worst quartile of sleep quality had higher HOMA2-IR values than all other women (P < 0.02). Taking >30 min to fall asleep, frequent restless sleep, and frequent daytime drowsiness were each related to higher HOMA2-IR values (each P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Sleep quality is an important correlate of insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with and without MetS. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether improving sleep improves insulin resistance in populations at elevated cardiometabolic risk.
BODY MASS INDEX AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH KOREA

Summary This study assesses differential labour performance by body mass index (BMI), focusing on heterogeneity across three distinct employment statuses: unemployed, self-employed and salaried. Data were drawn from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study. The final sample included 15,180 person-year observations (9645 men and 5535 women) between 20 and 65 years of age. The findings show that (i) overweight/obese women are less likely to have salaried jobs than underweight/normal weight women, whereas overweight/obese men are more likely to be employed in both the salaried and self-employed sectors than underweight/normal men, (ii) overweight/obese women have lower wages only in permanent salaried jobs than underweight/normal weight women, whereas overweight/obese men earn higher wages only in salaried temporary jobs than underweight/normal weight women, (iii) overweight/obese women earn lower wages only in service, sales, semi-professional and blue-collar jobs in the salaried sector than underweight/normal weight women, whereas overweight/obese men have lower wages only in sales jobs in the self-employed sector than underweight/normal weight women. The statistically significant BMI penalty in labour market outcomes, which occurs only in the salaried sector for women, implies that there is an employers’ distaste for workers with a high BMI status and that it is a plausible mechanism for job market penalty related to BMI status. Thus, heterogeneous job characteristics across and within salaried versus self-employed sectors need to be accounted for when assessing the impact of BMI status on labour market outcomes.
Castration of Horses with Primary Closure and Scrotal Ablation

Fourteen horses and one pony, 1 to 16 years of age, were castrated with a technique designed to promote primary healing and ablation of the scrotum following removal of descended testicles. Twenty-six testicles (10 nondescended, 15 normal descended testicles, and 1 neoplastic descended testicle) were removed. Nondescended testicles were removed through a skin incision over the external inguinal ring. Descended testicles were removed, and the scrotum was ablated by excision of the ventral scrotum. All testicles were removed by emasculation. The common vaginal tunic was not opened prior to emasculation of the descended testicles, and transfixation liqation sutures were used in only two horses. All incisions were closed with multiple layers of synthetic absorbable sutures in the subcutaneous and subcuticular tissues. All incisions healed by primary intention, and 14 recovered without complications. As a result of incomplete scrotal ablation, one horse had temporary lameness and swelling of the scrotal area that resembled the presurgical appearance.
The association between quitting smoking and weight gain: a systemic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify weight gain after smoking cessation and the difference in weight gain between quitters and continuing smokers. Five electronic databases were searched before January 2015. Population-based prospective cohort studies were included if they recorded the weight change of adult smokers from baseline (before smoking cessation) to follow-up (at least 3 months after cessation). Thirty-five cohort studies were identified, including 63,403 quitters and 388,432 continuing smokers. The mean weight gain was 4.10 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.69, 5.51) and body mass index (BMI) gain was 1.14 kg m(-2) (95% CI: 0.50, 1.79) among quitters. Compared with continuing smoking, quitting smoking was significantly associated with absolute weight (adjusted mean difference [MD]: 2.61 kg; 95% CI: 1.61, 3.60) and BMI gain (adjusted MD: 0.63 kg m(-2) ; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.80). Subgroup analyses using geographic region found that the difference in weight gain was considerably greater in studies from North America than from Asia. Follow-up length was identified as a source of heterogeneity, such that studies with longer follow-up showed greater difference in weight gain. Effective strategies are needed to encourage smokers to quit irrespective of potential weight gain and to help quitters avoid excess weight gain.
SPORTS PREFERENCE AND DIGIT RATIO (2D:4D) AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN WROCŁAW, POLAND

Summary Humans exhibit sex differences in competitiveness, sensation seeking and risk-taking attitude, which are required in sports. These attributes are often linked to prenatal testosterone (PT) exposure. The second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D) is an indicator of PT exposure. A lower 2D:4D indicates higher PT exposure and vice versa. Males generally have a lower 2D:4D than females. Sensation- and/or thrill-seeking behaviours have also been found to be negatively associated with 2D:4D. Boxing and judo are considered to be high-risk sports. Voluntary participation in judo/boxing in contrast to aerobics can be guided by such behaviours and thus have an association with lower 2D:4D. This cross-sectional study included 167 female students from a military academy in Wrocław, Poland. Of them, 119 had voluntarily chosen aerobic exercise, and 48 opted for judo/boxing. Height, weight and second and fourth digit lengths were measured. Physical fitness was assessed using Eurofit tests. The two groups showed similar physical fitness and body size. However, the judo/boxing group had significantly lower mean 2D:4D values than the aerobics group. It is proposed that voluntary choice of participation in a sport discipline by women could be linked to the ‘organizational’ effect of intrauterine testosterone exposure during prenatal growth.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN INDIA: THE MODERATING INFLUENCE OF CONFLICTING FERTILITY PREFERENCES AND CONTRACEPTIVE INTENTIONS

Summary Several studies report that women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to use contraception, but the evidence that violence consistently constrains contraceptive use is inconclusive. One plausible explanation for this ambiguity is that the effects of violence on contraceptive use depend on whether couples are likely to have conflicting attitudes to it. In particular, although some men may engage in violence to prevent their partners from using contraception, they are only likely to do so if they have reason to oppose its use. Using a longitudinal follow-up to the Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2), conducted among a sample of rural, married women of childbearing age, this study investigated whether the relationship between IPV and contraceptive use is contingent on whether women’s contraceptive intentions contradict men’s fertility preferences. Results indicate that women experiencing IPV are less likely to undergo sterilization, but only if they intended to use contraception and their partners wanted more children (Average Marginal Effect (AME)=−0.06; CI=−0.10, −0.01). Violence had no effect on sterilization among women who did not plan to use contraception (AME=−0.02; CI=−0.06, 0.03) or whose spouses did not want more children (AME=−0.01; CI=−0.9, 0.06). These results imply that violence enables some men to resolve disagreements over the use of contraception by imposing their fertility preferences on their partners. They also indicate that unmet need for contraception could be an intended consequence of violence.
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome (DDMS), also called cerebral hemiatrophy, is a clinical condition characterized by hypoplasia or atrophy of one of the cerebral hemispheres during the fetal period or early childhood, accompanied by seizures, facial asymmetry, contralateral hemiplegia or hemiparesis, and learning difficulties. The description of DDMS has been used in the presence of associated radiologic findings. In this paper, we present 2 siblings: one admitted to our hospital with seizures and diagnosed with DDMS and the other with a history of seizures, similar presentation of a neurologic examination and electrophysiology testing, but with normal results on magnetic resonance imaging. We present these cases to demonstrate similar symptoms and physical and electrophysiologic features in 2 siblings with similar clinical presentations with different magnetic resonance imaging findings.
Interleukin‐15 in obesity and metabolic dysfunction: current understanding and future perspectives

Obesity rises rapidly and is a major health concern for modern people. Importantly, it is a major risk factor in the development of numerous chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, interleukin (IL)‐15 has attracted considerable attention as a potential regulator for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity and T2DM. The beneficial effects include increased loss of fat mass and body weight, improved lipid and glucose metabolism, reduced white adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced mitochondrial function, alterations in the composition of muscle fibres and gut bacterial and attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress. Although these beneficial effects are somewhat controversial, IL‐15, exogenously delivered or endogenously produced, may be a promising target in the prevention and treatment of obesity and T2DM.
Expression of cyclins D1, D2 and D3 and Ki-67 in human leukemia

Cyclins are very important components of the cell cycle machinery because their levels regulate cell proliferation. They have also been found to be prognostic factors in various cancers. We studied the expression of the positive cell cycle regulators (D cyclins) and the cell proliferation marker (Ki-67) in human acute myeloid (AML), chronic myeloid (CML), acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic (CLL) leukemia [mainly by comparative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)]. Both leukemic and normal cells were positive for cyclin D3 expression. Significant differences were found in the expression of cyclin D1, which was the highest in leukocytes (CD19 + ) of CLL patients whereas lower expression was found in CML, AML and ALL patients and normal bone marrow and peripheral blood leukocytes (P < 0.001). The higher expression of cyclin D1 in leukocytes of CLL patients compared to CML patients was confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR with a TaqMan probe in a subset of CLL and CML patients. Differences in cyclin D1 expression between CLL and CML patients were also confirmed on protein levels by western blotting. Expression of the proliferative marker Ki-67 was high in CML, ALL and AML cells and low in CD19-positive CLL cells. The results demonstrate that the level of cyclin D1 negatively correlates with the proliferation properties of leukemic cells. We did not find any significant relationship between cyclin D1 expression in cells of CML and AML patients and their clinical outcome.
Rif1 controls DNA replication by directing Protein Phosphatase 1 to reverse Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation of the MCM complex

Recent evidence points to a role for Rif1 (Rap1-interacting factor) in DNA replication and genomic stability; however, the mechanism by which Rif1 functions has remained elusive. Hiraga el al. now report that budding yeast Rif1 controls DNA replication genome-wide and describe how Rif1 opposes Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) function by directing Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1)-mediated dephosphorylation of the MCM complex. PP1 interaction sites are evolutionarily conserved within the Rif1 sequence; thus, the authors propose that replication control by Rif1 through PP1 is a conserved mechanism.
Assessment of optimal mating time in the bitch

THE bitch is described as being monoestrus, which means that a long period of anoestrus occurs between successive periods of oestrus, whether she becomes pregnant or not. Correct monitoring and timing of the cycle is, therefore, essential if a fertile mating is to be achieved, since the next opportunity will not occur for some time. An important consideration when attempting to achieve a successful mating is the variation which occurs both between bitches and between cycles in the same bitch in the timing of ovulation in relation to the onset of proestrus. Despite this, many breeders continue to time matings using a standard number of days from the start of vulval bleeding (onset of proestrus). Bitches are, therefore, often mated at an unsuitable time, resulting in an apparent, and usually avoidable, infertility. Correct timing relies on the detection of physiological changes that occur between the onset of proestrus and oestrus. As discussed in this article, there are several different techniques which may be employed to assess the optimal time for mating, including measurement of plasma hormone concentrations, examination of exfoliated vaginal cells, and vaginal endoscopy.
PI3K-mediated PDGFRα signaling regulates survival and proliferation in skeletal development through p53-dependent intracellular pathways

PI3K is the main downstream effector of PDGFRα signaling during murine skeletal development. Fantauzzo et al. discovered skeletal defects in embryos in which PDGFRα is unable to bind PI3K. They identified 56 proteins that are phosphorylated by Akt downstream from PI3K-mediated PDGFRα signaling. Several of these proteins, including Ybox1, mediate cell survival through regulation of p53. These findings identify p53 as a novel effector downstream from PI3K-engaged PDGFRα signaling that regulates survival and proliferation during skeletal development in vivo.