Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does multiple sclerosis increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes? A population-based study

Objective To determine whether maternal multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in an East Asian country by using a nationwide population-based dataset. Method This study linked two nationwide population-based datasets, the birth certificate registry and the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset. We identified a total of 174 women who gave birth from 2001 to 2003, who were diagnosed with MS within the 2 years preceding the index deliveries, together with 1,392 matched women without chronic disease as a comparison cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for estimation. Results We found that compared with healthy mothers, MS was independently associated with a 2.25-fold risk of preterm birth (95% CI = 1.37–3.70) and a 1.89-fold (95% CI = 1.30–2.76) higher risk of babies small for gestational age, after adjusting for family income and maternal, paternal, and infant characteristics. Mothers with MS were also more likely to have cesarean deliveries. Conclusion Our study documents increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers with MS, highlighting a need for more intensive monitoring and obstetric care during pregnancy. Future studies should explore the distinct manifestations and mechanisms of MS in diverse ethnic groups, so more complete information can be provided to affected women concerning pregnancy.
Chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection as a Risk Factor for Coronary Heart Disease in the Helsinki Heart Study

OBJECTIVE To investigate in the prospective Helsinki Heart Study, whether chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, indicated by elevated antibody titers against the pathogen, chlamydial lipopolysaccharide-containing immune complexes, or both, is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. DESIGN AND SETTING The Helsinki Heart Study was a randomized, double-blind, 5-year clinical trial to test the efficacy of gemfibrozil in reducing the risk for coronary heart disease. Participants were randomized to receive either gemfibrozil (2046 patients) or placebo (2035 patients). Fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death were the main study end points. Serum samples were collected at 3-month intervals from all patients. PATIENTS One hundred forty cardiac events occurred during the follow-up period. Serum samples from 103 case patients obtained 3 to 6 months before a cardiac end point were matched with those from controls for time point, locality, and treatment. Samples were tested for markers of chronic chlamydial infection. MEASUREMENTS Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and G (IgG) antibodies to C. pneumoniae were measured using the microimmunofluorescence method. Lipopolysaccharide-containing immune complexes were measured using two antigen-specific enzyme immunoassays, the lipopolysaccharide-capture and immunoglobulin M (IgM)-capture methods. MAIN RESULTS Using a conditional logistic regression model, odds ratios for the development of coronary heart disease were 2.7 (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.5) for elevated IgA titers, 2.1 (CI, 1.1 to 3.9) for the presence of immune complexes, and 2.9 (CI, 1.5 to 5.4) for the presence of both factors. If we adjusted for other coronary heart disease risk factors such as age, hypertension, and smoking, the corresponding values would be 2.3 (CI, 0.9 to 6.2), 1.8 (CI, 0.9 to 3.6), and 2.6 (CI, 1.3 to 5.2), respectively. CONCLUSION The results suggest that chronic C. pneumoniae infection may be a significant risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease.
Minihelix-containing RNAs Mediate Exportin-5-dependent Nuclear Export of the Double-stranded RNA-binding Protein ILF3*

The karyopherin-related nuclear transport factor exportin-5 preferentially recognizes and transports RNAs containing minihelix motif, a structural cis-acting export element that comprises a double-stranded stem (>14 nucleotides) with a base-paired 5′ end and a 3–8-nucleotide protruding 3′ end. This structural motif is present in various small cellular and viral polymerase III transcripts such as the adenovirus VA1 RNA (VA1). Here we show that the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, ILF3 (interleukin enhancer binding factor 3) preferentially binds minihelix motif. Gel retardation assays and glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments revealed that ILF3, exportin-5, RanGTP, and VA1 RNA assembled in a quaternary complex in which the RNA moiety bridges the interaction between ILF3 and exportin-5. Formation of this complex is facilitated by the ability of both exportin-5 and ILF3 to mutually increase their apparent affinity for VA1 RNA. Using microinjection in the nucleus of HeLa cells and transfection experiments, we show here that formation of the cooperative RanGTP-dependent RNA/ILF3/exportin-5 complex promotes the co-transport of VA1 and ILF3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Exportin-5 thus appears as the first example of a nuclear export receptor that mediates RNA export but also promotes transport of proteinaceous cargo through appropriate and specific RNA adaptors.
Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on Cryopreservation of Porcine Mesenchymal Stem Cells (pMSCs)

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a commonly used cryoprotectant in cryopreservation procedures, is detrimental to viability of cells. In this view point, a comparative study was carried out to evaluate the effect of DMSO on porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs). We compared the viability, colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay, expression of Bak and Bcl2 genes, Bcl2 protein antigen, and CD90 in pMSCs cryopreserved with 5%, 10%, and 20% DMSO. pMSCs isolated from bone marrow were characterized by alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of transcription factors, such as Oct 3/4, Nanog, and Sox2. The cells were then cryopreserved by cooling at a rate of −1°C/min in a programmable freezer and stored in liquid nitrogen. The results of survival of pMSCs cryopreserved at 5% DMSO were comparable to control group (fresh pMSCs). The survival and the number of colonies formed in cryopreserved pMSCs were inversely proportional to the concentration of DMSO. The number of colonies formed in pMSCs cryopreserved with all concentrations of DMSO was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the control group. An increased tendency for Bak and Bcl2 gene expression was noticed in cryopreserved pMSCs at 3 h postthawing compared to control group. There was a close resemblance in higher level of expression of CD90 between control and cryopreserved pMSCs. Because there was no considerable difference in the results of pMSCs cryopreserved at 5% and 10% DMSO, this study strongly suggests the use of 5% DMSO in cryopreservation of pMSCs as an alternative to conventional 10% DMSO.
Reduce Challenging Behaviors and Enhance Functioning in Youth with an Intellectual Disability: A Meta-Analysis of Behavioral Interventions Using Single Case Design

vi Chapter I.1 Statement of the Problem . 1 Effect of School Based Behavioral Interventions on Individuals with Developmental Disabilities . 4 Single-Case Design Studies . 5 Present Study . 6 Purpose of the Study . 6 Research Questions . 7 Definition of Key Terms . 8 Chapter II Review of the Literature . 14 Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities . 14 Neurodevelopmental Disabilities . 14 Intellectual Disabilities . 15 Special Education Classification of Youth with ID . 16 Prevalence of ID . 17 Autism Spectrum Disorder . 18 Special Education Classification of Youth with ASD . 19 Prevalence of ASD . 19 Challenging Behavior in Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities . 20 Intellectual Disability . 21 Autism Spectrum Disorder . 22 Theoretical Underpinnings of Behaviorism . 22 Behavioral Interventions . 25 Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities . 25 School-Based Interventions . 27 Effects of Behavioral Interventions on Youth with Developmental Disabilities’ Behavioral Outcomes: Syntheses . 30 Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Combined Developmental Disability Diagnoses . 31 Individuals with ASD . 43 School-Based . 47 Moderating Effects of Behavioral Interventions . 50 Participants Characteristics . 61 Intervention Characteristics . 63
Large-scale hormone replacement therapy and life expectancy: results from an international comparison among European and North American populations.

OBJECTIVES An analysis was performed to determine the risks and benefits of a 10-year hormone replacement therapy regimen that had been applied to all women at 50 years of age in 8 countries. METHODS Cumulative mortality with and without hormone replacement therapy over 20 years was estimated, with both current and predicted total and disease-specific secular mortality trends and the influence of a generational cohort effect taken into account. RESULTS In countries with high ischemic heart disease frequency and predictable relative predominance of ischemic heart disease rates over breast cancer rates for the next 20 years, hormone replacement therapy could result in benefits with regard to overall mortality; this advantage decreases in younger-generation cohorts. In countries in which breast cancer mortality predominates over ischemic heart disease in early postmenopause and in which the predictable trends for both diseases reinforce this condition, a negative effect on overall mortality would be observed. In the United States, the effect of large-scale hormone replacement therapy would change over time. CONCLUSIONS The long-term effect of hormone replacement therapy on life expectancy of postmenopausal women may vary among countries.
DEVELOPING PRINCIPALS IN CHINA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

This paper provides a critical review of the policy landscape of contemporary Chinese education, and the essential role of school principals in the national reform for “Quality-Oriented Education”. With cultural and historical context in mind, and the impact of political and societal forces taken into consideration, the authors examine the major challenges faced by Chinese schools and the demand for a new generation of school leaders. An assessment of the existing principal evaluation and training system is conducted and a framework of strategic directions for systemic professional development is proposed.
Prompt and Equitable: A Critical Study of Sexual Violence Policies and Procedures at University of North Carolina System Institutions

The United States federal government has issued specific guidance to colleges and universities regarding the institution’s ability to address sexual violence cases in a prompt and equitable manner. I conducted this parallel convergent study with the 16 University of North Carolina higher education institutions utilizing an online survey, interviews, and document reviews to determine how each institution interprets and implements the prompt and equitable standard. The research questions used to guide this study were (a) how do the UNC constituent institutional policies and procedures reference prompt and equitable, (b) how do the primary sexual violence adjudicating individuals at UNC institutions define prompt and equitable, and (c) how do they implement this standard in their policies and procedures. This parallel convergent study allows for an investigation that addressed not only what a policy is, but also why it exists and how it works. Under the prompt and equitable themes, subcategories were developed through open coding. The results indicate that the conversations about adjudicating sexual violence are not ceasing and that this foundational research can be utilized as the basis of future research regarding how sexual violence cases are adjudicated.
Ecological Worldview as the Central Component of Environmental Concern: Clarifying the Role of the NEP

Abstract This study examines whether an ecological worldview—operationalized by the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) Scale--serves as the source of coherence of Environmental Concern (EC). Using data on four samples from the 1992 Gallup “Health of the Planet” Survey and the 2003 and 2010 Chinese General Social Surveys, we found that in all samples not only is the NEP the most powerful predictor of EC, but it also mediates the effects of socio-demographic variables on EC as hypothesized. The results confirm that the NEP is the source of coherence of EC, making it a meaningful construct.
An Assessment of Prospective Teachers' Views Toward Their Self-Regulated Learning Skills in Terms of Several Variables

Betimsel nitelikteki bu arastirmanin amaci, ogretmen adaylarinin oz-duzenleyici ogrenme becerilerine iliskin goruslerinin cinsiyet, ogrenim gorulen bolum ve universiteye giris puan turu degiskenlerine gore anlamli bir sekilde degisip degismedigini ortaya koymaktir. Arastirmanin calisma grubunu, Firat Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Sinif Ogretmenligi, Sosyal Bilgiler Ogretmenligi, Fen Bilgisi Ogretmenligi, Turkce Ogretmenligi, Bilgisayar ve Ogretim Teknolojileri Egitimi, Matematik Ogretmenligi ve Resim-is Ogretmenligi bolumlerinin dorduncu siniflarinda ogrenim goren ogretmen adaylari olusturmaktadir. Arastirmada veri toplama araci olarak, universite ogrencilerinin oz-duzenleyici ogrenme becerilerini belirlemek uzere gelistirilen, Oz-duzenleyici Ogrenme Becerileri (ODOB) Olcegi kullanilmistir. Cinsiyet degiskenine gore yapilan karsilastirmalarda bagimsiz gruplar t testi ile MWU testi, bolum ve universiteye giris puan turu degiskenlerine gore yapilan karsilastirmalarda da Kruskal Wallis H testinden yararlanilmistir. Analiz sonuclarinda ogretmen adaylarinin oz-duzenleyici ogrenme becerileri olceginin “Gudulenme ve ogrenme icin harekete gecme”, “Planlama ve amac belirleme”, “Strateji kullanimi ve degerlendirme” ve “Ogrenmede bagimlilik” alt boyutlari ile geneline iliskin goruslerinin cinsiyet degiskenine gore istatistiksel acidan farklilasmadigi belirlenmistir. Bununla birlikte ogretmen adaylarinin goruslerinin, ogrenim gordukleri bolumlerine ve universiteye giris puan turlerine gore anlamli bir sekilde degistigi ortaya cikmistir
Semi-Calibrated Near Field Photometric Stereo

3D Reconstruction from shading information through Photometric Stereo is considered a very challenging problem in Computer Vision. Although this technique can potentially provide highly detailed shape recovery, its accuracy is critically dependent on a numerous set of factors among them the reliability of the light sources in emitting a constant amount of light. In this work, we propose a novel variational approach to solve the so called semi-calibrated near field Photometric Stereo problem, where the positions but not the brightness of the light sources are known. Additionally, we take into account realistic modeling features such as perspective viewing geometry and heterogeneous scene composition, containing both diffuse and specular objects. Furthermore, we also relax the point light source assumption that usually constraints the near field formulation by explicitly calculating the light attenuation maps. Synthetic experiments are performed for quantitative evaluation for a wide range of cases whilst real experiments provide comparisons, qualitatively outperforming the state of the art.
Endocrine function in small cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung

The endocrine status of 106 patients with undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of the lung was evaluated before treatment was begun. Almost one half of the patients had evidence of abnormal control of the secretion of adrenal cortical steroids, manifested by loss of diurnal rhythmicity or dexamethasone suppressibility. Only two had the clinical syndrome of ectopic ACTH secretion. Evidence of inappropriate secretion of vasopressin was found in 38% of the patients, most of whom also had abnormalities of corticosteroid secretory pattern. About one half of the patients had evidence of abnormal glucose tolerance, and many also had a paradoxical rise of plasma growth hormone concentration after glucose administration. The levels of the other hormones studies were normal. The pattern of hormone abnormality observed in these patients appears to be relatively specific for small cell undifferentiated carcinoma, and is different from that observed in other pulmonary tumors. Patients with abnormal control of plasma cortisol had a worse prognosis than those with normal adrenal function, largely because of decreased response rates to chemotherapy. Other endocrine abnormalities were of no prognostic significance.
The effect of intermittent local heat and cold on labor pain and child birth outcome

Background: Labor pain is one of the severest pains that cause many women request cesarean section for fear of pain. Thus, controlling labor pain is a major concern of maternity care. Nowadays, interest in non-pharmacological pain relief methods has been increased because of their lower side effects. The effects of discrete heat and cold on decreasing labor pain have been reported but there was no evaluation of the effects of simultaneous heat and cold. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent heat and cold on pain severity and childbirth outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four nulliparous women with term, One fetus, and low-risk pregnancy were divided into the intervention (32 participants) and the control group (32 participants) by random allocation. Excluding criteria were: administration of pain relief drugs, skin disease in the field of intervention, fetal distress, bleeding, fever, and disagreement with participation in the study. Warm and cold packs were used intermittently on low back and lower abdomen during the first phase and on perineum during the second phase of labor. Pain intensity was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale. Descriptive statistic, chi square, and t-test were used for data analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic and midwifery characteristics and the baseline pain between two groups. The pain was significantly lower in intervention group during the first and second phases of labor. Duration of the first and third phases of labor was shorter in the case group. There were no significant differences in type of delivery, perineal laceration, oxytocin uptake, fetal heart rate, and APGAR between two groups. Discussion: Local warming with intermittent cold pack can reduce labor pain without adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. It is an inexpensive and simple method. Conclusion: Intermittent local heat and cold therapy is a no pharmalogical, safe and effective method to relief labor pain.
Antibacterial activity of different generation dentin-bonding systems.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the antibacterial activities of different generation dentin-bonding systems. METHOD AND MATERIALS The antibacterial activities of dentin-bonding systems Optibond FL Primer, Single Bond, Clearfil SE Bond Primer, and Prompt-L-Pop were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Cervitec (1% chlorhexidine varnish) was also examined as a positive control material. Disk diffusion tests with filter paper disks (n = 10) containing a drop of each material (20 microL) were used. After incubation at 37 degrees C for 48 hours, the growth inhibition zones were measured in millimeters. RESULTS Of all the materials tested, Optibond FL Primer, Clearfil SE Bond Primer, and Prompt-LPop showed larger growth inhibition zones than the control material for all bacterial strains. No antibacterial effect was noted for Single Bond. The results indicated that Optibond FL Primer had the strongest effect against the S mutans and L casei, and Clearfil SE Bond Primer produced the largest inhibition zone for S salivarius and L acidophilus among the test materials. CONCLUSION The antibacterial effects observed for the tested different generation dentin-bonding systems may be related to the acidic nature of the materials.
BACE1 Cytoplasmic Domain Interacts with the Copper Chaperone for Superoxide Dismutase-1 and Binds Copper*

The amyloidogenic pathway leading to the production and deposition of Aβ peptides, major constituents of Alzheimer disease senile plaques, is linked to neuronal metal homeostasis. The amyloid precursor protein binds copper and zinc in its extracellular domain, and the Aβ peptides also bind copper, zinc, and iron. The first step in the generation of Aβ is cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by the aspartic protease BACE1. Here we show that BACE1 interacts with CCS (the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1)) through domain I and the proteins co-immunoprecipitate from rat brain extracts. We have also been able to visualize the co-transport of membranous BACE1 and soluble CCS through axons. BACE1 expression reduces the activity of SOD1 in cells consistent with direct competition for available CCS as overexpression of CCS restores SOD1 activity. Finally, we demonstrate that the twenty-four residue C-terminal domain of BACE1 binds a single Cu(I) atom with high affinity through cysteine residues.
Endocrine Tumor and Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas: A Fortuitous Association?

Objectives: Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are rare diseases of the pancreas. Cases of association of endocrine and exocrine neoplasms of the pancreas have been reported, corresponding to mixed or amphicrine tumors. The aim of this report is to describe a series of 6 patients with an original association of IPMN and PET of the pancreas. Methods: Among 108 and 103 patients operated on in our center between January 1997 and December 2003 for PETs and IPMNs, respectively, we identified 6 patients with both PET and IPMN, diagnosed on pathologic examination with an immunohistochemical study. Results: Preoperative diagnosis was unspecified pancreatic tumor (n = 1), IPMN (n = 2), and association of PET and IPMN (n = 3). IPMN involved the main pancreatic duct in 4 patients and was classified as benign (n = 4), borderline (n = 1), or malignant noninvasive (n = 1). PETs measured 1.1 to 3 cm and were malignant in 1 patient (lymph node invasion). When analyzed by immunohistochemistry, 2 cases expressed glucagon, 1 expressed somatostatin, and 1 expressed insulin. Conclusion: This study describes a new aspect of endocrine-exocrine pancreatic neoplasm association. The frequency of the association of PET and IPMN is too large to be fortuitous. Further studies are needed to understand its mechanism.