Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social and individual risk determinants of HIV testing practices among noninjection drug users at high risk for HIV/AIDS

Abstract HIV testing services and research among drug users has largely focused on injection drug users (IDUs); yet noninjection drug users (NIDUs) are also at increased risk for HIV due to high-risk sexual behaviors and overlapping networks with IDUs. This study examined drug use, sexual risk, and social network characteristics associated with recent HIV testing (testing within past year) among NIDUs. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted among 418 NIDUs and log-binomial regression models were used to identify correlates of recent HIV testing. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Nearly 97% of NIDUs reported having ever been tested for HIV and most participants (85.7%) indicated testing for HIV within the past year. Factors independently associated with recent HIV testing were higher educational attainment (PR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.34) and networks to discuss health and medical services (PR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.20). A prior positive sexually transmitted infection was associated with decreased likelihood of recent HIV test (PR: 0.43; 95% CI 0.25, 0.74). Identifying specific social network characteristics may be effective in facilitating HIV testing and prevention strategies targeting NIDUs.
SINGLE AND REPEATED TRACHEAL INTILLATIONS OF BLEOMYCIN LEAD TO DIFFERENT BIOMECHANICAL CHANGES IN LUNG TISSUE

Single dose (SD) of bleomycin induces acute alveolitis followed by a reparative process whilst a repeated dose (RD) results in progressive fibrosis, which may lead to distinct lung tissue biomechanical changes. To test this hypothesis, rats were intratracheally instilled with saline (n=11) or bleomycin (2.5 mgU/kg) once (SD, n=8) or three times (RD, n=9) one week apart, and sacrificed 28 days after challenge. Forced oscillatory mechanics as well as the amount of collagen fibre and myeloperoxidase content (MPOL) were studied in lung tissue strips. Both elastic modulus (H), tissue damping (G), and MPOL increased only in RD-challenged rats. Although fibroblast focus was found in RD, collagen fibre content increased in both challenged groups. However, the amount of collagen fibre in SD group was not enough to induce lung tissue mechanical changes. In conclusion, single and repeated sub-lethal doses of bleomycin led to different inflammatory and fibrogenic behaviour resulting in distinct lung biomechanical changes 28 days after challenge.
Fully Protected Glycosylated Zinc (II) Phthalocyanine Shows High Uptake and Photodynamic Cytotoxicity in MCF‐7 Cancer Cells

Phthalocyanine photosensitizers are effective in anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) but suffer from limited solubility, limited cellular uptake and limited selectivity for cancer cells. To improve these characteristics, we synthesized isopropylidene‐protected and partially deprotected tetra β‐glycosylated zinc (II) phthalocyanines and compared their uptake and accumulation kinetics, subcellular localization, in vitro photocytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species generation with those of disulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine. In MCF‐7 cancer cells, one of the compounds, zinc phthalocyanine {4}, demonstrated 10‐fold higher uptake, 5‐fold greater PDT‐induced cellular reactive oxygen species concentration and 2‐fold greater phototoxicity than equimolar (9 μm) disulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine. Thus, isopropylidene‐protected β‐glycosylation of phthalocyanines provides a simple method of improving the efficacy of PDT.
Carbenoxolone increases hepatic insulin sensitivity in man: a novel role for 11-oxosteroid reductase in enhancing glucocorticoid receptor activation.

In the kidney, conversion of cortisol to cortisone by the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protects mineralocorticoid receptors from cortisol. In the liver, a different isoform of the enzyme favors 11 beta-reductase conversion of cortisone to cortisol. We have tested the hypothesis that hepatic 11 beta-reductase enhances glucocorticoid receptor activation in the liver by inhibiting the enzyme with carbenoxolone and observing effects on insulin sensitivity. Seven healthy males took part in a double blind randomized cross-over study in which oral carbenoxolone (100 mg every 8 h) or placebo was administered for 7 days. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp studies were then performed, including measurement of forearm glucose uptake. Carbenoxolone increased whole body insulin sensitivity (M values for dextrose infusion rates, 41.1 +/- 2.4 mumol/kg.min for placebo vs. 44.6 +/- 2.3 for carbenoxolone; P < 0.03), but had no effect on forearm insulin sensitivity. We infer that carbenoxolone, by inhibiting hepatic 11 beta-reductase and reducing intrahepatic cortisol concentration, increases hepatic insulin sensitivity and decreases glucose production. Thus, plasma cortisone provides an inactive pool that can be converted to active glucocorticoids at sites where 11 beta-reductase is expressed, abnormal hepatic 11 beta-reductase activity might be important in syndromes of insulin resistance, and manipulation of hepatic 11 beta-reductase may be useful in treating insulin resistance.
Nicotine‐induced and depolarisation‐induced glutamate release from hippocampus mossy fibre synaptosomes: two distinct mechanisms

Hippocampus mossy fibre terminals activate CA3 pyramidal neurons via two distinct mechanisms, both quantal and glutamatergic: (i) rapid excitatory transmission in response to afferent action potentials and (ii) delayed and prolonged release following nicotinic receptor activation. These processes were analysed here using rat hippocampus mossy fibres synaptosomes. The relationships between synaptosome depolarisation and glutamate release were established in response to high‐KCl and gramicidin challenges. Half‐maximal release corresponded to a 52 mV depolarisation step. KCl‐induced release was accompanied by transient dissipation of the proton gradient across synaptic vesicle membrane. Nicotine elicited a substantial glutamate release from mossy fibre synaptosomes (EC50 3.14 μM; Vmax 12.01 ± 2.1 nmol glutamate/mg protein; Hill’s coefficient 0.99). However, nicotine‐induced glutamate release was not accompanied by any change in the membrane potential or in the vesicular proton gradient. The effects of acetylcholine (200 μM) were similar to those of nicotine (25 μM). Nicotinic α7 receptors were evidenced by immuno‐cytochemistry on the mossy fibre synaptosome plasma membrane. Therefore, the same terminals can release glutamate in response to two distinct stimuli: (i) rapid neurotransmission involving depolarisation‐induced activation of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels and (ii) a slower nicotinic activation which does not involve depolarisation or dissipation of the vesicular proton gradient.
Distributional Analysis of the Parking Problem and Robin Hood Linear Probing Hashing with Buckets

This paper presents the first distributional analysis of both, a parking problem and a linear probing hashing scheme with buckets of size b. The exact distribution of the cost of successful searches for a b alpha-full table is obtained, and moments and asymptotic results are derived. With the use of the Poisson transform distributional results are also obtained for tables of size m and n elements. A key element in the analysis is the use of a new family of numbers, called Tuba Numbers, that satisfies a recurrence resembling that of the Bernoulli numbers. These numbers may prove helpful in studying recurrences involving truncated generating functions, as well as in other problems related with buckets.
The effect of age-dependent increase in fat mass on peripheral insulin action is saturable.

Insulin resistance and increased fat mass (FM) are common in human aging. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the age-dependent increase in FM and insulin resistance (by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique), in a homogenous rodent model. The decline in insulin responsiveness was linear until late adulthood when body weight, FM, and epididymal fat reached a critical amount (r > .750, for all). Above this critical point, there was no further decline in insulin responsiveness with aging and with increased BW (p < .00001 for all spline curve analyses). This decline in insulin-mediated glucose uptake was accounted for by a decrease in whole body glycolytic rate with no change in the rate of glycogen synthesis. Thus, in this homogenous model, an early increase in FM is associated with impairment in insulin action until a critical FM is achieved, after which there is no additional insulin resistance with aging. We suggest that decreasing insulin responsiveness, in a heterogeneous group such as humans, will only occur within a specific accretion of visceral or total FM.
Contextual Interference Effects in Learning Volleyball Skills

The aim of this study was to examine the contextual interference effect on learning three volleyball skills. Participants were 26 novice female volleyball players (M age = 12.4 yr., SD = 1.2). They were assigned into two groups, Low Interference (n = 13) and High Interference (n = 13). Two practice schedules were used: blocked (Low Interference) and random (High Interference). The training period lasted for 10 weeks and included 2 training sessions of 75 min. each per week. The pretest was performed before the first training session, the posttest was performed after the completion of the last training period, and the retention test was performed two weeks after the posttest. A 2 (Groups) × 3 (Measurement Periods) analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated significant improvement in performance between pre- and posttests for both High Interference and Low Interference groups for the three skills included in this study. There was no significant main effect of group or interaction effect of group and measure. These findings suggest that either blocked or random practice could be effectively used in learning of volleyball skills by unskilled children.
The Role of Emulsified Isoflurane in Multi-Organ Protection

Aim of review: This review describes the multi-organ protective effects of emulsified isoflurane.Method: This review examines the recent experimental researches involving emulsified isoflurane-induced preconditioning and postconditioning in multiple organs.Recent findings: Emulsified isoflurane is a new formulation of isoflurane in lipid emulsion. It enables an intravenous, intraperitoneal injection or oral (rather than the traditional inhalation) route of administration for this anesthetic. Pharmacological preconditioning and postconditioning have been demonstrated to be the protective strategies in clinical settings for the high risk patients with various organ dysfunctions. In recent years, there has been increased interest in exploring the protective effect of emulsified isoflurane in multiple organs including heart, brain, kidney, liver and lung, providing potential approaches translating these convincing experimental conditioning effects to clinical practice.Summary: Emulsified isoflurane could exert strong organ-protective effects. With an understanding of its potential mechanisms, therapeutic approaches may be applied to the future organ-protective properties, transferring convincing experimental evidences into clinical therapies. Citation: Zhao-Yang Hu, Jin Liu. The role of emulsified isoflurane in multiorgan protection. J Anesth Perioper Med 2015; 2: 29-35. doi: 10.24015/JAPM.2015. 0005This is an open-access article, published by Evidence Based Communications (EBC). This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format for any lawful purpose. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Abiotic Forcing of Plankton Evolution in the Cenozoic

We characterize the evolutionary radiation of planktic foraminifera by the test size distributions of entire assemblages in more than 500 Cenozoic marine sediment samples, including more than 1 million tests. Calibration of Holocene size patterns with environmental parameters and comparisons with Cenozoic paleoproxy data show a consistently positive correlation between test size and surface-water stratification intensity. We infer that the observed macroevolutionary increase in test size of planktic foraminifera through the Cenozoic was an adaptive response to intensifying surface-water stratification in low latitudes, which was driven by polar cooling.
The Project of Intellectual Capital Disclosure: Researching the Research

This paper examines a number of key issues relating to intellectual capital (IC) disclosure by addressing some of the strengths, weaknesses and gaps of the extant research. The paper begins by examining the definitions of intellectual capital and intellectual capital disclosure currently in use. Methodological issues are examined in relation to the use of source documents, coding frameworks, and research methods. Both positivist and critical theoretical perspectives used to provide a theoretical underpinning of IC disclosure analysis are reviewed. The paper concludes by arguing for the importance of addressing these issues in order to improve the credibility of IC disclosure, and offers suggestions for doing so.
Advances in the biology and treatment of pediatric central nervous system tumors

Purpose of review Central nervous system tumors represent the most common solid tumors in children and are a leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in this age group. Here, we provide an update on insights gained through molecular profiling of the most common malignant childhood brain tumors. Recent findings Genomic profiling studies of medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (diffuse midline glioma, with H3-K27M mutation), have refined, if not redefined, the diagnostic classification and therapeutic stratification of patients with these tumors. They detail the substantial genetic heterogeneity across each disease type and, importantly, link genotypic information to clinical course. The most aggressive, treatment-resistant (and also treatment-sensitive) forms within each disease entity are identified, and their potentially actionable targets. Summary Molecularly based classification of pediatric brain tumors provides a critical framework for the more precise stratification and treatment of children with brain tumors.
Current developments and prospects on human metapneumovirus vaccines

ABSTRACT Introduction: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has become one of the major pathogens causing acute respiratory infections (ARI) mainly affecting young children, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. Currently there are no licensed vaccines against this virus. Areas covered: Since the discovery of hMPV in 2001, many groups have focused on developing vaccines against this pathogen. This review presents the outcomes and perspectives derived from preclinical studies performed in cell cultures and animals as well as the only candidate that has reached evaluation in a clinical trial. Limitations of the current vaccine candidates are discussed and perspectives for the development of plant-based vaccines are analyzed. Expert commentary: Several hMPV vaccine candidates are under development with the potential to progress into clinical trials. In parallel, the molecular farming field offers new opportunities to generate innovative vaccines that will offer several advantages in the fight against hMPV.
Balloon tamponade during cesarean section is useful for severe post‐partum hemorrhage due to placenta previa

Aim: Severe post‐partum hemorrhage during cesarean section due to placenta previa is still one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of intrauterine tamponade with a Sengstaken‐Blakemore tube (SB‐tube) for the treatment of severe post‐partum hemorrhage in cases of placenta previa.
Accurate Method for Determining Functional Penile Length in Turkish Young Men

There are only a few reports that investigate the measurement of functional penile length and compare the methods used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the measurement techniques and to determine an appropriate method that correlates the erect state most closely. Measurements of penile length in 200 healthy men were made during three different states—flaccid, erect, and stretched—of the penis. The results were evaluated using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, correlation coefficients, and regression equations. The correlation between the flaccid and the erect lengths was 71.2%, and it was 80.2% between the stretched and the erect lengths (p < 0.01). Using regression equations, the degree of accuracy in estimating the erect length by using the stretched length was 65.3% (R2 = determination coefficient;p < 0.01) and was 50.8% by using the flaccid length (p < 0.01). When both the flaccid and the stretched lengths were considered together, the predictability of erect length was R2 = 65.5%. The results obtained using different statistical methods showed that the most accurate results can be obtained by considering stretched penile length, whereas flaccid length had little importance in determining erect penile length. In conclusion, the stretched penile length measurement technique is highly recommended for the accurate prediction of the erect penile length.
CEBPβ, JunD and c‐Jun contribute to the transcriptional activation of the metastasis‐associated C4.4A gene

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored molecule C4.4A, which shares structural features with uPAR, is frequently expressed on carcinomas with upregulated expression during tumor progression. Moreover, rare expression on nontransformed epithelial cells is strongly increased during tissue remodeling, e.g., during wound healing. This strictly regulated expression prompted us to define transcriptional activation of the C4.4A gene. C4.4A transcription was analyzed in 2 syngenic rat tumor cell lines with low or high metastatic potential, respectively. Though genomic C4.4A DNA was present in both lines, C4.4A mRNA and transcription of a reporter construct containing the C4.4A promoter was only observed in the metastasizing subline. Deletions and point mutations in the C4.4A promoter‐driven reporter construct revealed that activation of the TATA‐less, GC‐rich core promoter (−1 to −50 bp) does not suffice to initiate transcription that requires coactivation of a proximal response element (−71 to −88 bp) and can be further increased by more distal response elements (−89 to −133 bp). Mobility‐shift and cotransfection studies showed that Sp3 binding enhances C4.4A transcription, whereas potential Sp1 binding sites were ineffective. C4.4A transcription essentially requires C/EBPβ binding to a TRE/CCAAT composite element (−71 to −88 bp) as measured by ChIP assay. C4.4A transcription is strikingly enhanced by cotransfection with JunD or c‐Jun, such that C4.4A is most strongly transcribed even in the C4.4A‐negative tumor cell line after cotransfection with C/EBPβ plus JunD or c‐Jun. Thus, upregulation of C/EBPβ during tumor progression and wound repair may well provide a sufficient trigger for transcription of the C4.4A gene. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of 10k Restatements on Firm Value, Information Asymmetries, and Investors' Reliance on Earnings

Restating 10-Ks has become an increasingly common phenomenon in financial reporting. Restatements clearly signal that the firm's prior financial statements were not credible and were of relatively lower "quality". In this study, we examine the effect of restatements on investors' and dealers' perceptions of the firm. First, we examine the market returns and the bid-ask spread effects at the announcement of the accounting problem that leads to restatement. We find negative market returns for accounting problem announcements, and we find that the negative reaction is most pronounced for firms with revenue recognition issues. We also find an increase in spreads surrounding the announcement of revenue recognition problems. Second we examine returns and spreads from the announcement of the restatement to the filing of the restated financial statements. We find a significant negative market reaction and a larger negative reaction for firms with revenue recognition problems. We find no change in spreads from before the announcement of the accounting problem to after the restatement is filed. Finally, we examine the effect of the restatement on earnings response coefficients, and find that the market reacts less to earnings after a restatement than to earnings prior to a restatement. In general, these results indicate that investors and dealers react negatively to restatements and are more concerned with revenue recognition problems than with other financial reporting errors.
Organizational Adoption of Web-Enabled Services For Information Dissemination: A Cross National Comparison of US and Indian SME's

Although communication, collaboration, and transaction processing are some of the important business functions facilitated by the web, timely dissemination of information is critical for ultimate customer satisfaction and potential profitability. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect that contextual factors such as IS maturity, organizational attributes, and environmental characteristics have on perceived usefulness and adoption of web-enabled services for information dissemination in US and Indian small and medium enterprises (SME’s). The key focus of this article is “organizational adoption” as opposed to individual acceptance for which there have been numerous studies. A research model and eight hypotheses were developed and data were collected from 211 and 160 senior managers in US and Indian small businesses respectively. The model suggested adequate fit for both countries. The results indicate some similarities and differences between US and Indian SME’s.
Novel platinum-N-heterocyclic carbene complex is more cardiotoxic than cis-platin in rats

Cis-platin and other platinum complexes are important chemotherapeutic agents useful in the treatment of several cancers. However, therapeutic usage of cis-platin and other platinum complex are limited by their undesirable side effects including cardiotoxicity. In this context, we aimed to compare the damage caused in heart by cis-platin and novel platinum-N-heterocyclic carbene (Pt-NHC) complex. For this purpose, 35 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into five equal groups (n = 7 for each group). Cis-platin and novel Pt-NHC complex were intraperitoneally administered at a single dose of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg and then sacrificed 10 days after this treatment. The heart tissues were taken from all rats for determination of oxidative and myocardial damage. Cis-platin and novel Pt-NHC complex caused oxidative and histological damage in the heart tissue in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). On the other hand, at the same dose levels, cis-platin caused lower oxidative and histological damage in heart tissue compared to novel Pt-NHC complex. These results suggest that novel Pt-NHC complex is more cardiotoxic than cis-platin.