Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovative approaches to promoting cervical health and raising cervical cancer awareness by use of existing cultural structures in resource-limited countries: experiences with traditional marriage counseling in Zambia

The Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in Zambia (CCPPZ) has increasingly used community-level structures to increase the uptake and ensure the sustainability of the program. Traditional marriage counselors, the alangizi, who have existed in the Zambian society for many years, are one of the structures used by the program to impart cervical cancer knowledge and increase access to screening and care using an existing community structure. Several steps were followed in developing this intervention: (a) ensuring the alangizi understood the process of screening by encouraging them to go through the screening process; (b) workshops were arranged for the alangizi to meet and share experiences during which lessons were given on cervical cancer by health workers as well; and (c) eight alangizi were chosen to help document the lessons as part of ensuring that cervical cancer information is accurate and passed in a consistent manner. Over 70 alangizi, who had undergone cervical cancer screening, were trained by CCPPZ. A ‘Cervical Cancer Training Manual for Marriage Counsellors’ was developed to help the alangizi integrate cervical cancer lessons in their routine teachings. An evaluation was conducted during the training of the alangizi that forms the basis for this paper. The results show that although the alangizi face key challenges in their work (e.g. changing social contexts), they are still considered relevant by most communities in Zambia and are potentially an important avenue for cervical cancer and other health information. This paper shows that it is possible to integrate sexual and reproductive health messages into existing structures in the community. However, it is important to design culturally specific and sensitive healthcare strategies that embrace locally accepted good practices.
A Genetic System for Clostridium ljungdahlii: a Chassis for Autotrophic Production of Biocommodities and a Model Homoacetogen

ABSTRACT Methods for genetic manipulation of Clostridium ljungdahlii are of interest because of the potential for production of fuels and other biocommodities from carbon dioxide via microbial electrosynthesis or more traditional modes of autotrophy with hydrogen or carbon monoxide as the electron donor. Furthermore, acetogenesis plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Gene deletion strategies required for physiological studies of C. ljungdahlii have not previously been demonstrated. An electroporation procedure for introducing plasmids was optimized, and four different replicative origins for plasmid propagation in C. ljungdahlii were identified. Chromosomal gene deletion via double-crossover homologous recombination with a suicide vector was demonstrated initially with deletion of the gene for FliA, a putative sigma factor involved in flagellar biogenesis and motility in C. ljungdahlii. Deletion of fliA yielded a strain that lacked flagella and was not motile. To evaluate the potential utility of gene deletions for functional genomic studies and to redirect carbon and electron flow, the genes for the putative bifunctional aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenases, adhE1 and adhE2, were deleted individually or together. Deletion of adhE1, but not adhE2, diminished ethanol production with a corresponding carbon recovery in acetate. The double deletion mutant had a phenotype similar to that of the adhE1-deficient strain. Expression of adhE1 in trans partially restored the capacity for ethanol production. These results demonstrate the feasibility of genetic investigations of acetogen physiology and the potential for genetic manipulation of C. ljungdahlii to optimize autotrophic biocommodity production.
Implementing and Communicating Optimal Monetary Policy

The interest rate forecast plays a key role in the communication of monetary policy in Norges Bank. We give a comprehensive overview of the Bank’s communication with focus on the interest rate forecast. The main arguments for publishing the interest rate forecast are discussed. The arguments are validated against two years of experience with interest rate forecasting. The paper describes the implementation of monetary policy in the Bank’s models, in particular the use of optimal policy under commitment. It is argued that using optimal policy in a ‘timeless perspective’ is a useful normative benchmark to support a consistent reaction pattern that utilises the expectations channel appropriately. Comparing the interest rate forecasts with the market forward interest rates indicates that the bank’s reaction pattern has been reasonably well anchored in the financial markets. 1 The views expressed are the views of the authors, and not necessarily the views of Norges Bank.
AGXT Gene Mutations and Prevalence of Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 in Moroccan Population.

INTRODUCTION Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase, due to a defect in the AGXT gene. Several mutations in this gene have been reported and some of them have been observed in multiple populations. The aim of our study was to analyze the mutations causing PH1 in the Moroccan population and to estimate its prevalence in Morocco. METHODS Molecular studies of 29 unrelated Moroccan patients with PH were performed by direct sequencing of all exons of the AGXT gene. In addition, to estimate the prevalence of PH1, we screened for the recurrent p.Ile244Thr mutation in 250 unrelated Moroccan newborns using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Four pathogenic mutations were detected in 25 unrelated patients. The c.731T>C (p.Ile244Thr) was the most frequent mutation with a frequency of 84%. The other three mutations were c.33delC, c.976delG, and c.331C>T. The prevalence of the PH1 mutation among Moroccans was then estimated to range from 1/7267 to 1/6264. CONCLUSION PH1 is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases in the Moroccan population and is probably underdiagnosed. Front line genetic testing for PH1 in Morocco should be initiated using an assay for the recurrent p.Ile244Thr mutation. This strategy would provide a useful tool for precocious diagnosis of presymptomatic individuals and to prevent their rapid progression to renal failure.
Non-Tariff Barriers and Goods Trade: a Brexit Impact Analysis

This paper estimates the potential loss in trade between Ireland and the United Kingdom arising from increases in non-tariff barriers following the UK’s exit from the European Union. Using a difference gravity specification, we estimate a 9.6 per cent decline in trade flows between the UK and Ireland from an increase in border waiting times. This equates to a 1.4 per cent decline in total Irish exports and a 3.1 per cent decline in total Irish imports. We also present evidence of heterogeneity in the exposure (measured by time-sensitivity) across different types of goods, with beverages,fresh foods and raw materials being most exposed. For trade in fuels, chemicals and imperishable foods we do not find evidence of an effect from an increase in time.
Prevalence of tick‐borne encephalitis virus in Ixodes Ricinus from a novel endemic area of North Eastern Italy

In Alpine area of extreme North Eastern Italy the first autochthonous case of TBE was reported in 1998 and was followed by 45 cases during the period 2001–2007, thus defining this area as definitely endemic. An ecological survey evaluated the tick density and the Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection prevalence in tick collected in selected sites. In addition, TBE strains were characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, 2,361 ticks (2,198 nymphs and 163 adults) of the Ixodes ricinus L. species collected during 2005 and 2006 were examined. Five samples were positive for TBEV, corresponding to an overall prevalence rate of 0.21%. When analyzed by place, TBEV was discovered in three sites where the highest tick density was found. The difference of prevalence between high and low density areas tested to be statistically significant (P = 0.028). Phylogenetic analysis showed that four sequences clustered with the Neudoerfl prototype, while the other clustered with the Isosaari 17 strain and with a number of Slovenian isolates. In addition, a sequence detected in archival samples from one human case segregated with another variant, namely the Swedish Torö strain. J. Med. Virol. 81:309–316, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bullying and mental health and suicidal behaviour among 14- to 15-year-olds in a representative sample of Australian children

Objective: To provide the first Australian population-based estimates of the association between bullying and adverse mental health outcomes and suicidality among Australian adolescents. Method: Analysis of data from 3537 adolescents, aged 14–15 years from Wave 6 of the K-cohort of Longitudinal Study of Australian Children was conducted. We used Poisson and linear regression to estimate associations between bullying type (none, relational-verbal, physical, both types) and role (no role, victim, bully, victim and bully), and mental health (measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, symptoms of anxiety and depression) and suicidality. Results: Adolescents involved in bullying had significantly increased Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, depression and anxiety scores in all bullying roles and types. In terms of self-harm and suicidality, bully-victims had the highest risk of self-harm (prevalence rate ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval [3.26, 6.83]), suicidal ideation (prevalence rate ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval [2.83, 6.49]), suicidal plan (prevalence rate ratio 4.1, 95% confidence interval [2.54, 6.58]) and attempts (prevalence rate ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval [1.39, 5.13]), followed by victims then bullies. The experience of both relational-verbal and physical bullying was associated with the highest risk of self-harm (prevalence rate ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval [3.15, 6.60]), suicidal ideation or plans (prevalence rate ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval [3.05, 6.95]; and 4.8, 95% confidence interval [3.01, 7.64], respectively) or suicide attempts (prevalence rate ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval [1.90, 6.30]). Conclusion: This study presents the first national, population-based estimates of the associations between bullying by peers and mental health outcomes in Australian adolescents. The markedly increased risk of poor mental health outcomes, self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviours among adolescents who experienced bullying highlights the importance of addressing bullying in school settings.
Reduction of CpG-induced arthritis by suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides.

OBJECTIVE Bacterial DNA contains immunostimulatory CpG motifs that cause inflammation when injected into the knee joints of normal mice. We examined whether synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) that suppress CpG-induced immune responses prevent CpG-induced arthritis. METHODS CpG, suppressive, and/or control ODN were injected into the knees of BALB/c mice. Joint swelling and inflammation were evaluated by physical measurement, by histologic analysis of joint tissue, and by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Immunostimulatory CpG DNA induced local arthritis, characterized by swelling of the knee joints, the presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates, the perivascular accumulation of mononuclear cells, and hyperplasia of the synovial lining. Administering suppressive (but not control) ODN reduced the manifestations and severity of arthritis up to 80%. CONCLUSION Suppressive ODN may be useful for the prevention or treatment of arthritis induced by bacterial DNA.
Updates Management in Mobile Applications: Itunes Versus Google Play

This paper focuses on a specific strategy that developers of mobile applications may use to stimulate demand: the release of updates. We start with a stylised theoretical analysis to describe the developer's decision to release an update. Its predictions are then tested by using an unbalanced panel with the top 1,000 apps in iTunes and Google Play for five European countries. We show that while in iTunes updates increase the rate of growth of downloads, in Google Play their effect is not significant. We argue that the lack of quality control by Google Play can lead to an excess of updating. We also find that the past performance of the app influences the decision to release an update, but only in iTunes. This finding is in line with our theoretical analysis and can again be interpreted on the basis of the different way of governing the release of updates in the two stores.
Goblet Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix: A Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of 26 Cases From Southwest China

Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) of the appendix is characterized by a dual differentiation of both endocrine and gland. This study, therefore, explores its clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features. The authors reviewed clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of 26 GCC cases in Southwest China between 1991 and 2009. The incidence is 0.0453%, with a gender ratio of 2.71:1 (19 males and 7 females). Three cases were combined with schistosomiasis, suggesting schistosomiasis may be associated with GCC. Eighteen cases available for immunohistochemistry showed a few scattered positive cells for CD56, NSE, CgA, and Syn; diffuse positive for CEA; and preserved positive for E-cadherin and β-catenin. Follow-up data showed that 1 patient died from peritoneal metastasis and that the other 17 cases survived free of the tumor. The authors characterize GCC as a special low-grade malignant carcinoma with a primary epithelial differentiation and little neuroendocrine differentiation. A combination of both histological features and immunoreactivity is needed to diagnose GCC.
Losartan but not enalaprilat acutely reduces reperfusion ventricular tachyarrhythmias in hypertrophied rat hearts after low‐flow ischaemia

Based on clinical and experimental studies, angiotensin II receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have been proposed to exert acute anti‐arrhythmic effects in heart failure patients. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess acute anti‐arrhythmic effects of losartan and enalaprilat in hypertrophied rat hearts during low‐flow ischaemia and reperfusion. In dose‐finding experiments in non‐hypertrophied isolated perfused hearts, we performed dose‐response curves of losartan and enalaprilat studying monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarisation (MAPD90%) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) threshold. Subsequently, we determined the effects of losartan and enalaprilat (in therapeutically relevant concentrations) on ventricular tachyarrhythmias induced by low‐flow ischaemia/reperfusion in hearts demonstrating left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy 70 days after aortic banding. We found that neither drug significantly affected MAPD90% (1 nm‐1 mm) or VF threshold (1 μm losartan and 10 μm enalaprilat) in non‐hypertrophied hearts. Similarly in hypertrophied hearts, neither drug significantly affected the incidence or the duration of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and VF) during low‐flow ischaemia. However, 1 μm losartan significantly reduced the duration of ventricular tachyarrhythmias during reperfusion. In conclusion, neither losartan nor enalaprilat is acutely anti‐arrhythmic in hypertrophied rat hearts during low‐flow ischaemia. During reperfusion, however, losartan but not enalaprilat exerts acute anti‐arrhythmic effects.
Home Ownership and Monetary Policy Transmission

We present empirical evidence on the heterogeneity in monetary policy transmission across countries with different home ownership rates. We use household-level data together with shocks to the policy rate identified from high-frequency data. We find that housing tenure reacts more strongly to unexpected changes in the policy rate in Germany and Switzerland –the OECD countries with the lowest home ownership rates– compared with existing evidence for the U.S. An unexpected decrease in the policy rate by 25 basis points increases the home ownership rate by 0.8 percentage points in Germany and by 0.6 percentage points in Switzerland. The response of non-housing consumption in Switzerland is less heterogeneous across renters and mortgagors, and has a different pattern across age groups than in the U.S. We discuss economic explanations for these findings and implications for monetary policy.
'To be honest, I haven't even thought about it' - recruitment in small-scale, qualitative research in primary care.

AIM To review strategies for successful recruitment in small-scale, qualitative research in primary care by exploring those used in a variety of settings and providing a reflective analysis of the strategies used in one such study. BACKGROUND Recruitment of participants in small-scale, qualitative research in primary care is problematic. Researchers need to be more aware of the issues involved, but there is little practical guidance available to help them devise efficient strategies for maximising recruitment. DATA SOURCES This paper draws on a study conducted in the Highlands of Scotland examining the emotional wellbeing of pregnant and non-pregnant women. This was a qualitative study using diaries and interviews over a period of nine months. Ten women were recruited over a period of more than two years. REVIEW METHODS The author reviews the strategies for successful recruitment based on both a review of the available literature as well as the experience of one study. DISCUSSION Recruitment of subjects to a study is one of the major elements of a research proposal and requires significant effort, yet there is little to guide researchers through this difficult process. The challenge of recruitment is seldom debated and studies rarely report problems encountered or outline approaches that proved particularly successful. The importance of successful recruitment is discussed and the arguably typical recruitment difficulties encountered by researchers conducting a study in the Highlands of Scotland are outlined. The elements that comprised successful recruitment in this and other studies are appraised. CONCLUSION Although focused specifically on recruitment in small-scale, qualitative studies in primary care, this paper raises broader issues about the recruitment of participants in all types of research. Recruitment has implications for the trustworthiness and dependability of the data and hence the findings of research. Despite this, there remains a lack of evidence about what enhances research recruitment, leaving researchers to rely on guesswork and anecdotes. In a climate of evidence-based practice, researchers should be encouraged to include a formal evaluation of recruitment strategies in their studies and to report their findings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE/RESEARCH As recruitment has implications for the trustworthiness and dependability of research, researchers need to consider a wide range of recruitment strategies and include a formal evaluation of their recruitment strategies when reporting on their research.
Housing Policy and Housing Finance in the Czech Republic during Transition

This book contains the description and evaluation of a profound housing system reform constituting part of the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy in the Czech Republic. It addresses two goals: to evaluate housing subsidies (reforms) by application of improved methods of welfare economics and, secondly, to list the main factors explaining the particular outcomes of selected reforms. The author applied methods of welfare economics for an evaluation of housing subsidies in a scale unique in housing studies. The analysis of underlying factors influencing formation of housing reforms brought new findings about the essence of transition in post-socialist countries.
Partial characterization of bacteriocins produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pediococcus acidilactici

Bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pediococcus acidilactici were isolated from milk and meat samples, respectively. An attempt was made to produce bacteriocin in a Dairy Based (DB) medium using these organisms. Higher bacteriocin activity was shown by L. acidophilus in the DB medium. Bacteriocins of both the organisms were effective against food pathogens. The bacteriocins were stable at pH 3 - 9 up to 24 h and active at 100oC. The bacteriocins could be stored at -20oC for at least 45 days, at 4oC for 20 days and at 37oC for 5 days.
Synergistic and Additive Effects of Modified Citrus Pectin With Two Polybotanical Compounds, in the Suppression of Invasive Behavior of Human Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells

Aim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of a known galectin-3 inhibitor, PectaSol-C modified citrus pectin (MCP), and 2 novel integrative polybotanical compounds for breast and prostate health, BreastDefend (BD) and ProstaCaid (PC), on invasive behavior in human breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro, respectively. Methods. The effect of MCP and BD and of MCP and PC on invasiveness was assessed by cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell invasion assays. Secretion of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) was determined by Western blot analysis. Results. Although low concentrations of MCP (0.25-1.0 mg/mL) do not suppress cell adhesion of breast or prostate cancer cells, the combination of MCP with BD or PC synergistically inhibits adhesion of these cells. Dose-dependent inhibition of breast and prostate cancer cell migration by MCP (0.25-1.0 mg/mL) is synergistically enhanced by BD (20 µg/mL) and PC (10 µg/mL), respectively. BD or PC did not further inhibit the invasion of breast and prostate cancer cells by MCP; however, the combination of MCP with BD or PC suppressed secretion of uPA from breast and prostate cancer cells, respectively. Conclusion. The combination of MCP with BD and of MCP with PC synergistically inhibits the metastatic phenotypes of human breast and prostate cancer cells, respectively. Further studies confirming these observations in animal models of breast and prostate cancer metastasis are warranted.
Cardiac involvement in Churg-Strauss syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare form of systemic vasculitis. Previous studies showing cardiac involvement in CSS patients were limited in the number of patients and were often based solely on clinical manifestations. The aim of the present study was to determine in detail the incidence of cardiac involvement in a large population of ambulatory CSS patients. METHODS Thirty-two consecutive patients with CSS in remission (mean +/- SD duration of disease between diagnosis and enrollment 6.1 +/- 5.8 years, mean +/- SD age 61 +/- 10 years) who were previously unaware of cardiac involvement were compared with 32 randomly selected age- and sex-matched control subjects, using clinical evaluation, electrocardiography (EKG), echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS Detailed cardiac evaluation revealed a 62% prevalence of cardiac involvement in CSS patients compared with 3% in controls (P < 0.001), with clinical symptoms in 26% and 3%, respectively (P = 0.009), EKG abnormalities in 66% and 3%, respectively (P < 0.001), and echocardiographic defects in 50% and 3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Cardiac MRI detected cardiac manifestations in 62% of CSS patients. In the presence of cardiac MRI abnormalities, echocardiography could detect cardiac involvement with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 80%. The absence of symptoms or EKG abnormalities did not exclude cardiac involvement, because abnormalities could still be detected in 38% of these patients at the time of echocardiography or cardiac MRI. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a high incidence of cardiac involvement in CSS patients. Systematic cardiac evaluation including detailed imaging is required to properly identify CSS patients with cardiac involvement.