Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antiviral activity of liquorice powder extract against varicella zoster virus isolated from Egyptian patients.

BACKGROUND Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the etiologic agent of two diseases, varicella (chicken pox) and zoster (shingles). Varicella is a self- limited infection, while zoster is mainly a disease of adults. The present study was conducted to isolate VZV from clinically diagnosed children using cell cultures and compare the activity of liquorice powder extract, an alternative herbal antiviral agent, with acyclovir and interferon alpha 2a (IFN-α2a) against the isolated virus. METHODS Forty-eight VZV specimens, 26 from vesicular aspirates and 22 from vesicular swabs, from children clinically diagnosed with varicella were isolated on the Vero cell line. Isolates were propagated and identified with specific antiserum using indirect immunofluorescence and immunodot blotting assays. The growth kinetics of the viral isolates was studied. The antiviral activity of liquorice powder extract, acyclovir (ACV) and IFN-α2a was evaluated against the isolated virus. RESULTS VZV was successfully isolated in 4 of the 48 specimens, all from vesicular aspirates. The growth kinetics of the viral isolates was time dependent. The inhibitory activity of liquorice powder extract (containing 125 µg/ml glycyrrhizin) when compared to ACV (250 µg/ml) and IFN-α2a is the lowest. CONCLUSIONS VZV isolates were successfully isolated and propagated using Vero cells. Isolates were identified using indirect immunofluorescent and immunodot blotting techniques. Growth kinetics of the isolates revealed an increase in the viral infectivity titer relative to time. Glycyrrhizin in the crude form has low antiviral activity against VZV compared with acyclovir and interferon.
The effect of estrogen on water and electrolyte metabolism. III. Cardiac and renal disease.

The possibility that estrogens might under certain circumstances influence water and electrolyte metabolism is suggested by several observations. For instance, estrogens are related chemically to the strongly sodium-retaining steroid desoxycorticosterone (1) ; the recurrent ankle edema observed in some women before menstruation was considered by Fluhmann (2) to be associated with an increase in blood estrogen levels; and the edema frequently found in late pregnancy occurs at a time when estrogen production is at its height (3). These considerations led several workers to attempt to establish a direct relationship between water and salt retention on the one hand, and estrogenic activity on the other. Thorn and Engel (4) found sodium, chloride and water retention after a single injection of estrogen into male dogs. Later, the same group of workers (5), in a study of premenstrual fluid retention, found that decreased urinary excretion of salt and water was in two patients associated with an increased output of estrogenic material in the urine. Knowlton, Kenyon, Sandiford, Lotwin, and Fricker (6) found diminished urinary excretion of sodium following the daily administration of estradiol in one normal woman, but Sharpey-Schafer and Schrire (7), using twice the amount of estradiol in ten women, found no alteration in urinary volume. As part of an investigation into the possible role of estrogens in the fluid retention of liver disease it became necessary to establish the effect of continued estrogen administration on water and electrolyte metabolism in the normal. Water and electrolyte balance studies were therefore carried out in eleven normal subjects, and the effect of daily administration of estrogen observed.
Who spares the rod ?

Relatively little research has investigated the connection between religiosity and physical child abuse risk. Certain aspects, such as specific religious orientation or beliefs, and cognitive schema, such as socially conformist beliefs, may account for the connection that some have claimed increase religious parents’ abuse potential. The current study examined whether greater Extrinsic religiosity, but not Intrinsic religiosity, was associated with elevated physical abuse potential. Those who hold a literal interpretation of the Bible and attend church more frequently were also expected to evidence increased abuse risk. Additionally, the role of social conformity in mediating or moderating the association between religiosity and abuse potential was investigated.
The Effect of Concentric Isokinetic Strength Training of the Quadriceps Femoris on Electromyography and Muscle Strength in the Trained and Untrained Limb

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of unilateral concentric isokinetic leg extension training on peak torque (PT) and electromyographic (EMG) responses in the trained and untrained limbs. Twenty adult men were randomly assigned to a training (TRN, n = 11) or control (CTL, n = 9) group. The TRN group performed 6 sets of 10 leg extensions 3 days per week for 12 weeks at a velocity of 90°s−1. All subjects were tested every 4 weeks for PT and EMG responses of both legs at a velocity of 90°s−1. The 3-way mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in PT over the 12 weeks in both the trained and untrained limb for the TRN group but no significant change in PT in either limb for the CTL group. The results of the 3-way ANOVA for the EMG data indicated no significant change in EMG amplitude in the trained or untrained limb for the TRN or CTL group. The increase in PT in the absence of a change in EMG may result from hypertrophic factors and/or changes in the other muscles or muscle groups involved in leg xtension.
Electromyographic Study of Superficial Neck Muscles in Mandibular Function

It has been postulated by Thompson and Brodie on theoretical grounds that the extensor muscles of the head and the infrahyoid muscles all participate in the stabilization of the head during mandibular function (Thompson and Brodie, JADA 29:925-941, 1942; Brodie, Am J Orthodont 36:831-844, 1950). Halbert has documented EMG confirmation of the activity of the head extensors and of the infrahyoids during clenching and during opening of the mandible (J Can D A 24:11 -23, 1958). There is no record of investigation of the role of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in mandibular function, although that muscle is a common source of pain in dysfunction syndromes of the mandibular mechanism (KroghPoulsen in Schwartz and Chayes, Facial Pain and Mandibular Dysfunction, W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1968, 236-280). The sternocleidomastoid (SCM), semispinalis capitis (SSC) and the sternohyoid (SH) muscles were tested electromyographically for activity during various activities of the mandible. The
VC Valuation, Partial Adjustment, and Underpricing: Behavioral Bias or Information Production?

Using a sample of venture capital-backed firms going public, we analyze the role played by perceived valuation changes on IPO underpricing. We consider the full trajectory of perceived valuation changes in a firm’s value from its last VC round, to IPO filing, and ultimately to IPO price. We find that perceived valuation change from the last pre-IPO venture capital round to the time of IPO affects the IPO underpricing in a non-linear way. Further analysis indicates that information based theories, not behavioral biases, explain this non-linear result. We also find that the previously documented partial adjustment effect and its non-linear impact on IPO underpricing are related to the trajectory of the perceived valuation changes. Nevertheless, the lack of direct effect of behavioral bias on IPO underpricing stands in stark contrast to prior evidence that shows importance of behavioral biases in settings with many sophisticated parties.
Ownership, Board Structure, and the Informativeness of Earnings - Evidence from an Emerging Market

This study extends previous research by empirically examining how ownership and board structure affect the informativeness of earnings for companies listed in China. We proxy informativeness of earnings by the earnings-returns relationship and discretionary accruals. The results show that different ownership (government, legal entity, and foreign) and board structures affect the informativeness of accounting earnings. Our research has implications for China's regulators who are striving to improve accounting information, transparency, and corporate governance.
Cancer in Pregnancy: Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes

Cancer during pregnancy represents a potential conflict between optimal maternal treatment and fetal development. Traditionally, clinicians operated under the assumption that cancer treatment during pregnancy is incompatible with normal fetal development. However, recent evidence suggests that many diagnostic and treatment modalities cause little or no harm to the developing fetus. As such, both maternal and neonatal interests should be considered when developing management strategies for pregnant cancer patients. In this review, we will discuss issues related to fetal and neonatal health associated with conventional diagnostic and treatment approaches in the care of pregnant women with cancer. In addition, we offer recommendations on strategies to maximize fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by cancer.
Testing for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis in Jails: Still a Missed Opportunity for Public Health and HIV Prevention

Jails provide an underutilized public health opportunity for screening for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis, and for such other infectious diseases as tuberculosis. Incarcerated individuals are more likely to be men, poor, persons of color, and at high risk for HIV. The vast majority of jails in the United States do not screen routinely for HIV or STIs, thereby missing an opportunity for HIV and STI diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Nesting HIV testing within STI testing and treatment in conjunction with testing and treatment for other infectious diseases, as appropriate based on community prevalence, provides a public health opportunity and will enhance HIV prevention. HIV testing and linkage to care, both within corrections and in the community, comprise an important component of the “seek and treat” strategy to further prevent HIV infection. Jail-based screening of infectious diseases, especially for HIV and STIs, in conjunction with treatment and linkage to community care has thus far been a neglected component of HIV prevention among high-risk communities.
Comparison of Methods to Identify Pathogens and Associated Virulence Functional Genes in Biosolids from Two Different Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Canada

The use of treated municipal wastewater residues (biosolids) as fertilizers is an attractive, inexpensive option for growers and farmers. Various regulatory bodies typically employ indicator organisms (fecal coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella) to assess the adequacy and efficiency of the wastewater treatment process in reducing pathogen loads in the final product. Molecular detection approaches can offer some advantages over culture-based methods as they can simultaneously detect a wider microbial species range, including non-cultivable microorganisms. However, they cannot directly assess the viability of the pathogens. Here, we used bacterial enumeration methods together with molecular methods including qPCR, 16S rRNA and cpn60 gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to compare pre- and post-treatment biosolids from two Canadian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Our results show that an anaerobic digestion WWTP was unsuccessful at reducing the live indicator organism load (coliforms, generic E. coli and Salmonella) below acceptable regulatory criteria, while biosolids from a dewatering/pelletization WWTP met these criteria. DNA from other pathogens was detected by the molecular methods, but these species were considered less abundant. Clostridium DNA increased significantly following anaerobic digestion treatments. In addition to pathogen DNA, genes related to virulence and antibiotic resistance were identified in treated biosolids. Shotgun metagenomics revealed the widest range of pathogen DNA and, among the approaches used here, was the only approach that could access functional gene information in treated biosolids. Overall, our results highlight the potential usefulness of amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics as complementary screening methods that could be used in parallel with culture-based methods, although more detailed comparisons across a wider range of sites would be needed.
Future Prospects for FEC in Fiber-Optic Communications

This paper reviews the application of forward error correction (FEC) techniques to long-haul fiber-optic communication systems. A brief tutorial on error-correcting codes and a discussion of their fundamental limits (on the additive white Gaussian noise channel and on a nonlinear fiber-optic transmission channel) is provided. To illustrate the potential for applying advanced FEC techniques that take channel nonlinearities into account, a novel faster than Nyquist style binary signaling scheme, providing significant rate improvements over a reference benchmark system, is described. To achieve higher spectral efficiencies, the judicious combination of higher order modulation schemes with FEC is discussed. Finally, several potential directions for further research in the application of advanced FEC systems to nonlinear fiber-optic channels are given.
Separating value from selection frequency in rapid reaching biases to visual targets

Stimuli associated with positive rewards in one task often receive preferential processing in a subsequent task, even when those associations are no longer relevant. Here we use a rapid reaching task to investigate these biases. In Experiment 1 we first replicated the learning procedure of Raymond and O'Brien (2009), for a set of arbitrary shapes that varied in value (positive, negative) and probability (20%, 80%). In a subsequent task, participants rapidly reached toward one of two shapes, except now the previously learned associations were irrelevant. As in the previous studies, we found significant reach biases toward shapes previously associated with a high probable, positive outcome. Unexpectedly, we also found a bias toward shapes previously associated with a low probable, negative outcome. Closer inspection of the learning task revealed a potential second factor that might account for these results; since a low probable negative shape was always paired with a high probable negative shape, it was selected with disproportionate frequency. To assess how selection frequency and reward value might both contribute to reaching biases we performed a second experiment. The results of this experiment at a group level replicated the reach-bias toward positively rewarding stimuli, but also revealed a separate bias toward stimuli that had been more frequently selected. At the level of individual participants, we observed a variety of preference profiles, with some participants biased primarily by reward value, others by frequency, and a few actually biased away from both highly rewarding and high frequency targets. These findings highlight that: (1) rapid reaching provides a sensitive readout of preferential processing; (2) target reward value and target selection frequency are separate sources of bias; and (3) group-level analyses in complex decision-making tasks can obscure important and varied individual differences in preference profiles.
Goodpasture Syndrome: Molecular and Clinical Advances

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare but important autoimmune disorder characterized by pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis. Typically striking young men, it is rapidly progressive and fatal unless treated early. Although the pathogenesis is largely unknown, recent investigations have established that antibodies are directed against the noncollagenous domain of the alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen. Differences in expression and exposure of this chain account for the tissue selectivity of the antibodies and the pulmonary and renal targets of clinical disease. Certain individuals appear at risk by virtue of HLA association, but why only some develop GS remains unclear. Intriguing observations suggest that cigarette smoking, infection, or chemicals expose the antigen, leading to antibody production in genetically susceptible individuals. Before plasmapheresis was available to remove antibodies, prognosis was bleak, and most patients died or were left with permanent renal impairment. Current combination therapy with plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive drugs is unlikely to be successful unless instituted early in appropriate patients. Fortunately, the autoimmune process is limited, as demonstrated by the small number of reported cases of recurrent disease.
Knee osteoarthritis and frailty: findings from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study and Osteoarthritis Initiative.

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis (OA) and frailty are two conditions that are associated with functional limitation and disability in elders, yet their relation to one another is not known. METHODS We included participants from two large, multicenter studies enriched with community dwelling older adults with knee OA (Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study and Osteoarthritis Initiative). Knee OA was defined radiographically (ROA) and symptomatically (SOA). Frailty was defined using the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture index as the presence of ≥2 of the following: (i) weight loss >5% between two consecutive visits; (ii) inability to arise from chair five times without support; (iii) poor energy. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of knee OA with prevalent and incident frailty, respectively, were examined using binomial regression with robust variance estimation, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS In the cross-sectional analyses, frailty was more prevalent among participants with ROA (4.39% vs 2.77%; PR 1.60 [1.07, 2.39]) and SOA (5.88% vs 2.79%; PR 1.92 [1. 35, 2.74]) compared with those without ROA or SOA, respectively. In the longitudinal analyses, risk of developing frailty was greater among those with ROA (4.73% vs 2.50%; RR 1.45 [0.91, 2.30]) and SOA (6.30% vs 2.83%; RR 1.66 [1.11, 2.48]) than those without ROA or SOA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Knee OA is associated with greater prevalence and risk of developing frailty. Understanding the mechanisms linking these two common conditions of older adults would aid in identifying novel targets for treatment or prevention of frailty.
Carotid intima-media thickness is only weakly correlated with the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA), measured with external vascular ultrasound, has been widely used in clinical trials as a surrogate marker for coronary atherosclerosis. Despite this, the degree of correlation between carotid IMT and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is not known. METHODS AND RESULTS Common carotid IMT was measured by ultrasound in 350 consecutive subjects of age 60 +/- 10 years (range, 30 to 85 years) on the day of coronary angiography. Carotid mean IMT was 0.83 +/- 0.20 mm (range, 0.43 to 1.80 mm), and maximum IMT was 1.04 +/- 0.27 mm (range, 0.49 to 2.19 mm). Coronary angiograms were analyzed by independent observers for disease severity (number of vessels with > or = 70% stenosis), extent score, and a modified Gensini score. Mean carotid IMT was weakly but significantly correlated with CAD severity (r = .26), extent (r = .23), and modified Gensini score (r = .29, P < .0001 for all correlations). Carotid IMT was not clinically useful, however, because it was not specific or sensitive enough to identify patients with or without significant CAD. Increasing age, male sex, and presence of diabetes were all associated with a significantly (P < .01) higher CAD score than the average for any level of carotid IMT, suggesting differential effects of these traditional risk factors on the coronary and common carotid arteries. CONCLUSIONS Although carotid IMT is significantly correlated with extent and severity of CAD, the relationship is weak. This relatively poor correlation (r2 < .10) should be considered in the interpretation of clinical trials that use carotid IMT as a surrogate end point for coronary atherosclerosis.
We Are All Vulnerable

The issue of 'vulnerability' can be approached in many ways, though positive approach, resilience or as the capacity to cope with or adapt to change is one of the best approach. Building resilience and capacity are politically appealing and practical policy responses to communities in difficulties, but labelling communities as vulnerable or incapable is not politically appealing and is usually opposed by the communities involved.
Incidental gallbladder cancers: Our clinical experience and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE Gallbladder carcinomas are rare and aggressive neoplasms. They are usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. We aimed to evaluate incidental gallbladder cancers in our clinic, in terms of patients' demographics, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and compared our results with the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the last 9 years were retrospectively reviewed, and features of the patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer after histopathological evaluation were further evaluated. RESULTS Thirteen patients were female and two were male. The mean age was 67 years. Additional treatment was applied in seven patients. All patients were operated on laparoscopically, with conversion to open surgery in four patients. The rate of incidental gallbladder cancer was 0.17% in our patients. Survival rates were found to be 22.2% in patients who had been operated at least 5 years ago. CONCLUSION Surgery is the only curative treatment in gallbladder cancers; however, they are usually at advanced stages at the time of diagnosis. In incidental gallbladder cancers, survival can be prolonged with appropriate treatment models if they are identified at early stages. The relatively low rates that have been reported in our population may be due to geographical differences and problems in study design.
An Empirically Derived Taxonomy Of Brands

This paper reports the results of a study designed to determine how consumers "group" various products into categories. Specifically, it was determined that consumers clearly perceive two types of brands: (1) manufacturers' brands, and (2) distributors' brands. While manufacturers' brands were viewed as a distinct offering, consumers did not differentiate between private brands and generics.
Sustainability Through Use of Resources: An Investigation into the Services of the Financial Institutions

A resource-based theory (RBT) is one of the most widely accepted theoretical perspectives in the strategic management study. The present study examines the theoretical relationship between the dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage of the resources-physical, human, and technology that provide conditions under which firms might achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. New insights suggest that a firm's three dynamic competitive capabilities are considered as complementarities when one capability enhances the value and effect of another capability. The primary result of this study is the complementarities, in addition to individual influences of the resources, which lead to the predictions of its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) advantage that substantiates towards a sustainable advantage objective.
Associations of tryptophan hydroxylase gene polymorphisms with irritable bowel syndrome

Background Alterations in serotonin (5‐HT) are suspected in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin and has two isoforms: TPH1 and TPH2. Genetic variants in both genes have been studied in various disorders related to serotonin dysregulation. The aim of this study was to examine whether TPH gene variants were associated with IBS and IBS‐related gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.