Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Assessment Of Degree Of Service Quality Of Some Selected Commercial Banks In Central Uganda; Perception Of Bank Customers

This study was concerned with the assessment of degree of service quality provided by some selected commercial banks in central Uganda. The objectives of the study were to determine (i) demographic profiles (ii) degree of service quality and (iii) significant differences between services provided by the selected commercial banks. The study employed ex post facto design, cross sectional survey, correlation design and quantitative paradigm. Self Administered Questionnaires were used with CVI = 0.85 and reliability of r = 0.95 obtained using cronbach alpha method. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test. The major findings included male being majority (52%) and female 48%. In terms of age group of (20-39); obtained 81% and 60 and above were 3%. Diploma holders were 32% and Ph.D holders were 1%. UBA customers being majority (58%) and Global Trust Bank score 42%. In terms of determining the degree of service quality in selected commercial banks in central Uganda, the responsiveness, competence, credibility, security, accessibility and understanding of the service were rated successful apart from reliability of the service which was rated was fair meaning not reliable. With t value = 2.401 and sig or p = 0.017 at 0.05 level of significance alternative hypothesis was accepted to the effect that there is a significant difference in degree of service quality as perceived by customers of the two selected Commercial Banks in Central Uganda. The study recommended the banks to change customer perception and win the good will from the customers, the staff should endeavor to provide the service promptly, quickly and accurately and the service provider should have alternative power to enable the service provider work 24 hours,
The effect of periodontal treatment in improving erectile dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) score following periodontal treatment in patients who had severe or moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The study population consisted of 120 patients with severe or moderate ED and CP. The treatment group (n = 60) comprised patients who received periodontal treatment, whereas the control group (n = 60) comprised patients who did not receive periodontal treatment. The clinical assessments were recorded at baseline, and at 1 month (R1) and 3 months (R2) after intervention for both groups. The periodontal examination involved assessment of the plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level. The IIEF questionnaire was used to assess the severity of ED. RESULTS In the treatment group, the improvement in all clinical periodontal parameters was greater than that in the control group, at both R1 and R2 (p < 0.05). The increase in the IIEF scores of the treatment group at R2 was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05), whereas the IIEF scores were similar for both groups at R1 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of the study suggest that periodontal treatment can provide additional benefits in the improvement of ED. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of interaction between these diseases.
Subcutaneous entomophthoromycoses

Subcutaneous entomophthoromycoses is a zygomycosis caused by Basidiobolus ranarum that is endemic in southern India. We report the case of a 63-year-old male from central India who presented with a nontender subcutaneous hyperpigmented plaque on his leg with mild discharge that yielded Basidiobolus ranarum.
Surface activated bonding of 8 in. Si wafers for MEMS and microfluidic packaging

The challenges for direct wafer bonding using surface activated bonding (SAB) method have been investigated. For this purpose, 4 – 8 in. silicon wafers with and without fine patterns were bonded in vacuum. Three challenges are identified through comprehensive investigations of the bonded interfaces using infrared (IR) transmission, tensile pulling, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observation. First is the alignment between the wafers. While the alignment accuracy is about 5 µm before contacting the wafers, it becomes about 17 µm after bonding. Second are the air-gaps across the bonded interface due to processing induced artifacts and particles. Third is the wafer bow, which control the three-dimensional (3D) bonding. Three-bulk Si 8 inch wafers were bonded together for 3D bonding. Thin wafers with small bow are recommended for 3D bonding using the SAB method.
Decreased up‐regulation of the interleukin‐12Rβ2‐chain and interferon‐γ secretion and increased number of forkhead box P3‐expressing cells in patients with a history of chronic Lyme borreliosis compared with asymptomatic Borrelia‐exposed individuals

Lyme borreliosis (LB) can, despite adequate antibiotic treatment, develop into a chronic condition with persisting symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, subjective alteration of cognition and fatigue. The mechanism behind this is unclear, but it has been postulated that an aberrant immunological response might be the cause. In this study we investigated the expression of the T helper 1 (Th1) marker interleukin (IL)‐12Rβ2, the marker for T regulatory cells, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) and the cytokine profile in patients with a history of chronic LB, subacute LB, previously Borrelia‐exposed asymptomatic individuals and healthy controls. Fifty‐four individuals (12 chronic LB, 14 subacute LB, 14 asymptomatic individuals and 14 healthy controls) were included in the study and provided a blood sample. Mononuclear cells were separated from the blood and stimulated with antigens. The IL‐12Rβ2 and FoxP3 mRNA expression was analysed with real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The protein expression of IL‐12Rβ2 on CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD56+ cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the secretion of interferon (IFN)‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12p70 and IL‐13 was analysed by enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) and/or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chronic LB patients displayed a lower expression of Borrelia‐specific IL‐12Rβ2 on CD8+ cells and also a lower number of Borrelia‐specific IFN‐γ‐secreting cells compared to asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, chronic LB patients had higher amounts of Borrelia‐specific FoxP3 mRNA than healthy controls. We speculate that this may indicate that a strong Th1 response is of importance for a positive outcome of a Borrelia infection. In addition, regulatory T cells might also play a role, by immunosuppression, in the development of chronic LB.
Estradiol mediates fluctuation in hippocampal synapse density during the estrous cycle in the adult rat [published erratum appears in J Neurosci 1992 Oct;12(10):following table of contents]

We have found that the density of synapses in the stratum radiatum of the hippocampal CA1 region in the adult female rat is sensitive to estradiol manipulation and fluctuates naturally as the levels of ovarian steroids vary during the 5 d estrous cycle. In both cases, low levels of estradiol are correlated with lower synapse density, while high estradiol levels are correlated with a higher density of synapses. These synaptic changes occur very rapidly in that within approximately 24 hr between the proestrus and estrus stages of the estrous cycle, we observe a 32% decrease in the density of hippocampal synapses. Synapse density then appears to cycle back to proestrus values over a period of several days. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of such short-term steroid-mediated synaptic plasticity occurring naturally in the adult mammalian brain.
Studying how changes in consumer sentiment impact the stock markets and the housing markets

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Calcium‐channel activation and matrix protein upregulation in bone cells in response to mechanical strain

Femur‐derived osteoblasts cultured from rat femora were loaded with Fluo‐3 using the AM ester. A quantifiable stretch was applied and [Ca2+]i levels monitored by analysis of fluorescent images obtained using an inverted microscope and laser scanning confocal imaging system. Application of a single pulse of tensile strain via an expandable membrane resulted in immediate increase in [Ca2+]i in a proportion of the cells, followed by a slow and steady decrease to prestimulation levels. Application of parathyroid hormone (10−6 M) prior to mechanical stimulation potentiated the load‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i. Mechanically stimulating osteoblasts in Ca2+‐free media or in the presence of either nifedipine (10 μM; L‐type Ca2+‐channel blocker) or thapsigargin (1 μM; depletes intracellular Ca2+ stores) reduced strain‐induced increases in [Ca2+ ]i. Furthermore, strain‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i were enhanced in the presence of Bayer K 8644 (500 nm), an agonist of L‐type calcium channels. The effects of mechanical strain with and without inhibitors and agonists are described on the total cell population and on single cell responses. Application of strain and strain in the presence of the calcium‐channel agonist Bay K 8644 to periosteal‐derived osteoblasts increased levels of the extracellular matrix proteins osteopontin and osteocalcin within 24 h postload. This mechanically induced increase in osteopontin and osteocalcin was inhibited by the addition of the calcium‐channel antagonist, nifedipine. Our results suggest an important role for L‐type calcium channels and a thapsigargin‐sensitive component in early mechanical strain transduction pathways in osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 79:648–661, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follow-up of an intervention program for caregivers of a relative with dementia living in a long-term care setting: Are there any persistent and delayed effects?

The purpose of this randomized study was to test the persistent and delayed effects of an intervention program entitled “Taking Care of Myself ” on selected mental health outcomes of daughter caregivers of a relative with dementia living in a long-term care setting. One group of caregivers took part in the experimental program (EG, n = 45), one in a comparison program offered by an Alzheimer Society (AG, n = 51), and another constituted a control group (CG, n = 41). Effects were verified at the end of the program and 3 months later. Results from prediction analyses reveal that competence dealing with healthcare staff and use of the coping strategy of reframing were persistent effects unique to the EG condition, whereas perceived availability of informal and formal support was a persistent effect in the EG and in the AG. A delayed effect was observed in the AG regarding competence dealing with healthcare staff. These results underline the importance of follow-up assessments of intervention programs and suggest avenues to support caregivers of institutionalized seniors.
Generation and engineering of ABD-derived affinity proteins for clinical applications

Proteins that specifically recognize and bind to other molecules or structures are important tools in industrial and medical applications. Binding proteins engineered from small stable scaffold proteins have been utilized for several purposes due to their favorable biophysical properties, tolerance to mutagenesis, efficient tissue penetration and ease of production. The 46 amino acid long albumin-binding domain (ABD) derived from the bacterial receptor Protein G is a promising scaffold that has been explored in this thesis. The scaffold was subjected to combinatorial protein engineering for generation of ABD-derived binding proteins with novel specificities. Furthermore, the medical potential of engineered ABDderived affinity proteins (ADAPTs) was evaluated in a series of pre-clinical studies. In the first studies, ADAPTs suitability as tracers for radionuclide molecular imaging was evaluated. Factors influencing biodistribution and tumor targeting properties were assessed in mice models bearing HER2 positive xenografts. All tested ADAPT constructs demonstrated high and specific targeting of HER2-expressing tumor cells as well as fast clearance from circulation. The results also showed that the size and character of the Nterminus affected the biodistribution profile of ADAPTs. Moreover, the targeting properties of ADAPTs proved to be highly influenced by the residualizing properties of the attached radionuclide label. Taken together, the results provided the first evidence that tumor imaging can be performed using ADAPTs and the favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in the studied mice models suggest that the scaffold is a promising candidate for clinical applications. In the last study, a platform for generation of stable ABD-derived affinity proteins with novel binding specificities was established using a multi-step approach combining directed evolution and rational protein design. A broad combinatorial protein library with 20 randomized positions in ABD was designed and binders against three distinct targets were selected using phage display. Characterization of the selected binders provided information regarding optimal positions to randomize in a final library. In addition, the isolated binders were subjected to mutagenesis in certain surface exposed positions and mutations that provided increased stability were introduced into the original scaffold. Finally, a more focused combinatorial protein library consisting of 11 randomized positions was designed and constructed. The library was validated by selections against the same set of targets as for the first, broad library. The isolation of highly stable affinity ligands confirms that the library can be used for generation of diverse and stable affinity molecules.
Exchange-Traded Funds, Fails-to-Deliver, and Market Volatility

Exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading volumes have increased over the last decade and so have ETF settlement failures at the clearing corporation. We test the hypothesis that ETF short selling, high stock borrow prices, and options contract expiration contribute to ETF fails-to-deliver (FTDs). We document a positive relationship between net daily ETF settlement failures and daily ETF short sale volume, the cost to borrow ETFs, and quarterly index options expiration dates (so-called “triple witching” dates). These findings are not consistent with the claim that fails are random. Rather, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that market makers fail to deliver to avoid paying borrowing costs associated with their short sales. Further support for this hypothesis comes from a positive correlation between ETF FTDs and ETF put option open interest. Finally, we show that ETF settlement failures are important for the functioning of markets because they impact market index volatility. We find that positive changes in aggregate ETF FTDs Granger-cause higher market index volatility. We attribute this causality to buying and borrowing of common stock shares by market makers in order to close-out ETF FTD positions by trade date plus six days (“T 6”). We conclude that ETF FTDs are not inconsequential for market stability.
Cytosine methylation determines hot spots of DNA damage in the human P53 gene.

In the P53 tumor suppressor gene, a remarkably large number of somatic mutations are found at methylated CpG dinucleotides. We have previously mapped the distribution of (+/-) anti-7beta,8alpha-dihydroxy-9alpha,10alpha-epoxy -7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE) adducts along the human P53 gene [Denissenko, M. F. , Pao, A. , Tang, M. -s. & Pfeifer, G. P. (1996) Science 274, 430-432]. Strong and selective formation of adducts occurred at guanines in CpG sequences of codons 157, 248, and 273, which are the major mutational hot spots in lung cancer. Chromatin structure was not involved in preferential modification of these sites by BPDE. To investigate other possible mechanisms underlying the selectivity of BPDE binding, we have mapped the adducts in plasmid DNA containing genomic P53 sequences. The adduct profile obtained was different from that in genomic DNA. However, when cytosines at CpG sequences were converted to 5-methylcytosines by the CpG-specific methylase SssI and the DNA was subsequently treated with BPDE, adduct hot spots were created which were similar to those seen in genomic DNA where all CpGs are methylated. A strong positive effect of 5-methylcytosine on BPDE adduct formation at CpG sites was also documented with sequences of the PGK1 gene derived from an active or inactive human X chromosome and having differential methylation patterns. These results show that methylated CpG dinucleotides, in addition to being an endogenous promutagenic factor, may represent a preferential target for exogenous chemical carcinogens. The data open new avenues concerning the reasons that the majority of mutational hot spots in human genes are at CpGs.
Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of commercial drivers in Ghana regarding alcohol impaired driving

Objectives: The knowledge and attitudes of commercial drivers in Ghana as regards alcohol impaired driving were investigated. This was done in order to provide information that could subsequently be used to develop antidrunk driving social marketing messages built upon the intrinsic values and motivation of these drivers. Methods: Focus group discussions were held with 43 bus and minibus drivers in the capital city, Accra. A structured discussion guide was used to capture information related to values, risk perceptions, leisure time activities, and attitudes on alcohol impaired driving. Results: The majority of drivers expressed an understanding that drunk driving was a significant risk factor for crashes. There was a significant under-appreciation of the extent of the problem, however. Most believed that it was only rare, extremely intoxicated drivers who were the problem. The drivers also had a minimal understanding of the concept of blood alcohol concentration and related legal limits. Despite these factors, there was widespread support for increased enforcement of existing antidrunk driving laws. Conclusions: In Ghana, commercial drivers understand the basic danger of drunk driving and are motivated to assist in antidrunk driving measures. There are misconceptions and deficits in knowledge that need to be addressed in subsequent educational campaigns.
Experimentally induced steroid atrophy in the domestic pig and man

A histological method of ranking topical steroid preparations according to the degree of epidermal thinning they cause in pig skin has been shown to be applicable to human skin. A 0.05% ointment of the new compound, clobetasone butyrate (Molivate), has been shown to cause less thinning than either fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% (Synalar) or flurandrenolone 0.0125% (Haelan) when applied without the use of occlusive dressings for 3 weeks to the human forearm.
CD4+ T-cell differentiation, regulatory T cells and gag-specific T lymphocytes are unaffected by CD4-guided treatment interruption and therapy resumption

Objectives:Despite limiting exposure to antiretroviral drugs, structured treatment interruptions can influence multiple aspects of T-cell immunity, particularly those regarding CD4+ T lymphocytes. We evaluated the impact of CD4-guided treatment interruption (CD4-GTI) and treatment resumption on regulatory T cells (Tregs), T-lymphocyte activation, differentiation and polyfunctional gag-specific response. Methods:Patients were analyzed just prior to treatment interruption, at 2 and 6 months after treatment interruption, just prior to treatment resumption and at 2 and 6 months after treatment resumption. Thawed peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained immediately for phenotype analysis or stimulated with HIV-gag peptides and analyzed by polychromatic flow cytometry. Results:Treatment interruption resulted in a CD4+ cell count decrease and plasma viral load (pVL) increase, but did not preclude a good immune reconstitution and a complete suppression of pVL after treatment resumption. Treatment interruption did not influence CD4+ T-cell differentiation and Treg subsets. During treatment interruption, gag-specific CD4+ T cells were not lost, although the frequency of HIV-specific CD8+ cells increased. Most gag-specific CD4+ T cells were potentially cytotoxic (CD107a+) and were not influenced by pVL or by HAART. Most helper (CD154+) gag-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes did not produce interferon-&ggr; or interleukin-2. Conclusion:CD4-GTI did not cause depletion of memory cells, Tregs or HIV-specific CD4+ cells and, on the contrary, could induce HIV-specific responses. If guided by CD4+ T-cell count, treatment interruption does not provoke irreversible immune damages.
Measuring the Assessment and Counseling Provided with the Supply of Nonprescription Asthma Reliever Medication: A Simulated Patient Study

Background: Over one quarter of asthma reliever medications are provided without prescription by community pharmacies in Australia. Evidence that community pharmacies provide these medications with sufficient patient assessment and medication counseling to ensure compliance with the government's Quality Use of Medicines principles is currently tacking. Objective: To assess current practice when asthma reliever medication is provided in the community pharmacy setting and to identify factors that correlate with assessment of asthma control. Methods: Researchers posing as patients visited a sample of Perth metropolitan community pharmacies in May 2007. During the visit, the simulated patient enacted a standardized scenario of someone with moderately controlled asthma who wished to purchase a salbutamol (albuterol) inhaler without prescription. Results of the encounter were recorded immediately after the visit. Regression analysis was performed, with medication use frequency (a marker of asthma control) as the dependent variable. Results: One hundred sixty community pharmacies in the Perth metropolitan area were visited in May 2007. Pharmacists and/or pharmacy assistants provided some form of assessment in 84% of the visits. Counseling was provided to the simulated patients in 24% of the visits. Only 4 pharmacy staff members asked whether the simulated patient knew how to use the inhaler. Significant correlation was found between assessment and/or counseling of reliever use frequency and 3 independent variables: visit length (p < 0.001), number of assessment questions asked (p < 0.001), and the simulated patient who conducted the visit (p < 0.02). Conclusions: Both patient assessment and medication counseling were suboptimal compared with recommended practice when nonprescription asthma reliever medication was supplied in the community pharmacy setting. Pharmacy and pharmacist demographic variables do not appear to affect assessment of asthma control. This research indicates the need for substantial improvements in practice in order to provide reliever medication in line with Quality Use of Medication principles of ensuring safe and effective use of medication.