Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Performance of Wild‐Derived House Mice Does Not Change with Cold Exposure or Intestinal Parasite Infection

Aerobic performance is affected by numerous endogenous and exogenous factors. We investigated the effects of ambient temperature and parasite infection on resting metabolism and maximal exercise‐induced oxygen consumption in wild‐derived house mice (Mus musculus). We also collected preliminary data for effects of lactation on these measures of aerobic performance. Mice were experimentally infected with a naturally occurring intestinal nematode (Heligmosomoides polygyrus) and then exposed to cold temperatures for 10 d or allowed to mate and reproduce. Wild‐derived house mice did not change their resting metabolism with H. polygyrus infection or cold exposure, which is in stark contrast to similar studies with laboratory mice. Preliminary data also showed no effect of lactation on aerobic performance. Similarly, maximal exercise‐induced oxygen consumption and hematocrit and hemoglobin were unaffected by all experimental treatments. We conclude that resting metabolism, maximal oxygen consumption, and hematology of wild‐derived house mice are unaffected by exogenous (temperature) and endogenous (H. polygyrus) demands and, therefore, wild‐derived mice respond to these demands without incurring potential costs associated with changes in aerobic performance.
Taking Their Destiny in Their Hands: Social Media, Youth Participation and the 2015 Political Campaigns in Nigeria

Abstract The issue of youth participation in political activities, including campaigns, has dominated scholarly discourse across the globe. The youth’s seeming apathy towards politics has continued to resonate among researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders. However, the emergence of social media has opened up new frontiers for citizens, especially for youths who are known to be social media savvy, to engage in political participation. This study investigated the relationship between social media use and University of Ibadan students’ participation during Nigerian political campaigns in 2015. Anchored on the uses and gratification theory, the study used a survey and focus group discussions (FGD) as the research design. Respondents, systematically selected (N = 588) took part in the survey while discussants, purposively selected (N = 24) participated in the FGD. Results revealed that cognitive, social and tension-free needs were motivations for using social media during the 2015 political campaigns by the respondents. Results also showed that there is a significant relationship between social media exposure patterns and students’ participation during the 2015 political campaigns. These results provide an important window of understanding on the relationship between social media use and political participation amongst Nigerian university students and have implications for the political development of Nigeria.
The biocontaminants and complexity of damp indoor spaces: more than what meets the eyes

Nine types of biocontaminants in damp indoor environments from microbial growth are discussed: (1) indicator molds; (2) Gram negative and positive bacteria; (3) microbial particulates; (4) mycotoxins; (5) volatile organic compounds, both microbial (MVOCs) and non-microbial (VOCs); (6) proteins; (7) galactomannans; (8) 1-3-β-D-glucans (glucans) and (9) lipopolysaccharides (LPS — endotoxins). When mold species exceed those outdoors contamination is deduced. Gram negative bacterial endotoxins, LPS in indoor environments, synergize with mycotoxins. The gram positive Bacillus species, Actinomycetes (Streptomyces, Nocardia and Mycobacterium), produce exotoxins. The Actinomycetes are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lung and invasive infections. Mycobacterial mycobacterium infections not from M. tuberculosis are increasing in immunocompetent individuals. In animal models, LPS enhance the toxicity of roridin A, satratoxins G and aflatoxin B1 to damage the olfactory epithelium, tract and bulbs (roridin A, satratoxin G) and liver (aflatoxin B1). Aflatoxin B1 and probably trichothecenes are transported along the olfactory tract to the temporal lobe. Co-cultured Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarum produce a cytotoxin similar to doxorubicin and actinomycin D (chemotherapeutic agents). Trichothecenes, aflatoxins, gliotoxin and other mycotoxins are found in dust, bulk samples, air and ventilation systems of infested buildings. Macrocyclic trichothecenes are present in airborne particles <2 μm. Trichothecenes and stachylysin are present in the sera of individuals exposed to S. chartarum in contaminated indoor environments. Haemolysins are produced by S. chartarum, Memnoniella echinata and several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Galactomannans, glucans and LPS are upper and lower respiratory tract irritants. Gliotoxin, an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, was identified in the lung secretions and sera of cancer patients with aspergillosis produced by A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus.
The Management of Cognitive Impairment in Bipolar Disorder: Current Status and Perspectives

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with important cognitive deficits that persist during the periods of remission. Although these deficits seem to play an important role in the functional impairment experienced by bipolar patients, evidence regarding their clinical management is scant. We revised the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and clinicaltrials.gov, searching for studies focusing on the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of cognitive deficits among bipolar patients. In addition, a manual search of bibliographical cross-references was performed. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration–approved pharmacological agent for the management of cognitive deficits in BD. A number of agents have been tested in the treatment of cognitive deficits in BD, with mixed results. Nonpharmacological interventions, such as cognitive remediation and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, seem promising, but their role has not yet been properly explored among bipolar patients. Additional studies, aiming at evaluating the efficacy of interventions combining cognitive rehabilitation and biological treatments, are highly desirable.
Role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in linking stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 activity with endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is regulated by a network of signaling pathways to which stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD)‐1, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the unfolded protein response (UPR) belong. Because all these pathways are located at the interface of cell cycle control and cell stress, we hypothesized a cross‐regulation. Interference with SCD‐1, either by small interfering (si)RNA or the specific SCD‐1 inhibitor CAY10566 (EC50 1 μM; ≥ 24 h), specifically induced phosphorylation and thus activation of p38 MAPK in NIH‐3T3 mouse fibroblasts (1.5‐ to 2‐fold; 48 hours). During lipotoxic and cell cycle stress, prolonged activation of p38 MAPK due to SCD‐1 inhibition induced ER stress, the UPR, and ER/Golgi remodeling as shown by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy (1.2‐ to 3.5‐fold). Specific inhibition of p38 MAPK by Skepinone‐L [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 25‐50 nM] reversed these effects (at 1 μM; 48 hours). The specificity by which SCD‐1 modulates the phospholipid composition and inhibits p38 MAPK signaling (among survival/stress pathways), thereby preventing ER stress (but not other SCD‐1‐dependent responses), suggests selective protein‐lipid interactions. Palmitoleoyl/oleoyl‐phosphatidylinositol (PI) was accordingly identified as potential lipid mediator using chromatography‐coupled ESI tandem mass spectrometry. We conclude that the negative regulation of p38 MAPK mediates the protective effects of SCD‐1 on ER homeostasis under distinct stress conditions. —Koeberle, A. , Pergola, C. , Shindou, H. , Koeberle, S. C. , Shimizu, T. , Laufer, S. A. , Werz, O. Role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in linking stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 activity with endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. FASEB J. 29, 2439‐2449 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Antimetabolite‐based therapy in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report of POG study 9296

A previous Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) study showed high incidence of secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in children treated for T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) or higher‐stage lymphoblastic lymphoma. To prevent secondary neoplasms, induce prolonged asparagine depletion, and maintain high event‐free survival (EFS) in children with newly diagnosed T‐ALL or higher‐stage non‐Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), we designed this pilot study to determine feasibility and safety of substituting methotrexate/mercaptopurine for teniposide/cytarabine and PEG‐asparaginase for native asparaginase.
Wrist circumference as a novel predictor of diabetes and prediabetes: results of cross-sectional and 8.8-year follow-up studies.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine whether wrist circumference is associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, independently of general (body mass index [BMI]) or central (waist circumference [WC]) adiposity measures in a cohort of an Iranian adult population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 9330 subjects ≥ 20 years of age were included in the cross-sectional study. For prospective analysis, subjects with prevalent diabetes were excluded, leaving 6393 subjects (2716 males and 3677 females). The standard 2-hour postchallenge plasma glucose test was performed at baseline and during follow-up. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio of diabetes for wrist circumference. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 8.8 years, 649 new cases of diabetes occurred. At baseline, using linear regression models, we showed significant linear associations between wrist circumference and diabetes risk factors in both genders, and this association remained significant after controlling for BMI or WC among females. In prospective evaluation, wrist circumference was significantly associated with incident diabetes (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio = 1.17 [1.03-1.32] and 1.31 [1.18-1.45] for males and females, respectively). After controlling for the subjects' BMI or WC, wrist circumference was an independent predictor of diabetes only among females. Wrist circumference was an independent predictor of metabolic syndrome only among women even after adjustment for BMI, WC, or both. CONCLUSIONS Wrist circumference is a significant predictor of diabetes in both genders of adult population. However, its predictability is independent of BMI or WC only among females. Because of its simple and easy-to-detect nature, wrist circumference could be considered as a new anthropometric assessment for prediction of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Evaluating the usefulness of the ICT tuberculosis test kit for the diagnosis of tuberculosis

Background—Early diagnosis of tuberculosis is crucial, especially in Korea, where tuberculosis is endemic. Aims—To evaluate the validity of the ICT tuberculosis test (ICT) in early diagnosis of tuberculosis. Methods—Sixty eight patients with tuberculosis were tested; 37 had no history of previous tuberculosis (patient group 1), and 31 had reactivated tuberculosis (patient group 2). The control groups comprised 77 subjects: 25 healthy adults, 35 hospital workers, and 17 inpatients with non-tuberculous respiratory diseases. Results—The diagnostic sensitivities of ICT were 73% in patient group 1 and 87.1% in patient group 2. In two patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis, both tested positive using ICT. The specificities of ICT were 88%, 94%, and 94% in healthy adults, hospital workers, and non-tuberculous patients, respectively. Conclusions—ICT is a useful tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Informalidade e segmentação no mercado de trabalho brasileiro: evidências quantílicas sob alocação endógena

Resumo: O presente trabalho investiga a ocorrência de segmentação de rendimentos entre trabalhadores brasileiros formais e informais, considerando dois grupos distintos: os empregados e os autônomos juntamente com empregadores. Enquanto para o primeiro grupo o critério de formalidade é a carteira de trabalho assinada, para o segundo é a contribuição para a previdência. Utilizando as informações da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) para os anos de 2002 e 2012 e aplicando um modelo de efeitos de tratamento quantílicos sob endogenia, procura-se verificar se existem diferenças de rendimento entre formais e informais que podem ser explicadas unicamente pela alocação do indivíduo entre um ou outro setor. Os resultados encontrados apontam para a ocorrência de segmentação em grande parte da distribuição de rendimentos para ambos os grupos e nos dois períodos, sendo que tal fenômeno ocorre de maneira mais intensa nos quantis inferiores da distribuição, isto é, trabalhadores de menor rendimento.
Predictive Factors for the Outcome of Fusion in Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Study Design. A prospective study on predictive factors for the outcome of 164 patients with adult isthmic spondylolisthesis operated on with fusion. Objective. In view of the need to better select patients for fusion, we investigated the use of the pain drawing (PD) and other potential factors for predicting the outcome of fusion. Summary of Background Data. Results on predictive factors of outcome after spinal fusion have been contradictory and large, well-defined, patient samples with adequate observation times are lacking. Methods. Questionnaires including possible predictive factors and PDs were obtained before surgery. Degree and level of slip were documented. Outcome was quantified by measurement of pain (VAS), Disability Rating Index, the Oswestry Disability Index, and global assessment by the patient into “much better,” “better,” “unchanged,” or “worse. ” The 2-year follow-up rate was 160 of 164 (98%). Results. In the total sample 49% of patients were much better, 25% better, 14% unchanged, and 12% worse. The following preoperative factors correlated to a worse outcome in the univariate analysis: not working, no regular exercise, female gender, shortness in stature, and a nonorganic PD. The multivariate regression analysis showed that work status was the main determinant of outcome. Gender and exercise had less but significant impact (P = 0.004 and 0.02, respectively). In the multivariate regression analysis the PD was not a significant predictor (P = 0.06). Conclusion. The present study shows that patients working before surgery have a more favorable outcome. Also male gender and regular exercise are indicators of a better outcome after fusion. Female patients not working, not exercising or, if these factors are not known, with nonorganic PDs, should be informed about their suboptimal chances of an excellent outcome after fusion.
Adoption of Islamic banking in Pakistan an empirical investigation

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting individuals’ intentions to adopt Islamic banking. Most of the previous studies have used theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour; however, decomposed theory of planned behaviour, which is proven robust and superior, has been used in very few studies. The present study gauges this gap and proposes a comprehensive model for adoption of Islamic banking. The study also incorporated antecedents of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control to enhance understanding of factors relevant to the adoption of Islamic banking. A sample of 186 bank customers has been selected for data collection. Variance-based partial least-squares structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis. Results show that attitude and subjective norms have significant positive relationship with intention to adopt Islamic banking. The result depicts that attitude is determined by awareness, uncertainty, relative advantage and compatibility. Subjective norm is determined by normative beliefs. Perceived behavioural control is determined by self-efficacy and resource facilitation condition. The findings of the study are important for Islamic banks to revamp their marketing strategies. Marketing managers should try to develop positive attitude through creating awareness and benefits of Islamic banking services. Positive word of mouth is also an important aspect which can be created through enhancing the service delivery to the existing customers.
Interaction between asthma and lung function growth in early life.

RATIONALE The causal direction between asthma and lung function deficit is unknown, but important for the focus of preventive measures and research into the origins of asthma. OBJECTIVES To analyze the interaction between lung function development and asthma from birth to 7 years of age. METHODS The Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood is a prospective clinical study of a birth cohort of 411 at-risk children. Spirometry was completed in 403 (98%) neonates and again by age 7 in 317 children (77%). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Neonatal spirometry and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine was measured during sedation by forced flow-volume measurements. Asthma was diagnosed prospectively from daily diary cards and clinic visits every 6 months. Children with asthma by age 7 (14%) already had a significant airflow deficit as neonates (forced expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity second in neonates reduced by 0.34 z score by 1 mo; P = 0.03). This deficit progressed significantly during early childhood (forced expiratory flow at 0.5 seconds in neonates at age 7 reduced by 0.82 z score by age 7; P < 0.0001), suggesting that approximately 40% of the airflow deficit associated with asthma is present at birth, whereas 60% develops with clinical disease. Environmental tobacco exposure, but not allergic sensitization, also hampered airflow growth. Bronchial responsiveness to methacholine in the neonates was associated with the development of asthma (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Children developing asthma by age 7 had a lung function deficit and increased bronchial responsiveness as neonates. This lung function deficit progressed to age 7. Therefore, research into the origins and prevention of asthma should consider early life before and after birth.
Citizens United vs. FEC and Corporate Political Activism

The landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission asserts for the first time that corporations benefit from First Amendment protection regarding freedom of speech in the form of independent political expenditures, thus creating a new avenue for political activism. This paper studies how corporations adjusted their political activism in response to this ruling. The paper presents evidence consistent with the hypothesis that institutional investors, in particular public pension funds, have a preference for not using the new avenue for political activism, a preference not shared by other investors.
Microinsurance in India: Insurance Literacy and Demand

Microinsurance offers policies to cover four types of risk; life, health, accidental and property and is a key element for the financial inclusion of the poor. This study examined the influence of insurance literacy and demographics on the likely hood of having a micro-insurance policy. The survey was conducted in the National Capital Region (NCR), India. Micro-insurance literacy was measured using a Quiz. The demographic variables included in the study were gender, age, education, marital status, income and the type of employment. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Results show that insurance literacy score, income, employment and education increased the likely hood of owning an insurance policy. Furthermore, it was found that the average insurance literacy was only (36 .75 %). Microinsurance can provide risk coverage to the poor which are the most vulnerable section of the society but so far almost 90 percent of the Indian population is uninsured. This study is warranted by the need to create a model that identifies the sections of society which are unlikely to own microinsurance thus contributing to the low offtake of insurance. This study may be beneficial to the government in terms of regulations, the insurance providers in designing their products and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) so that they can reach out to the unlikely groups.
Functional interactions of HPK1 with adaptor proteins

Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1 or MAP4K1) is a hematopoietic‐specific mammalian STE20‐like protein serine/threonine kinase, comprised of a STE20‐like kinase domain in its N‐terminus, four proline‐rich motifs, a caspase cleavage site, and a distal C‐terminal Citron homology domain. HPK1 is involved in many cellular signaling cascades that include MAPK signaling, antigen receptor signaling, apoptosis, growth factor signaling, and cytokine signaling. HPK1 binds many adaptor proteins including members of the Grb2 family, Nck family, Crk family, SLP‐76 family, and actin‐binding adaptors like HIP‐55. HPK1 tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activation depend on the presence of adaptor proteins. Adaptor proteins are required not only for linking HPK1 to cell surface receptors like the EGFR, but also for downstream gene transcription like NFAT, AP‐1 and IL‐2. The HPK1 association with Crk, CrkL, and HIP‐55 mediate HPK1‐dependent c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation, while the association of HPK1 with SLP‐76, Gads, CrkL, Grb2, and Grap affect T‐ and B‐cell dependent gene transcription. Interestingly, HPK1 has been implicated in both increasing and decreasing NFAT, AP‐1, and IL‐2 gene transcription in T‐cells where adaptor proteins play a key role. Lastly, HPK1 will phosphorylate Crk and CrkL, in vitro, which presents a novel possibility for the regulation of adaptor proteins and downstream signaling events. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of HCV Alternative Reading Frame Protein (Core+1/F) in Baculovirus Expression System and its Evaluation for Assessment of Specific Anti-core+1 Antibody in Iranian HCV Infected Patients.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome contains an overlapping reading frame which results in alternative core protein (ARFP). Baculovirus expression system was used as a powerful eukaryotic vector system to express core+1/F protein for the first time. This recombinant core+1/F protein was used to assess the anti-core+1 antibody in anti-HCV drug resistant and sustained virologic response (SVR) patients. METHODS The core+1 coding sequence from HCV genotype 1 was designed and synthesized in pUC57 vector. It was subcloned into baculovirus donor plasmid pFastBacTM HTA and transposed into baculovirus shuttle vector (bacmid) to transfect Sf9 cells. Recombinant core+1 protein was purified using Ni-NTA agarose under native condition and verified using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using this purified protein to assess anti-core+1 antibody in 28 anti-HCV drug resistant patients and in 34 patients with sustained virologic response (SVR) in comparison with 31 healthy volunteers used as the negative control. RESULTS Expression of HCV core+1 protein in Sf9 cells was confirmed by using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Antibody titer against core+1 protein in anti-HCV drug resistant patients was significantly higher than that in both the healthy volunteers and SVR patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS HCV core+1 protein was expressed successfully in a baculovirus expression system in high yield in order to develop an ELISA to assess the anti-core+1 antibody. Further studies are needed to reveal the potential application of core+1 protein in anti-HCV treatment prognosis.