Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender dimensions in conceptualisations of homelessness : theoretical and operational (in)visibility

This Integrative PhD Chapter draws together a selection of work chronicling a decade-long journey of development in thinking about how homelessness is perceived, understood and responded to. It reflects upon my engagement with research and policy, demonstrates the impact my work has had on service strategy and design and reviews my contribution to homelessness theory. Using ten example publications, presented under four themes, the chapter explores the role of my work in highlighting the failure to properly consider gender, in both academic debate and in-service design. It demonstrates how, while homelessness services have supposedly moved towards more personalised models, which are intended to recognise and respect the strengths, choices and opinions of homeless people and deliver bespoke services to meet their needs, little account has been taken of women’s experiences, needs or opinions. The chapter starts by introducing the different conceptualisations of homelessness and explores the debates around what is meant by homelessness. The discussion of my work begins by presenting an overview of the ten publications. An analysis of these publications is presented within four themes. Firstly, I use my work to inform a critical review of reductionist taxonomies of homelessness, that delimit homelessness causation simply to housing need and secondly by discussing how my work led me to re-examine existing thinking about the human dimensions of homelessness. The third theme I explore is inclusivity which considers the social and economic inclusion of homeless people and where my work added to my understanding of the multidimensional nature of homelessness. Finally, the theme of gender is discussed, exploring how the woeful underrepresentation of women in homelessness research has undermined our understanding of homelessness, weakened strategy and limited service effectiveness. The chapter concludes by presenting a case for reconceptualising homelessness, with the human dimensions of homelessness, which must include gender, at the core.
Pregnancy outcomes among renal transplant recipients and patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis

Abstract Aim: The purpose of our study is to compare pregnancy outcomes between women with a functioning renal transplant and women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: We carried out a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2006 to 2011. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the age-adjusted effect of functioning renal transplant vs. ESRD requiring dialysis on pregnancy outcomes. Results: We identified 264 birth records to women with a functional renal transplant and 267 birth records to women with ESRD on dialysis among 5,245,452 births. As compared to women with ESRD on dialysis, renal transplant recipients were less likely to have placental abruption [odds ratio, OR 0.23 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.08–0.70)], to receive blood transfusions [OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.09–0.30)], and to have growth-restricted and small-for-gestational-age babies [OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.23–0.85)]. Renal transplant recipients were more likely to have an instrumental delivery [OR 15.38 (95% CI 1.92–123.3)]. Among renal transplant women, there was a trend towards delivery by cesarean section as compared to patients with ESRD [OR 1.31 (95% CI 0.93–1.85)]. However, these results were not statistically significant. Fetal deaths were less likely to occur in women with a renal transplant [OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.17–0.96)]. There were four maternal deaths among patients with ESRD on dialysis and no maternal deaths among renal transplant patients. Conclusion: Patients with a functional renal graft had an overall lower rate of morbidity and adverse pregnancy complications when compared to patients with ESRD on dialysis.
[Expression of galectin-7 and S100A9 and development of cervical squamous carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To observe the correlation between the expression of galectin-7 and S100A9 with the development of cervical squamous carcinoma. METHODS Immunohistochemical SP staining was used to detect the expression of galectin-7 and S100A9 in 243 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical squamous carcinoma. The association of clinical data with galectin-7 and S100A9 expression was examined. RESULTS The expression of galectin-7 and S100A9 in CIN and cervical squamous carcinoma was significantly different (P<0.05). The positive rates of galectin-7 in normal cervical tissues, CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, and cervical squamous carcinoma were 56.7%, 41.9%, 32.0%, 27.3%, and 25.0%, respectively. Statistic analysis found significant difference between the normal cervical tissues and cervical squamous carcinoma (P<0.0045). The positive rates of S100A9 in CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, and cervical squamous carcinoma were 80.0%, 77.4%, 48.0%, 27.3%, and 20.2%. Statistic analysis showed significant difference between the normal tissues and CIN III, the normal cervical tissues and cervical squamous carcinoma, CIN I and CIN III, CIN I and cervical squamous carcinoma, CIN II and cervical squamous carcinoma (P<0.0045). A positive correlation was found between galectin-7 and S100A9 expression in CIN and cervical squamous carcinoma (rs=0.298, P<0.001). Expressions of both galectin-7 and S100A9 in cervical squamous carcinoma were associated with the clinical stage and lymph nodes (P<0.05), but not with patient's age and degree of differentiation (P>0.05). Expression of galectin-7 was associated with the survival rate of patients with cervical squamous carcinoma (P<0.05). Univariate analysis of Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that the FIGO stage, lymph nodes metastasis, and the expression of galectin-7 were relevant to the 5 year survival rate of patients with cervical squamous carcinoma, which was confirmed by multiple analysis of Cox proportional hazards regression model. CONCLUSION Expression of galectin-7 and S100A9 is related with cervical the tumorigenesis of carcinoma, clinical stage, and lymph nodes of cervical squamous carcinoma. Galectin-7 is probably associated with the prognosis. The long-term survival of patients with cervical carcinoma may be associated with FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, and the expression of galectin-7.
Intellectual capital of South Africa: a comparison with Poland and Romania

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the national intellectual capital (NIC) of South Africa by making comparisons with Poland and Romania. ,Based on a database of an NIC measurement model spanning 2001-2015, this study plotted the development trend of the NIC and its component capitals – human, market, process and renewal capitals. Their correlations with GDP per capita (ppp) (GDP hereinafter) were also presented. ,The NIC of South Africa is lower than that of both Poland and Romania. Except for the increase of its human capital together with its GDP, the other capitals have lower relevance. Poland experienced highly correlated growth for its NIC and GDP, shedding light for South Africa. The qualitative findings are also reported. ,The IMD database carries South African data only for the African continent. Therefore, this paper cannot cover other countries from the continent. ,There are three implications from both the quantitative and qualitative analyses: initiate national transformation from the two core issues of education and health; invite and provide attractive incentives for South African returnees from abroad and members of local private sectors to take part in the national transformation efforts; and learn from the NIC development pattern of Poland and Romania by investing in market capital and process capital as soon as possible for faster results. ,The research findings of this paper unveil the root of the social problems in South Africa, including education, health, high unemployment and so on. Suggestions are provided for mid-term and long-term potential solutions. ,This paper demonstrates the value of an NIC in the economically successful Poland whose growth and GDP growth occurred at a similar pace.
Prolonging Islet Allograft Survival Using In Vivo Bioluminescence Imaging to Guide Timing of Antilymphocyte Serum Treatment of Rejection

Background. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a sensitive and noninvasive method for tracking the fate of transplanted islets. The aim of this study was to investigate whether early detection of rejection by BLI can aid in the timing of antilymphocyte serum (ALS) treatment for prolonging islet graft survival. Methods. Transgenic islets (200 per recipient) expressing the firefly luciferase from FVB/NJ strain (H-2q) mice were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic allogeneic Balb/c strain (H-2d) mice. BLI signals and serum glucose levels were measured daily after transplant. Four groups of mice were transplanted: group 1 recipients were untreated controls (n=12), group 2 (n=8) received ALS before transplant, group 3 (n=10) received ALS at a time after transplant when normoglycemic but prompted by a reduction (∼30%) in BLI signal intensity for 2 consecutive days, and group 4 (n=5) received ALS after transplant when prompted by blood glucose levels increasing ∼20% from the normoglycemic baseline (BLI reduction ∼70%). Results. The incidence of graft loss from rejection in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 92.3%, 88%, 40%, and 100%, respectively. The mean (±SE) time to graft loss in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 22.5±4.8, 29.2±9.9, 53.5±17.9, and 22.1±2.4 days, respectively. Conclusions. Noninvasive imaging modalities of functional islet mass, such as BLI (but not blood glucose levels), can prompt the appropriate timing of ALS treatment of islet allograft rejection and significantly prolong graft survival or protect the grafts from permanent loss.
Creating the English Premier Football League: A Brief Economic History with Some Possible Lessons for Asian Soccer

Abstract This paper outlines the development of the English Premier League association football competition and in doing so analyzes the consequences of collective decisions made by the constituent clubs on matters such as revenue sharing, salary caps and broadcasting rights, as well as the legacy effects of not fully breaking away from an existing organization. It concludes with a consideration of what Asian soccer might learn from the experiences of the English organization.
Analysis of frequency loss as a prognostic factor in idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract Conclusion: The combination of systemic steroids with intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) did not result in significantly different outcomes from steroid treatment only and did not have any additional beneficial effects. Objective: To evaluate hearing recovery in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) according to frequency and to compare treatment responses between patients treated with systemic steroids and systemic steroids with ITDI. Methods: Ninety-nine patients with ISSNHL were selected to participate in the study by a retrospective medical chart review. Patients were divided into two groups, systemic steroid treatment only and systemic steroid with adjunctive ITDI. Hearing recovery was evaluated by pure tone audiometry (PTA). All patients underwent PTA examination before treatment and after 3 months. Thresholds were analyzed by frequency along with other factors. Results: Low frequency hearing loss responded better than high frequency loss to PTA. When we analyzed pure tone audiogram patterns, all patterns except for the descending type showed better improvement in patients with lower frequency hearing loss than in patients with higher frequency hearing loss.
GENDER DISPARITY OF STREPTOZOTOCIN‐INDUCED INTRINSIC CONTRACTILE DYSFUNCTION IN MURINE VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES: ROLE OF CHRONIC ACTIVATION OF AKT

1 Clinical, epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests a ‘female advantage’ in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, including diabetic cardiomyopathy. It is speculated that this ‘gender bias’ may be due to gender‐related differences in sex hormones and intrinsic myocardial contractile properties. 2 The present study was designed to examine the impact of diabetes and gender on cardiac contractile function and activation of the cardiac survival signalling molecule Akt. Short‐term (2 weeks) diabetes was induced in adult mice of both genders with streptozotocin (STZ). Mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties of isolated ventricular myocytes were evaluated using an IonOptix MyoCam® system (IonOptix Corporation, Milton, MA, USA). Total and phosphorylated Akt were evaluated using western blot analysis. 3 Female mouse myocytes displayed smaller peak shortening (PS) amplitude and maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (dL/dt), longer time to PS and time to 90% relengthening compared with male counterparts. Diabetes significantly reduced PS, dL/dt, prolonged TR90, delayed intracellular Ca2+ clearing and reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release in male mouse myocytes. All these abnormalities, with the exception of SR Ca2+, release were masked by the female gender. 4 The negative staircase of PS with increased stimulus frequency (from 0.1 to 5.0 Hz) and protein carbonyl damage were comparable among all animal groups. 5 Female gender and diabetes independently enhanced phosphorylation of Akt without affecting total Akt expression. Interestingly, STZ‐induced short‐term diabetes failed to elicit additional phosphorylation of Akt in female hearts. 6 In summary, the present data revealed that STZ induced impaired cardiac contractile function and altered intracellular Ca2+ handling in males, but not females, partially due to intrinsic mechanical differences and Akt activation status between genders.
What can biomarkers tell us about cognition in Parkinson's disease?

Cognitive decline is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), even in the early motor stage, and this non‐motor feature impacts quality of life and prognosis tremendously. In this article, we discuss marker candidates for cognitive decline in PD from different angles, including functional and structural imaging techniques, biological fluid markers in cerebrospinal fluid, and blood genetic predictors, as well as gait as a surrogate marker of cognitive decline. Specifically, imaging‐based markers of cognitive impairment in PD include cortical atrophy, reduced cortical metabolism, loss of cortical cholinergic and frontal dopaminergic function, as well as an increased cortical amyloid load. Reduced β‐amyloid(1‐42) in cerebrospinal fluid and lower plasma levels of epidermal growth factor are predictors for cognitive decline in PD. In addition, genetic variation in the apolipoprotein E (APOE), catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT), microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT), and glucocerebrosidase (GBA) genes may confer risk for cognitive impairment in PD; and gait disturbance may also indicate an increased risk for dementia. Other marker candidates have been proposed and are discussed. All of the current studies are hampered by gaps in our knowledge about the molecular causes of cognitive decline, which will have to be considered in future biomarker studies. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Reliability of “Modified timed up and go” test in children with cerebral palsy

Background: Timed up and go (TUG) is a quick test used in clinical practice as an outcome measure to assess functional ambulatory mobility or dynamic balance in adults. However, little information is available on TUG test used in cerebral palsy. Hence, the purpose of our study was to assess the intra-rater reliability of TUG test in cerebral palsy children. Aim and Objective: To assess within–session and test-retest reliability after 1 week of TUG test in cerebral palsy children. Setting and Design: It was an a cross-sectional observational study conducted in a neurorehabilitation unit, with 30 cerebral palsy children of 4–12 years, within Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I, II, III, and with an IQ ≥50.The sampling technique used was purposive sampling excluding children with cognitive deficit. Materials and Methods: Subjects performed TUG on three occasions – Initial assessment (time 1), 30 min after initial assessment (time 2), and 1 week after initial assessment (time 3). Three trails were conducted for each of the three occasions. The mean score of three trials was documented as the final score. Within-session and test–retest reliability were analyzed using scores of time 1 and 2, and time 1 and 3, respectively. Statistical Analysis: The documented data were analyzed for within-session and test–retest reliability after 1 week of TUG test by using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Reliability of TUG test was high, with ICC of 0.99 for within-session reliability and 0.99 for test–retest reliability. Conclusion: Intra-rater reliability of TUG test in cerebral palsy children was found to be high.
Physiological and biochemical changes after boldenone injection in adult rabbits

Boldenone (BOL) is an androgenic steroid that improves the growth and food conversion in food-producing animals. In most countries worldwide, this anabolic steroid is forbidden for human uses and meat production as it was developed for veterinary use. Recently, BOL is used by bodybuilders in both off season and pre-contest, where it is well known for increasing vascularity while preparing for a bodybuilding contest. The present study was designed to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes in rabbits after injection with the growth promoter BOL. A total of 32 adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, where the control group includes animals that were injected intramuscularly with olive oil and dissected after 3 weeks. The remaining three experimental groups included animals that received one, two and three intramuscular injections of 5 mg/kg body weight BOL, respectively, and were dissected after 3, 6 and 9 weeks, respectively. The animals from practice appeared healthy and did not show clinical signs of disease and none of the rabbits died during the experimental period. Serum total protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, asparate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased while serum direct bilirubin, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after one, two and three intramuscular injections of BOL as compared to their relative values in the control group. These findings explain the common phenomena in athletes and bodybuilders who suffer from infertility, renal and hepatic alterations following injection with some drugs as steroids (BOL) to build muscles.
Changes in the area of urban green space in cities of western Poland

Abstract Extensive and continuous areas of urban greenery are essential for the proper functioning of cities and for achieving optimal natural conditions. The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in the areas of public green space of Szczecin, Poznań and Wrocław in the years 1996–2013, and compare data on public greenery with demographic data and changes in the spatial development of the described cities. We used a linear regression and exponential regression to explain the results. In our opinion, it is necessary to establish the appropriate proportion of public greenery to the built-up areas in cities. Otherwise, we will be observing an adverse reduction of green areas in relation to residential areas. Surveys also indicate the need for action to prevent the outflow of population to the suburban areas.
Timing of Maternal HIV Testing and Uptake of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Interventions Among Women and Their Infected Infants in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background:By 2011, South African prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programs had reduced perinatal HIV transmission at 6 weeks of age to 2.7%. We investigated the profile of newly diagnosed vertically infected children and their mothers to identify shortfalls in the PMTCT program. Methods:In this operational follow-up study, fieldworkers enrolled mothers of newly diagnosed HIV-infected children up to 2 years of age at 5 major health care facilities in Johannesburg. Structured questionnaires and clinical record reviews were conducted and analyzed to describe the population and assess factors associated with PMTCT uptake. Results:Two hundred eighty-nine mother–child pairs were enrolled. Timing of maternal HIV diagnosis influenced PMTCT access and feeding choices and was associated with infants' age at HIV diagnosis (7 vs. 11 vs. 31 weeks where mothers tested before, during, or after the pregnancy, respectively; P < 0.0001). Women diagnosed before pregnancy (12%) were older (median, 31 years) than those diagnosed during the index pregnancy (53%; median, 27 years). Women diagnosed after delivery (35%) were younger (median, 25 years, P < 0.0001), of lower parity, and less likely to be South African citizens. In 81 cases (29%), late maternal diagnosis precluded any PMTCT access. Where women were diagnosed during or before pregnancy, the recommended PMTCT guidelines for mother and infant were followed in 86 (61%) pairs. Conclusions:Failure to diagnose maternal HIV infection before delivery was the main reason for missing PMTCT prophylaxis and early infant testing. Timely maternal diagnosis enables PMTCT uptake, but implementation and follow-up gaps require attention to improve infant outcomes.
Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a comparative review.

BACKGROUND Human erythema multiforme (EM) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are separate conditions. There is no consensus on classification criteria for the eponymous diseases in animals. RESULTS Animal EM is very different from 90% of human EM, which is herpes virus associated (HAEM). Animals lack acrally distributed, typical raised targets. Unlike canine parvovirus 'EM', HAEM is not an active infection. Animal EM is often attributed to drugs, but this is rarely proved. Conversely, human and animal SJS/TEN are almost identical, life-threatening disorders of epidermal necrosis and detachment, typically triggered by drugs (occasionally by infectious agents). Both EM and SJS/TEN are mediated by cytotoxic lymphocyte responses against altered keratinocytes (infectious agents or drugs). Apoptosis results from direct cytotoxicity or through soluble mediators, namely Fas ligand, granzymes, perforin and granulysin. Diagnosis in humans is clinicopathological, with emphasis on clinical lesions; histopathology confirms the pathological process as interface (cytotoxic) dermatitis. Human EM is self-limiting; only recurrent and rare persistent cases require antiviral/immunosuppressive therapies. Drug-induced EM responds to drug withdrawal. Idiopathic canine EM (>40%) is usually chronic, refractory to treatment and may represent heterogeneous conditions. Early identification and removal of the causative drug and high-quality supportive care are critical in SJS/TEN. Mortality rate is nevertheless high. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE (1) Histopathological lesions do not reliably differentiate EM, SJS and TEN. (2) A multicentre study to develop a consensus set of clinical criteria for EM and SJS/TEN in animals is overdue. (3) No adjunctive therapies, including intravenous immunoglobulin and ciclosporin, have met evidence-based standards.