Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Academic–Practice Partnerships for Community Health Workforce Development

Despite increasing attention to academic–practice partnerships for health practice and workforce development, guidelines for how to implement such partnerships are few. The Kansas Public Health Workforce and Leadership Development (WALD) Center provides a successful example of such a partnership. The WALD Center implements public health education and training projects through a collaborative process of health needs identification, program conceptualization, research, and program evaluation. Such coordination allows for continuous practitioner-oriented program development and the sharing of a rural state's scarce resources between interconnected projects. The WALD Center's methods provide a model for academic–practice partnerships for community health practice and workforce development, even in environments with scarce health resources.
Lactobacillus acidophilus maintained oxidative stress from reproductive organs in collagen-induced arthritic rats

CONTEXTS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induced organ damage is a well-known fact. Previous studies suggest that Lactobacillus scavenge the free radicals from liver and kidney and also protect animals from arthritis. AIMS: Comparing protective properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus in reducing oxidative stress from reproductive organs developed during collagen-induced arthritis in animal model. METHODS: Arthritis was induced in Wistar rats. Oral administration of L. acidophilus, indomethacin, and distilled water were all started on the same day. Arthritis scores were calculated for each group. Oxidative stress parameters were estimated in testis and ovary homogenates. Histopathology of ovary and testis was also performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: L. acidophilus decreased arthritis score (P < 0.001) as well as maintained normal histology of reproductive organs. L. acidophilus maintained oxidative stress parameters from ovaries and testis (P < 0.001). These results provide strong evidence that NSAIDs increase oxidative stress in reproductive organs while L. acidophilus not only scavenges free radicals from reproductive organs but also protects rats from arthritis symptoms.
The Italian Alternative: Flexible Organization and Social Management

Since the beginning of this century, industrial organization in the Western world has been dominated by ideas, principles, and values developed primarily in the United States. The startling success of mass production techniques, exemplified by the Ford assembly lines of the model T car and used throughout American industry to help the American war effort in the last World War, were compelling reasons for the spread of an American "model" of industrial organization based on large-scale, mass-producing, integrated firms. Speaking of an American model is, of course, an oversimplification. For a long time (and even now), for example, large industrial firms supplying mass markets have coexisted with small firms supplying limited market niches (Granovetter, 1984) in what has been called "economic dualism" (Berger and Piore, 1980). Yet the contribution of small firms to the American economy is quite limited. Only 25.3 percent of its industrial labor force worked in plants with less than one hundred employees in 1977, compared to 58.4 percent in Japan, in 1978 (Granovetter, 1984) and 50.5 percent in Italy, in 1971 (Weiss, 1984). It is also the mass-scale model of production that was (and still is) idealized by many economists as the "modern" sector of the industry as opposed to the "traditional" sector of small firms. And it is the "modern" rather than the "traditional" sector that has typically attracted most of the interest of teachers and researchers of management and organization. The model is driven by the basic value of rational, economic efficiency achieved by the systematic application of Adam Smith's principles of division of labor, specialization, and standardization, which were refined by Taylor early in this century. The application of these values and principles had several consequences. It led to a search for mass markets, which was helped by the standardization of consumers' tastes (Sabel and Zeitlin, 1982), and the development of railroads (Chandler, 1977). There was a drive toward vertical integration to control supplies and distribution. There was also a drive on the part of management to control more and more a labor force reluctant to accept the de-skilling inherent in Smith and Taylor's principles (Noble, 1986).
Integrability of the ν=4/3 fractional quantum Hall edge states

We investigate the homogeneous chiral edge theory of the filling ν=4/3 fractional quantum Hall state, which is parameterized by a Luttinger liquid velocity matrix and an electron tunneling amplitude (ignoring irrelevant terms). We identify two solvable cases: one case where the theory gives two free chiral boson modes, and the other case where the theory yields one free charge 2e3 chiral fermion and two free chiral Bogoliubov (Majorana) fermions. For generic parameters, the energy spectrum from our exact diagonalization shows Poisson level spacing statistics (LSS) in each conserved charge and momentum sector, indicating the existence of hidden conserved quantities and the possibility that the generic edge theory of the ν=4/3 fractional quantum Hall state is integrable. We further show that a global symmetry preserving irrelevant nonlinear kinetic term will lead to the transition of LSS from Poisson to Wigner-Dyson at high energies. This further supports the possibility that the model without irrelevant terms is integrable.
Two Different 18F-FDG Brain PET Metabolic Patterns in Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis

Purpose Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) is a severe, but treatable, neuropsychiatric disorder that is difficult to diagnose clinically. With the goal of improving diagnosis of this disorder, we retrospectively evaluated the cerebral FDG PET pattern in a group of patients with ALE. Materials and Methods Nine adult patients with subacute cognitive decline were eventually diagnosed with ALE based on clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory markers, and response to immunosuppressive therapy. All patients received FDG PET brain scanning during their diagnostic evaluation, which were retrospectively reviewed for this study. Results Our patients’ scans fell into 2 readily separable patterns. Five younger patients had a mixed metabolic pattern most easily recognized by pronounced occipital hypometabolism, accentuated by hypermetabolism in the temporal and orbitofrontal cortex. Other, milder findings were also present. Once this unusual pattern was established as corresponding to ALE, it helped lead to the correct clinical diagnosis in the last 2 patients. Four older patients had scans that closely resembled diffuse neurodegenerative disease. Conclusions We found 2 different PET scan patterns in patients with ALE. One is an easily recognizable mixture of hyper- and hypometabolism that has also been described in a few recent case reports and is potentially specific for ALE. The other is indistinguishable from neurodegenerative disease. We propose that awareness of these patterns may contribute to the diagnosis of this elusive, but treatable, neurologic disorder.
Characterization of EBV‐genome negative “null” and “T” cell lines derived from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and leukemic transformed non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

Sixty‐two explants from peripheral blood, bone marrow and cerebral fluid of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and leukemic transformed non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were cultivated for at least 8 weeks. Although lymphatic cells persisted up to 16 weeks in tissue culture, no proliferation was observed in 54 cultures. From the remaining cultures, eight permanently growing cell lines were obtained. Five of these were EBNA (Epstein‐Barr virus‐specific nuclear antigen)‐positive. Three, however, were EBNA‐negative and lacked Epstein‐Barr virus genomes. Two cell lines (KM‐3 and SH‐2) expressed neither B nor T cell characteristics. One line (JM) expressed T cell characteristics and complement receptors. The growing lymphatic cells represented leukemic cells, since the pattern of cytochemical staining and that of membrane receptors of lymphoblasts from the same donor prior to cultivation were identical. All leukemic cell lines were derived from patients in relapse. In contrast, no proliferation of leukemic cells occurred in explants from patients revealing the first manifestation of the disease. These results suggest enhanced growth potential of lymphoblasts resisting antileukemic therapy.
Nasopharyngeal colonization by Neisseria lactamica and induction of protective immunity against Neisseria meningitidis.

BACKGROUND Natural immunity to Neisseria meningitidis may result from nasopharyngeal carriage of closely related commensals, such as Neisseria lactamica. METHODS We enrolled 61 students with no current carriage of Neisseria species and inoculated them intranasally with 10,000 colony-forming units of Neisseria lactamica or sham control. Colonization was monitored in oropharyngeal samples over 6 months. We measured specific mucosal and systemic antibody responses to N. lactamica and serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) and opsonophagocytic antibodies to a panel of N. meningitidis serogroup B strains. We also inoculated an additional cohort following vaccination with N. lactamica outer-membrane vesicles (OMV) produced from the same strain. RESULTS Twenty-six (63.4%) of 41 inoculated individuals became colonized with N. lactamica; 85% remained colonized at 12 weeks. Noncarriers were resistant to rechallenge, and carriers who terminated carriage were relatively resistant to rechallenge. No carriers acquired N. meningitidis carriage over 24 weeks, compared with 3 control subjects (15%). Carriers developed serum IgG and salivary IgA antibodies to the inoculated N. lactamica strain by 4 weeks; noncarriers and control subjects did not. Cross-reactive serum bactericidal antibody responses to N.meningitidis were negligible in carriers, but they developed broad opsonophagocytic antimeningococcal antibodies. OMV vaccinees developed systemic and mucosal anti-N. lactamica antibodies and were relatively resistant to N. lactamica carriage but not to natural acquisition of N. meningitidis. CONCLUSIONS Carriers of N. lactamica develop mucosal and systemic humoral immunity to N. lactamica together with cross-reacting systemic opsonophagocytic but not bactericidal antibodies to N. meningitidis. Possession of humoral immunity to N. lactamica inhibits acquisition of N. lactamica but not of N. meningitidis. Some individuals are intrinsically resistant to N. lactamica carriage, independent of humoral immunity.
Dietary shifts have consequences for the repertoire of allergens produced by the European house dust mite

Products manufactured from mass‐cultured house dust mites, currently commercialized for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy, are heterogeneous in terms of allergen composition and thus present concerns to regulatory authorities. The most abundant species, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) (Astigmata: Pyroglyphidae), produces 19 allergenic proteins. Many of these are putatively involved in mite digestive physiology and metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mite‐rearing media on allergen production. Mites were adapted to feed on culture media supplemented with proteins, lipids, carbohydrates or beard shavings, and collected to quantify major allergens (Der p 1 and 2) by immunodetection, transcription of allergen genes by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and allergen‐related enzymatic activities. All culture media significantly affected the content of major allergens. Modification of macronutrients in the diet produced minor effects on the transcription of allergen genes, but significantly altered mite allergen‐related activities. The most remarkable impacts were detected in mites feeding on beard shavings and were reflected in reductions in the content of major allergens, alterations in the transcription of nine allergen genes, and changes in eight allergen‐related activities. These results demonstrate the importance of culture media to the quality and consistency of mite extracts used for pharmaceuticals, and highlight the need to further elucidate allergen production by mites in the laboratory and in domestic environments.
Balance of payments and policies that affects its positioning in Nigeria

This study examines balance of payments (BOP) and policies that affects its position in Nigerian economy. The tariff, non- tariff and exchange rate policies were used as policies that affects the BOP. Various Proxies were used to explain the effect of these policies on the BOP. These includes; the indirect tax as a proxy for tariff policies, the money supply, export and interest rate as a proxy for non- tariff policies, and the exchange rate. This study employs the ordinary least square (OLS) methods of estimation and the heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation covariance (HAC) in order to avoid spurious regression results. The E-views 6.0 was employed in the regression analysis. In executing this study, the ADF (augumented dickey fuller) test and the Unit Root Test was carried out to test the stationarity of the variables. The result shows that the indirect tax, export and exchange rate satisfy the economic apriori expectation while the interest rate and money supply negates the apriori expectation. Using the t-test, it is revealed that only three (3) variables are significant in the explanation of the dependent variable (BOP) while the remaining two variables are insignificant. Recommendations are made to ensure that the balance of payments disequilibrium is resolved.
The Use of Social Media in Higher Education for Marketing and Communications: A Guide for Professionals in Higher Education

148 colleges and universities responded to a survey in July 2008 answering what social media they are using most, how they are using it to reach their target audiences, and which department(s) at the college are responsible for maintaining it. This guide will review existing literature available in this subject area, identify implications for and against using social media, and discuss best practices, recommendations and considerations for higher education marketers.
Lectins detect changes of the glycosylation status of plasma membrane constituents during late apoptosis

Mechanisms governing the normal resolution processes of inflammation are poorly understood, yet their elucidation may lead to a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. The removal of apoptotic cell material and their potentially histotoxic contents is a prerequisite of resolution. Engulfment by macrophages is an important disposal route, and changes in the apoptotic cells that are associated with their recognition by macrophages are the subject of this report.
Histological subtypes of solitary pulmonary nodules of adenocarcinoma and their clinical

Objective: To explore the histological subtypes of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) of invasive adenocarcinoma and their clinical relevance. Methods: A total of 188 patients with pathologically confirmed invasive adenocarcinoma in our hospital from January 2007 to December 2011 were enrolled in this study. In accordance with the new classification of lung adenocarcinoma, all the histological sections were reviewed and classified, and the clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Of these 188 patients who had been initially diagnosed as SPNs of adenocarcinoma, there were 6 cases of lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA), 71 cases of acinar predominant adenocarcinoma (APA), 74 cases of papillary predominant adenocarcinoma (PPA), 15 cases of micorpapillary predominant adenocarcinoma (MPA), and 22 cases of solid predominant adenocarcinoma (SPA) with mucin production. The incidence of lymph node metastasis was 80.0% and 81.8% in MPA and SPA, respectively, which was significantly higher than those in LPA, APA, and PPA (all P<0.01). The incidence of LPA was 83.3% (5/6) in women, which was significantly higher than that in men (P=0.037). Conclusions: According to the new classification, MPA and SPA have high incidence of lymph node metastasis. LPA is more likely to occur in women. Sub-typing of the lung adenocarcinoma based on the newest international classification criteria is helpful to identify the clinical features of this disease.
Glycaemic status and prevalence of comorbid conditions among people with diabetes in Kerala.

BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the glycaemic status and prevalence of comorbid conditions such as obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in people with diabetes in a southern Indian community. METHODS A cross-sectional community survey of adults > 18 years of age was done in central Kerala. Among the 3069 subjects surveyed, 276 were known to have diabetes. Of these, 169 who had type 2 diabetes underwent a detailed physical examination and anthropometric measurements, and determination of levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting lipid, serum creatinine and urine protein. Data of 164 subjects who had glycosylated haemoglobin levels were included for final analysis. RESULTS The mean (SD) duration of diabetes was 5.5 (5.04) years and the mean age was 56.9 (11.4) years. Among the patients, 28 (17.2%) were receiving no treatment for diabetes, 24 (14.7%) were on diet control and 111 (68%) on pharmacotherapy. Only 6 patients were on insulin. The mean fasting blood glucose was 153 (63) mg/dl and the mean glycosylated haemoglobin level was 8.1 (2.34)%. In 60% of patients, the glycosylated haemoglobin level was above the recommended target of 7%. Obesity (31%), hypertension (51%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 100 mg/dl (90%) and serum triglyceride levels > 150 mg/ dl (38%) were present in the study population. Only 29% of patients were on antihypertensive treatment and 5% on lipid-lowering agents. CONCLUSION In this population, only 40% of people with diabetes had adequate glycaemic control. The use of insulin was infrequent. Comorbid conditions were common and inadequately treated. This indicates a lack of proper diabetic care in this community, which could lead to an increase in the burden of cardiovascular disease in the future.
The Impact of Preconception Counseling on Pregnancy Outcomes: The experience of the Maine Diabetes in Pregnancy Program

OBJECTIVE To determine if a noncentralized, statewide program could be established to educate health-care providers and women with pregestational diabetes on available strategies to prevent adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. Characteristics of women who participated in the program and the outcomes of their pregnancies are evaluated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A network of regional providers caring for pregnant women with diabetes was developed. Continuing education sessions were delivered to both providers and women with existing diabetes on the importance of preconception counseling. RESULTS Maine health-care providers collaborated on the development and adoption of three patient-care guidelines that address preconception counseling, prenatal care, and contraception for women with established diabetes. A total of 185 pregnancies among 160 women with pregestational diabetes reporting estimated delivery dates between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1990 were identified. Of the total pregnancies, 62 (34%) occurred in women who received preconception counseling: among these 62 pregnancies were one major congenital defect (1.6%) and four fetal or neonatal deaths (6.4%). Among the 123 (66%) pregnancies occurring in women that had not received preconception counseling, 8 (6.5%) infants were born with congenital abnormalities, and 26 (21.1%) fetal or neonatal deaths were documented. CONCLUSIONS A program promoting preconception counseling can be implemented on a statewide basis by using various health-care providers to deliver the program. Participation in such a program appears to be related to improved pregnancy outcomes among women with pregestational diabetes.
Reprogramming of telomeric regions during the generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells and subsequent differentiation into fibroblast-like derivatives

Human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells provide therapeutic promises, as well as a potent in vitro model for studying biological processes which take place during human embryonic development and subsequent differentiation in normal and disease states. The epigenetic characteristics of iPS cells are reprogrammed to the embryonic state at which they acquire pluripotency. In addition, telomeres in hiPS cell must elongate sufficiently to provide the necessary replicative potential. Recent studies have demonstrated that the epigenetic characteristics of telomeric and subtelomeric regions are pivotal in regulating telomere length. Here we study telomere length, subtelomeric DNA methylation and telomeric-repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) expression in several hiPS cell clones derived from normal neonatal foreskin fibroblasts. We find that telomeres lengthen significantly in hiPS cells in comparison to the parental fibroblast source, and progressively shorten after differentiation back into fibroblast-like cells, concomitantly with telomerase activation and down-regulation, respectively. Subtelomeres in hiPS cells were found to be generally hypermethylated in comparison to the parental source. However bisulfite analysis revealed that at several subtelomeres examined, methylation levels differed between hiPS clones and that both de novo methylation and demethylation processes occurred during telomere reprogramming. Notably, although subtelomeres were in general very highly methylated, TERRA levels were elevated in hiPS cells, albeit to different degrees in the various clones. TERRA elevation may reflect enhanced stability or impaired degradation in hiPS cells, and/or alternatively, increased transcription from the hypomethylated subtelomeres. We suggest that TERRA may play a role in regulation of appropriate telomere function and length in hiPS cells.
Engaging Fringe Stakeholders in Business and Society Research: Applying Visual Participatory Research Methods

Business and society (B&S) researchers, as well as practitioners, have been critiqued for ignoring those with less voice and power (e.g., women, non-literate, or indigenous peoples) often referred to as “fringe stakeholders. ” Existing methods used in B&S research often fail to address issues of meaningful participation, voice and power, especially in developing countries. In this article, we stress the utility of visual participatory research (VPR) methods in B&S research to fill this gap. Through a case study on engaging Ghanaian cocoa farmers on gender inequality issues, we explore how VPR methods may be used by researchers to achieve more inclusive, and thus more credible, stakeholder research that can improve decision making within businesses. Furthermore, we argue that ingrained social and environmental problems tackled by B&S research and the unique context in which they occur may open up new opportunities to develop participatory visual methods for social change.