Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Who Would Be Willing to Accept Disaster Debris in Their Backyard? Investigating the Determinants of Public Attitudes in Post‐Fukushima Japan

In the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, the Ministry of Environment in Japan asked municipalities nationwide to accept and treat disaster waste. This call for cross‐jurisdictional waste treatment provoked considerable public controversy. To explore how the national and municipal governments can seek more public acceptance in the wake of future disasters, this study implemented a nationwide survey and addressed the question of what factors influence the public's willingness to support their municipalities’ plans to host disaster waste. Three strands of the literature—on risk perception, public dissent, and prosocial behavior—offer valuable insights into hypothesis building, although none has addressed the above question. Estimates from an ordered logistic regression (N = 1,063) reveal that the conditions of a nuclear accident and living with a small child in the household would lower the level of support for accepting disaster waste, although this does not mean that people would give their support in the absence of a nuclear accident. The results also suggest that the national and municipal governments should communicate more with the public about the risks, benefits, and costs associated with hosting disaster debris, and make efforts to improve public trust in the national government.
THE PRODUCTION OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN RABBITS WITH ALLOXAN: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

In 1937 Jacobs 1 found that alloxan 2 (the ureide of mesoxalic acid) produced fatal hypoglycemia when injected intravenously into rabbits. No histologic observations were recorded. Similar experiments conducted by Dunn, Sheehan and McLetchie 3 confirmed the hypoglycemic action of alloxan. On microscopic study these observers found necrosis of all the islets of Langerhans while the acinar tissue escaped injury. All but 1 of their animals died apparently in hypoglycemia. If alloxan produces extensive necrosis of the islets of Langerhans without apparent damage to the acinar tissue and relatively minor changes in other organs, it seemed to us that the hypoglycemic phase might be transitory. Should this be true, animals kept alive by repeated injections of dextrose might survive this phase and finally develop diabetes mellitus. A series of experiments designed to test this hypothesis has shown that such is the case. Six 3 months old male Dutch rabbits were
Effect of cryopreservation and in vitro culture of bovine fibroblasts on histone acetylation levels and in vitro development of hand-made cloned embryos

Summary In this study, the relative acetylation levels of histone 3 in lysine 9 (H3K9ac) in cultured and cryopreserved bovine fibroblasts was measured and we determined the influence of the epigenetic status of three cultured (C1, C2 and C3) donor cell lines on the in vitro development of reconstructed bovine embryos. Results showed that cryopreservation did not alter the overall acetylation levels of H3K9 in bovine fibroblasts analysed immediately after thawing (frozen/thawed) compared with fibroblasts cultured for a period of time after thawing. However, reduced cleavage rates were noted in embryos reconstructed with fibroblasts used immediately after thawing. Cell passage affects the levels of H3K9ac in bovine fibroblasts, decreasing after P1 and donor cells with lower H3K9ac produced a greater frequency of embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Cryopreservation did not influence the total cell and ICM numbers, or the ICM/TPD ratios of reconstructed embryos. However, the genetic source of donor cells did influence the total number of cells and the trophectoderm cell numbers, and the cell passage influenced the total ICM cell numbers.
Management of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica in pregnancy and childbearing

The age of onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) is between the 20s and 40s, and as this is the fertile age range for women, childbirth and pregnancy among MS patients are issues encountered by medical professionals on a daily basis. To ease the anxieties felt by patients, it is important for medical professionals to have the correct knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, so they can guide and support women in the process leading up to a safe delivery. Although the activity of MS remains stable during pregnancy, because immunological tolerance of the fetus within the mother's body comes into effect, there is characteristically a high risk of relapse during the puerperal period. Stabilizing the disease activity before pregnancy helps to reduce the risk of relapse after childbirth; it is essential to start patients with high disease activity on treatment with a disease‐modifying therapy, such as interferon‐β before pregnancy to maintain remission. A disease‐modifying therapy that has little effect on the fetus is desirable for this purpose. For childbirth and pregnancy among patients with neuromyelitis optica, although the relapse rate does decrease during pregnancy, this decrease is not as pronounced as that seen in the third trimester in MS, and the relapse rate 3–6 months after childbirth tends to be higher than that for MS. Greater care is required to prevent relapse during pregnancy and after childbirth in neuromyelitis optica than in MS.
Expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 in bovine in vitro-produced embryos

Summary Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) may play a major role in embryo development and the establishment of pregnancy in cattle. The biosynthesis of PGE2 implies the sequential transformation of arachidonic acid to PGH2 by cyclooxygenases (COXs), then the conversion of PGH2 to PGE2 by prostaglandin E synthases (PGESs). Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of COX-1, COX-2, microsomal PGES-1 (mPGES-1), microsomal PGES-2 (mPGES-2) and cytosolic PGES (cPGES) mRNAs in day 7 in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos from oocytes collected by ovum pick-up in Holstein heifers. Transcripts for COX-2 and mPGES-1 were detected in all embryos, whereas transcripts for COX-1 and mPGES-2 were not detected and cPGESs were at the limit of detection in 40% of embryos. Levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNAs were significantly higher in blastocysts and expanded blastocysts than in morulae and early blastocysts. Furthermore, excellent-quality embryos (grade 1) displayed higher levels of both COX-2 and mPGES-1 than did embryos of good and medium qualities (grades 2–3). Our results suggest that bovine IVP embryos at the morula and blastocyst stages use exclusively the COX-2/mPGES-1 pathway for PGE2 biosynthesis, and that PGE2 is potentially involved in blastocyst expansion and developmental competence.
Denervation versus pre‐ and postsynaptic muscle immobilization: Effects On acetylcholine‐ and muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase receptors

Functional immobility of the diaphragm by mechanical ventilation impairs neuromuscular transmission and may result in ventilator‐induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. We compared 3 diaphragmatic immobilization models with respect to their effects on expression of adult and fetal acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), and muscle fiber morphology.
A narrative review of exercise‐associated muscle cramps: Factors that contribute to neuromuscular fatigue and management implications

Although exercise‐associated muscle cramps (EAMC) are highly prevalent among athletic populations, the etiology and most effective management strategies are still unclear. The aims of this narrative review are 3‐fold: (1) briefly summarize the evidence regarding EAMC etiology; (2) describe the risk factors and possible physiological mechanisms associated with neuromuscular fatigue and EAMC; and (3) report the current evidence regarding prevention of, and treatment for, EAMC. Based on the findings of several large prospective and experimental investigations, the available evidence indicates that EAMC is multifactorial in nature and stems from an imbalance between excitatory drive from muscle spindles and inhibitory drive from Golgi tendon organs to the alpha motor neurons rather than dehydration or electrolyte deficits. This imbalance is believed to stem from neuromuscular overload and fatigue. In concert with these findings, the most successful treatment for an acute bout of EAMC is stretching, whereas auspicious methods of prevention include efforts that delay exercise‐induced fatigue. Muscle Nerve 54: 177–185, 2016
Do embryonic polar bodies commit suicide?

Summary The extrusion and elimination of unnecessary gametic/embryonic material is one of the key events that determines the success of further development in all living organisms. Oocytes produce the first polar body to fulfill the maturation process just before ovulation, and release the second polar body immediately after fertilization. The aim of this study was to compile a physiological overview of elimination of polar bodies during early preimplantation development in mice. Our results show that three-quarters of the first polar bodies were lost even at the zygotic stage; the 4-cell stage embryos contained only one (second) polar body, and the elimination of second polar bodies proceeded continuously during later development. Both first and second polar bodies showed several typical features of apoptosis: phosphatidylserine redistribution (observed for the first time in the first polar body), specific DNA degradation, condensed nuclear morphology, and inability to exclude cationic dye from the nucleus during the terminal stage of the apoptotic process. Caspase-3 activity was recorded only in the second polar body. From the morphological point of view, mouse polar bodies acted very similarly to damaged embryonic cells which have lost contact with their neighboring blastomeres. In conclusion, polar bodies possess all the molecular equipment necessary for triggering and executing an active suicide process. Furthermore, similarly as in dying embryonic cells, stressing external conditions (culture in vitro) might accelerate and increase the incidence of apoptotic elimination of the polar bodies in embryos.
Blastocyst rate of in vitro embryo production in sheep is affected by season

Summary It has been reported that the number and quality of in vitro produced embryos is season related. This study was conducted to assess the effect of season on cleavage, blastocyst and lambing rates of in vitro produced ovine embryos during 3 years of collection data. Ovaries of Sarda sheep were collected from a slaughterhouse. In total, 5035 oocytes were recovered and matured in TCM-199 with 4 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA), 100 μM cysteamine, 0.3 mM Na pyruvate, 0.1 UI/ml recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (r-FSH), 0.1 UI/ml recombinant luteinising hormone (r-LH), and 1 μg/ml estradiol-17β. Matured oocytes were fertilized with fresh semen in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) with 20% heat inactivated estrous sheep serum. The presumptive zygotes were cultured for 6–7 days (blastocyst stage) in SOF medium supplemented with 1% Basel Medium Eagle (BME), 1% Minimum Essential Medium, 1 mM glutamine and 8 mg/ml fatty acid-free BSA. The embryos produced were vitrified and a total of 165 blastocysts (80 from the breeding season and 85 from the anoestrous season) were transferred in pairs into recipient ewes during the reproductive period. There were no significant differences in cleavage rates between seasons in any of the 3 years examined (84% versus 83%, 81% versus 80% and 80% versus 79%, respectively). The blastocyst rate varied significantly between seasons in 2005 and 2007 (P < 0.05), and in 2006 (P < 0.001). There were no differences in pregnancy and lambing rates between embryos during anoestrous versus during the breeding season. In conclusion, only the blastocyst rate appeared to have been affected by season, possibly due to variation in the number of developmentally competent oocytes.
Oral health status in older immigrants in a medium-sized Swedish city.

AIM The aim of the study was to investigate oral health and oral care habits among older immigrants to Sweden from countries outside the Nordic region. METHOD Participants ≥60 years of age from senior social centers for immigrants were invited to attend oral examinations. Data was collected on the number of teeth, dentures, caries, periodontal status, saliva secretion, and plaque scores. Participants also described their general health and oral care habits. RESULTS Fourteen men and 28 women, median age 71.5 years, participated. Seventeen percent were edentulous, women often than men. Three out of four had caries and 63% had gingival bleeding. Two-thirds brushed their teeth twice per day and 60% had visited dental services in the last 2 years. CONCLUSION The group had a high prevalence of oral diseases and discomfort. They used dental services and brushed their teeth less frequently than Swedish populations of the same age.
Morphological changes and germ layer formation in the porcine embryos from days 7–13 of development

Summary Morphogenesis and identification of embryonic differentiation in porcine embryos are crucial issues for developmental biology and laboratory animal science. The current paper presents a study on the asynchronous development of hatched porcine embryos from days 7 to 13 post-insemination. Examination of semi-thin sections of the hypoblast showed that it had characteristics similar to those of the mouse anterior visceral endoderm during embryonic disc formation. Also, a cavity appeared in the epiblast, which was similar to a mouse proamniotic cavity. With the gradual disappearance of Rauber's layer, the cavity opened and contacted the external environment directly, all of which formed the embryonic disc. To confirm the differentiation characteristics, we performed immunohistochemical analyses and showed that GATA6 was detected clearly in parietal endoderm cells during embryonic disc establishment. OCT4 was expressed in the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophoblast of hatched blastocysts and in the epiblast during formation of the embryonic disc. However, OCT4 showed comparatively decreased expression in the posterior embryonic disc, primitive streak and migrating cells. SOX2 was present in the ICM and epiblast. Therefore, both SOX2 and OCT4 can be used as markers of pluripotent cells in the porcine embryonic disc. At the start of gastrulation, staining revealed VIMENTIN in the posterior of the embryonic disc, primitive streak and in migrating cells that underlay the embryonic disc and was also expressed in epiblast cells located in the anterior primitive streak. Together with serial sections of embryos stained by whole mount immunohistochemistry, the mesoderm differentiation pattern was shown as an ingression movement that took place at the posterior of the embryonic disc and with bilateral migration along the embryonic disc borders.
Oviductal and endometrial mRNA expression of implantation candidate biomarkers during early pregnancy in rabbit

Summary Prenatal losses are a complex problem. Pregnancy requires orchestrated communication between the embryo and the uterus that includes secretions from the embryo to signal pregnancy recognition and secretion and remodelling from the uterine epithelium. Most of these losses are characterized by asynchronization between embryo and uterus. To better understand possible causes, an analysis was conducted of gene expression of a set of transcripts related to maternal recognition and establishment of rabbit pregnancy (uteroglobin, SCGB1A1; integrin α1, ITGA1; interferon-γ, IFNG; vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF) in oviduct and uterine tissue at 16, 72 or 144 h post-ovulation and insemination. In the oviduct tissue, a significant decrease in the level of SCGB1A1 mRNA expression was observed from 144 h post-ovulation. In the case of ITGA1, the transcript abundance was initially lower, but mRNA expression increased significantly at 72 and 144 h post-ovulation. For IFNG, a huge decrease was observed from 16 to 72 h post-ovulation. Finally, no significant differences were observed in the VEGF transcript. For the endometrium, the results showed a significant decline in the level of SCGB1A1 mRNA expression from 16 to 144 h post-ovulation induction. The highest levels of ITGA1 transcript were detected at 144 h, followed by the 16 h group and lower at 72 h post-ovulation. For IFNG there were no significant differences among post-ovulation induction times. Finally, it was possible to observe that VEGF mRNA abundance was present at low levels at 16 h post-ovulation and remained low at 72 h, but increased at 144 h. The functional significance of these observations may provide new insights into the maternal role in prenatal losses.
Post-natal oogenesis: a concept for controversy that intensified during the last decade

Summary For decades, scientists have considered that female mammals are born with a lifetime reserve of oocytes in the ovary, irrevocably fated to decline after birth. However, controversy in the matter of the possible presence of oocytes and granulosa cells that originate from stem cells in the adult mammalian ovaries has been expanded. The restricted supply of oocytes in adult female mammals has been disputed in recent years by supporters of neo-oogenesis, who claim that germline stem cells (GSCs) exist in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) or the bone marrow (BM). Differentiation of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) into oocytes, fibroblast-like cells, granulosa phenotype, neural and mesenchymal type cells and generation of germ cells from OSCs under the contribution of an OSC niche that consists of immune system-related cells and hormonal signalling has been claimed. Although these arguments have met with intense suspicion, their confirmation would necessitate the revision of the current classic knowledge of female reproductive biology.
Practice of Epidemiology Isotemporal Substitution Paradigm for Physical Activity Epidemiology andWeight Change

For a fixed amount of time engaged in physical activity, activity choice may affect body weight differently depending partly on other activities’ displacement. Typical models used to evaluate effects of physical activity on body weight do not directly address these substitutions. An isotemporal substitution paradigm was developed as a new analytic model to study the time-substitution effects of one activity for another. In 1991–1997, the authors longitudinally examined the associations of discretionary physical activities, with varying activity displacements, with 6-year weight loss maintenance among 4,558 healthy, premenopausal US women who had previously lost >5% of their weight. Results of isotemporal substitution models indicated widely heterogeneous relations with each physical activity type (P < 0.001) depending on the displaced activities. Notably, whereas 30 minutes/day of brisk walking substituted for 30 minutes/day of jogging/running was associated with weight increase (1.57 kg, 95% confidence interval: 0.33, 2.82), brisk walking was associated with lower weight when substituted for slow walking ( 1.14 kg, 95% confidence interval: 1.75, 0.53) and with even lower weight when substituted for TV watching. Similar heterogeneous relations with weight change were found for each activity type (TV watching, slow walking, brisk walking, jogging/running) when displaced by other activities across these various models. The isotemporal substitution paradigm may offer new insights for future public health recommendations.
Transgender HIV status, self‐perceived dental care barriers, and residents’ stigma, willingness to treat them in a community dental outreach program: Cross‐sectional study

AIM Assess the association between high risk transgender (TG) HIV status, self-perceived barriers toward oral care, and the residents' stigma and willingness to treat during community dental outreach. METHODS Demographics, tobacco habits, HIV status, willingness for rapid HIV testing, and self- perceived oral health, barriers toward oral care were assessed in a cross-sectional study among 212 transgender in South India. Further, the residents' stigma across three subscales and residents' willingness to treat the transgender was evaluated. RESULTS Overall, 88% had begging as the sole income, and 93% lived in slums and used some form of tobacco. Oral health was perceived to be poor by more than half, and the mean probing pocket depth (PPD) and decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) was 4.2 mm and 3.67, respectively. The residents reported significantly low regard and willingness to treat TG irrespective of high/low stigma and when the transgender HIV status was positive/do not know. Residents with greater fear of exposure expressed least regard and willingness to treat TG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The self-perceived oral health of transgender' was poor corresponding to the clinical examination findings. Moreover, the stigmatizing attitude and low regard to provide oral care is rampant among the dental residents, which further frustrates dental care.
Medial gastrocnemius specific force of adult men with spastic cerebral palsy

Introduction: Muscle weakness determines functional impairment in spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Measurement of specific force (SF) allows for strength comparison with unimpaired populations (controls) accounting for neural (activation and coactivation), architectural (fascicle length and pennation angle), and structural differences (moment arm length). Methods: Medial gastrocnemius (MG) SF (and its determinants) was assessed in both paretic and non‐paretic legs of 11 men with SCP and 11 age‐matched controls during plantarflexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Results: SCP fascicles were 28% longer than control fascicles (P < 0.05). Pennation angle of SCP patients was 41% smaller than in controls. The physiological cross‐sectional area of SCP MG patients was 47% smaller than in controls (P < 0.05). There was no difference in SF between controls and SCP patients. Conclusions: Weakness in SCP is primarily attributable to deficits in agonist activation and muscle size; consequently, SF measured in the MG is similar between SCP and controls. Muscle Nerve 56: 298–306, 2017