Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current studies on bacterospermia the leading cause of male infertility: a protégé and potential threat towards mans extinction

Background: The current rise of male infertility associated with bacterospermia and urogenital infection has been on the increase amongst adult married males in Benin metropolis and a major cause of concern to male fertility and reproduction in Nigeria. Aim: To microbiologically isolate and study the infectious agent that has led to male infertility and also to study the percentage occurrence of bacteropsermia and urogenital caused infertility in adult married males in Benin metropolis Material and Method: using standard microbiological methods of isolating and identifying the organism, specimen was collected and processed which includes the susceptibility profile of isolates and sperm quality. In this study a total of 140 sperm samples was collected from patient who were referred from the consultant outpatient department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and then evaluated bacteriologically using standard bacterial cultural methods Results: Among the total cases, 92 (65.7%) showed at least one pathogen. Staphylococcus aureus (28.3%), Staphylococcus Saprophyticus (13.0%), Pseudomonas aerouginosa (6.5%), Escherichia Coli (19.6%) Proteus mirabilis (10.8%) Klebsiella spp (10.8%) and Proteus vulgaris (10.8%). Conclusion: There was an outstanding significant relationship between bacteriospermia and the rate of total motility and morphologically abnormal sperms, The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was lower in this study. Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus saprohyticus and Escherichia coli were the most common pathogen having negative effects on sperm motility and morphology in this study.
Mobile Phone Interventions for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT: Interventions for adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) are increasingly using mobile phones but may not effectively report evidence. OBJECTIVE: To assess strategies, findings, and quality of evidence on using mobile phones to improve ASRH by using the mHealth Evidence Reporting and Assessment (mERA) checklist recently published by the World Health Organization mHealth Technical Evidence Review Group. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches of 8 databases for peer-reviewed studies published January 2000 through August 2014. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible studies targeted adolescents ages 10 to 24 and provided results from mobile phone interventions designed to improve ASRH. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were evaluated according to the mERA checklist, covering essential mHealth criteria and methodological reporting criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-five articles met inclusion criteria. Studies reported on 28 programs operating at multiple levels of the health care system in 7 countries. Most programs (82%) used text messages. An average of 41% of essential mHealth criteria were met (range 14%–79%). An average of 82% of methodological reporting criteria were met (range 52%–100%). Evidence suggests that inclusion of text messaging in health promotion campaigns, sexually transmitted infection screening and follow-up, and medication adherence may lead to improved ASRH. LIMITATIONS: Only 3 articles reported evidence from lower- or middle-income countries, so it is difficult to draw conclusions for these settings. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on mobile phone interventions for ASRH published in peer-reviewed journals reflects a high degree of quality in methods and reporting. In contrast, current reporting on essential mHealth criteria is insufficient for understanding, replicating, and scaling up mHealth interventions.
Acquisition, Conservation, and Loss of Dual-Targeted Proteins in Land Plants1[W][OA]

Summary: The dual-targeting ability of proteins arose early in evolution, and although it is conserved in many cases, acquisition and loss still occur. The dual-targeting ability of a variety of proteins from Physcomitrella patens, rice (Oryza sativa), and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was tested to determine when dual targeting arose and to what extent it was conserved in land plants. Overall, the targeting ability of over 80 different proteins from rice and P. patens, representing 42 dual-targeted proteins in Arabidopsis, was tested. We found that dual targeting arose early in land plant evolution, as it was evident in many cases with P. patens proteins that were conserved in rice and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, we found that the acquisition of dual-targeting ability is still occurring, evident in P. patens as well as rice and Arabidopsis. The loss of dual-targeting ability appears to be rare, but does occur. Ascorbate peroxidase represents such an example. After gene duplication in rice, individual genes encode proteins that are targeted to a single organelle. Although we found that dual targeting was generally conserved, the ability to detect dual-targeted proteins differed depending on the cell types used. Furthermore, it appears that small changes in the targeting signal can result in a loss (or gain) of dual-targeting ability. Overall, examination of the targeting signals within this study did not reveal any clear patterns that would predict dual-targeting ability. The acquisition of dual-targeting ability also appears to be coordinated between proteins. Mitochondrial intermembrane space import and assembly protein40, a protein involved in oxidative folding in mitochondria and peroxisomes, provides an example where acquisition of dual targeting is accompanied by the dual targeting of substrate proteins.
Three‐dimensional MR pulmonary perfusion imaging and angiography with an injection of a new blood pool contrast agent B‐22956/1

Initial evaluation of a new blood pool agent, B‐22956/1, for pulmonary imaging was performed in five domestic pigs with artificial embolism. Pre‐embolism 3D pulmonary perfusion images were first acquired by injecting an extravascular agent, gadoteridol. The pulmonary arteries of the pigs were then occluded by the artificial emboli. Post‐embolism perfusion scans were subsequently performed by injecting B‐22956/1. Additional post‐embolism high‐spatial‐resolution angiograms were also acquired. Parenchyma perfusion deficits were well depicted in the post‐embolism perfusion maps. The post‐embolism angiography clearly revealed the location and extent of the filling defects in the pulmonary vessels. Signal intensities of perfusion maps on the normal parenchyma were significantly improved (30%) by using B‐22956/1, in comparison with perfusion images using gadoteridol (P < 0.01). Many pulmonary angiograms with approximately equal contrast could be obtained even at 22 minutes after the injection of B‐22956/1. Our initial results indicate that blood pool agent B‐22956/1 may provide opportunities for whole‐lung‐coverage perfusion mapping and additional high‐resolution target angiograms after a single injection. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:425–432. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Size Distribution Across All

In this paper we show that the double Pareto lognormal (DPLN) parameterization provides an excellent fit to the overall US city size distribution, regardless of whether "cities" are administratively defined Census places or economically defined area clusters. We then consider an economic model that combines scale-independent urban growth (Gibrat's law) with endogenous city creation. City sizes converge to a DPLN distribution in this model, which is much better in line with the data than previous urban growth frameworks that predict a lognormal or a Pareto city size distribution (Zipf's law).
New insights into seaweed polyphenols on glucose homeostasis

Abstract Context: Polyphenol-rich marine macroalgae are gaining dietary importance due to their influence over diabetes mellitus and the role as a vital source of high-value nutraceuticals. Their assorted beneficial effects on human health include competitive inhibition of digestive enzymes, varying the activity of hepatic glucose-metabolizing enzymes, lowering the plasma glucose levels, and lipid peroxidation, delaying the aging process. Objective: In this paper, we review the health beneficial effects of polyphenols and phlorotannins from brown seaweeds with special emphasis on their inhibitory effects on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes. Methods: A survey of literature from databases such as Sciencedirect, Scopus, Pubmed, Springerlink, and Google Scholar from the year 1973 to 2013 was done to bring together the information relating to drug discovery from brown seaweeds as a source for diabetes treatment. Results: Over the past two decades, 20 different bioactive polyphenols/phlorotannins have been isolated and studied from 10 different brown algae. Discussion of the positive effect on the inhibition of enzymes metabolizing carbohydrates in both in vitro and in vivo experiments are included. Conclusion: Despite the recent advancements in isolating bioactive compounds from seaweeds with potential health benefit or pharmaceutical behavior, studies on the polyphenol effectiveness on glucose homeostasis in human beings are very few in response to their functional characterization. Added research in this area is required to confirm the close connection of polyphenol rich seaweed-based diet consumption with glucose homeostasis and the exciting possibility of prescribing polyphenols to treat the diabetes pandemic.
Anaesthesia for intra‐peritoneal perfusion of hyperthermic chemotherapy Haemodynamic changes, oxygen consumption and delivery

We investigated the intra‐operative application of intraperitoneal perfusion of hyperthermic chemotherapy and its effects on cardiovascular status and oxygen consumption and delivery in 11 patients following laparotomy for surgical resection of recurrent tumours or peritoneal metastases. Closed peritoneal irrigation was carried out with perfusate at a temperature of 45–47°C. External cooling was applied during the procedure to prevent systemic hyperthermia. Data were collected 5 min before the commencement of the hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion, at 5, 30, 60 and 90 mm during perfusion and 5 min after perfusion was discontinued. During the hyperthermic perfusion period, the core body temperature increased significantly but remained within clinically acceptable values. Heart rate, central venous pressure and pulmonary artery pressure increased significantly during perfusion; these returned to control values immediately after discontinuation of perfusion, except for the heart rate, which remained high. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption did not change significantly although a metabolic acidosis developed during the study period. These findings suggest that the intraperitoneal perfusion of hyperthermic chemotherapy may be safe in humans, provided that appropriate monitoring, cooling and technical support are applied.
Enhanced Neural Progenitor/Stem Cells Self‐Renewal via the Interaction of Stress‐Inducible Protein 1 with the Prion Protein

Prion protein (PrPC), when associated with the secreted form of the stress‐inducible protein 1 (STI1), plays an important role in neural survival, neuritogenesis, and memory formation. However, the role of the PrPC‐STI1 complex in the physiology of neural progenitor/stem cells is unknown. In this article, we observed that neurospheres cultured from fetal forebrain of wild‐type (Prnp+/+) and PrPC‐null (Prnp0/0) mice were maintained for several passages without the loss of self‐renewal or multipotentiality, as assessed by their continued capacity to generate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The homogeneous expression and colocalization of STI1 and PrPC suggest that they may associate and function as a complex in neurosphere‐derived stem cells. The formation of neurospheres from Prnp0/0 mice was reduced significantly when compared with their wild‐type counterparts. In addition, blockade of secreted STI1, and its cell surface ligand, PrPC, with specific antibodies, impaired Prnp+/+ neurosphere formation without further impairing the formation of Prnp0/0 neurospheres. Alternatively, neurosphere formation was enhanced by recombinant STI1 application in cells expressing PrPC but not in cells from Prnp0/0 mice. The STI1‐PrPC interaction was able to stimulate cell proliferation in the neurosphere‐forming assay, while no effect on cell survival or the expression of neural markers was observed. These data suggest that the STI1‐PrPC complex may play a critical role in neural progenitor/stem cells self‐renewal via the modulation of cell proliferation, leading to the control of the stemness capacity of these cells during nervous system development. STEM CELLS 2011;29:1126–1136
Maximum aortic diameter as a simple predictor of acute type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES To identify the most prognostic predictor of Stanford type B aortic dissection at admission. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-three patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection were divided into two groups: (1) those who developed dissection-related events later (EV group: n = 18), including the need for surgery (n = 12), rupture (n = 1), dissection-related death (n = 5), and aortic enlargement > or =5 mm in diameter per year (n = 15); (2) those without later events (NoEV group: n = 25). Clinical features, aortic diameters, and blood flow status were compared. RESULTS The maximum aortic diameter at admission was 41.5 +/- 1.7 mm for the EV group, which was significantly greater than the NoEV group (34.4 +/- 0.9 mm, p <0.001). A maximum aortic diameter > or =40 mm was found in 11 patients (61%) of the EV group, whereas this maximum was found in 4 (16%) of the NoEV group (p = 0.004). A patent false lumen at admission was found in all patients of the EV group and in 17 (68%) of the NoEV group (p = 0.013). Other factors were not significant. A Cox hazard analysis indicated a maximum aortic diameter > or =40 mm as a significant predictor for dissection-related events (hazard ratio 3.13, p = 0.032). The presence of a patent false lumen did not reach a statistical significance. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that a maximum aortic diameter > or =40 mm at admission was the most prognostic factor for developing late dissection-related events, rather than the presence of a patent false lumen.
Genomic Diversity of Group A Rotavirus Strains Infecting Humans in Eastern India

ABSTRACT Between 1998 and 2000, a total of 266 samples were found positive for group A rotaviruses by RNA electrophoresis. Samples were collected from patients admitted to two leading hospitals in Calcutta. Serotyping could be done only with 22% of the positive samples, leaving 78% untypeable. The G (VP7 genotypes) and P (VP4 genotypes) types were determined for 159 samples by reverse transcription and multiplex PCR. The predominant genotype was G1P[8] (20%), followed by G2P[4] (15%) and G4P[8] (6%). A number of uncommon genotypes, G1P[4] (4%), G2P[8] (2.5%), G2P[6] (0.6%), G4P[4] (2.5%), and G4P[6] (1.25%), were also detected during this study period. Twenty two percent of specimens showed mixed infections, 38 (24%) of the total samples remained untypeable for either VP7 or VP4, while only 4 (2.5%) of the samples were untypeable for both genes. Eleven specimens collected from Manipur were also genotyped and revealed a very high degree of genomic reassortment.
Advocating a more academic and financial accounting training: Integrating accounting theory in university curricula.

Accountancy Theory (AT) allows to understand the social and finance impact of this discipline. This study develops a detailed investigation on the evolution of the AT in the public accounting curricula in the universities of Colombia. Furthermore, describes the connections between AT and the financial dimension. The study has a quantitative approach based empirical analytical technique. The data for this study is from 101 selected Colombian higher education institutions offering the BS degree of Public Accounting. The results point to progress in teaching AT in Colombia, although 57% of the universities in the country do not include this subject in their Public Accountancy curricula. In addition, it presents a review of the literature on the state of AT in Latin America (LA). The over-all conclusion shows that still today accountancy education is considered a corporate activity rather than an academic and research driven discipline that will allow more efficient financial decisions to be made.
Examining the effects of caching, compression and popup filtering on internet surfing

Over the years the number of Web users has increased dramatically unfortunately leading to the inherent problem of congestion. This can affect each user's surfing experience. This paper investigates download times associated with a web request, identifies where delays occur, and provides guidelines which can be followed by web developers to enable a faster and more efficient download and service for their users. We conclude that delays in Internet traffic and congestion can often be attributed to poorly developed sites (e.g. excessive image size). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of proteolytic enzymes in head and neck cancer-associated fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate tumor-stromal interactions during tumor invasion by assessing the expression of proteolytic enzymes by carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in vivo using complementary DNA (cDNA) array analysis. METHODS Tumor-associated stroma was isolated from tumor and adjacent mucosal specimens of the same patient by laser capture microdissection, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) was assessed by cDNA microarray specific for proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors. Protein overexpression was then analyzed by immunoblotting of primary fibroblast isolates derived from skin, mucosa, and tumor specimens. RESULTS Array analysis of 4 tumor and 4 adjacent mucosal samples demonstrated significant (2.6-fold) overexpression of membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) but not of serine proteases or other matrix metalloproteinases. Analysis of normal dermal fibroblasts, normal mucosal fibroblasts, and CAFs similarly demonstrated up-regulation of MT1-MMP. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that MT1-MMP mRNA is specifically up-regulated in CAFs in vivo whereas MT1-MMP protein is specifically up-regulated in CAFs in vitro. Known to induce tumor cell invasion when expressed in tumor cells, CAF expression of MT1-MMP may be important in the stromal response to tumor cells that characterizes the desmoplastic reaction.
Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts among pregnant Pakistani women

Objective. To determine the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts and to identify demographic variables and mental health correlates such as anxiety/depression and domestic violence among pregnant women in an urban community in Pakistan. Design. Cross‐sectional data from a prospective cohort study are presented. Setting. Women enrolled in an antenatal care clinic and followed to delivery in an urban area of Pakistan. Population. Cohort of pregnant women in Pakistan. Methods. A total of 1,369 pregnant women were enrolled and interviewed regarding various maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes, and were asked specific questions about suicidal thoughts and attempts and administered the Aga Khan University Anxiety Depression Scale at 20–26 weeks of gestation. Main outcome measures. Suicidal thoughts and attempts, verbal, sexual or physical abuse. Results. Overall, 148 of the 1,369 (11%) women studied had considered suicide. Of these, 148 women, 67 (45%) had attempted suicide. In all, 18% of the women were classified as having depression/anxiety, almost half (48%) reported experiencing verbal abuse and 20% reported physical/sexual abuse. Women who had anxiety/depression or had experienced verbal or physical/sexual abuse were significantly more likely to have had suicidal thoughts and attempts. Conclusions. Women at the greatest risk for having suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt were those who were depressed/anxious and had experienced some form of domestic abuse. With the high prevalence of these conditions, attention should be given to the establishment of effective mental health treatment programs for pregnant women.
A Review Article on Internet-based Psychological Interventions in Primary Care. What is the Global Experience? How Reliable are Results from RCTs? Lessons Learned from the European, US and Australian Case Studies

Abstract In the context of the EU’s Digital Single Market (eHealth) Strategy, the deployment of digital tools for patients’ empowerment and person-centred care is of high demand and importance. Shifting from treatment to health promotion and disease prevention, a variety of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes have been proven to be effective for managing common mental health disorders in secondary care even hough the effectiveness and the clinical use of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes alone in primary care have not been approved yet. Additionally, such interventions are neither included in the international clinical guidelines for treating common mental health disorders nor regulated by Member States as a healthcare service. Despite that, the UK National Health Service and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare endorse the use of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy as a first treatment option. The aim of this research is to investigate the global experience of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes in controlled and real-life conditions in general practice and to evaluate the reliability of the results and concomitantly their compliance with the European Commission’s eHealth Strategy. A systematic review of quantitative studies was conducted from January 2007 to December 2017. The results indicated that unsupported internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes alone are less effective than combined therapy options for treatment purposes, if no additional therapy is prescribed. Guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy may supplement traditional treatment methods resulting in improving the control of mental disorders, but are unable to demonstrate consistent quality or replace face-to-face therapy.
A Role for Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3α in Bovine Sperm Motility Regulation1

Abstract The long-term goal of our work is to understand biochemical mechanisms underlying sperm motility and fertility. In a recent study we showed that tyrosine phosphorylation of a 55-kDa protein varied in direct proportion to motility. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein was low in immotile compared to motile epididymal sperm. Inhibition or stimulation of motility by high calcium levels or cAMP, respectively, results in a corresponding decrease or increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the 55-kDa protein. Here we report purification and identification of this motility-associated protein. Soluble extracts from bovine caudal epididymal sperm were subjected to DEAE-cellulose, Affi-Gel blue, and cellulose phosphate chromatography. Tyrosine phosphate immunoreactive fractions contained glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity, suggesting a possible correspondence between these proteins. This suggestion was verified by Western blot analyses following one-dimensional and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the purified protein using monoclonal and affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies against the catalytic amino-terminus and carboxy-terminus regions of GSK-3. Further confirmation of the identity of these proteins came from Western blot analysis using antibodies specific to the tyrosine phosphorylated GSK-3. Using this antibody, we also showed that GSK-3 tyrosine phosphorylation was high in motile compared to immotile sperm. Immunocytochemistry revealed that GSK-3 is present in the flagellum and the anterior portion of the sperm head. These data suggest that GSK-3, regulated by phosphorylation, could be a key element underlying motility initiation in the epididymis and regulation of mature sperm function.