Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of the decreased sexual desire screener (DSDS): a brief diagnostic instrument for generalized acquired female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

INTRODUCTION An accurate diagnosis of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) currently relies on a time-consuming interview with an expert clinician. Limited access to such expertise means that many women with HSDD remain undiagnosed. The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) was developed to provide clinicians who are neither trained nor specialized in Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) with a brief diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of generalized acquired HSDD in women. METHODS A prospective non-treatment multicenter study enrolled 263 women at 27 centers in North America in order to test the validity of the DSDS for diagnosing generalized acquired HSDD in women. Subjects completed the DSDS at the screening visit and their answers were reviewed with a clinician who was not an expert in FSD ("non-expert clinician"). Separately and while being unaware of the non-expert clinician's diagnosis, an expert clinician conducted a standard diagnostic interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnostic outcomes (generalized acquired HSDD or not) were compared. Primary endpoints included the sensitivity and specificity of the DSDS relative to the standard diagnostic interview. Subject and non-expert clinician debriefing were obtained via a written, structured interview. This ensured that a large sample could be tested under uniform conditions across multiple sites. RESULTS Diagnostic assessment by DSDS and standard diagnostic interview were in agreement in 85.2% (224/263) of cases, with the sensitivity and specificity of the DSDS 83.6% and 87.8%, respectively. Debriefing showed that the five DSDS questions were well understood by 85.4% (76/89) of subjects included in the debriefing exercise, while non-expert clinicians considered the DSDS questions adequate to diagnose HSDD in 92.9% (235/253) of cases. CONCLUSIONS The DSDS is a sensitive and specific brief diagnostic instrument for generalized acquired HSDD in women that is quick and easy to use.
Microsatellite Analysis for Differentiation and Identification of the Source Tree of Fagus orientalis Lipsky

The present study describes approaches for the identification of individual beech trees using maternal tissues from their seeds or fruits. Four microsatellite markers were used for genetic analysis of seedlots from Fagus orientalis Lipsky, a highly out-crossing tree species. Seeds from 11 single-tree harvests belonging to one population, (7 seeds from each), as well as non-paranchymatic maternal tissues of the seeds (single woody pericarps) were genotyped. No prior information about the genotypes of the mother trees was available for the seedlot samples. Two methods for detection of mother tree genotypes were adopted; (1) analysis of woody pericarps and their applicability for a direct molecular identification of the mother trees; and (2) analysis of maternal half-sib families and usefulness contaminations and inference of the seed parents from the offspring. A comparison of the multi-locus genotypes from pericarps with those of the inferred from the offspring revealed absolute identity. Analysis of the half-sib families revealed that the maternal genotypes can be inferred from offspring genotypes due to codominant Mendelian inheritance of the microsatellites. Differences among the seeds from the same mother tree suggested that paternal genotypes and gene flow have more influence on differentiation. The results of this research show that microsatellite analysis is a suitable means to monitor the number of trees included in commercial seedlot samples and detect seed contaminations.
MUTATOR GENE STUDIES IN ESCHEBZCHZA COLI: THE mutS GENE'

We report here on a study of a mutator gene (muis) that causes transition mutations in Escherichia coli. We have used the trpA system to show that A:T+G:C and G:C+A:T transitions occur. Not all A:T pairs are equally susceptible to mutS action however, since the A:T pair at the trpA223 site reverts at a frequency similar to, if not identical with, the frequency in a mut+ background. Presumably this is a consequence of neighboring bases, because other A: T pairs are reverted by mutS in the same gene; and an A:T pair in the lac operon is reverted at two widely separated points on the chromosome, and in two orientations relative to the trp sense strand. In addition, we have shown that the mutS1 allele is recessive to wild type, and trans active.
Empirical observations of the spawning migration of European eels: The long and dangerous road to the Sargasso Sea

Fresh data on the timing and speed of the oceanic spawning migration of European eels suggest a new paradigm for spawning ecology. The spawning migration of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) to the Sargasso Sea is one of the greatest animal migrations. However, the duration and route of the migration remain uncertain. Using fishery data from 20 rivers across Europe, we show that most eels begin their oceanic migration between August and December. We used electronic tagging techniques to map the oceanic migration from eels released from four regions in Europe. Of 707 eels tagged, we received 206 data sets. Many migrations ended soon after release because of predation events, but we were able to reconstruct in detail the migration routes of >80 eels. The route extended from western mainland Europe to the Azores region, more than 5000 km toward the Sargasso Sea. All eels exhibited diel vertical migrations, moving from deeper water during the day into shallower water at night. The range of migration speeds was 3 to 47 km day−1. Using data from larval surveys in the Sargasso Sea, we show that spawning likely begins in December and peaks in February. Synthesizing these results, we show that the timing of autumn escapement and the rate of migration are inconsistent with the century-long held assumption that eels spawn as a single reproductive cohort in the springtime following their escapement. Instead, we suggest that European eels adopt a mixed migratory strategy, with some individuals able to achieve a rapid migration, whereas others arrive only in time for the following spawning season. Our results have consequences for eel management.
Characterization of the role of a mechanosensitive channel in osmotic down shock adaptation in Synechocystis sp PCC 6803

Synechocystis sp strain PCC 6803 contains one gene encoding a putative large conductance mechanosensitive channel homolog [named SyMscL (slr0875)]. However, it is unclear whether SyMscL contributes to the adaptation to hypoosmotic stress in Synechocystis. Here we report the in vivo characteristics of SyMscL. SyMscL was mainly expressed in the plasma membrane of Synechocystis. Cell volume monitoring using stopped-flow spectrophotometry showed that ΔsymscL cells swelled more rapidly than wild-type cells under hypoosmotic stress conditions. Expression of symscL was under circadian control, and its peak corresponded to the beginning of subjective night. These results indicate that SyMscL functioned as one component of the osmotic homeostatic regulatory system of the cell coordinating the response of Synechocystis to daily metabolic osmotic fluctuations and environmental changes.
Epidemiology of Necator Americanus Hookworm Infections in Xiulongkan Village, Hainan Province, China: High Prevalence and Intensity Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Residents

Hookworm is highly endemic to Hainan Province, an island located in the South China Sea. To investigate the prevalence and intensity of infection in the area, the village of Xiulongkan was surveyed between April and July 1998. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which fecal samples of 80% of the village residents (631 individuals) were tested for the presence of helminth eggs. Hookworm was the predominant intestinal helminth in Xiulongkan, where it was determined that 60% of those tested were infected. Necator americanus was the predominant species of hookworm in this population. The prevalence of hookworm increased with age, and then leveled to a plateau for ages 41 yr and up. This observation was in contrast to infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, where the highest prevalences occurred among school-aged children. Women had a significantly higher prevalence of hookworm than men and this difference emerged in early adulthood. The intensity of hookworm infection also significantly increased with age, with the highest intensity infections occurring among middle-aged and elderly residents. Females were more likely to have moderate or heavy infections, whereas males were more likely to have light infections. The rates of hookworm transmission are particularly high among the middle-aged and elderly residents of Xiulongkan.
Acinetobacter radioresistens as a Silent Source of Carbapenem Resistance for Acinetobacter spp

ABSTRACT Carbapenem resistance results mostly from the expression of acquired carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinases in Acinetobacter baumannii. The blaOXA-23 oxacillinase gene is increasingly reported worldwide and may represent an emerging threat. Our goal was to identify the progenitor of that carbapenemase gene. A collection of 50 Acinetobacter sp. strains corresponding to several Acinetobacter species was screened for blaOXA-23-like genes by PCR and hybridization techniques. Five Acinetobacter radioresistens isolates that were susceptible to carbapenems harbored chromosomally encoded blaOXA-23-like genes. A similar plasmid backbone was identified in several blaOXA-23-positive A. baumannii and A. radioresistens isolates, further strengthening the vectors of exchanges for these blaOXA-23-like genes. Therefore, A. radioresistens, a commensal bacterial species which is identified on the skin of hospitalized and healthy patients (a property shared with A. baumannii), was identified as the source of the blaOXA-23 gene.
Genetic diversity of wild and farmed Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu, Hamilton, 1822) by RAPD analysis of the genomic DNA.

Genetic diversity of two wild Kalibaus, Labeo calbasu populations and one hatchery stock was studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. The three 10–mer random primers (OPA01, OPB02 and OPC03) yielded a total of 26 reproducible and consistently scorable RAPD bands of which 15 (57.69%) were considered as polymorphic (P95) indicating a high level of genetic variation in all the studied populations. Among the three populations, Padma population shows low level of genetic diversity (0.1238) compared to other two and it might be caused by habitat degradation in many ways which ultimately affects the genetic variation of Kalibaus. The UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s (1972) original measures of genetic distance (D) indicated the segregation of two wild and hatchery populations of L. calbasu into two distinct clusters: the Hatchery and Padma populations produced one cluster whereas the Jamuna population belonged to another cluster. This indicates that hatchery brood stock is derived from Padma River. Nevertheless, the preliminary study revealed that RAPD technique could be an effective tool in the assessment of population genetic structure of Kalibaus.
DETECTIONS OF CO MOLECULAR GAS IN 24 μm BRIGHT ULIRGs AT z ∼ 2 IN THE SPITZER FIRST LOOK SURVEY

We present CO observations of nine ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) at z ∼ 2 with fν(24 μm) ≳ 1 mJy, previously confirmed with the mid-IR spectra in the Spitzer First Look Survey. All targets are required to have accurate redshifts from Keck/GEMINI near-IR spectra. Using the Plateau de Bure millimeter-wave Interferometer at the Institute for Radioastronomy at Millimeter Wavelengths, we detect CO J(3–2) (seven objects) or J(2–1) (one object) line emission from eight sources with integrated intensities Ic ∼ 5σ–9σ. The CO-detected sources have a variety of mid-IR spectra, including strong polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, deep silicate absorption, and power-law continuum, implying that these molecular gas-rich objects at z ∼ 2 could be either starbursts or dust-obscured active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The measured line luminosity L′CO is (1.28–3.77) × 1010 K km/s pc2. The averaged molecular gas mass is 1.7 × 1010 M☉, assuming CO-to-H2 conversion factor of 0.8 M☉ (K km/s pc2)−1. Three sources (33%)—MIPS506, MIPS16144, and MIPS8342—have double peak velocity profiles. The CO double peaks in MIPS506 and MIPS16144 show spatial separations of 45 kpc and 10.9 kpc, allowing the estimates of the dynamical masses of 3.2 × 1011 sin−2(i) M☉ and 5.4 × 1011 sin−2(i) M☉, respectively. The implied gas fraction, Mgas/Mdyn, is 3% and 4%, assuming an average inclination angle. Finally, the analysis of the Hubble Space Telescope/NIC2 images, mid-IR spectra, and IR spectral energy distribution revealed that most of our sources are mergers, containing dust-obscured AGNs dominating the luminosities at (3–6) μm. Together, these results provide some evidence suggesting submillimeter galaxies, bright 24 μm, z ∼ 2 ULIRGs, and QSOs could represent three different stages of a single evolutionary sequence, however, a complete physical model would require much more data, especially high spatial resolution spectroscopy.
Multi‐tasking of helper T cells

CD4 T helper cells (Th) are critical in combating pathogens and maintaining immune homeostasis. Since the establishment of the Th1–Th2 paradigm in the 1980s, many types of specialized Th cells, including Th1, Th2, Th17, Th9, follicular helper T and regulatory T, have been identified. We have become accustomed to the idea that different Th cells are ‘committed’ to their paths but recent emerging evidence suggests that under certain conditions, seemingly committed Th cells possess plasticity and may convert into other types of effector cells. In this review, we will first introduce the major sub‐types of Th cells that are involved in immune regulation. Then, we will describe in detail the inter‐convertibility of Th cells among different sub‐types under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Finally, we will discuss our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms on how a particular type of Th cells may convert into other types of Th cells.
Toxicological Assessment of Heavy Straight Run Naphtha in a Repeated Dose/Reproductive Toxicity Screening Test

Gasoline blending stocks (naphthas) are comprised of normal, iso- and cycloparaffins and aromatic hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from C4 to C12. Heavy straight run naphtha (HSRN, CAS number 64741-41-9) was selected for toxicity screening because substances of this type contain relatively high levels (28%) of cycloparaffins by comparison to other naphtha streams and the data complement toxicity information on other gasoline blending streams. Rats were exposed by inhalation to wholly vaporized material at levels of approximately 100, 500, or 3000 parts per million (ppm) daily to screen the potential for systemic toxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and developmental effects to postnatal day 4. All animals survived the treatment period. Principal effects of repeated exposure included increased liver weights in males and females, increased kidney weights in males, and histological changes in the thyroid, secondary to liver enzyme induction. These changes were not considered to be toxicologically meaningful and are not relevant to humans. There were no treatment-related effects in functional observation tests or motor activity; no significant reductions in fertility or changes in other reproductive parameters; and no evidence of developmental toxicity in offspring. The overall no observed adverse effect concentration was 3000 ppm (approximately 13 600 mg/m3). In conclusion the HSRN effects on liver and kidney are consistent with the results of other studies of volatile fractions or other naphthas or formulated gasoline, and there were no HSRN effects on neurological developmental or reproductive parameters.
Refugees in Tanzania - Asset or Burden?

Since its independence, Tanzania has been the location of choice for many refugees in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa. As one of the most impoverished countries in the world, mass refugee migrations such as those experienced in the 1990s alter Tanzania’s own plight for social and economic development. This paper explores the effects that refugees have had upon Tanzania’s economy. It will be shown that there is a variety of evidence to prove both positive and negative effects, each argument posing a counter to the other. Despite the lack of information and research on this issue, an assessment and balance sheet can be created in order to appraise the relative economic effects that the refugees have caused throughout the years. Such a balance sheet should be considered in the development and implementation of future refugee policies to ensure appropriate treatment of the refugees and the host population in addition to supporting national economic growth.
A crazy machine or a strong “living apart together” relationship?. The role of metaphors in citizens’ perception of Belgian federalism

Cet article propose une analyse quantitative et qualitative de l’emploi des metaphores dans le discours politique citoyen. Basee sur des donnees issues de focus groups organises a la fois dans les communautes francophones et neerlandophones de Belgique et portant sur la perception citoyenne du federalisme, notre etude suggere que les citoyens ont frequemment recours aux metaphores quand ils parlent de processus politiques complexes, notamment pour expliciter leur(s) perceptions de ces processus. Parmi les domaines conceptuels mobilises, il apparait en outre que le domaine de la famille joue un role preponderant dans les perceptions citoyennes du federalisme belge.
[The prevalence of risk factors for coronary disease in workers of the Hospital General de México].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of risk factors of coronary heart disease in the personnel of the General Hospital in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 2,228 workers, 1,531 female (68.7%) and 697 male (31.2%) whose ages ranged from 16 to 65 years old in the period of 1993 to 1995. They were divided in work areas: Intendancy 477 (21.4%), Administrative, 697 (31.2%), Physicians, 495 (22.2%) and Nurses, 559 (25.0%). We collected clinical histories, anthropometric measures, and laboratory determinations of glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglicerydes. RESULTS We found that 367 (14.9%) had total cholesterol above 240 mg/dl, with high values in females of the administrative area (17.1%) and males in the nursing department (26%), which was the highest tendency. Trigliceryde levels above 200 mg/dl were found in 208 males (24.6%) and 263 females (16.2%), with high prevalence in the nursing and administrative departments, in males (39.1 and 34.1% respectively). Obesity was present in 236 females (14.5%) and 97 males (11.5%). High blood pressure in 549 individuals (22.2%), 297 females (18.3%) and 252 males (29.8%) without significance regarding to work area. Smoking habits were positive in 32% of the total with highest prevalence in males from 30 to 45 years and in females from 30 to 50 years. We found an incidence of 6.24% of diabetes in all the subjects studied, 2.27% ignored the diagnosis at the moment they were studied. CONCLUSIONS In this study we confirmed the high prevalence of risk factors of coronary heart disease in personnel of the General Hospital in Mexico City. In most cases, these risk factors that can be modified and, therefore, prevented.
Pre and Post Haemodialysis: The Effect of Electrolyte Imbalance on ECGs of Patients with End Stage Renal Disease.

Hyperkalaemia is a commonly encountered problem in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) this might lead to increase corrected QT (QTc) duration which could have serous consequences. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of serum electrolyte imbalance mainly Potassium causing ECG changes such as QTc during haemodialysis (HD). Prospectively, eighteen haemodialysis patients with ESRD had ECG and serum electrolyte tested before and after HD. The ECG parameters were measured manually, the QT interval was corrected to the heart rate, the data were calculated and analysed with SPSS 17 software. There were significant effects of HD on serum electrolytes and some ECG parameters; the pre-HD K + was 5.24±0.87 mmol/L and post-HD was 3.93±0.69 mmol/L (P 0.007) and pre-HD Ca 2+ was1.98±0.17
Thrombophilia testing in people with venous thromboembolism: systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVES To assess whether thrombophilia testing following a venous thrombotic event is clinically effective and cost-effective in the management of thrombosis compared with no testing for thrombophilia. DATA SOURCES Major electronic databases were searched from September to November 2006. REVIEW METHODS A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness literature was undertaken according to standard methods. A discrete event simulation model was constructed to assess the cost-effectiveness of changing the standard 3-month duration of warfarin treatment to 10 years, 20 years or lifelong. RESULTS No clinical studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Further literature searches and clinical opinion were therefore used to inform the cost-effectiveness analysis. Thrombophilia testing in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) had an estimated mean cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of below 20,000 pounds regardless of sex or age. In patients with a previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombophilia testing had an estimated mean cost per QALY of below 20,000 pounds in men aged 69 years or less and in women aged 49 years or less. The estimated duration of warfarin treatment (lifelong, 20 years, 10 years or no extended treatment) that was most cost-effective is presented for each age, sex, initial venous thromboembolism (VTE) event and type of thrombophilia. CONCLUSIONS In terms of determining the duration of anticoagulation management, scenarios were found in which the cost per QALY of thrombophilia testing was below 20,000 pounds. However, these results are subject to great uncertainty, largely because of lack of knowledge about the increased risk of recurrence with each type of thrombophilia. Results are influenced by the fact that men have a greater risk of recurrence than women and by the fact that the frequency of adverse events associated with warfarin treatment increases with age. Further research, for example on the likely sensitivity and specificity of the tests for specific types of thrombophilia, is needed to reduce the uncertainty associated with these results. Studies comparing patients with VTE tested for thrombophilia with those whose risk assessment was based on personal and family history of thrombosis would also be beneficial.
Comparison of Glycopyrrolate, Atropine and Hyoscine in Mixture with Neostigmine for Reversal of Neuromuscular Block Following Closed Mitral Valvotomy

Atropine, glycopyrrolate and hyoscine were compared in a mixture with neostigmine for the reversal of neuromuscular block in patients undergoing closed mitral valvotomy. Both atropine and glycopyrrolate were effective in counteracting the muscarinic effects of neostigmine. Glycopyrrolate was, however, associated with less initial increase in heart rate, a factor of importance in patients with mitral stenosis. The incidence of significant dysrhythmias was low in this small series. The control of secretions was better with glycopyrrolate. Administration of hyoscine was associated with unacceptable falls in heart rate and is not recommended.