Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testosterone level and histological features of tualang honey and nicotinetreated male rats.

Forty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into honey (1.0ml/100g honey), honey control (1.0ml/100g 0.9% NaCl), nicotine (0.5mg/100g nicotine), nicotine control (0.1ml/100g 0.9% NaCl) and nicotine-honey (0.5mg/100g nicotine and 1.0ml/100g honey) groups and treated for 60 days. On day 61, the rats were sacrificed and blood was drawn for blood hormone analysis. The testes were fixed in Bouin’s solution followed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. This treatment did not significantly affect the testosterone level for all five groups (p≥0.05). The N (263.79±2.17μm) group showed significantly lower diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to the other four groups. The NH (135.02±1.66μm) and HC (130.61±2.05μm) groups were observed to have significantly higher diameter of lumen. The H (34.96±0.40μm) group showed significantly larger width of spermatocytes compared to the N and NH groups (p<0.05). Densely packed and abundant spermatogenic cells were observed in the H, HC, NC and NH treated rats. Degeneration of spermatogenic cells, lower numbers of Leydig and Sertoli cells were observed in the N group. ThSese findings imply that Tualang honey can significantly improve the spermatogenesis process in rats and suggest its potential healing properties to reduce the effects of nicotine in humans.
Evidence for an RNA pseudoknot loop-helix interaction essential for efficient −1 ribosomal frameshifting 1

Abstract RNA pseudoknots are structural elements that participate in a variety of biological processes. At −1 ribosomal frameshifting sites, several types of pseudoknot have been identified which differ in their organisation and functionality. The pseudoknot found in infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is typical of those that possess a long stem 1 of 11-12 bp and a long loop 2 (30-164 nt). A second group of pseudoknots are distinguishable that contain stems of only 5 to 7 bp and shorter loops. The NMR structure of one such pseudoknot, that of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), has revealed that it is kinked at the stem 1-stem 2 junction, and that this kinked conformation is essential for efficient frameshifting. We recently investigated the effect on frameshifting of modulating stem 1 length and stability in IBV-based pseudoknots, and found that a stem 1 with at least 11 bp was needed for efficient frameshifting. Here, we describe the sequence manipulations that are necessary to bypass the requirement for an 11 bp stem 1 and to convert a short non-functional IBV-derived pseudoknot into a highly efficient, kinked frameshifter pseudoknot. Simple insertion of an adenine residue at the stem 1-stem 2 junction (an essential feature of a kinked pseudoknot) was not sufficient to create a functional pseudoknot. An additional change was needed: efficient frameshifting was recovered only when the last nucleotide of loop 2 was changed from a G to an A. The requirement for an A at the end of loop 2 is consistent with a loop-helix contact similar to those described in other RNA tertiary structures. A mutational analysis of both partners of the proposed interaction, the loop 2 terminal adenine residue and two G·C pairs near the top of stem 1, revealed that the interaction was essential for efficient frameshifting. The specific requirement for a 3′-terminal A residue was lost when loop 2 was increased from 8 to 14 nt, suggesting that the loop-helix contact may be required only in those pseudoknots with a short loop 2.
Impact of renin‐angiotensin system blockade on clinical outcome in glioblastoma

Despite surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ), the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients remains dismal. Normally prescribed with the aim to lower blood pressure, angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) inhibitors were reported to reduce angiogenesis and tumour growth in several tumour models including one glioma. Thus whether treatment with Ang‐II inhibitors could be associated with a better clinical outcome in GBM patients was investigated.
Does Cross-Listing Really Enhance Market Efficiency for Stocks Listed in the Home Market? The Perspective of Noise Trading in the Chinese Stock Market

ABSTRACT The investor recognition hypothesis and the bonding hypothesis, which help us understand the market quality of stocks that are cross-listed on different stock markets, imply improved market efficiency after cross-listing because of increased investor participation. However, the noise trading of inexperienced investors in the Chinese stock market negatively affects market efficiency. By employing propensity score matching and multivariate regression analysis, we show that the increased individual investor participation actually lowers market efficiency in their home market after cross-listing. This effect is more evident for stocks that were either listed first on the Chinese stock market or listed on the Chinese stock market and the Hong Kong stock exchange (SEHK) on the same date than for stocks that were listed first on the SEHK.
Limits of propidium iodide as a cell viability indicator for environmental bacteria

Viability measurements of individual bacteria are applied in various scopes of research and industry using approaches where propidium iodide (PI) serves as dead cell indicator. The reliability of PI uptake as a cell viability indicator for dead (PI permeable) and viable (PI impermeable) bacteria was tested using two soil bacteria, the gram−Sphingomonas sp. LB126 and the gram+Mycobacterium frederiksbergense LB501T.
Peripheral blood involvement in patients with follicular lymphoma: a rare disease manifestation associated with poor prognosis

Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is the second most common non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtype and its course is heterogeneous. At diagnosis, some patients with FL manifest a detectable leukaemic phase (FL‐LP), but this feature has been seldom described and is poorly characterized. Among 499 patients diagnosed with FL in Lyon‐Sud hospital, 37 (7·4%) had characteristic FL‐LP (by cytological blood smears and flow cytometric analysis). In addition, 91/1135 FL patients from the PRIMA study presented FL‐LP at study entry. In order to evaluate the outcome of this Lyon‐Sud cohort, FL‐LP patients were matched with 111 newly diagnosed FL without LP according to the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score, age and treatment. Presence of FL‐LP was associated with shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0·004 and P = 0·031, respectively). Presence of FL‐LP and high FLIPI score remained independent prognostic factors in a Cox model for time to progression (TTP). A number of circulating lymphoma cells (CLC) >4 × 109/l was the most significant predictor for a shorter TTP in this Cox model. The prognostic impact of FL‐LP on TTP was validated in the PRIMA cohort (P = 0·0004). In conclusion, FL‐LP is a rare event associated with shorter PFS and patients with CLC >4 × 109/l have a poorer outcome. These patients should be monitored carefully to consider alternative therapeutic options.
Translumenal single-incision laparoscopy radical gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for early gastric cancer--primary experience with less invasive surgery in China.

BACKGROUND In this article we report our initial clinical experience about umbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) radical gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for early gastric cancer with conventional laparoscopic instruments. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Preliminary experiences with umbilical SILS radical gastrectomy in 4 patients with early gastric cancer were described. RESULTS Umbilical SILS radical gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was performed successfully with conventional laparoscopic instruments in these 4 patients. Average operative time was 280 minutes, and average blood loss was 162 mL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications, such as secondary hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage, or obstruction, were recorded. The patients recovered fully, and the single umbilical scar was well healed. CONCLUSIONS Our initial experience showed that transumbilical SILS radical gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for early gastric cancer is feasible and safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
Understanding Consumer Behaviour to Develop Competitive Advantage: A Case Study Exploring the Attitudes of German Consumers towards Fruits with Cosmetic Flaws

Worldwide, there is a great contradiction when it comes to food waste. On the one hand, it is estimated that up to 40 % of the globally produced food is lost or wasted every year, on the other hand about 925 million people suffer from malnutrition. In addition, food production has to be increased by 70 % to feed a population of 9 billion people in 2050. Due to these estimations, it becomes increasingly important to start initiatives to reduce food waste and its impact on natural resources. One reason why fruits and vegetables are wasted in developed countries is aesthetic standards set by retailers. Aesthetic standards regulate the shape and appearance of fruits and vegetables. Retailers have set these standards based on the assumption that consumers are only willing to buy fruits and vegetables without any cosmetic flaws. The result is that produce which are misshapen are sorted out in advance and go to waste. Within this context, this paper has two main objectives: first, to explore the attitudes of consumers towards fruits and vegetables with cosmetic flaws; and second, to unveil how these attitudes influence consumers’ purchase intentions. A survey was conducted for this research in order to investigate whether this food waste is avoidable or not. A total of 213 participants from Germany took part in the survey. The results of this research indicate that consumers in Germany are potentially willing to buy misshaped fruits and vegetables and have a positive attitude towards them. However, the degree of willingness and the attitude of consumers depend on the price of the product and on the type of cosmetic flaw. Based on the assumption that consumers are willing to buy misshaped fruits and vegetables, retailers have the possibility to take responsibility and ease their aesthetic standards for an additional offer of misshaped products. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative would create environmental and social benefits as well as economic benefits for the retail sector.
Film Tourism in Norway: The Effect Fictional Characters Have on Tourism

The impact Walt Disney’s animated film Frozen is having on Disney’s bottom line and on tourism within Norway is highlighted. Although Frozen takes place in fictional Arendelle, movie producers incorporated Norwegian inspired scenery, imagery, and culture. Using a bi-lingual survey (English and Norwegian), we analyzed how the movie has increased travel in Norway, who appears to be most influenced to consider Norway as a travel destination, compared attitudes of film audiences in the U.S., Norway, and other countries on a variety of related factors, and provide suggestions concerning marketing connections to the movie Frozen in an attempt to further boost tourism within Norway.
Childhood adversity moderates the effect of ADH1B on risk for alcohol‐related phenotypes in Jewish Israeli drinkers

Childhood adversity and genetic variant ADH1B‐rs1229984 have each been shown to influence heavy alcohol consumption and disorders. However, little is known about how these factors jointly influence these outcomes. We assessed the main and additive interactive effects of childhood adversity (abuse, neglect and parental divorce) and the ADH1B‐rs1229984 on the quantitative phenotypes ‘maximum drinks in a day’ (Maxdrinks) and DSM‐Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) severity, adjusting for demographic variables, in an Israeli sample of adult household residents (n = 1143) evaluated between 2007 and 2009. Childhood adversity and absence of the protective ADH1B‐rs1229984 A allele were associated with greater mean Maxdrinks (mean differences: 1.50; 1.13, respectively) and AUD severity (mean ratios: 0.71; 0.27, respectively). In addition, childhood adversity moderated the ADH1B‐rs1229984 effect on Maxdrinks (P < 0.01) and AUD severity (P < 0.05), in that there was a stronger effect of ADH1B‐rs1229984 genotype on Maxdrinks and AUD severity among those who had experienced childhood adversity compared with those who had not. ADH1B‐rs1229984 impacts alcohol metabolism. Therefore, among those at risk for greater consumption, e.g. those who experienced childhood adversity, ADH1B‐rs1229984 appears to have a stronger effect on alcohol consumption and consequently on risk for AUD symptom severity. Evidence for the interaction of genetic vulnerability and early life adversity on alcohol‐related phenotypes provides further insight into the complex relationships between genetic and environmental risk factors.
Obesity and pregnancy

Background. As obesity is an increasing problem among fertile women, it is crucial that specialists involved in the treatment of these women be aware of the risks of complications and know how to deal with them. Complications associated with obesity in pregnancy are gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, and thromboembolic complications. Complications associated with obesity in labor are augmentation, early amniotomy, cephalopelvic disproportion, cesarean section, and perioperative morbidity. Complications associated with obesity in children are macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, small for gestational age, late fetal death, and congenital malformations, especially neural tube defects.
Does Belt and Road Initiative Hurt Node Countries? A Study from Export Perspective

ABSTRACT The existing studies on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) primarily explain its impact on China’s trade or foreign direct investment, whereas its impact on node countries’ export performance to China has not been examined. By considering the BRI as external policy shock and incorporating “Five Connection” indicators in the model, this article describes the mechanism and impact of the BRI on node countries’ exports to China. By using propensity score matching and a difference-in-difference approach, we tackle the endogeneity problem caused by self-selecting into the BRI node-country group. The estimates indicate that the BRI has an overall positive effect on node countries’ exports to China with an upward trend. The study also observes that facility connection, trade barriers reduction, financial integration, and people-to-people bond are efficient ways to enhance node countries’ exports. Further, the regional heterogeneity analysis finds a smaller positive effect on North African and on central and East Asian economies, while higher on other regions.
European Society of Anaesthesiology evidence-based and consensus-based guideline on postoperative delirium

The purpose of this guideline is to present evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for the prevention and treatment of postoperative delirium. The cornerstones of the guideline are the preoperative identification and handling of patients at risk, adequate intraoperative care, postoperative detection of delirium and management of delirious patients. The scope of this guideline is not to cover ICU delirium. Considering that many medical disciplines are involved in the treatment of surgical patients, a team-based approach should be implemented into daily practice. This guideline is aimed to promote knowledge and education in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative setting not only among anaesthesiologists but also among all other healthcare professionals involved in the care of surgical patients.
Education for Democracy: Mixed Methods Case Studies of Teachers' Critical Thinking Dispositions and Their Teaching Styles

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.fiu. edu/etd Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Elementary Education and Teaching Commons, Humane Education Commons, Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, and the Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons
How Moroccan institutional investors view dividend policy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how Moroccan institutional investors view dividend policy. It discusses the importance these investors attach to the dividend policy of their investee firms, how much influence they exercise in shaping investee firms’ dividend policies, their reactions to changes in dividends, and their views on various explanations for paying dividends. Design/methodology/approach A mail survey provides a respondent and firm profile and responses to 28 questions involving various explanations for paying dividends and 30 questions on different dividend issues. Findings Institutional investors attach substantial importance to dividend policy and prefer high dividend payments. Although liquidity needs are a major driver, taxes play little role in shaping dividend preferences. Respondents agree with multiple explanations for paying dividends giving the strongest support to catering, bird-in-the-hand, life cycle, signaling, and agency theories. Research limitations/implications Despite a high response rate, the number of respondents limits partitioning the sample and testing for significant differences between different groups. Practical implications The lack of communication between Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) listed firms and institutional investors may depress stock prices and increase volatility. The results suggest agency problems and a weak governance environment at the CSE. Originality/value This study documents the importance that institutional investors place on dividend policy, their reactions to changes in their investees’ dividend policy, and the methods used to influence these firms. It extends previous research by reporting the level of support Moroccan institutional investors give to various explanations for paying dividends.
Pulsed-Dose-Rate Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Cervical Carcinoma: The AIIMS Experience

Objective:The aim of present study was to analyze the results of pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy in patients with cervical carcinoma treated at our center. Methods:From September 2003 to September 2005, 48 patients with histopathologically proved cervical carcinoma, stages IB to IVA, were treated with PDR intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) and pelvic irradiation at our center. Radiotherapy consisted of whole pelvis external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with a dose of 40 Gy in 22 fractions over 4.5 weeks followed by 10 Gy in 5 fractions over 1 week with midline shielding. Weekly chemotherapy (Cisplatin, 40 mg/m2) was administered during the course of EBRT to suitable patients. After an interval of 1 to 2 weeks, a single session of standard ICRT application was done to deliver a dose of 27 Gy to point A by PDR (hourly pulse, 70 cGy). Results:Median age was 50 years (range: 30–65). FIGO stage distribution of the patients was as follows: stage IB, 6; stage IIA, 1; stage IIB, 15; stage IIIB, 25; and stage IVA, 1. Follow-up period ranged from 3 to 50 months (median: 15 months). Ten patients had disease recurrence (5 each in stage IIB and stage IIIB). Eight patients had pelvic failure, 1 had bone metastases, and 1 had supraclavicular node metastases. Overall grades III to IV late toxicity rate at 50 months was 6%. For the median follow-up period of 15 months, the actuarial recurrence-free survival in stages I to II was 82% and stages III to IV was 78%. Conclusion:Our results reveal that PDR ICRT in combination with pelvic EBRT provides excellent pelvic disease control, survival, and low radiation related morbidity rate in the patients with cervical carcinoma.
Costs and consequences: Hepatitis C seroprevalence in the military and its impact on potential screening strategies

Knowledge of the contemporary epidemiology of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection among military personnel can inform potential Department of Defense screening policy. HCV infection status at the time of accession and following deployment was determined by evaluating reposed serum from 10,000 service members recently deployed to combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in the period 2007‐2010. A cost model was developed from the perspective of the Department of Defense for a military applicant screening program. Return on investment was based on comparison between screening program costs and potential treatment costs avoided. The prevalence of HCV antibody‐positive and chronic HCV infection at accession among younger recently deployed military personnel born after 1965 was 0.98/1000 (95% confidence interval 0.45‐1.85) and 0.43/1000 (95% confidence interval 0.12‐1.11), respectively. Among these, service‐related incidence was low; 64% of infections were present at the time of accession. With no screening, the cost to the Department of Defense of treating the estimated 93 cases of chronic HCV cases from a single year's accession cohort was $9.3 million. Screening with the HCV antibody test followed by the nucleic acid test for confirmation yielded a net annual savings and a $3.1 million dollar advantage over not screening. Conclusions: Applicant screening will reduce chronic HCV infection in the force, result in a small system costs savings, and decrease the threat of transfusion‐transmitted HCV infection in the battlefield blood supply and may lead to earlier diagnosis and linkage to care; initiation of an applicant screening program will require ongoing evaluation that considers changes in the treatment cost and practice landscape, screening options, and the epidemiology of HCV in the applicant/accession and overall force populations. (Hepatology 2016;63:398–407)
Comparison of Endothelial Cell Density of Organ Cultured Corneas With Cornea Donor Study

Purpose: Determination of the endothelial cell density (ECD) by eye banks is paramount in donor cornea qualification. Unbiased measurement avoids wastage and grafts with an increased risk of premature failure. Internal calibration of the counting method is essential, but external validation would add an extra stage in the assessment of reliability. In this respect, data published by the multicenter Cornea Donor Study (CDS) in 2005 is a reference. The aim of the study was to compare ECD determined within a single eye bank, which uses calibrated image analysis software designed for transmitted light microscopy images of organ cultured corneas, with the CDS data determined on specular microscopy images of corneas stored at 4°C. Methods: ECD of consecutive corneas retrieved between 2005 and 2013 was determined after exposure to 0.9% NaCl. More than 300 ECs were counted on 3 fields of the central 8 mm. Endothelial cell boundaries were automatically drawn and verified by a skilled technician who performed all necessary corrections. Results: Three thousand fifty-two corneas were analyzed, of which 48.5% donors were >75 years (CDS upper age limit). Between 10 and 75 years, the ECD varied according to donor age exactly in the same manner as in the CDS, but were consistently higher of 100 ± 25 cells per square millimeter (P < 0.001). Conclusions: ECD determined by a computer-aided method from transmitted light microscopy images compares favorably with the American CDS reference series. The slight systematic difference on either side of the Atlantic Ocean could be due to (1) differences in counting principles and/or (2) higher shrinkage of the cornea caused by stromal edema in organ culture.