Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reasons for not using condoms among the Hong Kong Chinese population: implications for HIV and STD prevention

Objective: To assess the prevalence and reasons for non-use of condoms among the Hong Kong Chinese population and obtain baseline data to monitor sexual behavioural change. Methods: Cross sectional self administered questionnaire surveys in convenience sampled groups of Hong Kong Chinese residents were carried out. Results: Of the 1508 respondents, 24% reported consistent condom use and 76% inconsistent use. Overall, 17% of respondents reported having sex with strangers. People who were at increased risk for inconsistent condom use included STD clinics attendees, those who never married, and those reporting low self efficacy for condom use or sex with strangers. Common reasons for not using condoms were trust in partner, use of other contraceptives, and reduced sensation while using condoms. Conclusions: Given the reported high prevalence of travel and sexual contact with strangers, and misconceptions about condoms among the Hong Kong Chinese population, innovative condom social marketing campaigns are needed. Periodic monitoring of condom use behaviours should be an integral part of HIV/STD surveillance activity.
Safrole induces cell death in human tongue squamous cancer SCC‐4 cells through mitochondria‐dependent caspase activation cascade apoptotic signaling pathways

Safrole is one of important food‐borne phytotoxin that exhibits in many natural products such as oil of sassafras and spices such as anise, basil, nutmeg, and pepper. This study was performed to elucidate safrole‐induced apoptosis in human tongue squamous carcinoma SCC‐4 cells. The effect of safrole on apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and DAPI staining and its regulatory molecules were studied by Western blotting analysis. Safrole‐induced apoptosis was accompanied with up‐regulation of the protein expression of Bax and Bid and down‐regulation of the protein levels of Bcl‐2 (up‐regulation of the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2), resulting in cytochrome c release, promoted Apaf‐1 level and sequential activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 in a time‐dependent manner. We also used real‐time PCR to show safrole promoted the mRNA expressions of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 in SCC‐4 cells. These findings indicate that safrole has a cytotoxic effect in human tongue squamous carcinoma SCC‐4 cells by inducing apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis of SCC‐4 cells by safrole is involved in mitochondria‐ and caspase‐dependent signal pathways. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Prediction-Based Dynamic Load-Sharing Heuristics

Presents dynamic load-sharing heuristics that use predicted resource requirements of processes to manage workloads in a distributed system. A previously developed statistical pattern-recognition method is employed for resource prediction. While nonprediction-based heuristics depend on a rapidly changing system status, the new heuristics depend on slowly changing program resource usage patterns. Furthermore, prediction-based heuristics can be more effective since they use future requirements rather than just the current system state. Four prediction-based heuristics, two centralized and two distributed, are presented. Using trace driven simulations, they are compared against random scheduling and two effective nonprediction based heuristics. Results show that the prediction-based centralized heuristics achieve up to 30% better response times than the nonprediction centralized heuristic, and that the prediction-based distributed heuristics achieve up to 50% improvements relative to their nonpredictive counterpart. >
Allometry of diving capacities: ectothermy vs. endothermy

Body mass positively influences diving capacities in air‐breathing vertebrates and has been identified as a key determinant for the evolution of diving. Our review on the relationship between body mass and dive duration (a major parameter of dive performances) encompassed for the first time a wide diversity of air‐breathing vertebrates. We included a substantial number of nonavian and nonmammalian diving species belonging to various independent lineages (sea snakes, iguana, turtles and crocodiles). Our analyses suggest that the widely accepted size dependency of dive duration applies with significantly less force in ectotherms compared with endotherms; notably we failed to detect any effect of body mass in ectotherms. We hypothesize that the absence of tight physiological links between body mass and respiratory demands documented in ectotherms blurred our ability to detect the expected correlation. Further exploration of the evolution of diving physiology may well necessitate adopting novel perspectives to encompass both ectothermic and endothermic modes.
Electronic reporting of infections associated with hemodialysis.

UNLABELLED Monitoring infections and antibiotic resistance patterns in dialysis populations is an important component of efforts to improve patient safety and quality of health care. The objective of this report is to update findings from the Dialysis Surveillance Network and describe the soon-to-be-available National Healthcare Safety Network. METHODS Volunteer dialysis centers in the DSN submitted reports of hospitalizations, outpatient intravenous antimicrobial starts, and positive blood cultures. From these reports, an online system calculated rates of important adverse events. For this report, we summarize adverse-event data submitted to the DSN from September 1999 through March 2005. RESULTS There were 53,804 events in the 321,519 patient-months during the period of analysis. The rate of hospitalization was 13 per 100 patient-months; the rate of outpatient IV vancomycin starts was 3 per 100 patient-months. The rate of vascular access infection was 3.1 per 100 patient-months and varied from 0.6 for fistulas to 10. 1.for temporary catheters. Of the 8,359 blood isolates reported, 77% (6,427) were primary bacteremias (5,275 were catheter-associated, 1,152 were fistula- or graft-associated), 19% (1,587) were secondary bacteremias, and 4% (345) were contaminants. CONCLUSIONS Infection-related adverse events remain lowest among patients with vascular access in the form of fistulas and grafts. In the future, adverse events in dialysis will be monitored in the NHSN. The new, Web-based, NHSN surveillance system allows centers to monitor their rates and compare with other outpatient dialysis centers. In 2006, CDC plans to open enrollment for outpatient dialysis centers not already in the DSN.
The development of a scale to measure cognitive distortions in bulimia.

The Bulimia Cognitive Distortions Scale (BCDS) was developed to measure irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions associated with bulimia. The final 25-item scale was found to have excellent internal consistency with high item to total correlations and a coefficient alpha of . 97. Factor analysis revealed two clear factors measuring cognitive distortions related to automatic eating behaviors and to physical appearance. Data attesting to the convergent and divergent validity of the BCDS are also presented. With 110 subjects (55 bulimics, 55 controls), a discriminant analysis revealed the BCDS to be the only significant variable in predicting group membership, correctly classifying 93.6% of all subjects. The BCDS was also predictive of severity of bulimia as measured by the frequency of binge eating episodes. The potential of the BCDS as both a diagnostic and research instrument is discussed.
In vitro transfection potential of fluorinated G5 PAMAM dendrimers for miRNA delivery to MRC-5 cells

Objectives. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of most biological processes and also contribute to many types of disease. Fibroblast cells, such as MRC-5, are often used in biological researches utilizing cell transfection methods due to their difficult to transfect nature. Cells can be genetically engineered by using viral and non-viral methods. Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers are very promising alternative as a delivery vehicl e due to their well-defined characteristics. In this study, in vitro transfection potential of cystamine core generation five (G5) PAMAM dendrimers fluorinated with 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoic acid (PFB) and pentafluoropropionic acid (PFP) for miRNA delivery to MRC-5 cells was examined. Methods. Spectroscopic techniques were used in the characterization of the prepared dendrimers. miRNA binding and condensation capability of dendrimers was examined by gel retardation assay. Characterization of dendriplexes was made by zeta potential, particle size measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Transfection efficiencies of the dendriplexes were determined by flow cytometry and intracytoplasmic distribution of the dendriplexes was shown by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Also, quantitative structure-activity relationship and molecular docking calculations were used to be able to discuss transfection efficiencies of the dendriplexes into the cell. Results. While high level of viability on MRC-5 cells was observed for dendriplexes prepared with PFB and PFP, transfection efficiency with PFP was higher than PFB. Transfection efficiency difference between these two compounds was attributed to their molecular structures. Conclusions. Obtained results hold promise for the usage of these compounds as a transfection reagent at MRC-5 cells. Further studies are needed to support these findings.
Effect of human T-lymphotropic virus type I infection on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence.

BACKGROUND We previously reported from a case-control analysis that T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was strongly associated with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection in Jamaica and Trinidad and that the relative risk for HTLV-I infection was very high in younger patients. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to estimate the age-specific incidence rates of NHL among HTLV-I-infected and HTLV-I-uninfected adults in Jamaica and Trinidad. METHODS Population rates of HTLV-I infection were calculated from available census reports and serosurvey data. Incidence rates for NHL were calculated from all incident cases in Jamaica during 1984-1987 (n = 135) and from all incident cases in Trinidad during 1986-1990 (n = 117). Using biopsy material, we determined whether the immunophenotype of the tumor cells was T cell, B cell, or other. NHL incidence rates were computed according to HTLV-I status, age, sex, and tumor phenotype for each country separately and for both countries combined by weighting to the relative population size of each country. RESULTS The age-standardized NHL incidence rate (mean +/- SE) in Jamaica was 1.9 +/- 0.2 per 100,000 person-years (PY). In Trinidad, the rate was 2.9 +/- 0.4 per 100,000 PY. Overall, the incidence of NHL increased with age and was higher in males than in females. In the HTLV-I-infected population, the incidence of NHL was inversely related to age, and age-specific rates were higher in males than in females. The NHL incidence in those estimated to have acquired HTLV-I infection in childhood, however, showed no sex difference, and one in 1300 such carriers (95% confidence interval: one in 1100 to one in 1600) per annum were estimated to be at such risk. For T-cell NHL, as proxy for adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia, incidence was highest in those patients infected with HTLV-I early in life (perinatally or via breast milk), with high, sustained risk from early adulthood in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS While overall NHL incidence rates reveal that HTLV-I endemicity does not impose an exaggerated lymphoma burden on these populations, the risk for lymphoma among carriers who acquire infection early in life is dramatic and is consistent with the hypothesis that virus exposure early in life is most important for lymphoma-genesis. IMPLICATIONS Studies of HTLV-I carriers known to be infected in childhood may provide insight into markers intermediate in the lympho-magnetic process. Strategies to disrupt early-life transmission of HTLV-I, notably mother-infant transmission, may be critical in reducing the burden of lymphoreticular disease in these populations.
Does maternal obesity cause preeclampsia? A systematic review of the evidence.

AIM The aim of this paper was to assess whether maternal obesity causes preeclampsia. METHODS A systematic literature review of the previous two decades (1992-2011) was conducted. The exposure was maternal obesity while the outcome of interest was preeclampsia. RESULTS Our review revealed consistent findings showing strong association between obesity and preeclampsia. Multiple biomarkers that potentially explain the mechanistic pathway in this relationship were identified, including leptin and adiponectin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). A causative biologic linkage remains, however, elusive. CONCLUSION Epidemiologic evidence exists linking maternal obesity and preeclampsia. However, the exact causal pathway remains poorly defined. Given the minimal understanding of the nature of this relationship, research studies that utilize prospective designs and expand on the previous examination of biomarkers are recommended to determine potential causative pathways.
Metacognitive Capacity as a Predictor of Insight in First-Episode Psychosis

Abstract Impaired insight is common in the first episode of psychosis (FEP). Although considerable research has examined the factors that are associated with impaired insight in chronic psychosis, less is known about the factors that underlie and sustain poor insight in FEP. Impaired metacognition, or the ability to form integrated representations of self and others, is a promising potential contributor to poor insight in FEP. To explore this possibility, the authors assessed insight and metacognition in 40 individuals with FEP and then examined the relationship between these areas and social cognition domains, neurocognitive domains, and psychotic symptoms. Correlation analyses revealed that improved insight was associated with higher metacognition, better vocabulary and Theory of Mind scores, and fewer symptoms. The domain of metacognitive mastery also predicted clinical insight. Results support the need to develop an integrative therapeutic approach focused on improving metacognition, hence addressing poor insight in FEP.
The Determinants of CO2 Emissions in Malaysia: A New Aspect

In light of the deterioration of environmental quality, this study aims to identify the determinants of CO2 emissions in Malaysia using the ARDL and the decomposition-type threshold methods. This study signifies that economic growth is the main contributor to CO2 emissions which is in line with the theory of the EKC curve. Meanwhile, this study also confirms that vertical intra-industry trade between Malaysia and China together with the bilateral FDI from China to Malaysia are the significant determinants of CO2 emissions in Malaysia. As such, this study suggests that the Malaysian government should monitor the implementation of the green growth strategy to enhance the sustainability of the economic and trade growth without compromising environmental quality.
Anterior tibial translation during a maximum quadriceps contraction: Is it clinically significant?

Quadriceps exercises are used sparingly in the early rehabilitation of ACL reconstructions because of con cern about prematurely stretching the ACL graft. The aim of this study was to determine if a maximum isometric quadriceps contraction significantly translates the tibia anteriorly at 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° of flexion. Secondly, the role of the ACL in knee stability was analyzed by comparing the amount of tibial trans lation in normal, ACL deficient, and reconstructed knees. Thirdly, the location in the motion arc where a quadriceps contraction produces anterior tibial transla tion was determined. Anterior tibial translation was measured using an arthrometer (KT-1000) during an 89 N and manual maximum translation applied to the knee at rest. The manual maximum translation test determines the mag nitude of anterior tibial translation produced by a high anterior force applied directly to the proximal calf. These translations were compared to the tibial translation intrinsically induced by a quadriceps contraction. Test ing was performed in normal ( N = 22), ACL deficient (N=10), and reconstructed (N = 10) knees. Anterior tibial translation produced by a maximum quadriceps contraction was measured at 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° of flexion. The extension exercise resulted in less anterior tibial displacement than an 89 N drawer and half the translation produced by a manual maximum translation (P < 0.001). Instrumented laxity testing pro duced greater anterior translation of the tibia than a maximum isometric quadriceps contraction. Anterior tibial translation was the same during maximum iso metric knee extension in all tested knees. Anterior translation in the isometrically loaded knee occurred during the terminal 60° of knee extension, and was controlled by the compression forces driving the con gruent articular surfaces together, and not the ACL. Instrumented laxity testing is an accepted technique that has been safely used to serially measure knee stability after an ACL reconstruction. Early postopera tive knee extension exercises can be expected to in duce less strain in the ACL than instrumented laxity testing. These data raise the question of whether the anterior tibial displacement produced by a maximum quadriceps contraction is detrimental to a recently re constructed ACL.
Climate change enhances the negative effects of predation risk on an intermediate consumer

Predators are a major source of stress in natural systems because their prey must balance the benefits of feeding with the risk of being eaten. Although this ‘fear’ of being eaten often drives the organization and dynamics of many natural systems, we know little about how such risk effects will be altered by climate change. Here, we examined the interactive consequences of predator avoidance and projected climate warming in a three‐level rocky intertidal food chain. We found that both predation risk and increased air and sea temperatures suppressed the foraging of prey in the middle trophic level, suggesting that warming may further enhance the top‐down control of predators on communities. Prey growth efficiency, which measures the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels, became negative when prey were subjected to predation risk and warming. Thus, the combined effects of these stressors may represent an important tipping point for individual fitness and the efficiency of energy transfer in natural food chains. In contrast, we detected no adverse effects of warming on the top predator and the basal resources. Hence, the consequences of projected warming may be particularly challenging for intermediate consumers residing in food chains where risk dominates predator‐prey interactions.
Melatonin-induced suppression of the pinealectomy-stimulated rat adrenal cortex mitotic activity.

Pineal involvement in the regulation of adrenocortical mitotic activity has recently been suggested. It has been shown that melatonin (Mel) decreased the mean mitotic activity rate (MMAR) of the adrenal cortex both in vivo and in organ culture. The goal of the present study was to test the influence of pinealectomy (PX) and/or Mel-treatment on the MMAR of adrenocortical cells, as well as on the adrenal weight in rats. The stathmokinetic method was used in the study. It was found that PX significantly increased the MMAR of the adrenocortical cells. Moreover, Mel suppressed the proliferogenic effect of PX on the rat adrenocortical cells. Melatonin alone did not significantly affect the mitotic activity of the adrenal cortex. None of the three experimental procedures, i.e. Mel, PX and Mel-treatment of pinealectomized animals significantly affected the adrenal weight. The present data suggest that Mel may be involved in the inhibitory control of adrenocortical cell proliferation.
The Use of Social Networking Sites in Education: A Case Study of Facebook

The purpose of this research is to find out how Facebook and Web 2.0 tools create a positive effect when used in education and to investigate teachers' opinions about the Online learning environment. This experimental study was carried out in primary and secondary schools with teachers who use Facebook. The study took six weeks and 30 hours. The teachers attended lessons and accessed materials online and offline, in face-to-face learning environment. Moreover, they were able to co-operate and share information with their colleagues via Facebook. The study sample consisted of 35 teachers from primary and secondary school who constituted a blended learning group and 36 teachers from primary and high school who formed an online learning group that enrolled in the material development for Facebook course. These teachers were chosen randomly. The participation was anonymous and the study was carried out amongst volunteered teachers. Data was collected using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire created by the authors and entitled "Teachers' Opinions about Facebook in Education". The questionnaire consisted of 39 positive statements about Facebook. It was completed by teachers at the beginning (pre-experience test) and the end of the study (post-experience test). Results show that, if used for educational purposes, Facebook could bring about a positive change in teachers' opinions. Results also indicate that Facebook virtual environment helps teachers to do many activities with online classes, which is not possible to do in schools. Teachers are convinced that this environment helps students not only to improve their team work, but also to improve their learning skills. Based on the findings, recommendations are made about using Facebook in education.
Spend Money to Make Money?: Voluntary Audit Reviews and Firms’ Cost of Debt

An audit review (AR) is a mechanism used by boards to assess the quality of interim financial reports on a timely basis. In this study, we analyze whether the voluntary purchase of an AR reduces the screening costs of lenders and translates into lower cost of debt for borrowers. We use a sample of 8,021 firm-year observations from 1,678 public firms in Canada over the period 2004-2015 to test this prediction. The results suggest that firms with voluntary ARs have a lower cost of debt than firms with no AR. Further analyses using samples of public bonds and private loans corroborate our findings. Cross-sectional analyses suggest that, for borrowers with higher information asymmetry, the impact of voluntary ARs is incrementally stronger only for public debt. Our study is the first to document that the voluntary purchase of ARs caters to lenders’ informational needs and benefits listed borrowers through a lower cost of debt financing.
Rapid detection of Pneumocystis carinii in bronchoalveolar lavage samples by using Cellufluor staining

Cellufluor (Calcofluor white) has been found to be a useful, rapid chemofluorescent stain for detection of Pneumocystis carinii cysts in bronchoalveolar lavage samples. When compared with toluidine blue O and Giemsa stains on 45 specimens (22 positive and 23 negative), the sensitivity and specificity of the Cellufluor stain were 95 and 100%, respectively.