Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of a questionnaire to measure sexual health knowledge and understanding (Sexual Health Questionnaire) in Nepalese secondary school: A psychometric process

Background: School-based sex education has the potential to prevent unwanted pregnancy and to promote positive sexual health at the individual, family and community level. Objectives: To develop and validate a sexual health questionnaire to measure young peoples’ sexual health knowledge and understanding (SHQ) in Nepalese secondary school. Materials and Methods: Secondary school students (n = 259, male = 43.63%, female = 56.37%) and local experts (n = 9, male = 90%, female = 10%) were participated in this study. Evaluation processes were; content validity (>0.89), plausibility check (>95), item-total correlation (>0.3), factor loading (>0.4), principal component analysis (4 factors Kaiser's criterion), Chronbach's alpha (>0.65), face validity and internal consistency using test-retest reliability (P > 0.05). Results: The principal component analysis revealed four factors to be extracted; sexual health norms and beliefs, source of sexual health information, sexual health knowledge and understanding, and level of sexual awareness. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy demonstrated that the patterns of correlations are relatively compact (>0.80). Chronbach's alpha for each factors were above the cut-off point (0.65). Face validity indicated that the questions were clear to the majority of the respondent. Moreover, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the responses to the items at two time points at seven weeks later. Conclusions: The finding suggests that SHQ is a valid and reliable instrument to be used in schools to measure sexual health knowledge and understanding. Further analysis such as structured equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis could make the questionnaire more robust and applicable to the wider school population.
Tensile and viscoelastic properties of human patellar tendon

The tensile and viscoelastic properties of fresh‐frozen, nonirradiated human patellar tendon were investigated in two groups of 15 specimens: one group was from individuals 29–50 years old and the other group was from individuals 64–93 years old. The central portion of each patella‐patellar tendon‐tibia complex was subjected to cyclic preconditioning, stress‐relaxation, cyclic stress‐relaxation, and load to failure tests. For each age group, stress‐relaxation and stress‐strain curves were obtained, from which percentage relaxation, ultimate tensile strength, strain at failure, modulus, and strain energy density were determined. Viscoelastic behavior was described with use of quasilinear viscoelasticity. The younger group showed a 46 ± 9% (mean ± SD) decrease in stress after 15 minutes, whereas the older group exhibited a 50 ± 6% decrease. The values for ultimate tensile strength and strain at failure, respectively, were 64.7 ± 15.0 MPa and 14 ± 6% for the younger group and 53.6 ± 10.0 MPa and 15 ± 5% for the older group. Modulus values were 660 ± 266 MPa for the younger group and 504 ± 222 MPa for the older group. Except for ultimate tensile strength, which was 17% less for the older group than for the younger one, no statistically significant differences were found in tensile or viscoelastic properties. This study indicated that there were minimal differences in biomechanical properties of the substance of the patellar tendon between younger and older age groups.
Are Board Size And Ownership Structure Beneficial In Emerging Markets’ Firms? Evidence From Jordan

The present study aims to investigate the effect of board size and managerial ownership on firm performance in Jordan, based on agency. The current study examined cross sectional data to test all hypotheses through using statistical software, SPSS 20, to analyze data on a sample of 60 firms (service firms) in Jordan as one of emerging markets in Asia. Multiple regression analysis instruments were used to test the hypothesis regarding the effect of board size and managerial ownership on firm performance with the effect of firm size as a control variable. The data used in the current study is obtained from the annual reports issued by Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) for the year 2014. Accounting data is used in the current study for the purpose of measuring the performances represented by ROA and ROE. I find that measures of board size statistically affect ROA and ROE. Board size affects ROA and ROE positively while firm size has no effect on firm performance. Unfortunately, managerial ownership does not affect both ROA and ROE. The current study presents practical evidence to the policy makers, academic and all beneficiary parties in emerging markets, specifically Jordan.
Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, and Aplastic Anemia in American Radiologists

A survey of 425 death certificates of radiologists dying between the ages of 35 and 74 during the years 1948 to 1961 reveals a statistically highly significant excess of deaths from leukemia, multiple myeloma, and aplastic anemia. That this excess is due to radiation exposure (or to some factor acting in a similar manner), rather than to an artifact of diagnosis is suggested by the absence of deaths ascribed to chronic lymphatic leukemia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

In Australia, the parlous state of wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been documented for decades.72 Key social and economic measures in areas such as life expectancy, poverty, employment, housing ownership, education, justice and health show that these populations are at substantially higher risk of poorer wellbeing and social exclusion compared with non-Indigenous Australians, and represent the most disadvantaged groups in our society. This situation is the result of the inter-generational impact of colonisation, dispossession of lands, lost and stolen generations and the attempted decimation of the cultures and languages of the peoples inhabiting Australia before 1770.73, 74 Therefore, for there to be a start to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing and „closing the gap‟, a process of genuine reconciliation, which acknowledges the past in light of the present, needs to be embraced across all sectors of society, accompanied by changes in attitudes, practices and the sharing of power.75,76
Immunogenicity of multiple antigen peptides (MAP) containing T and B cell epitopes of the repeat region of the P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein

The immunogenicity of multiple antigen peptides (MAP) constructs containing T and B cell epitopes of the repeat region of the P. falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein was examined in vitro, using a human T cell clone, and in vivo, using four different strains of mice. All the MAP constructs that contained the T cell epitope, (DPNANPNVDPNANPNV), stimulated proliferation and interferon‐γ production by a human T cell clone specific for this epitope which is located in the 5′ end of the repeat region of the P. falciparum CS protein. These human T cells did not recognize MAP that contained only the B cell epitope, (NANP)3, which is located in the 3′ repeat region. Optimal antibody responses were obtained in mice immunized with MAP containing four copies of tandemly arranged T and B cell epitopes, (TB)4. The murine immune response to the MAP constructs was genetically restricted. Mice of a high responder strain, C57BL, recognized both the 5′ and 3′ repeat sequences in the MAP as T, as well as B, cell epitopes and developed very high anti‐MAP and anti‐sporozoite antibody titers. A/J and C3H mice, which were intermediate responders, developed lower antibody titers which varied according to the orientation of the T vs. the B cell epitopes within the MAP constructs. BALB/c mice were nonresponders and did not develop antibodies following immunization with any of the MAP constructs containing the 5′ and 3′ repeats of the P. falciparum CS protein.
CORTICAL VASCULARIZATION AND GROWTH IN FOETAL TUBULAR BONES.

There is considerable disagreement in the literature as to the internal structure of human foetal tubular bone cortex. Leriche & Policard (1926), Weidenreich (1930), Brash (1951), Johnston, Davies & Davies (1958), Ham (1961) and Le Gros Clark (1961) describe only a spongy arrangement of woven bone trabeculae. Bidder (1906), Petersen (1930), and Krompecher (1937) orientate trabeculae and blood vessels longitudinally, parallel to the long axis of the bone, while Jaffe (1929) describes longitudinal and oblique vessels in periosteal bone. On the other hand a radiate trabecular organization of periosteal bone, forming in pathological or experimental circumstances, has been observed by Pochhammer (1911), Landauer (1927), Studitsky (1936), Murray & Selby (1930), and Murray & Kodicek (1949). Recently Pinard (1952) has described a wholly radiate trabeculation and vascularization of human foetal metatarsals which together appear to have been observed previously only by Kassowitz (1881). It was therefore decided to study cortical structure in the growing human foetus anew with particular emphasis on vascularization, in order to inquire into the existence of specific vascular patterns in bone cortex and to examine the role of vascularization in the growth and organization of bone.
ErbB2 and ErbB3 Receptors Mediate Inhibition of Calcium-dependent Chloride Secretion in Colonic Epithelial Cells*

We have previously demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) inhibits calcium-dependent chloride secretion via a mechanism involving stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K). The muscarinic agonist of chloride secretion, carbachol (CCh), also stimulates an antisecretory pathway that involves transactivation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) but does not involve PI3-K. Here, we have examined if ErbB receptors, other than the EGFR, have a role in regulation of colonic secretion and if differential effects on ErbB receptor activation may explain the ability of the EGFR to propagate diverse signaling pathways in response to EGFversus CCh. Basolateral, but not apical, addition of the ErbB3/ErbB4 ligand α-heregulin (HRG; 1–100 ng/ml) inhibited secretory responses to CCh (100 μm) across voltage-clamped T84 epithelial cells. Immunoprecipitation/Western blot studies revealed that HRG (100 ng/ml) stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation and dimerization of ErbB3 and ErbB2, but had no effect on phosphorylation of the EGFR. HRG also stimulated recruitment of the p85 subunit of PI3-K to ErbB3/ErbB2 receptor dimers, while the PI3-K inhibitor, wortmannin (50 nm), completely reversed the inhibitory effect of HRG on CCh-stimulated secretion. Further studies revealed that, while both EGF (100 ng/ml) and CCh (100 μm) stimulated phosphorylation of the EGFR, only EGF stimulated phosphorylation of ErbB2, and neither stimulated ErbB3 phosphorylation. EGF, but not CCh, stimulated the formation of EGFR/ErbB2 receptor dimers and the recruitment of p85 to ErbB2. We conclude that ErbB2 and ErbB3 are expressed in T84 cells and are functionally coupled to inhibition of calcium-dependent chloride secretion. Differential dimerization with other ErbB family members may underlie the ability of the EGFR to propagate diverse inhibitory signals in response to activation by EGF or transactivation by CCh.
A database for orphan genes in Poaceae

Orphan genes refer to a group of protein-coding genes lacking recognizable homologs in the other organisms. Extensive studies have demonstrated that numerous newly sequenced genomes contain a significant number of orphan genes, which have important roles in plant's responses to the environment. Due to a lack of phylogenetic conservation, the origin of orphan genes and their functions are currently not well defined. In the present study, a Poaceae orphan genes database (POGD; http://bioinfo.ahau.edu.cn/pogd) was established to serve as a user-friendly web interface for entry browsing, searching and downloading orphan genes from various plants. Four Poaceae species, including Brachypodium distachyon, Oryza sativa, Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays, are included in the current version of POGD. The database provides gene descriptions (chromosome strands, physical location), gene product records (protein length, isoelectric point, molecular weight as well as gene and protein sequences) and functional annotations (cellular role, gene ontology category, subcellular localization prediction). Basic Local Alignment Search Tool and comparative analyses were also provided on the website. POGD will serve as a comprehensive and reliable repository, which will help uncover regulatory mechanisms of orphan genes and may assist in the development of comparative genomics in plant biology.
Monoclonal antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase: epitope mapping and differential effects on integrase activities in vitro

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) catalyzes the integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome, an essential step in retroviral replication. As a tool to study the structure and function of this enzyme, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against HIV-1 IN were produced. Epitope mapping demonstrated that the 17 MAbs obtained could be divided into seven different groups, and the selection of MAbs representing these groups were tested for their effect on in vitro activities of IN. Four groups of MAbs recognized epitopes within the region of amino acids (aa) 1 to 16, 17 to 38, or 42 to 55 in and around the conserved HHCC motif near the N terminus of IN. MAbs binding to these epitopes inhibited end processing and DNA joining and either stimulated or had little effect on disintegration and reintegration activities of IN. Two MAbs binding to epitopes within the region of aa 56 to 102 in the central core or aa 186 to 250 in the C-terminal half of the protein showed only minor effects on the in vitro activities of IN. Three Mabs which recognized on epitope within the region of aa262 to 271 of HIV-1 IN cross-reacted with HIV-2 IN. MAbs binding to this epitope clearly inhibited end processing and DNA joining and stimulated or had little effect on disintegration. In contrast to the N-terminal-specific MAbs, these C-terminal-specific MAbs abolished reintegration activity of IN.
Suboccipital decompression enhances heart rate variability indices of cardiac control in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVES Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) focused on the upper cervical spine is theorized to affect the function of the vagus nerve and thereby influence the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This study was designed to determine the acute effect of upper cervical spine manipulation on cardiac autonomic control as measured by heart rate variability. DESIGN Nineteen healthy, young adult subjects underwent three different experimental interventions administered in random order: cervical OMT, sham manipulation, and time control. Six minutes of electrocardiographic data were collected before and after each intervention, and heart rate variability was assessed by both time-domain and frequency-domain measures. RESULTS No differences in resting heart rate or any measure of heart rate variability were observed between the baseline periods prior to each intervention. The OMT protocol resulted in an increase in the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (0.12±0.082 seconds, p<0.01), an increase in the high frequency spectral power (p=0.03), and a decrease in the low/high frequency spectral ratio (p=0.01) relative to the sham and time control conditions. No significant differences between sham and time control were observed (p>0.11 for all variables). CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that upper cervical spine manipulation can acutely affect measures of heart rate variability in healthy individuals.
Alexithymia and psychological distress in fibromyalgia: prevalence and relation with quality of life.

OBJECTIVES Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain associated with other symptoms like fatigue, stiffness, non-restorative sleep and psychological distress that strongly affects the quality of life in FM patients. While the psychological distress has been widely explored in FM, only a few studies investigated alexithymia, an emotional dysregulation trait. AIMS Evaluate the prevalence of alexithymia and psychological distress and their impact on patients quality of life. METHODS A battery of tests assessing alexithymia, depression, anxiety, emotional distress symptoms and the health related quality of life (HRQoL) was filled out by 55 female FM patients. After having analysed their prevalence, two regression analyses were performed in order to evaluate the role that alexithymia, depression, anxiety, emotional distress and pain characteristics have on quality of life of FM patients. RESULTS Results showed that a clinically relevant level of psychological distress was present in more than half of our sample, whereas alexithymic traits were present in 20% of the patients. Regression analyses showed that pain intensity, depression and current pain were the variables that best contribute to explain the physical component of the HRQoL while anxiety, depression and pain intensity were the variables that mainly contributed to explain the mental component of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the high prevalence of alexithymia in FM patients and the great impact of psychological symptoms on FM patients HRQoL. Wholistic care of FM patients which addresses both physical and psychological symptoms is needed.
Altered tear composition in smokers and patients with graves ophthalmopathy.

OBJECTIVES To analyze, compare, and contrast tear composition in healthy nonsmokers, smokers who were otherwise healthy, and patients with Graves disease (GD) accompanied by Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) of varying severity. METHODS Reflex tears were collected using Schirmer strips from 37 healthy nonsmokers, 33 otherwise healthy smokers, 51 patients with GD, and 85 patients with GO. Thyrotropin receptor-stimulating activity and serum thyroid-stimulating antibodies were measured. Pooled tear samples from healthy nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and patients with GO were separated by means of electrophoresis. Proteins expressed in healthy smokers, patients with GO, and healthy nonsmokers were separated by means of electrophoresis and analyzed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS Based on the 97th percentile of findings from healthy nonsmokers, specific thyrotropin receptor-stimulating activity was detected in 25% of the tear samples from healthy smokers, 32% of those from patients with GD, and 41% of those from patients with GO. Clinical activity scores correlated with serum thyroid-stimulating antibody levels but not tear thyrotropin receptor-stimulating activity. Electrophoresis revealed additional proteins of 30 to 41 kDa in the tear samples from patients with GO and healthy smokers compared with samples from healthy nonsmokers. These proteins were identified as zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein and lactoferrin but have no thyrotropin receptor-stimulating activity. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate similar changes in tear composition in patients with GO and healthy smokers compared with healthy nonsmokers. Expression of zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein and lactoferrin is increased and their molecular weights are modified, suggesting degradation and/or changes during glycosylation, which may affect the bioactivities of zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein and lactoferrin. Clinical Relevance Smoking, which is a significant risk factor for the development of GO, modifies tear composition.
Izhakiella capsodis gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from the mirid bug Capsodes infuscatus.

Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile, rod-shaped, non-pigmented bacterial strains (N6PO6T, N8PO1 and N8PI1) were isolated from the mirid bug Capsodes infuscatus captured on Asphodelus aestivus plants. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains shared 94.7-95.7 % similarity with species of the genus Pantoea and 95.6 % or less with species from other genera in the family Enterobacteriaceae. A polyphasic approach that included determination of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, rpoB, gyrB and atpD gene sequences supported the classification of strains N6PO6T, N8PO1 and N8PI1 as representing a novel species of a new genus in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Strain N6PO6T, and the two reference strains of the novel species, grew at 1-37 °C, and in the presence of NaCl (up to 7.5 %, w/v) and sucrose (up to 60 %). Their major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo, C18 : 1ω7c, summed feature 2 (C14 : 0 3-OH and/or iso-C16 : 1 I) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The DNA G+C content of strain N6PO6T was 49.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, the mirid bug isolates are classified as representing a novel species in a new genus Izhakiella, in the family Enterobacteriaceae, for which the name Izhakiella capsodis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Izhakiella capsodis is N6PO6T ( = LMG 28430T = DSM 29293T).
Identification of a Novel SalmonellaInvasion Locus Homologous to Shigella ipgDE

ABSTRACT Genes essential for Salmonella typhimurium invasion have been localized to Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1) on the chromosome. However, it is clear that other genes are required for the invasion process. Mutations that abolish the SPI1 invasion type III secretion system do not significantly reduce invasion into Chinese hamster ovary tissue culture cells. Two invasion defective mutants were isolated by screening 2,500 Tn10dTc insertion mutants of S. typhimurium in the tissue culture invasion assay. One of the invasion mutants, SVM167, has an insertion between centisomes 24.5 and 25.5 in an operon homologous to theipgDEF operon of the Shigella flexneri andShigella sonnei virulence plasmid. A second mutant, SVM168, has an insertion in an IS3-type element with homology to the Salmonella enteritidis IS1351 element andYersinia enterocolitica IS1400 element from a high-pathogenicity island. Further characterization of SVM167 showed that culture supernatants from this mutant lack a previously uncharacterized protein that is also missing from culture supernatants of a SPI1 mutant, suggesting it can be secreted by the SPI1 type III secretion system. In addition, transcription of this operon,sigDE (Salmonella invasion gene), is dependent on the presence of sirA, an activator of hilAexpression. HilA activates transcription of several of the SPI1 genes but does not appear to have a major role in activation of transcription from the sigDE promoter.