Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Concepts in Male Androgen Disorders ” Special Issue Sex steroids and cardiovascular disease

As men grow older, testosterone levels decline and the significance of this change is debated. The evidence supporting a causal role for lower circulating testosterone, or its metabolites dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, in the genesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in men is limited. Observational studies associate low baseline testosterone levels with carotid atherosclerosis, aortic and peripheral vascular disease, and with the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. Studies using mass spectrometry suggest that when total testosterone is assayed optimally, calculation of free testosterone or assay of dihydrotestosterone might not necessarily improve risk stratification. There is limited evidence to support an association of estradiol with cardiovascular disease. Interventional studies of testosterone therapy in men with coronary artery disease have shown beneficial effects on exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia. However, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trials of testosterone therapy in men with the pre-specified outcomes of cardiovascular events or deaths are lacking. Meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of testosterone published up to 2010 found no increase in cardiovascular events, mortality or prostate cancer with therapy. Recently, in a trial of older men with mobility limitations, men randomised to receive a substantial dose of testosterone reported cardiovascular adverse effects. This phenomenon was not reported from a comparable trial where men received a more conservative dose of testosterone, suggesting a prudent approach should be adopted when considering therapy in frail older men with existing cardiovascular disease. Adequately powered randomised clinical trials of testosterone in middle-aged and older men are needed to clarify whether or not hormonal intervention would reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Littoral Slope, Water Depth and Alternative Response Strategies to Light Attenuation Shape the Distribution of Submerged Macrophytes in a Mesotrophic Lake

Light is a major limiting resource in aquatic ecosystems and numerous studies have investigated the response of submerged macrophytes to low light conditions. However, few studies have tested whether different light response strategies can also have consequences for macrophyte distribution along different littoral slopes in lakes, which are known to affect macrophyte biomass due to differences in drag forces and sediment characteristic. In this study, we tested (1) whether two macrophyte species of different growth forms (canopy-forming: Potamogeton maackianus, rosette-type: Vallisneria natans) differ in their response strategies to low light conditions and (2) how these responses influence their distribution along different basin slopes in the mesotrophic Lake Erhai, China. We hypothesized that the canopy-forming species responds to low light conditions at deeper sites by stem elongation while the rosette-type species increases its shoot chlorophyll content. As a consequence, P. maackianus should have a higher susceptibility to drag forces and thus prevail at sites with lower slopes. Sites with higher slopes should offer a niche for rosette-type species like V. natans that can better withstand drag forces. We surveyed the distribution and abundance of the two macrophyte species at 527 sampling points along 97 transects in Lake Erhai and measured their height, leaf and stem/rhizome biomass, and leaf chlorophyll a content at different water depths. Our results confirmed stem elongation as a strategy to low light conditions by the canopy-forming species P. maackianus, while V. natans produced more chlorophyll a per shoot biomass at deeper sites to tolerate shading. As hypothesized, these alternative response strategies to low light conditions resulted in a trade-off regarding the plants ability to grow at different basin slopes. P. maackianus was dominant at sites with low-moderate slope (0–4%) and low-moderate water depth (2–4 m), while sites with high basin slope (4–7%) combined with moderate-high water depth (3–5 m) were dominantly colonized by V. natans. The latter habitat thus represents a potential refuge for rosette-type macrophyte species that are often outcompeted when shading increases during eutrophication.
Thermal imaging developments for respiratoryairflow measurement to diagnose apnoea

Sleep-disordered breathing is a sleep disorder that manifests itself as intermittent pauses (apnoeas) in breathing during sleep. The condition disturbs the sleep and can results in a variety of health problems. Its diagnosis is complex and involves multiple sensors attached to the person to measure electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry, Sp
Protective effect of a hydrogen sulfide donor on balloon injury-induced restenosis via the Nrf2/HIF-1α signaling pathway

Restenosis is liable to occur following treatment with endovascular interventional therapy. Increasing evidence indicates that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exhibits numerous physiological properties, including antioxidative and cardioprotective disease properties. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-restenosis effects of H2S and its protective mechanisms. A balloon dilatation restenosis model was used, in which model Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS: A donor of H2S, 30 µmol/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks. Histological observations of the carotid artery were performed, and H2S production and the expression of Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α signaling pathway proteins were measured. In addition, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with NaHS following the inhibition of Nrf2 or HIF-1α expression. The expression of Nrf2/HIF-1α signaling pathway proteins, tube formation and cell migration were evaluated thereafter. The results demonstrated that NaHS treatment significantly increased H2S production in rats with restenosis, and that neointimal thickness decreased significantly in arteries with restenosis. Furthermore, an increase in H2S production enhanced the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and expression of its downstream targets, heme oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase, as well as HIF-1α. Similar effects of NaHS on the expression of these proteins were observed in HUVECs. Additionally, these findings indicated that NaHS-induced HIF-1α expression was dependent on Nrf2 expression. NaHS treatment also markedly increased tube formation by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor expression and cell migration, both of which were mediated by the Nrf2/HIF-1α signaling pathway, and suppressed the migration and proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Thus, NaHS-mediated H2S production was observed to prevent neointimal hyperplasia, promote activation of the Nrf2/HIF-1α signal pathway, and enhance HUVEC tube formation and migration, thereby exerting protective effects on balloon injury-induced restenosis.
Dynamic changes in CGRP, PACAP, and PACAP receptors in the trigeminovascular system of a novel repetitive electrical stimulation rat model: Relevant to migraine

Migraine is the seventh most disabling disorder globally, with prevalence of 11.7% worldwide. One of the prevailing mechanisms is the activation of the trigeminovascular system, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is an important therapeutic target for migraine in this system. Recent studies suggested an emerging role of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) in migraine. However, the relation between CGRP and PACAP and the role of PACAP in migraine remain undefined. In this study, we established a novel repetitive (one, three, and seven days) electrical stimulation model by stimulating dura mater in conscious rats. Then, we determined expression patterns in the trigeminal ganglion and the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of the trigeminovascular system. Electrical stimulation decreased facial mechanical thresholds, and the order of sensitivity was as follows: vibrissal pad >inner canthus >outer canthus (P < 0.001). The electrical stimulation group exhibited head-turning and head-flicks (P < 0.05) nociceptive behaviors. Importantly, electrical stimulation increased the expressions of CGRP, PACAP, and the PACAP-preferring type 1 (PAC1) receptor in both trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal nucleus caudalis (P < 0.05). The expressions of two vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-shared type 2 (VPAC1 and VPAC2) receptors were increased in the trigeminal ganglion, whereas in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, their increases were peaked on Day 3 and then decreased by Day 7. PACAP was colocalized with NEUronal Nuclei (NeuN), PAC1, and CGRP in both trigeminal ganglion and the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Our results demonstrate that the repetitive electrical stimulation model can simulate the allodynia during the migraine chronification, and PACAP plays a role in the pathogenesis of migraine potentially via PAC1 receptor.
Optimal codomains for the Laplace operator and the product Laplace operator

An optimal codomain for an operator P (∂) with fundamental solution E, is a maximal space of distributions T for which it is possible to define the convolution E*T and thus to solve the equation P (∂)S=T. We identify optimal codomains for the Laplace operator in the Euclidean case and for the product Laplace operator in the product domain case. The convolution is understood in the sense of the S′-convolution.
The Implementation of Early Detection in Tuberculosis Contact Investigation to Improve Case Finding

The early detection of Tuberculosis (TB) among TB contacts is a strategy to find TB cases in earlier stage and to stop the transmission. This study aimed to assess the implementation of early detection in TB contact investigation to improve TB case finding. This was an operational research study conducted in Badung District, Bali, Indonesia. The samples were TB contacts, identified in the period July through September (third quarter) 2017. Contacts were household members who were living and sharing a room at least for 3 months with infectious TB patients and were not previously diagnosed with TB. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires and registration reviews using a checklist. We visited 124 TB patients and successfully identified 498 contacts, thus the ratio of contacts to cases is 4:1. All TB contacts were invited to participate in TB screening and evaluation program. A total of 100 (20.1%) contacts have attended at least one examination session and 41 contacts have completed all sessions. Ten TB cases were found among the contacts, of which four of them were adults (three bacteriologically confirmed and one clinically confirmed) and six were children (aged under 15 years). The positivity rate among children was higher (46.2%) compared with adults (14.3%). The positivity rate of confirmed TB among contacts with any TB symptoms was 43.8% and that without symptoms was 12.0%. The contribution of early detection in TB contact investigation to improve TB case finding was 8.1% through all TB patients. The early detection in TB contact investigation yielded additional notified cases, especially among children. A comprehensive education, covering cognitive and psychological aspect, is needed to encourage TB contacts to completely participate in early detection program until their diagnosis is confirmed.
Biocontrol of leafy spurge using angora goats

Utilization and control of leafy spurge by angora goats were determined in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Angora goats were stocked at 0.34 acres per Animal Unit Month (AUM) in 1991 and 0.83 acres per AUM in 1992 and 1993. Leafy spurge and brush stem densities were collected in mid-May of each year to determine overall change in plant numbers using 1 ft plots on replicated line transects. Overall degree of use of leafy spurge, grass and brush were determined using the paired-plot clipping technique. Leafy spurge stem densities were reduced 12.5 percent, however not significant (P>0.05) after one year of grazing and reduced 39.9 percent (P 0.05) changes in relative frequency of leafy spurge and grass herbage production occurred after two years of grazing. The leafy spurge and shrub components were extensively grazed during all three years of the study. Degree of use by goats on leafy spurge was 64, 92 and 97 percent in 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively. Shrub degree of use was 94, 92 and 89 percent in 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively. Angora goat grazing on leafy spurge infested rangeland significantly (P<0.05) reduced leafy spurge stem densities after two years of grazing. 1 Workshop Coordinator: Roger J. Andrascik, Resource Management Specialist, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND. Compiler: Nancy S. Ohlsen, Natural Resource Specialist, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND. Editor: Claude H. Schmidt, Agric. Exp. Stn. , NSDU Extension Svc. , NDSU, Fargo, ND.
Usage of steel slag in concrete as fine and/or coarse aggregate

In this study, the use of steel slag as fine and/or coarse aggregate in concrete is investigated. For this purpose, 12 different concrete mixtures with different water/cement ratios of 0.40, 0.55 and 0.70 which include steel slag aggregate as fine and/or coarse aggregate are prepared. Compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, freeze-thaw resistance and water penetration depth of concrete mixtures containing steel slag aggregate are examined in comparison with concrete mixtures prepared by using crushed limestone aggregate. Eventually, concrete mixtures containing coarse steel slag show better performance than concrete mixtures containing limestone aggregate. Concrete mixtures containing fine steel slag show worse performance in comparison with concrete mixtures containing limestone aggregate.
On the Impact of the Activation Function on Deep Neural Networks Training

The weight initialization and the activation function of deep neural networks have a crucial impact on the performance of the training procedure. An inappropriate selection can lead to the loss of information of the input during forward propagation and the exponential vanishing/exploding of gradients during back-propagation. Understanding the theoretical properties of untrained random networks is key to identifying which deep networks may be trained successfully as recently demonstrated by Samuel et al (2017) who showed that for deep feedforward neural networks only a specific choice of hyperparameters known as the `Edge of Chaos' can lead to good performance. While the work by Samuel et al (2017) discuss trainability issues, we focus here on training acceleration and overall performance. We give a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the Edge of Chaos and show that we can indeed tune the initialization parameters and the activation function in order to accelerate the training and improve the performance.
Topical treatments for diabetic neuropathic pain

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) has a huge impact on quality of life and can be difficult to treat. Oral treatment is the most frequently used method for DNP, but its use is often limited by systemic side effects. Topical use of drugs as an alternative option for DNP treatment is currently gaining interest. In the present review, a summary is provided of the available agents for topical use in patients with DNP, including lidocaine plasters or patches, capsaicin cream, gel or patches, amitriptyline cream, clonidine gel, ketamine cream, extracts from medicinal plants including nutmeg extracts and Citrullus colocynthis extract oil, and certain compounded topical analgesics. Furthermore, the potential efficacy of these treatments is addressed according to the available clinical research literature. It has been indicated that these topical drugs have the potential to be valuable additional options for the management of DNP, with adequate safety and continuous long-term treatment efficacy. Compounded topical agents are also effective and safe for patients with DNP and could be another area worthy of further investigation based on the strategy of using low-dose, complementary therapies for DNP. The findings indicate that developing topical drugs acting on different targets in the process of DNP is a valuable area of future research.
The effect of increased investment in Bodaboda business on economic empowerment of people in Kisumu west district.

In the last fifteen years the numbers of motorcycles per capita in many developing nations has doubled, they provide an affordable mobility option that is not otherwise available. Whereas information points to the potential benefits of this mode of transport, there is limited information on the effect of increasing investment in bodaboda business in Kisumu West District. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of increased investment in bodaboda business on economic empowerment in Kisumu West District. A descriptive study design was used. The study population comprised of, 100 bodaboda owners, and 170 bodaboda riders. A total of 43 bodaboda owners and 74 riders were selected through a stratified random sampling process. Primary data was collected by use of structured questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from written reports. Data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics and presented in tables, bar charts and pie charts. It was established that the level of bodaboda business activities were very high in the district and that these activities had a positive significant effect on economic empowerment. The study suggested that further studies should be done in other districts to establish the nationwide effect of bodaboda business in economic empowerment. Keywords: Bodaboda, Reliability, Value, Economic, Empowerment
Ribosomal DNA ITS-1 sequencing of Galba truncatula (Gastropoda, Lymnaeidae) and its potential impact on fascioliasis transmission in Mendoza, Argentina

Sequencing of the rDNA ITS–1 proved that the lymnaeid snail species Galba truncatula is present in Argentina and that it belongs to the haplotype HC, the same as that responsible for the fascioliasis transmission in the human hyperendemic area with the highest human prevalences and intensities known, the Northern Bolivian Altiplano.
Weifuchun alters tongue flora and decreases serum trefoil factor I levels in gastric intestinal metaplasia: A CONSORT-compliant article

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanisms of Weifuchun in the treatment of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), we designed a preclinical pilot study to examine potential markers of disease progression based on alterations in the tongue flora. Methods: Total 27 patients with GIM were treated with Weifuchun for 4 weeks and 26 volunteers as controls. Tongue coating bacteria were profiled using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Serum pepsinogen I and II levels were detected using the latex immunoturbidimetric assay. The levels of serum trefoil factor I was detected by ELISA. Microplate-based quantification was used to detect serum total bile acid (TBA). Results: After treatment, the relative abundance of 4 dominant tongue coating genera (Granulicatella, Gemella, Lachnoanaerobaculum, and Neisseria) increased significantly wheras Alloprevotella, [Eubacterium] nodatum group, Prevotell, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 decreased (P < .05). The results showed that Alloprevotella and 3 rare tongue coating genera (Lautropia, Treponema 2, and Aliihoeflea) might be potential markers or target flora for the treatment of GIM. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) function prediction analysis showed that Weifuchun may regulate bile secretion and folate biosynthesis in patients with GIM. The level of serum trefoil factor I decreased significantly in response to Weifuchun treatment, which was consistent with the decrease in folate biosynthesis predicted by KEGG. Conclusion: Weifuchun may restore the balance of tongue flora by decreasing the levels of serum trefoil factor I, thereby providing a new way to measuring the underlying effectiveness and potential mechanisms of action of this traditional Chinese medicinal compound in the treatment of GIM.
Biological characteristics of the common pandora, Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the central Aegean Sea

We investigated the length distribution, sex ratio, sex inversion length, length-weight relationship, age, growth, spawning period, age and length at first maturity of the common pandora inhabiting Izmir Bay. A total of 2654 common pandora were collected by trawl hauls of Izmir Bay (Turkey) between January 2002 and June 2007. The size of the samples ranged from 4.1 cm (0.95 g, February) to 27.8 cm (207.30 g, April) in total length. The samples were composed of 64.7% females, 5.1% males, 0.3% hermaphrodites, and 29.9% immature individuals, with a female to male ratio of 1:0.08. The age composition of the samples ranged between 1 and 10 years. The length-weight relationship and the von Bertalanffy growth function were estimated for all individuals as: W = 0.0143L2. 95 and Lt = 30.673[1 - e-0.165(t - (-0.857))]. The spawning period started in June and continued until October. The total lengths at first maturity of females and males were 11.30 and 15.08 cm, respectively.
A HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY ON POST-MORTEM SPECIMENS RECEIVED TO DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, KADAPA.

Histopahtological examination of post-mortem specimens is done to establish the cause of death, due to pathological changes in the tissues. Present study was done to between 2014 - 2015 (5 years study) consisting of 184 cases. Keywords: Histopathology, Postmortem specimen, Emphysema, Chronic venous congestion of lung
Quick and Easy Time Series Generation with Established Image-based GANs

In the recent years Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have demonstrated significant progress in generating authentic looking data. In this work we introduce our simple method to exploit the advancements in well established image-based GANs to synthesise single channel time series data. We implement Wasserstein GANs (WGANs) with gradient penalty due to their stability in training to synthesise three different types of data; sinusoidal data, photoplethysmograph (PPG) data and electrocardiograph (ECG) data. The length of the returned time series data is limited only by the image resolution, we use an image size of 64x64 pixels which yields 4096 data points. We present both visual and quantitative evidence that our novel method can successfully generate time series data using image-based GANs.