Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-Lipoxygenase Activity of Leaf Gall Extracts of Terminalia chebula (Gaertn.) Retz. (Combretaceae)

Lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors are the promising therapeutic target for treating a wide spectrum of inflammatory-related diseases such as cancer, asthma, lymphoma, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders. In the present study, the photochemical constituents and the anti-LOX potential of leaf galls of Terminalia chebula are evaluated to exemplify its further potential development as medicine. Extracts of T. chebula galls were tested for anti-LOX activity using linoleic acid as substrate and lipoxidase as an enzyme and also the total content of polyphenols with phytochemical analysis of the extract were determined. The presence of highest total phenolic and flavonoid content of 141 ± 2.2 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g d.w and 125 ± 1.4 mg of quercetin equivalent/g d.w and maximal LOX inhibitory activity (52.67%) at 800 μg/mL concentrations were identified in the ethanolic extracts of leaf galls of T.chebula. The higher LOX inhibitory activity was positively correlated to the high content of total polyphenols/flavonoids. The results of this study confirm the folklore use of T. chebula leaves gall extracts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and justify its ethnobotanical use. Therefore, the results encourage the use of T. chebula leave gall extracts for medicinal health, functional food, and nutraceuticals applications.
Volatility Risk and Stock Return Predictability on Global Financial Crises

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of volatility risk on stock return predictability specified on two global financial crises: the dot-com bubble and recent financial crisis. Design/methodology/approach - Using a broad sample of stock options traded on the American Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange from January 2001 to December 2010, the effect of different idiosyncratic volatility forecasting measures are examined on future stock returns in four different periods (Bear and Bull markets). Findings - First, the authors find clear and robust empirical evidence that the implied idiosyncratic volatility is the best stock return predictor for every sub-period both in Bear and Bull markets. Second, the cross-section firm-specific characteristics are important when it comes to stock returns forecasts, as the latter have mixed positive and negative effects on Bear and Bull markets. Third, the authors provide evidence that short selling constraints impact negatively on stock returns for only a Bull market and that liquidity is meaningless for both Bear and Bull markets after the recent financial crisis. Practical implications - These results would be helpful to disclose more information on the best idiosyncratic volatility measure to be implemented in global financial crises. Originality/value - This study empirically analyses the effect of different idiosyncratic volatility measures for a period that involves both the dotcom bubble and the recent financial crisis in four different periods (Bear and Bull markets) and contributes the existing literature on volatility measures, volatility risk and stock return predictability in global financial crises.
Endocrine cells and prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma

Using chromogranin (CG) immunohistochemical staining, the prognostic significance of endocrine differentiation was investigated in 212 patients with primary colorectal adenocarcinoma (including 6 patients with mucosal carcinoma). CG‐immunoreactive cells were found to be an integral component of the tumor in 67 of 206 patients (32.5%, excluding mucosal carcinoma). The intra‐cellular localization of CG in the CG‐immunoreactive cells in cancer tissue was completely different from that in the normal endocrine cells of the large bowel. In addition, morphologic changes such as nuclear hyperchromasia and pleomorphism also indicated that the CG‐immunoreactive cells in the cancer tissue were malignant. The tumors were divided into three groups based on the frequency of CG‐immunoreactive cells: Group I (n = 139), negative; Group II (n = 38), less than 1 positive cell/mm2; and Group III (n = 29), more than 1 positive cell/mm2. No correlation was observed between CG‐immunoreactivity (CG‐IR) and tumor location, grade, depth of invasion, or stage, regardless of lymph node involvement. However, patients with numerous endocrine tumor cells (Group III) had a significantly worse prognosis compared with patients without endocrine cells (Group I) (multivariate Cox's model, P < 0.01). Similar findings were observed in patients with node‐negative tumor (multivariate Cox's model, P < 0.05). These results indicated that the neuroendocrine differentiation is an independent prognostic factor and that CG‐immunohistochemistry is useful for detecting a subgroup with a worse prognosis among patients with colorectal cancer.
Childhood Inattention and Hyperactivity Symptoms Self-Reported by Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Background: Increasing public awareness of the adult manifestations of developmental neuropsychiatric disorders, like Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has provoked an increasing number of persons to seek assessment for the first time in adulthood. As these disorders have their origin in childhood, instruments for retrospective evaluation of childhood behavior are needed. Sampling and Methods: In this preliminary study, 20 adults with Asperger syndrome filled in the Wender-Utah Rating Scale for ADHD to describe retrospectively their childhood behavior. Results: Fourteen out of 20 adults with Asperger syndrome self-rated above the cut-off limit for ADHD. The median total score was also higher than that reported in normal populations in previous studies. When compared with 10 controls, patients with Asperger syndrome scored higher in almost all individual items. Conclusions: A high score on the Wender-Utah rating Scale for ADHD in this patient group might be a sign of true comorbidity with ADHD, an indication of overlapping features typical of both disorders, or a result of other psychiatric comorbidity originating already in childhood. Moreover, there are no data about the proper cut-off limit for ADHD in these subjects. Therefore, one should be cautious when applying this scale beyond its original context of comparison between adults with ADHD, unipolar depression and healthy controls.
Determination of the Recipient Vessels in the Head and Neck Using Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography Angiography Before Free Flap Surgery: A Preliminary Study

Preoperative assessment of the recipient vessels in free flap surgery directly affects the success rate of the operation by determining the flap type, pedicle length, orientation to the recipient site, and need for a vein graft. For this purpose, conventional angiographic methods are still being used with some disadvantages. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential success of multislice computed tomography angiography in assessment of the recipient vessels before free flap surgery and to reveal if this may be an alternative to conventional angiography. The study was bilaterally carried out in 33 outpatients using a 16-detector spiral computed tomography scanner. In images of multiplanar reconstructions, maximum intensity projections, and three-dimensional volume renderings, the external carotid artery and its main branches were evaluated in terms of availability; patency, stenosis, or occlusion; maximal and minimal external diameters through their traces; variations involving ramification from another main vessel; and abnormal course. The superior thyroid artery was absent bilaterally in two patients (6.06%). The external carotid artery was stenotic on one side in two patients (6.06%) and on each side in one (3.03%). All the remaining vessels appeared without stenosis, occlusion, or variation. We think that multislice computed tomography angiography can provide detailed information about vascular structures and the remaining anatomic structures and their relationships with the recipient vessels. Therefore, multislice computed tomography angiography, as a less invasive vascular imaging method, can be a useful tool before planning free flap surgery.
A Stability Analysis of a Multiple Denomination Equilibrium

We consider existence and stability in a simple version of Lee et al. (2005). For a sufficiently large discount factor, a steady state of full-support wealth distribution and pure strategy exists, whereas for an intermediate discount factor, a steady state of mixed strategy exists. Both steady states are locally stable and determinate. All denominations are circulated in the mixed-strategy steady state, whereas larger denominations are not held in the other steady state. We also show that nonfull-support steady states exist, and are stable and indeterminate. This finding is in sharp contrast to that of Huang, and Igarashi (2014), which show instability of nonfull-support steady states in Lee et al (2005).
Androgen abuse epidemiology

Purpose of review To systematically review current epidemiological literature on androgen abuse. Estimates from 32 empirical epidemiological articles were reviewed. Recent findings Generally, androgen abuse epidemiology and prevalence is higher in Europe, the Middle East, North America (the USA), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), and South America (Brazil) and lower in Africa and Asia. In contrast to the general population, androgen abuse epidemiology and prevalence is higher among athletes, injection drug users, recreational sportspeople, and sexual and gender minorities. Summary From the 1970s, androgen abuse spread from athletes into the general population. Consistent with previous evidence, reviewed studies suggest that androgen abuse epidemiology and prevalence is higher in Western cultural contexts, the Middle East, and South America (Brazil) and lower in Africa and Asia. Evidence also corroborates indications that androgen abuse is less prevalent among women (vs. men), and in the general population in contrast to particular subpopulations consisting of athletes, injection drug users, recreational sportspeople, and sexual and gender minorities. Adolescents’ androgen abuse should be of special concern. Androgen abuse in some nonsports occupations (e.g. security workers) requires further exploration. Polypharmacy and the Internet proliferation of androgens and other PIEDs require surveillance for prevention and harm reduction.
Comparative evaluation of gustatory function between postmenopausal women and age-matched men.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare the gustatory function between postmenopausal women and age-matched men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS During a period of 4 months, 30 postmenopausal women and 30 age-matched men were prospectively evaluated for gustatory function. Each subject was given a symptoms questionnaire for self-assessment of taste function. Then, whole mouth taste test was performed in which the quality identification and intensity ratings of taste solutions were measured. RESULTS Regarding correct quality identification, the results were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). As far as the intensity judgments are concerned, significant difference exists between postmenopausal women and age-matched men. Intensity of taste perception for sucrose was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than intensity of taste perception for other tastes (P < 0.05). One of the noticeable findings is that 15 (50%) postmenopausal women reported a change in dietary habits; all expressed liking for sweeter food. CONCLUSION Postmenopausal women appeared to have a reduced perception of sucrose, which can alter eating habits, such as intake of more sweet foods, whereas no significant difference is observed in taste perception of NaCl, citric acid and quinine hydrochloride between postmenopausal women and age-matched men. Fifteen (50%) postmenopausal women stated fondness for sweet taste.
Total and isoform‐specific quantitative assessment of circulating fibulin‐1 using selected reaction monitoring MS and time‐resolved immunofluorometry

Targeted proteomics using SRM‐MS combined with stable‐isotope dilution has emerged as a promising quantitative technique for the study of circulating protein biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize robust quantitative assays for the emerging cardiovascular biomarker fibulin‐1 and its circulating isoforms in human plasma.
Urine samples from disposable diapers: an accurate method for urine cultures.

BACKGROUND The method of collection of the urine sample is of paramount importance in making a diagnosis of urinary tract infection in infants and children. Squeezing urine out of disposable diapers can provide a urine sample that can be used to detect chemical abnormalities as well as a specimen suitable for microscopic examination. To date there have been no reported studies on the use of this technique for urine culture as compared with samples collected by suprapubic aspiration and catheterization. METHODS Urine was obtained from 38 infants aged under 2 years who presented with fever with no obvious cause. All infants had urine collected either by catheterization or suprapubic aspiration and by extraction from a disposable diaper. The urine samples were cultured using standard bacteriologic techniques. RESULTS Five infants had a urinary tract infection, as shown by a pure growth of more than 10(5) colonies/mL of a single species of bacterium. In all the cases the same result was obtained from both the diaper urine sample and the sample obtained by suprapubic aspiration or catheter. In 31 infants the urine samples collected by both techniques (diaper and catheter or suprapubic aspiration) were negative, and in only 2 infants did the diaper specimen yield a positive result, while the urine obtained by suprapubic aspiration or catheter was sterile. CONCLUSIONS Urine obtained from a disposable diaper can provide a valid sample for diagnosing urinary tract infection. The technique is simple, and can be carried out readily in ambulatory settings with minimal equipment and expense.
Evaluation of the relationship between serum levels of VEGF and sVEGFR1 with mortality and prognosis in patients with Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever

The most accepted view to explaining the pathogenesis of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endothelial damage. This study was conducted in a University hospital to investigate the serum levels and prognostic significance of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 receptor (sVEGFR‐1) in CCHF. Forty‐eight consecutive hospitalized CCHF patients (grouped into severe illness and non‐severe illness) and 40 healthy adults, as controls were enrolled. There was statistically significant difference for each of VEGF (P = 0.003), and sVEGFR1 (P = 0.0001) between the patients and controls. VEGF and sVEGFR1 levels in patients with severe CCHF were found to be higher than in the control group (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). A significant difference was found in VEGF (P = 0.003) and sVEGFR1 (P = 0.0001) levels when compared to patients with CCHF who died and who recovered. In patients in the group with severe illness, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area underneath the ROC curve (AUROC) belonging to those cut‐off points of VEGF and sVEGFR1 were 66.7%, 76.2%, 0.747, and 77.8%, 81%, 0.849, respectively. In non‐survivors, the sensitivity, specificity, and the AUROC belonging to those cut‐off points of VEGF and sVEGFR1 defined as 77.8%, 76.9%, 0.813, and 88.9%, 97.4%, 0.912, respectively. In conclusion, high sensitivity, specificity, and the AUROC values were found in sVEGFR1 levels especially in the severely ill and non‐survivors. Therefore, sVEGFR1 may be an important biomarker for determining the risk of severity and death as result of infection with CCHF virus. J Med. Virol. 85:1794–1801, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EU Conditionality and Minority Rights: A Comparative Study on Romania and Turkey

Minority rights protection has been one of the significant litmus tests for the success of the EU conditionality. In Romania, the accession process helped transform key minority policies and improved the records whereas in Turkey, the traditional minority policies still linger despite the small changes in early 2000s. This paper aims to analyze how EU conditionality in minority related policies has become successful in Romania but not in Turkey through the application of the external incentives model to the cases to see under which circumstances minority rights measures were adopted and refused. The model assumes that the EU conditionality can be expected to improve minority conditions when the credibility of conditionality is higher, the conditions are determinate and the domestic adoption costs are lower in target states. Therefore, the paper attempts to test this model’s assumptions and expectations within the cases of Romania and Turkey. The paper argues that although the veto players and domestic adoption costs primarily determine the success of the EU conditionality in minority rights in target states, the EU conditionality can, to an extent, undermine the power of resistant political forces by credible membership prospect and clear conditions.
The Socialization of Pain Memories: A Comparative Analysis of Parent-Child Reminiscing about Past Events Involving Pain versus Sadness

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Pediatric Psychology following peer review. The version of recordMaria Pavlova, Susan A Graham, Abbie Jordan, Jill Chorney, Jillian Vinall, Nivez Rasic, James Brookes, Monica Hoy, Warren K Yunker, Melanie Noel, Socialization of Pain Memories: Parent-Child Reminiscing About Past Painful and Sad Events, Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Volume 44, Issue 6, July 2019, Pages 679–691 is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsz009
Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat and Thigh Muscle Composition Predict Insulin Sensitivity Independently of Visceral Fat

Whether visceral adipose tissue has a uniquely powerful association with insulin resistance or whether subcutaneous abdominal fat shares this link has generated controversy in the area of body composition and insulin sensitivity. An additional issue is the potential role of fat deposition within skeletal muscle and the relationship with insulin resistance. To address these matters, the current study was undertaken to measure body composition, aerobic fitness, and insulin sensitivity within a cohort of sedentary healthy men (n = 26) and women (n = 28). The subjects, who ranged from lean to obese (BMI 19.6-41.0 kg/m2), underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), computed tomography to measure cross-sectional abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, and computed tomography (CT) of mid-thigh to measure muscle cross-sectional area, muscle attenuation, and subcutaneous fat. Insulin sensitivity was measured using the glucose clamp technique (40 mU · m∼2 · min−1), in conjunction with [3-3H]glucose isotope dilution. Maximal aerobic power (Vo2max) was determined using an incremental cycling test. Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (Rd) ranged from 3.03 to 16.83 mg · min−1· kg−1 FFM. Rd was negatively correlated with FM (r = -0.58), visceral fat (r = -0.52), subcutaneous abdominal fat (r = -0.61), and thigh fat (r = -0.38) and positively correlated with muscle attenuation (r = 0.48) and Vo2max (r = 0.26, P < 0.05). In addition to manifesting the strongest simple correlation with insulin sensitivity, in stepwise multiple regression, subcutaneous abdominal fat retained significance after adjusting for visceral fat, while the converse was not found. Muscle attenuation contributed independent significance to multiple regression models of body composition and insulin sensitivity, and in analysis of obese subjects, muscle attenuation was the strongest single correlate of insulin resistance. In summary, as a component of central adiposity, subcutaneous abdominal fat has as strong an association with insulin resistance as visceral fat, and altered muscle composition, suggestive of increased fat content, is an important independent marker of insulin resistance in obesity.
On the Ethics of Crowdsourced Research

ABSTRACT This article examines the ethics of crowdsourcing in social science research, with reference to my own experience using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. As these types of research tools become more common in scholarly work, we must acknowledge that many participants are not one-time respondents or even hobbyists. Many people work long hours completing surveys and other tasks for very low wages, relying on those incomes to meet their basic needs. I present my own experience of interviewing Mechanical Turk participants about their sources of income, and I offer recommendations to individual researchers, social science departments, and journal editors regarding the more ethical use of crowdsourcing.
Surgical outcome of pharyngeal flap surgery and intravelar veloplasty on the velopharyngeal function.

PURPOSE To investigate the postoperative outcomes of pharyngeal flap surgery (PF) and secondary palatoplasty with intravelar veloplasty (IV) in the velopharyngeal insufficiency management regarding nasalance scores and velopharyngeal area. METHODS Seventy-eight patients with cleft palate±lips submitted to surgical treatment for velopharyngeal insufficiency, for 14 months on an average, were evaluated: 40 with PF and 38 with IV, of both genders, aged between 6 and 52 years old. Hypernasality was estimated by means of nasalance scores obtained by nasometry with a cutoff score of 27%. The measurement of velopharyngeal orifice area was provided by the pressure-flow technique and velopharyngeal closure was classified as: adequate (0.000-0.049 cm²), adequate/borderline (0.050-0.099 cm²), borderline/inadequate (0.100-0.199 cm²), and inadequate (≥0.200 cm²). RESULTS Absence of hypernasality was observed in 70% of the cases and adequate velopharyngeal closure was observed in 80% of the cases, in the PF group. In the IV group, absence of hypernasality was observed in 34% and adequate velopharyngeal closure was observed in 50% of the patients. Statistically significant differences were obtained between the two techniques for both evaluations. CONCLUSION PF was more efficient than the secondary palatoplasty with IV to reduce hypernasality and get adequate velopharyngeal closure.