Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of mating on female reproduction across hermaphroditic freshwater snails

Sexual conflicts often arise between mating partners because each sex tries to maximize its own reproductive success. One major male strategy to influence a partner's resource allocation is the transfer of accessory gland proteins. This has been shown to occur in simultaneous hermaphrodites as well as in organisms with separate sexes. Although accessory gland proteins affect the investment of resources in both male and female function, we here specifically focus on female investment. In the great pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, previous studies found that the accessory gland protein ovipostatin reduced female fecundity by suppressing egg laying in the partner in the short term (days). To investigate whether this reduction in egg laying is a commonly found effect of mating in freshwater snails, we compared egg output for evidence of suppression in isolated and paired snails of eight pulmonate species. Furthermore, we determined whether the suppression of egg laying caused a shift in resource allocation to the eggs. We found that in five of the eight species egg laying was suppressed, with fewer and lighter egg masses being laid when they had access to a mating partner. In mated pairs of L. stagnalis and Biomphalaria alexandrina, allocation of resources to the eggs was altered in opposite ways: individuals of L. stagnalis laid fewer but larger and heavier eggs; individuals of B. alexandrina laid smaller and lighter eggs, with no change in egg numbers. Such changes in the female function are most likely the result of combined effects of receiving accessory gland proteins, and the cost of mating in both male and female roles. Thus, effects of the maternal environment, including the receipt of accessory gland proteins, on offspring investment are not restricted to species with separate sexes.
Partnering with Districts to Expand an After-School Maths Club Programme

Abstract A key intervention of the South African Numeracy Chair Project (SANCP) since 2011 has been the introduction of mathematics (or maths) clubs, which occur in the out-of-school time space. In 2016 the maths club concept was developed into a 15-week Pushing for Progression (PfP) teacher development programme which supports primary school mathematics teachers to run clubs beyond the SANCP local area. Expanding intervention models beyond local schools is imperative in the second phase of the SANCP (2016–2020). Working from a mixed methods methodological approach, the researchers collected pre- and post-data for a 4-operations assessment of the entire PfP programme. In this article they share learner data from one of the nine teachers who participated in the PfP maths club programme in the Uitenhague District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to illuminate how partnerships between academics, district officials and teachers can enable powerful student learning in the club space. They argue further that within the tightly focused development programme run by teachers in this one district, it is possible for learners to make substantive progress in mathematical proficiency (MP) (especially procedural fluency and conceptual understanding) when comparing scores and learner methods between a pre- and post- assessment.
Effect of ambient temperature on recovery from muscular exercise

Sri Lanka has high daytime ambient temperatures throughout the year that are too high to allow dissipation of body heat by non-evaporative methods. The predominant method of heat loss in the tropics, the evaporative heat loss, is also limited because of high humidity caused by wet conditions. Therefore, the limitations to thermoregulation could lead to poor work performance. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of two different ambient temperatures (28.5°C with relative humidity of 73.4% and 22.6°C with relative humidity of 64%) on the recovery from muscular exercise. The study was conducted on 20 sedentary male university students aged 21-24 years (mean 22.5 years). They were made to perform standard exercise for six minutes on a bicycle ergometer at two different ambient temperatures on two different occasions. Physiological parameters including heart rate, pulmonary ventilation, axillary temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured at rest and during recovery at five-minute intervals up to 20 minutes. Results showed that although the recovery pattern of cardio-respiratory changes were similar at these two ambient temperatures, the values for heart rate, pulmonary ventilation and systolic blood pressure at the end of exercise at higher ambient temperature with higher relative humidity were significantly higher. At least in the study situation, the lower ambient temperature would be more favourable with regard to cardio-respiratory changes while performing moderate exercise. These findings point to the importance of planning different schedules of work and resting periods for different environmental conditions, especially, those with high ambient temperature and high relative humidity.
Prevalence and Pattern of Direct Gynecological Morbidity among Postmenopausal Women Aged Above 50 – A Community Study

Background: Gynecological morbidity is one of the three facets of reproductive morbidity as enlisted by WHO. The aim of this study is to understand the prevalence and pattern of direct gynecological morbidity among postmenopausal women aged above 50years in an urban setting in Trivandrum district. Materials and Methods: The study was done in two randomly selected wards of Trivandrum district. Sample size derived was 400. Systematic sampling was done to select the study households. From the study household postmenopausal women above 50 consenting for study was selected. Mentally challenged and bedridden women were excluded. Phase one was an interview at the woman’s house and phase two was a gynecological examination including cervical smear at the nearest facility which was Government Medical College Trivandrum. Data was collected and analyzed. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of self-reported gynecological symptoms was 19% in the study population and the gynecological morbidity computed by examination was 23.5%. This was low when compared to other studies. The probable reason could be that this study population was the educated, urban, middleclass women with easy accessible health facility. The most frequent symptom was those involving the urinary tract (12.3%) and the morbidity was diseases of the vulva and vagina. Younger age of menarche and lower socioeconomic status was found to have significant association with the prevalence of gynecological symptoms. Back ground Reproductive morbidity was redefined after the ICPD conference in 1994 in Cairo (1) Rather than confining to a particular phase in the life of a woman, it was to include the whole life cycle. For many women her postmenopausal life years may exceed her reproductive life years as the life expectancy has increased (2) Often the health problems, especially the reproductive tract related problems of the post-menopausal women may go unaddressed in Kerala too in spite of the high health indices. This may lead to late diagnosis of www.jmscr. igmpublication.org Impact Factor 5.84 Index Copernicus Value: 83.27 ISSN (e)-2347-176x ISSN (p) 2455-0450 DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i4.210
The Role of Albumin-bound Paclitaxel (Abraxane) in the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

A CED-SOS Advice Report is a document developed by the PEBC in response to a request from the Committee to Evaluate Drugs (CED) for a review of the clinical evidence on a specific cancer drug or combination of drugs. An abbreviated systematic review of the literature is undertaken in a very short time period. This particular document was developed by one clinical expert and one PEBC staff member. This document has been internally approved by PEBC management but has not been subject to a broader external review due to time constraints.
The Undrained Behaviour of an Air-Fall Volcanic Ash

Pyroclastic soils are widespread in the world. In particular, they cover a great part of Campania, a densely populated country of Southern Italy, where some distinct volcanic centers are present. In these soils, precipitations can trigger fast flow-like landslides causing destruction and loss of human lives. The movement style, the high velocity and the long run-out of these landslides are an indication of the occurrence, in the saturated soil mass, of mechanisms of undrained instability due to the inability of soil to sustain the deviator stress related to the slope condition. This paper reports the results of a wide experimental laboratory program carried out on a volcanic ash, which recently has been the seat of a killer landslide, stressing the factors that govern the undrained response of these materials.
Exo-D-Mapps Attenuates Production of Inflammatory Cytokines and Promoted Generation of Immunosuppressive Phenotype in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) produce immunomodulatory factors that regulate production of cytokines and chemokines in immune cells affecting their functional properties. Administration of MSCs-sourced secretome, including MSC-derived conditioned medium (MSC-CM) and MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos), showed beneficial effects similar to those observed after transplantation of MSCs. Due to their nano-size dimension, MSC-Exos easily penetrate through the tissue and in paracrine and endocrine manner, may deliver MSC-sourced factors to the target immune cells modulating their function. MSCs derived from amniotic fluid (AF-MSCs) had superior cell biological properties than MSCs derived from bone marrow. We recently developed “Exosomes Derived Multiple Allogeneic Proteins Paracrine Signaling (Exo-d-MAPPS)”, a biological product in which the activity is based on AF-MSC-derived Exos capable to deliver immunomodulatory molecules and growth factors to the target cells. Herewith, we analyzed immunosuppressive capacity of Exo-d-MAPPS against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (pbMNCs) and demonstrated that Exo-d-MAPPS efficiently suppressed generation of inflammatory phenotype in activated pbMNCs. Exo-d-MAPPS attenuated production of inflammatory cytokines and promoted generation of immunosuppressive phenotype in Lipopolysaccharide-primed pbMNCs. Exo-d-MAPPS treatment reduced expansion of inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells and promoted generation of immunosuppressive T regulatory cells in the population of Concanavalin A-primed pbMNCs. Similarly, Exod-MAPPS treatment suppressed pro-inflammatory and promoted anti-inflammatory properties of α-GalCer-primed pbMNCs. In summing up, due to its capacity for suppression of activated pbMNCs, Exo-d-MAPPS should be further explored in animal models of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases as a potentially new remedy for the attenuation of detrimental immune response.
Fetuin-A as a Possible Marker of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Non-Surgical Weight Loss

Objective: Overweight and obesity are ranked as the fifth leading cause for global deaths and significantly contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common comorbidity finally leading to end-stage liver disease. The diagnostic tool for confirming NAFLD is liver biopsy, an invasive procedure known to cause complications. Results from transient elastography are not reliable in obese patients. Therefore, alternative diagnostic approaches are necessary. One putative biomarker is fetuin-A, also known as α2-Heremans-Schmid Glycoprotein (AHSG), which has been proposed for the diagnosis of NAFLD. We therefore aimed to examine the role of fetuin-A in severely obese patients and its value in predicting NAFLD. Methods: 62 obese patients with a body mass index of at least 30 kg/m2 undergoing a medically supervised weight loss program were analysed at time points T0 (before weight loss), T1 (after non-surgical weight loss within 12 weeks), and T2 (after 52 weeks). Anthropometrical parameters, laboratory values for NAFLD, fetuin-A, “Fatty Liver-index” (FLI), and NASH-Score were determined. Results: 38 out of 62 patients completed the program. These patients showed a significant decrease in BMI (T0: 41.5 ± 7.1 kg/m2; T2: 33.5 ± 7.0 kg/m2; p<0.001 each). While markers of NAFLD improved from T0 to T2, no significant change was observed in fetuin-A (p=0.36). FLI and NASH-Score significantly improved over time (p ≤ 0.001; p=0.03). Both scores failed to show a correlation with fetuin-A at baseline or during the program. Conclusion: Fetuin-A does not appear to be suitable for diagnosis and follow-up of NAFLD in patients with severe obesity.
Design Principles for Improving Spatial Secrecy Performance in Random Access-Based Wireless Mutual Broadcast Networks

This letter investigates the potentials of strengthening the network-wide physical layer security performance of the random access based wireless mutual broadcast (RA-WMB), where both transmitters and receivers are unspecified, under a stochastic geometry framework. Further, this study proposes the design principles of the key operation parameters including the transmission probability and friendly jammer density in terms of improving the spatial secrecy performance. The analysis and numerical results clarify the difference between the secure and nonsecure operations in the RA-WMB networks.
Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Lacerations of Episiotomy Versus Non-Episiotomy in Spontaneous Vaginal Deliveries at Phramongkutklao Hospital

Objective To study third and fourth degree perineal lacerations of episiotomy versus nonepisiotomy in spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Materials and Methods 164 term singleton pregnancies admitted for spontaneous vaginal deliveries were randomly assigned to episiotomy or non-episiotomy at the time of deliveries. The primary outcome was number of third and fourth degree perineal lacerations. Postpartum perineal pain score was also assessed at 24 and 48 hours in different positions (stand, walk, lie down and sit). Results 164 term singleton pregnancies were analyzed (82 cases / group). None of fourth degree laceration was found in this study. Third degree laceration occurred 8.5% in episiotomy group and 1.2% in non-episiotomy group (Relative risk, 8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28 to 50.04). No difference in perineal pain score at 24 and 48 hours postpartum. Conclusion In term pregnancies with spontaneous vaginal deliveries, the episiotomy group had more risk of third degree perineal laceration than non-episiotomy group with no difference in pain.
Brand Experience and Mediating Roles of Brand Love, Brand Prestige and Brand Trust

The study has examined females’ attitude and behavior towards cosmetic beauty products. Based on the theory of super additive effects, social identity theory and triangulation theory of love, we have developed a new model that has six direct relationships and three mediating relationships. The questionnaire was adapted from the literature. It has 5 latent variables and 35 indicator variables based on the five point Likert scale. The data was collected from females of Karachi. The sample size for the study was 387 and the response rate was 95%. The results suggest that consumers positive experience with a brand promotes brand love, brand prestige and brand trust. The antecedents of brand love, brand prestige and brand trust also promote brand loyalty. In addition, brand love, brand prestige and brand trust have mediating effects on brand loyalty. This study was restricted to Karachi. Although Karachi is a metropolitan city, consumer attitude and behavior might be different in other cities of Pakistan.Keywords: Theory of super-additive effects, social identity theory, theory of love, brand love, brand prestige, brand trust, brand loyalty.
The prognostic value of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (sVCAM-1)in children with septic shock.

Introduction: Septic shock is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in children all over the world. Septic shock is identified by endothelial dysfunction due to excessive stimulation of cytokines and chemical mediator. VCAM-1 is one of the adhesive molecules. VCAM-1 can predict the severity of the disease. This study aimed to identify sVCAM-1 as an outcome predictor (survival/non-survival) in children with sepsis. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit during February-June 2017. A total of 70 sepsis patients were included. The mean age in improved group was 6.38 years old and median was 4.6 years old, while in dying group was 4.87 and median 2.30 years old. Plasma specimens for sVCAM-1 were collected at admission, then the outcome of the patients were being followed. The diagnosis of septic shock is using the International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus 2005 criteria. Serum sVCAM-1 was measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique. Results: The initial level of sVCAM-1 was significantly increased in both groups, but higher in the septic shock group. Cut off point ≥ 313 ng/ml for the sepsis patient becoming septic shock was obtained through the ROC, with sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 100% and Area under Curve (AUC) 1. Conclusion: Initial level of sVCAM-1 can be used as an outcome predictor of sepsis patient in children and limit level ≥ 313 ng/ml is the most optimal cut off point as a prognostic value.
Alcoholic Liver Disease from the Clinical Point of View

Liver disease is responsible for more than 55% of deaths resulting from alcohol abuse, while the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is closely correlated with per capita alcohol consumption. ALD represents a wide range of histological changes ranging from simple steatosis to heavier forms of liver injury including alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis and/or concurrent development of hepatocellular carcinoma. These alterations of the hepatic parenchyma do not necessarily reflect distinct stages of liver disease progression, but rather a continuum relating to histological changes that may be observed simultaneously in the same patient. The fact that only 35% of patients with heavy alcohol abuse develop advanced stages of liver disease, suggests that in the pathogenesis of ALD a number of other factors are involved that include gender, obesity, drinking patterns, dietary factors, non-sex-linked genetic factors and smoking. Also, long-term drinking can affect synergistically with hepatitis B or C and/or the human immunodeficiency virus, the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatic disorders such as hemochromatosis. The diagnosis of ALD is based on a combination of findings, including the history of significant alcohol consumption, the clinical evidence of the concomitant liver injury supported by the resultant histological, imaging and laboratory findings. A beneficial effect of alcoholic hepatitis treatment with corticosteroids is observed in patients with encephalopathy or with poor prognosis based on the various grading and prognostic systems of gravity, while the harmful effect is prominent in patients with milder disease, as they manifest an increased risk of infections compared with those not receiving corticosteroids. In patients with alcoholic hepatitis that cannot take corticosteroids for various reasons and in those with the onset of functional renal failure (“hepatorenal syndrome”), use of pentoxifylline is recommended.
A Rare Case of Tabes Dorsalis

Tabes Dorsalis has become a rare clinical presentation in cases of neuro syphilis since the advent of antibiotics. The recent surge in syphilis cases [1], however, has once again raised interest in the diagnosis and treatment of this rare clinical entity. In this case report, a case of tabes dorsalis in an 82 year African American female is presented. She, also, had right peroneal nerve mono neuropathy that challenged the clinical diagnosis of tabes dorsalis and complicated its management.
Single-cell immuno-mechanics: rapid viscoelastic changes are a hall-mark of early leukocyte activation

To accomplish their critical task of removing infected cells and fighting pathogens, leukocytes activate by forming specialized interfaces with other cells. Using an innovative micropipette rheometer, we show in three different cell types that when stimulated by microbeads mimicking target cells, leukocytes become up to ten times stiffer and more viscous. These mechanical changes initiate within seconds after contact and evolve rapidly over minutes. Remarkably, leukocyte elastic and viscous properties evolve in parallel, preserving a well-defined ratio that constitutes a mechanical signature specific to each cell type. The current results indicate that simultaneously tracking both elastic and viscous properties during an active cell process provides a new way to investigate cell mechanical processes. Our findings also suggest that dynamic immuno-mechanical measurements provide an identifier of leukocyte type and an indicator of the cell’s state of activation.
The Optimization of Lateral Ankle Sprain Management Among Physiotherapists in the Canadian Armed Forces

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the 3 rd most common injury sustained by military members, affecting their physical readiness and thereby the operational readiness of the military. To limit the impact of LAS on the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), this thesis used three studies to investigate an approach to optimize the LAS management practices of CAF Physiotherapists. Firstly, a literature review determined the LAS management practices recommended by current best research evidence. Subsequently, 52 CAF Physiotherapists were surveyed to establish their LAS management practices. Comparing these sources revealed that over 84.6% of the respondents reported using evidence based practices across all stages of healing. However, respondents also reported a relative delay in prescribing balance & strengthening exercises until the sub-acute stage of healing, and reported a limited use of balance & functional performance measures across all stages of healing. A focus group of CAF Physiotherapists further explored their LAS management practices and investigated any factors affecting the implementation of a comprehensive rehabilitation program derived from current research evidence. Seven participants confirmed delaying their prescription of strengthening exercises and using a limited number of balance & functional performance measures ̧ but denied barriers to implementing the rehabilitation program in garrison or on deployment. A pilot study investigated the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial to determine the value of adding manual ankle mobilizations to the rehabilitation program to improve ankle dorsiflexion in 20 CAF members with LAS. It was concluded that the study design was feasible in a CAF setting, yet there were no statistically significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion between the mobilization (95.2±47.5mm) and sham groups (94.7±36.9mm) at 2 weeks (p=0.84). However,
Deadly inertia: a cross-country study of educational responses to HIV / AIDS.

The AIDS epidemic has become a global crisis -- currently threatening the lives of around 38 million people and devastating entire societies. Education systems have a critical role to play in fighting this epidemic because of their capacity to reach very large numbers of young people with life-saving information and skills. A complete primary education can halve the risk of HIV infection for young people; and in fact basic education has such a powerful preventative effect especially for young women that it has been described as the social vaccine. As the epidemic gathers pace however it poses increasing risks to education itself threatening to stop children from enrolling teachers from teaching and schools from functioning. (excerpt)