Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient Satisfaction With Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling in a Cohort of Ethnically Diverse and Rural Women in Yunnan Province, China

Objective Rural Yunnan Province is one of the most ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse regions in China. The majority of its women have never been screened for cervical cancer. It is not known whether women would feel comfortable and ultimately even prefer using a human papillomavirus (HPV) self-swabbing method. Methods In a 6-day period, 3,600 women were taught the role of HPV in cervical cancer. They were then given self-swabbing instructions. After obtaining their specimens, 600 women were interviewed about their experience with HPV self-testing. The women were of the Yi, Hui, Dai, and Han ethnicities. Results The overwhelming majority of the women surveyed understood the self-sampling instructions (588/600, 98%) and felt comfortable carrying out the self-sampling procedure (584/600, 97%). Significantly more women (389/600, 64.8%) preferred self-sampling to having the provider (211/600, 35.2%) obtain the sample (χ2 = 105.61, p < .05). Women who preferred self-sampling did so primarily because they felt capable of obtaining the specimens (n = 80) or that it was a more convenient way to be tested (n = 79). The medical expertise of the provider (n = 74) and concerns over the accuracy of the test (n = 88) shifted some women's preference toward a provider-obtained sample. Conclusions There are 400+ million Chinese women who have never had a cervical cancer screening. Self-testing has the potential to significantly increase the number of women tested. Despite the diversity of the women screened, the majority felt comfortable self-sampling and preferred self-swabbing to provider testing.
Disruption of androgen regulation in the prostate by environmental contaminants and dietary factors

There is a growing concern that many of the environmental and dietary chemicals, that are ingested by humans but have not been thoroughly tested for endocrine activity, may pose a significant health threat. These chemicals have the potential to mimic or antagonize hormone action through binding to intracellular receptors. This thesis examines the hypothesis that environmental contaminants and dietary factors can influence the function of androgen receptor (AR) in the prostate in a direct manner by binding it, or indirectly through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and thereby may influence prostate development and growth. We have characterized a subclass of androgen response elements in the probasin promoter and we have used a number of methods to investigate known and putative ligands of AhR that may impact androgen receptor function. Our in vitro experimental approach utilizes androgenand aryl hydrocarbon-responsive DNA constructs connected to a firefly luciferase reporter gene. The degree to which the chemicals bind AR and displace androgen was also evaluated. The results indicate that several AhR ligands, including resveratrol, indole 3 carbinol, curcumin and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) antagonize androgen-initiated transcriptional activity without binding to the androgen receptor. Three AhR ligands have also been tested for in vivo effects using transgenic mice in which the prostate-specific androgen-responsive promoter is linked to a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene. In four-week-old mice, exposure to either 2,3,7,8tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or resveratrol decreased CAT activity and testis weight. In the eight-week-old mice, there was a significant decrease in both CAT activity and prostate weight upon exposure to either HCB or TCDD. Therefore, all three of the AhR ligands studied can suppress androgen-sensitive parameters both in vitro and in vivo. The latest project was designed to investigate the endocrine disrupting properties of 27 environmental compounds identified in an epidemiological study correlating agricultural ii occupational exposure to increased risk of prostate cancer. Eleven of the compounds bound AR while 22 caused a statistically significant alteration in androgen activity. Environmental contaminants have been implicated in the rising incidence of prostate cancer and insight into the mechanisms of endocrine disruption will clarify their potential role in this disease.
Faecal calprotectin in hidradenitis suppurativa: a study of 55 patients

EJD, vol. 30, n◦ 4, July-August 2020 A 28-year-old man presented with a black nodule on his head. The diagnosis of WAS had been made clinically when the patient was four years old. The lesion had been noticed by the patient three months before. Physical examination revealed an 8×6-mm black nodule with a small ulceration in the centre at the crown of his head (figure 1A). Dermoscopy revealed an ulceration and large blue-grey ovoid nests in addition to arborizing vessels (figure 1B). Histopathological examination of the excised tumour showed tumour nests with melanin deposition in the superficial dermis, with a crust over the tumour (figure 1C). Some tumour nests were in contact with the epidermis (figure 1D); they were made of atypical, mitotic cells (figure 1F). The infiltrating cells around the tumour were rather sparse (figure 1E). These clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological findings led to the diagnosis of BCC. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the cells infiltrating the base of the tumour were CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes; no B lymphocytes were seen (figure 1G-I). Within the infiltration, CD56+ NK cells were sparse, but a substantial amount of infiltrating TIA1+/Granzyme B+ cells in those areas was seen (figure 1J-L). There was no relapse one year after resection of the tumour. WAS is a rare X-linked primary immunodeficiency characterized by deficiency in haematopoiesis and the immune system [3]. Defective functions of T cells include an impairment of proliferation in response to T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, secretion of cytokines and signalling under TCR [3, 4]. Furthermore, NK cells in WAS fail to form lytic synapses and express low levels of CD56, being occasionally completely CD56-negative [5]. To elucidate the profile of infiltrating cells around the tumour, we carried out an immunohistochemical analysis using, as a control, 10 BCCs from immunocompetent patients (see supplementary table 1). The pattern of infiltrating lymphocytes and NK cells is intriguing in terms of the immunological defects of WAS compared to the 10 BCC immunocompetent patients. Infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes were relatively abundant compared to infiltrating CD4+ T lymphocytes, in addition to the low number of infiltrating B lymphocytes in the WAS case compared to controls. Although a substantial number of infiltrating NK cells, shown by immunohistochemistry for TIA-1 and Granzyme B, were seen, the expression of CD56 was low in those cells. This pattern of NK cells was found in only 3/10 cases of BCC from immunocompetent patients. The exact mechanisms and functions of genes and/or proteins related to WAS in the skin remain to be elucidated. The accumulation of such cases may unravel the mechanisms of carcinogenesis via the immunodeficiency against tumours and will probably reveal why BCC is rare in WAS.
Work–Family Conflict, Emotional Responses, Workplace Deviance, and Well-Being among Construction Professionals: A Sequential Mediation Model

Given the dynamic, complex, and highly demanding project environment, construction professionals are particularly likely to experience a high level of work–family conflict. Taking an emotional resource perspective and on the basis of affective events theory, this study tested negative affect and emotional exhaustion as sequential mediators between two directions of work–family conflict and workplace well-being or deviance behavior. The theoretical model was examined using data collected at two time points from 143 construction professionals through regression analysis and bootstrapping. The results indicate that work–family conflict was positively related to deviant behavior and negatively related to workplace well-being. The findings demonstrate that the mediation effects of emotional exhaustion between work–family conflict and workplace well-being or deviant behavior were significant and that the sequential mediating effects of negative affect and emotional exhaustion in the relationship between work–family conflict and workplace well-being or deviant behavior were significant. Moreover, different impacts of work interference with family and family interference with work on job-related attitudes and behavior were observed. These findings highlight the importance of emotional experience to understand the negative impact of work–family conflict in the temporary project context.
Western Blot Analysis of Sera from Leishmania major-Infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 Mice

INTRODUCTION Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for a variety of diseases known as leishmaniasis ranging from self-healing cutaneous lesions to a fatal visceral disease. The mechanisms by which the parasite induces such a broad range of diseases are mostly unknown and involve both the pathogen and the host factors. Experimentally Leishmania (L.) major-infected mice are widely used to study the immune responses elicited against the disease. Infection with L. major in resistant C57BL/6 mice is controlled at the site of primary infection and the lesion is finally healed. Susceptible BALB/c mice, on the other hand, fail to control parasite growth and its fatal visceral spread. In these mice models, resistance and susceptibility against Leishmaina infection are determined by functionally distinct Tcell subsets. A predominant T helper 1 (Th1) response is identified by interferon-Gamma (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) release. This response leads to the activation of infected macrophages to kill parasites and subsequently will control the infection. In contrast, a Th2 response, mediated by interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, increases susceptibility to infection and permits disease progression [1-3]. In addition, IL-10 is an important mediator shared by multiple T-cell subsets,
Healthcare at Your Fingertips: The Acceptance and Adoption of Mobile Medical Treatment Services among Chinese Users

Mobile health (mHealth) services have recently been receiving increasing attention. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how users accept and adopt mobile medical treatment (MMT) services, some of the most promising mHealth services that aim to extend the patient–physician relationship beyond the conventional clinic environment. To fill this research gap, this study proposes a research model for predicting consumers’ acceptance behavior toward MMT services based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A survey was conducted among 303 Chinese MMT service users to evaluate the proposed model and relevant hypotheses using partial least squares. Several key findings were summarized from the results: (1) the attitude toward using MMT, technology anxiety, and trust are significantly associated with users’ behavioral intention to use MMT services; (2) the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and trust significantly influence users’ attitude toward using MMT services; (3) the perceived interactivity, perceived personalization, and privacy concerns have significant impacts on users’ perceptions of ease of use, usefulness, and trust toward MMT services. The current findings have both theoretical and practical implications that may guide practitioners and researchers to better understand consumers’ acceptance of MMT services.
Mammals, vegetation and the initial human settlement of the Mediterranean islands: a palaeoecological approach

Most suggested Quaternary land-bridges to Mediterranean islands are geologically impossible. In an attempt to explain the presence of the various species, modes and ecological consequences of Quaternary island colonization by large mammals and man in the Mediterranean are discusssed from a hypothetical point of view, as are the reasons for the extinction of the Quaternary fauna. Small arboricole mammals may have reached the islands on vegetation-rafts. Some larger mammals, like Myotragus on the Balearic Islands, Prolagus on Sardinia, and possibly endemic deer on the Aegean islands, could be relics of the desiccation of the Mediterranean on the Mio/Pliocene border. Hippos, elephants and giant deer reached the islands by swimming. At the arrival of new species, older endemic species became extinct by ecological competition. Overpopulation consisting of a single or few species with corresponding damages to the vegetation led to dwarfing and an adaptation to hard foods. Because of the lack of carnivores, the genetically fixed behaviour patterns for flight and attack are lost in island endemics. During the Middle (Corso-Sardinia) and Upper Pleistocene, suspected or established (Sardinia, Cyprus, Sicily) invasions of Homo sp. led to the near-complete extinction of the unwary endemic fauna. Some islands (Sicily, Corso-Sardinia) were repopulated by swimming ungulates which were exterminated by later human invasions. For lack of game, a permanent human settlement was nearly impossible before the Neolithic. All extant wild ungulates on the Mediterranean islands are feral domestic animals, or continental game with intact behavioural patterns introduced for religious or hunting purposes during the Neolithic or later. None of them has Pleistocene ancestors on the islands.
Episodic Memory Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: Disentangling the Role of Encoding and Retrieval

Abstract Objective: The source of episodic memory (EM) impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still unclear. In the present study, we sought to quantify specifically encoding, consolidation, and retrieval process deficits in a list-learning paradigm by a novel method, the item-specific deficit approach (ISDA). Methods: We applied the ISDA method to the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) in a sample of 15 PD patients and 15 healthy participants. Results: The results revealed differences in free recall performance between PD patients and controls. These patients, however, benefited from cues as much as controls did, and total recall did not differ between groups. When analyzing the ISDA indices for encoding, consolidation, and retrieval deficits, the results showed a general memory deficit, but with a clear focus on encoding and retrieval, as revealed by the sensitivity values. Moreover, controlling for initial learning did not eliminate group effects in retrieval. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a mixed pattern in PD patients, with deficits in both encoding and retrieval processes in memory. Also, despite the fact that an encoding dysfunction may explain some of the deficits observed at retrieval, it cannot fully account for the differences, highlighting that both encoding and retrieval factors are necessary to understand memory deficits in PD.
A reconsideration of the taxonomic position of Protopenthalodes (Prostigmata: Eupodoidea)

Abstract The taxonomic position of Protopenthalodes Jesionowska is reviewed. It does not belong to the family. Penthalodidae, as suggested by the original author, but shares many characteristics of the Eupodidae and some of Penthaleidae. It is suggested that it is more appropriate to place it in the Eupodidae for the time being until a comprehensive study on the Eupodoidea is carried out.
Nutrient utilization, acquisition and distribution during embryonic, larval development and metamorphosis of the sea cucumber Australostichopus mollis (Holothuroidea: Aspidochirotida)

The egg nutrient composition and utilization during embryonic and larval development of the holothuroid Australostichopus mollis are examined in the context of maternal investment of the Echinoderms. At the same time, this study assesses the influence of different microalgal diets on the nature and quantity of nutrients accumulated by the feeding auricularia larvae, leading to the identification of important nutrients for the successful completion of metamorphosis and juvenile formation. Nutrient composition of the egg, mainly represented by structural compounds (proteins and phospholipids), reflected well that of echinoderms with planktotrophic development, although A. mollis egg nutritional content was slightly lower than that of other echinoderms with similar egg size. Triacylglycerol (TAG) was the main energetic lipid provided by the mother in the egg to fuel the formation of the feeding larvae. More studies on the facultative feeding period (FFP) of A. mollis are required to establish if A. mollis have lower metabolic rates than other echinoderms, as appears to be the case of planktotrophic ophiuroids. After the onset of larval first feeding, the microalgal diet did not affect the type of lipids accumulated as a nutrient reserve. The microalgal diet did, however, affect the ability of the larvae to build energetic reserves. Dunaliella tertiolecta was found to be an unsuitable diet for A. mollis, while Chaetoceros muelleri led to increased larval lipid accumulation. In preparation for the perimetamorphic period, A. mollis accumulated free fatty acids (FFA) and the same maternally-derived energetic lipid, TAG. Feeding A. mollis auricularia larvae showed that the hyaline spheres (HS), unique holothuroid larval structures, played an important nutritional role during the A. mollis perimetamorphic period. HS were a good indicator of larval nutritional condition, and served as the main storage location for TAG accumulated from the diet. Lipids appeared to be transported from the digestive epithelium to the area of formation of the HS in a novel way, which involved the mobilization of lipids through the gel-filled blastocoel in specialized lipid transporting cells (LTC). TAG in the HS supported the formation of the fully functional juvenile.
Leaf Nutrient Status of Apple Orchards in Different Locations of Kashmir

The present investigation for apple (Malus domestica Borkh) cv. Red Delicious in Kashmir Valley was carried out at the Division of Fruit Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, by sampling the commercial apple cultivar Red Delicious in the Kashmir valley of Jammu and Kashmir state. In order to define existing fertility of soil and availability of nutrients to the plants and to work out order of nutrient requirement for apple trees grown in Kashmir Valley, the present investigations were conducted in the major apple growing areas of Kashmir valley viz Sopore and Shopian. The foliar macronutrient contents in leaves viz, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S in different apple orchards ranged from 1.87–2.38, 0.13–0.27, 1.16–1.80, 1.22–1.83, 0.21 0.42 and 0.14–0.25 per cent with mean values of 2.18, 0.18, 1.55, 1.55, 0.30 and 0.19 per cent, respectively. Whereas, leaf micronutrients viz Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B varied from 88.47–143.97, 15.82–42.44, 6.06–15.03, 51.68–116.83 and 21.13–39.18 ppm with mean values of 117.55, 28.60, 9.62, 83.03 and 30.14 ppm, respectively.
Current Understanding of the Relationship of HDL Composition, Structure and Function to Their Cardioprotective Properties in Chronic Kidney Disease

In the general population, the ability of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) to promote cholesterol efflux is a predictor of cardiovascular events, independently of HDL cholesterol levels. Although patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, neither serum levels of HDL cholesterol, nor cholesterol efflux capacity associate with cardiovascular events. Important for the following discussion on the role of HDL in CKD is the notion that traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors only partially account for this increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in CKD. As a potential explanation, across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease, the relative contribution of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease becomes less important with advanced CKD. Impaired renal function directly affects the metabolism, composition and functionality of HDL particles. HDLs themselves are a heterogeneous population of particles with distinct sizes and protein composition, all of them affecting the functionality of HDL. Therefore, a more specific approach investigating the functional and compositional features of HDL subclasses might be a valuable strategy to decipher the potential link between HDL, cardiovascular disease and CKD. This review summarizes the current understanding of the relationship of HDL composition, metabolism and function to their cardio-protective properties in CKD, with a focus on CKD-induced changes in the HDL proteome and reverse cholesterol transport capacity. We also will highlight the gaps in the current knowledge regarding important aspects of HDL biology.
Brain training habits are not associated with generalized benefits to cognition: An online study of over 1000 "brain trainers".

The foundational tenet of brain training is that general cognitive functioning can be enhanced by completing computerized games, a notion that is both intuitive and appealing. Moreover, there is strong incentive to improve our cognitive abilities, so much so that it has driven a billion-dollar industry. However, whether brain training can really produce these desired outcomes continues to be debated. This is, in part, because the literature is replete with studies that use ill-defined criteria for establishing transferable improvements to cognition, often using single training and outcome measures with small samples. To overcome these limitations, we conducted a large-scale online study to examine whether practices and beliefs about brain training are associated with better cognition. We recruited a diverse sample of over 1000 participants, who had been using an assortment of brain training programs for up to 5 years. Cognition was assessed using multiple tests that measure attention, reasoning, working memory and planning. We found no association between any measure of cognitive functioning and whether participants were currently "brain training" or not, even for the most committed brain trainers. Duration of brain training also showed no relationship with any cognitive performance measure. This result was the same regardless of participant age, which brain training program they used, or whether they expected brain training to work. Our results pose a significant challenge for "brain training" programs that purport to improve general cognitive functioning among the general population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).