Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Switzerland

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. It is also responsible for a variety of other cancers including penile; vaginal; vulvar; anal; and oropharyngeal cancers at the base of the tongue and tonsils. There are a very large number of these HPVs, which are classified into groups from high to low risk based on their oncogenic potential. Every year in Switzerland, over 260 women develop cervical cancer, and nearly 90 of them will die from the disease. Cervical cancer affects young women and is the fourth most common cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 49 years. Among the high-risk HPV types, HPV-16 and -18 are the most common and most carcinogenic ones. Together, these two HPV types are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases in developed countries. HPV-6 and -11 are directly responsible for 90% of genital warts. There are two effective public health interventions to prevent this cancer: screening and vaccination. The present entry provides an overview of current literature in order to present these preventative approaches and consider their use within a Swiss context. It is hoped that, going forward, this will encourage the implementation and uptake of such interventions.
Effect of R load ratio on fatigue crack growth resistance of steels used in automotive applications: experimental results and use of performance prediction models

This research consisted in comparing the fatigue crack growth (FCG) performance of four HSLA/ AHSS steels used in automotive applications and with different microstructures, and the application of some prediction models for the da/dN versus ΔK traditional sigmoidal curve as a function of the R load ratio. FCG tests were carried out on C(T) test specimens with R-ratios varying between 0.03 and 0.7. Using the original and empirical methodology proposed by Paris and Erdogan to describe the da/dN-ΔK relationship, the results showed significant differences in function of microstructure, and a deleterious effect of R-ratio increase on the crack growth rate. In order to check existing methodologies based on physical considerations for predicting the fatigue behavior of materials and the effect of the R-ratio mainly in the fatigue threshold ΔK th region, the well-known crack closure model proposed by Elber, an approach using two parameters as a driving force for the crack growth proposed by Vasudevan and co-authors and a combination of these two models recently proposed by Zhu and co-authors were compared. The manifestation of crack closure and its qualitatively expected dependence on the R-ratio were verified for the studied steels, but the Elber model was not able to provide a master curve that accurately summarized the effect of the R-ratio on the sigmoidal fatigue curve of steels. The combined use of two critical thresholds, ΔK th * and K max *, for predicting fatigue crack growth according to the Vasudevan model also did not provide accurate results in evaluating the effect of the R-ratio. Regardless of the verified dispersions, there is a connection between the two-parameter methodology and crack closure, hence the model by Zhu and co-authors could be a promising alternative. However, this model also showed significant dispersions and was unable to create a master curve to adequately predict the effect of R-ratio on crack growth. Thus, it can be concluded that this research topic is still open, requiring a more in-depth phenomenological knowledge to predict the effect of the R-ratio on FCG.
A Novel Risk Calculator to Predict Erectile Dysfunction in HIV-Positive Men

HIV infection is considered to be a lifelong medical condition, requiring follow-up and treatment for decades. HIV-positive men are reported to have erectile dysfunction more often than age-matched healthy controls, and improving sexuality is known to potentially improve overall health-related quality of life. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the presence of ED in HIV-positive men and the associated contributing factors and to create a statistical model to assess the risk to develop ED in this population. In a prospective study, we analyzed a group of HIV-positive men in a cross-sectional manner, looking at demographics, blood test results, and smoking habits. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. In our series, the overall incidence of ED was 48.5%, increasing with age. Our analysis showed no correlation with blood sugar level, but a very strong correlation with total serum lipids. We were able to develop and validate a risk calculator for ED in HIV-positive men.
Competing for Proposal Rights: Theory and Experimental Evidence

Competition for positions of power is a common practice in most organizations where decisions are reached through negotiations. We study theoretically and experimentally how different voting rules affect the incentives to compete for the right to propose a distribution of benefits in a sequential bargaining game. Under the majority rule, players with a high chance of proposing are also more likely to be excluded from a coalition when not proposing, which dampens incentives to compete for proposal rights relative to the unanimity case where no one can be excluded from a coalition. However, when rent-seeking efforts affect proposal rights only in the first bargaining round, equilibrium efforts to secure proposal rights are higher under the majority rule because they no longer affect the likelihood of coalition exclusion. Our experimental findings uncover a novel efficiency trade-off absent in theory: While gridlock is stronger under unanimity, majoritarian bargaining elicits higher competition costs regardless of the durability of efforts in affecting proposal rights, rendering both rules equally efficient. The distribution of benefits is affected by the endogeneity of proposal rights contrary to behavioral expectations as subjects gravitate towards equitable sharing and proposers often do not keep the lion’s share. Further experiments reveal that subject behavior is consistent with myopic reasoning and that our results hold robustly in distinct subject samples. We benefited greatly from presenting our work at seminars in Kansai University, Waseda University, and the University of Tokyo Market Design as well as from valuable conversations with Olivier Bochet, Matt Elliott, Hulya Eraslan, Natalie Lee, Al Roth, Ravideep Sethi, Dennie van Dolder, and Huseyin Yildirim. Financial support by the Center of Behavioral Institutional Design and Tamkeen under the NYU Abu Dhabi Research Institute Award CG005 is gratefully recognized. Division of Social Science and Center for Behavioral Institutional Design, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, email:a.baranski@nyu.edu. Division of Social Science and Center for Behavioral Institutional Design, New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, email:ereuben@nyu.edu.
The study of the relationship between social capital and mental disorders in children and adolescents in Kohgiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad province, Iran

Background and aims: Social capital, by encouraging people to collaborate and engage in social interactions, has been considered as an effective factor for development of mental disorders. In the preset study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between different aspects of social capital and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 in Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, Iran. A total of 1001 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years and their parents were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling to participate in the study. The data in the present study were compiled using a Persian translated version of the Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) semi-structured questionnaire as well as the Social Capital Questionnaire of Nahapiet and Ghoshal. The raw data were analyzed statistically using Fisher and chi-square tests. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0 version. Results: Our results show that better relationship, cooperation, mutual understanding, and commitment are significantly and inversely correlated to psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents. In this regard we found that the mutual understanding (P=0.008) and relationships (P=0.001) are strongly related to social capital, while other components may have more or less effects. Conclusion: Our findings show that various aspects of social capital are associated with development of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Some of the social capital components including better relationship, cooperation, mutual understanding, and obligation have significant effects; however, others including networks, values and trust could not exert significant effects on mental health.
Salivary Biomarkers to Differentiate between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus-Related Pneumonia in Children

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common among children and can be fatal in certain conditions. In children, CAP can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Identification of pathogens can help select appropriate therapeutic strategies. Salivary analysis may be a potential diagnostic tool because it is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and easy to perform in children. A prospective study was conducted in children with pneumonia admitted to a hospital. Salivary samples from patients with definite Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A strains were used for gel-free (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)) proteomics. No statistically significant difference was detected in salivary CRP levels between Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A pneumonia in children. Several potential salivary biomarkers were identified using gel-free iTRAQ proteomics to differentiate pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae or influenza A virus infections in pediatric patients. ELISA validated that Streptococcus pneumoniae group has a higher abundance of salivary alpha 1-antichymotrypsin than those in the influenza A group. Whether these salivary biomarkers can be used to distinguish other bacteria from viral pneumonia requires further verification.
Serum Interleukin 6, Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score and Phase Angle in Patients with Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that may occur in any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Asymptomatic or untreated inflammation along with malnutrition can often coexist in patients with CD, impairing clinical outcomes, therefore the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between inflammation, malnutrition risk and nutritional status in CD patients. Consecutive adult CD outpatients aged 18-65 years were recruited. Disease activity was clinically defined by the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI), whilst anthropometry and phase angle (PhA) were measured. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score was retrospectively calculated for screening malnutrition risk and blood samples were taken. A total of 140 CD patients with a mean age of 38.8 ± 13.9 years and an average weight of 64.9 ± 12.0 kg were included. Serum interleukin (IL)-6 concentration was increased in active-CD patients, unrelated to medical treatment, which was associated with CDAI and PhA. Based on the CONUT score, the prevalence of patients with moderate/severe malnutrition risk (score ≥ 5) was 10%, showing lower age, body mass index and fat mass, but higher IL-6 and IL-1β levels than subjects classified as not at risk (score 0–1). Finally, increased IL-6 levels and reduced PhA values were identified as independent predictors of moderate/severe malnutrition risk (p < 0.05). In conclusion, IL-6 increased in active-CD patients, which was inversely correlated with PhA. Although the CONUT score might be helpful for identifying CD patients at moderate/severe risk of malnutrition, larger studies are needed to verify these results in different settings.
Horizontal Foot Speed During Submaximal and Maximal Running

Horizontal foot speed is fundamental for running synchronization and stability, and may also be important for sprinting performance. In this investigation, we quantified the following during steady-speed running: (a) peak forward foot speed during the swing phase, (b) backward foot speed at touchdown, and (c) ground speed difference (GSD), i.e., the difference between forward running speed and backward foot speed at touchdown. We hypothesized that forward and backward foot speed would be significantly and positively correlated with top speed, and that GSD would be significantly and negatively correlated with top speed. Participants (20 male, 20 female) completed 40-m submaximal and maximal-effort running trials, with kinematic data collected from 31–39 m. Across top speed trials, forward foot speed (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) and backward foot speed (r = 0.85, p < 0.001) were significantly and positively correlated with running speed. However, counter to expectations, GSD values slightly increased with top speed (r = 0.36, p = 0.027). These findings indicate that forward and backward foot speeds are important variables for sprinting performance, but faster runners may not necessarily exhibit lower GSD values at top speed.
Fast inference in nonlinear dynamical systems using gradient matching

Parameter inference in mechanistic models of coupled differential equations is a topical problem. We propose a new method based on kernel ridge regression and gradient matching, and an objective function that simultaneously encourages goodness of fit and penalises inconsistencies with the differential equations. Fast minimisation is achieved by exploiting partial convexity inherent in this function, and setting up an iterative algorithm in the vein of the EM algorithm. An evaluation of the proposed method on various benchmark data suggests that it compares favourably with state-of-the-art alternatives.
The Embedded Agroecology of Coffee Agroforestry: A Contextualized Review of Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption and Resistance

Contemporary ecology and agronomy point to the many benefits of agroforestry crop systems for the provision of ecosystem services by regenerating native ecologies, and in many contexts, socio-economic benefits for coffee farmers, especially the contribution of nitrogen-fixing trees’ litter to soil nutrition and water retention. However, the implementation of agroforestry in coffee cultivation is thus far incomplete and uptake has been uneven. In this paper, we examine the adoption and non-adoption of agroforestry coffee growing techniques as a reflection of the historical, social and cultural embeddedness of smallholder coffee cultivation. It is structured as a narrative literature review contextualized with the results of surveys of smallholder coffee farmers in Colombia, Malawi and Uganda regarding their perceptions of agroforestry coffee in their respective contexts. Findings suggest that coffee farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry and the decision to implement or remove it are influenced by factors included in the notion of embeddedness, involving social relations, historical memory and formal and informal institutions, as well as practical capabilities. Intention and action are sometimes discordant due to the complex interactions of these institutional factors, and they often conflict with outside interveners’ expectations based on epistemological differences. The study illuminates some of the main sources, manifestations and dimensions of the social embeddedness of agricultural practices which mediate the perception of current practices, the sacrifice implied by potential changes, the credibility of theories linking action with outcome and the desirability of expected outcomes.
Symmetric sampling procedures, general epidemic processes and their threshold limit theorems

Iterative sampling procedures of a general type in a finite population are considered. They generalize the Reed-Frost process in that binomial sampling is replaced by an arbitrary symmetric sampling defined by a factorial series distribution. Threshold limit theorems are proved saying that the total number of sampled objects is either small with a certain limit distribution, or a finite fraction of the population with a Gaussian limit distribution as the size of the population gets large. These results extend earlier ones for the Reed-Frost process [1], and are proved in a more direct way than before.
The Values of Local Wisdom in Lampung Folklore: A Piil Pesenggiri Perspective

This study aims to investigate the values of the Lampung folklore “Si Anak Emas Radin Jambat,” which contains the local wisdom of Piil Pesenggiri. Piil Pesenggiri is a standard or value that serves as a social tenet or way of life for the people of Lampung. Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology, the data about the values of Piil Pesenggiri were collected through frequent reading and note-taking in the forms of words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. The collected data were analyzed using a textual analysis. The study’s findings indicate that bejuluk beadek , nemui nyimah , nengah nyappor
Younger Than 55 Years Old and BRAF V600E Mutation are Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas ≤1.0 cm but Not in >1.0 cm

Background Studies on the relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and the clinicopathologic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), risk of lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) have shown inconsistent results. Methods In this retrospective analysis, clinicopathological data of the patients were collected, and molecular testing was done for BRAF V600E mutation. PTC patients are divided into PTC≤1.0cm (PTMC) and PTC>1.0cm, and the relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and clinicopathologic features was analyzed respectively. Results Of the 520 PTC patients, 432 (83.1%) were female and 416 (80.0%) were <55 years old. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 422 (81.2%) tumour samples of PTC. There was no significant difference in the frequency of BRAF V600E mutation between different age groups. There were 250 (48.1%) patients with PTMC and 270 (51.9%) patients with PTC>1.0cm. BRAF V600E mutation was significantly associated with bilateral cancer (23.0% vs 4.9%, P=0.005) and lymph node metastasis (61.7% vs 39.0%, P=0.009) in PTMC patients, while BRAF V600E mutation was significantly associated with bilateral cancer (24.9% vs 12.3%, P=0.048) in PTC>1.0cm patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for gender, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and calcification, we found that younger age (<55 years old) (OR: 2.384, 95% CI: 1.241–4.579, P=0.009) and BRAF V600E mutation (OR: 2.213, 95% CI: 1.085–4.512, P=0.029) were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis in PTMC, similar results were not obtained in PTC>1.0cm. Conclusion Younger age (<55 years old) and BRAF V600E mutation was independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in PTMC.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Neonatal Pathologies: A Systematic Search and Narrative Synthesis of the Literature

(1) Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential in vasculo- and angiogenesis due to its role in endothelial cell proliferation and migration. As a vascular proliferative factor, VEGF is one of the hallmarks of cancer and, in adult populations, the relationship between genetic polymorphism and neoplasm was widely investigated. For the neonatal population, only a few studies attempted to uncover the link between the genetic polymorphism of VEGF and neonatal pathology, especially related to late-onset complications. Our objective is to evaluate the literature surrounding VEGF genetic polymorphisms and the morbidity of the neonatal period. (2) Methods: A systematic search was initially conducted in December 2022. The PubMed platform was used to explore MEDLINE (1946 to 2022) and PubMed Central (2000 to 2022) by applying the search string ((VEGF polymorphism*) and newborn*). (3) Results: The PubMed search yielded 62 documents. A narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken considering our predetermined subheadings (infants with low birth weight or preterm birth, heart pathologies, lung diseases, eye conditions, cerebral pathologies, and digestive pathologies). (4) Conclusion: The VEGF polymorphisms seem to be associated with neonatal pathology. The involvement of VEGF and VEGF polymorphism has been demonstrated for retinopathy of prematurity.
Cyclosporine Affects the Main Virulence Factors of Cryptococcus neoformans In Vitro

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cyclosporine on the morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion characteristics of Cryptococcus neoformans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cyclosporine was found to be 2 µM (2.4 µg/mL) for the H99 strain. Yeast cells treated with cyclosporine at half the MIC showed altered morphology, including irregular shapes and elongated projections, without an effect on cell metabolism. Cyclosporine treatment resulted in an 18-fold increase in chitin and an 8-fold increase in lipid bodies, demonstrating changes in the fungal cell wall structure. Cyclosporine also reduced cell body and polysaccharide capsule diameters, with a significant reduction in urease secretion in C. neoformans cultures. Additionally, the study showed that cyclosporine increased the viscosity of secreted polysaccharides and reduced the electronegativity and conductance of cells. The findings suggest that cyclosporine has significant effects on C. neoformans morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion, which could have implications for the development of new antifungal agents.
Markers of Chemical and Microbiological Contamination of the Air in the Sport Centers

This study aimed to assess the markers of chemical and microbiological contamination of the air at sport centers (e.g., the fitness center in Poland) including the determination of particulate matter, CO2, formaldehyde (DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor; Multi-functional Air Quality Detector), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), the number of microorganisms in the air (culture methods), and microbial biodiversity (high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform). Additionally the number of microorganisms and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (PCR) on the surfaces was determined. Total particle concentration varied between 0.0445 mg m−3 and 0.0841 mg m−3 with the dominance (99.65–99.99%) of the PM2.5 fraction. The CO2 concentration ranged from 800 ppm to 2198 ppm, while the formaldehyde concentration was from 0.005 mg/m3 to 0.049 mg m−3. A total of 84 VOCs were identified in the air collected from the gym. Phenol, D-limonene, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol dominated in the air at the tested facilities. The average daily number of bacteria was 7.17 × 102 CFU m−3–1.68 × 103 CFU m−3, while the number of fungi was 3.03 × 103 CFU m−3–7.34 × 103 CFU m−3. In total, 422 genera of bacteria and 408 genera of fungi representing 21 and 11 phyla, respectively, were detected in the gym. The most abundant bacteria and fungi (>1%) that belonged to the second and third groups of health hazards were: Escherichia-Shigella, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. In addition, other species that may be allergenic (Epicoccum) or infectious (Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Sporobolomyces) were present in the air. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on surfaces in the gym. The monitoring proposal for the assessment of the air quality at a sport center includes the following markers: total particle concentration with the PM2.5 fraction, CO2 concentration, VOCs (phenol, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol), and the number of bacteria and fungi.