Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and maintenance of lipid droplets are essential for mouse preimplantation embryonic development

ABSTRACT Lipid droplets (LDs), which are ubiquitous organelles consisting of a neutral lipid core coated with a phospholipid monolayer, play key roles in the regulation of cellular lipid metabolism. Although it is well known that mammalian oocytes and embryos contain LDs and that the amount of LDs varies among animal species, their physiological functions remain unclear. In this study, we have developed a method based on two-step centrifugation for efficient removal of almost all LDs from mouse MII oocytes (delipidation). We found that delipidated MII oocytes could be fertilized in vitro, and developed normally to the blastocyst stage even when the embryos were cultured in the absence of a fatty acid supply. LDs were newly synthesized and accumulated soon after delipidation, but chemical inhibition of long chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs) blocked this process, resulting in severe impairment of early embryonic development. Furthermore, we found that overabundance of LDs is detrimental to early embryonic development. Our findings demonstrate the importance of synthesis and maintenance of LDs, mediated in part by ACSL activity, during preimplantation embryonic development. Summary: A method for delipidation of mouse MII oocytes reveals that lipid droplets are newly synthesized even after delipidation, and that their proper storage is important for preimplantation embryonic development.
Melatonin inhibits inflammasome-associated activation of endothelium and macrophages attenuating pulmonary arterial hypertension.

AIM Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pathophysiological syndrome associated with pulmonary/systemic inflammation. Melatonin relieves PAH, but the molecular mode of action remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of melatonin in normalizing vascular homeostasis. METHODS AND RESULTS Light-time mean serum melatonin concentration was lower in patients with PAH than in normal controls (11.06 ± 3.44 (7.13-15.6) vs. 14.55 ± 1.28 (8.0-19.4) pg/ml), which was negatively correlated with increased serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in patients with PAH. We showed that inflammasomes were activated in the PAH mice model and that melatonin attenuated IL-1β secretion. On one hand, melatonin reduced the number of macrophages in lung by inhibiting the endothelial chemokines and adhesion factors. Moreover, use of Il1r-/- mice, Caspase1/11-/- mice and melatonin-treated mice revealed that melatonin reduced hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial leakage in the lung. On the other hand, we verified that melatonin reduced the formation of inflammasome multiprotein complexes by modulating calcium ions in macrophages using a live cell station, and melatonin decreased inositol triphosphate and increased cAMP. Furthermore, knockdown of melatonin membrane receptors blocked melatonin function, and a melatonin membrane receptors agonist inactivated inflammasomes in macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Melatonin attenuated inflammasome-associated vascular disorders by directly improving endothelial leakage and decreasing the formation of inflammasome multiprotein complexes in macrophages. Taken together, our data provide a theoretical basis for applying melatonin clinically, and inflammasomes may be a possible target of PAH treatment. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE PAH is a pathophysiological syndrome associated with inflammation. Our study is the first to report a decrease in melatonin levels in patients with PAH, which provides insight to investigate melatonin or other circadian rhythm-related factors in the etiology of PAH. We demonstrate that melatonin improved PAH by inactivating inflammasome in the lungs of several mice models. The fact that melatonin is an endogenous hormone, may present an advantage for PAH therapy. Our data provide a theoretical basis for applying melatonin clinically, and inflammasomes may be a possible target of PAH treatment.
Force-sharing within the Triceps Surae: An Achilles Heel in Achilles Tendinopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the distribution of force between the three heads of the triceps surae differs between people with Achilles tendinopathy and controls. We also aimed to determine the effect of this force distribution on subtendon strain. Methods Data were collected for 21 participants with Achilles tendinopathy and 21, case-wise paired, asymptomatic controls. Ultrasonography was used to measure muscle volume, fascicle length, pennation angle and subtendon length at rest. Muscle activation was estimated using surface electromyography during maximal and submaximal isometric plantarflexion tasks. The product of normalized activation, physiological cross-sectional area, and the cosine of the pennation angle was considered as an index of individual muscle force. Displacement of the distal myotendinous junction of each muscle was measured during the submaximal contractions. Results The contribution of the gastrocnemius lateralis to the overall triceps surae physiological cross-sectional area and activation was 8.5% (P = 0.047, d = 0.75) and 24.7% lower (main effect group P = 0.009, d = 0.67) in people with Achilles tendinopathy than in the controls, respectively. Consequently, gastrocnemius lateralis contributed approximately 28% less (main effect group P = 0.025, d = 0.62) of the triceps surae force in people with Achilles tendinopathy. The contribution of gastrocnemius medialis and soleus was not different between groups. Subtendon strain was not different between groups (P = 0.835). Conclusions These results provide evidence for a difference in force-sharing strategy within the triceps surae in people with Achilles tendinopathy compared with the controls. Whether this altered strategy is a cause or a consequence of Achilles tendinopathy should be explored further.
The Importance of Considering Model Choices When Interpreting Results in Computational Neuroimaging

Model-based analyses open exciting opportunities for understanding neural information processing. In a commentary published in eNeuro, Gardner and Liu (2019) discuss the role of model specification in interpreting results derived from complex models of neural data. Abstract Model-based analyses open exciting opportunities for understanding neural information processing. In a commentary published in eNeuro, Gardner and Liu (2019) discuss the role of model specification in interpreting results derived from complex models of neural data. As a case study, they suggest that one such analysis, the inverted encoding model (IEM), should not be used to assay properties of “stimulus representations” because the ability to apply linear transformations at various stages of the analysis procedure renders results “arbitrary. ” Here, we argue that the specification of all models is arbitrary to the extent that an experimenter makes choices based on current knowledge of the model system. However, the results derived from any given model, such as the reconstructed channel response profiles obtained from an IEM analysis, are uniquely defined and are arbitrary only in the sense that changes in the model can predictably change results. IEM-based channel response profiles should therefore not be considered arbitrary when the model is clearly specified and guided by our best understanding of neural population representations in the brain regions being analyzed. Intuitions derived from this case study are important to consider when interpreting results from all model-based analyses, which are similarly contingent upon the specification of the models used.
The Importance of User Involvement: A Systematic Review of Involving Older Users in Technology Design

Abstract Background and Objectives There is a lack of understanding of how older adults’ involvement and participation matters in actual design practice. This systematic literature review investigates existing empirical studies involving older users during the design of technologies and explores the nature and consequences of involving older people. Research Design and Methods Our literature review is informed by the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. We examined the included studies by means of thematic content analysis to identify the nature of older users’ involvement and existing evidence on what consequences it has. Results In total, 40 empirical studies published in the period 2014–2018 are included in the review. Most empirical studies involve older people from local networks, with underlying stereotypical images and at lower levels of participation. The results reveal three main consequences of involving older users: learning, adjusted design, and an increased sense of participation. Furthermore, we found that user involvement is a structured process whose outcomes are contingent on a range of premises. Discussion and Implications Synthesizing the results, we develop the concept of user involvement and present an analytical framework. Our results have implications for researchers and policy makers, since they throw into question the widely held assumption that involving older people inevitably yields beneficial outcomes.
Safe Sexual Behaviors Intention among Female Youth: The Construction on Extended Theory of Planned Behavior.

AIM To examine female youth's intentions for safe sex with the relationship partners based on the extended theory of planned behavior model and explore the direct and indirect impact of parent-child communication about sex, peer interaction related to sexual issues and exposure to sexually explicit materials on female youth's safe sexual behavior intentions. DESIGN A non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. METHODS A convenience sampling was employed for data collection and 731 female youth aged 15-24 years old were recruited in 2013-2014. An anonymous, self-report structured questionnaire was used as a research instrument to collect participants' basic information and measure the internal and additional variables in the extended theory of planned behavior model. RESULTS The extended theory of planned behavior model explained 42%-45% of the total variance. Perceived behavioral control and subjective norms had a positive effect on female youth's intentions for contraceptive use, condom use and dual use with relationship partner; perceived behavioral control was found to have the greatest influence. Among the additional variables in the extended theory of planned behavior model, more parent-child communication about sex was found to lead to more positive dual use intentions. More peer interaction related to sexual issues was found to lead to less dual use intentions. CONCLUSIONS To improve female youth's sexual health, the priorities are to reinforce their perceived behavioral control and subjective norms and enhance parent-child communication about sex. Future efforts should strengthen sex education in families and schools and shape a social environment that facilitates safe sex. IMPACT The extended theory of planned behavior model can successfully predict female youth's safe sexual behavior intentions. Empowering female youth to establish a sense of subjectivity and awareness of being a mature individual with physical autonomy, is importance for their sexual health.
A DISTANCE DELIVERY MODEL TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO POST-DIPLOMA BACCALAUREATE LEVEL DENTAL HYGIENE EDUCATION

Dental hygiene practice is grappling with change as it adapts to the rapidly evolving health care delivery system, and dental hygiene education must respond to the changing needs of its graduates. Dental hygienists and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association see a need for increasing access to baccalaureate degree dental hygiene education in Canada. Changes in student demographics require flexibility in curriculum delivery. A post-diploma baccalaureate degree program for dental hygienists that is available by distance delivery methods is one mechanism by which to increase access to post-diploma baccalaureate educational opportunities. The purposes of this study were to identify the challenges dental hygienists face as potential learners, to propose a model for a post-diploma dental hygiene baccalaureate degree-completion program for delivery by distance methods, and to suggest appropriate distance delivery methods for courses that would lead to a baccalaureate degree. To achieve these purposes, two surveys were undertaken. A survey of a stratified random sample of 668 members of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association was conducted to identify learning preferences of dental hygienists who would enrol in a post-diploma baccalaureate degree program. Fifty-seven post-diploma dental hygiene baccalaureate degree programs in Canada and the United States were surveyed to determine the curriculum content and delivery mechanisms of these programs. Response rates were 57.6% for the survey of dental hygienists and 57.9% for the survey of the dental hygiene programs. Dental hygienists are motivated to pursue baccalaureate education by a desire for increased knowledge and for personal satisfaction. They are constrained in their pursuits by a need for flexibility in scheduling, and by family and work obligations. Dental hygienists perceive the barriers or
Determinants Of Islamic Social Reporting In Syariah Banks: Case Of Indonesia

This research was aimed to identify factors affecting Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) of Syariah Banks in Indonesia. There were four factors suspected to influence ISR, i.e. company size, profitability, company age, and proportion of independent commissioner. The first three factors were characteristics of company and the last one was one of corporate governance mechanisme. ISR was evaluated based on content analysis, by analyzing annual report of 18 syariah banks of 2010-2011 period. In the checklist, value of 1 was given for the report mentioning items of ISR and otherwise was 0. Multiple regression analysis showed that company size and profitability significantly affected the level of ISR, but it was opposite for company age and proportion of independent commissioner.
Reliability and Precision of in Vivo Scapular Kinematic Measurements Using an Electromagnetic Tracking Device

Context: In vivo scapular kinematics during humeral movements are commonly assessed with electromagnetic tracking devices despite few published data related to reliability and precision of these measurements. Objective: To determine the intrasession reliability and precision of assessing scapular kinematics using an electromagnetic tracking device. Design: Scapular position and orientation were measured with an electromagnetic tracking device during humeral elevation/depression in several planes. Intrasession reliability and precision were established by comparing 2 trials performed in succession. Setting: A human-movement research laboratory. Participants: 15 healthy individuals. Main Outcome Measures: Intrasession intraclass correlation coefficients and standard error of measurement of all scapular variables were established. Results: The mean intrasession reliability for all variables was ICC = . 97 ± . 03. The mean intrasession precision was . 99° ± . 36°. Conclusions: In vivo scapular kinematics can be m.
NEW DEBATE The preconceptual contraception paradigm: obesity and infertility

Obesity is a major health problem across the world. Recent editorials suggest that obese patients should be denied treatment of any kind aimed to improve ovulation rates and achieve pregnancy until they have reduced their BMI. We propose that this approach is not a resolution of the problem, but indeed may amplify the maternal and perinatal complications attributed to fertility centres. Obesity independent of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with anovulation, and minimal weight loss alone is an effective therapy for induction of ovulation in both obese women and obese PCOS women. Consequently, lifestyle programmes encouraging weight loss should be considered to be an ovulation induction therapy and due consideration for a potential pregnancy in an obese woman given. We propose that women with a BMI in excess of 35 kg m 2 should lose weight prior to conception—not prior to receiving infertility treatment. Therefore, clinicians undertaking the management of infertility in obese women should adopt measures to reduce their body mass prior to exposing them to the risks of pregnancy. We advocate that this approach should be aggressively managed including pharmacological strategies; intrinsic in this programme is the use of contraception and high-dose folic acid during that period of preconceptual weight reduction.
MATERNAL SERUM C- REACTIVE PROTEIN CONCENTRATION IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES

OBJECTIVE: Low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. C-Reactive Protein (CRP), an acute phase protein produced by hepatocytes, may be associated with diabetes. This study aimed to compare serum levels of CRP in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), impaired glucose tolerance test and control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case control study, 30 women with GDM and 28 women with impaired glucose tolerance, (according to Carpenter and Coustan criteria) were compared with 31 normal pregnant women as control group. Groups were matched for gestational age, age and BMI before pregnancy. At 24-28 weeks of gestation, CRP levels were measured in three groups and compared with each other. RESULTS: Our study showed serum CRP level was not significantly different among three groups. The median of serum CRP level in women with GDM, abnormal glucose tolerance test, and normal women was 8.8(7.5), 6.9(8.25) and 11.40(5.8) mg/dL respectively. In GDM patients, there was a significant correlation between CRP and BMI before pregnancy (r=0.467, p=0.033). CONCLUSION: We didn't find a significant correlation between maternal serum CRP level and
Exploring University Educators' Lived Experiences of Curriculum Innovating through Integrating HIV & AIDS

There is a growing realisation of the vital role that Higher Education institutions in South Africa can and should play in keeping students not only alive, well and productive but also prepared to face the multiple challenges associated with living and working in the context of the HIV & AIDS pandemic. This article reports on part of a larger research project that explores the experiences and work of university educators who are involved in curriculum innovating through integrating HIV & AIDS in their teaching at a South African university. The objectives of the larger study are to locate, document, highlight, encourage and explore further possibilities for curriculum innovating through integrating HIV & AIDS in Higher Education teaching. This article responds particularly to the following research question: What are the lived experiences – personal and professional – of curriculum innovators who integrate HIV & AIDS into their teaching? We point to three significant aspects of the lived experiences of curriculum innovating – selfing, distancing and valuing – and highlight the commitment of these curriculum innovators to making a difference as well as drawing attention to the emotional and professional challenges they encounter.
Original Contribution CLINICAL, MORPHOLOGICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA ON EYE TUMORS

The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiologic and histological structure of ocular malignancies for a seven year period in the Department of pathology,Sofia 894 ocular biopsies include 242 benignant and 157 malignant tumors of ocular adnexa. Basocellular and spinocellular carcinomas are the most common malignant tumors . Enucleated eyes are 126 with 75 intraocular tumors. The most common cause for enucleation is the uveal melanoma with a higher frequency among men. The mean age for both sexes is similar and is lower than previously described in literature with almost 10 years. We have 13 retinoblastomas with late diagnosis in the majority of cases.
C - reactive Protein Level and WBC Count as Biomarkers for Vaso-Occlusive Crisis among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCA) was recognized as an inflammatory condition. C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count consider as biomarkers for inflammation. The present study aimed to assess the role of CRP and WBC count in vaso-occlusive crisis compared to a symptomatic steady state in HbSS patients. Methods: A total of 100 Sudanese patients with sickle cell anemia (74 were in vaso-occlusive crisis and 26were in steady state condition) attended to Sudan Sickle Cell Anemia Center (SSCAC), North Kordofan State (Sudan) during the period of February to June 2015. CRP level and WBC count were measured for all patients. The mean of CRP level and WBC count in vaso-occlusive crisiswere determined and compared to steady state using independent t-tests. Then the association between WBC count, CRP level, and vaso-occlusive crisis were determined using Pearson's correlation test. Results: In a total of 100 sickle cell anemiapatients, the mean of CRP level was found to be significantly higher in patients with Vaso-Occlusive crisis (16.43mg/l±12.35SD) in contrast to the steady state patients (4.56mg/l ± 1.45SD), P value = 0.000. Also the mean of WBC count was raised significantly in vaso-occlusive crisis compared to steady state (19.366 ± 10.6SD) (7.676 ± 2.0SD) respectively, P value = 0.000. CRP level in vaso-occlusive crisis was correlated positively with WBC count Pvalue = 0.000. Conclusions and recommendations: Increased CRP level and WBC count may be an early predictor of vaso-occlusive crisis; accordingly measurement of these biomarkers should be done asroutine follow up for patients with sickle cell anemia.
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES ON ORAL HEALTH AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGERIA

Aim and objective: Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. It is a ready indicator of children’s health. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and practices among Junior Secondary School students on oral health. Method: This is a descriptive cross sectional carried out among Junior Secondary School students in Ilorin West LGA. Using Fischer’s formula, 399 students were used for the study. Multi stage sampling technique was used in selecting participants for the study. A semi- structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data was analysed using EPI-INFO 2007 software package. Results obtained were presented on frequency distribution tables and percentages. Result: This study reveals that the knowledge and practices of respondents as regards oral health was generally below average in many aspects. Far less than half of the respondents could not identify the types of oral disease and the prevention of oral diseases. More than half (67.4%) of the respondents could not also attempt the definition of oral health. Close to half (46.6%) of the children change their toothbrush only when it get frayed and very few (9.3%) of them do not engage in consumption of confectioneries. Majority (83%) had also never visited a dentist. Although it is also worthy to mention that almost all (94.7%) said that brushing of teeth is to prevent mouth disease and all the respondents could mention one cause of oral disease. All respondents also brush their teeth at least once a day. Conclusion: Findings from this study show that education on oral health in schools needs to be intensified in order to enhance oral health among students. Parents should also be educated on oral health so that their children can maintain a good oral hygiene.