Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prostate Specific Antigen in Different Dermatoses Associated with Polycystic Ovary: Review Article

Background: Dermatologic signs of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism, acne vulgaris, and androgenic alopecia, are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) is a potential new measure of hyperandrogenism in both PCOS and hirsute women. Objectives: The focus of this research is to examine the potential function of prostate specific antigen in different dermatoses associated with polycystic ovary in females. Material and methods: We searched Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and other online databases for prostate specific antigen, different dermatoses and polycystic ovary in females. The authors also reviewed references from pertinent literature, however only the most recent or comprehensive studies from 2006 to February 2021 were included. Documents in languages other than English were disqualified due to lack of translation-related sources. Papers such as unpublished manuscripts, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and dissertations that were not part of larger scientific studies were excluded. Conclusion: PSA has the potential to be used as a diagnostic marker for PCO and its accompanying hyperandrogenism, particularly in the context of acne. More study is needed, however, to corroborate these findings and develop guidelines for the clinical use of PSA in dermatological practise.
Giant Penoscrotal Lymphedema—What to Do? Presentation of a Curative Treatment Algorithm

Background: While rare, penoscrotal lymphedema (PL) is accompanied with devastating effects on the quality of life of patients. Moreover, especially for patients with excessive (giant) PL, no standardized curative treatment has been defined. This article therefore retrospectively evaluates the authors’ surgical treatment approach for giant PL, which includes resection alone or in combination with a free vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT). Methods: A total of ten patients met the inclusion criteria. One patient dropped out of the study before therapy commenced. Eight of the nine remaining patients presented with end-stage (giant) PL. One patient presented with manifest pitting edema. All patients were treated with penoscrotal resection and reconstruction. Additionally, five patients received VLNT into the groin or scrotum. Results: The extent of the lymphedema was specified with a treatment-oriented classification system. The median follow-up was 49.0 months. No patient showed a recurrence. Patients who received VLNT into the scrotum displayed a significantly improved lymphatic transport of the scrotum. Conclusions: Advanced PL should be treated in a standardized surgical fashion as suggested by our proposed algorithm. VLNT from the lateral thoracic region into the scrotum must be considered. If treated correctly, surgical intervention of end-stage PL leads to good results with a low recurrence rate.
DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF SALINE IRRIGATION SCHEDULES TO COPE WITH DROUGHTS AND SCARCE FRESH WATER

The aim of the work is to describe for two different coastal pedo-climatic areas of Southern Italy and one area in NW China the effects that saline water and drought have had on the soil physical properties. On these soils the observed changes in soil physical properties after long-term salt accumulation will be reported. The observed differences in soil hydrological properties of saline soils may have a significant impact on the temporal variability of soil water content, e.g. on frequency and duration of soil water content lower than a pre-defined critical threshold. To this end the soil water balance calculations will be performed for a range of different meteorological conditions, in particular when a dry, wet and normal climatic year occurs. To do that the SWAP numerical model (vers 2.0.7d) has been used. The water balance calculations will be used to evaluate the water storage in the profile through the year. At Torre Lama the h(θ) curve of the 1% saline water treatments had lower values of θ than the 0% treatments at the same pressure head. Different behaviour was observed for Vitulazio, the total porosity for the I 0 treatment is around 0.55 against 0.58 of the I 1 treatment, in contrast with what observed for the Torre Lama site. Such difference could depend from the shorter duration of saline-sodic water application at the Vitulazio (2 years) site than Torre Lama (5 years). Moreover the difference between Torre Lama and Vitulazio might depend from the difference in the type of clay minerals. In fact at Vitulazio there is an abundance of smectite-type clay in the soil. Despite the difference in total porosity of the two sites the soil water available (AW) calculated in the range of 100 cm and 10 4 cm pressure head, for a layer of 100 cm depth, show a similar trend at the two sites. At Torre Lama for all the irrigation frequencies and depths considered, the non-saline treatment had lower AW-values than the saline treatments. At Vitulazio, even if the total porosity was in contrast with Torre Lama, the calculated soil water available had the same trend. In fact the I 0 treatment at Vitulazio had an AW-value of 128.1 mm against the 178.4 mm of the I 1 treatment. The total porosity at Torre Lama changes from about 29% (I 0 treatment) to 20% for the I 1 . Moreover for the Vitulazio site the total porosity changes from a value of 21% for the I 0 treatment, to 15% for the I 1 treatment. The numerical experiments have shown that the already clear difference in h(θ) and K(h) of the I 0 and I 1 treatments is reflected in significantly higher AW values of I 1 against the I 0 throughout the year. The
Acute effect of hydrogen-rich water on physical, perceptual and cardiac responses during aerobic and anaerobic exercises: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded cross-over trial

Molecular hydrogen (H2 gas) dissolved in water to produce Hydrogen-Rich Water. Hydrogen-Rich Water (HRW) is considered as ergogenic aid in different exercise modes. However, acute pre-exercise HRW ingestion effect is unclear regarding athlete performance. This study aimed at investigating acute effect of HRW ingestion on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. Twenty-two male amateur middle-distance runners volunteered to participate in this study. In a randomized, double-blind study design, all players ingested 500 mL of HRW or placebo (PLA) supplement 30 min before the start of the tests. Over 4 days, maximal aerobic speed of Vameval test (MAS), time to exhaustion at MAS (Tlim), squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ) and five jump test (5JT) were evaluated. Also, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) were measured during the aerobic tests. For Vameval test, HRW ingestion improved MAS, HRpeak and RPE compared with the placebo condition. For Tlim test, HRW ingestion demonstrated improvements in time to exhaustion, RPE and HRpeak. However, no significant change was observed between HW and placebo conditions in SJ, CMJ, 5JT. 500 mL of HRW can significantly improve HRpeak, time to exhaustion, RPE, with no significant effect on MAS, jumping performance in amateur endurance athletes.
COVID-19 Anxiety: Evidence of Hopelessness and Death Anxiety as Psychological Factors from a South Asian Nation

People with a fear of catching the coronavirus experienced unusually high levels of concern, leading to panic, death anxiety, hopelessness, social withdrawal, and various psychological problems. The present study aimed to investigate whether young people in Bangladesh suffer from death anxiety and hopelessness and whether these psychological factors correlate with the enhancement of coronavirus anxiety. Additionally, to assess the extent to which death anxiety and a sense of hopelessness can explain individual differences in coronavirus anxiety. A total of 592 young adults took part in the online survey, in which measures of coronavirus anxiety, death anxiety, and hopelessness were used. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the fear of contracting COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety in individuals in terms of death anxiety and hopelessness. All three variables showed a significant positive correlation among them. The regression analysis identified psychological variables such as death anxiety and hopelessness as the most significant predictors of coronavirus anxiety in this study, accounting for 58.9% of the variability in coronavirus anxiety. Ultimately, this research is necessary to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are prepared to cope with the mental and physical health effects of a pandemic or a similar scenario in the future.
Risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in patients with diabetes using thiazolidinedione (TZD): A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Background. T Parkinson’s Disease (PD) stands as the neurodegenerative disorder with the second highest incidence, leading to substantial disability and death rates. Research to date suggests a potential increased risk for PD development in individuals with diabetes, yet the correlation between PD and the use of antidiabetic drugs remains to be fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between thiazolidinedione (TZD) use with the risk of PD in patients with diabetes. Methods. A search of literature was carried out using certain keywords across four databases up until December 11th, 2022: Europe PMC, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library. The review included all studies assessing the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in patients with diabetes who were treated with thiazolidinediones (TZDs). The pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using random-effects models. Results. Our meta-analysis from 12 observational studies revealed that TZD use was associated with reduced risk of PD in patients with diabetes (RR 0.75; 95%CI: 0.63 – 0.91, p=0.003, I2 = 92%). The neuroprotective impact of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) against Parkinson’s Disease (PD) did not show significant variation based on patient characteristics like age (p=0.3380), gender (p=0.9761), hypertension (p=0.1849), smokers (p=0.1476), stroke (p=0.4810), head injury (p=0.5025), and diabetes duration (p=0.2533). Conclusions. This study suggests that the use of TZD in patients with diabetes has a positive neuroprotective effect on the risk of PD. However, to validate these results, further randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are necessary.
Changes in Arterial Stiffness in Response to Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training: A Narrative Review

Arterial stiffness naturally increases with age and is a known predictor of cardiovascular morbimortality. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training involves decreasing muscle blood flow by applying a strap or a pneumatic cuff during exercise. BFR induces muscle hypertrophy even at low intensities, making it an appealing option for older, untrained individuals. However, BFR use in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities is limited by the increased pressor and chronotropic response observed in hypertensive elderly patients. Furthermore, the impact of BFR on vascular function remains unclear. We conducted a comprehensive literature review according to PRISMA guidelines, summarizing available data on the acute and long-term consequences of BFR training on vascular function. Although evidence is still scarce, it seems that BFR has a mild or neutral long-term impact on arterial stiffness. However, current research shows that BFR can cause an abrupt, albeit transient, increase in PWV and central blood pressure. BFR and, preferably, lower-body BFR, should be prescribed with caution in older populations, especially in hypertensive patients who have an exacerbated muscle metaboreflex pressor response. Longer follow-up studies are required to assess the chronic effect of BFR training on arterial stiffness, especially in elderly patients who are usually unable to tolerate high-intensity resistance exercises.
Racial disparities affect the association between gestational urinary phthalate mixtures and infant genital measures

Background Phthalates are ubiquitous anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals found in personal care products, medications, and many plastics. Studies have shown a racial disparity in phthalates exposure among U.S. women, which may also impact fetal development. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of gestational exposure to a phthalates mixture in a racially-diverse population to determine their association with genital development. Mid-gestation (18–22 weeks) urine was collected from 152 women who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black and 158 women who self-identified as non-Hispanic White in Charleston, South Carolina between 2011 and 2014. We measured eight phthalate monoester metabolites in urine using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Mid-gestational penile dimensions were measured using ultrasound and anogenital distances were measured postnatally. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression to estimate the associations among the mixture of phthalate metabolites and mid-gestation penile dimensions and postnatal anogenital distance measures among singleton male (n = 179) and female (n = 131) infants, adjusted for urinary specific gravity, maternal age, body mass index, education level, cigarette smoking, and gestational age at enrollment or birth weight z-score. Results We found a stronger association between greater phthalates and decreased anopenile distance among infants born to women who self-identified as Black. Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was the driving mixture component among Black women, and monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) were drivers among White women. We also identified a non-linear association between phthalates and lesser ultrasound penile volume among women who self-identified as Black with monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and MBP being most important. We also found an association between greater phthalates and shorter anoclitoral distance among infants born to women who self-identified as Black, with MEP and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) contributing most to this association. Conclusion Our results suggest a disparity in the association between gestational exposure to a mixture of phthalates and fetal genital development among women who self-identified as Black compared to White.
Climate Warming Favoring Sublimation on a Westerlies‐Controlled Glacier of Tibetan Plateau

During the past few decades, the climate over the entire TP changed obviously with general warming and the decreasing trends in wind speed and air humidity. As an important hydrological process of mass losses on the TP glaciers, especially during the cold period, sublimation may be influenced deeply by the climate changes. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the crucial factors controlling and limiting glacier sublimation and analyze its possible changes in the future. The sublimation on a flat‐topped glacier of TP was found to be more intense in spring (0.41 mm d−1) and autumn (0.34 mm d−1) and weak in winter (0.27 mm d−1) and summer (0.16 mm d−1). At yearly scale, sublimation was most sensitive to the surface temperature, followed by air temperature and humidity, and was relatively insensitive to wind speed. However, the main influencing factor was air humidity during summer, showing a strong inhibition on sublimation. The very low surface temperature was the most crucial variable limiting winter sublimation with the highest sensitivity coefficient than other variables. Current sublimation was also found to be more sensitive to the increasing temperature than the decreased air humidity and wind speed. If the climate trends continue, and the glacier climate has the relatively consistent change trend with that of entire TP, glacier sublimation will be more likely to increase, especially during winter.
Along‐strike variations in the Himalayan orogenic wedge structure in Bhutan from ambient seismic noise tomography

The geological units and tectonic structure exposed in the Bhutan Himalaya document significant regional variations, expressed primarily as tectonic windows and klippen. The along‐strike variations of these structures and their metamorphic grade are usually associated with the formation of local duplexes in the underlying tectonic units. To investigate these variations and their extent in depth, we image the isotropic shear‐wave velocity structure of the orogenic wedge by ambient noise tomography. Group velocities are extracted from cross correlations of ambient seismic noise, recorded by the temporary GANSSER network in Bhutan. The upper crustal structure beneath Bhutan is mapped down to 18 km depth by directly inverting Rayleigh‐wave group velocity measurements in the period range between 2 and 20 s with a ray tracing based inversion approach. Our results reveal several distinct high shear‐wave velocity anomalies ( ≥3.6 km/s) and reflect the along‐strike variations in the upper crustal structure in relation to the alternating tectonic windows and klippen at the surface. In correlation with the surface geology in the northern part of Bhutan, we interpret shallow high shear‐wave velocity anomalies as quarzite‐dominated rocks or felsic migmatites with large intrusions of leucogranites. High‐velocity anomalies in the orogenic wedge in eastern and western Bhutan correlate with the local geometry of the Main Himalayan Thrust and provide evidence for the formation and depth extent of localized duplexes of quartzite dominated lithology in association with the formation of tectonic windows in the Bhutan Himalaya.
The effects of thermochemical sulfate reduction on occurrence of oil-cracking gas and reformation of deep carbonate reservoir and the interaction mechanisms

Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR), which is a complex organic-inorganic interaction in reservoirs, can not only generate H2S-bearing gas but also reform reservoirs by its sour gas products. This paper firstly studied the influence of TSR on the occurrence of oil-cracking gas by gold-tube pyrolysis. It was revealed that the redox reaction can evidently decrease the thermal stability of oil and accelerate the generation of natural gas with H2S and high dryness. It was confirmed that contact ion pairs (CIP) should be the most feasible oxidant in initiation reaction of TSR collectively by in situ Raman technology and pyrolysis experiments. The potential factors, which can dominate TSR reaction, were thoroughly discussed. It was found that the salts type and concentration in addition to oil compositions, labile organosulfur compounds (LSC) content should be the critical factors for occurrence of TSR. On the other hand, TSR was demonstrated to play an important role in the reformation of carbonate reservoirs on the basis of detailed geological observations. The corrosion mechanism by sour fluid was also revealed with the assistance of corrosion model experiments. Moreover, there was a secondary porosity zone formed by TSR in deep carbonate reservoirs. It is suggested that, the redox reaction involving hydrocarbons and sulfate and the reformation of reservoir should be two closely related and dependent processes induced by whole TSR.
Genetic diversity and historic introgression in German Angler and Red Dual Purpose cattle and possibilities to reverse introgression

ABSTRACT Recovering native uniqueness has major importance for breeds with historic introgression. The aim of the study was to estimate population genetic parameters for two local red cattle breeds from Northern Germany and to study possibilities to reverse introgression. Genealogical information consisted of 90,783 individuals for German Angler and 187,255 individuals for Red Dual-Purpose cattle breed, with additional information on sex, born, breed, status, and conventional breeding values. It is concluded that the native genetic contribution could be included as an additional trait in the total merit index in order to recover a part of the native genetic background. Native contributions should be estimated in the long term from marker data in order to account for Mendelian sampling. The maintenance of a sufficient genetic diversity of native alleles can be achieved by an advanced OCS with appropriate constraints.
Small-scale farmers’ perceptions and adaptation measures to climate change in Kitui County, Kenya

Climate variability and change is affecting weather patterns and seasonal shifts with serious repercussions on rural households. Semi arid environments such as Kitui County, are extremely vulnerable to climate change because their production systems are climate sensitive, and large segment of the population is least able to buffer and rebound from climatic stress. Yet, there is a dearth of information on agricultural adaptation strategies embraced by farmers in this region, or whether farmers are aware of the changing climate and its impacts. To address this gap, my study assessed farmer perceptions, established coping mechanisms and examined factors influencing adaptation uptake. Such information is vital to develop optimal intervention measures that will build resilience and reduce vulnerability. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. Primary data were collected from interviews with key informants, focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers, and household questionnaire survey. Using semi-structured questionnaire, 332 farmers were assessed on their perceptions of climate change and how they were adapting to the impacts. The study also analysed maize crop yields in relation to rainfall over a 17 year period. Farmer perceptions were analysed in relation to meteorological data. Determinants of perceptions and adaptations were then examined using Heckman probit model and multivariate biprobit model (MVBP). Regression analysis shows that the mean annual rainfall for the area was decreasing at 34 mm per year (y = -34.272x +691.82). There was a high positive correlation between rainfall and maize yields (7? =0.819, pcO.OOl, n=\l). Farmers’ perceptions that the region is getting drier were consistent with the rainfall data. The Heckman probit and MVBP models show that extension service, educational attainment, membership to social and economic group, and access to water were the major factors influencing adaptation uptake. Improving these factors will be important to enhance adaptive capacity at the household level. Thus, national and county governments should develop and implement integrated policies and programs that enhance farmer awareness to climate change, build local resilience, and promote transition to climate-smart agriculture.