Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and the risk of esophageal cancer

Objective The relation between polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T(MTHFR) and susceptibility of esophageal cancer was studied. Methods A case control study Was conducted with 93 cases of esophageal cancer and 200 population based controls in Huai'an city of Jiangsu province, China. The epidemiological data were collected, and DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes was obtained from all of the subjects. MTHFR genotypes were detected by PCR RFLP method. Results 1. The frequency of MTHFR variant genotypes in cases and in controls were 66.7% and 68.5% respectively, no statistical difference between them was found. 2. Subjects with wild genotypes and smoking habit were at a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer (OR= 3.22, 95%CI:1.09～9.53). Individuals who had MTHFR variant genotypes and had habit of frequent alcohol drinking were at an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer (OR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.02～5.27). Tea drinking is a protective factor for developing esophageal cancer in subjects with wild or variant genotypes. Individuals who had wild or variant genotypes and had tea drinking habit would have a significantly lower risk of developing esophageal cancer.Conclusion There exists a relationship between MTHFR genotypes and habits of smoking and alcohol drinking in the development of esophageal cancer.
Seroprevalence of HIV and risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in a northeast city of China

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection and risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in China. Design: An anonymous cross- sectional study. Methods A total of 215 homosexual and bisexual men completed the questionnaire and urine specimens were drawn and tested for HIV. Results The HIV seroprevalence among the 153 MSM sampled was 1.31%. The median age at initiation sex was 18. All the MSM have had sex with male partners in the previous 6 mon-the and 67.1 % have had sex with female partners.84. 5% of the MSM engaged in unprotected anal intercourse.79. 8% reported insertive anal intercourse with men and 58.7% reported receptive anal intercourse with men.The men who reported had a lifetime history of sexual transmitted disease was 31.9% . Logistic regression found that a lifetime history of sexual transmitted disease significantly associated with unprotected anal intercourse.Conclusion The prevalence of HIV infection is high among the population of MSM.The high rates of HIV - related risk behaviors suggest a considerable risk for HIV transmission in this population. We should strengthen the prevention programs and behavioral intervention to help the population of MSM.
The organisational climate of preschools and associated characteristics: A study of a group of preschools in England

This study investigated the organisational climate of 26 preschools in England using a multi stage mixed methods design. Data collection included an initial questionnaire administered to all preschools, followed by a second questionnaire and interview process focusing upon preschools at the opposite ends of the climate continuum (high climate n= 6, low climate n = 5). Using data from the Early Childhood Work Environment Survey, ECWES, (Bloom, 2010), preschool and staff variables showed no statistically significant association with the overall assessment of organisational climate. However, the data did reveal a significant statistical difference between staff from the high and low climate groups across each of the separate ECWES ten climate dimensions. In addition, there was a significant statistical difference between the perception of support staff and teachers in the low climate group across several climate dimensions. Questionnaire and interview data revealed low pay as a variable, which was perceived negatively by many staff. However, the processes which differentiated to the greatest extent between the high and low climate groups, on a day to day basis, were social and operational in nature. The high climate preschools had transparent and effective organisational processes in place, which created a strong social system, where subsystems within the school were connected. In this positive environment staff felt supported, and there was an atmosphere where all staff worked harmoniously together with a collective drive to address problems and adapt to change. Preschools with smaller staff numbers, and where there was a discrete educational focus upon early years, appeared best suited to achieving these ends. Future implications of this study appear twofold. The first suggests a need for greater communication across preschool subsystems for high levels of climate to be established. The second is a broader strategy and involves policy makers addressing the low levels of remuneration, and the heavy workload, which the constant drive for change has created for many staff. While the effective management and operational systems within high climate preschools were found to mitigate against such external challenges, where these systems were not in place organisational climate was negatively impacted upon.Thesis completed in 2018.
Relationship Between Variation of OX40L/OX40 Gene Group and the Risk of Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Objective:To investigate the relationship between genetic variations of OX40L/OX40 and the risk of premature coronary artery disease(PCAD). Methods:Our research included three groups,PACS group,243 patients with premature acute coronary syndrome(PACS) younger than 55 years of age,PSAP group,209 patients with premature stable angina pectoris(PSAP) and Control group of 138 subjects.Sequence specific primers-polymerase chain reaction(PCR-SSP) was performed to detect genotypes,alleles and halo types of A/G variant in OX40L rs3850641 SNP loci and G/A variant in OX40 rs2298212 SNP loci.Diseased vessel number(DVN) and stenostic severity integral(SSI) were examined by coronary angiography,and serum levels of soluble OX40L(sOX40L),C-reactive protein(CRP),vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) were tested by ELISA and nephelometry.The relationship between OX40L/OX40 gene variants and PCAD risk,DVN,SSI and plasma levels of three cytokines were analyzed.Results:OX40L gene A/G variant and OX40 gene G/A variant were significantly associated with PACS risk but in-significantly related with PSAP risk.GG genotypes and G allele in OX40L showed the higher risk of PACS than their wild types(OR=1.99,1.83;P=0.021,P=0.0001) but AA genotypes and A allele in OX40 had the lower risk of PACS than their wild types.Risk of PACS in Halo type GGGG was higher than that in wild type(OR=2.11,P=0.033). A/G variant in OX40L and G/A variant in OX40 presented the independent role for PACS risk after four risk factors of high blood pressure,high blood lipids,diabetes and smoking were corrected by statistic analysis.Variant genotypes in OX40L had significantly higher DVN,SSI,sOX40L,CRP and VCAM-1 than the wild types while variant genotypes in OX40 showed inverse changes of those five index in OX40L.Those differences had the statistic meawing.Conclusion: Genetic variations of OX40L/OX40 might be related with PACS risk,coronary lesion severity and expression of inflammatory cytokines.
HPV Model: From Gender Medicine to Healthcare of the Couple

Background: Human Papilloma virus (HPV) infection is strongly related to cervical cancer and its precursors, but the natural history of HPV infection in men is still unknown. In this field, more information is needed for preventive strategies, especially in view of the role that men would play in transmitting the virus to their female sexual partners. Male HPV infection is frequently subclinical and cytologic changes distinctive of viral infection have low frequency. Moreover, currently there is no FDA-approved molecular test to detect HPV in men. The goals of this prospective study were to assess a reliable method to collect cells from penis, to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in asymptomatic male partners of women affected by cervical abnormalities, and to evaluate HPV-types concordance between sexual partners. Methods: 217 asymptomatic men, who were sexual partners of women with cervical lesions, were enrolled. Exfoliated cells from different penile areas were both cytologically and molecularly evaluated to detect HPV infection and viral oncogenic expression. Results: Cytologic signs of penile HPV infection were founded in 13.8% of the cases. No inadequate samples have been found at β-globin analysis. 62.7% of men and 78.8% of female partners were found to be HPV-positive. Concordant HPV status has been achieved in 50% of the cases. 32% of the couple, where both partners tested positive, harboured the same HPV genotype(s). HPV oncogenic expression did not correlate with the grade of infection status in men. Conclusions: Our data would suggest the high level of reliability and the high rate of adequacy reached by sampling multiple penile areas. HPV infection demonstrated more prevalent in asymptomatic male partner of women with cervical lesions. Molecular testing on penile brushing would represent the more accurate tool to diagnose HPV infection, in view to limit the spread of the virus within the couple. Journal of Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis J o u r n a l o f M ole cul ar iorkers & iag n o s i s
Drug-resistance surveillance and analysis of the staphylococcus aureus infection of children under 5-year in Zhuhai area

【Objective】 To investigate the drug-resistance of staphylococcus aureus(SAU) isolated from children under 5-year in Zhuhai area. 【Methods】 245 stains of SAU were isolated from 4 357 cases under 5-year in the Zhuhai Municipal Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital since January 2007 to December 2009.Kurby-Bauer method was used to analyze antimicrobial susceptibility of above-mentioned strains against 12 antimicrobial agents.Results were evaluated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI) of that year.The data was statistic analysis by WHONET 5.4 and SPSS 17.0. 【Results】 95.1% of the cases were under 1-year.97. 1% strains were isolated from the specimens of the outpatients and in-patients within 48 h of hospitalization.The majority of the specimens was sputum(89%) and pneumonia was the main disease among the cases(88.6%). The prevalence of the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) was 17.6%. The rates of resistance to penicillin,clindamycin and erythromycin were 93.9%,51.4%,67.6% respectively.All were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid.The drug-resistance of MRSA was higher than methicillin sensitive staphylococcus cureus(MSSA)(P0.05). According to the drug resistance of SAU,there was no significant difference between the newborns and the infants(P0.05). 【Conclusions】 The detection rate of MRSA is low in children under 5-year with SAU infection in Zhuhai area.The drug-resistance rate is not high in the microbial agents except Penicillin,Clindamycin and Erythromycin.Oxacillin is still a cheap and sensitive drug to cure the children with SAU infection in Zhuhai area.
Study of SSEP,BCR and ICR in patients with neurogenic impotence

Objectives:To analyze the electroneurophysiological changes in patients with neurogenic impotence.Methods:Somatosensory evoked potentials(SSEPs),bulbocavernosus reflexs (BCRs),ischiocavernosus reflexs(ICRs) were determined in 15 patients with neurogenic impotence and compared with 30 normal male subjects.Results:The latencies of SSEPs,BCRs and ICRs in patients with neurogenic impotence were significantly prolonged as compared with the normal subjects.Conclusion:SSEPs,BCRs and ICEs might be an electroneurophysiological method in the diagnosis of neurogenic impotence.They might be used in the clinical and subclinical diagnosis of neurogenic impotence.
Analysis of Related Risk Factors of Malignant Thyroid Nodules

Objective To investigate related risk factors of malignant thyroid nodules. Methods A total of 389 patients with thyroid nodules during October 2010 and October 2013 were divided into benign nodule( benign group,n =272) and malignant nodule( malignant group,n = 117) according to postoperative histopathological results. Clinical data of the two groups was compared,and the related risk factors of malignant thyroid nodules were analyzed using logistic multiple factors of regression analysis. Results The related risk factors of malignant thyroid nodules were maximum diameter of nodule,calcification,acoustic echo structure and nodule boundaries. However,abnormal glucose metabolism was not related with the type of thyroid nodule. Conclusion Ultrasound features such as the maximum diameter of nodules,calcification,acoustic echo structure and nodule boundaries may provide evidence for clinical differential diagnosis of benign and malignant nodules.
The effect of Qing-shu-ke-li in the treatment on constipation resulted from chemotherapy to the lymphoma patients

Objective:To study the curative effect for constipation resulted from chemotherapy to the patients of blood malignancy with Qing-shu-ke-li. Methods: All 42 patients with blood malignancy were randomly divided into two groups of cure group and control group, the patients in cure group took orally Qing-shu-ke-li ,the patients in other group took orally mosapride. Results: Both Qing-shu-ke-li and Mosapride can contribute to defecate and shorten the time of defecate. Conclusion: Qing-shu-ke-li has the curative effect for constipation resulted from chemotherapy to the patients with lymphoma.
Looked after young people: Reducing health inequalities through an evidence- and theory-informed intervention

Objective: The study aimed to design and evaluate a health behaviour change intervention for looked after young people, targeting sexual health, smoking, exercise, healthy eating and non-dependent alcohol and drug use. Design: A pre–post intervention evaluation was undertaken exploring health behaviours and wellbeing. Methodology: The one-to-one intervention was individually tailored to each person. Young people eligible for the intervention were aged 11 years and over and were ‘looked after’, meaning they were under a supervision order with a local authority in Scotland, or were a care leaver. A total of 144 young people referred to the intervention service between March 2009 and January 2014 were eligible for the evaluation. Evaluation data were analysed using standard statistical tests on SPSS. Results: Behaviour change techniques, including goal setting, action planning, barrier identification/problem solving and motivational interviewing contributed to improvements in all areas. Difficulties with consent and follow-up were highlighted as barriers to effective evaluation. Conclusion: Improving the current health of looked after young people with a view to prevent future ill health using a tailored intervention with behaviour change techniques enables this group to improve health behaviours, despite numerous challenges in working with these vulnerable clients.
Measurements of indoor climate parameters in the exercise zone of an ice hockey hall

The purpose of this thesis was to assess the indoor air quality at Dalgård ice hall in Trondheim. Ice halls are poorly regulated in Norway regarding guidelines for buildings and operation methods. This thesis will assess how one Norwegian ice halls is operated and the status of the indoor air quality inside the hall. A literature study was performed and reviewed relevant studies and new research on ice halls and indoor climate. Several studies regarding indoor air quality in ice halls focused on pollution from the resurfacer, while new studies focused more on air distribution since many ice halls have shifted towards electric resurfacer. Field measurements in order to assess the indoor air quality at the ice hall was conducted in several different ways. CO2 concentration, temperature and relative humidity was the parameters measured at the ice rink, while the sharpening room also had it’s PM2.5 measured. CO2 concentration was measured on the ice rink during ice hockey matches by attaching the measurement equipment on the back of the referee. CO2 values during an ice hockey match was measured for four different athletic profiles: women, men, teenagers and children. The increase during a match ranged from 92 ppm to 262 ppm, and the concentration increased to above 1000 ppm during all measured matches which is the recommended value by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Two different surveys was created. One was sent out to every Norwegian ice hall and mapped how many had fresh air supply and how many used recirculated air. Only 6 ice halls used only fresh air, while most used a combination between fresh air and recirculated air. The other survey was sent out to the local ice hockey teams that used Dalgård for training purposes or for matches. This survey mapped how the players perceived the air quality at Dalgård. The majority of the participants were pleased with the air quality at the ice rink, with 98% choosing to describe it as acceptable or better. The fresh air supply was assessed with measurements during two nights, and based on those results the air change per hour was calculated. The calculations proved that the amount of fresh air supply at Dalgård is dependent on the weather conditions.
The face validity and clinical utility of the Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom (ACS-UK)

Introduction The Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom version is a self-report interview assessment requiring older adults to sort activity photograph cards to evaluate their levels of participation. The face validity and clinical utility of the activity card sort – United Kingdom were explored. Method The sample comprised 27 community dwelling older adults (>65 years) and eight assessors. The Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom was administered, followed by a semi-structured interview to explore participants' opinions and experiences of undertaking the assessment. Time taken to administer and score was measured. Results Mean administration and scoring time was 14 minutes and 30 seconds, which was considered reasonable by older people and assessors. The majority of participants found the Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom straightforward, easy to do and considered activities and activity labels clear. All participants considered that photographs looked like the activities they were depicting. Participants made recommendations which have led to some improvements to the assessment. Conclusion The Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom has good clinical utility in terms of ease of use and time required for administering and scoring the assessment. Face validity, in terms of acceptability, was good, but more detailed instructions in the manual will be required to guide therapists on how to explain the purpose of the assessment to clients.
Cyclic Loading Behaviour of Compacted Waste Materials for Transport Infrastructure

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The impact of a change in climate on small-scale farmers : case studies of the Khokhwane, Sizanenjana and Richmond communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xvi LIST OF PLATES . xvii ABBREVIATIONS . xix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.
HDL-C in Five Elite Athletes Using Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

In brief: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured in five elite weight-trained athletes who were intermittently taking anabolic-androgenic steroids and in 28 age- and sex-matched control subjects who had never taken anabolic-androgenic steroids Athletes had significantly lower levels of HDL C while taking steroids than while abstaining (p .05).
Competition of magnetic and hydrodynamic forces on ellipsoidal particles under shear: Influence of the Earth's magnetic field on particle alignment in viscous media: PARTICLE ALIGNMENT IN VISCOUS MEDIA

[ 1 ] We present a model that describes the rotation of ellipsoidal magnetic particles in a viscous fluid under the influence of hydrodynamic and magnetic forces, with an aim to better understand how sediments acquire their remanent magnetizations. Analyses of the governing equations elucidate how magnetic particles will rotate for different values of leading parameters including particle shape, remanent and induced magnetic intensity, magnetic field intensity and direction, strain rate, shear direction, and viscosity. Numerical solution of the governing equations makes it possible to visualize the rotation path and the magnetic direction of a particle through time. Thus the model can discern the timescales and trajectories of magnetic particles rotating due to torque of the magnetic field couple while simultaneously entrained in a velocity gradient. For example, in a layer of viscosity 10 4 Pa s, prolate magnetite starting at any initial orientation and subjected to simple shear with a strain rate of 3.17 (cid:1) 10 (cid:2) 8 s (cid:2) 1 needs 4 months to rotate within 3 (cid:1) of the Earth’s field direction. Under the same conditions, hydrodynamic forces will govern the orientation of oblate hematite whose moment will be perpetually randomly oriented with respect to the magnetic field direction. When applied to laboratory experiments, the viscous model successfully matches the observed data, particularly after accounting for mechanical interaction and flocculation effects. Magnetic anisotropies calculated from multiparticle systems of hematite yield typical sedimentary fabrics with relatively low percentages of anisotropy (<5%) and maximum principal axes that lie in the sedimentation plane.
North Korea threat not recorded through US asset prices: evidence from events in the 21st century

I perform event data analysis on the hostile events of North Korea affecting United states asset prices. I examine the effect of these events to US asset prices through local increment of political uncertainty and increase in patriotism. US have been under North Koreas nuclear threats and the North Korea have been estimated by experts to be able to finally fit the nuclear warhead in the missile which could hit the US coast. In recent year the subject has also been widely covered in international media. I don’t find significant effects on U.S. asset prices during the events thus concluding that the threat posed by North Korea is not taken seriously by U.S. markets. This is aligned with former papers examining the effects in South Korea and North Korea concluding that the threat is not realistic. (Kim and Roland 2014)