Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical partner violence, women’s economic status and help-seeking behaviour in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Background: Women’s responses to partner violence are influenced by a complex constellation of factors including: psychological attachment to the partner; context of the abuse; and structural factors, all of which shape available options for women outside of the relationship. Objective: To describe women’s responses to physical partner violence; and to understand the role of women’s economic resources on their responses. Methods: Cross-sectional data from Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, Tanzania. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between women’s economic resources and their responses to violence. Results: In both sites, among physically abused women, over one-half experienced severe violence; approximately two-thirds had disclosed the violence; and approximately 40% had sought help. Abused women were more likely to have sought help from health services, the police and religious leaders in Dar es Salaam, and from local leaders in Mbeya. Economic resources did not facilitate women’s ability to leave violent partners in Dar es Salaam. In Mbeya, women who jointly owned capital assets were less likely to have left. In both sites, women’s sole ownership of capital assets facilitated help-seeking. Conclusion: Although support services are being scaled-up in Tanzania, efforts are needed to increase the acceptability of accessing such services.
Astrocytes drive upregulation of the multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1 (P‐Glycoprotein) in endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier in mutant superoxide dismutase 1‐linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The efficacy of drugs targeting the CNS is influenced by their limited brain access, which can lead to complete pharmacoresistance. Recently a tissue‐specific and selective upregulation of the multidrug efflux transporter ABCB1 or P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in the spinal cord of both patients and the mutant SOD1‐G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease that prevalently kills motor neurons has been reported. Here, we extended the analysis of P‐gp expression in the SOD1‐G93A ALS mouse model and found that P‐gp upregulation was restricted to endothelial cells of the capillaries, while P‐gp expression was not detected in other cells of the spinal cord parenchyma such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. Using both in vitro human and mouse models of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), we found that mutant SOD1 astrocytes were driving P‐gp upregulation in endothelial cells. In addition, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species production, Nrf2 and NFκB activation in endothelial cells exposed to mutant SOD1 astrocytes in both human and murine BBB models were observed. Most interestingly, astrocytes expressing FUS‐H517Q, a different familial ALS‐linked mutated gene, also drove NFκB‐dependent upregulation of P‐gp. However, the pathway was not dependent on oxidative stress but rather involved TNF‐α release. Overall, these findings indicated that nuclear translocation of NFκB was a converging mechanism used by endothelial cells of the BBB to upregulate P‐gp expression in mutant SOD1‐linked ALS and possibly other forms of familial ALS. GLIA 2016 GLIA 2016;64:1298–1313
Vehicle Detection for Outdoor Car Parks using IEEE 802 . 15 . 4

Cruising for parking has negative impact from the economical and ecological points and view, and in overall traffic slowdown. Effective information about which and how many parking places are free could help to reduce these effects. This is possible only if a per parking place motorization is made, which will require the use of sensors to monitor every parking place. While the placement of sensors in indoor car parks is an easy task, usually are used ultrasonic sensors attached to the ceiling, the same is not true for outdoor car parks. Not having a ceiling or a similar structure over (most) outdoor parks, sensors must be placed on the ground. This means that ultrasonic sensors are not the most suitable for this type of application, because their performance might be compromised by dirt. Another option is the placement of inductive loops, magnetometers, micro-loop probes or pneumatic road tubes, however its placement in all parking places of a city might be very expensive and its placement will imply rather complex works on the pavement. The approach presented in this paper consists in using wireless communications to detect the presence of vehicles. It is based on the attenuation that the presence of a vehicle will cause in the propagation path between two wireless nodes. As Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology IEEE802.15. 4 was used, and it was successfully tested in the detection of parked vehicles.
Effect of some added materials on dicalcium silicate

Studies of binary systems are helpful in the investigation of polycomponent systems forming industrial products, such as portland cement, dolomite refractories, or blast-furnace slags . Details are given of the application of differential heating and cooling curves to the determination of the temperature of the ab;{J inversion of 2CaO.Si02 in binary mixtures with CaO, SiOz, AIzOa, MgO, FezOa, CaFz, Ti02, BaO, Cr20a, BzOa, MnzOa, V20 6, PZ0 6, Na20, and K 20. These added materials, excepting CaO, lowered the temperature of the a-. =2{J inversion and estimates of the limits of solid solution in a-2CaO.Si02 are given . X-ray patterns of {J-2CaO.Si02 containing BaO, PZ0 6, NazO, or K 20 indicated the existence of solid solutions of the substitution type. Observations were made of the effectiveness of the added materials in preventing dusting, which results from the {J--+'Y inversion of 2CaO.SiOz. It was found that MnzOa should be added to the list of known chemical inhibitors of dusting. CONTENTS Page
The Meta-Turing Test

We propose an alternative to the Turing test that removes the inherent asymmetry between humans and machines in Turing's original imitation game. In this new test, both humans and machines judge each other. We argue that this makes the test more robust against simple deceptions. We also propose a small number of refinements to improve further the test. These refinements could be applied also to Turing's original imitation game.
Tail-Anchored Inner Membrane Protein ElaB Increases Resistance to Stress While Reducing Persistence in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Host-associated bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, often encounter various host-related stresses, such as nutritional deprivation, oxidative stress, and temperature shifts. There is growing interest in searching for small endogenous proteins that mediate stress responses. Here, we characterized the small C-tail-anchored inner membrane protein ElaB in E. coli. ElaB belongs to a class of tail-anchored inner membrane proteins with a C-terminal transmembrane domain but lacking an N-terminal signal sequence for membrane targeting. Proteins from this family have been shown to play vital roles, such as in membrane trafficking and apoptosis, in eukaryotes; however, their role in prokaryotes is largely unexplored. Here, we found that the transcription of elaB is induced in the stationary phase in E. coli and stationary-phase sigma factor RpoS regulates elaB transcription by binding to the promoter of elaB. Moreover, ElaB protects cells against oxidative stress and heat shock stress. However, unlike membrane peptide toxins TisB and GhoT, ElaB does not lead to cell death, and the deletion of elaB greatly increases persister cell formation. Therefore, we demonstrate that disruption of C-tail-anchored inner membrane proteins can reduce stress resistance; it can also lead to deleterious effects, such as increased persistence, in E. coli. IMPORTANCE Escherichia coli synthesizes dozens of poorly understood small membrane proteins containing a predicted transmembrane domain. In this study, we characterized the function of the C-tail-anchored inner membrane protein ElaB in E. coli. ElaB increases resistance to oxidative stress and heat stress, while inactivation of ElaB leads to high persister cell formation. We also demonstrated that the transcription of elaB is under the direct regulation of stationary-phase sigma factor RpoS. Thus, our study reveals that small inner membrane proteins may have important cellular roles during the stress response.
A randomised controlled trial evaluating everolimus compared to cyclosporine on left ventricular mass index and arterial stiffness after kidney transplantation

A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL EVALUATING EVEROLIMUS COMPARED TO CYCLOSPORINE ON LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS INDEX AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION A Krishnan, K Morgan, J Phillips, G Wong and W Lim Department of Nephrology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
A process evaluation of the UK-wide Antibiotic Guardian campaign: developing engagement on antimicrobial resistance

Background Public Health England developed and led a new UK-wide pledge campaign aiming to improve behaviours around the prudent use and prescription of antibiotics. This paper presents a process evaluation for the first season of the campaign to determine the impact of the campaign and inform future campaigns. Methods Data were collected from AntibioticGuardian.com and Google analytics between August 2014 and January 2015. The primary outcome was the decision to pledge and was assessed according to target audience, location, source and route of referral to the website. Results There were 47 158 unique visits to the website and 12 509 visitors made a pledge (26.5%) to become Antibiotic Guardians (AGs); 69% were healthcare professionals. Social media directed the most traffic to the website (24% of the public that signed up cited social media as how they discovered the campaign), other acquisition routes such as self-directed, email or website referral, were more effective at encouraging visitors to pledge. Conclusions The campaign completed its goal of 10 000 AGs in the first year. Further work is required to improve engagement with target audiences and determine whether this campaign has an impact on antibiotic consumption and prescribing behaviour among the public and healthcare professionals.
Relation between Weight Changes and Bending Properties of GFRP Panel Immersed in Hot Water

This study deals with the relation between weight changes and the bending properties of GFRP panels immersed in hot water. The GFRP panels used in this study were three kinds of randomly oriented E-glass fibre continuous strand mat reinforced unsaturated polyester resins. These panels were different in matrix resin and filler content. The water immersion tests were conducted at 80°C and the specimen weight before and after immersion was measured. After water immersion, three point bending tests were performed in order to evaluate the reduction in elastic modulus and strength. Weight changes were evaluated in two ways: the weight gain due to water absorption and the weight loss due to matrix dissolution. The water absorption kinetics was different from the typical Fickian diffusion behaviour, and a great amount of water penetration into the interface was associated with weight loss. Extensive weight loss due to matrix dissolution was caused by degradation at the fibre/matrix interface. The main causes of the modulus and strength reduction of GFRP immersed in water were clarified from the relation between weight changes and bending properties. The elastic modulus decreased with increasing water absorption, and eventually it became constant. The strength decreased linearly with the weight gain due to water absorption. The modulus and strength reductions were caused by the degradation of matrix resin due to water absorption-related processes, such as plasticisation and hydrolysis. However, the modulus reached a constant value in spite of a great amount of water absorption and this was caused by extensive degradation at the interface. The strength reduction observed along with matrix dissolution was caused by the reduction in the load bearing capacity of the fibre following interface breakdown.
On Initiation and Growth of Debonding between Liner and FW Layer of Cryogenic Composite Material Tank for Rocket System Due to Nonuniform Liner Thickness

In the present study, damage problems of a cryogenic CFRP tank with an aluminum alloy liner developed for the space vehicle is discussed through results from a three dimensional finite element analysis, which is subjected to not only internal pressure but also high thermal stresses due to cryogenic temperature. The interfacial stress distribution around the area of the thickness change of the liner in the cylindrical portion of the tank is studied since the broad debonding between the CFRP layer and the aluminum liner was observed along the thick liner area after the low temperature exposure and the internal pressure test. The thick portion of the liner was designed to make welding easy and to reduce the thermal effect on the Al alloy during welding. The magnitude of the interfacial stress is found to become sufficiently large to cause debonding at the different portion in thickness unless the size and dimensions of that portion is well designed. The yielding of the liner may cause even higher interfacial stress. The instability of the debonding crack is evaluated through the energy release rate obtained based on the elastic theory using the virtual crack closure technique.
Comparison of Melatonin Profile and Alertness of Firefighters with Different Work Schedules

Introduction: A two-shift work schedule with different rotations is common among firefighters in Iranian petrochemical companies. This study compared salivary melatonin and sleepiness on the last night before turning to day shift at 19:00, 23:00, 3:00, and 7:00 among petrochemical firefighters (PFFs) working seven and four consecutive night shifts. Methods: Sixty four PFFs working in the petrochemical industry were selected. To measure melatonin, saliva samples were taken, whereas the KSS index was used to assess sleepiness. Chi-square and independent samples t-test were carried out to analyze the data, and generalized linear model (GLM) was employed to determine the effect of confounding factors such as lighting and caffeine. Results: The levels of melatonin at 3:00 and 7:00, and the overall changes during the shift in the two shift patterns under the study were different (P < 0.05). Sleepiness was significantly different only at 3:00 in the two studied shift patterns, while the effects of lighting and caffeine on melatonin changes were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that a slow shift rotation is better because it reduces the secretion of melatonin (hence reducing sleepiness during the night) and changes the peak of melatonin secretion to the daytime, which is a sign of adaptation.
Nanoparticles for imaging and treatment of metastatic breast cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Metastatic breast cancer is one of the most devastating cancers that have no cure. Many therapeutic and diagnostic strategies have been extensively studied in the past decade. Among these strategies, cancer nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy in preclinical studies by enabling early identification of primary tumors and metastases, and by effective killing of cancer cells. Areas covered: This review covers the recent progress made in targeting and imaging of metastatic breast cancer with nanoparticles, and treatment using nanoparticle-enabled chemo-, gene, photothermal- and radio-therapies. This review also discusses recent developments of nanoparticle-enabled stem cell therapy and immunotherapy. Expert opinion: Nanotechnology is expected to play important roles in modern therapy for cancers, including metastatic breast cancer. Nanoparticles are able to target and visualize metastasis in various organs, and deliver therapeutic agents. Through targeting cancer stem cells, nanoparticles are able to treat resistant tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues/organs. Nanoparticles are also able to activate immune cells to eliminate tumors. Owing to their multifunctional, controllable and trackable features, nanotechnology-based imaging and therapy could be a highly potent approach for future cancer research and treatment.
Re: Hypophosphatemia, Severe Bone Pain, Gait Disturbance, and Fatigue Fractures After Iron Substitution in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Report

Symeon Tournis, Spyridon Michopoulos, Konstantinos Makris, and Evaggelos Terpos Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System ‘Th. Garofalidis’, KAT Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece Gastroenterology Unit, “Alexandra” General Hospital, Athens, Greece Department of Biochemistry, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, “Alexandra” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Common Genetic Variation Near Melatonin Receptor 1A Gene Linked to Job-Related Exhaustion in Shift Workers

Abstract Study Objectives: Tolerance to shift work varies; only some shift workers suffer from disturbed sleep, fatigue, and job-related exhaustion. Our aim was to explore molecular genetic risk factors for intolerance to shift work. Methods: We assessed intolerance to shift work with job-related exhaustion symptoms in shift workers using the emotional exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, and carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Illumina’s Human610-Quad BeadChip (n = 176). The most significant findings were further studied in three groups of Finnish shift workers (n = 577). We assessed methylation in blood cells with the Illumina HumanMethylation450K BeadChip, and examined gene expression levels in the publicly available eGWAS Mayo data. Results: The second strongest signal identified in the GWAS (p = 2.3 × 10E-6) was replicated in two of the replication studies with p < . 05 (p = 2.0 × 10E-4 when combining the replication studies) and indicated an association of job-related exhaustion in shift workers with rs12506228, located downstream of the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A). The risk allele was also associated with reduced in silico gene expression levels of MTNR1A in brain tissue and suggestively associated with changes in DNA methylation in the 5' regulatory region of MTNR1A. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a variant near MTNR1A may be associated with job-related exhaustion in shift workers. The risk variant may exert its effect via epigenetic mechanisms, potentially leading to reduced melatonin signaling in the brain. These results could indicate a link between melatonin signaling, a key circadian regulatory mechanism, and tolerance to shift work.
Results from a 13-Year Prospective Cohort Study Show Increased Mortality Associated with Bloodstream Infections Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Compared to Other Bacteria

ABSTRACT The impact of bacterial species on outcome in bloodstream infections (BSI) is incompletely understood. We evaluated the impact of bacterial species on BSI mortality, with adjustment for patient, bacterial, and treatment factors. From 2002 to 2015, all adult inpatients with monomicrobial BSI caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Gram-negative bacteria at Duke University Medical Center were prospectively enrolled. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression with propensity score models were used to examine species-specific bacterial BSI mortality. Of the 2,659 enrolled patients, 999 (38%) were infected with S. aureus, and 1,660 (62%) were infected with Gram-negative bacteria. Among patients with Gram-negative BSI, Enterobacteriaceae (81% [1,343/1,660]) were most commonly isolated, followed by non-lactose-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria (16% [262/1,660]). Of the 999 S. aureus BSI isolates, 507 (51%) were methicillin resistant. Of the 1,660 Gram-negative BSI isolates, 500 (30%) were multidrug resistant. The unadjusted time-to-mortality among patients with Gram-negative BSI was shorter than that of patients with S. aureus BSI (P = 0.003), due to increased mortality in patients with non-lactose-fermenting Gram-negative BSI generally (P < 0.0001) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa BSI (n = 158) in particular (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for patient demographics, medical comorbidities, bacterial antibiotic resistance, timing of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and source control in patients with line-associated BSI, P. aeruginosa BSI remained significantly associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio = 1.435; 95% confidence interval = 1.043 to 1.933; P = 0.02). P. aeruginosa BSI was associated with increased mortality relative to S. aureus or other Gram-negative BSI. This effect persisted after adjustment for patient, bacterial, and treatment factors.
Confirming Maximal Oxygen Uptake: Is Heart Rate the Answer?

Abstract This study investigates heart rate (HR), in 11 young adults (22.4±3.21yr), at V̇O2max, to ascertain whether measured maximal heart rate (HRmax), as determined by a plateau in HR (HRplat), can reliably confirm V̇O2max. V̇O2max and HRplat were determined, using the parameters of a V̇O2≤50 ml•min−1 and a ∆HR≤2b•min−1, respectively, over the final 60 s of sampling. V̇O2 was also independently determined using a verification phase protocol. A HRplat was achieved by 91% of participants (∆HR=1.3±1b•min−1) and critically the time at which HRmax was reached coincided with that at which V̇O2max was achieved. Moreover RER and ΔRER criteria were reached significantly earlier (p<0.05) than V̇O2max, whilst age-related heart rate maximums (HRage), were not achieved by many participants. The results suggest that a HRplat ≤2 b•min−1 is a more accurate method, within the group tested, to determine whether a ‘true’ V̇O2max has been achieved, than other secondary criteria and potentially avoids the requirement for an additional verification phase.
Anti Inflammatory and Anti Arthritic Activity of Different Milk Based Formulation of Curcumin in Rat Model.

BACKGROUND Inflammation is the key mediator for arthritis. Plant based products are most useful for treating various disorders, but at the same time drug absorption is utmost important for effective therapy. The present aim of our study was to find out the therapeutic concern in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters in an arthritis induced rat model. METHODS Carregenan and complete Freud's adjuvant, both were used for an arthritis induction as an animal model. Formulation of curcumin was prepared in different quality of milk brand, high fat milk with ghee and in an aqueous suspension. They were administered orally to the rats for 21 days continuously. Different pharmacodyanmic parameters were analyzed which include percentage inhibition of inflammation, cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), hematological levels, X-Rays and histology condition. Pharmacokinetics was also determined like Cmax, Tmax and Kel using HPLC method. RESULTS The result concludes that, curcumin in full fat milk with ghee and full fat curcumin formulation treated group showed a higher statistical significant effect in the prevention of inflammation in both the models. The presence of curcumin in plasma was higher only in full fat with ghee formulation and full fat milk formulation treated group when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION Hence, it concludes that the presence of adjuvant act as an enhancer can increase the bioavailability of curcumin for achieving maximum effectiveness.