Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in sexual activity and risk behaviors among PLWHA initiating ART in rural district hospitals in Cameroon – Data from the STRATALL ANRS 12110/ESTHER trial

Abstract The continued scaling-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa provides an opportunity to further study its impact on sexual behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We explored time trend and correlates of sexual activity among PLWHA initiating ART in Cameroon and compared sexual risk behaviors between patients sexually active before and after initiating ART and those resuming sexual activity after ART initiation. Analyses were based on longitudinal data collected within the randomized trial (n = 459) conducted in nine rural district hospitals in Cameroon. Sexual activity was defined as reporting at least one sexual partner during the previous 3 months. Inconsistent condom use (ICU) was defined as reporting to have “never,” “sometimes,” or “nearly always” used condoms at least once with a partner(s) either HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status during the same period. Mc Nemar tests were used to assess time trend, while mixed-effect logistic regressions were conducted to analyze the effect of time since ART initiation on sexual activity. The proportion of sexually active patients significantly increased over time: from 31.8% at baseline to 40.2 and 47.1% after 6 and 12 months of ART, respectively (p=0.001), to 55.9% after 24 months (p=0.02). After adjustment for behavioral and psychosocial factors, time since ART initiation was independently associated with reporting sexual activity (AOR [95% CI] = 1.30 [1.17–1.46] per 6-month increase, p=0.001). ICU was more frequent among patients sexually active both before and after ART initiation than among those who resumed sexual activity after ART initiation (82 vs. 59%, p<0.001). To conclude, while ART initiation fosters resumption of sexual activity in patients who are inactive before starting treatment; unsafe sexual behaviors remain less frequent in this population than in patients who are already sexually active before starting ART. Risk reduction programs should be reinforced among PLWHA in the context of ART scaling-up.
Isoenzymatic characterization of Colombian strains of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Ed. Felix Restrepo, Of.111, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia *Laboratorio de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Av. El Dorado con Carrera 50, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia **Instituto de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 40-62, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia
Macroeconomic Determinants of Gold Industry Stock Returns

Over the past 12 years, the gold bullion continues to become a significant investment. Financial advisors and analysts have recommended investors invest a small portion of their portfolio into this precious metal commodity asset. Gold mining stocks offer investors the ability to leverage volatile but rising gold prices. The expected relationship between gold price and gold stock returns is that for every 1% increase in gold prices, gold stocks can be expected to gain 2-3%. Building on a multifactor model by Faff and Chan (1998), we examine how macroeconomic factors such as market returns, the foreign exchange rate, and the interest rate affect the U.S. gold industry stock returns over the period 1996-2011. We contribute to the literature by exploring the significance of business cycle’s in explaining gold stock returns.
Endobronchial ultrasound plus fluoroscopy-guided biopsy compared to fluoroscopy-guided transbronchial biopsy for obtaining samples of peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: We report a meta-analysis of recent studies comparing the diagnostic yields of endobronchial ultrasonography plus fluoroscopically-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS + TBB) with that of conventional fluoroscopically-guided TBB for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). Methods: We searched Medline, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar through 31 March 2013 using the keywords: lung neoplasm, pulmonary lesions, diagnosis, endobronchial ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and fluoroscopic. Results: Four studies were included in the study with a total of 461 patients, 222 in the EBUS + TBB group and 239 in the TBB only group. The meta-analysis revealed that the group with EBUS + TBB was more favored in terms of positive diagnostic yield than the group diagnosed with only conventional TBB (odds ratio [OR] = 2.211, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.422–3.438, P< 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on lesion size found that smaller PPLs had higher accuracy (OR = 4.502, 95% CI = 2.002–10.126, P< 0.001) than PPLs of large size (OR = 1.849, 95% CI = 1.033–3.311, P= 0.039). Conclusion: Obtaining TBB samples for histopathological diagnosis is enhanced by the addition of EBUS to conventional fluoroscopic guidance; this is, especially important for patients with small peripheral lung lesions who benefit greatly from early diagnosis.
Nonprofit Boards: Roles, Responsibilities, and Performance

Models of Governance and Leadership. Accountability: A Board's Fiduciary Obligations. Structuring a Board for Maximum Effectiveness. Organizing the Board's Work. The Core Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Board. Building a Cooperative Spirit. Effective Board Meetings. Maintaining Focus on Mission. New Challenges for Nonprofit Boards. Appendices. Notes. Index.
Immuno-Modulatory Properties of a Quinolin-2-(1H)-on-3-Carboxamide Derivative: Relevance in Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND We have recently released the structure of a class of quinolin-2-(1H)-on-3-carboxamide derivatives and among them; the drug A2 has the highest CB2 receptor selectivity. OBJECTIVE In this work we assessed the immuno-modulatory properties of A2 in lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of multiple sclerosis patients and healthy donors. METHODS Cell proliferative response was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation, cell viability and apoptosis by trypan blue, annexin V staining and western blot. Cell activation was investigated by flow cytometry and molecular pathways by western blot. RESULTS A2 exerted anti-proliferative effects with down-regulation of TNF-α, IL-10 and Rantes in both cell types. No relevant changes were observed in cell viability between the two cell types. In cells from healthy subjects, A2 did not induce apoptosis, inhibited the cell cycle and similarly down-regulated in CD4+T cells the markers CD69, CD25, CD49d and CD54. Indeed, A2 also inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, NF-kB, IKKα/β, ERK and blocked the expression of Cox-2 and CB2 receptor. Published patents also describe CB2 receptor agonists like purine derivatives. Differently, in cells from patients, A2 did not affect CD49d, while potently blocked CD54 expression. A2 inhibitory effects of Akt and Cox-2 expression were confirmed, whereas unchanged level of the CB2 receptor was observed in these cells. CONCLUSION We reported similar effects of A2 in both cell types; however, a different mechanism of action might be suggested in cells from patients concerning cell activation and CB2 receptor expression. Overall, these data suggest an anti-inflammatory profile of A2 with potential implication in multiple sclerosis.
Provision of an emergency theatre in tertiary hospitals is cost-effective: Audit and cost of cancelled planned elective general surgical operations at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND Cancellations of planned elective surgical operations increase financial cost to the patient and the hospital. OBJECTIVES To determine the rate and reasons for cancellations, estimate the cost incurred by such cancellations and recommend possible solutions. METHODS We did a prospective descriptive study of cancellations of elective general surgical operations over the 1-year period January - December 2014 in the main theatre at Pietersburg (PTB) Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa. All patients listed on the theatre booking slate for elective general surgical operations before the cut-off time of 13h00 on the day before the anticipated operation were included. Epi Infoversion 7 was used to analyse the data and derive the descriptive statistics. RESULTS There were 537 booked patients (median age 47 years, range 1 - 94); a total of 298 operations were performed, and 239 were cancelled (cancellation rate 44.5%). Reasons for cancellation were as follows: theatre needed for an emergency n=154 (64.4%), theatre equipment failure and lack of consumables n=17 (7.1%), non-theatre equipment failure n=10 (4.2%), prolonged time of operations n=13 (5.4%), abnormal blood results n=8 (3.3%), patient comorbidity and poor general condition n=9 (3.8%), patients absent from the ward n=8 (3.3%), patients not starved n=2 (0.8%), patients' condition improved significantly n=3 (1.3%), nurses' strike n=5 (2.1%), rebooking of cases for senior surgeons or other specialty n=2 (0.8%), and other reasons n=8 (3.3%). The cost per inpatient per day was estimated at ZAR4 890 at PTB Hospital and ZAR2 100 at district hospitals, and the total cost per cancelled operation was ZAR25 860. CONCLUSIONS Over the 1-year period 44.5% of elective operations at PTB Hospital were cancelled, 64.4% because the theatre was needed for an emergency operation. We recommend that a theatre dedicated to emergencies be opened at PTB Hospital. The cost incurred due to cancellations was about ZAR6 million for the hospital, with additional cost and emotional trauma for the patients.
Allocation of Transportation Costs to Users

9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) Kentucky Transporta<:ion Research Program College of Engineering 11. Contract or Grant No. University of Kentucky KYHPR-80-81 Lexington, Kentucky 40506 13. Type of Report and Period Covered 12. Sponsoring Ageney Nome and Address Kentucky Department of Transportation Final State Office Building Frankfort, Kentucky 40622 14. Sponsoring Agency Code
Dimensions of Service Innovation

This conceptual paper aims to increase our understanding of service innovation by separating and analyzing some of its basic dimensions: the target of the renewal, the nature of the renewal, and the radicalness of the renewal. Service innovations are discussed both at the product level and at the firm level. In innovation literature, the product level has deserved most attention. We summarize and develop further the views that we consider most promising here. In addition, we highlight the importance of innovations regarding the whole service portfolio, the general organization of service firms and the positioning of service firms in the markets. These issues have rarely been discussed from the innovation perspective, but the original thoughts of Schumpeter provide good starting points for the extension of innovation analysis to this broader level.
Supply chain strategy, flexibility, and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the supply chain strategy, flexibility, and performance relationships in the context of SMEs in Canada and Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey from a total of 170 small and medium-sized Pakistani manufacturing companies. The current study draws upon the earlier work of Fantazy et al. (2009) for comparative purpose and employs path analysis technique. Findings – The results partially confirm the findings of previous study on Canadian SMEs with regard to the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the context of supply chain. The survey results revealed that SMEs in Pakistan adopt followers strategy in order to achieve financial and non-financial performance. Whereas in the previous study, Canadian SMEs adopted innovative strategy and customer-oriented strategy in order to enhance their performance. Originality/value – The literature did not reveal any stu.
Histochemical and morphological examination of proliferation and apoptosis in human first trimester villous trophoblast.

BACKGROUND Our present knowledge about trophoblast turnover in human first trimester placental villi based on multiparametric examination of proliferation and apoptosis is limited. METHODS Human villous placentae collected during 6, 7 and 8 weeks (n = 10/each group) of gestation were examined for trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis based on quantitative analyses of immunopositive Fas, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), cytokeratin 18 fragment (18f), number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki67 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive nuclei, scores of mitotic and apoptotic indices and ultrastructural characteristics. RESULTS Mitotic index in cytotrophoblast higher (P < 0.05) at 6 week compared with 7 and 8 weeks of gestation showed significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation between its prevalence and gestational age. Syncytiotrophoblast exhibited higher number of TUNEL positive nuclei (P < 0.01), TUNEL positive apoptotic nuclei (P < 0.05) and apoptotic index (P < 0.05) compared with cytotrophoblast at same gestational age. Positive correlations found between cytokeratin 18f and apoptotic index (P < 0.01), Fas and apoptotic index (P < 0.01), TUNEL positive nuclei and apoptotic index (P < 0.05), cytokeratin 18f and Fas (P < 0.01), whereas cytokeratin 18f (P < 0.05) and Fas (P < 0.05) showed positive correlation only with TUNEL positive apoptotic nuclear data. Phalangeal intrusions of syncytiotrophoblast between transitional cytotrophoblasts showed apposed plasma membranes bearing thickened membrane leaflets, inter-membranous gaps enclosing membranous invaginations, liposome-like particles; patches of membrane seen to be dissolved resulting in cytoplasmic continuity typical of syncytial formation. CONCLUSION Cellular remodeling of first trimester villous placenta requires a complex homeodynamics involving proliferation in cytotrophoblast, development-associated syncytialization and apoptosis in syncytiotrophoblast.
The production and consumption of commercial real estate market forecasts

Whilst the vast majority of the research on property market forecasting has concentrated on statistical methods of forecasting future rents, this report investigates the process of property market forecast production with particular reference to the level and effect of judgemental intervention in this process. Expectations of future investment performance at the levels of individual asset, sector, region, country and asset class are crucial to stock selection and tactical and strategic asset allocation decisions. Given their centrality to investment performance, we focus on the process by which forecasts of rents and yields are generated and expectations formed. A review of the wider literature on forecasting suggests that there are strong grounds to expect that forecast outcomes are not the result of purely mechanical calculations.
The Rho family GEF Asef2 regulates cell migration in three dimensional (3D) collagen matrices through myosin II

Cell migration is fundamental to a variety of physiological processes, including tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Migration has been extensively studied with cells on 2-dimensional (2D) substrates, but much less is known about cell migration in 3D environments. Tissues and organs are 3D, which is the native environment of cells in vivo, pointing to a need to understand migration and the mechanisms that regulate it in 3D environments. To investigate cell migration in 3D environments, we developed microfluidic devices that afford a controlled, reproducible platform for generating 3D matrices. Using these devices, we show that the Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Asef2 inhibits cell migration in 3D type I collagen (collagen I) matrices. Treatment of cells with the myosin II (MyoII) inhibitor blebbistatin abolished the decrease in migration by Asef2. Moreover, Asef2 enhanced MyoII activity as shown by increased phosphorylation of serine 19 (S19). Furthermore, Asef2 increased activation of Rac, which is a Rho family small GTPase, in 3D collagen I matrices. Inhibition of Rac activity by treatment with the Rac-specific inhibitor NSC23766 abrogated the Asef2-promoted increase in S19 MyoII phosphorylation. Thus, our results indicate that Asef2 regulates cell migration in 3D collagen I matrices through a Rac-MyoII-dependent mechanism.
Calcitonin and calcitonin receptors: bone and beyond

Calcitonin (CT), a 32 amino acid peptide hormone produced primarily by the thyroid, and its receptor (CTR) are well known for their ability to regulate osteoclast mediated bone resorption and enhance Ca2+ excretion by the kidney. However, recent studies now suggest that CT and CTRs may play an important role in a variety of processes as wide ranging as embryonic/foetal development and sperm function/physiology. In this review article, CT and CTR gene transcription, signal transduction and function are addressed. The effects of CT on the physiology of a variety of organ systems are discussed and the relationship between polymorphisms in the CTR gene and bone mineral density (BMD)/osteoporosis is examined. Recent studies demonstrating the ability of receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) to post‐translationally modify the calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) are detailed and studies employing transgenic mouse technology to determine the temporal and tissue specific transcriptional activity of the CTR gene in vivo are discussed.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Idol controls brain LDL receptor expression, ApoE clearance, and Aβ amyloidosis

Inhibiting the E3 ubiquitin ligase Idol in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s-like pathology ameliorates disease severity by promoting clearance of Aβ peptides by microglia. Idolizing a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease A hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of a protein called β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. In their study, Choi et al. demonstrate that Idol, a protein linked to cholesterol metabolism, also has a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer’s-like disease in mice. Mice engineered to lack Idol were protected from developing Aβ deposits. The authors further showed that this protection was associated with better clearance of Aβ and apolipoprotein E by macrophage-like brain cells called microglia. This discovery suggests that the Idol pathway may be a therapeutic target for preventing the formation of Alzheimer’s disease lesions. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is an important modifier of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, and its abundance has been linked to the clearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. The pathways that control the clearance of ApoE in the brain are incompletely understood. We report that Idol, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) for degradation, is a critical determinant of brain ApoE metabolism and Aβ plaque biogenesis. Previous work has shown that Idol contributes minimally to the regulation of hepatic LDLR expression in mice. By contrast, we demonstrate that Idol is a primary physiological regulator of LDLR protein in the brain, controlling the clearance of both ApoE-containing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and Aβ. We studied the consequences of loss of Idol expression in a transgenic mouse model of Aβ amyloidosis. Idol deficiency increased brain LDLR, decreased ApoE, decreased soluble and insoluble Aβ, reduced amyloid plaque burden, and ameliorated neuroinflammation. These findings identify Idol as a gatekeeper of LDLR-dependent ApoE and Aβ clearance in the brain and a potential enzyme target for therapeutic intervention in AD.
catena-Poly[(μ-2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-κ2 N 3:N 4)di-μ-chlorido-cadmium]

In the title coordination polymer, [CdCl2(C2H3N3S)]n, the CdII cation is coordinated by four Cl− anions and two N atoms from two trans 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (L) ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. The L ligand and Cl− anions bridge adjacent Cd cations, forming a polymeric chain along the b axis; the separation between adjacent Cd cations is 3.619 (1) Å. In the crystal, the polymeric chains are interlinking through N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds between the L ligands and Cl− anions.
Aortic Augmentation Index is Independently Associated With N-Terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Objectives: To investigate the relationship of aortic augmentation index (AIx) with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) plasma levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with normal left ventricular (LV) function. Methods: Totally, 31 patients (23 males, mean age 65 ± 7.4) with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD of the lower limbs (ankle–brachial pressure index [ABPI] <0.90 in at least 1 leg) were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent pulse wave analysis by applanation tonometry of the radial artery using the SphygmoCor system and had a measurement of plasma NTproBNP levels. Results: Patients had a mean resting ABPI of 0.62 ± 0.19 and a mean AIx 32.6% ± 6.9. Median (interquartile range) NTproBNP plasma level was 75 (44-210) pg/mL. In a univariate analysis which included age, brachial systolic blood pressure (BSBP), brachial diastolic blood pressure (BDBP), ejection duration index (ED%), heart rate (HR), and NTproBNP, aortic AIx was significantly associated (Spearman rho) with NTproBNP, HR, and ED% (r = .49, P = .006; r = −.72, P = .000, and r = −.42, P = .02, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AIx was associated with NTproBNP (β = 0.38, P = .02) independent of gender, HR, ED%, and use of β-blockers. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide explained 8% of the variance in aortic AIx, whereas HR explained 15% of the variance. Conclusion: In patients with PAD with normal LV systolic function, AIx is independently associated with NTproBNP. Structural changes in the myocardium might occur due to increased LV afterload as a result of increased wave reflections and arterial stiffness due to atherosclerosis leading to an increase in NTproBNP plasma levels.
Adaptive Space Time - Time Division Multiple Access (AST-TDMA) protocol for an underwater swarm of AUV's

This paper presents a new MAC protocol: Adaptive Space Time - TDMA (AST-TDMA) for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) operating as a swarm in the open ocean. The aim of the protocol is to allow the dissemination of navigational information amongst the vehicles as quickly as possible such that they may operate as a group in a swarm like fashion. The proposed new protocol incorporates a method to handle the unique channel characteristics experienced underwater, in particular low bandwidths and long propagation delays and is designed to operate in a single channel broadcast acoustic environment. The protocol is based on a TDMA approach where vehicles are allocated a slot in a cycle. In AST-TDMA however, the slot size is not fixed but will adaptively change, from slot-toslot and cycle-to-cycle, due to the changes in range and therefore propagation delay resulting from vehicles position in the swarm and the swarm movement. As slot size varies, so will the cycle time for the exchange of each vehicles' information. AST-TDMA has significant advantages over other time-based protocols as it avoids both the need for guard times and time synchronization, which are both major drawbacks in time based protocols. It also works with the spatial-temporal diversity created in long propagation delay environments to allow `non exclusive channel access' in a single channel, while maintaining the collision avoidance benefit of contention free protocols. This is demonstrated through simulation. A new metric, NCCP, was developed to test the new MAC protocol for swarm operational effectiveness. It has been shown through simulations that the AST-TDMA protocol outperforms TDMA for swarm operations in its ability to disseminate information in a timely manner and with higher channel utilization. Using AST-TDMA also allows a much higher density of vehicles to operate in a swarm like network.