Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peer Victimization in Northern Ontario: The Search for Protective Factors to Combat Reported Health Concerns by Devon Morrow

This master’s thesis study looked to expand on the current body of literature regarding the potential role of social support for individuals who have been exposed to bullying. More specifically, the study examined how connected social support is to the concept of resilience, and compared levels of social support, levels of resilience, and health concerns between victims of bullying and those not involved in incidents of victimization. Questionnaires were completed by 112 students in grades seven and eight from two school boards in Northern Ontario. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet consisting of four separate questionnaires. The Behaviour Assessment System for Children, Second Edition, Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale, Child and Youth Resilience Measure, and a modified version of the Revised Olweus Bullying Victim Questionnaire were used in this study. The questionnaires were completed after a brief presentation on the definition of bullying, forms of bullying, and how students may be involved. Analyses showed that overall social support did not act as a buffer for total health concerns based on one’s bully status (victim versus not-involved). Social support and resilience were found to be moderately and positively correlated to one another based on selfreports. Lastly, similar to previous literature, victims had higher mean scores for health concerns, and lower mean scores for social support and resilience compared to the non-victim group. Therefore, all students may benefit from perceiving strong social support systems, not just victims of bullying. Prevention and intervention programs should include training for school personnel to expand support networks that are currently perceived as lacking by victims of bullying, especially with the results of this study indicating results surrounding negative health outcomes, lower levels of perceived social support and low levels of resilience for victims.
Evidence of aspirin use in both upper and lower gastrointestinal perforation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Current studies lack appropriate data on aspirin and other risk factors for gastrointestinal perforation. The aim of this study was to obtain the best estimate on aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in these patients. METHODS In 76 consecutive patients with gastrointestinal perforation and 152 matched controls, a detailed clinical history supplemented with an objective test of current aspirin use (platelet cyclooxygenase activity) was obtained. RESULTS Of the 76 cases, 78.9% were upper and 21% lower gastrointestinal perforations. Evidence of NSAID use was found in 71% of cases (70% upper, 75% lower) vs. 26.9% of controls (odds ratio, 6.64; 95% confidence interval, 3.6-12.2; P < 0.0001). The objective test showed 12.7% more aspirin users than clinical history alone. NSAID use was aspirin (alone or combined) in 66.6% of cases, and 59.25% was nonprescription. Other independent risk factors were smoking, alcohol, and a history of arthritis or peptic ulcer but not a positive Helicobacter pylori serology. Age, but not NSAID use, affected perforation-associated mortality. CONCLUSIONS NSAID use is strongly associated with an increased risk of both upper and lower gastrointestinal perforation. The high prevalence of aspirin (over-the-counter) use suggests that future introduction of new NSAIDs may not have a major impact on decreasing gastrointestinal complications if other measures are not taken. Concomitant NSAID use, smoking, and alcohol use is a pervasive association.
Sam’s Cake Factory—A Delectable Journey of a Woman Entrepreneur

The case reflects on the life of a woman entrepreneur, Sumaira Waseem, who had set up an online cake business by the name of Sam’s Cake Factory. Sam’s Cake Factory was a start-up, which was only four years old but had become the preferred choice amongst the consumers looking for customized fondant cakes in Karachi. They offered bespoke creatively designed cakes, handcrafted to perfection using premium quality ingredients. The case describes the entrepreneurial journey embarked upon by Sumaira who, through her passion, resilience and creativity, turned a home-based small business into a full-fledged growing enterprise. The case further examines the vision Sumaira had of expanding her business and taking it to the next level. It was Sumaira’s dream to see herself established as the most famous cake designer in Pakistan. The case is extremely pertinent because of the dearth of literature available on female entrepreneurs in Pakistan. It aims to shed light on the mushroom growth of the women-led online business sphere in Pakistan.
The effects of developing-countries’ innovation support programs: evidence from Ecuador

This paper evaluates the impact of Ecuadorian innovation support programs, which are intended to enhance firms’ technological and managerial capabilities, on firms’ innovative behavior and performance. In order to estimate the causal effects, we employ different Propensity Score Matching procedures. Results indicate that participating in a program increases firms’ internal R&D and innovation effort, the qualification of the workforce, the likelihood of introducing product, process and organizational innovations and the probability of establishing linkages with research partners. However, participants do not show greater external R&D intensity or a higher propensity to patent, nor are they more likely to cooperate with suppliers, customer or competitors.
Adoption of striga (striga hermonthica) Management Technologies in Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examined the adoption of Integrated Striga Management (ISMA) technologies among maize farmers in Bauchi and Kano states of northern Nigeria. It employs a double-hurdle approach to analyse the factors influencing adoption and intensity of ISMA technologies among households, using cross-sectional data of 643 farmers from the two states. The results show that the estimated coefficients of exogenous income and proximity to extension office are negatively significant (P < 0.05), while higher total farm income, polygamous households, past participation in on-farm trials, awareness of the technology, contact with extension agents and access to cash remittances are positive and significant (P < 0.01), and are the most significant factors likely to influence ISMA technologies adoption. Marital status, household size, farm size and access to cash remittances are most significant factors influencing adoption intensity. Maize farmers in the study area who adopted ISMA technologies obtained higher output than the non-adopters, which resulted in a positive and significant effect on their total farm income. Hence, policies targeted at increasing maize productivity through Striga management need to include ISMA technologies as a potentially feasible option. The study recommends actions to improve farmers’ access to financial services to increase their liquidity. Nevertheless, the most immediate action will be improvement in farmers’ access to extension services as they have proved to be a reliable source of information in the rural areas.
A new resonant gate driver with bipolar gate voltage and gate energy recovery

This paper presents a new resonant gate driver for voltage driven power devices like MOSFETs and IGBTs. The driver recovers part of the energy that is stored in the gate capacitance and uses it to recharge the capacitance in the next switching cycle. Hence, power consumption of the gate driver is reduced. The paper discusses the circuit operation and the analysis of the circuit. The operation of the circuit is supported by simulated and experimental results. The results show that the gate voltage and current output agree well with the theoretical analysis. Approximately half of the gate drive energy can be recovered during each switching cycle. This allows a smaller gate drive power supply to be used for the gate driver.
Testicular Defect: The Primary Abnormality in Gonadal Dysfunction of Uremia

Gonadal dysfunction is a common problem in end-stage renal disease. We decided to test the ability of the male gonads to respond to exogenous stimuli. The patients receiving chronic hemodialysis showed abnormally low levels of total testosterone and free testosterone in the presence of normal testosterone-binding globulin. Furthermore, the exogenous administration of human chorionic gonadotropin failed to elicit a normal response from the male gonads of hemodialyzed patients. Although basal serum prolactin levels are elevated, we do not believe that elevation is of the magnitude expected to produce testicular failure. Thus we believe that the primary testicular failure is part of the uremic syndrome, and is not corrected by dialysis.
Xerostomia and the Geriatric Patient

Saliva is essential for the preservation of oral‐pharyngeal health, and disorders of salivary physiology are associated with numerous oral and pharyngeal problems, particularly in older people. Although salivary function is remarkably intact in healthy aging, medical problems, medications, and head and neck radiotherapy can cause salivary dysfunction and complaints of xerostomia among older people. Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune exocrinopathy, is the most common medical disease associated with salivary dysfunction. Medications with anticholinergic side effects will impair salivary output, and head and neck radiotherapy for cancer will cause permanent destruction of salivary glands. Treatments for salivary problems are based upon establishing a diagnosis, protecting oral and pharyngeal health, stimulating remaining glands, and replacing lost salivary fluids.
Gap Waveguide PMC Packaging for a SIW-GCPW-Based Filter

In addition to microstrip line and basic grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) line circuits with perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) package, we further study the PMC package for a real component-a fifth order bandpass filter designed based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) with transitions to GCPWs. In particular, a simplified design of the PMC package is proposed for such a hybrid circuit. A fabricated SIW-GCPW filter was characterized without a lid, and with a traditional smooth lid, a modified smooth lid, a complete PMC lid and a simplified PMC lid. Both simulated and measured S-parameters show that the filter outband rejection using the proposed simplified PMC lid is better than the traditional and existing lids.
Is it worth screening elective orthopaedic patients for carriage of Staphylococcus aureus? A part-retrospective case–control study in a Scottish hospital

Background With recent focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) has been overlooked. MSSA infections are costly and debilitating in orthopaedic surgery. Methods We broadened MRSA screening to include MSSA for elective orthopaedic patients. Preoperative decolonisation was offered if appropriate. Elective and trauma patients were audited for staphylococcal infection during 2 6-month periods (A: January to June 2013 MRSA screening; B: January to June 2014 MRSA and MSSA screening). Trauma patients are not screened presurgery and provided a control. MSSA screening costs of a modelled cohort of 500 elective patients were offset by changes in number and costs of MSSA infections to demonstrate the change in total health service costs. Findings Trauma patients showed similar infection rates during both periods (p=1). In period A, 4 (1.72%) and 15 (6.47%) of 232 elective patients suffered superficial and deep MSSA infections, respectively, with 6 superficial (2%) and 1 deep (0.3%) infection among 307 elective patients during period B. For any MSSA infection, risk ratios were 0.95 (95% CI 0.41 to 2.23) for trauma and 0.28 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.65) for elective patients (period B vs period A). For deep MSSA infections, risk ratios were 0.58 (95% CI 0.20 to 1.67) for trauma and 0.05 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.36) for elective patients (p=0.011). There were 29.12 fewer deep infections in the modelled cohort of 500 patients, with a cost reduction of £831 678 for 500 patients screened. Conclusions MSSA screening for elective orthopaedic patients may reduce the risk of deep postoperative MSSA infection with associated cost-benefits.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Children With Cancer

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children, especially those with cancer. Data on RSV infections in this vulnerable population is limited. We conducted a retrospective study of all RSV infections in children with cancer from 1998 to 2009 to determine characteristics and outcomes of these infections, identify risk factors for LRTI and mortality, and the effect of antiviral therapy on these outcomes. We identified 59 patients with a median age of 5 years; 53% had hematologic malignancy, 32% were hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, 39% had received corticosteroids, and 76% cytotoxic chemotherapy within 1 month before RSV infection. LRTI developed in 22 (37%) patients with a trend of higher rate in males (odds ratio=2.57 [0.86-7.62], P=0.09) and children with lymphocytopenia (odds ratio=2.95 [0.86-10.12], P=0.085). No significant differences were observed in the rates of progression to LRTI (3/10 [30%] vs. 19/49 [39%], P=0.729) and RSV-associated mortality (0/10 [0%] vs. 3/49 [6%], P=0.422) for patients receiving antiviral therapy at upper respiratory tract infection stage compared with those who did not. However, patients with LRTI had significantly better outcomes when treated with aerosolized ribavirin plus immunomodulators (mainly palivizumab) when compared with aerosolized ribavirin alone (mortality rates: 0/6 [0%] vs. 3/4 [75%], P=0.03). Ribavirin did not show any benefit in reducing LRTI or mortality; however, addition of palivizumab to the treatment regimen may be potentially beneficial, especially for children with LRTI.
Premature coronary artery disease associated with a disruptive mutation in the estrogen receptor gene in a man.

BACKGROUND While estrogens protect against coronary artery disease in women, it is unclear whether they influence cardiovascular function in men. The present report describes coronary vascular abnormalities and the lipoprotein profile of a male patient with estrogen insensitivity caused by a disruptive mutation in the estrogen-receptor gene. METHODS AND RESULTS Stress thallium scintigraphy, echocardiography, and electron-beam computed tomography (CT) scanning of the coronary arteries and detailed lipoprotein analysis were performed. Electron-beam CT scanning of the coronary arteries showed calcium in the left anterior descending artery. Lipoprotein analysis showed relatively low levels of total (130 mg/dL), LDL (97 mg/dL), and HDL (34 mg/dL) cholesterol; apolipoprotein A-I (91.7 mg/dL); and lipoprotein(a) (4.1 nmol/L), but normal levels of triglycerides (97 mg/dL) and pre-beta-1-HDL cholesterol (61 microg/mL). CONCLUSIONS The absence of functional estrogen receptors may be a novel risk factor for coronary artery disease in men.
Cloning and Expression of Recombinant Helicobacter pylori Urease A and B Subunits as a Putative Vaccine

Helicobacter pylori infection is among the most prevalent infections in the world involving more than half the adult population. H. pylori infection results in active chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and enhances the risk of gastric malignancies. It is of utmost importance to prevent H. pylori infection particularly in highly prevalent countries including Iran. The urease holoenzyme produced by the entire Helicobacter species is essential for their virulence such that urease -negative mutant strains are unable to colonize the gastric lumen of v arious animal models. Furthermore, urease has shown to be an effective immunogen. Despite the fact that urease is considered among the very conserved genes of this pathogen, our molecular studies have shown that H. pylori strains obtained from Iranian pati ents vary considerably from those of other populations particularly the Western strains. Therefore, in order to develop a putative vaccine against H. pylori infection for the Iranian population, we have PCR-amplified and cloned the A and B subunits of this gene from a local H. pylori strain. Following identity confirmation, it was subcloned into a pET expression vector under the control of T 7 promoter. The resulting plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21-DE3 strain. Laboratory scale culture of the resulting transformants was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting techniques. This analysis confirmed the expression of the A and B subunit of H. pylori urease protein up to 25% of the total cellular protein. Iran. Biomed. 1 5 (4): 107-111, 2001
MLN120B, a novel IkappaB kinase beta inhibitor, blocks multiple myeloma cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to delineate the biological significance of IkappaB kinase (IKK) beta inhibition in multiple myeloma cells in the context of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) using a novel IKKbeta inhibitor MLN120B. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Growth-inhibitory effect of MLN120B in multiple myeloma cells in the presence of cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1)], conventional agents (dexamethasone, melphalan, and doxorubicin), or BMSC was assessed in vitro. In vivo anti-multiple myeloma activity of MLN120B was evaluated in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID)-hu model. RESULTS MLN120B inhibits both baseline and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activation, associated with down-regulation of IkappaBalpha and p65 nuclear factor-kappaB phosphorylation. MLN120B triggers 25% to 90% growth inhibition in a dose-dependent fashion in multiple myeloma cell lines and significantly augments tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced cytotoxicity in MM.1S cells. MLN120B augments growth inhibition triggered by doxorubicin and melphalan in both RPMI 8226 and IL-6-dependent INA6 cell lines. Neither IL-6 nor IGF-1 overcomes the growth-inhibitory effect of MLN120B. MLN120B inhibits constitutive IL-6 secretion by BMSCs by 70% to 80% without affecting viability. Importantly, MLN120B almost completely blocks stimulation of MM.1S, U266, and INA6 cell growth, as well as IL-6 secretion from BMSCs, induced by multiple myeloma cell adherence to BMSCs. MLN120B overcomes the protective effect of BMSCs against conventional (dexamethasone) therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the novel IKKbeta inhibitor MLN120B induces growth inhibition of multiple myeloma cells in SCID-hu mouse model. These studies provide the framework for clinical evaluation of MLN120B, alone and in combined therapies, trials of these novel agents to improve patient outcome in multiple myeloma.
Characterization of sil in Invasive Group A and G Streptococci: Antibodies against Bacterial Pheromone Peptide SilCR Result in Severe Infection

ABSTRACT Group G beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GGS) strains cause severe invasive infections, mostly in patients with comorbidities. GGS is known to possess virulence factors similar to those of its more virulent counterpart group A streptococcus (GAS). A streptococcal invasion locus, sil, was identified in GAS. sil encodes a competence-stimulating peptide named SilCR that activates bacterial quorum sensing and has the ability to attenuate virulence in GAS infections. We found that sil is present in most GGS strains (82%) but in only 25% of GAS strains, with a similar gene arrangement. GGS strains that contained sil expressed the SilCR peptide and secreted it into the growth medium. In a modified murine model of GGS soft tissue infection, GGS grown in the presence of SilCR caused a milder disease than GGS grown in the absence of SilCR. To further study the role of the peptide in bacterial virulence attenuation, we vaccinated mice with SilCR to produce specific anti-SilCR antibodies. Vaccinated mice developed a significantly more severe illness than nonvaccinated mice. Our results indicate that the sil locus is much more prevalent among the less virulent GGS strains than among GAS strains. GGS strains express and secrete SilCR, which has a role in attenuation of virulence in a murine model. We show that the SilCR peptide can protect mice from infection caused by GGS. Furthermore, vaccinated mice that produce specific anti-SilCR antibodies develop a significantly more severe infection. To our knowledge, this is a novel report demonstrating that specific antibodies against a bacterial component cause more severe infection by those bacteria.
Estrutura tecnológica e mudanças climáticas no Brasil: um estudo exploratório a partir de estatísticas de patentes

This paper analyzes the evolution of the Brazilian technological structure in areas with potential to mitigate climate change in the post-Kyoto period. From the creation of an original database with patents related to climate change, the paper proposes an interpretation of the changes occurred in the technological specialization of the country and the evolution of its performance compared to selected countries. The Technological Revealed Comparative Advantage estimation showed that the country did not follow the international dynamics and reduced its number of areas of technological specializations. The structural decomposition analysis revealed that the increase in the Brazilian share of the world’s patenting activity is explained mostly by the technology share effect, that is, by the part of the growth which is due to the dynamism of its patenting activity. The country abandoned stagnant areas, and the results would be even more favourable if it had a better structure of specialization in the initial period.
Individual microtubule dynamics contribute to the function of mitotic and cytoplasmic arrays in fission yeast

Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an excellent organism for studying microtubule dynamics owing to the presence of well-defined microtubule arrays that undergo dramatic rearrangements during various stages of the cell cycle. Using sensitive time-lapse video microscopy and kymographic analysis, we have determined the polymerization/depolymerization kinetics of individual microtubules within these arrays throughout the fission yeast cell cycle. Interphase bundles are composed of 4-7 microtubules that act autonomously, demonstrating that individual microtubules are responsible for mediating the functions ascribed to these arrays. The nucleation and growth of cytoplasmic microtubules is inhibited upon cellular transition into mitosis, leading to their gradual disappearance. At the onset of mitosis, microtubules form on the nuclear face of the spindle pole body and exhibit dramatically increased dynamics. The presence of these intra-nuclear astral microtubules (INA) is reminiscent of spindle assembly and the search and chromosome capture mechanism observed in metazoan cells. Consistent with other in vivo studies, we do not observe microtubule flux in the anaphase B spindle. Finally, the depolymerization of individual microtubules alternates between each half-spindle, resulting in spindle collapse during telophase. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that microtubules in these diverse cytoskeletal arrays have autonomous behaviors that are an essential component of any model describing cell-cycle-dependent changes in the behavior and function of microtubule arrays.