Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Provider-initiated testing and counselling for HIV - from debate to implementation.

Recent statements by the new Minister of Health about ‘mass voluntary counselling and Testing (VCT) campaigns’, and references in the latest draft VCT policy to ‘provider-initiated VCT’, suggest that a policy space is opening up in South Africa for the expansion of HIV testing models beyond the current VCT approach. The existing VCT programme is showing some successes. For example, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has reported a dramatic increase in the number of 15 - 48-year-olds who report awareness of their HIV status, from 11.9 % in 2005 to 24.7% in 2008. Despite increased testing rates and willingness to test, most HIV-positive people do not know their status, do not consider themselves at risk and do not self-initiate testing, even with widespread awareness of and accessibility to VCT services. Barriers associated with VCT uptake include clients having to initiate testing themselves, lengthy pre- and post-test counselling, implementation barriers (organisational management, supervision, human resource and infrastructure limitations), and patient concerns about confidentiality. Possible strategies for expanding HIV testing include ‘provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling’ (PITC)6 – also referred to as ‘opt-out’ HIV testing or ‘routine offer of HIV testing’ – and broad-based testing approaches such as ‘mass VCT’ campaigns, mobile VCT services, community- and home-based HIV testing initiatives and self-testing.
Instructions for use Title Amoebal Endosymbiont Neochlamydia Genome Sequence Illuminates the Bacterial Role in the Defenseof the Host Amoebae against Legionella pneumophila

Previous work has shown that the obligate intracellular amoebal endosymbiont Neochlamydia S13, an environmental chlamydia strain, has an amoebal infection rate of 100%, but does not cause amoebal lysis and lacks transferability to other host amoebae. The underlying mechanism for these observations remains unknown. In this study, we found that the host amoeba could completely evade Legionella infection. The draft genome sequence of Neochlamydia S13 revealed several defects in essential metabolic pathways, as well as unique molecules with leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and ankyrin domains, responsible for protein-protein interaction. Neochlamydia S13 lacked an intact tricarboxylic acid cycle and had an incomplete respiratory chain. ADP/ATP translocases, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and secretion systems (types II and III) were well conserved, but no type IV secretion system was found. The number of outer membrane proteins (OmcB, PomS, 76-kDa protein, and OmpW) was limited. Interestingly, genes predicting unique proteins with LRRs (30 genes) or ankyrin domains (one gene) were identified. Furthermore, 33 transposases were found, possibly explaining the drastic genome modification. Taken together, the genomic features of Neochlamydia S13 explain the intimate interaction with the host amoeba to compensate for bacterial metabolic defects, and illuminate the role of the endosymbiont in the defense of the host amoebae against Legionella infection. Citation: Ishida K, Sekizuka T, Hayashida K, Matsuo J, Takeuchi F, et al. (2014) Amoebal Endosymbiont Neochlamydia Genome Sequence Illuminates the Bacterial Role in the Defense of the Host Amoebae against Legionella pneumophila. PLoS ONE 9(4): e95166. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 0095166 Editor: Matthias Horn, University of Vienna, Austria Received October 28, 2013; Accepted March 24, 2014; Published April 18, 2014 Copyright: 2014 Ishida et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: This study was supported by grants-in-aid for scientific research from KAKENHI, grant numbers 21590474, 24659194, and 24117501, ‘‘Innovation Areas (Matryoshika-type evolution)’’. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. * E-mail: hiroyuki@med.hokudai. ac.jp
Minimal Critical Subsystems as Counterexamples for omega-Regular DTMC Properties

We propose a new approach to compute counterexamples for violated ω-regular properties of discrete-time Markov chains. Whereas most approaches compute a set of system paths as a counterexample, we determine a critical subsystem that already violates the given property. In earlier work methods have been introduced to compute such subsystems for safety properties, based on a search for shortest paths. In this paper we use mixed integer linear programming to determine minimal critical subsystems for arbitrary ω-regular properties.
Immunomodulation by Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are currently under intense investigation to determine their role in cellular therapy. They are a rare subset of cells, but are easy to isolate and possess an extensive proliferative potential. MSC differentiate into cell types of mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal lineages, providing a promising tool for tissue repair. Studies in vitro have shown that they do not induce an immune response and inhibit cells of the immune system that are involved in alloantigen recognition and elimination. In animal models, MSC appear to have anti-inflammatory effects, which has also been observed in patients suffering from acute graft-versus-host disease. The unique properties of MSC suggest emerging roles for them in cell therapy and in the treatment of immunomediated diseases.
Studies on allegedly non-complement-fixing immune system. I. A beat labile serum factor requirement for a bovine antibody complement-fixing system.

The inability of bovine antibody, in contrast to rabbit antibody, to fix guinea pig C′ with soluble antigen preparation derived from M. mycoides was shown to be due to a requirement for a heat labile serum factor. A satisfactory C′-fixing reaction could be obtained using unheated immune bovine serum or heated immune bovine serum to which normal bovine serum, or serum from other species, had been added. The heat labile factor appeared to be neither properdin nor the second, third or fourth components of C′. Similarities between C′-fixing enhancing material and C′1 were noted but no conclusion with respect to their identity is warranted at this time.
Parallel Multi-Swarm PSO Based on K-Medoids and Uniform Design

PAM (Partitioning around Medoid) is introduced to divide the swarm into several different sub- populations. PAM is one of k-medoids clustering algorithms based on partitioning methods. It attempts to divide n objects into k partitions. This algorithm overcomes the drawbacks of being sensitive to the initial partitions in k- means algorithm. In the parallel PSO algorithms, the swarm needs to be divided into several different smaller swarms. This study can be excellently completed by PAM. The aim of clustering is that particles within the same sub-population are relative concentrative, so that they can be relatively easy to learn. The purposes of this strategy are that the limited time will be spent on the most effective search; therefore, the search efficiency can also be significantly improved. In order to explore the whole solution space evenly, uniform design is introduced to generate an initial population, in which the population members are scattered uniformly over the feasible solution space. In evolution, uniform design is also introduced to replace some worse individuals. Based on abovementioned these technologies, a novel algorithm, parallel multi-swarm PSO based on k-medoids and uniform design, is proposed. A difference between the proposed algorithm and the others is that PAM and uniform design are both firstly introduced to parallel PSO algorithms.
Improving Musculoskeletal Fitness and the Performance Enhancement of Basketball Skills through Neuromuscular Training Program

Ahmed, T. (2015). Improving musculoskeletal fitness and the performance enhancement of basketball skills through neuromuscular training program. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. , 10(3), pp.795-804. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of neuromuscular training program (NMTP) on musculoskeletal fitness and performance enhancement for basketball players. Twenty four male basketball players participated in this study and were divided into neuromuscular training group (NMT) or control group (CON). All players trained together as a team where NMT group participated 8 weeks of NMTP three times a week and CON group followed their regular protocol as guided by their coach. Musculoskeletal fitness was evaluated based on muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Muscle strength was assessed by measuring grip strength and vertical jump test, muscular endurance was measured by push-up test and situp test, and flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test. The basketball skills were assessed by passing test, speed spot shooting test, dribbling test, and defensive skill test. The subjects underwent all of the previously described tests before and after the training program. The results showed that the two groups demonstrated significant improvement, but the greater percentage of change is found in NMT group. The percentage of improvement in musculoskeletal fitness was ranged between 17% to 47% for NMT group versus 5% to 13% for CON, while ranged between 18% to 30% for NMT group versus 10% to 17% for CON group in skills performance. The study demonstrated that there is a significant effect of the NMTP which focused on core stability and lower extremity strength on musculoskeletal fitness and skills performance for young male basketball players.
Formulation and in vitro evaluation of prolonged release floating microspheres of atenolol using multicompartment dissolution apparatus

The aim of the present work was to prepare floating microspheres of atenolol as prolonged release multiparticulate system and evaluate it using novel multi-compartment dissolution apparatus. Atenolol loaded floating microspheres were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method using 32 full factorial design. Formulations F1 to F9 were prepared using two independent variables (polymer ratio and % polyvinyl alcohol) and evaluated for dependent variables (particle size, percentage drug entrapment efficiency and percentage buoyancy). The formulation(F8) with particle size of 329 ± 2.69 µm, percentage entrapment efficiency of 61.33% and percentage buoyancy of 96.33% for 12 h was the of optimized formulation (F8). The results of factorial design revealed that the independent variables significantly affected the particle size, percentage drug entrapment efficiency and percentage buoyancy of the microspheres. In vitro drug release study revealed zero order release from F8 (98.33% in 12 h). SEM revealed the hollow cavity and smooth surface of the hollow microspheres.
Análisis de la valoración económica para la conservación de la reserva de producción de fauna marino costera puntilla de Santa Elena.

Esta investigacion tiene por objetivo realizar un analisis de valoracion economica para la conservacion de la Reserva de Produccion de Fauna Marino Costera Puntilla de Santa Elena, un area protegida del Ecuador. La finalidad de la valoracion ambiental es descubrir, determinar e informar el valor que estos individuos y la sociedad en general le han asignado a este recurso o servicio, y asi desarrollar mejores politicas que ayuden con la gestion y manejo del area. La metodologia que se utilizara es el metodo de preferencias declaradas, concretamente el de valoracion contingente. Para tener una mejor valoracion del area la muestra esta dividida en dos grupos: los residentes de la provincia de Santa Elena y los turistas de la reserva. Los resultados de esta investigacion indican la disposicion a pagar de las personas por conservar el area o evitar el congestionamiento de personas.
No Evidence of an Impact on the Rhizosphere Diazotroph Community by the Expression of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab Toxin by Bt White Spruce

ABSTRACT Nitrogen fixation is one of the most important roles played by soil bacterial communities, as fixation supplies nitrogen to many ecosystems which are often N limited. As impacts on this functional group of bacteria might harm the ecosystem's health and reduce productivity, monitoring that particular group is important. Recently, a field trial with Bt white spruce, which constitutively expresses the Cry1Ab insecticidal toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis, was established. The Bt white spruce was shown to be resistant to spruce budworm. We investigated the possible impact of these genetically modified trees on soil nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities. The trial consisted of untransformed controls, GUS white spruce (transformed with the β-glucuronidase gene), and Bt/GUS white spruce (which constitutively expresses both the Cry1Ab toxin and β-glucuronidase) in a random design. Four years after planting, soil samples from the control and the two treatments from plantation as well as from two natural stands of white spruce were collected. Diazotroph diversity was assessed by extracting soil genomic DNA and amplifying a region of the nitrogenase reductase (nifH) gene, followed by cloning and sequencing. Analysis revealed that nitrogen-fixing communities did not differ significantly among the untransformed control, GUS white spruce, and Bt/GUS white spruce. Nevertheless, differences in diazotroph diversity were observed between white spruce trees from the plantation site and those from two natural stands, one of which grew only a few meters away from the plantation. We therefore conclude, in the absence of evidence that the presence of the B. thuringiensis cry1Ab gene had an effect on diazotroph communities, that either site and/or field preparation prior to planting seems to be more important in determining diazotroph community structure than the presence of Bt white spruce.
Mycotoxins in feed for pigs and poultry.

Mycological and mycotoxicological analysis of many feedingstuffs and complete mashes for different animal species and categories have showen that the feed safety problem has been present for years. It is approved that mouldy feed can contain various mycotoxins, but among them in our conditions the most investigated are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, zearalenone and some trichotecenes. Based on laboratory feed inspection of samples sent to be analysed in the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia in Belgrade it was concluded that fungi and mycotoxins contamination are common. Primarly presence of zearalenone, ochratoxine and aflatoxin was proven. Although these levels usually do not exceed limits layed by actual legislation, having on mind cumulative effects and possibal chronical exposure of animals to their harmful influence, appropriate and competent approach is necessary. In fact, even when direct loses, as concequence of high mortality are not present, indirect loses due to drop of animal performances and production and occurence of secondary infections must not be neglected.
Early Single-Sport Specialization: A Survey of 3090 High School, Collegiate, and Professional Athletes

Background: Youth participation in organized sports in the United States is rising, with many athletes focusing on a single sport at an increasingly younger age. Purpose: To retrospectively compare single-sport specialization in current high school (HS), collegiate, and professional athletes with regard to the rate and age of specialization, the number of months per year of single-sport training, and the athlete’s perception of injury related to specialization. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A survey was distributed to HS, collegiate, and professional athletes prior to their yearly preparticipation physical examination. Athletes were asked whether they had chosen to specialize in only 1 sport, and data were then collected pertaining to this decision. Results: A total of 3090 athletes completed the survey (503 HS, 856 collegiate, and 1731 professional athletes). A significantly greater percentage of current collegiate athletes specialized to play a single sport during their childhood/adolescence (45.2% of HS athletes, 67.7% of collegiate athletes, and 46.0% of professional athletes; P < .001). The age of single-sport specialization differed between groups and occurred at a mean age of 12.7 ± 2.4 (HS), 14.8 ± 2.5 (collegiate), and 14.1 ± 2.8 years (professional) (P < .001). Current HS (39.9%) and collegiate athletes (42.1%) recalled a statistically greater incidence of sport-related injury than current professional athletes (25.4%) (P < .001). The majority (61.7%) of professional athletes indicated that they believed specialization helps the athlete play at a higher level, compared with 79.7% of HS and 80.6% of collegiate athletes (P < .001). Notably, only 22.3% of professional athletes said they would want their own child to specialize to play only 1 sport during childhood/adolescence. Conclusion: This study provides a foundation for understanding current trends in single-sport specialization in all athletic levels. Current HS athletes specialized, on average, 2 years earlier than current collegiate and professional athletes surveyed. These data challenge the notion that success at an elite level requires athletes to specialize in 1 sport at a very young age.
Protecting the boxer.

It is possible to prevent death and severe disability in boxers by enforcing certain medical standards and requirements. These include an adequate medical department, basic medical examination of boxers, adequate supervision and equipment at the ringside, periodic examination and retirement of boxers handicapped by previous injuries, semiannual physical examination of referees, and annual examination of judges. Boxers in New York state must be licensed on the basis of rigid annual examinations, and two physicians are required to be at the ringside for all bouts in that state. Systematic research into types and causes of injury, especially to the brain, the kidneys, and the skin, has led to substantial gains in safety. These gains are manifest not only in recent statistics for injuries and mortality but also in the liberalization of policies granted to boxers by insurance companies.
The many faces of sex work

Objective: To compile a global typography of commercial sex work. Methods: A Medline search and review of 681 “prostitution” articles was conducted. In addition, the investigators pooled their 20 years of collected papers and monographs, and their observations in more than 15 countries. Arbitrary categories were developed to compile a workable typology of sex work. Results: At least 25 types of sex work were identified according to worksite, principal mode of soliciting clients, or sexual practices. These types of work are often grouped under the headings of “direct” and “indirect” prostitution, with the latter group less likely to be perceived or to perceive themselves as sex workers. In general, policing sex work can change its typology and location but its prevalence is rarely affected. The public health implications of sex work vary widely. Conclusion: Developing comprehensive sexual health promotion programmes requires a complete understanding of the types of sex work in a particular area. This study provides a checklist for developing appropriate and targeted programmes.
Voltage gated ionic channels in rat cultured astrocytes, reactive astrocytes and an astrocyte-oligodendrocyte progenitor cell.

Astrocytes (both type 1 and type 2), cultured from the central nervous system of newborn or 7 day old rats show voltage gated sodium and potassium channels that are activated when the membrane is depolarized to greater than -40 mV. The sodium channels in these cells have an h-infinity curve similar to that of nodal membranes but the activation (peak current-voltage) curves are shifted along the voltage axis by about +30 mV. These sodium currents are blocked only by high concentrations of tetrodotoxin. The voltage activated potassium currents in both types of astrocyte show at least two components; an inactivating component that is suppressed at holding potentials of greater than -40 mV and a persistent, non-inactivating current. Several types of single channel currents were observed in outside-out membrane patches from type 2 astrocytes. One type of potassium channel showed inactivation on depolarization and may contribute to the whole-cell inactivating current. In contrast, oligodendrocytes showed no obvious voltage gated membrane channels. The properties of the type 2 astrocyte-oligodendrocyte progenitor cell were investigated in two ways: 1) by examination of cells just beginning to differentiate along the "electrically silent" oligodendrocyte pathway or 2) by recording from progenitor cells cultured for 24 hours in the presence of cycloheximide to block the appearance of new membrane channels. In both cases, voltage gated inward (sodium) and outward (potassium) currents were noted. The outward current response showed both an inactivating and a non-inactivating component. Similar voltage activated inward and outward membrane currents were noted in reactive astrocytes freshly isolated (3-6 hours) from lesioned areas of adult rat brains. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cob gene pyrosequencing enables characterization of benthic dinoflagellate diversity and biogeography.

Dinoflagellates in marine benthic habitats living epiphytically on macroalgae are an important but highly understudied group of protists. Many produce toxins that can have severe economic impacts on marine-based economies, and improved monitoring tools are required to enhance the management of toxin-related hazards. We analysed the distribution and diversity of epibenthic dinoflagellates inhabiting eight sites in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Broome and Exmouth, Western Australia. We used pyrosequencing approaches based on two DNA barcoding marker genes - 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome b (cob) - and compared these to an approach based on clone libraries (197 sequences) using the cob gene. Dinoflagellate sequences accounted for 133 [64 unique operational taxonomic units (OTU)] out of 10 529 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained from all samples. However, using the dinoflagellate specific assay targeting the cob gene marker, we obtained 9748 (1217 unique OTU) dinoflagellate sequences from the same environmental samples, providing the largest, to date, set of dinoflagellate cob gene sequences and reliable estimates of total dinoflagellate richness within the samples and biogeographic comparisons between samples. This study also reports the presence of potentially toxic species of the genera Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, Coolia, Prorocentrum and Amphidinium from the above-mentioned geographical regions.