Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endocrine aspects of male sexual dysfunctions.

INTRODUCTION Endocrine disorders may adversely affect men's sexual function. AIM To provide recommendations based on best evidence for diagnosis and treatment of endocrine-related male sexual dysfunctions. METHODS The Endocrine Aspects of Male Sexual Dysfunctions Committee, including 11 members from eight countries and four continents, collaborated with the Endocrine subcommittee of the Standards Committee of the International Society for Sexual Medicine. Medical literature was reviewed in detail, followed by extensive internal committee discussion over 2 years, then public presentation and discussion with the other experts before finalizing the report. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Recommendations based on grading of evidence-base medical literature and interactive discussion. RESULTS From animal studies, it is derived that testosterone modulates mechanisms involved in erectile machinery, including expression of enzymes that both initiate and terminate erection. In addition, testosterone is essential for sexual motivation. Whether these findings could be extrapolated to human erections is unclear. Testosterone plays a broad role in men's overall health. Recent studies have established strong associations between low testosterone and metabolic and cardiovascular imbalances. In some studies, low testosterone decreased longevity; however, longitudinal studies do not support the predictive value of low testosterone for further cardiovascular events. The article proposes a standardized process for diagnosis and treatment of endocrine-related male sexual dysfunctions, updating the knowledge on testosterone and prostate safety. There is no compelling evidence that testosterone treatment causes prostate cancer or its progression in men without severe testosterone deficiency (TD). The possible roles of prolactin and thyroid hormones are also examined. CONCLUSIONS Men with erectile dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire and retarded ejaculation, as well as those with visceral obesity and metabolic diseases, should be screened for TD and treated. Prospective interventional studies are required before screening for TD in more conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, and considering correction as preventive medicine as much data suggests.
Guided Endodontics: a novel treatment approach for teeth with pulp canal calcification and apical pathology.

AIM To present a new treatment approach for teeth with pulp canal calcification (PCC) which require root canal treatment. CASE A 15-year-old male patient presented with pain of his upper right central incisor. The tooth showed signs of apical periodontitis. Due to PCC, location of the root canal was judged to be difficult and associated with a high risk of perforation. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and an intra-oral surface scan were performed and matched using software for virtual implant planning. After planning the position of the drill for root canal location, a virtual template was designed, and the data were exported as an STL file and sent to a 3D printer for template fabrication. The template was positioned on the anterior maxillary teeth. A specific drill was used to penetrate through the obliterated part of the root canal and obtain minimally invasive access to the apical part. The root canal was accessible at 9 mm distance from the apex. Further root canal preparation was carried out using an endodontic rotary instrumentation system. After an interappointment dressing for 4 weeks, the root canal was filled with vertically condensed gutta-percha using an epoxy sealer. The access cavity was restored with a composite material. After 15 months, the patient was clinically asymptomatic with no pain on percussion. The radiograph showed no apical pathology. CONCLUSIONS The presented guided endodontic approach seems to be a safe, clinically feasible method to locate root canals and prevent root perforation in teeth with PCC.
Valoración de la oferta de bienes públicos por parte de los sistemas agrarios: el caso del olivar de montaña en Andalucía

We carried out an economic valuation of public goods (PGs) provided by Andalusian mountainous olive groves using choice experiments. The results show varying farmers’ behaviour depending on the level of stringency of the requirements included in agri-environmental schemes, with willingness to accept (WTA) lower than € 80/ha for less stringent scenarios (such as those associated with integrate production) and WTA higher than € 300/ha for the most stringent scenario (designed to maximise the provision of environmental PGs). The study also indicates that the inclusion of a results-based bonus has a low relevance
Accelerated Maturation of Primate Testis by Xenografting into Mice1

Abstract Testicular maturation and sperm production throughout the life of the male form the basis of male fertility. It is difficult to elucidate the intricate processes controlling testicular maturation and spermatogenesis in primates in vivo due to the long time span required for sexual maturation and also to the lack of accessible in vitro or in vivo models of primate spermatogenesis. Ectopic xenografting of neonatal testis tissue into mice provides an accessible model to study and manipulate the propagation and differentiation of male germ cells from immature donor animals. However, it was not clear whether this approach would be applicable to slowly maturing primates. Here we report that grafting of testis tissue from immature rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) into host mice resulted in the acceleration of testicular maturation and production of fertilization-competent sperm in testis xenografts. The system reported here provides a powerful, practical approach to study timing and control of testicular maturation and regulation of primate spermatogenesis without the necessity for experimentation in primates. This approach could potentially be applied to produce fertile sperm from sexually immature individuals of rare or valuable primate species or from prepubertal boys undergoing sterilizing therapy for cancer.
Gender Gaps in Landownership across and within Households in Four Asian Countries

Using nationally representative data from Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, this paper investigates which individual and household characteristics influence men’s and women’s landownership across and within households. Often neglected in household-level statistics, married women in all countries are landowners. Across different household structures, women own less land than men, and less land relative to the household average as household landholdings increase. Increasing gender inequality with household wealth cannot be consistently explained by an increasing share of household land devoted to crops. Findings support the need to strengthen women’s land rights within marriage and to protect them should the marriage dissolve. (JEL O15, Q15)
Cdc42Hs, but Not Rac1, Inhibits Serum-stimulated Cell Cycle Progression at G1/S through a Mechanism Requiring p38/RK*

Antimitogenic stimuli such as environmental or genotoxic stress, transforming growth factor-β, and the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 activate two extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-based signaling pathways: the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) pathway and the p38 pathway. Activated p38 phosphorylates transcription factors important in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis, including activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), Max, cAMP response element-binding protein-homologous protein/growth arrest DNA damage 153 (CHDP/GADD153). In turn, p38 lies downstream of the Rho family GTPases Cdc42Hs and Rac1, as well as at least three mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK-kinases (MEKs): MAPK kinases-3, -6, and SAPK/ERK-kinase-1. Although many of the stimuli that activate p38 can also inhibit cell cycle progression, a clear-cut role for the p38 pathway in cell cycle regulation has not been established. Using a quantitative microinjection approach, we show here that Cdc42Hs, but not Rac1 or RhoA, can inhibit cell cycle progression at G1/S through a mechanism requiring activation of p38. These results suggest a novel role for Cdc42Hs in cell cycle inhibition. Furthermore, these results suggest that although both Cdc42Hs and Rac1 can activate p38in situ, the effects of Cdc42Hs and Rac1 on cell cycle progression are, in fact, quite distinct.
Seizures Associated with Propofol Anesthesia

Propofol is a new, fast‐acting intravenous (i.v.) anesthetic. Involuntary movements or epileptic sei zures have occurred during or after propofol‐induced an esthesia in ∼50 reported cases; a third of the patients have had epilepsy. We report 5 patients with seizures in association with propofol anesthesia. A female epileptic patient developed severe status epilepticus; the other patients with short‐lasting seizures had no previous epi lepsy. Although propofol has been used in treatment of patients of status epilepticus, the risk of precipitation of epileptic seizures warrants consideration especially when planning anesthesia for epileptic patients.
Interferon gamma abrogates the differentiation block in v-myc-expressing U-937 monoblasts.

Extensive studies suggest a role for the myc protooncogene family in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation in vertebrates. Previously, deregulated expression of exogenous myc genes has been shown to inhibit induced differentiation in Friend erythroleukemia (MEL) cells and in human monoblastic U-937 cells. To examine the nature of the block of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced differentiation in v-myc-expressing U-937 cells, we have studied the effect of other inducers utilizing signal pathways distinct from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (i.e., 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and retinoic acid). We show that v-myc also inhibits differentiation associated with these inducers. However, the v-myc-associated block of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-, and retinoic acid-induced differentiation retinoic acid-induced differentiation can be overcome by adding interferon gamma as a costimulatory factor. Costimulation with interferon gamma restores terminal differentiation, as shown by acquisition of a macrophage phenotype and an irreversible growth arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, but induces only limited differentiation on its own. The differentiation is accomplished without altering the expression or nuclear localization of the v-myc protein. These results argue against the widely held view that down-regulation of myc expression is a general prerequisite for terminal differentiation of hematopoietic cells and suggests that interferon gamma induces a signal(s) that circumvents the v-myc activity.
The Effect of Credit Information Sharing on Credit Risk in Kenya Commercial Banks

This study sought to examine the effect of credit information sharing on credit risk in Kenya commercial banks. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the effect of information sharing on borrower’s credit history, credit worthiness and repayment history on credit risk in Kenya commercial banks. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study was the 42 commercial banks in Kenya as licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire from the credit managers of the 42 commercial banks while the secondary data was retrieved from the CBK annual reports. The study was based on quantitative data which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that borrowers’ credit history, credit worthiness and repayment history had an inverse relationship with the banks’ credit risk level. The study concluded that information sharing on borrower’s credit history, comparing the past history of debt repayments as well as the current debt and information on borrower’s credit worthiness reduces credit risk. In conclusion credit information sharing has been helpful in credit risk reduction in Kenya commercial banks. Based on the study findings the study recommends that commercial banks and other lenders should adopt adequate credit information sharing systems.
Association of Helicobacter pylori babA2 with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.

AIM To investigate the association between babA2 gene and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancer (GC) in Helicobacter pylori-infected populations. METHODS We evaluated the relationship between babA2 and clinical outcomes (PUD and GC) using a meta-analysis. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Web of Science databases for relevant case-control studies that met the defined inclusion criteria. The ORs and 95%CIs were calculated to estimate the association between babA2 genotype and clinical outcomes. A fixed-effect or random-effect model was performed depending on the absence or presence of significant heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 25 articles with 38 studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the babA2 genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of PUD (OR = 2.069, 95%CI: 1.530-2.794, P < 0.001) and especially in the subgroup of duodenal ulcer (OR = 1.588, 95%CI: 1.141-2.209, P = 0.006). Moreover, a significant association between babA2 gene and PUD and duodenal ulcer (OR = 2.739, 95%CI: 1.860-4.032, P < 0.001; OR = 2.239, 95%CI: 1.468-3.415, P < 0.001, respectively) was observed in western countries but not in Asian countries. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the presence of babA2 may be associated with increased risks for PUD, especially duodenal ulcer, in western countries.
An empirical investigation of the financial value of a college degree

ABSTRACT We generate selection-adjusted NPV and IRR estimates for a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. which account for time-to-graduation, debt financing and tuition levels. We find that a college degree is generally worthwhile, but the private value of the investment is a declining function of time-to-graduation. Selection-adjustments show that for students at the lower end of the ability distribution and in some areas of study, a college degree may never be a good financial proposition; as such, we provide breakeven thresholds for tuition at which college remains viable. Debt financing generates higher returns but greater risk compared to self-financing.
How Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Take Form: Evidence from Social Impact Initiatives in Seattle

This research uses insights from field theory to explore the early moments of how entrepreneurial ecosystems form through everyday interactions. We examine the cultural-cognitive and material micro-dynamics of activities occurring in support of social impact entrepreneurs and businesses from 2000-2014 in the Seattle WA region, with archival and interview data sources. The pattern of results about what actors do and how interactions change over time supports a model of ecosystem formation where a phase transition occurs from distributed to more integrated activity. The findings point to endogenous sources of structuring, including language and interaction, rather than exogenous factors such as government action or instrumental policy goals.
Neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A study from Iran

Background: Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a serious and well-known complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is limited evidence about the prevalence of NPSLE and its manifestations in Iran. The aim of this study was to study clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with NPSLE in an Iranian population. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was undertaken in two referral Clinics of Neurological and Rheumatological Disorders in Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Between March 2004 and June 2010, medical records of registered patients with SLE were examined. NPSLE was characterized using the American College of Rheumatology case definitions. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed for statistical assessment. Results: Among 556 patients with SLE, 121 (21.7%) patients were diagnosed as NPSLE and enrolled in the study. Of whom, 94 patients were female (77.7%) and 27 patients were male (22.3%) with a female to male ratio of 3.48:1. The most common NPSLE manifestations were headache (38.8%), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (38.8%) and seizure (26.4%). Thirty-nine patients have psychiatric disorders. Among them, 32 patients (26.4%) have periods of psychosis and mood disorder was found in 6 patients (5%). Conclusions: We identified NPSLE manifestations in 21.7% of patients; headache and CVD were the most frequent neurological manifestations. Continued studies into the pathogenesis of neurological involvement in patients with SLE are warranted.
The Political Culture of Democracy in Guyana, 2009: The Impact of Governance

This study was done with support from the Program in Democracy and Governance of the United States Agency for International Development. The opinions expressed in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the point of view of the United States Agency for International Development.
Gene expression following ionising radiation: Identification of biomarkers for dose estimation and prediction of individual response

Purpose: To establish a panel of highly radiation responsive genes suitable for biological dosimetry and to explore inter-individual variation in response to ionising radiation exposure. Materials and methods: Analysis of gene expression in response to radiation was carried out using three independent techniques (Microarray, Multiplex Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (MQRT- PCR) and nCounter® Analysis System) in human dividing lymphocytes in culture and peripheral blood leukocytes exposed ex vivo from the same donors. Results: Variations in transcriptional response to exposure to ionising radiation analysed by microarray allowed the identification of genes which can be measured accurately using MQRT PCR and another technique allowing direct count of mRNA copies. We have identified genes which are consistently up-regulated following exposure to 2 or 4 Gy of X-rays at different time points, for all individuals in blood and cultured lymphocytes. Down-regulated genes including cyclins, centromeric and mitotic checkpoint genes, particularly those associated with chromosome instability and cancer could be detected in dividing lymphocytes only. Conclusions: The data provide evidence that there are a number of genes which seem suitable for biological dosimetry using peripheral blood, including sestrin 1 (SESN1), growth arrest and DNA damage inducible 45 alpha (GADD45A), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), cyclin G1 (CCNG1), ferredoxin reductase (FDXR), p53 up-regulated mediator of apoptosis (BBC3) and Mdm2 p53 binding protein homolog (MDM2). These biomarkers could potentially be used for triage after large-scale radiological incidents and for monitoring radiation exposure during radiotherapy.
A 36.4dB SNDR @ 5GHz 1.25GS/s 7b 3.56mW single-channel SAR ADC in 28nm bulk CMOS

A 1.25GS/s 7b single-channel SAR ADC is presented with an SNDR/SFDR of 41.4dB/51dB at low frequencies, while the SNDR/SFDR at Nyquist are 40.1dB/52dB and remain still 36.4dB/50.1dB at 5GHz. The high input frequency linearity is enabled by a fast bootstrap circuit for the input switch, while the high sampling rate, the highest among recently published >34dB SNDR single-channel SAR ADCs is achieved by a Triple-Tail dynamic comparator and a Unit-Switch-Plus-Cap (USPC) DAC. The prototype ADC in 28nm CMOS consumes only 3.56mW from a 1V supply, leading to a Walden FoM of 34.4fJ/conv-step at Nyquist for a core chip area of 0.0071mm2.
Mortality of Aerospace Workers Exposed to Trichloroethylene

We measured mortality rates in a cohort of 20,508 aerospace workers who were followed up over the period 1950–1993. A total of 4,733 workers had occupational exposure to trichloroethylene. In addition, trichloroethylene was present in some of the washing and drinking water used at the work site. We developed a job-exposure matrix to classify all jobs by trichloroethylene exposure levels into four categories ranging from “none” to “high” exposure. We calculated standardized mortality ratios for the entire cohort and the trichloroethylene-exposed subcohort. In the standardized mortality ratio analyses, we observed a consistent elevation for nonmalignant respiratory disease, which we attribute primarily to the higher background rates of respiratory disease in this region. We also compared trichloroethylene-exposed workers with workers in the “low” and “none” exposure categories. Mortality rate ratios for nonmalignant respiratory disease were near or less than 1.00 for trichloroethylene exposure groups. We observed elevated rate ratios for ovarian cancer among those with peak exposure at medium and high levels] relative risk (RR) = 2.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.84–8.99] and among women with high cumulative exposure (RR = 7.09; 95% CI = 2.14–23.54). Among those with peak exposures at medium and high levels, we observed slightly elevated rate ratios for cancers of the kidney (RR = 1.89; 95% CI = 0.85–4.23), bladder (RR = 1.41; 95% CI = 0.52–3.81), and prostate (RR = 1.47; 95% CI = 0.85–2.55). Our findings do not indicate an association between trichloroethylene exposure and respiratory cancer, liver cancer, leukemia or lymphoma, or all cancers combined. (Epidemiology 1998;9:424–431)
Can I be sued for that? Liability risk and the disclosure of clinically significant genetic research findings

Genomic researchers increasingly are faced with difficult decisions about whether, under what circumstances, and how to return research results and significant incidental findings to study participants. Many have argued that there is an ethical—maybe even a legal—obligation to disclose significant findings under some circumstances. At the international level, over the last decade there has begun to emerge a clear legal obligation to return significant findings discovered during the course of research. However, there is no explicit legal duty to disclose in the United States. This creates legal uncertainty that may lead to unmanaged variation in practice and poor quality care. This article discusses liability risks associated with the disclosure of significant research findings for investigators in the United States.