Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Natural History of HPV Infection and Cervical Abnormalities among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women in Senegal, Africa

Background: There is evidence of an interaction between HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) resulting in increased HPV-associated morbidity and cancer mortality among HIV-positive women. This study aims to determine how the natural history of cervical HPV infection differs by HIV status. Methods: A total of 1,320 women (47% were positive for HIV-1 and/or HIV-2) were followed for an average of two years in Senegal, West Africa between 1994 and 2010. Cytology (with a sub-sample of histology) and HPV DNA testing were performed at approximately 4-month intervals yielding data from over 7,900 clinic visits. Competing risk modeling was used to estimate rates for transitioning between three clinically relevant natural history stages: Normal, HPV, and HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions). Among HIV-positive women, exploratory univariate analyses were conducted examining the impact of HPV type, infection with multiple HPV types, HIV type, CD4+ count, and age. Results: HIV-positive women had higher rates of progression and lower rates of regression compared with HIV-negative women (i.e., adverse transitions). HIV-positive women had a 2.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.69–3.86; P < 0.0001] times higher rate of progression from HPV to HSIL than HIV-negative women (with 24-month absolute risks of 0.18 and 0.07, respectively). Among HIV-positive women, HPV-16/18 infection and CD4+ count <200/mm3 were associated with adverse transitions. Conclusions: Adverse HIV effects persist throughout HPV natural history stages. Impact: In the limited-resource setting of sub-Saharan Africa where cervical cancer screening is not widely available, the high-risk population of HIV-positive women may be ideal for targeted screening. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 886–94. ©2017 AACR.
Fear of falling in acute stroke: The Fall Study of Gothenburg (FallsGOT)

ABSTRACT Objective Little is known about which factors are associated with a patient’s fear of falling (FoF) after acute stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate baseline variables and their association with FoF during rehabilitation in acute stroke. Patients and methods The study population consisted of the 462 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to a stroke unit, included in the observational study “The Fall Study in Gothenburg (FallsGOT)” and were able to answer a single question: “Are you afraid of falling? ” (Yes/No). To analyze any association between FoF and clinical variables, univariable and multivariable stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results In the stepwise multivariable regression analysis, only female sex (OR = 2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–3.46, p = 0.0002]), the use of a walking aid (OR 3.40, [95% CI 2.12–5.43, p < 0.0001]), and postural control as assessed with the SwePASS total score were statistically significant associated with FoF. Among patients with a SwePASS score of 24 or less, the OR was 9.41 [95% CI 5.13–17.25, p < 0.0001] for FoF compared to patients with a SwePASS score of 31 or above; among the patients with a SwePASS score of 25–30, the OR was 2.29 [95% CI = 1.36–3.83, p = 0.0017]. Conclusions Our findings provide valuable insight for those involved in stroke rehabilitation during the acute phase after stroke. FoF is associated with poor postural control, female sex and the use of a walking aid.
Timing of Surgery in Spinal Cord Injury

Study Design. A systematic review of the literature for clinical and preclinical evidence related to timing of decompression following spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective. A review of the literature in search of consensus on what constitutes the ideal time frame for surgical management of SCI. Summary of Background Data. Optimal timing for surgical management of SCI remains poorly defined. Despite multiple preclinical and clinical studies, there is still lack of consensus on the optimal time for surgery in SCI. Methods. We systematically reviewed the literature for clinical and preclinical evidence related to timing of decompression following SCI. For clinical studies, our review included papers published in English after January 1, 1990. For preclinical studies, we limited our review to papers published after January 2001. The OVID-Medline and Web of Science databases were reviewed for preclinical studies, and the OVID-Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases were reviewed for clinical studies. Results. A total of 8792 preclinical articles were identified. Of those, only 14 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 25,190 clinical articles were identified. Of those, only 30 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Clinical studies reported on a total of 5236 patients, of whom 1665 underwent early decompression and 3571 underwent late decompression. There was significant variability in the definition of early and late decompression in both clinical and preclinical studies. Preclinical data were in favor of early decompression. From a clinical standpoint, there was only level II evidence proving safety and feasibility of early decompression with no definite evidence of improved outcome for any of the two groups. Conclusion. There is growing evidence in favor of early decompression following SCI. Early decompression was proven to be clinically safe and feasible, but there is still no definite proof that early decompression leads to improved outcomes. Level of evidence: 5
Effects of the 5-HT1C/5-5-HT2 receptor agonists DOI and alpha-methyl-5-HT on plasma glucose and insulin levels in the rat.

Administration of the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4- iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI, 0.125-2.0 mg/kg i.v.) triggered dose-dependent increases in plasma glucose; plasma insulin levels remained unchanged. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor antagonists LY 53857, ritanserin, or the mixed 5-HT2/alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist ketanserin either diminished or prevented the hyperglycemic effect of DOI (0.5 mg/kg). Administration of the mixed 5-HT1C receptor agonists/5-HT2 receptor antagonists 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (mCPP) or 1-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazine level (TFMPP) did not affect plasma glucose levels. However, pretreatment with mCPP or TFMPP decreased DOI-induced hyperglycemia in a dose-dependent manner. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan and the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium both decreased DOI-induced hyperglycemia, Whilst the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin amplified the rise in plasma glucose elicited by DOI. The peripherally acting 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT (0.5-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) triggered a rise in plasma glucose levels that was associated with an increase in plasma insulin levels. Pretreatment with LY 53857 diminished alpha-methyl-5-HT-induced hyperglycemia. These data indicate that 5-HT2 receptors, but not 5-HT1C receptors, and catecholaminergic systems, mediate DOI-induced hyperglycemia. Moreover, it is suggested that the inhibition of insulin release by DOI is centrally mediated, and that activation of peripheral 5-HT2 receptors may affect glycemia.
Head-to-Head Visual Comparison between Brain Perfusion SPECT and Arterial Spin-Labeling MRI with Different Postlabeling Delays in Alzheimer Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arterial spin-labeling MR imaging has been recently developed as a noninvasive technique with magnetically labeled arterial blood water as an endogenous contrast medium for the evaluation of CBF. Our aim was to compare arterial spin-labeling MR imaging and SPECT in the visual assessment of CBF in patients with Alzheimer disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 33 patients with Alzheimer disease or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer disease, CBF images were obtained by using both arterial spin-labeling–MR imaging with a postlabeling delay of 1.5 seconds and 2.5 seconds (PLD1.5 and PLD2.5, respectively) and brain perfusion SPECT. Twenty-two brain regions were visually assessed, and the diagnostic confidence of Alzheimer disease was recorded. RESULTS: Among all arterial spin-labeling images, 84.9% of PLD1.5 and 9% of PLD2.5 images showed the typical pattern of advanced Alzheimer disease (ie, decreased CBF in the bilateral parietal, temporal, and frontal lobes). PLD1.5, PLD2.5, and SPECT imaging resulted in obviously different visual assessments. PLD1.5 showed a broad decrease in CBF, which could have been due to an early perfusion. In contrast, PLD2.5 did not appear to be influenced by an early perfusion but showed fewer pathologic findings than SPECT. CONCLUSIONS: The distinctions observed by us should be carefully considered in the visual assessments of Alzheimer disease. Further studies are required to define the patterns of change in arterial spin-labeling–MR imaging associated with Alzheimer disease.
Metabolic profile of oxazepam and related benzodiazepines: clinical and forensic aspects

Abstract Anxiolytic drugs, namely benzodiazepines, are the most commonly used psychoactive substances since anxiety disorders are prevalent mental disorders particularly in the Western world. Oxazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine and one of the most frequently prescribed anxiolytic drugs. It is also the active metabolite of a wide range of other benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, ketazolam, temazepam, chlordiazepoxide, demoxazepam, halazepam, medazepam, prazepam, pinazepam, and chlorazepate. Therefore, relevant clinical and forensic outocomes may arise, namely those related to interference in driving performance. It is clinically available as a racemic formulation, with S-enantiomer being more active than R-enantiomer. In humans, it is mainly polimorphically metabolized by glucuronide conjugation at the 3-carbon hydroxyl group, yielding stable diastereomeric glucuronides (R- and S-oxazepam glucuronide). Relevant metabolic and stereoselective interspecies differences have been reported. In this work, the pharmacokinetics of oxazepam with particular focus on metabolic pathways is fully reviewed. Moreover, the metabolic profile of other prescribed benzodiazepines that produce oxazepam as a metabolite is also discussed. It is aimed that knowing the metabolism of oxazepam and related benzodiazepines may lead to the development of new analytical strategies for its early detection and help in further toxicological and clinical interpretations.
Relationships between Nutrient Heterogeneity, Root Growth, and Hormones: Evidence for Interspecific Variation

(1) Background: Plant roots respond to nutrients through root architecture that is regulated by hormones. Strong inter-specific variation in root architecture has been well documented, but physiological mechanisms that may control the variation have not. (2) Methods: We examined correlations between root architecture and hormones to seek clues on mechanisms behind root foraging behavior. In the green house at Beijing Normal University, hydroponic culture experiments were used to examine the root responses of four species—Callistephus chinensis, Solidago canadensis, Ailanthus altissima, Oryza sativa—to two nitrogen types (NO3− or NH4+), three nitrogen concentrations (low, medium, and high concentrations of 0.2, 1, and 18 mM, respectively) and two ways of nitrogen application (stable vs. variable). The plants were harvested after 36 days to measure root mass, 1st order root length, seminal root length for O. sativa, density of the 1st order laterals, seminal root number for O. sativa, the inter-node length of the 1st order laterals, and root hormone contents of indole-3-acetic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinins (zeatin + zeatinriboside). (3) Results: Species differed significantly in their root architecture responses to nitrogen treatments. They also differed significantly in hormone responses to the nitrogen treatments. Additionally, the correlations between root architecture and hormone responses were quite variable across the species. Each hormone had highly species-specific relationships with root responses. (4) Conclusions: Our finding implies that a particular root foraging behavior is probably not controlled by the same biochemical pathway in all species.
ON THE ORIGIN OF THE 40-120 MICRON EMISSION OF GALAXY DISKS: A COMPARISON WITH H-ALPHA FLUXES

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE 40-120 MICRON EMISSION OF GALAXY DISKS:A COMPARISON WITH H-ALPHA FLUXESCarol J. Lonsdale Persson and George HelouInfrared Processing and Analysis CenterCalifornia Institute of Technology, 100-22Pasadena, CA 91125AbstractA comparison of 40-120 micron IRAS fluxes with published H-alpha and UBV photometry shows that the far infrared emission ofgalaxy disks consists of at least two components: a warm oneassociated with OB stars in HII-regions and young star-formingcomplexes, and a cooler one from dust in the diffuse, neutralinterstellar medium, heated by the more general interstellarradiation field of the old disk population (a 'cirrus'-likecomponent). Most spiral galaxies are dominated by emission fromthe cooler component in this model. A significant fraction of thepower for the cool component must originate with non-ionizingstars. For a normal spiral disk there is a substantial uncertaintyin a star formation rate derived using either the H-alpha or thefar infrared luminosity.i. INTRODUCTIONThere is now a general consensus that the far infrared flux ofthe Galactic disk originates in part in the diffuse neutral andionized media, heated by the general interstellar radiation fieldin these regions (eg. Cox and Mezger 1987). In this paper, whichsummarises the results of Lonsdale Persson and Helou _1987), weexplore the extent to which the IRAS-measured 40-120 micron fluxesof a sample of normal disk galaxies can be attributed to thedifferent regimes (young HII-region/GMC complexes, the diffuseneutral medium and low density HII-regions) and stellar populations(OB stars, A and later stars) which contribute to the Galactic farinfrared (i-I000 micron) emission, by comparison of the 40-120micron flux with the H-alpha flux. If the emission of galaxy disksin the IRAS bands is dominated by emission from young OB stars(either optically visible or GMC-embedded), then the IRAS fluxesmight be expected to be highly correlated with H-alpha fluxes.Conversely, a poor correlation of far infrared with H-alpha fluxmight imply large dispersion in H-alpha extinction, far infraredemission from a mixture of HII-regions of varying density anddustiness, or a substantial contribution to the far infraredemission from older and less massive stars.The H-alpha fluxes are taken from Kennicutt and Kent (1983),who made large aperture H-alpha+[Nil] observations of over I00 diskgalaxies. Our restricted sample of 54 galaxies represents allthose in Kennicutt and Kent's list with high quality H-alpha, 60micron and 100 micron fluxes, and with 60 micron flux densityCarol J. Lonsdale Persson (Editor)Star Formation in Galaxies 153
Implications of Information Theory for Computational Modeling of Schizophrenia

Information theory provides a formal framework within which information processing and its disorders can be described. However, information theory has rarely been applied to modeling aspects of the cognitive neuroscience of schizophrenia. The goal of this article is to highlight the benefits of an approach based on information theory, including its recent extensions, for understanding several disrupted neural goal functions as well as related cognitive and symptomatic phenomena in schizophrenia. We begin by demonstrating that foundational concepts from information theory—such as Shannon information, entropy, data compression, block coding, and strategies to increase the signal-to-noise ratio—can be used to provide novel understandings of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia and metrics to evaluate their integrity. We then describe more recent developments in information theory, including the concepts of infomax, coherent infomax, and coding with synergy, to demonstrate how these can be used to develop computational models of schizophrenia-related failures in the tuning of sensory neurons, gain control, perceptual organization, thought organization, selective attention, context processing, predictive coding, and cognitive control. Throughout, we demonstrate how disordered mechanisms may explain both perceptual/cognitive changes and symptom emergence in schizophrenia. Finally, we demonstrate that there is consistency between some information-theoretic concepts and recent discoveries in neurobiology, especially involving the existence of distinct sites for the accumulation of driving input and contextual information prior to their interaction. This convergence can be used to guide future theory, experiment, and treatment development.
Age-Dependent Changes in Geometry, Tissue Composition and Mechanical Properties of Fetal to Adult Cryopreserved Human Heart Valves

There is limited information about age-specific structural and functional properties of human heart valves, while this information is key to the development and evaluation of living valve replacements for pediatric and adolescent patients. Here, we present an extended data set of structure-function properties of cryopreserved human pulmonary and aortic heart valves, providing age-specific information for living valve replacements. Tissue composition, morphology, mechanical properties, and maturation of leaflets from 16 pairs of structurally unaffected aortic and pulmonary valves of human donors (fetal-53 years) were analyzed. Interestingly, no major differences were observed between the aortic and pulmonary valves. Valve annulus and leaflet dimensions increase throughout life. The typical three-layered leaflet structure is present before birth, but becomes more distinct with age. After birth, cell numbers decrease rapidly, while remaining cells obtain a quiescent phenotype and reside in the ventricularis and spongiosa. With age and maturation–but more pronounced in aortic valves–the matrix shows an increasing amount of collagen and collagen cross-links and a reduction in glycosaminoglycans. These matrix changes correlate with increasing leaflet stiffness with age. Our data provide a new and comprehensive overview of the changes of structure-function properties of fetal to adult human semilunar heart valves that can be used to evaluate and optimize future therapies, such as tissue engineering of heart valves. Changing hemodynamic conditions with age can explain initial changes in matrix composition and consequent mechanical properties, but cannot explain the ongoing changes in valve dimensions and matrix composition at older age.
Disease Mechanisms of C9ORF72 Repeat Expansions.

G4C2 repeat expansions within the C9ORF72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These bidirectionally transcribed expansions lead to (1) the accumulation of sense G4C2 and antisense G2C4 repeat-containing RNA, (2) the production of proteins of repeating dipeptides through unconventional translation of these transcripts, and (3) decreased C9ORF72 mRNA and protein expression. Consequently, there is ample opportunity for the C9ORF72 mutation to give rise to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from muscle weakness and atrophy to changes in behavior and cognition. It is thus somewhat surprising that investigations of these three seemingly disparate events often converge on similar putative pathological mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the findings and questions emerging from the field's quest to decipher how C9ORF72 repeat expansions cause the devastating diseases collectively referred to as "c9ALS/FTD. "
A Demand Estimation Procedure for Retail Assortment Optimization with Results from Implementations

We consider the problem of choosing, from a set of N potential stock-keeping units (SKUs) in a retail category, K SKUs to be carried at each store to maximize revenue or profit. Assortments can vary by store, subject to a maximum number of different assortments. We view a SKU as a set of attribute levels and also model possible substitutions when a customer's first choice is not in the assortment. We apply maximum likelihood estimation to sales history of the SKUs currently carried by the retailer to estimate the demand for attribute levels and substitution probabilities, and from this, the demand for any potential SKU, including those not currently carried by the retailer. We specify several alternative heuristics for choosing SKUs to be carried in an assortment. We apply this approach to optimize assortments for three real examples: snack cakes, tires, and automotive appearance chemicals. A portion of our recommendations for tires and appearance chemicals were implemented and produced sales increases of 5.8% and 3.6%, respectively, which are significant improvements relative to typical retailer annual comparable store revenue increases. We also forecast sales shares of 1, 11, and 25 new SKUs for the snack cake, tire, and automotive appearance chemical applications, respectively, with mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of 16.2%, 19.1%, and 28.7%, which compares favorably to the 30.7% MAPE for chain sales of two new SKUs reported by Fader and Hardie (1996). This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Prospective Associations of Dietary and Nutrient Patterns with Fracture Risk: A 20-Year Follow-Up Study

Studies on long-term exposure to foods/nutrients and its associations with fracture risk are scarce. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), we determined the prospective association of dietary and nutrient patterns with fractures. Data from 15,572 adults aged ≥18 years were analyzed. Fracture occurrence was self-reported and dietary intake data were collected using a 24-h recall method for three consecutive days, for each individual across nine waves (1989–2011). We used cumulative and overall mean, recent and baseline dietary and nutrient exposures. Hazard ratios (HR) were used to determine the associations. Two dietary (traditional and modern) and two nutrient (plant- and animal-sourced) patterns were identified. After adjusting for potential confounders, study participants in the third tertiles (highest intake) of the modern dietary and animal-sourced nutrient patterns’ cumulative scores had a 34% (HR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.06–1.71) and 37% (HR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.08–1.72) increase in fracture risks compared to those in the first tertiles, respectively. While the overall mean factor scores of dietary and nutrient patterns had a similar (or stronger) pattern of association as the cumulative scores, no association between recent and baseline scores and fracture was found. Greater adherence to a modern dietary and/or an animal-sourced nutrient pattern is associated with a higher risk of total fractures. This suggests that a modern animal based diet is related to bone fragility. A repeated three-day 24-h recall dietary assessment provides a stronger association with fracture compared to a recent or baseline exposure.